Zhu Chenjie (left) of China vies with Ueda Ayase of Japan during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier in Saitama, Japan, on September 5, 2024. China suffered a 7-0 defeat to Japan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. Photo: Xinhua

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) held a seminar on Thursday to reflect on the fiasco of the men's national team losing 7-0 to Japan on September 5. The seminar highlighted the team's shortcomings in tactics and team morale, the China Sports Daily reported on Thursday.

The seminar, titled "Reflections on the World Cup Qualifier between China and Japan," was presided over by Zhang Jiasheng, vice president of the General Administration of Sport of China and secretary of the CFA Party Committee. 

By comparing the performance of the national team in the Japan match with the 1-0 defeat to South Korea on June 11, Zhang's presentation addressed several key shortcomings in the team's performance against Japan. 

These included issues related to match objectives, tactical arrangements, communication, teamwork, and team morale. 

Drawing on the team's history of repeated setbacks in international soccer, he highlighted five persistent challenges within the national team's management: the role of the CFA leadership, the coach's influence, the players' role as the core of the team, the National Team Management Department's functions, and inter-departmental coordination.

To address these issues, the CFA has committed to a series of immediate corrective actions. 

Zhang outlined nine measures designed to enhance team management and performance, including strengthening the leadership role of the CFA, promoting effective integration between the coach's strategic direction and players' responsibilities, and extending the national team's development model to club games.

Zhang emphasized that all stakeholders in Chinese soccer must view the match against Japan as a mirror for reflection. 

He called on everyone involved in the sport to strengthen their resolve and strive for excellence in order to fulfill the strategic goals for soccer development. 

The CFA also reaffirmed its commitment to key priorities such as youth training, reforming the professional league system, building a stronger national team, and advancing the association's internal development.

Zhang expressed confidence that these reforms would provide a robust foundation for the long-term revitalization of Chinese soccer, helping to ensure sustained growth and success in the years ahead.



Global Times