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17:10, 13-Jul-2018
Different Perspective: China’s basketball coach impressed by World Cup
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17:00, 16-Jul-2018
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05:24
In the latest edition of CGTN Sports Scene’s World Cup special show “The Different Perspective,” Chinese national basketball team coach Du Feng cites one or two crossover elements between the hardwood and the soccer pitch.
In a freewheeling interview, the high-profile Chinese coach said even though he has been busy training with his team for the FIBA World Cup next year, he has been keenly following the FIFA World Cup.
Du has already watched both semifinals and has praised each of the four teams, England, France, Belgium and Croatia, saying that he has been impressed by unexpected results.
China's head coach Feng Du during a match. /VCG File Photo
China's head coach Feng Du during a match. /VCG File Photo
Meanwhile, the ex-CBA MVP mentioned that it’s a big honor for China to host the FIBA World Cup, basketball’s equivalent of the FIFA World Cup. According to him, it would be quite difficult for China to advance because of the qualification format.
The 36-year-old, however, felt that basketball in China still has a competitive edge and he highlighted that youth development is a crucial part of both football and basketball.
While answering the million-dollar question of when China will qualify for the World Cup in future, he sounded optimistic saying the country will certainly appear on the global stage again soon.