Chinese soccer needs to strive for higher quality despite latest win

Illustration: Liu Xiangya/Global Times

In soccer, victory is often celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. However, not all victories are equal. The 2-0 win by the Chinese national soccer team against Vietnam on Tuesday is a case in point. On the surface, the scoreboard may suggest it was a comfortable win, but when we delve deeper into the performance, it becomes apparent that the Chinese team's quality of play is in dire need of improvement.

Wang Qiuming and Wu Lei were the goal scorers, making it possible to end China's winless streak of two matches. While this victory may have provided some relief, it might mask a deeper issue within the team. Statistically, China had ball possession only 37.1 percent of the match, compared to Vietnam's 62.9 percent. The quality of play in this match, in many ways, fell short of the expectations set by a team that aspires to compete at the highest level.

It's worth noting that the significance of this victory may be limited to ending the winless streak and Wu's personal achievement of tying with Liu Haiguang as the top scorer in the history of the Chinese national team. This accolade is undoubtedly a momentous milestone in Wu's career, but it doesn't overshadow the concerns regarding the overall performance of the team.

The history of encounters between China and Vietnam in soccer shows a strong record in favor of the Chinese team, with nine wins and just one loss in their last 10 meetings. However, the painful memory of that solitary loss lingers among the fans. It occurred on February 1, 2022, when the country was celebrating Chinese New Year. Fans across the nation were watching the World Cup Asian qualifiers when China fell 3-1 to Vietnam. This loss was a bitter pill to swallow, and it has been etched in the memory of many soccer enthusiasts in China.

In an effort to rebuild confidence and prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the Chinese national team faced opponents with lower FIFA rankings throughout 2023. However, the results of the warm-up matches in September, where they drew 1-1 with Malaysia and lost 1-0 to Syria, have once again raised doubts about the team's capabilities. These outcomes led to strong criticism from fans who questioned the team's competence.

One factor contributing to these struggles is the absence of nine relatively young players from the squad, as they were committed to the squad for the Asian Games, which finished as a quarterfinalist. With less than a month left before the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers begin, the Chinese team must quickly adapt to the changes and integrate new players into the team.

Renowned Italian coach Marcello Lippi, who was the man at the helm of the national team from 2016 to 2019, once pointed out that the Chinese players, who were among the squad that was able to claim the Asian title on a club level, lacked confidence when competing internationally for the national team, which resulted in a limited display of their abilities on the field. 

Lippi's tenure saw some improvements in the team's tactical skills. But due to multiple reasons, especially the mismanagement of the corruption-tainted Chinese Football Association, his vision couldn't be sustained after his departure. Under incumbent coach Aleksandar Jankovic, it appears that the team is grappling with similar issues, with many players struggling to handle pressure.

The ability to handle pressure and maintain confidence during matches is a crucial aspect of soccer, as coach Jankovic underlined after the Vietnam game. The national team coaches and psychologists must work together to instill mental resilience in the players, as well as providing more match experience to the younger players. 

It is also a dilemma for the coach. On one hand he needs wins to secure his position; on the other hand he needs to give young players more chances to gain match experience and exposure to different playing styles, which may risk losing games and further cost him his job.

If significant improvements are not made, it's possible that these players will continue to be overwhelmed in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the early stages of the Asian Cup next year. The ability of young players to shoulder responsibility and perform under pressure is of paramount importance. 

But it's essential to remember that building a strong national soccer team is a long-term endeavor. Quick fixes and short-term strategies are unlikely to yield lasting results. The road to improving the Chinese national soccer team's quality of play is rife with challenges and requires a multifaceted approach.