Chinese Soccer Team Takes Low-Key Approach for World Cup Qualifiers

No homegrown stars, relaxed atmosphere, and low expectations

A New Era for Chinese Football?

The Chinese men's soccer team is approaching the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with a low-key attitude, marking a significant departure from the past. In contrast to previous campaigns, the team will not feature any homegrown stars and will instead rely on a mix of naturalized players and young, inexperienced prospects.

The relaxed atmosphere and lowered expectations reflect a shift in the country's footballing priorities. China's "golden generation" of players, which included stars like Sun Jihai and Li Tie, failed to qualify for a World Cup despite massive investment and high expectations. This has led to a reassessment of the national team's goals, with a focus on long-term development rather than short-term success.

Building for the Future

The team's new approach is evident in several key areas:

• Naturalized Players: The team has called up several foreign-born players, including Brazilian-born forward Elkeson and English-born defender Tyias Browning. These players bring experience and quality to the squad, helping to compensate for the lack of homegrown talent.
• Young Prospects: The team has also included a number of young players, some of whom have yet to make their senior international debuts. These players represent the future of Chinese football and will be given opportunities to gain experience and develop their skills.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The team's training sessions and press conferences have been characterized by a relaxed atmosphere. Head coach Li Xiaopeng has emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and not putting too much pressure on the players.

Realistic Expectations

The Chinese team's expectations for the World Cup qualifiers are realistic. The team is ranked 77th in the FIFA World Rankings, and they are not expected to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. However, the team hopes to use the qualifiers as a learning experience and to build for the future.

A New Chapter for Chinese Football

The Chinese soccer team's low-key approach to the World Cup qualifiers represents a new chapter for Chinese football. The team is moving away from the unrealistic expectations of the past and focusing on long-term development. By giving young players opportunities to develop and by embracing a more relaxed atmosphere, the team hopes to build a solid foundation for the future.