The backlash from failing to qualify for the Under-20 (U-20) World Cup is significant. Chinese football is even embroiled in a truth battle between the coach and the players.
The Chinese U-20 football team lost to Saudi Arabia 0-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Asian Cup, held on the 22nd (Korea time) at the Youth Football Training Base Center Stadium in Shenzhen, China.
As a result of this defeat, China failed to reach the semifinals and also to participate in the 2025 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) U-20 World Cup, to be held in Chile in September. China had evaluated itself as having the 'best-ever squad' and looked towards higher aspirations, but could not overcome the quarterfinal barrier.
On that day, China knocked on the Saudi goal based on a higher possession than Saudi Arabia. However, poor finishing hindered them. Notably, in the 14th minute of the second half, promising striker Liu Chengwei missed a penalty kick, causing him to lower his head.
In the end, China paid the price. After mounting a vigorous offensive, China was struck by a blow from Saudi Arabia in the 4th minute of stoppage time. Amar Al-Yuhaybi connected a cross from the right with a dramatic goal, bringing down China. The players from China, having been eliminated in such a disappointing manner, shed tears.
Particularly for China, the shock is greater because their 'neighboring countries' South Korea and Japan made it to the semifinals. South Korea and Japan, after surviving fierce penalty shootouts, will each face Saudi Arabia and Australia. For China, which has to merely watch the semifinals from home, it is inevitable to feel desolate.
Chinese media are also unable to hide their frustration. 'Sohu' lamented, "While Japan and South Korea advanced to the semifinals, China has once again faced disappointment. The gap between Chinese football and Asia's top-tier football is becoming increasingly evident."
Moreover, the media stated, "China created at least 4 big chances and held the upper hand, yet they missed them all. After missing the penalty kick, the team fell into chaos. It is truly unfortunate. Is football a sport that does not suit China?"
'Football Channel' in Japan noted, "The Chinese national team that participated in this U-20 Asian Cup was referred to as a 'golden generation' domestically, generating much expectation. Thus, it seems shocking locally that they missed out on the U-20 World Cup. "
Chinese football has quickly begun identifying the culprits. The blame is directed at head coach Dejan Jorjevic and striker Liu Chengwei, who missed the penalty kick. Sohu reported that "the Chinese Football Association (CFA) was furious the day after the elimination. Chairman Song Kai is expected to send out two scapegoats," indicating that Jorjevic and Liu are to take responsibility.
The media explained, "Coach Jorjevic's tactics against Saudi Arabia were very successful. The team created numerous opportunities and provided Liu Chengwei with several scoring chances. However, due to Liu's disastrous performance, they could not score for a long time, ultimately leading to the team's instability and Saudi Arabia's comeback. It seems Liu Chengwei's international career may temporarily come to an end."
At this rate, Jorjevic appears unlikely to avoid dismissal. Sohu stated, "Not only Chairman Song Kai, but the CFA executives also supported the team in every way to qualify for the U-20 World Cup, but their frustration at the disappointing elimination could not be hidden," and added, "Jorjevic has once again become the target of criticism. He failed to substitute Liu Chengwei in time. It is undoubtedly the coach's responsibility that the situation could not be changed."
The media remarked, "Jorjevic is now being labeled by fans as the scapegoat for the elimination. He may face the fate of resignation. The Chinese age-group teams have not been able to participate in the World Cup, which greatly affects Chairman Song Kai's legacy. Therefore, he must penalize those involved. The World Cup qualifiers for the Chinese national team will soon resume. If the senior team also fails to qualify for the World Cup, all fans will genuinely be in despair. Hence, the pressure on the players is immense. It is hoped that tragedies like Liu Chengwei's do not repeat themselves."
There is also an ongoing battle over the truth surrounding the penalty kick taker. After the match, Coach Jorjevic mentioned in an interview that he did not designate the kicker. As a result, there were accusations that Liu Chengwei may have snatched a teammate's penalty kick and missed it.
However, another Chinese player, Wang Yudong, stated that Liu Chengwei was indeed the first kicker. He explained via social media, "The penalty kick was not a dispute among us. Such a thing could not happen in our U-20 team. Liu Chengwei is the designated first penalty kick taker on our team."
As a result, Sohu noted, "After the match, there was a controversy over Liu Chengwei's penalty kick. Fans named him the greatest sinner. This was because if one goal had been scored, two or three more would likely have followed." They exclaimed, "However, Wang Yudong's statement directly struck at Coach Jorjevic. He revealed that Liu Chengwei is acknowledged as the primary kicker, shedding light on the suspense of the situation."
Ultimately, Coach Jorjevic was pinpointed as the largest culprit. Sohu emphasized, "Who designated Liu Chengwei as the first kicker? Without a doubt, it was Jorjevic. Unfortunately, he did not acknowledge it. It is clear he does not want to take responsibility. Frankly, the primary reason for this defeat lies with Jorjevic. His player substitutions came too late. Ultimately, we failed to qualify for the World Cup again."
[Photo] Korea Football Association, Chinese Football Association, AFC Asian Cup, Sohu.