In the international arena, whether it's the majestic men's soccer team or the athletic women's soccer team, the DPRK team still maintains a strong competitive momentum after returning this year. The national team not only managed to break into the top 18, but the youth team also made a splash in the Asian tournament, a series of performances that can't help but make people applaud.
In contrast, the challenge for China to make it to the final round remains daunting.
The Chinese U16s have played two tournaments under the guidance of manager Kenichi Uemura. The first match was a 2-0 win over Bahrain, and the second was a lopsided 6-0 win over Bhutan. With two wins, eight goals and zero shutouts, it's been a strong start to the tournament.
However, the South Korean team in the same group performed even more brilliantly, with a 5-0 win over Bhutan in the first match and a 13-0 sweep of Maldives in the second match, winning two consecutive matches, scoring 18 goals, shutting out their opponents, and temporarily leading the group with a goal difference of 10 goals, surpassing the Chinese team.
Both China and South Korea are eager to top the group and advance directly to the next round. Currently, China is 10 behind South Korea on goal difference, which means it must come out ahead in the encounter with South Korea to secure the top spot in the group even with a draw.
Later this afternoon, China will face the Maldives. Given that South Korea had beaten this team 13-0, China is also banking on a breakthrough in terms of goals, netting at least 15 or more. Otherwise, a win in the final round against South Korea is the only way to have a chance to compete for the top spot in the group.
