The Chinese men's soccer team beat Oman 1-0 with Gen Wei's power to lock the ticket of 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup in two rounds in advance. This is not only the first time in the history of the national soccer team, but also the only time to step on the stage of the World Cup finals.
Time flies, when the Qatar World Cup is full of passion, Chinese soccer once again as a spectator to witness this world feast.
In this soccer feast again in the eyes of the occasion, let us jointly review the Chinese men's football team that had entered the World Cup Hall.
Dreaming of the World Cup, focusing on 2022, dreaming of 2002.
By Zheng Hao in Jinan, POPULAR-POSTER NEWS
Li Weifeng, from the stadium domination to the "big head" legend, a variety of nicknames follow him in his career. Some people praise his toughness, some people criticize his personality, but it is undeniable that he was a bright star in the midfield of the national football team.
From cynicism to mutual respect
Li Weifeng's relationship with Jianlibao began with its most popular beverage. Since then, the symbol of the national brand has followed him around, and in 1999, when Li became captain of the national Olympic team, he received mixed reviews from the outside world. In contrast to this young man in his prime, Li Dongguo, who had a global reputation during the "Big Head" era, was a "no-brainer".
On the field of play, Li Weifeng is never weak
On January 29, 1999, Li Weifeng and Li Dongguk met in a China-Korea match at the Deng Xilu Cup in Vietnam. A center back who had just turned 21 and a striker who had just become the youngest striker in the World Cup in South Korea, the two men, with similar experiences and opposing standpoints, quickly rubbed sparks on the pitch.
Two red cards, two red cards, two "little giant" this way to end the first conversation. After the game, Li Weifeng in the media, shouting the name of the other side, accusing him of being unkind; Li Dongguo returned to South Korea, but also on Li Weifeng quite a few words.
From mutual hostility to mutual admiration after 10 years
In 2009, Li Weifeng moved from CSL to Suwon Samsung of the K-League, and the communication between the two gradually increased. With the same starting point and similar experiences, they soon became close friends who had nothing to talk about. In Li Dongguo's autobiography, this past event was specially mentioned and presented to Li Weifeng.
surprise
Objectively speaking, Li Weifeng was not China's first choice defender for the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. Fan Zhiyi and Zhang Enhua were superior to him in terms of strength and form, while Du Wei was still in his formative years. However, in the World Cup, Li Weifeng and Du Wei paired up with a surprisingly good gate combination.
Li Weifeng's 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup campaign
After the World Cup, Li Weifeng grew into an indispensable gate for the national team. From accidentally making the main list to eventually becoming the absolute core, Li Weifeng wrote his own legend on the stage of the World Cup.
From Talking Points to Never Say Die
There are numerous topics about Li Weifeng. He has become the leader of the team as he has grown in age and status. Although he is often labeled as a "ball hog" by outsiders, Li Weifeng does not shy away from this.
After his retirement, Li Weifeng did not leave Chinese soccer. While helping Tianjin avoid relegation, he turned to coaching, working as a coach at Guangzhou.
After retirement, Li Weifeng devotes himself to coaching career
I think Li Weifeng will spend his life interpreting the process of going from being a fan's mouthpiece to quietly giving for Chinese soccer.
