Sorry, as a fellow soccer fan, I apologize in advance! I remember the excitement in my heart when the fate of the national team fell to Group A in that Asian Cup group draw. It was as if victory was within reach for the national team and I was confident that they would make it out of the group stage. At that time, the camera captured the expressions of the national soccer team's head coach Jankovic and leader Shao Jiayi. In contrast, the corners of Jankovic's mouth, though slightly raised, hid a hint of an indescribable smile, which undoubtedly showed that he was equally satisfied with the group result. After all, to avoid Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and other rivals, such a grouping is a blessing.
However, not everyone thinks so. Many fans have said that the four teams in Group A feel they are the "lucky ones". It is true that the strength of the national team should not be underestimated, and Qatar, as the weakest of the "strong teams", seems to be a good choice for the group. So, fans have agreed that the group draw is not in doubt. However, in an interview, national team leader Shao Jiayi said: "The national team's draw can only be described as 'okay'."
Shaw doesn't seem to see the national team as a top signing. He admits, "Don't just see Qatar's performance in the World Cup and ignore their rise in Asian soccer. Qatar is the most improved Asian team in recent years, with obvious advantages in youth soccer and talent pool." Indeed, Qatar's progress is there for all to see. But compared to teams like Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, how is being in the same group as Qatar not a challenge? Shao also mentioned another team - Tajikistan.
I can't help but ask, are we really willing to face these opponents? India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia or Hong Kong, China? A great man once said, "Strategically, we should despise our opponents; tactically, we should emphasize them." However, we seem to have done the opposite. Facing lower level teams, we have expressed our reluctance to encounter them. So who else can we expect to play? Fan Zhiyi's "General Fan" said in front of the camera, "I don't want to lose face, I lost to Thailand and Vietnam, I lost to Vietnam and Myanmar, and then I didn't lose." It seems to be a reality. As long as we can participate in this Asian Cup, the opportunity is in front of us.
Regarding Shaw's point, I am more inclined to believe that he is releasing a smokescreen. Instead of destroying our confidence, he should fuel the ambitions of others and show cowardice before the war. Of course, there are those who think Shao is telling the truth. In this case, the national team should probably really be disbanded. There are very few opponents in the Asian Cup that we can win against.
