The highly-touted Chinese U17 men’s national team, once labeled as the “strongest in history,” has suffered two consecutive defeats in the Asian Cup, leaving them at the bottom of the group with zero points. Fans are now questioning the hype, as the team struggles to live up to expectations.
After a disappointing 0-1 loss to Indonesia and a 1-2 defeat against Japan, the team’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage are slim. According to analysts, China must secure a convincing victory over Qatar in their final group match, while also relying on Japan to defeat Indonesia, to keep any hope of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
The crucial match against Qatar is scheduled for May 13 at 00:00 (Beijing time), with live streaming available on Migu Video, iQiyi Sports, and the AFC Asian Cup’s official Weibo account.
**Group Stage Results So Far:**
– **China 0-1 Indonesia (May 6):** Despite dominating possession (62%) and taking 19 shots, China managed only three on target and failed to score. Indonesia scored a late winner in the 87th minute, exposing China’s lack of composure and efficiency in front of goal. Coach Yoshiyuki Fujishima was criticized for benching key forwards Zhao Songyuan and Zhang Bolin, who had started in the qualifiers.
– **China 1-2 Japan (May 10):** China managed only five shots, with one on target, and conceded two goals. The midfield struggled to cope with Japan’s aggressive pressing, leading to disjointed play and defensive lapses.
**Current Group Standings:** Japan (6 points, +2 GD), Qatar (3 points, +2 GD), Indonesia (0 points, -2 GD), China (0 points, -2 GD).
**Final Group Match:** China must beat Qatar by at least two goals and hope Japan defeats Indonesia to have a chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. However, the odds are heavily stacked against them.
Coach Yoshiyuki Fujishima faces mounting pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around in this do-or-die encounter.
