On the spring night of March 19, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport welcomed a special event. According to Football News Express, our national soccer team was ready to embark on a new journey. They were about to take a flight to the far southern hemisphere to play two crucial friendly matches in New Zealand. Among the red figures, the players are dressed in the national team's training kit, and their spirits are still glowing even as the night falls.
Even though the night was dark, many enthusiastic fans still braved the cold and gathered at the airport to see off their beloved team. In this group of people, "a brother" Wu Lei is undoubtedly the most shining existence, the enthusiasm of the fans almost turn the airport into a sea of joy, have asked to take pictures with him and sign autographs.
Time back to 11:45 that night, the Chinese team's party embarked on the journey and is expected to arrive in Auckland, New Zealand at around 3:45 p.m. on March 20 after a long 11-hour flight. Different from the luxury chartered flights enjoyed during previous away games, the national football team has chosen a more low-key way to warm up abroad - taking ordinary civilian airliners, with most of the players traveling in economy class.
The total squad size for the trip to New Zealand is about 45 players. It is worth noting that naturalized players Ackerson and Jiang Guangtai will regretfully miss the two warm-up matches against New Zealand as they have not yet reached their optimal physical condition and have a high body fat percentage, failing to satisfy new coach Jankovic's requirements for participation. It is reported that the national football team will compete with the New Zealand men's national team on March 23rd and 26th.
