Victory! 5-0!
The day after China's emphatic 5-0 victory over Indonesia, the country's leading national newspaper ran an exhilarating headline, praising the national football team for their outstanding performance in the second match of the Asian Cup group stage.
Compared to their opening game, the second match was a display of dominance and confidence.
"Much like the second half against Bahrain, two key changes stand out in the national team's lineup," the report noted. "The introduction of Shao Jiayi, who plays professionally abroad, and the emergence of 17-year-old sensation Yang Yang."
It was the contributions of these two players, the article emphasized, that led to the Chinese team's resounding victory. In particular, Yang Yang's long-range strike early in the game not only pierced the Indonesian defense but also set the tone for the entire match.
"Shortly after the start, Yang Yang's shot from outside the penalty area flew into the back of the net, opening the door to victory for the Chinese team," the article continued. "Many seasoned football veterans agree that this goal was pivotal. It lifted the psychological burden off the Chinese players while simultaneously placing immense pressure on the Indonesian side. From that moment on, China's attack became smoother and increasingly dangerous."
National team coach Arie Haan highlighted Yang Yang's impact in his post-match interview. "That goal not only demonstrated Yang Yang's individual talent," Haan said, "but it also served as a morale booster for the entire team, driving us forward."
Reflecting on the match, Haan pointed to one critical factor in China's overwhelming success: the players' commitment to executing team tactics. "The team adhered closely to the tactical ideas we've been working on," he said. "That's what made the difference."
Football analysts also pointed to another key element: the combination of both flanks working in tandem. "China's ability to utilize both wings was decisive in breaking down Indonesia's defense," experts commented.
After the match, reporters caught up with former China national team coach Bora Milutinović, who offered his thoughts. "The key to China's victory was activating the right flank," Milutinović said. "Yang Yang's ability to break through defenders on the right was incredibly sharp, and his one-on-one skills created constant danger for Indonesia's backline. His movement not only opened up space but also provided opportunities for the forwards and central midfielders."
Milutinović, who had heard of Yang Yang from his time coaching in Europe, recalled watching the youngster's performance in the UEFA Champions League final. "Yang Yang left a deep impression on me in that match," he said. "But now, watching him play for the national team, I can see that he's improved even more. His confidence has grown, and he's one of the few Chinese players who dares to take on defenders directly."
Milutinović added, "It's remarkable to think he's only 17 years old. He has some areas to improve, but that only highlights the vast potential he still has. I'm confident that Yang Yang will soon become a leading figure in the national team."
The article concluded with a word of caution. While celebrating the dominant victory, it noted that Indonesia's overall strength wasn't enough to pose a serious threat to China on home soil. "The national team must remain humble and focused," the report advised, "continuing to play with consistency and aiming to perform well in every match."
...
Almost simultaneously with the release of the party's authoritative newspaper, numerous major domestic outlets published their own reports on the national team's emphatic victory. Across the board, the performances of Yang Yang and Shao Jiayi were widely celebrated, with particular praise given to Yang Yang's historic goal.
That goal, which made Yang Yang the youngest scorer in the history of the Chinese national team, was hailed by many media outlets and fans as a moment that marked the dawn of a new era in Chinese football.
"In the post-match selection for the Man of the Match, the veteran Shao Jiayi edged out his younger teammate Yang Yang, sparking some debate among fans who believed that Yang Yang had been more influential throughout the game," one report noted.
"According to post-match statistics, Yang Yang played 65 minutes, recording four interceptions, seven key passes, and nine successful dribbles. He also scored one goal, provided an assist, was fouled five times, didn't commit a single foul, and was caught offside three times."
"From a purely statistical standpoint, Yang Yang was undoubtedly the most active player on the pitch. In contrast, Shao Jiayi, who ultimately won the Man of the Match award, bested Yang Yang only in steals and shots—yet he also played ten more minutes than the 17-year-old."
"Of course, statistics alone don't tell the whole story, but they clearly show that both Yang Yang and Shao Jiayi delivered exceptional performances."
It was revealed that the five-member panel of judges commissioned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had a heated discussion following the match regarding who should be named the best player. Both Yang Yang and Shao Jiayi had left lasting impressions with their contributions.
In the end, the decision to award Shao Jiayi the Man of the Match title came down to experience and seniority. The panel felt that the veteran deserved recognition on this occasion, although it was clear that Yang Yang's performance had left many wondering if it was simply a matter of time before he took center stage.
...
Yang Yang's failure to be named Man of the Match quickly sparked controversy online. Many fans believed that his youth and limited game time were factors that worked against him, despite his standout performance.
In the post-match ratings by one of China's most influential sports media outlets, Yang Yang was awarded a near-perfect score of 9.5, the highest on the team. In contrast, Shao Jiayi, who officially received the Man of the Match title, earned a slightly lower score of 9.0.
International coverage also reflected the growing recognition of Yang Yang's talent. The three major global news agencies that reported on the game all highlighted Yang Yang, particularly noting his crucial first goal for the national team.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) praised Yang Yang for continuing the excellent form he had displayed at the Toulon Cup, describing his performance as "a stunning display of attacking flair on the right flank," with his goal and assist leading the Chinese team to an emphatic victory.
In the Netherlands, De Telegraaf, the most influential newspaper in Yang Yang's current footballing home, also covered the match, offering high praise for the young winger. They even interviewed his former coach at the Ajax second team, now Dutch national team head coach, Marco van Basten.
Van Basten expressed his admiration for Yang Yang's progress. "I watched the highlights of the game, and I can clearly see that Yang Yang has refined his game significantly since I last worked with him," Van Basten said. "I've spoken to him on many occasions, and I know how hard he trains and how eager he is to improve. His hunger for the game is remarkable, and it shows. I believe he will be one of the key players for Ajax in the upcoming season."
Ajax first-team coach Ronald Koeman also chimed in, telling the media that he had tuned in to watch the match as well. "Yang Yang delivered a fantastic individual performance. His development since leaving the team for international duty is evident. He's sharper, more confident, and clearly more mature in his decision-making. I'm excited to see what he brings when he returns to the club."
As news of the praise from abroad filtered back to China, both domestic media and fans began to elevate their expectations for Yang Yang even further. Many supporters voiced their belief that Arie Haan should place Yang Yang at the heart of the national team's tactics, allowing him to take on a more central role and lead the team to even greater success.
Despite the buzz, Yang Yang remained composed. In an interview with national television, he downplayed the Man of the Match debate, expressing his belief that Shao Jiayi fully deserved the honor. "I'm convinced that Shao Jiayi earned the title, and I have no complaints. Missing out on that recognition will only motivate me to improve," he said.
Reflecting on his journey from the Toulon Cup to the Asian Cup, Yang Yang added, "I haven't played competitively for almost a month, and I'm just filled with hunger to be on the pitch. I'm far from my best right now, but I know I can get better."
As for his aspirations in the Asian Cup, Yang Yang's focus remained on the collective goal. "This tournament isn't just about personal achievement," he said. "I hope we can keep the Asian Cup at home. That's not just my goal—it's the goal of every player on the team and the shared hope of all the fans across China."
...
...
The Chinese team continued their impressive run in the group stage of the Asian Cup, first defeating Bahrain and then securing a commanding win over Indonesia, making it two consecutive victories.
In the other group matches, Indonesia managed a narrow 2-1 victory over Qatar in the first round, while Qatar and Bahrain played out a 1-1 draw in the second round. These results meant that China, with two straight wins, secured their place in the knockout stages with one game to spare.
As a result, China would remain in the Beijing division for the quarterfinals.
With qualification already assured, the final group stage match against Qatar held little significance for the Chinese team. Arie Haan took the opportunity to rotate his squad, giving some of the regular starters, including Yang Yang and Shao Jiayi, a well-deserved rest. Despite the changes, China still managed to edge out a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Xu Yunlong.
In the other group match, Bahrain defeated Indonesia 3-1, clinching the second spot in the group and advancing to the quarterfinals alongside China, who topped the group.
The subsequent knockout stage draw brought good news for the Chinese team. By finishing first in their group, they not only avoided a rematch with Bahrain but also steered clear of the tournament's strongest team, Iran. Instead, China was drawn to face Iraq in the quarterfinals.
The other quarterfinal matchups saw Uzbekistan drawn against Bahrain, Japan taking on Jordan, and in perhaps the toughest clash, South Korea facing off against Iran, marking an early showdown between two of the continent's heavyweights.
...
...
July 30th, Beijing Workers' Sports Stadium.
In a stadium packed to the brim, the Asian Cup quarterfinals kicked off in a pulsating atmosphere. The Chinese team lined up in their familiar 4-4-2 formation, with both Yang Yang and Shao Jiayi in the starting XI, the fans eagerly anticipating another strong performance.
Barely two minutes into the match, China launched an early attack. Yan Song attempted to send a cross into the penalty area, but the delivery was slightly off, allowing the Iraqi defense to clear the ball. However, Shao Jiayi, positioned perfectly, intercepted the clearance and delicately chipped the ball back into the box, this time just beyond the penalty spot.
Timing his run to perfection, Yang Yang sprinted into the area at lightning speed. With an elegant first touch off his chest, he controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful volley with his right foot.
As the ball sailed into the back of the net, Yang Yang spun around, sprinting in celebration. He raced across the pitch, heading straight toward the stands where his parents, who had traveled from afar to witness this moment, were seated. Sliding onto the turf, arms raised high in triumph, he soaked in the applause of the roaring crowd.
His teammates, filled with excitement, rushed toward him, surrounding him and shaking him in celebration.
1-0!
No one could have predicted it—just two minutes into the quarterfinal, and Yang Yang had already put China ahead!
Only Yang Yang knew just how sharp he felt in that moment. His form was at its peak, and though he couldn't explain it, everything seemed to click into place effortlessly. Every movement felt right, and every decision was instinctive.
Of course, Iraq's defense hadn't been as tight as it should have been, but Yang Yang's positioning and execution were flawless.
The Workers' Stadium erupted into applause, with fans leaping from their seats in celebration. Chants of "Yang Yang" reverberated around the stadium as his name echoed throughout the stands. Even the live TV broadcast zoomed in on his parents, who were sitting with Su Ye. Their faces were beaming with pride as they joined the jubilant fans around them in celebrating the goal.
After the celebration, Yang Yang made his way back to embrace his teammates, particularly Shao Jiayi, who had provided the assist. He also exchanged a special hug with his roommate Zheng Zhi, who had been instrumental in the build-up with a long diagonal pass to Yan Song on the left.
It was clear that Zheng Zhi, now settled into his role as a central defender, had fully adapted to the position and was becoming a crucial part of China's defensive setup.