Chapter 699: Asian Qualifiers Round of 12 Draw, Manchester United Returns from Off-Season (3)

Xinhua Net: The draw ceremony for the third stage (Round of 12) of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers will be held in Kuala Lumpur on July 1; the 12 participating teams are divided into six pots, with teams from the same pot placed in different groups.

Pot 1: Japan, Iran.

Pot 2: China, South Korea.

Pot 6: Lebanon, Vietnam.

The basis for the pot allocation in the Round of 12 draw is the national teams' FIFA ranking.

After the Asian Cup ended, the Chinese team's Asian ranking once remained first.

Unfortunately, however, after experiencing two editions of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship and the matches of the first and second stages of the Asian Qualifiers, the Chinese team's ranking dropped to third in Asia.

Dropping from first to third may seem like a significant fall, but in reality, it is understandable.

After all, since the 2019 Asian Cup concluded, Tang Ye has not played any matches for the national team.

Regarding the upcoming draw, a Xinhua News Agency reporter conducted a video interview with Tang Ye at his home in Guangdong.

On the screen was Tang Ye's head; at this moment, Tang Ye was wearing a pure white Adidas T-shirt, with a large bed visible in the background.

"Regarding the Round of 12 draw taking place in one week, Mr. Tang, do you have anything you would like to say?"

"..."

Tang Ye leaned his upper body over the table to get closer to the camera.

"I feel that, first of all, being placed in Pot 2 is somewhat uncomfortable because both Japan and Iran are quite strong; forcing a match against them is indeed not ideal."

Regarding the matter of the Round of 40 matches affecting the team's FIFA ranking, both within the national football team and at the Football Association, this had actually been considered.

However, the Round of 40 kickoff time happened to be in May, when Dortmund was still busy with the Champions League, so it was impossible to ask Tang Ye to find time to rush back and play matches.

Therefore, now we can only accept the fact of being placed in Pot 2.

If one is randomly drawn from Japan and Iran, which would be the more suitable opponent?

"I don't know what Lippi's thinking is, as there is still over a month until training camp begins. But if you were to ask me to choose one..."

Tang Ye showed a difficult expression: "I would choose Iran. I have watched some recent match videos of Japan and Iran, and I feel that the current Japanese team is much stronger than during the Asian Cup and the previous World Cup final. Of course, I am not saying that we are weak."

"Speaking of Lippi, Lippi's contract with the national team will end in July. Do you think the Football Association will renew his contract? Or perhaps... seek a new coach?"

"I have not received any news on this at the moment."

Tang Ye shrugged: "Lippi's professional ability is indeed outstanding."

After asking several of the most important questions, the Xinhua News Agency reporter then asked Tang Ye about Manchester United's tour of China.

Seizing this opportunity, Tang Ye made assurances to the reporters and media.

Currently, his physical condition is good, and the injury to his right hand is also recovering, so he will play the full 90 minutes in both matches in Chengdu and Beijing.

Although no contract was signed, after all, he holds Chinese citizenship; throughout his journey, he has received considerable support from Chinese enterprises, fans, and including the Football Association. If he were to hold back and reduce his playing time while participating in exhibition matches in China, that would indeed be somewhat unjustifiable.

Xinhua News Agency interviews Tang Ye: Reports to Manchester United on July 7, then begins the China tour; he will play two full 90-minute matches in the friendlies.

Check Dongqiu Di pinned post: What is your take? Tang Ye expressed a preference for encountering Iran over Japan during his reporter interview.

【Iran's strength should have declined, while Japan has become stronger; I think choosing Iran is quite reasonable.】

【The problem is that Iran plays an attacking style; I feel our defense cannot withstand it. Japan's possession-based play would be better; my Tang Tang Qiuwang specializes in breaking down possession tactics!】

【National team matches and club matches are too different; by then, Japan will simply avoid the People's Congress Representative to play possession football, so what will you do, just surrender?】

【What are you all nervous about? We don't necessarily have to beat Japan and Iran; just defeating the following few teams is enough. Anyway, just wait to see my People's Congress Representative perform.】

The Sun — Tang Ye appears at the Wimbledon semifinals with his girlfriend.

In the photos published by The Sun, Tang Ye, Zhou Ye, and Rodri were sitting together watching the match; additionally, one person attracted the attention of fans, and that was Jackie Chan.

No one expected there to be a connection between Tang Ye and Jackie Chan; it seemed they were invited together by the organizers?

Weibo: Look who's here! Tang Ye officially announces his role as the promotional ambassador for the 2021 Stockholm Counter-Strike Major Championship.

Italian journalist Romano: Here we go! Varane transfers to join Manchester United, with an expected transfer fee of 40 million euros plus add-ons.

With Real Madrid defender Varane joining, and Dalot returning from loan, halfway through the winter window, Manchester United already has two additional players.

Of course, in the eyes of some fans, adding two players is far from enough.

What does Manchester United need most right now?

It is a striker!

Manchester United needs a powerful striker to complement their strong starting lineup!

Manchester Evening News front-page headline — TY asks Manchester United management if they can secure Kane; TY holds the English striker in high regard.

Mundo Deportivo front-page secondary headline — Ten Hag is interested in Dutch striker Weghorst; transfers are currently under discussion.

July 1!

Today is a very important day, especially for football fans within the Asian region.

Because the draw ceremony for the Asian Qualifiers Round of 12 groups has begun!

Xinhua Net: The results of the World Cup Qualifiers Asian Zone Round of 12 group draw are out; the national team will face Japan!

Group A: Iran, South Korea, Australia, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon.

Group B: Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Vietnam.

This draw result...

To be honest, upon seeing this draw result, many fans immediately did not know what to say.

Whether Iran or Japan is stronger is a topic on which fans have not reached a unified conclusion.

But since Tang Ye said he did not want to face Japan, drawing Japan is definitely an unfavorable result for the national team.

Additionally, there is Saudi Arabia.

Japan and Saudi Arabia—both teams are ones the Chinese national team needs to watch out for!

……

"Oriental News"—Lippi's team is urging the Football Association to make a decision.

"Lippi himself holds a positive attitude toward continuing as head coach of the Chinese men's national team, but the Football Association has yet to provide a response, which has left the Italian feeling anxious."

Lippi was somewhat anxious, but he had no choice but to be.

The Italian is already 73 years old this year, so this is very likely his final job.

Whether the Chinese national team renews his contract will directly determine when Lippi retires.

Manchester United Official: The Return of the King!

Manchester United Official released a photo showing Tang Ye appearing at the Carrington Training Base with a backpack on his back.

Many football fans who have watched movies should know that Manchester United Official is paying homage here to the third installment of "The Lord of the Rings" film series.

The title of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" is "The Return of the King" in English as well, with even the capitalization being identical.

However, due to the different contexts, the same words yield different results when translated.

From the photo, Tang Ye seems to be in a rather good mood today, since it is a rare sunny day in Manchester!

Besides this reported photo, Manchester United Official also released a video.

In the video, Tang Ye changes into his training kit, arrives at the base's training ground, and exchanges hugs respectively with Ten Hag and Fan Fan Dejiahe, who were already ready and waiting.

【Countdown to the New Season: 35 Days】

"Diogo!"

Tang Ye shakes hands with Dalot, welcoming the return of the Portuguese full-back.