In the much-anticipated U23 Asian Cup opener, the Chinese U23 national team, which carried countless expectations, suffered a blow to the head, although it showed a certain possession and shooting advantage in the game, but it failed to convert into a goal, and lost 0-1 to the Japanese U23 national team, failing to get off to a good start to the tournament. This defeat not only disappointed the fans, but also pushed the head coach Cheng Yaodong to the forefront of public opinion, and the stability of his position instantly became the focus of heated discussions, and some voices even directly called for him to "step down".
First, the first battle was defeated, and the tactical arrangement was questioned
In the competition with the Japanese team, although the national Olympic team showed a certain amount of control on the field in terms of statistics, the key final kick always lacked precision and efficiency. Cheng Yaodong's elaborate tactical layout failed to break the opponent's defense line in actual execution, especially in the face of the opponent's tight organization and efficient counterattack. While the team showed a positive attitude at certain stages, those efforts were made by poor decision-making at crucial moments and a lack of ability to take chances in front of goal.
After the game, the outside world raised serious questions about Cheng Yaodong's tactical deployment and on-the-spot adjustment. Critics pointed out that despite dominance of possession, the attacking routine was monotonous and lacked effective penetration, making it look helpless against Japan's dense defence. In addition, in response to the changes in the situation during the game, Cheng Yaodong's substitution adjustment was also considered to be slow to react and failed to turn the situation around in time. These tactical problems were magnified in the context of the defeat in the first game, which undoubtedly exacerbated the public's doubts about Cheng Yaodong's coaching ability.
Second, the historical record is shadowed, and the crisis of confidence has intensified
Since Cheng Yaodong took charge of the National Olympic team, his record has been attracting much attention. Especially in the previous warm-up games, although the team has won, the stubborn problems at both the offensive and defensive ends have not been fundamentally solved, especially the performance in some key battles is not satisfactory. Entering the main stage of the U23 Asian Cup, the national Olympic team bears the heavy responsibility of challenging the qualification for the Paris Olympic Games, and the loss in the first game undoubtedly casts a shadow on the team's promotion path, and also intensifies the doubts of fans and public opinion about the effectiveness of Cheng Yaodong's coaching.
Before the U23 Asian Cup, Cheng Yaodong was once regarded as a manifestation of the team's determination to rectify discipline because of his serious criticism of individual players and strict requirements for the whole team. However, the result of the first game does not seem to confirm the effect of this rectification, but instead exposes the shortcomings of the team's psychological quality and tactical execution at key moments. This contrast further shakes the public's confidence in whether Cheng Yaodong can lead the team out of the predicament.
3. The narrator bluntly said: the aura of "tactical genius" faded
During the live broadcast of the game, the commentator's sharp comments also reflected the disappointment with Cheng Yaodong's tactical use. A well-known commentator bluntly said: "Cheng Yaodong, who was once known as a 'tactical genius', was overstretched in command in this game and failed to show his past tactical wisdom. This evaluation pointed to Cheng Yaodong's failure to give full play to his advantages of tactical innovation and flexibility in the face of strong opponents, which made the team appear tactically poor in tough battles and unable to play its due combat effectiveness.
Fourth, the handsome position is stormy, where will the future go?
After losing the first battle, Cheng Yaodong's position was already in turmoil. In the world of competitive sports, performance is often the primary measure of a coach's effectiveness. In the face of public criticism and fan disappointment, the Chinese Football Association and relevant departments will have to re-examine Cheng Yaodong's coaching performance and its impact on the team's long-term development. The upcoming group stage matches will be a crucial battle for Cheng Yaodong to prove himself and regain his trust, and any further Waterloo could lead to a complete shake in his position.
However, a change of manager is not a panacea, especially during tournaments, where it is also crucial to maintain tactical cohesion. If Cheng Yaodong can quickly adjust his strategy, stimulate the potential of his players, and lead the team to rebound strongly in the follow-up games, it is still possible to turn the trend of public opinion and retain his position. On the contrary, if the team's performance continues to be sluggish, then the Chinese Football Association may have to consider adjusting the coaching staff, whether it is due to performance pressure or in response to public opinion.
The defeat of the Chinese U23 national team in the opening game of the Asian Cup put Cheng Yaodong under unprecedented coaching pressure. Questionable tactical arrangements, shadows of historical records, sharp comments from commentators, and the reality of the managerial position all constitute a serious challenge for the former "tactical genius" at the moment. The future group stage journey will be the last battlefield for Cheng Yaodong to save his position and prove his coaching ability, everything depends on whether the team can quickly adjust its state, rise up in adversity, and respond to external doubts with practical actions.