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Lee Wing-Sze

JUNE 8 WILL be a pivotal day for China's World Cup hero and stylish central defender Li Weifeng.

If all goes well and he isn't injured, he'll be in the China line-up for the World Cup match against Brazil in Seogwipo, South Korea. He may also have the unenviable task of marking one of the world's most instinctive goal poachers - Ronaldo.

Li spoke exclusively to Young Post at his training centre in Shenzhen before joining the national team and heading for Korea and the glory of the World Cup finals.

The mainland superstar said he was more than ready to take on the former World Footballer of the Year. 'I think I can outperform him,' said the 24-year-old with steely conviction. 'I'll simply defend better than he attacks.'

With Li in this kind of mood, it may just be Ronaldo who will have to watch out.

'If he comes near me, I'll give him a big headache,' said the Shenzhen Football Club captain.

Li was China's most-capped player in the World Cup qualifiers, missing just one of the team's 14 matches.

He also weighed in with four headed goals, including a last-minute equaliser in a crucial morale-boosting 1-1 draw against Qatar.

The goals earned him the affectionate nickname, 'Big Head', in the Chinese press.

Hong Kong football fans may remember Li's fearless defending at the annual Carlsberg Cup tournament in February that cost him a broken nose.

He wore a special protective black face mask for a long time afterwards, and subsequently had another nickname - 'Zorro' - bestowed upon him by his adoring fans in Shenzhen.

Although Li owns a flashy Mercedes-Benz and earns a huge salary compared with the national average, this 'big head' is no egomaniac.

The longer we talked with Li, the more he impressed on us a tunnel vision-like determination to succeed as a footballer - and the insignificance of wealth in the overall equation.

He talked repeatedly of proving how good he was and promised that neither he nor the China team intended to let anyone down.

'I will focus 100 per cent of my energy on football until the World Cup is over,' he said.

As an eight-year-old watching the 1986 Mexico World Cup on television, he often dreamed about taking part in the game's greatest showpiece. It had a powerful impact on Li. He was mesmerised - and inspired.

'I was really excited and hoped one day I could perform on that stage,' he said.

This is an historic year for Asia as the region will be hosting the World Cup for the first time.

'It will be a major motivational force for Asian football and gives Asians an opportunity to be recognised for their commitment to football,' said Li.

China's successful qualifying campaign meant its chances of making it to future World Cups had increased, he added.

'We didn't make it four years ago, which I think might have been related to our self-esteem,' Li said. 'The success we've had this time will boost our confidence and we'll be even better prepared next time.'



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