The final of the U23 Asian Cup has marked the finalization of the U23 Asian Cup standings. Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq emerged as the top three teams to secure a place in the top three and a direct ticket to the Paris Olympics. Indonesia, a superb dark horse, made its debut in the quarterfinals and finished in fourth place. The Indonesians will be looking for a play-off place in their quest for the final Olympic berth!
As for the much-anticipated Chinese team, they were unfortunately placed in the "Group of Death" with Japan and South Korea and failed to make a breakthrough in the group stage. However, in the final round of the group stage, China beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1, ending a 2,289-day goal drought. The victory also marked the second time China won the U23 Asian Cup since six years ago. With this rare victory, China is in ninth place and looks forward to being seeded for the qualifiers in the next edition of the tournament!
May the Chinese men's soccer team make a breakthrough at the next U23 Asian Cup, making it to the knockout stage for the first time and writing a brilliant new chapter!
