Wuhan Sanzhen, one of the top three teams in the Chinese Super League (CSL), had no choice but to say goodbye to their AFC Champions League journey, which ended with a 1-1 draw against Pohang Ironmen in the sixth round of the group stage last night. Despite the team's best efforts, there was a great deal of regret - the victory that fans had been waiting for was not forthcoming. Newcomers Sanjin had already given their all in the previous six rounds of the tournament, and Liu Dengzheng expressed his regret after the match, "We'll be back next year, thanks to the fans' support, and this year's challenge was really quite a lot."
Looking ahead to next year, fans have no choice but to send their best wishes. Hopefully, every professional team will make the most of the final time and pass the entry threshold. Shandong Taishan and Zhejiang finished the last round of the AFC Champions League group stage a week ago. Zhejiang still has hopes of qualifying for the group stage, while Shandong Taishan, who are ranked first in Group G, have the best hopes of advancing, as they face Japan's Yokohama Mariners on the road in the final round. As long as they avoid mistakes, Taishan will advance and it's only a matter of time before they compete for first or second place in the group.
However, the Yokohama Mariners are no slouches, as last night's Pohang Ironmen advanced but failed to score two empty-net goals, which left fans wide-eyed! If this team is in the Chinese Super League, I'm afraid the expectations of Chinese fans will be in vain. After the game, the fans talked: "Pohang Ironman's performance was really disappointing!" "Did Pohang buy a draw with Liu Dengzheng's last-minute attack?" "Giving Wuhan Sanzhen an udon goal is so disgusting, not shooting at an empty goal, but also passing the ball."
Not all teams are as fortunate as the South Korean team last night, who were given the "unmerited favor"! Yokohama Marinos beat Shandong Taishan 1-0 and are now third in the group, with no optimism of qualifying. They will have to give it their all when they return home. Taishan is missing two foreigners, Moises and Fellaini, and Pato has returned to Brazil early, so the team will need to formulate targeted tactics, focus on defensive counterattacks, and play to the strengths of their three domestic midfielders.
Choi Kang-hee arranged at least three center backs in the first half, Lee Won-yi, Hwang Jung-woo, and Liao Li-Sheng three midfielders started to implement strangulation on the opponent, melee battle and shrink the space. Considering the Yokohama players' foot skills and localized cooperation, Taishan team should not carry out high robbery, once the mistake is made, it will be caught by the opponent. Adopting the iron bucket formation to tighten the defense, and then looking for the opportunity to make a high-quality counterattack, so that it is possible to steal a goal, the opponent can not be flawless.
Taishan's right side is also a hidden problem besides the lack of centers and strikers. Will Li Hailong be able to start? If not, he may only be able to send Jixiang or Relax on the field, and the two are under great pressure to play at full capacity at the same time. Liu Binbin's performance is crucial! If breakthrough is not a problem, Xie Wen can be more reliable, Liu Binbin plays right back in the national team, if Lao Cui plays three center backs, Liu Binbin also plays right back? If Jixiang can stay fit, long passes can still help the team.
Yokohama away game, Taishan team refused to be "double kill"! Facing a stronger opponent, the pressure is on the enemy. Representing the Chinese Super League level, Taishan must succeed in the lineup!
