In yesterday's stormy soccer world, FIFA unveiled the latest ranking list of Asian teams. Our soccer team was ranked ninth, alongside Iraq in the fourth slot. This news, although with a hint of gloom, but also not lose a touch of bright color.
The AFC had pushed for an application to FIFA for a special ranking just for the 12-team tournament slotting. The Chinese team ended up in the fourth slot due to the absence of Qatar, despite being in ninth place. The UAE finished slightly behind Iraq on points, in seventh place, while Iraq finished in eighth place, in the same slot as China, which means the two teams will not face each other head-to-head in the Top 12.
This is certainly welcome news for our soccer team. Since beating Iraq in the 2004 Asian Cup, there was a decade-long gap until the battle of Changsha in 2013, when the fruits of victory were regained. And Iraq were solid until the final round when they were reversed by Iran.
The soccer powers in Asia are rubbing their hands together as the Round of 12 draws near. The Saudi Football Association and the UAE Football Association have actively pushed the AFC to schedule the Round of 12 in West Asia, which is not good for our team. However, such an arrangement may cause controversy by tiring out players from Japan and South Korea who play in Europe.
As of now, the AFC is still pushing ahead with preparations for the Top 12 in accordance with the home-and-away system. In the event of extreme circumstances, the AFC will also explore the feasibility of other options with its member associations. For our FA, if the home and away system is confirmed, Suzhou will be the home ground, and its reception capacity and epidemic prevention work have been recognized.
For Wu Lei, the only player currently playing in Europe, the challenge of traveling long distances will be faced, both home and away and in the tournament system. As the Spaniards' La Liga campaign unfolds, how to maintain Wu Lei's form and how to balance the national team and club matches are issues that need to be addressed.
