Asian Cup Group A Second Round: China's Fitness Suffices, Qatar Marches On

The second round of the Asian Cup Group A continued on the evening of January 17th, Beijing time. Although China's first match left fans with a mixed impression, their robust defense and improved fitness levels were commendable. For the current Chinese national team, successfully stalling the opponent's offense is already a significant achievement. Hosts Qatar won their opening match with ease, and their second match against a weaker opponent promises to be even smoother. Their star striker Almoez Ali is poised to capitalize on the expanded format of the last two Asian Cups to challenge Ali Daei's record as the tournament's top scorer.

Lebanon vs. China - Fitness as a Strategy

China's first match may not have resulted in a victory, but it generated plenty of discussion among fans. The primary issue was the constant use of long balls. Facing Tajikistan, a team ranked nearly 30 places lower in the FIFA rankings, China resorted to clearing the ball long to the other half, resulting in an almost 100% turnover rate. Fans questioned head coach Aleksandar Janković's tactics. However, when a video surfaced of Janković instructing players to stop using long balls, some fans defended him.

These fans seemed to forget that a coach’s responsibility is not only to devise tactics but also to ensure players understand and practice them. If players cannot execute passing and possession strategies effectively during training, it is unrealistic to expect them to do so in a match, even with a coach's directive. Judging by Janković's composed demeanor on the sidelines, it appears the players were following his instructions. The players' commitment to using long balls suggests this approach was aligned with the coach's strategy.

Another hot topic was the disallowed goal by Zhu Chenjie. From the positioning and movements of Jiang Guangtai at the time of Zhu's header, it was clear he was offside. Jiang was closer to the opponent’s goal than their goalkeeper, thus in an offside position. Although Jiang appeared stationary, he was tussling with the defender, impeding their vision and movement, a clear involvement in the play. Without Jiang in that position, the defender would have had a better view and a chance to clear the ball.

From a tactical standpoint, Janković employed a strategy similar to Japan’s in the World Cup against Germany and Spain, relinquishing control to the opponent and focusing on defense before launching counterattacks in the latter stages of the game when the opponent's stamina wanes. This approach was evident in China’s World Cup qualifier against Thailand, where despite trailing, China managed to turn the game around due to Thailand's faster decline in stamina compared to Tajikistan.

Given that tactical improvement is harder to achieve than physical fitness, prioritizing fitness could be a practical approach. The match against Lebanon is just three days after the Tajikistan game, and if China's fitness is as impressive as in their first match, it would be a testament to the effectiveness of their training in the Middle East.

Lebanon’s first-round performance against hosts Qatar was even more tentative than China’s, resulting in a 0-3 defeat. Lebanon has never progressed beyond the group stage in their previous two Asian Cup appearances and has never scored first in a match. In the last Asian Cup, they secured their first win against North Korea but conceded the first goal. China last played Lebanon in the 2009 Asian Cup qualifiers, winning both matches with clean sheets. However, Lebanon has improved significantly since then, having drawn with South Korea in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers and reaching the final round of 12.

Lebanon’s heavy defeat in their first match means they must go all out against China, but China’s resilience in defense should see them secure a 2-0 victory.

Qatar vs. Tajikistan - Ali's Quest for Scoring Glory

Defending champions Qatar won the last Asian Cup held in the UAE, defeating Japan in the final, which bolstered their confidence ahead of hosting the World Cup. Now, 13 months after hosting the World Cup, Qatar is eager to defend their Asian Cup title. The naturalized players who were pivotal to their World Cup campaign remain in their prime, and Qatar aims to maximize their potential before they age out of peak performance.

The top scorer of the last Asian Cup, Almoez Ali, has continued his fine form into this tournament, contributing a goal and an assist in the opening match, dismantling Lebanon’s defense alongside strike partner Akram Afif. Ali has scored a total of 10 goals in Asian Cup competitions and is well-positioned to surpass Ali Daei’s record of 14 goals to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer.

Tajikistan performed admirably in their debut Asian Cup match, showcasing their agility and speed but lacking precision in their finishing. They created numerous shooting opportunities but failed to convert, reflecting their inability to create clear-cut chances. While China’s attacking moments were limited, their standout plays came from the flanks, with Liu Binbin and Liu Yang showcasing their dribbling skills, and Zhu Chenjie making a strong impression with his headed effort.

From a player quality perspective, Tajikistan still lags behind Qatar. Additionally, any contentious goals similar to those China scored but were disallowed are likely to be upheld in favor of the hosts. Tajikistan must prepare for this reality. Qatar is expected to secure another 3-0 victory, ensuring their place in the knockout stages.

As the tournament progresses, the fitness and strategic adaptability of the teams will be crucial. China's focus on defensive solidity and fitness is a pragmatic approach, while Qatar's potent offense and home advantage make them formidable contenders. The upcoming matches will further shape the narrative of this year's Asian Cup, with fans eagerly watching to see who will rise to the occasion.