China's U23 football team stands on the brink of history as they prepare to face defending champions Japan in Saturday's AFC Asian Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The match marks China's first-ever appearance in the tournament's knockout stage final, following a remarkable campaign that saw five consecutive clean sheets and a decisive 3-0 semifinal victory over Vietnam.
Despite disruptions from a recent sandstorm that temporarily halted preparations, coach Antonio Puche's squad has maintained focus. Midfielder Xu Bin lightened team morale by offering impromptu haircuts to teammates, while defender Hu Hetao emphasized the team's determination: "We will fight to make history instead of giving anything up."
Japan enters the match as tournament favorites, having scored 12 goals en route to the final. The team seeks its third U23 Asian title after previous wins in 2016 and 2024. Coach Puche acknowledged the challenge ahead: "The distance between Japanese and China football remains significant, but extraordinary things can happen. We've made up our minds to face this historic opportunity."
The final presents a crucial test for China's youth development program, with potential implications for Asian football's competitive landscape. Weather conditions in Jeddah have stabilized following the sandstorm, ensuring optimal playing conditions for Saturday's showdown.
