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What's the matter with Zheng Zhi's national team's 100 matches? June 2 live video of Thailand vs. Ch

One hundred matches of Zheng Zhi national team

June 2, 2018, Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand vs China. An ordinary international A-level match, but it has an extraordinary significance: as the oldest player and captain of the active national team, Zheng Zhi, who is about to turn 38, will make his 100th appearance for the Chinese national team.

Because it is an away match, the host is not willing to organize a ceremony for the visiting team. Therefore, before the morning pre match meeting of the national team, a 100 match ceremony was specially arranged for Zheng Zhi. Coach Lippi and team leader Liu Dianqiu personally gave Zheng Zhi the prepared national team robe with the word "100" printed on it. Lippi and Zheng Zhi joked: 'I hope you can play until you are 100 years old!'

However, what made Zheng Zhi most happy was that the Chinese football team, under great pressure, beat Thailand 2-0 with two goals of Wu Lei. 'there is no better gift than winning, I should thank my teammates. "After the game, Zheng Zhi told reporters. Looking back at the history of 100 games, Zheng Zhi felt that "there are many people to thank, but now the most important thing is to cherish the present and try to play well in the Asian Cup next year!"

Zheng Zhi completes the national football 100 games

Unforgettable regrets

Sports: remember when you first played for the national team?

Zheng Zhi: it's a bit impressive, but after all, it's too far away. In the past so many years, so many things happened during this period. To be honest, I didn't think that I would go to this stage.

Sports: what about the first game?

Zheng Zhi: I think we went to Bahrain to take part in a competition in December 2002. I really forget who we played, but I remember that we won a West Asian team (Syria). At that time, the coach was Shen Xiangfu, who took the National Olympic team of 1981 age, and then brought some old players to participate in the game in the name of the national team.

Sports: of the 100 games representing the national team, what are the most impressive?

Zheng Zhi: there are too many games and too long time. I'm afraid I can't remember all of them myself. If I have to say that, I don't think I will forget a few games.

The first is the Asian Cup final held by Beijing Workers' Sports in 2004 and the Japanese team. Because it was the closest Chinese team was to an Asian champion. The loss of that game really affected and hit us a lot, because at that time, the Chinese team just participated in the world cup. If we can win an Asian championship, maybe Chinese football will not be the same as it is now.

Second, it should be a few of the last 12 qualifying matches of the 2018 Russia world cup. This is not a game. It should be the last few games, the last 12. Because it was the closest time for China to play in the 2002 World Cup!

In addition to these games, for me, what I remember most is that in Tianhe stadium, Guangzhou, I missed a penalty kick in the 2004 World Cup qualifier group match against Hong Kong, China. Although the Chinese team won 7-0, they did not qualify. It was a bigger blow to me and our team than the loss of the Asian Cup final in 2004! Some words, I really don't want to say, because I don't know where to start.

Sports: however, you are lucky, because you came to the top of Asia, won the Asian championship twice, and was elected Asian football player in 2015.

Zheng Zhi: Yes, maybe lucky, but these can't make up for the two attacks in 2004. After all, the honor of the club can't replace the national honor. It's a pity that we haven't been able to win anything for the national team for so many years.

Sports: which one do you value more than 100 games?

Zheng Zhi: all of them are honors for me, but one is personal honor and the other is national honor. As a player, playing for the national team is always the highest requirement and goal. So if I have to choose, I value the latter more. Of course, for me, 100 games is more of a milestone in my career. I will not think about more things, after all, I am old. Apart from my career, this is a milestone in my life. This moment, I will definitely remember for a lifetime.

Sports: when you first played for the national team in 2002, did you think of today?

Zheng Zhi: I didn't think of it! Before the first match on behalf of the national team, I didn't play for a while. Later, Zhu Guanghu took me to Shenzhen, and gradually regained the confidence and feeling of playing football. I was very lucky to be in the national team at that time. Where still want to strive for the national team to play 100 times in the future?

Looking forward to the future

Sports: from the first time to play for the national team in December 2002, to the 100th time to play for the national team, have you ever thought that it took 16 years?

Zheng Zhi: I should thank the national team for giving me the chance. During the period of so many coaches, many times, to play for the national team depends on strength and level, or fate. For me, for so many years, going to war for my country has always been my dream and pursuit, but also my bounden responsibility and obligation. So, over the years, no matter who is in charge of the national team, I am always ready and ready to listen to the call. As long as the national team gives orders, I'm always ready to play! Like this injury, I've been away from the field since the second half of last season, but I never give up. Of course, I also know that after all, when I am old, I will not recover as easily as a young player. But I thought the national team might need me again, so I've been recovering.

I have to thank my teammates who have always supported me and helped me to achieve this dream. Just like today, I represent the national team for the 100th time, but my teammates are awesome. As we all know, this is a national honor and won the competition. I'm very happy today. Not only is my 100th match successful, but the team has won. Everyone has given me a gift in the best way to win. So, of course, I want to thank my teammates, not only the current teammates, but also the teammates who have fought together in the national team before.

Sports: so, after 100 games, do you want to be the player with the most appearances in the history of China's national team? Before you, Li Weifeng made 112 appearances on behalf of the national football team, Hao Haidong and Fan Zhiyi made 107 and 106 respectively.

Zheng Zhi: just like I never thought I could play 100 games for the national team, I don't want to surpass anyone in the past. Whether it is Li Weifeng, Hao Haidong or Fan Zhiyi, they are all senior players who have reached a certain height in Chinese football, or even have contributed all for Chinese football. They are all senior players I respect. So for me, now is to play well and do my job well. If possible, as long as the country needs, I will not hesitate to give myself.

Sports: Lippi said that as long as he is in charge for one day, your condition and health are no problem, he will always call you into the team. What do you think of the 2022 World Cup qualifier?

Zheng Zhi: I'm very grateful to Lippi! An old man in his 70s still has this passion and passion for football and the desire to win the game. For what? According to his reputation and status, Lippi has no need to coach any more. For me and our Chinese football, it is a kind of luck. I'm also very glad to meet such a master in the late stage of my sports career, which inspired me to continue to fight for my unfinished dream.

To be honest, I haven't thought about the 2022 World Cup qualifier yet. At present, our national team's task is to hold the Asian Cup in January next year. I'm focusing on it now. As an old player, I feel more responsibility and burden now. I just want to do my little to help the current national team, help Chinese football, and try to play well in next year's Asian Cup. It is also the hope of so many fans.