Xinhua News Agency, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, March 23 (Reporters Xiao Shiyao, Su Xiaopo) On the 23rd, the press conference before the ninth round of the World Cup qualifiers top 12 match between the Chinese men’s football team and the Saudi team was held in Sharjah. National football coach Li Xiaopeng said that after training, the team’s state has been greatly improved. The match with Saudi Arabia on the 24th is a “strangle battle”, and the team will fight to the end.
At present, the Chinese team has missed the World Cup, and the Saudi team ranked first in the group will advance directly as long as they win this round. In this regard, Li Xiaopeng said: “Although the opportunity to enter the World Cup has been lost, I have always emphasized that all players must fight for the face of Chinese football.”
“Tomorrow’s game will be very tough, it will be a strangulation, the opponent wants to win, and of course we also hope to win. (I will) use some tough players who want to fight, dare to fight, and can fight to the end. At least To show that the team is strong and willful, this is the minimum game requirement.” Li Xiaopeng said.
Regarding the game plan, Li Xiaopeng said that the team will pay attention to the balance of offense and defense: “The most important thing is balance. We must attack when we should attack in the game, and we must also strengthen the offense while defending. attacked.”
“All the players are doing their best, and they are very devoted to training. The players’ condition has been greatly improved. I hope the players can perform 100% and have a good result.” Li Xiaopeng said.
The head coach of the Saudi team, Renard, said that the closer the team is to the World Cup, the more focused it must be: “Every game in this group is very difficult, we respect the Chinese team, and now we need to focus and maintain our performance. If the team is in good shape, we can qualify for the World Cup.”