In the 20th round of the Chinese Super League, Beijing Guoan hosted Henan, and after a fierce battle that lasted more than 90 minutes, Guoan finally won a surprise victory over Henan with an unexpected score of 3:1.
In this fierce battle, in addition to Jiang Xiangyou and De Sousa, there is a local veteran in the Guoan team, the performance is particularly dazzling. He is the 33-year-old Ji Zhongguo, who has played as a key back for the national team.
Ji Zhongguo was not included in the starting lineup by manager Suarez due to the fact that he had just recovered from an injury. It wasn't until the 57th minute of the second half that naturalized player Lee was able to come on as a substitute. Ji Zhongguo quickly integrated into the game after coming on and played a crucial role as a substitute. He worked in tandem with wide man De Souza, while excelling in interceptions and tackles in the backfield. He was aggressive and constantly created offensive opportunities for his team in front of the net.
In the 84th minute of the match, talented new star Fang Hao skillfully passed the ball to Ji Zhongguo. Ji Zhongguo received the ball and quickly cut into the penalty area, forming a one-touch situation. Facing the goalie, he decisively and calmly pushed the ball into the goal. From receiving the ball, breaking through with the ball to shooting the goal in one go, this goal fully demonstrated the veteran Ji Zhongguo's excellent physical quality and the ability to grasp the opportunity. Although he is 33 years old, his performance has no twilight, as if he has returned to the peak.
Ji Zhongguo recovered from his injury and quickly got back to form, which made Guoan boss Suarez doubly happy. However, someone is happier than Suarez, that is the new coach of the national team, Jankovic. As we all know, the Chinese men's soccer team will start to participate in the World Cup Asian qualifiers in three months. At present, the national football team is in urgent need of an experienced defensive player in the midfield, and Ji Zhongguo's timely return to make Yankovic relieved.
Ji Zhongguo is not only skillful and experienced, but also brave and full of fighting spirit. He was a favorite of former national team manager Lippi. If Jankovic recruits him again, it will be a great help to the national team, which is in the midst of hiring. Unsurprisingly, Jankovic will soon recall the midfielder to the national team.
