Recently, the head coach of the Chinese men's national football team, Ivanković, expressed great confidence in China's direct qualification for the World Cup finals in the top 18 matches. This has sparked discussions and attention from fans and media.
Media analysis suggests that Ivanković's confidence stems from three reasons. First, the current atmosphere within the Chinese national team is very positive, with players having high morale. Second, on the leaderboard, we are only one point behind Australia, who are second in our group. Third, a large number of naturalized players will be able to represent the national team. This third point is particularly crucial.
Some fans jokingly say that the Football Association is going all out! Because by next March, there will be eight naturalized players available for the national team. Let's take a look at these eight naturalized players, who cover the front, midfield, and defense lines.
The front line has the most naturalized players, with a total of four. Ai Kesen is currently in Brazil but has not stopped training. If he can find a new club during the break in the Chinese Super League, it is not ruled out that Ai Kesen could return to the national team. Alan and Fernandinho are still considered potential national team members. As long as the national team trains, both have a good chance of making the squad. Additionally, Oscar's naturalization process has already begun, and it is expected to yield positive results soon. After all, Oscar fully meets the naturalization criteria.
In midfield, there are three naturalized players. Li Ke is an experienced international player who has left Beijing Guoan Club, but if needed by Ivanković, Li Ke will definitely return to the team. Hou Yongyong has always been a naturalized player, and Ivanković can call upon him. As the top scorer and best player in the Norwegian First Division, Hou Yongyong has excellent passing and shooting skills. If he can join the national team, he will certainly provide significant support to Wu Lei on the front line. Then there is Serginho, who the head coach of the Chinese men's national football team, Ivanković, has communicated with, and Serginho is willing to be naturalized. In January, Serginho will meet the naturalization requirements. As a midfielder, Serginho is a skilled attacker! He will also anchor the midfield and become the engine of the Chinese men's national football team.
On the defensive line, Jiang Guangtai is the only naturalized player. Having been with the national team for many years, Jiang Guangtai has performed commendably and has become a pillar of the Chinese men's national football team's defense! He will definitely be on the list for the national team training camp.
Of course, the above players have basically been confirmed to be able to represent the national team by March! However, there are also some potential targets for naturalization, such as Wu Xiaohai, Zheng Zeyan, Tian Le, etc., and it is not ruled out that the Chinese Football Association will take the initiative to approach them for naturalization. With the opportunity for the Chinese men's national football team to directly qualify for the World Cup right in front of us, it is normal for the Chinese Football Association to take a big gamble! What will the final result be? We'll just have to wait and see!