During a series of warm-up matches in France, China’s U19 national team impressed fans and scouts alike by winning all three games. They first defeated Nice U19 with a 2-0 score, then cruised past Monaco U19 with a 4-0 victory, and finally shut out Cannes U19 with a solid 3-0 result. These games drew considerable attention, especially for fans following the team through the Melbet App, eager to track the squad’s performance ahead of a busy season.

Looking ahead, head coach Cheng Yaodong confirmed that the team will remain in France for a few more training matches before returning to China at the end of the month. He emphasized the importance of this phase in building the players’ abilities. The team’s ultimate goal for the year is to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup by finishing in the top four at the AFC U19 Championship, set for late October in Indonesia. Following that, they’ll head to Italy for the renowned Viareggio Cup, a prestigious youth tournament that regularly features future stars of international football.

In the Viareggio Cup, China’s U19s were grouped with Torino, Perugia, and Paganese. Their first match saw a narrow 0-1 loss to Torino. In the second game, the team showed resilience and determination, scoring a dramatic late winner to defeat Paganese 1-0. Heading into the third match, the path to the knockout stage was still open—if they could secure a win. However, the final group match ended in a goalless draw against Perugia. With one win, one draw, and one loss, China earned four points and finished second in the group. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to qualify for the next round, as only the top six second-placed teams advanced.

Coach Cheng, in a post-match interview, expressed both disappointment and optimism. He noted that although the team didn’t progress, the players gained vital experience. “Each game is a test,” Cheng said. “We came here to represent China, and it’s crucial that our players grow through these challenges. I still believe the team performed well overall.”

He added that a few of their key attacking players weren’t able to join the tournament due to scheduling conflicts, which affected the team’s firepower. Still, he praised the squad’s effort, emphasizing development over results. Cheng also highlighted that with the short preparation time, the team showed good cohesion, something they’ll continue to improve during their European training sessions.

Fans who have been following every step of the team’s journey via the Melbet App have witnessed not just the scores, but the growth and heart of a team with real potential. As they prepare for more friendlies in Europe before heading back to China, there’s a growing sense that these young players are laying the groundwork for future success. The Melbet App will remain the go-to platform for those wanting to stay updated on their progress every step of the way.