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With 106 appearances and 16 goals for his country,
veteran defender Fan Zhiyi is the proverbial glue that
holds China together.
Zhiyi is an intelligent player who reads the game very
well, has superb aerial skills and is equally effective
playing as a defensive midfielder. A defensive stalwart
with a dangerous scoring touch, Zhiyi is an inspiring
presence for the Chinese side, but even for him, the
task of leading China into the second round from a group
that includes Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica looks overwhelming.
Zhiyi earned his first international cap in 1992 against
Slovakia. Now, at age 32, he is looking back on his
glorious career as he is presented with an opportunity
to shine and showcase his talent on the world stage.
In 1998, he left Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua for English
First Division side Crystal Palace for a transfer fee
of one million pounds. Zhiyi became a pioneer in Asian
soccer, paving the way other Chinese soccer players
to leave the country and move to Europe.
Fan Zhiyi became one of Crystal Palace's most valued
players and establishing himself within the European
soccer landscape. After four seasons in England, he
was sent on a transfer to Dundee of the Scottish Premier
League.
Zhiyi, voted Asian Player of the Year in 2001, is one
of only three members of the Chinese team to play for
European clubs, and he feels that the seasoning acquired
in the European leagues is essential for World Cup success.
"Soccer in Europe is played on a completely different
level than in Asia," he said. "The best way
to overcome this is for Chinese players to play for
European clubs."
Zhiyi anchored China's defence as they conceded a mere
five goals in 14 games in World Cup qualifying, helping
the nation reach its first World Cup finals.
Now braced with the reality of facing heavyweights Brazil
and Turkey, Zhiyi will be looked upon again by China
to wield his special brand of magic on the pitch, but
he's keeping a measured approach to his country's soccer
coming-out party.
"We don't feel nervous; we don't feel any burden,"
he said. "I'm just curious to see what playing
in the World Cup will be like."
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