Liaoning U18 Men’s Football Team Wins Gold at the 15th National Games! Zhang Yaokun: This Gold Medal Was Reserved Long Ago

By Li Jiangwen / Photo

Reporter Wang Wei reporting from Shenzhen When Shandong’s sixth penalty taker missed, Zhang Yaokun finally showed a smile. The score was 5-4, and Liaoning had triumphed! Twenty-four years earlier, Zhang won the title as a player in Guangzhou; now as a coach, he brought home Liaoning’s first football gold at the 15th National Games. After the match, Zhang disclosed that this gold medal was already secured in their plans.

The gold medal match extended late into the night, decided by penalty shootouts after extra time. Back at the team’s base, Zhang Yaokun posted three photos on social media: the first showed him as a Liaoning player winning the 9th National Games in Guangzhou in 2001; the second was a photo of the current National Games gold medal; the third was the group photo after winning the 15th National Games. The caption read: “In 2001, as a Liaoning player, I won the National Games championship in Guangzhou; 24 years later, as the head coach of Liaoning in Shenzhen, I won the National Games gold again. Coincidentally, both times were in Guangdong. Grateful and thankful!”

By Li Jiangwen / Photo

Zhang Yaokun has ties to Guangdong. After Shide dissolved in 2013, he joined Guangzhou R&F and continued playing in the Chinese Super League for many years as captain. Retiring at the end of 2018, he returned to Dalian. Many called Liaoning a dark horse, but in reality, the Liaoning delegation had “reserved” this gold medal early on—this confidence came from Zhang’s excellent coaching. Step by step, Liaoning advanced, and Zhang became the champion coach.

In the group stage, Liaoning was in the same group as the host Guangdong team. After winning the first two rounds, they drew 0-0 with Guangdong in the third, finishing top of the group on goal difference. In the quarterfinals, they narrowly defeated Shaanxi 1-0 to reach the semifinals. After two thrilling penalty shootouts in the semis and final, Zhang and his players stood on the highest podium.

“Indeed, many called Liaoning a dark horse, but when we came to Shenzhen for the National Games, our goal was the championship,” Zhang said on the night of their victory. “Of course, before the tournament, many people doubted us, but honestly, we believed in ourselves. We have many talented players. Although our squad may not be the strongest on paper, the team is very united. Their fighting spirit and tactical execution were excellent!”

By Li Jiangwen / Photo

During the championship run, Liaoning had two major highlights: first, they conceded zero goals in open play across six matches; second, in both the semifinal and final penalty shootouts, they substituted in backup goalkeeper Ju Mingze before the shootouts, and in both matches, Liaoning emerged victorious.

After the match, an expert commented that Liaoning’s coaching staff had studied the entire tournament process in great detail, with every step tightly connected and flawlessly executed, accurately managing the whole competition. “Only those who have experienced winning cup or National Games titles can apply such expertise so well.”

Regarding the zero goals conceded in open play, Zhang said that good defense is fundamental. “The two finalists were the teams that conceded the fewest goals in this tournament. We didn’t concede any, while Shandong conceded one. Under such a harsh format, defense is key. First, you must not lose, and I think that’s very important.”

By Li Jiangwen / Photo

Substituting the goalkeeper in the final moments of extra time was also planned. “If it went to penalties, we were prepared to change the goalkeeper. This was part of our coaching staff’s strategy and contingency plan,” Zhang explained.

In Liaoning’s coaching staff, besides Zhang Yaokun, assistant coach Li Wenbo was also a defensive pillar for Guangzhou R&F. Zhang believes this setup helps strengthen the team’s defense. “We both come from defensive backgrounds, so we have more insight into building a solid defensive system.”

“In this final, overall strength-wise, we were slightly weaker than our opponents. So our game plan was not to concede goals. Scoring would be a bonus, but if not, we absolutely could not concede,” Zhang said. “The kids fought hard for 120 minutes. Defending well takes a lot of effort and is exhausting, but they did an excellent job.”

Reflecting on winning through penalty shootouts, Zhang admitted luck played a part but emphasized skill and mental strength. “From the semifinal onward, I told the players winning on penalties isn’t just luck, but requires ability. After 120 minutes, players are physically exhausted and under great psychological pressure. Standing at the penalty spot and taking responsibility is tough, and scoring under that pressure is even harder. So yes, luck is involved, but it’s far from the only factor.”

Zhang Yaokun and Shandong’s head coach Zhou Haibin both won National Games gold as players and are very familiar with each other. After the match, they embraced immediately. “Haibin and I trained together in the same professional coaching class and were teammates on the national team. In the future, I hope more local coaches can work hard and reach higher stages.”

By Li Jiangwen / Photo

Zhang Yaokun, 44 years old, is from Dalian. “I started my professional career in Dalian, had my career highlights there, was called up to the national team from this platform, and all my best moments happened in Dalian. After retiring, I returned here to work in youth training. I hope through my efforts to contribute to youth development and nurture good players to help revive Dalian and Liaoning football,” Zhang said.

At the beginning of 2023, Zhang took over this group of players with less than 10 days before leading them to compete in the Zhuhai Member Association Cup. “At that time, I barely knew them. For nearly two years afterward, I’ve been with them constantly.”

Twenty-four years ago, Zhang won the championship as a player for Liaoning. The difference now is, “Back then we were 20 years old; now the players I coach are 17 or 18, about two years younger, and the 9th National Games Liaoning team was extremely strong.”

Zhang showed the current players a video from that time. “The 2001 Liaoning team is incomparable to this one. We had about ten players from the national youth team, including Xu Liang, Wang Xinxin, and overage players like Sun Jihai and Zhao Junzhe. Our lineup was truly powerful, and our only goal in the competition was to win the championship. Finishing second was considered failure.”

The current Liaoning U18 team competing in the 15th National Games is competitive and can challenge any domestic team, but they don’t have guaranteed wins. “Of course, no team dares say they can definitely beat us, and that’s the foundation of why Liaoning fought to the end,” Zhang said.

Coaching youth teams, Zhang feels he and peers like Zhou Haibin and Tao Jin have natural advantages. “These kids are about to step from youth teams into professional leagues. Haibin, Tao Jin, and I can share our playing experience, knowledge, and football philosophy learned after retirement. They will learn from the good and discard the bad.”

By Li Jiangwen / Photo

Zhang said when demonstrating techniques during training, as long as it doesn’t involve large-scale running, he’s fine. “This is our advantage because we have experienced these things. For players aiming for professional leagues, what we share is very useful.”

Winning the U18 men’s football gold at the 15th National Games is Zhang Yaokun’s first national championship as a coach. “For me, it’s encouragement, and the same for these players. Liaoning football is no longer at its peak but in a rebuilding phase. I believe this championship is an encouragement for Liaoning football. With effort, we can do very well. I hope this title marks a new beginning for Liaoning football to thrive. Personally, this National Games gold is a great start.”

Zhang noted that in the past, Liaoning and Dalian football achieved great success and produced many outstanding national players. Although they have faced setbacks and lows, the future is promising. “I believe both Liaoning and Dalian deserve to have teams competing in the upper middle tier of the Chinese Super League.”