China’s men’s football national team has arrived in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, to prepare for two pivotal World Cup qualifying matches. The team will face Thailand on June 6 and South Korea on June 11, matches that are crucial for their advancement to the next round.
Currently sitting second in Group C with seven points after four games, China holds a three-point lead over third-placed Thailand. The upcoming matches offer both China and Thailand the opportunity to secure a spot in the second round, intensifying the stakes for their encounter in Shenyang.
Head coach Branko Ivankovic is counting on the return of naturalized forward Alan, who has been in impressive form this season. Alan has netted five goals in 14 appearances for Qingdao West Coast in the Chinese Super League (CSL), and his offensive prowess is expected to bolster China’s attacking options.
However, the team will be without Shanghai Port striker Wu Lei and Shandong Taishan midfielder Li Yuanyi, both of whom are suspended. Their absence is a setback, but the squad remains optimistic. After navigating a demanding CSL schedule, the players are confident in their ability to recover and perform at their best in these crucial fixtures.
“We understand the importance of these matches,” a team spokesperson said. “The players are focused and determined to give their all for the chance to advance.”
The match against Thailand is anticipated to be a challenging contest, given Thailand’s own aspirations to progress in the tournament. Following that, China’s clash with South Korea—historically a strong opponent in Asian football—will require the team to be at peak performance.
The nation awaits with anticipation as Team China embarks on this critical phase of their World Cup qualifying journey, hoping to secure their place on the world stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
