When the enthusiasm for the World Cup is still burning, the U23 Asian Cup has already staged a series of eye-catching dramas. Just recently, the soccer version of the "earthquake" completely reshaped the football map of Asia. The defending champions were kicked out of the stadium and the underdog Indonesia unexpectedly defeated South Korea, which was not only a victory in one game, but also a sulk for the national football team.
The matchup between Japan and Qatar was like a blockbuster movie, with Japan winning 4-2 in extra time to end Qatar's title defense once and for all. This game not only tested the technical and physical strength of the players, but also a contest of strategy and intelligence. Japan took the lead in the opening minute, while Qatar received a red card in the 39th minute, as if they had suddenly lost their shields in a battle, and it was difficult to withstand the ensuing attacks.
On the other hand, the showdown between Indonesia and South Korea completely upended all expectations. First of all, this is the first time in the history of South Korean football that it has lost to Indonesia, which is ranked only 134. It was a dramatic affair: Indonesia took the lead and then gave an own goal of their own, only to regain the lead soon after Rafael scored twice in a row. Although South Korea equalised late in the game, Indonesia showed a stronger mental quality in the subsequent penalty shoot-out and ended the game.
The result of the Asian Cup is undoubtedly a major reshuffle in sports competition. The victory of the team was not only a victory for the scoreline, it broke the old concept of hierarchy and proved that on the football field, any team can turn the tables. For the Chinese Olympic Games, although they failed to enter the semi-finals, seeing what was once thought impossible happening undoubtedly adds a glimmer of hope: maybe in the near future, the Chinese team can also achieve a breakthrough in international competitions.
Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia will battle it out for another place in the last four in the upcoming tournament, with both teams having a glorious past, but only one will go further this time. Such a duel will undoubtedly be another exciting match.
Seeing the result of such a game, one can't help but think: in the round ball game of football, variables and possibilities are everywhere. For the fans, this uncertainty, this situation where every team has a chance, is the most attractive thing about football. And for those underrated teams, every victory they win is not only a defeat for their opponents, but also the best interpretation of the football spirit: never give up until the last moment.