The Chinese FA Cup quarterfinals have been a thrilling competition, with some unexpected results and upsets. One team that has stood out is the China League Two side Shandong Luneng Taishan.

Shandong Luneng Taishan, who finished third in the league last season, were widely expected to struggle in the FA Cup, given their lack of experience at this level. However, they have proved everyone wrong so far, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

One reason for Shandong's success is their strong defensive record. They have conceded just six goals in their seven games so far, which is impressive considering they have played against some of the best teams in the country.

Another key factor is their attacking prowess. Shandong have scored 16 goals in their eight matches, including five in the quarterfinals alone. Their forwards, including striker Ye Shiwen and midfielder Zhang Xiaohui, have been particularly effective.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Shandong's performance is their youth. Many of their players are under-23 or even under-21, meaning they have plenty of years ahead of them to develop further.

Overall, Shandong Luneng Taishan's run in the FA Cup is a testament to their talent and determination. While many expected them to struggle, they have shown that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and your team. It will be interesting to see how they fare in the next round of the tournament, and whether they can go all the way to the final.