The match entered its halftime phase, and Coach Gao's chosen five-man defense formation indeed caused a lot of trouble for the Syria Team on the defensive end.
However, as expected, midfield problems gradually emerged.
The midfield combination of Zhang Xizhe, Hao Junmin, and Huang Bowen seemed somewhat overwhelmed when facing the Syria Team's tough midfield battle.
The Syria Team's midfielders were physically strong and technically skilled, forming a solid barrier on the field.
Whenever the China Team tried to launch an attack, the Syria Team's midfielders were able to react quickly, intercepting the ball or blocking the attacking lanes.
This made it difficult for the China Team to create effective coordination and threats in attack.
Although Zhang Xizhe, Hao Junmin, and Huang Bowen are all top domestic midfielders, their performance was greatly restricted when facing the Syria Team's tough defense.
Their passes were often intercepted by opponents, and their ball control was also challenged.
In attack, they struggled to find breakthroughs and couldn't create dangerous attacking opportunities for the forwards.
This predicament made Gao Hongbo frown; he deeply understood the importance of the midfield.
The midfield is the bridge connecting the defense and the forward line, the core area for tactical transitions.
Now, this bridge seemed to be cut off by the Syria Team's midfield iron curtain, leading to disorganized attacks and defenses for the China Team.
Gao Hongbo paced anxiously on the sidelines, his hands clenched into fists, occasionally pointing to a certain area on the field, giving the players tactical pointers.
His gaze constantly swept across the field, searching for possible breakthroughs.
The China Team's midfielders also tried hard to cope with the Syria Team's relentless pressure.
Zhang Xizhe, Hao Junmin, and Huang Bowen continuously tried to change formations, looking for opportunities to pass and combine.
But the Syria Team's midfielders seemed to know their tactics inside out, always making the correct defensive response at the first opportunity.
As the first half was about to end, the Syria Team suddenly launched a fierce counterattack, intensifying the already tense atmosphere.
The China Team's defense appeared somewhat flustered under the opponent's fierce assault, and the players' faces were filled with tension and anxiety.
Syria Team's forward Mawas suddenly received a brilliant pass from his teammate.
He dribbled the ball, quickly breaking past the China Team's Ren Hang and Feng Xiaoting.
At this moment, a huge gap appeared in the China Team's defense, and the Syria forward dribbled straight towards the China Team's goal.
The China Team's Gu Chao became the focus of the entire stadium at this moment; he saw the approaching opponent and reacted quickly.
He leaped into the air, extended his large hands, and firmly caught the ball.
At this moment, the entire stadium fell silent; fans held their breath, watching this scene nervously.
As the goalkeeper firmly held the ball, fans erupted in warm applause and cheers.
They were thrilled by the goalkeeper's excellent performance and relieved that the China Team had averted danger.
However, this counterattack also made Coach Gao Hongbo deeply realize the severity of the match.
He knew that adjustments had to be made in the second half to strengthen the team's defense and offense, otherwise they might fall into a difficult situation in this match.
The match continued, and the players from both sides competed more fiercely.
The Syria Team still did not give up any attacking opportunities, while the China Team also worked hard to find breakthroughs.
The second half of the match was full of suspense and variables, driving the fans wild.
As the main referee's whistle blew, the first half officially ended.
The China National Team players walked in twos and threes towards the locker room, their faces filled with solemnity and determination.
The players discussed the situation of the first half as they walked, analyzing the Syria Team's tactics and player characteristics.
They understood that their performance in the first half was not ideal; the offense lacked effective coordination and threats, and the defense frequently showed weaknesses.
If they continued like this in the second half, it would be difficult to win.
As soon as the halftime whistle blew, Lin Feng eagerly sat in front of the TV, his eyes fixed on the China National Team on the screen.
His mood fluctuated with the progress of the match, sometimes tense, sometimes excited.
At this moment, Lin Feng paced anxiously in the living room.
His brow was furrowed, and his hands were clasped together, as if silently praying for the China Team's victory.
He constantly paced back and forth on the floor, every step revealing his inner anxiety and anticipation.
"We must win, brothers!" Lin Feng silently shouted in his heart.
He knew that this match was crucial for the China Team, a key battle for them to advance towards the World Cup.
However, his performance in the first half left him somewhat disappointed and helpless.
He knew that he couldn't personally go on the field to help the team, only silently support and follow them in front of the TV.
The halftime whistle blew, and for many fans, this was not just a simple pause, but also a time for reflection and discussion.
Domestic fan forums immediately exploded, with countless fans posting to discuss the China Team's performance in the first half.
Some fans bluntly stated: "Coach Gao's lineup this time is really incomprehensible; the midfield was completely suppressed by Syria, and there was almost no threat in attack."
Other fans were even more direct: "The first half of this match was simply one of the China Team's worst performances in recent years."
But some fans still firmly supported Gao Hongbo: "Coach Gao led us to successfully qualify for the top twelve, and we should give him more trust and support."
These fans believed that the China Team's poor performance in the first half might be due to the players not yet adapting to the rhythm of the game and the opponent's tactics.
However, more fans began to deeply analyze the China Team's problems in the first half.
Some fans pointed out: "The three midfielders did not seem to form effective cooperation, and passes often went awry, which gave the Syria Team too many attacking opportunities."
Other fans analyzed from the players' mentality: "Facing an opponent like Syria, the players might have been too nervous, leading to deformed technical movements and misjudgments."
As the discussion deepened, some fans began to offer their suggestions and opinions: "I think we should strengthen midfield control in the second half to give the forwards more attacking opportunities."
Other fans suggested: "Perhaps we can try to adjust the players' positions and let more experienced players lead the team."
The halftime period was undoubtedly a time of immense pressure for Gao Hongbo.
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