Chapter 957: Group Stage: The First Battle, Listen to the Dragon's Roar
Chapter 957: Chapter 2: Group Stage: The First Battle, Listen to the Dragon’s Roar
40 days, 104 matches, 16 cities across three continents, 48 teams in 12 groups, with 3 teams in each group.
This time, the World Cup held in the US, Canada, and Mexico has avoided the possibility of collusive matches that occurred before, while adding a 1/32 finals phase, which is the Round of 32. Of course, the most frustrating thing is the high temperatures during this period, caused by the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, along with only about half a month of rest after the Champions League final, which is also a test for the players’ bodies.
In this regard, teams from Asia actually have some advantages.
Ancelotti has already laid out his starting lineup, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Hao Chen
Sun Fei, Zhao Mingzhe, Rooney
Li Ji, Zhang Wenxuan
Shi Hai, Chen Zhong, Xu Lei, Xu Ping
Wang Xiaolei
This lineup, in addition to 4 base and 4 show players, also includes two players active in Europe’s top five leagues, one is the central defender Xu Lei from Southampton, and the other is the full-back Xu Ping from Lyon in Ligue 1. Compared to the 4 base and 4 show, and Ding Li who plays for Real Madrid, these two have not received much attention, but they are also very competent players, aged 30 and 29, right at the peak of their careers.
China’s group has already been settled:
China, Belgium, Ghana, Canada
This grouping is rather favorable for the Chinese team. The strength of the Chinese team is no longer what it was in the past as a “world underdog.” With the overall strength of Asian football increasing, South Korea and Japan can wrestle against strong European teams, and China has been able to win the East Asian Cup and Asian Cup among these strong teams, showing their strength.
China’s first-round opponent is Belgium.
Belgium’s strength is not to be underestimated, with a forward line composed of Lukaku, Doku, and Trossard, and a midfield combination of De Bruyne, Onana, and Tielemans who are well-rounded both in attack and defense. In the defense line, De Keijzer, Debast, Faes, and Meunier are also not to be underestimated.
Many think this match could go either way.
However, when the starting lineup was announced, many thought it was likely to end in a draw.
After all, who would have thought that in this game, China’s Chen Zhong would actually appear in the central defender’s position, while Zhao Mingzhe took his most familiar attacking midfielder spot.
Zhao Mingzhe is nicknamed “Smart Fox” and “Chinese Messi.”
He is adept at playing attacking midfielder and shadow striker, and can also slot in as a winger or attacking midfielder. When playing double forwards for the national team, his pairing with Hao Chen can be very powerful.
However, no one had ever imagined Zhao Mingzhe could edge out Chen Zhong from his position.
But Ancelotti has his own ideas. For Ancelotti, facing Belgium’s forwards and midfield, the Chinese defense, lacking experience against top European players, would struggle.
So he needed an anchor.
This decision also drew inspiration from Inter Milan, who like to mix experience with youth. Chen Zhong’s defensive anticipation, tackling ability, and capability to distribute the ball from the back made him the only suitable candidate within the team.
Aztec Stadium, Mexico City
China VS Belgium
The stadium was packed, with countless Chinese fans at the scene, and the stands were a sea of red, making the stadium feel like China’s home ground.
Drums beat rhythmically, and red flags waved.
Chinese fans were cheering in unison for their national team, and when the Chinese players took to the field, the cheers grew even louder.
“CCTV, CCTV!”
“Now bringing you the live broadcast of the 2026 World Cup, the first round of group matches.”
“China vs. Belgium!”
“The Chinese team, wearing red jerseys, has already entered the field.”
“In this match, national team captain Chen Zhong has been assigned by coach Ancelotti to the central defense, indicating his considerable apprehension towards Belgium’s attack.”
This edition of the Chinese team has been dubbed the strongest in history.
Center forward Hao Chen is a classic big forward, at 196cm tall, he’s adept in headers, boasts excellent physical ability, and serves as the main forward of the national team as well as a focal point in the attack. Currently, he is an important bench player for Milan.
On the flanks, Sun Fei and Rooney, Sun Fei plays for Bayer Leverkusen, at 26, his experience and strength are no longer “thin” as in the past, nicknamed “Lightning” and “Flying Wing,” he is the fastest player on the national team, excels in speed to outpace opponents, and possesses good crossing ability, making him an ideal partner for Hao Chen.
Rooney’s passing ability is not outstanding, but his breakthrough ability is commendable, and he has a decent shot and heavy cannon, making him one of the team’s terminators.
There is no need to say much about the attacking midfielder Zhao Mingzhe. Both Li Ji and Zhang Wenxuan are players with outstanding defensive abilities. Of course, Li Ji’s ball distribution isn’t great; he is purely a workhorse player, while Zhang Wenxuan is somewhat mediocre overall. They may not be “superstars,” but they are crucial pieces of the team.
On the defense line, almost all players are capable of securing spots in the top five leagues, considered second-tier players or quasi-first tier in Europe. With Chen Zhong holding the fort, fans can feel more confident.
This clash between the new kings of Asia and the Red Devils of Europe is also drawing a lot of attention from fans.
The thermometer at Aztec Stadium in Mexico City is fixed at 32°C, but the enthusiasm of 78,000 spectators makes the perceived temperature soar close to 40°C.