Looking at the top 4 of the Asian Cup in Qatar, I can't help but sigh in my heart that the teams of South Korea, Jordan, Qatar and Iran can all show themselves on such a stage, while our Chinese team is still looking for a way forward. The performance of the South Korean team is particularly eye-catching, with several comebacks in the group stage, showing their tenacious fighting spirit and good physical fitness, which is really enviable. On the other hand, our national football team, whether it is technical or tactical awareness, seems to have a big gap with them. It is particularly heart-wrenching that our football seems to be still standing still, and even slipping a little.
This can't help but make me think, what is missing in Chinese football? Is it technology? Is it tactical? Or is it that hard work? With the preparations for the 2023 World Preliminary Tournament already underway, what kind of performance can we expect from the national football team? Against an opponent like Singapore, we seem to be struggling with the choice of coach. While there have been reports that a number of foreign coaches have been selected as candidates, financial problems appear to be a major obstacle. At this time, Gao Hongbo became the hope in the hearts of many fans. He not only has rich coaching experience, but more importantly, he is familiar with the environment of Chinese football and can unite the team and improve its combat effectiveness.
However, even if Gao Hongbo comes, will he be able to solve all the problems? Sun Jihai and Lippi have both proposed that what the national football team needs more is spiritual reshaping and the rise of leaders. Technique and tactics are important, but without team cohesion and the fighting spirit of the players, everything is empty talk. Looking back at the Lippi period, despite the good results, the team's problems persisted and even worsened. The players seem to have lost their love for football, there is no organization and no discipline on the field.
We must recognize that change must start from the inside out. It's not just about changing coaches, players need to rekindle their passion for football, and the Football Association also needs to reflect deeply and provide a better training mechanism and environment. We can see that a team like Iran is able to stick to its tactics even in the face of strong opponents and ultimately emerge victorious. Behind this is the team's strong belief and unremitting efforts.
The Chinese men's football team still has a long way to go, but it is not hopeless. As long as we can face up to the problem, have the courage to change, and persevere, one day, we can also find our place on the football stage in Asia and even the world. Fans, let's continue to support the national football team and look forward to that day.