Download the TribunX news application on the Play Store or App Store to get a new experience The legend of the Chinese national team is pessimistic about his country’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after the tragedy of being destroyed by Japan. The Chinese national team’s progress in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone began with a tragedy. The Dragons were thrashed 0-7 by Japan on matchday 1 of Group C in Saitama, Thursday (5/9/2024). Throughout the first half, the deficit was actually not too big so there were no signs of destruction. The Japanese national team only scored 2 goals through Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma. The fire of tragedy actually burned even more in the second half. The Blue Samurai added five consecutive slashes through goals from Takumi Minamino (2), Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda, and Takefusa Kubo. The 0-7 defeat was China’s worst record in the history of meetings with Japan. Overall, the result was only worse than their worst record of all time. The score was only one goal short of the 0-8 defeat when they met Brazil in a friendly match in Recife, September 10, 2012. Having just finished playing one match, their national team was rocked by criticism. Chinese football legend, Fan Zhiyi, had already thrown in the towel on his country’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Comments from a figure as important as Fan Zhiyi should have been a stinging whip for Branko Ivanovic’s troops. The 54-year-old man who had a career in the English League with Crystal Palace and Cardiff City suggested a total revolution in their national team. Wu Lei et al’s struggle to win tickets to the big tournament in North America later was considered a failure. China was considered better off preparing for this tournament phase to mature the younger generation to be projected as the backbone of the future team. Several senior members were asked to step aside from the squad. The reaction of Chinese national team fans was no less aggressive in criticizing their squad. Some demanded that coach Ivanovic be fired, their national team be disbanded, and even the most extreme, asking for the cancellation of all match schedules. It seemed that Chinese supporters were haunted by a thick trauma because they were afraid that their country would be the victim of another massacre. In addition to still having to face one more meeting with Japan, duels against Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain are ready to pose a big threat. Not to mention they will be facing the Indonesian national team, which is currently reaping praise from various parties because of its impressive development under Shin Tae-yong. If they lose to the lowest FIFA ranked opponent in Group C, you can imagine the anger that will boil over in the heads of Chinese football fans. The Indonesian national team is scheduled to face Wu Lei et al on October 15, 2024 in Qingdao and will take turns hosting on June 5, 2025. Script Editor: M. Fauziarakhman Video Editor: M. Fauziarakhman Producer: Ribut Rahardjo News Source: Bolasport.com Photo Source: kompas.com @chinafootballassociation @japan_football__ #Tribuntugu #Timnaschina
JP2021.COM