World Cup of Great Powers

After the Mexican team lost 2-3 to the Chinese team in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, they were slammed by the domestic media like an "avalanche".

The shocking headline of Mexico's largest football newspaper "Fans" translates to only two words: "National humiliation!".

The newspaper reported: "Hopefully this defeat will wake up the fans who are addicted to the past glory. This will be a bloody lesson for the national team."

"Renovation Daily" said, "The loss to an Asian team invited by the Far East is not just a simple loss, it is a failure of Mexican football as a whole."

Mexicans far away in North America will naturally not take the initiative to learn about the current situation of Asian teams.

They just feel that for an American team, losing to an Asian team is really a shameful thing.

What's more, it is still in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which has won three championships.

Compared with the bad news in Mexico, the domestic media's response was mediocre.

The Chinese team entered the final?
What final?
CONCACAF Gold Cup?
What is this game?
Cup in North America?

So why did the Chinese team join in the fun in the past?
After learning that the Chinese team defeated Mexico and entered the final, the first reaction of most fans was why the Chinese team can participate in the North American Cup, rather than what it means to the Chinese team to enter the cup.

However, under the explanations of Huang Jianxiang, Ji Yuyang and other big football players, the fans gradually realized that their team was not going to North America for training, but to participate in a real cup game.

After realizing it, the joy of defeating Mexico is only spread among those true fans of the national football team.

In particular, Qu Shengqing broke through the gate of Huadie Campos with his first shot. This video clip was played repeatedly in "Football Night", which left a deep impression on fans of this era.

So much so that Campos retired from the national team at the end of the year, and Chinese fans joked that he was stimulated by the Chinese striker.

Of course, Campos came back in 02 to represent Mexico's second goal in the World Cup.

After a thorough understanding of this cup, the fan group did not show much joy.

Over the years, the Chinese team has participated in many cup games that fans are not familiar with.

Like the Dunhill Cup, the Chinese team also won the championship.

So after seeing that the final opponent of the Chinese team was only the "little-known" team of Colombia, the fans still responded mediocrely.

Because at this moment, the attention of the fans is all focused on the Asian Cup that Lebanon is about to "give up".

"Hey, have you heard? We are going to host the Asian Cup!"

"Asian Cup? Isn't it held in Lebanon in the second half of the year?"

"Yes! I heard that the stadium in Lebanon has not been built yet, and they are always fighting there, so the AFC is planning to change the location."

"Switch to China?"

"That's right. During the last selection, it was stipulated that we should be the substitute host country for Lebanon. Now Lebanon can't do it, why shouldn't we do it?"

"Haha, it would be great if we could do it here. If we compete on our own turf, we will be sure to win the Asian Cup this time!"

Don't look at Zhang Jilong's immediate rejection of the proposal at the first meeting held by the AFC for this matter.

But this is all out of safety considerations.

After returning to China, Zhuxie held several non-stop meetings about hosting the Asian Cup to discuss the possibility of taking over.

Wang Junsheng: "If it wasn't for Lao Xu's sudden illness, we would have lost to Lebanon in the vote in 96? This Asian Cup should have been held by us!"

In the conference room, everyone nodded.

It was originally planned to hold an Asian Cup in the millennium.

"The problem now is that the remaining time is too short."

"What's more, we have already planned to bid for the next Asian Cup. If the Asian Cup in 04 can be successfully bid, there is no need to take over this year."

"Anyway, that's the thing, that's the situation."

"Give everyone 5 minutes to discuss and think."

"Five minutes later, we vote with a show of hands."

After 5 minutes of brainstorming, the vote was 4 to 6.

4 people agreed and 6 people opposed it.

Compared with this number, Wang Junsheng's vote seems not so important.

But Wang Junsheng did not express his position immediately.

"Old Yan, why do you object?"

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Duo rubbed his eyes and stretched out a finger.

"First of all, as Zhu Xi said, this is too abrupt."

"We are not a small country like Lebanon, and there are many important meetings in this millennium."

"If it is undertaken, no matter what, there must be five cities showing up?"

"However, it is a long and complicated procedure for the city to apply for the undertaking. It is uncertain whether it will be approved in the end, and there may even be a possibility of temporary change."

"Secondly, there's the stadium."

"The stadium that hosts the Asian Cup has certain requirements for turf and fan accommodation. Looking at the existing stadiums, we don't have a few stadiums that comply. This involves expansion or building a new one."

"This is not a small project, and even if you have money, you may not be able to handle it."

"If it is forced to be held, it is very likely to damage the honor of our country."

"It's the third one." Yan Duo stretched out his third finger, "Aren't we bidding to host the Asian Cup in 04? I heard that the bid has almost been won, right?"

Seeing Zhang Jilong nodding over there, Ye Shiduo continued: "In this case, then we might as well hold the 04 session honestly, and don't make any troubles at that time, which will cause our bid to fail."

Speaking of this, I didn't forget to glance at Xu Fang with a lot of gum.

"In 04, we will be fully prepared and publicized in place. Both economic benefits and international influence will be the highest, and the income from winning the championship locally will be the greatest!"

After Eye Gum Duo finished speaking, everyone present nodded.

"Old Xu, tell me, why did you agree to hold it?"

Xu Fang, who was named, coughed lightly, and then also stretched out a finger.

"It was originally planned to host the Asian Cup on home soil in the Millennium."

"To be able to hold such a match in China in such a special era of the century is a rare opportunity for our football career and football spirit."

"Secondly, the reason why Lebanon cannot continue to host is that economic and national stability factors prevail."

"If we can take over at this time, it will be a great opportunity to show our country's national strength to the world, and it is also our responsibility as a big country."

"This is the third one." Speaking of this, Xu Fang grinned at the corner of his mouth, revealing a smile that sent chills down the spine of everyone present.

"Just like what Lao Yan said just now, our current focus of work is all on bidding for the 04 session."

"But isn't it decided that we will hold it?"

"Since this is the case, why can't we talk to the AFC, if we are allowed to host this Asian Cup, then the right to host the next Asian Cup must be ours!"

"In this way, don't the fish and the bear's paw belong to us?"

As soon as Xu Fang said this, the meeting room fell silent.

Everyone looked at me and I looked at you, and they all saw a trace of consternation in each other's eyes.

From the point of view of politics, Ye Shiduo, Nan Yong and others have always been at odds with Xu Wang.

Not only is some decision-making self-sufficient, but also some strategic goals that require collective discussion will "sing the opposite tune" with Xu and Wang.

Don't look at Wang Junsheng as bamboo shoes and bamboo mats.

But Yan and Nan are also looking for an opportunity to join him in the army and take the opportunity to take the stage.

But this time, even Yan and Nan were silent on Xu Fang's proposal.

Normal people's thinking is that if China hosts the Asian Cup, it will naturally give up the right to host the next Asian Cup.

In other words, hosting the Asian Cup is an "honor".

But according to Xu Fang's thinking, hosting the Asian Cup is more like a task.

In this way, hosting the Asian Cup is no longer the "grace" of the AFC, but a responsibility as a major Asian country.

If China can really host the Asian Cup flawlessly for two consecutive times, it will be a great encouragement to the entire Chinese football!

In addition to the overall impact on the football career, economic benefits, national publicity, and even personal promotions for officials on duty are all hard-won opportunities.

So even though they always disagreed with King Xu on most matters, Yan and Nan couldn't help but think carefully about Zheng Zhihe's economic interests.

"I object!" Zhang Jilong, who was part of King Xu's faction, raised his hand at this time.

"As Yan Zhuxi said just now, if we host this Asian Cup, not only will it be a problem to choose a city, but we will not be fully prepared for the venue and infrastructure."

"May I ask these two questions, how will Xu Zhuxi solve them?"

"That's easy."

Xu Fang smiled slightly, his face still filled with firm confidence.

"Because we temporarily took over the hosting of this Asian Cup, we can completely avoid the two cities of Xiangjing and Modu on the grounds of time constraints, and place the venues in Shenyang, Dalian, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. Wait."

"The football atmosphere in these places is already strong, and the local governments are also very supportive. If it is really going to be held at that time, maybe they will come to us to apply for a place."

What Xu Fang said is very reasonable.

In the case of holding an intercontinental competition for the first time, it is generally considered to take the capital and the city with the best economy as the most important display.

In China, due to various reasons, the two places in the capital and Shanghai are the most difficult to approve.

But if it is not considered to be held in these two cities from the beginning, then other cities like Dalian and Shenyang would like to hold an intercontinental event!

"As far as the infrastructure is concerned, it's really too hasty to re-cover the stadium."

"But in terms of expansion, we can still be busy if we hurry up."

"As long as the funds are in place."

"With our infrastructure capabilities, it is no problem to expand several football fields within three to four months!"

"What's more, our place is big, there are many cities, and there are many optional courses."

"Anyway, a total of 12 teams have advanced to the finals. It is completely possible to play one match at a time, just like the last World Cup."

Hearing this, Eye Gum Duo immediately raised his hand.

"Xu Zhuxi, it's easy for you to say."

"You're not in the marketing department, you don't know how difficult it is here, from investment recruitment to construction is no small matter."

"Don't forget, the venue of the Asian Cup has requirements that affect the standard. If it doesn't meet the standard, we will be ashamed!"

Xu Fang smiled slightly, "Don't worry, Yan Zhuxie. Regarding this point, I happen to know a turf manufacturer in Southeast Asia. Their turf is of high quality and cheap, and it is definitely of international standard."

"The rest of the question about the expansion of the stadium, I think there is no shortage of construction teams in our country, right?"

This time, Wang Junsheng, who had been silent all this time, spoke first before his eyes could answer.

When it starts to involve some private resources and economic interests, it is generally not too deep.

"Okay, everyone stop talking."

"Well, let's express our position again."

"Just like what Old Xu said just now, if the city's approval and infrastructure problems can be solved, and on the premise of hosting the Asian Cup twice in a row, do you think it is worth taking over this Asian Cup?"

The room was silent for more than a minute. After making eye contact, everyone raised their hands.

Wang Junsheng glanced at it, 6 to 4, completely reversed from the previous one.

"In this case, let's prepare in this direction first."

"Don't be caught off guard when the time comes."

"Old Xu, most of the premise of this matter was mentioned by you."

"So you have to pay more attention to urban screening and infrastructure issues, and you can't burden other colleagues, understand?"

Xu Fang nodded fiercely.

After the meeting, Wang Junsheng found Zhang Jilong in private, and said in a dissatisfied tone:

"Old Zhang, what's your situation? Why are you against it twice in a row?"

Zhang Jilong smiled wryly, "Brother Wang, it's not like you don't know, what's the use of us arguing in full swing here?"

"Can you take over, don't you have to see if Lebanon lets go?"

At this moment, Xu Fang came from behind the two of them.

"Old Zhang, you don't understand this!"

Xu Fang smiled slightly, "If we really want to take over, do we still need him to speak up? What do you do as the vice president of the AFC?"

Hearing this sentence, Zhang Jilong trembled all over.

Then he said with a wry smile: "Old Xu, you are still a veteran!"

Xu Fang sighed: "Since God gave me a second chance, then no matter what, I must make up for my previous mistakes!"

On the other hand, the CONCACAF Gold Cup has also entered the final stage.

But at this moment, Li Tie obediently knocked on the door of Zeng Zheng's room.

Seeing that Jin Chi and the other two were also in the room, they stuttered for a long time without uttering a word.

Although Li Tie's hesitation could be seen, Zeng Zheng didn't care.

"Tiezi, tell me something, there is no outsider in this room."

With Zeng Zheng's affirmation, Li Tie glanced at Jin Chi and the two again, this time Li Tie stumbled and said:
"Zeng, boss Zeng."

"The club, send me a letter from the club, let, let me go back to the game."

Go back to kick the club?

When the two of Jin Chi heard this, their eyebrows immediately raised.

Just about to refuse, but considering that Zeng Zheng was still on the side, he didn't say anything.

Zeng Zheng snorted lightly when he heard the words.

"Tiezi, what's the matter with you?"

"Forgot what happened a few days ago?"

"Trinidad and Tobago's striker York insisted on returning to Manchester United and Leeds United to compete for the top spot. As a result, the Tobago coach was furious and expelled him from the national team in a fit of anger."

"You kid is committing crimes against the wind!"

Hearing "expulsion", Li Tie panicked instantly.

He looked at Zeng Zheng complainingly, as if to say: I spoke with your approval!
think about it.

The head coach of Tobago is so angry. In China at that time, which coach was willing to let him go?

In China, this may rise to the issue of "Zheng Zhi"!
Seeing that Li Tie was about to cry, Zeng Zheng said, "Seeing how wronged you are, I know you are also in a hurry."

"Exactly, Coach Jin and Coach Chi are here."

"If you really have difficulties, tell the two coaches, Jin Chi, directly."

"If the reason is good, I think the two of them will not embarrass you!"

Hearing Zeng Zheng's words, both Jin Chi's eyebrows were crooked.

Hello Zeng Zheng.

Are you waiting for us here together?

Is there any other good reason for this?
It's not enough to say that you don't participate in the national team's game to play for the club!

What do you mean I don't embarrass others?
Didn't you let us sit on wax?

And it's fine if Li Tie is a substitute who can't play.

He is the main midfielder!

General Fan didn't say he would go back to the club to play football. You, a "newcomer to the national football team", dare to ask for such a leave?

Seeing that Li Tie was really looking at him, Jin Chi and the two of them looked coldly, and they almost said "no".

Encouraged by Zeng Zheng, Li Tie still took a deep breath and said slowly.

"Coach Jin, Coach Chi, Sevilla is now at a critical stage of relegation."

"If I don't go back, the club might be relegated to West Second Division."

After being relegated in the 96-97 season, Sevilla has been in the second division for two years.

After the introduction of Li Tie, he won the fourth place in the league in the 98-99 season, and then double-killed his opponents in the two promotion rounds with Villarreal and successfully advanced to La Liga.

It can be said that Li Tie is the hero of Sevilla's advancement.

But this season, Sevilla's performance in La Liga has not been very good, and Li Tie's iron gate has also been struggling in the midfield.

After returning to China to compete in the past few days, Sevilla immediately lost two games in a row.

In this case, as long as the coach is not stupid, he will understand the importance of Li Tie.

Calling Li Tie back to compete is naturally reasonable.

"Tiezi, don't you take yourself too seriously?" Jin Zhiyang spoke first.

"That's right, and if Sevilla is going to be relegated, one more you is not too much, and one less you is a lot, it's not bad, right?" Chi Shangbin also echoed.

"It's almost time for the final."

"Can't you finish this game before leaving?"

"When you win this cup, when you return to the club, won't you be reused by the head coach?"

"What's more, this is the national team's game, Tiezi, don't you always think that the national team's game is proud?"

Seeing that Jin Chi and the other two were about to give Li Tie a lesson in thinking and Zheng Zhi, at this moment, Zeng Zheng suddenly said:

"Yes, Tiezi, if you want to ask for leave, it's useless to tell us."

"Mr. Ladd is the head coach."

"You can only go if he agrees to let you go."

After finishing speaking, Zeng Zheng gave Li Tie a wink.

Li Tie, who received Zeng Zheng's signal, immediately bowed to Jin Chi and the two, and then fled the room like flying.

Halfway through the conversation, seeing Li Tie leave, both Jin Chi and Jin Chi looked at Zeng Zheng angrily.

"Coach Zeng, what do you mean?"

"I don't mean anything, the two coaches." Zeng Zheng laughed, "I'm just a consultant, and the meaning of a consultant is to give correct advice when some people in the team don't understand the situation."

"Tiezi wanted to leave the team, but he found the three of us. It must not work! You must ask the head coach!"

"I think Ou Chuliang was expelled from the team back then, so we have to follow the rules, don't you think?"

Zeng Zheng's words made Jin Chi and his face flushed.

After a while, Jin Zhiyang managed to say a word: "Coach Zeng, don't forget, the final is coming soon!"

Regarding this, Zeng Zheng said leisurely: "Two coaches, it's just like what you just said."

"If we lose in the final, one more Li Tie is not too much, and one less Li Tie is not much."

"Believe in our own strength!"

"It's time to let go, just let go!"