2022, 2022 Qatar World Cup a, b two groups of competition for the first time concluded, including the match between the United States and Iran, although the two teams are not the top teams of international soccer, but due to the long-term tension between the two countries and a series of recent friction, the game attracted a lot of attention. But Iran lost a good game, failing to beat Wales in the final round, and "Captain America" Pulisic's one-two punch sent the U.S. to the top 16. However, the match was so far removed from the 1998 teams in terms of content and plot that Ren Ran became nostalgic for the past.
It was 1997. I wonder how many readers of Yang Kan's official WeChat account had been to Jinzhou Stadium that year and watched China's 2-4 loss to Iran. After that era of Chinese fans, names like Ali Daei, Bagheri and Madavikia may still be unforgettable. That year, the last hope of the Chinese team has been a voice "change Li Tie" cries and shouts were drowned out, and finally lost the halberd, watching Iran enter the World Cup. But only one step away from France. People think that Chinese soccer is only delayed by the coach, the good days are still in the future.
It was 1997. At the World Cup draw in France at the end of that year, the crowd let out a huge cheer and applause when French star Tresor, who was in charge of drawing the pool c teams, appeared. Iran was drawn along with the United States. At the time, international relations between the two sides were strained. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Iran and the United States had become mortal enemies. During the Iran-Iraq War, the United States aided Iraq with a large number of weapons in the early stages of the war and banned the supply of spare parts to the Iranian Air Force. Later in the war, the U.S. not only fought Iran to protect its oil shipments, but also shot down Iranian civilian aircraft, killing 290 people. At this time, just a few years after Argentina's match against England, the hand of God gave the Argentinians a disgrace on the Isle of Man. One fantasizes that in France, the Iranian players will take on the American players with the most intense action and the most intense way.
In 1997, Beijing Guoan hosted Japan's Kawasaki Beldi in the third round of the Asian Cup of Excellence. There was no need to mobilize national hatred. Veteran coach Jin Zhiyang's pre-match speech was inspiring, and Spanish foreigner Andrés expressed his stance "I am Chinese". Needless to say, cheered by more than 50,000 Beijing fans, as a foreigner, he fired off three consecutive flying tackles, leaving the Kawasaki players out of breath and instantly igniting the home crowd. In the end, Andres's great pass to the youngster in the south shot to lock the win, and Beijing Guoan eliminated their opponents to advance. At this point, the A-League was empty, and people fantasized that one day the Chinese league would dominate Asia and go global.
In 1997, to fill the gap before the World Cup. France held early World Cup drills the following year with an international invitational tournament for the top four teams. They invited the reigning World Cup champions Brazil, 1994 World Cup runners-up Italy and England, who were still reeling from the huge success of Euro 1996. Carlos shocked the world by scoring a stunning free kick in the invitational. That tournament was won by the England team headed by Alan Eichler. It was thought that England would be like the world order of the time and that it was time for the empire where the sun never sets to re-enter the top of the world.
The wheels of history don't stop and stay there, nor does the size of the time machine stand still. In the following year's World Cup in France, after the national anthems of the two countries were played, the two teams of Iran and the United States came face to face. One by one, the Iranian players offered white roses to the American players, and the stadium erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
While these two teams battled fiercely on the pitch, they weren't as special as we thought they would be. The U.S. ended up losing the game 1-2, but the players were not frustrated. U.S. defender Argus said, "Despite the loss, I think both of our teams accomplished more in 90 minutes than politicians have in 20 years. It was nice to see that."
But times have changed, 25 years later. Ali attended that game - Dey was arrested by authorities for taking part in protests in Iran. Iranian players also refused to sing the national anthem in the first match against England to support the domestic movement. The rival team, the United States, added fuel to the fire when their official Twitter page wilfully tampered with the Iranian flag, symbolizing the highest Islamic beliefs of the "crescent moon, the sword and the Quran," by erasing the national emblem. Domestic situation and external pressure, so that the Iranian team once again face the United States, may never return to the summer in France. The saying "It is a matter of life and death as well as victory" could be a proverb.
Now, 25 years later, Beijing's Workers' Stadium has undergone a makeover and is about to welcome the world with a new look. Having lost the right to host the Asian Cup, it remains to be seen when Industrial Sports' new tournament will take place. His home team, Beijing Guoan, has not played in Beijing for nearly three years. After being eliminated at home in Rizhao by Gansu Province's Jingchuan County Brigade, Guoan and the Chinese Super League are facing many problems. We must wait and see when the Chinese Super League will return to normal and recreate the empty glory of 1997.
Twenty-five years later, England, Brazil and France are still the favorites to win the World Cup. These three teams work hard. They emphasized scientific transmission control and accurate transmission control, highlighting problem orientation and effect orientation. In the group stage, they overcame paralysis, war aversion, fluke and relaxed mentality. In defense, we should control key risks and implement them. The science of playing soccer is not only about good defense, but also about solving offensive problems. 25 years later, they are still a world-class powerhouse.
Today, 25 years later, Shenyang Wulihe is the only glorious shrine to Chinese soccer. The stadium has long been transformed into a library. At his entrance, the statue of former Chinese men's soccer coach Li Tie was removed overnight. Li Tie himself was investigated by the Disciplinary Inspection Panel of the Central Sports Administration and the Hubei Provincial Supervisory Committee for alleged serious violations of the law. The history of Chinese soccer has another dishonorable history. In today's World Cup, Chinese soccer made media headlines in this way.
The fact is that 25 years is not a command room. Dramatic changes in the world landscape make it impossible to go back in time. Soccer can no longer stay away from politics and be a bridge of friendship around the world. In the match between Iran and the United States, there may be no one to offer white roses. Tense confrontation could be the main theme of the new era. Of course, we weren't there this time. It's nice to watch them have fun at home.
But I can't help but think of that classic line when I mention those past events:
"1997 is over and I miss it."
Instead of reminiscing about the past
Instead of letting time come with us.
