【Xuzhou International Communication Center】Electric Atmosphere at Xuzhou’s Home Game Captivates A Foreign Student

On the evening of April 18

Xuzhou's team secured a resounding 3–0 victory over defending champion Taizhou in their opening match of “Suchao”

getting off to a flying start

Ma Jie, an international student from Liberia

was also at the stadium

experiencing the city's football passion up close for the very first time

When youthful energy from abroad meets the local burning spirit

what kind of spark will it create

Follow his perspective as we look back on this thrilling football feast that belonged to Xuzhou

Moments

Ma Jie, an international student from Liberia

This is my first time watching such a large-scale football match live in Xuzhou, and I'm really excited.

30 mins ago

Said by Ma Jie, an international student from Liberia currently studying at Jiangsu Normal University, as he waited in line to enter the stadium, his face full of anticipation.

Around him, fans dressed in Xuzhou team colors waved flags and cheered in unison. The electrifying atmosphere prompted him to raise his phone and capture the moment.

Having lived and studied in Xuzhou for some time, Ma Jie is no stranger to the city. Its profound historical and cultural heritage, warm and friendly residents, and vibrant urban life have all left a deep impression on him. This time, however, he wanted to experience another side of the city's vitality through a football match.

In the stands, supporters waved flags and shouted encouragement for the home team. Every brilliant attack and every crucial defensive play triggered waves of applause and cheers throughout the stadium. Immersed in the atmosphere, Ma Jie found himself deeply moved by the crowd’s passion, clapping and cheering along with the fans around him, even shouting in Chinese, “Xuzhou, jiayou!”

“I can truly feel how much this match means to everyone.” Ma Jie said. From the lively discussions among his classmates on campus, to the constant stream of match updates on social media, and the many public viewing spots set up across the city, the whole of Xuzhou seemed to be building excitement for the game.

Beyond the match itself, the well-organized event and the warmth of the fans also left a strong impression on him. During halftime, many friendly supporters around him took the initiative to chat, introducing the team and sharing key highlights of the match, making the international student feel the warmth and inclusiveness of the city.

“In my hometown, Liberia, football is also an incredibly inspiring sport,” Ma Jie said, Tonight, at the Xuzhou Olympic Sports Center, I felt the same passion and unity. “Everyone was cheering for the same goal, and it made my blood race.”

For Ma Jie, his first time watching a home match in Xuzhou was not only an unforgettable sporting experience, but also an opportunity to feel the pulse of the city more deeply. The determination on the pitch and the passionate cheers from the stands together formed the most vivid image of Xuzhou in his eyes.

“I will share tonight’s experience with my friends back home and let more people know that Xuzhou is a city full of passion and warmth.” he said.

Link：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/g7JnlQKqRmTcNJBRRFHuww