The two European teams won by a large margin, which was both a bonus and a reasonable surprise for the Chinese Paralympic ice hockey team, which was not optimistic before the game. In their own words: "We didn't expect to have a two-game winning streak either, but we played with the style of the team and lived up to the hard work. ”
On March 5, Chinese players greeted the audience after the match. Xinhua News Agency reporter Cai Yang photographed
Captain Cui Yutao: Unity is the magic weapon to win
As the team's "on-field coach", captain Cui Yutao has repeatedly inspired his teammates with shouts and actions, and the Chinese team has played the iconic team style in both victories. 'The teammates are very positive on the pitch and have a strong sense of cooperation, playing out the level of ability we usually train." Based on this, the Chinese team's shots, assists and save rate in two games have outperformed their opponents. For the Chinese team, which has not been formed for a long time, Cui Yutao said another magic weapon to win - unity! "Our team is very united! The atmosphere in the team was very good, and both games effectively executed the tactics, with the players each taking their place, one making a mistake and the other on top. He said.
Chinese player Tian Jintao (right) celebrates scoring with teammate Wang Jujiang during a match on March 5. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ma Xiping
On the court, Cui Yutao also appeared when he was fouled in order to cover his teammates. He said that when fighting at his doorstep, he should show top performance, handle every detail, and play the momentum of the Chinese Paralympic ice hockey team. Although the start was strong, Cui Yutao was still very calm about the next performance goal, "We still face it with a normal heart, fight one by one, the next game opponent will be stronger, and we will also go all out to win glory for the country." ”
Goalkeeper Ji Yanzhao: Improve your level with strong hands
In two games, Chinese goalkeeper Ji Yanzhao performed remarkablely, but he regretted that he had lost two goals. "By playing against the strong teams, we've improved a lot." It is precisely by relying on this belief that the young men of the Chinese team show the quality of tenacious and hard-working will, and play against the two European teams, gradually from the beginning of the exploration and temptation to the initiative to attack.
In the second match against the Czech Republic, the Chinese team quickly adjusted to the second quarter after the start was stuck in a stalemate. Looking back on the game, Ji Yanzhao said that good athletes need to constantly rotate and adjust their mental and physical state. As a goalkeeper, I need to keep an eye on the changes on the pitch and do my best to help the team.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese team lacks the opportunity to communicate with the strong European teams. Ji Yanzhao hopes to have more fights and improve his level in the future, and he will also do his best to work hard and hone his goalkeeper skills.
Vice Captain Xu Jinqiang: Victory is a birthday gift
Vice-captain Xu Jinqiang plays as a defender on the field, born in 1990, he can attack and defend, and delivered a key assist against the Czech Republic. March 6 marks Xu Jinqiang's 32nd birthday. After the game, he said excitedly: "Today everyone is very hard working, I especially thank my teammates for bringing me the best birthday gifts." ”
On March 6, Chinese player Xu Jinqiang celebrated scoring in the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ma Xiping
During the break between the matches, "Happy Birthday Song" suddenly played in the National Stadium, and the broadcast screen also focused on Xu Jinqiang, but he failed to detect the high concentration of attention. "At that time, my attention was on the game, and suddenly I heard everyone singing birthday songs and reading my name, and then I reacted. At that time, I felt very warm, and the tears almost came out, but I couldn't cry. Xu Jinqiang said.
After the game, Xu Jinqiang thanked the staff of the National Stadium and also mentioned his birthday wish: "(The wish) is very simple, I hope that every next game can achieve the results we want!" ”