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Mar 12Opening the chinese football season with Shenhua shanghai
As football player Nicolas Anelka is the first sport celebrity to transfer in China, it is exiting to follow what will become of the football world in the middle country. Formally known for being arranged by bookmakers and highly corrupted, the chinese football association is trying to catch a second breath. On saturday the 10′th of march, we followed Ding Ding, the president of the Shanghai Shenhua fan club to the opening match of the 2012 season. Surrounded by high security ( both police and army ) the fans were very organized, queuing to get inside the stadium. Even though it resultated as a draw ( 1-1 ) and Anelka did not play, the fans cheered their team with new songs to the sound of the french anthem and became ecstatic at any signs of possible goals. This series relate the atmosphere behind the goal, where the shenhua fans seats are located.
This project was also made as part of the samsung nx partnership – you can access the gallery and upvote the photos here : Tim Franco Samsung Nx Page
Please check more about the Shanghai Shenhua team on the page we worked on for le Monde 2 month ago
With the announcement of Nicolas Anelka signing up for Shenhua Shanghai club, both chinese and international media are looking towards Chinese football. With recent years of very low level, embarrassing stories and fixed match, Chinese football is trying to catch a second breath. The recent signature of Jean Tigana ( below photos ) as the new coach of the team is confirming chinese intention in getting football level to an higher standards in China.
