Sat Jan 24 14:40:00 UTC 2026: # U23 National Football Team Reaches Asian Cup Final, Fueled by Team Spirit and Superstition

The Story:
The Chinese U23 national football team has made history by reaching the final of the U23 Asian Cup for the first time after a 22-year wait. Before the final against Japan, team captain Xu Bin reportedly gave haircuts to his teammates, continuing a pre-game ritual that began before their semi-final victory against Vietnam. The ritual, which saw Xu Bin give Wang Yudong a haircut before the Vietnam game resulting in a goal, has become a symbol of the team’s unity and belief in their abilities.

Key Points:

  • The Chinese U23 national football team reached the U23 Asian Cup final for the first time.
  • Captain Xu Bin gave teammates haircuts before the final, continuing a ritual that started before the semi-final against Vietnam.
  • Wang Yudong scored in the semi-final after receiving a haircut from Xu Bin.
  • Coach Antonio emphasized the team’s confidence and determination to fight for the championship against Japan.
  • The final match against Japan is scheduled for January 24th at 23:00 Beijing time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U23 national football team’s advancement to the final marks a significant breakthrough after a long period of anticipation.
  • Team spirit and superstitious rituals are playing a role in boosting the team’s morale and confidence.
  • Facing a strong Japanese team requires the Chinese team to play with determination and believe in the possibility of an upset.

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