Wang Bohao: Overseas Experience Brings Two Major Improvements, Returning to Asian Stage with Psychological Advantage

Reporter Wang Wei reports On January 26, the U23 Chinese national team finished their Asian Cup journey and came back home. Wang Bohao, who scored the decisive penalty against Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals, spoke exclusively with our paper.

Wang Bohao, not yet 21, has a special growth story. He started playing football in Xiangyang and Wuhan, Hubei, then moved between Kunming, Yunnan, and the Evergrande Football School during his youth to chase his football dream. Last August, he was loaned by Shaanxi United to Den Bosch in the Dutch second division, making him the only overseas-based player in China’s U23 Asian Cup squad this time.

In the interview, Wang Bohao demonstrated excellent communication skills, speaking clearly with broad vision and insight. He smiled and said, "My parents always told me from childhood that I could play football but must never give up on studying, and my grades had to be good!"

◆Football Magazine: First of all, congratulations on winning the runner-up in the U23 Asian Cup. What special meaning does this achievement hold for you?

Wang Bohao: It was my first time representing the U23 national team in a continental tournament, and winning the runner-up made me very happy. Although the final result was a bit disappointing, overall we have improved a lot, and I am proud of our team. Previously, the Chinese U23 team never got past the group stage in the Asian Cup, so our initial goal this time was just to advance from the group. We never expected to go this far.

◆What do you think were the reasons China managed to fight all the way to the final?

The atmosphere within our team was very harmonious. Achieving this result reflects the team's cohesion. The head coach always instilled in us the idea that all 11 players on the field must work hard together toward the same goal.

◆I heard your preparation for the U23 Asian Cup was quite tough?

During our training camp in Dubai, we practiced twice or even three times a day to build up our stamina for the tournament. Our hard work definitely paid off.

◆In the quarterfinal against Uzbekistan, your calm performance at the last moment helped China eliminate a strong opponent. How did you feel when you stepped up to take the final penalty?

Actually, I didn’t feel much emotion at the time; I just focused on scoring the penalty. Looking back, I felt even more nervous after the fact. Before taking the shot, I adjusted myself on the spot because I knew I had to stay focused when it was my turn.

◆How did you develop such a strong mentality?

It probably relates to how my parents raised me, always encouraging me to face critical moments bravely and not avoid them. The coach assigned me to take the last penalty, so I kept adjusting my mindset, telling myself I must score. Fortunately, I succeeded and was very happy. After all, the men's national team hasn't reached the Asian semifinals for many years, so I felt this penalty was quite important.

◆Besides that penalty, were there other memorable moments in the tournament?

Yes, one that stands out is the first goal in the semifinal against Vietnam. The coach asked me to set a screen in the penalty area; after the ball was played, Peng Xiao headed it in. I completed my tactical task effectively and felt proud.

◆What was your feeling when the team arrived at Beijing Daxing Airport?

When passing through customs, I saw countless Chinese flags and people cheering for us at the airport. It was really exciting and joyful, almost like returning with an Olympic gold medal.

◆Football Magazine: In this U23 Asian Cup, your tactics were very targeted each game — tough defense against strong teams and controlling the rhythm against Vietnam. Was there extensive training and planning behind this?

Wang Bohao: Actually, the head coach didn’t tell us much in advance; the starting lineup was announced only on match day. I think Coach Antonio had a clear plan and made adjustments specifically for Vietnam. Before that game, he said we needed to change our style, keep possession, and press the opponent. He didn’t explain why in detail, just told us to execute it. The coaches held seven or eight meetings daily, studying opponent videos, set pieces, and tactics. They worked continuously on our gameplay.

◆How do you evaluate Coach Antonio?

I think he is a very serious and meticulous coach. Off the field, he might joke with us, but during training and matches, he is very strict and demands a lot from us. He is also very dedicated; for example, before the final, even though he was sick and had to get an injection at the hospital, he rushed back to prepare us for the match against Japan.

◆What have you learned from this U23 Asian Cup, and what still needs improvement?

I believe we have a lot of room for improvement when we have the ball. Playing against Japan felt like competing in the Dutch league; their pace and transition speed are very close to European leagues, even reaching that level. That is where we need to improve.

◆What impact do you think this runner-up finish has on Chinese football and your own development?

For Chinese football, this runner-up shows that the men’s team can hold a place in Asia and even on the world stage, and we have the ability to pursue higher rankings. Historically, Chinese men’s football results in Asia and internationally have been poor, and fans were often pessimistic. This result brings confidence to Chinese football and supporters, which is very important. From a player’s perspective, we will carry this confidence and honor forward.

◆What are your goals for the future?

Playing in the World Cup for the national team is every player’s dream. At the national level, I hope to represent China in the World Cup. Achieving this requires Chinese football people to work step by step, with effort and sweat.

◆Football Magazine: How did you come to love football and eventually choose the professional path?

Wang Bohao: I was quite restless as a child, and my parents wanted me to find a sport to release energy and improve health. One time, they took me to a playground next to a stadium where I saw people playing football. We signed up for a beginner’s class, and I gradually fell in love with football. Later, I trained daily with older players. At age 12, I was selected for the Hubei provincial team.

During junior high, I went to Yunnan to play for Kunming Haiyifeng Football Club. This period was very important for my growth. From age 13 to 15, I balanced school and football, with coaches training me according to football principles, laying a solid foundation.

◆It is said you almost got cut during trials at Evergrande Football School?

Later, when I trialed at Evergrande Football School, Coach Wang Hongwei was the first coach I met there, and he helped me a lot. At that time, I was physically weak and would fall easily in challenges. He insisted on keeping me despite opposition.

Here, I want to take this interview opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. First, I thank Xiangyang Jijun Football Club and Coach Liu Jijun for their guidance. Then Coach Tan Tao of Hubei team, coaches Wang Hongwei, Huang Chuanhong, Liu Jiaqi, Liang Guang at Evergrande Football School, my Korean coach Kim Bonggi at Yanbian, and Director Edwin of Shaanxi United. I feel very fortunate to have received so much help and encouragement on my path.

◆Since last August, you have been playing for Den Bosch in the Dutch second division. What feelings has playing in Europe brought you?

The Dutch professional league has a complete system. The club’s maturity, players’ discipline, and fans’ involvement left a deep impression on me. Playing abroad has improved my ability to handle the ball under pressure and boosted my confidence because I regularly compete against European, American, and African players. Returning to the Asian stage gives me some psychological advantage.

◆Are you more determined to continue your overseas career?

My ideas align with Shaanxi United Football Club’s. If there is an opportunity, I want to continue playing abroad. This season, I will keep playing in the Netherlands. I will return there on February 4. If I can stay with Den Bosch next season, that would be ideal. Playing in Europe has been my dream since childhood, and now that I have this chance, I don’t want to miss it easily.