The U16 boys' soccer competition at the 15th National Games has kicked off, with the Guangdong team ready to "show their sword."

Reporter Wang Wei reports. On the afternoon of September 4th, the first men's soccer event of the 15th National Games, the U16 boys' soccer match (hereafter referred to as the U16 boys' soccer game), began at the Meizhou Wuhua Olympic Sports Center. In the opening match, the Guangdong team, featuring several U16 national youth players, defeated Sichuan 4-1, securing a strong start. After the game, Guangdong's head coach Guo Zichao said the players performed well and expressed his hope that they would demonstrate a "show your sword" spirit, playing boldly and fighting hard.

The Meizhou competition zone is hosting four categories in the 15th National Games: the U16 boys' soccer, and three men's five-a-side football groups in the mass sports category—Group A, Group B, and the veterans group. After sweeping gold medals in all three mass sports football events, the "hometown of football" has become a blessed land for Guangdong football. The Guangdong U16 boys' team also looks forward to continuing Guangdong football’s glory on home turf.

This event brings together 13 top youth football teams from across the country. It serves not only as a high-level competitive platform but also as an important stage to showcase youth football vitality, promote the cultivation of future talent, and strengthen China’s football youth training system.

The Guangdong team is jointly formed by the Guangdong Provincial Football Sports Center and Meizhou Hakka Club, built mainly on the Meizhou U16 squad, Evergrande Football School, and players from various Guangdong cities. Players such as Li Qifu, Wang Feinia, Yu Jianan, Lu Qizheng, and Qin Ziniu are all members of the U16 national youth team. The match was officiated by referee Ma Ning.

In this match, Guangdong's head coach Guo Zichao deployed a 4-5-1 formation. The Meizhou U16 goalkeeper and U16 national youth goalkeeper Li Qifu, along with captain and central defender Zhong Haipeng, started the game, with U16 national youth players Wang Feinia and Yu Jianan also in the starting lineup. In the first half, Guangdong, enjoying favorable conditions, showed better coordination. At the 4th minute, Chen Zhiping scored with a sweeping shot inside the box from a corner kick, making a perfect start.

Afterward, the Guangdong players grew more confident. The sharp and penetrating Wang Feinia roamed the left and center, continuously creating scoring chances. The defensively-minded Sichuan team relied on counterattacks, with their only threat in the first half being a shot by forward Shuai Weihao before the 29th minute, which was brilliantly saved by Li Qifu. At the 33rd minute, Guangdong executed a brilliant combination deep in Sichuan’s territory, with Gong Junxiang extending the lead to 2-0.

In the second half, Guangdong continued to take the initiative. At the 49th minute, Wang Feinia used his personal skill to break through and score a one-on-one goal. Trailing by three goals, Sichuan pressed forward aggressively but left their defense vulnerable, giving Guangdong more counterattack opportunities. At the 59th minute, Guangdong delivered a cross from the right flank, and substitute Li Yuxu scored with a close-range shot, increasing the lead to 4-0. Sichuan managed to score a consolation goal at the 62nd minute when Du Yuanyi converted a penalty. The final score was 4-1.

Wang Feinia, selected for the U16 national youth team, performed excellently in this match, being very active upfront and posing a significant threat to Sichuan’s defense.

“We played quite well today, executed the tactics the coach asked for, and I’m happy about the victory and my own performance, having scored a goal,” Wang Feinia revealed after the game. At halftime, the coach told them the opponents might be tired in the second half and shifted him to the striker position to push forward and score a few goals, which he accomplished.

With a 4-1 win over Sichuan, Wang Feinia said it boosted the team's confidence. “We will have a small celebration when we get back, but nothing excessive because in three days we face Shandong, a very strong opponent, so we must stay focused.”

Regarding how to face the powerful Shandong team, Wang Feinia believes that as long as they play their usual game and each player does their job well, it will be fine. “If a teammate is out of position, everyone should run more to help cover for them.”

On the goal for the National Games, Wang Feinia said, “Of course, it’s the championship. Everyone is aiming for the title.”

Guo Zichao once represented Guangdong at the 2009 11th National Games held in Shandong, where the U20 men's team finished as runners-up. Sixteen years later, he returns as head coach to compete again at the National Games.

After securing the opening win, Guo Zichao stated, “This was our first match at the National Games. The beginning is always the hardest. We prepared thoroughly. The opponent is the traditional strong team Sichuan, who have deep football roots in both youth and senior squads. We took them seriously and prepared well. We are grateful to the players for their effort and commitment. Everyone is very happy with the first victory. We will take the upcoming matches step by step. We have a bye in the second round, then face Shandong. We hope to play well in every game.”

Before heading to the National Games, the Guangdong team trained together in Guangzhou for some time and watched the classic TV series "Drawing Sword." Guo Zichao said, “We dare to fight and compete. I expect the players to show the spirit of 'Drawing Sword.' Our current goal is to perform well in every match and strive to finish first in the group stage.”