August 9, 2005 - In preparation for the 31st China-Japan-Korea Youth Games soccer tournament to be held in Wakayama, Japan from August 24-28, the 2005 China U18 men's soccer training team played a warm-up match against Chinese champions Langfang Glorious City this afternoon, with the U18 national soccer team winning 2-0, according to a report by Beiqing Sports.
On July 24, the 2005 Chinese U18 men's soccer team concentrated on Beijing Sport University, followed by a month-long preparation. With the exception of a substitute goalkeeper, all 25 players selected for the U18 national soccer team this term were present at the game. As the head of the Chinese coaching staff for this team, former international player Shao Jiayi said:- "It's a rare opportunity to get all our players to play as much as possible."
It is reported that about half of the players in this U18 national football training team participated in the U17 Asian Cup held in Chonburi, Thailand in June this year. Except for a very few players such as Wang Yudong, who could not reach the team because they were retained by their clubs, most of the selected players participated in the U18 national soccer training that started on the 24th of last month.
Considering the arduous task of preparation and the tight timeframe for preparation, the U18 national football team is practicing hard while looking for suitable opponents for warm-up matches. Previously, the U18 national soccer team played a warm-up match with Guoan U21 team, and the two sides drew 2-2.
