人民锐评｜中国足球：向下扎根，向上生长

Group 1 - The Chinese U23 national football team achieved a historic runner-up position in the Asian Cup, marking a significant moment for Chinese football [1] - The current generation of players, born between 2003 and 2006, represents the first fruits of a decade-long football reform initiated in 2015, coinciding with the implementation of the "Overall Plan for the Reform and Development of Chinese Football" [1][2] - The youth training system in China has seen substantial improvements, with a 24.88% increase in registered youth players, reaching 109,200 by 2025, indicating a growing football population [2] Group 2 - The team's tactical approach under coach Antonio, focusing on counter-attacking strategies, showcased the players' strong execution abilities, leading to a solid defensive record throughout the tournament [2] - The integration of players from professional leagues, such as the Chinese Super League and China League One, has created a robust environment for talent development, with young players no longer requiring special policies to participate effectively [3] - Despite the progress, challenges remain, including a significant gap in the number of registered youth players compared to Japan, uneven distribution of training resources, and the need for improved coaching standards [3]