I have never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years Son Heung-min's tight hug to the cry goalkeeper, self-criticism of tears → Retirement from the national team is expected

Jun 10, 2025

I have never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years Son Heung-min's tight hug to the cry goalkeeper, self-criticism of tears → Retirement from the national team is expected
The match between South Korea and China in the second qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 11th. South Korea's Son Heung-min, who won, greets Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalay. Sangam = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.06.11/



I have never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years Son Heung-min's tight hug to the cry goalkeeper, self-criticism of tears → Retirement from the national team is expected
EPA Yonhap News
I have never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years Son Heung-min's tight hug to the cry goalkeeper, self-criticism of tears → Retirement from the national team is expected
"I've never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years." Veteran goalkeeper Son Heung-min hugged tightly, self-criticism of tears → Retirement predicted

Wang Dalay (36, Shandong Taishan), a veteran goalkeeper of the Chinese national soccer team who failed to advance to the World Cup finals for the sixth consecutive time, has predicted his retirement from national university.

Wang Dalay said at a press conference for the 10th round of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Bahrain in Chongqing, China, on the 10th that this could be his last World Cup qualifying round.




He "I think the past year has gone too fast. We are ahead of the final World Cup qualifying round. Maybe it will be my last World Cup qualifier. I want to win at home with my teammates and set a good example for young players" and emphasized that he would reap "the beauty of the end".

Wang Dalay has kept the Chinese goal for nearly two decades since he was first selected for China's under-23 national team in 2006. He made his A-team debut in 2012 and has played 41 A matches so far. He regained his main position through the North Korea-China World Cup qualifiers, but failed to prevent him from eliminating the World Cup.

Wang Dalay shed tears after losing the second World Cup qualifying match against South Korea at Seoul World Cup Stadium in June last year. The scene where South Korean captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham) approached Wang Dalay and gave him a hot hug became a hot topic.




I have never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years Son Heung-min's tight hug to the cry goalkeeper, self-criticism of tears → Retirement from the national team is expected
I have never succeeded in the Chinese national team in 20 years Son Heung-min's tight hug to the cry goalkeeper, self-criticism of tears → Retirement from the national team is expected
China lost 0-1 in the ninth match of the third World Cup qualifying round against Indonesia on the 6th, confirming its early elimination from the World Cup finals. China, which had only six points, had a six-point gap with fourth-place Indonesia (12 points), the last line to advance to the fourth qualifying round, with the final match remaining. The match against Bahrain is the lowest escape from Group C, that is, 'Extinction'.

Wang Dalay reflected on his past career, saying, `I've learned a lot, but I don't think I've succeeded yet.' At this rate, Wang Dalay will not be able to advance to the World Cup finals and take off the national team goalkeeper's gloves. China has never advanced to the World Cup finals since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

Wang Dalay said, `I hope that my last World Cup qualifying match for the national team will bring precious memories to the young players and that they will continue the spirit of unity,' adding, `I hope that when I leave the national team, I will throw away all the bad things and leave only useful things.'




Amid constant criticism of the Chinese national team, China coach Branko Ivankovic said, `It's a big burden for us to lose this game. The most important thing is to do your best. "Our team's age group has decreased significantly. She Wen Neng, Huhe Tao, Baihe Lamu, and the royal baby began to rise. I can feel that the future of the national soccer team is still bright."

As for the constant criticism of the dismissal, he said, `I think the KFA will decide whether this is my last game through a comprehensive analysis and summary after the game.'



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.