The U22 national soccer team returned to Croatia after 6 warm-up matches in Belgium. The first half of the season was OK, with excellent performances. In the next three games, the national soccer team suffered three consecutive losses. The opponents were all local giants, and the reserves had the advantage in strength. Therefore, the losing results were reasonable. Becoming Yaodong coaching staff summarized the recent matches in time. But the pace of warming up didn't stop, the coaching team continued to practice with matches to adjust the game at any time to find the right lineup.
Cheng Yaodong recruited study abroad star He Xiao Ke from Spain, who also became the sixth player recruited across the ranks, bringing more options to the offense. According to the plan, the first opponent of the U22 national soccer team after returning from Belgium was Dugopolije, who was ranked 10th in KGB B. He barely escaped the relegation zone only by goal difference. The team's strength was limited. Sung Yiu Tung chose the weak team. As a matter of fact, he also hoped to ease the three consecutive losses with a win, or at least help his players regain confidence.
In the starting lineup, Sung Yeo-dong boldly activated the young players. All five rising stars who performed well in the U20 Asian Cup played in the match.The U22 national soccer team adopted a 352 formation to strengthen the midfield control. Hu Hu Huotao, Liang Shaowen, and Jin Kaisun guarded the back line of the city in Jin Yong, while Duan Dezhi led Mutalifu, Liu Haofan, Zhu Yue, and Liang Weixian to sit in the midfield. Liu Junxian is with Baihelamu. The coaching staff is also examining the adaptability of the young players, hoping that this brand new lineup will bring changes to the team.
During the match, China was aggressive in the midfield, with five midfielders running through the field causing some problems for the opponent's defense. However, Dugopolije was also well prepared. He studied the Olympic offense thoroughly and did not leave any space in his ribs. Instead, he utilized counterattacks to score first. In the 28th minute, China missed a pass at the back. The opponents broke the ball and tucked it directly behind them, and the player scored a try in the back row. The first goal was scored to lead the first half by one goal. After the changeover, the Chinese team was under pressure from the three lines, and the opponents played defensive counterattack with their feet on the ground.
In the 67th minute, the score was extended to 2-0 through a breakthrough cross and header from the right side. At this point, Cheng Yaodong's coaching staff kept replacing, and He Xiaoke, He Longhai, and Zhao Jianbo came on as substitutes in the 75th minute to enhance the vitality of the attack in front of the field. Six minutes later, Zhao Jianbo got a one-touch chance, but the ball was parried by the keeper. 83rd minute. China got a corner kick. He Longhai's cross caused chaos in the penalty area, but unfortunately it was not converted into a goal. In the end, the U22 national soccer team defeated their opponents with two goals, losing for the fourth time in a row, which is also the ninth loss in European training.
