REMINDER: China will play New Zealand in a friendly tomorrow morning at 6:35 ET/3:35 PT. Here's the rumored starting lineup by the Chinese media (4-2-3-1 formation): Wang Dalei Ren Hang, Zhang Linpeng, Feng Xiaoting, Jiang Zhipeng Zheng Zhi, Liu Jianye Hao Junmin, Wu Lei, Sun Ke Gao Lin
Stunning goal by Zheng Zhi in the 43rd min. A half volley from about 25m right in the top corner. Otherwise a dissapointing first half from China. Very little movement and bad passing in the opening 20 mins, slightly better towards the end. Jiang Zhipeng and Hao Junmin combining well on the left side, Jiang Zhipeng with several pinpoint crosses that easily could've resulted in a goal had there been better finishing. Also a disgraceful dive by Gao Lin when a New Zeeland player confronted him after he had been fouled by Gao. Gao Lin correctly yellow carded for that
Very bad game from China. Such a lacklustre performance, no players really looked like giving 100% like they've done in recent friendlies. Hao Junmin, Zhang Linpeng and Jiang Zhipeng were the only decent performers. Ren Hang and Gao Lin were terrible today. New Zealand were particularly agressive today and played a bit dirty, provoking and shoving our players every chance they got whenever the ball was out of play. Bad game from both sides
that's why they call themselves all blacks. jokes aside, here is the highlight: http://v.hupu.com/soccer/v414217.html
FT 0-0 Dissappointing result but a strong performance from China today, much better than against New Zealand. Very solid defensively and good composure on the ball, but created very little against a very defensive Honduras.
Yeah I never rated Yu Hai as a winger, he's just not skillful enough to get past his markers. I've always thought he'd be better suited as a striker or a more central role because he's quite strong physically and pretty decent in the air. Anyway there's much better options to pick from, Liu Binbin and Jiang Ning to name a few
FT China 0-0 Honduras Slow first-half but it did pick up a bit in the second. Wu Xi had China's best chance by hitting the post Honduras only looked like they wanted to play counter attacking football. Hao Junmin livened things up when he came on and to be honest, Honduras were there for the taking especially when you consider they got thrashed by Japan a couple of days ago and confidence looked low. Also Marvin Chávez should of been sent off for 2 yellow cards and is lucky the ref was lenient because it was a friendly.
With Perrin's selections so far we have no players that can unlock tight defenses like these. Zhang Xizhe instantly comes to mind, Huang Bowen and even Chen Tao or Wang Yongpo. Surely it wouldn't hurt to have atleast one player of this type in the squad when we're in dire need of a good playmaker. I really wonder why Perrin is so reluctant to call them up.
With the way things are going, China would be lucky to score a single goal at the AC never mind getting past the group stage. Attacks are way too static and direct, hence the deadlocks. The offense just can't seem to unlock the opposing team's defense while China's own defense is incredibly unstable even with Zhang Linpeng anchoring the back line. Other than him, I don't think any center backs that China have are trustworthy. A bit disappointed in Wu Lei that he couldn't create much but he did have some good chances to score. Must improve his execution if he wants to play in Europe next season. Now, can anybody please explain to me what are exactly Perrin's tactics and why players like Zhang Xizhe/Huang Bowen don't fit?
31-man squad for December friendlies: Beijing Guoan: Yang Zhi, Zhang Chengdong Changchun Yatai: Yang Xu Dalian Aerbin: Zhang Jiaqi Guangzhou Evergrande: Feng Xiaoting, Gao Lin, Li Xuepeng, Liao Lisheng, Mei Fang, Yu Hanchao, Zeng Cheng, Zhang Linpeng, Zheng Zhi Guangzhou R&F: Jiang Zhipeng Guizhou Renhe: Rao Weihui, Yu Hai Jiangsu Sainty: Ji Xiang, Li Ang, Liu Jianye, Ren Hang, Sun Ke, Wu Xi Liaoning Whowin: Yang Chaosheng Shandong Luneng: Hao Junmin, Liu Binbin, Wang Dalei, Wang Tong Shanghai East Asia: Cai Huikang, Wu Lei, Yan Junling Shanghai Greenland: Gao Di **It's a shame that there is no Zhang Xizhe or Huang Bowen. Absolute disgrace considering Zhang is our best playmaker and Huang is one of our better centre midfielders.
Wtf no Zhang Xizhe again? I wonder if he will still be ignored if he transfers to Wolfsburg. Perrin would look like a fool (he already looks like one lol)
Hopefully Lippi will replace Perrin in the near future. Perrin's selection choices are extremely poor and performances have been mediocre. With Lippi as basically the technical director of Guangzhou Evergrande, he'll have the time to be the manager of the Chinese national team.
Sadly, I think Lippi won't do that. Nobody wishes to risk his reputation by taking the national team, let alone an accomplished manager like him.
China is ranked 99th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, a drop of 11 spots. http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/afc.html
I seriously can't wrap my head around on some of Perrin's selections. Was skeptical about his appointment from the first day. Cesare Prandelli is available now.
http://sports.sina.com.cn/n/2014-11-26/17207425379.shtml GK - Zeng Cheng, Wang Dalei, Yan Junling, Yang Zhi DF - Zhang Linpeng, Mei Fang, Li Xuepeng, Feng Xiaoting, Ren Hang, Li Ang, Wu Xi, Liu Jianye, Rao Weihui, Jiang Zhipeng MF - Yu Hanchao, Liao Lisheng, Zheng Zhi, Ji Xiang, Sun Ke, Liu Binbin, Wang Tong, Hao Junmin, Wu Lei, Cai Huikang, Zhang Chengdong, Yu Hai, Zhang Jiaqi FW - Gao Lin, Gao Di, Yang Xu, Yang Chaosheng 31-man squad for training. No Zhang Xizhe, Huang Bowen, or Yu Dabao, as expected.
HT China 2-0 Kyrgyzstan Good movement and ideas from our players but some terrible passing, especially the final pass has been very lacking. An own goal started things off and a good cross from Sun Ke converted by Wu Lei for the second. Some nice individual skills from our players, Hao Junmin especially.
FT 4-0 China Yang Xu grabbed two easy goals to seal off the victory. Perrin subbed all outfield players to start the second half, only Yan Junling in goal kept his place, and it was very noticeable. Very accurate and fluid passing compared to the first half, but less dominant in possession as the younger players played more direct thus opening up the game alot more. Liu Binbin showed flashes of why he's been one of the best wingers in the CSL this year, Liao Lisheng provided good link up play with defence and attack.