Group 1 - The Chinese U23 football team achieved a historic best performance by reaching the finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, despite losing 0-4 to Japan [1][2] - The team's tactical discipline and focus on "defensive counterattack" were highlighted as strengths, with football legend Fan Zhiyi praising this approach as the best strategy at this stage [1][2] - The match against Japan revealed a significant gap in skill and tactical execution, emphasizing the need for China to recognize its position in the global football landscape and avoid unrealistic aspirations [2][3] Group 2 - Japan's U23 team showcased a well-rounded performance, with an average age of 20 and several university players contributing significantly, indicating a strong youth development system [2][3] - The Chinese team faces challenges in training intensity and competition frequency compared to their Japanese counterparts, which affects their ability to compete at high levels [3] - Acknowledging the existing gaps and maintaining hope for future improvement is essential for the development of Chinese football [3]
国足创U23最佳战绩,看见差距心怀希望
Xin Jing Bao·2026-01-26 00:26