On the evening of October 9, at Cheras Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, China faced South Korea in the final of the Asian Youth Championship.
A light drizzle fell from the sky.
After many days of matches and rain, the pitch at Cheras Stadium had become riddled with potholes, leaving the surface wet and slippery. The poor conditions only added to the immense pressure weighing on the players.
For China's U20 team, reaching the Asian Youth Final should have been a source of pride, but the domestic media had cast a dark cloud over their success.
Just two days before the final, a prominent journalist from a well-known Chinese newspaper had published a scathing article, claiming that Chinese players were inferior in both quality and training methods to their opponents. According to the journalist, China had only reached the final through luck and misfortune on the part of other teams.
"They are a big joke," the article read. "The Chinese U20 team is simply a continuation of the senior team's bad habits, taking a path that will lead to inevitable disappointment."
The journalist went so far as to say that Chinese football had entered a period where it wasn't even worth the anger of the public. Not only would China's U20 team lose to South Korea, but the senior team would also lose to Kuwait in their upcoming match.
This article sparked widespread debate across China, with other media outlets following suit. The timing couldn't have been worse, as domestic football leagues were facing their own scandals, further fueling public dissatisfaction. The general mood at home had soured dramatically.
Another well-known football commentator even argued that China's U20 team shouldn't win the championship. "The national team doesn't deserve to qualify for the World Cup," he said. "A victory will only embolden the Football Association to continue their arrogance and allow corrupt leaders to act with even more impunity."
While the senior team was set to face Kuwait, the U20 team was feeling the brunt of the media's criticism ahead of their final against South Korea. Yang Yang, the team's captain and standout player, could sense the growing tension within the squad. The pressure was suffocating. Players were terrified of making mistakes, both on and off the pitch, knowing that any misstep could result in a fresh wave of harsh criticism.
Even during training sessions, the players were hesitant, afraid to misstep under the weight of scrutiny.
Fortunately for Yang Yang, the media had largely spared him from their attacks, recognizing his leadership role within the China U20 squad. Still, the atmosphere around the team was one of anxiety.
One teammate even approached Yang Yang, asking timidly, "Do you think we've played too well? Maybe we shouldn't have reached the final?"
Yang Yang could hardly believe what he was hearing.
"How can you say that?" he thought, distressed by the mindset gripping his teammates. They had earned their place in the final through hard work and perseverance. How could anyone call it a fluke?
In football, there's no luck without effort.
China's youth team had fought hard to reach the final, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. And yet, back home, their achievements were being questioned, as if the very idea of success was something to be ashamed of.
Yang Yang knew that the Chinese youth football program had its weaknesses, but to suggest that the team didn't deserve to be in the final because of that was absurd. If anything, their journey to the final was a testament to their hard work, given the challenges they faced.
Public anger? Or was this simply the outrage of a few bitter media figures looking to stir up controversy?
Yet, despite the turmoil, the China U20 team was under strict orders not to engage with the media. No interviews, no discussions—just focus on the match.
In such an environment, any rebuttal would be meaningless. The only place to respond would be on the pitch.
Still, Yang Yang couldn't ignore the pressure that was crushing his teammates. Everyone was playing with fear, constantly on edge, worried they'd say or do the wrong thing.
The fragile mental state of the players was concerning, especially in a country where psychological resilience had always been a challenge in football. How could they perform at their best with this kind of tension hanging over them?
With the final just days away, Yang Yang took matters into his own hands. He approached team leader Zhu and head coach Zhang Huarong with a suggestion: a day off. Yang Yang offered to personally pay for the team to spend a day in Kuala Lumpur, away from the pressure, in hopes that it might help the players relax.
The plan was discreet—only the coaching staff and a few trusted reporters knew about it. The last thing they needed was the domestic media finding out and creating another scandal.
The team spent a full day unwinding, and while it helped ease some of the tension, the nerves returned as soon as they learned the match would be broadcast live back home.
The "Korean curse" had haunted Chinese football for years. What if it struck again?
...
...
"You've played South Korea three times recently, and we won all three games," Yang Yang shouted, his voice echoing through the locker room as the players prepared to take the field. "And I wasn't even on the pitch for those matches."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.
"If we lose tonight, it'll only prove one thing—that I'm the weak link in this team. I'll be the rat that dragged the China U20 down, the number one culprit in losing to South Korea. If we lose, all the responsibility falls on me."
Yang Yang's words stunned the room. The players all turned to him, disbelief written across their faces. It was true that China U20 had beaten South Korea three times recently without him, but that didn't mean tonight's outcome would be his fault. How could he possibly take the blame?
"What are you talking about, Yang Yang?" one teammate blurted out. "How could this be your fault?"
"Yeah, if anything, we wouldn't have made it this far without you," another player chimed in.
"In the final, you're the one we're counting on. Win or lose, you're still the one who got us here."
"Don't say that," another teammate said, stepping forward. "You've known me since the national junior team, and you know I've never respected anyone—except you, Yang Yang. I'm going to fight with you tonight, no matter what."
"Exactly! What's the worst that could happen? Let them criticize us! They're going to do that anyway, no matter what we do!"
"I still remember when we were at the Toulon Cup," a player added. "You paid out of your own pocket for us more than once. And now, you're doing it again to relieve the pressure. You've always had our backs. I don't care what anyone says—we're with you, Yang Yang. Tonight, we're fighting for you!"
"Yes, fight!" someone shouted. "We've beaten South Korea three times already. We can do it again!"
"Nothing to it. Let's get out there and beat them!"
The players rallied around Yang Yang, their morale reignited by his words. Their nerves, which had been on edge before, were now replaced by determination. The energy in the room was palpable.
At the entrance to the locker room, Coach Zhang Huarong stood quietly, observing the scene. He hadn't said a word, listening as his players found their fighting spirit once again. At this moment, any tactical adjustments were secondary. What mattered now was the fire in their hearts, the belief that had been rekindled in them.
Zhang Huarong smiled faintly, watching his players nod in unison, their confidence restored. Since the Toulon Cup, he had witnessed Yang Yang's transformation from a newcomer to the undisputed leader of the team. The players believed in him, and they were ready to follow him onto the pitch—no matter the outcome.
Yang Yang had given so much to this team, and the players felt it. Now, they were ready to give everything in return, ready to fight for him and with him.
As they prepared to walk out, the players were no longer weighed down by doubt. They were focused, determined, and ready to give everything for the final.
At this moment, they truly believed they were ready for the battle ahead.
...
...
The players from both teams walked onto the pitch, and the Chinese national anthem echoed through the stadium.
With Feng Xiaoting and Zhou Haibin both sidelined due to injury, and Chen Tao and Shen Longyuan nursing muscle strains and starting on the bench, the Chinese U20 team had made several significant adjustments to their lineup for the final.
China lined up in a familiar 4-4-1-1 formation, with Yang Yang positioned as a free-roaming playmaker behind the lone striker, Zhu Ting.
The weather in Kuala Lumpur was far from ideal. A light rain had left the pitch slippery and muddy—conditions that would pose a challenge for both teams, but especially for the Chinese squad, who had to adapt quickly to the tough playing surface. Nevertheless, the hope was high that the players would rise to the occasion, overcome the difficulties, and, more importantly, break the long-standing "Korean curse" in Chinese football.
Historically, South Korea had been a dominant force in the Asian Youth Championship, having claimed the title ten times. They entered this final with immense confidence, especially after defeating Japan, their fiercest rival, in the semi-finals.
In contrast, China had only won the championship once, back in 1985 at the UAE-hosted Asian Youth Championship, where they triumphed over Saudi Arabia in the final. That victory was now twenty years in the past.
Despite the odds, China had defeated South Korea in all three of their recent encounters, and the question on everyone's mind was: could they extend that winning streak tonight?
One key factor in this game was Yang Yang. South Korea's coach, Park Sung-hwa, had been vocal in his pre-match comments, stating that China's defensive organization had impressed him in the previous matches, but this time, the presence of Yang Yang posed a new and significant challenge.
Park Sung-hwa emphasized that containing China U20's star player was the key to South Korea's hopes of winning the title. "Only by neutralizing Yang Yang can we take control of the match," he had declared.
When reporters showed Yang Yang the comments made by the South Korean coach, he had merely smiled in response. Confidence radiated from him, and it was clear that he was eager to step up for the final.
All eyes were now on Yang Yang. His self-assurance and hunger for victory were unmistakable as the game was set to begin. The question that lingered was: could South Korea stop him, or would Yang Yang lead China to another historic victory?
...
...
At the start of the match, the South Korean team immediately took control.
With the Chinese team missing four key players, including Feng Xiaoting and Zhou Haibin, their overall strength had been significantly weakened. South Korea quickly seized the advantage in midfield, dictating the pace of the game, and forcing China into a defensive posture.
Within just five minutes, South Korea earned a free kick on the right side of the pitch. The ball was whipped into the penalty area, but Chinese goalkeeper Guan Zhen showed sharp instincts, decisively punching the ball away from danger.
The real threat came in the ninth minute. After winning a corner, South Korea delivered another dangerous ball into the box. Guan Zhen managed to get a hand on it, but this time, the clearance wasn't far enough. A South Korean player, lurking just outside the penalty area, pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a powerful long-range shot. Central defender Ren Yongshun, however, was in the right place at the right time, blocking the shot on the goal line and keeping the score level.
Moments later, South Korean playmaker Park Chu-young delivered a precise pass that split the Chinese defense, but the forward who received the ball was caught offside. The referee's whistle signaled the end of that attack, relieving the pressure on China momentarily.
In the opening ten minutes, South Korea dominated possession and created several dangerous chances. But despite being under constant pressure, the Chinese players held their ground and showed remarkable resilience. Yang Yang, playing the role of leader on the pitch, constantly encouraged his teammates, urging them to stay calm and patient. They allowed South Korea to control the ball, waiting for the right moment to strike back.
Finally, in the 15th minute, South Korea made their first mistake.
With Feng Xiaoting and Zhou Haibin absent, China's defensive structure had been compromised. In addition, the absence of Chen Tao meant China struggled to threaten down the right wing. As a result, China adopted a strategy of focusing their attacks down the left, relying on Yang Yang's free-roaming role to orchestrate their offense.
Since the start of the match, China had been on the back foot. Missing four key players, the team had been forced into a passive game plan. Yet Yang Yang remained relentless, constantly moving across the front line, looking to exploit any gaps in South Korea's defense. When he received the ball, his speed and movement pulled the opposition's defense out of shape, creating space for his teammates to exploit.
In the 15th minute, Yang Yang's intelligent runs finally paid off.
Midfielder Hao Junmin drifted toward the center of the pitch, receiving a pass from a teammate. Without hesitation, he threaded a perfect through ball into the left channel, sending it into the path of Yang Yang, who had timed his run to perfection.
With space in front of him, Yang Yang accelerated, pushing the ball forward as Zhu Ting made a run alongside him, pulling South Korean defenders away and creating more room for Yang Yang to maneuver.
All eyes in the South Korean defense were now on Yang Yang. They knew how dangerous he could be in these situations, especially when cutting in from the left. Yang Yang had already scored twice in this tournament from similar positions, and South Korea's defenders were determined not to let it happen again.
But Yang Yang had already visualized the entire play in his mind. As he approached the penalty area, he could see the defensive patterns forming around him. With a quick change of direction, he dribbled laterally, trying to find an opening. The South Korean defenders swarmed around him, closing down the space near the edge of the box.
Suddenly, with a quick cut inside, Yang Yang shifted the ball away from the central defender, driving into the penalty area. He executed a series of rapid, precise movements—shifting direction, accelerating, then decelerating—all while maintaining control of the ball. His ability to change speeds and direction left the defenders off balance.
As soon as he spotted an opening, Yang Yang lifted the ball delicately with his left foot, sending it to the far post.
Zhu Ting, who had been left unmarked due to the attention focused on Yang Yang, sprinted forward. He connected with the ball perfectly, using his right foot to guide it past the South Korean goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Goal!
Zhu Ting's finish was clinical, but it was Yang Yang's brilliance that had created the chance. The stadium erupted as the Chinese fans celebrated the breakthrough.
...
"Goal !!!"
"Zhu Ting!"
"The Chinese team finally knocked the Korean team's goal first!"
"It's wonderful! In the fifteenth minute, the Chinese team took the lead in knocking on the Korean team's goal."
"Yang Yang was very calm after taking the ball at the front of the penalty area, and he was quite confident. He rushed into the Korean team's defense zone by himself. It was really daring for the artist, and he drove the ball out of the fence.
"As Yang Yang said before the game, the South Korean team wants to defend him with heavy marking, but can they defend?"
"Even if they block Yang Yang's shooting angle, Yang Yang can still assist his teammates in scoring."
"It can be seen from the slow-motion replay that the Korean team's defensive players obviously did not deliberately mark Yang Yang's left foot, but they forgot that Yang Yang's left foot did not lose to his right foot at all."
...
The moment Zhu Ting's shot hit the back of the net, he immediately turned and sprinted toward Yang Yang, his face lit up with excitement. The two embraced in celebration on the pitch, and without missing a beat, they both ran toward the sidelines, straight to the Chinese fans who had gathered in the stands.
The Chinese supporters in the stadium erupted in celebration, their cheers echoing through the air. Many had traveled from home to witness the match, and now they were watching their team take the lead in this crucial final. The energy in the stands was electric, filled with pride and excitement.
Soon, all the players from China U20 joined in, swarming around Yang Yang and Zhu Ting. Even the players on the bench, like Chen Tao and Shen Longyuan, leaped up to celebrate. In the stands, Feng Xiaoting and Zhou Haibin, despite being injured, joined in the celebrations from afar, clapping and cheering as their teammates took the lead.
1-0!
This goal was more than just a lead; it was the breakthrough the Chinese team needed to settle their nerves. The pressure that had been weighing on them before the match began to lift. That crucial first goal gave them the belief and focus to calm down, re-center, and play their game.
Now, the restless energy was replaced by determination. With renewed confidence, the Chinese players knew they could stay composed, concentrate, and carry this momentum through the rest of the match.
...
...
"Everyone, take a good look—there's nothing to fear from them!"
Among the crowd celebrating on the sidelines, Yang Yang spoke with conviction, rallying his teammates.
"We don't care about our past results, and we don't care what others say about us. From tonight, from this match, we will redefine who we are!"
He paused, glancing around at his teammates with determination in his eyes. "In the past, we might have been intimidated by South Korea. But from this moment forward, let them be the ones to fear us!"
"We're going to make sure that every time they see us on the pitch, they'll remember this game. We will be their worst nightmare."
The players responded with a wave of applause, their confidence visibly rising.
...
...
The goal completely shifted the dynamic on the field.
Before the match, the South Korean team had come in brimming with confidence, determined to dominate the Chinese side. Their pre-game statements had been bold, but once on the pitch, they quickly realized that the Chinese team was far more resilient and composed than expected.
Conceding the opening goal rattled the South Koreans, and their frustration began to show.
Known for their aggressive pressing, the South Korean side had built their identity on partial pressing and winning the ball in key areas of the field. Ever since Guus Hiddink introduced a Dutch-style high press and tactical aggression, it had become a hallmark of their play. By applying pressure in localized areas, they often outnumbered their opponents and converted that into an attacking and defensive advantage.
However, after conceding, they found themselves facing a Chinese team that dropped back into a structured defensive formation, ready to counter-attack. The South Korean press, while intense, was beginning to falter. As the game wore on, their frustration mounted.
Despite their efforts, they struggled to break down the Chinese defense. The more the South Koreans pushed, the more erratic their play became.
On the other hand, with a goal in hand, the Chinese team grew more confident with each passing minute.
Particularly in the 24th minute, when Yang Yang led a blistering counter-attack. Charging through the middle, he tore the South Korean defense apart single-handedly. He surged past multiple defenders, leaving chaos in his wake. Unfortunately, Zhu Ting, arriving late into the box, skied the final shot over the bar.
Though the Chinese side still lacked the technical finesse of their opponents, they compensated with tactical discipline and relentless energy. After an intense back-and-forth, the South Korean team began to show cracks in their formation.
In the 38th minute, the Chinese team earned a throw-in on the right side of their defensive half.
Yang Yang moved to the right flank to receive the ball. With defenders closing in, he executed a clever lob over the head of the nearest defender, racing around him to regain possession. With two more defenders converging on him, he performed a series of quick croquetas – first shifting the ball from left to right to evade the first, then seamlessly moving it back to the left to bypass the second.
Having danced through three South Korean defenders, Yang Yang suddenly found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, who had rushed off his line in an attempt to close him down. But Yang Yang had anticipated this. Without breaking stride, he feinted left, sending the keeper sprawling, before deftly shifting the ball to his right. With the goal now wide open, he calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.
It was a stunning solo effort – a brilliant display of individual skill and composure that doubled China's lead, leaving the South Korean defense in tatters.
...
"Oh my word, he's just dribbled past four Korean defenders! Four!"
"Yang Yang! Brilliant Yang Yang!"
"I feel like I should be bowing down in awe right now!"
"I'm certain that everyone watching at home is as thrilled as I am. Chinese football has finally unearthed a true gem, a talent that doesn't come along often. We finally have a player with the potential to reach the highest levels of the game!"
"Yang Yang, a player about to turn 18, is nothing short of a sensation on the pitch. Time and again, he delivers moments of magic, moments that leave us all in disbelief."
"Forgive my excitement, but words fail to capture how incredible this is."
"Right now, all I want to say is, Yang Yang, from this moment forward, I'm your biggest fan!"
"And to the entire National Youth Team, well done. You've shown us something special tonight."
"A 2-0 lead is a convincing scoreline, and it feels like the so-called 'fear' of facing South Korea might finally be coming to an end."
"Of course, there's still another half to play. I hope the players can stay focused, avoid complacency, and finish the job."
...
...
With a two-goal lead, the momentum had completely shifted.
Historically, the South Korean team has always held a psychological edge over Chinese football, but tonight, even though this was just a youth-level match, it was still an international competition. And now, the Chinese team found themselves comfortably ahead by two goals.
Given how the game was unfolding, it seemed entirely possible that the Chinese side could score even more.
For many South Korean players, the situation might have brought back memories of the Asian Cup final against Japan, where a 3-0 defeat had stunned the entire continent.
As the match progressed, the Chinese team began playing with more composure, while the pressure visibly weighed on the South Korean players.
During the break, Coach Zhang Huarong focused on keeping his players relaxed. He expressed his satisfaction with their performance, reminding them that if they maintained their first-half rhythm, victory would be within their grasp.
When play resumed in the second half, the Chinese team largely carried on as they had in the first, while the South Koreans struggled to find any meaningful adjustments.
By the 60th minute, Zhang Huarong made his first substitution. Chen Tao replaced Zhu Ting, reinforcing the midfield and returning to the 4-5-1 formation that had been successful in the earlier match against Iran.
The South Korean side soon realized that the Chinese approach was pragmatic and disciplined, built around firm defensive counterattacks.
Yang Yang's speed and individual brilliance up front were key to the Chinese strategy, while both Shen Longyuan and the freshly introduced Chen Tao also added threat with their technical ability. This forced the South Koreans to remain cautious, aware that a single counter could be devastating.
As time ticked away, the South Korean team, desperate to get back into the game, made offensive substitutions to increase their firepower.
But the more they pushed forward, the more gaps they left at the back.
In the 71st minute, the Chinese team launched a swift counterattack down the right flank. Chen Tao dribbled past two defenders with ease before delivering a perfectly timed diagonal cross into the penalty area.
Yang Yang, sprinting into the box, expertly controlled the ball with his right foot, despite the pressure from a South Korean defender. In a moment of confusion, the center-back and the rushing goalkeeper collided with each other, leaving Yang Yang clear.
With a quick feint, Yang Yang sidestepped the last remaining defender before slotting the ball calmly into the empty net with his left foot—3-0!
Yang Yang pointed toward Chen Tao in celebration, running back towards his teammates before racing off the pitch in pure excitement.
"The game is as good as done! The game is as good as done!" shouted the commentator, his voice filled with emotion.
"The Chinese team leads by three goals! It's safe to say the victory is in their hands now."
"This performance tonight proves beyond any doubt that the National Youth Team's place in the final isn't just luck. We have the quality to back it up. A three-goal win over South Korea is the ultimate proof."
"And of course, it confirms what we've seen from Yang Yang all along—he truly is a generational talent, a beacon of hope for Chinese football. Under his leadership, there's a real sense that the future looks bright."
The broadcast cameras focused on the Chinese players, who celebrated joyfully near the sidelines. Yang Yang was at the center of it all, surrounded by his teammates, their chants echoing through the stadium. The fans in the stands joined in the celebrations, cheering and singing with pride.
While they represented their country on the pitch, this victory was for every fan back home who had long awaited such a moment.
The camera lingered on Yang Yang's youthful face, full of potential and promise.
It was as though you could read one word in his expression: hope.