In the first match against Japan, China had 61% possession. This U23 showed a tactical play and high possession rate that has not been seen in the last 20 years. They dared to control the ball and still could work well together under robbery.
The passing error rate of this U23 is not high under high-speed passing, and it can again counter-strike after losing the ball in a localized situation with more than three players. This U23 shows a completely different style from the previous U23 and even the Chinese men's soccer team under the fast and smooth playing style.
That is to say, confidence, the ability to control the ball, complete quality passes, and even form quality shots during the game. Over the past 20 years, such a Chinese men's soccer team has been almost invisible against Japan and South Korea. But this Chinese U23 team has done it.
Against South Korea (3:7 possession between China and South Korea in the first half) in the 9 minutes from the 15th to the 24th minute, the Chinese team withstood the opponent's pressure with defensive counterattacking tactics and created 4 consecutive shooting chances.
Byhramu formed a one-two after a steal in the 15th minute. He actually used his speed to get away from the Korean defender. However, when facing the keeper, he chose to push the shot with his right bow, which was slow and from an extremely positive angle (in a close-range situation where there is no angle, a more powerful draw is the only chance to break through).
Tao Qianglong's push went into the side netting in the 18th minute.
Xie Wenneng crossed the ball from the left in the 21st minute, and Bayhramu turned and swept the ball wide with no angle in the center.
Yoo Joo-yoon cut in from the right and curled a shot from the inside of his left foot that the South Korean goalkeeper fishtailed in the 24th minute.
Of the four shots, the first three were good enough for goals, and even the Korean media outlet "Starnews" admitted that there was no absolute difference between the two teams, and the only difference was the chance to take a shot. After China missed these four shots, Lee Young-joon scored in the 36th minute after a breakaway from the right side of the field to extend the lead and win the game.
It was an almost impossible scenario in past China-Korea wars. China would either be pressured into giving up the game after the opening kickoff or get fishnetted in a constant stream of misplaced passes. But not this time. Under pressure from South Korea, the first half was instead characterized by quality counterattacks. Unfortunately...
Unfortunately, the ability to take chances is a bit poor.
To be more precise, this U23 players are good both mentally and technically, but they lack more games, the skills to handle shots in the game, and the understanding of the game process during the game. Of course, the latter problem comes more from the coach.
Byhramu's shot reflects a lack of experience. Even if such a one-timer doesn't go in, dare to shoot vigorously. After a powerful shot, the goalkeeper's save (a blockage of the body) may generate enough rebound to create another chance to break through the goal. However, Byeloram's one-touch shot was a kind of "Wu Lei shot". Think too much before you shoot, and let your body instincts, which have gained enough experience, make the decision.
Aside from shooting drills, Coach Sung Yeo Tung clearly has a problem reading the game. If you have watched a few games (any Euroleague or rivalry game), you will realize that there is a normal drop-off period in the team's fitness at a certain point in time, and the team must keep from conceding during the drop-off period.
The last 15 minutes of the first half of the game and the last 30 minutes of the second half of the game are the most conceded phases of the game.
That's not experience, that's a normal attitude. Losing that attitude, possibly having more confidence in the quality of your team's first half counterattacks and thinking you can win the game on the counterattack, is a very dangerous gambler's mentality that completely disregards the team's physical and mental state at the time.
Had the coach really had a gambler's mentality, it might have been the key to the two losses.
However, this U23 gives hope:This hope is not 60% possession and almost breakthrough counterattacks, but the fact that good U23 players can still be selected based on the narrow number of talent selected for these Chinese players, with players who are confident and technically competent.
That's the achievement of Cheng Yaodong and the hope of Chinese soccer.
