The U17 Chinese national football team delivered a crucial performance in their final group stage match against Qatar, securing a 2-0 victory to advance to the U17 World Cup. Facing a must-win situation, the team displayed a level of play far superior to their previous two matches. With two well-taken goals and multiple attacking threats, the 2009-born squad finally lived up to expectations. Though they barely secured qualification, their resilience earned them a spot in the tournament, offering hope for head coach Fushimi Satoshi and these young talents just beginning their careers.
The match took place on May 13 at the King Abdullah Sports City training ground. In the first half, Zhao Songyuan tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort, while He Sifan curled a beautiful finish into the net to give China the lead. At halftime, China led Qatar 1-0. In the second half, Zhang Bolin extended the advantage with a powerful header, sealing a 2-0 victory. This result confirmed China’s spot in the U17 Asian Cup quarterfinals and qualification for the U17 World Cup, ending a 21-year drought.
He Sifan opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Picking up the ball on the left side of the box, he cut inside and unleashed a stunning curling shot into the far corner, showcasing excellent individual skill. The second goal arrived in the 71st minute. Substitute Zhang Bolin met a cross with a towering header, directing the ball past the helpless Qatari goalkeeper and defenders. It was a textbook finish from a set piece.
Throughout the match, China executed their game plan effectively. They highlighted individual brilliance and capitalized on their physical advantages, particularly in aerial duels. These were the key areas Fushimi Satoshi had focused on in training.
With this victory, China finally ended a 21-year wait for a U17 World Cup berth. While the path to qualification was far from perfect, the result itself is commendable. For the young players, this experience provides a valuable platform to continue competing and improving. They are urged to stay composed under pressure, play even better, and keep striving for excellence. Keep pushing forward!