U23 Asian Cup standings: The national Olympic team is on the verge of being out of the game after 2 consecutive defeats, and the genius Cheng Yaodong uses a goalkeeper again

In the 2024 Qatar U23 Asian Cup, the Chinese Olympic team ushered in the second game of the group on April 19, and faced the old East Asian rival South Korea in this round. The performance of the national Olympic team in this game was not bad, and there were many good opportunities in the game, but unfortunately the kick was almost meaningless. The offensive end couldn't open the situation, and the "genius" Cheng Yaodong changed to a goalkeeper to no avail, and finally lost 0-2.

U23 Asian Cup - Group B standings

The Chinese Olympic team suffered 2 consecutive defeats, and is currently at the bottom of the ranking with 0 points, and is already on the verge of elimination. Based on the group standings, if Japan is undefeated in the next match against the United Arab Emirates, then the South Korean team will advance directly, and the Chinese team will also be out of the tournament early. The Chinese Olympic team only has the only hope, that is, the UAE will defeat Japan next, then the Chinese Olympic team will not be out for the time being.

China 0-2 South Korea 0-2

The Chinese Olympic team lost 0-1 to Japan in the first round, and it was a pity to lose that game, gaining the advantage of playing one more player early, but it was a pity that they wasted a lot of time and opportunities. South Korea's Olympic team performed better in the first round, beating the United Arab Emirates 1-0.

Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Referee team: Head referee Mohamed Shamali, VAR referee Abdullah Mali, first assistant referee Zahi Shamali, second assistant referee Faisal Shamali are all from the host country, Qatar, and the fourth official, Rustam Lutfulin, is from Uzbekistan.

Starting line-ups for both sides

The head coach of the Chinese Olympic team is Cheng Yaodong, who started the 442 formation, Bai Helamu and Tao Qianglong partnered in the front, Duan Dezhi, Jia Feifei, Liu Zhurun and Xie Wenneng formed the midfield, Liang Shaowen, Jin Shunkai, Ruan Qilong and Yang Zihao formed the back line, and the goalkeeper was Huang Zihao.

The coach of the South Korean Olympic team is Hwang Sun-hong, with a 4231 formation in this field, led by Lee Yong-jun as a single striker, followed by Yim Ji-sung, Kang Sung-jin and Kim Min-woo, Baek Sang-hoon and Kang Sang-run partner with double backs, and the backline Bian Jun-so, Cho Hyun-taek, Hwang Jae-won and Seo Mingguan, and goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon.

Game recap

In the first half, the Chinese Olympic team played not badly, and the offensive end was impressive, threatening the opponent's door several times. Especially in the 15th minute, Baihelam had almost a single chance at close range, but unfortunately it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 35th minute, the wasted opportunity was punished, Lee Yongjun scored from a small angle in the penalty area, and the South Korean team took a 1-0 lead.

In the second half of the competition, the Chinese team's offensive effect was still not good, and they got a great opportunity in the 69th minute, but unfortunately the shot hit the goalkeeper again. Turning around, the South Korean team quickly attacked and penetrated the Chinese team's defense, and it was Lee Yongjun who took the ball to get rid of a strong volley and scored, and the South Korean team took a 2-goal lead.

The Chinese team was never able to score, so Cheng Yaodong reappeared as a "genius" substitution, and sent goalkeeper Jin Yong as a goalkeeper. Nine minutes of stoppage time were played, but the Chinese Olympic team still failed to seize the opportunity. In the end, the Chinese Olympic team lost 0-2 and suffered 2 consecutive defeats, and it was 0 goals, or the embarrassing situation of replicating the Asian Cup national football team with 0 goals and going home.

U23 Asian Cup ACD Group Standings

In Group A, Qatar has won 2 consecutive games and accumulated 6 points, and is currently 5 points ahead of the third place, and it is obvious that the Qatar team has locked the top two in the group and advanced to the quarterfinals in advance. In this round, Indonesia defeated Australia and broke out a big upset, and currently ranks second in the group with 3 points, holding the initiative to advance. Because the group has the same score and the other records are compared, the Jordanian team will ensure promotion as long as they do not lose to Jordan in the final round.

In Group C, Saudi Arabia and Thailand both won in the first round, and in the second round, Thailand and Saudi Arabia staged a key matchup, and the winner could establish a place in the qualifiers. In Group D, Vietnam and Uzbekistan both won, with Vietnam facing Malaysia and Uzbekistan taking on Kuwait in the second round.