章 113: Prelude Asian Cup Semi-Final
In the early hours of the morning, Yang Yang was pushing himself hard on the treadmill in the gym at the hotel where the national football team was staying. His legs were moving at a relentless pace, and though he was already panting and dripping with sweat, his excitement was still palpable.
The night before, in front of a packed Workers' Stadium, the Chinese team had convincingly beaten Iraq 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup, with Yang Yang delivering another stellar performance.
In just the second minute of the match, Yang Yang opened the scoring with a stunning volley inside the penalty area. From that moment on, he was a constant threat down the right flank, forcing Iraq to shift their defensive focus and strengthen their left side to try and contain him. Despite their best efforts, Yang Yang continued to exploit the space, making it nearly impossible for the Iraqi defense to handle his pace and precision.
In the 41st minute, Yang Yang created yet another decisive moment. Darting in from the right, he made a diagonal run toward the penalty area, drawing a clumsy foul from one of Iraq's defenders. The referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot, awarding China a penalty.
Zheng Zhi calmly stepped up and converted the penalty, extending China's lead to 2-0.
Yang Yang, with one goal and another critical involvement, had once again cemented his influence on the match. His dynamic performance ensured that Iraq struggled to contain him throughout the game.
Head coach Arie Haan, keen to preserve Yang Yang's energy for the upcoming semifinals, opted to substitute him off in the 60th minute. It was a strategic move to maintain Yang Yang's competitive form, especially with the final stages of the tournament looming.
By the end of the match, China had secured a 3-0 victory, with Zheng Zhi's two penalties sealing the win. Despite Yang Yang's brilliant performance, it was Zheng Zhi who was named Man of the Match.
Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment at missing out on the award again. Later that evening, as Zheng Zhi returned to their room, he chuckled and offered to treat Yang Yang to a big meal as compensation for once again taking the spotlight.
After an early night's rest, Yang Yang rose early the next morning, ready to continue his training regimen. Although the hotel wasn't far from the Workers' Stadium, the surrounding area didn't offer any suitable running tracks. He had once tried running to a nearby park, but the crowds and lack of proper facilities quickly put an end to that idea.
Instead, Yang Yang had grown accustomed to working out in the hotel gym every morning. It wasn't ideal, but for him, training in any capacity was second nature—his focus never wavered.
...
Recently, Yang Yang had been feeling as though he was in the best condition of his life, almost to the point of disbelief.
It was particularly evident in the match against Iraq. Every time he touched the ball, it felt as if it was glued to his feet, moving in perfect harmony with his body. His first touch was sharp, and it wasn't just that—he seemed to anticipate each move with uncanny clarity, predicting exactly how his actions would affect the ball and how the situation around him would unfold in the next few seconds.
In the early stages of the game, the Iraqi defenders were able to contain him somewhat, but as the match wore on, their discipline broke down, and their challenges became more aggressive. Despite this, Yang Yang remained composed and focused, dodging and evading rough tackles with remarkable ease. He ensured he stayed out of harm's way, never giving his opponents a clear opportunity to foul him.
When he won the penalty that led to the second goal, he had cleverly shifted his body weight just enough to draw the foul—he felt the defender's contact and strategically allowed himself to be tripped.
Last night, in the Dream Training System, Yang Yang and Zax went through a detailed replay of the match against Iraq. Together, they analyzed why he had been in such a good state recently, and it became clear: the combination of scientific training, a disciplined diet, and a strict rest schedule over the past month had done wonders for his body and mind.
The structured diet and consistent rest had kept his young body in peak condition, while the targeted training sessions allowed him to tap into his physical potential. As a result, he was becoming more eager for competitive matches, and this hunger was translating into the heightened focus and excitement he felt every time he stepped onto the pitch.
But Zax reminded him that this was a temporary phenomenon.
Yang Yang would need to learn how to regulate his form, manage his physical state, and maintain a high level of performance over the long term. Being in peak condition and then experiencing dips is not sustainable for a professional footballer. To thrive at the highest level, he would need to find balance and consistency.
Of course, at just 17 years old, Yang Yang knew there was still much to learn. While no one in the national team could guide him on this matter, he knew that once he returned to Ajax, he could seek advice from the coaches and experts at the club. They would help him master the art of maintaining his physical and mental form over the course of a long season.
After finishing an intense workout in the gym, Yang Yang took a much-needed shower and treated himself to a relaxing steam. As he stepped out, feeling refreshed and at ease, he knew that every step he took now was preparing him for the next phase of his career.
...
...
"Dad, Mom, Cousin, Second Brother."
Yang Yang had just finished his breakfast when the hotel staff informed him of visitors waiting in the lobby. He immediately knew it must be his family.
Before the match the previous day, he had spoken to his parents over the phone and learned they had arrived in Beijing. Along with Wei Zhen, Su Wenhong, Ye Qing, and Su Ye, they had come to see him this morning.
When they saw him, everyone burst into smiles.
Yang Yang's performances had been getting better and better, and his popularity in China was skyrocketing. His family and friends couldn't help but feel proud, basking in the glow of his success.
Though the national football team had struggled in recent years, they still represented the pride of Chinese football. This Asian Cup had been a bright spot, with players like Yang Yang and Shao Jiayi playing pivotal roles.
"Now the buzz in the country is off the charts," Wei Zhen said in disbelief. "Your popularity is insane. Whether it's online or in the media, everyone's talking about you."
Yang Yang's rise to fame in China had been both unexpected and inevitable. From scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final to leading the Chinese U20 team to victory at the Toulon Cup, and now his performances in the Asian Cup—he had been dazzling at every stage.
His success wasn't just captivating football fans—under the constant spotlight of media and TV coverage, even non-football fans were discussing him.
"Did you know? Since you became famous, even our little girl here has found herself in the spotlight," Su Wenhong teased.
Su Ye, sitting next to him, blushed with embarrassment. "Dad, don't talk about that!"
The group shared a laugh, while Yang Yang looked puzzled.
"Wait, what happened?" he asked.
Wei Zhen chuckled as he explained. "Last night, after you scored, the TV broadcast cut to the stands to show your parents. But Su Ye was sitting next to your mom, and the camera thought she was your sister! Now she's become an internet sensation."
Yang Yang laughed and nodded, "Well, it wasn't really a mistake. She is my sister. You'll have to look after your older brother and second brother from now on," he joked, playfully bowing with his hands clasped.
The group erupted in laughter again, while Su Ye looked even more embarrassed.
During his time in Beijing, Yang Yang had been well looked after by the Su Wenhong family, and the relationship between them and Wei Zhen's family had grown stronger. Yang Yang's playful comment about Su Ye being his sister felt natural, and Su Wenhong and Ye Qingqing were clearly pleased. They even jokingly discussed with Yang Yang's parents who was older, Yang Yang or Su Ye.
To everyone's surprise, it turned out Yang Yang was exactly four months older than Su Ye.
This realization made Yang Yang smile even more. Growing up, he had always wanted a younger sibling, especially since he had an older sister, Shen Yuzhu.
"Oh, Dad, how long are you staying this time?" Yang Yang asked with concern.
"We'll be here for a while—at least until after the Asian Cup," his father, Yang Yongqiang, replied.
Yang Yang's performance had not only caught the attention of football fans but also provincial and city leaders. His father's business had even seen benefits from the rise in his son's fame.
"We're here mainly to finalize a sponsorship deal for next year's marathon, and to conduct partnership talks with a major domestic university for sports research and analysis. So, we'll be here for a bit," his father added.
"When the Asian Cup is over and you return to the Netherlands, your mother and I will head back with you."
Yang Yang frowned in surprise. "You're going back to the Netherlands too?"
"Don't worry," his father reassured him. "We're returning to Europe to set up our shoe and clothing design center."
Yang Yang felt relieved and nodded. He listened as his parents and the others continued discussing his role in the national team, offering encouragement to maintain his form and bring glory to the country.
"You know, China has never won the Asian Cup in our football history, and this year it's being held in China for the first time," Wei Zhen said earnestly. "If you can help win the title, you'll be a national hero."
Yang Yang's father and Wei Zhen both agreed that, given his current form, the national team stood a chance. Based on the group stage performances, South Korea didn't seem to be at their best, and coach Bonfrere was encountering issues.
In the knockout rounds, South Korea and Iran were set to clash, meaning one of the traditional powerhouses would be eliminated. Saudi Arabia had already suffered an unexpected exit in the group stage, leaving Iran and Japan as the biggest obstacles.
Challenges certainly lay ahead, but so did the hope of victory.
Yang Yang nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Goals and championships were the ultimate rewards for any player, and he was ready to chase them with everything he had.
...
...
Before China's triumphant 3-0 victory over Iraq, the quarterfinal clash between Uzbekistan and Bahrain ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. However, Uzbekistan's hopes were dashed in the penalty shootout, where they lost 3-4, narrowly missing out on a place in the semifinals.
The day after China's match, Japan found themselves locked in a tense battle with Jordan. After conceding an early goal, Japan fought back to level the score at 1-1. The match went to penalties, where Japan held their nerve to win 4-3, securing their spot in the semifinals as well.
The final quarterfinal was a thrilling encounter between South Korea and Iran, with both sides refusing to give an inch. Ten minutes into the match, Iranian star Ali Karimi opened the scoring, only for South Korea's Seol Ki-hyeon to equalize just six minutes later. Karimi struck again in the 20th minute, restoring Iran's lead, but South Korea's Lee Dong-gook quickly responded to level the match once more.
The second half saw the game reach fever pitch. In a twist of misfortune, Park Jin-seop of South Korea scored an own goal, handing Iran the advantage. South Korea, however, was not ready to back down. Kim Nam-il equalized, keeping the match on a knife-edge.
But in the 77th minute, Karimi completed his hat-trick, sealing the match for Iran. The 4-3 victory sent South Korea crashing out of the tournament, with Karimi's brilliance and Park Jin-seop's own goal proving decisive.
The elimination of South Korea came as a relief to many Chinese fans, who had feared a showdown with their rivals. Yet, the prospect of facing Iran in the semifinals brought its own set of challenges. Historically, China had experienced both victory and defeat against Iran, but the overall record leaned in favor of the Iranians.
For many Chinese fans, the most painful memory was a previous encounter where China, leading 2-0, had been overwhelmed by Iran, who stormed back to win 4-2, a result that left an indelible mark of humiliation on Chinese football.
Now, with China set to meet Iran in the semifinals of the Asian Cup, tensions were high. Both teams were brimming with confidence, and the match promised to be a fiery contest.
In an interview with the media, South Korea's head coach, Jo Bonfrère, whose team had just been eliminated by Iran, shared his thoughts on China's chances. "We faced Iran, and I can tell you, this team is stronger than China. They have many standout players, while China relies almost entirely on Yang Yang—and he's just 17 years old. I see no way China can win this. Iran will be in the final."
His remarks were met with skepticism by Chinese media and fans, who believed Bonfrère was merely trying to justify his team's elimination at the hands of Iran. However, the weight of expectation was undeniable.
A poll on the Asian Cup's official website revealed that over 80% of fans believed Iran would progress to the final.
As for China? Many feared they were destined to play the role of tragic underdogs, eliminated before the final.
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