U22 National Football Team Gathers for Intensive Training: Beautiful Xi’an Awaits the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Reporter Chen Yong reporting On August 25, the U22 National Football Team gathered officially in Xi’an and started training on the 26th. The team’s preparation is well-organized, emphasizing tactical and technical readiness alongside two daily practice sessions. Currently, the U22 Asian Cup qualifiers are in their final five-day countdown. On September 3, the U22 team will face East Timor in their opening match, followed by a game against the Northern Mariana Islands on the 6th, and finally a decisive battle with Australia on the 9th.

The U22 National Team assembled on August 25 and began training the same day. Recently, the team has been training twice a week, with a strong focus on tactical drills. As this is a natural continuation from the league to the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, the players’ competitive condition remains excellent.

This year, the U22 National Team has held three training camps: during the March international match window, they trained and participated in the Yancheng Four Nations Tournament. The team performed exceptionally well, drawing 0-0 with Uzbekistan U22 in their first match, winning a classic 1-0 victory over South Korea U22 in the second, and drawing 0-0 with Vietnam U22 in the last. They finished the tournament with one win and two draws, claiming the championship. This competition was crucial for team development and boosting confidence.

In June’s international match window, the U22 team trained in Dalian and then traveled to Belarus for a friendly, drawing 1-1 with the Belarus U21 national team. In early to mid-July, they held another training camp in Dalian. Originally, the team was scheduled to participate in the Weinan International Football Invitational in mid-August, but the event was canceled, causing them to miss a valuable opportunity for team cohesion. However, this had minimal impact as the players continued competing in the professional league last weekend, maintaining their form.

For this U23 Asian Cup qualifier, the U22 team aims to secure a spot in next year’s main tournament. According to the rules, the 11 group winners and the four best runners-up will qualify. For the U22 team, winning all three home matches for a perfect 9 points is the ideal outcome. If they achieve two wins and one draw, including a draw against Australia, considering the relatively weaker Northern Mariana Islands, their chances of advancing remain high. However, if the record is two wins and one loss, the situation could become more uncertain.

According to plans, the final 23-player roster for the U22 National Team is expected to be announced today.

In Xi’an, the event preparations are progressing smoothly, with all aspects thoroughly rehearsed. Xi’an is one of the main cities hosting Chinese national team matches. Although no related matches have been held there in recent years, past experience with games and the National Games has made the city well-prepared for event organization.

One major highlight of the match is the performance of the national players. The U22 team includes many national team members, led by rising star Wang Yudong. With Hu Hetao returning from injury and being called up again, these two key players make the U22 squad especially noteworthy. Additionally, the team features players like Bai Helamu, Yu Jinyong, Wang Shiqin, Liu Haofan, Wumitijiang, Kuai Jiwen, and Xu Bin, all of whom have been selected for the national team before. In total, nine players in the U22 squad have national team experience, with five having been called up in June. The team also includes other outstanding league performers such as Xiang Yuwang.

Another major attraction is the debut of the Shaanxi International Football Center, China’s first professional football stadium in the northwest region and currently the only one there. It seats 60,000 spectators and stands out with its unique blend of classical and modern design, unlike the somewhat repetitive, purely modern stadiums. The design incorporates rich traditional cultural elements inspired by the “Zhou and Qin Sacred Halls, Han and Tang Majesty” concept. The square main structure and circular dome reflect the ancient Chinese cosmology of “round heaven and square earth.” Modern technologies include advanced lighting systems and environmentally friendly structural features.

It is also pleasing that while much of the country experiences the harsh late summer heat, Xi’an currently enjoys a crisp and pleasant autumn climate. For example, on August 29, temperatures range from 17 to 21 degrees Celsius, creating a very comfortable environment. Weather forecasts indicate some temperature fluctuations during the competition period, but overall it will remain clear and cool—ideal not only for the players but also for fans coming to Xi’an to enjoy the city’s most beautiful autumn scenery.