Beijing, Jan. 25 -- Despite a 4-0 loss to defending champion Japan in the final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Chinese men's football team delivered the country's best-ever performance at the AFC U23 Asian Cup and earned widespread applause at home and abroad.
"This scoreline is tough to take, but that's football," said Chinese head coach Antonio Puche.
"You saw it yourself - they have outstanding players, and their performance was near perfect. We fought hard. I'm incredibly proud of this team and my players."The General Administration of Sport of China sent a congratulatory letter, noting, "You have seta historic best for Chinese teams in this tournament. This achievement marks the first time in 22years that a Chinese men's national team has ...