Final night, dreams within reach: The U23 Chinese national team's "champion spirit" and Antonio's "ultimate answer"

Reporter Lu Mi reports At 23:00 Beijing time on January 24, the 2026 U23 Asian Cup final will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the U23 Chinese team will challenge the formidable Japanese side, striving for their first U23 Asian Cup championship. At the pre-match press conference, coach Antonio’s remarks revealed both eagerness for the title and steady confidence.

Reviewing the U23 Chinese team’s path to the final, each stage was fraught with difficulty yet loaded with honor. From advancing undefeated with 1 win and 2 draws, conceding no goals in the group stage, to winning a penalty shootout against tournament favorite Uzbekistan in the knockout round, and then triumphing 3-0 over Vietnam in the semifinals, this team has repeatedly silenced doubters and delivered surprises.

At the press conference before the match, Antonio could hardly hide his excitement, candidly stating, “Tomorrow is very important for us; it will be a historic game.” When asked about his hopes for the championship, he openly admitted his desire to win, “Of course, it’s very difficult, but reaching the final is a great opportunity for us, and we want to make our dream come true.”

At 23:00 on January 24, tune in to Migu Video, Mobile HD, and Mishi World to watch the 2026 U23 Asian Cup final. Let’s stand together and fight alongside the U23 lads!

Honest and resolute—that is the impression Antonio leaves on the public and also the true reflection of this young team. They fear no strong opponent and openly show their ambition, daring to chase higher goals as they grow. Regarding the possibility of taking the lead in the final, Antonio gave a pragmatic answer: “What matters is the score at the end of the match. Who scores first is not important; the score when the referee blows the final whistle is what truly counts.”

Confidence is the foundation of the team’s advance to the final. When asked how to boost players’ confidence, Antonio replied firmly, “They are full of self-belief, which is extremely important in football. Believing in oneself… to me, that is one of football’s keys.” Meanwhile, Hu Hetao offered a clearer explanation: confidence builds naturally through consecutive victories.

Since taking charge of the 2003 age-group national youth team in 2018, Antonio has accompanied these players’ growth for nearly seven years. This “growing together” approach has fostered strong trust between coach and players, resulting in strict tactical discipline on the field. Moreover, Antonio’s rigorous yet scientific management has forged the team’s solid discipline and mental toughness—military-style management in daily life ensures player focus, while technology-assisted training provides personalized programs. Goalkeeper Li Hao, for instance, trains with targeted drills based on data analysis of opponents’ shooting habits.

At the press conference, Antonio’s voice was slightly hoarse. When asked if he had a cold or if there would be surprising tactics in the final, the Spanish coach responded warmly yet mysteriously: “I’m getting older, and after nearly 50 days of training camp, thinking and working 24/7 is not easy, but don’t worry.” This simple sentence revealed the hard work and dedication of the entire coaching staff and team. Regarding tactics, he cryptically told reporters, “You’ll see tomorrow.” At the same time, he emphasized, “In football, the gap between China and Japan is clear, and we must face that. Tomorrow, we will focus on certain areas and hope everything goes well.”

Following Antonio’s bold rotations and tactical shifts in the semifinal that impressed many, speculation is rife whether he will unveil another surprise against Japan’s U23 team in the final.

Of course, it is very challenging for the U23 Chinese team to realize their dream; the Japanese side is tough. “They are a passionate team who have beaten Spain, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway at various age levels… This is the opponent we face tomorrow.”

However, the U23 players are now highly motivated, with solid defense keeping clean sheets in five consecutive matches. Goalkeeper Li Hao is in outstanding form, and the defensive line’s coordination is strong. The five-defender system effectively stifles opponents’ attacks. Offensively, players like Wang Yudong and Kuai Jiwen are gradually hitting their stride. Most importantly, the team has a strong will to win and is very united internally.

“I have 23 players, 23 warriors, and tomorrow we will definitely fight,” Antonio said before the match. “There is a gap, but football is round, and its greatness lies in the miracles that sometimes happen. What we have to do is make a miracle happen.”

This final is a golden chance for the U23 Chinese team to rewrite history and a stage for the players to prove themselves. Whether it’s Antonio or the players, they all share a championship dream, and for that, they will fight to the very end.