East Asian Cup Roundup: Chinese Men's and Women's Football Shows Different Styles
In the just concluded 2022 East Asia Cup competition, the Chinese men's soccer selection team won the third place, China
women's soccer
They were the runners-up, a result that generally reflects the actual level of both teams. In addition to the results, both teams achieved the goal of training their teams, and each team gained something from the trip.
Men's Soccer: Growing Challenges
The U23-based Chinese men's soccer team lost 0-3 in their first match against South Korea, a score that was expected and fully exposed the team's problems. 3 goals against revealed problems at different levels. Although the oolong goal was fortuitous, it was related to the high pressure the team endured from the opponents for a long time, which also epitomized the team's inability to cope with high-intensity matches. In the second goal, although the Chinese team was full of players in the penalty area, they were still torn through the defense by the opponents through uncomplicated cooperation. This reflects the individual defense experience and the overall defense in the continuous impact of the distraction. As for the third goal, the game was already set, both sides loose formation, South Korea's midfielders play freely, the individual ability gap was magnified.
Pressure leads to mistakes, short attention spans, and individual ability gaps that show up after a drop in fitness are all objective problems for the men's soccer select team.
A few days later against Japan, the performance of the men's soccer select team was significantly improved. Faced with the dilemma of retreating all the way, the team put the defense line forward, which demanded more physical fitness, tactical execution and willpower from the players. Japan attacked fiercely, but the Chinese team solved the problems of the previous game and performed impressively at the level of willpower. This draw shows that the team still has a fighting chance against a strong opponent.
Unlike the first two games, the third game against Hong Kong, China was a test of offense and defense. The Chinese team won a tough game, but also withstood the test, which was crucial for the team's confidence building. As head coach Jankovic said, the team is growing and improving.
This year's East Asia Cup is the team's top tournament in three years, and the workout value is huge, with the team getting something out of every game. The team's overall strength is expected to improve with the addition of stronger and more distinctive players.
women's soccer
: Newcomers are emerging and ready to go
China's men's soccer selection team has a range of opponents from the strongest to the weakest, with China
women's soccer
The schedule was the opposite. A 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei in the first match showed the team's mindset of focusing on team building.
The Chinese team had plenty of time to practice against a weaker opponent. Second match against South Korea
women's soccer
The win-loss factor increases when China and South Korea
women's soccer
In the past two years, the Chinese team has been undefeated in their frequent encounters. Although the Chinese team was behind in this match, they managed to turn the game around with the outstanding performance of "00-year-old" youngster Wang Linlin, who was eventually awarded the best defender.
Last game against Japan
women's soccer
, China drew, but Japan dominated the field. It is worth noting that half of Japan's players had played in the 2018 U20
women's soccer
World Cup. China
women's soccer
The outstanding performance of the young players is significant and they will play an important role in the future against the likes of Japan.
East Asia Cup shows China, Japan and South Korea are equal in strength, details determine the winner. China
women's soccer
will start the new journey in good shape, while the European
women's soccer
The strong momentum of the China
women's soccer
Will be training overseas and will be fully prepared from tactics to fitness.
