China's football revival takes shape with mixed results across three national teams
China's football teams were in full swing this week, with three national sides competing on the same day. The senior team faced a mixed outcome in their FIFA Series matches, while the U23s and U19s also saw contrasting results in their respective tournaments. These games mark a critical phase as the country works to rebuild its footballing reputation after years of setbacks at the highest level. The senior national team played two matches in quick succession, securing a 2-0 victory over Curaçao before falling 2-0 to Cameroon. Coach Shao Jiayi used the international window to experiment with player combinations and lift team spirits after recent struggles. Meanwhile, the U23 side, led by Antonio Puche, continued their strong form following their historic run to the U23 Asian Cup final earlier this year.
Puche has refined his approach since the tournament, shifting to a fluid 4-3-3 system that emphasises high pressing and rapid transitions. In training, he focuses on possession-based drills, sharpening short passing and positional awareness. During matches, his team relies on aggressive counter-pressing and overloading the wings to create chances—tactics that paid off in recent qualifiers. Despite squad changes, the U23s showed resilience by finishing second in the International Youth Tournament.
The U19 team, managed by Dejan Djurdjevic, also had a busy week. They edged out Australia 1-0 in one match but suffered a 4-2 defeat in another as part of the Australia-China Friendship Series. Djurdjevic's role extends beyond immediate results, as he prioritises long-term scouting to identify future talent for the senior squad.
All three teams are now part of a broader effort to revitalise Chinese football. The U23s aim to carry their Asian Cup momentum into the Asian Games, while the senior side looks to regain confidence ahead of upcoming qualification cycles. The next qualification rounds will reveal whether China's tactical adjustments and rebuilding efforts are working. The U23s and U19s will continue their development under focused coaching, while the senior team tests new strategies in competitive matches. After years of underperformance, these steps form part of a structured plan to strengthen the national football system from the ground up.
