Sat Feb 22 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## China’s U20 Team Confident Ahead of Crucial Clash with Saudi Arabia

**Shenzhen, China (Xinhua) –** China’s Under-20 men’s national football team is brimming with confidence as they prepare to face Saudi Arabia in a crucial quarter-final match of the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup on February 22nd. Victory would secure a place in the semi-finals and, more importantly, a coveted spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile this September – a feat not achieved by the team in two decades.

Head coach Jankovic expressed unwavering faith in his team, stating, “I believe in my team.” While acknowledging Saudi Arabia as a “strong and excellent team,” he emphasized that both sides are well-acquainted, citing two friendly matches played last October (resulting in one draw and one loss for China, though with differing lineups).

Team captain Shi Songchen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the changes in personnel since those friendlies and expressing belief in the team’s ability to secure a victory. He also voiced his strong desire to return to the World Cup stage, stating, “I hope to win and return to the World Youth Championship. I also want to see the level of developed football countries.”

The match holds significant weight, as the U20 Asian Cup only introduces press conferences from the semi-final stage onwards. Jankovic’s previous confidence in reaching this stage – “I hope we can go to the press conference room, I guarantee that I will go all out, and I believe the players will go all out too” – underscores the team’s determination. The team underwent intense training in Shenzhen on February 21st in preparation for the critical match.

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