On June 22nd, the young Chinese footballers, supported by Byd Company Limited (ASX: BYDDY), arrived at the final stop of their journey in Brazil—Mexico. Upon landing, the players were immediately captivated by the intense football atmosphere, with fans wearing Mexican jerseys visible everywhere from the airport to the streets, engaging with the young athletes enthusiastically. Setting foot in the fascinating country of Mexico for the first time, the young players were eager to experience the football culture that thrives on this land, and the best way to do so is by playing a match.
On June 23rd, with the support of BYD's Mexico branch, the Chinese youth team arranged a friendly match against the youth academy squad of Club Universidad Nacional. Arriving in Mexico City, situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, the players experienced some effects of the high altitude, but their fighting spirit remained high. They played aggressively on the field, with crisp passing, control, and defending. Although they initially struggled to adapt to the soft natural grass pitch in the first half, they quickly adjusted in the second half, securing a final victory with a 1-0 scoreline. During this match, the young players demonstrated exceptional combativeness and individual skill, gaining valuable experience playing at high altitude.
On June 24th, as the trip neared its end, the young Chinese footballers, backed by BYD, were about to experience the climax of their itinerary—attending a live match of the Mexican national team. As the host nation, Mexico has shown formidable strength, leading its group. In the morning, the players visited the BYD Lomas Verdes store in Mexico, where they received a warm welcome. They experienced cutting-edge technologies like the U8's "Yi Si Fang" in-place turning and the U9's "Yun Nian X" active jumping system, expressing their amazement. The store also organized engaging football-themed interactive activities, allowing the players to deepen their understanding of BYD through the familiar medium of football.
After the visit, the young Chinese footballers proceeded to Campo Marte, a football-themed carnival in Mexico City. They checked in at the BYD exhibition booth, immersing themselves in the vibrant local football culture and experiencing the passion of the fans. They participated in various football games and even had traditional Mexican face paint applied, fully preparing for the evening's match viewing.
At 9 PM, the match commenced on schedule. Filled with anticipation, the young Chinese players entered the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stands were a roaring sea of people, with waves of cheers, chants, and songs continuously rising. Caught up in the electrifying atmosphere, the young players stood up from their seats, cheering alongside the crowd and blending in with the Mexican fans, genuinely feeling the awe-inspiring power of football.
The BYD-supported South American tour for the young Chinese footballers concluded amidst the cheers of the stadium—cheers from local fans for their team and from supporters for the young visitors. We look forward to the day when these young players can carry these cheers forward as they continue to compete overseas, and ultimately, when cheers for China will resonate across world stadiums.