In Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Chinese men's soccer team secretly staged a closed-door warm-up match against Hong Kong, China in preparation for the upcoming Asian Cup. At the beginning of the match, the national soccer team took a 1-0 lead with a goal, however, as the second half unfolded, the wind changed suddenly, they failed to resist the fierce counterattack of the opponents, and ultimately returned with a 1-2 hate, suffered two consecutive warm-up matches of defeat. More unfortunately, in the second half, Wang Shangyuan, Wu Shaochong and a member of the coaching staff received red cards one after another, the first match of the new year can be described as "losing a good game, but also folded the soldiers".
Coach Jankovic changed his 3-4-3 formation from the previous game to a 4-4-2, with Liu Dengzheng in goal, Xu Haofeng, Jiang Guangtai, Wu Shaochong and Li Lei in defense, Wu Xi and Wang Shangyuan at the back, Liu Binbin and Wei Shihao on the wings, and Wu Lei and Tanlong in the front line. At the beginning of the match, the national soccer team showed a good competitive state. However, with Wu Xi leaving the field due to injury, the situation of the national football team took a sharp turn for the worse. Hong Kong's Poon Pui Hin scored two goals in the 50th and 55th minutes to equalize and overtake the score. The national soccer team was eager to equalize the score, but looked a little impatient. Wu Shaocong was sent off for a red card, and the defense line of the national football team was instantly empty. Regrettably, after 39 years, the national football team once again lost to Hong Kong, China with a score of 1-2, and the last time we met was back in 1985 May 19th. At present, the national football world ranking 79th, Asia ranked 11th, while Hong Kong, China team ranked 150th in the world and 28th in Asia. Despite the obvious difference in strength between the two teams, the result of the match was surprising. As the game was not broadcast, the outside world can only speculate through the results of the game process, can not help but for the national football team's journey to the Asian Cup pinched a cold sweat. Four days ago, the national soccer team lost 0-2 against Oman. The team was expecting to start a new chapter in 2024 with a win, but failed to do so. Facing an opponent ranked above them, the national soccer team could still accept the loss. But on New Year's Day, against a weaker opponent, the national soccer team suffered three red cards. When they were one goal ahead, they still failed to preserve the victory. This can't help but make people think deeply. Although it is only a warm-up match at the moment, consecutive losses may have a negative impact on the players' mentality and emotions, especially on the construction of self-confidence. Discussions about the national football team's goal of the top eight in the Asian Cup are indeed facing a considerable challenge at the moment.
