In the first match of the 2005 East Asian quarterfinals, the showdown between China and South Korea attracted countless eyes. At this time, Zhu Guanghu took over the leadership of the national soccer team from former manager Alihan. Thanks to the amazing performance in the World Youth Championship, the current national team has absorbed young talents such as Chen Tao, Gao Lin, Feng Xiaoting, Zhao Xu Ri, Artemisia Jun Min and so on. Chen Tao, Gao Lin and Zhao Xu Ri all made their debuts in this exciting match, showing their youthful vigor.
Only four minutes into the match, captain Li Weifeng caused a controversy when he pushed an opponent while fighting for a position. Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura, after discussing with the referee, accidentally sent Gao Lin off. Facing the fierce attack of South Korea, the Chinese team was resilient and drew 0-0 in the first half.
In the second leg of the match, China accidentally took the lead when Li Weifeng's free kick found Sun Xiang, who jumped up and fired a shot into the goal. However, South Korea equalized shortly after with a free kick. Cao Yang made physical contact with an opponent in the penalty area, and the Japanese referee decided to show a red card and a penalty kick, but the red card decision was highly questionable. Li Weifeng was agitated and argued with the referee, resulting in a yellow card. Li Leilei bravely pounced on the penalty kick.
In the penalty shootout, Li Weifeng once again expressed his dissatisfaction to the referee, and Yuichi Nishimura showed his second yellow card without mercy. At this point, the Chinese team only had 8 players left. Despite the fact that the field was in a bit of a mess and the possession rate was close to 9:1, the Chinese soccer team still managed to hold on to the score.
In the next two matches, China drew 2:2 with Japan and beat North Korea 2:0, winning the East Asian Cup for the first time and writing a brilliant chapter.
