Sat Feb 22 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Former National Team Player Inspires U20s Ahead of Crucial Clash Against Saudi Arabia
**Beijing, February 22** – China’s U20 national team is gearing up for a crucial quarter-final match against Saudi Arabia in the AFC U20 Asian Cup, with a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line. Former Chinese national team player Zhao Mingjian offered words of encouragement to the young squad on social media, posting a photo of himself in the national team jersey with the message: “Young fellows, go all out! No problem at all. We’ll definitely qualify for the World Cup! Saudi Arabia is already trembling!”
The match represents a significant opportunity for the U20 team, as victory would see them return to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years. The stakes are high, with the game described by *Football News* as not only a qualifier for the World Cup, but also a pivotal moment for rebuilding confidence in China’s youth football program. The AFC has released a promotional poster featuring U20 player Chen Zeshi, who recently celebrated his 20th birthday. The starting lineup against Saudi Arabia includes Kuai Jiwen, Wang Yudong, and Liu Chengyu.
First Piper 