World Cup of Great Powers

After the Mexican team lost to the Chinese team 2-3 in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, it suffered an avalanche of criticism from the domestic media.

The headline of Mexico's largest football newspaper, "El Fan", is shocking. When translated, there are only two words: "National humiliation!".

The newspaper reported: "I hope this defeat can wake up the fans who are obsessed with the glory of the past. This will be a bloody lesson for the national team."

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

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

They just think that for an American team, losing to an Asian team is really a shame.

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

Compared with the negative response in Mexico, the response from the domestic media was mediocre.

Did the Chinese team reach the final?

What final?

CONCACAF Gold Cup?

What kind of competition is this?

North American Cup?

So why did the Chinese team join in the fun?

After learning that the Chinese team defeated Mexico and reached the final, the first reaction of most fans was why the Chinese team could participate in the North American Cup, rather than what it meant to the Chinese team to enter the cup.

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

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

In particular, Qu Shengqing's first shot broke through the door of Butterfly Campos. This video clip was played repeatedly on "Football Night" and 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 some Chinese fans joked that he was stimulated by the Chinese striker.

Of course, Campos came back to represent Mexico's second goal team in the World Cup in 2002, but that's all a story later.

After thoroughly understanding this cup competition, the fan base did not show much joy.

Over the years, the Chinese team has participated in many cup competitions that are unknown to fans.

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

So after seeing that the Chinese team's final opponent was only the "little-known" team Colombia, the fans still had a mediocre response.

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

"Hey, did you hear that? We are going to host the Asian Cup!"

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

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

"Let's change it to China?"

"Yes, during the selection of the last term, it was stipulated that we should be the substitute host country for Lebanon. Now that Lebanon can't host it, why don't we do it?"

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

...

Don't look at the fact that Zhang Jilong rejected the proposal immediately at the first meeting held by the AFC for this matter.

But this is all for safety reasons.

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

Wang Junsheng: "If Lao Xu hadn't suddenly fallen ill, would we have lost to Lebanon in the 1996 vote? We should have hosted this Asian Cup!"

In the conference room, everyone nodded.

Hosting an Asian Cup in the new millennium has been planned for a long time.

"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 bid for the 2004 Asian Cup can be successful, there is no need to take over this one."

"Anyway, that's what it is, and that's the situation."

"Give everyone five minutes to discuss and think."

"In five minutes, we will vote by a show of hands."

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

4 people agreed and 6 people opposed.

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

But Wang Junsheng did not immediately express his position.

"Lao Yan, why do you object?"

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, he 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. There are many important conferences taking place in this millennium."

"If it is hosted, five cities will have to appear no matter what, right?"

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

"The next thing is the stadium."

"The stadium hosting the Asian Cup has certain requirements for turf and fan accommodation. Just looking at the existing stadiums, we don't have many stadiums with regulations. This involves expanding or building a new one."

"This is no small project, and even if you have money, you may not be able to handle it."

"If it is held forcibly, it is likely to damage our country's honor."

"This is the third one." Eyegut extended a third finger, "Aren't we bidding to host the 2004 Asian Cup? I heard that the bid is almost completed, right?"

Seeing Zhang Jilong nodding, he continued to say: "In this case, let's just hold the 2004 session honestly, and don't let anything happen again and cause our bid to fail."

Speaking of this, I didn't forget to glance at Xu Fang.

"By 2004, if we are fully prepared and have adequate publicity, both economic benefits and international influence will be the highest, and the benefits of winning the championship locally will be the greatest!"

After he finished speaking, everyone present nodded.

"Old Xu, tell me why you agreed to host it?"

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Xu Fang coughed slightly after his name was called, and also extended a finger.

"It was originally planned to host the Asian Cup locally in the new millennium."

"Being able to host such an event locally in such a special cross-century era is a rare opportunity for our football career and football spirit to rise."

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

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

"This is the third one." After saying this, Xu Fang twisted his lips and showed a smile that sent chills down the spines of everyone present.

"As Lao Yan said just now, our current focus is entirely on the bid to host the 2004 session."

"But hasn't it been determined yet that we will host it?"

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

"In this case, the fish and the bear's paw are all ours, right?"

As soon as Xu Fang said this, the conference room fell silent for an instant.

Everyone looked at me and I looked at you, and we all saw a hint of shock in each other's eyes.

From a political point of view, Nan Yong and others have always been at odds with Xu and Wang.

Not only is he independent in making some decisions, but he also "sings the opposite tune" from Xu and Wang on some strategic goals that require collective discussion.

Don't look at Wang Junsheng as a bamboo mat with bamboo shoes.

But Yan and Nan were also looking for opportunities to join his army and take the opportunity to come to power.

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

Normal people's thinking is that if China hosts this 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 a "grace" from the AFC, but a responsibility as a major Asian country.

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

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

Therefore, even though they always disagreed with King Xu on most things, considering Zheng Zhihe's financial interests, Yan and Nan could not help but think carefully.

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

"As Yan Zhuxi just said, if we host this Asian Cup, not only is the selection of the city a problem, but we are also not fully prepared for the venue and infrastructure."

"Excuse me, how can Xu Zhuxi solve these two problems?"

"That's easy."

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

"Because we have temporarily taken over the hosting of this Asian Cup, we can use the excuse of time constraints to avoid the two cities of Beijing and Shanghai and place the hosting venue in Shenyang, Dalian, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou Waiting for a place."

"These places already have a strong football atmosphere, and the local governments are also very supportive. If we really want to host it, maybe they will come to us to apply for a quota."

What Xu Fang said makes sense.

When an intercontinental competition is held for the first time, the general consideration is to use the capital and the city with the best economy as the most important showcase.

In China, due to various reasons, it is the most difficult to obtain approval in the capital and Shanghai.

But if hosting in these two cities was not considered from the beginning, then other cities like Dalian and Shenyang would be eager to host an intercontinental event!

"As for the infrastructure issue, rebuilding the stadium is indeed too hasty."

"But when it comes to expansion, we can still get through it if we work harder."

"As long as the funds are available."

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

"What's more, our area is large, with many cities, and there are many courses to choose from."

"Anyway, there are only 12 teams in total that have advanced to the finals. It can be done in one place and one game, just like the last World Cup."

When I heard this, I immediately raised my hands.

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

"You're not from the marketing department, so you don't know how difficult it is. From attracting investment and finding people to construction, it's no small matter."

"Don't forget, the Asian Cup competition venue has certain standards. If it doesn't meet the standards, it will be us who are embarrassed!"

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

"Remaining on the issue of expanding the stadium, I think there is always a shortage of construction teams in our country, right?"

This time, Wang Junsheng, who had been silent all this time, spoke first before he could reply.

When some private resources and economic interests are involved, we generally don’t go into too much detail.

"Okay, everyone, stop talking."

"Okay, let's show our stance again."

"As Mr. Xu said just now, if the problems of city approval and infrastructure can be solved, and on the premise of hosting the Asian Cup twice in a row, do you think it is worth hosting 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 time.

"If that's the 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 brought up by you."

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

This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Xu Fang nodded fiercely.

After the meeting, Wang Junsheng went to Zhang Jilong privately and said with some dissatisfaction:

"Lao Zhang, what's going on with you? Why did you object twice in a row?"

Zhang Jilong smiled bitterly, "Brother Wang, you don't know, what's the point of having a heated argument here?"

"Can we take it over? It depends on whether the Lebanese side will let it go or not."

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

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

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

Hearing these words, Zhang Jilong trembled all over.

Then he smiled bitterly and said: "Old Xu, you are still an expert!"

Xu Fang sighed: "Since God has given me a second chance, I will make up for my previous mistakes no matter what!"

...

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

But at this moment, Li Tie knocked on Zeng Zheng's door.

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

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

"Tiezi, tell me what you have to say. There are no outsiders in this room."

After getting Zeng Zheng's affirmation, he glanced at Jin Chi again, and this time Li Tie stumbled and said:

"Zeng, Mr. Zeng."

"Jiu, the club sent me a letter asking me to go back to the game."

Go back and play club football?

When Jin and Chi heard this, their eyebrows instantly stood up.

I was about to refuse, but considering that Zeng Zheng was still there, I didn't say anything.

Zeng Zheng also sneered lightly when he heard this.

"Tiezi, what's going on with you?"

"Have you forgotten what happened a few days ago?"

"Trinidad and Tobago forward Yorke insisted on returning to Manchester United to compete with Leeds United for the top spot. As a result, the Tobago coach became furious and expelled him from the national team in anger."

"You kid is committing a crime against the odds!"

When he heard "fired", Li Tie panicked instantly.

He looked at Zeng Zheng with a complaining look on his face, as if to say: I spoke with your approval!

think about it.

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

In China, this may rise to the level of "Zheng Zhi" issue!

Seeing that Li Tie was almost crying with grievance, Zeng Zheng said: "Looking at your grievance, I know that you are also anxious."

"Just in time, Coach Jin and Coach Chi are both here."

"If you really have any difficulties, just talk to Coach Jin Chi directly."

"If there is a good reason, I think they won't make things difficult for you!"

Upon hearing Zeng Zheng's words, Jin and Chi both raised their eyebrows in anger.

Good on you, Zeng Zheng.

Are you waiting for us here?

Is there any other good reason for this?

Not participating in the national team competition to play for the club, this is an unreasonable thing!

What does it mean that I don’t make things difficult for others?

Aren’t you asking us to sit on the wax?

And it would be fine if Lee Hyun is a substitute who cannot play.

He is the main defensive midfielder!

General Fan didn't even mention returning to the club to play football. How dare you, a "newcomer to the national football team," ask for such a leave?

Seeing that Li Tie had really set his sights on him, Jin and Chi looked at each other coldly and almost said the word "no".

With Zeng Zheng's encouragement, Li Tie took a deep breath and spoke slowly.

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

"If I didn't go back, the club might be relegated to Segunda División."

Sevilla was relegated in the 1996-97 season and spent two years in Sevilla.

After the introduction of Lee Tie, they finished fourth in the league in the 1998-99 season, and then defeated their opponents in the two-leg promotion round against Villarreal to successfully advance to La Liga.

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

However, Sevilla's performance in La Liga this season has not been very good, and Li Tie has been struggling to support the midfield and backcourt.

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.

It is naturally reasonable to call Li Tie back to compete.

"Tiezi, don't you take yourself too seriously?" Jin Zhiyang was the first to speak.

"Yes, and if Sevilla is to be relegated, if you are one more, it won't be more, if you are less, it won't be a loss, right?" Chi Shangbin also agreed.

"It's almost the finals."

"You can't just finish this game and leave?"

"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 a national team game, Tiezi, haven't you always been proud of the national team game?"

Seeing that Jin and Chi were about to teach Li Tie a lesson on ideology and Zheng Zhi, at this moment, Zeng Zheng suddenly said:

"Yes, Tiezi, if you want to ask for leave, there's no point in telling us."

"Mr. Ladd is the head coach."

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

After saying that, Zeng Zheng winked at Li Tie.

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

Halfway through the conversation, when they saw Li Tie leaving, Jin and Chi both looked at Zeng Zheng angrily.

"Coach Zeng, what do you mean?"

"I don't mean anything, two coaches." Zeng Zheng laughed, "I am just a consultant. The meaning of a consultant is to give correct advice when some people on the team do not understand the situation."

"Tie Zi wants to leave the team, but he finds the three of us. This will definitely not work! We must ask the head coach for instructions!"

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

Zeng Zheng's words made Jin and Chi blush.

After a long while, Jin Zhiyang squeezed out a sentence: "Coach Zeng, don't forget, the finals are about to begin!"

In response, Zeng Zheng said leisurely: "Two coaches, just like what you just said."

"If we lose in the final, one more Li Tie will not be too much, and one less Li Tie will not be a big deal."

"We must believe in our own strength!"

"When it's time to let go, let it go!"