In breaking news, the Chinese soccer world took a major turn on August 21st. According to the latest revelation by Sports Weekly, the AFC Champions League qualifying match between Shanghai Harbor and Zhejiang is actually a warm-up for the upcoming China-Thailand showdown. This sudden information has undoubtedly brought great encouragement to Jankovic, the head coach of the national soccer team.
The group draw for the 2026 Asia Top 36 has been finalized, with China's national soccer team sharing Group C with South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and the winner of Guam. Given the strength of the South Korean team, the only way for the national soccer team to get out of the group is to strive for second place, and Thailand has naturally become an opponent that the national soccer team can not be ignored. The next qualifying round opponents for Zhejiang and Shanghai Seaport are Thailand, and these two matches provide a valuable opportunity for Jankovic to understand Thailand's tactics.
Sports Weekly commented on this: "As the two Thai teams are similar to the Chinese Super League teams with many international players, the match between Hong Kong and Zhejiang teams and the Thai super teams will be of great reference value to Jankovic. At the same time, the media pointed out that the results of these two AFC Champions League qualification matches will greatly affect the outside world's view of the Chinese men's soccer team. These two matches are undoubtedly an important showdown between the national soccer team and the Thai team."
From the Sportsweek report, it is clear that the AFC Champions League play-off between Shanghai Harbour and Zhejiang will provide Jankovic with great help, allowing him to delve deeper into the Thai team's tactics. Although the media did not disclose specific details, the situation not only shocked foreigners Oscar, Mu Xiekui and Vargas, but also made Gao Hongbo, the coach in charge of the national soccer team, the biggest winner.
Fans have their own views on this, "Does the national soccer team really have foreigners like Oscar, Muxiekui and Vargas?" Some fans said, "The national soccer team and the club are two different things. The strength of the national soccer team is much lower than that of Shanghai Seaport. If Shanghai Seaport can participate in the World Qualifiers, Oscar and Vargas will be no worse than Son and may even beat the South Korean team."
However, some fans also put forward a different point of view: "Although these matches have reference value, but to beat the Thai team, we must return to the old national football team's style of play - long pass and punch. Otherwise, the chances of winning are slim. In addition, it will also be a severe test for the defensive duo of Zhang Linpeng and Jiang Guangtai. What is the point of participating in the World Cup if you can't beat Thailand? Perhaps, disbanding is the best choice!"
