China’s U23 men’s team secured a 4‑2 victory over Uzbekistan in a penalty shootout after a goalless 120 minutes at the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup quarter‑final in Jeddah, clinching their first ever semifinal appearance. Goalkeeper Li Hao made two decisive saves, while four Chinese shooters converted, marking a historic breakthrough for Chinese youth football.
Match Overview: Defensive Standoff
From the kickoff, Uzbekistan used physical presence and rapid wing play to press, while China adopted a deep‑defence, counter‑attack setup. The first half saw a dangerous one‑on‑one chance for Uzbekistan in the 23rd minute, but Li Hao sprang off his line to palm the ball away. China’s best chance came in the 38th minute, a swift passing move that ended with the ball saved by the Uzbek keeper.
First Half
Uzbekistan dominated possession early, exploiting their height advantage on set pieces. China’s back line stayed compact, forcing the visitors to take long‑range shots that missed the target. The half ended with a 0‑0 scoreline.
Second Half & Extra Time
Both sides continued the tight battle. In the 66th minute, Uzbekistan launched a quick through‑ball that was cleared by a Chinese defender at the edge of the box. The game remained dead‑locked through the 90 minutes and the two 15‑minute extra‑time periods. Li Hao repeated his heroics at the 108th minute, denying a clear‑cut chance and preserving the stalemate.
Penalty Shootout: Li Hao the Hero
China took the first spot‑kick. Forward Zhang Xizhe calmly slotted his penalty, followed by two midfielders who also scored. Li Hao then saved Uzbekistan’s first two attempts, and a third Uzbek shooter missed the target, leaving China with a 3‑0 lead. Although Liu Haoran’s shot was saved, Li Hao’s second save secured a final 4‑2 shootout win for China.
Historical Significance
This triumph marks the first time the Chinese U23 side has reached the semifinals since the tournament’s inception in 2002. The team previously broke the “eight‑team barrier” by advancing from the group stage on goal difference, and now, by defeating the defending runner‑up Uzbekistan, they have set a new milestone for the nation’s youth development program.
Future Outlook: Semi‑Final vs Vietnam
China’s next challenge comes on 22 January against Vietnam, a side that impressed with a high‑pressing approach and a potent attack that eliminated Iran. The Vietnamese forward line will test Li Hao’s reflexes once again, while China must rely on disciplined defending and swift counter‑attacks to progress to the final.
Conclusion
The quarter‑final victory, earned through a tense penalty shootout, showcases the Chinese U23 team’s mental resilience, collective effort, and tactical discipline. With Li Hao’s standout saves and the squad’s cohesive play, China now looks to build momentum toward the final and inspire a new era of confidence for Chinese football.
