Is This Really the National Team?! How Did They Get So Strong So Fast?

On February 15th, at the AFC U20 Asian Cup held in Shenzhen, China's national team secured two consecutive victories, advancing to the quarterfinals ahead of schedule. Xinhua News Agency's football correspondent Xiao Shiyao was on-site to document the matches.   

What's the Story Behind This Unfamiliar "Strong Team"?

In the opening match, they defeated Qatar 2-1, followed by a 5-2 thrashing of Kyrgyzstan in the second round, securing their spot in the quarterfinals early. Many were left stunned: *Is this really the Chinese national team?*   

Yes, it is—though to be precise, it's the U20 national team, China's men's under-20 squad.   

Recently, at the AFC U20 Asian Cup in Shenzhen, these young players under 20 have given Chinese fans a refreshing surprise.   

Seven goals scored—some through seamless teamwork that "passed the ball into the net," others from aggressive pressing to create chances, and even powerful headers after breaking through on the wings.   

More impressive than the goals was the fact that, in both matches, China dominated possession and out-shot their opponents. The players displayed confidence and sharp tactical awareness, from the goalkeeper to the forwards, all daring to hold the ball without hesitation.   

Netizen couldn't believe their eyes: Is this what it feels like to support a strong team? I'm not used to it! Do I even need to watch China's matches? Wake up to another win! Are you sure the team in white is China, not Germany?I jolted up from my sickbed—turns out the strong team was us all along.

It wasn’t just the fans who were caught off guard—the journalists were too.   

As a football correspondent, I've covered Chinese football for years.   

With the national team's history of losses, post-match interviews were often avoided, and by the third group-stage game, we'd be calculating convoluted qualification scenarios, turning Chinese football reporters into "mathematicians." After eliminations, colleagues would joke: *"Got your post-mortem reflection piece ready?"*   

But this U20 Asian Cup was different.   

Pre- and post-match interviews were filled with joy, with coaches and players speaking freely. Quotes for articles were abundant—no need for complex math or reflective essays.   

Honestly, it felt a bit unfamiliar... Even my editor joked: *"You’ll need to relearn how to cover a winning team."*   

Casual fans don’t usually follow youth football closely, so many friends asked: *"How did this team suddenly get so strong?"* In truth, this transformation wasn’t sudden.   

The U20 team’s success was no accident.   

This squad is primarily composed of players born in 2005 and 2006, who entered professional youth training between ages 10 and 12—the first generation to benefit from the *Chinese Football Reform and Development Plan* launched in 2015, which prioritized school football and youth development.   

For years, youth coaches have told me that the pool of talented players has grown significantly starting with the 2005 age group.   

Recent policies like the *U21 League* and *Chinese Super League B Teams in League Two* have given young players earlier opportunities to shine. Most squad members already have professional league experience.   

Since its formation in early 2024, the U20 team has played nearly 20 international friendlies against Asian powerhouses like South Korea, Iran, and Australia, acclimating to high-intensity matches.   

A broader talent pool, more high-level competitive experience, and head coach Djordjević's modern tactical system—focusing on short passes, high pressing, and wing-play combinations—have all contributed to their standout performance.   

**(2)**   

For these reasons, I had a hunch this team might achieve something special. In early January, I traveled to Shenzhen to interview the team during training, speaking with Coach Djordjević to gather material.   

In a preview article published on February 11, I wrote: *"With home advantage and strong momentum, many believe this U20 team has the best chance in years to qualify for the U20 World Cup."*   

Before the opening match on February 12, I even drafted a headline anticipating their early qualification, scheduling other work for the 18th—assuming they’d have already advanced.   

But afterward, I hesitated.   

The night before the match, a staff member admitted his nerves: *"We’ve put in so much effort, and the opportunity is ripe. I just hope these boys seize it. Their careers could take entirely different paths depending on this moment."*   

I felt the same. While confident in my professional judgment, Chinese football has taught me that higher hopes often lead to greater disappointments. After so many letdowns, doubt creeps in.   

Thankfully, the team quickly reassured everyone. Despite injuries and illnesses before the tournament, they rose to the occasion, proving their mettle.   

**(3)**   

Of course, this isn’t time for celebration. Reaching the quarterfinals is just the first step. The U20 team has bigger ambitions—making the semifinals and returning to the U20 World Cup after a 20-year absence.   

For them, the World Cup would be a platform to showcase their talent on the global stage. Many football legends made their mark at this very tournament.   

For Chinese football, long stuck in a rut, qualifying would be a much-needed morale boost.   

More crucially, it would validate the past decade’s reforms. Debates over their effectiveness have raged, but this team’s success proves one thing: **Investing in youth development and staying the course is Chinese football’s only true path forward.** The hardest road may also be the shortest—as long as it’s the right one, distance doesn’t matter.   

On February 22, the U20 team will face their decisive quarterfinal. With the World Cup within reach, they must stay focused and prepare meticulously. If they maintain their spirit and tactical discipline, the results will follow.   

As the slogan on their team bus says: *"Brothers, just go for it!"*   

Source: All-China Journalists Association (ID: zgjxacja), originally titled *"National Team Reporter: How Did the Team Change So Much?"* by Xiao Shiyao.   

Editors: Shi Lei, Fang Ziyi   

Reprinted from *People's Daily*. Contact for removal if infringing.