China News Service, Beijing, March 22 (Reporter Bian Liqun) After a 2:2 draw with Singapore in an away game, the national football team was forced into a dead end again in the process of competing for the World Cup on the evening of the 21st. This time, it took longer than expected. Zhong came a little earlier.

　　The most cruel thing is that when Chinese football was struggling to see hope, it was hit hard by a combination of circumstances. Both the team and the fans know what this draw means.

  The national football team defeated Singapore 2:2 away from home. Image source: Chinese Football Team

no victory

　　Judging from the first half of the game, Ivankovic's adjustments to the national football team after taking office still saw certain results. Li Yuanyi, who frequently succeeds in counterattacks in the frontcourt, and Fernando, who frequently breaks through and poses a threat, have improved the impact of the national football team, which has changed to a diamond midfielder.

　　As Ivankovic said before the game, the world ranking does not mean anything. But in terms of strength, the national football team is still much better than the Singapore team, and striving to win is an inevitable goal. In addition, more goal difference is needed, and it is necessary for the team to adopt this fierce and attacking style of play.

　　It's a pity that Wu Lei missed a must-goal and a penalty kick opportunity. If they can grasp it and expand the score to 3:0 or even 4:0, the Singapore team will not have too much ambition to pursue. However, the score was exactly 2:0.

  Wu Lei in the game. Image source: IC photo

　　To make matters worse, shortly after the start of the second half, the Singaporean team scored a very lucky goal by mistake. Due to the ebb and flow of morale and physical exertion, as the game progresses, the national football midfielder loses more and more control.

　　In this unfavorable situation, the national football team replaced two offensive players Lin Liangming and Wei Shihao, replacing Xie Pengfei and Li Yuanyi, who had a relatively balanced offense and defense. In short, among the four midfielders at this time, only Wang Shangyuan has defensive attributes.

　　Faced with the pounce of the Singaporean team's new players, the national football team's defense, which made continuous mistakes, was broken again at the end of the game. If not for good luck, the final score of the national football team would have been a 2:3 defeat.

　　It can only be said that the time left for Ivankovic is still too limited. After only leading the team for 10 days of training, there is still something questionable about player scheduling.

  Li Yuanyi is in the game. Image source: IC photo

no room

　　As the Thai team in the same group drew with the South Korean team 1:1 in the away game, the national football team that drew with the Singaporean team fell into the worst situation. The only thing to be thankful for is that we didn't lose this game, otherwise the national football team could really announce their preparations for the 2030 World Cup in advance.

　　After the game, Ivankovic said: "I said before, we expected the game to be difficult to play. The team performed well in the first half. I emphasized at halftime that 2-0 is a dangerous score. As long as the opponent scores one, it will happen. Crisis, unfortunately 3 points turned into 1 point. The next game is coming soon, and if we win against Thailand in June, we still have a chance (to advance)."

　　Judging from the current situation, the national football team has reached a dead end again, which is earlier than expected.

　　After all, the national football team previously defeated the Thai team 2:1 in an away game. If it can use two wins against the Singapore team to build a base, then a draw with the Thai team at home in June will qualify. Even in extreme cases, there is a chance of qualifying with a small loss. But the current situation is that the national football team must defeat Singapore and Thailand at home to ensure advancement to the top 18.

  The national football team is in the game. Image source: IC photo

not end yet

　　There is not much chance to breathe. At 20:00 on the evening of the 26th, Beijing time, the national football team will start the second round with the Singaporean team at home in Tianjin.

　　Ivankovic said that the team will next adjust its offense and enhance its offensive efficiency. There are still many things that need to be corrected. As for the substitution idea in this game, he frankly said that it was to keep the team running enough and strive for the third goal.

　　However, judging from the game, against the Singapore team with limited strength, the diamond midfielder of the national football team seemed a bit aggressive. If the opponent is replaced by the Thai team with a sharper attack, the outcome will probably not be good.

　　In addition to the formation of troops, another problem facing Ivankovic is to revive the team's morale in a short period of time.

　　After a disappointing draw, even captain Zhang Linpeng was a little discouraged: "After thinking about it for a long time, I feel it's time to end my national team career. We can't even beat the Singapore team now, and I feel sorry for the fans."

　　In his words, one can feel Zhang Linpeng's unwillingness, helplessness, and extreme self-blame for losing the ball due to his mistakes.

　　As a veteran, Zhang Linpeng has followed the national team throughout the past 10 years and has indeed contributed a lot. But as the captain, making such a statement at a time when the national football team has not completely lost hope of qualifying will be of no benefit to the team's subsequent games.

　　The national football team has indeed reached a point where it needs to be updated. It is a reality that no one is available, but when veterans such as Zhang Linpeng and Yan Junling cannot play, or the results are not as good as expected, it is better to give more opportunities to young players. All these require Ivankovic to carefully weigh.

　　No matter what, now is not the time to give up. For the honor of the national team, for their own careers, and for the many fans who are still holding on, the players should grit their teeth and keep fighting. Not to mention the World Cup, the team must at least reach the top 18 of the Asian preliminaries of the World Cup, giving the young people in the team some valuable competition opportunities and leaving some hope for Chinese football, which cannot afford injuries. (over)