First win! On the evening of November 16, the top 36 Asian qualifying matches of the 2026 World Cup kicked off the first round of group matches. The Chinese men's football team lost one goal first, and finally beat the Thai team 2-1, making a good start to the World Cup.
The Chinese team won. Although on the scene, the Chinese team did not have the advantage, and many data were behind the Thai team, even missing a goal first, it finally completed the comeback and obtained three points, which also set the tone for the game behind the group, which is crucial for the Chinese men's football team to get ahead. The victory of the Chinese team was fought out. In the face of the Thai team's small quick play, the Chinese team in the away game was at a disadvantage in speed and was not adapted to it. In particular, the sudden heavy rain in the second half broke the rhythm of both sides, but the players showed enough fighting spirit. As coach Jankovic said after the game, "all the players are full of passion and fighting spirit".
The background to be introduced is that China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore are in Group C in the top 36. In terms of paper strength, the South Korean team is the absolute "boss" (Singapore 5-0 last night), and it should not be a problem for the first team to qualify. Another qualification quota is likely to be created between the Chinese and Thai teams. Therefore, the victory over Thailand in the away game means that the Chinese team has the first chance to enter the next stage of the last 18 matches.
From this game, the Thai team is determined to win and dedicate its best. Previously, it recalled many players who played in overseas leagues. Although the Chinese team lacks the main force Jiang Guangtai, the soldiers and soldiers are determined to win and strive for the ideal result. Now, winning the first game lays a good foundation for the next game and also gives an explanation to the fans.
One detail is thought-provoking. The Chinese men's football team did not choose to charter flights as usual when they went to Thailand this time, but took ordinary flights. It is reported that all the away matches in the top 36 competitions follow this specification. Moreover, compared with the previous World Cup qualifiers, the Chinese team did not hold any ceremony or press conference during this trip. It is not difficult to find that the Chinese men's football team is quite low-key and pragmatic.
It is a good thing to be low-key and pragmatic. Too much presentation and noise will only lead to fans' disgust if the performance is poor. Competition depends on performance after all. No matter how much foreplay work is done and how loud the chest is patted, if the competition performance is poor, it will not only ruin the population, but also may become a joke.
When talking about the impact of the World Cup, the new chairman of the Chinese Football Association said earlier that he hoped that the players could put down their burdens, unite and show the true spirit of Chinese football. "In order to avoid adding pressure to the national football team, they will not go to the road to supervise the first match of the top 36 national football matches against Thailand, nor will they be accompanied by other officials of the Chinese Football Association.", There are no officials to supervise the battle, reduce off court interference, and return to the essence of the game. I hope these pragmatic measures of the Football Association can bring good results.
Jankovic said that winning the game does not mean that the Chinese team has already qualified, and there is still a long way to go. Admittedly, the game needs to be played one game at a time, and each game in the group game is very important. A victory does not mean that you can advance to the 2026 World Cup, but if you go forward step by step, win the game you should win and the game you can win, you will not be afraid to play even in the face of strong enemies, especially if you want to show a good mental outlook in the game, you will be recognized by fans.
On the 21st of this month, the Chinese men's football team will play against the South Korean team in Shenzhen, which is also crucial. Wu Lei, the main player of the men's football team, said frankly, "South Korea is a strong team in Asia, so we should lower our profile to compete with them, try our best to play the game at home, and give the fans a reply." If we lower our profile, keep a low profile, be pragmatic, and go all out, can the Chinese men's football team bring surprises? Look forward together!
(Editor in charge: Xu Yuhan, Qu Yuan)
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