在接受FIFA採訪時，中華台北隊長陳柏良表示，台灣足球發展須制定長遠規劃。他期待以隊長身份，率中華台北在世預賽走的更遠。
在中國台灣地區，足球是一項備受冷漠的運動。在這片土地上，籃球和棒球才更受矚目。在剛剛結束的世預賽亞洲區首輪比賽中，中華台北憑借客場進球多的優勢，戰勝汶萊晉級下一輪。作為球隊歷史上最年輕的隊長——陳柏良在近期接受了FIFA的採訪。其間，這位杭州綠城球員，談到了台灣足球發展的現狀以及他的期許。
在世預賽亞洲區首輪的角逐中，中華台北先是在主場0-1負于汶萊，隨後在客場2-1戰勝對手，從而以客場進球數多的優勢，進入下一輪的角逐。與此同時，還獲得了2019年亞洲杯資格賽的入場券。此前，中華台北僅有一次殺入世預賽亞洲區的第二階段，當時，他們曾6-1大勝中國澳門，晉級德國世界盃世預賽第二階段的比賽。
在談到這場比賽之於球隊的意義時，陳柏良說道，「這場勝利對我們而言，是恰逢其時的鼓舞。這幫助我們獲得了更多人的關注，以及各行各業人的支持。尤其是，我們可以借此得到出征世界大賽的機會。」
在第二階段比賽中，40支參賽隊伍將被分到8個小組中去。對於目前的中華台北而言，要求好成績是不太現實的。在陳柏良看來，中華台北應該借這次契機儘快確定長遠計劃、以夯實足球基礎，「說真的，我們目前已進入一個新的歷史發展階段，因此，我們要把關注點，放在制訂可持續發展計劃，而不是追求短期成績上。如果我們想保持目前的水平，相關部門就應該出台一個長期的發展規劃，並且要求投資者給予穩定的幫助。」
小時候，陳柏良經常隨父親去觀看棒球比賽，一次偶然的機會，讓他與足球結緣，「在我跟父親去看棒球的路上，我曾看到一群孩子在踢足球。我瞬間就被這項運動吸引住了，自那以後，我便一直在踢足球。」
為了更好地成長，陳柏良曾於2006年前往J聯賽的橫濱水手試訓。儘管最終失敗，但仍給他足球生涯以養分。2009年8月，時年21歲零4天的他，成為中華台北歷史上最年輕的隊長。談及此，這位綠城球員回憶道，「直到教練告訴我，我才意識過來。隨後，我問自己，這是真的嗎？這樣的榮譽會降臨在我的身上？但我很快就恢復清醒，我知道，隊長的角色意味著更大的責任。」
在2014巴西世界盃預選賽中，中華台北曾遭到馬來西亞的淘汰。但那對陳柏良和他所領銜的台灣足球而言，是一次難得的機會，「那是我第一次在馬來西亞6萬名觀眾面前踢球，隨後在我們主場，也創造了入場紀錄。對我們來說，馬來西亞是一支遠比我們強大的對手，但我們證明，球隊具備爆冷的實力。」
2011年，陳柏良簽約香港的天水圍飛馬，正式成為一名職業球員。一年後，他與特魯西埃治下的深圳紅鑽簽約。如今，兩人又在杭州綠城再度攜手。談及恩師，陳柏良內心滿是感激，「能在如此偉大的教練手下踢球，對我來說很幸運。我喜歡他的足球風格——崇尚控制和傳球。但在回到家鄉后，我們卻只能踢長傳沖吊。」
目前，中華台北已經有8人在大陸的各級聯賽中踢球，其中有3人效力于頂級聯賽。陳柏良渴望球隊在世預賽走的更遠，「我希望在我的率領下，球隊可以（在世預賽第二階段）走的更遠。而就俱樂部層面而言，我希望儘快為杭州綠城打開進球賬戶，為我的隊友提供更多支持。」
原版
Chen: Chinese Taipei should focus on development
(FIFA.com) 09 Apr 2015
Hangzhou Greentown and Chinese Taipei forward Chen Po-Liang
Few would, perhaps, associate football with minnows like Chinese Taipei, where basketball and baseball remain the land』s dominant sports. But the islanders' passion for the beautiful game has been rekindled recently by their spirited aggregate victory against Brunei Darussalam in Asia's first round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
The team, captained by Chen Po-Liang, reversed their 1-0 loss at home with a 2-1 away win to seal passage through to the next stage, where they will join the other 39 teams battling for a place for the final qualifying round, which will also serve as qualification for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. It marks only the second time for Chinese Taipei to progress beyond the opening round, having thrashed Macau 6-1 in the same stage on the road to Germany 2006.
"The victory provides a timely boost for us," the 26-year-old forward told FIFA.com. "It helps attract growing attention and support from people of all walks of life. Particularly, it gives us the chance of playing competitive international matches."
Chinese Taipei will learn the hurdles they must overcome when the second round draw takes place next Tuesday, where the 40 participants are divided into eight groups of five. But with their fervent supporters harbouring hopes of an additional breakthrough, Chen has opted to downplay their prospects as he has fixed sights on making improvement.
"Realistically, we have entered an era of development," said the skipper, who is plying his trade with Chinese Super League side Hangzhou Greentown. "So, we should focus our attention on making consistent progress instead of seeking results. The authorities should create long-term plans and investors provide steady support if we are to maintain this momentum."
Footballing icon
Few would argue against Chen, who is widely considered to be the best footballer Chinese Taipei has ever seen. Chen became intrigued by football when his father, a big baseball fan, was driving him to the diamond to see the game played professionally. "On our road to the baseball game we saw a group of kids play football," Chen recalled. "Then I suddenly thought this is the fun sport. I have played football ever since."
The then talented teenager quickly made progress and he earned a trial with Yokohama F. Marinos in 2006. Although he failed to ink a deal with the J League side, this trip to Japan cemented his faith in pursuing a career in football. It took him just a few more years to realise his dreams when he became the youngest Chinese Taipei captain in August of 2009 at the age of 21 years and 4 days. "I wasn't aware of this until my coach told me," Chen said humbly. "Then I asked myself: is this real? How could such an honour fall on to me? But I quickly became aware that the captaincy role meant greater responsibility."
Chen would shine through Chinese Taipei's last attempt for Brazil 2014 as they came close to shocking Malaysia in what he has labeled as his most memorable showings. He pulled one back in their opening 2-1 loss away, before earning a pair of penalties as they pulled off a surprising 3-2 home win. The results saw Chinese Taipei drew the aggregate scoreline level on 3-3 although it was the Malaysians that progressed on away goals.
"It was the first time for us to play in front of over 60,000 fans in Malaysia," Chen reflected. "And our home match attracted a record crowd. Malaysia were a much stronger opponent than us but we proved we are capable of springing a surprise."
Troussier's guidance
The in-form goal-scorer became the first professional player from Chinese Taipei when he was signed by Hong Kong's TSW Pegasus in 2011. His talents did not go unnoticed by Philippe Troussier, who recruited him into Chinese First Division side Shenzhen the following year. Chen made his move to Shanghai Shenhua last season, before reunifying with the Frenchman at Hangzhou for the start of the current campaign.
"It was my luck of having the chance of playing under such a great manager," Chen said of the former South Africa and Japan boss. "I like his style, which is maintaining possession and playing the passing game. Back at home, we were just used to the long-ball tactics."
With Chen the trail-blazer, more players from Chinese Taipei have followed his steps in seeking development in the mainland over recent years. As a result, as many as eight players are strutting their stuff in different divisions of Chinese football, three of whom compete in the top flight, making the current Chinese Taipei squad the strongest in history.
"I am hoping to do my captaincy job well as my team can go further (in the second round) in the World Cup qualifying." Chen said confidently, before turning his focus to what seems to be a promising season. "At the club level, I hope I can open my account soon with Hangzhou and provide my team-mates with more support."
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