Last-second victory over Tajikistan, U23 national team's old problems persist

Reporter Lu Mi reports The China Team International Youth Invitational began on June 6, as the U23 national team faced Tajikistan U23 in Zunyi. Throughout the match, the U23 squad maintained firm control of the game but struggled to break the deadlock. Coach Antonio made several substitutions in the second half, and in the 96th minute of stoppage time, substitute Zhang Zhixiong provided an assist for He Yiran, who headed in a last-gasp winner. The U23 national team ultimately secured a 1-0 victory, earning a winning start to the June invitational.

From the opening whistle, the Chinese team seized control of the tempo, continuously pressuring the opponent's defense and dominating the flow of the game. First-half statistics showed the U23 side held 71% possession, enjoyed clear superiority, earned two corner kicks, and recorded four shots with one on target. In contrast, Tajikistan U23 relied heavily on a deep, compact defensive block, hunkering down in their own box and managing only one speculative long-range effort, offering virtually no effective attacking threat. After the match, Antonio stated that the team managed to pin the opponent in their own half for extended periods and dictate play, fulfilling his pre-match requirements.

On the offensive front, the U23 national team adopted a more aggressive approach than in previous matches, actively carrying the ball forward and creating multiple dangerous opportunities. In the 8th minute, Bao Shengxin applied high pressure, blocking the opponent's goalkeeper's clearance and nearly forcing a mistake that could have led to a goal. In the 15th minute, Xiang Yuwang headed just over the crossbar from close range. Throughout the first half, the U23 side had several clear chances in front of goal, but either missed the target or shot straight at the keeper, highlighting room for improvement in finishing.

At the same time, due to the opponent's packed defense, aggressive physical challenges, and frequent tactical fouls, the Chinese team's wide breakthroughs were inefficient, and the attacking rhythm was repeatedly disrupted. This was a major factor preventing the U23 side from converting their dominance into goals.

At halftime, the U23 national team made no personnel changes. Starting from the 66th minute, Antonio began making targeted substitutions. He first brought on Li Suda and Liao Rongxiang to replace Wang Shiqin and Jin Yonghao. Then, in the 72nd minute, he introduced Mutalifu and Zhang Aihui for Bao Shengxin and Wu Miti Jiang, making adjustments at both ends of the pitch to bolster wing attacks and midfield organization. However, a substitution in the 80th minute changed the course of the game: the introduction of Zhang Zhixiong and Du Yuezheng revitalized the offensive rhythm, enhancing the team's attacking structure and intensity.

Throughout the match, the Chinese team laid siege to the goal, missing several golden opportunities but maintaining relentless pressure and showing great patience, which set the stage for the dramatic winner. In the final minute of stoppage time, substitute Zhang Zhixiong delivered a precise, high-quality cross from the left flank, and the onrushing He Yiran quickly latched onto it, leaping high just outside the six-yard box to nod the ball into the bottom corner for a last-second winner—his first career goal. This strike shattered the opponent's hopes of holding out for a draw and underscored Antonio's astute tactical adjustments in the second half.

Based on the full-match statistics and flow of play, the Chinese U23 men's team enjoyed overwhelming superiority, ending with 73% possession, 11 shots, and three on target. Their opponents, Tajikistan, managed just one shot with none on target, posing almost no threat to the Chinese defense. The U23 side achieved a pass completion rate of 85.6%, with Shandong Taishan midfielder Yimulan standing out. Yimulan delivered an impressive performance, recording seven successful tackles, completing 69 passes, and providing one key pass while playing the full 90 minutes, earning widespread praise from fans.

Of course, these statistics also reflect lingering issues with the team's attacking efficiency. Relying heavily on wide play and low crosses, they earned eight corner kicks but failed to convert any into goals. Moreover, similar to the U23 Asian Cup, the player who opened the scoring was once again a defender. In his post-match summary, Antonio pointed out: "The opportunities we created after entering the final third—their utilization and finishing—need to be further improved."