Shandong Taishan AFC Champions League Review
On February 20, Shandong Taishan defeated Kawasaki Striker 4-2 in the second round of the AFC Champions League round of 16, successfully advancing 6-5 on aggregate. After the battle, the domestic media have expressed their high opinion.
Former international player and commentator Li Yi said, "I would like to thank Shandong Taishan for bringing a touch of warmth to our country's soccer in the bitterly cold winter! I always say that Shandong Taishan wants to build a 100-year club, with a vision not only limited to the domestic league, but also to compete for China in the Asian competition. Today, you have done it, and look forward to the next game to create another success!"
Media personality Li Xuan said, "Before the match, there was not much expectation for the game, especially since Kawasaki Frontale won the Super Cup with a substitute lineup. The game had its ups and downs, and the Taishan players persevered until the end. The new foreigners have yet to find their rhythm, but Kressan and Jadson were outstanding and the domestic players showed the hardness they deserve. It was an exciting game, I screamed and cheered and even shed tears. How long has it been since our country's soccer had such an exciting game?"
Reporter Ma Dexing said, "Shandong Taishan's victory has undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for our country's soccer in the Year of the Dragon, boosting the morale of the entire Chinese soccer. The poor performance in the Asian Cup has plunged Chinese soccer into the doldrums once again!"
Reporter Zhao Yu said, "Some fans expect Shandong Taishan to meet Riyadh Victory in the AFC Champions League so they can see Crowe in person. I know this is a joke. From the point of view of the AFC Champions League system, East and West Asian teams have to wait until the final. Of course, it's not completely impossible in theory. It would naturally be good if they did meet. At that time we saw the real Riyadh victory and Crow. The AFC Champions League final is completely different from a commercial match."
Media personality Ji Yuyang said: "Shandong Taishan scored four goals, Kressan's shot from outside the penalty area showed his individual ability, and Jadson's final hook shot was a stroke of genius. I'd like to say a few more words about Taishan's second goal. Does it look familiar to you? Did an opponent's corner turn into a goal of our own?A Belgian counterattack against Japan at the 2018 World Cup in Russia also turned from a corner into a goal. At one point, Taishan's possession away from home was as low as 23%, with the crowd at just 34%. But it could also be a proactive choice for Taishan, sometimes strong teams will accept some chances."
Reporter Chen Hua said: "Today's performance of Shandong Taishan team is really exciting. However, after all, it is in the Asian Championship, it is the club, it is the foreign aid. With foreign aid, the Chinese team can have a fight in East Asia. Without foreign aid, look at the performance of the national football team in the Asian Cup, you know the level and position. Especially in the 2024-2025 season, the AFC Cup completely liberalized the number of foreign aiders. To be honest, as long as there is money to introduce 11 excellent foreign aid, it is not impossible for Chinese Super League clubs to copy Evergrande to win the championship. The problem is that now Chinese soccer has no money and local players are not willing to take over. First, there are no foreign aiders to rely on in the country."
Commentator Huang Jianxiang said, "Congratulations to Shandong Taishan! The AFC Champions League knockout round was 6-5 on aggregate, with a 4-2 reversal on the road to beat Japan's Kawasaki Strikers and advance to the next round! It was an exciting game! The significance of this victory is to show us that our players are not as bad as the national team in the Asian Cup! Today, Chinese soccer has no right to be presumptuous, but there is no need to be presumptuous either."
Media person Zhao Zhen said, "This reversal of Taishan did boost the morale! It shows that the coach and the team are mutually accomplished, and Shandong is indeed the right team for Old Cui."
Reporter Zhang Qiang said, "Read to kill! A victory for a team with substance and strength! This is not a victory for Chinese soccer, not even for the Chinese Super League. Maybe Chinese soccer also needs to kill, but will such killing make those who shoulder the heavy responsibility of Chinese soccer more courageous and responsible?"
