Taishan team advances to the AFC Champions League finals, Choi Kang-hee looks forward to qualifying from the group
2024-08-14
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Qilu.com Lightning News reported on August 14 that at 20:00 on August 13, the AFC Champions League play-offs kicked off at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center, with Shandong Taishan facing off against the Thai powerhouse Bangkok United. After 90 minutes of fierce battle, the two sides entered overtime with a score of 1-1. In the overtime, both teams failed to break the deadlock, and the game eventually went to a penalty shootout. In the end, Taishan won the penalty shootout 4-3, eliminated the opponent with a total score of 5-4, and successfully advanced to the AFC Champions League finals. After the game, Taishan head coach Choi Kang-hee and the best player of the game, Vaco, attended the press conference together.
Cui Kangxi said at the press conference: "I would like to thank the players for trying their best under such difficult circumstances and achieving this important victory. Their efforts deserve the gratitude of all of us." He also mentioned the support of the fans in particular: "I would like to thank the fans who have been cheering for us from the beginning to the end. Their support is our driving force to move forward."
Wako also expressed his gratitude to his teammates and fans at the press conference: "This was a very difficult game, but we finally won and advanced to the AFC Champions League Elite League. Thanks to our fans, their support has been with us until the last minute of the penalty shootout."
Regarding the upcoming AFC Champions League, Choi Kang-hee said: "After the reform of the AFC Champions League, we need to show ourselves on a higher platform. The players showed a tenacious fighting spirit in the game and did not give up until the last moment." When talking about the specific AFC Champions League goals, Choi Kang-hee said frankly: "The schedule and match date have not yet been announced. We will set goals based on the final arrangement. First of all, our goal is to advance from the group stage."
Facing three fronts, Choi Kang-hee stressed the importance of physical fitness and injury management: "It is a huge challenge for us to take part in three events at the same time. We will focus on physical recovery and try to avoid injuries. Only in this way can we achieve good results in each event."
In addition, the Lightning Sports reporter captured a touching detail at the game: in the exciting penalty shootout, the substitutes and coaching staff members sitting on the sidelines stood closely together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, praying and cheering for their teammates on the field. When the final whistle sounded, all the players of the Taishan team excitedly ran to goalkeeper Wang Dalei, hugged each other tightly, and celebrated this hard-won victory together. At this moment, they showed unparalleled team spirit and tenacious will, and rekindled their confidence and fighting spirit.
It is worth noting that before this game, Taishan suffered three consecutive defeats in the Chinese Super League, and the team's morale was severely hit. Therefore, this crucial victory was like a long-awaited rain, which greatly boosted the team's morale. More importantly, Taishan did not send out the strongest lineup in this game, and many players were still struggling with injuries, which made this victory even more precious.
Next, the Taishan team can continue to fight for honor in the AFC Champions League Elite League, and we look forward to them achieving better results in the next games.
Lightning Sports reporter Shi Huimin, Wang Haiyang, Jing Xinyu
