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Nothing to cheer about
Zhou Feng, a local soccer fan, believes he is only one of many who endured a big letdown watching the woeful effort of China's two top soccer clubs at the 2004 A3 Nissan Champions Cup, which wrapped up on Sunday. "I'd say that performance really left me in doubt about the so-called achievements of Chinese professional soccer over the past decade," said Zhou. He was referring to the frustrating efforts at the tournament by Shanghai Shenhua SVA and Shanghai International, who were champions and runners-up respectively in China's top Division A League last season. South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa grabbed the tournament championship and US$400,000 in prize money with two wins and one draw while Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos placed second and took home US$200,000 with a 2-0-1 record. The fact the two Shanghai teams failed to notch a single victory at the event is regarded by many as a disgrace because, in their minds, South Korea and Japan have been - and will continue to be - long-term rivals of Chinese soccer. Such a disappointing outcome has even led some to doubt the prospects of the approaching Chinese Soccer Super League, scheduled to debut in May, though the league has received quite a lot positive appraisal from soccer officials in South Korea and Japan. Top soccer officials of China met in Shanghai during the A3 tournament and worked out a string of basic rules and regulations to guarantee the smooth running of China's professional circuit, centred around the highly-hyped Super League. "The upcoming Chinese Super League will set strict specific qualification requirements in areas like facility construction and fostering juvenile players, which will turn out to be a big boost to China's football development," said Kazuki Sasaki, general secretary of Japanese Professional Football League (J-League). Asked what makes a successful professional football league, Sasaki said an appropriate arrangement of the league's schedule, constant efforts in fostering young players and strong support from fans are among the most important factors. Officials from South Korea's soccer community have also given their advice on Chinese football. "The biggest gap between Korean and Chinese footballers is in their minds...Chinese players seem to need more mental strength or toughness, though their physical fitness and skills are quite OK," said Chung Kun-il, general secretary of Korea Professional Football League (K-League). Chung noted that China needs patience and step-by-step efforts to catch up with South Korea and Japan in the sport, though the gap between them is narrowing. Chung even cited the examples of South Korea's volleyball and baseball development to illustrate his point. "It took us more than 50 years to beat Japan in the two sports, so please take it easy as some day you will outplay us," said Chung. That day won't come soon enough for frustrated fans like Zhou. |
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