In 2005, on the field of the World Youth Championship in Holland, the Chinese soccer world ushered in a group of new stars known as the "Super Platinum Generation". Their outstanding performance won the praise of countless fans.
In the group stage, China met Turkey, Ukraine and Panama. Despite the fact that Turkey and Ukraine finished second and third respectively in the UEFA Youth Championship, and Panama was a little less strong, the Chinese team was not favored before the tournament.
However, in the face of a strong enemy, the Chinese team's performance was surprising. In the first match against Turkey, the Chinese team was the first to break through the door, and in the "white three minutes" of injury time, with a wonderful world wave to kill the opponent.
In the second match against Ukraine, China fell behind at one point but completed a comeback against all odds to draw 2:2. Despite having a man sent off, a magical performance in the last 20 minutes resulted in the win.
Two consecutive wins in the group stage, the Chinese team out of the line in advance. Such a performance, people can not help but sigh: when have I seen the national football team so scenic?
Even out of the tournament, China kept their spirits high in the final game, beating Panama 4-1. In the knockout round, China earned respect for their performance, despite losing 2-3 to Germany.
Players such as Chen Tao, Feng Xiaoting and Dong Fangzhuo showed a very high level in the World Youth Championship. However, the splendor of Chinese soccer did not last, Chen Tao became "injured" and Feng Xiaoting gradually sank.
Dong Fangzhuo, Lionel Messi and other players who once had high hopes have not been able to escape the grasp of fate. Chinese soccer, it seems, is caught in a vicious circle.
In 2009, Wang Xin was wanted for allegedly fixing a soccer match in Singapore, and in 2012, FA executives, including Xie Yalong, were sentenced and a large number of domestic soccer clubs were sanctioned. The punishment has virtually reshuffled the FA.
However, the problems of Chinese soccer have not been fundamentally solved. Li Tie is suspected of serious violations of the law and is under investigation, and his deposit is more than 100 million. This makes people wonder: when will the corruption problem of Chinese soccer be eradicated?
Li Tie's crimes are heartbreaking. However, he is only the tip of the iceberg of corruption in Chinese soccer. In order to change the fate of Chinese soccer, it is necessary to solve the problem at the root.
Perhaps, in the next ten years, the national soccer team will still face difficulties. But as long as Chinese soccer dares to innovate itself, I believe we will be able to see the Chinese team on the World Cup stage in the future.
