China’s national football team held Iran to a 0-0 draw on home soil, earning their first point in the final round of Asian qualifiers. Considering Iran is the top-ranked team in Asia and arguably the toughest opponent in the group, the result was seen as a significant milestone. After the match, Chinese Football Association (CFA) Vice President Yu Hongchen spoke to the media with a beaming smile in the mixed zone.
Yu expressed his satisfaction with the result, emphasizing how valuable this single point was. He also shared that Director Cai Zhenhua would personally meet with the team during dinner to offer encouragement and praise. “We’re very pleased—not just with the outcome but with how the game played out,” Yu said. He went on to commend the team’s performance, particularly given the strength of the opponent. Securing a point against a powerhouse like Iran, he explained, laid a solid foundation for the remaining eight matches and helped boost team morale.
Yu also revealed that he had immediately gone into the dressing room after the match to commend the players. While the squad felt a tinge of regret over not securing all three points at home, Yu urged for a rational evaluation of the situation. “Of course, a win at home would have been ideal, but everything depends on the quality of the opponent. Against equally matched teams, we must go all out for victory. But when facing a top-tier team like Iran, earning a point is absolutely acceptable.”
He made it clear that upcoming matches against Syria and Uzbekistan are crucial must-win games if China hopes to progress further. “Our goal is qualification, and to achieve that, we need to win matches. When we face teams that are on a level playing field with us, we must take the full three points. Otherwise, there’s no point in setting such a goal.”
Although CFA President Cai Zhenhua attended the match, he did not enter the locker room afterward. However, according to Live Cricket BPL reporters at the scene, Yu confirmed that Cai would meet with the team during dinner to commend their efforts. “Director Cai will definitely reward everyone,” Yu said with a smile.
The national team will disband starting tomorrow, with the next qualifier scheduled for October 6 in Xi’an, where China will take on Syria on home ground. This match is expected to be a pivotal turning point, and fans following Live Cricket BPL will surely keep a close eye on how the squad performs in this critical fixture. As China builds momentum, every point matters, and so does the belief that they can go toe-to-toe with Asia’s best.
From tactical discipline to mental toughness, China’s recent showing proves they’re not just participating—they’re here to compete. As the saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race,” and if this draw against Iran is any sign, the national team might just be finding its stride in the Live Cricket BPL qualifiers.