JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Midfielder Xu Bin walked off the pitch disappointed but resolute after China finished runner-up at the AFC U23 Asian Cup following a 4-0 loss to Japan, saying the defeat reinforced his determination to go abroad and close the gap to the sport's elite.
The result marked China's best-ever finish at the tournament and a defining experience for Xu, who said he performed to the limit of his ability and had no regrets.
After the final whistle, the 21-year-old lingered on the sidelines, eyes glistening but holding back tears, acknowledging the mixed emotions brought by the heavy defeat.
"My feeling is that we need to face up to this gap," Xu told Xinhua. "If the score had been 1-0, I might not have been able to hold back my emotions and would probably have cried. But 4-0 actually shows that we still have much to improve."
The scale of the loss strengthened Xu's resolve to seek a breakthrough by training overseas. He said he does not view the move as premature and is mentally prepared for challenges such as language and adapting to life abroad.
"It's about going out there, gaining experience and seeing where the real gap lies," he said. "I'm almost 22 years old now, and in some other countries 22-year-olds are already rotation players or even starters. Actually, I don't really have any age advantage."
Xu pointed to the 2023 AFC U20 Asian Cup as a turning point, when he and teammate Li Hao were left in tears after a quarterfinal defeat to South Korea. He said that frustration has since evolved into belief and resilience.
"Back then, we were resentful," Xu said. "Now we're more focused on acknowledging the gap. At least we clearly know where we stand and what we need to improve."
Carrying greater responsibility than three years ago, Xu delivered a steady tournament with fewer mistakes.
"I'd give myself 85 out of 100," he said.
Reflecting on the final, Xu said Japan's pressing game appeared more mature and cohesive than in previous encounters.
"The difference isn't just fitness," he said. "It's more about decision-making speed and collective judgment. Their tactical system is very well-developed. Every player knows when to receive the ball and where to move it next. Watching from the stands and playing on the pitch are very different."
Despite the defeat, Xu said his confidence remains intact.
"Even if we had lost by five or six, it would not change our mindset," he said. "The next time we face Japan, we will still want to compete with them head-to-head."
Xu also credited team unity as a key factor in China's run to the final.
"This is the key reason we were able to come this far," he said.
Support from the stands played a role as well. Xu said his parents and girlfriend traveled to watch him during the group stage.
"They gave me the confidence I needed," he said. "With them there, I felt I could give it my all on the pitch, regardless of the result."
During the final, chants from thousands of Chinese fans made him feel as if he were playing at home.
"It was already overwhelming when we went out to warm up," Xu said. "We wanted them to feel that the long journey was worth it. We gave everything to every touch of the ball. We didn't want them to have come all this way for nothing."
With the Chinese New Year approaching, Xu said his hopes for the coming year are modest.
"I hope my teammates and I can stay healthy and avoid injuries," he said. ■
