In this Asian Cup, the Chinese men's football team and Hong Kong both played, which was the first time in the 68-year history of the Asian Cup. It is interesting to see if the two teams can advance to the knockout stage together and then stage the Chinese derby.
As the highest level of Asian football, the Asian Cup is held every four years and is of great significance to the participating countries. The Chinese men's football team in this Asian Cup is divided into Group A, the same group as the host Qatar, Lebanon and Tajikistan; Hong Kong, China, is in Group C, alongside Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Palestine.
According to the group stage elimination system, the Chinese men's football team will strive for the top two to advance to the round of 16, while Hong Kong, China will be expected to fight for the second or third place in the group. If both teams manage to qualify, then the possibility of a Chinese derby will emerge.
The Chinese men's football team is a strong team in Asia, having won the runner-up twice and the third place twice. Although the last two editions have stopped in the quarterfinals, the strength should not be underestimated. Hong Kong, China is a team in the middle and lower reaches of Asia, and it is not easy to compete with Iran and the United Arab Emirates. However, the good form shown in the New Year shows people the hope of Hong Kong, China to hit the knockout round.
If the two teams can successfully meet, it will undoubtedly be a great event for Chinese fans. The difference in strength between the two teams is huge, and the outcome of the match is irrelevant, and the historical significance of the Chinese derby is far greater than a win.
Chinese football has developed rapidly in recent years, and the realization of both teams being shortlisted for the Asian Cup at the same time is enough to demonstrate the progress of Chinese football. And whether the two teams can go one step further and stage a historic Chinese derby is even more exciting.
The opening of the Asian Cup is imminent, and the Chinese men's football team will face Tajikistan in its first match. Against weaker opponents, getting off to a good start is important to stabilize the team's mentality and standings. The next two games against the stronger Qatar and Lebanon will be key to qualifying.
Hong Kong, China's first match was against West Asian powerhouse Iran. Success in resisting Iran's attack is crucial. After the matches with the United Arab Emirates and Palestine, the outcome will directly affect whether they can get the chance to qualify.
The progress of the group stage between the two teams will directly determine whether the Chinese derby can be achieved. The difficult group qualification will also be the biggest test of the strength of the two teams.
If the Chinese men's football team wants to qualify, it also needs to pay attention to the comparison of points with other groups. Group C and Group D are strong, Group E is uneven, and the national football team should strive for the top two in Group A to avoid encountering strong opponents in advance. Hong Kong, China, will be looking to win the spot over Palestine to secure a third spot in the group.
The victory or defeat of the first game between the two teams will directly affect the preparation strategy for the next two games. Whether they can take the first step in the sprint knockout round with a perfect start and strive to achieve the Chinese derby will be the common goal of both teams.
The Asian Cup is not only a competition of skills and tactics, but also a contest of willpower. Whether the two Chinese teams can play well under pressure and unite and forge ahead can lead to success. The realization of the Chinese derby will be a representative moment in the history of Chinese football, and its significance is far more than a win or defeat.
In the next games, whether it is the national football team or the Hong Kong, China team, they will go all out to pursue better results. In the end, who will emerge in the group stage and who will continue in the knockout stage will depend on their respective strength and luck. But regardless of the outcome, the victory has put Hong Kong football on the front lines and made people start to rethink and focus on this team.
I hope that both Chinese football and Hong Kong football can show more outstanding strength in the future competitions and bring more hope and glory to the national football community. Let's look forward to the arrival of that glorious moment of Chinese football!
Let's look forward to the exciting competition in this Asian Cup. Regardless of the outcome, the joint appearance of the Chinese men's football team with Hong Kong and China has already heralded the rise of Chinese football. We will always remember the moment when the two teams worked hard to make history together.