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Wang Dalei, 35, is the oldest player in the national football team, while Baihelamu, 21, is the youngest. The 14-year age difference did not distance the two players, and they are now working hard to prepare for the World Cup, hoping to realize their dreams.

Wang Dalei: I hope God will bless us

As a 35-year-old veteran, Wang Dalei did not shy away from the topic of the last World Cup: "There is nothing to say, just go all out. We veterans all hope to make it to the World Cup and fulfill our dreams. Now in this team, including Wu Lei, Yan Junling, and Liu Dianzuo, they are all players over 30 years old. This may really be our last chance to qualify for the World Cup. I hope God will bless us and see our efforts."

After the lucky last-minute promotion to the Round of 36, will the mood be different now that we are standing on the field of the Round of 18? In response to this question, Wang Dalei said: "In the last two games of the Round of 36, the whole team was indeed quite nervous. But in terms of the importance of the game, it is undoubtedly more important now, because we are shouldering the task of impacting the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In this case, we must redouble our efforts to prepare. The opponent in the first game is the Japanese team, which is not a weak team in the world. Therefore, we will definitely go all out to prepare for the game. No matter what the result is, I believe that the brothers in our team will try their best."

As the oldest player in the team, Wang Dalei also took on the role of a big brother. "In the future, the national team will still rely on young players. We veterans now have to play a role in mentoring and passing on some positive energy to them. I hope that our behavior can help them in training and in life," said Wang Dalei.

Baihelamu: I will give 100% effort

As the youngest player on the team, the 21-year-old Baihelamu scored a crucial goal in the previous World Cup qualifiers against Thailand at home, pulling the Chinese national team back from the brink of death. At the age of 19, he played in the Asian Champions League, was selected for the national team at the age of 21, and scored a goal in his debut. Baihelamu's football career seems to be full of flowers, but the fact is not so.

His parents passed away when he was young. He sold corn, picked up bottles and played football with his brother. Baihelamu has come to where he is today through his own efforts.

Talking about being selected for the Chinese national team for the first time in the round of 36, he said: "This has been my dream since I was a child. But after I really joined the national team, I never thought I would play in the game and score goals. I was very nervous at the beginning, but the big brother and the head coach encouraged me. In the match against Thailand, Wang Dalei told me to play freely before going on the court, and the old players would bear any responsibilities. Once there was a sideline ball, and I didn't pay attention to the back. The guy stole the ball from me and almost scored a goal in the counterattack. Brother Lei hugged the ball and shouted to me, don't be nervous, play freely. Later, I let go a little. I am very grateful for their encouragement, which is crucial."

Being selected for the national football team again and going to participate in the World Cup qualifiers, Baihelam is even more excited: "I think we definitely have a chance. I like playing against strong teams. I am not afraid of playing against them. I can learn a lot from them. I have played against the Japanese team in both the Olympic and Youth teams. We even scored first. They may be stronger than us, but as long as we work hard and give 100%, we will have hope of scoring points. For me, if I can play, I will give 100% effort and I am not afraid of getting injured."

Source: Beijing Sports

Reporter: Li Li