A grand press conference attracts a lot of attention at the Helong Stadium in Changsha, Hunan province, on March 22, 2017. 69-year-old "Silver Fox" Lippi, a veteran of many a long career, looks unusually calm in front of the camera.
When a reporter asked Lippi "under heavy pressure without fear" the meaning of this slogan, full of white hair Lippi emotional, he said excitedly: "since the coaching of the national team, I constantly emphasize to the players to put down the pressure and fear, because in your shoulders the dignity of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, wearing a national team jersey, you have to give your best on the pitch."
In addition to the spiritual inspiration, Lippi also affirmed the strength of the players: "As long as everyone plays to the true level, we do not lose anyone in Asia."
Just as China's men's soccer team is achieving amazing things, a historic photo comes to mind.
Looking back at the 2018 Russia World Cup Qualifying Asian Zone 12, Gao Hongbo led the national football team through four matches with fluctuating results, losing 2-3 against South Korea and drawing with Iran, Syria and Uzbekistan.
On October 11, 2016, after the national football team's away defeat to Uzbekistan, Gao Hongbo announced his resignation at a conference, stating that the leaders of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) believed that the problem should be borne by him, and thanked the team and fans for their support.
After Gao Hongbo resigned, Cai Zhenhua, vice chairman of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), personally participated in a briefing, detailing the process, emphasizing that the Association gives advice in the preparation process, but the final decision-making power is in the hands of the head coach.
Later, Yu Hongchen, vice president of the Football Association, introduced the preparation of the national football team from Syria to Uzbekistan and briefed on the selection of the new coach.
On October 22, the Chinese Football Association announced that Lippi had taken up his post, while Guangzhou Evergrande FC also announced that it had terminated its employment contract with Lippi.
After Lippi took over the national football team, although facing controversy and questions, but in the game against Qatar, the national football team showed a strong strength, despite the final draw, but Lippi's tactical arrangements and the performance of the players won the recognition of the fans.
After five rounds of the 12-team tournament, the national football team has 2 draws and 3 losses, ranking the bottom of the group, the situation is critical.
In March 2017, the national soccer team celebrated their 6th game of the 12-team tournament, hosting South Korea in a game where the outcome was crucial.
Heron Stadium was flooded with 40,000 fans wearing red T-shirts to cheer on the national soccer team.
Lippi lined up in a 433 formation, and the national soccer team started the game with a fierce fight against South Korea, eventually taking the lead in the 35th minute.
In the second half, the National Football League adjusted its tactics to a 442 formation to keep up the offensive pressure.
In the end, the national soccer team won in the final stages of injury time to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.
It was a game that brought tears to the eyes of Zheng Zhi, the captain of the national soccer team, and excitement to the players.
Xinhua's review of Lippi was succinct and powerful: "Can make complex things simple, call it a master."
After the match, the Korean media called the match "Changsha disaster", while the Chinese media teased Sun in a spoof way.
A few months later, a monument inscribed with the words "Blessed Land of Chinese Football" was unveiled at a ceremony at the He Long Sports Center in Changsha.
The stone monument is 9.9 meters long and 3.23 meters high, signifying the day of March 23, 2017; it is 0.56 meters thick, signifying the spirit of unity, friendship and struggle of the Chinese nation; and at the bottom of the stone monument is engraved with the score of China 1:0 South Korea.
Two years later, Yu Dabao came to Changsha again and clocked in at the stone monument with great emotion.
