Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Team Claims National Championship After Dramatic Penalty Shootout
The Shanghai Pudong Development Bank football team secured a national championship title following a hard-fought victory that culminated in a penalty shootout. The team faced a challenging final, trailing 0-1 until a crucial corner kick in stoppage time allowed them to equalize.
Throughout the match, the Shanghai pudong Development Bank team demonstrated resilience despite early setbacks. Chen Xing,a key player,recalled opportunities created through passing and skillful runs after losing possession,but lamented the team’s inability to capitalize on these chances. He personally came close to scoring with a near-breakaway, but the opposing goalkeeper made a vital save.
The turning point arrived in the final minute of regulation time with a corner kick. Chen Xing rushed to take the kick,driven by the urgency of the dwindling clock. While the initial attempt was cleared, the equalizer set the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.
Promptly following the goal, coach Liu Jun strategically substituted goalkeeper Zhou Ye for Ge Jinjie. Zhou Ye, a product of campus football, proved to be a decisive factor, having previously saved three penalty kicks in the semi-final shootout. He continued his impressive form in the final, saving two more penalties.
The team had a pre-arranged agreement: Zhou Ye would enter the game specifically for penalty shootouts. Ge Jinjie, the starting goalkeeper, acknowledged the plan and praised Zhou Ye’s performance. Ge Jinjie also played a critical role during the match itself,making a key save in the second half during a counterattack by the opposing team,preserving the team’s chance for a comeback.
For many players, this championship represents a peak experiance. Huang Siyuan, the team’s central defender, cited Mbappe as his favorite player and described reaching the national summit as an unforgettable achievement, perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many team members harbored professional football aspirations in their youth, but pursued different career paths.Football remained a cherished hobby, and the chance to compete at this level was unexpected and deeply appreciated.
The Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Shanghai Branch Football Team is a well-respected force in Shanghai’s amateur football scene, known as a leading team within the city’s financial football community.
The final penalty kick, taken by player No. 21 Chen Haobin, was delivered amidst keen support from the team’s loyal fans, dubbed the “twelfth man.” The team also benefited from strong logistical support from the labor union and colleagues from Shanghai pudong Development Bank branches in Dalian and Xi’an, creating a home-field atmosphere at every game. Chen Haobin credited the constant encouragement of “fight to the end” from the supporters as a key factor in their ultimate victory.
Published in: Beijing