At the Four Nations Invitational Tournament held in Romania, the boys of the Chinese U16 men's football team staged a football feast with ups and downs for us. They went from a 3-0 lead to a 4-4 draw against Denmark, and although they failed to win the game, this thrilling matchup undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for the young power of Chinese football.
For the team, which is actively preparing for the U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, this invitational tournament is a great opportunity to test their strength and train their team. Facing the host Romania, the Chinese team suffered a heavy setback in the first game, and the 0-4 loss brought a lot of pressure to the team. However, it is precisely this adversity that inspires the fighting spirit of the boys.
In the ensuing match against Denmark, the Chinese team quickly got into the groove, taking the lead after just three minutes and extending the score to 3-0 at one point, and victory seemed to be within reach. But the Danes didn't give up and gradually narrowed the gap through substitutions and continuous attack. In the final moments of the game, the Danish team staged a dramatic reversal, scoring two goals in a row to set the score at 4-4.
Despite the failure to win, the Chinese boys showed tenacity and all-out spirit in the game, which won wide recognition from the fans. They didn't take it lightly when they were in the lead, and they always maintained their focus and enthusiasm for the game. This draw is a valuable experience for the young Chinese team, and it is also a tempering for growth.
At club level, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers' performance this season has been equally eye-catching. With a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, they once ranked at the top of the league standings. The team's defense has improved significantly, which is inseparable from the excellent performance of Grant at the heart of the defense.
However, a piece of news about Grant has worried fans. The New Zealand centre-back had to leave the squad temporarily due to a pathological recurrence after hernia surgery and needed to return home for treatment. Coach Yu Genwei said that although he was very reluctant, he could only agree to Grant's request to leave the team out of a high degree of responsibility for the health of the players. The timing of Grant's return has yet to be confirmed, which undoubtedly creates uncertainty for the team.
After Grant's departure, the Jinmen Tigers quickly made adjustments and used local defender Han Pengfei to fill the vacancy. Han Pengfei's past performance has shown the characteristics of being stable and reliable, and has been recognized by the team and coaching staff. His joining has also made fans look forward to the team's future performance.
Grant's departure also raised questions about the team's introduction of him in the first place. Some fans believe that if Grant's health had been known earlier, the team might have opted to renew Andujar's contract rather than bring in Grant. Andujar has been a stalwart of the Tigers' backline and despite his fitness concerns, his quality and experience remain highly recognised.