Prelude Asian Cup Final

"Our reporter reports that in the semi-final of the Asian Cup, held last night at the Beijing Workers' Stadium, the Chinese national team faced off against one of West Asia's football powerhouses, Iran. After 90 minutes of intense and hard-fought action, the Chinese team secured a 2-1 victory, thanks to a decisive goal from their rising star, Yang Yang." 

"Iran, long regarded as one of the strongest teams in Asia, applied significant pressure on the Chinese team from the outset. Their attacks, especially down the right flank, frequently tested China's defense. Despite this, the Chinese team responded with an energetic performance, particularly in the midfield and forward lines, allowing them to break the deadlock and take the lead." 

"However, Iran quickly equalized, maintaining the intensity of the battle as both teams headed into halftime tied." 

"As the second half began, the match took a dramatic turn when China's main striker, Hao Dong, suffered a head injury during a collision. Despite attempts to stop the bleeding, he was forced to leave the pitch, and the Chinese team had to make a crucial substitution. It was then that Arie Haan made a pivotal decision, pushing the young Yang Yang into a more advanced role." 

"This tactical adjustment unlocked Yang Yang's attacking potential, and it ultimately led to China's victory. At a critical moment in the match, Yang Yang executed a brilliant solo run, dribbling past two Iranian defenders on the wing before deceiving the goalkeeper with a composed left-footed finish. It was a stunning display of skill and composure, a goal that will be remembered as a classic." 

"Following the match, the reporter interviewed former Chinese national team coach Bora Milutinović, who praised the team's performance. Bora, known for his tactical expertise, noted that China's midfield and defense were nearly flawless throughout the game. More importantly, he pointed out that the introduction of Yang Yang addressed China's previously weak offensive output." 

"Bora mentioned that he has been following the Chinese team's progress closely and noted that Yang Yang has been improving game by game. He credited Arie Haan for giving the young player more confidence and responsibility on the field." 

"'One noticeable change,' Bora remarked, 'is that Yang Yang is no longer confined to the wings. He's becoming more active in the penalty area, and that's why he's scored three goals so far in this Asian Cup, tying him with Shao Jiayi as the team's top scorer.'" 

"Bora further highlighted Yang Yang's maturity on the field, saying, 'It's hard to believe that he's only seventeen. His composure, his solid technical skills, and his intelligent passing all point to a player beyond his years. If China can continue to use him effectively, he will be key to their chances of winning the final.'" 

"At the post-match press conference, Arie Haan echoed similar sentiments. He described the semi-final as an exciting contest between two of Asia's strongest teams and expressed his pride in the team's performance." 

"'I didn't give Yang Yang any specific instructions,' Haan admitted. 'I trusted him, gave him the space to play his game, and he didn't disappoint. That goal was a testament to his remarkable individual talent.'" 

"Haan went on to emphasize that Yang Yang's role within the team is evolving. 'He's becoming a vital player for us,' the coach said. 'His importance is growing with each match, and he's already one of the most crucial members of the Chinese national team.'" 

"In a separate interview, Iranian head coach Branko Ivanković acknowledged that he had prepared thoroughly for the match, paying close attention to Yang Yang's movements. 'We knew he was dangerous, and we made a concerted effort to contain him,' Ivanković said. 'But, in the end, we underestimated his ability.'" 

"Speaking further on Yang Yang, Ivanković added, 'He's a fast and sharp player, very strong in one-on-one situations. He's without a doubt the most dangerous component of China's attack. If Japan want to succeed in the final, they'll need to find a way to stop him.'" 

"Having faced both China and Japan in this tournament, Ivanković also offered insight into the upcoming final. He noted that China's strength lies in their wingers and solid defense, particularly in their midfield and backline. However, Japan's advantage lies in their ball control and ability to dictate the pace of the game." 

"'It's going to be a fascinating contest between two contrasting styles,' Ivanković concluded. 'China's defensive solidity and swift counterattacks versus Japan's technical precision and game management. I expect it to be a great match.'" 

... 

... 

At the same time as the main reports aired on the comprehensive and news channels of the national television station, major media outlets both domestically and internationally also covered the Chinese team's victory in the Asian Cup semi-final. 

Reuters published a commentary highlighting the Chinese team's renewed determination in this pivotal match. 

"In the past, whenever the Chinese team found itself under pressure, their performances would falter. But this time, they displayed a clear resolve. Yang Yang's decisive goal came at a crucial moment and lifted the entire team. His strike brought stability to the side and gave everyone the belief they needed. In the end, the Chinese team held their ground and secured a deserved victory." 

The Associated Press offered its perspective, stating that Chinese football was beginning to recover after the disappointment of the 2002 World Cup. The article noted that since Arie Haan took over as head coach in 2003, the Chinese team has gone unbeaten in 19 international matches—a streak that cannot be dismissed as mere luck. 

"The semi-final against Iran showcased the progress this team has made under Arie Haan's leadership. While they are not flawless, their performance was enough to impress. And at the heart of it all was the 17-year-old prodigy, Yang Yang, who played a decisive role in their success." 

Agence France-Presse reflected on the historical significance of this match, drawing attention to China's long journey in the Asian Cup. 

"In 1976, the Chinese team made its first appearance in the Asian Cup; eight years later, in 1984, they reached their first final, only to lose 2-0 to Saudi Arabia. Now, after two decades, the Chinese team is back in the final, poised for glory." 

The report further emphasized China's promising blend of experience and youth, stating, "The current Chinese team boasts a well-balanced combination of veterans and rising talents. Having been baptized by the World Cup, the team is stronger than ever. And with international players like Yang Yang, who has already experienced the pinnacle of European football in the Champions League final, this may be the greatest moment in the history of Chinese football—a moment ripe for a breakthrough." 

Beyond the three major news agencies, domestic media celebrated the semi-final victory with unbridled enthusiasm. Across the nation, fans cheered in the streets, and news outlets filled their pages with glowing praise for the national team. 

During the match against Iran, the Chinese team took a total of 18 shots, compared to Iran's seven, demonstrating China's dominance in terms of creating chances. However, their conversion rate was low, with only five of those shots on target, and Iran managing to score twice from their limited opportunities. 

On balance, the Chinese team was not outplayed by Iran. The two sides competed evenly, but several football pundits noted that the shift in Arie Haan's tactical approach was key. From an all-out attacking strategy in the group stage and quarter-finals, Haan had now found a balance between offense and defense. 

Looking ahead to the final, many experts agreed that China would need to leverage its strengths against Japan, a team known for its possession-based style of play. "Japan enjoys controlling the ball, but China must use its high-pressing game to disrupt Japan's rhythm, particularly in midfield. The key will be to force turnovers and launch quick counterattacks." 

More importantly, Japan's key player, Endo Yasuhito, would be missing from the final due to injury, which gave China a further advantage. With the exception of Hao Dong's head injury, the Chinese team would be at full strength. 

Meanwhile, voices within the domestic football community expressed that China's biggest success at the Asian Cup wasn't merely their results, but the emergence of players like Yang Yang and midfielder Shao Jiayi. 

"Yang Yang, in particular, represents the future of Chinese football," noted a prominent football analyst. "But beyond individual talent, the team has shown something even more important—mental fortitude. Against Iran, they played with courage, knowing when to attack and when to retreat. It reflects a shift in attitude, one of determination and boldness." 

This spirit of confidence and resilience was hailed as a crucial step forward for Chinese football, signaling a new era in which the team could compete on the biggest stages. All eyes were now on the final, where China had the opportunity to solidify their place in history. 

... 

... 

While public opinion at home and abroad largely favored China's chances after their semi-final victory, there were still some voices of skepticism. 

South Korea's head coach, Jo Bonfrere, who had confidently predicted that China would lose to Iran, was left eating his words after China's 2-1 victory. Yet, after the match, Bonfrere remained critical, attributing China's win to luck. "It was Yang Yang's individual brilliance that changed the game. But in football, you cannot rely on one player for everything." 

When asked about China's chances in the final against Japan, Bonfrere was blunt: "China has no chance. Japan is a different beast entirely." 

Meanwhile, Japan's coach, Zico, exuded confidence in an interview with the media. Despite being without several key players, including foreign-based stars, Zico insisted that Japan remained the strongest team in Asia. "Even with our substitute team, we will beat China in the final and win the championship." 

Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura echoed this confidence, expressing relief that Japan would face China rather than Iran in the final. "China's win over Iran was the best possible news for us. Compared to the mighty Iran, we are much more willing to play against the Chinese team. We are confident that we'll secure our third Asian Cup title." 

Japan's captain, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, struck a more measured tone. He acknowledged that Japan's journey to the final had been a challenging one, with every match proving difficult. "Reaching the final was no easy task, but we've grown stronger and more united as a team with each game. Now, we're fully prepared for the final." 

Miyamoto added, "We want to play fair and win the trophy." 

His comment, however, sparked a wave of mockery among Chinese fans, who quickly pointed out the controversial nature of Japan's quarter-final win over Jordan. "Fair? Tell that to Jordan after the quarter-final shootout!" some fans quipped online, referring to the controversial decision to change the penalty spot during Japan's victory over Jordan in the shootout. 

... 

... 

Despite the buzz and media frenzy surrounding the upcoming final, Yang Yang and his national teammates remained unaffected by the external distractions. They kept their focus firmly on football. 

It was only during a casual phone conversation with Wei Zheng that Yang Yang learned of the mounting interest from domestic companies and brands, eager to sign him up for endorsements. However, Yang Yang had little interest in the business side of things. He trusted Wei Zheng to handle all these matters and left it entirely in his hands. 

Meanwhile, coming from Europe, his agent Mino Raiola had called with news of renewed interest from Nike. The sports giant had re-entered negotiations for a personal sponsorship deal with Yang Yang, and Raiola's excitement was palpable over the phone. 

"Didn't I tell you before?" Raiola's voice was laced with his typical mix of ambition and strategy. "Adidas was offering you between €300,000 and €500,000 over three years, but now they've got serious competition." 

The Italian agent, famous for his relentless negotiating style, couldn't hide his satisfaction. "You've done brilliantly in the Toulon Cup and now in the Asian Cup. I've made it clear to Adidas that this is no longer about €500,000. You're standing behind a billion-dollar market—the Chinese market. It's quickly becoming one of the most crucial new territories for both Adidas and Nike." 

Raiola continued, outlining his research on the growing importance of Chinese athletes in global marketing. "Ever since Yao Ming switched from Nike to Reebok in 2003, both Nike and Adidas have been scrambling to fill the gap in China. They're missing a true star, someone who can captivate that massive market. And guess what? You're the answer to their problem. You're the one they're after, and this is the perfect moment for us to capitalize on it." 

Raiola's laugh echoed down the line, his business-savvy charm evident. "Here's the deal. Play well in the final—better yet, beat Japan—and I guarantee we'll have both Nike and Adidas fighting each other for you. I'm talking about a super heavyweight contract, something that'll make them bleed." 

The agent's drive stemmed in part from a recent negotiation with Adidas regarding another client of his, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Despite Raiola's expectations, the Swedish star had only been offered €500,000 for his boot sponsorship, far less than the €1 million Raiola had hoped for. The agent was left dissatisfied, but now with Yang Yang, backed by the vast Chinese market, he saw a much bigger opportunity. 

"You're not just any player, Yang," Raiola emphasized. "You've got the potential to unlock an entire market. And no one—Nike or Adidas—will be able to sign you without making a serious offer." 

Yang Yang, though, remained calm. He had no strong opinion on sponsorship negotiations and preferred to leave these intricate business dealings to Raiola, who had earned his trust. He wasn't the type to worry about money or contracts during the most important tournament of his life. 

Raiola, for all his flamboyance and hard-nosed tactics, was someone Yang Yang trusted completely. The Italian had always fought fiercely for his clients, and Yang Yang had no doubt that he would do the same for him. If there were any underhanded tricks, Yang Yang felt confident he would be in control of his own destiny. 

"Besides," Yang Yang thought, "even if the deal is on the table, it's still my decision whether or not to sign."