介绍:
The Chinese national soccer team received a warm welcome at Beijing International Airport early Saturday morning after their quarter-final loss in the Asian Cup.
China qualified for the knockout stage for the first time since 2004 but failed to carry on their fairy-tale run, losing to hosts Australia 2-0 in the quarters.
The team beat Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and North Korea in the four-team group stage.
In contrast to negative feedback after their previous defeats, fans reacted with praises and encouragement this time around. Supporters showed up in droves at the airport lobby in Beijing, some of whom stayed there overnight in order not to miss the team.
Wang Jianglin, a 49-year-old football fan, said he has been following China's national team for most of his life and after countless defeats, including the "Black 5/19" incident, he was once "totally disappointed" in Team Dragon.
The Chinese team lost to Hong Kong 2-1 in Beijing on May 19, 1985 in a World Cup qualifier when they just needed a draw to earn the ticket to the finals. Fans in Beijing rioted after the match and the day was remembered as one of the darkest moments in Chinese soccer history.
Even if heartbroken so many times, Wang would return to support the team at every glimpse of hope.
Wang said he saw China's determination this time. A last-eight finish was good enough for him and he is looking forward to the coming World Cup qualifiers.
The Chinese players were happy to see fans rooting for them, win or lose.
Yu Hai, who scored the winning goal against Saudi Arabia, said it was moving to see so many fans welcome Team Dragon at the airport.. The footballer hopes to see such a scenes every time the team returns home.
Defender Zhang Linpeng was being chased by supporters for photos and autographs.
Despite the squad having an average age of just 25.39 years and averaging just over 26 caps between them, Frenchman Alain Perrin's team showed determination and resilience.
China has only qualified for one World Cup in the last 76 years, failing to win a point throughout their 2002 campaign.
