This requires the number of attacking players up front to be streamlined to 2-3, and in addition to Wu Lei and Zhang Yuning, a creative player who can both pass and break through is needed to take charge of the attack, otherwise it will be difficult to break down the Japanese defense. In the whole men's soccer team, the player suitable for this role is not Wei Shihao. If Ivan drops Wei Shihao, does it mean that he will go all out on defense and give up the chance of counterattacking altogether? I'm afraid this question can only be seen in the game.
Judging by the formations Ivan drilled in his first practice, it doesn't seem like he's going to be all about defense.
Ivan reportedly practiced two main formations, a 442 parallel position and a diamond position.
Fans couldn't help but feel a tinge of concern when they saw the men's soccer team practicing the diamond stand. In the previous qualifier against Singapore, the team also used the diamond formation, but the effect was not ideal. If we continue to use this formation in the face of Japan, which is significantly stronger than us, the back line will be under tremendous pressure and it will become very difficult to resist the opponent's attack.
From the revealed drill formation, Ivan seems to be a bit overconfident. For domestic fans, keeping an undefeated record in an away match against Japan is a success, and a two-goal loss is within the acceptable range. If we start the matchup without paying attention and being blindly optimistic, the result could be very bad.
As the central pillar of the team and a key reliant of the entire men's soccer offense, captain Wu Lei was interviewed.
Speaking about the first match against Japan, Vu Lei said:
From a strength point of view, Japan is currently a world powerhouse. There is indeed a gap between us and them, but that does not mean we will give up easily.
In the past 18 matches, we all cherish this opportunity to play against the strongest teams in Asian soccer and even world soccer, which can give us more opportunities to exercise. So we are definitely doing our best and will not give up.
I'm relatively old in the team and this is my last chance, and I certainly want to do well."
There are some messages that can be appreciated from Wu Lei's words. Firstly, he recognized the strength of the Japanese team, but did not belittle the ability of his own side, stating that he would give his best. Secondly, as Wu Lei personally, this is the last time to impact the World Cup, he naturally hopes to create miracles.
At 18:35 Beijing time on September 5, the Chinese men's soccer team will face the Japanese men's soccer team on the road, and CCTV5 will broadcast live. Let's all cheer for the Chinese team!
