A screen cut of former Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech's message to Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao

International football stars took to social media to voice support for the Chinese U23 national football team by interacting with the players who made history by reaching the U23 Asian Cup final for the first time.

The Chinese team will face Japan in the final on Saturday after defeating Vietnam 3-0 in the semifinal on Tuesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The win also marked the first time since 2004 that a Chinese men's national football team at any level has advanced to the final of an Asian tournament. 

Commenting on striker Wang Yudong's celebration video after the semifinal victory, Brazilian star Neymar posted "So cool!" in Portuguese.

Former Czech international goalkeeper Petr Cech became a fan of the Chinese goalkeeper Li Hao who helped maintain a clean sheet in all the five games en route to the final.

In a message to Li, Cech said, "Congrats, Li Hao, wonderful clean sheets! Can I have a pair of signed gloves of yours? I'll send you my address. Good luck with the final!"

Responding to the Czech star, Li said, "You are my real idol. Can I have a pair of signed gloves from you?"
 

The Chinese team advanced to the final by finishing second in Group D with a disciplined defensive record - one win and two draws - and then eliminating a misfiring Uzbekistan team in the quarterfinals by winning a penalty shootout 4-2, with goalkeeper Li starring throughout.

Former Italian international defender Marco Materazzi sent his congratulations to Chinese defender Peng Xiao, who has scored two goals for China. 

"We are defenders and we are monsters, Peng! Great work and one more win!" said Materazzi. 

Former English striker Michael Owen told Chinese striker Baihelamu: "Impressive work, lads. Go get that title!!"

Marco Van Basten, Alessandro Nesta, Roberto Baggio and Frank Rijkaard all cheered on the Chinese team via their social media. 

Entering the tournament as a bottom level-seeded team, the Chinese team has emerged as the biggest dark horse of the tournament. This marks the Chinese team's sixth appearance at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, having been eliminated in the group stage in each of the previous five editions.

Looking forward to the final against Japan, head coach of the Chinese team Antonio Puche told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Friday that "we will try to make extraordinary things happen."