Young Players Give Chinese Football a Shot in the Arm

China's forward Li Xun (R) fights for the ball with a Japanese player in their men's quarterfinals at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, Aug 19, 2011. [Photo by Cui Meng/China Daily]

When the second half began, Japan switched down all its two forwards with midfielders Kawamoto Akito and Kawai Yosuke for more chances on the offensive end.

The Japanese replacement was paid off when the super substitute Kawamoto scored twice with a header from a corner in the 58th minute and another header from a free kick in the 75th minute

Japan made another two substitutions in the 75th minute and the 87th minute, but China made only one substitution, replacing defender Liu Lijia with defender Jing Xuan.

The host's stamina problem and technique shortage became obvious as the second half proceeded, thus allowing Japan to keep the game's pace under their feet.

However, Chinese players threatened the Japanese goal in the 87th minute, when forward Li Xun made a shot but was blocked by Japanese Goalie Masuda Takuya.

In the four minutes of extra time, the young host team got a free kick and a corner, but were unable to take the chance as skipper and defender Lu Bin headed a shot that was deflected on the goalpost and flew out of the bottom line.

Jin Zhiyang, coach of Chinese football team expressed his disappointment for the team to miss the opportunity of knocking out the Japanese counterpart at the press conference.

"I said to the players before the match that we lost to Japan in penalty kicks at Daegu Universiade eight years ago, that was when the Japanese team began their domination at Universiade, winning three champions in a row. It's a return of history, but today we feel sorry for not being able to make history." He said.

He praised the players' efforts in the game tonight, adding that a bright future of Chinese football has been seen through it.

"But our players went an all-out effort in today's game. The gap between Chinese football and that of Japan are known to everyone in the past eight years, when we have been enduring a hard time. But tonight I said to the players before the game that we must let the Chinese fans see hopes of the future of Chinese football. I think we have made it."

However, Jin pointed out the Chinese players made "stupid mistakes" in the game, which caused worst consequences they have to pay for, referring to the backline defenders' missing on Japan's Kawamoto, who scored two headers in 54th and 75th minute.

"The players failed to realize their opponents' change in tactics, thus made no adjustment. They made the same mistake, and fell into the same trap in the same place within 10 minutes. It's unforgivable.

"It was the best opportunity we've had in the past eight years. I have no idea when we will get such a chance the next time," he adds.

On the other hand, the Japanese coach Masaki Ohira gave high credit to the match. "It is the greatest game I've ever coached, one that I will not forget in my life."

He said the Japanese team won due to unity and depth. "We beat China because all of the 20 players on our team stay together for the victory, though some of them have played in the Olympics, and some are playing in Japan's professional league. The lineup is the best one in Japan's (Universiade) history."

He also took a look at the strength and weakness from both sides, saying that Chinese players fell short in the second half.

"I didn't know China has used the same lineup throughout all of its four games until the end of game. They scored two goals in the first half, but they gradually lost energy in the second half," said Coach Ohira. "I could feel how strong the Chinese team are when they led us 2-1 in the first half. The result of the game may be different if they can hold on to the last minute."