A bright future beckons for Hiddink's China U21s

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In the end, it was just a little bit too familiar for Chinese fans; their hopes having been revived by a group of fresh-faced young prospects only to have them crushed in a nail-biting final match.

China's Under-21s were just one victory away from being crowned champions of the four-nation tournament in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, but it wasn't to be.

Following a morale-boosting win over Thailand and a hard-fought draw with Iceland, coach Guus Hiddink's side was unable to break down the streetwise Mexican opponents who held on for a stalemate to snatch the tournament title on Monday night.

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive campaign but Hiddink felt the need to point to signs of progress offered up by his resilient team.

Mexico's U21s celebrate being crowned champions of the four-nation tournament after holding China to a draw in Chongqing, SW China, November 19, 2018. /VCG Photo

"I take a lot of encouragement from our positive performance despite the result," said the former Netherlands and Real Madrid boss, who has been tasked with ensuring China qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"We remain unbeaten after three games and I am pleased with the way the players played. I thought we could have won our last two games, and the team have made rapid progress in a short amount of time."

China were behind early when Mexico's Godinez Navarro capitalized on a miscommunication between goalkeeper Kudret and midfielder Yan Dinghao to poke the ball home with just five minutes on the clock.

The hosts were stunned and Mexico even threatened to extend their lead on a couple of occasions. But they were kept out by China who grabbed the equalizer just after the half-hour mark with their first meaningful shot.

Feng Boxuan's floating free kick found Real Madrid youngster Lin Liangming, who tested Romero Gonzalez with a bullet header that was parried into the path of Liu Ruofan, who calmly tucked in the rebound.

Lin Liangming (C) was forced off the field for medical treatment but later returned sporting a bandaged head. /VCG Photo

China, buoyed by their leveler, continued to push forward after the interval as Hiddink threw on Shanghai SIPG's Li Shenyuan and Chen Binbin in the hope of adding some fresh impetus. The change almost led to a goal when Chen delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left and Hu Jinghang rose above defenders at the back post only to put his header wide of the bar.

Hiddink's side had another sight of goal before the hour mark, but Lin Liangming was unable to finish off a pinpoint cross with Mexico's substitute shot-stopper Malagon Velazquez more than equal to his header.

A few seconds later, Lin took a heavy whack when he vied for a high ball with an opponent in the penalty area and suffered a nasty gash to the forehead before he left the field to receive treatment. The 21-year-old insisted on playing on despite the injury, and the fighting spirit shown by China is clear to see.

For all their dominance in the latter stages, Mexico were far from free-flowing and China were equal to everything their opponents threw at them, making a string of interceptions and blocks and ensuring that goalkeeper Kudret had few saves to make.

Liu Ruofan (L) offered a constant threat to the Mexican defense with his pace and dribbling skills. /VCG Photo

From Hiddink's point of view, his game plan worked perfectly. "We had a slow start and paid a heavy price for it. But we showed resilience to stay in the game, " the China coach said. "We've grown together and we've improved against each opponent."

The Dutchman is also delighted with the depth of his squad as the four-nation tournament provided an ideal opportunity for his fringe players to showcase their quality.

"There was plenty of pressure but we coped really well. I have found many quality players through this tournament and I'm deeply convinced that I can build a strong team," he said.

By the time China kick off their Olympic qualification campaign in March the frustration of Monday night's draw by Mexico will have been overtaken by more positive emotions. Without a doubt, they would have loved to have beaten El Tri so as to lay their hands on a rare trophy but there has been enough improvement to suggest better days may be ahead.