34 years back in time, looking back at the afternoon of October 28, 1989, the history of Chinese soccer is deeply remembered at this moment. It was a moment known as the "black three minutes", when the national soccer team lost its ticket to the World Cup. 12 heroic warriors, where are they now?
It was a day of World Cup qualifiers, and the Asian top six were in fierce competition. At the Kallang National Stadium in Singapore, the Chinese men's soccer team proved its strength to the world with a victory.
However, at the same time, the match between South Korea and the UAE was just as nail-biting. As long as South Korea remains undefeated, a victory for the national soccer team will ensure advancement. Before the match, AFC Secretary General Virapane's words added a touch of mystery to the match.
Coach Ko Fung Man decisively adjusted his tactics and sent out an attacking formation. However, the charm of soccer lies in its unpredictability.
The match was intense, with both sides going back and forth. In the first half, the national soccer team took the lead for a while, but in the second half, the wind changed suddenly, and Qatar launched a frantic counterattack.
In the 85th minute, Marin committed a foul and was given a yellow card. Qatar equalized in the 86th minute. The national soccer team is in desperate situation, pressing all the way, but giving the opponent a chance to counterattack.
In the 89th minute, Qatar substitute player Muftah stabbed the goal, the national football team suffered a black 3 minutes, and finally lost 1-2.
The years have passed and Coach Ko Fung Man passed away in 2020. And where are those former heroes today?
Marin retired and returned to his hometown of Dalian to lead a quiet life. Players such as Jia Xiuquan and Liu Haiguang also continue to shine in their respective fields.
Players such as Xie Yuxin and Guo Yijun also have their own legendary stories. And those 12 players who once fought for the honor of the country, their figures have become the eternal mark of Chinese soccer.
