On July 27th, the final day of the East Asia Cup, Hong Kong, China, ranked 147th in the world, is about to start a fierce duel with China, ranked 77th. Prior to the match, Hong Kong's star striker, 25-year-old An Yongjia, was interviewed exclusively by Northwestern Watchtower. The winner of the Player of the Year award at the 2023 Asian Cup qualifying tournament and a member of the two-time Hong Kong Premier League champions, shared his feelings about his debut at the East Asian Cup, his expectations of the Chinese team, as well as his awareness of the gap between Japanese and South Korean soccer.
Since his youth team days, Ahn has been exposed to the soccer cultures of the United States and New Zealand, what is his unique insight into the soccer atmosphere in these regions? What are the differences between the regions?
Northwestern Lookout: How do you feel about being involved in the EAC for the first time?
YASUNAGA: The teams in the East Asian Cup are all very strong, and the excellent conditions of the grounds in Japan and the variety of food and drink made it a very enjoyable experience for us.
NORTHWEST LOOKOUT: How did you feel starting against Japan? What was the difference between the team and Japan?
Yasunaga: The match against Japan was extremely difficult as I only touched the ball 6 times as a striker in the whole match. The Japanese team had excellent ball control skills, quick transitions between offense and defense, strong overall strength, and each player knew his own task. I learned a lot from this game.
NORTHWEST LOOKING TABLE: You mentioned that you didn't get many touches against Japan, are you very concerned about the numbers?
Yasunaga: Normally I don't pay too much attention to the stats, but only six touches against Japan is really out of my rhythm. In front of the hosts, our whole team had too few chances to receive the ball, and almost all of them were controlled by Japan. It's hard to concentrate with so few touches, so I'm going to take stock of those six touches and assess whether I've contributed to the team or not.
Northwestern Lookout: How much do you know about the Japanese team?
YASUNAGA: Watching the Japanese team on TV, I knew they were very strong. When I really played against them on the field, I realized that they were very fast and at a very high level. It's totally different from the feeling on TV. Only when you really play against them, you can feel their strength.
After the game, I saw the gap with them, and the next step is to improve how to use my body to protect the ball. Before, when I faced other teams, I would have a physical advantage and could protect the ball well, but when I faced the Japanese team, I lost my advantage in physical confrontation. For example, the Japanese team has good bouncing power and fast one-on-one speed, which leaves me very little time to think on the field.
Northwestern Lookout: What are your personal goals for facing China?
Yasunaga: As a striker, the priority is to score goals. I want to show excellence, prove myself and show that I am capable of fighting against such a strong team.
Northwestern Lookout: What do you know about the Chinese team?
An Yongjia: I watched the match between China and South Korea, the Chinese team relies mainly on defense, and we don't know much about offense, but we are more familiar with the Chinese players, and by watching a lot of Chinese Super League matches, the Chinese team is very strong, and I'm very excited to play against the Chinese team.
Northwestern Lookout: Do you have intentions for the CFL?
An Yongjia: I've always been eager to challenge myself to play at a higher level, including of course the Chinese Super League. But now I can't think too much, I have to focus on the current game and try to score goals.
Northwestern Lookout: You've had a lot of experience playing soccer, having played in the United States, New Zealand and Hong Kong China leagues, what are the different feelings?
An Yongjia: In the college league in the US, their passing skills are average, but the players are very motivated, they put in 100% training and fight fiercely, which helps a lot to improve themselves. In New Zealand, I've only been playing for two months, but I feel that the level of the league there is higher than the Hong Kong Premier League, and the overall standard of the players is very high. The Hong Kong Premier League, on the other hand, has given me a lot of opportunities to play, so I have gained a lot of experience in the game. I enjoy playing in the Hong Kong Premier League and I am grateful for this platform and opportunity.
Northwestern Lookout: Is the league level in the U.S. and New Zealand less stressful because of academics?
An Yongjia: It is true that the academic pressure in the United States and New Zealand is less, the parents of the students will not be too demanding academically, and if the children want to play soccer, they will be encouraged by their parents, and I am very thankful for the constant support and dedication of my parents.
NORTHWEST LOOKOUT: Which of these experiences had the greatest impact on you?
Yasunaga: I went to the United States to play soccer when I was 15 years old and trained and played every day with great players. During my six years in the U.S., my soccer skills were greatly improved. If there is an opportunity for young players to play in overseas leagues and stay in the United States in their teens, they will improve a lot and can learn a lot.
Northwestern Lookout: Many people say that the soccer atmosphere in the United States is not good, and some people also think that the soccer atmosphere in Hong Kong, China is very average before, has it improved now?
An Yongjia: The soccer atmosphere in Hong Kong, China is much better now. The team has entered the main round of the Asian Cup again after 55 years, and many people pay more attention to the Hong Kong, China team's matches, which is a very good period.
Hong Kong, China
Northwestern Lookout: What are your goals for the Asian Cup?
An Yongjia: Compared to other teams, there is still a gap in the strength of Hong Kong, China, and the game will be very tough, we have to try to play our level, and I hope the fans can see the team's 100% effort in every game. We will show everyone that Hong Kong, China is a very hard-working team, win or lose is not so important, the most important thing is whether we play a wonderful game.
Northwestern Lookout: Because of your looks, many people call you a man of God, such as the Hong Kong version of Crow and the Hong Kong version of Royce, how do you feel about such labels?
Yasunaga: These are all labels given by others, other people's comments, I don't say that, I don't think too much about it myself, I understand my core goal is to play good soccer.
Northwestern Lookout: Who is your favorite player?
An Yongjia: Gerrard, I'm a Liverpool fan, I've been watching Gerrard play since I was a kid, and he's helped Liverpool win many victories. In difficult moments, he always stepped up to help the team win.
Northwest Lookout: What are some of your hobbies?
Yasunaga: I like to play golf, sunbathe on the beach and walk my dog.
