In the first match of the U23 Asian Cup, China's U23 team missed the chance to start the tournament with a 0-1 defeat against Japan. In the 89th minute of the match, China's manager Cheng Yaodong made a bold change in formation, replacing two-meter-tall goalkeeper Yu Jinyong to the front line, with the intention of making a desperate comeback, but it ended in failure.
After the war, this unexpected tactical adjustments triggered a hot debate, the South Korean media even questioned the Chinese national Olympic team suspected of irregularities.
BEST, South Korean media ELEVEN in the report pointed out that: the end of the second half, Cheng Yaodong suddenly thought, the use of 2 meters tall goalkeeper Yu Jin Yong as a striker, with the intention of using its height advantage in the air to gain an advantage in the scramble. This move in the previous friendly against Malaysia had a small test, Yu Jin Yong's header even led to the opponent's handball foul, China was awarded a penalty kick. However, this tactic did not play the expected effect, but became a laughing stock.
Amazingly, North Korea had staged a similar scene at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Instead of submitting three goalkeepers to FIFA as required, North Korean manager Kim Jong-hoon filled in the names of Ri Myong-guk, Kim Myong-won and Kim Myong-gil on the goalkeeper list. However, FIFA's investigation found that Kim Myung Won, who plays for the Yakult, is not a goalkeeper but a striker. As a result, FIFA officially notified the DPRK Football Association that Kim Myung Won could only play as a goalkeeper.
The situation is slightly different for China, as Yu Jinyong was originally a goalkeeper, not a field player, so there is no question of cheating on his registration. However, he was registered as a goalkeeper but did not play that role. If this is ultimately found to be a violation, Yu Jin Yong may lose his goalkeeping eligibility.
At 21:00 on April 19, the Chinese National Olympic Team will usher in the second match of the Asian Cup against South Korea.
