Chapter 149: AFC World Cup Qualifiers I
A plane bearing the Royal Dutch Airlines logo touched down gently at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, Iran. As the aircraft taxied to a stop, Yang Yang gathered his belongings, a suitcase in hand, and joined the stream of passengers heading toward the immigration area.
Yang Yang was in Tehran to represent the Chinese national team in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The national team had arranged all travel details, including round-trip flights and necessary documentation, leaving him free to focus solely on the game ahead.
The long flight from Amsterdam had given Yang Yang a chance to sleep, using the time to immerse himself in the Dream Training System, a quiet space that allowed him to train undisturbed. But as soon as he disembarked, he was greeted by a group of Dutch fans who had spotted him.
"Hey, Yang, great job lately!"
"Thank you," Yang Yang replied warmly.
"I was there for the games against Den Haag and Feyenoord. Absolutely thrilling!"
"Thank you," he said, smiling.
"Good luck in Tehran! We'll be cheering you on from back home."
"Thank you. That means a lot."
"And hey, we haven't seen an Ajax player claim the Eredivisie top scorer title in years. You've got to beat Kuyt this season!"
Yang Yang chuckled. "I'll do my best. Thanks for the support!"
One fan stepped forward, holding out a pen and paper. "Could I get an autograph, Yang? My whole family are Ajax fans, and we all cheer for you."
"Of course," Yang Yang replied, signing the paper with a friendly nod.
"Yang, would you mind a quick photo?" another fan asked, camera in hand.
"Sure," he agreed, posing for the photo with a wide smile.
Yang Yang's connection with his fans had grown stronger over the season, and he couldn't help but feel a renewed motivation as he prepared to take on the challenge in Tehran.
...
Waking from a restful sleep, Yang Yang felt refreshed, free from any jet lag. His energy was palpable, and as he made his way through immigration and customs, he noticed a number of passengers and fans excited to see him, many of them Ajax supporters. True to his nature, Yang Yang didn't refuse their greetings.
Once outside customs, he spotted a few young, cheerful Dutch flight attendants who had been on his flight waiting for him. They waved as he approached, clearly eager for a quick chat.
"Yang, how long are you staying in Tehran?" one asked, smiling warmly.
"Just two nights. I'll fly back to Amsterdam the following morning," he replied.
"Such a shame…" she said with a hint of disappointment.
"Do you need a lift anywhere? We could give you a ride," another offered.
Yang Yang shook his head, appreciating the offer. "No, thank you. Someone's already here to pick me up."
The flight attendants shared a disappointed glance as Yang Yang noticed a member of the Chinese national team staff holding a sign with his name in Chinese characters. It was impossible to miss. Alongside him stood two familiar faces—Zheng Zhi and Zhao Junzhe.
As he said goodbye to the flight attendants, Yang Yang caught the amused glances of Zheng Zhi and Zhao Junzhe.
"You know them?" Zheng Zhi teased with a grin.
"No, not really," Yang Yang replied, laughing. "I didn't even catch their names."
"They seemed pretty familiar with you," Zhao Junzhe added, raising an eyebrow.
Yang Yang smirked. "That's normal. Practically everyone in Amsterdam knows me now."
Both players chuckled, exchanging a look. It was true—Yang Yang had become Ajax's shining star, adored by fans across Amsterdam.
"You've got quite the fanbase," Zheng Zhi said, chuckling. "So, when are you finally getting a girlfriend?"
The question made Yang Yang pause, and he immediately thought of Su Ye, one of the few girls he felt close to. But his focus was firmly on his football career; he didn't let his mind wander too far from the field.
"No time for that," he replied honestly.
Zheng Zhi and Zhao Junzhe burst out laughing. They both knew Yang Yang's intense discipline and dedication to his craft.
The two had arrived in Tehran a bit before him, and since the airport was an hour's drive from the team's hotel and the Azadi Stadium on the north side, they'd decided to wait and travel together.
As they settled into the car, Yang Yang asked about their experiences in the Bundesliga and Scottish Premier League.
Zheng Zhi, who had recently joined Mainz, was being carefully integrated by head coach Jürgen Klopp. Although he hadn't yet played for the team, he appreciated Klopp's support. Mainz had faced a rough start after the winter break, suffering three consecutive losses.
"Klopp spoke with me recently," Zheng Zhi shared. "He said he's planning to bring me in as a substitute soon."
Yang Yang nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds promising. Usually, after a series of losses, coaches adjust their lineup. Just focus on playing steady and clean. That's how you'll earn his trust."
"Albers said the same thing," Zheng Zhi added, referring to his agent, Guido Albers.
Zhao Junzhe's transition had gone more smoothly. After joining Celtic in the Scottish Premier League, he had already made four appearances—two as a substitute and two as a starter. His performances had been solid, and Celtic had secured victories in each game.
"The head coach seems to have a good impression of me," Zhao Junzhe said humbly.
"Martin O'Neill?" Yang Yang asked. "He's a top manager. He took Celtic to the UEFA Cup final a few years ago and only lost to Mourinho's Porto. There's been talk that some Premier League clubs want him."
"Really?" Zhao Junzhe's eyes brightened with interest.
"Definitely. If you keep making an impression, it could lead to something bigger. O'Neill has a reputation for taking his players with him when he moves."
Both Zheng Zhi and Zhao Junzhe were exceptional players. Although they were adjusting to life abroad, they had already made a mark in their respective leagues.
For Yang Yang, the Eredivisie was different from the Bundesliga and Scottish Premier League, but the challenges of adapting to a foreign league were universal. As he shared his insights with them, he felt a sense of camaraderie. Each of them, in their way, was making strides and raising the profile of Chinese football abroad.
...
...
Yang Yang Returns to the National Team!
Yang Yang's arrival sparked excitement within the national team camp. Hearing that he had landed, several teammates made a point to greet him, a clear sign of the impact he had made not just abroad but at home as well.
Over recent weeks, Yang Yang's scoring spree in the Eredivisie had become a hot topic. Foreign media had taken notice, but the domestic response was pure pride—fans and media alike saw Yang Yang as a beacon of Chinese football talent.
In 20 league matches, Yang Yang had amassed an impressive 16 goals and 10 assists. In the domestic league, such stats were rare, but achieving them in the Eredivisie made it even more remarkable. Adding his two goals and two assists in the Champions League only further cemented his reputation. By the Asian Cup, it was clear to everyone: Yang Yang was the team's core player.
Head coach Arie Haan didn't mince words when announcing the squad list. "Yang Yang is an irreplaceable part of the Chinese national team," he said with pride.
When Haan and assistant coach De Jong saw him, they couldn't contain their smiles.
"Well done, Yang!" De Jong exclaimed.
Both men, being Dutch, shared a sense of camaraderie with Yang Yang. Arie Haan, in particular, felt a natural connection, having grown up in the Ajax system that had nurtured Yang Yang. Over the Christmas break, Haan had returned to the Netherlands and was bombarded with praise for Yang Yang from nearly everyone he met, further raising his respect for the young player.
With the team preparing for the final round of Asian World Cup qualifiers, Haan had also started integrating younger players to prepare for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The squad now included several promising talents, such as Chen Tao, Feng Xiaoting, Zhou Haibin, and Hao Junmin—all players Yang Yang had worked with in China's U20 setup. Unfortunately, due to injury, only Chen Tao and Zhou Haibin had made the trip to Tehran.
After a warm reunion, the conversation quickly shifted to the upcoming match against Iran—the first test of the final qualifying round.
"Everyone's calling this the 'Group of Death,' and they're not wrong," a teammate commented. "Iran is a tough opponent."
"Especially since we're playing in Tehran," another added.
"I heard Iran has an incredible record at Azadi Stadium—almost never loses there," someone noted.
"It's true," Haan said, joining in. "The Chinese team has played here four times before and lost every single match. In the 1976 Asian Cup, we lost 0-2; in the 1989 World Cup qualifiers, it was 2-3; in the 1997 qualifiers, it was 1-4; and in a 2001 friendly, we lost 0-4."
"Those are brutal stats," a teammate muttered.
"Azadi Stadium is known as Asia's most intimidating venue," De Jong added. "It can hold over 100,000 fans."
"And I heard they're letting fans in for free this game," another teammate said. "Imagine how packed it'll be. Over 100,000 fans…"
A sense of unease rippled through the team. Playing at home was one thing, but facing Iran on their turf—at Azadi Stadium—was entirely different. The stakes were high, and the pressure felt even higher.
"Yang Yang, what do you think?" someone asked, drawing all eyes to him.
Yang Yang, who had been packing up for a swim, shrugged with a smile. "What's there to think? Iran is a strong team, but didn't we beat them in the Asian Cup?"
"Yeah, but that was at home," another replied.
"Does it matter?" Yang Yang countered. "If we go out there feeling intimidated, we'll lose before we even start. I believe in keeping it simple—whoever the opponent is, my goal is to beat them."
The team exchanged glances, surprised yet inspired by Yang Yang's confidence.
"To be honest," Yang Yang continued, "I've already faced crowds at the Bernabéu in Madrid, surrounded by Real Madrid's biggest stars. Sure, it was intimidating at first. But once you're on the pitch, the only thing that matters is the game."
A playful glint lit up his eyes as he added, "Actually, I'm excited to play in front of a crowd like this. Imagine the thrill of scoring in front of over 100,000 fans, all booing and watching you. It sounds incredible!"
With a wave and a smile, Yang Yang grabbed his things and headed to the pool, leaving his teammates speechless.
"Is this confidence? Or arrogance?" one of them wondered aloud.
The truth was, Yang Yang's fearless attitude was infectious. His words stirred something in the team, a reminder that playing their best required belief. In the face of one of Asia's toughest crowds, Yang Yang's resolve would be exactly what they needed.
...
...
"Just received word—Yang Yang has arrived in Tehran."
In the hotel where the Iranian national team was staying, head coach Branko Ivankovic listened intently as his assistant delivered the update. He had kept a close watch on the Chinese team's movements, keen to stay informed on every detail about their preparation. And his focus had been fixed on one player above all: 18-year-old Yang Yang.
A Chinese prodigy who, at just seventeen, had led his team to victory in the Asian Cup, winning both the title and the tournament's Best Player award. Since then, he'd gone on to dazzle in the Eredivisie with Ajax, amassing 16 goals and 10 assists in just 16 matches. These numbers were astounding, and his accomplishments—the Champions League title, the European Golden Boy award—placed a daunting spotlight on him.
If it were up to Ivankovic, he'd prefer Yang Yang not be here. But he understood that players of Yang Yang's caliber didn't come along every day for China. Teams like Brazil might take such a talent for granted; China would hold onto him with everything they had.
"When did he land?" Ivankovic asked, clearly concerned.
"Just before noon. He's already joined their training session this afternoon," the assistant replied.
"He's fresh off the game against Feyenoord—a two-goal, one-assist performance, earning him Man of the Match. His presence overshadowed even the Dutch striker Kuyt," the assistant continued, his tone marked with a hint of unease.
Ivankovic's expression grew serious. Yang Yang's skill was beyond question; he was a player who could change the course of a match single-handedly. Ivankovic knew all too well from their encounter in the Asian Cup semifinals just how dangerous he could be. Back then, Yang Yang had been the driving force that disrupted Iran's defense.
But Ivankovic was confident that this time Iran was better prepared. Since their disappointing finish in the Asian Cup, both he and the Iran Football Association had committed to strengthening the squad and addressing weaknesses.
One significant addition was the return of Ferydoon Zandi, a 25-year-old midfielder who played for Bundesliga club Kaiserslautern, wearing the iconic number ten jersey. Known for his technical prowess and creativity, Zandi was regarded as a leader on the pitch. Due to past personal conflicts with the Iran Football Association's chairman, he had previously declined to join the national team, but with tensions resolved, he was back, and his presence elevated Iran's midfield.
Zandi, alongside established stars like Karimi, Ali Daei, Mahdavikia, and Hashemian, gave Iran a formidable lineup. By most accounts, Iran's squad was far superior to China's, but Yang Yang remained a key threat—a sharp blade that could pierce even the toughest defense.
"The government's announced that entry to the Azadi Stadium will be free for the public," the assistant coach mentioned, glancing at Ivankovic. "They're expecting over 100,000 fans. The crowd should create an intense atmosphere that'll put huge psychological pressure on the Chinese team."
Ivankovic nodded thoughtfully. Only those who had experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the Azadi Stadium could understand the intensity of its home advantage. The stadium's reputation as Asia's most intimidating venue was well-earned, with Iran boasting an impressive win record there.
"Most of the Chinese players will probably struggle with the pressure," Ivankovic agreed. "But Yang Yang? I don't think he'll be fazed."
"Why's that?" asked the assistant, curious.
"Consider it," Ivankovic replied. "He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final at seventeen. Now he's Ajax's rising star at eighteen. You think a player who's already faced down some of Europe's best is going to be intimidated by our home crowd?"
The assistant nodded, conceding the point. "Still, it might have some impact on him, right?"
"It's possible, but we should prepare as if it won't," Ivankovic said decisively. "We'll need to mark him closely throughout the game. No gaps, no lapses. If he's given even a moment of freedom, he'll punish us."
The entire Iranian team would need to stay vigilant. Yang Yang's presence had raised the stakes, and Ivankovic knew that containing him would be the key to victory.
...
...
On the morning of match day.
As the national team players gathered for breakfast, they noticed Yang Yang was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Yang Yang?"
"Still sleeping, maybe?" one player guessed. "He traveled a long way to get here. Letting him rest up might be best; he'll need the energy tonight."
Just then, Zheng Zhi walked in, and the group immediately turned to him, curious about Yang Yang's whereabouts.
"Yang? He's been up for a while," Zheng Zhi replied with a chuckle. "We went for a few kilometers around the hotel earlier. Right after that, he went straight to the hotel gym."
"What? He's running laps and hitting the gym on game day?" one teammate exclaimed, visibly surprised.
The others shared a similar reaction, wondering how Yang Yang planned to conserve enough energy for the match that night.
"That's what I asked him," Zheng Zhi continued. "But he explained that today's training load is actually lighter than what he's used to. For him, it's just a way to get back into his routine, and it helps him stay sharp. He's even planning a swim session this afternoon."
The team exchanged glances, impressed yet skeptical. Could this rigorous preparation really be beneficial on game day?
But then again, they had witnessed Yang Yang's unique approach during the Asian Cup. While everyone else was conserving energy, Yang Yang maintained his own disciplined regimen, and the results had been undeniable. His consistency and high-level performance throughout the tournament had proven his methods worked.
Zheng Zhi shared in their admiration, adding, "This morning, we even practiced penalties together, and I still came up short."
He'd noticed how Yang Yang's dedication had gradually transformed him into a physically formidable player. His strength and resilience had improved noticeably, even though he still looked deceptively slim.
The curious teammates decided to head to the hotel gym to see for themselves. Through the glass wall, they saw Yang Yang hard at work, drenched in sweat as he pedaled on the stationary bike. In just a pair of sports shorts, his physique was striking—he was no longer the slender figure they'd known at the Asian Cup. His muscles had clearly developed, a testament to months of intense training.
Every one of them had been selected by Arie Haan for their skill and hard work, yet seeing Yang Yang's commitment firsthand left them feeling a mix of admiration and humility. By all accounts, Yang Yang had already become China's brightest star, yet his work ethic was relentless.
"He's got his sights set on facing Iran tonight," Zheng Zhi observed with respect. "Then he'll head back to the Netherlands to compete with Kuyt for the Eredivisie top scorer title and help Ajax push for the Dutch championship. That's what keeps him going."
Zheng Zhi, a few years older than Yang Yang, felt inspired. He, too, had his own dreams and goals and wanted to strive toward them with the same dedication. Watching Yang Yang's commitment reminded him that achieving greatness wasn't just about talent—it required a tireless drive to be better every day.
The players left the gym with renewed motivation, realizing that if Yang Yang, the team's leading star, could train this hard, then so could they. The team was about to face one of its toughest challenges, but Yang Yang's example showed them that no challenge was too great when approached with passion and perseverance.
...
...
As the Chinese team walked out into Azadi Stadium, a wall of sound erupted, drowning the air with thunderous boos. The noise was overwhelming, crashing down like a storm upon them.
The players, emerging from the tunnel, were momentarily stunned by the ferocity of the crowd's reaction.
Yang Yang raised his head, taking in the scene, and let out a controlled breath.
Azadi Stadium was an expansive, multi-purpose arena, with a wide track encircling the field. Normally, the distance between the stands and the pitch would dull the impact of crowd noise. But tonight, that was no obstacle. The stadium was filled to capacity, black-clad fans packed tightly together, extending all the way up to the highest walls. The sheer density of the crowd resembled a swarming ant colony, creating a pulse of movement and sound that sent chills down one's spine.
And if the numbers alone weren't daunting, the organized fervor of the crowd was.
The steady, thunderous beat of drums filled the air. Every two beats, the crowd unleashed a synchronized chant—a primal, guttural roar that resonated like the echo from some dark abyss, sending a wave of intimidation that seemed to vibrate through the concrete itself.
Boom, boom… roar.
This was Iranian fan support, as relentless as it was coordinated.
The Chinese players, already feeling the weight of this legendary stadium's reputation, were visibly shaken. Azadi Stadium wasn't called the "first devil's home in Asia" for nothing.
"My god, I never imagined 100,000 fans could feel like this," a teammate muttered, awed and uneasy.
Yang Yang, too, had been caught off guard at first. But his shock was fleeting, quickly replaced by something else—a spark of competitive fire. His pulse quickened, not in fear but in anticipation.
The idea of scoring here, silencing this sea of hostile faces, stirred something deep within him. Maybe it was the influence of players like Ibrahimović, but Yang Yang felt a powerful urge rising, a desire to push past the intimidation and seize this moment.
Under the gaze of more than 100,000 Iranian fans, he wanted to break through their defense and find the back of their net.
It would be a memory to savor for a lifetime.
...
...
Arie Haan was visibly concerned about the challenges of playing in Azadi Stadium, often called the "devil's home" in Asia. Well before the game, he had stressed the importance of defense to the team. For this match, he opted for a 4-5-1 formation, placing Yang Yang as the lone forward while reinforcing the midfield with five players in a defensive setup.
This wasn't a concession but rather a strategic approach. Attempting a direct confrontation at Azadi was a risk too great, especially given that Iran's squad was objectively stronger, a gap widened by Ferydoon Zandi's recent return to the lineup.
After completing their pre-match warm-up and gathering in the locker room, the players listened closely as Haan reiterated his defensive strategy.
"This is their territory, and while their home-field advantage is huge, it also brings pressure. They've never lost here, so they'll be desperate to win and will come at us from the start," Haan cautioned. "We need to stay focused on defense, bide our time, and be patient. When the opportunity for a counterattack presents itself, we strike."
Haan acknowledged Zandi's addition as a boost to Iran's lineup, but he also saw potential weaknesses. "Zandi adds strength, but he hasn't played with this team in a long time. That lack of familiarity could affect their rhythm."
His message was clear: Hold the line, stay disciplined, and seize any openings that might come their way.
In Haan's lineup, he reinforced the midfield with three dedicated defensive players. Shao Jiayi was positioned on the left, specifically prepared to transition quickly for counterattacks. This approach was their best hope for withstanding Iran's relentless pressure.
And, as expected, Iran came out blazing. From the first whistle, Iranian players led by Karimi, Zandi, and Ali Daei launched wave after wave of attacks, relentlessly pressing the Chinese team's defensive line. The Chinese players were pushed deep into their own half, with Zheng Zhi and Li Weifeng organizing the back line as they retreated almost into the box itself.
The intensity around the goal was palpable, with every attempted clearance met by a roar from the home crowd. Iran's attacks created a constant sense of danger, and the Chinese team found themselves struggling to withstand the onslaught as the noise from the stands swelled with each near-miss.
The goal was under siege, but the team knew that this was exactly the kind of pressure Haan had prepared them for. Now it was a test of patience, endurance, and seizing the moment when it came.
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GxDesailly
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