Yes, everyone saw the sign held up by the fourth official, China Hong Kong Team Substitution, No. 33 goes down, No. 9 goes up.
In the 46th minute, Chan Siu-ki came on as a substitute and replaced Zhang Kuang.
Iraq fans in the entire stands cheered and applauded enthusiastically. Those who didn't know thought that Iraq had scored a goal or won.
Even the commentator of Iraq TV station was so excited that he was a little incoherent. It was a surprise.
He Wei was also surprised.
He Wei: "Director Zhang, just as you expected, Zhang Kuang was replaced. You knew what was happening."
Zhang Lu: "Hey, it's not that I'm a god at predicting things, but I've seen through the ways of the world. These are the ways of the world. Some things don't require communication between the two parties, and everyone will do it in a tacit understanding. Whether in China or in foreign countries, there are such ways of the world."
Of course, Iraq also replaced two people at the same time: Abdul-Zahra replaced Khalid, Mustafa·Karim replaced Munir, and switched to 4-2-4 to attack with full strength.
Zico immediately became aggressive after seeing Zhang Kuang being substituted. How could he miss such a good opportunity? He didn't believe that Iraq couldn't score the goal even though he was desperately attacking?
So...
The second half of the game became intense from the beginning.
In the 54th minute, Younis received a cross from the wing and missed the goal with a header.
In the 61st minute, Shakir tackled Cris Kang from behind, and his spikes scratched Cris Kang's ankle. Kim Dong-jin was shown a yellow card, and Cris Kang went to the sidelines to receive treatment, put on a bandage, and continued to play.
In the 65th minute, Troussier made another substitution: Bai He replaced Jack·Xu to strengthen the midfield defense. Yida replaced Cris·Kang, allowing the two core players to rest at the same time.
Hong Kong Team's formation began to shrink. Isn't this an obvious suspicion of letting go? Iraq's entire team was excited and immediately pressed forward across the board.
In the 68th minute, Chan Siu-ki received a header from Li Weilian, but it was confiscated by Sabri.
In the 72nd minute, Hong Kong Team counterattacked, Yida made a pass from the right, and Chan Siu-ki grabbed the point in front of the goal but was saved bravely by Sabri.
In the 76th minute, Iraq made a long pass from the backcourt, and Younis held Chan Wai-ho's chest to stop the ball. He turned around and volleyed, and the ball bounced off the ground and went into the lower left corner of the goal.
Fan Chun-yip failed to save.
1:3.
Iraq fans in the audience burst into thunderous cheers. Yes, they saw hope. Although it is impossible to score four goals in a row, everything is possible.
Younis didn't celebrate. He ran into the goal, picked up the ball, and quickly ran to the center circle.
His eyes were firm because there was still time.
In the 82nd minute, Lee Chi-ho was hit in the face by a ball while blocking Younis's shot. His nose was injured and bleeding. He went to the sidelines for treatment and put on hemostatic cotton to continue the game.
In the 85th minute, Akram took a long shot from outside the penalty area, and Fan Chun-yip punched out with both fists.
In the 89th minute, there was not much time left for Iraq.
Iraq made a pass from the right, Chan Wai-ho made a header not far away, and Younis got the ball on the penalty area line.
His fake shot passed Bai He, who was defending, and pushed the ball into the lower right corner of the goal to break the net.
2:3.
Scored twice.
The whole place was boiling.
Iraq fans roared, they saw the hope of equalizing, and even the hope of overtaking.
But time is no longer enough.
In the 94th minute, Iraq goalkeeper Sabri rushed out of the penalty area and disrupted Hong Kong Team's counterattack with a handball, and was shown a yellow card.
In the 96th minute, Younis shot a long-distance lob from outside the penalty area and over the crossbar.
The referee then blew the whistle.
The whole show is over.
China Hong Kong Team defeated Iraq 3:2 in an away game and advanced to the top ten with a perfect record of six wins!
The only regret is that we conceded two goals in the second half.
He Wei: "Okay, the referee Kim Dong-jin blew the whistle for the whole game. Let us congratulate China Hong Kong Team for winning and completing the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifiers Asia top 20 group stage A record of victory.
China Hong Kong Team has made history. There has never been a record of a team winning the group stage before, even in a relatively low-difficulty game like the top 20. There has never been such a record.
Therefore, this record is very rare. China Hong Kong Team has always been ranked outside the 140th place in the world. In less than a year, they have completed the transformation from a weak team to a strong team. Director Zhang, what do you think prompted this change?"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, it goes without saying that it was Hong Kong Team who had the superstar Zhang Kuang, and then naturalized a group of powerful Chinese players on the central axis such as Shane Lawrie, Jack Xu, Cris Kang.
Coupled with the Hong Kong Football Association's drastic reforms, bold selection of suitable head coaches, and bold changes in the Football Association's functions and services, all decisions are very pragmatic and efficient.
Therefore, China Hong Kong Team suddenly shot out of the sky like a rocket. This method may only be suitable for the Football Association in a small place, but it will be difficult for a big or powerful country.
Even for developed countries like England and Germany, it is very difficult for their Football Association to change. It is even more difficult for countries like United States. As the world's most powerful country, their football is only in the World Cup group game all year round.
United States Football Association also tried to engage in football under the national system, but failed after the attempt, and later had to return to the youth training system. Their Football Association chairman Gulati once concluded that the problem is 'not a single one'.
Therefore, the success of China Hong Kong Team is really just a special case, and it is the only special case. Many small countries have also wanted to do this, but they cannot find outstanding naturalized objects like Zhang Kuang, Cris·Kang, Jack·Xu, and Shane·Lauri.
Hong Kong Team also went through the naturalization route before, and now there are many naturalized players in Hong Kong, but this is not successful.
Hong Kong is not the only one who has taken the naturalization route. Many countries have tried it, including Japan, but in the end they still went down the road of local youth training.
Therefore, for a dark horse like China Hong Kong Team to appear, we really want to thank Zhang Kuang and luck. Without various conditions, it is difficult to succeed..."
--
At the scene of the game, at the moment the final whistle sounded, Younis Mahmoud knelt on his knees and covered his face with his hands.
He is 32 years old.
This is his last chance to impact World Cup.
He tried his best and scored two goals, but he still lost.
His teammates came over, pulled him up, and patted his shoulders. Younis raised his head, his eyes red. He walked towards Hong Kong Team's players, shaking hands and hugging them one by one.
In the stands, Iraq fans were still singing the team song.
They lost, but they didn't give up their love for the team.
Chung Chi-kwong: "The game is over! China Hong Kong Team defeated Iraq Team 3:2 in the away game! Won six games! The first in the group advanced to the top ten! This is the greatest moment in the history of Hong Kong Hong Kong Football Team!"
Wong Hing-kwai: "Yes! Hong Kong Team made history! Zhang Kuang's 2 goals and 1 assist in the first half established the victory. Although Younis chased two goals in the second half, there was not enough time. Hong Kong Team deserves this victory!"
In the mixed interview area, Zhang Kuang was surrounded by reporters.
Reporter: "Zhang Kuang, you scored 2 goals and had 1 assist in this game. Hong Kong Team won all six games. What do you think of this victory? What do you think of the top ten games in the future?"
Zhang Kuang: "It's pretty good. We achieved our set goal - to win and qualify. We played well in the first half and took a three-goal lead.
Iraq Team was very tenacious in the second half, and Younis scored two goals, which caused us a lot of trouble. But in the end we won.
They are a respectable team and their will is very tenacious. It is great that a team in the midst of war can do this.
As for the top ten games, I'm looking forward to it and hope it comes soon. I can't wait to go to World Cup."
Reporter: "Nowadays, people outside are saying that China Hong Kong Team can only win through naturalization and cannot win with force. What do you think about this?"
Zhang Kuang: "If you allow United Kingdom to get World Cup through naturalization, do you think they care about the so-called 'win without force'?
Besides, the naturalized and transferred personnel of Hong Kong Team are all Chinese and mainlanders like me. They are originally from the same culture and race, so what's the point of defeating them?
Anyone who says this is just jealous and jealous, so don't pay attention to them. As long as it is allowed by law and FIFA approves it, why not?"
Reporter: "Why were you substituted at halftime? Did Mr. Troussier ask you to be substituted, or did you want to be substituted?"
Zhang Kuang: "The head coach asked me to play. He is considerate of my physical fitness. I am very grateful."
Reporter: "In the top ten groupings, among the four strong teams of Japan, South Korea, Australia and Iran, which two teams do you least expect to encounter?"
Zhang Kuang: "It doesn't matter to me. If you can't get past them, even if you go to World Cup, you'll only be in the first round of the group stage."
"..."
At the post-match press conference, Troussier was full of joy. "We have won six games, which is the pride of Hong Kong Hong Kong Football Team. We have made history.
Zhang Kuang only played 45 minutes, but he already killed the game. This is the difference between world-class players and ordinary players.
Iraq Team was very tenacious in the second half, and Younis's two goals were beautiful, but our players held on to win."
The reporter asked, "What is the goal of the top ten competition? What level do you think Hong Kong Team is at now? How does it compare with Japan and South Korea?"
Troussier put away his smile, "Our goal has always been World Cup. We did not go to the top ten games to accompany him.
We have Zhang Kuang, Cris Kang, and a united team. We are worthy of World Cup. We don't compete with anyone, but if we really compete, Japan I have coached, but unfortunately I have not coached South Korea, but I feel that Hong Kong Team now is no worse than when I coached Japan Team."
Zico looked lonely at the release meeting. "We lost, Hong Kong Team was too strong, Zhang Kuang was too strong. We scored three goals in the first half, and we couldn't keep up with their speed at all. We got two goals back in the second half, but it was too late. Congratulations to Hong Kong Team, they deserve to be first in the group."
The reporter asked, "How far do you think Hong Kong Team can go in the top ten?"
Zico was silent for a while. "If Zhang Kuang stays healthy, they can go to Brazil World Cup. He is the kind of player who can change the game on his own."
Reporter: "What are your plans next?"
Zico:"..."
--
Afterwards, the headline on Asian Football Confederation's official website. "Zhang Kuang scored 2 goals and assisted 1, Hong Kong shocked Asia by winning six games"
Hong Kong "South China Morning Post" front page. "Crazy! So crazy! Zhang Kuang conquers Doha, Hong Kong wins and advances to the top ten"
Qatar "Doha News": "No. 33 makes Iraq's defense 'crazy'"
"Titan Sports" special article. "From Japan to Hong Kong, the white wizard recreates the magic"
Iraq "Al-Sabah Newspaper": "Younis's Tears - The End of an Era"
"Milan Sports Newspaper": Manchester United draws AC Milan, can Serie A's last line of defense stop Zhang Kuang?
After Hong Kong Team defeated Iraq 3:2, two completely different emotions filled the night sky of Doha.
The cheers of the Hong Kong expeditionary force still echoed in the corridor of Al-Arabi Stadium, but the door of the Iraq dressing room was closed tightly, and there was only silence inside.
Early the next morning, in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel where Asian Football Confederation's headquarters is located, the staff were already busy.
They need to compile the final points, goal difference and goals scored of all groups to prepare for the upcoming top ten draw.
The final qualifying list for the top 20 matches
Group A: China Hong Kong (18 points), Jordan (10 points)
Group B: South Korea (15 points), Lebanon (11 points)
Group C: Uzbekistan (16 points), Japan (14 points)
Group D: Australia (15 points), Oman (11 points)
Group E: Iran (13 points), Qatar (10 points)
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia, the Desert Green Eagle who once won Asia Cup three times, was squeezed to third place by Oman in Group D and missed the top ten competition.
This was Saudi Arabia football's darkest moment. Riyadh's newspaper had only one line on the front page the next day. "We failed."
Jordan's path to qualifying was bumpy. In the last round, they faced China National Team, who had no hope of qualifying. Although they won 2:1, it was not easy to win.
The title of Jordan media is. "Thank you China National Team for your cooperation and thank China Hong Kong Team for your fairness, but we have to face a more terrifying opponent."
On the morning of March 2, Doha Asian Football Confederation headquarters.
The lottery ceremony was held in the large conference hall of Asian Football Confederation headquarters.
There are two rows of long tables in the hall, with five transparent glass jars placed on them. Each jar contains table tennis balls with the names of the teams written on them.
Group A has five teams and Group B has five teams.
Asian Football Confederation Secretary-General Zhang Jilong walked onto the stage. He was wearing a dark suit and had a signature smile.
Sitting under the stage were representatives of various China national football team associations, Chairman China Hong Kong Football Association, Chairman South Korea Football Association, Representative Iran Football Association, Representative Australia Football Association... all of them had different expressions.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2014 Brazil World Cup Asia district qualifier top ten draw ceremony." Zhang Jilong's voice echoed in the hall.
The drawing of lots begins.
First gear: South Korea, Australia.
Second gear: Iran, Japan.
Third gear: Uzbekistan, Jordan.
The fourth tier: China Hong Kong (the ranking has not been updated, so it is ranked in the fourth tier), Qatar.
Fifth gear: Lebanon, Oman.
Zhang Jilong put his hand into the glass jar and took out the first ball.
"Group A, South Korea."
There was a slight commotion in the audience.
Australia representative looks calm, but their head coach is already thinking in his mind: Who is in Group A?
Next ball.
"Group B, Australia."
Park Ji-sung was sitting in the audience, and he attended as a special guest.
When he heard that South Korea was assigned to Group A, he frowned slightly.
What does Group A mean? It means they may encounter Iran, Japan or...China Hong Kong.
The drawing of lots continues.
Second gear: Iran enters Group A, and Japan enters Group B.
Third gear: Uzbekistan enters Group B, and Jordan enters Group A.
When Uzbekistan was drawn into Group B, the face of their representative Football Association was very exciting, because they faced Japan in the top 20 group stage, and they had to fight Japan in the top ten stage.
The fourth draw begins.
Zhang Jilong took out a ball from the glass jar, opened it, and took a look.
"Group A, China Hong Kong."
Representative Jordan closed his eyes, and in his heart there were a hundred thousand grass and mud horses Mercedes-Benz passing by, what the hell, enemies? You have to play like this, making it difficult to get grudges and entanglement back and forth?
The audience was in an uproar.
The expression of representative South Korea also changed. They originally thought that having Iran in Group A would be a headache, but now there is another Zhang Kuang.
Another team in the fourth gear, Qatar, naturally entered Group B.
Fifth gear: Lebanon enters Group A, and Oman enters Group B.
Final grouping results:
Group A: South Korea, Iran, Jordan, China Hong Kong, Lebanon.
Group B: Australia, Japan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Oman.
Along with the draw, the schedule for the top ten games was also released, along with the group information that day.
--
The moment the lottery results came out, the social media of Asia in the top ten countries exploded.
South Korea Media:
The headline of "Seoul Sports Newspaper" is. "Group of Death! South Korea is attacked by Iran and China Hong Kong!"
The article reads, "Group A has two East Asia teams and three West Asia teams. On the surface, they don't seem to be the strongest. It seems that the real threat is the West Asia team. In fact, the biggest threat is China Hong Kong Team.
Don't forget, China Hong Kong has the winner of Ballon d'Or in the world, Zhang Kuang. This is an extremely terrifying existence. How scary is this person? Is it as simple as winning Ballon d'Or?
Park Ji-sung once said to the media that the person he least wants South Korea Team to meet is China Hong Kong Team. He is Zhang Kuang's teammate and he knows how scary Zhang Kuang is. South Korea Team must be very alert, as the ship may capsize if he is not careful."
Naver's comment section:
"It's Zhang Kuang. This is Mr. Ballon d'Or. Europe Every club can't handle him. It's such bad luck!"
"Zhang Kuang can beat half the team by himself, can South Korea Team guard him?"
"Don't be afraid, we have Son Heung-min!"
"Son Heung-min? He is still playing as a substitute for Hamburg. Zhang Kuang is already Mr. Ballon d'Or."
"@Upstairs, which side are you on? If you grow up with other people's ambitions, you will destroy your own prestige!"
"What I said is the truth. Korean China national football team players should face up to the gap and stop enjoying themselves all day long."
"Ah, it's so messed up..."
Iran Media:
The title of "Tehran Times" is. "Iran encounters the world's number one shooter, this fortune is a bit bad!"
The article read, "Although we have always been a strong first-tier team in Asia, the China Hong Kong Team that emerged last year is too terrifying. They..."
Netizens of Iran:
"Ah, I would rather touch Australia Team. Why did I get China Hong Kong Team? Zhang Kuang is too scary."
"Don't worry, no matter how terrible Zhang Kuang is, we can only lose two games at most, unless Hong Kong Team doesn't lose a game and is first in the group, but we can fight South Korea Team, just keep fighting South Korea Team."
"Hey, that's a good idea."
"Besides, don't we have 4.5 places? Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Iran, plus China Hong Kong, are you afraid that you won't be able to get into World Cup?"
"Where is Uzbekistan's brother?"
"They still have sheep to graze on their grassland, so we should come back to graze them first."
"Uzbekistan: I@#￥%\u0026**()--...), isn't this a bit too much?"
"Too much? Why don't we compare?"
"..."