Soccer Preview
As the 2024 campaign draws to a close in May, the fifth round of world qualifiers in June draws nearer and nearer. As the Chinese Super League burns with excitement and Shenhua rides high, the media and fans focus on the Chinese men's soccer team's pivotal home match against Thailand after May. The league is full of mixed news, and for the men's soccer team, the match against Thailand is certainly a delicate one!
Mixed news, all tied up with the fate of naturalized players. One good news, one bad news! Fernando suffered an unfortunate strain in a breakaway in the 63rd minute of Shandong Taishan's Round 9 match against Nantong Jiyun and was unable to travel with the team to Qingdao West Coast, and Taishan ended the match in a 0-0 draw.
Fernando's injury has been diagnosed and Shandong Taishan has made an announcement about it. He is receiving treatment for injuries to his right lateral femoral muscle and long head of the biceps femoris. The recovery period is not clear yet. Fernando has been shining this season, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists in 6 games for Taishan. If Fernando is unable to play in the battle of Thailand, it will undoubtedly be a huge loss for the national soccer team!
Fernando's injury is certainly a cause for concern, but on the other hand, naturalized player Alan is in excellent form and may appear in the latest training list of the national team! According to Beijing Youth Daily, Wu Lei has confirmed that he will miss the June 6 "battle of life and death" between China and Thailand, and Alan's return to the national team is a foregone conclusion, as he will play alongside Zhang Yuning against Thailand.
In addition, Zhang Yuning, the core player of Guoan team, may also make an appearance in the national football team's match against Thailand. As the midfield organizer of our soccer, Zhang Xizhe is often criticized. Zhang Xizhe is often invisible when facing tough midfielders, but his contribution in organization and creativity cannot be denied. We believe that if he is determined to return to the national team, he will help China beat Thailand!
June is crucial for the Thai team. A win will result in direct qualification, a loss will declare them out of the tournament, and a draw is even worse. As the national soccer team's last match against South Korea and Thailand's match against Singapore are no longer in doubt, the national soccer team must beat Thailand at home or they will lose their chance to enter the Top 18.
