China-Portugal Ties: Chinese footballers shine on Portuguese teams

World
Europe

02:27

Some Chinese football players are now training, and even playing, for professional Portuguese teams. The move aims to expose Chinese athletes to stiffer competition in Portugal and greater Europe and eventually allow them to come back to China, and improve the level of play. Al Goodman reports from Almada, Portugal.

A weekend football match in Portugal's professional second-division league. But with a twist. The home team, Cova de Piedade, in greater Lisbon, has three Chinese football players. This day, facing a team visiting from northern Portugal.

The Chinese striker, Liu Yuhao, number 99, is a starter, which doesn't always happen. This is a good chance for him. The visitors are at the top of the second division. A tough match is predicted and the Chinese player is pressing hard.

AL GOODMAN ALMADA, PORTUGAL "This is a sign of the times in Portuguese football. Chinese investment in the sport has increased in recent years, especially in second-division teams. And there are now several dozen Chinese players on these Portuguese squads."

Cova's owner is Kuong Chun Long. Born in Macau, he's lived a long time in Portugal and is now a Portuguese citizen. He bought Cova five years ago, and has various Chinese players at the club.

The aim is to improve the skills of these footballers so they can return home to boost the level of the game in China. He's played in Portugal five years and says it's helped his game.

LIU YUHAO CHINESE FOOTBALL PLAYER "European football has a faster pace. The style of play in Portugal is more defensive and they like to counterattack."

His teammate, a defenseman, says European competition is tougher.

YUAN YELONG CHINESE FOOTBALL PLAYER "Because football of Europe is the best of the world. So we come here to learn and improve ourselves."

The tight competition on the field was seen in every step, in every play, and every near miss. The new manager of Cova says the Chinese striker did his part.

HUGO FALCĀO MANAGER, COVA DE PIEDADE "He's strong. He's tall. Maybe one, two years, top player in China."

This game ended in a scoreless draw. That was a moral victory for Cova, against the league leaders. The Chinese striker was satisfied. Al Goodman, Almada, Portugal.