JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- After producing eight crucial saves and then emerging as the hero in a penalty shootout, goalkeeper Li Hao was tossed into the air by jubilant teammates as China knocked out Uzbekistan to reach the AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals for the first time.

Li Hao. (Photo: Xinhua)

The 22-year-old has since become an overnight star back home, but in conversation with Xinhua, he spoke more about endurance, learning and collective effort than personal glory.

"I had dreamed of scenes like this many times - wearing the national team jersey and being lifted into the air by my teammates," Li said.

"I always believed this day would come," he said. "I thought about how I endured the tough times and the hardships I went through. At that moment, I felt everything was worth it."

Even amid a surge of praise, Li reminds himself that, for a goalkeeper, composure is everything. He says he will keep giving everything alongside his teammates as they chase bigger dreams for Chinese football.

SECRET NOTE FOR PENALTY SHOOTOUT

During the penalty shootout, cameras repeatedly caught Li smiling and glancing at a small note taped to his water bottle - a scene many interpret as evidence of detailed preparation.

"I've been through quite a few penalty shootouts, but nothing on this scale," Li said. "I smiled because I felt we had a real chance to win. I was honestly enjoying the moment."

Li revealed that he prepares a note for every match, but usually keeps it out of sight.

"I only take it out when I need it," he explained. "It lists how opposing players usually take penalties - but in this match, the players written down didn't even end up taking the kicks."

Why still look at it?

"It's psychological warfare," he said. "When a penalty taker sees that you've studied him, it creates doubt. They start thinking whether to change direction or technique. That hesitation itself creates pressure."

The tactic proved effective, as Uzbekistan missed one penalty and had another saved by Li. Most notably, Li stopped the decisive spot kick right after Yang Haoyu had failed to convert China's fourth penalty.

"When my teammate missed, I wasn't nervous," Li recalled. "I told him, I'll save the next one for you."

VICTORY OF COLLECTIVE EFFORT

At the 2023 U20 Asian Cup, Li and his teammates were eliminated after extra time in the quarterfinals. Three years later, they have finally broken through together.

"We've all grown. Playing in the Chinese Super League, China League One and other competitions has helped us mature as a team. This time, we made up for past regrets and turned the page," he noted.

After Saturday's quarterfinal, Li's highlight clips went viral on Chinese social media.

"I saw those videos and felt a bit embarrassed. I was just doing my job," he said, adding that he had received more than 400 congratulatory messages. "This is the result of the whole team's effort, plus a bit of luck on my part."

China is currently the only team in the tournament yet to concede a goal, a record Li says is down to a collective effort.

"The credit belongs to the 10 teammates in front of me, including those who came on as substitutes. They run more and work harder than I do," he said. "It also belongs to the coaching staff and everyone behind the team."

Support from the stands, he added, was equally vital.

"I could always hear our fans chanting. Uzbekistan had many supporters too, but I felt ours were louder," Li said. "When we were exhausted, hearing them sing pushed us to run one more step."

LEARNING, WAITING, ENDURING

In 2016, at just 12 years old, Li left home alone for Spain to join the youth academy of Atletico Madrid.

Seven years later, he signed a professional contract with the club and was later loaned to Spanish third-tier side UE Cornella, where his playing time was limited.

"Opportunities were limited," he recalled. "Not every coach prefers you, and our other goalkeepers were strong as well. It was a tough period, and I had to endure it."

During that time, support from his family proved invaluable.

"My girlfriend would ride the metro with me to training, and my parents listened to me vent on video calls," Li said. "That's why after the penalty shootout, the first people I thought of were my family."

What once felt like hardship has now become a source of strength. "I always believed I would succeed. Maybe I haven't truly succeeded yet, but I've dreamed many times of moments like this - wearing the national team jersey and being lifted by my teammates. Thinking back on everything I endured, I know it was all worth it."

AIMING HIGH FOR THE FUTURE

In early 2025, Li returned to China to join CSL side Qingdao West Coast, on the recommendation of then-head coach Shao Jiayi, whom Li regards as a mentor.

"At the start of the season, I struggled to keep up with the tempo of the CSL," Li admitted. "Coach Shao and goalkeeper coach Yang Zhi helped me improve step by step."

"Coach Shao always told me to set my goals higher and firmly believe in what I want," he added. "His trust gave me confidence when I needed it most."

Shao has since been appointed head coach of the China national team, prompting calls from fans for Li to be promoted. Li, however, remains grounded.

"Every footballer dreams of playing for their country," he said. "But one or two matches don't define everything. For a goalkeeper, stability matters most. I'm still young, and my ability needs further improvement."

Li said his immediate focus is to quickly put emotions aside and prepare for China's semifinal against Vietnam next Tuesday.

"Matches are played one at a time," he said. "Vietnam is a strong team, and there are no weak sides in the semifinals. We have to give everything and leave no regrets."

Looking further ahead, Li hopes that he and his teammates can inspire more children in China to fall in love with football.

"Just like when we were young, watching players from earlier generations," he said. "If kids see us shining on the pitch and find their own path, that would mean everything."