China struggles in World Cup qualifiers as naturalization efforts fail

"It is absurd."

Chinese media outlet Zibo.com reported on the 6th (Korea time) that "the reinforcement of the Chinese national football team is not progressing as expected. The naturalization of striker Oscar, whom they intended to recruit, has virtually fallen through."

China is currently facing elimination in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 North and Central American World Cup. With the bottom position in Group C, China is tied on points (6 points) with Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Bahrain, but shows a significant difference in goal difference (-10), placing them in a disadvantaged position. If the failure to qualify for the World Cup becomes a reality, China will face the disgrace of being eliminated from the World Cup for the sixth consecutive time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

Accordingly, the Chinese national team is attempting to reinforce its strength by utilizing naturalized players. He Ouyongyong (Yunnan Yikun), a former top scorer in the Norwegian second division, has joined the national team at the invitation of head coach Branko Ivankovic. Although he has no experience in A matches yet, he is regarded as a resource with strong physicality and attacking power.

Moreover, striker Oscar Maritu (Yunnan Yikun) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and attacking midfielder Serginho (Beijing Guoan), born in Brazil, are also on the verge of naturalization. The Chinese Football Association is expediting their naturalization process, and it is expected that their formal joining of the national team will significantly impact the team's strength.

In comparison, Indonesia is actively strengthening its national team by recruiting naturalized players. According to Zibo.com, Indonesia has recently naturalized three players: Emil Odelo, Dean Ruben James, and Joy Pelupes, and they are highly likely to be included in the A match roster immediately.

The media reported that "They will be registered with FIFA as soon as they complete the naturalization process, and if all procedures are completed before March 13, they can participate in the upcoming A match period."

Currently, Indonesia is in 3rd place in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers and has been reinforced significantly with the addition of naturalized players. In contrast, China is still slow in its reinforcement efforts and is lagging behind Indonesia.

The Chinese national team will face Saudi Arabia away (on the 20th) and Australia at home (on the 25th) during the A match period in March. Following that, matches against Indonesia and Bahrain remain, and it is crucial to secure as many points as possible in the remaining games.

Head coach Ivankovic is undertaking a generational shift, excluding veterans while placing hope in naturalized players. Particularly, if Serginho and Oscar quickly adjust to the national team, it is expected to contribute to strengthening the attacking power.

Chinese media outlet Sohu evaluated that "Serginho can make creative plays in the midfield, and Oscar has strong physicality and breakthrough ability. These two players will become the new core strength of the Chinese national team."

However, the issue of the naturalized players' match sense is also a hindrance. Serginho last played in a match in November of last year, while Oscar played in August of last year. It remains uncertain whether those who have been lacking in actual match experience can immediately perform in the national team.

Currently, the Chinese national team is focusing all its efforts on winning against Saudi Arabia. Failure to win this match would further diminish their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. Chinese media outlets have projected that "The performance of the naturalized players in the Saudi match is essential. The extent to which they contribute to the national team's strength will determine the future of Chinese football."

Zibo.com stated that "Oscar's naturalization seems to be 99% likely to fall through. He has been rejected by the Chinese immigration office." It explained, "The immigration office raised issues about Oscar's match appearances. Oscar has not been able to play properly in China since August of last year."

The media added that "In fact, China is also trying to force Oscar's naturalization, but that has also fallen through. Now, Ivankovic must again face the match without naturalized players," and they sighed, saying, "We literally have to expect a miracle. It is an absurd situation."

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