《King Of World Football》
Wang Feng鈥檚 Career Complete Data (Serious Spoiler Alert)
Chapter -1: Wang Feng''s Career Complete Data (Serious Spoiler Alert)
[Basic Information]
Name: Wang Feng
Nationality: China
Birthday: July 12, 1983
[Transfer Records]
1999.12: Virton - Genk (50,000 euros)
2001.7: Genk - Inter Mn (20 million euros)
2006.7: Inter Mn - Real Madrid (100 million euros)
2016.7: Real Madrid - Manchester City (60 million pounds +)
2019.7: Manchester City - Paris Saint-Germain (free transfer)
[Club Career]
Virton: 3 appearances, 5 goals, 2 assists
Genk: 59 appearances, 91 goals, 24 assists
Inter Mn: 304 appearances, 327 goals, 110 assists
Real Madrid: 589 appearances, 763 goals, 311 assists
Manchester City: 155 appearances, 162 goals, 73 assists
Paris Saint-Germain: 143 appearances, 91 goals, 97 assists
[National Team Career]
China U23 (Olympics): 6 appearances, 10 goals, 3 assists
China national team: 87 appearances, 161 goals, 67 assists
[European Ballon d''Or]: (Excluding FIFA Ballon d''Or) 9 times
2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2018
[FIFA Ballon d''Or]: 5 times
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
[FIFA World Cup Champion]: 2 times
2010, 2018
[Asian Cup Champion]: 2 times
2004, 2007
[Confederations Cup Champion]: 1 time
2013
[UEFA Best yer Award]: (Including predecessor Club Footballer of the Year) 14 times
2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
[European Golden Boot]: 15 times
2001-2002 to 2017-2018
[FIFA World Cup Golden Ball]: 3 times
2006, 2010, 2018
[FIFA World Cup Golden Boot]: 3 times
2006, 2010, 2018
[Olympic Men''s Football Gold Medal]: 1 time
2008
[UEFA Champions League Champion]: 15 times
2002-2003 to 2016-2017
[UEFA Europa League Champion]: 2 times
2000-2001 (Genk), 2001-2002 (Inter Mn)
[FIFA Club World Cup Champion]: 8 times
2007-2008 to 2021-2022
[Toyota Cup Champion]: 2 times
2003-2004 (Inter Mn), 2004-2005 (Inter Mn)
[UEFA Super Cup Champion]: 13 times
2002-2003 to 2021-2022
[UEFA Champions League Season Best yer]: 14 times
2002-2003 to 2016-2017
[UEFA Champions League Season Top Scorer]: 17 times
2002-2003 to 2018-2019
[Belgian Pro League Champion]: 1 time
2000-2001 (Genk)
[Belgian Cup Champion]: 1 time
1999-2000 (Genk)
[Belgian Pro League Golden Boot]: 1 time
2000-2001 (Genk)
[Italian Serie A Champion]: 5 times
2001-2002 to 2005-2006 (Inter Mn)
[Italian Cup Champion]: 3 times
2002-2003 to 2005-2006 (Inter Mn)
[Italian Super Cup Champion]: 2 times
2002-2003 to 2003-2004 (Inter Mn)
[Italian Serie A Golden Boot]: 5 times
2001-2002 to 2005-2006 (Inter Mn)
[Italian Serie A Season Best yer]: 4 times
2001-2002 to 2005-2006 (Inter Mn)
[Italian Cup Season Top Scorer]: 3 times
2002-2003 to 2005-2006 (Inter Mn)
[Spanish La Liga Champion]: 10 times
2006-2007 to 2015-2016 (Real Madrid)
[Spanish King''s Cup Champion]: 5 times
2008-2009 to 2014-2015 (Real Madrid)
[Spanish Super Cup Champion]: 5 times
2008-2009 to 2014-2015 (Real Madrid)
[Spanish La Liga Golden Boot]: 8 times
2006-2007 to 2014-2015 (Real Madrid)
[Spanish La Liga Season Best yer]: 10 times
2006-2007 to 2015-2016 (Real Madrid)
[King''s Cup Season Top Scorer]: 5 times
2008-2009 to 2014-2015 (Real Madrid)
[English Premier League Champion]: 3 times
2016-2017 to 2018-2019 (Manchester City)
[English FA Cup Champion]: 1 time
2016-2017 (Manchester City)
[English League Cup Champion]: 2 times
2016-2017, 2018-2019 (Manchester City)
[English Community Shield Champion]: 2 times
2017-2018, 2018-2019 (Manchester City)
[English Premier League Golden Boot]: 2 times
2016-2017, 2017-2018 (Manchester City)
[English Premier League Season Best yer]: 3 times
2016-2017 to 2018-2019 (Manchester City)
[FA Cup Season Top Scorer]: 1 time
2016-2017 (Manchester City)
[League Cup Season Top Scorer]: 2 times
2016-2017, 2018-2019 (Manchester City)
[French Ligue 1 Champion]: 4 times
2019-2020 to 2022-2023 (Paris Saint-Germain)
[French Cup Champion]: 2 times
2020-2021, 2021-2022 (Paris Saint-Germain)
[French Super Cup Champion]: 2 times
2020-2021, 2021-2022 (Paris Saint-Germain)
[French Ligue 1 Golden Boot]: 1 time
2019-2020 (Paris Saint-Germain)
[French Ligue 1 Season Best yer]: 1 time
2019-2020 (Paris Saint-Germain)
[Lawrence World Sports Awards]: 4 times
2010, 2012, 2015, 2018
[Significant Career Records]
Belgian Pro League single-season goal record holder - 40 goals in the 00-01 season
Italian Serie A single-season goal record holder - 50 goals in the 03-04 season
Spanish La Liga single-season goal record holder - 65 goals in the 14-15 season
English Premier League single-season goal record holder - 44 goals in the 16-17 season
UEFA Champions League single-season goal record holder - 23 goals in the 11-12 season
UEFA Champions League all-time goal record holder - 323 goals
UEFA Champions League all-time assist record holder - 133 assists
Single World Cup goal record holder - 15 goals in 7 matches
Helped Genk win the club''s first UEFA Cup
Helped Inter Mn retain the original UEFA Champions League trophy (can be retained after winning five championships before 2009)
Helped Real Madrid win ten consecutive league Champions League titles
Helped Manchester City establish a dynasty with three consecutive league titles and win the club''s first UEFA Champions League trophy
Helped Paris Saint-Germain establish a dynasty with three consecutive league titles and win the club''s first UEFA Champions League trophy
Won the quintuple four times (02-03 Inter Mn, 10-11 Real Madrid, 11-12 Real Madrid, 13-14 Real Madrid)
Won the sextuple three times (03-04 Inter Mn, 08-09 Real Madrid, 14-15 Real Madrid)
Won the English Premier League Grand m (League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League) once (16-17 Manchester City)
Number of seasons with 100 goals in a single season: 3 times (08-09 Real Madrid, 62 goals in the league, 19 goals in the Champions League, 16 goals in the cup, 6 goals in the national team, total of 103 goals) (11-12 Real Madrid, 61 goals in the league, 23 goals in the Champions League, 16 goals in the cup, total of 100 goals) (14-15 Real Madrid, 65 goals in the league, 22 goals in the Champions League, 16 goals in the cup, total of 103 goals)
Career undefeated championship season: 1 time (14-15 Real Madrid)
Chapter 1: Adventure
Chapter 1: Adventure
In November 1999, in arge park in the city of Virton in the southernmost part of Belgium, a boy with yellow skin and dark eyes was sweating profusely and bouncing a football. His technique was not very good, and he often dropped the ball, but he kept practising non-stop.
The road just after it rained was still muddy, staining the boy''s shoes and legs. Passers-by around him cast surprised nces at him, but he didn''t seem to notice it.
This young man is Chinese, named Wang Feng. He is just 16 years old this year. Just a few months ago, he listened to an agent and travelled all the way to Belgium, hoping to join a team and earn some money.
But that agent was very irresponsible, he could even be called a liar. After receiving 10,000 yuan from Wang Feng''s family, he brought Wang Feng to a Belgian second-tier football club called Virton, and signed a half-year contract. After that, the agent disappeared with the money.
Wang Feng''s family has a lot of difficulties. His father passed away when he was very young. He and his elder sister and younger sister were raised by their mother alone. He came out to work to earn money to help his mother, so he dropped out of school after graduating from junior high school.
Wang Feng liked football since he was a child. He was a member of the school football team when he was in junior high school, so he wanted to see if he could y professionally. When he was trying out for a certain domestic team, he was fooled by that unscrupulous agent. Not only him, but the whole family was immersed in the dream of going abroad to make a lot of money. His mother gritted her teeth and borrowed money from everywhere to make up for Wang Feng''s introduction fee and a little living expenses.
It was only when he arrived in Belgium that Wang Feng realized that his little football skills were nothing to foreign athletes who had been trained since childhood. He could not reach the level of the second team of the Belgian second division team, even though he trained very hard with the team. He''s working hard to get better, but he hasn''t been acknowledged and trusted by the coaching team, and he hasn''t yed on the field yet.
So up to now, he has not earned a penny, and the living expenses that his mother gave him are almostpletely spent. The team manager made it clear that if Wang Feng''s level has not improved significantly before the winter transfer window, his contract won''t be renewed. If it isn''t renewed, he''ll be left with no option but to go back to his country in a state of despair.
Wang Feng felt extremely ashamed every time he thought of the earnest eyes of his family members and the sad scene when they needed to raise money. So he trains hard every day, arrives first in the morning, leavesst at night, and takes his ball to practice in the park on rest days. What hecked was not something that hard work could make up for, and he was almost hopeless now.
After stumbling and finishing 500 ball jumps, Wang Feng wiped his sweat. Suddenly, a white light hit him. He subconsciously raised his right hand to cover his face, but the light directly prated his arm and entered his mind. He then lost consciousness.
When he woke up again, he saw a middle-aged man squatting next to him, calling him constantly: "Wake up, are you okay, do you need me to call an ambnce?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Feng promptly seated himself and responded: "I''m fine, there''s no need to call an ambnce."
No kidding, ambnces abroad are very expensive.
He asked suspiciously: "What''s wrong with me?"
The middle-aged man replied: "I saw that you passed out suddenly, so I hurried over to check, are you okay?"
Wang Feng waved his hand and felt his physical condition.
''I just feel a little tired, but I won''t go into aa because of it. Could it be that I''m malnourished because I eat very sparingly recently?''
Seeing that Wang Feng was unharmed, the middle-aged man left. Wang Feng got up and patted the dirt on his body. He still nned to continue training. No matter how unsessful he was, at least he was trying hard.
When he bounced the ball again, the toe of his right foot touched the ball. A mysterious feeling came over him, as if telling him that the angle of contact with the ball was wrong, and the force was a bit too strong. Sure enough, the ball went sideways and feel down on the floor.
He stared nkly at the ball slowly rolling away, and was very surprised in his heart. Did he have an illusion while he was practising with the ball?
To see if he was right, he picked up the ball and continued to juggle with it. Every time he touches the football, Wang Feng can feel whether the starting force is good or bad, as if a sophisticatedputer calctes the result in an instant and then feeds it back.
Gradually, Wang Feng''s movements became more and more standard, and the strength and angle became more and more suitable. The ball went up and down on his toes, his movements bing more and more coherent.
This superb footwork also attracted the attention of the surrounding tourists. They gradually gathered together, wanting to see how many moves Wang Feng could make.
It was only when Wang Feng juggled 200 times in a row that he felt his legs were a little sore, and he felt that he needed to take a break, so he stopped. At this time, the crowd burst into cheers and apuse.
A man came out and asked with a smile: "Your skills are excellent, are you a professional yer?"
After learning that Wang Feng was a yer from Virton''s youth training, he was obviously a little surprised, and praised: "It''s really rare for someone to have such solid basic skills at this age."
Hearing someone say that, made him realise that his ball-juggling skills seem to have improved a lot.
The man handed Wang Feng a business card. He turned out to be Andre Diest, a scout from Genk Club in Belgium. Genk is a veteran team in the Belgian First Division.
Their current record is not good, only ranked 14th, and they are still far from the goal of the Europa League. Of course, he would not tell Wang Feng this information, but just told him that he was very optimistic about him and hoped to see him in a game.
Hearing this, Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile wryly in his heart. It would be great if he could y, but he still took the business card solemnly, thanked him for hispliment, and then decided to proceed to the next training session. Diest didn''t linger to watch him train; instead, he offered a smile of encouragement before taking his leave.
Next, Wang Feng ns to practice dribbling, which is also his weakest point, because he can''t grasp the strength needed well and can''t protect the ball. But the situation is different today. After running, every ball will bring him precise feedback about the errors he made while touching the ball. With that, he could adjust his feet very precisely.
This feeling ofpletely controlling the ball made Wang Feng very excited, so he ran faster and faster, and there seemed to be an invisible line between the ball and his toes, always following steadily together.
In the end, his running speed was close to that of running without the ball. Wang Feng''s advantage also lies in his speed, far surpassing the rest of his teammates.
He became more and more excited, and even wanted to make a bicycle kick, but he regretted it as soon as he made the move as the stiff feeling was clearly fed back to his mind. Sure enough, his left foot tripped over his right foot, causing him to fall hard on the ground. It took him a long time to recover.
''It seems that I need to keep practising'' Wang Feng thought silently.
He didn''t know what happened to his body. Maybe it was rted to that mysterious white light, but it didn''t seem like a bad thing. It seems that hisprehension has been brought up to a higher level, and the sense of the ball that I could not grasp before seems to no longer be a problem.
It wasn''t until it waspletely dark that Wang Feng picked up the ball and walked slowly towards the dormitory. The dormitory provided by the club is not far from this park, so he wille to this park to practice during his rest time.
When Wang Feng walked to the bottom of the dormitory, a tall man was hugging a hot girl and kissing her. When he saw himing, he patted the girl''s thigh and told her to go back.
"Hey, Wang, are you going to practice again?" the man asked.
He was Wang Feng''s roommate Renee Delvaux, Virton''s backup central defender.
However, Renee is different from Wang Feng. His family is rtively well-off, so he ys football purely for fun and to pick up girls. He has never understood Wang Feng''s ascetic training mode.
Wang Feng was used to seeing different girls constantly appearing around him, so he just nodded.
Renee hugged Wang Feng and said, "Brother, you can''t do this, besides training, you have to rx asionally."
He said quietly: "I heard that since our team''s main winger was injured, Paul Chuck has been performing poorly. As long as you can perform at a super level in tomorrow''s training camp, you will have a chance to enter the squad. "
Wang Feng couldn''t help being delighted when he heard the news. Virton is a small club, and there are only two substitutes for the winger position. He and Paul, because they have not performed well before, have not been able to enter the squad. Now, for some reason, his skills have improved. It seems he will be able to fight for the position.
So he lightly punched Renee in the chest, and said with a smile: "Okay buddy, this message is too timely, I have to seize this opportunity."
Renee is a very righteous person. When his agent vanished andnguage posed a challenge, Rennie''s attentive care facilitated his gradual adaptation to the unfamiliar environment.
Chapter 2: Amazing performance on the training ground
Chapter 2: Amazing performance on the training ground
The next day was the club''s training session to prepare for the weekend''s 9th round match against St Gilles United. As usual, Wang Feng was the first yer to arrive. After the administrator opened the training ground for him, he began to warm up.
At this time, the club''s head coach, Mette Magritte, and assistant coaches also arrived to the scene. After having a look at Wang Feng, they entered the conference room to prepare for tactical exnations.
The assistant coach, busy with tasks, remarked: "Mr. Magritte, I think yer Wang is very serious. I don''t know if he has a chance to y in the next game."
Magritte nodded approvingly, and said: "Yes, I have never seen such a serious yer in the second division, but his level is indeed too low, which is because he has not experienced systematic youth training. Look at his state today, we are also short on the wing."
Soon, the yers came to the training field one after another. Many people in the team actually harboured some hostility towards Wang Feng because his hard work would bring out the idleness of others. However, since Wang Feng didn''t pose a threat, no one intentionally provoked him. But today''s situation is different, perhaps because of hearing the news that they were short on the wing, that fellow Paul came towards Wang Feng.
He stared at Wang Feng contemptuously, and said, "It seems that our yellow-skinned monkey doesn''t have a long memory. Football is not something monkeys can y with."
After hearing this, Wang Feng was furious, and he clenched his fists, wanting to give him a hard blow.
At this moment, Renee quickly inserted between them, pushed Paul, and said: "Go away, you can only y tricks, you will be a soft-legged shrimp on the court."
After that, he stopped Wang Feng, and said in a low voice: "Wang, he deliberately provoked you. Don''t be fooled by him."
Wang Feng stared at Paul viciously, and replied to Renee, "I know. I will beat him in the training match and rece him."
Renee patted him on the shoulder in satisfaction as a sign of encouragement.
The head coach also came to the training field at this time. He stared at Paul and Wang Feng closely. Seeing that Wang Feng was not provoked by him, Paul spat on the ground and didn''t dare to continue pestering him, so he left.
The head coach nced at Wang Feng with meaningful eyes, and called everyone to start warm-up training. Wang Feng also executed technical movements meticulously; jogging, taking off in ce, and raising his legs high. He could clearly feel every movement. ording to his physical condition, he could achieve the best state by adjusting his strength and frequency.
Then practice running back and forth with the ball. In the past, this event was Wang Feng''s weak point. He often lost the ball while running and was ridiculed by his teammates.
Paul thought that today would be no exception, so he deliberately ranked in front of Wang Feng, and then whispered: "Look at my performance, rubbish."
After Paul finished the run, his results were good, and he was even prouder of being ranked in the middle.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn, the head coach Magritte walked up to him and instructed: "Be sure to hold down your strength, pay attention to the control of the ball, don''t be too focused on the time, first ensure that you don''t lose the ball and then gradually elerate."
Wang Feng nodded to the coach, took a deep breath, remembered the feeling of dribbling in the park yesterday in his mind, and started his run. At the beginning, it still needed fine-tuning, but the running became smoother and faster, and his speed increased gradually, yet the ball seemed to be stuck to the foot. The surrounding team members couldn''t help being dumbfounded.
Is this still the Wang Feng they know? Running with the ball at this speed, I am afraid no one in the team can achieve it. When he finished the run, as expected, he ranked first in the team.
Renee couldn''t help being overjoyed, smiled, and patted him on the shoulder, saying: "Okay buddy, it seems that your arduous special training has finally paid off. Is this what you told mest time, umtion? "
Wang Feng smiled, then walked in front of Paul, and responded to his previous provocation: "This is called dribbling, rubbish."
Paul''s face turned livid, but he had nothing to say for a while. In the following training, dribbling around the pole, Wang Feng also showcased his amazing speed ability.
Seeing this, the assistant coach smiled and said to Magritte: "It seems that Wang Feng''s condition is very good, and his technical level has also improved. At his age, he is developing rapidly, and hard work will always bring rewards."
Magritte nodded slightly, but he nned to keep an eye on Wang Feng in his mind.
Wang Feng performed very well in passing and shooting training. After the initial adjustment, he continually made progress, which was impressive. After the basic training waspleted, it was already noon, and the team members went to eat together in twos and threes, and naturally Wang Feng and Renee were together.
Renee said while walking: "Wang, you performed really well today. Did you hear that there was an opportunityst time, so you exploded?"
Wang Feng said: "When I see an opportunity, I always have to fight for it"
Renee nodded and said: "Yeah, in the beginning of the afternoon, it''s the ball-scrambling training, which is also your weak point. If it doesn''t work, I''ll cover you; juste and grab me. The key point is when ites to the test match. Try to score a goal for the coaches to see."
Wang Feng looked helpless: "Am I so weak? I don''t need you to cover for me any more. I am very confident now. However, I will still need you in the match this afternoon. Pass me the ball when you can."
The time for lunch and the break was arriving to an end, and soon it was time to continue training. The coach divided all the yers into several groups for force training. I don''t know if it was intentional, but he ced Wang Feng, Paul, and Renee into the same group and had Wang Feng be the first to grab the ball.
Paul stepped on the ball and looked at Wang Feng contemptuously: "I think you just got lucky this morning, and this time I will y with you as before."
Then he kicked the ball to another yer, giving him a suggestive look, the yer was friends with Paul and kicked the ball back knowingly.
Just when everyone thought that Wang Feng would run around like a headless chicken between the two of them as usual, he suddenly stretched his legs and intercepted the ball. Within a minute, It was Paul''s turn to grab the ball inside the circle. The eyes of the head coach on the sidelines brightened; Wang Feng''s skills seemed to have improved.
On the training field, Paul stared at Wang Feng angrily. He would never have imagined that this seemingly useless guy who couldn''t grab the ball on weekdays wouldplete the steal so quickly today. He could only obediently walk into the circle reluctantly and y the role of the monkey being teased.
Wang Feng didn''t get too excited, but he seemed to understand something. Previously, his focus was solely on the ball, causing his body''s reaction to be a step slower. Now, his heightened senses reminded him to pay attention to the yer''s body movements and actions when the ball was in y. Judging the passing path and applying the right amount of force, he found that he could break the ball as long as he stretched his feet just right.
In the next round of ball-scrambling training, many yers seemed to have discussed it in advance and passed the ball to Wang Feng, catching him off guard. Paul intercepted the ball again within a few seconds. However, Wang Feng didn''t mind; in fact, he felt a surge of excitement. He wanted to test the feasibility of his newfound skills.
As anticipated, when the ball reached Paul''s feet again, Wang Feng observed his feinted shot, with his centre of gravity tilted to the left, creating the illusion of passing to the left. In reality, Paul intended to kick the ball to the right with his instep. Wang Feng pretended to block the left passingne, suddenly turned to the right, and effortlessly seized the pass.
Paul was a little pissed off. He suspected that Wang Feng was deliberately targeting him. However, Head Coach Magritte''s eyes gleamed with increasing brightness. Recognizing that this wasn''t a coincidence, Magritte realized that Wang Feng had urately judged Paul''s intentions, resulting in a clean steal. It seemed that Wang Feng had indeed grown stronger
Training continued.
When Wang Feng received a pass from his teammate again, he urately assessed the direction of Paul''s force, deceived him with a fake move, and easily passed the ball until he received it again. After several rounds, they yed tricks on Paul for minutes, leaving him standing in the circle, panting and ring fiercely at Wang Feng.
Chapter 3: Competition
Chapter 3: Competition
At this time, Head Coach Magritte pped his hands and signalled the end of the training. He then divided the yers into two groups, the main team, and the substitute team, for a group confrontation as usual.
Typically, Wang Feng would be a substitute in this scenario, waiting for his turn to enter the game after a few minutes. However, this time, the coach asked him to start at the beginning. As everyone lined up, Renee gave him a thumbs up and a pat on the chest, signalling that he would cover for him and ensure he received the ball during the game.
Sure enough, shortly after the kick-off, after a few passes in the backcourt, Renee executed a through pass, delivering the ball to Wang Feng at the front of the midfield. The pass had too much power, and indeed, the ball rolled several meters ahead of him.
Paul, nearby, couldn''t hide his excitement and rushed over. However, Wang Feng outpaced him, catching up with the ball before Paul could reach it. With a flick to the right, he took the ball out of Paul''s pressing range.
The seemingly intricate moves unfolded in an instant on the court. Wang Feng executed a skilful manoeuvre, easily evading Paul, and then sprinted with all his might. The opposing central defender turned pale and hurried to catch up. Wang Feng pushed the ball forward with precision, elerating to keep his advantage.
With a graceful move, Wang Feng shook off the defender and advanced near the top of the penalty area. At this point, three defensive yers rapidly retreated towards the penalty area, while Wang Feng''s teammates struggled to catch up.
Recognizing the open space in the goal, Wang Feng unleashed a powerful shot. Unfortunately, the force was slightly too strong, causing the ball to soar over the goal frame.
Despite the miss, the attack was threatening, and Renee approached with a smile, saying, "You handled that well, but you missed thest shot by just a bit. No worries, let''s try again; we''ll score for sure."
A few minutester, the main team, with generally superior skills, took control of the game, pressing the entire line forward. The substitute team''s defensive yers were all concentrated within 30 meters in front of the goal, with Wang Feng and another striker strategically waiting in the midfield for an opportunity.
During a clearance from the backcourt, Wang Feng anticipated the ball''snding point, rushing towards it. With a deft touch using his body, he controlled the ball perfectly, astonishing the opposing defenders who wondered when Wang Feng had developed such a skill. Capitalizing on the opponents'' surprise, he swiftly turned around, evaded the defence, and elerated.
With only one defender left in the vast front court, Wang Feng raced forward, attempting to seize the chance. In a moment of confidence, he deftly dribbled the ball past the defender and continued his sprint towards the penalty area.
Single-handedly!
The main team''s goalkeeper chose to abandon the goal and charge out, anticipating Wang Feng''s shot. Although aware of the earlier long shot''s threat, he had to guard against a potential goal. In a daring move, Wang Feng wanted to take a powerful shot from the penalty area line, the angle being too wide for any effective block.
While running, Wang Feng skilfully touched the ball with his left foot, swung his right foot up, and maintained bnce with outstretched arms. Focused on the ball, he sought the feeling in his mind. Despite the goalkeeper rushing towards him, Wang Feng remainedposed, executing the shot ording to his n!
The ball soared over the goalkeeper''s hand and head, hitting the lower edge of the crossbar before rebounding into the at the top of the goal.
Goal!
Wang Feng''s mind felt empty, having scored in a training match for the first time in months. Renee ran over, rubbing his hair, and eximed with a big smile, "I knew you were in great form; you''re scoring goals now. Based on this performance, making it to the squad for the next match is not out of reach."
Involuntarily, Wang Feng nced at the head coach, finding Magritte looking at him with a smile, full of affirmation and approval. It seemed that his hard work and progress had been recognized. There''s no head coach who doesn''t appreciate hard-working and valuable yers!
In the subsequent game, Wang Feng remained highly active, frequently prating the opponent''s defence from the right and delivering several good crosses. Unfortunately, the substitute yerscked precision, wasting numerous scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the main team continuously created chances and secured a goal.
Unexpectedly, the main team and the substitute team ended the game in a draw. Normally, the main team would dominate, but due to Wang Feng''s outstanding performance, they didn''t manage to overwhelm the substitute team.
After the game, Head Coach Magritte led everyone to the conference room for a review. He addressed various issues within the main team, analysing each yer individually.
Then, pausing for a moment, he turned to Wang Feng and said, "You performed well in this game, but there are a few areas to improve. Your ball-handling is somewhat predictable. If you can diversify your movements and increase your threat, it would be beneficial. Focus on these aspects in your training."
This marked the first time the head coach offered feedback to Wang Feng. Eagerly, Wang Feng nodded in agreement. The other substitute yers around him gazed at him with envy. In the past, Wang Feng, like them, received noments or advices from Magritte. Now, he had caught the head coach''s attention, suggesting he wasn''t far from making it to the starting line-up.
Finally, Magritte announced the 18-man roster for the uing weekend league. The line-up remained unchanged from the back to the front, except for the right-winger. First, he named Paul, and then, to Wang Feng''s delight, his name was called.
Wang Feng couldn''t quite hear what Magritte said next; his mind was upied with the realization that he had finally been included in the squad for thepetition. The months of hard work had finally paid off.
As the head coach wrapped up, he informed everyone that the training camp would disband the following afternoon.
Renee approached and congratted Wang Feng, saying, "You''ve finally made it into the squad. Don''t expect too much; you might not get to y."
Wang Feng nodded, "I know, but if the opportunity arises, I''ll seize it."
Rennie shrugged, "I knew you were serious about this sport. Do you want to practice more today? I''ll head back and rx first."
Wang Feng nodded. While others packed up, preparing to leave, a person silently entered the gym.
As he started practising more, Wang Feng sensed his body growing tired, signalling that further exercise could lead to injury.
At this moment, the club''s team doctor entered and warned Wang Feng, "You can''t practice any more today. You''re still young, and today''s training was a bit strenuous for someone in their growth period. Go back and rest.""
Chapter 4: Keep praticing
Chapter 4: Keep praticing
In the early morning, the broad streety deserted. Carrying the ball in his arms, Wang Feng emerged from the dormitory, gearing up for a practice session in the park.
Wang Feng sought to determine whether the recent surge in his ball-juggling and dribbling skills was a fleeting improvement or a continuous one. Surprisingly, the fatigue that gued his body the day before had vanished after a night''s rest, restoring him to peak condition.
Upon reaching the park, Wang Fengmenced with simple warm-up exercises before eagerly diving into ball juggling. He was delighted to discover that the intuitive adjustments he made to control the ball persisted.
As he increased the practice repetitions, the time required for these adjustments decreased. Wang Feng realized that, with consistent effort, this technique could be second nature. Excited by this revtion, he proceeded to practice new techniques after honing his juggling and dribbling skills.
Positioning himself in a secluded corner of the park, Wang Feng eyed the weathered walls to use for training. Kicking the ball against the wall, he focused on refining the angle and strength of his shots and practised catching and stopping the ball after the rebound. Using his intuition, he continuously refined and improved his movements.
After various exercises involving kicks with the right foot, left foot, toes, back of the instep, and more, Wang Feng found himself drenched in sweat. Realizing that mastering shooting and ball-stopping required a different approach, he acknowledged hisck of experience in these areas.
Particrly challenging was using his left foot, which felt almost semi-disabled. Wang Feng recognized the need for dedicated practice to ovee this limitation.
With the weekend match approaching, he contemted leveraging his speed as a significant advantage. Focusing on his strengths, he sought to emphasize stability with the ball during the game.
Reflecting on the training field''s experience where he sessfully employed a skill simr to ''fried meatballs'' to outmanoeuvre opponents, Wang Feng decided to explore this technique further. Picking up a brick from a nearby corner, he ced it on the road as a makeshift defender and began practising.
The ''fried meatballs'' technique was deceptively simple. It involved controlling the ball to the front right, creating distance from the defender, and then using the inside of the right foot at a slight forward angle to pass the ball to the inside of the other foot.
Initial attempts were met with challenges; the ball often went astray. Correct execution relied on precise strength and angle, requiring improvements toplete the entire technical movement seamlessly.
If onlookers were present, they would witness a teenager darting around a brick, with the ball under his feet in constant motiona scene both amusing and dedicated.
By the time Wang Feng had grasped the fundamentals of this technique, it was already around 10:30 in the morning. Fatigued after three hours of continuous training, he purchased water from a convenience store in the park and took a well-deserved rest on the grass, the ball by his side.
It was then that a familiar figure appearedGenk scout Diest, who had crossed paths with Wang Feng in the park before. Diest''s eyes lit up upon seeing Wang Feng, and he approached him, offering a friendly greeting.
"Hi, what a coincidence, Wang! I see you''ve been training for a while," Diest remarked.
Wang Feng jokingly responded, "Yeah, I live nearby, so Ie here to train. But what about you? Visiting the park for two days straight?"
Diest chuckled, "Even we need to rx after work. This ce is quite remote, and there''s nothing much to do, so the park bes a natural choice."
"I n to stay until the weekend to watch your game against St. Gillian," Diest shared. "St. Gillian is a strong team in the second division, with several standout yers. I''m keen to see your game. Your skills are impressive, and your dedication ismendable."
Wang Feng, not disclosing that he had yet to y a game, responded confidently, "Feel free to watch it."
After a brief chat about yers and other interesting details, Wang Feng resumed his training. His focus shifted towards strengthening his breakthrough ability.
Despite the earlier mishap of attempting to do a stepover and falling into the mud, Wang Feng remained undeterred. He nned to learn it again, believing it wouldplement the ''fried meatballs'' technique.
Dribbling with a stepover involved using the dominant foot to push the ball inward, making the defender lose bnce, and then swinging the dominant foot outward to bypass the ball. The key was to lead the defender''s rhythm and lower the centre of gravity.
Wang Feng initially found it challenging, feeling stiff and unstable. However, with the guidance of his senses, he gradually lowered his centre of gravity, and the movements of his feet became more stable and faster.
For practice, he incorporated the ball and used a brick as a defensive yer. Although the brick offered no feedback, Wang Feng could sense whether he had sessfully deceived the imaginary defender.
As hepleted technical movements, he adjusted himself based on the perceived feedback. By noon, he had be proficient in the stepover technique with the ball, using the brick as a visual aid.
Realizing the impending afternoon training, Wang Feng decided not to overexert himself and opted for a rest after lunch. Eager to showcase his best form to the head coach, he looked forward to the uing training.
Upon returning to the dormitory, Wang Feng found Renee still in bed. Seated on his bed, Wang Feng couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Observing Wang Feng returning drenched in sweat, Renee teased, "You''re as diligent as ever, Wang. I thought you''d give yourself a break after making it into the squad."
Shaking his head, Wang Feng replied, "I still have much to practice. Now, I feel like time isn''t enough. By the way, Renee, scouts from Genk will be watching the weekend game. They''re looking out for potential talents."
Renee, with a smile, said, "Wang, when did you start paying attention to such information? I''ve known for a while. Not just Genk, Anderlecht, and Bruges, too. St. Giles United is the underdog; scouts from other teams won''t bother watching us."
Perplexed, Wang Feng questioned, "Shouldn''t we strive to impress them? If we win, it would be more convincing, and they might take notice."
Renee adopted an experienced look, stating, "You''re still too young. We''re stuck in the league without the motivation to win, and weck fans cheering us on."
Though disheartened, Wang Feng forced a smile, realizing that he wasn''t even a regr starter. The original agreement was about entering the squad, not necessarily achieving victories or goals for bonuses.
Little did he know that, deep within him, a seed of yearning for victory had been quietly nted.
Chapter 5: Substitute debut
Chapter 5: Substitute debut
On a Saturday afternoon at Virton''s Ivan George Stadium, the home and visiting teams lined up to enter the field one by one. In the dimly lit yer tunnel, Wang Feng stood out, squeezing his neckline with his right fist and taking deep breaths to calm himself, setting him apart from the other yers.
As he walked out of the passageway, everything suddenly became clear. The small stadium, with a capacity of about 5,000 people, seemed vast for Wang Feng, who was stepping onto the field for the first time.
However, the stadium''s attendance was not high. Only a few home team fans were scattered in the stands, while a group of visitors passionately cheered for their team.
Renee leaned forward and remarked, "Let me just say, we don''t have any die-hard fans at all. St. Gillian is really hot. Look at the fans of their team, tsk tsk." There was admiration in his tone.
However, Wang Feng believed that fans are the most innocent group. A team with ambition, strength, and determination naturally attracts arge following. In contrast, for a team like Virton, perennially in the second division without a clear goal, their fans likely seek entertainment without being overly concerned about winning or losing.
After the game began, St. Gillian took firm control and created several threatening attacks in the opening minutes. Virton''s defence seemed flustered.
In the 11th minute, St. Gillian took advantage of the speed of a yer on the left, tore through the defence line, and made a precise pass. The high centre forward in the penalty area quickly followed up, scoring with a header from close range.
0:1! This quick conceded goal caught Virton''s yers and coaching staff off guard. Although prepared for a possible loss, nobody wanted to face a heavy defeat.
Magritte, standing on the sidelines, urged the yers to press forward and create threats. However, Virton, especially Paul Chuck, who made frequent mistakes, yed without discipline. St. Gillian took advantage of it,unching repeated counterattacks.
As a rookie in the squad, Wang Feng, off the field, appeared visibly nervous. Renee''s assessment of Paul as a soft-footed yer seemed urate, as he seemed to lose control.
In the 31st minute, Paul made another mistake, allowing a St. Gillian yer to intercept the ball in midfield. The subsequent counterattack led to another goal, mirroring the first. A cross from the left found the high centre in the penalty area, who headed the ball into the.
0:2! Virton was in a dire situation, and St. Gillian''s yers, aware of scouts'' attention, showed no intention of easing up. Virton''s defence was also in jeopardy. Fortunately, they managed to prevent further goals and entered half-time.
The dejected Virton yers walked off the field, clearly desperate. Wang Feng observed that Saint-Gilles United yed in a four-three-three formation, and the tactics were notplicated. After the ball reached the front court, they basically split the ball from the centre to the left and then crossed to create a threat. Their left-winger had a fast attack speed and urate crosses, while the centre forward had good physical fitness and a great advantage when grabbing the ball.
Virton''s problem was that the main winger was injured and absent. As a substitute, Paul Chuck was not capable enough. St. Gillian organized the offence calmly and frequently created threats.
Head coach Mette Magritte and the assistant coaches, aware of the issue, criticized Paul severely during half-time. They urged him to handle the ball more cleanly and actively participate in defence but had not considered recing him.
Unbeknownst to Wang Feng, his old acquaintance Andre Diest was in the stands, exchanging greetings with another person: "Henks, I knew you woulde. Why, has Anderlecht also taken a fancy to St. Gillian''s center-forward?"
This man had a long beard, wore a pair of sunsses, and was writing and drawing in a notebook with a pen. He looked up at Diest, ignored him, and continued with his work.
Diest, obviously familiar with this person''s character, didn''t take it seriously. He sat beside him and muttered, "I don''t know if Wang will y, but he has good skills and works hard. Can he beat the main force?"
Upon hearing this, Henks looked up at Diest, noting in his notebook, "Genk''s scouts seem to be interested in Virton''s yer Wang."
The second halfmenced, with St. Gillian maintaining their first-half strategy, adopting a tight state in midfield, and exploiting the wings to dismantle Virton''s defence.
Mette Magritte seemed very depressed, as technical and tactical arrangements had little effect. Relying on the gap in star strength, St. Gillian dominated Virton.
In a moment of despair, Paulmitted another mistake, passing the ball directly to St. Gillian''s feet. Seizing the opportunity, St. Gillian''s yer struck a precise shot.
The centre forward, aiming for a hat-trick, arrived at the scene, but his shot hit the crossbar and flew out. Witnessing Paul''s errors, Wang Feng felt indignant, jumping up from the bench and only sitting down when St. Giles United cleared the ball.
At this moment, the head coach caught Wang Feng''s action. He didn''t expect there to be such an active yer in the team. He struggled in his mind for a while, and finally decided to send Wang Feng on the field to rece Paul!
"Wang, hurry up, take off your warm-up clothes, and get ready to y."
"Ah," Wang Feng looked a little dazed, then suddenly woke up, and then a burst of ecstasy swept through his heart, his debut wasing soon.
"Calm down after entering, stand firm in defence, don''t be as timid as Paul. I believe in you," Magritte said, returning to his calm state after making the decision.
Wang Feng stood on the sidelines, waiting for a dead ball to enter the game. His heart raced, and if not for the noisy stadium environment, the fourth official standing next to him would surely hear it.
The sharp-eyed Diest in the stands chuckled at the sight of Wang Feng, saying, "I knew it."
Henks turned his eyes to the sidelines, observing Wang Feng''s immature face, his doubts deepening.
Taking advantage of a throw-in, Wang Feng made his debut!
Chapter 6: Defense ! Defense !
Chapter 6: Defense ! Defense !
At this moment, thementator on the scene was reporting: "We see that Virton is about to make a substitution. They reced the underperforming No. 13 Paul Chuck with No. 30, um... Wang Feng."
Thementator couldn''t find detailed information about the yer for a while but said, "This is a young yer, um, very young. It should be a yer from Virton''s youth training, and it is the first time this season he represents the home team."
"The home team''s coach seems to have given up on this game and reced the experienced yer with a young one to let him feel the atmosphere of the game. It seems that Virton Club will invest in training this yer further. Let''s see how he performs."
"I just received information that this yer is from faraway China. He is only 16 years old this year. My God, he has broken the record for the youngest age to y in the Belgian Second Division. But is the high-intensity professional league really suitable for him?"
St. Gillian obviously also noticed this substitution. Their head coach asked the assistant next to him, "Do you have any information about this person?"
"No," the assistant next to him knew nothing about it, "But don''t worry, presumably Paul Chuck''s performance was too poor, so he was substituted from the second team."
The head coach of St. Gilles United also nodded, agreeing with this judgment. Mette Magritte should only let him exercise when using him at this time. With this in mind, he immediately walked to the sidelines and signalled the yers of his team to continue to attack and to win a big victory.
Virton''s team members were a little surprised. Although Paul''s performance was poor, why did they rece him with Wang Feng, who was inexperienced? Only Renee cheered for him on the bench. Renee''s luck is not very good, and he probably won''t be able to y today.
Wang Feng is very clear-headed. His teammates on the field don''t trust him very much. The coach also has a try mentality. His primary goal on the field is to make up for Paul''s previous mistakes, strengthen his defence, and wait for opportunities to create threats.
To not be ughtered by a big score; this is the main task of Wang Feng''s debut. He stared directly at the No. 11 yer on the wing of Saint-Gilles United, not far in front of him. He was very active in the game. Both goals were his crosses, and the opponent also looked at this new opponent, revealing a malicious look.
"I''m afraid you haven''t been weaned yet, brat." The other party spat out trash talk without hesitation, but Wang Feng didn''t care. He had received enough stares and trash talk during this time, and this couldn''t shake him.
No. 11 was obviously a little surprised. I didn''t expect this young yer to be very calm, and he looked better than Paul.
The game restarted, and St. Giles United was still firmly in control of the situation. After the midfielder grabbed the ball, No. 11 raised his hand to ask for the ball. He decided to teach this rookie who had juste off the bench a hard lesson.
Wang Feng''s gaze was fixed on No. 11, and he did not rush up blindly but deliberately kept a certain distance, observing his feet and body movements. No. 11 yer saw that Wang Feng did not rush up rashly and didn''t care. After stopping the ball, he immediately dribbled the ball towards Wang Feng.
Judging by his stance, he wanted to break through Wang Feng one-on-one and then make a pass from the bottom. This trick has been tried and tested on Paul before.
Just when he entered Wang Feng''s defence zone, Wang Feng suddenly took a small step back. Before the opponent could react, he took a big step forward and approached the opponent''s dribbling foot.
Wang Feng''s physical confrontation was poor, but his speed was so fast that No. 11 was taken aback. He subconsciously stopped his body and stepped on the ball. After a feint, he moved the ball to his right foot. Unexpectedly, Wang Feng''s step was also a feint, and he immediately retreated after taking the step, which invisibly shortened the distance between the two.
Seeing this, No. 11 dribbled the ball and wanted to break through. Unexpectedly, Wang Feng repeated his old trick this time and pressed forward. This time, the opponent did not stop but wanted to break through from the left. But Wang Feng took another step back suddenly, made a decisive decision, stood still with his left foot, and quickly poked out his right foot.
In the blink of an eye, No. 11 passed, but the ball was stabbed away. Virton''s midfielder, who defended behind Wang Feng, quickly took control of the football.
The on-sitementary seemed a little surprised: "The No. 30 Wang who just came on the field actuallypleted a wonderful steal. Virton had been unable to do anything about St. Gillian''s No. 11 before, but now Wang sessfully curbed his threat."
The St. Gillian yers were also a little surprised. They didn''t expect to be defended this time. Is it a coincidence?
Mette Magritte, who was sitting in the coach''s bench, was also very surprised. Wang Feng''s handling of the ball gave him a feeling of surprise. By repeatedly going up and down topress the opponent''s attacking space, he did not lose his position. In the end, he poked the ball cleanly, and the whole process was like flowing water.
"You''re nothing more than that." Wang Feng didn''t forget to mock the opponent''s No. 11 at this moment. This moment made him very angry. In front of many scouts, being intercepted by a rookie is undoubtedly extremely embarrassing.
"Let''s wait and see." After saying a word viciously, the opponent''s No. 11 turned and walked back. Wang Feng stared at the back of the other party and smiled coldly.
After the ball was tossed and turned several times, it was intercepted by the visiting team. The strength gap between the two sides is still veryrge. On the other hand, No. 11 of the opponent team was more active, taking the initiative to retreat to catch the ball, nning to break through again, and severely abuse the arrogant rookie.
He took full advantage of his speed, dribbled the ball along the right side, and quickly rushed towards Wang Feng. This time, Wang Feng couldn''t use a feint to approach and steal, so he could only retreat to avoid losing his position.
The opponent quickly dribbled the ball to the front of Virton''s penalty area, and suddenly dribbled the ball with his right foot to cut inside. Wang Feng then turned sideways to face the defensive target, and continued to retreat, blocking his way forward, but gave way to the right a lot of space on the road.
No. 11 couldn''t help being overjoyed when he saw it. Sure enough, a rookie is a rookie. Such a simple fake move fooled him, so he suddenly buckled the ball with his right foot, and thrust forward with his left foot, directly changes direction, from inside cut to bottom.
But just when he was imagining the hat-trick of assists, a figure shed in front of him, and Wang Feng, who was defending him, quickly cut in front of him. He blocked the way with his body, and then kept upying the side walk space, forcing him to sprint to the bottom.
After Wang Feng blocked him, he took the lead in catching up with the ball, pushed the ball horizontally with his right foot, and passed the ball into the penalty area. The defender behind him also quickly followed up and cleared the ball.
After disrupting St. Gillian''s ferocious offensive several times in a row, the sparse Virton fans in the stands also cheered up and apuded this little excessive yer.
It was the first time Wang Feng felt the apuse from the fans, and he was a little ttered. But when he turned his head and saw the depressed eyes of No. 11, he said with a smile, "I''m not Paul; your fake moves can''t escape my eyes."
The head coach Mette Magritte on the sidelines was also very surprised that he actually defended. When did Wang Feng be so powerful? Wasn''t his foundation always poor?
From these two handlings of the ball, it can be seen that Wang Feng''s calmness, as well as his grasp of the timing of the game, are all eye-catching.
The assistant coach came over at this time and said: "We still underestimate him. Wang is still a child. He has unlimited possibilities and determination to work hard."
Magritte nodded, quite agreeing with this statement. "No matter what, you can give him more opportunities to y and observe him."
In the next period of time, St. Gillian continued to try to open a breakthrough from the side, but they were suffocated by Wang Feng time and time again. With the exhaustion of their physical fitness, they also had to slow down the rhythm, which led to the attack on Virton. The overall pressure is also reduced.
The time to fight back hase!
Chapter 7: First goal !
Chapter 7: First goal !
Wang Feng grew more confident on the court, and with reduced defensive pressure, he began roaming around the midfield, anticipating chances. However, his Virton teammates hesitated to trust him, and the ball rarely reached his feet.
Aware of theck of trust, Wang Feng wasn''t bothered. He persisted in moving and reading the game, despite the likelihood of not receiving the ball.
In the 67th minute, Saint-Gilles United attacked from the right, catching Virton''s defence off-guard, as Wang Feng supported the defence in the penalty area. The opponent''s long passnded on the left.
The striker from the opposite side swiftly pursued a neutral position. At that moment, like an arrow released from a bow, Wang Feng rushed towards the ball''snding point. He reached it first, flicking with his right foot before it touched the ground, surpassing the opponent.
The precision of this kick was a result of his ball juggling practice. The strength and angle were impable, ensuring the ball remained under his control.
Wang Feng''s speed persisted as he dribbled the ball forward from the right, transitioning Virton from defence to offence. On the entire right side, the only obstacle in front of Wang Feng was St. Gillian United''s left back.
Dribbling at high speed, Wang Feng passed the halfway line rapidly. Although Virton yers waited behind him for a pass, Wang Feng believed passing to them would likely result in the ball noting back. In that instant, he decided to go solo.
As Wang Feng buried his head and charged towards the opponent''s defender, he encouraged himself, prepared for the possibility of failure, focusing on quickly returning to defence.
On the sidelines, head coach Mette Magritte was shocked. He realized Wang Feng intended to dribble through, despite scepticism about his ability to break through, even with his improved skills in the past two days.
Approaching the defender, Wang Feng remained calm. Gradually slowing down, he observed the opponent''s every move. The St. Gillian left-back assumed Wang Feng would pass, positioning himself closer to the infield.
Noticing the gap, Wang Feng seized the opportunity, taking a deep breath and driving the ball towards the defender at a constant speed, silently calcting the distance.
The experienced defensive yers retreated, waiting for the right moment, but Wang Feng''s right shoulder sank, pushing the ball outside with his right foot. His arm made a clear movement, signalling a forced breakthrough from the outside. Defensive yers hurried forward to block the route.
However, as they went for the ball, they witnessed Wang Feng using the inside of his right foot to kick the ball back to his left foot. A poke with his left toe allowed him to break through to the inside.
At this moment, everyone, including yers, coaches, audience, and the on-sitementator, was surprised. In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng used a fake move to shake off the opponent''s left-back and broke through with the ball.
The stadium erupted in cheers, and Magritte was amazed. Wang Feng demonstrated delicate and extraordinary moves in his first match, showing no signs of stage fright.
Facing the cheers, Wang Feng quickly dribbled the ball to the right side of St. Gillian''s big penalty area. With the left back beaten and the midfielder not yet in position, the left centre-back had to step in.
All eyes were on Wang Feng, anticipating his next move. The other Virton front line yers also rushed in, diverting the visiting team''s defensive attention.
Wang Feng keenly observed the goalkeeper positioning to the right for his cross, with an unobstructed line between the left central defender and the ball. Without hesitation, he recalled his practised shooting feeling and executed a long shot near the penalty area line.
The ball tumbled past the defender''s blocking foot, flying straight towards the blind corner of the goal. St. Gillian''s goalkeeper failed to stop it, and the ball rolled into the.
"GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL," echoed the passionatementator, and the home team''s fans erupted in cheers.
A goal?
Although Wang Feng felt the shot was threatening and nearly perfect, the question lingered. Had he really scored a goal like this? In his first game in the Belgian second division, had he broken the goal record of the leader Saint-Gilles United?
At that moment, Wang Feng''s mind went nk. When teammates approached to celebrate, he remained expressionless and dull. The carefully thought-out celebratory actions were forgotten.
In the stands, Andre Diest stood up excitedly, shouting, "I knew you could do it, hard-working boy."
The eyes under Henks'' sunsses shed with surprise. He recorded, "Virton''s No. 30 forward is fast, explosive, calm, and delicate in footwork, with a strong grasp of opportunities in front of the goal."
With the whistle sounding, the game restarted. No. 11, facing Wang Feng, stared at him, as if saying, "You don''t want to do anything any more; I will stare at you to death."
After several kicks, St Giles United attempted a shot, but it was too straight and easily saved by the home team''s goalkeeper. Soon, the ball came near the midfield, and Wang Feng waited for a pass in the open space.
This time, Virton''s midfielder hesitated, then passed the ball to Wang Feng. Unfortunately, the pass was too big, and Wang Feng couldn''t stop it with his first kick. Forced by the opponent''s No. 11, he quickly turned around to protect the ball and passed it back to the defence.
Wang Feng raised his hand in embarrassment to indicate his fault. Throughout the game, he had received few passes, making him ufortable. No. 11, feelingcent, thought Wang Feng was hurried due to his defensive efforts.
After reorganization, the ball returned to the midfield. This time, Wang Feng caught the ball perfectly, running from the right side to the centre, and firmly controlled it under his feet.
Seeing no defenders in the vicinity, he quickly started, rushing to the front court. No. 11 from the opposing side approached to press him. Wang Feng, nearing him, secretly resolved to give this kid a hard time.
Approaching the defenders, Wang Feng used a stepover action. Like thest time, No. 11 on the opposite side was caught off guard. Seeing Wang Feng''s left shoulder sinking and his left foot moving the ball, he instinctively blocked to the left. Unexpectedly, Wang Feng moved the ball to the right, quickly starting to break through.
The stadium erupted in exmations as everyone witnessed Wang Feng passing the defender with a few fake moves, continuing to break through with the ball.
When No. 11 on the opposite side turned his head, Wang Feng had already reached the right side of the penalty area. An elerated and sudden stop sent the ball away from the central defender, who was rushing to help defend. The striker made an easy push, scoring.
The score was now 2:2, and Virton had equalized. The goal scorer celebrated with the fans, and the stands echoed with excited cheers in response.
Chapter 8: Perfect debut
Chapter 8: Perfect debut
The striker, ecstatic after the goal, celebrated wildly. Wang Feng also eagerly rushed forward to join him. Spotting Wang Feng approaching, the striker raised his hand without hesitation, allowing both to revel in the cheers from the fans.
On the sidelines, Head Coach Mette Magritte was also overjoyed, cheering with his fists raised. Initially resigned to a probable loss due to the apparent difference in strength, the coach didn''t expect Wang Feng, his recement, to deliver such a miraculous performance.
In the subsequent period, Saint-Gilles Unitedunched a frenzied offensive. Unwilling to settle for a win followed by a draw, they aimed for an all-out attack. Meanwhile, Virton adopted a defensive posture across the field. Wang Feng frequently ventured into the backcourt to defend and support, posing a potential threat to the opponent''s attacks.
Until the referee blew the whistle for the entire game, the score remained 2:2, and Virton sessfully secured a point from the leader! Virton fans still in the stands stood up, cheering for the home team''s performance.
The yers of St. Gilles United looked listless; a single point was clearly not their goal. Apanying fans walked out of the stadium in frustration.
In the locker room, the head coach first severely criticized the yers''cklustre first-half performance, expressing displeasure with both offence and defence.
"Whether it''s offence or defence, you all did a mess," he admonished.
He acknowledged improved conditions in the second half, singling out Wang Feng for praise. Wang Feng''s one pass and one shot significantly contributed to Virton saving a point at home.
"Wang has always had apetitive heart and a desire to win. Some veteran yers should learn from it," Magritte smiled kindly at Wang Feng after speaking.
Responding modestly with a smile, Wang Feng recognized the coach''s trust, anticipating future ying opportunities.
Upon hearing the coach''s praise for Wang Feng, Paul Chuck''s face turned as ck as iron. Finally given a starting opportunity due to the main yer''s injury, was this kid trying to snatch it away?
Despite the spotlight on Wang Feng, even yers who usually performed well with Paul had to admit at this moment that Wang Feng proved more reliable.
There was a simple press conference after the game, but the head coach did not want Wang Feng to participate.
He said: "Wang, you are still young, and you have not undergone training for media interviews, so I am worried that you will say something wrong and be reported. Some time back, some yers said something and they were misunderstood and excluded."
Wang Feng nodded vigorously to express his agreement. He was not ready to deal with the media yet.
Magritte patted Wang Feng''s head: "One day you will face more media and receive more praise. I have a lot of hope for you."
Wang Feng was a little surprised that the coach was so optimistic about him, and was also a little moved. Eager to go to training right away, he didn''t y long in the second half, and he still had plenty of energy.
As the coach expected, when he faced the media, everyone asked questions about his 16-year-old yer Wang Feng.
The local Evening News reporter from Virton first asked: "Hi coach, the home team fell behind 0:2 in the first half. In the second half, did you rece the 16-year-old Wang to make him perform better, reverse the team''s situation, or give up the game? Did you want to train young yers?"
Head Coach Mette Magritte replied: "First, as the head coach, I will not give up any game. Wang is an excellent striker. When we are behind, we must put him in. It''s about hoping to make a difference."
Hearing his answer, another reporter asked: "Then coach, we can see that after Wang Feng yed, the home team made considerable progress in both offence and defence. He is a neer, why does he have such an obvious effect?"
Magritte said: "You said that the home team got better offensively and defensively because he yed. I disagree, we conceded the goal too early in the first half, so there was some confusion, and the mentality in the second half was tweaked, so it''s normal that we got a lot better."
"Wang Feng is undoubtedly a yer with high technical ability, but he is still young, many of his skills are still immature, and his experience of the game is slightly insufficient. Football is a team sport, and the performance of one person will not affect the whole team."
"The reason we were able to grab valuable league points from the leader''s mouth is inseparable from the efforts of the whole team."
The subsequent questions were about Wang Feng''s talent, contract, whether Virton intends to sell, etc., and the head coach responded to them one by one.
It can be said that Wang Feng has proven his worth in just one game. Undoubtedly, as a mid-tier team in the second division of a small European country, their main source of profit is finding potential new yers and selling them to high-level leagues.
No matter how helpless the head coach feels, he can only ept that if Wang Feng''s wonderful performance can be maintained, he will leave Virton soon.
Wang Feng,ing out of the stadium, headed to the park with a ball and continued his training. In the previous game, he had a chance to score, but at that time only his left foot had the opportunity.
His left foot is still in a semi-disabled state. If he forcefully hit the ball into the goal, he might make others die ofughter, so he gave up the opportunity.
Bring your left foot up to speed! Wang Feng wouldn''t getcent just because of a victory. He aspired to y, score goals, and go on a higher stage.
So, in this secluded corner, a teenager kicked the ball against the wall repeatedly. Covered in sweat, even dripping onto the ground, he didn''t give up until it waspletely dark.
When Wang Feng returned to the dormitory, he didn''t see Renee''s figure, so he probably went out to roam again.
Wang Feng remembered that after the game, Renee found Wang Feng and said enviously, "Wang, you are really good. You scored a goal without me ying. Let''s celebrate together?"
However, Wang Feng''s head was full of thoughts of continuing to exercise at that time, so he declined him politely.
Wang Feng, who is officially on the roster, can get his weekly sry, which is 5,000 Belgian francs, about 900 yuan. This is already a huge sum of money for Wang Feng. At this time, the euro had just emerged, and the Belgian franc and the euro were still being used together.
Virton will challenge Danzig in an away game next week. The head coach gave the yers two days off, and after two days of training, he will go to the city where the visiting team is located.
Wang Feng nned to focus on training his own skills for the next two days, and on the way mailed 500 yuan home. This was his first time earning money. Thinking of the financial difficulties at home, he couldn''t help but want to earn more money as soon as possible.
Early the next morning, he came to the park to train as usual, and when he was thirsty or tired, he went to the convenience store in the park to deal with it. Next to the convenience store is a news-stand. In the past, Wang Feng would asionally flip through the newspapers to read the news.
He seemed a little curious today and wanted to see if the newspapers had published his performance. But after looking through it for a long time, the more famous Belgian newspapers "Standard," "Free Belgian Newspaper," "Latest News," and "Evening Post" were not there. ording to relevant reports, it seems that the influence of his game is rtively small.
In a local newspaper in Virton, he saw the report of the game, and the front cover of the second goal was a photo of the striker raising his hand in celebration. The headline is: "Perfect debut, 16-year-old boy helps Virton tie the leader."
In this report, Wang Feng was praised so much that he himself was a little embarrassed and slightly happy. After all, he was just a 16-year-old boy; who wouldn''t want to readpliments? So he spent money to buy the newspaper for the first time.
When it was time to continue training, he suppressed the secret joy he felt because he knew that he was still far behind the other professional yers.
Chapter 9: One more time
Chapter 9: One more time
Time swiftly passed during intense training, and soon, the day of the away game against Danze arrived. Wang Feng seamlessly rejoined the squad, embarking on the journey with the team. It marked his first venture beyond Virton, filling him with a palpable sense of excitement. However, adherence to uniform management protocols by the head coach, Mette Magritte, meant that no one was permitted to leave the hotel privately, leaving Wang Feng with a tinge of regret.
Sharing a room with Wang Feng, Renee Delvaux noticed his despondent gaze.
He smiled and remarked, "Wang, if you''re itching to travel, the summer off-season offers plenty of opportunities. Honestly, the beauty of Belgium''sndscapes exceeds my imagination. I''m practically nning to cancel my holiday to France; it''s that breathtaking."
Wang Feng replied, "I didn''t have a particr destination in mind; I just wanted a spot to practice. Unfortunately, I''m confined to the hotel, s."
Renee shrugged in empathy, and the duo spent their time in front of the TV.
The official match took ce on a Saturday afternoon, and the football fervour in Danzig far surpassed that of Virton. The stadium, amodating almost 8,000 people, saw stands filled with home team fans, cheering in unison. Wang Feng, a bundle of nerves, took to the field with a single leap.
Although he remained on the bench for the start of the game, a few Danzig yers eyed him with curiosity. It seemed the news of the previous week''s game had piqued their interest.
Unbeknownst to Wang Feng, Genk''s scout Andre Diest sat in the stands at that moment, but Anderlecht''s Henks was absent. Compared to the previous game, fewer scouts were present, with most continuing to pursue St. Gillian.
With the referee''s whistle, the game officiallymenced. After a brief test, both teams engaged in attacking and defending. Wang Feng observed from the sidelines that, unlike thest match, Virton appearedposed this time. Danzi and Virton seemed evenly matched in yer strength, avoiding any crushing situations.
Paul Chuck''s performance in this game proved satisfactory, with minimal mistakes. It seemed the pressure Wang Feng exerted on him didn''t hinder his performance after bing less adhesive to the ball.
However, Coach Mette Magritte, observing from the sidelines, expressed dissatisfaction with the team''s performance. Virton should have had the advantage if not for the main injury.
Casting a nce at the frowning Wang Feng, Coach Mette Magritte made a decisive call. A substitution was made in the 20th minute of the first half, with Wang Feng recing a midfielder.
The visiting team''s coach witnessed this with a contemptuous smile, seeing Virton''s coach seemingly treating a 16-year-old as a saviour.
The substituted yer hugged Wang Feng, appearing somewhat helpless. No one wanted to be reced so early, but Wang Feng''s substitution aimed to bolster the offence was an inevitability.
Upon entering the field, the possession of the ball shifted to Virton. Rushing forward from the right, Wang Feng faced the opponent''s left-back No. 9.
This yer seemed familiar with Wang Feng''s reputation, muttering, "Little rookie, you were lucky in thest game. I won''t be as polite as St. Gillian United."
Wang Feng paid him no heed, focusing intently on the ball''s trajectory. Suddenly, he made a move, catching the No. 9 off guard and leaving him in the dust. Shocked, the opponent chased after him.
Leveraging his explosive power, Wang Feng eluded the defender, sprinting into open space. Paul Chuck, in possession of the ball, hesitated briefly, but this dy allowed the defensive No. 9 to catch up.
The opponent''s No. 9 attempted a sliding tackle, likely to be deemed a foul due to its ruthlessness, striking fear into the attackers.
After stopping the ball, Wang Feng sensed the danger, kicking it forward with his right foot. He leaped to avoid the sliding tackle, quickly pursuing the ball.
Continuing his run after passing the full-back, Wang Feng neared the penalty area, delivering a cross to the front. With home team defenders drawn by Wang Feng, Paul Chuck, unguarded in the back row, capitalized on the opportunity. Dribbling into the penalty area, he volleyed the ball into Danzi''s.
In the 24th minute, Wilton took the lead, merely four minutes after Wang Feng entered the field.
Paul, visibly surprised by Wang Feng''s ability to secure the ball again, started passing to him without hesitation.
Wang Feng''s passion for victory was evident. Opting to pass when he saw Paul in a better position, he felt a sense of rxation after the team took the lead.
Simultaneously, Wang Feng noticed the loose defence in the Belgian Second Division, often relying on targeted area defence. Recognizing the potential for a gap to break through, Wang Feng''s improved ball sense and confidence allowed him to execute various breakthrough moves.
Amidst the cheering crowd, Wang Feng spotted Coach Mette Magritte, nodding with a smile as if affirming his performance.
The home team''s fans, initially subdued by the early setback, immediately rallied, hoping for a swift equalizer.
The first half concluded with a fixed score of 1:0. Despite the high morale of Virton''s yers, they recognized the need to secure three points. In the locker room, the head coachmended everyone''s performance, urging persistence. The second half called for a solid defence and strategic counterattacks, as a 1:0 lead was deemed unstable.
With themencement of the second half, Virton''s offensive focus gradually shifted to Wang Feng, recognizing his ability to breach Danzi''s defence and create threats.
In the 70th minute, Wang Feng seized another opportunity. Attempting to dribble past the opponent''s No. 9 once more, thetter tackled more decisively, disrupting the breakthrough and earning a yellow card. Wang Feng, paying attention to his vital points, avoided injury.
Undeterred by the fierce defence, Wang Feng rose, panting, ready to resume the attack.
Another chance emerged for Virton. As the right back prepared to clear the siege after a sessful steal, Wang Feng swiftly retreated, signalling the midfielder for the ball. Despite hesitation, the ball was passed to Wang Feng.
Gritting his teeth, Wang Feng skilfully cut inside, eluding the defender. Nearing the midfield, he executed a quick turn, advancing into the opponent''s front court.
Danze''s defenders rushed forward to block him, but Wang Feng, with a decisive feint, easily passed the weak defender.
Exmations erupted from the stands as Danzi''s backcourty exposed, gued by problematic defensive positioning. Having passed the defenders, Wang Feng approached the penalty area.
The full-back, racing to defend, conveyed a fierce determinationhis unspoken promise, "I won''t let you tackle me to defeat." Wang Feng, eyes on the right, dribbled the ball, while Paul struggled to keep pace.
Executing a diagonal pass to the front right, Wang Feng caught the defending full-back off guard. Expecting Wang Feng to go solo, the full-back waspelled to redirect and chase the ball.
Paul, receiving the ball, nced at Wang Feng''s position and executed a straight pass through.
Having reached the edge of the penalty area after receiving the ball, Wang Feng left the goalkeeper with no choice but to attack. He decisively kicked the ball, drawing an arc over the goalkeeper, which suddenly sank straight into the.
The ball found the mark, and Wang Feng scored again!
Chapter 10: The eyes of Genk club
Chapter 10: The eyes of Genk club
After scoring this time, Wang Feng was no longer as confused as he was the first time. Instead, he ran excitedly to the corner g area, pointing to the sky to celebrate. His teammates followed suit, rubbing his head in wild celebration.
Paul Chuck looked a little embarrassed, but soon calmed down, suggesting a mutual exchange of passes: "You pass one to me, I pass one to you, no one owes anyone."
The head coach on the sidelines waved his fists excitedly, recognizing the potential of Virton''s front line led by Wang Feng. The entire front line was activated, and scoring in both games illustrated this point.
In the stands, Andre Diest was also very surprised. He knew Wang Feng''s performance might be better, but he didn''t expect it to be so good. Suddenly, he thought of something and quickly took out his cell phone to make a call.
Amidst the noisy voices in the stands, he had to speak loudly: "Yes, the information I gave youst time, that guy, he scored again. We must sign him, and we must do it now..."
After the phone call, Diest seemed a little dissatisfied and left in a hurry without even watching the end of the game. Unnoticed at this time, a man in a suit next to him was staring at him as he left the scene, with a thoughtful expression on his face.
With the whistle of the referee, the game ended, and Virton sessfully defeated Danzig 2-0 in the away game.
This was Wang Feng''s first victory in his career. He was so excited that he couldn''t restrain his smile even on the bus back to the hotel.
Renee said enviously: "It''s nice to be young, Wang. I envy you that you are still happy for a professional league victory."
Wang Feng put his arms around Renee''s neck and said, "Renee, of course, you should be happy to win. I don''t like to lose, and besides, there is a bonus for winning."
The surrounding yersughed after hearing this, "Wang, our winning bonus is just symbolic. You have never seen the winning bonus of the League One, or even the five major leagues. That is the real bonus."
A look of longing appeared on Wang Feng''s face.
When they returned to Virton, the head coach gave everyone a two-day holiday as before, and Wang Feng was busy with additional training as before. His left-footed shot has improved a bit, but it can''t be used in an actual match.
At this time, the head coach Mette Magritte was discussing Wang Feng''s matter with the yer manager Theron Hodum.
Magritte said: "We must sign Wang as soon as possible. His ability is beyond doubt, but he still holds a youth training contract, which is obviously unreasonable."
"We have to prevent other teams from prying people. You know, there is no guarantee for youth training contracts at all."
Hodum crossed his hands and dragged off work, hesitantly said: "But we will pay at least double the sry for this."
Magritte couldn''t help being a little speechless. He knew that the yer''s manager was short-sighted and loves money. He didn''t expect it to be so serious.
He said emphatically: "Mr. Hodum, Wang''s weekly sry is only 5,000 Belgian francs. Even if it is doubled, it is pitiful. If we can cultivate him, his value will definitely exceed our imagination."
Then they discussed for a long time before Hodum reluctantly agreed to sign a formal contract with Wang Feng, but when they wanted to implement it, they found that Wang Feng''s agent could not be contacted.
When he got in touch with Wang Feng, he realized that his agent had already left, and Wang Feng hadn''t even signed an agreement with that agent.
The head coach Mette Magritte patted his head, wondering what to call this situation. So he said to Wang Feng: "Wang, you have to find another agent, leave all these mundane things to him, concentrating on ying football is the way to go."
Wang Feng also thinks it makes sense, but the signing still needs to continue.
ording to the meaning of the team manager Hodum, he wants to sign a long-term contract with Wang Feng with a time limit of 7 years. From the date of signing, Wang Feng''s weekly sry will be doubled, and the sry will be adjusted every year ording to the performance.
Although Wang Feng was short of money, he still had a clear mind and was unwilling to sign such a long contract. He even vaguely hoped that he could participate in higher-levelpetitions and constantly hone his skills in actual matches.
So the first negotiation ended without a problem. Of course, both parties did not discuss in depth. Hodum hoped that Wang Feng could find a professional agent to discuss the details with him.
Wang Feng was very worried about where to find an agent. Although he yed two good matches, he was not reported by the mainstream media, so he definitely couldn''t contact a famous agent.
Finding a teammate''s agent is obviously another way. Wang Feng is really not ready to contact Renee''s agent to see if he wants to ept him.
What he didn''t know was that when he was extremely distressed about his agent, another agent was also extremely distressed about how to contact Wang Feng. The agent''s name is Francisco Balmond, who is not well-known but very keen. When Virton challenged Danzig in the away game, he heard the strong rmendation of Wang Feng from Genk''s scouts in the stands.
He realized that this was an opportunity, and he had very few yers, yers who had not yet yed in the national first-tier league. If he can sign Wang Feng, who has great potential, he might be able to soar into the sky.
So he followed Virton back to Virton City, but he didn''t expect to run into a wall at the club. After the team''s holiday, he couldn''t see any of the staff, and he didn''t know where Wang Feng lived.
Feeling helpless, he could onlyment that Virton is really a small club, while looking for a hotel to stay first, waiting for the club yers to train.
On the other side, in the manager''s office of the Genk Club, a discussion about Wang Feng was also going on. Andre Diest is strongly rmending Wang Feng to team manager Bill Albert and head coach Aimee Antonis.
"There is no doubt that Wang is definitely a potential stock. Few yers can dominate the game and score goals in their first two appearances in the professional league. He is only sixteen years old."
The team manager seemed more cautious. He said: "As you know, Diest, we won the league championshipst season, but this season we are full of injuries and our performance is really poor. We lost to Maribor in the Champions League qualifiers. In the league we are only ranked in the middle, and the hope of defending the title is slim."
"We need immediate power now."
Head coach Aimee Antonis also frowned. The team behaved like this, and he was under a lot of pressure. Genk''s bench was too shallow, and the two-line battle exhausted the yers.
The most important thing is the Europa League seat this season! Even if the team needs immediatebat power now, I believe the team manager himself understands that Genk cannot strengthen during the winter break. Because at the beginning of the season, in order to ensure the championship line-up, they require money and the team''s finances are already poor, there is no way to afford some well-known yers.
Aimee Antonis hesitated for a moment, and finally made a decision, he said: "Diest, ask assistant coach Quick Martin to watch Virton''s game with you, focus on observing Wang Feng, and then make a decision. "
Andre Diest could only say helplessly: "Okay, but you''d better start as soon as possible. I think if he continues to perform, it may attract the attention of Anderlecht and Bruges. In this case, we will lose this opportunity."
Chapter 11: New agent
Chapter 11: New agent
Of course, Wang Feng didn''t know anything about it. He came to the park for training as usual, facing the low wall, connecting with shooting and stopping the ball over and over again.
Coincidentally, Francisco Balmond, who was bored, was also visiting the park, which may be one of the rare leisure ce in Virton.
When he heard the sound of the ball hitting the wall, he thought he heard it wrong, so he followed the source to find Wang Feng ying in the corner.
Taking advantage of Wang Feng''s rest, he hurriedly stepped forward to introduce himself: "Hello, Mr. Wang, I am your fan, and I was honoured to see your wonderful performance in Danze before."
Wang Feng seemed a little overwhelmed. This was the first time he met a fan who came up to greet him warmly. Shouldn''t he sign an autograph at this time? But he didn''t bring pen and paper with him.
Perhaps seeing Wang Feng''s embarrassment, Francisco Balmond continued quickly: "Actually, I am a football agent. I think you have a bright future. So, I want to rmend myself. I wonder if you ever thought about changing agents."
What a coincidence, Wang Feng secretly thought, he just wanted to find an agent, but in the end, someone came to rmend himself, he shouldn''t be a liar.
Wang Feng looked at him critically, and said, "How did you find me here? If you are an agent, how many yers do you have?"
Francisco Balmond also felt that it was a bit of a coincidence. He decide to tell the truth. He came to Virton by himself, but he couldn''t contact Wang Feng, so he had to go out to kill time and by chance he heard the sound of the ball hitting.
At the same time, he also introduced his yers, including two Dutch second yers and one Portuguese first yer.
"I have always wanted to work for a yer who has yed in the national first division. You have great potential. As far as I know, Genk Club is very interested in you. And I am an experienced agent, although the affairs I handled are not big, but I have unique solutions to some trifles."
Francisco Balmond marketed himself like this.
Wang Feng thought for a moment. If he took an agent from one of his teammates, he would be more familiar with it, but it was precisely because of this familiarity that it was a little tricky.
For example, Renee''s agent has never helped him negotiate a sry increase and ying time guarantee with the club, which made him worse and worse.
But this person seemed to be quite sincere, and his ability seemed to be good, so Wang Feng ended the training early, and nned to have afternoon tea with him, and then discuss the details.
The two of them found a small coffee shop and chatted about Wang Feng''s future career ns.
Wang Feng unexpectedly discovered that Francisco Balmond and many of his ideas coincided with each other, such as not wanting to sign a long-term contract with Virton, andmercial activities not affecting his training too much.
In the end, Wang Feng nned to sign a contract with him. After all, the contract between the agent and the yer was rtively loose and could be terminated at any time.
Francisco Balmond''s attitude towards Wang Feng is very good, and this respectful feeling is also reflected in the contract, Wang Feng has the right of veto on all matters.
And the agreedmission is also very low, only 1%. Wang Feng was a little embarrassed, but Balmond said: "Wang, I believe in your future achievements, and I will be a multi-millionaire with this 1%. "
"Then I can only work harder" Wang Feng said helplessly.
After officially bing Wang Feng''s agent, Francisco Balmond chose the next development route for Wang Feng. That is, not to renew his contract with Virton for the time being, and at the same time contact some teams in the first division to test their interest.
"Virton is not a good destination, Wang," Balmond analyzed: "The football environment here is not good, and the club''s investment is very little. The training of young yers is also very poor."
"At the end of the day, you need a bigger tform to grow."
Wang Feng nodded in agreement, the next thing is simple. Balmond is a vigorous and decisive person, he immediately decided to leave for Genk and Anderlecht.
"The better you perform on the court, the more bargaining chips I have. Come on, Wang."
After identally finding an agent, Wang Feng also breathed a sigh of relief. He then focused on training. He also sessfully entered the yer list, this is the third consecutive time he has entered.
But this time, the head coach Mette Magritte found him personally and said to him: "Wang, your performance in the first two games was perfect. I hope you can continue to work hard. I will arrange for you to start the game on the weekend."
Start! He did not expect this day toe so soon. Wang Feng was very happy, but also felt the pressure.
This time the game was scheduled for the night, and the Ivan George Stadium was brightly lit. The fans in the stands cheered, and the momentum seemed to be even bigger. The yers scored one draw and one win in two tough battles in a row, which made them very happy.
This time, Virton sits at home and faces Wassend Beveren. It is also a strong team. It is currently ranked third in the standings, and its overall level is one level higher than that of Virton.
As the yers from both sides entered the field, several yers from Vand Beveren gathered next to the team captain. They cast a look towards Wang Feng and said, "Captain, that yer with ck hair and yellow skin started the game. He is Wang who has been very active recently, we need to restrain him."
The captain of the visiting team, No. 13, is the left back. He patted his chest and said, "Don''t worry, St. Gillian must have suffered from underestimating the enemy before. As long as we keep a close eye on him, he won''t be able to make waves."
With the referee''s whistle blowing, the game officially began.
"This game is not easy to y for Virton" said Genk assistant coach Quick Martin in the stands. He came to Virton with Andre Diest and decided to inspect Wang in this game.
Virton was in a disadvantageous situation after the opening, and Wassend Beveren firmly controlled the ball and attacked the forward court calmly. In the 7th minute, the visiting team seized a w in Virton''s defence. The forward received the ball in the penalty area and sted the ball towards the goal.
The premature conceded goal cast a shadow over Virton''s yers and they became timid. Wang Feng was also very helpless in his heart, he was being marked by defenders from all directions, and he hadn''t touched the ball until now.
This is not going to work, we must break the blockade of Wassend Beveren as soon as possible, otherwise it will be like a blunt knife cutting flesh. It will be more and more painful, more and more passive, and in the end it can only end in a disastrous defeat.
Therefore, Wang Feng took the initiative to expand the range of activities, the backcourt, the sideways, and the middle. He led the opponent''s defenders to run non-stop. He believed that as long as he ran, he would definitely find an opportunity.
Efforts are rewarded. In the 21st minute, Wang Feng retreated and got the ball. At this time, the defensive yer was thrown away by him, so he quickly started to run to the frontcourt.
Chapter 12: Key Player
Chapter 12: Key yer
At this time, the central defender of the visiting team hurried forward to defend, and at the same time, a defensive yer followed up on the other side. Before the match, they had studied Wang Feng carefully, and knew that his foot skills were rtively good, and he could easily be passed by one-on-one defence alone, thus creating opportunities.
Looking at the defensive yers surrounding him, Wang Feng knew that he didn''t have many chances. Once he was in a pinch, it would be difficult to take the ball out. If he passed it to his teammates, he would have to run down again, and the ball would be lost very quickly. If you lose it, you can''t organize an effective offence.
After all, it was theck of ability and support from his teammates, which made Wang Feng feel a little alone.
At this critical juncture, Wang Feng saw that the yer''s legs were stretched a little, so he had an idea. He pushed the ball forward with the inside of his foot, just passing through the defender''s crotch, and then chased the ball.
With the beautiful pass under the crotch, Wang Feng sessfully broke out from the encirclement!
The captain of the visiting team, who is also the left back No. 13, was surprised to see Wang Feng break through the encirclement so easily and attack his own front court.
But he also has a lot of experience. While defending close to Wang Feng, he tightly blocked Wang Feng''s inward cut route, forcing him to keep dribbling the ball on the side, and finally intercepted Wang Feng near the baseline.
Wang Feng looked up at the penalty area. At this time, Virton''s offensive yers hadn''t caught up. There were still several defensive yers standing in the penalty area and preparing to grab points. There must be no chance for the cross at this time.
So Wang Feng used his right foot to move the ball to the backcourt, slightly away from the baseline. The opponent''s No. 13 followed closely, not daring to steal it lightly, but just gestured for other defensive yers toe over and nk the defence.
Wang Feng kicked the ball slightly forward, and after making a stepover twice, he sessfully broke through and entered the penalty area along the bottom line.
On the opposite side, No. 13 never expected that Wang Feng''s stepover was so confusing. I clearly saw his centre of gravity sinking to the left, and his left foot also touched the ball. Unexpectedly, the ball only moved slightly to the left under the flick of his left foot, but was brought to the right by his right foot.
At this time, he wanted to block it again, but unfortunately his body had lost his bnce, so he had no choice but to let him break through. However, the captain of No. 13 also reacted quickly. The pulling action, hoping to slow down Wang Feng''s speed, so that his teammates can quickly fill the position.
If Wang Feng fell to the ground at this time, it is possible to award a penalty kick. But at this time, his mind was full of thoughts of kicking the ball into the goal, so he staggered away from No. 13. Before the other defenders arrived, he shot a small angle shot with the instep of his left foot.
He saw the ball draw a beautiful arc in the air, and then hang straight to the dead corner of the far goal. Although the goalkeeper of the visiting team tried his best to open his arms, he still failed to touch the ball.
1:1! In the 21st minute, Wang Feng sessfully equalized the score!
After the goal, he rushed to the stands and celebrated with his hands pointing at the sky. The fans of the home team in the stands shouted Wang Feng''s name frantically, and the other yers who came after him hugged him excitedly.
At this time, Genk assistant coach Quick-Martin saw the splendour in his eyes, and he said with emotion: "This goal was scored entirely by Wang Feng''s personal ability. Although his defensive strength is not higher than that of some B-rated yer, we can also see his skills. It''s solid."
Andre Diest also nodded in agreement, and added: "One more thing, Wang Feng is a right-footed yer, but the wonderful curveball just now was scored with his left foot."
"In such a short period of time, he can develop the ability of his left foot, which is enough to show his amazing talent."
The game restarted, and the two sides came to the same starting line again. In the next y, Wassend Beveren still controlled the initiative on the field and frequently threatened the home team''s goal.
Aiming at Wang Feng, the visiting team stepped up their defence. In the 36th minute, Wang Feng got the ball and was just about to start, when he was shovelled to the ground viciously by the defender, which caused the dissatisfaction of his teammates, and the captain rushed forward excitedly. In the end, the referee gave the defensive yer a yellow card.
It was the first time for Wang Feng to be fouled maliciously. He fell heavily to the ground. It hurt a little, but fortunately he was not injured. This also reminded him to take more precautions on the field.
Just when the first half wasing to an end, Walnd Beveren seized an opportunity. The midfielder suddenly kicked a through ball, the striker who was waiting for the opportunity sprinted instantly. He got rid of the defensive yers in the penalty area. Single-handedly, and calmly scored.
1:2!
During the half-time break, the Virton yers who walked into the locker room looked very frustrated. After working hard for so long, they still lost at thest minute, which is really frustrating.
Seeing his teammates drooping their heads one by one, Wang Feng felt angry in his heart. He couldn''t help but say "Guys, we haven''t lost yet, and there are still 45 minutes left. In the second half, there is every chance for an equalizer or even a reversal. Don''t forget how we did the first two rounds."
The head coach Mette Magritte just came to the door, heard the words and pushed the door open, and said: "Well said, you have done enough in the first half, you are behind only because of bad luck, and there will be more chances in the second half."
Then the head coach assigned some tasks, focusing on some defensive problems in the first half, and at the same time said to Wang Feng: "Wang, you are our sharp knife, with you, Beveren doesn''t dare to attack aggressively. You can y more aggressively, and the midfielders will fully cooperate with you."
Wang Feng nodded. His physical strength is quite abundant. In the second half, he can continue to expand his range of activities and restrain the visiting team''s defensive force.
After a short intermission, the second half of the game began, and neither side made line-up adjustments. Wang Feng was very active as soon as he came on the field. He thought that he could make a quick attack in the first ten minutes, and he would feel a little ck in his heart when the opponent took the lead.
In the 52nd minute, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to get the ball again. The defender stepped forward to block him fiercely, and kept stretching his legs to interfere with the ball.
Wang Feng leaned on the defender, tried hard to protect the ball, suddenly used the outside of his foot to pick the ball behind him, and at the same time turned quickly. The defender could not react in time, so he let him pass.
Then Wang Feng rushed to the opponent''s front court like a gust of wind. The central defender of the visiting team also rushed over at this time, trying to keep him with a tackle.
Wang Feng''s speed didn''t slow down, he just slid the ball forward with his left foot, then jumped up to avoid the defender''s legs, the ball passed beautifully!
He quickly caught up with the ball. At this time, only the No. 13 left back stood in front of him and the goalkeeper. He couldn''t be allowed to go any further, the opponent No. 13 gritted his teeth and rushed over, trying to stop Wang Feng''s breakthrough.
In the high-speed movement, Wang Feng turned the left foot of the ball to the right which easily passed the No. 13 defender.
Facing the attacking goalkeeper, he calmly pushed the right corner of the goal, 2:2, Virton equalized the score again!
And Wang Feng scored twice, this is his third match, and also the first match in which he scored twice, he became the key yer in this match.
Chapter 13: Hat trick
Chapter 13: Hat trick
After scoring, Wang Feng rushed to the stands to interact with the fans. The fans of Virton were all erupting at this moment. They frantically gathered beside the barbed wire fence beside the stands, shouting Wang Feng''s name.
The captain also rushed over at this time, jumped on Wang Feng''s back, and yelled frantically: "You did it, you did it!"
The coach on the bench, Mette Magritte, stood up nervously when Wang Feng took the ball. When he saw him passing three people in a row and sending the ball into the, his face showed a shocked expression. Then he waved his arms in ecstasy.
Virton equalized the score again, and it was because of Wang Feng again. The head coach of Wassend Beveren was also very helpless. Obviously his team was stronger, and they yed well against Virton in the whole game, but they had Wang Feng. He, unreasonably, relied on his personal ability to equalize the score twice.
He rubbed his brows, and nned to rece a defender with a midfielder. Since he couldn''t defend, he would stop defending and fully control the ball.
The head coach of Virton also made adjustments, recing a forward and recing him with a stable defender in the backcourt. In his opinion, it is eptable to score a point. But Wang Feng still had to stay on the court to intimidate the opponent''s defence.
After that, Wassend Beveren took possession of the ball to the extreme, so that Virton didn''t have a few decent passes for more than ten minutes. They also started an indiscriminate bombing mode on the home team''s goal.
As time went by, the mentality of the Wassend Beveren yers gradually became unbnced. They took the lead twice and equalized twice, which made them a little impatient. In the 86th minute, a strong shot from the visiting team was blocked by the goalkeeper. He tried his best to block it, but the ball didn''t fly very far. The yer who followed was almost facing the empty goal, but he hit a missile of a shot, but it went way up of the crossbar.
The yers who missed the opportunity covered their faces in frustration, while Virton''s team was in a cold sweat. The goalkeeper kept calling the defensive yers to concentrate and not to miss anyone.
The consumption of stamina from both sides was very high. In the 89th minute, Virton intercepted the ball in the backcourt, and the defender vigorously made a clearance. At this time, Wang Feng judged the correctnding point and got there in time, but the opponent''s defensive yer followed closely.
There was no way to stop the ball like this, so Wang Feng had no choice but to jump up and shake his head, ferry the ball to the front, and afternding, he chased the ball straight away.
The opponent''s defensive yer did not give in, and even pulled his clothes hard, trying to stop him. Now this position is more than forty meters away from the goal, even if it is a foul, it is nothing.
In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng saw that the goalkeeper on the opposite side seemed to be a bit ahead, as if he was anxiously watching the offensive situation in front of him.
So he faced the rebounding ball and volleyed vigorously. The ball flew into the air like a rocket. Is it going out of bounds?
When approaching the penalty area, the ball suddenly fell rapidly. The goalkeeper of Wassend Beveren was shocked and retreated again and again. Finally, he jumped up to catch the ball. Unfortunately, the ball still passed his fingertips and fell into the goal. .
"GOOOOOOAAAAL" Thementator on the scene shouted: "Unbelievable, unbelievable, and the king again, with a volley shot from a distance of 40 meters. The ball drew a beautiful arc in the air like it was guided by a system, and fell into the."
"Virton seeded in overtaking the score in the 89th minute. This is a lore goal."
"It''s so beautiful, I bet, this must be the best goal of the Belgian Football Second League this season, and it may also be the best goal of the Belgian Football League! Wang also scored a hat-trick with this goal. The youngest age of League B, Mr. Hat-trick!"
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng flew to the corner g area again, pointing to the sky to celebrate. Everyone in the team rushed over and gathered together, cheering and shouting. Wang Feng was surrounded by noisy voices, and couldn''t hear the specific words clearly, but he kept hearing someone calling his name.
Head coach Mette Magritte also had a rare gaffe when the ball fell into the. He ran wildly along the edge of the court for a certain distance, as if venting his depression. The feeling of being suppressed made him a little out of breath.
Calming down, Magritte was a little distressed and regretful. It seemed that Virton could no longer keep Wang Feng. Can a team without Wang Feng still create such a miracle?
Quick Martin and Andre Diest stood up excitedly in the stands. Quick Martin said: "You are right, we must take him down as soon as possible." They picked up the phones respectively. One called the head coach, the other called the team manager, reporting on Wang Feng''s performance, strongly rmending to start negotiations with Wang Feng as soon as possible.
After the referee urged several times, Virton''s yers all returned to the court, and the Wassend Beveren team kicked off. But obviously they had no intention of fighting any more, Wang Feng''s goalpletely destroyed their hope. Four minutester, with the referee''s whistle, the game ended.
Relying on Wang Feng''s hat-trick, Virton staged a shocking reversal, 3:2 !
After the game, Wang Feng didn''t refuse the invitations from his teammates any more, but he straightforwardly invited everyone to have dinner together to celebrate the team''s victory. The next day was a holiday, so the partysted untilte at night.
After returning to the dormitory, Wang Feng was still in a state of excitement, tossing and turning and having trouble falling asleep, but he was notcent. With the improvement of his skills, Wang Feng also keenly discovered that the technical level of League B was not high, especially in defence, so he is eager to go to a higher tform and hone his skills.
Early the next morning, Wang Feng still woke up on time, the habits of the past few months had made him form a biological clock. Shaking his slightly tired head, he still decided to continue his training. After beingzy once, there will definitely be a next time.
He picked up the ball and left the dormitory quietly. That guy Renee went crazy yesterday evening, so it''s better not to wake him up.
Aftering to the park, he practised ording to the usual rhythm, first warming up, then reviewing the skills he has fully mastered such as jumping and dribbling, and then tempering his left foot and dribbling skills. Turning these basic skills into his own muscle memory is currently Wang Feng''s main task.
In the afternoon, Wang Feng''s agent Francisco Balmond found him excitedly: "I knew I could find you here, listen to me, your performance yesterday was amazing, and it has attracted the attention of several Ligue 1 teams including Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Standard Liege and, of course, Genk."
"I think it''s about time, Virton has limited your development, we have to have a good chat about which club to go to."
So Wang Feng''s training was interrupted again, and they came to the coffee shop to discuss again. "I think you''re in a time of constant improvement, so ying time is a must."
Wang Feng nodded, expressing his agreement. Although he cared about the sry, he had already experienced the professional league, and he was more eager for the feeling of the game, rather than sitting on the bench.
Chapter 14: This is a professional player
Chapter 14: This is a professional yer
"Anderlecht Club offers the highest sry, but their strikerpetition is very tense, with strongpetitors such as Jan Kohler and Zevorakov."
"I don''t think this is a good choice, because they may just want to buy you as a second-team yer, and they will not value you until a few yearster," Francisco Balmond calmly analysed.
"Beyond that, it''s the same situation with Club Brugge and Standard Liege, so we have to think carefully."
As Balmond spoke, he spread out the information to Wang Feng. The information included the contacts of various clubs, sry quotations, striker reserves, and some special terms.
Among them, the information of Genk Club attracted Wang Feng''s attention, and he asked in surprise: "Can Genk guarantee my ying time?"
Francisco Balmond replied: "Yes, I am working with these clubs. During the contact process, they will reveal a bit more, that is, you are more inclined to y."
"So Genk Club proposed this use. They are willing to guarantee ying time in the contract. To be honest, their striker problem is really serious."
Bamond went on to introduce: "Since they stumbled to win the championshipst season, injuries have always been their big problem. The main forward was injured for the season, and the substitute was also injured. At present, they can only draw people from the youth training team."
"But in order to maintain the championship line-up, they have to keep high sries, so they have no extra ability to choose famous forwards in the free market. They can only bet on you as an immediatebat power."
After hearing this, Wang Feng couldn''t help hesitating. For a team with a problematic capital chain, can it really y well? Francisco Balmond exined with a smile: "Teams in the second-tier European leagues have their own way of survival. Even if they have difficulties in operation, they will not affect normal operations."
"And they will definitely reorganize this season. If your performance is good enough, next season will certainly focus on you. This is an opportunity."
"Since this is the case, there are not many choices, sir." Wang Feng said helplessly: "I am still too young, and a team like Anderlecht will absolutely not regard me as the core. If I want to make a difference, Genk is the best choice."
Balmond nodded and said: "That''s true. In terms of sry, Genk gave a weekly sry of 1,000 euros after tax in the first year, and then increased year by year ording to performance. This is only half of Anderlecht."
1,000 euros a week, wouldn''t it be enough to pay off the loan for going abroad in one week?
Seeing Wang Feng''s bright eyes, Balmond said helplessly: "This is already a very low level. Genk''s head star has a weekly sry of 20,000 euros, so I will continue to negotiate with the club."
Wang Feng nodded, leaving this part to the agent, and he will concentrate on ying football. At this moment, Balmond''s cell phone rang. He was a little surprised when he answered, handed the cell phone to Wang Feng, and introduced softly: "Genk''s head coach Aimee Antonis, he wants to chat with you."
Wang Feng took the phone, and after the two exchanged some pleasantries, Aimee Antonis said bluntly: "Wang,e to my team, we need you, assistant coach Quick Martin has observed your ying style on the spot. I can say without exaggeration that Genk will definitely use you as the main striker."
Wang Feng said that he was honoured to be appreciated by the head coach, but he did not say that he would definitely go, but said that he would seriously consider it.
After hanging up the phone, Francisco Balmond couldn''t help feeling that Genk''s sincerity is quite great, "Besides, you have to buy a mobile phone. I didn''t expect to have to go to the park to find you."
Wang Feng smiled awkwardly. Most of the money he earned was mailed home, leaving only the necessities for life.
The two discussed for a while before Francisco Balmond left. He was going to contact Virton''s team manager to see his attitude.
Wang Feng continued his training.
Francisco Balmond''s work efficiency is astonishing. In less than two days, he almost finished everything.
"I have already negotiated with both sides. Genk is willing to sign a contract with you with a weekly sry of 1,500 euros, and pay Virton 50,000 euros to buy out your youth training contract."
"They will write in the contract that you will be guaranteed at least 45 minutes of ying time," Balmond added: "But you have to y in January next year, because the Belgian Football Association stiptes that yers transfer will open in the winter transfer window. You can only register after that, and before that you will train with the team."
"Okay." Wang Feng shrugged helplessly. If he couldn''tpete for a month, he could bear it. "Does that mean I''m leaving Virton for Genk?"
Balmond said: "Yes, we''d better leave tomorrow, Virton''s affairs have been dealt with, and now you only have to go to Genk to sign the contract."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed. He was uneasy to leave Virton, where he had lived for several months, and leave his coaches and teammates and meet unknown challenges. After all, he was still a sixteen-year-old boy.
Thinking of his ever-improving football skills and determination to earn a lot of money, Wang Feng''s uneasy heart gradually calmed down, so he said, "Okay, let''s go to Genk tomorrow!"
That night, Wang Feng invited Virton''s yers to have dinner with the coaching staff, and informed them of his departure from the team. The head coach Mette Magritte already knew, and he was actually very reluctant. However, he also knew that Wang Feng would never be trapped in a small team like Virton, so he looked away, but he still despised the team manager for letting Wang Feng go with only 50,000 euros.
"He will definitely regret it very much in the future." Magritte said avowedly.
Faced with his first friend Renee who came to Belgium, Wang Feng''s eyes were red, and Renee hugged the little brother, and then said with relief: "This is what it is to be a professional yer, Wang."
Then he smiled and said, "I''ll go to Genk to visit you in the future. Genk is a big city, not as remote as Virton."
The crowd didn''t dissipate untilte at night, and early the next morning, Wang Feng left with his agent, starting a new journey of his career.
Genk is located in the northeast of Belgium and is famous for its marshes and beautiful forests. It is one of the most important industrial cities in nders, Belgium. Travelling through the city in a car, Wang Feng looked at the scenery on the street curiously. Medieval buildings and modern buildings are mixed together, giving people a magical sense of crossing into a different epoch.
Francisco Balmond enthusiastically introduced: "Genk is an ancient industrial town. It has a long history and a strong modern industry. If you like to y, you can go to Bo rk, have a look, it''s a rare open-air museum."
When they arrived at Genk club, the team manager was already waiting in the office. The two sides conducted a simple signing, no reporters, and no ceremony.
But Wang Feng is already very satisfied, because he got a signing fee of 10,000 euros, which is a huge sum of money for him. The head coach of the team, Aimee Antonis, also took the time to meet with him, had a brief chat and left in a hurry. The team''s current record is not good, and he still has a lot of things to do.
Chapter 15: Official report
Chapter 15: Official report
The residence that Francisco Balmond chose for Wang Feng is near the club, with a smallke and a stretch of woods next to it. It is a ce with pleasant scenery.
This is an old-fashioned t. There are many rooms on the first floor. Each room is rtively small. There are only bathrooms and no kitchen. Balmond said: "Many young yers from Genk live here. You can get to know themter. They should all be training on the field now."
After seeing Wang Feng settled down, Balmond left first. ording to his introduction, there is a shopping street not far from here, where there is arge supermarket and many ces to eat. Wang Feng ns to buy some necessities first, and then he nned to eat there.
The team gave Wang Feng two days to rest, but Wang Feng soon settled down and visited the city of Genk. After spending a day, he couldn''t wait to practice, so he decided to report in advance.
After walking to the stadium, Wang Feng first went to the logistics department to get all the equipment from sneakers to shirts, and then went to the team doctor for aprehensive examination. The team doctor was surprised to find that Wang Feng''s physical condition was very good, and he was even in a state where he could directly y the game, so he was allowed to train with the team.
Under the leadership of assistant coach Quick Martin, Wang Feng came to the field. At this time, the head coach was sitting on the side, and the yers were doing warm-up exercises. Wang Feng respectfully greeted the head coach Aimee Antonis, and the head coach also kindly motioned him to step aside and introduced the situation of the team to him.
"So far this season, we have been under a lot of pressure on our results. Genk is currently ranked 9th in the standings, and there is no hope of defending the championship. There is still a huge gap of 16 points from the Europeanpetition."
"The Belgian Cup is also one of our key goals this season, so we need to fight on two fronts for a long time. Wang, you are the strength I must rely on."
After hearing this, Wang Feng said seriously, "Don''t worry, I will definitely do my best."
Antonis smiled and said: "But you don''t have to be too nervous. This is your first season in the first league. The intensity and timing of thepetition are notparable to those of the second, so you can spend more time getting used to it. I have faith in you."
After speaking, he took Wang Feng to the field, signalled the yers to assemble, and then introduced Wang Feng to everyone. As the captain, Aaron Abigail first weed Wang Feng''s arrival, and the other yers also weed him. They responded one after another, and they seemed to be very kind.
However, there are also some unfriendly eyes, who are looking at Wang Feng. The first is the winger Bobby April who was transferred from the Genk youth training. The arrival of Wang Feng will directly affect his status. He is very unconvinced. ''I came out of the youth training seriously, how could I notpare to a rookie from the second division.''
The captain of the team, Abigail, led Wang Feng to introduce him to his teammates one by one. Everyone exchanged pleasantries for a while, and then Wang Feng joined them to start the warm-up training.
After starting the formal training, Wang Feng finally felt what a League One team is. Compared with Genk''s training, Virton is no different from ying. During the training, no matter the intensity of the items or the emphasis on the yers, they are far more than the training that Wang Feng has been exposed to before.
At the beginning, head coach Antonis was worried that Wang Feng would not be able to adapt, but after a brief adjustment, Wang Feng felt better and better.
However, the problem is that the tacit understanding between Wang Feng and his teammates is not enough. Many times he chose to go at it alone when he should pass the ball, and he chose to pass the ball when he should go alone, resulting in many mistakes.
But this is not an issue. Antonis believes that with the deepening of training, the tacit understanding between Wang Feng and his teammates will be better.
After the training was over, the coach called Wang Feng over to give him some encouragement, and then left. Other yers also went back to the locker room to pack their things. In the cab next to Wang Feng was a young yer, Genk midfielder Karl Bess. He happened to live next door to Wang Feng''s t, so the two chatted very spectively on the training ground just now.
Bess saw that Wang Feng was wiping his sweat and was not about to change clothes, so he asked strangely: "Wang, don''t you want to change?"
Wang Feng said: "Bess, go back first, I will practice for a while ."
Beth smiled wryly: "After such intense training, you still have the strength to practice more. I really admire you, but don''t go too far before you get injured." Wang Feng smiled and patted his shoulder, expressing that he would pay attention. Then he returned to the training ground with the ball.
While dribbling the ball, he thought about the problems that urred during the training just now. Genk is different from Virton. The midfielders and strikers are both very strong. He no longer needs to support everywhere as before, but he should be like a sharp knife. Going straight into the opponent''s defensive loopholes.
This requires you not only to be able to stop and dribble the ball, but also to be able to pass the ball. During the training just now, Wang Feng felt that all the passes were not on point, so he needed to focus on practising the passing skills, but how to train the passing by himself?
Wang Feng thought for a while, and first decided to practice fixed-point passing. The practice method is to put a ball on the spot, and then bring another ball with him, looking for opportunities to kick the ball onto the ced ball.
At the beginning, Wang Feng, who was dribbling the ball at high speed, couldn''t urately pass the ball under his feet to the side of the ball ced in ce. He adjusted the strength and angle of his passing, and gradually corrected the ball''s rolling trajectory.
After a period of practice, he achieved most of the passes as they sessfully reached the intended location. However, this method of passing the ball is too simple, and it must not be widely used in an actual match.
So he began to practice more difficult passing, using various parts of his feet to let the ball roll out various arcs to reach the designated position, and even provoke the ball to fly to the designated position from above.
Wang Feng waspletely absorbed in the training and forgot the time. In the team building not far away, the head coach Antonis stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the office, watching him training alone, and couldn''t help showing a satisfied smile. Who wouldn''t like a hard-working yer?
He didn''t stop until the lights of the court came on, and the staff reminded Wang Feng that it waste. Back in the locker room, he didn''t go home immediately, but did another half an hour of recovery exercise on the fitness equipment, and then took a shower before walking home slowly.
When he got home, Wang Feng sat by the bed and looked at the empty white wall. He thought that when he got his sry, he should buy a TV, and also a VCR so that he could watch videos of other teams.
He thought of the letter sent from his home a few days ago, and couldn''t help but take it out and look at it. The delicate handwriting on the paper was obviously written by his sister, but it should have been dictated by his mother.
The letter said that they had received Wang Feng''s money and paid off the family''s debts. They were surprised that Wang Feng had earned so much money in a few months, so they asked him to keep some for himself. Don''t be too frugal at ordinary times. Athletes need it very much.
The letter also said that everything is fine at home, his sister''s job has stabilized, and his sister''s grades are also very good, let him not worry, and pay attention to his body and the like. A short letter, full of affection and longing.
Wang Fengughed involuntarily, he was a little homesick. However, this made him more determined to y football well and change the fate of the whole family. He picked up a pen and wrote back to them lying on the bedside. There will be more money, so that the family does not have to worry.
After finishing writing, he put the letter in an envelope and sealed it, ready to send it outter, and then fell asleep.
Chapter 16: Cup debut
Chapter 16: Cup debut
Time flies, and the tacit understanding between Wang Feng and his teammates is getting higher and higher on the training ground. After a period of hard training, his passing has also improved a lot.
Since Wang Feng has not been officially registered, he cannot participate in the league in December, but he still travels as a team member. In the stands, he saw Genk draw with Liers 1:1 at home, draw with Charleroi 0:0 away, and lose 0:4 at home to Brugge.
This made him feel a fire all over his body as he couldn''t wait to y immediately. The two draws and one loss also made the head coach Aimee Antonis furious. In the locker room, he loudly criticized the enthusiasm of the yers on the field, "I can''t see your determination to win. If this continues, we will never y in the Europa League. The goal of the cup is definitely gone!"
In order to recover in the second half of the league, Antonis shortened the winter break and had an extra three days of training before and after the holiday. The yersined quite a bit, but they couldn''t resist. Wang Feng thought it was better this way, he was hoping to train more to improve, but rationally he didn''t say this idea, he was afraid of causing public anger.
During this period, he and Carl Beth became good friends. They are young people who live next to each other, so they often go to the training ground together, and asionally Beth stays to practice with Wang Feng.
Beth''s personality is also simr to Wang Feng''s, he doesn''t like unnecessary entertainment, except for training games. He just stays at the residence and watches TV, but he will go back to his hometown Antwerp for Christmas.
Most of the Genk yers are Belgians, and there are also some French and Dutch yers. They will go home or travel during the winter break. Only Wang Feng will stay in Genk.
It is worth mentioning that Wang Feng bought himself a mobile phone, a small Nokia, and asked his family to buy one, so that they no longer have to wait for long letters.
Normally, his mother would be worried about the phone bill and would not call him more, but when the new year came, she couldn''t help but make a long phone call. Hearing the familiar voices of his family members, Wang Feng felt warm in his heart, and the loneliness in his heart gradually faded away.
On the first day of the new year, the winter break transfer window opened as scheduled, and Genk immediately registered Wang Feng, which meant that he was able to represent Genk in the game.
Wang Feng did not wait long, and ushered in his debut. The first game of the new year, the Belgian Cup 16-to-8 match against Ghent, head coach Aimee Antonis arranged for Wang Feng to start!
Although the teammates didn''t say anything, looking at their questioning eyes, Wang Feng understood their distrust. It''s true. He didn''t y a game for a month, but he started in a single knockout match. The head coach''s arrangement was indeed bold.
Aimee Antonis felt helpless. Genk''s striker suffered constant injuries, resulting in a weak attack. He had had enough, so he nned to gamble on Wang Feng.
At three o''clock in the afternoon on January 12th of the millennium, the Henkrominus Arena, which can amodate 25,000 people, is already full of seats. The fans of the home team are wearing uniforms, holding cheering banners, and shouting Genk''s team song. Even in the entire Belgian professional football league, the enthusiasm of Genk fans can be ranked first.
Together with other yers, Wang Feng came out of the tunnel and saw this spectacr scene. Fans roaring like possessed demons, reporters with long guns and short cannons at the side of the stadium, and the perfectwn under their feet, all seemed to remind Wang Feng that this is the real high-level professionalpetition, it was just a small fight before.
With the whistle of the referee, the game officially began. After the opening, Genk yed unsatisfactorily. The midfielder was suppressed by Ghent, and the connection with the front court was not enough, and the ball was frequently intercepted by the opponent.
Wang Feng also seemed a little ufortable on the court. He touched the ball twice, but the defensive yer relied on his physical fitness to put pressure on him, forcing him to pass back once, and once he was destroyed beyond the baseline.
The defensive strength of League A is indeed notparable to that of League B. Wang Feng gasped and thought, he is only sixteen years old, and it will be a disadvantage topete with adult yers.
The head coach Antonis frowned. He was wondering if Wang Feng was under too much pressure and if it would be better for him to y as a substitute? He loudlymanded the midfielders to take the ball well and support the front court.
In the 13th minute, Genk sent a set ball from the backcourt. Midfielder Carl Beth leaned on the opponent''s defender to forcefully jump and ferry the header. Wang Feng, who was on the side, quickly started and chased after the ball. The opponent''s defensive position was rtively close, and he hurriedly followed, but Wang Feng was faster and hit the ball first.
But at this time the defensive yer has blocked the attacking route, Wang Feng had an idea, hooked the ball back with his right foot, the ball rolled behind him. He turned around to chase the ball, the defensive yer naturally followed up .
At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly stopped the ball, dunked the ball with his left foot, easily dodged the pouncing defender, and then broke through from the outside.
For Wang Feng, the continuous direction-changing spiking action seems to have been engraved into his DNA, and he can do it perfectly subconsciously. The audience on the sidelines were dazzled, and they felt that Wang Feng had passed the defenders in an instant, and rushed to the front court along the side.
Without waiting for other defensive yers to approach, Wang Feng looked at the centre Caspar nche who was following up in the penalty area, imagining in his mind the feeling of finding some passes during training, kicked a curved ball towards him. Sessfully leaped over the defender and found nche in the penalty area, but this time his header was slightly off the crossbar.
nche shook his head regretfully, and gave Wang Feng a thumbs up. He never thought that Wang Feng''s pass was so urate, obviously he was very eye-catching when he passed the ball in training some time ago.
The defensive yer who was broken by Wang Feng also broke into a sweat. He stared at Wang Feng fiercely, and secretly vowed in his heart to guard him to death. So for the next period of time, he followed Wang Feng closely. As a result, Wang Feng didn''t have a good chance after getting the ball and could only pass it out.
So Wang Feng quietly expanded the range of activities and increased his running without the ball. His physical strength has always been good, so he can run a little more, and sooner orter he will wait for the opportunity.
Finally, at the 31st minute, Wang Feng ran out of space and received the ball from the left. He quickly started, and the opposing defender quickly stepped forward to defend. yers have to block. But he turned the ball to his right foot again, and inserted it diagonally from the inside to the edge of the penalty area.
This distance is already enough to threaten the goal. Several defenders of the opponent team came to help defend. At this time, Wang Feng kicked a ground ball with his left foot and urately sent the ball to the feet of Caspar nche who wasying in ambush on the edge of the small penalty area.
The attention of the defensive yers was attracted by Wang Feng. Of course, nche would not miss this opportunity. He directly hit the ball with a close corner. The goalkeeper missed the ball and he scored!
1:0! Genk took the lead.
After scoring the goal, nche jumped up excitedly. This goal broke his scoring drought in seven consecutive games. He excitedly ran to Wang Feng''s side, hugged him, and shouted: " You see me, you see me!"
The other team members also gathered around one after another, and everyone formed a group to celebrate. Head coach Aimee Antonis also breathed a sigh of relief. He could feel that with Wang Feng on the field, Genk''s long-sleeping offence seemed to be active again, which was incredible.
Chapter 17: Full score
Chapter 17: Full score
In the stands, the fans of the home team erupted into deafening cheers, and a fan asked hispanions loudly: "Who is the number 30 who passed the ball, and why I haven''t seen him before."
Thepanion next to him was also very puzzled, and replied loudly: "I don''t know, maybe it''s the team''s winter signings."
The reporters on the sidelines were also very confused. They could clearly see that Caspar nche''s goal was entirely due to the support of No. 30. Who is he, what country is he from, how old is he, and when did hee to Genk?
While everyone was looking at each other, a daily reporter from the Luxembourg province said: "I know him. He yed for Virton some time ago. He scored in three consecutive games and scored a hat-trick in the third game. The youngest age record for a hat-trick yer."
The reporter then added: "His name is Wang Feng, he is 16 years old, and he is from China."
Other reporters also recalled what happened a month ago, and felt a little impressed, which also caused a little sensation at that time. One of the reporters said: "I still vaguely remember it, but there was no news about himter. I thought it was just a sh in the pan. I didn''t expect that he had left Virton and came to Genk."
"Yeah, it seems that he didn''t y this month, just to wait for the winter break to register after the transfer window opens." The daily reporter said with emotion: "But it seemed that Anderlecht and Bruges were both interested in him. I didn''t expect him to choose Genk in the end."
Naturally, Wang Feng was unaware of the situation in the audience seats and on the sidelines of the field. He was just happy that he had made a difference in his first game representing Genk. It would be great if he could score a goal. He silently made up his mind.
After the game restarted, the two sides yed back and forth, but Wang Feng could clearly feel that Genk''s centralne seemed to be getting better, and the midfielders became more confident in handling the ball after leading the score.
At the end of the first half, Caspar nche failed to break through with the ball, so he had to pass it back to the midfield. After receiving the ball, Karl Bass saw Wang Feng on the right, and without hesitation moved his big foot to the midfielder. On the right side, Wang Feng and the defensive yer started at the same time, but Wang Feng was faster and hit the ball first. He poked the ball forward hard, and then chased after it.
He ran past the defender, and approached the penalty area in the blink of an eye. The opponent''s defender quickly stepped forward to defend, and Wang Feng kicked the ball forward with a little force. The opponent''s defender had to chase the ball again, but Wang Feng was the first to catch up with the ball, and suddenly stopped. The opponent''s yer was caught off guard and ran past him.
When the opponent barely controlled his body and turned to defend, Wang Feng suddenly started again, and easily passed by the defender who was standing still. The opponent defender quickly stretched out his hand, trying to hold Wang Feng, but he was too fast, so he only toucheds his clothes slightly.
Wang Feng, who entered the penalty area, did not hesitate to volley vigorously with the instep of his right foot. The ball continued to spin in the air and hit the upper right corner of the goal.
The Ghent goalkeeper was taken aback. He jumped up to save and stretched his body to the extreme. He felt the football in his left hand and was overjoyed. Refracted into the on the side frame.
2:0! At the end of the first half, Genk marked another goal.
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng rushed to the stands excitedly, and enthusiastically responded to the fans of the home team. And the Genk fans in the stands also fell into madness. Most of them didn''t know Wang Feng, but it didn''t stop them from praising the No. 30 in front of them.
The Ghent yers who conceded another goal were very frustrated, and their morale had fallen to the bottom. Until the referee blew the whistle for the first half of the game, they had not recovered.
During the intermission, head coach Aimee Antonis praised the team''s performance, especially Wang Feng''s performance, and encouraged everyone to make persistent efforts and start the New Year''s journey with a big victory.
The Ghent yers hadn''t recovered from the exodus, but the leading Genk yed more and more courageously. In the 53rd minute, after Wang Feng received the ball in the midfield, he shook the defensive yer with fried meatballs, and then passed For Karl Bass, then a quick drive from the wing, receiving a pass and crossing to find Caspar nche, who again missed his header.
In the 67th minute, Wang Feng received the ball at the front of the penalty area, made some adjustments, and shot vigorously. The ball hit the post and flew out of the baseline. Wang Feng''s position is 25 meters away from the goal. Usually he would go a little deeper before shooting, but now that the team is leading, he also yed more rxedly, so he wanted to try.
Ghent''s defence was firmly restrained by Wang Feng, causing their attack to be timid, and they did not pose a threat any more. As time goes by, they also be more and more impatient.
In the 73rd minute, after Wang Feng received the ball, the Ghent defender made a fierce tackle from behind, causing him to fall to the ground fiercely. The referee''s whistle sounded immediately, and he showed a yellow card to the defender. Teammates gathered around to ask about Wang Feng''s situation. Wang Feng patted his body and said he was fine. He felt that his physical fitness seemed to have improved. If it was before, he would definitely be injured just now.
When the head coach Antonis saw Wang Feng fell to the ground, his eyelids jumped up. After Wang Feng got up like a normal person, he was a little relieved. He was frightened by the team''s repetitive injury.
So Antonis arranged for a backup guard to warm up and prepare to rece Wang Feng. When the overall situation was almost settled, he could no longer lose troops.
Two minutester, when the ball was dead, the head coach made a decisive substitution. After leaving the field, Wang Feng received warm apuse from the fans of the home team. They all stood up and cheered for Wang Feng. Wang Feng also raised his hands and apuded in response to the enthusiasm of the fans.
In the following time, without Wang Feng''s restraint, Ghent aggressively pressed the offence, but Genk''s defence was also very good, thwarting their chances again and again. Instead, in the 87th minute, Genk seized a counterattack opportunity and scored another goal from midfielder August Amber.
3:0! The game has lost its suspense. Genk has secured the victory and sessfully entered the top 8 of the Belgian Cup.
This score was also maintained until the end of the game. When the referee whistled, the yers and coaches on the Genk bench rushed into the field to celebrate. The head coach Aimee Antonis and Wang Feng were the focus of everyone''s attention.
The fans in the stands were reluctant to leave the field for a long time. They sang the team song to celebrate the team''s victory.
"I am very satisfied with today''s game. Whether it is offence or defence, we have done our best. This is a good start. I hope everyone can continue to work hard." In the locker room after the game, head coach Aimee Antonis praised everyone.
Then he turned his gaze to Wang Feng and said: "Wang, you are the key figure in the team''s victory, and I believe you will be the best yer in the game. You have performed like this for the first time on behalf of Genk. I handed in a perfect score, I hope you can continue to maintain it."
Everyone was not surprised to hear what the head coach said, only Bobby April was unhappy. The better Wang Feng performed, the less likely he was to y, and he might even be abandoned.
Chapter 18: League starter
Chapter 18: League starter
Genk beat Ghent with three goals at home and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Belgian Cup. This game was also widely reported by the media, and everyone focused on Wang Feng, who represented Genk for the first time.
Belgian sports newspapers such as "Sport", "Latest News", etc., which have a rtively wide audience, reported the game on a prominent page.
The cover photo of "Sport" is Wang Feng celebrating after scoring a goal. The title is: "One pass and one shot in the first show, Wang leads Genk to the top 8 of the cup".
The cover of "Latest News" is a photo of the Genk team celebrating together. The title is: "Genk''s rookie surprises everyone, wins, and advances to the top 8 of the cup".
In addition to praise, there are also many opinions from the media. They think that Wang Feng''s performance in this game is indeed good, but it does not mean that his ability has been recognized. Let''s have a closer look at Wang Feng''s follow-up performance.
The "Standard" and other newspapers borated on this point of view, and the article pointed out: "Wang Feng is only 16 years old, and Genk cannot fully pin his hopes on him."
Whether it was praise or doubts, it didn''t affect Wang Feng. He didn''t even know that there was such a big reaction from the outside world in just one game, but the bonus after winning did make him happy for a long time. Even Karl Bessughed after watching him for a while.
After the team''s daily training, Wang Feng chose to practice extra as always.
Although he contributed several threatening crosses in the game, Wang Feng still felt dissatisfied. Caspar nche could not convert the ball into a goal, not only because of his limited ability to seize opportunities. It was also because Wang Feng''s cross was ced in an ufortable position, and there was no way for him to fully exert his strength.
The previous fixed-point passing training has achieved some results. In the short pass, Wang Feng can control the ball to fall to the designated area by controlling the hitting position, strength and body posture.
As for therge-scale long pass, Wang Feng stillcks a bit of heat, the uracy is not so high, and further practice is needed.
Moreover, the yers are constantly moving during the game, so the control of thending point needs to be predicted to realize the state of people arriving at the ball to form the greatest threat.
This requires the cultivation of a dynamic sense of distance. Wang Feng thought hard about the countermeasures and finally came up with a weird practice method.
He ced two balls under his feet at the same time, and kicked one of the ball with control, making it roll in different directions at different speeds, and then started the other ball himself, and finally passed the ball under his feet urately. Allowing him to touch the rolling ball.
At the beginning, Wang Feng was still unable to make the two balls touch each other, but he continued to adjust ording to the information provided by his senses, and the sess rate gradually increased.
Time is passing by in Wang Feng''s boring training. Due to the cup, Genk will y twice a week. They will y against Brussels at home on the weekend. Both the cup and the league are at home, and there is no need to travel back and forth. This is the only thing to be thankful for.
Wang Feng is also sure to usher in his debut in the League One, ying as the starting striker. In this game, the head coach Aimee Antonis carried out a rotation of personnel, mainly on the defensive line. The midfielder Karl Bess and the centre Caspar nche still started.
The head coach is still in a four-three-three formation. In thest cup match, he noticed that the tacit understanding between Wang Feng and the two of them was gradually improving, and he nned to cultivate it well.
At the Luminus Arena, Wang Feng stood in the middle of the field, listening to the cheers of the home team fans like a tsunami. Feeling full of energy, he wanted to give back to the enthusiastic fans with a great performance.
Brussels is currently ranked 6th in the league, so if they can get all three points, it will be crucial to improve Genk''s ranking.
At the beginning of the game, both teams yed conservatively, and there were basically no chances to threaten the goal in the first ten minutes. It is worth mentioning that since Wang Feng was reported by the mainstream sports media, Brussels defenders followed him very actively.
With the experience of the previous game, Wang Feng also has some experience in facing the staring defence, that is, constantly running, consuming the opponent''s physical strength, gradually distracting him, and there will always be opportunities.
The situation of the game gradually became difficult. In the 21st minute, the Brussels striker received a pass from the midfielder. Seeing that there was no chance in the forward zone, he shot a cold arrow 25 meters away from the goal. Fortunately, the goalkeeper focused and saved the ball.
In the 34th minute, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to catch the ball, trying to get rid of the defender through his speed, but the opposing yer was defending very tightly, leaving him no room to break through, so Wang Feng carefully protected the ball.
At this time, he saw from the corner of his eye the left-winger Adrian Gale was about to go in, so he passed the ball long to the front of the left based on the feeling of training. He received the ball and was left unguarded.
He didn''t hesitate, and quickly made a pass from the bottom. Unfortunately, the pass was too close to the goal and was easily picked off by the opponent''s goalkeeper.
Gale shook his head helplessly at nche at the front of the small penalty area, saying that it was his own problem, and also surprised at the quality of Wang Feng''s passing.
Wang Feng was very happy. It seemed that his training had achieved some results. The position of Adrian Gale he predicted just now was rtively urate, allowing him to easily run out of the open to catch the ball.
In the 44th minute, Gail reciprocated, and sent a clever cross from the left, passing two defenders, and sessfully found Wang Feng. Unfortunately, other defenders quickly filled their positions. Wang Feng saw that there was no space to break through. He decisively passed back to midfielder Karl Bess and waited for the opportunity again.
The game ended 0-0 in the first half. Both sides yed dull games. Generally speaking, Genk had a slight advantage because Wang Feng''s right nk was very active.
The head coach continued to emphasize defence in the locker room, hoping that at least 45 minutes in the second half they would not concede a goal. At the same time, he praised Wang Feng''s offensive role, hoping that he could consume the opponent''s defence again and make them make mistakes in their busy schedule.
In the 67th minute, after Bess cut off the opponent''s ball in the midfield, he quickly put his foot behind Brussels'' defence line. Wang Feng understood it and started galloping the moment the ball was passed. Beside him, the defensive yer quickly grabbed his clothes.
But his speed was so fast that the defenders only touched the corner of his clothes.
"Wang Feng''s quick start, the defenders used pulling foul tactics, failed! Wang Feng continued to dribble and break through!"
"The offence was favourable, the referee didn''t call a penalty, Brussels'' left back arrived in time and defended closely, let''s see how Wang Feng handles the ball."
"Nice, Wang Feng passed the defender with a hook and made a cross!"
"Caspar nche hit the goal after the point, goooooooooooooooal! In the 67th minute, Genk finally knocked on the visiting team''s door."
"We can look at the slow-motion rey. Wang Feng handled the ball very beautifully. Under the pressure of the defensive yer, he deliberately made the movement of his right foot forward to confuse the opponent, and then suddenly used his right foot to pass the ball from behind. Hook it back and make the opponent lose his centre of gravity, this is a ssic Cruyff turn!"
"And Wang Feng, who got rid of the defence, sent an exquisite cross. The ballnded right next to nche''s feet. He only needed to push the ball lightly to score. It can be said that Wang Feng made this goal!"
"Following a pass and a shot against Ghent three days ago, the young yer Wang Feng changed the game again tonight."
Chapter 19: Divine help
Chapter 19: Divine help
The game against Brussels has been over for a while, and Wang Feng was lying in his small room, looking forward to a better future. He feels that he is more confident on the court, dribbling, breaking through, passing, etc. What he does in training, he can now do it on the field.
At the same time, he felt unbelievable that today when he was pressed by a defensive yer, the action he made subconsciously was the famous Cruyff turn. He had never practiced it before, which shows that Wang Feng''s consciousness on the field and his ability is getting closer and closer to a star.
Undoubtedly, he was once again voted the best yer of the game after the game, which not only gradually improved his status in the Genk team, but also made him more and more important in the hearts of the fans. Calling his name in a crappy ent.
In the 19th round of the League, Genk challenged Muskron in an away game. Wang Feng still started the game. This team was hovering in the relegation zone, so they yed very hard, and created an opportunity in only 6 minutes of the opening. The ball was broken by No. 11 Buzz Roderick to the gate of Genk.
The 30-year-old midfielder has been in the relegation teams of the second and first league all the year round, but he did not expect to make a high-quality penalty kick, which caught the Genk goalkeeper off guard.
Subsequently, Muskron put up a defensive formation like an iron barrel, making it difficult for Genk''s offense.
Until the intermission, the score was still 0:1, which was very unfavorable to Genk. In the locker room, Caspar nche mmed into the wardrobe angrily and said: "This is too stupid, all eleven people are surrounding the backcourt, how do we attack?"
The faces of the others were also not very good. Fortunately, the captain Aaron Abigail stepped forward in time, and he said: "Casper, we still have forty-five minutes, we must not be impatient at this time."
This is when the coach came to the locker room. He saw everyone''s frustrated expressions, and his eyes subconsciously drifted to Wang Feng. He saw that Wang Feng''s face was also a little ugly at this time, but there was no obvious sense of frustration, so he thought secretly in his heart. ''So, can Wang Feng, this magical boy, continue to perform miracles?''
"Let''s cheer up. We yed well in the first half. The conceded goal was just a moment of bad luck. In the second half, we must continue to y steadily. I don''t believe they can maintain a high-intensity defense for 90 minutes. As long as we seize a chance, we can turn the game over."
After the start of the second half, the situation was the same as the first half, Genk firmly upied the ball, while Mouscron continued to defend.
Soon Wang Feng got the ball in the midfield, facing the opponent''s No. 11 Buzz Roderick. In the first half, he defended Wang Feng quite tightly, and there was a hint of rivalry in his heart.
Buzz Roderick felt that he had worked hard for more than ten years and was still struggling in the league, but Wang Feng, a young talent who became famous and soared to the sky, obviously didn''t understand this feeling. He wanted to severely suppress Wang Feng and let him taste the taste of failure.
As the game progressed, this kind of thinking became more and more intense. After seeing Wang Feng get the ball, he flew forward with all his strength, wanting him to lose the ball in front of everyone and make a fool of himself.
Originally, Wang Feng thought that there was no chance, but when he saw the defensive yer suddenly pounced over, he also rushed forward quickly. During the movement, he moved the ball with his left and right feet, forming continuous fake moves, and sessfully fooled Buzz Roderick with a sessful cut from the inside.
After a sessful breakthrough, Wang Feng didn''t stick to the ball, and quickly distributed it to Caspar nche in the frontcourt, and then quickly advanced forward. nche, who understood his intention, immediately kicked the ball into the penalty area.
Wang Feng broke into the penalty area like the wind and seeded in anti-offside. Before the goalkeeper, he tapped lightly with his right toe. The ball drew an arc, passed the goalkeeper who fell to the ground trying to save it, and hoisted into the goal of Muscron.
1:1, in the 54th minute, Genk sessfully equalized the score!
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng rushed to the stands where the Genk fans were pointing to the sky to celebrate. The Genk fans above also gathered excitedly beside the barbed wire, waving their gs and shouting at Wang Feng, and the depression they had umted for 54 minutes was swept away.
The assisted Caspar nche also ran over, rubbed Wang Feng''s head vigorously, and shouted: "You really didn''t let me down." On the other side, Buzz Roderick was annoyed.
Genk, who equalized the score, continued their fierce attack. Coach Aimee Antonis made two consecutive substitutions to further strengthen the midfield and threaten Mouscron.
Wang Feng continued his active performance. In order to pull the opponent''s defense line, he gradually increased his range of activities. In the 68th minute, he directly dribbled the ball into the defense line and was tackled by the Muskron defender, winning a free kick for Genk.
It''s a pity that Karl Beth''s direct hit was higher than the crossbar and failed to achieve a lead.
In the 87th minute, Muscron made a defensive counterattack, but the ball was caught in the backcourt. Wang Feng was also in the backcourt at this time. Genk''s defensive yer directly passed the ball to his feet.
At this time, Wang Feng was in an unguarded state. He easily caught the ball and turned around. Buzz Roderick quickly stepped forward to block it, but he quickly passed the ball to Bess, and then quickly moved forward.
Beth did the same, passing the ball straight through immediately after receiving the ball, and urately sent the ball to Wang Feng''s sprinting line. There was an obvious deceleration afternding, allowing Wang Feng to continue dribbling the ball veryfortably after catching up with the ball forward.
A two-on-two situation was formed in the frontcourt. Caspar nche in the middle was closely followed by a defensive yer, while the other defensive yer followed Wang Feng. He didn''t dare to press too hard, but just blocked Wang Feng''s passing route as much as possible.
But Wang Feng suddenly sped up and then made an emergency stop. When the defensive yer didn''t react in time, he seized the space. He sent the ball into the penalty area with a curved pass. The defensive yer couldn''t block it in time, so he had to follow the ball to block nche.
Caspar nche in the penalty area easily grabbed the spot, flicked his head, and headed the ball to the far corner. The angle of the ball was very tricky, but the goalkeeper Musk was very focused. He saved the ball out of the penalty area.
Muscron''s defender breathed a sigh of relief, and nned to kick the ball out of the sideline, but at this moment, a figure sprang out from behind him, and kicked the ball into the unmanned gate before the defensive yer stepped down.
This person is Wang Feng. After he crossed the ball, he followed the defender closely and waited for an opportunity if Caspar ever missed the goal. Unexpectedly, he really missed it. The ball was so powerful that it hit the hard, and it fell off after a while.
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng rushed to the fans again, venting his excitement. Caspar nche rushed over, hugged him, and pretended to scold him: "You boy, you are a goalscorer. Don''t leave the ball to me."
After hearing this, Wang Fengughed, grabbed nche''s right hand and raised it up, indicating to the fans that nche was also responsible for the goal. The fans apuded their performance one after another.
2:1, Genk sessfully reversed the score! And Wang Feng also scored twice on the stage of the League One for the first time.
"He''s a godsend," murmurs head coach Aimee Antonis. It can be said that it is because of Wang Feng''s wonderful performance that Genk has won three consecutive victories in the new year.
Assistant coach Quick Martin said next to him: "I thought he needed a few games to adapt to the intensity of the league. I didn''t expect him to integrate into the team so quickly and y a key role."
"His future will far exceed our expectations." Aimee Antonis said confidently.
Chapter 20: Domestic report
Chapter 20: Domestic report
"Mr. Key!" One of thergest sports newspapers in Belgium, "Sports Life", published this headline in a prominent position on the cover, with a picture of Wang Feng celebrating with his hands pointing to the sky after his first goal.
"Wang''s offensive ability is veryprehensive. His breakthrough and dribbling have always been his strengths. Now we see that he has also improved in passing. Under such circumstances, Wang''s future is bright." Belgian football star Paul Van Himst said in an interview, "Anderlecht failed to win him, it is definitely regrettable"
This report has aroused extensive discussions in Belgian football circles. Some people agree with "Sports Life", and evenpare Wang Feng with Ronaldo, Savi and other South American football superstars. Some people think that Wang Feng has participated in rtively few professional leagues match, he is obviously not worthy of receiving so many praises now.
"Latest News" went to Virton to interview the head coach Mette Magritte, and for the former favorite, Magritte was not stingy with words of praise: "Wang Feng is undoubtedly a future star yer. With five goals and two assists in three games in his time with Virton, we couldn''t have asked for more."
"Off the court, Wang is also the one who works the hardest. He is meticulous in training and always practice extra. It is not difficult for such a self-disciplined athlete to seed."
"What delights me the most is the self-confidence exuded by Wang, whether it is handling the ball or shooting, he seems to be in control, this kind of self-confidence will make his performance more stable. It will also infect the yers around him, even the coach. "
But inside his heart, he hoped that the media would not over-praise Wang Feng and make him blindly arrogant. Genk head coach Aimee Antonis believes that Wang Feng''s abilities are notprehensive enough, and his shorings are obvious, which needs to be honed further.
In an interview, team manager Bill Albert believed that Wang Feng''s performance in these few games was indeed outstanding, but the team''s victory was due to the hard work of the whole team. In response to the recent rumors that the Premier League and Ligue 1 teams are investigating Wang Feng and want to get him, the team manager denied it.
"We have not received any offers and we will not sell Wang Feng. He is still very young and it is too early to leave Genk."
However, some media people analyzed that the team manager emphasized that no offer was received, maybe a suitable offer can impress Genk and get Wang Feng.
After Wang Feng saw the report, he immediately called his agent Francisco Balmond: "Bamond, I saw the report. Is the team really interested in selling me?"
Balmond responded: "In fact, I did receive contact from several clubs, including Montpellier in Ligue 1 and Mainz in Bundesliga, but they don''t want to pay you arge transfer fee."
"On the other hand, Genk obviously prefers a very high transfer price before considering a sale, because you are both a rising star and an immediatebat power."
After hearing this, Wang Feng breathed a sigh of relief: "Balmond, I don''t want to leave the League yet. My experience in the game is still too little, and frequent changes of environments will make me a little ufortable."
Francisco Balmond said: "Wang, don''t worry, I understand what you mean, and I agree with you to stay first. I will try my best to get you a better treatment in Genk."
Zhao Haiyang is a reporter for the domestic "Sports Weekly" in Belgium and the Nethends. He is usually responsible for reporting major events. Unfortunately, domestic attention to the second-tier European leagues is not high, so his reports are often not avable.
Sometimes he would be very envious of his colleagues who went to Germany and the UK. Their reports on overseas yers Sun Jihai and Yang Chen often aroused heated discussions in China. Moreover, this year Xie Hui also joined a Bundesliga second team. Zhao Haiyang even wanted to apply for a transfer to Germany.
When Zhao Haiyang heard about Wang Feng for the first time when he won the cup match for Genk, Zhao Haiyang thought it was someone of Chinese descent, because there was no news in China that any talented yer had gone abroad.
It wasn''t until Wang Feng won two consecutive league victories for Genk and caused a sensation in Belgium that he didn''t know that this young yer is an out-and-out Chinese.
Zhao Haiyang asked his friends in China to check, but he didn''t find Wang Feng''s information, that is to say, he is not yet a registered yer of the Football Association, which made him even more surprised.
He felt that the report on Wang Feng would definitely attract the public''s attention, so he contacted Wang Feng''s agent Francisco Balmond after a long time.
Balmond quickly called Wang Feng: "Wang, a reporter from your home country wants to do an exclusive interview for you. Let''s arrange it quickly. This will obviously increase your value and influence."
Wang Feng did not expect to attract the attention of domestic reporters. He epted the exclusive interview with pleasure and met Zhao Haiyang in a coffee shop in Genk.
Zhao Haiyang was a little surprised when they met for the first time. Although the outside world said that Wang Feng was only 16 years old, seeing that immature face, it was hard to believe that its owner was already ying in the Belgian First Division.
The two shook hands, and after a brief exchange of greetings, Zhao Haiyang directly asked Wang Feng how he came to Belgium to y football. Wang Feng did not hide anything, and introduced his experience of being tricked into Belgium at the beginning, and then gradually ying football.
Zhao Haiyang said: "It''s really unexpected that such a young boy like you can break out of the world when youe to a foreign country alone." Wang Feng smiled, it''s true that he must be lucky.
Then they chatted about training and life. Zhao Haiyang also euphemistically said that it would be good if he can y more in the League. Obviously he heard the recent transfer rumors, and Wang Feng nodded in agreement.
Finally, Zhao Haiyang also asked Wang Feng if he would like to y for the national team, and Wang Feng said he was always ready.
The interview went well, Zhao Haiyang nodded in satisfaction, and said: "This report should be avable to domestic fans soon, I believe that many people will pay attention to you by then, I hope you can perform better. "
Wang Feng smiled shyly and left. His life will not change because of the report, training andpetition still upy all his time.
Two dayster, a report on Wang Feng was published in the "Sports Weekly", and the magazine also paid more attention to it. It used several pages to write about Wang Feng''s record and interview content, and quoted many Belgian media''s evaluation of him.
After reading this report, many people in China realized that there is a Chinese teenager active in European football in faraway Belgium. .
The Football Association was also very surprised by this yer outside the establishment. When some media heard whether Wang Feng would be recruited to participate in the 2000 Asian Cup, the spokesman said: "Wang Feng is an excellent young yer. I hope he can continue to work hard and continue to hone on the stage of European football."
Regarding the national team''s Asian Cup roster, he said: "After our discussion, we feel that the current lineup is very mature. We have many experienced overseas yers, so there is no n to recruit for the time being."
Many fans also expressed their understanding. They felt that Wang Feng was too young, and it would be better to fight for the country in the future. But there are also some fans who think that Wang Feng should be brought, "His sharp attack will be of great help." A fan left a message on the forum.
Zhao Haiyang called and said: "Wang Feng, I heard that you had a chance to enter the national team. The head coach Milu watched the video of your game. He thinks your strength is quite great."
"But you also know that you are not a registered yer of the Football Association. There are too many twists and turns involved in this, and the interests involved are also great, so you were not chosen in the end." Zhao Haiyang couldn''t help feeling regretful.
Wang Feng was also quite upset after hearing this, but he still said: "It''s okay, I also feel that I am still very young. When I grow up, there will always be a chance to serve the country."
Chapter 21: Crisis
Chapter 21: Crisis
The knockout opponent of the Belgian Cup has been confirmed by drawing lots. It is Bill Short, who ranks in the middle of the league. This is undoubtedly a top draw, because no one wants to face Anderlecht or Bruges in the quarter.
The Belgian Cup is the only honor Genk can get. Asst season''s defending champion, it is rted to the face of the team, so Genk is very nervous from top to bottom, and the league schedule from the end of January to mid-February is rtively tight. Intensive training, so the coaching staff are worried about the state of the yers.
At the end of January 2000, Genk yed against Lokeren at the Luminas Arena. Soon after the start of the game, Genk intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to Karl Bess in the middle. Karl Bess urately found Wang Feng through a long pass.
Wang Feng quickly started to form a counterattack. Lokeren''s defensive yer caught up with Wang Feng on the wing, so he made a one-on-one pass to the left.
Following up, Caspar nche seized the opportunity, calmly pushed and sent the ball into the opponent''s goal.
1:0! Genk took the lead, and Wang Feng also sessfully scored an assist. This was his third assist in four consecutive games. Under his performance, Genk''s side attack was fully activated.
Towards the end of the first half, Wang Feng seized another opportunity to defend and counterattack. He passed the defensive yer who fell to the ground with a shove, and faced the attacking goalkeeper.
2:0! In the first half, Genk almost sealed the victory, so during the intermission, the yers walked into the locker roomughing and ying noisily. The head coach didn''t have any new arrangements, just to let everyone focus, to stabilize the defense, and to ensure the fruits of victory.
Shortly after the start of the second half, Wang Feng was reced by the head coach out of protection. When Wang Feng left the field, he received warm apuse from the fans of the home team. In just a few games, he sessfully conquered the fans of Genk.
Bobby April came on as a substitute. He was always ufortable with Wang Feng recing him as the starting striker. He wanted to prove that his ability was not inferior to Wang Feng, so he was very eager to enter the game after he came on the field.
It''s a pity that he wanted to prove himself too quickly. Because he was staying too much si the ball, it was taken at his feet. Lokerenunched a quick counterattack. After several passes and catches, the visiting team''s striker found a shot opportunity at the front of the penalty area and volleyed decisively. The goalkeeper tried his best to save the ball to the bottom line, which shocked everyone into a cold sweat.
But the subsequent corner kick was not so lucky. When the ball flew into the penalty area, Genk''s defense was very chaotic, which led to a mistake in the rush.
The yer who caused the own goal looked remorseful, and the head coach Aimee Antonis stood on the sidelines and kept shouting tactics, so that everyone could defend more actively and attack more decisively.
His face was livid, and he hadn''t felt this way for a long time. Since the New Year, because of Wang Feng''s participation, Genk seemed to have returned to the state of the former defending champion.
But how did Genk y after he left the field?
Only at this time did the coach realize the importance of Wang Feng to Genk. He can not only drive the team''s offensive firepower, but also contain the opponent''s vital strength.
Only one goal behind, Lokeren''s offense became sharper, and on the offensive end of Genk, April was not as sharp as Wang Feng''s threat, and because of the indirect responsibility of the first goal conceded, he seemed to be even more iprehensible in how he was ying.
After being in chaos for a while on the defensive end, Genk gradually gained a foothold, but when they were pressed and hit, they were always in danger. Finally, in the 85th minute, Lokeren seized the opportunity. The forward''s first shot in the penalty area was blocked by the goalkeeper, but the follow-up midfielder immediately made a supplementary shot.
Genk finally shook hands with Lokeren 2:2, which is obviously not the result Genk wanted. After the end of this round, it is another difficult step away from the goal of the Europa League seat.
At the post-match press conference, many reporters expressed doubts about Antonis'' premature recement of Wang Feng. A reporter from the "Standard" even asked Antonis if he was at odds with Wang Feng and wanted to suppress him.
"This is nonsense," Antonis said a little angrily, "I admit that the substitution was a bit early, but it was more based on the protection of Wang Feng. He has experienced many games in a row. Let him rest. It was arranged by the coaching staff in advance."
Regarding leading by two goals but being tied by Lokeren, Antonis seemed a little helpless: "After the yers on the field rxed their mentality, some problems appeared, and Lokeren seized these opportunities. They performed very well and deserved this draw."
Finally, regarding Wang Feng''s performance of passing and shooting in a limited time, Antonis said: "Wang is the most efficient striker I have ever seen in my coaching career. With him in Genk, I believe we are still a strong contender for the Europa League."
This praise is very heavy, and it also revealed Genk''s league goals this season.
But apparently the media doesn''t care about this, they just want to hype Wang Feng''s early departure, some media analyzed that Wang Feng''s recent poprity has caused dissatisfaction among the other yers, especially the original striker Bobby April. Therefore, the coach had to makepromises for the harmony of the locker room.
Some media were even more outrageous. The report imed that Wang Feng had a quarrel with the head coach, and because he didn''t want to follow the head coach''s tactical arrangements, he was reced early, and he wouldn''t even y in the next game.
There are also media reports that Genk is evaluating the technical route without Wang Feng, and they n to sell Wang Feng to Mainz to make a fortune.
These reports were all groundless. On the second day, team manager Bill Albert and head coach Antonis called Wang Feng to the office and exined to him that the team wanted him to rest properly so that he could have a better intent to fight.
"Wang, you are undoubtedly our trump card. We will never sell you, and we do not want to reduce your ying time. It''s just considering that you are still young and you have been ying for a long time. The schedule can cause problems for your body," Albert said.
Wang Feng said that he fully understands the team''s decision, but he is in good health and should be able to take on more. He can have regr physical examinations by the team doctor. "This is a good way." Albert agreed with this suggestion. At the same time, Antonis also expressed the need to rely more on Wang Feng. "Your role on the court is not as simple as scoring goals."
The team and the coach''s attention made Wang Feng feel the responsibility. Although he came here for a short time, he has gradually be the core now, and the team''s goals and achievements have be issues that he must consider.
Wang Feng didn''t feel oppressed in his heart, but he was very firm. This is the only way for a star to grow. How fortunate I am, in Genk, in the small stage of the Belgian First Division, to achieve this transformation is much better than those young talents who have sunk in the five major leagues.
So Wang Feng added ball-handling training to his training. His ball-handling foundation was good before, but as his poprity increased, the opposing defenders paid more and more attention to him, and he would be restricted in many cases.
Therefore, Wang Feng needs to practice his ability to break through with the ball. Stepover, deep-fried meatballs, oxtails, and Marseille turns, one by one fancy ball-handling movements arepleted under his feet. Gradually he managed to engrave them into his muscle memory one at a time.
Sometimes he is very thankful for his adventure in Virton Park. Although he doesn''t know what it is, it obviously gave Wang Feng excellent ball sense and football intelligence, allowing him to use the most correct method.
Chapter 22: Hard to win
Chapter 22: Hard to win
Karl Bess was very curious about what Wang Feng was practicing every day, so he also stayed. Seeing the ball flying under Wang Feng''s feet, as if an invisible tentacle was manipting the ball, Bess was dumbfounded.
He walked towards Wang Feng and said hello, "Hey buddy, are you doing magic tricks with your feet? I think Ronaldo is no better than you with such a powerful foot technique."
"It''s not that good. How about a game of one-on-one?"
Bess took the ball steadily and said, "Okay." So the two began one-on-one training. After being breached by Wang Feng for the twentieth time, Beth sat on the ground and waved his hands: "Don''t y anymore, I finally understand the feelings of those opponents who were broken by you, I hope we don''t be opponents, it''s too terrible."
Wang Feng said with a smile: "It''s not so exaggerated. There will be confrontation and tactical fouls in the official game. It won''t be so easy."
Bess said seriously after hearing the words: "Yes, Wang, you have to be careful, many teams y dirty, you have to pay more attention."
Wang Feng nodded. He is a yer who has been fouled a lot. He has been tackled and pulled down many times, but his body seems to be rtively strong, and judging from the sensory feedback, he didn''t even have hidden injuries.
Putting aside this serious topic, Wang Feng said with a smirk: "It''s all here, let''s continue, your pass is very good, and it will be mine in a second. Let''s practice catching the pass."
Bess was helplessly pulled up by Wang Feng, and began to train with him. Wang Feng found that using a ball to simte the movement of a real person still has some limitations, because people will be full of uncertainty due to their own judgment.
Now with Bess as a partner, Wang Feng''s passing quality has been further improved. The two practiced until veryte before returning to the residence together.
On the first weekend of February in the millennium, Genk challenged La Louviere away. In the 36th minute, the referee''s whistle sounded. A yellow card and a midfield set-piece was awarded to Genk.
Wang Feng sat on the ground and rubbed his right calf, which was already a little purple, and his senses clearly told him that there were some slight kick injuries. Just now when he was catching the ball and preparing to attack, the opponent''s defensive yer stepped forward to grab the ball and kicked it directly on his calf. This is the third time in this game, so the home referee couldn''t stand it anymore, so he decisively showed a yellow card.
Bess came over and said, "How about it? Can you hold on? Do you want the coach to rece you?" Wang Feng shook his head and said, "No, it''s a minor injury. We must win this game." So Bess pulled Wang Feng up. He jumped twice, not feeling any serious problems, he went into the match again.
At halftime, the score was still 0:0. Although Genk had the advantage, La Louviere continuous fouls on Wang Feng also hindered their offensive momentum.
The team doctor was using spray to treat Wang Feng''s leg injury. The head coach asked about Wang Feng''s injury with a worried face. After learning that it was not serious, he felt relieved. La Louviere''s defense is too dirty! He intends to rece Wang Feng, but the team has no way out.
So he could only emphasize again and again that Wang Feng pay attention to safety, "Lie down when it''s time to lie down, as much as you can, this is also a way to deal with violent defense." Head coach Aimee Antonis seriously warned Wang Feng.
After the opening of the second half, Wang Feng was still deeply involved in the opponent''s high-pressure defense, but he did not give in. The backcourt was in the middle and the frontcourt, the left, the middle, and the right. As long as he still had strength, he would keep running, trying to get an opportunity.
In the 80th minute, Genk intercepted the ball in the backcourt. The defensive yer urately found Wang Feng in the midfield with a long pass. He quickly turned and chased the ball.
The defensive yer originally wanted to stretch out his hand to hold Wang Feng, but suddenly realized that he already had a yellow card on him. After a moment of hesitation, Wang Feng elerated and rushed a long way.
At this time, there was only one defensive yer in the backcourt of La Louviere, and he quickly came to follow up the defense. After Wang Feng approached him, he suddenly stepped on the ball with one foot, then turned 180 degrees and pulled the ball with the other foot , getting rid of the defender.
"Marseille turn, Wang used a wonderful Marseille turn to sway the opponent''s No. 5 yer, and now the only thing standing in front of him is the goalkeeper!"
"The goalkeeper made a decisive attack... beautiful, gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! , Wang Feng easily swayed the ball past the goalkeeper and scored the ball in the face of an empty goal."
"In the 80th minute of the game, Wang Feng stood up again. He yed an exquisite defensive counterattack, used his personal ability to pass three yers in a row, and finally sent the ball into the opponent''s goal."
"In this game, La Louviere fouled Wang Feng at least 20 times, but they still couldn''tpletely stop him. He is a real striker, as long as they reveal a w, he can hit it with one blow." Thementator is sparing no effort to praise Wang Feng.
Naturally, Wang Feng couldn''t hear all of this. After scoring the goal, he rushed to the corner g and roared vigorously, as if venting his depression of being fouled repeatedly.
The head coach Antonis immediately made substitution adjustments, recing Wang Feng with a defensive yer. When he was off the field, some fans of the home team also apuded Wang Feng. They were also moved by Wang Feng''s tenacious spirit.
The final score was locked at 1:0, and Genk won a valuable victory. At the post-match press conference, Genk coach Antonis first severely criticized La Louviere approach, "This is simply against the spirit of thepetitive spirit of football, it is too dirty."
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the referee on duty, thinking that La Louviere should have received at least two red cards, but they only received one yellow card.
Speaking of Wang Feng, Antonis said: "Wang is undoubtedly our key man. Even if he is kicked in the calf, he can lead Genk to victory."
On the other hand, La Louviere''s head coach David Gary believes that the referee''s penalty is not a problem, and his yers are ying under the rules, but he admits that they are not thorough enough to restrict Wang Feng. "We lost to Wang," he said.
The next day, there was another uproar in the Belgian football world. Many newspapers reported the game in detail, and the post-match interviews of the coaches of both sides were also written out intact.
"Sports Daily" believes that there is indeed a problem with the referee''s penalty scale, which has caused Wang Feng to suffer too many fouls, which is undoubtedly unfair.
The "Standard" felt that Genk coach Antonis''s practice of bombarding the referee after the game was not advisable and should be punished.
Soon, Genk received a penalty order from the Belgian Football Association. Coach Antonis was fined 5,000 euros, but he was not suspended. This is good news.
At the same time, for malicious fouls, the referee''s penalty seems to be heavier. In the national derby between Anderlecht and Bruges, the referee showed a total of 5 yellow cards and 1 red card.
Chapter 23: Key victory
Chapter 23: Key victory
Wang Feng actively cooperated with the team doctor''s treatment. On the second day, the team doctor was surprised to find that Wang Feng''s injuries were all healed. He checked repeatedly several times, and couldn''t help but sigh: "Wang, your physical fitness is too strong. It usually takes a few days to heal a kick injury, but you recovered in one night."
After getting permission from the team doctor, Wang Feng started training with the team. Karl Bess came over and whispered, "Wang, you just recovered today, you shouldn''t practice any more."
Wang Feng rolled his eyes: "No, the team doctor said that I have no problem, youe with me, I will practice passing the ball."
Bess smiled wryly and nodded. Caspar nche at the side saw Wang Feng and Bess talking andughing, so he couldn''t help being a little curious, and came up to hear what the two were talking about. After learning that they practiced together, nche said without hesitation that he would be included.
So whenever the training is over, these people start their own extra training. They first practice the skills they want to improve, and then they practice receiving the pass together. asionally, they will have a one-on-two, usually Wang Feng against the two other. Breaking through the line of defense formed by nche and Bess was rtively easy for Wang Feng, but it was a heavy blow for the other two.
The tacit understanding between the three of them on the court has gradually developed, and they have be more and more handy in receiving passes. The head coach will asionally observe them from the window sill in the office. The football enthusiasm driven by Wang Feng seems to be subtly infecting the other yers.
Of course, Wang Feng''s life is gradually no longer just football, they will asionally go to the bar to y, but Wang Feng never drinks, not only because he is not old enough, but also because he wants to keep his body in good condition.
nche is a flirtatious person, he often hooks up with girls in bars, and because of its proximity to the Nethends, the Belgian atmosphere is also very open. nche often teases Wang Feng to get him out of the ranks of virgins as soon as possible, but Wang Feng is very shy and doesn''t want to think about it yet.
But what is surprising is that Bess is obviously a standard Belgian guy, but he is not very interested in picking up girls. He concentrates a lot of energy on ying games. PS1, Fam, N64, and GBC are all avable at his home, and he has a lot of games. Wang Feng will asionally y King of Fighters and FIFA with him.
After the national team break in February, Genk are at home to rivals Standard Liege. Fortunately, many of the main yers in the Standard Liege team are running between the national team and the club, so their condition must be rtively poor, while only a few yers in Genk are like this.
"Hi everyone, the next live broadcast is the match between Genk and Standard Liege. This is also one of the highlights of this round of the league. We can see that Genk has a formation of 433, and the teenager Wang Feng is still starting. His recent state can only be described as fiery, under his leadership, can Genk achieve the next goal?"
"Standard Liege has a 442 formation, and the head coach has adjusted some starting yers. It seems that the national team''s game has more or less affected their state."
"The referee blows the whistle and the game officially begins."
"...We looked at this opportunity. Karl Beth held the ball and had no chance to pass it back. Ah... No, there is someone, it is Wang Feng, he is like flying, sessfully reversed offside, and caught the ball!"
"Number 9 Hank Brandon also quickly followed up, forming a one-on-one on the wing, let''s see how Wang Feng handles the ball... beautiful! Continuously dribbling past the defensive yer, crossing the ball , there is no one there, no wait, there is Caspar nche, goooooooooooooal!"
"The ball went in! At the front of the penalty area, nche suddenly went in and shot angrily at the ball. The goalkeeper can only look at the ball and sigh."
"Let''s look at the slow-motion rey. Wang Feng''s dribble from the side is very exciting, and then he crosses the middle. The ball rolls against the turf. When it enters the small penalty area, it rolls through a clear arc, so the defender can''t block it. He passed the ball and it just stopped at the feet of nche who quickly plugged in."
"The position of the ball is veryfortable. nche only needs to kick the ball straight to send the ball into the goal. Wang Feng''s pass was perfect."
"...Look at Genk''s offense again, the continuous inversion in the middle, transfer to the wing, Wang Feng took the ball, kicked it, crossed it, Caspar nche went forward heading the ball towards the goal, Adrian Gael is unguarded, goooooooooooooooooal, the first half is not over yet, Genk is already leading 2:0!"
"This time it was Wang Feng''s support from the wing again. As you can see, the quality of his cross was very high. The ball drew a beautiful arc in the air, as if seeking nche''s head."
"But nche didn''t hit the goal directly. He attracted the attention of the defense in front of the goal and flew the header to the unguarded Gael. Standard Liege''s defense had a big problem this time."
"...We saw that some yers were warming up on the sidelines. It seems that the head coach of Genk is going to make a substitution adjustment. Okay, we saw that the number 32 was reced by Edward Davis."
"In the 74th minute, Wang Feng, the hero of the game, was reced. Although he didn''t score a goal, he contributed an assist and an offensive n, helping Genk lead Standard Liege by two goals."
"We can see that the fans of the home team stood up and apuded Wang Feng, and Wang Feng also apuded everyone in response."
In the end, the score of 2:0 was also maintained until the end. Genk won the key game. After this campaign, their ranking has risen to the 8th ce, which is one step closer to the goal of the Europa League seat.
...
In the early morning of the second day after the game, the sky was notpletely bright yet. Wang Feng had already washed up and was ready to go out. He nned to go to the training ground for extra training as usual. He didn''t return home until it waspletely dark.
When he walked to the residence, an SUV was parked at the entrance of the corridor, and Caspar nche leaned against the door.
After seeing Wang Feng, he smiled and said: "When I came here, I saw that you were not here, so I knew you were going to practice. Come on, let''s go and have fun together. You can''t always train, it will generate tiredness"
Seeing Wang Feng''s hesitant eyes, nche said: "Don''t hesitate, don''t you still need us to be your training partner? Hurry up, or I won''t practice passing with you."
Wang Fengughed dumbfoundedly, and said, "Okay then, let''s call Bess together, this guy must be staying at home."
So the two came to the door of Bess''s house, nche knocked on the door frantically, and the door soon opened. Bess said with a look of disgust: "Can''t you knock on the door softly, what''s the matter?"
nche told Bess about the party, and Bess said helplessly: "I don''t want to go, it''s better to y games at home." Wang Feng and nche nced at each other, and they stared at Bess knowingly then took him up by force.
Chapter 24: Hat trick
Chapter 24: Hat trick
Carl Bess slumped on the back seat of the car and said, "Where are you going today? To be honest, you called us out because you had something to discuss with us."
Caspar nche was silent for a while, and said: "Our club will definitely be reorganized next season. Adrian Gale will leave, and several yers in the midfield and the backline will be sold. It will be difficult for us to maintain the squad that wonst year''s title."
He nced at Wang Feng, and then said: "udia Asta, who has been out for a year due to injury, also has this intention, because Wang has basically taken his ce, even if hees back, he can only y as a substitute. As the former main force, it is definitely uneptable."
Bess scratched his head in distress: "What does this have to do with us? The club''s decision-making is like this, and we can''t influence it."
"My agent contacted me. He said that the Bundesliga Cologne intends to introduce me, and the club''s attitude is rather ambiguous. As long as I agree, Cologne can pay enough transfer fees, and I can transfer." nche added.
There was a moment of silence in the car, and Bess said: "That''s great, you''re almost 28 now, and the chances of ying in the five major leagues are running out, so why hesitate, your sry will increase a lot if you go to Cologne. "
Wang Feng also said with emotion: "Yes, my goal is to y in the five major leagues. This is the opportunity that many yers dream of."
nche smiled and said, "Yes, it''s hard for me to refuse such a temptation, but I always feel sorry for you partners, so I want to talk to you first."
Bess curled his lips: "This is professional football, especially the second-tier league like League One. I bet that if you maintain the state of King, you will be poached away at most next season. In the end, only Genk will stay in Genk. I''m all alone."
ncheughed and said, "Wang is the one with the greatest potential among us. He will definitely go to a top club in the future. By the way, have you decided which team to go to?"
Wang Feng shook his head nkly. Now he is only thinking about how to improve his skills and y the game well. As for the future, he has never thought about it.
"It doesn''t matter if you don''t want to now. The better your performance in the future, the more and more clubs will flock to you. It is because of these few games that I am favored by Cologne."
A few people came to the tavern they frequented, and the noise didn''t dissipate untilte at night. Wang Feng also tried a little beer for the first time, but he thought it was very bad, he didn''t understand why so many people liked it.
In the 23rd round of the League One, Genk will challenge Westerlo in an away game. As soon as the game started, the two sides fought each other. Obviously, the tactics of the coaches of both sides are to start aggressively and strive to establish a leading advantage.
Westerlo''s defense is very good, nche is restricted by them and it is difficult to get the ball. Wang Feng has no chance to break through, so he can only retreat to the midfield frequently to support.
In the 17th minute, Gail went to the left to receive the ball, and two defenders from the other side came to double-team. He passed back to Bess at the first time, and then cut the penalty area obliquely, but the defenders still chased after him.
After receiving the ball, Bess was also pressed by the defenders. He quickly turned around to protect the ball and was almost tripped by the defenders.
Wang Feng stopped the ball and stabbed forward at the same time, avoiding the defenders who rushed over, and then saw that the defense at the front of the Westero penalty area was scattered. The right side of the penalty area was almost empty, so he took the opportunity to pass the ball to nche, and then followed up quickly.
nche stopped the ball with his chest, and when he saw Wang Feng''s running position, he immediately understood. After the ball fell, he pushed the ball to the right with his right foot before it hit the ground.
The goalkeeper of Westerlo rushed to attack, Wang Feng beat him to a close corner with the instep of his right foot, and the ball rubbed against the post and rolled into the goal.
1:0! Not long after the opening, Genk took the lead!
After the goal, Genk''s attention declined. Only 4 minutester, Westerlounched a counterattack from the backcourt. The defender passed the ball to the midfielder with a long pass, and the waiting forward struggled to push the ball forward, and he then quickly got rid of the Genk defender.
The other defensive yers did not fill up in time, so he formed a one-shot, and the goalkeeper had no choice but to abandon the goal. Unexpectedly, the opponent''s striker suddenly kicked and shot through Genk''s goal. One to one, the two sides came to the same starting point again.
The Genk yers seemed to fall from heaven to hell in an instant. The head coach Aimee Antonis roared angrily at the defensive yers on the sidelines.
The Genk yers hadn''t recovered from the first goal, and soon came another blow, just 10 minutester, Westerlo got a corner kick, and the striker''s header in front of the goal was blocked by the Genk defender. Blocked, but followed by Westeros midfield shot.
1:2! Westerospleted the reversal!
During the intermission, the Genk locker room was silent, everyone was at a loss. Coach Antonis wanted to scold the yers, but didn''t know where to start.
After a long silence, he finally said, "Everyone, we still have forty-five minutes to fight. I hope everyone can fight steadily. ording to the previous techniques and tactics, we will definitely win against Westerlo."
After the opening of the second half, Westerlo yed another wave of extremely threatening attacks in an attempt to expand the score, and Genk could only struggle with it. After blocking the opponent''s ball out of the sideline again, Wang Feng, the assisting defender, was panting and clutching his knees. If it goes on like this, they will be more and more passive. It is necessary to equalize the score as soon as possible, so that everyone''s mentality can be adjusted.
Wang Feng found Bess and said: "After you get the ball, kick it to the front right and I will respond." Bess nodded when he heard this, and a few minutester, Genk intercepted the ball from the backcourt and passed it to Bess. Finally, he nced at Wang Feng on the right, and made a long pass to the right.
Wang Feng started to sprint when Bess got the ball, and when the ball slid across the midfield, he and the other two defenders in Westerlo chased after the ball. Hurry up, just a little faster, Wang Feng only felt that his chest was burning, and his speed was further elerated under the pressure.
The audience on the sidelines only saw that Wang Feng broke through from the middle of the two defenders in the blink of an eye, arrived at the ball''snding point first, but at this time there was no time for him to deal with it calmly, so he used his feet to throw the ball to the ground. Took one step forward, and then continued to move forward. The defensive yer who arrived wanted to grab Wang Feng''s clothes, but slipped a bit and failed to stop him.
Wang Feng caught up with the ball in front of the penalty area, and the defensive yers in the penalty area also covered up. The angle of the shot would be blocked after a while, so Wang Feng no longer hesitated, facing the falling ball, he volleyed directly.
The ball rubbed against the air, roaring, and pierced through the gate of Westerlo like a cannonball. The goalkeeper seemed to be in a dream, without the slightest reaction.
"goooooooooooooooooal! In the 64th minute, Genk equalized the score, and Wang Feng used a powerful volley to bring the two sides to the same starting line again." Thementator on the scene roared passionately.
Excited, Wang Feng rushed out of the field, crossed the billboard, and came to the area where the Genk fans were, pointing to the sky to celebrate. Other teammates also rushed over. nche threw Wang Feng down and shouted in his ear: "I knew you could do it." Wang Feng was so overwhelmed that he couldn''t breathe.
After the score was equalized, Genk''s morale was boosted, and the defense became more organized, while Westerlo morale declined, and it lost its previous edge.
In the 83rd minute, after Wang Feng got the ball from the midfielder, he made a precise through pass to find Gayle who was open on the left.
In the penalty area, nche headed the ball in front of the goal, and Wang Feng from the back row suddenly stepped in and pushed towards the ball. The goalkeeper of Westerlo was guarding against nche, and his position was slightly to the left, waiting for his reaction.
''Come here and try your best to save it, it''s already toote.''
3:2! In the final stage of the game, Genk took the lead again! With a Wang Feng hat trick!
Chapter 25: Party and endorsement
Chapter 25: Party and endorsement
This goal destroyed thest hope of Westerlo, Genk also further strengthened the defense. The two teams did not have a good chance in the final stage, and finally the score was maintained until the end.
After the match, Wang Feng was still immersed in excitement. He never expected that his first hat-trick in his career woulde so quickly. Henk''s locker room was also full of fun, everyone was talking andughing.
Captain Aaron Abigail walked up to Wang Feng and said, "Wang, congrattions onpleting your hat-trick. I suggest you share your joy with everyone." Wang Feng said, "Without everyone''s efforts, there is no way to score a hat-trick, of course I am happy, but what should I do?"
Abigailughed, and he remembered that the yer in front of him was only sixteen years old and had no social experience, so he went on to say: "You can invite everyone to have a good time, it''s rare toe to a big city like Antwerp, I know a nice bar with low consumption but a good environment." Wang Feng nodded after hearing this.
So Abigail pped his hands, and after attracting everyone''s attention, he said, "Everyone, let''s celebrate the rare victory together. The newly promoted Mr. Hat-trick wants to treat you."
Everyoneughed and responded one after another. Abigail asked the coach if he would go with them. Antonis shook his head with a smile and said, "I won''t go. You can''t y toote. You have to go back before twelve o''clock. We have to rush back to Genk tomorrow morning."
We came to an open-air bar located in Deer an der Scheldt, which is the city center of Antwerp. Across the river is the famous Stern Castle. At night, under the illumination of the lights, it has a special vor.
The bar not only provides all kinds of alcohol, but also provides non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and even has a billiards area and a game area which is an excellent venue for holding parties.
"How do you feel?" Abigail asked with a smile. It was the first time for Wang Feng toe to such a ce. In his impression, bars were full of feasting and feasting, where idiots and women entangled with each other.
Seeing his teammates looking for fun by themselves, obviously not their first time to y, Wang Feng couldn''t help but secretlyin that nche was unreliable. Since there was a normal bar, why did he insist on taking himself and Bess to an ambiguous ce.
"It couldn''t be better." Wang Feng said sincerely.
"Are we going to y privately?" Wang Feng asked curiously, "Of course, we are only here tonight, to y a game of billiards together?"
This is Wang Feng''s first time ying billiards, which makes the teammates around him burst outughing. The crowd made a fuss until after eleven o''clock before returning home.
The next day, major Belgian media reported on the match between Genk and Westerlo. The title of "Sports Daily" is "Mr. Youngest Hat-trick", and the article introduces Wang Feng''s three goals in detail. "He was once again elected the best yer in the game, and he deserves it."
The headline of "Latest News" is "Wang Feng scored three goals alone, Genk''s shockingeback", the article mentioned that Wang Feng became the youngest Mr. Hat-trick, broke the Belgian league record, and also quoted Westerlo Head coach Arthur Evelyn''s words: "We tried our best, but Genk has a kingly style."
The "Standard" criticized Genk as always. Their headline was "Wang Feng shines at thest moment, Genk narrowly beat Westerlo". The article pointed out that Genk''s performance in this game was very poor, especially in the first half. They conceded two goals in a row. However, the report also acknowledged Wang Feng''s role: "Contributing 7 goals and 3 assists in 6 rounds, Wang''s performance is beyond reproach, but besides him in Genk, who else can stand out?"
After returning to Genk, Wang Feng''s agent, Francesco Balmond, called him: "Wang, your performance is so crazy, now almost all of Belgium knows your name, and many localpanies want to speak with you, we have to discuss and choose a few."
After a while, Balmond came to Wang Feng''s residence with a happy face. He took out arge stack of papers and said, "These are all brands that want you to endorse their product. Take a look."
For Balmond, Wang Feng is simply his lucky star, his biggest trump card. Now Balmond has gained some fame in the agent circle, but he is far behind Wang Feng''s progress. He is very worried that Wang Feng will rece him, so he almost devotes himself to his work to seek greater sess for Wang Feng.
Wang Feng took a quick look, including sports brands Scapa, Y/Project, chocte brand Godiva, and even a few miners and forestrypanies, which made Wang Feng a little surprised, "I don''t seem to have anything to do with thesepanies, right? Why do you want me to represent them?"
Balmond exined: "Belgian football has a wide audience in China, and you can be regarded as the darling of the media now. If you are invited to endorse, it can increase thepany''s poprity."
Although Wang Feng really wants to make money, he also understands the truth that he can''t eat more than he can chew. Endorsement also means taking responsibility to a certain extent. So he took a closer look and finally chose twopanies, Scapa and Godiva.
"I think it''s normal for sporting goods. Godiva is also a world-renownedpany, so let''s choose these two first." Wang Feng said: "However, for food endorsements, I want a shorter term to avoid problems."
Balmond nodded: "I understand what you mean. Those small endorsements are really unnecessary, and they also belittle their ownmercial value. I will continue to negotiate with them."
Soon the matter was finalized. Wang Feng signed a three-year endorsement contract of 150,000 euros after tax with Scapa, and a two-year endorsement contract of 40,000 euros after tax with Godiva. Feng only needs two days to go to these twopanies to take a group of photos.
Excluding the agent''smission, when more than 180,000 euros were deposited into Wang Feng''s ount, even though he had prepared himself, he still felt it was unbelievable. If converted into RMB, wouldn''t he be a millionaire?
The money earned during this period includes not only a fixed weekly sry, but also winning bonuses, goal bonuses, best yer bonuses, etc., which are also a considerable amount of ie. He also kept part of it and sent the rest back home.
Even so, his family couldn''t believe it, andmented that Wang Feng made money too fast, butpared with this huge sum of money, it seemed like nothing.
Wang Feng picked up his mobile phone and called his family to tell them the news. His mother and elder sister were very surprised, but only his younger sister said in a voice like a little adult: "Brother, it''s nothing, if you be a world superstar, the endorsement fee will be thousands of times what it is now, so you have to keep working hard."
Wang Feng smiled: "Okay, I will work hard to make you the younger sister of a multi-millionaire."
It was his mother who came to her senses first, and she said worriedly: "Xiaofeng, is this money reliable? It''s notbor ie. I can''t calm down."
Wang Feng said: "It''s okay, mom, I still have to promote their products. It''sbor, and the contract period is not long. I didn''t hear what my little girl said. When I change to a bigger brand, I can get more money."
"There are so many people in our family, all crammed into one small house. You can use this money to buy a big house. I can live in it when I go home in summer. In addition, we will need money to let our sister study abroad. Just spend it, I don''tck anything here, and there is nothing to spend money on."
Chapter 26: Consecutive victories
Chapter 26: Consecutive victories
On March 1, 2000, in the top 8 of the Belgian Cup, Genk challenged Bill Short in an away game. In the 18th minute, Wang Feng, who received a throw from his teammate in the frontcourt, had a sh of inspiration and saw a line from his position to the goal. A straight line without any obstructions.
So he kicked decisively, rubbing a strange arc with the instep of his left foot, and the ball went straight to the dead corner of the goal. Although the goalkeeper fought hard to save the ball, he still failed to touch the ball, and Genk took the lead with a goal.
In the 39th minute, Genk intercepted the ball in the backcourt and formed a quick counterattack. After Wang Feng received the ball from the side, he fell into a pincer attack. He passed the ball to Gale.
Gale used his physicality to get away from the defenders and barely managed a cross, with Caspar nche chest-stopping inside the penalty area and volleying past Bill Short for the second time.
This goal was wonderful, nche excitedly embraced Wang Feng and Gail to celebrate together, his thick arm almost suffocated Wang Feng.
The head coach reced Wang Feng in the 78th minute, and Bill Short hit the goal directly with a free kick in the front court near the end of the game, breaking through the ten fingers of the goalkeeper of Genk.
But they were powerless in the end, Genk beat Bill Short 2:1.
...
In the 24th round of the League One, Genk ushered in the challenge of Bill Short at home. In this game, Bill Short tried his best to get revenge, so they yed very proactively after the opening, and Genk had to press down for a while.
In the 24th minute, Bill Short got a corner kick. The striker''s header was saved by the goalkeeper. Carl Bess, who was also in the penalty area, rushed to make a clearance, while Wang Feng chased after the ball.
He stopped the ball first, and then took the ball to kill Bill Short. Wang Feng''s speed became faster and faster, and the yer following him found in despair that the distance between himself and him was getting farther and farther. Standing in front of Wang Feng was only one yer who returned to defense early.
At the front of the penalty area, Wang Feng passed the defensive yer smoothly through continuous inverted foot feints, broke into the penalty area and shot towards the far corner of the goal, helping Genk open the scoring first.
This goal, Wang Feng''s long-distance attack of more than 70 meters, and obviously widened the distance from the defensive yers, also became a topic of media talk after the game. Some media joked: "Wang can go to the Olympic do the 100-meter race. ."
Not long after the start of the second half, Bill Short sessfully passed the ball into the penalty area through continuous inversions in the frontcourt. Genk defender Lawrence Smith saw that the situation was not good, and subconsciously pulled down Bill Short''s striker.
Yellow card plus penalty kick, this is an obvious low-level mistake!
Bill Short seized the opportunity to tie the score.
In the 78th minute, Wang Feng forced a breakthrough from the side. After a Cruyff turn he got around and got rid of the defense, he passed the ball to the front point. nche at the front of the small penalty area was unguarded and easily sent the ball into the goal. Genk was once again leading.
This score was also maintained until the end. Like a few days ago, Genk defeated Bill Short 2:1 again. However, the overall performance of Genk in this game was mediocre. Bill Short had a chance to take away a point.
...
In the 25th round of the League One, Genk yed away against Bruges. The overall strength of Bruges is higher than Genk. Therefore, Genk was defensive and counterattacked throughout the game. Wang Feng also had a few good opportunities. Especially in the 35th minute, he copied the long-distance attack of thest game again, but unfortunately he was unlucky when he hit the goal. The ball hit the goal frame and popped out, and was then destroyed by the defensive yer.
At the end of the game, Wang Feng dribbled the ball in from the right. Facing the defender who was close at hand, he used his right foot to shift the ball to his left foot, pretending to hit the ball, and attracted the defender''s center of gravity to the right.
Then he suddenly kicked the ball back to his right foot, sessfully broke through from the defender''s left side, and then took advantage of the momentum, and the ball hit the goal from the far end.
Wang Feng beat Bruges!
...
In the second round of the Belgian Cup 8-for-4 match, relying on Wang Feng''s one pass and one shot, they defeated Bill Short 2:0 at home, with a total score of 4:1, and advanced to the semi-finals of the cup.
...
In the 26th round of the League One, Genk ushered in the newly promoted Mons, but theymitted the old habit of underestimating the enemy. In the opening 3 minutes, Genk defender Lawrence Smith made a pass error and gave the ball directly to the opposing striker.
The forward of Mons was also not polite, he took advantage of the opportunity to enter the penalty area to form a single shot, and then calmly pushed and hit a goel.
After conceding the ball, Genk adjusted their mentality in time and gradually grasped the initiative on the field. In the 27th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from midfielder Bess in the frontcourt and calmly defended under the interference of Mons defensive yers. He held the ball and cut inside towards the penalty area.
When the ball came to a position a few meters away from the penalty area line, Wang Feng suddenly made an emergency stop. The pressing defensive yer was caught off guard, and staggered past Wang Feng to create an empty space.
Wang Feng shot straight away, the ball sted into Mons''s goal like a shell, and Genk equalized the score.
In the 77th minute, Genk yed a wonderful cooperation. Wang Feng received the ball from the right, got rid of a defender and passed it to nche at the front of the penalty area, and then started to run. nche received the ball, he leaned on the defensive yer and passed the ball back, forming a two-for-one.
After Wang Feng received the ball, he padded the ball slightly in the arc top area of ??the penalty area, allowing it to pass under the defender''s crotch. He then took advantage of the opportunity to break through the defense in front of him, single-handedly!
The goalkeeper hastily attacked, Wang Feng swung the ball to the right and passed the goalkeeper, easily faced the empty goal and hit the ball.
Genk defeated Mons 2:1 and maintained the winning streak.
...
In the 27th round of the Ligue 1, Genk challenged Saint-Truden in an away game. In the 18th minute, Karl Bess passed the ball directly to nche near the penalty area. nche was stuck and could not turn around, so he headed the ball back.
Genk central defender Boalo Rekai, who followed, saw that Wang Feng''s defense on the right was rtively loose, so he also headed the ball to the right side of the penalty area.
Wang Feng stopped the ball with his chest sideways, and then volleyed with his left foot against the falling ball. The ball first flew high, and the St. Turden goalkeeper thought it was an anti-aircraft gun.
Unexpectedly, the ball suddenly fell, drew a rainbow in the air, and flew into the goal by rubbing against the crossbar. Genk takes the lead!
In the 43rd minute, Wang Feng received a pass in the frontcourt. After passing the defender, he dribbled the ball near the top of the arc, and then made a pick and passed the ball to the left.
Adrian Gayle made a sudden attack, and after a sessful anti-offside, he headed the ball into the goal, and Genk extended his lead!
In the second half, Genk still controlled the game. In the 66th minute, Genk got a corner kick. Wang Feng volunteered to take the shot. Aaron Abigail patted Wang Feng on the head with a smile, and gave this opportunity to him.
Wang Feng kicked a curveball with the back of his right foot, and the backside Bass quickly jumped in, jumped high, and headed the ball into the goal!
This was Bess''s first goal of the season. He excitedly ran to the corner g area to celebrate the goal with Wang Feng, "You really didn''t let me down, my running position was not in vain."
Genk, who led by three goals, secured the victory ahead of time, Wang Feng was also substituted in the 72nd minute, and in the 80th minute, Saint-Truden also scored a goal through a quick defensive counterattack, saving the face on the home court.
Chapter 27: Powerful enemies attack
Chapter 27: Powerful enemies attack
"Consecutive victories", "Sport" reported Genk''s recent record with a big red headline, "So far, Genk has been unbeaten for 12 consecutive rounds, and the league has also achieved a good record of 7 consecutive victories."
"With 7 rounds left, Genk''s current ranking has risen to 5th, only 7 points away from the Europa League seat. They have every chance toe from behind and win the Europa League seat."
"Wang Feng''s performance can only be described as crazy. He has scored 13 goals and 6 assists in the league, ranking sixth in the scorer list. Anderlecht is currently the top scorer. Jan Kohler, 21 goals."
The rave reviews from the outside world did not make Genk forget about it internally. The yers'' mentality was natural, but the coaching staff believed that the victory covered up some problems, especially on the defensive end, which needed to be addressed.
For Wang Feng, he has be the core figure in Genk''s locker room. His humble and hard-working attitude and sharp striker role have given him more and more power to speak.
In the middle of the week, Wang Feng epted the invitation of team manager Bill Albert to visit Genk''s youth training camp, which is also to cultivate the emotional connection between Wang Feng and Genk.
When Wang Feng arrived at the training camp, the children on the training ground surrounded him excitedly. They tugged on Wang Feng''s clothes, their eyes full of admiration. The youngest child here is only 6 years old, and the oldest is only 12 years old. .
The 16-year-old Wang Feng could only pretend to be calm, and then patted their heads one by one, and satisfied their requirements for a group photo and autograph. Of course, the on-site performance is also indispensable. Wang Feng first performed a fancy kick for them, and then conducted confrontation training with a few older children.
This was no difficulty for Wang Feng, so he could see him dribbling the ball on the court, passing five or six yers without any problem, and then easily sent the ball into the goal. The small audience off the court watched.
In the end, Wang Feng had lunch with everyone, and then he was about to say goodbye and leave. At this time, Andre Diest came over and said, "Wang, we recently found a new seedling who ys football. There just happens to be a game in the afternoon. Are you interested in watching it?"
Diest can also be regarded as Wang Feng''s bole, and it is precisely because of his strong rmendation that Wang Feng can enter Genk and shine. He thought for a while, and didn''t want to disappoint, so he said, "Okay, your vision must be fine, otherwise you wouldn''t have discovered me." Diestughed loudly: "Anyone with a discerning eye can see your value, I''m just one step ahead, if I were anyter, I''m afraid you would have gone to Anderlecht."
The two came to a small football field in Delongen, where a football match between primary schools will be held soon. Seeing that the field was full of nearly a thousand people, Wang Feng couldn''t help but sigh: "Belgium, whether it''s youth training, or the football atmosphere is full of life."
Diest said proudly: "Of course, youth training is the foundation of a strong football team. I won''t tell you in advance who we are optimistic about the young yers, and see if you can guess it yourself."
After the game started for a while, Wang Feng shrugged his shoulders and said: "It''s too obvious, that No. 12 has solid foundation skills, has ideas in passing, and can pass others, and his level is much higher than others. It must be him, right?"
"Sure enough, I can''t hide it from your eyes. It is him. His name is Kevin De Bruyne. We n to sign him after a while and let him enter the youth training camp to receive systematic training."
Looking at the blond boy on the field, Wang Feng felt a kind of love for football in him. This kind of love was even stronger than his previous self, and it was something that Wang Feng had never seen in domestic yers.
"He will be an excellent yer." Wang Feng said firmly: "Genk will not regret signing him, just like they will not regret signing me."
After the game, Wang Feng took the initiative to find De Bruyne and had a chat with him. Unexpectedly, De Bruyne was still a small fan of him, because De Longen is rtively close to Genk, and he supported Genk since he was a child.
"Keep your love for football, little Kevin." Wang Feng patted his head and said, "We will have a chance topete together in the end, and I am waiting for that day toe."
De Bruyne was greatly encouraged by Wang Feng''s words, and he set a goal in his heart to catch up with Wang Feng''s footsteps.
Participating in the youth training activities is just an episode, Wang Feng still spends most of his time on training and preparing for the match, and soon the 28th round of the League One will be ushered in. Genk will face the rival Anderlecht, Anderlecht is the giant that has won the most championships in the League, and it is also the current league leader.
Genk was the league championst season. Although it withdrew from the championshippetition early this season, it has now created the longest winning streak of the season. The confrontation between the two has attracted much attention in Belgium.
Before the game, Anderlecht coach Edger Weiss and his team were concentrating on studying their opponent Genk. Weiss rubbed the corner of his eyes and said seriously: "We must win Genk. Currently, we are only 5 points ahead of Club Brugge, the advantage is not reliable."
Assistant coach Ernest Karen responded: "It is true that Genk''s overall strength has declinedpared withst season, but because of the introduction of Wang Feng, who has a strong offensive firepower during the winter break, they can make great strides."
"How to restrain Wang Feng? The teams in front are not doing well enough." Weiss frowned, "His feet are very skilled, and he will be swayed by him if he is not careful, and his sprint speed is extremely fast. Quick, dangerous with left and right feet, and good at receiving passes."
"The only shoring may be the header, but he is a winger, and he has few headers." Weiss sighed: "Don''t talk about the stars of tomorrow, it is a headache now. I really don''t know what will happen in the future."
"We should try our best to persuade the management to sign Wang Feng, no matter what the price is." Karen said, "But now it''s useless to say these things, let''s think about how to stop him from wreaking havoc on our defense."
"I think two defensive yers should be ced next to Wang Feng, trying to cut off his connection with other Genk yers. Once he gets the ball, immediately step forward to double-team and block his passing."
"As for the other Genk yers, one or two can be properly leaked out. Without Wang Feng''s support, their threat is not that great. It can be seen from the beginning of the season that facing the underdogs, even if they create space."
Weiss thought about it and felt that this method should be the most suitable. He said happily: "Fortunately, Genk only has one Wang Feng. If there are two, then there is no need to fight. Just give them the league championship." The others burst outughing when they heard this.
Chapter 28: Strong spirit
Chapter 28: Strong spirit
Before the game, a reporter specifically interviewed Jan Kohler, the semi-legendary Golden Boot, about Wang Feng''s recent performance. "Yes, Wang is indeed an excellent shooter, and his performance is enough to look forward to. But he is only 16 years old, and I will tell him that the future is his and the present is mine."
On the day of the game, the Luminus Arena at night was as bright as day, and the stands were crowded with people. The sound was so loud that it could be heard from far away. The mood of Genk fans this season was like a roller coaster. As the defending champion team, they fell into the relegation zone at the beginning of the league, and the mood of the fans sank to the bottom.
Since the new year, when the young yer Wang Feng joined the team, Genk haspletely changed. They have won consecutive games and made the fans feel the long-lost happiness.
Before the yers from both sides entered the field, many fans had already chanted Wang Feng''s name, and when the Genk yers walked out of the channel one by one, they stood up and apuded, until Wang Feng was introduced into the field, there was a roar of mountains and tsunamis into the stand.
Wang Feng, who just came out, was also taken aback. Although the fans are usually very active, he didn''t expect them to be so excited for this game. The decibels should have broken a hundred.
Karl Bass put his arms around Wang Feng and said loudly in his ear: "We and Anderlecht are old enemies, and we won the league championship from themst year, so when ites to ying Anderlecht, the fans are always very excited."
With the whistle of the referee, the game officially began. After the opening, both sides were more cautious. Anderlecht''s midfield has many Belgian internationals and international yers from other countries, so their overall level is higher than Genk. They quickly take the initiative and try to attack Genk.
As arranged before the game, Wang Feng has been surrounded by two or more defensive yers. They are all experienced defensive yers, upying positions very cleverly, not only defending Wang Feng''s receiving route, but also blocking his breakthrough route.
The ball in the midfield couldn''t pass to Wang Feng''s feet at all, and he was frequently blocked when he retreated to get the ball, so he could only pass it out.
In the 27th minute, Anderlecht got a corner kick. When the ball passed to the penalty area, the 2.02-meter Jan Koller jumped up like a chicken and headed the ball into the goal. Anderlecht took the lead.
Seeing Jan Koller celebrating wildly, Wang Feng was very unconvinced. He called Karl Bess, Caspar nche and Adrian Gail aside and said, "Anderlecht just scored a goal, their mentality must be rxed, we will y a counterattack at the beginning of the game and try to equalize the score."
The three looked at each other, looked at Wang Feng''s resolute eyes, and nodded.
"Jan Koller''s goal this time is definitely the best embodiment of his physical ability. He is currently the best center forward in the League One. There is no dispute."
"We saw that Genk was about to serve, Bess passed the ball to nche, and nche took the ball forward, isn''t he going to step back to press the rhythm? Wang Feng and Gail are also there going forward, it seems like we''re going to y a fast break."
"nche passed the ball to Gail and took it to the left. Anderlecht''s defenders had already pressed over. Gail moved further and further to the side. The ball was about to be lost. This attack was a bit too anxious."
"Let''s see how Gail handles it. He kicked the ball and made a forced pass. Thending point was not good. When he reached the top of the arc, Wang Feng was responding. How to deal with it..."
The on-sitementator was extremely surprised. He covered his mouth, his face full of disbelief, and it took him a moment to react: "goooooooooooooooooooal! God, what did I see! Wang Feng, Wang Feng turned half sideways, facing the falling ball, and directly volleyed with his left foot the ball sted through Anderlecht''s gate like a cannonball."
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion yback again. Gail''s cross touched the defender''s calf. The ball flew a little high andnded near the top of the arc in the penalty area. Wang Feng judged thending point, adjusted his position slightly, and waited for the ball. When it fell to his waist, he directly sted a volleying ball towards the goal."
"My God, I can guarantee that this is one of the best goals in the league, no, even in European football, and even in world football. You are fortunate to witness history."
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng rushed to the stands to celebrate with the fans. He didn''t expect the goal to be scored! When he saw the ball falling, he originally wanted to stop the ball and make a breakthrough, but at that moment, he had a feeling that it was better to hit the ball directly with his left foot as the defensive yers would be caught off guard.
He has always believed in his own feelings, so he no longer hesitated. Relying on his past training experience, he sessfully hit the ball with sufficient strength. The ball drew a slightly curved arc in the air and fell into the goal.
Feng''s teammates who arrived afterward jumped on Wang Feng''s body one after another, pinning him down and stacking up. They were also shocked by Wang Feng''s shot.
Less than a minute behind, relying on this wonderful volley, Genk sessfully equalized the score.
This score was also maintained until the halftime break.
In the 65th minute, Anderlecht passed the ball continuously in the backcourt of Genk. Finally, the ball came to Jan Koller.
1:2, Anderlecht once again overtook the score! After the goal, Jan Koller shook his fingers and ran to celebrate. Although this goal was not as exciting as Wang Feng''s, it was a really good one.
Jan Kohler is using his own performance to fulfill his pre-match rhetoric. Wang Feng''s eyes ignited with raging fighting spirit
''I don''t want any future, I just want now, in this game, to defeat him!''
Afterwards, Wang Feng ran more actively in the field. For the first time, he felt tired. The organs in his body seemed to tell him that he had reached the limit, but he ignored it, gritted his teeth and continued to run. In the 69th minute, Wang Feng, who received the ball in the midfield, passed two yers one after another, but was tackled near the frontcourt. The defender was shown a yellow card, and the set ball was directly missed by Aaron Abigail. .
In the 72nd minute, Wang Feng broke through with the ball in the frontcourt again. Seeing that the situation was not good, the defensive yer directly hugged him and received another yellow card. In the 74th, 77th, and 79th minutes, Wang Feng actions created a very threatening opportunity, forcing the defensive yer to foul. In just 10 minutes, Anderlecht''s defensive yers received 3 yellow cards, and almost everyone in the defense was yellow.
It''s a pity that Genk didn''t grasp the set-piece opportunity he got. Instead, in the 81st minute, Anderlecht counterattacked defensively. After forming a two-on-two, Jan Koller passed the goalkeeper and scored an empty goal. Feng chased back to the small penalty area, but unfortunately failed to stop it in the end.
1:3! Anderlecht sealed the victory and Jan Kohler scored a hat-trick.
Wang Feng, who galloped for more than 80 meters, was lying on thewn, panting heavily, as if there was an evil voice whispering in his ear, rest, the limit is reached, no matter how hard you try, there is no power to recover.
There is no limit, he roared, stood up with support, picked up the football in the goal and ran towards the center line. The frustrated yers around were moved when they saw this scene, and they quickly stood up. Captain Aaron Abigail even negotiated with the referee to stop Anderlecht from celebrating endlessly.
Chapter 29: Unwilling
Chapter 29: Unwilling
After losing the third goal, the home fans were all silent, but seeing Wang Feng panting and running towards the center line with the ball, many fans'' eyes were red, and they shouted "Come on, Wang,e on, Genk"
Some fans even sang the team song. Gradually, more fans joined in. They sang more and more neatly, louder and louder. Their voices soared into the sky, and the stars in the night sky seemed to tremble.
This scene shocked the fans and yers of the visiting team. The head coach Antonis on the sidelines had a sore nose. He is back, all back, the glory of the past, the team spirit of Genk, all back!
The game restarted. In the 84th minute, Karl Bass, Caspar nche and Wang Feng passed consecutively. The ball quickly came to the top of the penalty area. nche passed it diagonally to Adrian Gay on the left. Gail used a beautiful crotch ball to pass and sessfully entered the penalty area.
Gale, who entered the penalty area, was blocked by two defensive yers, and calmly picked a pass to the back point. Wang Feng clearly felt that his position was a bit forward, and it was not easy to grab a point to threaten the goal.
Wang Feng''s body reacted subconsciously. He leaped high, leaned back, stretched his right leg upwards, turned his head downwards and feet upwards, and sessfully shot a goal with the instep of his right foot.
"Golden hook upside down! The ball went in! Unexpectedly, Wang Feng made another high-profile shot. The Anderlecht goalkeeper was caught off guard and could only watch the ball go into the. In the 84th minute, Genk marked a goal. 2:3!"
Wang Feng, who was trying this kind of action for the first time, fell hard to the ground, and his back ached. But he didn''t care about it that much, he quickly looked back, and only smiled when he saw the ball hit the.
But soon he struggled to get up, instead of scoring a goal to celebrate, he ran to the opponent''s goal to pick up the ball, and then ran back to the midfield to put it down. The teammates who wanted to gather around to celebrate also dispersed silently, waiting for the opponent to start.
The Anderlecht yers were also a little flustered at this time, they had no choice but to keep passing the ball in the backcourt to dy the time, but Wang Feng was still running tirelessly, and he would never give up until thest moment.
The time hase to thest minute of stoppage time, and the referee frequently looks at his watch, ready to stop the game at any time. At this time, Bess sessfully snatched the ball by cooperating with Wang Feng''s defense.
He hurriedly made a diagonal pass to the right, and Wang Feng hurriedly followed. His legs seemed to be filled with lead, but he still staggered and grabbed the ball ahead of the defenders.
Then, relying on continuous fake spikes, he sessfully passed the defender and crossed into the penalty area. However, at this time, his physical strength usage was too high, and he was a little unstable, the opportunity was fleeting.
At the critical moment, he kicked decisively to hit the goal. The ball flew over the defender''s outstretched leg, brushed the tip of the goalkeeper''s open palm, and went straight to the goal.
At this time, the audience on the field held their breath and prayed silently in their hearts. The coaches on the sidelines and the yers on the field focused all their minds on the speeding ball.
"Bang!", the ball hit the door frame heavily and bounced out. The defensive yer who arrived hurriedly cleared the siege and kicked the ball towards Genk''s backcourt.
''Beep" The referee also blew the whistle at this time to end the game.
After the Anderlecht yers heard the referee''s whistle, they let out a deep breath of relief, and then celebrated happily, 3:2, they defeated Genk with difficulty!
Wang Feng stared nkly at the door frame, the noisy voice in his ear seemed to be getting farther and farther away, the goal was missed, and he still lost!
Not reconciled, really not reconciled, if his physical strength was better, the technical action just now will not be deformed, this is a must for him.
If you can give him another ten minutes, no, five minutes, he will definitelyunch another attack, this time he will definitely do better and score again.
It''s a pity that there is no if, and if you lose, you lose. At some point, his eyes were red, and his vision gradually blurred.
At this time, a tall figure appeared in front of him, awakening Wang Feng who was in grief. He saw the Czech in front of him, looking at him with encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, Wang Feng said loudly, "You won, next time I must win!"
The bald Czech sighed helplessly: "You are so greedy, I am already 27 years old, the future is yours, and you want to take it away even now."
"Enjoy your failure. Your career is just getting started. To be honest, I''ve just reached my peak, butpared to you, I feel like I''m old."
Jan Kohler said with a smile: "Let''s exchange jerseys, future superstars."
The match against Anderlecht had been over for three days. On the Genk training ground, a boy with yellow skin and ck hair was running round and round. It was Wang Feng who was training extra.
Due to the match day of the national team, the next round of the league will be held in two weeks. The team gave the yers a holiday, only Wang Feng has been training extra.
There was a fire in his heart, and thest game exposed his major shorings, the first of which was physical fitness. Although Wang Feng''s physical fitness has never been a problem, it''s because thepetition intensity of the regr leagues is not high. If he goes to the five major leagues or even Europeanpetitions, his physical fitness will not be enough.
So Wang Feng found a trainer in the team and wanted to train more physically. The trainer was very helpless. Wang Feng''s physical fitness was already beyond the standard for his age, so he had no choice but to persuade him: "Wang, there is absolutely no problem with your physical fitness. As you grow older, as long as you don''t ck off regr exercises, Physical fitness will also improve rapidly."
How could Wang Feng not know that. He is still in the stage of growing his body. But his keen senses told him that there is still a lot of room for development in this body, and there will be no permanent hidden injuries due to additional training.
Neither of the two could convince the other, so they had to discuss with the head coach and the team manager. The head coach Aimee Antonis firmly opposed Wang Feng''s additional training: "You don''t know what this means, Wang, this will overdraw your potential, I will never allow it."
Looking at the serious old man in front of him, Wang Feng was a little moved, but he couldn''t say it, his intuition told him that he could train mor. No, even if he said it, Antonis probably wouldn''t believe it.
The team manager''s attitude is more ambiguous. He hopes that Wang Feng will perform better, whether it is topete for the championship or sell him, it will be more beneficial to the team.
Several parties discussed for a long time, and finally came up with apromise n. Wang Feng began to increase his physical fitness, but the team doctor needed to check his body regrly to prevent hidden injuries.
In this way, the trainer carefully arranged sprint training for Wang Feng, jogging for one minute and then sprinting for 30 seconds, doing 20 consecutive sets as a round. He thought that Wang Feng would not be able to do aplete round at first, but he insisted on finishing it.
From then on, after Wang Feng had trained his football skills, he would practice sprint running. In just three days, he was able toplete a round and a half consecutively.
The team doctor also gave Wang Feng aprehensive examination as agreed, and the results showed that apart from a little fatigue, there was no problem. Wang Feng''s body was still growing step by step.
This made coach Antonis feel what kind of monster he had coached, and after he had fully grown up, no one in football would be able to match him.
Chapter 30: Europa league seat
Chapter 30: Europa league seat
Wang Feng was not surprised at all, his control over his body seemed to have improved during the practice, every fatigue feeling, even the threshold of tolerance, was clearly fed back to the brain.
He has not yet reached his limit, and he can still get better. The feeling of continuous improvement through practice makes him fascinated.
After a day of training, Wang Feng specially invited the relevant staff to have a dinner together to thank them for their hard work. Because the team is on holiday, the staff will also be on holiday, but Wang Feng''s extra training n makes them have to work overtime.
Although the club will pay for overtime work, Wang Feng still feels embarrassed. He silently made up his mind that when his sry increases next season, he will set up his own private training team as he can''t always bother the staff.
When Wang Feng dragged his exhausted body back to the residence, it was already past ten o''clock in the evening. He was lying on the bed, thinking about the game three days ago. He only remembered that many fans in the stands called his name and cheered for him. They were really a group of lovely people.
The reports after the game were even more overwhelming, but Wang Feng didn''t dare to watch it. ording to his teammates, some media thought Wang Feng''s performance was impable, especially those two difficult goals, which definitely ranked among the best in Europe. One of the best goals in football history.
French star Zidane also noticed Wang Feng''s first goal. He said in an interview: "Wang Feng''s goal is full of passion and beauty. Somehow, I think I can try it too."
After hearing this, many Zidane fans curiously searched for Wang Feng''s scoring video, and were overwhelmed by this goal. For the first time, Wang Feng really entered the field of vision of the top European football clubs.
It is worth mentioning that a certain god-level moderator on a domestic forummented on this goal with "one sword to the west, flying fairy from the sky", so this goal action was also nicknamed "Flying fairy from the sky".
Of course, there are also many voices of doubt. The "Standard" must be on the list. It published an article that believed that Wang Feng waspletely defeated by Jan Koller on the offensive end. Jan Koller not only won the victory, but also scored one more goal than Wang Feng.
"Compared to Jan Koller, the semi-finalist, Wang Feng is still just an immature child. Genk can only regret losing against Anderlecht."
Wang Feng was angry and thought it was funny, no matter how badly he behaved, he still wouldn''t look like an immature child. Obviously, he and Jan Koller fought back and forth.
Why does the "Standard" always stare at Genk, and output it if there is a disagreement? I only found out after asking my teammates that this is a problem left over from the history of Belgium. The Dutch-speaking area and the French-speaking area do not deal well with each other.
"You don''t have to care about this, Wang." Aaron Abigailforted, "We, the opponents, the fans, and even anyone who watched that game know your ability. Sometimes you push yourself too much. If it is too tight, it will be like a string on a piano, which will be easily broken."
Maybe I really should adjust my mentality. This sixteen-year-old boy ushered in his first loss in his life, and he really began to transform into a professional yer.
This night Wang Feng did not suffer from insomnia like the previous two days. He slept very soundly. In his dream, his family lived in a bright and spacious house. His mother and elder sister looked at him with smiles, and his younger sister pestered him like a little devil.
On the second day, people around were surprised to find that although Wang Feng was still training hard, his face was always filled with a confident smile, and he was no longer as bitter as when he just lost. The head coach Aimee Antonis was satisfied. Nodding his head: "To walk out so quickly, his maturity does not match his age."
Two weekster, in the 29th round of the Ligue 1, Genk challenged Mechelen away. The long rest made the yers of the two teams decline seriously. The yers were not concentrating, made a fatal mistake, were intercepted by the Mechelen striker and they scored a goal.
Under the unfavorable situation of conceding a goal first, the Genk yers finally cheered up. At the end of the first half, Wang Feng formed a clever cooperation with Caspar nche on the right side of the penalty area. nche taking the ball with his back and giving it back, Adrian Gale, who came in from the back, hit the ball and equalized for Genk.
In the 76th minute of the second half, Gale retreated to get the ball. After a one-on-one breakthrough from the left, he knocked back to nche in the middle. nche missed the ball with his left foot, but the goalkeeper let the ball go. Wang Feng immediately saw it. He hit the ball.
In the end, Genk defeated Mechelen 2:1, and the trident cooperation on Genk''s front line became more and more tacit. After this campaign, Genk''s ranking has risen again, and has reached the fourth ce in the league, reaching the qualification zone for the UEFA Cup.
The Belgian Cup semi-finals will be held in the middle of the week. This is the only honor Genk can get this season. Therefore, the whole team attaches great importance to it. The opponent of the match was Standard Liege, a powerhouse in the first league. Right after the start, the home teamunched a fierce attack.
"Bess took the ball at the back of the midfield and gestured for everyone to stabilize the attack. After the game started, although Genk''s offensive was very violent, the effect was very low."
"Look at this time, Bess made a long pass to the right, Wang Feng caught the ball, it was beautiful, the ball seemed to be stuck to Wang Feng''s feet, and he caught it easily. Continuous smashes, sessfully past the defense, he cut inward near the edge of the penalty area."
"Hit the ball, goooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng''s left-footed long shot, let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. The ball is very powerful. The ball hits the dead corner of the goal. Although the goalkeeper of Standard Liege tried his best to save the ball, it is a pity that he still failed. He couldn''t touch the ball"
Shortly after the start of the second half, after receiving a pass from nche in the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly turned around with his back against the defender and hit a volley with his right foot, extending the score to 2:0.
In the end, with Wang Feng''s brace, Genk beat Standard Liege 2-0 at home, almost stepping into the final with one foot.
In the 30th round of the league, Genk challenged Ghent away. Wang Feng was extremely active at the beginning of the game, and Genk''s striker trident frequently posed threats to the opponent.
It''s a pity that their luck seems to be not very good. In the 7th minute, after receiving Wang Feng''s cross, nche hit the goal with a header on the crossbar. Only 5 minutester, Gale broke through from the left and hit the goal from a small angle. The ball flew off the post, out of line.
The continuous siege finally paid off. In the 30th minute of the first half, nche broke through the middle with the ball. After attracting arge number of defensive yers, he distributed the ball to the right side of the penalty area. The unguarded Wang Feng quickly inserted and pushed the ball into the back of the.
Wang Feng, who finally scored a goal, also excitedly pulled nche to celebrate in the area of ??the Genk fans in the stands. Even in the away game, the fans were very enthusiastic and cheered for the team all the time.
Next, Ghent further strengthened its defense and seemed to have no desire to attack. They are in the middle of the league this season and have no pressure on results, so they yed very conservatively even if they fell behind.
In the end, Genk beat Gent 1-0 in the away game, and the fourth position in the league was more stable.
Chapter 31: The end of the league and media coverage
Chapter 31: The end of the league and media coverage
In the 31st round of the league, Genk yed against Ostend at home. In the 31st minute, Wang Feng made a breakthrough from the right. He used the subtle Cruyff to turn around and get rid of the defense and then made a pass. Caspar nche jumped and hit the goal , and finally defeated the opponent 1:0 and won three consecutive victories again.
In the second round of the Belgian Cup semi-final, Genk shook hands with Standard Liege 0-0 in the away game. However, Genk still advanced to the Belgian Cup final with a total score of 2:0 by virtue of their home victory.
In the 32nd round of the league, Genk faced Liers. In this game, Wang Feng regained his form. In the 37th minute, Wang Feng retreated to get the ball and started. After dribbling continuously, he passed the second defensive yer. After entering the penalty area diagonally, he volleyed the goal with his left foot.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Genk stole the ball from the backcourt, and Carl Bess drives the ball to the frontcourt. Wang Feng and Liers'' defender speed up like a 100-meter race, but the defender finds out desperately that Wang Feng overtakes him.
Wang Feng sessfully got the ball, no offside! Facing the attacking goalkeeper, he flicked it lightly, and the ball flew over the goalkeeper who fell to the ground and fell into the.
In the end, Genk defeated Liers 2:0, and Wang Feng scored twice again.
In the 33rd round of the league, Genk yed against Charleroi. Although Genk made a mistake in the defense and conceded a goal first, they finally reversed their opponents with one pass and one shot by Wang Feng and sessfully won the victory.
In thest round, Genk will face the challenge of Brugge. In the first minute of the game, Genk took the lead. Feng was keenly aware that there was a problem with the opponent''s defensive position.
So he attacked decisively, passed two defenders in a row, entered the penalty area, and calmly volleyed with his left foot.
Then Genk continued to attack. In the 34th minute, Adrian Gayle made a pass from the left. nche sessfully got the ball with his physical advantage and ferried the ball into the penalty area. Wang Feng followed up and scored. The goal was hit again, helping Genk extend his lead.
In the 69th minute of the second half, Wang Feng stopped and changed direction suddenly while dribbling the ball on the right side, passing the defense inside the penalty area. He could have hit the goal directly, but he reciprocated and passed the ball to nche in the middle.
3:0, Genk sealed the victory. Ten minutester, the head coach reced Wang Feng. When Wang Feng was off the field, the fans of the home team stood up and apuded Wang Feng. Since the winter break, Wang Feng''s outstanding performance made Genk, a team in deep trouble see hope again, how can the fans not be grateful?
At thest moment of the game, Brugge pulled back a goal, but it was irrelevant to the overall situation. In the end, with Wang Feng''s two shots and one pass, Genk defeated the opponent 3:1.
It is gratifying that the third-ranked Standard Liege lost to Antwerp in thest round, so Genk''s ranking has risen by one ce and came to the third ce in the league. In this way, they will not have to participate in the Europa League qualifier next season, but can directly participate in the group stage.
After reaching the goal of qualifying for the Europa League, the team manager was also very happy, because one of the main ie of the team is the Europeanpetition. He promised to pay bonuses on the spot, and Wang Feng also received a reward of nearly 10,000 euros.
"The next goal is to win the Belgian Cup. If we seed in winning the championship, the team will pay arger bonus. Come on, everyone." At the dinner after the league, team manager Bill Albert said.
Genk''s opponent in the Belgian Cup final was Anderlecht, who eliminated Bruges 3:1 in the semifinals. No matter from the point of view of revenge or prize money, Wang Feng is sure to win this game.
The league championship was won by Anderlecht, and the league golden boot was won by Jan Koller, who contributed 29 goals. After the end of the season, major media carried out special reports on the season one after another, especially Genk and Wang Feng.
The "Sport" article pointed out: "Genk only lost one game in the second half, and directly counterattacked from the mid-range ranking to third in the league. Wang Feng contributed a lot. He contributed 23 goals and 9 assists in the league."
"This is a very scary number. He ranks third in the scorer list, only 6 goals behind Jan Koller. Don''t forget that Wang only entered the team after the winter break."
"Latest News" reported: "Wang Feng created 32 goals for Genk, ounting for more than half of the team''s total goals."
"Standard" wrote sourly: "If it weren''t for Wang Feng, Genk might have been relegated. The relegation of the league championst season would definitely be theughing stock of European football."
Wang Feng''s performance also attracted the attention of many European media. Ennd''s "Bild" broke the news: "During this period, the very famous Genk teenager Wang Feng has attracted the attention of Manchester United coach Ferguson. He is only 16 years old. The offensive ability is amazing, scoring 23 goals in 17 rounds of the league, which is terrifying."
"Ferguson has formally suggested to the club''s top management that they should buy Wang Feng. Although he does not have a work permit and cannot y for Manchester United temporarily, he can be loaned out for exercise. When Wang Feng grows to the peak stage, he will definitely be able to y for Manchester United. Manchester United are building a dynasty again."
"It is worth mentioning that many Premier League teams are currently actively promoting thebor certification reform n for outstanding young yers, and I believe it will be effective soon. Wang Feng is full of interest, and they feel that Wang Feng can definitely be an immediate force."
The German "Munich Daily" stated that many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund, are paying close attention to Jan Koller and Wang Feng, who performed well in the League One.
"For them, Jan Kohler is undoubtedly an experienced shooter who is currently at his peak, while Wang Feng''s age is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Many clubs are more willing to introduce peakbat power."
"Wang Feng needs to further prove himself on the European stage."
Spain''s "Daily Sport" wrote an article saying that Barcelona should act as soon as possible to recruit some extremely talented yers to their banner, such as Ronaldinho from Gremio, Wang Feng from Genk and so on. "Barcelona has the best youth academy in the world, and we can definitely develop many of our own superstars."
The Spanish "Marca" scoffed at this statement: "Barcelona''s youth training is very impressive, but it is a pity that young yers only represent the future, and the future has infinite possibilities. Now, it belongs to the era of superstars." They also hinted that this year, in the summer, Real Madrid will make a big move that will shock the world.
The Italian "Gazzetta dello Sport" also reported on Wang Feng, guessing who his next club will be.
Chapter 32: Transfer doubt and cup final
Chapter 32: Transfer doubt and cup final
These reports were all mixed, so naturally they would not attract Wang Feng''s attention, but when he saw a news item from the Belgian "Latest News", he instantly lost hisposure.
This news quoted the report of the French "L''Equipe", which said that Paris Saint-Germain had officially submitted an offer of 8 million euros to Genk, hoping to introduce Wang Feng.
"This offer is crazy," said former French international and famous coach Henri Michel.
However, Paris is obviously very optimistic about Wang Feng. The team chairman Lawrence Pompey even personally shouted to the media: "Wang,e to Paris. We are one of the five major leagues in Europe. Here we have a broader stage."
"You will be the cornerstone of Paris'' future, and we will build the team around you."
Wang Feng quickly called his agent Francisco Balmond to inquire about the situation. Balmond was silent for a while and said, "Wang, I originally nned to contact you after you finished the cup final, but since you asked, I have to tell you."
"Genk has received a lot of offers from you, most of which range from 1 million euros to 3 million euros. Paris did propose an offer of 8 million euros, and the manager of Genk was shocked."
"This side is hesitant now. You know, Genk''s finances have not been very good, and this huge sum of money is enough to turn them around."
Wang Feng said bluntly: "I don''t want to leave, Balmond, at least not this summer, I don''t want to change three teams a year, you go talk to Bill Albert, as long as you strengthen the defense this summer, I will promise to do better next year."
"I''m even willing to make some concessions on sry," Wang Feng said.
After hearing it, Bamond said: "I understand what you mean, Wang. I will further negotiate with the team manager, but your sry must increase significantly, otherwise it will not meet your status and role in the team."
After hanging up the phone, Wang Feng was a little helpless. It should have been a happy thing for him to be so favored, but the timing was too unfortunate. Every time he changed teams, it took him a while to get used to it.
And now he is still too immature and need to continue to sharpen his skills, it is still difficult to gain a firm foothold in the five major leagues.
"Then win the cup first and let Bill Albert see our hope for next season." Wang Feng secretly decided.
Renee Delvaux sits in the stands area where Genk fans sit at the Lottopark in Brussels, surrounded by yers from Virton and head coach Mette Magritte.
''I remembered that Wang Feng returned to Virton a few days ago and brought him more than 20 tickets for the Belgian Cup final. I hope he can invite his former teammates who want to watch the game to the scene.''
For yers like Virton, the Belgian Cup final is the highest stage of honor they can stand on. Unfortunately, no team from the second team has been able to make it to this stage for many years.
Paul Chuck looked at Wang Feng running on the field withplicated eyes. Just over half a year ago, he looked down on Wang Feng very much, thinking that he could not be a professional yer, but he did not expect that he would grow to such a level in the blink of an eye.
Hearing the nearby Genk fans shouting Wang Feng''s name with crappy pronunciation, and seeing the offer worth 8 million euros in the news, Chuck knew that this was an achievement that he would never achieve in his life.
"Even though I''ve watched it on TV many times, I still can''t believe it," coach Magritte said with emotion: "Wang Feng has made great progress. When he was in Virton, he only had good dribbling skills and good speed."
"However, after just half a season ofpetition, he has practiced his foot skills so well. Just now, he made a quick forward move, and then passed the defense with a fancy dribble, which can be described as smooth. "
"Yeah," Renee nodded in agreement, "When I first came to Belgium, Wang was like a bamboo pole. He fell down as soon as he hit it. He couldn''t adapt to confrontation at all. I didn''t expect him to be able topete with Anderlecht''s defenders now."
While a few people were discussing Wang Feng, the situation on the field changed suddenly. Adrian Gayle broke through with the ball from the left. The defender grabbed the spot and pushed the ball hard.
After the ball came to the frontcourt, nche urately judged where the ballnded, rushed to it, and ferried the header to Wang Feng on the right. With his back to the goal, Wang Feng turned around directly after stopping the ball with his chest, and volleyed with his left foot.
Only a "bang" was heard, and the ball rushed out like a cannonball. The Anderlecht goalkeeper tried his best to stretch his arms to save, but the ball flew into the goal from between his arms.
"The ball went in, goooooooooooooooooooal! In the 17th minute, Wang Feng knocked on Anderlecht''s gate, 1:0, and Genk took the lead in the final!"
"Let''s take a look at the rey. Wang Feng was more than 30 meters away from the goal. After receiving a pass from nche in the frontcourt, he stopped the ball with his chest. Without making any adjustments, he turned around and volleyed. This is an out-and-out world ss goal."
"It seems that Wang Feng can always y high-quality and highly entertaining goals against Anderlecht. In thest league match, he contributed the volley and upside-down golden hook that shocked European football. Today, he made another beautiful volley."
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng ran excitedly to the stands where the Genk fans were. Roaring and venting their regrets about the defeatst time, the fans in the stands also stood up to respond to him.
Only 4 minutester, Genk made aeback, Gale broke through from the left again, and then made a cross. nche from the front point struggled to take off and hit the ball. The ball flew towards the penalty spot, but there was clearly no one there.
The Anderlecht defender on the left suddenly thought of something, and quickly shouted: "Fill your position!" Then he ran towards the ball, but at this moment, a figure rushed out like lightning and came to the ball before him.
"Wang Feng''s speed is very fast. He unloaded the ball, hit the goal, and scored. In just 4 minutes, Genk once again extended the score!"
"It''s Wang Feng again. He is in great form. He hits both time and scored twice. Inparison, Jan Koller seems to have not yet entered the state. He has notpleted a shot until now."
The reason why Jan Koller''s performance is rtively sluggish is mainly because the Genk coaching staff made special defensive arrangements for him, trying their best to block Anderlecht''s cross from the wing, so that Jan Koller could not take advantage of his height.
After the first half of the game, Genk had touched the trophy with one hand, but in the locker room, the head coach Aimee Antonis still reminded everyone: "Everyone, don''t be careless, Anderlecht''s strength is very strong. If you are not careful, you will be overturned."
After the opening of the second half, Anderlecht reallyunched a fierce attack on Genk. Jan Koller frequently created opportunities on the front line. He used his physical advantages to the extreme and ran without saving his energy.
Head coach Antonis had to make substitution adjustments, recing Adrian Gale with a tall defender who was close to marking Jan Koller.
Chapter 33: Champion
Chapter 33: Champion
After a period of exhaustion, Genk finally stabilized the situation. In the 72nd minute, Genk was near the midfield and sessfully stole the ball from Anderlecht.
Caspar nche took the first step to poke the ball across the center line, elerated to catch up, and then sent the ball to the right rear of the defense line.
Wang Feng, who followed up, caught up with the ball at the fastest speed, controlled the ball at the front of the penalty area, and approached the penalty area with the ball at the same time.
Seeing this, Anderlecht''s defenders immediately came to block Wang Feng.
But Wang Feng didn''t wait for him to approach, and directly changed to the Fried Ball. It seemed that he was about to pass from the bottom, but in fact it was a horizontal inward cut. The defensive yer''s center of gravity was unstable, and he lost his footing, allowing Wang Feng to sessfully sway past him.
After entering the penalty area, Wang Feng did not wait for the goalkeeper to react, and directly shot an angry shot. The ball flew to the far corner, hit the inside of the post and bounced into the.
3:0, Genk sealed the victory! Before the game, no one would have imagined that the score would be one-sided.
As the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game, Genk beat Anderlecht and won the Belgian Cup!
The coaching staff and the bench yers, who had already been in good mood on the sidelines, also rushed into the stadium in a swarm, celebrating the victory with forgetfulness.
Anderlecht lost so thoroughly, mainly due to two reasons. The first is that Genk set up a lot of defensive measures against Jan Koller, a tough attacker, which limited his performance to a certain extent. The second is that having won the league championship, they are somewhat cking in thinking.
But in any case, Genk achieved a hearty victory and won the Belgian Cup as they wished.
Wang Feng also breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, his physical strength was almost exhausted. Anderlecht adopted the same defensive strategy as in thest match. Wang Feng was their key care object, so he was almost always taken care of.
Sitting paralyzed on thewn, Wang Feng watched Genk''s yers and coaching staff celebrating wildly, with a smile on his lips. Is this the taste of a champion? He was a little addicted.
At this moment, Jan Kohler came over, sat beside him, and said with a wry smile, "Last time I won a small victory, but this time I lostpletely. Is this your revenge?"
Wang Feng smiled and looked at the Czech: "Yes, I am very revengeful."
Jan Kohler shrugged helplessly, patted Wang Feng on the back, and then walked towards the yers'' tunnel in a slightly depressed manner.
At this moment, nche saw Wang Feng sitting on the side, so he ran over and shouted, "Wang, what are you doing, hurry up and celebrate, you are our great hero."
Several other yers also ran over, they lifted Wang Feng up, and celebrated by throwing him high together.
After the podium was simply built in the center of the stadium, the award ceremony began. The best yer in the cup was naturally won by Wang Feng.
Then the yers of Genk, under the leadership of captain Aaron Abigail, stepped onto the podium and raised the championship trophy high.
Wang Feng took the trophy from his teammates. This is his first professional league championship trophy! If there is any regret, it is that his rtives are far away in China and did note to the scene to see his sess with their own eyes.
But there will always be opportunities in the future, Wang Feng thought silently. He will return to China this summer, and then he will be able to reunite with his family. After all, he is still an underage child.
The Genk fans in the stands naturally did not leave and were cheering for the team. Some local fans in Brussels also stayed and apuded Genk at this time.
In a box in the stands, Genk team manager Bill Albert looked at Wang Feng happily holding the trophy on the field, fell into deep thought, and asionally frowned, as if there was something difficult to decide.
Wang Feng expressed his willingness to stay in the team through his agent, but Paris gave too much. But he remembered the words of the head coach Antonis before the game: "Albert, I know you are in a difficult situation now, but I have only one idea, to keep the king."
"This is not only a suggestion made by a head coach for performance, but also a friend''s advice. Wang''s value is definitely underestimated. As long as he is given another season, he will definitely be able to make achievements that shock Europe, and his worth will be much more than that by then"
In the end, Albert decided to take a gamble. He picked up the phone and called Wang Feng''s agent: "Balmond, ording to your statement, next season Wang''s weekly sry is 30,000 euros, and we will renew the contract."
After the awards ceremony, many reporters gathered around, mainly targeting Wang Feng. One of the reporters asked, "Wang, have you considered transferring? Which club are you nning to go to?"
Wang Feng replied: "I have no intention of leaving Genk now. In fact, I think I still have a lot of room for improvement. Genk is also a very good club."
Some reporters refused to give up and asked: "Paris Saint-Germain is bound to win you, and offered a sky-high transfer fee and a superstar annual sry. What do you think of this?"
Wang Feng answered impably: "I am very grateful to Chairman Lawrence Pompey for his affirmation of me, but I have handed over such matters to my agent and the team manager for consultation. I just want to y football with peace of mind."
After finishing speaking, he signaled that he needed to take a rest. Because he was really tired, he walked towards the dressing room without looking back.
At the press conference after the game, Anderlecht coach Edgar Weiss said in an interview: "We failed to limit the king, and this is the reason for the loss."
Genk coach Aimee Antonis said: "We yed a high-quality game, all tactics were executed perfectly, so we won. Wang is an excellent shooter, but without the support of other yers, he is also helpless."
When asked whether or not they would sell Wang Feng, Antonis said that this is something the club needs to consider, and he only has the right to make personnel suggestions. "Of course I hope Wang will stay. He is the core of the team''s offense."
Anderlecht star Jan Koller also said in an interview: "After thest game with Genk, Wang told me that he will win next time."
"He is a very self-disciplined yer who is eager to win. I believe he will be a superstar."
Wang Feng, who returned to his residence, received a call from his agent Francisco Balmond: "Wang, your wish hase true. Albert agreed to keep you this summer and sign a contract with a weekly sry of 30,000 euros. You became the highest paid yer in Genk."
Wang was also very happy when he heard the news. This is really a double blessing. He told Balmond about his n to return to China this summer, and then said: "Bamond, I want to hire a personal trainer to guide me in my training. It''s not good for specific training to upy Genk''s resources all the time, please help me find candidates."
Balmond agreed, and decided to meet in China together, "Wang, you have a highmercial value in China that can be tapped, take advantage of the opportunity to return to China this summer, and use it well."
Chapter 34: Going home
Chapter 34: Going home
When the news that Wang Feng had won the Belgian Cup and the best yer in the final came back to China, the domestic fans became excited. They rushed to tell each other and left messages on various forums.
"Sports Weekly" specifically reproduced many European media reports on Wang Feng, mostly praising Wang Feng''s amazing performance, and some spection about the transfer. This led to a historic sales volume of the current issue of the magazine, and many fans felt honored to see the praise of Chinese yers from the European media.
Of course, Wang Feng''s whereabouts also attracted the attention of domestic fans. Some peopleunched a vote on the forum to select the teams that Wang Feng wanted to join, and all of them turned out to be the giants of the five major leagues. It is not difficult to see that Chinese fans love Wang Feng.
In the midst of this hustle and bustle, Wang Feng quietly set foot on thend of the mothend. He flew directly from Belgium to Pudong, Shanghai. This international airport, which was justpletedst year, has be a hub port for Asia Pacific Airlines, which is very magnificent.
It was also the first time for Wang Feng to see such a beautiful new airport. The airports in Belgium are all broken and small. He looked around with sunsses on, feeling the prosperity of the mothend.
Wang Feng followed the crowd and took the airport bus to the train station. His hometown is a small town along the coast, which is rtively close to Shanghai. Along the way, no one recognized this rtively famous star, but asionally heard a few middle-aged people talking about themselves on the train.
When Wang Feng got out of the train, he saw his mother standing from a distance, looking anxious. Wang Feng''s nose was sore, he waved his arms vigorously, and then rushed to them with his luggage.
Wang Feng''s mother touched his face happily and said, "Ah Feng, you have suffered a lot, and you are tanned." There is a small head that came over: "Brother, did you bring us any presents?" It was the entric little girl.
Wang Feng patted his sister''s head and said, "I brought it with me, how dare I forget to bring you a gift?" The uncle on the side said, "Just pick it up from Ah Feng. Let''s talk about it when we go home."
So the family drove home in the uncle''s van. On the way, Wang Feng asked his mother, "Mom, where did we buy our new house? Is there enough money?" His mother said, "We bought a big house in the county town, with four or five rooms. You gave enough to me. There is more than enough money, and I will save the rest for you to use for your marriageter."
Wang Fengughed and said: "Mom, don''t save me money, my sry has increased again, and the money you save is not as fast as I can make money."
The uncle also joked with a smile: "Sister, Ah Feng is promising, your family will enjoy happiness in the future."
When the family returned to their new home, Wang Feng was delighted to see the bright and clean room. His family used to live in dpidated bungalows, but now they live in a tall building with a wide view, which makes him feel that all the hard work is worth it.
His elder sister saw Wang Feng looking left and right, she couldn''t help being amused, but also a little sad, she walked over to hug Wang Feng and said, "Xiaofeng, you must be careful when you are outside alone, don''t always think about it. Save money for yourself, we are all good."
"I heard that football yers are prone to injuries. You are still so young, and you have no family to take care of you when you are injured."
Wang Feng said with a silly smile: "Sister, you don''t have to worry about me. I''ve been kicking for almost a year now, and I haven''t been injured much. Don''t go to the factory to do shift work in the future. That''s too tiring. Wait for me to earn some more money, let you start apany and be the big boss."
The elder sister smiled and patted Wang Feng''s head, and started discussing dinner with her mother.
At this time, the little girl came up again, "Brother, what about the gift you mentioned, quickly show it to me." Wang Feng took Godiva''s choctes and plush toys from the luggage and handed them to her, saying: " Here, it''s yours."
Wang Feng is Godiva''s spokesperson, so he can get a lot of products. The plush toy was rmended by the guy Renee, who said that little girls will definitely like it. Renee also rmended a diamond ne. Wang Feng gave it to his mother and his sister.
Momined that Wang Feng spent money indiscriminately, but she couldn''t hide the smile on her face. The little girl couldn''t put it down too, it was the first time she had seen such an exquisite toy.
The family sat around and ate happily, Wang Feng said: "Mom, I passed by Shanghai when I came back, and found that Shanghai''s development is really good, like an international metropolis, let''s go and settle in Shanghai. "
My mother frowned and said, "Shanghai''s house prices are so expensive. I heard that one set costs five or six hundred thousand, which is several times the house price in our county."
Wang Feng smiled and told his family that his weekly sry had risen to 30,000 euros, "That is to say, I can save enough money in two or three weeks, so you don''t have to worry about it." This surprised everyone again.
My mother thought for a while and said, "That''s fine. You can go to Shanghai to settle down in the future. When the timees, you can buy a big house and get married. I''d better live in the county town. There are many acquaintances here, and I''m used to it. Besides, this house is also veryfortable."
She also said to her family: "Remember, don''t go around talking about how much money Ah Feng can earn, and you must know the truth about not revealing your wealth." Several children nodded.
Then they talked about my sister''s academic problems. My sister''s grades in school have always been among the best. Wang Feng said: "Why don''t my sister go to a university abroad? There are many good universities in European countries, so I can take care of it when the timees."
My mother asked my sister for her opinion, and she said indifferently: "I can go anywhere, but I am more interested in liberal arts. I originally nned to abandon literature and pursue science in order to make more money in the future, but now that I have my big brother, I still want to read."
Wang Feng smiled and said, "You don''t need to earn money to support your family. You can go to the school and major you like. When the timees, I''ll ask my agent, Mr. Balmond, to look for one. He''s an expert in Europe."
In the next few days, Wang Feng followed his mother to visit several rtives in the town. When everyone saw Wang Feng, they all praised Wang Feng for his career. Several uncles were also fans and asked Wang Feng to sign a ball. They talked about football for a long time.
The Asian Cup is about to start, and an uncle said angrily: "We, Afeng, are also yers who have studied abroad, and our performance is so good. The national team has not recruited you. I don''t know what we are doing." Wang Feng can only say that he was still very young, and there will be more opportunities in the future.
Not long after returning home, his younger sister also came home from school. Wang Feng was surprised to find a petite girl standing behind her, with only a small head showing, and big watery eyes, looking at Wang Feng curiously.
After the girl noticed Wang Feng''s gaze, she shrank her head back with a flushed face. The younger sister grabbed the girl behind her and said, "Yaoyao, don''t you want to meet my brother, this is my brother Wang Feng."
Only then did Wang Feng see the girl in front of him clearly. She was rtively petite, with long ck hair, a trace of baby fat on her face, and a pair of clear big eyes, as if she could speak.
The younger sister introduced again: "Brother, this is Lu Yao from our ss, she is your fan." She looked at Lu Yao and said, "Don''t you keep nagging me to bring you to see my brother, hurry up and say hello chant."
Lu Yao''s face seemed to be getting redder, and she stammered, "Brother Wang...Feng, I''m your fan, can you sign me?"
Wang Feng naturally satisfied the little fan''s wish with a smile, and then they sat on the sofa and chatted. After getting acquainted, Lu Yao''s mood seemed to be less tense, and Wang Feng also understood why there were such a small female fan. It turns out that her father is a die-hard football fan.
Ever since Wang Feng became famous, Lu Yao''s father has been surrounded by Wang Feng. The family has collected a lot of his information and media reports, and Lu Yao will alsoe into contact with some. Gradually, she was also attracted by Wang Feng''s excellent performance.
Chapter 35: Transfer situation and Genk鈥檚 new lineup
Chapter 35: Transfer situation and Genk''s new lineup
In China, Wang Feng did not ck off on his training. He would go downstairs every morning for physical training and ball-handling exercises. Not long after, agent Francisco Balmond came to China, apanied by a French trainer, Abel Le Goff.
Le Goff is very experienced. He has served as a team trainer in Ligue 1 clubs such as Marseille and Nice, and has also coached Emmanuel-Laurent-Pettit, Youri-Djorkaeff, etc. Professional training of French stars.
Le Goff said: "Wang, I have watched your game. I am very interested in your physical condition. I will formte a special training n for you. I am most curious about the improvement effect in the future."
So Wang Feng couldn''t wait to rent a well-equipped gymnasium in the provincial capital city, with various fitness equipment and a small swimming pool. ording to Legoff, swimming is also one of the important means of physical exercise.
At the same time, Legoff also formted a set of special fitness recipes for Wang Feng. Wang Feng needs to strictly follow the recipes for every meal, drink, and even how much he eats. Wang Feng was fine, but his mother muttered: "Ah Feng, can these foods be nutritious enough? Can''t I cook something delicious for you?" Wang Feng had no choice but to exin to her that this is a job and he needed self-discipline.
While Wang Feng was practicing hard, the summer transfers in European football were in full swing. The most shocking news was that Portuguese superstar Luis Figo transferred from Barcelona to rival Real Madrid for 56.1 million euros which set a new transfer fee record.
Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez said that the transfer of Figo is just the beginning, "We willunch a n to introduce a superstar in one year and build a gxy of football."
This transfer also made the Spanish media collectively boil, especially the media in the Catn Autonomous Region. "Mundo Deportivo"mented that it was "shameful betrayal", and "Daily Sports" believed that "this behavior is uneptable." Many Barcelona fans took to the streets to insult and protest Figo''s transfer.
Of course, as the mouthpiece of Real Madrid, "Marca" also responded immediately: "There is no problem with Figo''s transfer. Barcelona chairman Nunez does not want to renew Figo''s contract. They did not give enough respect to the superstar."
"Aspen" further reported that Rivaldo, who had just been selected as the 1999 European Footballer of the Year and World Footballer of the Year, also encountered difficulties in the contract renewal negotiations with Barcelona. "Nunez and Barcelona don''t know how to give Stars respect, there will not be a home for superstars."
When La Liga was making a fuss about Figo''s transfer, there was also heavy news in Serie A. Hernan Crespo transferred from Parma to Lazio at a sky-high price of 54.16 million euros. This news also detonated the Italian football world. If it were not for Figo''s transfer, this transfer would be the most expensive transfer of the year.
Wang Feng just nced at these important transfer news, and stopped paying attention. He was more concerned about Genk''s actions, which would directly affect the team''s performance next season.
After Caspar nche went to Bundesliga Cologne, Adrian Gale also went to Braga, the main striker is only Wang Feng, and several generals in the midfield and defense have also left one after another. As expected, Genk''s lineup was almost entirely reorganized.
However, in order to achieve next season''s results, especially in the UEFA Europa League, club manager Bill Albert also went all out. He spent a lot of money on loan from Premier League Aston Vi to central defender Gareth Barry. The Ennd teenager made his debut in 1998 and has been performing well.
Genk and Ajax are also actively negotiating. It is expected to loan Romanian defender Christian Chivu, who shined in the European Championship. The only problem is the yer''s own willingness. He is eager to y at a higher level. But, after Albert negotiated with him personally and gave him a promise of sry and time limit, the Romanian finally agreed.
In addition, Genk has also introduced several experienced midfielders, most of whom are on loan. Many teams and yers are also willing to train for a season. In the new season, Genk will focus on defense, and then use Wang Feng as the sharp knife. In this case, the requirements for Wang Feng''s offensive ability will be even greater.
Renee Delvaux switched to Francisco Balmond, and relied on his operation to sign Genk in the form of a free transfer. Although he is not very hardworking, his original strength is definitely underestimated. In Virton, he didn''t even get to the main force, so he waspletely underappreciated.
When Wang Feng heard the news, he was very happy for him. He immediately called and talked with Renee for a long time. Renee nned to put away hiszy character and work hard.
After a period of special training, Wang Feng obviously felt that his physical strength was better, his muscles were stronger, his explosive power seemed to have been further improved, and he was more confident about the new season.
After training, he will also spend some time with his family. After all, after the start of the season, he will not be able to see them for almost a year. During this period, he also discovered a miraculous phenomenon, that is, his younger sister''s ssmate Lu Yao, who seemed to be there every time he went home, but after seeing Wang Feng, her cheeks were often flushed, very cute.
The days of reunion are always very short. In early July, Genk began to assemble for summer training. Wang Feng bid farewell to his family and embarked on a journey again.
When Wang Feng arrived in Genk, Belgium, it was alreadyte at night, but the club still sent a special car to wait at the airport. After receiving Wang Feng, they sent him to the dormitory. Balmond and Legoff, who were traveling with Wang Feng, left separately. Le Goff will follow Wang Feng to y home and away games, and formte training ns in real time.
Early the next morning, Wang Feng came to the club to report. First, he had to undergo aprehensive physical examination. Various data including weight and body fat showed that Wang Feng''s physical condition was very good, not at all like returning from vacation.
"It seems that you have been training continuously during the holidays, and your physical condition is very good," the team doctor said happily. This report should be passed on to the head coach and the team''s top management, and they should be very relieved.
"Yes, I hired a professional trainer to guide my training." Wang Feng replied. The team doctor nodded. This is verymon for professional athletes. He said that he would activelymunicate and cooperate with Wang Feng''s trainer to jointly manage Wang Feng''s training.
"You are just 17 years old, your body and skills are all in a stage of rapid progress, we will customize a growth n for you, don''t worry." The team doctor smiled and patted Wang Feng''s shoulder, and Wang Feng nodded vigorously.
Back in the locker room, Wang Feng changed into his sportswear and came to the training ground. At this time, several young yers were already training. They all greeted Wang Feng when they saw him.
Wang Feng''s wonderful performancest season haspletely conquered them, and ording to the coach''s tactical arrangement, Wang Feng will be Genk''s core yer, and it is most people''s choice to establish a good rtionship with him in advance. As for Bobby April, who was unhappy with Wang Fengst season, he has been transferred back to the youth team because he cannot rece Wang Feng.
The team captain for the new season is still Aaron Abigail. He had a chance to transfer to the Eredivisie, but he has yed for Genk for many years and already has feelings, and going to the Eredivisie, he may not be able to y for the main force, so he stayed.
Abigail introduced Wang Feng''s new teammates, first of all Gareth Barry, who is a head taller than Wang Feng and has a strong body. His several years of Premier League career have given him outstanding confrontation ability.
When Christian Chivu was introduced, Wang Feng could not help but look at him a few more times. It is rumored that many teams in Serie A are very interested in him, but he did not expect Albert to be able to use him.
Wang Feng watched several of his games. On the defensive end, Chivu was very active in fighting, with outstanding awareness and positioning. On the offensive end, his long passes and headers were quite threatening.
After exchanging a few simple greetings, everyone dispersed for warm-up training. Wang Feng has a good impression of the new yers. Compared with the yers who left the team, their level is not inferior. It seems that the team manager is determined to achieve results.
Chapter 36: A good start to the new season
Chapter 36: A good start to the new season
Wang Feng is sitting in the locker room at the Henkrominus Arena, sorting out his sneakers for thest time. Tonight they will usher in the first round of the League One against Lokeren.
In the few warm-up games that have ended, a series of problems of Genk have also been fully exposed, such as theck of running-in of the yers, the disconnection of the midfield and the front court, etc. The time for the formation of the new lineup was still too short.
"The yers of the two teams, led by the referee, are slowly entering the stadium. The fans of the home team immediately gave warm apuse. Genk''s performance in the second half ofst season was so good that many fans ced high hopes on them."
"The fans held up the sign with Wang Feng''s name on it, cheering for him. It''s unimaginable that a 17-year-old boy has be the number one star of the League One. I wonder if he can continue the miraculous performance ofst season? "
With the whistle of the referee, the game officially began.
Karl Bess quickly kicked the ball to Gareth Barry, who then passed back to the defense. Genk did not rush to attack at the beginning of the game, but waited for an opportunity in the backcourt.
Lokeren pressed forward as a whole, trying to take advantage of Genk''s unstable foothold tounch a wave of offensive.
After several passes, Christian Chivu made a precise through pass from the backcourt and found Wang Feng in the midfield.
Bess and Wang Feng had a very good understanding. Seeing this, he directly lobbed the ball, crossed Lokeren''s defense line, and fell behind him.
After Wang Feng caught up with the ball, Lokeren''s defenders followed him one position behind. So Wang Feng made a pass to the back point, followed by Barry and hit the ball directly, and the ball flew out against the crossbar.
"This shot is extremely threatening, but it''s a pity that Barry didn''t stop his foot and hit it high in the end. It would be better if he could stop the ball and adjust it." This shot also made Lokeren''s yers and coaches break out in a cold sweat.
Genk''s sharp counterattack also made Lokeren''s defense gradually shrink, and Wang Feng''s defense became tighter. With the experience ofst season, Wang Feng was firm in his mind, constantly interspersed and moved, waiting for space.
In the 29th minute, with a long pass from the backcourt, Barry headed the ball to Wang Feng who was in the front. Facing the iing ball, Wang Feng dunked with his left foot, dodging the defensive yer who was pressing forward.
Wang Feng then dribbled the ball into the penalty area, faced the goalkeeper, and calmly volleyed from the far corner.
"goooooooooooal! Wang Feng from Genk broke through the opponent''s gate first."
"This is also Genk''s first goal of the season. The 17-year-old has continued his fiery performancest season and has be the most threatening striker in the league."
After Wang Feng scored a goal, he quickly turned around and rushed out of the field, came to the stands, celebrated with his hands pointing at the sky, and epted the cheers of the Genk fans. The other team members who arrived afterward also rushed forward and surrounded him.
"Before the game, there were still many media spections that Genk let go of the strikers Caspar nche and Adrian Gale this summer. It is difficult for Wang Feng to control the overall situation. Now this kind of doubt can be stopped. Only 29 minutes, Wang Feng created two good chances to score goals and seized one of them."
After leading 1:0, Wang Feng was obviously not satisfied. He clearly felt that Genk still had the ability to score goals again, and Lokeren''s defensive concentration also dropped a lot after breaking the deadlock.
Only 6 minutester, Genk made aeback. After receiving a through ball from Bess on the right, Wang Feng shook off the defender and quickly dribbled the ball into the penalty area. Rolling to the back point, the follow-up teenager Jason Aldridge pushed the ball from close range and sent the ball into the goal of Lokeren.
After scoring the goal, Aldridge looked very excited. This was his first start on behalf of Genk, and he scored a goal. It can be said that it was a perfect start.
Genk, who was leading by two goals, yed more and more smoothly. At the end of the first half, Barry suddenly dribbled the ball and broke through after taking the ball in midfield, attracting the attention of the defenders, and then returned the follow-up Bess near the top of the arc. After receiving the ball, Bess quickly crossed the penalty area diagonally at 45 degree angles.
A figure sprang out from the defensive team. It was Wang Feng. After he got the ball in the penalty area, he made a slight adjustment and hit the ball directly. The ball went straight to the near corner of the goal, 3:0! Wang Feng scored twice!
In the end, the score was maintained until the end. On the second day after the first round of the match, major Belgian media reported on the results of the teams in the Ligue 1. Among them, Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Standard Liege, and Genk naturally became the focus of attention.
These teams lived up to the name of the strong teams, and all won. Among them, Anderlecht swept Zult-Waregem 5-0, and Jan Koller scored three goals alone, showing his strength to the world.
Genk lost its championship team this summer. Although it has been strengthened, its strength will definitely decline. Many people predicted that its first game will be very difficult, but they did not expect that they would be able to beat their oponents so easily.
"Wang Feng continued his crazy performance fromst year in this game. He scored twice to help Genk beat the opponent. He was also named the best yer in the game."
"This year''spetition for the Golden Boot should be fierce."
"The surprise is that Genk''s defense seems to have be very stable. After the summer, they gambled on a loan from Ajax for Christian Chivu, the defense that was criticizedst season has been greatly improved."
"Genk, who is both good in offense and defense, will be a strong contender for the League Championship this season. I also look forward to their sess in the European arena."
After the first round, Genk breathed a sigh of relief, and the team gave everyone a two-day holiday. Renee invited Wang Feng to go back to Virton together and have a meal with his former friends, Wang Feng readily epted.
Virton manager Theron Hodum had called Wang Feng before, hoping to use his name for publicity. Wang Feng naturally agreed to this request. After all, he also came out of Virton''s youth training. How can he not help?
Hodum''s mood can only be described as regret, he shouldn''t have sold Wang Feng for cheap, who would have thought that his current value would soar like a rocket. Especially after Paris Saint-Germain offered 8 million euros, he regretted it even more.
ording to Renee, since Virton established Wang Feng as a model, they have attracted many young yers to join, and there are also some people with outstanding talents. The head coach Mette Magritte is bold. Using neers, from the end ofst season to the beginning of this season, the team''s performance is not bad. Although there is still a certain distance from the top, but after a few years of umtion, there is a good chance that they will go up to League One.
When Wang Feng came to Virton''s training ground, many yers from the youth training gathered around him, wanting to take a group photo with this hot star in the league. Wang Feng smiled and fulfilled their requests one by one.
The head coach Magritte came over: "Wang, thanks to you, Virton has be more lively." After that, he looked Wang Feng up and down, "Your progress has been leaps and bounds, and it seems like a change in less than a year. I can''t even recognize you any more."
Wang Feng smiled and said a few words modestly, and went to the dining ce with everyone, a small local bar in Virton, where food and drinks were provided. Almost all of Virton''s team members were present for this dinner, even Paul Chuck was here.
He took the initiative to walk to Wang Feng''s side and apologized for his previous discriminatory words and deeds. Wang Feng epted his apology, and the two smiled to end their grievances. Chuck sighed in his heart that he and Wang Feng might not have any intersections in this life, and Wang Feng would only go higher and higher. The gap between him and himself would be wider and wider.
After Wang Fengmunicated with his former teammates, he was also full of embarrassment.
''Once upon a time, I just wanted to be the main yer in Virton and earn a little money to subsidize my family, but who would have thought that I would be able to y in the League One and get money that many people would never earn in their lifetime.''
He is very thankful that he has been working hard and never ckened, and he will never ck in the future, because he knows that once something is given up, it will never be found again.
Early the next morning, the two returned to Genk, and Wang Feng also started his own training n.
Chapter 37: Hurt ?
Chapter 37: Hurt ?
In the second round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk went on the road to challenge Charleroi. In the 11th minute of the game, the home team passed the ball to the front, but without a good opportunity, they had to pass it back. At this moment, Gareth Barry suddenly rushed out to pressurize, catching the Charleroi center-back off guard, who could only turn around to protect the ball and then pass it to the side.
The hurried passcked enough power, rolling only halfway before gradually stopping. Another Charleroi center-back was surprised and hurried to the ball, but someone was faster than him. Wang Feng rushed to the ball like a cheetah hunting for prey, and with a flick of his toe, he avoided the opponent''s tackle.
"Charleroi''s yer made a mistake in passing, and Wang Feng sessfully intercepted the ball, separating from the defender beautifully! He advances with the ball, very fast! Let''s see Genk''s counterattack."
"Barry and Bess in the middle are also advancing quickly. A three-on-three situation has formed in the frontcourt. Let''s see how Wang Feng handles this ball."
"Wang Feng is preparing to cross. Beautiful! Not a cross, Wang Feng uses a fake to dodge the defender, enters the penalty area, and faces the goalkeeper directly. He shoots!"
"Goooooooal! The ball is in! Genk takes the lead."
"Let''s take a look at the rey. Wang Feng''s fake pass and dribble were executed perfectly. He pretended to shoot with his right foot for a cross, then, as the defender shifted his weight, he suddenly used the inside of his foot to dribble the ball to the left and broke through."
"The whole move was smooth and flowing, fantastic!"
"In the 11th minute, Genk took the lead. Are they going to replicatest week''s big win? We''ll have to wait and see."
Just as the entire Genk team was excited, in the 27th minute of the first half, as Wang Feng was about to start with the ball, Charleroi defender Etienne Sibere directly flew in with a sliding tackle. The sturdy cleats did not touch the ball butnded on Wang Feng''s ankle.
He felt a sharp pain and fell to the ground, realizing clearly that he was injured! Genk''s yers angrily surrounded the fouling yer, and Barry even pushed him hard, showing great anger. The scene became chaotic. The head coach saw Wang Feng painfully lying on the ground, holding his ankle, and his heart sank. He immediately called for the team doctor.
After the team doctor came to Wang Feng''s side and saw his leg grazed by cleats, bleeding, and his ankle swelling up, he couldn''t help but feel bad. If the injury was serious, he would be sidelined for at least a month, possibly even the whole season.
The team doctor called for everyone to urgently treat Wang Feng''s wound and used a stretcher to carry him off the field, signaling the head coach to make a substitution.
"We can see that the Charleroi defender Sibere who just tackled has been shown a red card, and Genk''s Barry, due to an irrational physical action, has been cautioned with a yellow card."
"The coach is preparing for a substitution. It seems that Wang Feng''s injury is quite serious. Let''s take another look at this foul. Sibere clearly aimed at Wang Feng''s foot. This is an obvious malicious foul, and the red card is unquestionable."
At this moment, Wang Feng felt anxious. Could his injury be serious? Just then, a warmth emanated from his treated ankle, and the pain gradually subsided. Instead, there was afortable sensation, like soaking in warm water.
The swelling gradually went down, but since Wang Feng''s leg was wrapped inyers, it went unnoticed. Feeling the changes in his body, Wang Feng understood that his major injury had healed.
Wang Feng was immediately taken to the hospital for further detailed examination, but the result was surprising. Besides the superficial abrasions, everything else was normal.
The team doctor couldn''t help but mutter to himself, "I clearly saw Wang''s foot swollen quite a bit. Could it be that I was biased and felt it was serious, so I had an illusion?"
However, Wang Feng was still not allowed to leave the hospital. The club wanted to conduct aprehensive examination of his foot to prevent hidden injuries. Wang Feng had no choice but to watch Genk''s second half game on the TV in the ward.
Without Wang Feng, Genk''s defense was resolute, butcking an attacking focal point, they were pressed back into their half by Charleroi. Finally, in the 77th minute, Charleroi''s right winger intercepted the ball in midfield and swiftly broke through Genk''s defense line, passing low to the center in the penalty area, where another yer mmed the ball into the.
1-1, the home team equalized!
"This goal is very fatal. Genk should stabilize their position as soon as possible."
"We can see that the coach on the sidelines keeps urging the yers to remain calm and not lose their positions."
"Charleroi''s yers look very excited. This goal greatly boosted their morale. Will they overtake the score?"
When the referee blew the final whistle, the whole Charleroi stadium erupted in apuse. Although the score remained 1-1 until the end, the aggressive attack by the home team in the second half surprised the fans.
At the same time in other matches, all the strong teams won. Therefore, with four points from two rounds, Genk dropped to fifth ce. The coach was not too concerned about the current ranking; his primary concern was Wang Feng''s injury, so he immediately contacted the hospital staff.
Knowing that Wang Feng was fine and would most likely not miss the next game, he breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly, with or without Wang Feng on the field, Genk was entirely different. The lineup of Genk this season was somewhat distorted, with the entire offense revolving around Wang Feng. Albert had taken a gamble.
This was an inevitable situation. Logically, Genk, having sent away most of its main yers, needed to rebuild. But Wang Feng definitely wouldn''t stay in the Belgian Pro League for long. To maximize Wang Feng''s value, they chose this strategy.
At the post-match press conference, the main questions focused on Wang Feng''s injury. "Wang is fine. We sent him to the hospital for a detailed examination, and the results showed that his injury is not very serious, so he won''t miss the next game," Anthony said.
"But that foul was definitely malicious. We cannot overlook the seriousness of that foul just because Wang is physically okay or lucky. We will formally submit an application to the Football Association to request additional punishment for Etienne Sibere."
When asked about the vastly different performance of Genk in the second halfpared to the first, Anthony exined: "Wang is undoubtedly the offensive core of Genk, and we also arrange the training in this way."
"After Wang left the field, the other yers'' offensive cooperation was not good enough. But don''t forget, we are still a newly reorganized team. I believe that with some time, the yers can do better."
In the interview, Charleroi''s head coach denied the malicious nature of Sibere''s foul. "It was a mistake. We all know that tackling is to steal the ball from the opponent''s feet. And Sibere has already paid for his mistake."
"A red card and a suspension for the next round, this is the most reasonable punishment. I don''t think the Football Association will add further punishment. Wang Feng is certainly a difficult opponent, but we yed more methodically in the second half. Even if Wang Feng was on the field, we would have had the upper hand."
Chapter 38: Ball stop training
Chapter 38: Ball stop training
The next day, major media outlets all reported on the game, focusing on that foul and Genk''s poor performance in the second half.
"Sports News" imed that the foul vited the spirit of sportsmanship, stating, "Our football association cannot tolerate such behavior."
"The Latest News Report" argued that Sibo clearly targeted the yer, saying, "ording to thetest news from the hospital, aside from a bit of superficial injury, Wang is fine. Genk''s fans should breathe a sigh of relief. But is Wang made of steel? If it were any other yer receiving such a blow, it wouldn''t be so simple."
"The Standard Report" couldn''t deny that Wang Feng was subjected to a malicious foul, as the cameras clearly captured it. However, they shifted focus, criticizing Genk''s performance, stating, "Without Wang Feng on the field, they were like a group of headless flies. Such performance cannot support a championship bid. Bill Albert''s summer transfer strategy was aplete blunder."
The Belgian Football Association imposed additional penalties on Sibo, suspending him for three games. This was considered justice for Wang Feng, sending a message to those who want to maliciously target him, making them understand the consequences of their actions.
In the third round of the Jupiler Pro League, Genk faced Westerlo at home. Despite the team doctor confirming Wang Feng''s injury wasn''t serious, head coach Aimee Antonis still ced him on the bench, with the rest of the lineup identical to the previous game.
Just eleven minutes into the game, Westerlo scored through a quick attack, taking the lead. For a while after that, Genk''s offense struggled, and the situation on the field became increasingly dangerous.
Antonis couldn''t bear it any longer. Shortly after the start of the second half, he substituted Wang Feng. The anxious home fans erupted in excitement, finally having the chance to release their pent-up emotions. They stood up and cheered for Wang Feng.
Less than two minutes after Wang Feng came on, he created a great opportunity. Carl Bess sent a curved ball to the wing from the front court, and Wang Feng, using his speed, got to the ball before the defender, who was near the goal line.
He then used his right foot to pull the ball back,pleting a quick stop-and-turn. The defender couldn''t maintain his bnce, appearing quite embarrassed and leaving a significant gap. Wang Feng seized the opportunity, using his left foot to pass to Gareth Barry in front of the penalty area, who easily shot and scored.
Genk equalized!
Just nine minutester, Genk struck again, producing a cleverbination in the front court. Bess passed the ball to Wang Feng, who received it from behind. With no good position, Wang Feng immediately passed it back and moved forward to evade the defense. Bess received the ball again and passed it to Wang Feng once more, forming a two-on-one situation.
Wang Feng had already reached the edge of the small penalty area after several passes. Facing the defense, he calmly shot with his left foot into the left corner of the, making it difficult for the goalkeeper to save.
2-1, Genk turned the score around! Ultimately, thanks to Wang Feng''s assist and goal, Genk secured a valuable 3 points at home.
At the same time, Anderlecht and Club Brugge also won their respective matches, while Standard Liege unexpectedly lost to Lierse. As a result, Genk climbed to 3rd ce in the league, closely trailing the leaders.
After the match against Westerlo, many media outlets finally believed that Wang Feng''s injury was not a problem. They couldn''t help but marvel at Wang Feng''s resilience, even in the face of the malicious foul recognized by the Football Association.
Next, Genk will face Anderlecht away, a crucial battle between two teamspeting for the championship.
Anderlecht coach Edgar Weiss was extremely troubled. When facing Anderlecht, Wang Feng was like a man possessed, scoring five goals in thest two encounters of the previous season. No matter how they defended, they couldn''t stop him.
Despite their perfect record so far this season, Weiss knew thatpared tost season, Anderlecht''s overall strength had declined. During the summer transfer window, they sold several key yers. This was amon problem in the second-tier league: relying on yer sales to increase revenue. If not for Weiss''s strong opposition and efforts to retain yers like Jan Koller, he would have been sold as well.
Wang Feng naturally had no idea about Weiss''s concerns. He was currently undergoing special training with Bess and Civu. Since Civu joined the team, Wang Feng had happily discovered that his passing was very precise and often had surprising effects.
Wang Feng felt that his ball control skills limited his performance. While he was good at stopping the ball with his feet, he struggled with body control. Even his best chest trap only reached the state of stopping the ball without errors. So, he wanted Civu to pass the ball while he practiced controlling it during movement, benefiting both of them.
Bess had been Wang Feng''s training partner for a long time. Since nc left, it had only been Bess apanying Wang Feng in training. Later, Wang Feng persuaded Civu to join, and since Civu was young and eager to improve, he couldn''t refuse.
The three trained untilte at night before going to eat together. The night in Genk seemed very quiet. They found a small restaurant and chatted while eating.
Civu said, "I wasn''t nning toe to Genk. My dream was to join a Serie A team. Several clubs were already scouting me."
"But Genk manager Bill Albert personally approached me and said that Genk would make history under your leadership, and this season, I would highlight my own value." Civu looked at Wang Feng and said, "I didn''t really believe it at first, but after ying a few games with you, I no longer doubt it."
"Wang, your ability definitely exceeds the level of the Jupiler Pro League. Even in my former club Ajax, I couldn''t find a striker better than you. The Jupiler Pro League has too little exposure in Europe, even inferior to the Eredivisie. After this season, seek a higher tform. Paris would be a great choice, right? Their sincerity is very high." Wang Feng thought to himself, "In any case, this season, I must help Genk deliver good results and not let down the trust of the club''s management and fans."
The match between Anderlecht and Genk garnered the attention of all Belgian media, with Wang Feng vs. Jan Koller being a topic of much discussion. This season, Wang Feng had already scored 4 goals, demonstrating terrifying efficiency, and currently led the scoring charts, whilest season''s Golden Boot winner, Jan Koller, had also scored 3 goals.
Chapter 39: Victory once again
Chapter 39: Victory once again
On thest weekend of August 2000, the Brussels Van den Stock Stadium was packed to capacity. With the sound of the main referee''s whistle, this highly anticipated match officially began.
Wang Feng returned to the starting lineup for this match, looking extremely excited. Shortly after the start, he actively retreated to receive the ball, then shook off a defender and took a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but unfortunately, the ball went over the crossbar.
This kind of offensive threat created through individual ability greatly boosted the team''s morale. Genk also took the initiative andunched a fierce attack against Anderlecht.
In the forward line, both Wang Feng and Jason Aldridge were young yers with explosive speed, taking turns to challenge Anderlecht''s defense. In midfield, Carl Bess and Gareth Barry were responsible for organizing the attack, supplying balls, while the rest of the team actively fought for defense.
In order topete for this season''s league championship, Genk showed a determination to win.
In the tenth minute, Wang Feng received a through ball from Barry on the right and turned to sprint along the nk. Utilizing his speed, he broke through two defenders and then cut inside, nearing the edge of the penalty area.
Facing the tight marking from the Anderlecht defender, Wang Feng calmly pushed the ball forward, sessfully rolling past the defender. However, the defender resorted to a foul, pulling Wang Feng''s shirt and causing him to lose bnce and fall to the ground.
"The main referee blows the whistle. This is an obvious foul for pulling. We can see that yer number 13, Bob Jones, has received a yellow card, and Genk has been awarded a set-piece near the edge of the penalty area."
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Indeed, this decision is beyond dispute. If Wang Feng had been a little further forward, he would have entered the penalty area, and a foul there would have resulted in a penalty kick."
"From this y, we can see that Wang Feng''s speed is at a dominant level, and his sprinting down the nk is unstoppable."
As Bess walked up to take the free kick, preparing to strike the ball, Civu also approached. The two of them whispered together for a while, only taking their positions after the opponent had set up the defensive wall, standing side by side, making it unclear who would take the shot.
Meanwhile, Wang Feng was roaming inside the penalty area, looking for an opportunity. Although he had never scored with a header before, his recent training in ball control using various parts of his body had given him a deeper understanding of heading.
With the referee''s whistle, Bess and Civu began their run-up, and the air both inside and outside the field seemed to freeze.
As the two Genk yers ran up to take the free kick, the attacking yers also followed suit. The main defender marking Wang Feng was a small-sized center-back, and since Wang Feng had never demonstrated a threat with his head, Anderlecht did not pay much attention to defending against him.
However, the defender did not let his guard down. He tightly grabbed Wang Feng''s shirt and hurriedly followed him as Wang Feng started moving, but he was blocked by Aldridge along the way, causing him to lose his grip on Wang Feng''s shirt.
At the penalty spot, Bess quickly ran up but did not touch the ball. Instead, Civu, who followed closely behind, directly kicked the ball. The ball quickly rose and flew towards the penalty area.
After shaking off the defender with a pick and roll, Wang Feng watched the trajectory of the iing ball while judging itsnding spot. With chaos in the penalty area, no one noticed that there was no one marking Wang Feng.
As the ball flew into the penalty area, it suddenly dropped with great speed, catching many yers off guard. With his senses already in position, Wang Feng leaped high, exerting force from his waist and abdomen, and headed the ball directly into the.
With the force applied to the ball, its trajectory changed instantly, directly piercing into the near the goal. The goalkeeper stretched sideways, extending his arms as far as possible, but it was still beyond his reach.
"Goooooooooooal! In the eleventh minute, Genk''s Wang Feng scored with a header, opening the scoring for the team."
"This is also his first headed goal in his professional career. Let''s congratte this seventeen-year-old youngster; his attacking methods have be more diverse."
As Wang Fengnded, he ignored the dumbfounded defenders around him, quickly turned and rushed out of the field, raising both hands to the sky, celebrating his goal.
Behind him, his teammates also followed suit, embracing him in celebration.
"This was a set-piece cooperation in the frontcourt by Genk. Civu delivered a high-quality pass, and Wang Feng leaped high in the penalty area to head the ball into the from close range, scoring his fifth league goal of the season."
"From the slow-motion rey, Genk''s set-piece cooperation was very ingenious, and Aldridge''s screen was perfectly timed, creating a gap for Wang Feng without any marking."
"Wang Feng''s header was also remarkable. His jumping ability was amazing, reaching his knees near the chest of the defending yer after jumping, and the angle of his header was very tricky. Although the goalkeeper tried his best to save the ball, he was powerless."
"With Wang Feng''s current hot form, I wonder if Anderlecht''s yers are recallingst season''s Belgian Cup final, haunted by Wang Feng''s shadow."
The first half ended with Genk leading 1-0. Not long after the second half began, it was Wang Feng again who created an opportunity near the edge of the penalty area. Receiving the ball with his back to the goal, he turned and passed it to the right nk. Wang Feng sprinted past the defender, and with a back-heel shot, the ball found the.
2-0! Wang Feng scored his second goal!
In the 78th minute, Bess seized an opportunity for a quick counterattack and urately found Wang Feng in the frontcourt. Wang Feng used a step-over to shake off the defender on the wing before delivering a cross. Barry, following up near the penalty spot, scored, virtually sealing the victory for Genk.
In the final moments, Anderlecht managed to pull one back through Jan Koller, avoiding a clean sweep. The final score settled at 3-1, with Genk taking all three points.
After this match, Genk climbed to the top of the Jupiler Pro League standings, leading Anderlecht by one point. Wang Feng, who contributed two goals and an assist, once again won the appreciation of the major Belgian media.
Team manager Albert said in an interview: "So far, Wang Feng has been the best yer in the Jupiler Pro League. We are confident of achieving breakthrough results in both the league and the uing Europa League."
Anderlecht''s team manager added, "I regret missing out on a superstar. Yes, I believe Wang will definitely be a superstar."
He continued, "Our scouts have always had a good eye. They discovered Jan Koller, and now his value should have increased thirtyfold, but still not as much as Wang''s increase. When they told me Wang would be the next Jan Koller, or even better, I didn''t believe it. That was my mistake."
Moreover, many media outlets believe that after these few matches, Wang Feng''s performance has surpassed Jan Kollerprehensively, and since he is ten years younger than him, his future development will surely be even better.
Chapter 40: Training and investigation
Chapter 40: Training and investigation
On the second day at Genk, Wang Feng arrived at the training room as usual in the morning, first heading to the gym for warm-up exercises. Afterpleting a full set of warm-up exercises, his personal trainer, Abel Le Goff, finally arrived.
"You just yed a full game against Anderlecht yesterday and must be tired from traveling. How did you manage to wake up so early for training?" Le Goff thought he had seen many yers, but he had never encountered anyone as dedicated and hardworking as Wang Feng.
"Perhaps it''s my love for football. I aspire to be stronger," Wang Feng replied with a smile. With that, he approached the equipment and began his strength training. At this stage, his physicality in duels was stillcking, so strength training was essential in Le Goff''s training n for him.
Of course, strength training alone wasn''t enough; it would make the muscles strong but stiff. It needed to beplemented with flexibility training, such as yoga. Only bybining the two could performance on the field be improved.
For Wang Feng, Le Goff''s training program and schedule were very reasonable, taking into ount his age and physical condition. His physique wouldn''t be distorted after training.
In the blink of an eye, the morning passed. Hepleted sets of bench presses, squats, deadlifts, and weightlifting, followed by a series of yoga poses to rx his muscles. After lunch, he would rest for two hours. Usually, Wang Feng would browse various news during this time, not just limited to football.
In the afternoon, swimming training was the main focus. Wang Feng used to be aplete novice in swimming, but since receiving training from Le Goff, he quickly learned to swim. He gradually enjoyed the feeling of being in the water, feeling rxed all over his body.
Today, the other yers would rest. Tomorrow, Bess and Civu woulde in the afternoon to practice passing skills together. Then, the whole team would start gathering for training the day after tomorrow, preparing for the weekend''s match. This was usually their weekly routine.
Of course, after training every day, Wang Feng would stay behind for extra practice, almost making it a habit. Sometimes, Le Goff found it unbelievable that a seventeen-year-old boy could resist various temptations and devote himself wholeheartedly to training.
Le Goff felt that guiding Wang Feng was much easierpared to before. Wang Feng was intelligent, and his control over his body was incredible. He could learn any training movement after being taught just once, and he alwayspleted Le Goff''s training n meticulously.
The umtion of daily training, Le Goff believed, would lead to limitless achievements for Wang Feng in the future.
While Genk was in training, outside the training ground, a group of fans would gather behind the wire fence to watch. They wore jerseys supporting their favorite yers and held up signs with words of encouragement. Since Wang Feng joined Genk, more and more fans supported him. So far, almost all the arriving fans wore Wang Feng''s jersey.
Sometimes, Wang Feng would greet them with a smile, eliciting cheers. There would even be fervent female fans shouting about having his babies, which made Wang Feng blush and his teammates burst intoughter.
Genk''s chairman, Kevin Bni, was apanying Rick Davies, an official from the Belgian Football Association, to watch Genk''s training from afar. The Belgian national team had performed poorly in the recently concluded European Championship. They barely made it through the group stage with one win and two losses.
The Football Association was dissatisfied with the current national team lineup, so they decided to scout outstanding young yers from various teams. At the same time, they wanted to hire Genk''s head coach, Aimee Antonis, as the national team coach.
Seeing the enthusiastic support for Wang Feng from Genk''s fans, Davies eximed, "I didn''t expect Wang Feng to be so popr among local fans."
Bni replied, "Yes,st season Genk relied on Wang Feng to emerge from the quagmire of failure and secure a ce in the Europa League and the Cup championship. And this season, Wang Feng''s performance has been perfect, so everyone likes him even more."
"Wang Feng has be the undisputed core of Genk. However, the opinions of local yers and some seasoned fans also need to be considered," Bni added. "Most of the leaders of the teams are local youth training yers, and foreign yers rarely take on such roles."
"A harmonious dressing room is also one of the important factors for the team''s sess. Fortunately, there is no bad news in Genk dressing room at the moment, and everyone admires Wang Feng''s diligence during training," Davies said in surprise. "Indeed, it''s not easy for him to be so disciplined at his age. Being famous at a young age without arrogance, I have even higher expectations for his future achievements."
With a hint of solicitation, he asked, "Bni, I remember Wang Feng has never yed for the Chinese national team, right? Can we recruit him into our national team?"
Bni smiled bitterly and said, "To be honest, before the start of the European Championship, someone hinted that I should sound out Wang Feng to see if he would be willing to represent Belgium in the matches. But he refused. He said he would only represent China in national team matches, even if he wasn''t called up."
Davies couldn''t help but feel regretful but quickly moved on to other topics, discussing the performances of other yers. The young forward Jason Aldridge caught their attention. He had scored two goals so far, both orchestrated by Wang Feng, but his ability to seize opportunities couldn''t be underestimated.
"Many teams are starting to pay attention to him. Youth is Aldridge''s biggest asset," Bni sighed. "It''s difficult for us to keep strong yers. Often, just as we cultivate them, we end up selling them off."
Davies said, "The level of the Belgian league is still too low. Not to mention the second-rate top leagues like the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Dutch Eredivisie; even the Scottish Premiership, Russian Premier League, and even the Austrian Bundesliga are stronger than us."
"Although cultivating good yers and selling them to other leagues is an important source of ie for you, it''s also necessary to differentiate and consider the circumstances. You can''t deplete your resources and cause a mass exodus of personnel," Davies said, and Bni nodded in agreement.
"You''ll sell Wang Feng this summer, right?" Davies asked curiously, and Bni nodded, "Originally, we nned to trade him during this summer''s transfer window, but Paris offered a price that was too high. However, Wang Feng himself was unwilling, and with Antonis'' active persuasion, he firmly believes that we will definitely make a breakthrough this season, so we halted the transfer."
"This season, Wang Feng has improved again, and his abilities have surpassed the level of the Belgian Pro League. I believe he also yearns to hone himself on a higher level tform. So far, several top clubs have contacted us, hoping to get Wang Feng."
Chapter 41: League in progress, start of the Europa League
Chapter 41: League in progress, start of the Europa League
Jupiler Pro League, Round 5, Genk hosted Ghent at home, and Wang Feng continued to start, with head coach Aime Antonis fully trusting him.
Ghent''s defense against Wang Feng was well-executed, focusing on marking and double-teaming strategies, preventing him from making sharp breakthroughs. However, due to Wang Feng attracting a lot of defensive attention, it created space for other yers to exploit.
Quickly, Gareth Barry assisted Jason Aldrich in scoring a goal, giving Genk the lead. Trailing, Ghent seemed a bit at a loss, wanting to continue pressuring Wang Feng, but other Genk yers kept creating dangerous situations. As the game approached the end, Wang Feng seized an opportunity for a quick counterattack, scoring another goal for Genk, securing the victory.
After the match, Wang Feng''s performance was unanimously recognized. Despite being closely marked, he didn''t lose heart. Instead, through continuous movements, he drew defensive attention, making other yers'' attacks more threatening. Finally, he seized a chance to convert into a goal, demonstrating exceptional efficiency.
Anderlecht and Club Brugge both won in this round, keeping close behind Genk, while Standard Lige drew 0-0 with Brussels, widening the gap with the top teams.
A weekter, in Round 6 of the Jupiler Pro League, Genk faced Kortrijk away. Just ten minutes into the game, Bess and Wang Feng staged a splendidbination, with Wang Feng''s shot opening the scoring for Genk.
Five minutester, Wang Feng struck again. Sessfully receiving the ball on the right nk, he faced the oing defender, skillfully dribbled past him, and then slotted the ball into the.
In the second half, Barry''s header in the penalty area set up a splendid assist for Wang Feng, who volleyed it into the,pleting a hat-trick.
In the end, Genk won 3-0 away, with Wang Feng scoring a hat-trick for the first time in this season, tallying 10 goals in 6 games, securing the top spot on the goal-scoring chart. The media hailed him as an attacking machine.
After this round, Genk still upied the top spot on the standings with an unbeaten record.
In Round 7 of the Jupiler Pro League, Genk yed at home against Lokeren. Due to the international break, several key yers including Barry and Civu were absent, forcing Genk to field a makeshift lineup.
The guests, struggling near the relegation zone, disyed unusual resilience, making it difficult for Genk to find effective attacking avenues. Wang Feng also found it challenging in the attacking third.
After withstanding Genk''s attacks, Lokeren relied on a defensive counterattack, resulting in a handball in Genk''s penalty area, leading to a penalty kick.
The away team''s captain made no mistake, giving Lokeren the lead. They then adopted a more conservative approach, with the entire team focusing on defending in the thirty meters in front of their penalty area.
In the 50th, 60th, 70th, and even the 80th minute, Genk failed to find a breakthrough. Wang Feng, feeling frustrated, kept running, waiting for an opportunity.
As the game entered stoppage time, Wang Feng received a pass on the right nk, then yed a one-two with Bess, cutting into the penalty area from the right. Simultaneously, Bess also yed a pass into the penalty area, reaching Wang Feng''s feet.
Wang Feng received the ball in the penalty area, feinted past a Lokeren defender with a fake move, then shot with power.
"Wang Feng receives the ball in the penalty area, feints past the defender, shoots directly, beautiful, goooooooooooooooal, it''s in!" After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t celebrate, quickly retrieving the ball from the guest team''s goal and running back to the center circle.
Unfortunately, time was not on their side. Shortly after Lokeren kicked off, the referee blew the final whistle.
In the end, Genk was held to a 1-1 draw at home by bottom-ranked Lokeren. After this round, Anderlecht took full three points, surpassing Genk to the top of the standings, while Genk slipped to second ce, with Club Brugge also closely following.
Genk received considerable skepticism from many media outlets after the game. Sports Bulletin stated that Genk''s squad depth was poor, and with several key yers missing, their strength had significantly diminished. This season, Genk would have topete in the league, cup, and Europa League, making it difficult to achieve good results.
Regarding Wang Feng''s crucial goal, most media outlets gave positive evaluations. Latest News Bulletin believed that Wang Feng''s spirit of perseverance was worth learning by everyone. "Until thest second, he never gave up on victory."
In Round 8 of the Jupiler Pro League, Genk challenged Cercle Brugge away, still with a depleted lineup.
After the game started, Wang Fengunched an attack. He forced a corner kick on the right nk and decided to take the corner kick himself. His curved ball found John Wilson, who hade on as a substitute for Barry, and he promptly scored, giving Genk the lead.
After scoring, Wilson remained standing in ce, not reacting, which amused Wang Feng. Wasn''t this exactly how he behaved when he scored his first goal? So he went forward and pulled Wilson, celebrating together with him.
Cercle Brugge had no choice but toe out and y, giving Genk more space to attack. In the 33rd minute, Wang Feng suddenly ran to the left to receive the ball, dribbled past two defenders, and entered the penalty area, skillfully evaded a defender, and then shot directly, scoring another goal for Genk.
The final score of 2-0 held until the end, with Genk securing valuable three points, still biting closely at the top of the standings alongside Anderlecht, while Club Brugge and Standard Lige were both held to draws, widening the gap with the top two.
The draw for the Europa League group stage also took ce this weekend, with Wang Feng, the coaching staff, and teammates gathering in the meeting room to watch the live draw.
Genk was drawn into Group B, along with Beitar Jerusalem from the Israeli Premier League, Br?ndby from the Danish Superliga, Espanyol from La Liga, and Lokomotiv Moscow from the Russian Premier League.
This draw was rtively favorable for Genk. In the Europa League format, the group stage adopts a single round-robin system, with the top three advancing to the round of 32. Beitar Jerusalem and Br?ndby are both rtively weak teams. Even though Espanyol and Lokomotiv Moscow are strong, Genk should ensure at least third ce in the group.
However, to avoid encountering top teams from the five major leagues in the round of 32, it would be best topete for higher rankings. Last season, Genk fell in the round of 32. This season, they must make a breakthrough.
In Round 9 of the Jupiler Pro League, Genk hosted Beveren at home, with yers returning from national team duty, but their form had not fully recovered.
The entire game was rtively dull, with the only notable moment urring in the 76th minute of the second half, when Wang Feng received the ball on the right nk, dribbled past two defenders, and delivered a cross. Barry, positioned in the center, scored, securing the victory for Genk.
Although Wang Feng didn''t score in this game, all of Genk''s threatening attacks were created by him, earning him unanimous praise from the media.
Following this match, Genk would travel to Israel to face Beitar Jerusalem.
Chapter 42: First Europa League match
Chapter 42: First Europa League match
After more than a dozen hours of traveling, Genk finally arrived in Israel. The yers were all exhausted, but they had very little time to rest as the match was scheduled for the next day.
This was also a new experience for Wang Feng, and he felt very tired. So, he canceled additional training and focused on recovering his energy through rest.
The next day at HaMoshava Stadium, the atmosphere wasn''t great as there were only scattered spectators in the stands. The match was scheduled for the afternoon, and the October weather in Israel was still very hot, making the Genk yers appear lethargic.
Petah Tikva Mabi took advantage of this opportunity tounch an aggressive attack from the start. Genk made a defensive error in the backline, allowing the home team''s forward to intercept the ball and score.
The sudden goal served as a wake-up call for the Genk yers. They quickly realized the importance of this match for their advancement and made adjustments to stabilize the situation.
In the 11th minute, Wang Feng made a forceful breakthrough on the right nk and delivered a cross. Gareth Barry headed the ball towards Jason Aldrich in the center, who struck a threatening low shot, but the Petah Tikva Mabi goalkeeper made an excellent save, deflecting the ball out for a corner.
Wang Feng took the resulting corner kick and urately found Christian Civu in the penalty area. Civu rose high for a header, but it narrowly missed the crossbar.
With two consecutive threatening attacks, Genk''s y became moreposed. They had a stronger overall strength than their opponents, and many yers were confident. They believed that they could quickly equalize the score due to having Wang Feng, the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League.
In the 31st minute, Genk executed a wall pass. Barry passed to Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area, who created a slight opening by obstructing a defender. Wang Feng noticed this opportunity and took a shot with his right foot.
"Wang Feng with the ball, let''s see what he does... He shoots! Goooooooooooooal! In the 31st minute, Genk equalizes the score!"
"We''re watching the slow-motion rey. Wang Feng''s ground shot seemed harmless, but it had a lot of power. The ball bounced slightly up and down on the pitch."
"The Petah Tikva Mabi goalkeeper was careless. He tried to save the ball with one hand, but it was already bouncing upward. After hitting his hand, the ball''s momentum remained, and it went straight into the."
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t celebrate but instead quickly retrieved the ball, intending to continue the attack. He didn''t want to settle for a draw.
The second goal came quickly. Just five minutester, Genk won the ball back in their own half. Civu passed to Bess in midfield, who saw Wang Feng near the edge of the arc. Bess sent a ground pass towards him.
Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal, drawing the attention of the defenders inside the penalty area. With a clever move, he flicked the ball with the tip of his right foot, lifting it over the defenders behind him.
At the same time, Wang Feng quickly turned around, evading the defender. The Petah Tikva Mabi defender hesitated, wanting to reach out and pull Wang Feng, but considering that he had entered the penalty area, he hesitated for a moment.
In that moment of hesitation from the defender, Wang Feng had already chased down the ball, creating a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper. With ease, he ced his shot into the corner.
2-1! Genk reversed the score!
Wang Feng, who scored twice, excitedly ran off the field, circling around the stands with both hands pointing to the sky. Now he could celebrate his goals without any reservations. Other teammates followed closely, intercepting Wang Feng and embracing him in celebration.
This goal was truly spectacr, even some of the home team''s fans in the stands apuded him.
In the second half, Genk didn''t give the home team any chances. In the 73rd minute, Barry assisted Aldrich for another goal, securing a 3-1 victory, Genk''s first win in the Europa League!
On the flight back to Genk, everyone discussed the just-ended match with smiles on their faces. Winning as expected was the first step towards sess.
Wang Feng, however, didn''t participate much in the conversation. He wasn''t ustomed to such long travels, so he fell asleep.
Back in Genkte at night, Wang Feng, despite feeling tired, arrived at the training ground early the next morning for recovery training. He needed to adapt quickly to the demands of such long-distance travel and ensure it didn''t affect his performance.
In the 10th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Standard Liege away. After discussions with the coaching staff, it was decided to forfeit the match, so most of the key yers, including Wang Feng, were left behind. The team fielded many new and substitute yers for the away game.
Wang Feng watched the entire match from the dormitory. Initially, Genk and Standard Liege were evenly matched, but due to the inexperience of the new yers, Genk soon fell behind.
In the 33rd and 57th minutes of the match, Standard Liege''s forward Davin Lisiki and defender Mon Alfonso respectively scored goals, handing Genk their first defeat of the season.
At the same time, Anderlecht''s 5-1 victory over Westerlo extended their lead over Genk. However, this was within the expectations of the coaching staff. With only one-third of the league yed, the final oue was still uncertain.
As the second Chinese yer to appear in the Europa League, Wang Feng was interviewed by Zhao Haiyang, a reporter from Sports Weekly.
"This was your first appearance in the Europa League, and you scored two goals to help the team win. How do you feel?" Zhao Haiyang asked.
"We faced a rtively weak team in Petah Tikva Mabi, so it was only natural for the team to win," Wang Feng replied. "This was just the group stage of the Europa League. For us, the real challenges wille from teams like Espanyol and Lokomotiv Moscow in the same group."
Zhao Haiyang then asked, "You''ve scored 12 goals in 10 league matches, leading the top scorer chart. What gives you such terrifying attacking power?"
Wang Feng smiled, "It''s not that big of a deal, actually. This season, Genk has set up the tactics around me as the focal point of the attack, so I''ve had a lot of opportunities. I''ve managed to convert many of them into goals."
"My teammates and I have good chemistry, and I also put in extra practice on my basic skills," Wang Feng added.
Zhao Haiyang nodded and then asked about Chinese yers ying abroad. Wang Feng believed that there were many benefits to ying abroad, such as exposure to advanced training methods and tactics, which could improve a yer''s ability to read the game.
"I think football should be yed with the mind, not just relying on physical strength," Wang Feng concluded. "And this is what ying abroad can bring to Chinese football."
Finally, the 2000 AFC Asian Cup was also underway in Lebanon. China made it through the group stage smoothly. Zhao Haiyang asked Wang Feng to predict how far the Chinese team could go.
"I''ve been following the group stage matches of the Chinese team, and several overseas yers have performed well," Wang Feng said. "But I''m not familiar with the level of Asian teams, so I''m not sure how far China can go."
Chapter 43: Ankle terminator
Chapter 43: Ankle terminator
In the 11th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk hosted Muskelon at home, and the home team fielded their full lineup, aiming for a victory.
Before the match, in the visiting team''s locker room, the Muskelon yers, who had just returned from the pre-match training on the field, were sitting upright in front of their lockers, looking up at the gray-haired head coach in front of them.
Ward Oll smiled at them and said, "Guys, don''t be so nervous, rx a bit." The rxed demeanor of the head coach quickly infected the Muskelon yers, and many of them no longer furrowed their brows.
Since the start of the season, Muskelon''s performance has been impressive. Currently ranked sixth in the league, they have a chance topete for a Europa League spot. They are a young team, and their aggression on the field is very strong.
In the past ten rounds of matches, they have won six of them, relying on the fighting spirit of their young yers and their desire for victory.
"Genk is indeed very strong, but we still have a chance." Oll said.
Many yers nodded in agreement. Genk struggledst season, and many key yers left the team this season. Although they have borrowed many promising yers from various leagues, adaptation is still an issue.
"The depth of Genk''s lineup is seriouslycking, and there is simply no way to support dual-line operations. That''s why they rotated in thest round and suffered a crushing defeat to Standard Liege. Although the main yers are back this round, their form is still hard to guarantee." Ward Oll said encouragingly, carefully prepared words.
Ward Oll is an old coach in the Belgian Pro League. His ying career was mediocre, and he quickly retired and began his coaching career as an assistant coach. He has worked for teams such as Beerschot and Charleroi, but has never achieved any notable results.
Last season, Muskelon narrowly avoided relegation, and the former coach was dismissed. Ward Oll took over the coaching reins in a crisis and was valued by the club''s management for his extensive coaching experience and ability to guide yers out of the shadow of the previous season''s failure.
"Genk''s biggest weapon is their striker, Wang Feng. We''ve already faced himst season, and I''ve watched his recent game footage. It seems like his skills have improved again. We need to be more cautious." Oll said.
Here, Oll looked at Muskelon defender Kiel Dolty. "I need you to closely mark Wang Feng, don''t let him use his speed and breakthrough advantage. That''s your only task."
"Anyway, Wang Feng is a seventeen-year-old Asian. Give him some physical confrontation, make full use of your physical advantage."
Kiel Dolty nodded solemnly, "Don''t worry, I''ll make him suffer."
"The midfielders and central defenders need to cooperate with Dolty''s left-wing defense, and decisively double-team when necessary. Anyway, in this match, we must freeze Wang Feng tightly, and not give him the slightest chance on the left wing."
"Believe me, as long as Wang Feng is frozen, Genk is a paper tiger, and we will definitely take all three points."
At the beginning of the match, Genk, as usual, relied on Wang Feng to organize the attack in the frontcourt. In this match, head coach Aimee Antonis still deployed a 4-4-2 formation.
Last season, Genk mainly used a 4-3-3 formation, with Wang Feng ying more as a winger. However, this season, due to insufficient personnel in the frontline, they switched to a 4-4-2 formation, and Wang Feng''s position in the frontcourt was not fixed. However, as he was a right-footed yer, he mainly operated on the right side.
Dolty had been closely marking Wang Feng, trying to suppress him with his physical attributes, regardless of whether the ball was in his possession or not.
But things didn''t seem as simple as he had imagined. In the 4th minute, after Bess passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right, Dolty squeezed up, with some small movements on his hands, trying to force Wang Feng to lose bnce and lose the ball.
But Wang Feng''s lower body was very stable, and his body didn''t move at all, firmly protecting the ball, and then he pushed the ball back with his left foot, leaning against Dolty and turning around quickly when he turned towards the goal, elerating suddenly, he quickly got rid of the defense.
Then Wang Feng dribbled the ball down the right nk, and Dolty could only chase from behind, but the gap in speed made them farther and farther apart, and soon they reached a body position.
Therefore, Wang Feng was able to easily cross, but unfortunately, Barry following up in the penalty area did not hit the target, and the ball slightly missed the post.
Dolty panted as he watched Wang Feng, his eyes full of incredulous expression. This kid looked very thin and weak, how could his physical confrontation be so strong?
What he did not know was that due to Wang Feng''s perseverance in training, his physical fitness and stamina had greatly improved. He also had a very keen sense, knowing which part of his body to use force with to give himself an advantage in physical confrontation.
Dolty gritted his teeth, even so, he didn''t believe he couldn''t handle a little kid.
Another attack by Genk, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to get the ball, dribbling the ball forward. Dolty observed the positions of other defensive yers on his team, which were reasonable, so he made a gesture for a double-team and stepped forward to press Wang Feng.
He thought Wang Feng would slow down a bit, but he didn''t expect him toe straight towards him. With a slight move of his left foot, Wang Feng pushed the ball slightly to the left, intending to cut inside, and Dolty hurriedly moved to block to the right.
But after Wang Feng''s left foot circled the ball, he flicked it to his right foot, then pushed with his right foot, breaking through the defense from the wing. This was a feint technique.
Dolty was greatly surprised, trying to twist his body to make up for his mistake, but unexpectedly stumbled with his left foot, losing his bnce and falling to the ground.
"We see this time, Wang Feng faced the defense with the ball, so fast, he shook off the opponent in an instant, the defending yer fell for a feint, lost his bnce, and reached the edge of the penalty area, shot!"
"Goooooooooooooooal, the ball''s in! In just the 11th minute of the match, Genk has opened the opponent''s goal."
"Wang Feng suddenly shot near the edge of the penalty area, this shot has a lot of power, with a downward trend in the air, the goalkeeper couldn''t react."
"Let''s take a look at the rey. Wang Feng''s dribble was very beautiful, a standard feint, easily getting past the defense, before other defenders could block, he decisivelyunched a world-ss shot."
Kiel Dolty sat on the ground, looking helplessly at Wang Feng celebrating on the sidelines. His physical fitness was so good, his technical skills were good, it was like he was cheating. He got up by supporting himself on the ground, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his left ankle.
After trying to take a few steps, he found himself injured and had to signal for a substitution on the sidelines.
"We can see that the opposing left-back, No. 12, Kiel Dolty, seems to be injured and is requesting a substitution. Did he twist his ankle when Wang Feng shook him off just now?"
"We know there''s a term ''ankle breaker'' in basketball, can Wang Feng also be called the ''ankle breaker'' on the football field?"
Just a while into the game, Muskelon had to use their first substitution, recing Dolty. Their head coach Oll scratched his pale hair in distress. Who else could possibly contain Wang Feng?
In the end, he reced Dolty with a substitute full-back and instructed him to engage in physical confrontation with Wang Feng as much as possible to exhaust his stamina.
Chapter 44: Genius treatment
Chapter 44: Genius treatment
After Wang Feng scored, Carl Bess ran over and hugged him to celebrate, saying, "Well done! I didn''t expect you to shake off all the defenders."
Wang Feng shrugged with a wry smile. He didn''t do it on purpose; there wasn''t even any physical contact. He just wanted to shake off the defense.
"You''re on fire today. We''ve taken the lead right from the start, and it''s going to be even better from here on."
After the kickoff, Wang Feng remained active in the forefront of the attack, repeatedly threatening Muskelon''s goal. The substitute defender who reced Kiel Dolty was much inferior in ability to Dolty, not only in physical confrontation but also in awareness, making it difficult topete with Wang Feng.
In the 33rd minute, Genkunched another swift counterattack from the backcourt.
Christian Civu urately passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right, who controlled it expertly with his foot, relying on his training experience, precise senses, and control ability, making the ball stick to his foot.
Facing two defenders rushing towards him, Wang Feng calmly pushed forward, using consecutive feints to find a gap in the defense, dribbled the ball out, and sessfully made it to the byline.
Then Wang Feng easily crossed the ball, like a guided missile, to Jason Aldridge in the penalty area. With just a poke of his toe, the ball entered Muskelon''s goal.
2-0, Genk scored another goal!
After scoring, Aldridge ran excitedly to Wang Feng, hugged him tightly, and said, "I''m so happy to y football with you. I didn''t expect scoring to be so easy."
Other teammates followed suit, gathering around. Genk looked extremely united at this moment.
Seeing Wang Feng assist in scoring the second goal, Ward Oll shook his head in frustration. He knew that Muskelon''s chances of escaping defeat were slim.
Kiel Dolty''s early injury and exit from the game were unexpected. Moreover, Wang Feng''s physical confrontation was not bad, and his technical skills were so strong. How to limit him would be a headache for all Belgian Pro League teams.
Genk''s head coach Aimee Antonis sighed with relief. Last round''s insistence on rotation resulted in a loss, and he was under a lot of pressure. Genk couldn''t afford another defeat.
Wang Feng''s goal and assist almost secured the victory, easing a lot of his pressure. Wang Feng''s progress was getting faster and faster; he was undoubtedly a genius.
But the football world is never short of geniuses. Every year, many outstanding young yers emerge, but many of them, after gaining fame, indulge in external praise and give up hard training, ultimately fading into obscurity. For now, Wang Feng didn''t seem to be that kind of person; his diligence was impressive.
Antonis believed that as long as Wang Feng didn''t experience major injuries, he would have a chance to reach the pinnacle of football. He said to assistant coach Quik Martin beside him, "Last time Wang Feng was injured, although we conducted a detailed examination of his body and found no problems, we can''t be careless."
"We need to monitor Wang Feng''s body in real-time. He often trains extra, right? We should conduct routine checks every day and performprehensive examinations regrly."
Antonis hoped to develop Wang Feng into a superstar, which was something every coach dreamed of and would be a lifetime glory.
Later, neither side scored again. In the 60th minute, head coach Aimee Antonis made a substitution, recing forward Wang Feng with center-back Cali Prohaska. Amidst the cheers of the home fans, Wang Feng left the field.
In the end, Genk won at home against Muskelon, securing three valuable points.
After the match, Muskelon''s head coach Ward Oll expressed helplessness in an interview with reporters. He said that their failure to contain Wang Feng was the main reason for the team''s defeat. "If even Anderlecht couldn''t do it, it''s even harder for us."
He added, "Unfortunately, our starting left-back, Kiel Dolty, was injured at the beginning of the match. He sprained his ankle and is expected to miss the next two weeks of matches, which is a further blow to Muskelon."
Regarding some reporters'' suggestions that Wang Feng caused Dolty''s injury by shaking him off, he exined, "I don''t think that''s the decisive factor. You know, Kiel is an experienced veteran who has yed full matches several times this season. I think it''s more due to fatigue."
The next morning, Wang Feng arrived at the training ground as usual, only to find head coach Quik Martin waiting for him. "Wang Feng, we knew you''de today. Mr. Antonis has something to tell you, and Mr. Albert is here too."
Wang Feng was puzzled but followed him to the manager''s office. Besides the two of them, there was also the team doctor, and his personal coach Abel Le Goff. Wang Feng asked, "What''s up? Why did you call me here?"
Antonis said, "Wang Feng, I''ve seen your medical report. Your physical condition is very good, without any hidden dangers. But you often train extra, which, for your age, still carries some risks."
Wang Feng nodded and said, "I know, so I''ve always followed the training n made by Mr. Le Goff, and I''ll stop if there''s any difort in my body."
The team doctor then said, "Mr. Le Goff''s n is reasonable, but we can''t wait until your body can''t bear it or feels difort before reacting. By then, hidden injuries may have already urred."
"So we n to arrange a routine check and post-training massage rxation session every day and conduct aprehensive examination every two weeks. We mustn''t be careless."
"But my physical condition is very good. Isn''t this check too frequent?" Wang Feng said. He could fully grasp his own physical condition, so he didn''t quite understand everyone''s concern.
Team manager Albert then said, "Wang Feng, this is the club''s decision. You have to understand that you''re just seventeen years old, not yet an adult, and your body is in a developmental stage, so it''s very fragile. A small injury could affect your entire career."
"We want to be responsible for you, not just to use you to achieve good results. After discussing it, we also decided to give uppeting for the Belgian Cup this season and focus onpeting for the league title and Europa League results."
"So for the Belgian Cup matches, we will fully rotate the squad, and you are, of course, in the rotation list and will not appear on the squad list. We hope you understand."
"Do you know Ronaldo?" Antonis asked. Wang Feng nodded; as the youngest Ballon d''Or winner, of course, he knew. "After joining Inter Mn in 1997, he suffered frequent injuries, which were partly due to the rough style of Serie A and partly due to early injuries."
"His experiences at PSV and Barcelona brought him glory but also left him with hidden injuries due to overuse, significantly shortening his peak career. If you want to be a superstar like him, you must take this lesson seriously."
Chapter 45: Miracle reappearance
Chapter 45: Miracle reappearance
Jupiler Pro League Round 12, Genk faced Brussels away.
At the beginning of the match, Wang Feng was active in the front field. In the recent matches, opponents have tightened their marking on him, so he consciously expanded his range of activities to both restrain the defensive forces and exhaust the opponents'' energy.
As for his own fitness, he was not worried at all. Through relentless training, especially in swimming, his fitness improved rapidly, and now ying a full 90 minutes was no pressure at all.
In the 31st minute, Wang Feng suddenly elerated past the defense, receiving a pass from Gareth Barry in the middle, and then advanced toward the goal. The pursuing defender saw the danger and decisively tackled him, even if it meantmitting a foul to stop him.
But when the defender''s leg came out, Wang Feng flicked the ball up with his toe, then leaped over the tackle effortlessly, and proceeded into the penalty area.
The Brussels defenders failed to tackle and left a gap. Inside the penalty area, the covering defender dared not make any big moves. Wang Feng smoothly dribbled past one defender with a feint and then shot as he approached the goal, with the ball skimming past the goalkeeper''s fingertips and into the.
"Goal! Another goal by Wang Feng! He opens the scoring for Genk."
"The Brussels defenders tried to stop Wang Feng with a tackle but didn''t expect him to evade it. Let''s take another look at the rey. Wang Feng''s ball control was so elegant, it''s like a scene from aic book."
The home fans of Brussels were very unhappy with their team''s performance, booing loudly, especially at the number 15, Jeffrey Larson, who not only failed to stop Wang Feng''s breakthrough but also left a gap due to his sliding tackle.
After taking the lead, Genk continued to y steadily, focusing on defense while looking for opportunities to counterattack. In the 67th minute of the second half, Wang Feng and Bess staged a clever two-on-onebination, but Wang Feng''s subsequent cross was blocked by Barry, failing to extend the lead.
After this round of matches, Anderlecht suffered a surprising 0-1 defeat against Club Brugge, so with two consecutive wins, Genk sessfully overtook them, returning to the top of the table with a one-point advantage. Third ce was Club Brugge, trailing Genk by four points, while fourth was Standard Liege, eight points behind Genk. Barring any surprises, the champion would likelye from these top three.
In the league''s top scorers chart, Wang Feng still led with 14 goals, while the second-ced Jan Koller had only 9 goals. In addition to his goals, Wang Feng also had 4 assists, ranking 6th in the assists chart.
The 12th round of the league produced a total of 18 goals, and all Belgian media marveled at Wang Feng''s seemingly unstoppable form. He was likely to be the youngest top scorer in the Belgian Pro League.
In the UEFA Europa League group stage, Genk hosted Moscow Lokomotiv. Despite ying two matches in a week, the schedule seemed to have no impact on Wang Feng''s form. In the 15th minute of the match, he received a precise through pass from Barry on the right, dribbled past blocking defenders with consecutive feints, and prated into the penalty area.
Instead of crossing into the box, Wang Feng chose to shoot directly with the outside of his foot, sending the ball on a high arcing trajectory, which flew past the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the. The Lokomotiv Moscow goalkeeper misjudged the ball''s trajectory and could only watch as it went in.
After scoring, Wang Feng was quickly substituted off for a rest, and Genk focused on defending, securing their second win in the group stage. Although Lokomotiv Moscow adopted an aggressive strategy, they couldn''t break through Genk''s defense.
In the end, Genk won 1-0, securing their second consecutive victory in the group stage and virtually securing a spot in the round of 32.
In the 13th round of the league, Genk faced Roesre at home. In the 11th minute, Wang Feng was fouled by a defender from Roesre when he was breaking through on the right side. The referee awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position.
He consulted with the team captain, Aaron Abigail, and decided to take the free-kick himself. Wang Feng had been practicing free-kicks, hoping to develop his attacking abilities as much as possible.
Standing near the penalty spot, Wang Feng nced at his teammates in the penalty area. Jason Aldridge was the most threatening yer, with his height and jumping ability. If he could find him, it would pose a great threat.
In his mind, Wang Feng silently calcted. When the referee blew the whistle, he ran up to the ball, then used the inside of his foot to send it into the penalty area. The free-kick was simr to Beckham''s bending free-kick, bypassing the defenders'' header attempts and reaching the far post.
Aldridge, who was making a quick run, leaped high and perfectly met the ball with his head. It seemed as if the ball wasing directly to his forehead, so the force was great, piercing through Roesre''s goal.
After scoring, Aldridge ran ecstatically around the field. At the beginning of the season, he was called up to the first team in a critical situation and never expected to stand firm in the first team, let alone score consecutively.
Wang Feng followed from behind and congratted him on his goal. Aldridge then raised Wang Feng''s hand, indicating that the credit for the goal belonged to Wang Feng as well.
He now truly admired Wang Feng from the bottom of his heart. ying alongside Wang Feng was veryfortable; he always attracted defenders, creating space for other teammates and delivering exquisite assists. All his teammates needed to do was take advantage of the opportunities.
In the second half, in the 77th minute, substitute Renee Delvaux''s left-wing breakthrough was unsessful. He could only pass back to the middle, but the ball hit a defender and bounced towards the middle.
Wang Feng, who was following up, didn''t wait for the ball tond. He used his left foot to unleash a world-ss strike, and the ball flew like a missile. Although the goalkeeper guessed the direction correctly, he still couldn''t touch the ball.
A miracle reurred! Wang Feng scored another unbelievable goal!
And this time, it was even further from the goal, reaching 35 meters! Last season, he scored such a goal against Anderlecht, and many mediamented that it was definitely a goal of the century but hard to replicate.
Unexpectedly, in less than a year, Wang Feng sessfully scored an even more spectacr goal in the same way.
After scoring, Wang Feng sprinted to the vicinity of the stands, pointing to the sky in celebration, receiving cheers from the fans. The Luminas Arena, packed with spectators, erupted in a deafening roar, with various words of praise for Wang Feng, and there were also many screams from female fans.
With a two-goal lead, Genk almost secured victory. However, in injury time, Roesre took advantage of a mistake in Genk''s defense and pulled one goal back. In the end, Genk won 2-1 against Roesre.
In this round of matches, Anderlecht and Club Brugge both won, continuing to form the leading group. It''s worth mentioning that Jan Kolle scored twice in this match. He seemed determined not to give up the race for the league''s top scorer.
When asked about this in an interview after the match, Wang Feng said, "Jan Koller is one of the best strikers in the Jupiler Pro League,st season''s top scorer. With him chasing behind me, my desire to score goals is even stronger."
"But I believe I won''t lose to him. I''m in great form now, and I will have enough appearances this season."
Chapter 46: Investment idea
Chapter 46: Investment idea
The Sports Daily agrees with this view, stating in its article: "Wang Feng only started ying after the winter breakst season, scoring 23 goals. Since the beginning of this season, he has maintained a high level of attacking efficiency. There is no doubt that he will clinch the Golden Boot."
On the other hand, The Standard Daily continues to be pessimistic about Wang Feng. It believes: "The depth of Genk''s lineup this season is insufficient. Engaging in dual or even triplepetitions in thetter stages of the league will certainly lead to problems. Perhaps they will end up with nothing to show for their efforts."
"Wang Feng is still a young yer. It is unwise for Genk''s management to pin all their hopes on him."
Wang Feng also reads these reports. It must be said that The Standard Daily''s psychological tactics are quite clever. Sometimes Wang Feng also worries whether he can maintain this high level of performance and lead Genk to victory.
Fortunately, head coach Aimee Antonis is very attentive, and team captain Aaron Abigail is also an experienced yer. They willfort Wang Feng, telling him that youth is his greatest asset and not to see it as a limitation.
"And, you can never please everyone, Wang," Abigail said. "If your goal is the top five leagues, you must learn to bear these doubts and criticisms."
Everyone''s encouragement lifted Wang Feng''s spirits. Meanwhile, the sries and bonuses provided by the team were also generous. After deducting some for paying personal trainers and living expenses, he still had over a hundred thousand euros in savings.
Interest rates in foreign banks are very low, so it''s not profitable to keep money in the bank. Therefore, Wang Feng decided to send some money back to his home country and then learn to make some investments. After all, athletes live off their youth, and only with better financial management can they avoid bankruptcy after retirement.
He entrusted Francisco Balmond to conduct research, focusing on high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises that need investment, and tried some angel investments. Even if they fail, he won''t feel too regretful.
Wang Feng is Balmond''s cash cow. For his requests, Balmond always fulfills them promptly. Soon, information about severalpanies was sent to Wang Feng, among which a toypany called Lilliputiens caught his eye.
Thispany is a local Belgian enterprise, founded just over five years ago, but it has already captured a market share in children''s toys. Currently, thepany is expanding and urgently needs financial support.
Wang Feng thought about trying to invest in thispany. He took time to visit thepany with Balmond. They were located in the capital, Brussels, and were a smallpany of fewer than fifty people.
Thepany''s founder was very happy to learn that Wang Feng wanted to invest in them. For him, Wang Feng was a famous football star, someone to look up to.
The group quickly discussed thepany''s main content and development. Wang Feng soon decided to invest in it. Then they quickly finalized the investment details, which was a bit tricky, but fortunately, Balmond found a professional legal advisor to help.
Wang Feng invested 100,000 euros and could receive 30% of thepany''s share profits, but he would not participate in management or decision-making. ording to the current market, he could earn at least around 30,000 euros per year.
Wang Feng was quite satisfied with this return. In about four years, he would start making money. If he wasn''t satisfied, he could withdraw his investment or sell his stake.
This is just one of Wang Feng''s attempts. He ns to establish an investmentpany in the future, specializing in this area.
In the 14th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk challenged Liers away.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Liers took advantage of a quick counter-attack and opened the scoring against Genk.
In this unfavorable situation, Wang Feng once again stepped up. In the 34th minute, he withdrew to the midfield to receive the ball. First, he elegantly used a Marseille turn to get rid of the defending yers'' entanglement. Then, before the defensive reinforcements arrived, he pushed the ball forward and bypassed another yer with a quick dribble.
Finally, at the edge of the penalty area, he used a sudden stop to change direction, dodging thest defending yer and calmly slotted the ball home.
Wang Feng helped the away team equalize the score, leaving even thementators stunned. In less than a minute, he sprinted over fifty meters, dribbled past three yers, and scored a goal. It was truly amazing, showcasing Wang Feng''s individual skills at their best.
In the 56th minute of the second half, Wang Feng suddenly became active on the left nk. Gareth Barry sent a through ball from the center, and Wang Feng sessfully beat the offside trap, getting the ball inside the penalty area. Without any adjustments, he directly used his left foot to curl the ball into the far corner.
The ball flew towards the goal, and although Liers'' goalkeeper had a good position, his reaction was slightly dyed. The ball went through his legs and into the.
With the referee''s final whistle, the match ended. Genk, with Wang Feng''s brace,pleted a 2-1eback against Liers.
In this round, Anderlecht and Club Brugge were both held to draws, widening Genk''s lead to 3 points over second ce. The league title at the halfway point seems within reach for Genk.
There are also Belgian Cup matches and Europa League group stage matches this week. Therefore, in the Belgian Cup, Genk fielded a full substitute team against Denz. Despite the absence of their main yers, they still won 4-2, advancing to the round of 16.
Next, Genk will fly to Catalonia, Spain to face Espanyol in the Europa League group stage. Due to their perfect record in the previous two group stage matches, a draw in this game will be enough to secure their spot in the next round.
Domestically, this match also received significant attention. Although not broadcasted live, sports channels will air the recorded match. The duel between Wang Feng and a La Liga powerhouse has attracted a lot of attention from Chinese fans. Moreover, achieving advancement with just a draw seems to have a certain magical appeal, further intensifying fans'' interest.
In the just-concluded Lebanon Asian Cup, the Chinese team lost to Japan in the semi-finals and was defeated by South Korea in the third-ce yoff. Fans felt that the overall performance of the national team was not bad, but the results were somewhat disappointing.
"If Wang Feng had participated in the Asian Cup, would the results have been better?" On a well-known forum, some fans raised this discussion topic. Most people believe that Wang Feng''s abilities are sufficient to be selected for the national team, improving the situation in the forward line. Even if they cannot guarantee winning the championship, they could have a better chance ofpeting against Japan.
This topic grew louder, even mainstream magazines started reporting and discussing it, but the Chinese Football Association remains unmoved, with no intention of summoning Wang Feng for the World Cup qualifiers. In fact, there are also some different voices within the Football Association, believing that Wang Feng''s inclusion in the national team would have a better strengthening effect, especially from the side of foreign coach Milu, who has been applying for Wang Feng''s call-up.
However, most people still don''t like an outsider to share their cake, with some privately expressing, "Our team has a wealth of talents, what can a kid like him do?" So this matter ended without any resolution.
Chapter 47: Against Espanyol
Chapter 47: Against Espanyol
Wang Feng had no idea about these things, but his agent, Balmond was very eager to get Wang Feng into the national team because it could greatly enhance his influence andmercial value. But undoubtedly, he failed again.
"I can''tment on the football situation in your country. I''m really speechless. They actually think you''re not good enough for the national team. Your current value is already more than half of the entire national team," an infuriated Francisco Balmond said.
"This is the first time I''ve heard that football is not just about ying but also about politics," Balmond said. "This was revealed to me by that journalist Zhao Haiyang. He seems to understand a lot of insider information. It''s not about ability but about interests why you can''t enter the national team."
Wang Fengforted him, saying, "Balmond, you should be more patient. I''m still young. If I can y in the top five leagues in the future and achieve higher honors, I don''t believe they will continue to ignore me. The domestic fans won''t agree either."
Balmond murmured on the phone, "I just think this notion of politics is so stupid. No wonder the country''s football development is stagnant."
In early November 2000, the lights at the Mozu Xio Olympic Stadium in Spain were as bright as day. The stadium, which can amodate 45,000 people, was almost full, with the home team, Espanyol, and the visiting team, Genk yers, entering the field one after another.
Espanyol is currently ranked ninth in La Liga, with undeniable strength, boasting excellent strikers such as Sergio Gonzalez and Roger Garcia.
ording to pre-match media reports, the value of all Espanyol yers is more than five times that of all Genk yers, so everyone is more optimistic about the home team winning. But the performance of Genk''s young talent, Wang Feng, is also a focus of attention for many scouts.
Wang Feng looked around at the Mozu Xio Olympic Stadium, which was twice asrge as Genk''s home stadium, and couldn''t help but be filled with longing. This is the stage of the top five leagues, and he can''t wait to show his skills here.
From the Ivn Joerge Stadium with around 5,000 people to Genk''s 25,000-capacity Luminus Arena, and now the 45,000-capacity Mozu Xio Olympic Stadium, in just a year, Wang Feng''s stage has be increasinglyrger, and he firmly believes that this is not the end.
With the referee''s whistle, the match officially began. Wang Feng frequently interchanged between the midfield and the frontcourt, being very active. In the 4th minute, after receiving the ball on the right nk, he quickly started, and Espanyol center-back Hctor Bragun came forward to press.
Facing the defense, Wang Feng dribbled the ball quickly, showcasing a fancy move like a bicycle kick followed by a toe flick. Bragun felt dazzled and instinctively moved to block Wang Feng''s feint, but ended up missing, allowing Wang Feng to easily pass by him with the ball.
Bragun was surprised, not expecting Wang Feng''s dribbling skills to be so excellent. He quickly turned around and reached out to try to foul Wang Feng, preventing him from breaking through easily. However, Wang Feng''s speed was too fast, and he had already run past him. Bragun could only chase after him, signaling other defending yers toe back and cover.
Wang Feng dribbled the ball to the edge of the penalty area. At this moment, Espanyol''s defensive yers swarmed around, attempting to close him down. In a split second, he decisively took a shot, and the ball flew like a cannonball.
With a loud "bang," the ball hit the goalpost and bounced back into the penalty area. The defending yers quickly kicked the ball out of bounds, and Genk won a corner.
Wang Feng rubbed his head in frustration. If he had adjusted the shot a little more, aiming slightly to the left, it would have definitely gone in. The goalkeeper would have had no chance. It was a pity!
Later, Wang Feng created another excellent opportunity. When he broke through on the right side, he used a Cruyff turn to evade the defending yers and crossed the ball into the penalty area. However, Jason Aldridge, who was unmarked in the penalty area, missed the goal frame when he shot.
Aldridge, who missed a good chance, covered his face, feeling regretful. He wanted to perform well on the European stage, so missing such a good opportunity left him feeling uneasy.
Espanyol''s attacks were threatening. In the 23rd minute, Roger Garcia threatened Genk''s goal with a quick counter-attack, but fortunately, Genk''s goalkeeper Delbert Grison showed bravery and caught his shot.
Both sides showed good performances in attack and defense, making the atmosphere lively. The fans in the stands were crazy, waving gs and shouting for their respective teams. However, the majority of Espanyol''s fans knew Wang Feng was the core of the team, so they booed loudly whenever he touched the ball.
In the 41st minute, Genkunched a quick counter-attack. Christian Civu dribbled the ball rapidly on the right side, with Wang Feng closely following him. At this moment, a defending yer attempted a sliding tackle to stop the ball from going out of bounds.
Civu suddenly made a quick stop to avoid the tackle, then sent a curved pass directly to Wang Feng in the penalty area. When Wang Feng received the ball, he was already near the goal line of the penalty area. Bragun, who was marking him, tried to block his shooting route.
"Wang Feng receives the ball in the penalty area. Let''s see how he handles it. He dribbles past him, beautiful! He shoots, gooooooooooal! Wang Feng has once againe forward near the end of the first half, breaking the deadlock for Genk."
"His ball control skills in the penalty area are excellent. Let''s take another look. He uses the inside of his right foot to pull the ball to the left, easily evading Bragun''s press. At this moment, Espanyol''s goalkeeper also had his vision partially blocked by Bragun."
"Wang Feng seized this opportunity, decisively taking the shot. By the time the goalkeeper reacted, it was toote."
After scoring, Wang Feng crossed the advertising boards and went to the south stand of the stands. In a sea of ??blue, there was a small yellow area, which was the group of Genk fans who hade from afar. Wang Feng waved his fist to them and then made his iconic gesture of pointing to the sky to celebrate.
The Genk fans in the stands didn''t care about the surrounding Espanyol fans'' hostile looks, cheering and shouting Wang Feng''s name wildly. His teammates followed him and piled on top of him, celebrating the goal.
After the referee reminded them of the time, everyone dispersed and stood ready to defend. No one expected to concede a goal near the end of the first half. The Espanyol yers looked very dejected in the dressing room, not speaking to each other, each tidying up their own belongings.
Head coach Dominique Nino pped his hands to attract everyone''s attention. "Guys, it''s not time to be discouraged yet. We''re just one goal behind, and it''s easy to equalize in the second half."
"Besides, we won one game and drew one game in the first two rounds. Even if we can''t win this game, in thest round against Moscow Lokomotiv, as long as we don''t lose by a big score, we can still advance to the top three. So we don''t need to feel any pressure. Just give it your all and don''t disappoint the home fans."
Chapter 48: Asian footballer
Chapter 48: Asian footballer
After the break, the head coach of Genk made a substitution, recing Jason Aldridge with a center-back, intending to strengthen the midfield defense while still keeping Wang Feng on the field to keep the opponent under pressure. The team''s formation also changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1.
On the Spanish side, they also made a substitution, recing a defender with a tall forward, intending to challenge Genk''s defense and potentially equalize the score.
The home teamunched a fierce attack right from the kickoff, encouraged by their home fans'' enthusiasm, and created several good opportunities. However, Genk''s goalkeeper showed outstanding bravery, making incredible saves one after another to keep the goal safe.
In the 74th minute, Genk won the ball in their own half andunched a counterattack. Gareth Barry dribbled the ball into the midfield and sent a curving pass to Wang Feng on the right nk.
Wang Feng used his speed to evade the defending yers and entered the penalty area. The Espanyol goalkeeper, Usabio Bornhardt, came out to block him, but Wang Feng cleverly feigned a shot with his right foot, causing the goalkeeper to dive prematurely. Then, with a deft touch, Wang Feng flicked the ball to the right, leaving the goalkeeper stranded.
Facing an open goal, Wang Feng calmly slotted the ball into the as the Espanyol defenders slid in desperation but couldn''t reach the ball in time.
With this goal, Wang Feng scored again, almost sealing the victory for Genk!
The Espanyol yers looked bewildered as they watched the visiting team celebrating the goal. Their confidence seemed shattered by this second goal, and they started thinking about the possibility of not winning the game.
As the game resumed, Espanyol''s attacks slowed down, and Genk''s defense breathed a sigh of relief, continuing to y solidly. In the 87th minute, Genk broke through the opponent''s defense again with consecutive passes.
Carl Bess passed to Wang Feng on the right nk, who then crossed the ball into the box. Barry jumped up and headed towards the goal, but Bornhardt managed to touch the ball with his fingertips, deflecting it out of bounds.
After that, neither side created any threatening attacks. The referee blew the final whistle, and Genk defeated Espanyol away from home, securing the top spot in the group with three consecutive victories.
In the post-match press conference, Espanyol coach Wilbur Baumbach praised Wang Feng, acknowledging his exceptional skills and athleticism, expressing disbelief that Wang Feng was only seventeen years old. He admitted that their defense had no answer to Wang Feng''s abilities and believed that Wang Feng was fully capable of ying in the top five leagues.
Genk coach Aimee Antonis also praised Wang Feng, acknowledging his crucial role in their attacking lineup.
CCTV, the national broadcaster, was delighted with Wang Feng''s performance and decided to broadcast the matchmentary by renownedmentators overnight and aired it on the sports channel the next day.
Fans praised Wang Feng''s performance,paring him favorably to previous overseas Chinese yers. They expressed their hope that Wang Feng would be a g bearer for Chinese football on the international stage.
With Wang Feng''s impressive performances in the Belgian Pro League over the past seasons, he was selected as the 2000 Asian Footballer of the Year. AFC contacted Wang Feng''s agent, Francisco Balmond, inviting him to attend the award ceremony in Ku Lumpur at the end of November.
Balmond was excited and mentioned that Wang Feng was the youngest nominee, facingpetition mainly from Saudi Arabia''s Nawaf Al-Temyat. Despite Saudi Arabia''smendable performance in the Asian Cup that year, Wang Feng''s consistent outstanding performances gave him a slight edge in winning the award.
Balmond revealed that the club had agreed to let Wang Feng attend the ceremony as they had already secured the top spot in their Europa League group, ensuring they would advance to the next stage.
Following Balmond''s confirmation, Wang Feng agreed to attend the ceremony ording to his arrangements.
In the 15th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk hosted Sint-Truiden. Wang Feng remained active throughout the match. In the 31st minute, he received a pass from Barry on the right nk, evaded the defending yers, and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, scoring the only goal of the match.
Shortly after the start of the second half, Wang Feng was substituted off. Coach Antonis wanted him to rest more, considering his uing trip to Asia. The 1-0 scoreline remained until the final whistle, with Genk maintaining their lead over Anderlecht in the league standings.
After this match, Wang Feng flew to Ku Lumpur, where Balmond was already waiting for him. Meanwhile, CCTV decided to broadcast the entire award ceremony live, as Wang Feng was a top contender for the Asian Footballer of the Year award, with several other Chinese yers also nominated for awards.
The AFC award ceremony was rtively simplepared to the FIFA Ballon d''Or, without the red carpet and other extravagances. After everyone took their seats, the ceremony officially began.
Wang Feng was seated in the middle of the front row, nked by Saudi Arabia''s Al-Temyat and Japan''s Nakamura Shunsuke, both also top contenders for the Asian Footballer of the Year award. Wang Feng wasn''t familiar with either of them and could only exchange nods with them.
Though Wang Feng had shown no fear on the pitch in front of tens of thousands of fans, he felt quite awkward sitting here in a suit. It felt like a child trying to y grown-up. As each award was announced, he hoped for a quick end to the ceremony.
It''s worth noting that, besides Wang Feng, China had two other yers selected in the AFC''s Best XI, namely Jiang Jin and Fan Zhiyi.
Chapter 49: Awards and interviews
Chapter 49: Awards and interviews
The announcement for the Asian Footballer of the Year, the most anticipated moment, was about to be made. On the big screen, reys of the candidates'' outstanding performances from the past year were shown, including Wang Feng''s spectacr goals. Wang Feng nced at Al-Temyat beside him, who was nervously staring at the screen and murmuring prayers under his breath.
It seemed he didn''t know the final result had been announced. Wang Feng couldn''t help feeling a bit nostalgic. To be honest, he wasn''t particrly interested in the Asian Footballer of the Year award. ying in Europe, he valued the Ballon d''Or more. He dreamed of winning that honor someday.
When AFC President Amousha announced Wang Feng as the winner of the 2000 Asian Footballer of the Year, a hint of disappointment shed in Al-Temyat''s eyes, while Wang Feng pretended to be surprised, standing up and embracing the two beside him.
Wang Feng''s acting was quite poor, but at this moment, nobody paid attention. Amid congrattions from Al-Temyat and Nakamura Shunsuke, he went up on stage, received the trophy from Amousha, and delivered a brief speech.
He thanked the AFC jury for their recognition, thanked his teammates and coaches at Genk, acknowledging that without them, he wouldn''t have achieved his current sess. Finally, he expressed gratitude to his mother and family.
After the award ceremony, Wang Feng headed to the interview area, where a swarm of reporters, especially from China, awaited. As the first Chinese to win the Asian Footballer of the Year and breaking the record for the youngest recipient, he was highly sought after for in-depth coverage.
A reporter asked, "Wang Feng, what are your expectations for Genk''s performance this season? You are currently topping the Jupiler Pro League''s scoring chart. Do you have confidence in winning the Golden Boot?"
Wang Feng replied, "Genk is currently leading the league, and we are determined to win the title. As for the Europa League, we hope to surpass Genk''s previous best performance and reach the round of 16."
"As for the Golden Boot in the Jupiler Pro League, I think thepetition is fierce. I can only do my best. Anderlecht''s Jan Koller is also a top striker. He''s only four goals behind me. Honestly, he could catch up in just one match."
Another reporter inquired about Wang Feng''s transfer ns during the winter break or summer transfer window. Wang Feng firmly stated that he wouldn''t transfer during the winter break and avoided discussing the summer situation, iming he hadn''t thought about it.
A Chinese reporter wanted to know Wang Feng''s thoughts on receiving such a prestigious award at such a young age. Facing the live camera, Wang Feng said, "I''m especially grateful to my mother. She single-handedly raised the three of us siblings, which was incredibly challenging. Receiving this award, I want to dedicate it to her and let her know that her son can now support the family financially. I hope she can stop worrying and enjoy life."
Wang Feng knew his family was likely watching him on TV, so he spoke these heartfelt words.
Some reporters wanted to cover a big news story, asking, "We heard that the Belgian FA once invited you to join the Belgian national team, and you haven''t yed for the Chinese national team yet. Do you have any ns in this regard?"
Wang Feng angrily refuted, "I''ve never had such thoughts. I''m Chinese, and I will only y for the Chinese national team, not any other country."
"I haven''t yed for the national team because I haven''t been called up. No emails, no calls. But I''m ready anytime."
Another journalist asked Wang Feng about his opinion on the current strength of the Chinese national team. Wang Feng simply stated they were strong, avoiding further discussion.
The interviewsted a long time before Wang Feng finally hung up the phone. Thinking of his family''s smiling faces, he fell asleep contentedly.
The news of Wang Feng winning the Asian Footballer of the Year caused a sensation in China. More and more people wanted to see him y for the national team, especially after hearing about the Belgian national team''s invitation.
"Although Wang Feng said he wouldn''t y for other countries, I think many football powerhouses would want him. Why is our Football Association indifferent?" aizenmented on the forum.
Wang Feng knew the crux of the matter was that he wasn''t part of the Football Association system, so he wasn''t under its jurisdiction, nor would he bring direct benefits, taking up a valuable spot.
He wasn''t strong enough yet, his influence still far from sufficient. If he could establish himself in the top five leagues and even shine, then the Football Association wouldn''t be able to ignore him any longer.
Early the next morning, Wang Feng flew to Belgium to continue his league life. During the award period, Genk drew 0-0 against Brondby in the fourth round of the Europa League group stage, ultimately topping the group with three wins and one draw, umting 10 points. While Moscow Lokomotiv and Espanyol also advanced as expected, with no surprises.
The draw for the Europa League round of 32 was out. Genk would face via Prague from the Czech First League. It wasn''t an ideal draw, but it wasn''t terrible either. Anderlecht, having failed to qualify for the Champions League, could only participate in the Europa League, facing Shakhtar Dsk in the round of 32, while Club Brugge would y against AS Roma.
Although via Prague was a strong team in the Czech First League,pared to Shakhtar Dsk and Roma, they weren''t as intimidating. So the Belgian domestic mediamented the bad luck of Anderlecht and Club Brugge, hoping that at least Genk wouldn''t be wiped out in the round of 32.
Chapter 50: Half-season champion
Chapter 50: Half-season champion
Back in Genk, the weather had entered the early winter season, with temperatures much lower than Ku Lumpur. Wang Feng, feeling exhausted, began some recovery training under the guidance of Abel Le Goff. He was still adjusting to the jetg.
Tomorrow is the 16th round of the Jupiler Pro League, also thest round of the first half of the season. Genk will host newly promoted team Waand-Beveren. Head coach Aimee Antonis decided to bench Wang Feng because his condition was indeed poor.
As the game started, although Genk controlled the situation on the field, they couldn''t break through Waand-Beveren''s defense. In the 51st minute of the second half, Waand-Beverenunched a counterattack, with forward Alberto Lou scoring a goal. Genk was in a disadvantageous situation!
The home fans in the stands gradually became restless, chanting Wang Feng''s name, which grew louder and louder, echoing throughout the stadium.
Coach Aimee Antonis hadn''t expected that Wang Feng had reached such a level in the hearts of the fans because he never disappointed. It seemed that as long as Wang Feng appeared on the field, all problems would be solved.
In the 78th minute, Wang Feng was substituted onto the field, and thunderous apuse erupted from the stands. Everyone cheered him on, hoping Wang Feng would work another miracle.
Wang Feng, who had just entered the field, obviously hadn''t fully recovered. His movements were not as sharp as before, but they were enough to make Waand-Beveren wary. With all the attention on Wang Feng, it created opportunities for others.
Five minutes aftering on, Wang Feng received a pass from midfielder Bess in the frontcourt, turned away from the defending yers, skillfully dodged the challenges, and charged into the penalty area.
Wang Feng''s speed this time wasn''t fast, so the defenders from Waand-Beveren blocked his path near the edge of the penalty area. Wang Feng used the outside of his right foot to curve the ball, which formed a strange arc on the ground, just evading the blocking defenders and reaching Jason Aldridge in the penalty area.
Aldridge didn''t waste this excellent opportunity; he calmly shot to equalize for Genk.
After scoring, Aldridge sprinted to the stands, followed closely by Wang Feng. They both raised their hands, saluting the fans together. Their teammates surrounded them, celebrating this hard-earned goal.
Although Genk ultimately drew 1-1 with Waand-Beveren, they still maintained a two-point lead over Anderlecht in the league standings, bing the champions of the first half of the season.
After the game, the yers made a pact to celebrate together. Even head coach Aimee Antonis joined in. They made noise untilte at night, and the next day officially started the winter break, with the team not gathering again until early January.
Alone in his dorm room the next day, Wang Feng''s mind was filled with thoughts. Unconsciously, he had spent two New Year''s abroad. Initially worried about being cut and returning home in disappointment, now he felt mncholy because he couldn''t reunite with his family. Humans are trulyplex beings.
The next day, as usual, Wang Feng woke up early. He had formed his own biological clock. After a simple wash-up, he went for a jog along thekeside park.
During this holiday, Wang Feng had made detailed arrangements. He would train with his personal trainer, Abel Le Goff, in Oostende, the westernmost city in Belgium, for additional training.
Oostende was one of Belgium''s main port cities. The warm and humid air from the Antic made it warm in winter and cool in summer, which was why Wang Feng chose it.
During Christmas, Oostende would have somerge music concerts and exhibitions. The city had a racetrack, a year-round swimming pool, a pleasure pier, an art museum, and the Ensor Museum. There were also tourist facilities such as seaside baths, spa resorts, and coastal hotels, allowing for enjoyment between training sessions without getting bored.
Francisco Balmond had already helped Wang Feng find a private vi in the coastal area, which cost only 800 euros a month. It had aplete set of fitness equipment, making it very convenient.
Bess and Civu were both going home to be with their families, so this time Wang Feng could only train alone.
After the morning training session, Wang Feng returned to the dorm, packed his luggage, and headed straight to the airport to fly to Oostende with Le Goff.
As soon as theynded, Wang Feng felt the sea breeze apanied by a strong smell. Truly a port city. Unlike the dry and cold Genk, even in December, the temperature in Oostende wasn''t very low. He felt a bit hot even in thick clothes.
Without dy, they headed to the seaside vi. Upon arrival, it was indeed as described by Balmond, a beautiful ce.
The vi was located in a small vimunity, all two-story buildings. The ground floor was arge living-dining room with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. More importantly, there was a heated swimming pool outdoors, not veryrge but enough for regr swimming training.
The basement was arge gym with all the training equipment one could need,parable to Genk''s training room.
The second floor had four rooms, with thergest room having a panoramic sliding ss door leading to arge balcony facing the sea and the beach. Looking from the balcony, the sea and sky formed a picturesque scene, and one could also see tourists ying on the beach.
Unable to resist, Wang Feng asked Balmond beside him, "Balmond, how much does this house cost? I can''t help but want to buy one." Balmondughed and said, "It''s not very expensive, only 150,000 euros for one. But the annual taxes and management fees are quite expensive."
Hearing this, Wang Feng dismissed the idea. 150,000 euros wasn''t too expensive for his current self, but he could only live there for a few days a year and would have to bear theplicated other expenses. Renting seemed more reasonable.
After a brief rest, Wang Feng began training ording to Le Goff''s n. Unlike the training ground at Genk, there was no dedicated football training area here, so Wang Feng focused on fitness, yoga, and swimming to improve his physical fitness and endurance.
Of course, he couldn''t neglect football entirely. Wang Feng would practice keepy-uppies in the vi''s backyard, not just with his feet but also with his knees, shoulders, and head, which would help improve his ball control on the field.
Days passed quickly, and during Christmas, Wang Feng rarely trained, instead joining everyone in town to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. He sampled the seafood of Oostende, which was freshly caught and delicious. He couldn''t resist eating a bit more, so he had to make up for his indulgence with extra training.
Chapter 51: Second half of the league
Chapter 51: Second half of the league
During the New Year, Wang Feng had a phone call with his family. Unlikest year, they could celebrate the New Year in their new house, without crowding into the narrow old house. In just over a year, both he and his family had undergone tremendous changes.
His mother chattered on the phone, "Ah Feng, remember to keep warm during the New Year, eat well, and be safe when you''re alone outside. If you feel lonely, just call home and talk to us." She choked up as she spoke.
Wang Feng could onlyfort her, saying that he would have a lively New Year celebration and wouldn''t feel lonely. Indeed, Ostend was much livelier than Virton and Genk, especially during the New Year, with activities like "Sea Jump" held on the beach.
Many people gathered by the sea, barbecuing, singing, dancing, and celebrating the arrival of the New Year. They also set off fireworks to celebrate. Wang Feng stood on the balcony of the vi, watching the bustling scene, feeling less lonely.
As for why he didn''t join in, it was mainly because Wang Feng was reserved by nature and not ustomed to such lively gatherings abroad. So, he just observed from a distance.
The winter break was also the time for clubs to strengthen their teams through trades. Teams like Anderlecht and Bruges were busy improving their squads to challenge Genk in the second half of the season. However, Henk didn''t make any moves, not because their squad was perfect, but because they were financially restrained.
In early January, just before the yers gathered for training, Wang Feng finished his additional training and returned to Genk.
When they assembled, the yers'' physical conditions were not great. Bess had even gained some weight, being a homebody who refused to diet.
Head coach Aimee Antonis was very angry. He ordered those with poor physical conditions to train extra hard and insisted they restore their fitness before the start of the second half of the season. Looking at Wang Feng''s physical report, he nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself, "Wang Feng is reliable after all. He must have trained diligently during the holiday. If the core yers in the team have self-discipline, there will be fewer problems."
During breaks from training, Wang Feng often chatted with his family. Especially after his sister taught him to use a product called QQ, he abandoned international long-distance calls and switched to chatting online.
For this, he had to buy the expensivetest model ThinkPad T20, while his family, with his uncle''s help, set up a desktopputer and inte connection. But his sister also wanted her ownputer, so she pestered Wang Feng relentlessly. Unable to refuse, he bought her aptop with his own money.
Now, his QQ contact list included his mother, sister, and sister''s friend, Lu Yao. Lu Yao''s family was well-off, so they had aputer early on. When Wang Feng''s sister revealed that Wang Feng also had QQ, Lu Yao bribed her with snacks and sessfully obtained Wang Feng''s QQ number.
Perhaps because they weren''t face-to-face, Lu Yao was not shy about chatting online. She often found Wang Feng to chat, sharing little anecdotes from her life. Wang Feng found this girl much cuter than his sister, so he was happy to chat with her.
Through their chats, Wang Feng learned that Lu Yao''s family wanted her to study abroad. However, she was worried about living abroad. Whileforting her, Wang Feng had an idea. Didn''t his mother want his sister to study abroad too? Why not have the two of them go together, providing mutual support?
So he kept this idea in mind, knowing that his sister still had a year and a half before graduating from high school. He would discuss it with her when the time came.
Francisco Balmond, besides helping Wang Feng find the vi in Ostend before the winter break, spent the rest of his time in China dealing with Wang Feng''s business matters. Since Wang Feng became the first Chinese to win the Asian Footballer of the Year, many domesticpanies had contacted him, wanting him to endorse their products.
Adhering to the principle of quality over quantity, Wang Feng cautiously selected threepanies to endorse, earning a seven-figure endorsement fee in total. This further increased his ie.
Genk''s training mainly focused on recovery training and tactical drills. Wang Feng was in the best condition, so while his teammates were sweating it out lifting weights, he could focus on ball control training.
Tactical drills continued to use the 4-4-2 formation from the first half of the season, aiming to improve the yers'' teamwork. Wang Feng clearly felt that his ability to receive passes had improved, mainly due to his better ball control.
This improvement was thanks to the flexibility training during the winter break and the juggling training for different parts of the body. He remembered the force and effect of each touch on different parts, so every time he received the ball, it stuck to him like glue.
As a result, his shooting became more threatening. Regardless of where he received the ball near the penalty area, he could quickly adjust and shoot. In one scrimmage, he even scored seven goals out of seven shots, leaving the opposing team bewildered.
Renee eximed that this guy was unreal. Only the head coach noticed the clue that it was Wang Feng''s excellent ball control that led to his threatening shots. It seemed that as long as the midfielders provided enough support to Wang Feng, he could produce incredible results.
In the first game of the second half of the season, the 17th round of the Belgian First Division A, Genk would face Bruges away.
Before the match, Bruges'' head coach, Gerald Anderson, was giving his yers a final pep talk, "Come on, guys. Our chances of advancing in the Europa League are slim, so we must win the honors in the league."
"We are currently third in the league, with Genk''s lead very small. As long as we defeat them in this game, we can pull them down from the top of the table."
The game started with Brugesunching an attack. Striker Darrin Muralic broke into the penalty area and had his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Although they didn''t concede, the attack still made the Genk yers break out in a cold sweat. Antonis couldn''t sit still and walked to the sidelines, shouting for the yers to focus.
In the 17th minute, Genk won a free kick in the opponent''s half.
"Barry throws the ball to Wang Feng on the wing, Wang Feng calmly controls the ball. Bruges'' defense is very active, constantly pressing Wang Feng. Wang Feng passes it back to Barry."
"Barry dribbles sideways and passes into the penalty area. Wang Feng sprints into the box, shoots, goooooooal! In the 17th minute, Wang Feng breaks the deadlock and opens the scoring for the away team!"
"It''s a beautifulbination y. When receiving the ball from the sideline, Wang Feng demonstrated his skillful technique. Even with defenders constantly interfering from behind, he could smoothly control the ball."
"Then passing it back to Barry and quickly inserting into the penalty area was an excellent choice. Wang Feng''s attacking instincts on the field are too sharp. He knows how to create better opportunities. This will definitely be a nightmare for defenders from other teams."
"Of course, this goal also owes to Barry''s exceptional awareness and passing skills. He understood Wang Feng''s attacking intent and executed it."
After scoring, Wang Feng sprinted to the sidelines and pointed to Barry, signaling him toe and celebrate the goal together.
Chapter 52: Leading the scorer list
Chapter 52: Leading the scorer list
The first half of the game ended with Genk leading by one goal. After the break, Bruges substituted two attacking yers in a desperate attempt to turn the tide.
This gave Genk the opportunity to counterattack. In the 71st minute, Christian Civu intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to Carl Bess in the middle. Bess then passed it to Wang Feng on the wing, who quickly initiated a counterattack, dribbling the ball forward.
On the other side, Jason Aldridge also made a swift run forward, causing Bruges'' defense to face a two-on-three situation. As the Bruges center-back approached him, Wang Feng performed a dribble turn, flicking the ball with his right foot, executing a beautiful Marseille turn to evade the defender.
Approaching the edge of the penalty area, with only one defender left to beat, Wang Feng lightly pushed the ball into the penalty area before the defender arrived. Aldridge, who was following up from behind, took a shot easily, catching both the defender and the goalkeeper off guard, and scored.
After the goal, Aldridge jumped on Wang Feng, saying, "Your pass was fantastic. You could have scored yourself with that opportunity. Why pass it to me?"
Wang Feng smiled and patted his head, saying, "I couldn''t let you run for nothing. Besides, your position was better than mine."
Aldridge looked at Wang Feng with gratitude and admiration. Although there was only a small age difference between them, Wang Feng''s skills and vision were beyondparison.
Bruges'' head coach, Gerald Anderson, had a grim expression on his face. He knew that they had lost the game. Despite all their efforts, they couldn''t stop Wang Feng, and their chances of winning the league title were slipping away.
Could Bruges end up empty-handed this season? It seemed they would have to focus on winning the cup matches instead. Perhaps they should reconsider using their main yers in cuppetitions.
As Anderson had anticipated, Bruges'' yers werepletely defeated after the second goal. They had lost their fighting spirit on the field, and the match ended with a 2-0 scoreline.
Meanwhile, at Lotto Park, Anderlecht defeated Lokeren 5-1, with Jan Koller scoring a hat-trick. However, Genk continued to lead the league table by securing all three points.
In the top scorer list, Wang Feng remained at the top with 19 goals, while Jan Koller trailed behind with 17 goals, intensifying thepetition.
In the 18th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Lokeren at home. Before the match, Wang Feng stated in a media interview that although he waspeting with Jan Koller for the Golden Ball award, the priority was winning the league title. "I won''t shoot recklessly for the sake of scoring goals. Victory is my primary pursuit."
In the 3rd minute of the match, Wang Feng received the ball in midfield, shielded off the opposing defender with his body, and quickly surged forward with the ball. He noticed Aldridge''s favorable position in front and decisively passed the ball behind the defense.
Aldridge elerated to chase the ball, leaving the defender behind by a body length. If he received the ball, it would be a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.
Lokeren''s goalkeeper rushed out urgently and managed to clear the ball outside the penalty area with his foot, but in his haste, he kicked the ball high and weakly.
Wang Feng followed up in the attacking half, judged the trajectory of the ball, and before the defender arrived, controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed it directly into the. The goalkeeper was still trying to get back into position, leaving him to watch helplessly as the ball dropped into the.
1-0! Wang Feng opened the scoring for Genk with an extraordinary long-range strike.
After scoring, Wang Feng sprinted past the advertising boards, celebrating with his arms raised towards the sky. The fans didn''t expect Genk to take the lead so early, and with such a spectacr goal, they cheered excitedly for Wang Feng.
With Genk in the lead, they didn''t stop their offensive momentum. In the 34th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Bess near the opponent''s 30-meter area. The defending yer decisively slid to tackle the ball, but Wang Feng deftly lifted the ball over the defender''s leg and continued his run forward.
Seeing this, two Lokeren defenders quickly chased back to defend, attempting to surround Wang Feng. However, Wang Feng remained calm, flicked the ball past the first defender with his left foot, dribbled past another defender with his right foot, and broke free from the defense.
"Brilliant! Wang Feng dribbles past three Lokeren defenders in a row and enters the penalty area, creating a one-on-one opportunity."
"Shot! It''s in! Goal!"
"In the 34th minute, Wang Feng scores another goal for Genk, following his previous long-range strike with a solo goal after dribbling past three defenders."
"His form remains scorching hot in the second half of the season!"
Wang Feng spread his arms and ran freely, feeling extremely excited. He clearly felt that his skills had improved, and he was more confident in facing defenders.
Head coach Aimee Antonis also celebrated Wang Feng''s second goal enthusiastically. This kid was incredible. Although Antonis had seen Wang Feng''s good form during the winter break training, he didn''t expect him to maintain it on the field. It seemed that Genk had a good chance of achieving sess this season!
The first half ended with Genk leading by two goals. Shortly after the start of the second half, Wang Feng once again received a pass on the right. He performed consecutive feints against the defending yers, sessfully dribbled along the baseline into the penalty area, and then passed to the penalty spot.
Barry, who was making a central run, easily converted the chance, making it 3-0 and securing victory for Genk.
Afterward, Genk didn''t sit back defensively but continued to attack. In the 67th minute, Wang Feng, along with Bess and Barry, executed a brilliant triangr passingbination, once again breaking through Lokeren''s defense. Unfortunately, Barry''s shot hit the post and was cleared by the defenders who arrived in time.
The frustration of Lokeren''s defenders was evident. In the 69th minute, one of them received a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Wang Feng, kicking his shin bone directly in the process.
Every time Antonis saw Wang Feng fall, his heart pounded. Only when Wang Feng got up and adjusted his shin guards did Antoine breathe a sigh of relief. However, he dared not let Wang Feng continue ying and promptly substituted him with a central defender.
In the remaining time, there were no more goals scored, and Genk secured a convincing victory over Lokeren, starting the second half of the season with two consecutive wins and maintaining their lead at the top of the league table.
In this match, Wang Feng scored two goals with four shots, and he was involved in almost all of Genk''s threatening attacking opportunities. The Belgian media were amazed, dering that Wang Feng had transcended the category of a mere striker and had be a terrifying attacking machine.
In this round, Jan Koller failed to score, widening the gap between him and Wang Feng to four goals. Many believed that it was already certain that Wang Feng would be the youngest top scorer in the Belgian Pro League this season.
Jan Koller felt helpless about this. Unless something unexpected happened, this season would be hisst in the Belgian Pro League, as Borussia Dortmund had already expressed their intention to sign him this summer.
After five years in the Belgian Pro League, he hoped to end his career with the Golden Boot and the league title, but he didn''t expect to encounter someone as unreasonable as Wang Feng. Despite the team''s efforts to create opportunities for him, they still fell short by a significant margin.
Chapter 53: Against Anderlecht
Chapter 53: Against Anderlecht
The midweek saw the Belgian Cup Round of 16 match between Genk and Standard Liege. Aimee Antonis deployed a full squad of substitutes, giving up on the cuppetition, and they were eventually eliminated with a 0-1 scoreline.
In the 19th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Charleroi away. Both teams yed with no reservations from the start, turning the game into an all-out offensive battle.
In the 12th minute, Gareth Barry dribbled past the left nk, delivering a low cross to the edge of the small penalty area. Wang Feng swiftly inserted himself and, with a quick stop using his right foot, shot directly into the bottom right corner of the goal.
1-0! Genk took the lead.
However, just 8 minutester, Charleroiunched a rapid counterattack. The forward sessfully broke the offside trap and calmly shot past the goalkeeper to equalize for the home team.
As the first half neared its end, Carl Bess sent the ball behind the defensive line from midfield. Wang Feng sessfully broke the offside trap and received the ball inside the penalty area. Facing the approaching defender, he flicked the ball with his right foot to the left, then flicked it again with his left foot, eluding the defender with a feint.
Following this, Wang Feng quickly shot with the outside of his foot, sending a low-angle shot curving into the.
2-1, Genk regained the lead! This scoreline held until the final whistle, with Genk defeating their opponents away and securing all three points with Wang Feng''s two goals.
In the 20th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk hosted Westerlo.
Just five minutes into the game, Westerlo''s defensive clearance error was intercepted by Genk defender Christian Civu, who passed it to the rapidly advancing Carl Bess. Knowing that Wang Feng would be there, Bess instinctively passed the ball to the right side of the defense near the penalty area.
As expected, Wang Feng, who had quickly advanced, arrived at the ball before the defending yer. With a powerful shot with his left foot, he pierced Westerlo''s goal.
In the 31st minute, Genk won a free kick in the opponent''s half. Bess threw the ball to Civu, who quickly turned and crossed the ball into the penalty area. Wang Feng leaped high in the box, outmuscling the defender, and headed the ball into the goal.
With Wang Feng scoring twice, Genk defeated their opponents with a two-goal advantage.
With three consecutive matches scoring twice, totaling 6 goals, the Belgian media were amazed, unable to find better words to describe Wang Feng''s performance.
Sports Reportmented, "Wang Feng has be a nightmare for all defenders. Since the start of the second half of the season, his attacking efficiency has been astonishing. Although he doesn''t take many shots in each game, they are all within the frame of the goal, and he has scored 6 goals."
"This also corresponds to what he said in the interview, that he won''t shoot recklessly just to score goals."
The Latest News Report''s headline was a big question mark: "When will Wang Feng join the top five leagues?" The article pointed out that Wang Feng''s level had already surpassed the defensive abilities of the Belgian Pro League, and staying in the league would only make him a bully. Undoubtedly, the top five leagues could satisfy his growing abilities.
Standard Report sarcastically remarked, "Genk''s attack relies entirely on Wang Feng. After Wang Feng leaves, they will decline rapidly." To be honest, this was already within the expectations of team manager Bill Albert. Genk originally nned to make a breakthrough this season and then rebuild.
In the 21st round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk would once again sh with Anderlecht, a match also referred to by the media as the "championship battle." As the name suggests, whoever wins this game will basically secure the league title.
In early February 2001, this highly anticipated showdown arrived as scheduled. The yers of both sides lined up in the yer tunnel, while the referee, Belgian Grady Schuster, made the final checks on the yers before kickoff. He lingered a bit longer on Wang Feng, who had recently been in the spotlight.
Jan Koller stood on Wang Feng''s left side. They nodded slightly at each other but did notmunicate. From their respective eyes, they both sensed thepetitive spirit. Wang Feng was unwilling to concede the league and top scorer position, while Jan Koller refused to give up and wanted to give it another shot.
Once the game started, both of them performed admirably. In the 3rd minute, Wang Feng created space on the right with his runs, and Barry urately passed the ball to him. Wang Feng crossed, and Jason Aldridge''s header narrowly missed the goal.
Three minutester, Jan Koller led Anderlecht to respond. After a series of passes and runs in the opponent''s half, he yed through multiple Genk defenders, finally making a through pass into the penalty area. Jan Koller''s shot was saved by the focused Genk goalkeeper.
The situation on the field gradually intensified, and it was about who could step up at the crucial moment to give their team the advantage.
"Now, let''s take a look at this. Wang Feng has the ball on the wing, surrounded by defenders, with no clear chance."
"Barryes to support, passes to Barry, quick cut inside, Barry passes it back, defenders closing in, Wang Feng controls the ball."
"Shot! It''s in! Goooooal! Fantastic! In the 27th minute, Wang Feng scores a stunning world-ss goal, giving Genk the lead."
"After Barry passed to Wang Feng, Wang Feng came to the edge of the penalty area under the interference of the defenders. But suddenly, he took a long shot, piercing Anderlecht''s goal directly."
"This time, Anderlecht''s defense showed no loopholes, and Esteban Casin was desperately using his body to press Wang Feng. However, even in this situation, Wang Feng could still receive the ball and take a shot, indicating how excellent his physical fitness is."
After conceding the goal, Casin looked dejectedly at the celebrating Wang Feng and Genk yers. He was very annoyed with himself for not stopping Wang Feng with a tackle or foul. When he tried to confront Wang Feng physically, he felt like hitting a wall. No matter how hard he tried, Wang Feng remained immovable, making it hard to imagine what kind of strong physique he had under his clothes.
Jan Koller looked at his frustrated teammates, pped his hands to attract everyone''s attention, and then confidently said, "It''s just one goal; we can turn it around immediately. Everyone, pull yourselves together, there''s still plenty of time, we haven''t lost!"
The teammates nodded and rallied. Six minutester, Genk captain Aaron Abigail made a fatal mistake, being dispossessed by Jan Koller when passing the ball in the back, allowing Jan Koller to break through and score a one-on-one goal.
Genk had just scored less than ten minutes ago, and everyone hadn''t fully recovered from the joy, resulting in a mistake that allowed Jan Koller to strike.
Chapter 54: Against Anderlecht - 2
Chapter 54: Against Anderlecht - 2
Both sides returned to the same starting line again. For some time afterwards, both sides yed cautiously, without posing a significant threat to the goal again until the end of the first half.
Wang Feng received Barry''s pass on the left edge of the penalty area. With a flick of his left foot, he dribbled the ball horizontally along the edge of the penalty area to the right. At this moment, a defender closely followed him from behind, and another defender pressed tightly from the left. Faced with the double team, he still calmly controlled the ball at his feet and had an angle for a shot.
At this moment, a third nearby defender sensed the danger and hurried over to block Wang Feng''s shot. Allowing him to shoot easily in this position would be too threatening.
Wang Feng attracted the attention of most of the defending yers. Jason Aldridge on the left took advantage of the situation and made a forward run in an unmarked state. Wang Feng kicked the ball with his left heel, urately threading it between the two defending yers, into the left side of the penalty area.
Aldridge received the ball, with plenty of space around him. After a slight adjustment, he shot and scored.
After scoring, Aldridge excitedly ran to Wang Feng and asked, "How did you know I was there? Do you have eyes on the back of your head?"
Wang Feng smiled and replied, "I don''t have eyes on the back of my head, but I knew that position was open. I trust my teammates to seize this opportunity."
Aldridge''s admiration for Wang Feng grew even stronger. Everyoneughed and cheered around, while Anderlecht suffered another heavy blow.
After the first half, the Anderlecht locker room was silent. Even Jan Koller dared not say any encouraging words anymore. Deep down, he gradually felt that they couldn''t beat Feng now, not anymore.
Coach Edgar Viss stared at the yers for a long time before saying, "Our performance in the first half was good enough. We didn''t lose to Genk, we lost to Wang Feng. But we have no way out now, do we?"
"In the second half, I will send all our attackers to give it their all. We might still have a chance. It''s not time to despair yet,ds."
As the second half began, Viss used up all three substitution slots at once, recing all of Anderlecht''s attackers tounch a fierce attack against Genk. For a moment, Genk''s goal was under great threat.
Thanks to the strong performance of the defense and the extraordinary y of the goalkeeper, they repeatedly thwarted Anderlecht''s attacks. In the 71st minute, Christian Civu made a tackle in the backcourt. After a few passes in the midfield, the ball was passed forward to Wang Feng.
Wang Feng received the ball near the 30-meter mark from the goal, preparing to dribble forward. He was then directly brought down by Esteban Casin, and the referee blew the whistle, promptly showing Casin a yellow card and awarding a free kick in the frontcourt.
Wang Feng got up from the grass in frustration. There was obviously an opportunity just now, but he didn''t expect Casin to be so decisive, preferring tomit a foul rather than giving him any chance.
Aaron Abigail took the free kick. He ced the ball at the penalty spot and took step by step backward. Reflecting on his previous mistake that led to conceding a goal, Abigail felt extremely ashamed. As the former captain of Genk, he had experienced the glory of the club and tasted the feeling of falling into decline.
Now they have excellent yers like Wang Feng, Barry, and Civu, they have a great chance to achieve better results this year. Abigail would never allow the team to lose because of his own reasons.
Abigail''s eyes gradually became sharp. He licked his dry lips, wiped the sweat from his palms on his trousers, and stared firmly at the top corner of the goal.
With the sound of the referee''s whistle, Abigail made his run-up, took the shot directly, and scored! The shot was powerful, piercing through the wall and sting into Anderlecht''s goal.
After scoring, Abigail ran to the vicinity of the stands, roaring to vent his pent-up emotions. His teammates surrounded him, embracing and celebrating with him.
Head coach Antonis also felt emotional when he saw this scene. He understood very well what was going on in Abigail''s mind. For Abigail, Genk Club was not just a football club anymore; it was also an emotional support.
Scoring this goal was his redemption. And this goal helped Genk secure victory!
In the end, Anderlecht failed to organize effective attacks in the remaining time and lost 1-3 to Genk, the top team in the standings.
Wang Feng, who contributed a goal, an assist, and a set-piece goal, was undoubtedly unanimously selected as the best yer of the match, marking his 14th selection as the best yer after the match this season.
In addition, with Genk''s outstanding performance this season, he won the Belgian Football Association''s award for the 4th time as the best yer of the Jupiler League month. Wang Feng''s performance can be described as dominant.
However, defending champion Anderlecht had a tough time. In two encounters, they were defeated by Genk with the same scoreline. Local media in Brussels pessimistically believe that Anderlecht has already lost the chance topete for the championship against Genk this season.
After the match against Anderlecht, it was time for a two-week national team match day. Several yers from Genk were called up to the national team, including the young talent Jason Aldridge. His performance this season has been outstanding. When Wang Feng was heavily marked, he could step up and seize the opportunity.
Wang Feng, as usual, did not receive an invitation from the national team. During this time, the Chinese team was training in Guangzhou. They would y two friendly matches against Norway and the Czech Republic, preparing for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in April.
When asked if they would consider calling up Wang Feng, the relevant officials shook their heads and said, "Our lineup is already strong enough, and we are very confident in creating history by advancing from the qualifiers and performing well in the World Cup finals."
When asked about considerations and arrangements for Wang Feng, the official said, "Wang Feng is undoubtedly a pride of Chinese football, but he is still too young, not even an adult yet. I think he should be given more time to grow."
Wang Feng, without national team duties, enjoyed the leisure time. During these two weeks, he continued training ording to the training n formted by Abel Le Goff.
The effectiveness of the training has already been reflected in the matches. Whether in terms of physical fitness or physical confrontation, Wang Feng can nowpete evenly with tall white yers, which has significantly improved hispetitiveness on the field.
On the other hand, under the guidance of Carl Bess, he also began practicing set-pieces. Although Wang Feng has previously taken set-pieces and assisted goals, he has not developed it into a regr attacking method or scored directly from set-pieces.
To be an offensive kaleidoscope, mastering set-pieces is a must.
On the training ground, Wang Feng repeatedly kicked the ball towards the goal, silently feeling the posture of his body, the angle and strength of his shots, even the distance of his run-up. He constantly improved his shooting technique, and steadily increased the probability of hitting the target frame.
Chapter 55: Go hand in hand
Chapter 55: Go hand in hand
Genk, Heramico Stadium, Jupiler League Round 22, Genk''s home game against Ghent.
Genk''s team name is GENK, while Gent''s team name is GHENT. The names are very simr, to the extent that there are rumors that many fans would go to the wrong venue, cheering for the whole game before realizing they watched the wrong match.
Of course, this is just a joke. In fact, the two teams arepletely different. Genk is located in the province of Limburg, Belgium, while Ghent is located in the province of East nders. In any case, it''s impossible to go to the wrong ce.
When the game reached the 27th minute, Christian Civu intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to Gareth Barry in the middle. Barry dribbled the ball into the frontcourt and then passed it to Wang Feng, who was making a run on the right side. Wang Feng quickly dribbled straight along the sideline.
When approaching the penalty area, Wang Feng used a Cruyff turn to shake off the Ghent defenders, then smoothly entered the penalty area and scored with a low shot from a tight angle, opening the scoring for Genk.
In the second half, as the game resumed, in the 71st minute, Genkunched a long pass from the backcourt to the frontcourt. Barry failed to win the first ball, but Bess quickly intercepted the second ball and passed it to Jason Aldridge, who was on the right.
Aldridge quickly turned around, trying to shake off the Ghent defenders, but a Ghent defender poked away the ball.
The ball rolled directly to the right side of the penalty area.
Wang Feng, who had been looking for opportunities all along, suddenly burst out from the right, intercepting the ball before anyone else and quickly entering the penalty area. He then took a direct shot with his right foot, adding another goal for Genk.
"Wang Feng once again breached Ghent''s defense, scoring twice in this match. He is like a cheetah prowling on the frontline. Whenever the defensive yers show a slight gap, he seizes it tightly."
"This is his 28th goal of the season. His performance is extremely active, currently firmly upying the position of the top scorer."
"Genk''s captain Aaron Abigail said in an interview that Wang Feng is the most important attacking yer for Genk, and ying with him makes it very easy. Just pass the ball to his feet and wait for the goal."
At this time, the TV camera gave a close-up of Wang Feng, who was celebrating with both hands pointing to the sky. This action has be his signature move, his handsome face covered in sweat, smiling, revealing white teeth and shallow dimples.
At this moment, the livementator eximed, "Seeing the young face of Wang Feng, who would have thought he would be the most threatening forward in the Jupiler League?"
When the game reached the 79th minute, head coach Aimee Antonis substituted Wang Feng. Although Ghent did not give up on the game, it was clear that they could not reverse the situation.
Before being substituted, Wang Feng also created two excellent chances, one was his own shot saved by the goalkeeper, and the other was a shot by Aldridge from his pass, which went wide of the goal.
This season, Wang Feng has scored many braces, but only managed a hat-trick once. So he was very eager to score another goal, but unfortunately Ghent''s defense against him had reached a very vignt level, so he couldn''t achieve it.
In the end, Genk defeated Ghent 2-0, continuing to solidify their position at the top of the standings.
Three dayster, at the Luminous Arena, Genk weed via Prague from afar. The knockout stage of the UEFA Europa League round of 32 officially kicked off.
In the 12th minute of the game, Genk intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to the frontcourt. After receiving the ball, Barry was tightly marked by the defender behind him and could only pass it back to Wang Feng, who was running up on the right side.
After receiving the ball, two defenders immediately came to double-team Wang Feng from both sides. Faced with such intense defense, Wang Feng quickly turned to protect the ball, dribbled backward, and used a stepover to evade the double-team.
Sure enough, only one defender followed him, while the other moved towards the center to guard against his pass.
At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly stopped and flicked the ball backward, using a Cruyff turn to shake off the defender who followed him, then turned towards the attacking direction and quickly dribbled forward.
Before other defenders arrived, he passed the ball to Barry in the middle. Seeing this, the defending yers could only move closer to Barry''s side to guard against his attack.
After receiving the ball, Barry didn''t adjust, but directly passed the ball behind the defending yer, and Wang Feng quickly made a run, getting the ball near the edge of the penalty area.
At this point, the only defender standing in front of Wang Feng was Emil Parker. Parker was very clear that if he let Wang Feng pass, he would directly face the goalkeeper, and Wang Feng had never missed such an opportunity when facing the goalkeeper directly.
So his attention was highly focused, his eyes staring firmly at the opponent in front of him, not daring to have any ck, sweat dripping from his brow, sliding down from the corner of his eye. But he didn''t care, silently calcting the distance between himself and Wang Feng.
But just as Wang Feng was about to confront him head-on, he suddenly saw Wang Feng flick the ball with the instep of his left foot, as if intending to cut inside horizontally. Almost in an instant, Parker remembered what the coach had emphasized before the game, that Wang Feng''s shots with both feet were very threatening.
"Damn it," Parker didn''t have time to think carefully, shifting his weight to the right, trying to block Wang Feng''s left-footed shot. But just as Parker''s weight waspletely shifted to the right, Wang Feng''s left foot withdrew the ball to the right.
Between left and right, a ssic double move waspleted, and Parker felt a sh in front of his eyes. Wang Feng broke through from his left side.
At this point, there was only one goalkeeper between Wang Feng and the goal. via Prague''s goalkeeper, Abner Mayer, was very experienced. When he saw Wang Feng one-on-one against Parker, he already felt that he might not be able to defend it, so he decisively rushed out to defend.
So just as Wang Feng shook off the defender, Mayer had already reached in front of him. His idea was good. After Wang Feng shook off the defender, he could only collide with him, and Mayer could also intercept the ball.
When Wang Feng saw a tall figure rushing towards him, he instinctively pushed the ball forward with his right foot. The ball passed by Mayer''s side, although Mayer tried his best to intercept the ball, he was still a step toote.
Wang Feng then passed Mayer, chased after the ball near the goal line, and scored into the empty.
"Gooooooal! In the 12th minute, Genk took the lead. This is a wonderful individual performance from the 17-year-old prodigy, Wang Feng."
"This goal reflects his skilled dribbling technique and calmness under pressure. First, he used a Cruyff turn to break through the defense, then a delicate one-twobination to evade the defender with his dribbling skills, and finally a delicate touch to evade the goalkeeper''s charge. It was all done in one go. If any part had gone wrong, this goal would not have been possible."
"Wang Feng not only performs well in the Jupiler League but also shines on the stage of the UEFA Europa League. So far, he has scored a total of 6 goals, ranking third in the top scorer list."
"It is thanks to his excellent performance that Genk can advance simultaneously in the league and the Europa League."
The Luminous Arena instantly turned into a sea of celebration. The process of scoring seemed long, but in the eyes of the fans, it waspleted in an instant. After scoring, Wang Feng even crashed into the advertising boards because he couldn''t brake in time due to his speed.
But Wang Feng was not injured at all. After standing up, he directly climbed over the advertising boards, came to the vicinity of the stands, and celebrated the goal with the fans. Genk''s other teammates also rushed over at this time, surrounding him in a circle.
2 goals in one match
Chapter 56: Each wonderful
Chapter 56: Each wonderful
The first half of the match ended with a score of 1-0. In the second half, via Prague adopted a more aggressive tactic. Although they were ying away, they were not ready to surrender easily. It would be even better if they could score an away goal.
When via Prague pressed forward with their attacks, their defense line became rtively empty. On the other hand, Genk adopted a defensive counter-attack strategy.
In the 51st minute, Czech forward Karel Miller received the ball at the top of the penalty area, took a few steps sideways, and then shot. His attempt was saved by the vignt Genk goalkeeper, sending shivers down the Genk defense line.
Subsequently, Genk continued to y cautiously, maintaining apact defensive formation, ensuring a victory at home and preventing the opponents from scoring an away goal.
In the 77th minute, after receiving the ball in the middle, Carl Bess passed it to Wang Feng on the right. Wang Feng controlled the ball with his back to the goal and passed it sideways with his left foot to Jason Aldridge beside him. Aldridge then passed it back to Wang Feng and quickly made a run forward.
At that moment, there were two defenders near Wang Feng and two defenders near Aldridge, tightly marking them to prevent them frompleting a passingbination.
Wang Feng nced at the area near the penalty area and the passingnes. Many options shed through his mind, and he unexpectedly chose a ground pass.
With his left foot, he made a backheel pass, and the ball curved along the grass, passing by several defenders. Finally, it reached the left side of the small penalty area, where there was no defending yer but also no attacking yer from Genk.
The via Prague goalkeeper was originally positioned closer to Wang Feng''s side to prevent him and Aldridge from entering the penalty area to shoot. However, when he saw the ball rolling to the other end, he hurriedly rushed over to catch it.
At that moment, Barry, who had made the run forward, appeared and struck the ball powerfully as the goalkeeper approached. The ball flew past the goalkeeper''s fingertips and into the top part of the.
Another goal for Genk! They expanded their lead!
Although via Pragueunched a frantic attack in the final stages of the game, the score remained 2-0 until the end. Genk could already see the light of advancement.
On the other hand, Anderlecht lost 1-2 at home to Shakhtar Dsk, and Club Brugge lost 0-2 at home to AS Roma. Not only did they lose their home advantage, but they also conceded away goals to their opponents.
After the results of the three matches came out, Belgian mediamented. It seemed that only Genk had hopes of advancing, while the other two teams faced an extremely difficult task to overturn the deficit away from home.
As Wang Feng shone on both the Belgian league and the Europa League stage, at the Olympic Stadium in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, a short-haired teenager was celebrating his goal. Just now, he used skillful samba steps to easily pass several defenders and score, marking his 8th goal of the season.
In the stands, scouts from various countries were recording everything they saw, including those from Spain, Germany, Italy, and France.
Angus Bihan, a scout from Paris Saint-Germain, said to his colleague Frederick Strosin next to him, "I think it wouldn''t be bad to bring in Ronaldinho as the core of the team. He''s only 21 years old this year, just 4 years older than Wang Feng."
"Most importantly, his transfer fee isn''t high. I''ve been in touch with Gremio, and we might be able to get him for around 5 million euros. Last year, we offered 8 million euros for Wang Feng and still couldn''t get him. Judging by his performance this year, this price might continue to rise."
Bihan added, "And you know, the club''s finances have been declining since 2000. Even though the club president, Monsieur Lassonde-Pempe, is very fond of Wang Feng, he can''t make the club offer a higher price."
Strosin remarked, "I see what you mean. This Ronaldinho indeed seems to have good skills, butpared to Wang Feng, there''s still some gap, right? And he hasn''t proven himself on the European stage."
Bihan shook his head and said, "I don''t think South American yers necessarily have to prove themselves in Europe. Ronaldo, Rivaldo, haven''t they proved this? Besides, Ronaldinho has won the Copa America with the national team and has also won the Rio Grande do Sul Championship and the Southern Cup with the club. He''s not inferior to Wang Feng."
Strosin nodded and said, "Then let''s report his performance like this. As for how the club decides, it depends on the opinions of the higher-ups."
At the Jose Alvde Stadium in Lisbon, a handsome teenager was sitting on the bench, anxiously shaking his legs. The current score on the field was 0-1, and Sporting Lisbon was trailing to Benfica.
This teenager''s name was Cristiano Ronaldo. This game was his first time being named in the first-team squad. Although he had been called up to the first team at the beginning of the year, he had been excluded from the squad for several months.
Since joining Sporting Lisbon in 1998, his skills had improved with age. For this reason, the club had him join more teams for training. This year, he even became the first yer in Sporting Lisbon''s history to simultaneously enter the U16, U17, U18, reserve team, and first-team squad in the same season.
However, after entering the first team, his days were very difficult. When he learned that there was a yer of the same age named Wang Feng, who had already yed in the Belgian league at the age of 16 and scored 23 goals in half a season, hispetitive spirit was ignited.
Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to perform well and score in the Portuguese league, so that the Portuguese media, who praised Wang Feng, could also see that there was a future star in Portugal.
Unfortunately, the Portuguese league was different from the Belgian league, and the overall level was higher. Few teams would rely on an underage teenager as their core yer. Sporting Lisbon was alsopletely different from Genk. They were financially strong and had many experienced star yers in the team, so they did not need to rely on new talents to break through.
Until the end of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo had not been able to wait for his chance to y. He looked at the head coach, his eyes full of dissatisfaction, but he didn''t dare to step forward to argue. He didn''t know when he would have the chance to enter the squad again.
In Catalonia, the autonomousmunity of Spain adjacent to Portugal, a short boy was undergoing growth hormone injection treatment apanied by several adults.
14-year-old Lionel Messi frowned. Every week, he had to endure the pain of injections. The only constion for him was being able to y football freely.
Except for his father, the other adults were all staff from FC Barcelona. At this moment, they were confirming Messi''s condition with the doctor.
"Based on the current trend, Leo should be able toplete his treatment by next year," the doctor said, looking at the test results. The others breathed a sigh of relief. Since taking over Messi''s treatment at the end ofst year, the effect had not been very obvious. Some voices within the club even doubted whether it was wise to put all their hopes on him.
However, Carlos Rexach, the head of the first team, still insisted on his viewpoint: "Leo will be one of the greatest yers in Barcelona''s history. I believe he should be nurtured as the core. The future belongs to Barcelona."
In various corners of the world, there were many talented yers performing their own brilliance.
Chapter 57: Conflict
Chapter 57: Conflict
After the home match against via Prague in the 23rd round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk would face newly-promoted Mouscron-Peruwelz. The coaching staff of Genk discussed and decided to rotate some key yers to prepare for the uing away match against via Prague.
Naturally, Wang Feng was within the rotation scope, and he didn''t even make it to the matchday squad for this game, enjoying a rest. Fortunately, Genk still managed to win with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Anderlecht and Club Brugge were both affected by their European defeats, which had an impact on their league performance. Anderlecht was held to a draw by Lokeren this round, while Club Brugge suffered a 0-2 defeat against Beveren.
As a result, Genk widened the gap with second-ced Anderlecht to 7 points, and their championship prospects were looking promising.
Soon, the second round of the Europa League knockout stage would arrive, with Genk traveling to the Czech Republic to challenge their opponents.
With a two-goal lead, Genk organized themselves steadily, while via Prague, pushed to the edge, went all out on the attack.
As time passed, the home team''s yers became more impatient, and their actions became more aggressive. In the 36th minute of the first half, via Prague earned a corner kick, and defender ude Savin seemed to use his hand to knock the ball into the in front of the goal.
Upon video rey, it was evident that the ball hit Savin below the shoulder, and he made a clear arm-lifting motion.
"That was undoubtedly a handball, but when the referee ruled the goal valid, we saw Genk yers surrounding the referee, trying to argue," thementator said.
"The referee ignored Genk''s protest and showed a yellow card to Genk captain Aaron Abigail, warning them to disperse and continue the game. We can see the disbelief on Abigail''s face."
Wang Feng didn''t approach the referee to argue because he knew that he might also receive a yellow card if he did, considering the advantage of ying at home.
He was somewhat worried because the Genk yers were holding their breath due to the home team''s antics and the referee''s leniency. If not handled properly, they might indeed be overtaken and eliminated.
"As long as we score one more away goal, via Prague will need to score three more to reverse the situation," Wang Feng calcted silently.
In the injury stoppage time of the first half, Gareth Barry dribbled the ball from the left, then lobbed it into the penalty area, where Wang Feng, with his back to the goal, controlled the ball.
The via Prague defender behind Wang Feng kept interfering with him, even putting his hands on Wang Feng''s waist to push him. Wang Feng, with a stroke of luck, knocked the ball with his right heel and quickly turned around.
Because the defender had been grappling with Wang Feng, his legs were spread apart, and the ball passed through his crotch, with Wang Feng gliding past him.
Wang Feng caught up with the ball at the edge of the small penalty area, raised his foot, and shot, catching the goalkeeper off guard, who could only watch the ball fly into the.
"The ball is in, gooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng hase forward again, it''s like he has eyes on the back of his head, using an incredibly imaginative heel to get past the defense."
"With this, the score between the two teams is 1-1, and Genk has rewritten the total score to 3-1, gaining a valuable away goal. via Prague is pushed to the brink of elimination."
During halftime, the atmosphere in Genk''s locker room was rtively rxed. Everyone discussed the poor refereeing decisions and Abigail''s yellow card in the first half. Head coach Aimee Antonis pped his hands and said, "Everyone, our lead is already very obvious. Let''s not provoke the referee and the opponents anymore. Our task is to maintain the fruits of victory."
Everyone nodded. After the break, via Prague''s actions became more intense. In the 63rd minute, Genk defender Maxim Dubois was fouled and fell to the ground in pain, but the referee only awarded a free kick.
Genk captain Abigail angrily shouted at the referee, "This is an intentional foul, you should show a card!" The referee indeed showed a yellow card, but it was to Abigail, and with two yellows, it turned into a red, and Abigail was sent off.
Dubois was also substituted due to his inability to continue ying, making Genk''s situation more unfavorable.
In the 67th minute, with one man down, Genk was sessfully attacked by via Prague. Forward Devin Hurl scored a goal, and just 5 minutester, the home team struck again, using a corner kick to level the score at 3-1, making the total score 3-3, with Genk only retaining the advantage of away goals.
In the 75th minute, Wang Feng seized a counterattack opportunity, sprinting more than 50 meters from the back to reach an area about 25 meters from the opponent''s penalty area, only to be ruthlessly tackled from behind by a defender.
The tackle waspletely aimed at his ankle, so Wang Feng fell to the ground in pain, clutching his left heel. Carl Bess, who was supporting from behind, saw all this and was furious. He rushed forward and pushed the opposing defender down, shouting, "You bastard."
The defender fell to the ground, and yers from both sides confronted each other angrily. The referee promptly ran over to stop the conflict from escting further, and substitutes and coaching staff from both sides rushed onto the field, pulling the yers apart.
After everyone calmed down, the referee showed a yellow card to the via Prague defender who made the tackle, but showed a red card to Bess. Several teammates wanted to surround the referee to argue, but were stopped by others. Bess cursed lowly and had to walk towards the locker room.
Wang Feng was receiving on-site treatment, and the situation was not optimistic. Coach Antonis came over anxiously to inquire about the situation, and the team doctor said, "He must be sent to the hospital for treatment immediately. Substitute him."
Although Wang Feng felt waves of intense pain, there was also a trace of coolness around the wound, indicating that his self-healing ability was at work. At present, Genk only had 9 yers on the field, facing 11 opponents, and it was highly likely that they would experience a shocking reversal.
So he struggled to get up and said, "Coach, let me take this free kick, and then you can substitute me." The team doctor immediately said, "Absolutely not. Your injury is so severe that you''re limping even to walk. We don''t even know if you''ve injured your bones. You absolutely cannot y anymore."
Wang Feng looked at Antonis with determined eyes. Antonis confronted him for a while before reluctantly saying, "Why do you have to do this? We still have the advantage. It''s not worth risking your career like this."
Wang Feng shook his head and said, "I''m confident in my body. I just don''t want my efforts to be in vain. If we continue like this and let the opponents reverse the situation, I will regret it for a lifetime."
He knew very well in his heart that his professional career would not be affected in the slightest. The kind of spirit that would fight to the death touched others deeply.
Chapter 58: Miracle goal
Chapter 58: Miracle goal
Anthony gritted his teeth and said, "Then you give it a try. Just this one free kick, and I''ll sub you out." The team doctor was shocked and said, "Mr. Antonis, how can you make such a decision? This is very irresponsible."
Antonis just waved his hand and sighed deeply. He was also unwilling. If they were eliminated in this way, what would all the team''s efforts amount to? Wang Feng was a miracle worker. Would he continue his magical performance?
"The game restarts, Genk''s free-kick opportunity. What? Wang Feng is signaling from the sidelines, and he has received the referee''s permission. He limps onto the field to take the penalty."
"Several Genk yers gather to discuss something. What is Genk head coach Aimee Antonis doing? Let''s look at the rey. The defender''s studs kicked Wang Feng''s ankle hard from behind, causing him to fall in pain. This must have caused an injury."
"Why doesn''t Antonis substitute him off and let him continue on the field?"
The yers surrounding Wang Feng tried to persuade him to get off the field quickly for treatment, but he smiled and said, "I''ll get off after this kick. Watch me give them a tough one. The best way to deal with malicious fouls is to make the opponentpletely despair."
Unable to persuade him, and with the tacit approval of the head coach, they had to step aside and let him take the kick.
Wang Feng silently dragged his injured leg back to the run-up position, his eyes revealing infinite determination, staring firmly at the opponent''s goal. The cameras on the field captured this moment perfectly.
With the sound of the referee''s whistle, Wang Feng began his run-up. He felt time passing slowly, each push andnding of his left foot causing unbearable pain, but his focus seemed to sharpen. In his mind, there was only the nearby football, the defensive wall, and the distant goal, connected by a line.
"Boom!" With a loud noise, the ball shot out like a cannon, piercing through the defensive wall and straight into the.
After the shot, Wang Feng kneeled on one knee, clutching his painful left foot, watching the ball fly into the goal like a warrior. Momentster, the yers on the field reacted. Genk teammates rushed to Wang Feng, with Civu and Barry helping him up, while others hugged him excitedly.
The stretcher, which had been waiting on the sidelines, quickly entered the field to carry Wang Feng off. The home fans in the stands were silent. After a moment, some fans spontaneously stood up and apuded Wang Feng''s miraculous performance.
Head coach Antonis rushed over, nervously holding Wang Feng''s hand, and asked, "How do you feel?" Wang Feng smiled and said, "It hurts a bit, but it''s nothing serious." Antonis breathed a sigh of relief. "Leave it to your teammates from now on."
Wang Feng was substituted off! He pulled one back for Genk, and the current score on the field was 2-3, with Genk trailing. However, the aggregate score was 4-3 in favor of Genk. Prague via needed to score two goals in the next 15 minutes to have a chance.
But at this moment, the Genk yers were united and fearless even at 9 vs. 11. On the other hand, the opponents were already frightened by Wang Feng''s miraculous performance. Despite the home referee''s bias, they were repeatedly struck, starting to doubt if they had the ability to defeat this magical team.
With the long injury stoppage time ending without any change in the score, Genk sessfully advanced to the Europa League round of 16!
The Genk yers were too busy celebrating to care about anything else. They surrounded Antonis at the coaching bench, asking about Wang Feng''s condition. Learning that Wang Feng only suffered a minor muscle injury, they breathed a sigh of relief and began to celebrate their victory wholeheartedly.
At the hospital near the stadium, Wang Feng watched his teammates'' smiling faces on the live broadcast and smiled along. His little pain was worth it. Just likest time, when he arrived at the hospital, Wang Feng felt that the most severe injury had already healed. It was just some muscle bruising due to the exercise after the injury.
Through these two injuries, Wang Feng had a clearer understanding of his self-healing ability. If it were a major injury affecting his career, such as a fractured leg or a torn meniscus, it would heal instantly, like a download progress bar jumping from 50% to 90%.
Muscle strains and minor abrasions, on the other hand, would heal a bit slower, but they would still be fine within a few days, like a download progress bar jumping from 99.8% to 100%.
So in the eyes of the doctors, Wang Feng was extremely lucky. Despite serious malicious fouls, he didn''t injure his bones or tendons, just some minor external injuries. And these minor injuries healed faster in Wang Feng''s body, indicating his excellent physical condition.
Only Wang Feng himself knew that, whether it was thest time or this time, he was actually seriously injured. Especially this time, if it weren''t for the encounter, he wouldn''t have been able to stand up again to take the free kick, and he might have been out for the season.
In the post-match press conference, head coach Antonis criticized the referee in charge: "I don''t know how he became a referee. To be honest, anyone who watched the game knows we suffered malicious fouls and got two yers sent off."
"We will appeal to UEFA about the two red cards issue and will use Prague via''s defenders of their malicious actions."
Regarding Wang Feng''s performance, Antonis gave high praise: "He was the key to our victory. At the most difficult moments of the game, he stepped up twice, especially with that free kick directly into the goal. You know, his foot was just injured, yet he could still produce such a high-quality shot, which is enough to show his ability and determination."
Many media outlets also cared about Wang Feng''s injury. Antonis said, "We did a preliminary check on him, and there''s nothing wrong, just a simple muscle injury. God bless, that damn bastard didn''t cause any serious harm."
"We will conduct aprehensive examination on Wang Feng after returning home, hoping everything is fine."
The head coach of Prague via, in an interview, refused toment on any issues regarding the referee and the defenders'' malicious actions, just saying that the home team had done their best, but Genk performed better.
Regarding Wang Feng, hemented, "He is an excellent yer and a remarkable warrior. Unfortunately, we don''t have such a yer in our team."
The next day, major European media outletspeted to report on the game, as it was too controversial. Belgian media stood on Genk''s side, criticizing Prague via''s club and the referee.
Sports Bulletin''s cover featured Wang Feng taking the free kick with a fierce look in his eyes, with the headline: "Angry Wang Feng Rampages at Eden Arena, Ipetent Clowns Only End in Obscurity." The article pointed out that the home team and the referee''s poor performance almost buried Genk''s victory, but Wang Feng, with his iron will, sealed the deal with one decisive blow.
The Latest News Bulletin sighed: "The killing intent in Wang Feng''s eyes seemed to say, ''I''ve won this game,'' and then he used a precise free kick to secure the victory."
Chapter 59: Media review and comeback
Chapter 59: Media review andeback
The focus of other European media is on Wang Feng''s malicious fouls and his performance of scoring while injured. Spain''s "Marca" pointed out that Wang Feng made history, as no other yer could persist in ying and score a goal while injured.
Britain''s "Sky Sports" interviewed Manchester United''s manager, Ferguson, who said, "Yes, I saw this miraculous scene. I don''t know how to describe it. Wang Feng''s skill is unquestionable, but his physical strength exceeded my expectations. Come to the Premier League, kid, the tough style here suits you perfectly."
Italy''s "Mn Sports News" was full of envy, saying, "If Ronaldo had half of Wang Feng''s physical qualities, Inter Mn wouldn''t have fallen into the swamp of defeat. The former alien has be fragile. Massimo Moratti can only swallow this bitter fruit."
Even rigorous German media invited professional doctors to analyze the foul and Wang Feng''s injury. "Sport Bild" pointed out that after repeatedlyparing the footage, doctors believed Wang Feng''s injury should be at least a sprained ligament because at the moment he fell, Wang Feng''s foot had already twisted.
"If it weren''t for Genk club''s false report of the injury, we can assume that Wang Feng''s physical fitness is terrifying. A young, technically excellent, and physically fit yer which club wouldn''t want to have him?"
Major European clubs are now closely watching how Genk will arrange their lineup next. If as reported, Wang Feng should be able to return to the field soon.
Although this match was not broadcast live domestically, it was still recorded. When thementators saw Wang Feng maliciously fouled, they were also very angry.
"This is a crime. The ball wasn''t even going towards the goal; it was aimed at Wang Feng''s foot." Zhang Jun shouted angrily. At this moment, countless Chinese fans in front of their TVs echoed his outrage.
Seeing Wang Feng persistently taking the free kick while injured and scoring, Zhang Jun choked up, "We can see our excellent Chinese yer, Wang Feng, when facing malicious fouls, he doesn''t remain silent or engage in fierce disputes. Instead, he responds with a powerful goal,pletely shattering the opponent''s hope and dragging them into the abyss of failure."
"We Chinese need yers like him, we need this kind of spirit."
After the full match was yed, domestic fans were still not satisfied. They flooded into online forums to discuss the game. Most people felt that Wang Feng''s performance was outstanding. "What''s more satisfying than retaliating against malicious fouls with goals?"
Many also expressed concerns about Wang Feng''s injury. Even though many media outlets reprinted Genk''s official statement, "This malicious foul is too serious. Such yers should be banned for life!" Some fans left indignantments.
After Wang Feng''s mother saw the relevant reports, she immediately contacted him: "Ah Feng, I didn''t expect football to be so dangerous. Why don''t you quit ande home? We''ve earned enough money now. You can start a small business at home and be a boss."
Wang Feng could only exin to his mother with a wry smile that he hadn''t been seriously injured and that encountering such situations in football was rare. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''m still young, and bumps and bruises heal quickly. Besides, I''m still a boy; a little injury doesn''t mean much." After much persuasion, his mother was finally convinced.
Liu Yao had been leaving messages on QQ, hoping to know how Wang Feng was doing. Using the same exnation, Wang Feng reassured her. Although it was troublesome, he still felt very happy knowing that someone cared about him.
As for Genk''s head coach, Aimee Antonis, sting the referee, UEFA obviously wouldn''t easily let it go. He was fined a two-match suspension, which meant he couldn''tmand the team in the next round of the Europa League knockout stage.
The red cards for Aaron Abigail and Carl Bess were naturally not rescinded. UEFA wouldn''t embarrass itself, so they would miss the next knockout match. The defending yer who tackled Wang Feng was additionally suspended for three games, but Prague via had already been eliminated, so he would only have the opportunity to serve the ban next season.
In the 24th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Royal Excel Mouscron, and Wang Feng did not appear in the squad. Both sides yed a dull game, ending in a 0-0 draw. After this round, Anderlecht continued to win, narrowing the gap on the points table to 5 points.
The draw for the Europa League round of 16 has been made. Genk, the only remaining Belgian team, will face German Bundesliga powerhouse Schalke 04. This result made Belgian media collectivelyment,menting the bad luck of the Belgian Pro League clubs.
In fact, the teams that made it to the round of 16 no longer have obvious minnows; most of them are powerhouses from the top five leagues, making it tough for anyone they face.
In the 25th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Club Brugge. Wang Feng appeared on the bench. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Club Brugge opened the scoring with a quick counterattack.
As time passed, the 0-1 score made head coach Antonis feel uneasy, and Genk fans in the stands began to chant Wang Feng''s name. Every time the team faced adversity, he never disappointed.
In the 79th minute of the second half, Wang Feng was finally substituted on. In fact, he was already almost fully recovered, but he was still undergoing rehabilitation training, so the coach didn''t n to let him y.
Five minutes after Wang Feng came on, Genk created a brilliant opportunity. Wang Feng received Gareth Barry''s ball on the right, quickly started his run down the wing, suddenly stopped and feinted near the goal line, evading the defending yer, and cut horizontally into the penalty area.
Then Wang Feng passed the ball with his left foot to the back post of the penalty area. Barry followed up with a direct shot, which was saved by the Club Brugge goalkeeper. However, the shot was too powerful, and the goalkeeper couldn''t hold onto it, allowing it to slip from his grasp.
Naturally, Wang Feng wouldn''t miss this opportunity. In fact, every time he attacked, he would find the best position after passing the ball, just to seize the opportunity for a follow-up shot. So he took advantage of it and helped the team equalize.
After scoring, Wang Feng continued to organize attacks with the remaining time, but unfortunately, there wasn''t enough time left. In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. After this round, Anderlecht continued to win, narrowing the gap to 3 points on the league table, reigniting thepetition for the league title.
Wang Feng scored a goal in just 11 minutes of y, showing his usual heroic form, which also proved that the club''s report on his injury was urate. Major European clubs are now even more urgently chasing after him.
He''s the core for building a team for the next ten or even twenty years! Very few clubs would refuse such temptation.
Chapter 60: In danger
Chapter 60: In danger
Late at night at the Gelsenkirchen International Airport in Germany, a ne has justnded. The yers from Genk FC, weary, disembarked from the ne. They have only one day for rest and training before the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match, which will take ce the day after tomorrow.
Wang Feng yawned. Just recovered from his injury, he appeared somewhat listless. At this moment, Gareth Barry approached him, saying, "Want a piece of gum to freshen up?"
Wang Feng epted the gum handed to him and popped it into his mouth, grumbling, "This damn schedule, four matches in two weeks, it''s terrifying just to think about."
Barry nodded, "And all of them are crucial matches. We can''t afford to lose. If we get knocked out of the Europa League, or lose in the league, we might lose our top spot."
Assistant coach Quik Martin approached them, "Take it one game at a time. Our coaching staff will observe your conditions and make rotations if needed. If you feel fatigued, make sure to let us know promptly."
During the pre-match tactical briefing, head coach Aimee Antonis said, "In this match, we''re missing three key yers, so we''ll be quite passive. But our goal is not to lose by arge margin. We should try to gain an advantage by scoring away goals, so it''ll be easier when we y at home next time."
As the match began, the situation unfolded as expected. Schalke 04 had absolute dominance. In the 21st and 36th minutes, forward Emil Mpenza scored two goals. This Belgian-born yer, who came from Standard Liegest year for a transfer fee of 8.5 million euros, has performed remarkably well this season in both the league and the Europa League.
Wang Feng found himself in trouble, as Schalke 04''s captain, Tomas Vadcz, marked him tightly. With the absence of central midfielder Bess, Wang Feng had fewer opportunities.
Near the end of the first half, Wang Feng finally got a decent chance. He dropped back to the center to receive the ball, then dribbled it towards the opponent''s half. Before the opposing defenders closed in, he passed the ball to Barry in the center.
After passing, Wang Feng quickly surged forward along the wing. Barry, after receiving the ball, dribbled for a distance, suddenly crossed the ball behind the defenders. Wang Feng, relying on his speed, caught up with the ball from behind the defense before Vadcz.
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng shielded it while moving towards the goal line. Vadcz was pressing him closely. Suddenly, he feigned a stop with the ball, shaking off Vadcz who was caught off guard, then used the outside of his left foot to curl a cross into the box.
The ball flew to the back post of the penalty area, where Jason Aldridge, unmarked, headed towards goal. Unfortunately, the angle was too central, and it was saved by the Schalke 04 goalkeeper, then cleared by a defender.
Disappointed with the missed opportunity, Aldridge scratched his head and shook it towards Wang Feng, indicating it was his fault.
Minutester, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half. Genk''s yers trudged into the locker room with their heads down, looking very dejected. This was the first time this season that they had felt overwhelmed, even Wang Feng wasn''t surprised.
The coaching staff discussed the situation and tactics of the first half before reaching a consensus. Head coach Antonis walked over, saying, "Come on, guys, we''re not giving up yet."
Pointing at the tactical board, he said, "In the first half, there was a disconnect between our midfield and forwards, which made it difficult to threaten in attack, and our defense had significant gaps. So, in the second half, we need to organize more threatening attacks and not let Schalke 04 have an easy time attacking us and threatening our goal."
Turning to Wang Feng, he said, "Wang, in the second half, I need you to drop back to the midfield to get the ball, ying as an attacking midfielder, just like you did towards the end of the first half."
"Your position will be flexible, whether in the center or on the wings. Run actively to pull apart the defense. I believe with your ability, you can disrupt Schalke 04''s defense."
"Everything depends on you!"
Wang Feng nodded solemnly. At the beginning of the season, he would asionally y like this, but as the cooperation between teammates became more tacit, he would wait more for midfield passes. But with key yers absent and midfield supportcking, he had to revert to his old role and assist in organizing attacks.
As the second half began, Vadcz found it more difficult to mark Wang Feng. His range of movement was wide, and his speed and explosiveness were strong, causing the veteran to gradually tire.
In the 61st minute, Wang Feng received the ball in the center and immediately moved towards the wing. Due to a momentarypse in concentration from Vadcz, Wang Feng broke through to the edge of the penalty area.
Three defenders nearby quickly surrounded him, preventing him from further advancing or passing. Carefully protecting the ball, Wang Feng slowly moved forward, waiting for his teammates'' support. When he saw Aldridge making a run, he suddenly elerated towards the defenders.
The defenders were caught off guard. One defender instinctively extended his leg to tackle, but Wang Feng deftly shifted the ball to the other side, evading the outstretched leg, then cut inside into the penalty area, passing the ball to the far post.
Aldridge, seizing the opportunity, used his right foot to control the ball and shot directly, piercing through the Schalke 04 goalkeeper''s hands.
After scoring, Aldridge sprinted towards the corner g to celebrate, resembling an eagle soaring at the Veltins-Arena. Wang Feng and other teammates quickly joined him, embracing him. The score was now 1-2, and Genk had secured a valuable away goal.
The head coach of Schalke 04, Herbert Visoek, looked displeased. He couldn''t sit still anymore and prepared to make substitutions, recing the exhausted Vadcz with a younger defender to closely mark Wang Feng.
In the 79th minute, Genk won the ball in their own half andunched a counterattack. Wang Feng was actively involved in defense, so he was positioned deeper. Christian Civu passed the ball to Wang Feng, who then dribbled through the midfield.
At that moment, Aldridge ahead was elerating. Wang Feng sent a high lobbed pass with his right foot. Aldridge seeded in beating the offside trap, getting to the ball before the defenders, but hecked the explosive power to reach it fully, and was immediately caught by the recovering defender.
Wang Feng also ran forward after passing the ball. With only Aldridge ahead of him, he shifted to the center, receiving the ball with his left foot, dribbling continuously, then switching to his right foot along with the ball''s momentum, bypassing the defender on his left.
As Wang Feng entered the penalty area, there was only one defender blocking his way. Feigning a shot with his right foot, the defender hastily moved to block, but Wang Feng executed another feint, shifting the ball to his left foot.
The defender struggled to adjust his position, but Wang Feng''s rapid movements had already destabilized him, causing him to fall to the ground.
Wang Feng struck the ball with his left foot, sending it into the goal along the inside of the post. The Schalke 04 goalkeeper, confused by Wang Feng''s consecutive feints, dove slightlyte.
2-2! Genk equalized!
After scoring, Wang Feng opened his arms and sprinted in celebration, like an eagle soaring over the Veltins-Arena. The defender who fell to the ground sat there with a deste expression. This scene was perfectly captured by the cameras and appeared on the front pages of major sports media across Europe the next day.
Chapter 61: Harmonious locker room
Chapter 61: Harmonious locker room
Back in Belgium, in the 26th round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Beerschot. Although the long journey left the yers exhausted, resulting in a somewhat lethargic performance on the field, the return of Aaron Abigail and Carl Bess injected a fresh energy. The first half ended with both sides deadlocked at 0-0.
Before the start of the second half, head coach Aimee Antonis had a conversation with Wang Feng, asking if he wanted to be substituted to rest. Wang Feng waved his hand, indicating he didn''t need to be substituted. Currently, Genk was only three points ahead of Anderlecht, so winning this game was imperative.
Wang Feng''s performance on the field gradually improved. In the 77th minute, Genkunched a quick counterattack from the left nk. Bess passed directly to Barry in the frontcourt, who then dribbled into the penalty area before ying a back pass to the outside of the penalty area.
Wang Feng was positioned at the top of the arc and quickly initiated a run, forcefully pushing aside the defending yers. Without stopping the ball, he struck it directly as it rolled towards him, and the Beerschot goalkeeper''s positioning was near the left post, so Wang Feng aimed for the far corner.
The ball traveled in a diagonal line through the air, hitting the inside of Beerschot''s goal.
"Goal! Gooooooooooooooooooal!"
"In the 77th minute, Wang Feng''s world-ss strike broke the deadlock against Beerschot."
"Wang Feng''s confrontation with the opposing defenders was intense. Despite losing his bnce after the shot, he managed to create a gap with sheer physicality and technical skill."
After getting up from the ground, nearby Genk yers quickly gathered around Wang Feng.
"This is Wang Feng''s 31st league goal of the season, and he''s still leading the top scorer chart!"
In the 85th minute, Wang Feng and Barry orchestrated a splendidbination y on the right nk, culminating in Barry slotting into the penalty area and scoring, sealing the final score at 2-0 in Genk''s favor.
After the match against Beerschot, Genk would host Schalke 04 at home.
On the morning of the match day, the surroundings of Genk''s training camp were crowded with local fans who hade to cheer for the team.
After all, it had been many years since Genk had reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and their best result had been reaching the quarter-finals. Now, with a yer like Wang Feng, they were even more hopeful of equalling or surpassing that historical achievement this season.
Club manager Bill Albert personally came to the scene to direct security personnel to maintain order and prevent idents.
Every training session of the Genk yers would elicit cheers from the fans on the sidelines, especially for Wang Feng, with constant chants of his name.
Many fans held banners filled with praise for Wang Feng, along with words of encouragement. Albert looked at all this with a sense of deep emotion.
The praise and affection from these fans were earned by Wang Feng through hard work and dedication. Regardless of where Wang Feng yed in the future, he could already be considered a legend at Genk.
After training, the club arranged a fan meeting where Wang Feng, Gareth Barry, Christian Civu, and Jason Aldridge were asked to interact with the fans, fulfilling some of their small wishes.
The four yers greeted the enthusiastic fans with smiles, took photos with them, and gave out their autographs.
Wang Feng was surrounded by the most fans, including many bold young girls who crowded around him, some even tugging at his clothes or shoulder straps, wanting him to sign.
Wang Feng could only smile wryly and cope with it. For him, this was even more exhausting than training.
As a young man full of vigor, being surrounded by these bold young girls made Wang Feng blush. This further piqued their interest, and they even started taking selfies with him.
The teammates on the side could only watch with envy and jealousy as Wang Feng was surrounded by people, while their own situation could only be described as deste, like a ghost town.
After finally dealing with the enthusiastic fans, Wang Feng returned to the locker room looking utterly disheartened, copsing onto a bench.
Seeing Wang Feng like this, Gareth Barry walked over with a smirk and whispered, "That must have been tough just now. Seems like you have goodposure, not making a fool of yourself in public."
Wang Feng stared at him nkly, not understanding what he was saying. After a while, he finally understood and waved his hand disdainfully, "Go away, why is your mind so dirty."
Christian Civuined, "Why do all the girls flock to Wang Feng? Am I not handsome enough? Not muscr enough?" Saying this, he even thumped his chest muscles.
Carl Bess chimed in unexpectedly, "Most girls prefer cute and fresh boys, not those with heavy features like muscle freaks." The people in the locker room burst intoughter at Bess''s words, and Civu angrily ran over to tussle with Bess, and everyone joined in the fun.
The older yers in the club, seeing this scene, were very pleased. They had witnessed too much intrigue and scheming in the locker rooms of other teams, and they understood even more how much a harmonious locker room could influence the team''s performance.
The atmosphere in the team''s locker room this season was extremely harmonious. Everyone celebrated victories together and didn''t me each other for defeats. Much of this was due to having a teammate like Wang Feng, who was willing to take responsibility and was dependable.
As they chatted, the conversation suddenly turned to women. Barry asked, "By the way, Wang, you still don''t have a girlfriend?"
Wang Feng rolled his eyes and said, "I''m only seventeen, okay? Not even an adult yet."
"What''s wrong with not being an adult? I went on a date with a blonde girl when I was fifteen, and it was amazing." Aldridge boasted on the side, "How about I introduce you to a few girls? They have a good impression of you."
Wang Fengughed and scolded, "You, the big carrot, stop it. Everyone in the team knows how often you change girlfriends, I don''t want to meet the girls you know."
"But in our team, you should be the only naive one, right? Is there anyone else?" Everyone shook their heads, even the homebody Bess was among them.
Wang Feng suddenly felt the world was full of malice, while Barryforted him, "It''s okay, Wang. After this week''s match, I''ll take you to the Nethends for a trip. I know that ce well."
"Then you introduce us, how well do you know?" Aldridge interjected, and the locker room erupted intoughter again, followed by inquiries. A group of energetic young men were most interested in this kind of topic.
It wasn''t until captain Aaron Abigail saw that the conversation was getting out of hand that he stepped in to stop it. "Finding a decent girlfriend is the right way, don''t always think about messing around." Abigail admonished.
In Europe, football yers, especially those in the highest-level domestic leagues, are extremely attractive to girls because of their strong physique, youth, and wealth. Many beautiful young girls line up at their doors.
Because of this, many talented young yers be intoxicated in thend of romance, ruining their own careers. Wang Feng didn''t want to be like this. He was disciplined in his daily life and naturally wouldn''t be licentious in this regard.
Chapter 62: Trust
Chapter 62: Trust
The second round of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 proceeded as scheduled at the Luminus Arena. Schalke 04 had to win or draw with a margin of two goals to advance, so they were truly fighting against the odds.
Just 6 minutes into the game, Genk orchestrated a brilliantbination in the forward area. Jason Aldridge received the ball on the left nk and passed it back to Gareth Barry in front of the penalty area. Barry pretended to shoot, causing the defending yers to fall, and then pushed the ball sideways to Carl Bess in the middle.
Bess didn''t stop the ball but rather flicked it to the right along with its momentum, bypassing the defenders'' heads and entering the penalty area. Wang Feng, who had been waiting there, directly volleyed the dropping ball, piercing through the visitors'' goal.
After scoring, Wang Feng dashed towards the stands, greeted by a tide of cheering fans. The Luminus Arena, which could amodate twenty-five thousand people, was packed to the brim, resembling boiling water at that moment.
This goal dealt a massive blow to Schalke 04. For the next thirty minutes, they failed to organize any attacks. Head coach Herbert Visscher unusually used two substitutions in the first half, but the situation on the field remained unchanged.
In the 43rd minute, Genk won a free-kick in the opposition half when Barry was fouled. Wang Feng decided to take it. With continuous practice, he felt that his free-kick skills had improved significantly, enough to be considered a regr weapon.
With a "bang," Wang Feng used the inside of his right foot to kick the ball, which drew a curved trajectory in the air, bypassing the left side of the defensive wall, then bending towards the top right corner of the goal, simr to Beckham''s famous "banana kick."
The Schalke 04 goalkeeper rushed to save the ball but ultimately failed to reach it, and the ball flew into the after brushing against the post.
2-0! Wang Feng scored twice! The aggregate score now stood at 4-2, giving Genk an absolute advantage.
In the 60th minute of the second half, Wang Feng was substituted off, and Genk adopted a defensive stance to consolidate their lead. Schalke 04 only managed to pull one back in the 85th minute through Emil Mpensa, but it was toote.
Genk sessfully advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals, equaling their best historical record! Wang Feng also topped the Europa League top scorer chart with 11 goals.
Thest match of the two-week quadruple fixture was the 27th round of the Belgian Pro League, where Genk faced Standard Liege. Head coach Aimee Antonis opted for a rotation lineup, with Wang Feng and some other key yers on the bench.
Although Genk had only a three-point lead over Anderlecht at the moment, the consecutive high-intensity matches had taken a toll on the yers. Considering this, Antonis decided to rotate the squad.
However, seeing therge 0-1 scoreline, Antonis was still extremely anxious. Earlier, Anderlecht had defeated Club Brugge 5-0. If Genk lost this match, they would lose their top spot in the league due to inferior goal difference.
The situation on the field was still extremely dangerous for Genk, with poor performance both in attack and defense. Fortunately, the goalkeeper showed remarkable prowess and prevented the gap from widening further.
Antonis nced back at Wang Feng sitting on the bench, who happened to look back at him. In that momentary eye contact, Antonis saw the determination and confidence in Wang Feng''s eyes, as if saying, "Let me on the field, leave it to me."
So Antonis entrusted Wang Feng with full confidence, and in the 71st minute, Wang Feng was substituted on.
Seven minutester, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal on the right nk. He flicked the ball with his toe, bypassing the defending yer''s head from behind, and took advantage of the opportunity to shake off the defender.
As he approached the edge of the penalty area, facing the interception of two defenders inside the penalty area, Wang Feng dribbled horizontally along the edge of the penalty area to the left. He created a gap with his speed, then decisively shot without hesitation.
The ball rolled in a diagonal line on the ground, heading towards the bottom right corner of the goal. The Standard Liege goalkeeper dived to save the ball but failed to touch it due to a bounce on the ground, resulting in the ball deflecting into the off his outstretched arm.
1-1! Genk leveled the score, and Wang Feng didn''t disappoint the fans!
This score remained until the final whistle, and Genk barely secured one point, maintaining their pressure on Anderlecht with this slight advantage.
Finally, the grueling fixture came to an end, and the Genk yers breathed a sigh of relief. The team weed a long-awaited two-day break.
Since Wang Feng''s physical exertion was rtively high, the additional training mainly focused on recovery, canceling out any physical conditioning. Bess and Civu were reluctant toe to training early, so Wang Feng practiced ball control alone.
Setting up a row of wooden dummies in the forward area, Wang Feng used them to practice set-pieces from different positions: left, middle, and right, from twenty to thirty meters. With each attempt, he adjusted his approach, kicking position, body posture, and power, sending the ball into the air in strange trajectories, some hitting the dummies, others flying off.
With more practice, the number of times the ball entered the goal increased, but he still couldn''t achieve a perfect record. Wang Feng realized that even if he ensured that each kick from the same position was exactly the same, variations in environmental conditions could still lead to sesses or failures.
It''s no wonder that even Beckham, renowned for his free-kicks, couldn''t rely on them as a regr attacking weapon; they only asionally produced stunning results. The reason Wang Feng''s free-kick uracy was so high so far was because he took them sparingly.
However, Wang Feng possessed unparalleled perception, so he could roughly grasp the best technique for each position''s set-piece through practice, normalizing this attacking method. Imagine a forward who posed a significant threat within thirty meters of the penalty area; opponents wouldn''t dare to foul him easily, fearing to give away free-kicks. That would be a terrifying scenario.
After indulging in this imagination for a while, Wang Feng snapped back to reality and resumed his practice. On the training ground, all that could be heard was the sound of "bang," "bang," "bang" as he kicked the ball.
After finishing a day of training, Wang Feng, as usual, took a shower at the club before leaving. This time, he also took a copy of Sofia Levski''s yer profile, which the club had just collected.
Sofia Levski was Genk''s opponent in the Europa League quarter-finals, one of the most famous football clubs in Bulgaria. Their best achievement was also reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League, so their overall strength wasn''t very strong. Genk could be said to have drawn a favorable opponent.
While the club executives celebrated, they also urgently collected information on the opposition, providing it to the coaching staff to devise tactics. The entire team hoped to ovee this opponent and create new history.
Chapter 63: Make history
Chapter 63: Make history
Muskron, Le Ca Stadium. When the referee blew the final whistle, Wang Feng, panting heavily, stopped his running steps.
Sweat had soaked his clothespletely. Before the game, who could have imagined that it would be so difficult?
Muskron was deeply mired in the relegation zone, so their tenacity disyed far exceeded Genk''s expectations. Moreover, in this game, Genk''s shooting uracy was severelycking. Out of 18 shots, only 5 were on target. This was partly due to the tight defense, but more so because the yers were out of form.
After a goalless first half, Genk received thetest news: Anderlecht had won again, which meant that if Genk couldn''t secure all three points in this game, they would drop to second ce in the standings.
In the second half, Genk intensified their attack, but faced with the opponent''s irond defense, they found it somewhat difficult to break through.
It wasn''t until the 89th minute when Genk won a direct free kick on the left side of the field, a good thirty meters away from the goal. Originally, Aaron Abigail wanted to y a short pass, but Wang Feng stepped up and said, "Based on Muskron''s previous tactics, they will definitely pack the penalty area with defenders. It''s hard for us to find a chance for a header. Let me take the shot instead."
Abigail asked in surprise, "But it''s thirty meters away from the goal. Are you sure?" Wang Feng pursed his lips. He had to step up and give it a try!
Then he found Civu and discussed the n for the free kick: "You run first and pretend to pass into the penalty area. They know your passing uracy is top-notch, so there will definitely be some chaos."
"Then you just let the ball go past you, and I''ll take the shot."
Civu nodded, and when the time came to take the free kick, all the yers respected Wang Feng''s decision. Throughout the season, it was Wang Feng''s goals that had brought Genk to where they were now.
As the referee blew the whistle, Civu ran to the penalty spot. The defensive wall and the yers inside the penalty area were indeed in chaos, but Civu didn''t touch the ball; he just ran past.
Just before Civu reached the ball, Wang Feng had already started. He was fast, and by the time Civu passed by, Wang Feng was in position. He used all his strength to strike the ball with the outside of his foot.
The ball shot out, straight through the confused defensive wall, then suddenly curved to the right after entering the penalty area. The Muskron goalkeeper was taken aback,pletely unprepared for the ball''s strange trajectory.
By the time he reacted, the ball had already entered the top right corner of the.
A match-winning goal! With the game nearing its end, Wang Feng''s pinpoint free kick sealed the victory.
Civu put his arm around Wang Feng''s shoulder and smiled, "Well done, mate. Once again, you''ve saved the team." Wang Feng shook his head, "This isn''t just my aplishment. The defense at the back, the organization in midfield, and the cooperation upfrontall are crucial factors in Genk''s sess."
In the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, Genk hosted Sofia Levski at home. In the 31st minute of the first half, Genkunched a counterattack from the back, with Barry passing to Wang Feng on the right. Wang Feng dribbled through the midfield and then sprinted directly towards the penalty area.
Two defending yers chased after him, but Wang Feng''s ball control was too strong, and his physical confrontation was also impressive. He firmly controlled the ball at his feet.
When Wang Feng entered the penalty area, the third defending yer also came to close him down. Wang Feng slowed down slightly, feinting a shot, which prompted the defender to stretch his leg to block, but Wang Feng flicked the ball past him effortlessly.
Then he used his left foot to shoot directly, and the ball rolled into the away team''s goal from the bottom left corner.
After halftime, in the 71st minute, Sofia Levski made a mistake in midfield, and center-back Helmer Park passed the ball to Bess, who then lofted it to Wang Feng on the right.
After controlling the ball, Wang Feng nced at the positioning of the yers. With a quick thought, he sent a precise long pass to the left side of the penalty area. The pass almost spanned the entire field but found Aldridge''s run on the left perfectly.
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Aldridge directly chipped the ball over him, and it went over the goalkeeper''s head into the goal.
2-0! Wang Feng scored one and assisted another, securing Genk''s victory!
Unfortunately, in injury time of the second half, Sofia Levski took advantage of Genk''s rxation and pulled one back, leaving some suspense for the tie.
In the 29th round of the Belgian Pro League, thanks to Wang Feng''s goal in the 31st minute of the first half, Genk narrowly defeated Brussels 1-0. Anderlecht also won 1-0 against Brugge this round, maintaining their one-point lead.
In the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, Genk traveled to Bulgaria. Just 7 minutes into the game, Sofia Levski scored a goal, putting Genk on the brink of elimination.
But once again, Wang Feng stepped up. In the 37th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the right side of the penalty area, used a step-over to shake off the defender, and then sted a shot with his left foot into the.
In the second half, in the 58th minute, Genk won the ball in their own half, Bess passed to the middle to Aldridge, Aldridge then lofted the ball to Wang Feng on the right.
After controlling the ball, Wang Feng cut inside the penalty area, faced with two defenders. He calmly dribbled past them with sessive feints using both feet, then took a shot from a tight angle. The ball hit the diving goalkeeper and bounced into the.
Wang Feng scored his second of the night! This was his 14th goal in the Europa League this season.
In the dying moments of the match, the home team didn''t give up. With forward Willy Schum scoring a goal, the score became 2-2. However, Genk ultimately advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score.
Genk had made a historic breakthrough, reaching the Europa League semi-finals!
The morning in Genk was very quiet. Wang Feng came to the smallke near his home, enjoying the fresh air. It was the second day back from Bulgaria, and Wang Feng, unusually, took a day off from training camp.
Recently, his performance on the field had be more confident andpetent. His physicality was no less than that of European adult yers. All of this was the result of diligent training day and night.
Wang Feng didn''t have the idea of ckening off because he knew that more severe challenges awaited him in the future. The top five leagues, and even the stage of the UEFA Champions League, where only the world''s top yers couldpete.
However, after achieving the historic breakthrough in the Europa League with Genk, Wang Feng also felt relieved. It was not in vain that the club and the coach trusted him. So, he took a half-day off to rx outdoors.
Chapter 64: A strong opponent in the semi-finals
Chapter 64: A strong opponent in the semi-finals
Looking at the calm surface of theke, his thoughts also wandered far. Perhaps he should buy a set of fishing gear to pass the leisure time? Wang Feng sat by theke for quite a while, until the sunpletely rose, shining dazzlingly on theke before he left.
Then he returned to the dormitory, dressed up in disguise, and prepared to go out and explore the streets of Genk. As a well-known figure frequently featured in the sports section of newspapers, if Wang Feng were to appear directly on the streets, it might cause somemotion.
Having been in Genk for over a year, Wang Feng had always been focused on the dormitory and training ground, without really appreciating the local customs and scenery of Genk. Seizing this opportunity, he took a nice stroll around.
On the banks of the Mandel River, at the Severeld Stadium, Genk was about to face Rusre in the 30th round of the Belgian Pro League. In the 23rd minute, Rusre''s attack was intercepted by Genk.
Wang Feng received the ball in the backfield, sprinted over seventy meters to reach the frontcourt, evaded the defending yer with a dribble, and broke into the penalty area alone.
Facing the goalkeeper, he calmly shot and scored, marking Wang Feng''s 35th league goal of the season. He broke the goal-scoring record in the Belgian Pro League and became the youngest yer to score the most goals at the age of 17 years and 291 days.
His goal-scoring performance was far from over. In the 71st minute of the second half, Gareth Barry intercepted the opponent''s pass in the middle, passed it to Jason Aldridge in the frontcourt. After shielding the defending yer with his body, Aldridge pushed the ball to the left for Wang Feng.
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng directly dribbled past the defending yer at the edge of the penalty area, rushed into the penalty area. The goalkeeper chose to rush out, Wang Feng flicked the ball to the right, dodging the goalkeeper''s dive, and then pushed the ball into the empty.
2-0! Genk defeated Rusreprehensively, and each subsequent goal by Wang Feng would rewrite history.
In this round, Anderlecht did not fall behind either, they narrowly defeated Charleroi. However, the process of the match was very difficult, as they trailed at one point, and it was still Jan Koller who stepped up at the critical moment, helping the team secure all three points.
From this performance, one could see how much pressure Anderlecht''s entire team was under. They had lost both cuppetitions and the Europa League this season. If they failed to defend their league title, they would end up with nothing.
Moreover, they were still behind Genk now. No matter how hard they tried in the future, as long as Genk didn''t lose, they wouldn''t have a chance to top the league. So, the yers'' minds were gradually being dominated by pessimism.
In contrast, although Genk''s lead was notrge, just one point, the initiative was in their hands. As long as they didn''t make mistakes, they would definitely seed in winning the championship!
After lengthy negotiations, domestic CCTV and UEFA finally reached an agreement to broadcast Genk''s uing Europa League matches. This was, of course, to allow domestic fans to watch Wang Feng''s performance through live broadcasts.
The four teams in the Europa League semi-finals were Genk, La Liga''s ves, Premier League''s Liverpool, and Serie A''s Roma, all except Genk were powerhouse teams from the top five leagues. Unfortunately, Genk''s luck seemed to have been exhausted in the previous round, drawing Liverpool as their opponents in the semi-finals.
Under the leadership of the renowned coach Gerard Houllier, Liverpool had been on a winning streak this season, smoothly sailing through the stages of the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League, striving towards the goal of a treble.
Liverpool''s squad was also full of stars, including one of Europe''s best center-backs, Finnish international Sami Hyypia, English defender Jamie Carragher, Scottish forward Gary McAllister. And the nominee for the Ballon d''Or, English forward Michael James Owen, and so on.
Now, Belgian media were not optimistic about Genk''s ability to continue ying the role of the dark horse. Even the team manager, Bill Albert, stated in an interview, "We have already achieved a historic breakthrough in the Europa League. Our focus will now be onpeting for the league title."
Domestic fans left messages on forums, expressing their intention to continue watching the game, "Although the strength gap between the two teams is significant, we hope Wang Feng can show his level in this series and not leave any regrets."
But there were still two people who were unwilling to ept elimination. One was Genk''s head coach, Aimee Antonis, who had already led Genk to win the league title and now wanted to achieve results on the European stage. The other was Wang Feng. Having reached the semi-finals, with the trophy just two steps away, how could he easily give up?
Antonis calcted his limited rotation chips and discussed tactical arrangements with the coaching staff in a tight schedule. Meanwhile, Wang Feng continued to train his skills and physique, preparing for the uing fierce battles.
In the 31st round of the Belgian Pro League, Genk faced Lierse. Wang Feng, Carl Bess, Gareth Barry, and other main yers were all on the bench.
Coach Antonis deployed a rare 5-4-1 formation, with insufficient ability in the defensive bench yers, relying on quantity to make up for it. Lierse''s overall strength was not strong, and Genk focused on defending, seeking attacking opportunities without conceding goals.
Jason Aldridge, who was in the front,cked the support of the midfield and Wang Feng, so he had no chance to threaten the opponent''s goal. He was substituted off in the 60th minute.
After Wang Feng came on, Genk''s attack became smoother. Just 3 minutester, Wang Feng orchestrated a highly threatening cross from the right, but the yers in front of the goal failed to seize the opportunity.
In the 74th minute, a direct long pass from Genk''s midfield to behind the right-back of Lierse, Wang Feng quickly inserted near the baseline to receive the ball, and the defending defender also hurried over.
Taking advantage of the defending yer''s unstable footing, Wang Feng gently poked the ball with his left foot, threading the ball between the defender''s legs. Then, Wang Feng swiftly bypassed from the outside of the field, caught up with the ball, and broke into the penalty area.
At this moment, other Genk yers in the penalty area had not caught up, and the opportunity was fleeting. Without hesitation, Wang Feng took a shot. He kicked a high shot with the inside of his left foot, the ball soared powerfully towards the far corner of the goal, hit the goal post, and bounced into the.
"Goal! Gooooooooooooal! Wang Feng, who came off the bench, scored another fantastic goal for Genk!"
"Let''s take a look at the rey of this goal. From the insertion to the dribble and shot, Wang Feng''s y was just magnificent."
With this goal, Genk sessfully took all three points from Lierse. On the other hand, Anderlecht''s pressure finally erupted as they unexpectedly lost to Lokeren. With that, Genk''s lead expanded to 4 points.
With three rounds left in the league, Anderlecht''s hopes of aeback seemed increasingly slim, and Wang Feng was getting closer to his first league title.
Chapter 65: Catch up
Chapter 65: Catch up
At Ennd''s Anfield Stadium, the towering stands were a sea of red, with waves of cheering crashing hard against the opponents attempting to challenge Liverpool.
The scoreboard disyed the current score clearly: 0-3, with the home team leading and the away team trailing.
Not only Wang Feng, but the entire Genk team was overwhelmed by Liverpool''s absolute midfield control and fluid attacks.
In the 11th minute of the match, McAllister assisted Owen to open the scoring, and nine minutester, Hyypia assisted McAllister for another goal.
Just three minutester, Owenpleted a steal in Genk''s half and scored his second goal of the match.
Up to this point in the game, Wang Feng''s touches were few and far between. Under tight defense, he hadn''t had a single effective opportunity, with 0 key passes and 0 shots being his current performance.
Was this the level of the top five leagues? Did he really have the ability topete on this tform? Wang Feng fell into deep doubt.
On the sidelines, head coach Aimee Antonis couldn''t help but feel worried about Wang Feng''s performance on the field.
After all, Wang Feng was still a young yer, and his mental resilience had not yet reached the level of remaining calm in all situations. If things continued like this, Antonis feared Wang Feng would fall into a deep abyss of self-doubt.
Antonis had never overestimated Wang Feng''s abilities. He believed that Wang Feng could definitely hold his own in a top club. The current plight of Genk was not only due to the significant gap in overall strengthpared to Liverpool, but also because football was a team sport involving eleven yers.
Just as Antonis hesitated whether to substitute Wang Feng and give up on the Europa League, Wang Feng on the field gradually emerged from his self-pity. "No matter what, I will never give up. I don''t care who the opponent is, as long as I do my best."
"If I can''t receive the ball from midfield, I''ll go get it myself." In the 43rd minute, Wang Feng received the ball in midfield. With a beautiful feint, he shook off the pressing defender and dribbled into the frontcourt.
Jamie Carragher retreated while closely watching Wang Feng''s movements. He had carefully studied the opponent''s information before the match and knew that Wang Feng often used deceptive feints. However, he wouldn''t be deceived.
As Wang Feng approached him with the ball, Carragher saw him take a big step forward with his right foot, intending to push the ball to the left with his left foot and shifting his weight to the left. "He''s trying to break to his right using his speed!" Carragher decisively moved forward to intercept.
But Wang Feng unexpectedly took another big step to the left with his left foot, relying on the power of his left leg to instantly shift his weight to the other side, changing the direction of his center of gravity. He then used his right foot to flick the ball away, sessfully breaking through Carragher''s left side.
"Wow, that''s a stepover! Wang Feng performs a ssic stepover, shaking off the English defender and breaking through alone!"
"Faced with the goalkeeper, he shoots! It''s a goal, gooooooal!"
"I never expected Ronaldo''s signature move to be performed at Anfield. Let''s take another look at this goal. Wang Feng''s body movement was even more exaggerated. When he leaned left, no one thought it was a fake. But he used the power of his left leg to forcefully shift his weight back."
"The media often praise Wang Feng''s dribbling skills, frequently likening him to South American yers with his fancy footwork. Today''s stepover further proves this point."
"But we must not overlook Wang Feng''s excellent passing and receiving awareness. His curved crosses are quite threatening, indicating his mastery of European football''s fluid coordination. I believe that given more room for growth, he will shock the world!"
After scoring the goal, Wang Feng rubbed his left knee, feeling a bit strained. In fact, he had used this move in training before, but he had avoided using it in official matches because it put significant strain on his body.
A sudden change of direction relying solely on one leg, even with Wang Feng''s abnormal recovery ability, he dared not use it repeatedly. It''s no wonder Ronaldo became injury-prone with frequent use of such moves.
The first half ended with Genk trailing 1-3 but scoring a valuable away goal.
In the locker room, although the Genk yers weren''tpletely despairing, the atmosphere was still very serious. Everyone was full of confusion about how to y in the second half. Coach Antonis looked around and first spoke to Wang Feng: "Wang, is your leg okay? I saw you rubbing it after scoring just now. The damage from the stepover move is too great. Try not to use it frequently in the future."
Wang Feng shook his head, indicating that he was fine as long as he didn''t exceed his limits, he wouldn''t be seriously injured.
Antonis nodded and continued, "We didn''t y well in the first half. This isn''t just a gap in strength, but also a failure to fully implement the tactical instructions. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have conceded three goals in a row."
"My demand for you all is simple: don''t concede any more goals in the second half. Returning to our home ground in this situation, we still have a chance." After that, Antonis began to exin in detail what each yer should do in terms of positioning and marking the opponents.
When it came to Wang Feng, he said, "Wang, you can y as a free man on the field. As long as you still have energy, you can appear in any position."
"Believe in yourself and don''t put too much pressure on yourself. If you feel tired, signal me for a substitution."
Feeling Antonis''s strong trust and care, Wang Feng''s nose felt a bit sour. He nodded solemnly and said, "I understand, Mr. Antonis."
As the game resumed, Liverpool, dissatisfied with conceding in the first half, continued tounch fierce attacks against Genk. Even Wang Feng had to drop back to defend. In the 61st minute, Liverpool had a corner kick opportunity. Owen''s shot had already passed the goalkeeper, but Wang Feng blocked it on the goal line.
In the 77th minute, Genk intercepted the ball in their own half, but Liverpool immediately pressed them. Christian Civu could only clear the ball with a long kick to the midfield. As Wang Feng retreated, he judged the ball''s trajectory and sprinted forward. He sessfully beat the offside trap and was the first to reach the ball.
However, Carragher''s interference was also severe, and Wang Feng couldn''t control the ball directly. So, he flicked the ball forward, intending to use his speed to escape. But at this moment, Carragher decisively fouled Wang Feng, grabbing his shirt tightly with his right hand, preventing him from getting away easily.
If Wang Feng had fallen at this moment, it would definitely be a yellow card plus a free kick. However, this set-piece was too far from the goal, so there was no way to shoot directly.
At this moment, a dramatic scene unfolded on the field. Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld rushed out of the penalty area and caught the iing ball with his hand.
"Whistle!" The referee''s whistle sounded decisively. Italian referee Leo Scholter ran up to Westerveld and showed him a red card! Westerveld looked incredulous and quickly exined that it was not intentional. Scholter shook his head, indicating that if he hadn''t used his hand to catch the ball, the ball could have crossed him and entered the goal directly, essentially preventing a goal, which warranted a red card.
Scholter waved his hand, signaling the surrounding Liverpool yers to disperse, then urged Westerveld to leave the field quickly. The camera now focused on the coaching bench, and Gerard Houllier''s face was very unpleasant. He was not pleased with Westerveld''s low-level mistake.
With no other choice, he could only use one substitution to rece a defender and bring on the substitute goalkeeper.
Chapter 66: Shocking reversal
Chapter 66: Shocking reversal
"Genk also got a direct free kick opportunity in front of the penalty area, which is much closer to the goalpared to where Carragher stopped Wang Feng!
Wang Feng confidently took the free kick this time, ran up, and shot! The ball flew like a bullet through the wall and into Liverpool''s goal. Giovanni Schuppe, the young goalkeeper who had juste on, hadn''t even reacted, let alone made any save.
2-3, Genk pulled one back again! After scoring, Wang Feng quickly ran into the goal to retrieve the ball, then dashed to the midfield, signaling his teammates to quickly get into position.
Strike while the iron is hot! After the restart, with one less yer, Liverpool indeed seemed a bit unustomed, their fluid coordination disrupted, while Genkunched a series of exquisite attacks. Just 4 minutester, in the 81st minute, midfielder Carl Bess passed to Wang Feng on the right, who used a series of feints to confuse the defending yers as he dribbled towards the front.
Upon reaching the front, he passed the ball to Christian Civu in the center, who shielded the ball with his back and passed it behind the right defensive line. Wang Feng, making a run, was the first to reach the ball.
Facing the defenders, Wang Feng dribbled past them with sessive stepovers from the baseline towards the penalty area. At this moment, Schuppe''s positioning was problematic, too close to the near post, allowing Wang Feng to slot the ball with a slight angle using his left foot.
The ball curved in the air, straight into the far corner of the goal.
"Goal! Goooooooooooooal! It''s Wang Feng again! Hepletes a hat-trick, helping the team equalize the score."
"This is an epic offensive battle. In the first half, Liverpool scored three consecutive goals, seemingly securing victory and advancing to the Europa League final prematurely. However, in the second half, Wang Feng staged an astonishingeback, single-handedly scoring three goals for Genk, resiliently leveling the score."
"Genk leaves Anfield with their heads held high, and Wang Feng''s contribution cannot be overstated."
But Wang Feng''s ambition didn''t stop there. In the 87th minute, Genkunched a rapid counterattack. Wang Feng sprinted along the sideline, kicked the ball forward to evade Carragher, then took a wide turn from outside the field to overtake Carragher and reach the ball before him, entering the penalty area.
Schuppe was extremely nervous at this point,cking experience in such high-pressure situations, unsure whether toe out or stay in goal. By the time Wang Feng approached him, it was toote.
Wang Feng gently pushed the ball into the far corner, leaving Schuppe helpless.
"Gooooooooooooooal! For the fourth time, Wang Feng breaches Liverpool''s goal. His performance today has been outstanding, showing versatility and skill beyond his age. At just seventeen years old, he achieves a quadruple in the Europa League semifinal!"
Celebrating the goal, Wang Feng slid on his knees in the corner g area, pointing to the sky with both hands, then was engulfed by his teammates who rushed over. The Liverpool fans in the stands werepletely silent, their faces filled with disbelief and shock.
Is this the same Liverpool aiming for the treble, being beaten like this by a second-tier team?
They grew increasingly angry, cursing the yers on the field, while some fans sadly sang the team''s anthem "You''ll Never Walk Alone". Gradually, more and more fans joined in, and the entire stadium echoed with this melody.
The Genk yers, still celebrating their goal, were surprised to see the resilience of the Liverpool fans.
But they didn''t have much time left. Five minutester, when the referee Leo Scholter blew the final whistle, the score remained unchanged.
4-3, Genkpletes aeback at Anfield! This is surely a historic match, with fans singing in the stands, Liverpool yers covering their faces in tears, and Genk yers rejoicing, ending the game with an artistic climax.
After the match, Gerard Houllier expressed dissatisfaction with Sander Westerveld in an interview, saying, "That was a mistake that should never have happened. It put us in a difficult situation and cost us the victory."
Some journalists wanted to ask Houllier about Wang Feng, to which he replied, "What more can I say? He''s definitely a world-ss forward. Don''t be fooled by his age; Liverpool''s defense couldn''t handle him."
"I just want to say damn work permit. When will the English Football Association do something practical and quickly pass the special talent import regtions so that we can buy Wang Feng? With him, we have a chance at not just the treble but maybe even the quintuple."
Genk coach Aimee Antonis praised Wang Feng after the game, saying, "He always repays the trust of the coaching staff. I told him to go out there and y freely, and he gave us a super surprise."
Many journalists were curious about Wang Feng''s future transfer ns, but Antonis refused to answer, saying, "Our main goal now is topete for the league title and the Europa League championship. We won''t consider other matters for the time being. I believe Wang Feng thinks the same way."
Surrounded by reporters after scoring four goals, Wang Feng expressed his feelings, saying, "I''m very happy to help the team win this game. It was a tough match, and everyone gave their all. I was lucky to score, but it couldn''t have happened without the support of my teammates."
Asked about his national team absence despite China''s victory against Maldives in the World Cup qualifiers, Wang Feng said, "I think winning the game is the ultimate goal. As for the shorings exposed, they can be addressed through training."
Regarding his non-selection, he said, "As always, I''m ready."
The next day, major European media outlets reported on the match, with many attributing Liverpool''s downfall to Sander Westerveld''s blunder and Wang Feng''s heroic performance, tipping the bnce of victory towards Genk.
In China, the broadcast of the match had a tremendous impact, with many fans astonished to discover that a Chinese yer could disrupt a world-ss defense. Especially after China''s national team won 1-0 against Maldives, the calls for Wang Feng''s national team inclusion grew louder.
This prompted officials to step in and exin that Wang Feng was crucially involved in the title race, and his national team call-up wasn''t appropriate at this time. They urged everyone to trust the current yers, believing they can sessfully advance.
After reading this exnation, most people stopped making a fuss. They hoped Wang Feng could lift the Europa League trophy and create a historical record for Chinese yers.
Chapter 67: The reaction of major clubs
Chapter 67: The reaction of major clubs
This game greatly influences the evaluation of Wang Feng by the clubs in the top five leagues. Previously, Wang Feng was a dominant figure in the Belgian Pro League, but most clubs considered the league''s level too low to draw conclusions.
Even as Wang Feng led his team on a journey through the Europa League, they felt that besides Schalke 04, Genk didn''t face any strong teams, so it couldn''t prove much.
Until Wang Feng encountered Liverpool, currently ranked second in the league and undoubtedly of Champions League level, but was still crushed by Wang Feng, who scored four goals, swallowing the bitter pill of defeat.
In this game, Wang Feng''s delicate footwork and excellent football intelligence were disyed to the fullest, forcing elite clubs to reassess his abilities.
In Ennd, Manchester United, Arsenal, along with some other clubs, are embroiled in a lengthy dispute with the Football Association over work permit issues.
Manchester United''s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson said in an interview, "We want to seek some special uses so that English clubs can bring in some outstanding young yers from outside the EU. They shouldn''t be shut out of the Premier League."
In Germany, traditional powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, and Schalke 04 have officially submitted offers to Genk, seeking to bring in Wang Feng this summer.
Among them, Bayern Munich is particrly generous, offering a transfer fee of 15 million euros, far surpassing the 8 million euros offered by Paris Saint-Germainst year.
Regarded as the Emperor of Football, Beckenbauer said in an interview, "I have watched Wang Feng''s games. He is an exceptionally talented yer and will likely be a football superstar. If he can develop in the Bundesliga, it will mark the beginning of a legend."
In Italy, Juventus is in talks with Real Madrid. If everything goes smoothly, French star Zinedine Zidane will leave this summer, thus they have a substantial amount of funds and aim to make a big move in the summer transfer window.
On the list presented to Juventus president Vittorio Giovanelli, there are yers like Czech ironman Pavel Nedved, Italian rising star Gianluigi Buffon, Lazio forward Marcelo Ss, as well as Jan Koller and Wang Feng from the Belgian Pro League.
Giovanelli asked his technical director Halil Brendao, "How about Wang Feng? He''s been quite hottely, hasn''t he?"
Brendao shrugged, "It''s all media hype. I guess Genk spent quite a bit of money on the media to package Wang Feng as a rising star, just to sell him for a good price."
"yersing from leagues like the Belgian Pro League, which has third-rate standards, can''t adapt to the high level of Serie A. I think we canpletely ignore him." Brendao hadn''t even watched a single game of Wang Feng''s; he had discarded all the videos sent by scouts.
Giovanelli, upon hearing this, thought it made some sense, so he crossed out Koller and Wang Feng from the list.
On AC Mn''s side, team manager Stuart Quindt, representing president Silvio Berlusconi, discussed with coach Fatih Terim, "Mr. Terim, do we need to bring in Wang Feng? You know him, right? He''s the genius teenager from Genk at seventeen."
Terim waved his hand, "We don''t need a baby, Mr. Quindt. Serie A isn''t a league for kids to y in, let''s not joke around." This coach, like Juventus'' Brendao, hadn''t watched a single game of Wang Feng''s.
As for Inter Mn, the situation waspletely different. Club president Massimo Moratti, along with coach Hector Cooper and technical director Horacio Bom, discussed summer transfers together.
"Ronaldo has been injured for over a year, and the club couldn''t even make it to the Champions League spots this season. The results are just too poor," Moratti said with concern.
"And ording to the team doctor''s report, Ronaldo''s next season appearances can''t be guaranteed either. He''s very likely to get injured again and be out for the whole season. We must find someone who can rece him."
Bom said, "I think Wang Feng is a good option. The most important thing is that he''s very young and less prone to injuries."
Cooper added, "From the videos sent by scouts, I found that Wang Feng is a technically skilled yer. The only question now is whether he can adapt to the high level of Serie A matches."
"But I don''t think this is a big problem, because Wang Feng is still very young. We have a chance to nurture him into the core of the team in the future."
Moratti nodded and said, "Then let''s officially contact Genk and try to buy Wang Feng!"
At Paris Saint-Germain, club president Laurent Pemp said to technical director Desmond Beverly over the phone, "Forget about Wang Feng. We can''t get him. Even the prices offered by Lyon and Marseille are higher than ours."
"The club''s finances can''t afford a price higher than 8 million euros. Originally, we wanted to raise the price to take advantage, but the cunning Belgians unexpectedly refused to sell, it''s really regrettable."
"We''re shifting our focus to bringing in Ronaldinho. He''s also cost-effective, and not many clubs are paying attention to him right now. Let''s aim to get him for under 5 million euros."
Beverly said, "Alright, sir. I''ve basically reached an agreement with Gremio. Next season, Ronaldinho will wear Paris'' jersey."
At FC Barcelona, Carlos Rexach, who has always favored Messi, couldn''t help but feel torn between sticking with the elusive Messi or buying Wang Feng for development, a dilemma that''s truly troubling.
Juan Gaspart, who was just elected president and was a former assistant to the previous president Nunez, sessfully defeated Joan Laporta in thepetition.
Gaspart finally made a decision, "We at Barcelona cannot abandon our tradition of youth development. Since we already have the cornerstone of the team, we shouldn''t think about nurturing other yers anymore."
"When Wang Feng truly shines in the top five leagues, we can consider buying him back."
In Real Madrid, club president Florentino Perez said at a high-level meeting, "Wang Feng is good, and he has highmercial value potential to exploit, but he doesn''t fit with our current strategy."
"Our top priority this summer is to bring in Zinedine Zidane from Juventus. This is a goal that must be achieved; he''s an important piece of the Gcticos project."
Some executives raised concerns about what to do if arch-rivals Barcelona bring in Wang Feng. Florentino smiled and replied, "If that really happens, we''ll just directly snatch him away like we did with Figo."
"Barcelona is definitely not a warm-hearted club, full of intrigue and maneuvering. Any superstar can''t stay at Barca for long."
"Ronaldo was like that, Figo was like that, Rivaldo was like that, and future stars will be the same." Florentino said confidently."
Chapter 68: Conspiracy
Chapter 68: Conspiracy
Genk, returning from Liverpool, plunged straight into the 32nd round of the Belgian Pro League, facing Sint-Truiden, a team from the city of Limburg in Belgium.
After the intense matches, Wang Feng continued his excitement in this game. Just 5 minutes into the game, Carl Bess dribbled the ball to the front and passed it diagonally to Jason Aldridge on the left. Aldridge lost his bnce under pressure from the defenders but managed to pass the ball into the penalty area while falling.
Wang Feng, lurking in the penalty area, suddenly sprang into action towards the ball''s trajectory. The defenders beside him hurriedly closed in. The ball was flying low, making it impossible for a header. If he controlled the ball and dealt with it, it would waste time and lead to being surrounded.
Wang Feng''s mind raced, and in an instant, he made a decision. He lifted his left foot, swept the ball backward as it descended, exerted force with his leg, and struck a scorpion-like shot.
The ball was fast and sharp, flying towards the bottom left corner of the goal. Although the Sint-Truiden goalkeeper tried his best to save it, he could only watch the ball go past him. 1-0, Genk made a perfect start.
In the 34th minute, after Gareth Barry intercepted the ball in midfield, he made a long pass straight to Wang Feng. With his speed, Wang Feng raced ahead, beating the offside trap, and caught up with the ball in the penalty area.
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Wang Feng calmly slotted the ball through the goalkeeper''s legs, into the.
Celebrating his second goal, he pointed to Barry, indicating that Barry''s precise pass contributed 50% to the goal, while the other 50% was Wang Feng''s unmatched speed advantage.
The first half ended with Genk in the lead. Just when everyone thought Genk would easily win, the situation took a sharp turn in the second half.
In the 51st minute, Wang Feng was brought down by a rough tackle while in possession of the ball. Although the referee only gave a yellow card to the opponent, coach Aimee Anonis was still sweating nervously.
Because the next match against Liverpool in the Europa League semi-final was crucial. Although Genk had gained an advantage in the first leg, it was hard to imagine what the situation would be like without Wang Feng.
So Antonis decisively substituted Wang Feng with a backup defender to strengthen the team''s defense.
With the lead, Genk''s yers became somewhatcent, and with Wang Feng off the field, theycked someone to keep the Sint-Truiden defense busy. In the 69th and 81st minutes, Sint-Truiden scored two goals to equalize.
In the end, Genk only got 1 point instead of 3, while theirpetitors Anderlecht, under pressure, defeated Brussels in this round, reducing Genk''s lead on the points table from 4 points to 2.
In the dressing room after the game, coach Antonis was furious: "With this kind of mentality and level, what are you talking about beating Liverpool? Have you forgotten the scene of falling behind by a big margin?"
He rarely left the dressing room, exining to each yer the mistakes made during the game untilte at night. Then he demanded that everyone report to the training camp early the next morning for intensive training to prepare for the match against Liverpool.
After all the yers had left, assistant coach Quik Martin said, "Mr. Antonis, are you being too harsh on them, causing extra pressure on the yers?"
Antonis shook his head and sighed, "I don''t want to be like this either, but since we''ve already seen the dawn of victory, why not give it a try? In fact, many of our yersck a bit of skill, but as long as they give their all, we can stillpete with the top teams."
Three dayster, the Luminous Athletic Stadium weed the challenge from Liverpool. In a sea of blue, there was a red area, where the away fans were located. Although they were few in number, they cheered loudly for the team.
This was the first time Genk''s yers had seen the madness of English fans. Soon, they also showed their spirit, singing their team''s song loudly, announcing to everyone that this was their home ground!
Amidst this lively scene, the two teams took the field. The faces of Liverpool yers showed no signs of despair or confusion from the previous defeat; instead, they were full of confidence.
Before the match, coach Gerard Houllier said to them, "The only mistake we made in thest match was not containing Wang Feng well. So, in this match, as long as we focus on him and render him ineffective, the others are not a concern."
"Believe in yourselves, we will surely ovee Genk and win our trophy!"
After the match began, Liverpool''s defense against Wang Feng could be described as crazy. When he didn''t have the ball, there were one or two yers marking him, and once he received the ball, there were four or five yers converging on him.
Of course, this created a lot of space for other Genk attackers, which would easily trante into goals in the Belgian Pro League matches, but now they were facing Liverpool, one of the best defensive lines in the world.
The situation in the match waspletely different from the previous one. Genk created several shooting opportunities in the first half, but unfortunately, they were either off-target or went wide.
On the other hand, Liverpool, abandoning their possession-based style, used counterattacks and set pieces. Gary McAllister and Michael Owen each scored a goal, easily reversing the aggregate score.
Genk''s coach Antonis looked at Houllier on the opposite bench, understanding the old fox''s tactics. This was clearly a deliberate move topletely iste Wang Feng from the other yers, even equivalent to driving Wang Fengpletely out of the field with several yers.
Because Houllier believed that without Wang Feng, even if Genk had 10 yers against Liverpool''s 8, or even 7, they would have no chance of winning.
At the end of the first half, Wang Feng felt powerless, feeling the pressure of being surrounded by three or four world-ss defenders.
The other Genk yers also felt frustrated; they realized what Liverpool''s strategy was, but they didn''t have a good solution, as they were clearly outmatched in terms of ability.
"Damn it!" Carl Bess punched the locker in the dressing room, unwilling to ept it: "Are we just going to watch the team step into the abyss of failure?"
Jason Aldridge and Gareth Barry were also frustrated, realizing that their abilities were only good enough for dominating in the Belgian Pro League.
Coach Antonis didn''t have time toe to the dressing room; he and the coaching staff were discussing strategies anxiously, but no matter how they discussed, they felt it was an unsolvable problem.
In the end, it was still a matter of overall strength. Relying on good luck and Wang Feng''s superhuman performance, Genk had reached a level that was notmensurate with their abilities.
Just when the atmosphere in the dressing room reached its lowest point, Wang Feng stood up and said, "Everyone, I''m sorry, my performance in the first half was terrible, but please continue to believe in me and entrust the attack to me."
Upon hearing this, Bess said, "Wang, you don''t need to apologize; this isn''t your fault. Brothers, let''s focus on defense in the second half and never let Liverpool score another goal!"
Everyone nodded solemnly, and they all raised their arms, forming a circle. Captain Aaron Abigail said, "Let them witness the perseverance of us Genk yers."
Chapter 69: Exceed oneself
Chapter 69: Exceed oneself
Aimee Antonis returned to the dressing room a few minutes before the start of the second half and couldn''t find a new tactic to break through Houllier''s arrangement, so he could only encourage the yers.
But when he saw the determined eyes of the yers, he instantly understood what was needed. The prepared words turned into just two: "Come on."
Both sides returned to the field, and the referee blew the whistle to start the second half.
At the beginning of the game, Liverpool''s strategy remained the same as the first half, with a tight defense against Wang Feng and leaving a gap for other Genk yers, enticing them to attack and creating opportunities.
However, unlike the first half, the Genk yers were not fooled. Apart from Wang Feng, who stayed up front, everyone else gathered in the defensive area, forming a solid defensive formation, frustrating Liverpool''s attacks.
They didn''t panic despite being behind; they defended resolutely and only looked for Wang Feng in attack. If he was marked? No problem, they would pass the ball back and regroup.
Meanwhile, Wang Feng kept running on the field, constantly exhausting his energy. But he didn''t mind; he was just waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Finally, in the 87th minute, the opportunity arrived! Sami Hyypi?, 29, showed a hint of fatigue. When Christian Civu passed the ball to Wang Feng, Hyypi? failed to close down immediately, giving Wang Feng a slight opening between two defenders, and he dribbled out.
With a burst of speed, Wang Feng left the chasing yers behind and entered Liverpool''s half. Defender Jamie Carragher moved in to block, attempting a tackle.
However, Wang Feng''s ball control was impable, and as Carragher stretched his leg, Wang Feng gently poked the ball away.
Finding space, Wang Feng continued with the ball. Another defender, Stephane Henchoz, rushed to intercept, but Wang Feng deftly shifted the ball from his left foot to his right foot, then feinted to the left, leaving Henchoz stranded.
Chris Kirnd, the goalkeeper, rushed out, hoping to block Wang Feng''s shot. However, Wang Feng calmly adjusted his position and struck the ball with his left foot, sending it flying towards the far corner of the goal.
"Goal! Wang Feng, what a fantastic y! In the 87th minute, Wang Feng once again saves Genk!"
"A brilliant solo effort by Wang Feng, dribbling past four yers and slotting the ball past Giovanni Scupeco in goal!"
"The score is now 1-2, with the aggregate score tied at 5-5, but Genk holds four away goals, while Liverpool only has two."
"It can be said that time is running out for Liverpool!"
After scoring, Wang Feng roared with joy, as if releasing all the frustration from the game. He had once again surpassed himself!
Bess was the first to reach him, jumping onto his back andughing, "I knew you wouldn''t let us down!"
Other Genk yers also gathered around Wang Feng, congratting him on the hard-earned goal. In contrast, the Liverpool yers looked dejected. Carragher covered his face, and Kirnd kicked the ball angrily.
On the coaching bench, Antonis'' heart raced as he watched Wang Feng''s attack. He knew this was thest chance. When Wang Feng scored, Antonis jumped up and ran along the sideline, celebrating.
Houllier, on the other hand, shook his head in resignation. It was so close; his tactics were logical and effective, but he didn''t expect Wang Feng and the Genk yers to be so resilient.
And Wang Feng''s ability to seize opportunities was remarkable; any slight mistake was turned into a goal.
After the referee''s repeated reminders, the Genk yers dispersed, focusing on the final minutes.
Leading almost the entire game, Liverpool was overturned at thest moment. This was a huge blow to their morale. Despite their efforts to organize attacks, Houllier''s continuous shouts andmands from the sidelines, they couldn''t break through Genk''s defense again.
With the final whistle, the Genk substitutes and coaching staff rushed onto the field, celebrating with the yers. They lifted coach Antonis high in the air.
Watching their excitement, Wang Feng said to Bess beside him, "Look at how excited they are. I wonder how happy they''ll be when they lift the Europa League trophy."
Bess replied, "Yeah, let''s go make history and lift that trophy together." Wang Feng nodded solemnly.
At that moment, Michael Owen approached them, overhearing their conversation. He said, "Congrattions on reaching the final. I believe you can defeat your opponent and lift the trophy."
"Wang, let''s swap jerseys. You beat me this time, but next time, who knows."
The two exchanged jerseys, then shared a brief hug before Owen left the field with the other Liverpool yers. The farewell of the losers always carried a hint of regret, but they wouldn''t be disheartened. They still had the FA Cup and League Cup to challenge for.
Genk''s opponent in the final had already been determined earlier: vs from La Liga. They drew with Roma in both legs and eventually advanced through a penalty shootout.
European media outlets described Genk, who reached the final, as a "dark horse" and looked forward to them going all the way. After all,pared to Liverpool, vs'' overall level was slightly lower.
France Football, the founding media outlet of the Ballon d''Or, wrote that Wang Feng was one of the best young yers in the past two years. "His progress and talent are evident, especially in the match against Liverpool, where his dribbling past several yers to score reminds one of Maradona."
"In fact, we are discussing a new award, simr in nature to the Ballon d''Or but mainly for young yers. We want to provide more support and encouragement to young yers."
Chapter 70: League championship
Chapter 70: League championship
In the Freethiel Stadium, Beveren, East nders Province, Belgium, the 33rd round of the Jupiler Pro League is underway, with Beveren facing off against Genk.
For Genk, this game is crucial because it determines whether the team can clinch the title in advance. Earlier in this game, Anderlecht tasted their fourth defeat of the season, losing 1-2 to Beerschot. Despite ying one game less, Genk still leads by two points.
Due to Genk''s superior goal difference, if they draw this game, they will win the league title for the 00-01 season! In that case, they can afford to skip the final round and focus on preparing for the Europa League final.
But if they fail to defeat their opponents, they will have to face the disadvantage of back-to-back matches in a week. All Genk yers and fans dread this scenario, and even most of the Belgian media do not approve of such scheduling.
Belgium hasn''t had a team reach the Europa League final for many years. Thest time was in the 1982-1983 season when Anderlecht lifted the UEFA Cup.
There are even calls for the football association to reschedule the final round if Genk fails to clinch the title early, allowing them ample preparation time for the Europa League final. It''s said that senior officials in the football association are considering the feasibility of this proposal.
For most people, Genk winning the title early is the best oue. However, Anderlecht''s yers and fans obviously don''t think so. They are nervously watching the game, praying for Genk''s defeat to give them hope for aeback.
The Beveren yers on the field clearly don''t want to give in. Although the team is not under pressure for results, they adhere to the spirit of sportsmanship and give their all. Not only do they tightly mark Wang Feng from the beginning, but they alsounch several threatening attacks.
However, the Genk yers'' skills are evidently superior, gradually taking control of the game. In the 23rd minute, Genkunched a swift counterattack. Christian Civu lofted a high ball from the back to the midfield, but Karl Bess had difficulty controlling it under defensive pressure. He cleverly pushed it forward and then broke free from the defense, catching up to the ball and passing it to Gareth Barry in the front.
Barry quickly passed the ball to the right defensive line, where Wang Feng surged forward near the baseline, dribbled past with his right foot, then sent a through pass with his left foot to the edge of the penalty area.
Jason Aldridge,ing from the backline, timed his run poorly and couldn''t reach the optimal point. So he improvised by kicking the ball with a backheel, sending it straight towards the far post of the goal. Beveren''s goalkeeper was caught off guard and could only watch as the ball went into the.
1-0, Genk took the lead! The league championship trophy seems to be getting closer and closer to them.
The first half ended with Genk leading by one goal, and the yers in the dressing room were all smiles, not as subdued as they were in the previous match against Liverpool. Aldridge even suggested opening champagne to celebrate.
Wang Feng quickly stopped him. Although he didn''t know why, he had a feeling that premature champagne celebrations might not be a good omen. Captain Aaron Abigail also spoke up, saying, "Everyone, we''ve touched the corner of the league trophy, but football is unpredictable. There are still forty-five minutes of challenge ahead of us."
"We don''t have the right to becent. After the game, you can celebrate however you want, but now is not the time." Abigail''s usually authoritative presence in the team made everyone listen to him, and they rallied themselves for the second half.
After the break, Beveren still showed great resilience, but the Genk yers were determined to win this game, maintaining their advantage.
As time passed, Anderlecht''s yers and fans watched anxiously, their hearts sinking gradually. It was painful to pin their hopes on the opponent and see those hopes slowly being dashed.
In the 78th minute, Barry passed to Aldridge on the left, who dribbled into the penalty area but couldn''t shake off the defenders after a few feints. So he passed to Bess, who didn''t stop the ball but instead chipped it to the middle. Wang Feng jumped with his back to the goal, lifted his right foot, and scored with a bicycle kick.
"Bess passes to the middle, shot! It''s a goal, goooooooooooal! Beautiful! In the 78th minute, Wang Feng secures the victory for Genk with a fantastic bicycle kick."
"This is Wang Feng''s 40th goal of the season, scoring 40 goals in 33 league matches, leading the second-ced Jan Koller by 6 goals. He almost locks in the Jupiler Pro League Golden Boot this season. Let''s congratte Wang Feng again."
"At the same time, Wang Feng also breaks the record for the most goals scored in a single season in the Jupiler Pro League and the record for the youngest yer to win the Golden Boot in the Jupiler Pro League. It''s believed that this record will stand for a long time."
"It''s worth mentioning that Wang Feng also contributed 12 assists this season, ranking fifth in the assist list. That means Wang Feng is involved in more than two-thirds of Genk''s goals this season. Wang Feng''s contribution is indispensable to Genk winning the league trophy this season."
Wang Feng''s heroic performance also earned the respect of the home fans. When Wang Feng celebrated his goal, many Beveren fans spontaneously stood up to apud this young but hot yer.
If he can bring back a UEFA Cup for the Jupiler Pro League, it will be a glory for all Belgian football fans. So at this moment, they hope intensely that Wang Feng can maintain this positive momentum on the stage of the Europa League final.
This goalpletely shattered Anderlecht''s dream of defending their title. Many fans shed tears at home, and Jan Koller stared nkly at the TV, remembering the brash words fromst year.
"''I won''t lose next time.'' It''s not just next time, he doesn''t want to lose any time at all. ''Even myst glory in the Jupiler Pro League must be taken away from me. You''re really greedy,'' Jan Koller muttered to himself.
But this also ignited his fighting spirit. Wherever Wang Feng goes in the future, it''s still the top five leagues. He can''t fall too far behind him. This 28-year-old "veteran" seems to have found a second wind.
When the final whistle blew, the Beveren yers voluntarily shook hands with the Genk yers to congratte them. As they were away, Genk didn''t celebrate wildly either. However, Aldridge''s wish for champagne in the locker room was fulfilled. After the second goal, the team staff specially bought a few bottles from a nearby supermarket.
Naturally, Wang Feng was the center of attention. He didn''t manage to grab a bottle; they were all taken by other yers, who even aimed the sprays at him, leaving himughing and crying.
After some yful banter and a shower, they hurried back to Genk overnight.
Chapter 71: Awards
Chapter 71: Awards
In the final round against Bruges, Genk almost rotated the entire starting lineup, allowing substitute yers and second-string yers to y, in order to conserve energy for the uing Europa League final.
Meanwhile, their opponents were stillpeting with Standard Liege for a spot in next season''s Europa League, so they fielded their strongest lineup. The gap between the two teams was very obvious, and Genk decisively lost 0-3.
The Constant Vanden Stock Stadium was filled with home fans, but they were not dissatisfied with Genk''s performance. Most of the people present were there to witness the team lifting the league trophy, so they were very forgiving of these substitute yers. They cheered when they threatened the opponent and apuded to encourage them when they made mistakes.
After the end of the game, the workers invited by Genk''s management quickly set up a makeshift award podium in the middle of the field, and the trophy had been delivered to the venue earlier.
The trophy of the Belgian Pro League is very unique in shape. The base is square-shaped, with the name of the championship club and the season engraved on the front. Above the base is an irregr tform shape with some decorations, and standing on the tform is a bull, with half of a hollow football on its head.
Before presenting the league trophy, the Golden Boot award was presented to Wang Feng. When Wang Feng stepped onto the stage, the entire stadium erupted in cheers, with everyone shouting his name and apuding vigorously.
Frederic Van Ocken, the president of the Belgian Football Association, handed the trophy to Wang Feng. When they embraced, he whispered in Wang Feng''s ear, ''Perhaps you are about to embark on a bigger stage, but don''t forget that you will always be one of the legends of the Belgian league. Wishing you fair winds.''
Wang Feng nodded and smiled in gratitude.
The highlight of the ceremony was naturally the presentation of the championship trophy. Wang Feng intentionally walked at the back. He had already received enough honors, so he let other yers go up first and enjoy the cheers of the fans.
A gilded medal was hung around Wang Feng''s neck by Nate Bail, vice president of the Belgian Football Association, while Van Ocken handed the league trophy to captain Aaron Abigail. Abigail took the trophy, nced at his teammates on both sides, then raised the trophy high above his head and shouted, ''Genk champions!''
Amidst the noisy cheers from the stands, the yers gathered together, taking turns to touch the championship trophy. Then Abigail handed the trophy to the teammates beside him, letting them pass it on.
Wang Feng also received the heavy trophy, feeling somewhat sentimental. Last season, he won the Belgian Cup for Genk, and this season, he won the league trophy as well. It was quite a harvest.
Wang Feng went to the interview area, where a bunch of reporters surrounded him. Most of them were focused on him being the youngest Golden Boot winner. ''I think this is the team''s credit. Everyone passed me a lot of balls, so I could achieve this result. This trophy belongs to all the yers of Henk.''
Wang Feng''s modest attitude also earned the admiration of the reporters. It''s not easy to achieve such glory at such a young age and remainposed in both good and bad times. Some reporters also asked about his future ns, but Wang Feng dodged the question, citing his full focus on preparing for the Europa League final.
In fact, even he himself was not sure where he would go next. Genk has already achieved its performance targets this year, so Wang Feng will definitely leave the team in the summer. Bill Albert, the team manager, promised Wang Feng that the club would not sell him to the highest bidder, but would let Wang Feng make his own choice, and the club would give him the utmost respect.
After receiving the awards, everyone went to a bar to celebrate. Wang Feng, as always, abstained from alcohol, but he still enjoyed himself. Everyone temporarily forgot about the Europa League final in a few days and the impending end of the season, reveling in the moment.
It wasn''t untilte at night that Wang Feng returned to the dormitory, turned on hisputer, and found some messages from his sister on QQ. First was a family photo, with his mother and sister sitting on the sofa, and a banner hanging on the wall behind them, which read, ''Congrattions to Ah Feng for winning the Golden Boot and the championship.''
Wang Feng smiled and said to himself, ''This must be my little sister''s doing, this mischievous little girl.'' There was also a big cake on the coffee table in the photo, with his sister holding a piece in front of the camera, as if offering it to Wang Feng who was far away in Belgium.
His sister wrote in the message, ''Brother, we saw you receiving the awards and doing interviews. Suddenly, we feel like you''ve be more handsome. Also, we''re celebrating for you at home. We hope you keep up the good work and win the Europa League. I''ve even ordered two banners and a cake. Don''t let me down.''
Wang Feng replied below, ''Okay, I won''t let your things go to waste.''
At this time, it was approaching dawn in China. The family members who watched Wang Feng''s entire game should still be asleep, so they did not reply to him.
Another blinking message came from Wang Feng''s only two friends, Lu Yao, who used a cute rabbit avatar. When Wang Feng opened it, he found that she had sent congrattions during the awards ceremony, indicating that she had been watching the entire event on TV.
Wang Feng thanked her, and unexpectedly, she was still online and immediately replied to his message. ''Howe you woke up so early?'' Wang Feng asked.
''I was so excited to see you holding the trophy, so I woke up early.'' Lu Yao sent a cute emoticon sticking out its tongue. In fact, she hadn''t slept much all night, worried about missing Wang Feng''s message.
Several times, she was half asleep, suddenly feeling a message, and then waking up suddenly to check, only to find that it was just her own illusion. This time, too, it was the sound of the message that woke her up from her light sleep, so she was able to reply instantly.
Of course, Wang Feng didn''t know the thoughts of the young girl. He just thought Lu Yao had just woken up, so he chatted with her one sentence at a time, sharing with her his joy and anticipation for the future.
Lu Yao talked about her ns, saying that she nned to study management abroad after graduating from high school. She joked half seriously, ''Feng, where are you going next? If you decide, let me know, so we can have each other''s backs.''
Wang Feng replied, ''I haven''t decided yet, but I also persuaded my sister to study abroad. How about you two go together?''
''Okay okay, you have to tell me when you decide.''
After wishing each other good night, Wang Feng quickly washed up and went to bed, while Lu Yao, on the other side of the world, soon fell asleep, her mind finally at ease, able to enjoy a good night''s sleep.
Chapter 72: The final
Chapter 72: The final
The Europa League final will be held at the Westfalenstadion in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which is the home stadium of Borussia Dortmund, a teampeting in the Bundesliga. After the league''s award ceremony, team manager Bill Albert personally led the team to Germany.
Meanwhile, the final opponent, vs, had already arrived at their destination and checked into a local five-star luxury hotel. After settling in, head coach Abdul-Stam immediately convened the coaching staff to discuss tactics.
vs also reached the Europa League final for the first time, so everyone in the team was highly focused. Although head coach Stam is not widely known, he has served in mid-table teams in La Liga and the Bundesliga for years. This season, he led vs through all the hurdles to reach the final stage, indicating his capability.
Despite Genk hailing from the lesser-known Belgian Pro League, they recently eliminated the formidable Liverpool. Hence, Stam didn''t dare to becent. With less pressure from their league performance, they arrived in Germany early to adapt to the local conditions and weather.
"I''ve carefully studied the two matches between Genk and Liverpool. Wang Feng is the key to Genk''s victories, while the rest of the team''s level seems to be weaker," analyzed Stam. "Wang Feng scored all five goals in the two matches, while the other yers, although they had some chances,cked finishing ability."
Assistant coach Rosendo Pochek nodded and asked, "So, are we supposed to contain Wang Feng''s attack? But how? Even Liverpool couldn''t manage it with their defense?"
"We can''t realistically contain Wang Feng entirely. Our defense is rtively weak, so I n to engage in an attacking battle with Genk. We have talented strikers such as Havi Moreno, Ivan Alonso, and Yodick Kluyff, along with the experienced midfielder Antonio Carmona," Stam replied.
"With so many yers, can''t we match Wang Feng''s goal efficiency? Regardless of how many goals he scores, as long as we score one more than him, it''s enough."
"We''ll start the game with aggressive attacks, catching the opponent off guard. The crucial point is the first 45 minutes of the first half. Once we take the lead, we can focus on defense, and I believe Genk''s spirit will quickly fade away."
Stam continued, "Regarding Wang Feng, we can''tpletely ignore him either. Let Kosmin Contrera mark him closely. I believe it will cause him some trouble."
On the other hand, Genk was ambitious. They had already surpassed the strongest opponent, Liverpool, and now they were facing another neer in the Europa League final. Team manager Albert believed they could defeat their opponents and win the club''s first Europa League trophy!
For top clubs, the Europa League might seem insignificant, as they are more focused on the Champions League. However, for mid-table teams in the top five leagues and second-tier European teams like those in the Belgian Pro League, the Europa League is still highly attractive.
The fans of vs from La Liga were evident, organizing a group of nearly five thousand people toe to Germany to cheer for their beloved team. Belgian fans were even more enthusiastic. Not only Genk''s fans but also supporters of many other teams were preparing toe to witness this historic moment for a Belgian Pro League team.
The event garnered significant attention domestically in Belgium. King Albert II of Belgium even attended the match with royal family members, causing the German government to pay extra attention to the match''s security and deploy nearly a thousand police forces.
As the first Chinese to stand on the Europa League final stage, Wang Feng received great recognition andprehensive coverage from the domestic media. CCTV Sports Channel would start broadcasting live the day before the final, reporting real-time updates on the eve of the match. Many professional footballmentators and retired legends were invited to review Wang Feng''s journey and analyze his performance.
At the same time, arge group of reporters was on their way to Germany to provide full coverage of the event, bringing firsthand information to domestic fans.
This was the biggest event in Chinese football apart from the World Cup qualifiers this year.
Amidst great anticipation, the game finally began. Both teams fielded their strongest lineups. Genk adopted the conventional 4-4-2 formation, with Wang Feng and Jason Aldridge leading the attack. vs, on the other hand, deployed a reinforced midfield with a 3-5-2 formation.
vsunched a wave of attacks right from the start. In the 3rd minute, midfielder Alonso''s through pass tore apart Genk''s defense, allowing Moreno to take a shot inside the penalty area. However, Gareth Barry came forward at a critical moment, blocking what seemed to be a sure goal.
The Belgian fans at the stadium eximed in relief. Only after the ball waspletely cleared did they breathe a sigh of relief and apud Barry''s excellent performance.
Yet, vs'' aggressive attack eventually paid off. In the 19th minute, Moreno and little Kluyff showcased a delicatebination y outside the penalty area. Continuousteral passes and runs left Genk''s defenders in disarray, and Moreno eventually scored with a shot, opening the scoring for vs.
Stam on the coaching bench excitedly waved his fist. Everything was going as he expected. vs, attacking with all their might, was not afraid of any opponent. He nced at the Genk coaching bench next to him, where head coach Antonis sat calmly on the bench without a trace of anxiety.
Was he feigningposure? Stam silently pondered. Let''s see how he keeps his cool when facing the second and third goals.
Antonis wasn''t pretending to be calm. Although the current situation was unfavorable for Genk, he had witnessed too many times where Wang Feng didn''t disappoint. He believed Wang Feng would not let him down this time either.
After scoring, vs visibly rxed, and their attacking momentum gradually slowed down, giving Hengkou a chance to counter.
In the 31st minute, Genk initiated an attack. Barry passed the ball to the left nk, where Aldridge received the ball near the edge of the penalty area. He intended to pass it to Wang Feng in the middle, but vs had packed their defense inside the penalty area, intercepting the ball beforehand.
Following the interception, vs chose not tounch a quick counter-attack but instead decided to retain possession and slowly organize their attack. Contrera passed the ball back to another defender, Jared Do.
Unexpectedly, Aldridge, who had caused the turnover, immediately attempted to win the ball back, seeking to make up for his mistake. Do felt a bit flustered under Aldridge''s pressure and hastily attempted a long clearance to the midfield.
However, the clearancecked power and was intercepted by Barry in the forward position. He saw Wang Feng pulling out of the penalty area without any defenders around him, so he decisively passed the ball to him.
Chapter 73: Fierce confrontation
Chapter 73: Fierce confrontation
Wang Feng watched as the ball was passed horizontally towards him, and in an instant, various attacking strategies shed through his mind. If he stopped the ball and then attacked, he would easily encounter tight defense. Most of his teammates had already started to retreat, so the support for himself would definitely not be enough in the short term.
Suddenly, he saw the rolling balling towards him, and without hesitation, he lifted his leg and took a shot. The ball whizzed out and thundered into the of ves.
"Wang Feng strikes with a cold arrow, he shoots, and it''s a goal!!! In the 32nd minute, Wang Feng equalizes the score for Genk with a world-ss goal."
"ves'' defensive clearance in the backline led to a huge mistake, directly passing to Barry of Genk. After Barry passed horizontally to the center, Wang Feng took a shot from thirty meters away from the goal."
"The angle and power of this shot are excellent. The goalkeeper tried his best to save, but the ball slipped past his fingertips and flew into the."
Just 7 minutester, Barry passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right side of the field. Wang Feng, with a series of dribbles resembling fried meatballs, deceived the defending yers in front of him and was about to enter the penalty area with the ball.
At this moment, the ves defender who was deceived by Wang Feng grabbed his shirt from behind, preventing him from continuing forward. "Whistle~", the referee''s whistle sounded at this moment, awarding a free kick to Genk in the opponent''s half.
This free kick on the edge of the penalty area could directly threaten the goal. After discussion among several Genk yers, it was decided that Wang Feng would take it. The live camera timely focused on Wang Feng standing not far from the free kick spot, giving him a close-up.
Thementator''s voice also sounded at this moment: "As we all know, Wang Feng''s free kick uracy is very high. Many times, Genk has won matches thanks to Wang Feng''s direct free kicks."
"We can see that Wang Feng is standing next to the free kick spot, indicating that he will take the kick. ves is on high alert, with the goalkeeper constantly moving between the left and right sides of the goal, directing the positioning of the defensive wall, looking very nervous."
When the referee''s whistle sounded, Wang Feng ran up alone and took the shot directly. The ball flew high over the wall, then sharply descended after entering the penalty area, deceiving the ves goalkeeper who initially thought the shot was going high.
He jumped to try to palm the ball out with his right hand but couldn''t reach it. The ball flew into the, grazing the underside of the crossbar.
"Gooooooooooooooal! In the 39th minute, Wang Feng once again opens the door to ves with a high-quality curled free kick. We can see that the ball had a clear downward trend in the air."
"Wang Feng scores his second goal, helping Genk reverse the score to 2-1 against ves. They are one step closer to the club''s first-ever Europa League trophy!"
Seeing the team''s reversal, head coach Antonis no longer pretended to be calm. He jumped up from the bench with fists clenched, excitedly dancing. He knew that Wang Feng never disappoints.
On the other side, Stamm covered his forehead with his hand. Although he was mentally prepared for the possibility of the team falling behind due to Wang Feng''s fierce attacks, seeing the remaining time left in the match, he still felt a hint of anxiety.
The first half ended with Genk in the lead. In the locker room, the yers were rxed. Odrioz suggested opening champagne to celebrate, causing everyone to burst intoughter.
Wang Feng, however, had a hint of worry in his heart. He pped his hands and said, "Guys, our battle is not over yet. We must not be careless."
At this point, Coach Antonis said, "Yes, we must not be careless. In the second half, the team will focus on defense, while Wang Feng will distract the opponent in the frontcourt. As long as we score another goal, victory will be secured."
After speaking, he began to exin the tactics for the second half, reminding everyone to pay special attention to ves'' aggressive start after the kickoff. After withstanding that period, the dawn of victory would be close at hand.
As expected, in the second half, ves immediatelyunched a fierce attack towards Genk''s backcourt, catching them off guard. Their aggressive pressing made Genk''s defense line ufortable, bing increasingly vulnerable.
Although the team had a tactical n, the lead still led to somecency among them. In the 51st minute, ves directly intercepted the ball in Genk''s backcourt, and Moreno quickly scored, equalizing the score, alsopleting his brace.
One minuteter, Genk took the kickoff, but the ball was immediately intercepted by the pressured Alonso, passed to the front of the penalty area, and Kluivert scored another goal for ves.
From leading to falling behind, Genk only took 6 minutes, which left the yers feeling like they were in a nightmare. What''s worse, a minuteter, ves intercepted Genk''s ball again, and Alonso made a long run. Just as his shot was about to cross the goal line, Wang Feng, who was tracking back, blocked the ball out for a corner.
Wang Feng loudly reminded his teammates to quickly regain their focus and fullymit to defense. His brow furrowed. He didn''t expect ves'' counterattacks to be so resolute and intense.
More importantly, they had sessfully reversed the score again, relying on mistakes from Genk''s defensive yers, undoubtedly increasing the pressure on the yers. If they couldn''t adjust in time, they might copse.
Coach Antonis also realized this. He stood on the sidelines, loudly calling on the yers to defend, while preparing to make personnel adjustments. He substituted striker Odrioz for a central defender. Although they were currently trailing by one goal, as long as Wang Feng was on the field, there was still a chance. However, if ves were to score again, it would be precarious.
After taking the lead, ves did not stop their offensive. They continued to press high against Genk, intending to disrupt all of Genk''s attacking opportunities.
The situation on the field seemed somewhat strange, with the leading side pressing relentlessly, while the trailing side could only gradually retreat. Wang Feng also had to frequently retreat to defense.
Sweat hadpletely soaked Wang Feng''s clothes. He breathed heavily, and just now, Genk got a chance for a throw-in, allowing him to take a sip of water and rest for a moment.
In the past thirty-plus minutes, he had been tirelessly involved in both attacking and defending. The chaotic situation of Genk gradually stabilized, because the teammates saw Wang Feng''s efforts, their frustration and panic gradually disappeared, and their form returned to the level at the beginning of the match.
It could be said that Wang Feng single-handedly reversed the imminent copse situation, but there wasn''t much time left for Genk.
"Genk throws the ball to Barry in midfield. Let''s see how he handles it. Barry makes a beautiful feint to evade the pressing defender without making a mistake."
"After Barry directly passes to the right side of the defensive line, Wang Feng quickly starts a run forward. Cont''s defensive speed is also fast, blocking Wang Feng''s path."
Wang Feng and Cont formed a one-on-one near the right touchline. Wang Feng used arge swing to deceive Cont, pretending to dribble to the bottom for a breakthrough but actually cutting inside.
This time, the exaggerated tilt of his body during the dribblepletely fooled Cont, but it came at a cost. Having run for nearly 90 minutes, Wang Feng felt that his knees couldn''t bear it anymore, and a wave of pain swept over him.
But he still gritted his teeth and broke into the penalty area, before the other defending yers could catch up, he swung his left foot and took a shot. The ball spun fiercely in the air, skimming past the goalpost and into the!
3-3! As the match approached its end, Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick, once again saving Genk!
Chapter 74: The outcome
Chapter 74: The oue
"Wang Feng''s shot from a narrow angle flew into the corner of ves'' goal!"
"This is Wang Feng''s 22nd goal in the Europa League, putting him far ahead on the top scorer''s list."
"He will be the youngest Golden Boot winner in Europa League history. Just a few days ago, he also became the youngest Golden Boot winner in the Belgian Pro League."
"To all the fans in the stadium, to all the viewers in front of the TV, let us once again give warm apuse to Wang Feng. And for those of us who witnessed history, we feel immensely honored at this moment."
"Wang Feng has proven his potential on the Europa League stage. We look forward to him stepping onto the grand stage of Europe again and shocking the world in the Champions League."
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t rush to celebrate but stood still, gently massaging his knee. Karl Bess, who rushed over to embrace him, stopped his action and anxiously asked, ''Wang, are you okay? Do you need to call the team doctor?''
Other teammates who gathered around also expressed their concern, and Wang Feng smiled and waved his hand, ''It''s nothing serious. There are still a few minutes left. Let''s make onest effort and try to end the battle as soon as possible.''
With that, he slowly jogged back to his own half. Every step he took, he felt waves of pain, clearly telling him that the injured area needed to stop moving to recover. But he didn''t intend to do so. He could endure ying the rest of the game and then spend some extra time in the hospital.
But his heart was still very anxious. After being injured, his speed and dribbling would be affected. If the game went into extra time, it would be a losing situation for him and Genk.
''We must resolve the battle in regr time!'' Wang Feng''s eyes revealed determination. They hade this far, how could they ept failure.
In the remaining time, Wang Feng continued to run and search for opportunities, but his speed was no longer as rapid. Several times, he couldn''t shake off the defensive entanglement and had to pass the ball out.
Coach Aimee Antonis stood on the sidelines with a furrowed brow. Based on the series of situations just now, something was wrong with Wang Feng. He was also worried about the possibility of extra time. After the regr time ended, he would talk to Wang Feng and find out what was going on.
The stoppage time in the second half was very short, only three minutes. In the 93rd minute, Barry passed the ball to the right, and Wang Feng, enduring the pain, quickly moved up, finally getting the ball before the defense, but Cont closely followed him, interfering.
Wang Feng resisted Cont with his remaining strength, but Cont''s small actions continued. His left hand kept pinching Wang Feng''s waist, while his right hand slightly pushed him.
If Wang Feng were in a healthy state, he might have ignored these actions and directly broke through. But now, with greatly reduced speed, he couldn''t shake off the defense. Cont''s shoving made him lose bnce and fall to the ground.
''Beep~'' The referee''s whistle sounded timely. The German referee, Deich-Gehman, quickly ran to Cont, showing him a yellow card warning and awarded a free kick in the opponent''s half.
This free kick was near the sideline, with a narrow angle that didn''t allow for a direct shot. So both ves and Genk breathed a sigh of relief and quickly arranged their defense in the penalty area."
Wang Feng touched his left knee, leaving this free kick to Aaron Abigail to take, while he positioned himself in the penalty area. He gathered Abigail and Barry to one side and said, ''Abigail, I''ll attract the defense at the near post. You aim for the far post, Barry fights for the header, let''s try to kill off the opponent.''
Barry said, ''Isn''t your heading good enough? Why not go for it?'' Wang Feng smiled bitterly and shook his head. He couldn''t even jump now.
After discussing the tactics, the three of them took their positions. As Wang Feng expected, the defense in the penalty area was all focused on him.
When the referee blew the whistle, Abigail started his run-up, and Wang Feng also started moving in the penalty area. Several ves defenders quickly followed suit, leaving a gap in the defense line.
But Abigail''s ball was a bit too low and couldn''tpletely bypass the defensive yers to reach the far post. The defender in the middle, Glei, leaped up desperately, intending to head the ball out of bounds.
"But he didn''t hit it squarely, and the ball flew towards the goal. At this moment, the goalkeeper''s position was a bit to the right, as he was focusing on Wang Feng. When he saw the ball flying towards the left corner of the goal, he was shocked and hurriedly dove to save it, but he was a step toote."
Own goal! In the 93rd minute, ves defender Glei and the goalkeeper both made a huge mistake, resulting in irreparable consequences.
No one expected that this goal battle would end with an own goal. This was truly a decisive blow. After ves kicked off again, referee Gehman blew the final whistle for the end of the game.
Genk won the first-ever Europa League trophy in history! And earlier, they won the league championship this season, making them the true double champions!
The yers and coaches on the bench rushed onto the field in excitement, the Genk fans in the stands disyed banners proiming ''We are the champions,'' and even King Albert II in the VIP box stood up to apud Genk. This was also an honor for the Belgian Pro League."
Glei, who scored the own goal, knelt painfully on the ground, covering his face with his hands, while his teammates wereforting him. Football is sometimes so cruel. Every time this ssic match is mentioned, this own goal will be brought up.
ves coach Abdul Stamm also didn''t anticipate that although ves scored one more goal than Genk, they lost the championship. He could only smile bitterly and shake hands with Antonis, congratting him on his achievement.
When Aaron Abigail lifted the Europa League trophy, the entire Westfalen Stadium apuded Genk''s brilliant performance. The live camera and all the journalists'' eyes were focused on these yers who made history.
Wang Feng, as the absolute core, the Europa League''s best yer and member of the Europa League''s best lineup, did not celebrate extravagantly in the spotlight. He silently moved aside, watching his teammates revel in joy, feeling a mix of emotions in his heart.
After tonight, the various yers of Genk will also go their separate ways, and they may never reunite. Barry and Civu''s loan periods are over, and they will certainly not stay with the team. Bess may stay, Odrioz has performed well in the league and may attract offers from other teams. Abigail has been with Genk for many years and may retire after this season.
Coach Aimee Antonis quietly approached him and stood side by side with him. ''How does it feel to win the championship?''
''It feels fantastic. I can assure you, I don''t want to lose anymore,'' Wang Feng said with a smile.
''Yes, winning all the time can be addictive, but losing all the time can also make people numb. Please keep this desire for victory, Wang. I believe you will be a great yer.''
Antonis also had thoughts of leaving. He has won all the honors that Genk can achieve, the Belgian Cup, the league championship, and now the Europa League championship. As for the Champions League, that''s not something a club like Genk can aspire to.
He will undoubtedly be a legendary coach of Genk, just as Wang Feng will be a legendary yer of Genk.
Chapter 75: Where to go ?
Chapter 75: Where to go ?
When the entire Genk team arrived at Brussels Airport in Belgium, reporters who had already received wind of the news swarmed them. Their main concern was Wang Feng''s next move.
In order to avoid being harassed by reporters, team manager Bill Albert had anticipated this and arranged for Wang Feng to quietly leave from the internal parking lot, leaving the besieging reporters empty-handed.
Inside the car, Wang Feng''s agent, Francisco Balmond, was briefing him on the current situation: "Wang, the situation is a bitplicated now. Many top clubs from the top five leagues are still in a wait-and-see attitude."
"Although you have shone on the Europa League stage and even defeated Liverpool,pared to the Champions League, the level ofpetition in the Europa League is still slightly inferior."
"The work permit issue in the Premier League has not been resolved, so there''s no need to consider it. Even if you sign with one of those teams, you can only be loaned to y in Ligue 1 or even worse, the Portuguese Primeira Liga, which does not align with your career ns."
"Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, the giants of La Liga, have not contacted me yet, so there seems to be no urgent desire to buy you. However, this season''s La Liga runners-up Deportivo La Coruna and third-ced Mallorca are interested in bringing you in. They will both participate in the Champions League next season. Deportivo La Coruna has offered 13 million euros to Genk, while Mallorca has not made an offer yet."
"In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich is still the most interested in you, with an offer of 15 million euros. They have just won the Champions League, so it seems like a good choice."
"But Bayern''s frontline lineup is very strong, with yers like Giovane Elber from Brazil, Paulo Sergio, German striker Carsten Jancker, and Austrian forward Alexander Zickler, so if you go there, you''ll have topete with them."
Balmond continued, "As long as your performance is outstanding enough, Bayern will surely consider you as a core yer in the future, but you''ll need to endure loneliness and hone your skills in the team for a few more years."
"If you want to be immediately impactful, Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen would be good choices. They will both participate in the Champions League next season."
"Schalke 04''s offer is the same as Deportivo La Coruna''s. More importantly, they have assured me that they will build the team around you as the attacking core, it seems that your performances in the Europa League have left a deep impression on the club''s top management."
"As for Serie A, only Inter Mn hasmunicated with me. Other teams seem uninterested in you, which is normal considering Serie A''s tactical andpetitive level, which is currently the highest in Europe. I wouldn''t rmend you to go there."
"As for Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain has officially given up on signing you because their finances can no longer support your current valuation. Other teams like Lyon and Marseille haven''t offered high prices either, making them unable topete with the levels of Bayern and Deportivo."
"The champions of the Primeira Liga and Eredivisie have also contacted me. Although they have Champions League qualifications, they currently do not have the capital topete for the title, and their exposure is far inferior to that of the top five leagues. I suggest not to choose them, even if you get the status of an absolute core yer."
Wang Feng probably understood the current situation and had aprehensive understanding of his own positioning. Over the past few days, helping the team make history by winning both the league championship and the Europa League. The Belgian media had almost praised him to the skies, and even he himself thought that top clubs would be moring for him.
But he hadn''t expected that most clubs were still watching from the sidelines. Wang Feng smiled bitterly and said, "Bayern seems to be the most prestigious, offering the highest transfer fee, but I really don''t want to sit on the bench just because I''m too young and endure a few years of hardship before getting a chance."
"In that case, only Deportivo La Coruna and Schalke 04 seem suitable for you. I''ll talk to them about the details. I''m more inclined to Deportivo. They won the La Liga title in the 99-00 season and have been in contention for the title for a long time this season. They have great momentum and are poised to rece Real Madrid and Barcelona." Balmond introduced.
"As for Schalke 04, they always seem to be at a disadvantage against Bayern. The main reason is the gap in the entire lineup. Whether your addition can change the situation remains to be seen."
Wang Feng nodded and said, "I agree with your idea. Let''s focus on talking to Deportivo La Coruna then. The 13 million euro transfer fee should satisfy the club''s top management."
"Although the club''s top management promised me the freedom to choose, I can''t make it too difficult for them."
The next steps were left to Balmond to negotiate the specific sry details with Deportivo''s management.
Wang Feng, who had shone in the Europa League, also attracted the attention of sports giants Nike and Adidas. They approached Balmond, wanting to sign an endorsement contract.
Adidas prepared a 7-year, 3.5 million euro endorsement contract for Wang Feng, while Nike was more generous, offering a 10-year, 8 million euro contract.
At the same time, Nike promised that if Wang Feng could maintain his high level of performance, they would design unique shoe styles for him in the future.
At first hearing 8 million euros, Wang Feng''s eyes widened. He tried to calcte it in his head. If he signed this contract, wouldn''t it mean bing a millionaire? Seeing Wang Feng''s greedy look, Balmond shook his head helplessly. "The value of the contract proposed by Nike is already quite low among football stars, not to mention basketball stars."
"The reason why Nike can offer a slightly higher contract than Adidas is because they see the vast Chinese market behind you."
"The Chinese market?" Wang Feng asked in confusion.
"Yes, since the reform and opening up, China''s economy has been developing rapidly, with great market potential. Nike wants to expand its brand influence by leveraging your identity as a Chinese yer."
Zhao Haiyang once said that Wang Feng was loved by many fans in China, but he never thought that one day he would have such influence, which made him feel heavy-hearted.
Balmond then said, "But I think we should renegotiate a contract with them. The duration of this contract is too long. Wang, you haven''t fully understood your own development potential andmercial value yet."
"In my opinion, the first contract should be signed for a maximum of three years, and we can make some concessions in terms of price. When we continue to sign contracts in the future, the value will definitely increase exponentially."
Although Wang Feng was tempted by the 8 million euros, he still understood that Balmond was doing this for his own good, so he said, "You are the professional, I trust your judgment, I''ll leave everything to you."
Balmond nodded. Whether for himself or for Wang Feng, he would do his best.
Chapter 76: Chance with Milan ?
Chapter 76: Chance with Mn ?
Balmond''s efficiency in work is highly reliable, and news quickly followed one after another. Firstly, regarding endorsements, Wang Feng eventually finalized a three-year ?2.4 million endorsement contract with Nike. For this, after the start of the new season, Wang Feng needs to find time to shoot a series of promotional photos for Nike.
At the same time, due to the exclusive endorsement contract signed with Nike, the previous three-year contract Wang Feng signed with Scapa was also bought out by Nike, with Nike paying Scapa ?50,000.
Another matter is the transfer negotiations with Deportivo La Coru?a. In the end, Deportivo offered a one-year contract worth ?1.8 million, plus a ?100,000 signing bonus, with additional bonuses for goals and performance.
Wang Feng is quite satisfied with this treatment. While at Genk, Wang Feng could earn approximately ?1.4 million per year. After the transfer, although there wasn''t a significant increase in sry, being able to y in La Liga and the Champions League fulfilled one of his major wishes.
Currently, Genk and Deportivo La Coru?a are also in preliminary contact. Wang Feng is also satisfied with Deportivo''s offer, making this three-party deal highly promising.
Before the contract is formally signed, no one will easily reveal the news. However, there are no secrets in the world, and soon the news that Wang Feng will be transferring to La Liga, joining Deportivo, spread like wildfire.
Genk''s fans remain calm because they know, with Wang Feng''s abilities, he couldn''t stay at Genk, a small team, forever. Many fans left messages online expressing gratitude for Wang Feng''s hard work over the past two years in Genk.
However, at this moment, Francisco Balmond called Wang Feng: "Wang, there have been some changes. Come to my hotel, I''ll introduce you to a few people, and then we''ll talk."
Wang Feng, after hanging up the phone, appeared somewhat puzzled but still went to the hotel as instructed. In Balmond''s room, there were three people. Wang Feng recognized one of them at a nce, Javier Zti, the captain of Inter Mn.
Balmond introduced the other two to Wang Feng: "This is Massimo Moratti, the chairman of Inter Mn, and this is Inter Mn''s newly appointed head coach, Hector Cooper."
Wang Feng was greatly surprised. The white-haired man in front of him turned out to be the chairman of the prestigious Inter Mn! Moratti reached out and shook hands with Wang Feng, then said, "Very pleased to meet you, Wang."
"I was nning to visit you, but I was worried about the media causing chaos if they spotted us, so I had to ask you toe to the hotel."
"I brought the head coach and team captain together to show our determination to sign you. Come to Inter Mn. I believe this is the best choice for both of us."
Wang Feng had never expected that the oil magnate from Italy, the chairman of the powerhouse Inter Mn, would personallye to Belgium to invite him!
At this moment, Cooper approached, shaking hands with Wang Feng: "I fully agree with Mr. Moratti''s idea. After watching many of your match videos, I already have some understanding of you. In the new season, Inter Mn will build an attacking system around you."
This coach''s resume was also impressive, leading Mallorca to the UEFA Cup final and guiding Valencia to the UEFA Champions League final twice.
Zti chimed in: "Wang, the atmosphere in Inter Mn''s dressing room is also very good. I believe you will quickly adapt and integrate. Join us and create our legend together."
Wang Feng''s mind was still somewhat overwhelmed. Balmond stepped forward to mediate, saying, "Let''s all sit down and talk."
Once everyone was seated, Moratti expressed his determination to sign Wang Feng: "I heard Deportivo La Coru?a and Genk are in contact, so I rushed over personally. I''m willing to pay a ?20 million transfer fee for you, and we can discuss personal terms separately."
Moratti also mentioned that the team had experienced a low pointst season, only finishing fifth in the league, which was uneptable. Therefore, the club decided to strengthen the team, and Wang Feng was their first choice.
"The newly appointed coach, Hector, after seeing your performance, strongly rmended signing you."
Wang Feng expressed his pleasant surprise: "I''m truly honored that all three of you came to Genk to invite me. To be honest, I feel your sincere intentions. Inter Mn is a historic powerhouse football club, and I believe any yer would be proud to join such a team."
"However," Wang Feng''s tone changed, "I''m very concerned about whether I can adapt to the high-intensity matches in Serie A and perform well at Inter Mn."
He still worried that his initial performance might not meet expectations. As an eighteen-year-old youngster, if he couldn''t earn the trust and reliance of the head coach, it would be difficult for him to make a breakthrough.
Cooper said, "Don''t be scared by external evaluations, Wang. Your physical ability topete is already at a mid-level in Serie A, and I''ve heard you''re still practicing hard, which will help you progress faster."
"As for whether you can stand firm, I promise you, I will give you enough ying time and room to grow." Cooper understood Wang Feng''s concerns and added, "We aim to develop you as the heir to Ronaldo."
Moratti chimed in, "Yes, Wang. Hector''s promise is the club''s promise. In the new season, Ronaldo will assist you. After you fully adapt, we will sell him, and you will be the team''s attacking core."
In fact, Moratti had long wanted to sell Ronaldo. He was tired of the frequent injuries of the "Phenomenon." Even without Wang Feng, he would have sold this renowned star noter than next summer. It was rumored that Real Madrid was interested in using stars to build a "Gcticos" team, which might be of interest to the "Phenomenon."
But this didn''t stop him from using this rhetoric to win over the heart of the young talent before him. Indeed, Wang Feng''s heart was like a surging wave upon hearing Moratti''s words. That was the World Footballer, the legendary Ronaldo, known as the "Phenomenon," because his football skills were simply too high!
Inter Mn''s sincerity moved Wang Feng. Originally, he hadn''t considered ying in Serie A, but now he had to reassess its feasibility.
Next, Cooper discussed many tactical arrangements for Inter Mn in the new season with Wang Feng. It could be seen that Cooper had indeed studied Wang Feng''s ying style seriously and designed many threatening attacking tactics for him.
Wang Feng resisted the impulse to agree on the spot and solemnly stated that he would consider it carefully, then returned to his residence absent-mindedly. As a young yer, every career choice was crucial to his future destiny.
Football clubs were not charitable organizations. Despite their current promising words, if one day he became an obstacle to Inter Mn''s achievements, they would undoubtedly kick him away without hesitation. This was the rule of professional leagues.
Wang Feng, deeply conflicted, began to search for information about Inter Mn again. Their frontline boasted the likes of Alvaro Recoba, the Uruguayan Footballer of the Year in 1999, Christian Vieri, former La Liga top scorer, Ivan Zamorano, the Chilean football icon, and the world-renowned Ronaldo. Their lineup depth was no less than that of Bayern Munich.
However, Inter Mn''s sincerity towards Wang Feng far exceeded that of Bayern. While Bayern''s frontline had already proven its strength, bringing in Wang Feng was for talent reserve purposes. On the other hand, Inter Mn''s frontline talents had not achieved remarkable results, hence the club''s desire for Wang Feng to rece them.
Chapter 77: Travel to Italy
Chapter 77: Travel to Italy
At this crucial moment, Wang Feng felt extremely confused. He wanted to call someone for advice, but he didn''t know who to call. It didn''t seem appropriate to call his mentor Maglietti, Antonis, or his friends Renee and Bess.
At that moment, his eyes nced at the chat software icon in the bottom left corner of hisputer screen. Unconsciously, he opened the chat interface with Lu Yao and sent a message saying, "Are you there?"
After sending the message, he felt some regret. He couldn''t believe he was thinking of consulting a little girl. It seemed ridiculous.
To his surprise, Lu Yao replied quickly, "I''m here, I''m here," with a cute emoji attached. Wang Feng''s tense emotions seemed to rx a bit.
"You replied so quickly. It''s almost eleven o''clock at night in China now, right? As a high school senior, you should go to bed early, wake up early, study hard, and stop ying on theputer all the time," Wang Feng said, adopting a lecturing tone.
Lu Yao sent a tongue-out emoji and then said, "Brother Feng, your tone sounds like my dad''s, even though you''re only a year older than me. I''m actually studying hard right now. Seeing you looking like you want to chat, I decided to reply."
Wang Feng was very surprised. How did Lu Yao know he was feeling troubled and wanted to chat? So he typed, "How did you know I wanted to chat with someone?"
"Normally, you never message me first. It''s always me messaging you. Now that you''re contacting me on your own, and since you probably don''t have many friends in China, I figured you must have something on your mind that you want to talk about. So spill it," Lu Yao replied.
Wang Feng shook his head with a wry smile. Lu Yao was indeed a clever girl. After hesitating for a moment, he typed a long paragraph introducing the transfer choices he was facing, but then he felt it wasn''t appropriate. How could Lu Yao, an outsider, understand this situation?
So he deleted the entire conversation and thought for a while before typing, "I''m facing a major decision that will impact my future career, so I''m very hesitant."
After sending this message, it took a while before Lu Yao replied, "The first time I watched you y, I was attracted by your demeanor. Not because of your outstanding skills or spectacr goals, but because amidst a group of strong ck and white yers, you yed with confidence and ease."
"This confidence seems to be ingrained in your bones. Every time you dribble, every time youpete, every time you shoot, I can see it."
"Brother Feng, no matter what decision you make, I just want to say, please maintain your confidence. I, and many Chinese fans, are supporting you from behind."
After reading this message, Wang Feng couldn''t calm down for a long time. Yes, why couldn''t he be more confident? He had extraordinary senses that others didn''t possess, a strong physique, and with diligent training, what else was there to worry about?
To further impress Wang Feng, Moratti invited him to Italy to experience the football atmosphere of Inter Mn. So Wang Feng and Balmond apanied them to the ancient city of Mn.
Mn was not only a world-famous historical and cultural city but also a center of fashion and art. Driving through the streets, one could see ancient churches, theaters, and distinctively designed skyscrapers, giving a strong visual impact.
Wang Feng''s first stop was the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in the San Siro district. This was the shared home of AC Mn and Inter Mn. Standing in front of the stadium, the most eye-catching feature was probably the several thick spiral-shaped pirs outside.
Although Wang Feng didn''t understand architecture, he could feel the unique ideas of the designers. The apanying staff exined, "This stadium has a history of 76 years. After two renovations, the total seating capacity now reaches 80,000."
This surprised Wang Feng. He couldn''t imagine how spectacr it would be if the entire stadium were filled. The staff added, "The attendance rate at Inter Mn''s home games is quite good, generally exceeding 70%."
Then, guided by the staff, Wang Feng visited the museum inside the stadium, which showcased the great history of both Mn teams. Wang Feng saw the league championships, cup victories, UEFA Cup victories, and of course, the UEFA Champions League trophies won by Inter Mn.
The staff noticed Wang Feng''s gaze and said somewhat helplessly, "Thest time Inter Mn won the Champions League trophy was back in 1965, a distant memory. I wasn''t even born then."
It seemed that this Italian powerhouse was eager to lift the European club''s highest honor once again.
After visiting the home ground, Wang Feng''s next stop was Inter Mn''s training ground, located in the town of Appiano Gentile in Como Province, funded by current chairman Massimo Moratti''s father, Angelo Moratti, and named Pina.
When Wang Feng arrived, Javier Zti was already waiting at the door, warmly inviting Wang Feng to visit. The ce looked rtively simple, but the basic training facilities wereplete, including the training ground, gym, and swimming pool, all well-maintained.
What surprised Wang Feng the most was the yers'' dormitory. It was a small main building with very narrow rooms, even smaller than the room he rented in Genk, with small windows and inadequate lighting.
Such an environment seemed inadequatepared to Inter Mn''s reputation. Seeing Wang Feng''s puzzled look, Zti exined, "This building was built in 1965 without much nning for functionality and structure, so it appears somewhat rudimentary."
"When we have home games, we rest here instead of at hotels. To be honest, the conditions are quite harsh."
"We''ve wanted to suggest to the club to renovate the dormitory building, but we don''t have the face to make such a request, so every time we stay here, everything seems to remind us constantly that we need to achieve good results."
"Compared to Juventus and AC Mn, our performance is far inferior."
After bidding farewell to everyone at Inter Mn, they were driven back to the hotel. Wang Feng would stay in Italy for two more days to experience the beauty of Mn.
Of course, he also needed to make a decision as soon as possible.
In the hotel, Balmond analyzed, "Inter Mn''s sincerity is evident, with even the club chairman personallying to Belgium to invite you. I believe that after you join, as long as you perform well, all resources will be utilized for you."
"Andpared to Deportivo La Coru?a, Inter Mn has another advantage in terms of its reputation and team operation. Under the same conditions, you can achieve more honors at Inter Mn."
Balmond added, "For example, the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year awards, it''s definitely easier to win them at Inter Mn than at Deportivo La Coru?a."
"But the high level of attention at Inter Mn also means greater pressure for results. You need to show more dominance to convince the discerning Mn fans."
Chapter 78: Dust settles, transfer controversy
Chapter 78: Dust settles, transfer controversy
As July approached, major European clubs were actively adjusting their squads. The first explosion in the football world came from Zinedine Zidane, who moved from Juventus to Real Madrid for a whopping ?77.5 million, securing the title of the year''s "price king" and breakingst year''s record set by Figo.
Real Madrid, making consecutive big-money moves in the transfer market, became the center of attention, with many media outlets dubbing them the "Gctic Battleship," striking fear into theirpetitors.
Serie A truly lived up to its nickname as the "little World Cup." Besides Zidane''s record-breaking transfer from Juventus, goalkeeper Buffon moved from Parma to Juventus for ?52.88 million, and Gaizka Mendieta transferred from Valencia to Lazio for ?48 million.
Not to mention Sebasti??n Ver??n''s ?42.6 million move from Lazio to Manchester United, Rui Costa''s ?42 million transfer from Fiorentina to AC Mn, Lilian Thuram''s ?41 million move from Parma to Juventus, and Pavel Nedv??d''s ?38.7 million transfer from Lazio to Juventus.
Looking at the top 8 transfers in terms of annual fees, all of them were rted to Serie A clubs. Juventus acquired three of them, while AC Mn acquired two, leading the Turin-based newspaper, "Tuttosport," to exim, "Juventus and AC Mn for the new season remain formidable."
"Lazio and Parma, although losing many key yers, are still actively seeking reinforcements. It''s still unclear who will prevail. But what about Inter Mn? Finishing only fifthst season, shouldn''t they invest more in the summer transfer market?" remarked the "Tuttosport."
Inter Mn soon answered this question by announcing the signing of defender Marco Materazzi from Perugia, to rece the departing nc to Manchester United. They also brought in yers like Giorgatos and Adriano.
But these signings obviously couldn''t match the actions of Juventus and AC Mn. So, they announced their trump card, the acquisition of the teenage genius Wang Feng from Genk for ?20 million!
This news was like a bombshell, instantly detonating in European football. Belgian, Italian, and Spanish media were particrly confused because, ording to the information they had, Wang Feng was supposed to join La Liga''s Deportivo La Coru?a, not Inter Mn.
Soon, Deportivo La Coru?a''s technical director, Ra??l Corlpan, revealed to "Daily Sports" in an interview, "We almost reached an agreement with Genk, but Inter Mn acted faster. Unfortunately, their offer was higher, and we couldn''t match it."
This revtion sparked controversy. "Daily Sports" analyzed, "Wang Feng clearly made a wrong decision, or was it Genk''s decision? Not yet eighteen, he debuts in Serie A, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo. This is not a wise choice."
"Even Ronaldo spent a year at Barcelona before joining Serie A. Wang Feng''s best choice should have been Super Depor, not the Nerazzurri."
Italian media extensively covered this matter, with the spotlight even overshadowing Zidane. "Mn Sports Daily" interviewed AC Mn coach Fatih Terim, "You''re asking me about this deal? There''s nothing to say. Inter Mn will pay the price for their folly."
"No No No, I have no bias against Wang," Terim added. "I just think he''s unlikely to adapt to the level of Serie A. You know, he''s not yet eighteen."
"Oh, is he already eighteen when he ys for Inter Mn?" reminded by the reporter, Terim learned about this, "It doesn''t matter. What I mean is, his level, his physical fitness, his ability topete, all fall short of Serie A''s standards."
"You ask me how I know this? Do I even need to say? He debuted in the Belgian league, which is ranked 13th by UEFA, while Serie A is ranked second."
"Tuttosport" also interviewed Juventus''s technical director, Harbos Branda, about this transfer, "Inter Mn was definitely fooled. They''ve wasted ?20 million."
"I bet, in less than a season, they''ll get rid of Wang Feng. As for whether he''ll be loaned to Ligue 1 or Primeira Liga, it depends on Wang''s performance."
"Although we bid farewell to Zidane, the arrivals of Buffon, Thuram, and Nedv??d will make us morepetitive thanst season. This season, we''ll achieve good results in both the league and the Champions League."
"As for Inter Mn, I can only regretfully say that if Ronaldo can''t make aeback next season, they might not even y in the Europa League."
Even the Premier League clubs, who once had high hopes for Wang Feng, gave unfavorable predictions. Arsenal manager Wenger said, "Wang Feng''s decision was very hasty, and it will affect his future career."
Manchester United manager Ferguson said, "It''s unfortunate that I can''t personally coach Wang Feng. I hope everything goes well for him in the future and that Serie A doesn''t ruin him. I am still hopeful to find the next talented yer, and I believe he is waiting for me not far away."
Although Belgian media supported Wang Feng, they were also very uneasy. The entire Genk team refused toment on the matter to avoid further rumors. In fact, head coach Aimee Antonis was initially angry because Wang Feng chose to transfer without consulting him.
He really regarded Wang Feng as his disciple. It wasn''t until Wang Feng returned home and had dinner alone with him, revealing all his thoughts and ns, that Antonis dispelled his resentment and sincerely wished Wang Feng sess in realizing his ideals and aspirations.
Not only did the media not favor this transfer, even Inter Mn''s fans were skeptical. Some radical fans even held a demonstration in front of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, aiming to persuade the club to spend more money and buy more famous stars.
Some fans called for Ronaldo to return from injury as soon as possible, believing that only he could save the team. However, ording to the club''s medical team, Ronaldo will miss at least the first 10 matches of the next season.
Sitting on the flight to China, Wang Feng was reading with relish an Italian media report that smeared him. Beside him, Francesco Balmond asked helplessly, "Wang, do you think we made the wrong choice? Shouldn''t we have gone to Deportivo?"
Wang Feng may have been hesitant and confused before making his choice, but once he made the decision, he wouldn''t doubt himself anymore. He confidently replied, "Don''t worry, Balmond. If I perform well in the new season, aren''t these reports just publicity for me?"
"And asionally reading articles that criticize me is quite interesting. These editors are really talented. Look, someone said I''m as frail as a sheep, falling into the ravages of Serie A''s wolves."
"If there are really defenders who believe that, then haven''t I gained the upper hand?"
Chapter 79: The idea of studying abroad
Chapter 79: The idea of studying abroad
After a long flight, Wang Feng finally returned to Shanghai. Just as he came out of the exit, reporters and fans swarmed around him, surrounding him.
This scene startled Wang Feng. When he returned to Chinast year, he was just a slightly famous overseas yer, so there were no reporters or fans waiting for him at the airport. In fact, nobody even recognized him on the streets.
This year waspletely different. Wang Feng had won the title of Asian Footballer of the Year, won the Belgian Pro League championship, and even scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final broadcast nationwide, single-handedly helping his club lift the trophy. This greatly increased his poprity.
So when news of Wang Feng''s return to China spread, everyone sprang into action, waiting at the airport gate just to catch a glimpse of this rising star in the football world.
Microphones and pens were constantly thrust in front of Wang Feng, and the crowd kept pushing forward, creating chaos. The airport had to deploy security forces to maintain order. After signing a few autographs for fans with the protection of security guards, Wang Feng left the scene without giving any interviews.
Wang Feng, looking disheveled, got into his uncle''s car, causingughter from his family. His uncle said, "Our Ah Feng is already a big football star. Next time youe home, you have to be more careful. Come back quietly and bring a bodyguard."
His little sister chimed in, "Brother, please sign a dozen or twenty autographs for me. I''ll sell them at school!" Wang Feng tapped her head and said, "Can''t you think of something better? Don''t resort to shady tricks."
Covering her head, his sister said with a pout, "I was just joking, brother. You''re so boring." Everyone chuckled.
Back at home, Wang Feng copsed on the sofa, murmuring, "I''m exhausted. Long-distance flights are more tiring than ying a match."
His sister sat beside him, looking innocent. Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile. Despite his fatigue, he reached into his luggage and handed her a gift. "Here, take this. Stop giving me those innocent puppy eyes."
His sister took the gift sweetly, saying, "Thank you, brother!" Wang Feng felt goosebumps rise and quickly said, "Do you have any other requests? Don''t use that sugary tone with me."
"Okay," his sister shrugged, "Next year, I want to study art abroad. Since you''re going to Mn, Italy, I looked it up, and the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Mn is very famous. So, I want to study there."
"Are you sure you want to study art? You don''t have a foundation, and your academic performance is so good. Isn''t it a bit of a waste?" Wang Feng asked.
"I''m very interested in art. It doesn''t matter if I don''t have a foundation," his sister said, pouting.
"Okay, I''ll have Balmond inquire about the specific admission requirements, and then you can prepare. Don''t worry about the expenses; I''ll take care of it," Wang Feng said.
His sister beamed with joy. Their mother approached and said, "Ah Feng, is it really okay for Xiaoxi to study painting in Italy? I''m a bit worried about her safety."
"Mom, don''t worry. I''m also in Italy. If anything happens, we can take care of each other. Why don''t youe too? You don''t have much to do at home anyway," Wang Feng reassured her.
His mother shook her head, saying, "I''ve lived here for decades. How can I adapt to living abroad? Be careful when you''re overseas, and keep in touch with us regrly."
"Especially you, Xiaoxi. It''s not like being at home. You might be bullied if you''re too mischievous," she added.
His sister nodded and said, "I know, Mom. I won''t let anyone bully me, especially when I have a ser star brother to back me up."
Wang Feng then asked about Lu Yao, who had mentioned wanting to study abroad. He wondered if she had decided on a destination since she had previously said she wanted to go to the same country as them to look out for each other.
His sister shook her head, saying she didn''t know. "I''ll ask her another day."
At this point, their mother pulled Wang Feng aside and whispered, "Ah Feng, Xiaoxi was too embarrassed to ask you herself, so I''ll tell you. She wants to take over a textile factory in our hometown and start a clothing business. She needs 200,000 yuan. I took the money you left with me and gave it to her."
Wang Feng said, "Mom, the money I gave you is for you to use. It''s not meant to be kept with you. How about I give her another 2 million? Let her expand the factory a bit."
His mother shook her head, saying, "We don''t need that much money. It''s too scary."
"You don''t understand. You need sufficient cash flow for business. Let me talk to Xiaoxi about it. I''ll consider it as my investment," Wang Feng said.
"Okay, you''ve seen the world. You discuss it with her," his mother said.
Back at home, Wang Feng had one more thing to do: buy a house in Shanghai. It was not only for future residence but also as an investment.
Wang Feng now had almost two years'' worth of sry earned from Genk, plus a lucrative endorsement contract with Nike, and a high-paying contract with Inter Mn. He was financially well-off.
The contract Wang Feng signed with Inter Mn was for three years, with an annual sry of 2.8 million euros, ranking among the highest in the team. Even Ronaldo only earned 4 million euros per year.
He wasn''t a spendthrift, and he didn''t have the desire to buy mansions or luxury cars. He hadn''t even bothered to get a driver''s license yet. His biggest expense was hiring Abel Le Goff and his training program.
In addition to previous investments, Wang Feng was actively seeking other investment opportunities. Buying a house was one of them. He took his family around Shanghai and ultimately chose a property near the Huangpu River.
He was drawn to arge t with panoramic ss windows facing the Huangpu River, offering beautiful views. Each of the three bedrooms had a spacious balcony, and theyout was airy and well-lit.
After decisively purchasing it, Wang Feng told his mother, "Mom, Shanghai is close to our hometown. You cane here to stay more often." His mother nodded and agreed to look after the house for him.
Wang Feng also asked the staff if one of the rooms could be converted into a gym. The staff hesitated, saying, "This is an apartment building after all. If you want to convert it into a gym, there will inevitably be some noise, which may disturb the neighbors."
"If you''re really keen on having an indoor gym, I rmend looking at vis in Pudong. You can convert the entire basement into a fitness area, and it will be more convenient for you," they suggested.
Wang Feng nodded with a smile. He didn''t have ns to buy a vi yet; it felt like a waste since he wouldn''t be living there most of the time.
After spending less than a week in China, Wang Feng embarked on his journey to Italy. The preseason training for Inter Mn was about to begin, and he needed to limate to his new environment.
Though his mother was very reluctant, she understood the importance and repeatedly reminded Wang Feng to take care of himself before tearfully watching him pass through the security checkpoint.
Balmond, who had been busy handling some business matters for Wang Feng during his time in China, also returned to Europe with him. Seeing Wang Feng''s low spirits, heforted him, "Wang, farewells may be sad, but reunions will be even more joyful."
"We can invite our family to watch your matches in person, especially the important ones. I believe Inter Mn would be willing to cover the expenses."
Wang Feng nodded, mustered up his spirits, and prepared to face new challenges!
Chapter 80: Welcome to Inter Milan
Chapter 80: Wee to Inter Mn
In the early morning of August 2001, a ne slowly descended at Mn Malpensa Airport. Soon, Wang Feng and Francisco Balmond walked out of the exit, greeted by Felix Ruorlson, the Deputy Director of Inter Mn.
Whether it was for Genk or to China, there were always many media and fans waiting for Wang Feng near the airport exit. However, arriving in Mn, the deserted scene made Wang Feng realize further.
He needed to rely on himself, achieve outstanding results, and earn the respect of the media and fans.
Ruorlson approached Wang Feng, shaking his hand, and said, "Wee to Mn. I hope everything goes smoothly for you here."
They then proceeded to the club''s prepared vehicle. Ruorlson, driving, exined, "Wang, here''s the n: first, we''ll head to Pina to finalize the contract. You''ll wear the number ten jersey for some photoshoots, which we''ll send to the media."
"Afterward, we''ll go to the Niguarda Hospital for aprehensive physical examination. If everything goes well, we should be done by the afternoon. After that, you''ll have free time, and formal training starts tomorrow morning."
"By the way, have you chosen your amodation yet? If not, you can stay in the dorms at Pina for now. We usually have closed-door training sessions there before home games."
Balmond chimed in, "I''ve already found a decent house nearby. It''s not far from the club. Wang, once you''ve sorted out everything, I''ll take you there."
As they arrived at the training base, Ruorlson led them to the office, where Horacio Bom and head coach Hector Cooper were already waiting.
Wang Feng briefly reviewed the contract, which besides a fixed weekly sry, detailed various bonus incentives, such as goal bonuses, league top scorer bonuses, Europa League or Champions League goal bonuses, championship bonuses, etc., making it quite lucrative.
Wang Feng readily signed his name on the contract, and Cooper extended his hand, to which Wang Feng quickly responded, shaking it, "My pleasure."
Then, Ruorlson took Wang Feng to the locker room, where he changed into the club''s new sportswear. He then stood in front of the advertising board, holding his blue-ck team shirt for journalists to take photos.
Coach Hector Cooper, smiling, stood by the side, watching Wang Feng. Normally, he wouldn''t need to be present during contract signings, but to show support for this future star, he not only left the training camp but also stayed until now.
After Wang Feng finished taking individual photos, Cooper approached him, putting his arm around him for a group photo. "Don''t mind the media''s current assessment of you. As long as you do your best, you''ll definitely make them eat their words," Cooper whispered in his ear.
Wang Feng nodded solemnly, understanding Cooper''s intention and feeling grateful for his support. Whether it was Mette Magritte from Virton or Aimee Antonis from Genk, or now Hector Cooper from Inter Mn, he had encountered excellent coaches.
Cooper continued, "We''re not arrogant like Juventus or AC Mn. We''re a true international team, embodying the internationalism and inclusivity imprinted in the team''s heart since its establishment, which has deeply influenced both the team and the fans. As long as you show enough strength, there will be no discrimination here, only respect."
After dealing with the media, Ruorlson led Wang Feng to the hospital for a physical examination. The results were excellent, meeting all requirements. "Mr. Cooper will be very pleased with this report," the team doctor said with a smile. "Your physical condition is excellent. I bet even starting a match immediately wouldn''t be a problem."
Wang Feng smiled. He never cked off, regardless of where he was. Daily exercise and ball control had be habits.
The physical condition of other Inter Mn yers who had just started training was worrisome, and it would take them a long time to adjust. Just from this perspective, Wang Feng''s professionalism justified his ?20 million price tag.
Once everything was finished, Wang Feng finally could rest at his new residence. Balmond had found him a small vi near Lake Como.
"It''s within walking distance of the training ground. There are only a few row houses and nearby resorts in this area. The rent here isn''t expensive, only ?2,500 per month, which matches your current ie."
Transitioning from a small apartment to arge vi, Wang Feng felt a bit overwhelmed at first. However, considering the reasonable price, he decided to settle here.
The vi had a basement, two floors above ground, and the basement was equipped withplete fitness equipment. The first floor had a huge living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the backyard had an indoor swimming pool. The second floor had four bedrooms, and the master bedroom''s balcony offered a view of Lake Como.
There was also a private courtyard in front of the vi, with a parasol, a table, and a few chairs. It was a perfect ce to rx and feel the breeze from theke.
"I feel so lonely living in such a big house by myself," Wang Feng said with a wry smile. "You''re an adult now, Wang. Perhaps you could invite your girlfriend for a date at home," Balmond suggested. "Or invite some new teammates over and see if they''re willing to live together. After all, this ce is very convenient and has such a good environment."
Looking out from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, the Algiers Mountains and the Saint-Primo Mountains seemed within reach, with Lake Como shimmering in between. There were various resorts dotted along thekeside, and the greenway by theke was only a two-minute walk away, which was very attractive to Wang Feng, who liked early morning exercises.
Not far from the vi was a wildlife park called the Spinavide Regional Park, where many rare birds could be observed.
The only downside was that it was too far from Mn city center, about 45 kilometers away. If taking public transportation, there were only two buses per day.
"It looks like I''ll need to find time to learn to drive and buy a car. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to buy things in the future."
"Yes, in fact, many middle-ss people in Mn like to live in the suburbs because the city center is too noisy. And every household here will have a car for transportation. This area is saferpared to the city center, and the property managementpany providesprehensive security services."
After dinner, Wang Feng went to Lake Como, walking along the greenway, feeling the breeze blowing from theke. He felt like he was falling in love with this ce.
Chapter 81: New environment and training
Chapter 81: New environment and training
Early the next morning, Wang Feng ran to Pina for training. Without a doubt, he was the first person to arrive. As he warmed up on the exercise equipment, Javier Zti and other yers entered, chatting andughing.
Zti introduced Wang Feng to the other teammates, who warmly weed his addition. There was no sense of disdain or hostility, confirming Hector Cooper''s words that Inter Mn was indeed an inclusive club, and the atmosphere in the locker room was harmonious.
The first teammate Wang Feng got acquainted with in the new team was Marco Mazzarri, who had also just transferred to Inter Mn this year. He had an outgoing personality and was very curious about Wang Feng, so the two of them talked for a long time.
"What do you think of Serie B? But winning the Europa League championship must be great. I envy you for achieving so many honors at such a young age. When I was your age, I was still struggling in an amateur team," Mazzarri said.
Wang Feng modestly replied, "It''s just luck. Genk happened tock forwards, so I got my chance."
Then the two discussed Mazzarri''s career. He joined Serie B team Perugia at the age of 22, but due to a dispute between his father and the head coach, he had no ce in the team and was loaned to a Serie C team, Carpi.
After two years in the Serie C club, just when Mazzarri was about to give up, he was spotted by a scout from the English Premier League club Everton and brought to Ennd. However, he couldn''t adapt to the pace of the Premier League at all. Coincidentally, when Perugia''s head coach was sacked, he was able to return to Perugia a yearter.
Then he helped Perugia sessfully promote to Serie A, scoring 12 goalsst season, setting a record for the most goals by a defender in a Serie A season. He caught the attention of Inter Mn, and transferred to the Nerazzurri for ?8 million.
"Scoring 12 goals as a defender, it''s really impressive," Wang Feng eximed.
Proudly, Mazzarri patted his chest and pointed to his head, saying, "My heading is a lethal weapon. Last season, Perugia sessfully avoided relegation because of my crucial headers."
Heading had always been a weak point for Wang Feng. Although he barely passed after persevering in training,pared to his threat with his feet, it was still insufficient. So, he decided to consult Mazzarri for heading techniques, and Mazzarri readily agreed, as long as Wang Feng treated him to a few meals, the issue of heading would be on him.
As they chatted on, Mazzarri suddenly whispered to Wang Feng, "Do you think he''lle? I mean Ronaldo."
Wang Feng shook his head. The "Alien" Ronaldo had been absent for a whole season since he was injured in Aprilst year. His current injury status was still unclear, and it was unknown if he would join the training camp.
Just then, two figures appeared at the door of the gym. The yers gradually put down their exercises, and some of Inter Mn''s old yers even apuded.
The two were none other than head coach Cooper and number 9 Ronaldo!
Ronaldo''s physique was somewhat plump, obviously still not fully recovered from his injury. He smiled as he walked into the training room, saying, "Many familiar faces have left us, and many new faces have joined. Wee!"
With that, he hugged each yer one by one, exchanged brief greetings. When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he hugged the young yer tightly and then said, "Wang, I''ve seen your games before. Your talent and skills are amazing. I absolutely believe that you can shine in Serie A. Wee to join us."
"But you must be careful of rough tackles on the field. You know, for yers, nothing is more frustrating than injuries."
Wang Feng looked at the talented superstar in front of him, who had been troubled by injuries. He couldn''t help but feel a little sad. If it weren''t for injuries, he might have be an even greater presence.
Wang Feng felt extremely fortunate about his physique. Coming to the aggressive Serie A, exemption from severe injuries was his greatest reliance.
Under the coach''s arrangement, formal training began. Ronaldo''s injury had not fully healed yet, so he could only do recovery exercises on the side. The others, led by Zti, carried out regr training exercises.
Seeing Ronaldo adapting to his body earnestly but awkwardly, the yers of Inter Mn trained with utmost discipline. They were all filled with determination to redeem themselves this season and were meticulous in meeting the requirements of the coaching staff.
Wang Feng adapted well to this environment. Initially, he thought that with the romantic nature of Italians, training might not be too strict, and he would need to train hard on his own. However, the training atmosphere at Inter Mn was excellent.
As they interacted more, Wang Feng''s understanding of his Inter Mn teammates deepened gradually.
Besides intense training, the yers also found other ways to rx. Zti, Cordoba, and Vieri liked ying golf, and since the training base was close to the golf club, they often went there together in their spare time.
Initially, they invited Wang Feng to join them, but after ying once, Wang Feng found no interest in this slow-paced sport. Instead, he was more attracted to thekeside barbecue organized by Sergio Conciao.
On weekends, Conciao, Mazzarri, and others would bring their families to barbecue and y by Lake Como. Although Mazzarri looked like a yboy, he was actually very faithful. Dani, who had been with him since their impoverished days, was always by his side.
Conciao was the real yboy, often bringing differentpanions. He would joke about introducing girlfriends to Wang Feng, which left him speechless. It seemed like he would encounter a flirtatious teammate every time, like Renee.
The yers of Inter Mn had a very good impression of Wang Feng. Despite being hailed as a teenage prodigy before the transfer and then being heavily criticized afterward, Wang Feng left everyone with the impression of being diligent, serious, and humble.
He didn''t have the arrogance and haughtiness of a young prodigy, nor the frustration of being belittled. Interactions with Wang Feng were refreshing, and Mazzarrimented, "Wang doesn''t seem like an eighteen-year-old, but more like a middle-aged person who has experienced the vicissitudes of life. How do I put it, mature beyond his years?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Feng was at a loss for words. He had toned down his temperament a bit, but how did it turn into being mature beyond his years?
He also applied to the club to allow his personal trainer, Abel Le Goff, to work together with the club''s trainers to devise his training n. Because he wanted to further improve his physical fitness andbat abilities, which were crucial weapons in Serie A.
Aftermunication with the club''s medical team, this n was approved. However, simr to his time at Genk, they also decided to conduct regrprehensive examinations on Wang Feng to prevent training-induced injuries.
Chapter 82: Sluggish warm-up match and Serie A debut
Chapter 82: Sluggish warm-up match and Serie A debut
Time passed quickly amidst intense training and life. Before the start of the new season, Inter Mn arranged several friendly matches, starting with a match against Brescia in Serie A. This game attracted the attention of many media outlets, as they wanted to see how Wang Feng would perform.
Wang Feng came on as a substitute in the 70th minute and experienced the atmosphere on the field. The most impressive thing for him was the slower overall pace of Serie A teams, with defense and attack being distinct systems, unlike the fast-paced, rapid transition tactics he was used to ying before.
One stark contrast with the Belgian league was the defensive intensity. Serie A teams'' defensive battles were truly the best among the top five leagues. Wang Feng was severely tackled multiple times during the game, with referees deeming them as normal physical contests. He could barely protect the ball from being lost due to these aggressive challenges, but his skillful moves couldn''t pose any threat.
As a result, he struggled to adapt to this tactical shift and defensive intensity, resulting in a poor performance on the field, with very few key passes and only two shot attempts throughout the match.
In the end, Inter Mn drew 0-0 with their opponents.
After the match, the media present at the scene were ecstatic, as if they had found a hot topic. They immediately started writing articles, which were published the next day.
The Turin Sports Daily''s headline read: "Genius yer exposed, 18-year-old Wang Feng may struggle to survive in Serie A." The Rome Sports Daily stated: "Roma has already eliminated apetitor this year, which is a delightful thing." The Mn Sports Daily''s headline was even more exaggerated: "Inter Mn pays the price for its folly, Mn City only has one title-contending team."
Wang Feng waspletely unwilling to see how the news described him anymore. He felt that the Italian media had deep malice towards him, which was not surprising considering an 18-year-old Asian teenager being a key yer for a Serie A giant, which did not sit well with the typically arrogant Italian media.
In the second friendly match against Serie B side Palermo a few dayster, Inter Mn coach Cooper sent out a reserve lineup, and Wang Feng did not make the squad. However, relying on a goal from a substitute youngster, they managed to win 1-0 in the end.
The Italian media had more topics to hype up, specting in their articles that Wang Feng had probably lost the trust of the head coach, and what awaited him would be being benched or loaned out to another league for development.
However, in the third friendly match against Serie B side Genoa, Wang Feng started the game. His performance was still not outstanding, seemingly ipatible with the team''s tactics. He only contributed to one offensive n throughout the match, but Inter Mn won 3-1 in the end.
On the sidelines, Cooper frowned. He felt that Wang Feng''s performance was being restricted by tactical changes, which often led to the disappearance of excellent yers from other top leagues when they moved to Serie A because they couldn''t adapt.
However, what pleased him was that Wang Feng seemed to have noticed this too and was working hard to adjust his style of y. Given some more time to adapt, he would definitely develop even better.
In the following few friendly matches, Wang Feng''s performance indeed improved with each game. Although he didn''t score any goals, he threatened with numerous offensive ns and even provided two direct assists.
However, the Italian media had given up on continuing to pay attention to Wang Feng. In their eyes, he was already a lost cause, bound to be shown the door by Inter Mn sooner orter.
At the Pina training ground, in the coach''s office on the second floor, Cooper watched Wang Feng practicing on the field with great satisfaction. He hadn''t expected Wang Feng to withstand the pressure and quickly integrate into the team''s tactical system. Observing from the sidelines, he clearly felt that the cooperation between Wang Feng and his teammates was bing more and more tacit.
Originally, he had wanted the club''s technical director, Horacio Bom, toe forward and reassure Wang Feng, asking him not to mind the criticism from the outside world and to focus on training. He nned to give Wang Feng enough time. Unexpectedly, Wang Feng had already adjusted himself.
Those mocking words seemed to be like a whip, constantly urging Wang Feng to do better. The more they belittled him, the greater the rebound effect.
Cooper nodded in satisfaction. Now he increasingly believed that the club had made the most correct choice. Wang Feng was the key to their rise!
On August 26, 2001, at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Mn, the highly anticipated Serie A season finally kicked off. Inter Mn would y at home against Perugia.
This match itself didn''t have much suspense because Inter Mn''s overall strength was higher than Perugia''s, so winning three points smoothly wasn''t difficult.
But the Nerazzurri''s fans still held their breath. The disastrous situation ofst season was still fresh in their minds, and the signings this season hadn''t been recognized. If the start didn''t go well, the entire club would likely bear a lot of pressure.
Inter Mn coach Cooper deployed a 3-5-2 formation, with Francesco Toldo in goal, Javier Zti, Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, and Marco Materazzi in defense. The other yers were div Gresko, Cristiano Zti, Luigi Di Biagio, Alvaro Recoba, and Sergio Conceicao in midfield, and Christian Vieri and Wang Feng up front.
Despite Wang Feng''s less than satisfactory performance in the preseason matches, Cooper still started him.
On the other hand, Perugia deployed the usual 4-4-2 formation. With Luca Mazzantini in goal, Z Maria, Dejan Djordjevic, Cesare Bovo, and Mauro Minelli in defense, Gustavo Bartelt, Nic Amoruso, Mario Alberto Santana, and Edgar Alvarez in midfield, and Fabrizio Moli and Fabio Bazzani up front.
It''s worth mentioning that South Korean yer Ahn Jung-hwan did not appear in Perugia''s starting lineup and could even end up not being substituted, rendering the "Asian Derby" hyped up by the Korean media before the match a mere talk.
If the 85,000-seat stadium were to be fully packed, what kind of scene would it be? When Wang Feng entered the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, he was deeply shocked. Looking up, the top tier of the stands was crowded with densely packed dots.
Standing near the center circle, Wang Feng took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, while the main referee blew the whistle to start the game.
Perugia''s coach Luciano Gai was an experienced local coach. Last season, he led this young promoted team to sessfully avoid relegation. However, several key yers were sought after by other clubs afterward, including Marco Materazzi, which led to the departure of several outstanding yers.
Therefore, the club''s goal for this season was still to avoid relegation. Gai didn''t want to lose heavily in the first round. Otherwise, the team''s morale would severely decline, making the road to survival even more difficult.
Under his tactical arrangements, Perugia focused on defense and yed very cautiously, while Inter Mn pressed forward aggressively, hoping to take the lead as soon as possible, making the following matches easier.
Chapter 83: Stunning performance
Chapter 83: Stunning performance
When the game reached the 10th minute, Inter Mn''s Cordoba was disrupted by the opponent while dribbling in midfield, earning a chance for a throw-in.
Slovak center-back Gresko threw the ball with all his strength, passing it to Zti in the middle. Zti steadied the ball and carried it forward, facing the approaching defenders, and passed it sideways to Conceicao in the middle.
Conceicao nced at Wang Feng''s position in the frontcourt and delivered a straight pass behind Perugia''s defense.
At this moment, Wang Feng quickly surged forward, but Perugia''s two defenders, Maria and Loretto, sandwiched him, constantly squeezing him and making some subtle pulling movements to disturb him.
Wang Feng indeed felt the strong resistance. His sprint speed slowed down. If it were in Belgium, he would have broken free from the defense and formed a one-on-one situation long ago.
But his usual extra training paid off. Wang Feng stabilized his lower body, firmly holding his position, caught Conceicao''s pass, and kept the ball steady at his feet, but couldn''t easily shake off the defending yers.
At this moment, Wang Feng had a sh of inspiration. When dribbling sideways in the penalty area, he suddenly flicked the ball behind with the tip of his foot and then made a quick stop and turn.
Maria and Loretto, who were exerting force, suddenly lost their bnce, showing defensive loopholes. Wang Feng seized the opportunity, caught up with the ball, and directly shot with his right foot, rolling the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! In the 10th minute, Inter Mn broke the opponent''s goal first!"
"From Wang Feng''s splendid shot near the edge of the penalty area, the ball entered the goal from a dead angle, giving Mazzantini no chance to save."
"We can see that Wang Fengpletely withstood the fierce confrontation of two defenders and still demonstrated such exquisite footwork. It seems that the media''s pre-match ims that he couldn''t adapt to Serie A''s intensity have been fiercely refuted."
"With Inter Mn taking the lead, they can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After experiencing the historical low point ofst season, I believe the entire team was tense, hoping to start the new season with a win."
After scoring, Wang Feng clenched his fists, leaped over the advertising boards, and ran to the stands where the home fans were, roaring with his head raised.
In the past month, the constant belittlement and criticism from the media had greatly irritated him. Now, this goal slightly relieved his pent-up frustration.
Teammates also rushed over, surrounding Wang Feng. Materazzi patted Wang Feng''s head and said, "Kid, I knew you had it in you the first time I saw you. I didn''t expect the first goal toe so quickly. You''re going to soar."
Vieri hugged Wang Feng''s neck and said, "Wang, your move was fantastic. Clearly, you don''t look strong, but how did you maintain such stability in your stance?"
After Inter Mn took the lead, the situation on the field gradually tilted towards the home team. They yed more rxed, while Perugia seemed hesitant in both attack and defense.
In the 41st minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack after winning the ball in the backcourt. Materazzi passed the ball to Di Biagio after crossing the midfield, and Di Biagio sent a straight pass to Wang Feng.
Wang Feng was chased by defenders on both sides, preparing to double-team him. So, he repeated his previous move, not stopping the ball but flicking it behind with his right foot and then surging forward after catching up with the ball.
Between retreating and advancing, he broke through the encirclement of two Perugia defenders and scored another goal, making it 2-0.
As Wang Feng scored his second goal, he ran while waving his fingers. His teammates followed him in celebration, feeling that Wang Feng''s performance waspletely different from his performance in the preseason matches, full of passion and threat.
Inter Mn''s attack seemed to be smoother, and once the striker''s form improved, the entire team would appear rejuvenated.
Even the Inter Mn fans in the stands, who were initially skeptical of Wang Feng,pletely changed their minds. They cheered his name, and even some fans holding signs saying "We need Ronaldo" temporarily put them down, impressed by Wang Feng''s stunning performance.
The first half ended with Inter Mn in the lead, and in the dressing room, Perugia''s atmosphere was gloomy. No one had expected that a rookie could cause such trouble.
Head coach Oralei frowned and said, "Everyone, put away your disdain for Wang Feng. Don''t believe the media''s ims about him. They''re too irresponsible."
"Otherwise, we''ll be aplete background, suffer a big defeat, and also contribute to Wang Feng''s reputation. In the second half, we must tightly mark him. Maria and Loretto, your performance in defending Wang Feng in the first half was uneptable. I hope you can make changes in the second half."
"Solyano, I''ll send you on in the second half, recing Frizas. We''ll change our formation to 5-4-1, and you must closely mark Wang Feng in the backline, timely covering. In the second half, we''ll focus on defense and counterattack, trying to narrow the score difference."
"Everyone, in this game, I hope you will do your best, but don''t have any psychological burden. y to your full potential. Inter Mn is stronger overall, but we are not without the ability to fight. Adjust well, and let''s y a beautiful counterattack in the second half."
Perugia''s yers nodded in agreement. They had indeed seen many reports belittling Wang Feng before the match, coupled with Wang Feng''s unimpressive performance in Inter Mn''s preseason matches, so they couldn''t help but be somewhat dismissive.
Could an eighteen-year-old Asian boy really adapt to Serie A''s style of y? Unfortunately, reality had given them a harsh p. Wang Feng not only adapted but also scored twice.
"I absolutely can''t let Wang Feng perform anymore in the second half. I''ll educate him severely and let him know that Serie A is not that simple," thought Solyano, who was preparing to enter the field.
After the break, Perugia stood their ground against Inter Mn''s attacks and even used counterattacks. In the 65th minute, forward Bazzani scored a goal, bringing the score back to 2-1, causing the home Inter Mn fans to feel anxious once again.
However, Inter Mn''s yers quickly refocused, firmly controlling the game''s situation. In the 77th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Conceicao on the right nk.
He used consecutive step-overs to deceive Perugia''s left-back, Solyano, and then prepared to cut into the penalty area. But unexpectedly, the off-bnce Solyano turned around and swept Wang Feng down.
Wang Feng felt a pain in his foot and fell to the ground. Inter Mn''s yers quickly surrounded him, and the referee promptly stopped the match.
Chapter 84: Make him pay
Chapter 84: Make him pay
Zti hurried to Wang Feng''s side and crouched down, asking, "Are you okay, Wang?" Wang Feng rubbed his leg and felt no major issues, so he replied, "I should be fine." Then, with Zti''s help, he stood up.
The referee saw that both sides were fine, so he just verbally warned Soriani and awarded Inter Mn a free kick in the opponent''s half.
Such a foul would have surely earned a card in the Belgian league, but in Serie A, the main referee tends to be more lenient towards such fouls.
Soriani walked up to Wang Feng and said, "Kid, put away your little tricks. This is the top league in Europe. If you''re afraid of getting hurt, go back to your lower-level league."
Wang Feng, upon hearing this, became furious, but he didn''t lose hisposure. Instead, he coldly replied, "You will pay for your actions because of your foul, Inter Mn will secure victory because of it!"
Then, he approached Zti and said, "Captain, let me take this free kick." During team training sessions, Wang Feng asionally practiced set pieces with other teammates. Although they hadn''t established enough rapport, he was confident in his ability to control the ball''s trajectory.
With the team leading, Zti didn''t refuse. He said, "Alright, you take this free kick, I''ll cover for you."
With the referee''s whistle, Zti started his run-up, followed by Wang Feng. When Zti reached the ball''s position, there was chaos in the penalty area. Perugia''s yers thought he would take the kick, but he feinted, jumping over the ball.
Following closely behind, Wang Feng curled the ball with the inside of his right foot. The ball flew straight to the back post of the penalty area, where a tall figure in blue and ck jersey leaped high and headed it into Perugia''s goal.
It was Inter Mn''s newly acquired defender, Matrazi!
The former teammates looked on in despair as Matrazi rose high to head the ball into the goal. They knew Matrazi''s abilities very well; the nickname "sharpshooter" wasn''t just for show!
After scoring, Matrazi chose not to celebrate out of respect for his former team. But Wang Feng didn''t care about such niceties. He and his teammates hugged Matrazi, pointing towards Perugia''s Soriani, indicating that the goal was a result of his foul.
In the 85th minute, once again, Wang Feng faced off against Soriani on the right side. This time, he used a feint to get past his opponent. Soriani hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to foul him to stop the attack.
While he was hesitating, Wang Feng had already crossed the ball into the penalty area, where Vieri received it and scored.
4-1, Inter Mn''s victory was sealed!
Since Soriani had trash-talked him after his foul, Wang Feng naturally didn''t miss the chance to strike back. He walked up to Soriani and said, "Go back to your bench, your level will never make it to Serie A."
Soriani''s face turned red with anger. He had talked trash to Wang Feng, and now Wang Feng had immediately assisted two goals in return. However, Soriani had no way to respond to Wang Feng''s trash talk.
In the end, the match ended with a resounding victory for Inter Mn, achieving the desired start to the season!
The result of the first round shocked the Italian media, who had underestimated Inter Mn. Wang Feng, with two goals and two assists, was named the best yer of the match.
They could no longer ignore Inter Mn''s fluid attacking capabilities. The Mn Sports Daily wrote that Wang Feng''s arrival had greatly improved Inter Mn''s attacking prowess.
"Since Ronaldo''s injury absence, Inter hasn''t yed such a fluent attacking game. Wang Feng''s pressing ability in the front line is evident."
"I think we need to reassess Inter Mn''s capabilities. They are still contenders for the title. When Ronaldo returns, Inter Mn will make the whole of Italy tremble."
The Turin Sports Daily said, "We all underestimated Wang Feng, perhaps because of his age and his background in the Belgian league."
"In fact, fromst season''s game against Liverpool, we could see that Wang Feng''s performance was outstandingpared to anyone else. He almost single-handedly led the team to the final and eventually won the trophy."
The Rome Sports Daily analyzed Wang Feng''s on-field data: "In fact, Wang Feng''s confrontation in the game was not weak at all. He was the most fouled yer, but still maintained an amazing breakthrough rate and a threatening number of passes."
It seemed that Wang Feng''s performance had pped the Italian media in the face, and many media outlets changed their tone, praising Wang Feng. Many fans were interested. They didn''t expect the young talent from the Belgian league to perform so well in his debut. So they rushed to buy newspapers to learn more about the game.
For a while, the sales of Italian sports newspapers soared, and Wang Feng''s positive image spread throughout the Apennine Penins.
This incident also caught the attention of Inter Mn''s head coach, Hector Cooper. He specifically found Wang Feng and advised him, "Wang, your performance in the first game was indeed excellent, but don''t be proud because of the praise from the outside world. We still have many strong opponents and challenges to face."
Wang Feng said, "Mr. Cooper, you can rest assured. I know the temper of these media outlets. They will praise you for your outstanding performance and criticize you for a defeat. I won''t change my attitude because of external judgments."
Cooper nodded in satisfaction. It seemed that Wang Feng had a maturity far beyond his age, so he didn''t need to worry about this aspect.
Different from the Belgian league, Serie A had already acquired the broadcasting rights domestically and prioritized broadcasting Inter Mn''s matches.
This news excited all domestic fans. They spread the word and stayed upte together to watch the live broadcast, witnessing the historic moment of the Chinese yer on the Serie A stage.
After watching the game, they were shocked. They originally thought Wang Feng was a promising future superstar, the future leader of Chinese football. But who could have thought that he was not just the future; he was already a true superstar dominating the top European leagues.
They eagerly discussed on the inte. Some were discussing when the Football Association would call up Wang Feng, hoping he could achieve a historic breakthrough for the Chinese team on the World Cup stage. Some were discussing when Wang Feng could lift the Ballon d''Or, the symbol of the highest honor in Europe. If he could lead Inter Mn to excellent results, this was definitely a possibility.
Chapter 85: Reverse to win
Chapter 85: Reverse to win
Wang Feng''s stunning performance in his Serie A debut has spread throughout the entire European continent.
In the locker room of Paris Saint-Germain Club''s training base in France, a Braziliand with dark skin and always wearing a smile furrowed his brow as he read the newspaper.
Ronaldinho felt extremely helpless. Ever since he arrived in Paris, whether within the team or in the eyes of the fans, he seemed to have be a substitute for that person, that Wang Feng who had just shone brightly in Serie A.
Whether in terms of value or treatment, Wang Feng far surpassed Ronaldinho. Paris once wanted to spend 8 million euros to buy Wang Feng, but failed, and instead spent 5 million euros to buy Ronaldinho himself, which sometimes made him feel ufortable.
He wanted to challenge Wang Feng, to prove that his skills were not inferior to his!
In the first game against Auxerre, Ronaldinho came on as a substitute and his performance wasckluster. This was quite normal; new yers needed time to adapt to the new environment and establish understanding with their teammates.
But when the game ended, bad news came: Wang Feng scored twice in his debut and contributed two assists, leading Inter Mn to a 4-1 victory!
"Is this guy cheating?" Ronaldinho thought grimly. "How can a yer just step into a top-five league and deliver such incredible performance?"
At this moment, his teammate, French defender Milo Grimes, walked into the locker room and saw Ronaldinho staring at the newspaper, his brow furrowed, and instantly understood what was going on.
He patted Ronaldinho on the shoulder and said, "Ronnie, don''t mind what others say. Your performance is impable. Just give it a little time, and you will surely shine too."
Grimes, a Frenchman of Brazilian descent, had been quite close to Ronaldinho since he joined the team, and they often looked out for each other in training and daily life.
"I know," Ronaldinho said with a wry smile. "In Brazil, I was also the darling of the media, praised as the next Ronaldo. But when I came to Europe, I realized there are plenty of talents out there."
"That guy Wang Feng is even younger than me. How did he seamlessly adapt to the top-five leagues?"
"I don''t know," Grimes said, "ording to media reports, he''s a training maniac. Apart from matches, he spends most of his time training, which is quite frightening."
"Do you want to give it a try, Ronnie?" Grimes teased.
"No way!" Ronaldinho shuddered and shook his head. "If I have to train like a monk, I''d rather not y football!"
"I knew it. Tonight, let''s go to the nightclub together and lighten up a bit, ease the frustration," Grimes suggested. Ronaldinho nodded, and gradually, his brow rxed, and his face regained its iconic smile.
The second round of Serie A would take ce in a week. The club granted the yers two days off before assembling for training and flying to Parma on Friday to challenge the formidable Parma team.
The morning mist enveloped Lake Como, the rising sun shining on the water''s surface, forming concentric halos. The wooden path along theke was dampened by the mist, with few people passing by, giving a sense of tranquility, a departure from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Wang Feng jogged along this wooden path, carrying thetest Samsung MP3 yer in his pocket. He thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air of nature, admiring theke view, listening to music, and then slowly running.
Therefore, both in the morning and in the evening, Wang Feng would take some time to jog by Lake Como. asionally, when tourists recognized him, he would enthusiastically take photos and sign autographs with them.
It wasn''t until the sun had fully risen that he arrived at Pina and continued his extra training.
Extra training during holidays had be a habit for Wang Feng. However, he couldn''t find any teammates in Inter Mn who trained with him. Even his best buddy, Matrazi, declined Wang Feng''s invitation to train, citing apanying his wife.
There were only a few staff members left in Pina, along with Wang Feng and his personal trainer, Abel Le Goff. Le Goff and Wang Feng renewed their contract because both sides were very satisfied with continuing their coboration.
On Saturday night, the lights of the Tardini Stadium were brightly lit, indicating that a heavyweight match was about to take ce. Parma had been quite strong in recent years, winning the UEFA Cup in ''94-''95 and ''98-''99, and often ranking high in Serie A.
Last season, Inter Mn had suffered a setback against Parma. Therefore, the match between the two teams this season was seen as a test for Inter Mn''s new lineup.
Another highlight was the "Asian Derby". Parma''s midfielder, Hidetoshi Nakata, was one of the team''s key yers. Last season, the club acquired him from Roma for a high price of 18.5 million euros,pletely different from Perugia''s substitute, Ahn Jung-hwan.
So, the Japanese media extensively publicized this match. They depicted the strength of the two yers in exaggeratedic style hexagons. Unlike the arrogant South Koreans, most Japanese believed that their own Hidetoshi Nakata was slightly inferior to Wang Feng.
However, one was a midfielder and the other was a forward. Their positions on the field were different, so it wasn''t appropriate to directlypare their goal-scoring records. Their contributions to the team had to be considered.
Both sides yed back and forth. In the 29th minute, Parma got a free-kick opportunity. Defender Fabio Cannavaro took a direct shot, breaking Torrado''s grasp.
As the first half wasing to an end, Wang Feng orchestrated an attack in the front court, and Konso equalized with Graysco''s assist.
After the first half, Wang Feng scratched his head in frustration. He had created some good opportunities, but faced with tight defense, he always fell short.
"Wang, don''t worry. Let''s continue to y steadily in the second half and secure three points," Matraziforted Wang Feng. "Yeah, sometimes the more anxious you are, the harder it is to seize opportunities. My goal in the first half was just a fluke," Konso said.
Wang Feng smiled bitterly and patted the backs of the two before walking into the yers'' tunnel and returning to the locker room.
In the second half, the two teams continued to perform evenly. In the 71st minute, Di Biagio in the front court sent a through ball to Parma''s defense, and Wang Feng quickly chased after it.
At this moment, the Parma defender was closer to the ball, but Wang Feng, relying on his speed, managed to reach the ball ahead of the defending yer, arriving in the right area of the penalty area.
When Wang Feng received the ball, the angle for a shot was already very small, with a defender closely chasing from the side and the goalkeepering out to block the near post. If he wanted to cross, there were no Inter Mn yers in front of the goal to contest.
In the blink of an eye, he saw that the defending yer''s leg span was a bit wide, so he attempted a low-angle shot past the defending yer''s legs, evading the oing goalkeeper, and rolling into the from the far post.
"The ball''s in! Goooooooooooooal! In the 71st minute, Wang Feng helped Inter Mnplete theeback!"
"A brilliant goal! Whether it''s thete first goal or the low-angle shot under pressure from the defense and the goalkeeper, Wang Feng''s performance is outstanding."
Even Wang Feng himself hadn''t expected this goal to go in. The timing of the shot was just right; any earlier orter, and it would have been blocked.
After scoring, he went to the stands where Inter Mn fans were located, celebrating with them. At this moment, some of the Inter Mn fans had already been won over by Wang Feng''s performance, waving handmade nametes and chanting Wang Feng''s name.
In the end, Inter Mn won 2-1 against Parma.
This so-called "Asian Derby" was also a victory for Wang Feng. He orchestrated an attack and contributed a goal to help Inter Mn secure all three points, while Hidetoshi Nakata had an average performance, with no standout moments throughout the game.
Chapter 86: Pendulum trick reappears in Serie A
Chapter 86: Pendulum trick reappears in Serie A
The splendid performances in two consecutive matches have further convinced the Italian media that Wang Feng is not just a sh in the pan but rather intends to thoroughly shake up Serie A.
After two rounds of matches, Juventus emerged the strongest. They first swept aside Venice with a 4-0 victory, then defeated Atnta 2-0, securing the top spot in the league with a superior goal difference.
Juventus'' Trezeguet has been particrly impressive. Like Wang Feng, he contributed three goals in two rounds and currently shares the top spot in the goal-scoring chart with Wang Feng.
In second ce in the league are Inter Mn, who have also won their first two matches. Following them are Roma, Lazio, Parma, and Fiorentina. Among the new "Big Seven" of Serie A, only AC Mn seems to have fallen behind.
AC Mn, with one draw and one loss in two rounds, is ranked thirteenth. They first drew 2-2 with Brescia in the opening round, then suffered a 1-3 defeat against Fiorentina. The Rossoneri, reinforced with the signings of Rui Costa and Inzaghi during the summer, evidently need some time to adapt to the new lineup.
Italian media have mocked AC Mn, with Mn Sports Newspaper reporting: "Wang Feng, valued at 20 million euros, leads Inter Mn to two consecutive wins, while Rui Costa is valued at 42 million euros and Inzaghi at 36.2 million euros, yet they lead AC Mn straight into the relegation zone. The editor seems a bit bad at math."
After this match, Wang Feng once again won the Best yer of the Match award with his attacking nning and a goal. ording to the terms of his contract with Inter Mn, he receives an additional bonus whenever he is named the best yer of the match, although not much, it stilles as a pleasant surprise.
Midweek saw the third round of the Coppa Italia matches, with Inter Mn facing Serie B team Pescara. Wang Feng was not included in the squad list, and several key yers were also rotated.
However, Inter Mn''s bench strength was still strongerpared to the Serie B team, so they won 3-0 and smoothly advanced to the next round.
Back at home for the third round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced a challenge from Venice. When the match reached the 81st minute, the score was tied 1-1.
In the 17th minute, Venice took advantage of a quick counterattack to catch Inter Mn off guard, breaking the deadlock first. Then, in the 67th minute, Wang Feng broke through on the right and crossed, with Vieri''s shot saved by the goalkeeper, Wang Feng was first to the rebound and equalized.
Subsequently, neither side scored again. As the match approached its end, Veniceunched an attack into Inter Mn''s half. When the ball entered the penalty area, it was sessfully intercepted by Zti, who then quickly advanced forward.
Seeing Wang Feng and Vieri rapidly advancing in the frontcourt, Zti made a long pass, and the ball reached behind Venice''s defensive line.
Wang Feng quickly darted out from beside the full-back, chasing after the ball, and the linesman did not raise the g. He sessfully beat the offside trap!
Near the top of the penalty area arc, Wang Feng caught up with the ball, dribbled into the penalty area, with Dimitri Kamer, Venice''s defender, already waiting inside the penalty area, and another center-back rushing to join.
If they were to surround him, Wang Feng would face being double-teamed, with Venice''s goalkeeper also eyeing the opportunity.
At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly made a quick stop, feinting to cut inside with his left foot to shoot, which made Kamer quickly stop and move forward to block, and the center-back rushed to provide cover defense.
However, at this moment, Wang Feng suddenly flicked the ball with his left foot, causing Kamer to feel a blur in front of him, and Wang Feng passed by him.
Pendulum dribble! Wang Feng quickly broke through from his side, tearing open Venice''s defense in a very short time.
After getting past Kamer, he spotted the gap between the goalkeeper and the right post, and with a direct shot with his right foot, pierced through Venice''s goal.
2-1! Inter Mn reversed their opponents! With two consecutive rounds ofebacks, Inter Mn achieved three consecutive wins in the league.
Ronaldo was also present in the stands today. When he saw Wang Feng using the pendulum dribble, he showed a face full of disbelief, and this scene was recorded by the camera.
At this moment, Ronaldo''s heart was filled with a mixture of emotions. Arge part was joy; Inter Mn could introduce such an outstanding forward. Yet, there was also some worry because he knew that the pendulum dribble puts a lot of strain on the knees, something he suffered from due to his negligence in his youth, leading to his fragile physique now.
"It seems that Wang Feng''s dribbling is even more exaggerated than mine. In that case, the strain on the knees would be even greater. I should remind him sometime not to use this move too often."
Of course, there was still a hint of envy in Ronaldo''s heart, purely envying Wang Feng''s ability to gallop on the field, while he himself has been away from this stage for a long time.
At this moment, he had already begun to entertain the idea of leaving. He had won many honors at Inter Mn and even won the FIFA World yer award. It seems it''s time to move on.
After Inter Mn secured three consecutive wins in the league, Wang Feng ranked first in the top scorers'' chart with an impressive record of five goals in three rounds, prompting Italian media to hype him once again.
Mn Sports Newspaper described Wang Feng as a "born marksman," stating, "At the age of eighteen, he is already heading for the Serie A Golden Boot, a phenomenon never seen before. We don''t know how to exin this, we can only say that Wang may be a born marksman."
The Rome Sports Newspaper published a photo of Ronaldo''s surprised expression in the stands, then reported, "Wang Feng performed his signature pendulum dribble in front of Ronnie, as if to say that Inter Mn has a sessor, but it remains to be seen whether he will suffer the tragic fate of injury."
In the dressing room after the match, Ronaldo found Wang Feng and said to him, "Wang, your pendulum dribble is truly wonderful. It can be said that the student surpasses the master, but this move imposes a heavy toll on the knees. You should refrain from using it lightly."
Wang Feng nodded, "I understand. Actually, I feel ufortable in my knees when using it. I won''t use this move frequently."
Although Wang Feng has super self-healing abilities, he cannot avoid injuries. ording to his estimate, if he uses the pendulum dribble more than four times in a match, the knee''s tolerance will reach its limit, and he will likely be injured during the game.
After three rounds of matches, Serie A ushered in two weeks of international break. With no national team duties, Wang Feng could only intensify his training to maintain hispetitive form. It''s worth mentioning that the Chinese team achieved two wins and one draw in the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers Group A, making it highly likely to advance to the World Cup.
This delighted the relevant officials. Not calling up Wang Feng didn''t result in any loss of benefits or a drop in performance, boosting their confidence.
As the national team matches concluded, yers gradually returned to the club, but the long journey had left them in poor condition. Team doctor Brian Harteined, "Every time I check on the returning national team yers, I feel anxious. Did they work like ves in the national team, or what happened to make them look so miserable?"
National team training and matches often cannot match the level of organization and scientific approach of club training, so yers often get injured during national team training.
Chapter 87: Though stage
Chapter 87: Though stage
Serie A Round 4, Inter Mn visited Turin, and coach Cooper made some lineup changes, with several key yers like Snchez, Kordoba, and Vieri not making the squad list.
The bench yerscked the cohesion and strength of the starters, causing some confusion at the beginning of the match. Issues arose in both attack and defense.
In the 17th minute, Turin capitalized on an Inter Mn defensive error, and forward Maximilian O''Connell opened the scoring for the home team.
Trailing behind, Inter Mn fought back. In the 34th minute, Di Biagio delivered the ball into the penalty area, where a Turin defender''s header clearance was intercepted by Wang Feng on the edge of the box.
Wang Feng intercepted the ball and took two steps along the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a shot that curved into the top corner of the goal.
1-1, Inter Mn equalized!
In the second half, in the 75th minute, Turin once again took advantage of Inter Mn''s defensive error to go ahead.
Just when it seemed the team was about to suffer its first defeat of the season, Wang Feng stepped up again. During injury time, he received a cross from Di Biagio inside the penalty area. Despite efforts from defenders to block him, Wang Feng managed to shoot and score.
Thanks to Wang Feng''s brace, Inter Mn managed to salvage a 2-2 draw away at Turin.
In the post-match press conference, coach Cooper harshly criticized Inter Mn''s defense: "Although we made changes, that''s no excuse for basic mistakes. Our two goals conceded were entirely due to attitude problems."
"From these poor performances, I see the same issues that led to the club''s failuresst season, which is undoubtedly disappointing."
Regarding Wang Feng, Cooper didn''t hesitate to praise him: "Wang''s heroics earned us a valuable point. I dare say, without him, we wouldn''t have been able to secure points in Turin."
In Serie A Round 5, Inter Mn hosted Bologna at home. Despite fielding their strongest lineup, the team''s performance remainedckluster.
Wang Feng faced tight marking throughout the game, often being fouled and brought down. Despite the leniency of Serie A referees, Bologna''s defenders received four yellow cards, indicating the intensity of their challenges.
Nevertheless, Wang Feng managed to create opportunities with his repeated breakthroughs on the wing. However, quality crosses were wasted by ineffective finishing.
In the 77th minute of the second half, Wang Feng received the ball near the right nk, executed a beautiful Marseille turn to evade a defender, but was then fouled from behind.
Referee Ebert, an Italian, finally had enough and showed the second yellow card to the defending yer, sending him off.
With Zti''s assistance, Wang Feng got back on his feet, feeling sore all over, reminiscent of a fight. Bologna''s style of y frustrated him, and he sustained minor injuries.
So he personally took the free kick, his first direct attempt at goal in Serie A. Recalling his previous feelings, he began his run-up and struck the ball!
The ball curved mysteriously in the air, hitting the crossbar before entering the visitors'' goal!
After scoring, Wang Feng celebrated angrily, deliberately passing by Bologna''s coach''s seat to vent his frustration.
However, Inter Mn couldn''t hold on to their lead until the end. In the 85th minute, Inter Mn''s defense made a mistake, and Matrazi and Cordoba''s poor clearance was intercepted by Bologna forward Isaac Conroy.
Facing goalkeeper Tordo one-on-one, Conroy calmly ced his shot into the far corner, equalizing for his team.
1-1, Inter Mn bitterly epted a draw at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
After this round, Inter Mn, with two consecutive draws, dropped to 4th ce in the league. Juventus led the table with a perfect record, followed by Roma and Lazio. AC Mn, with two recent victories, climbed back to 8th ce.
After the match, Wang Feng underwent a detailed examination by the club, revealing several superficial injuries but no serious hidden ones, which relieved the club''s management.
Club president Moratti angrily stated, "We must protest to the Football Association. This isn''t fairpetition; it''s violence, malicious fouls!"
Technical director Horacio Bohm added, "Yes, sir, we''ve organized footage of the malicious fouls Wang Feng suffered in this match, submitted it to the Football Association and Mn Sports Daily, and formally protested. We believe the referees'' standards will change."
Moratti nodded and then asked, "What''s going on with the teamtely? Weren''t we dominating at the start of the league? Why is it so difficult now?"
Bohm replied, "Coach Cooper and I discussed it. The main issues are twofold: national team matches have fatigued the yers, and the sessful start of the season has rxed some yers'' mindsets."
"Regardless of the reasons, Cooper must solve them quickly. We cannot afford a repeat ofst season''s disaster at Inter Mn."
The day after being held to a draw by Bologna, Cooper canceled the team''s vacation, gathering all yers to study the past two matches together. He said, "Everyone, we''ve made many mistakes in these two matches that shouldn''t have happened."
"Serie A is highlypetitive, and any match can influence the final oue of the league title. Therefore, we cannot make the same mistakes again."
He conducted one-on-one analyses, including the yers'' tactical execution and actual performance on the field. When it came to Wang Feng, Cooper gave the only praise: "Wang fully executed the tactics I prescribed on the field, and even better. These two draws were also earned by his efforts."
"Not only that, he''s the hardest-working yer in the whole team. I hope everyone can look up to him." Wang Feng looked embarrassed, feeling like he was being praised in front of the ss by the teacher, held up as an example.
Next, everyone immersed themselves in training. Next to the treadmill, Rekoba yed with the machine,ining to Wang Feng, who was training nearby, "My vacation, my lovely Italian girls, all turned into bubbles."
"Wang, how can you endure training this boring thing all the time?"
While running, Wang Feng replied, "Because I don''t find it boring. Every time after training, I feel my body has been strengthened, just like leveling up by defeating monsters in a game. It''s so satisfying."
Rekoba rolled his eyes and said, "Strengthening the body, are you going to be a superhero? I really can''t understand the genius''s thoughts."
Seeing Matrazi training earnestly beside him, Rekoba asked, "What about you? Why are you training so hard? Do you also feel your body improving?"
Matrazi replied seriously, "I haven''t felt significant progress, but only by following the coach''s orders and training continuously can I maintain stable performance and avoid being eliminated."
"You, as a yer who had a very smooth start, probably can''t understand us yers who came from the grassroots."
Hearing Matrazi''s words, Rekoba sighed and said, "I feel the world is full of malice towards yers like me. Why is it so hard to earn money lying t?"
Everyone chuckled at this, and captain Javier Zti said sternly, "Stopining and get back to training, or else the coach might notice and make you train extra."
Rekoba, afraid, reluctantly got on the treadmill, starting the damn training session.
Chapter 88: Invitation from FIFA
Chapter 88: Invitation from FIFA
As Wang Feng was actively preparing for the uing events, his agent, Balmond, called him with excitement: "Wang, FIFA has officially sent an invitation, hoping you can attend the FIFA Awards Ceremony in Zurich, Switzend, in December."
This year, Wang Feng received significant honors, leading Genk to win the Belgian Pro League title, clinching the league''s Golden Boot, and securing the Europa League championship and Europa League yer of the Tournament. These achievements were enough to establish his presence in European football.
Balmond continued, "Moreover, you''ve been shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d''Or, although the likelihood of winning is slim, but you''ll be the first Asian yer in history to be nominated for this prestigious award."
"Wang, you must attend the ceremony. Not only does it mean further increasing your fame, but it also signifies building a good rtionship with FIFA. Let me think about what else needs to be done. Firstly, we need tomunicate with the club to arrange your schedule, and secondly, we need to find a good styling team for you. Your debut appearance in world football is important, and image matters."
Listening to Balmond''s rambling and disorganized speech on the phone, Wang Feng found it amusing and quickly said, "Balmond, calm down. Don''t you have friends in the industry? Ask them how they handle such situations, and jot down the tasks in chronological order toplete them one by one."
Hearing Wang Feng''s advice, Balmond finally felt a bit calmer. This was his first time dealing with such a situation, so he felt a bit lost initially. But since Wang Feng trusted him so much, he felt grateful and determined to handle this matter brilliantly.
Soon, news of Wang Feng''s nomination for the FIFA Ballon d''Or was reported by the Italian media. Teammates congratted him, and the club immediately expressed that a small team led by the technical director, Horacio Bohm, would apany him to Zurich.
"Wang, your nomination is not only your personal honor but also the glory of Inter Mn. You should know that it symbolizes being one of the top 30 yers in the world. In Inter Mn, only you and Ronaldo have been selected."
"If you can help Inter Mn achieve good results, we will mobilize all our efforts to help youpete for the highest honors of professional clubs, the Ballon d''Or and FIFA Ballon d''Or. You know, the club and the yers alwaysplement each other," Bohm said.
Why do many football superstars flock to top clubs? It''s not just because they provide excellent environments and lucrative rewards but also because they offer sufficient exposure and connections. In Europe''s second-tier clubs, even if you win the Champions League with the team, the club may not have the operational capacity to help you stand out in awardpetitions.
Ronaldo was absent for most ofst season and was definitely out of contention for this year''s FIFA Ballon d''Or. Initially, he didn''t n to go, but after seeing Wang Feng also being nominated, he changed his mind.
"Wang, I''ll go with you this time and introduce you to some officials from FIFA and some famous yers. I believe they''ll be very interested in meeting you," Ronaldo said.
Wang Feng nodded. With Ronaldo''s guidance, he believed he wouldn''t make any mistakes or create any embarrassing situations at the awards ceremony.
This matter sparked widespread discussion once again in China after it was reported domestically. After winning the Asian Footballer of the Year, Wang Feng had once again made history for Chinese football, boldly challenging for the FIFA Ballon d''Or.
Of course, domestic fans and media were quite rational. Many believed that Wang Feng would just be there for the experience, but who could deny that in the near future, Wang Feng might lift that trophy?
"Wang Feng''s development has far exceeded our expectations," a veteran fanmented on the forum. "When our 18-year-old youth academy yers are still struggling in the second-tier league, Wang Feng of the same age is already among the best yers in the world."
"This makes us have to reflect. Has there been a problem with our youth training? How many talented football youths have been buried in China?"
This article sparked a huge debate and controversy on the forum. Many people believed that local youth training was the right path, but it needed to bebined with advanced foreign methods. Some believed that talented children should be sent directly abroad to receive systematic football training.
Neither side conceded, sparking a war of words on the inte. The poprity of Wang Feng and football far exceeded that of other topics.
At the Marc''Antonio Bentegodi Stadium in Verona, Inter Mn yed against Verona in the 6th round of Serie A.
Under the coach''s urging, Inter Mn yed with great determination, firmly controlling the situation on the field. In the 17th minute, after Wang Feng broke through on the right nk and crossed, Vieri seized the opportunity to open the scoring for the team.
After that, Inter Mn continued to dominate the game. In the 27th minute, Zti lofted the ball into the penalty area from the front, and Wang Feng quickly followed up. The Verona defenders raised their hands to signal offside, but the referee saw clearly that Wang Feng was not in an offside position when the ball was yed.
So, he received the ball near the edge of the small penalty area, with no one around him. Wang Feng decisively volleyed the ball into the, adding another goal for Inter Mn.
In the 41st minute, Inter Mn struck again. Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal on the right side of the penalty area. He resisted the defense and forcibly turned around, surprising the Verona defender with his strength. The Verona #21 defender, unable to react in time, was brought down.
With the defense shaken off, Wang Feng cut into the penalty area, where a Verona center-back tried to tackle him by sliding, but Wang Feng pushed the ball forward, creating space between himself and the sliding defender.
Catching up to the ball, Wang Feng struck with his left foot directly, sending the ball into the, brushing against the post.
3-0! Before the end of the first half, Inter Mn took amanding lead, securing the victory!
In the second half, the score remained unchanged. In the 57th minute, Wang Feng was substituted off, and Coach Cooper made several more substitutions, resting key yers.
Thanks to Wang Feng''s two goals and one assist, Inter Mn secured a resounding victory, and the yers could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
After this match, the draw for the Europa League group stage was announced. The four opponents were Odense from the Danish Superliga, PSV Eindhoven from the Eredivisie, Stade Reims from Ligue 1, and Osasuna from La Liga.
The draw wasn''t particrly favorable, except for Odense, the other teams were all capable of giving Inter Mn a tough challenge. However, it wasn''t too bad either, as Inter Mn was the strongest team overall in this group.
Chapter 89: Europa league starts again
Chapter 89: Europa league starts again
Back in Mn, in the 7th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced the challenge of Udinese, a strong opponent.
With the momentum of their recent big win, they started the game very aggressively. In the 11th minute, Dibaggio received the ball on the left and sent a straight pass to Rcoba upfront. Despite facing two defenders, Rcoba managed to control the ball at his feet but missed the chance for a cross.
At this moment, Dibaggio, who had made a quick run, took away the ball. With the defenders busy marking Rcoba, Dibaggio found space for himself and effortlessly crossed the ball.
In the middle, Wang Feng received the ball on his side but didn''t stop it. Instead, he used the back of his right foot to flick the ball, sending it rolling diagonally to the edge of the penalty area.
Rushing in, Vieri met the ball and took a shot, piercing through Udinese goalkeeper Tursi''s fingertips.
Celebrating their well-coordinated y, the yers gathered together, while the home fans in the stands cheered jubntly. It had been a long time since they had seen such fluid teamwork from their team.
In the 74th minute of the second half, Inter Mn gradually advanced towards Udinese''s goal with several wide-ranging passes from midfield, sessfully breaking Udinese''s defense. Wang Feng received the ball inside the penalty area.
Carefully controlling the ball at his feet, he evaded the pressing of two defenders and reached near the goal line. Then, Wang Feng feigned a move to speed up towards the goal line for a cross, drawing a block from Udinese''s #14 defender, Bertotto.
However, Wang Feng just pretended to make the cross, pulling the ball back as it rolled to his left foot. He immediately chose to shoot at a tight angle, sending the ball straight towards the near post. Tursi, positioning himself to guard against a cross, couldn''t react in time to save it.
2-0! With Wang Feng contributing with one assist and one goal, Inter Mn triumphed over Udinese at home.
In the midweek fixture, Inter Mn, enjoying thefort of home, faced Odense who had traveled from afar.
Just three minutes into the game, Wang Feng received the ball on the right, dribbled towards the center, and seeing Odense''s defense tight, passed it back to Di Biagio in the middle, then quickly made a forward run.
After receiving the ball again, Di Biagio yed it forward, finding Concazcao, who thenid it off for Wang Feng, sessfully breaching Odense''s defense with these passes.
Facing a one-on-one situation at the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng used his dribbling skills to easily bypass the defender and enter the box.
"Wang Feng with the ball in the penalty area, shoots! Goal! Just three minutes into the game, Wang Feng opens the scoring for Inter Mn!"
"This match is Inter Mn''s midweek fixture, but the yers are showing great excitement. You can see it from this goal, and of course, Odense''s defense also had its problems, easily breached by Inter''s consecutive passes."
In the 11th minute, Wang Feng on the right, Di Biagio passed the ball to him, with a defender marking him tightly from behind.
In this situation, controlling the ball and turning could be risky, so Wang Feng came up with a clever move. He deliberately let the rolling ball pass by his foot and quickly turned to chase after it.
Easily evading the defender after this move, Wang Feng faced the approaching defender, elerated with the ball, dodged the pressure with a change of pace, and charged straight into the penalty area.
Once in the box, Wang Feng took a shot directly, sending the ball into the at the near post.
2-0! Just one-ninth into the game, Wang Feng scored his second goal of the match.
Excited Inter Mn continued their relentless attack. In the 27th minute, Rcoba on the left held the ball, passed it to Vieri, who thenid it off for Wang Feng near the edge of the penalty area.
The pass was a bit strong, causing the ball to bounce up after hitting Wang Feng''s inside foot. Wang Feng, facing the descending ball, immediately volleyed it, and with a loud "bang," the ball flew into the.
This shot was fast, and Odense''s goalkeeper couldn''t react in time, allowing the ball to hit the before he could make a save.
3-0! Wang Fengpleted his hat-trick!
This was Wang Feng''s first hat-trick for Inter Mn, and excited, he jumped over the advertising boards to the stands, looking up at the towering stands, raising his hands in celebration.
Inter Mn fans in the stands stood up to cheer for his brilliant performance. The nearest fans leaned on the railing, excitedly shouting his name, saying things like, "You''re the best, we need you."
Later, Matrazzi jumped on his back, shouting, "Did you take some kind of stimnt today? Why are you ying so well?"
When the game resumed, Odense waspletely bewildered. Their offense and defense became disorganized.
In the 35th minute, Wang Feng on the right, with a skillful move of eleration and quick stop, easily bypassed the defender and crossed. Dibaggio at the far post tapped the ball into the empty.
4-0! The first half of the game was not over yet, and Inter Mn had already secured the victory.
Later, Inter Mn noticeably slowed down their attacking pace. They wanted to give their opponents some dignity. Wang Feng was substituted in the 50th minute, and Cooper subsequently made several substitutions.
However, in the 77th minute, Inter Mn scored another goal, and it wasn''t until near the end of the match that Odense pulled one back.
In the end, the final score was set at 5-1, making this round of the Europa League the one with thergest goal difference.
So far, after 7 rounds of matches, only Juventus, Roma, and Inter Mn remain undefeated in Serie A. Among them, Inter Mn has 5 wins, 2 draws, and 17 points, ranking second, while Juventus, with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 19 points, holds the top spot.
Next, Inter Mn will face a tough schedule, with back-to-back matches against AC Mn and Juventus, which will directly impact the title race.
Fortunately, the match against AC Mn, although away, will still be yed at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Mn, and the subsequent home game against Juventus will also be at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, so Inter Mn won''t have to travel to Turin.
To better prepare, head coach Cooper specially requested to bring the entire team to the five-star Hilton hotel in the city for training. This ce is also the preferred choice for many Serie A clubs when ying away matches in Mn.
The reason for leaving Pina is the poor conditions there. Just a week ago, there were some issues with the hot water system in the dormitory, almost causing burns to Cordoba and Gresko. The problematic system is still under repair.
The poor environment at the training base has long been criticized by Inter Mn yers. Compared to Mn Mnello, the training base of AC Mn, the conditions and quality of the dormitories in Pina are much worse. However, Moratti has not taken any steps to address this issue, so there have been some voices within the team wanting to train at a hotel before home matches instead of the training camp.
Naturally, the club''s management would not agree to such a proposal. However, in order to prepare for the crucial matches against AC Mn and Juventus, and after Cooper''s reasoned arguments, theypromised and agreed to stay in the hotel during these two matches.
This decision made all the yers jubnt, including Wang Feng. After living in Pina for some time, he understood how bad it was there. The ce was cold in winter and hot in summer, and the dormitories were permeated with a musty smell. The rooms without sunlight seemed particrly gloomy, like a prison.
But Wang Feng wasn''t the kind of person who fusses about such things. He had lived in worse ces before, so he neverined about the training camp dormitories.
Chapter 90: Ronnie is back !
Chapter 90: Ronnie is back !
Besides the improvement in amodation conditions, there''s another thing that brings even more joy, and that is Ronaldo''s return to y in the match against AC Mn!
In fact, since the beginning of this season, Ronaldo has been undergoing adaptive training with the team, with the team doctor monitoring his health in real-time.
After missing 7 rounds of matches, he has finally regained some form, and the team doctor has cleared him to y. So, he has made it into the Inter Mn squad for the first time, but surely as a substitute. He will start only after fully adapting to the rhythm of the game.
Italian media received this news and began reporting it enthusiastically. Mn Sports Daily interviewed Inter Mn''s fans, many of whom made huge banners with "Wee back, Ronnie" written on them, intending to disy them during the match. There are also fans who have speciallyposed songs to wee Ronaldo''s return.
Of course, there are also some media outlets trying to stir up some controversy. Roma Sports Daily analyzed that Wang Feng''s performance in the first seven rounds was impable, quietly bing the attacking focal point of Inter Mn. But with Ronaldo''s return, who will be the real core?
"They are like one plus one greater than two, or are they going to stage a battle between dragon and tiger. It''s still unknown."
Such discussions are not umon in Italy, and many media outlets have provided analyses ranging from watching the drama unfold to expressing concerns. Inter Mn''s head coach, Cooper, said in an interview, "This idea ispletely unfounded. Just watch our matches, and you''ll see that Wang Feng is not someone who monopolizes a lot of attacking resources."
"From post-match data analysis, it can be seen that Wang Feng averages only 7.1 shots per game, with 5.9 on target, and an average of 1.6 goals per game. His high efficiency is impressive."
"So we don''t need to worry about the cooperation between the two. There is nopetition between them."
Amidst much anticipation, the Mn Derby between Inter Mn and AC Mn officially kicked off.
Inter Mn still deployed the conventional 3-5-2 formation, while AC Mn lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, with goalkeeper Rossi, defenders Helvigue, Costacurta, Maldini, Coco, midfielders Shevchenko, Albertini, Boban, Rui Costa, Serginho, and striker Inzaghi.
Both sides fiercely contested the midfield, unwilling to concede possession. As the game progressed to the 60th minute of the second half, the score on the field was still 0-0.
At this moment, Inter Mnunched an attack. Di Biagio received the ball at the edge of the penalty area, intending to lob it into the box, but was intercepted by Maldini''s defense, who then cleared the ball with a long kick.
The ball flew to the midfield, where Konsao quickly surged forward, heading the ball forward before Shevchenko arrived, then chased after it and kicked it forward to find Vieri in the penalty area.
However, no one expected the ball to deflect off Shevchenko''s left foot, changing direction in the air andnding on the right side of the penalty area.
Wang Feng reacted quickly. When the ball was in the air, he judged the trajectory and approximatending spot, so he suddenly elerated, shaking off the nearby defender Costacurta, and arrived first near thending spot.
Costacurta is an experienced veteran, now thirty-five years old. His main goal in this match was to limit Wang Feng''s performance, but after experiencing sixty minutes of intense y, he inevitably fell short.
Although Costacurta failed to keep up with Wang Feng in time, he still relied on his rich experience to chase after him, ready to block his shot at any moment.
But Wang Feng elerated once again, pulling away from Costacurta by half a body length. After catching up with the ball, he intended to shoot directly with a small angle, but Costacurta could only slide to the ground and block his shooting angle.
Wang Feng saw the goalkeeper standing firmly in front of the goal line. If he shot from this angle, it would most likely be blocked out for a corner or caught by the goalkeeper.
So he controlled his body to make a sudden stop, changing his shot into a feint, hooking the ball with his right foot to his left foot, and then using the outside of his foot to shoot.
The ball flew straight towards the far corner of the goal. Although the goalkeeper Rossi made a diving save, he didn''t touch the ball, letting it skim past the goalpost into the, while Costacurta slid out of bounds and collided with the advertising boards.
"Gooooooooooooal! In the 60th minute, Wang Feng scored to break the deadlock!"
"Although Konsao''s long pass failed to find Vieri in the penalty area, Wang Feng, relying on his speed, managed to grab the ball."
"At the same time, his feint near the goal line, deceived the experienced veteran Costacurta, it was truly amazing!"
After scoring, Wang Feng excitedly rushed to the sidelines, opening his arms in a gliding celebration. This is a goal scored in the Mn Derby!
The Inter Mn fans in the stands gave him warm cheers and apuse, while the AC Mn fans booed. Wang Feng thoroughly enjoyed this feeling, the cheers from his own team''s fans and the jeers from the opposing team''s fans were the greatest praise for him!
After Inter Mn took the lead, Fatih Terim, with a grim face, sat back on the coach''s bench. Since Wang Feng joined Serie A and scored consecutively, Terim''s days at AC Mn haven''t been easy.
Because he once said in front of the club''s top management that they didn''t need Wang Feng, that Wang Feng definitely couldn''t adapt to Serie A. But reality has harshly pped him in the face.
"Ask the starting yers of AC Mn internally, which one''s value is not higher than Wang Feng''s? If they had introduced Wang Feng earlier, maybe AC Mn would now be in second ce in the standings."ined a senior executive of the club.
Moreover, from the beginning of the season until now, AC Mn''s performance has been poor, only ranking 8th in the standings. This further raises doubts about the judgment and coaching level of this Turkish coach.
Known as the "Emperor" of Turkish football, Terim is exceptionally confident. He hopes to defeat Wang Feng''s legend through a direct confrontation with Inter Mn, proving that his judgment was not wrong.
So he took strict defensive measures against Wang Feng, preventing him from making any impact in the first sixty minutes. But he didn''t expect that even a small defensive loophole would be seized by Wang Feng and turned into a goal.
The proud Turkish man also had to bow his head and admit Wang Feng''s excellence!
In the 63rd minute, Inter Mn''s head coach, Cooper, was preparing to make a substitution. As the slightly chubby figure on the substitute bench was warming up, the fans in the stands began to stir.
Cooper substituted Vieri with Ronaldo, while Wang Feng remained on the field. All the Inter Mn fans in the stadium stood up to give a warm apuse to this injury-gued superstar, and Ronaldo also raised his hand to signal to everyone.
Ronaldo came to Wang Feng''s side and said, "Well done, Wang. Let''s join forces and secure victory for the team." The broadcaster timely cut to the two of them, their conversation being broadcasted live to the world, proving that there was no internal conflict.
Chapter 91: Cruel fate
Chapter 91: Cruel fate
After the game resumed, AC Mnunched wave after wave of fierce attacks on Inter Mn''s defense. Terim continuously directed his yers to advance, unwilling to ept a defeat.
However, this also provided Inter Mn with opportunities for defensive counterattacks. In the 71st minute, after Santetti intercepted the ball in the backcourt, he sent a long pass to Wang Feng in the frontcourt.
Despite the interference from defensive yers, Wang Feng pushed the ball forward, relying on his explosive strength to break free from the entanglement and sprinted towards the right side.
As Wang Feng advanced towards the byline, he saw Ronaldo waiting near the edge of the penalty area. So, he yed the ball back to Ronaldo and entered the penalty area, waiting for an opportunity.
Ronaldo calmly controlled the ball, facing the defensive yers. He used a series of smooth feints to deceive his opponents, then prated into the penalty area.
Wang Feng watched closely from nearby, observing Ronaldo''s every move. Each action seemed casual but was precisely executed, without any sense of excess.
While Wang Feng relied on his senses to adjust his movements and strength meticulously when handling the ball, for Ronaldo, making the best moves with perfect force had be an ingrained habit, requiring no deliberate adjustment. Subconscious handling was often the quickest and deadliest.
This was the difference between oneself and a superstar!
Instead of directly shooting, Ronaldo, after prating the penalty area, elegantly lofted a ball towards Wang Feng, who only needed a gentle touch to guide it past Rossi before he could react, into AC Mn''s.
"Gooooooooooooal! The ball is in, it''s Wang Feng again, scoring another goal for Inter Mn!"
"A delicate cooperation between Ronaldo and Wang Feng, with Ronaldo shaking off the defense of Helvigue at the edge of the penalty area, then lofting the ball to Wang Feng at the far post. He just needed a slight push to send the ball into the."
"The familiar Ronaldo is back, dazzling the opponent''s defense with his samba-like skills, and assisting Wang Feng with precise passes."
"Now we can be sure, thebination of Wang Feng + Ronaldo will definitely have a synergistic effect, greater than the sum of its parts!"
After scoring, Wang Feng rushed to Ronaldo''s side, embracing him, and then they both saluted the fans in the stands together.
Many Inter Mn fans were choked with emotion. They saw the unstoppable Ronaldo and witnessed the brilliant performance of the new yer Wang Feng. This was a spirit of inheritance, from which the future of the Nerazzurri was derived!
But fate was often absurd. When the game reached the 85th minute, Ronaldo received the ball at the edge of the penalty area. He attempted to dribble forward but suddenly felt a severe pain in his thigh, then copsed in agony.
The whole stadium erupted inmotion. The referee immediately stopped the game, and the team doctor rushed onto the field to provide treatment. Wang Feng also came to Ronaldo''s side, squatting down to inquire about his condition.
Ronaldo, in pain, said, "I feel terrible. The muscles in my thigh are hurting like they''re tearing apart. Wang, it seems I can''t apany you to face the Old Lady. You must keep fighting with the same determination as I do."
Carried off the field, Ronaldo was taken directly to the hospital. At this point, Cooper had already used all his substitutions, and he didn''t expect Ronaldo to get injured again just 22 minutes aftering on. Thus, Inter Mn had to y with ten men for the remaining time.
AC Mn thenunched a fierce offensive. The entire Inter Mn team retreated to defend within the 30-meter area of their penalty area, including Wang Feng. He sessfully intercepted the opponent''s passes several times but couldn''t mount effective counterattacks due to numerical disadvantage.
In the 90th minute, AC Mn''s efforts finally paid off, as Inzaghi scored a goal for the club. But it was toote.
Ultimately, Inter Mn won 2-1 against their city rivals, climbing to the top of the Serie A standings with 20 points, tied with Juventus. However, Inter Mn led the table due to a better goal difference.
In the post-match press conference, the media''s focus was on Ronaldo''s injury once again. Cooper had to regretfully announce that Ronaldo had a thigh strain and would be sidelined for at least two months.
This news shocked the journalists present. After being away from the pitch for a year and five months, Ronaldo had only yed for 22 minutes before getting injured again.
Mn Sports Daily journalist asked bluntly, "Was there a misjudgment in Inter Mn''s assessment of Ronaldo''s injury? Was this injury caused by the club''s insistence on fielding him?"
Cooper responded, "This is absolutely groundless. Our professional medical team thoroughly assessed Ronaldo''s previous pater tendon injury, and the results showed that he had fully recovered. Moreover, to gradually limatize him to the field, we only nned for him toe on as a substitute."
"Ronaldo was looking forward to ying in this game. Hemunicated with me more than once, hoping for more ying time, but I refused. This injury was an ident. The cruel fate has not spared this stunning superstar."
The next day, all major Italian media outlets reported on the game and Ronaldo''s injury once again. Although Inter Mn vehemently denied forcing Ronaldo to y while injured, Mn Sports Daily still wrote, "Inter Mn''s medical team is obviously ipetent. They are a bunch of quacks who have harmed the alien, causing him to suffer from injuries repeatedly. I wonder if the future star Wang Feng will also fall victim to them."
The headline of Roma Sports Daily read, "The Wang-Ronaldo Connection Is Fleeting, Inter Mn Triumphs Over Arch-Rivals." The article analyzed that from Inter Mn''s second goal, it could be seen how terrifying it would be when Wang Feng and Ronaldo worked together.
"Wang Feng, like Ronaldo, has superb dribbling skills and finishing abilities. If the two of them continue to cooperate, all Serie A defenses will be like paper, because fully containing one of them would require deploying all defensive forces, leaving the other one in space."
"Just thinking about this scenario is chilling."
Of course, Italian media marveled at Wang Feng''s terrifying goal-scoring ability. In just 8 rounds of the league, Wang Feng scored 11 goals, leading the league''s top scorers by a wide margin, with Juventus'' Trezeguet''s 5 goals trailing far behind.
"Keep in mind, it has been 42 years since a Serie A top scorer exceeded 30 goals in a single season, and Wang Feng can definitely challenge this historic moment." Turin Sports Daily''s guestmentator Darryl Lowe wrote.
Chapter 92: Top battle
Chapter 92: Top battle
On the evening of October 28, 2001, the ninth round of Serie Amenced as scheduled. Inter Mn weed Juventus at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. This showdown between the league leaders and runners-up would directly impact the battle for the top spot.
"Ladies and gentlemen in front of the television, this is CCTV Sports Channel. I''m your old friend Huang Jianqiang. Today, along with my colleague Zhang Lu, we will bring you the live broadcast of the ninth round of Serie A, featuring Inter Mn against Juventus."
"Hello everyone, I''m Zhang Lu. This match is the key battle of this round in the Serie A. Currently, Inter and Juventus are tied with 20 points each. Whoever wins this match will im the top spot in Serie A."
"Yes, I believe many viewers in front of the television are supporters of Inter Mn, including myself, because Inter Mn has our Chinese star, Wang Feng."
"Since joining Serie A, Wang Feng has been outstanding, quickly bing the core of Inter''s attack and one of the most threatening strikers in Serie A."
"This makes Chinese fans both excited and proud. Let''s look forward to his brilliant performance in this century-old confrontation."
The referee for the match was the renowned Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, whose iconic bald head and sharp eagle-like eyes made yers on the field hesitate to challenge the referee''s authority.
With his whistle, Inter Mn kicked off first. Recoba passed the ball to Vieri, who then passed it back to the defense.
On the right side outside the center circle, Wang Feng charged forward. Before the match, coach Cooper arranged for him to prate the opponent''s territory immediately after the game started, aiming to establish an advantage through aggressive y.
After Inter Mn regained possession in their own half, they passed the ball to the left. Di Biagio dribbled past the midfield and was about to approach the penalty area within thirty meters when Juventus defender Thuram immediately stepped up to intercept.
Wang Feng, who was originally at the forefront, suddenly retreated to support, running behind the defensive yer. Di Biagio made a precise cross, bypassing three defenders in the middle and reaching Wang Feng directly.
Wang Feng received the ball in the center and quickly turned to break through. Tudor and Conte chased closely behind, but he deliberately took a step forward with the ball before elerating.
With this eleration, when Wang Feng caught up with the ball at the top of the penalty area, he shot directly, and the ball pierced through Juventus'' goal like a sharp sword.
1-0! Just one minute into the game, Inter Mn took the lead!
The Inter Mn fans in the stands hadn''t fully immersed themselves in the atmosphere of the match yet, and they were surprised by the sudden happiness.
They were silent for a moment, then erupted into earth-shattering cheers. Many fans stood up excitedly, apuding Wang Feng who was celebrating the goal.
Nedved felt uneasy when he saw Wang Feng''s elerating breakthrough. Such unstoppable momentum had to be stopped, but unfortunately, he was too far from the opponent, and even with all his effort, he couldn''t catch up.
After the restart, Inter Mn continued to show a positive attitude, but Juventus was not discouraged by the early goal. They still calmly organized their defensive positions.
Juventus gradually gained control of the game andunched several threatening attacks on Inter Mn''s defense.
In the 25th minute, Juventusunched an attack from midfield. Nedved''s through ball found Trezeguet, who passed directly to the right to Del Piero. He skillfully entered the penalty area and equalized the score for Juventus.
Just five minutester, Nedved and Conte''s consecutive passes found Trezeguet at the edge of the penalty area. He dribbled past Inter''s defender Cordoba with his right foot, then suddenly shot from distance, piercing through Toldo''s fingertips.
Juventus took the lead! Coach Marcello Lippi jumped up from the coaching bench, waving his arms excitedly. This was the embodiment of his pre-match tactical arrangements.
Lippi coached Juventus from 1994 to 1999, then went on to coach Inter Mn. He was sackedst season due to poor performance but now returning to the Old Lady, he could be said to have a deep understanding of both teams.
Especially Inter Mn, their main lineup had not changed muchpared tost season, so Lippi knew clearly that Inter Mn''s weaknessy in their attacking organization. As long as he cut off the connection between the midfield and the frontcourt, he could contain their threat.
The only variable for Inter Mn was Wang Feng, who scored a goal by seizing the opportunity at the start of the match. However, he couldn''t face Juventus'' entire defense alone. So when Juventus suppressed Inter Mn''s midfield, the bnce of victory tilted in their favor!
At halftime, Wang Feng and Vieri appeared particrly frustrated. They couldn''t get support from the midfield and could only keep retreating to get the ball, reducing the threat to Juventus'' defense.
Coach Cooper rubbed his forehead. Facing Juventus'' luxurious midfield worth hundreds of millions of euros, he also felt powerless. He could only point to the tactical board and ask everyone to focus on defense: "We left gaps in our defense for both goals in the first half, which shouldn''t have happened. So in the second half, we need to be more focused and closely mark their forwards."
"On the basis of stabilizing the defense, we will counterattack defensively and try to equalize the score."
Soon the halftime break was over, and both sides returned to the field to prepare for the second half of the match.
The situation on the field mirrored that of the first half, with Juventus controlling the game''s rhythm by dominating the midfield, while Inter Mn could only defend passively, facing frequent crises in their defense.
Helpless, Cooper had to make substitutions. In the 65th minute, he reced Vieri with a defender to strengthen the defense and avoid further widening the score gap.
In the 75th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in their own half. The ball reached Matrazi''s feet, and Wang Feng quickly initiated a counterattack. With their training understanding, Matrazi made a long pass, lofting the ball directly behind Juventus'' defensive line.
Wang Feng chased after the ball with all his might, guided by his intuition. He sessfully judged thending point and reached the ball before the defensive yers.
At this point, there was no time to control the ball, so Wang Feng lifted his foot to push the falling ball forward, letting it continue flying towards the opponent''s half as he ran forward.
Behind Wang Feng, Tudor quickly grabbed his shirt to stop him from advancing. Wang Feng, pulled off bnce by Tudor''s tug, fell to the ground. Due to Wang Feng''s excessive force, Tudor was also brought down.
"Beep~" Referee Collina''s whistle promptly sounded. He quickly ran to Tudor and showed him a red card. He was thest defender for Juventus, and if it weren''t for his foul, Wang Feng would have been through on goal.
Tudor sat on the ground, helplessly spreading his hands. In this situation, he could only choose to foul. Inter Mn yers gathered around to check on Wang Feng''s condition.
Fortunately, Wang Feng only suffered a minor scrape on his knee, and with the team doctor''s simple treatment, the bleeding was temporarily stopped.
The game resumed, and Inter Mn got a chance for a free kick in the opponent''s half, but unfortunately, Zti''s kick into the penalty area was disrupted by the defending yer.
Chapter 93: Turn around
Chapter 93: Turn around
With Juventus gradually retracting their formation due to being one man down, Inter Mn''s midfield gained some breathing space, and their organized attacks became more methodical.
In the 86th minute, Di Biagio forcefully broke through on the left, then crossed to the far post. Matrazi reached the first ball in the penalty area, but faced tight defense and couldn''t shoot directly. Instead, he headed the ball into the edge of the small penalty area.
Concei??o held his position at the edge of the small penalty area, again heading the ball to the other side. At this point, the Juventus penalty area was chaotic, with both attacking and defending yers fighting for the ball.
Wang Feng burst out from one side, seen leaning against a defender with his back to the goal, facing the falling ball. He deftly hooked the ball with his right foot as it descended, sending it straight into the top left corner of the.
"Goal! Wang Feng strikes again! Inter Mn equalizes the score in the 86th minute!"
"A brilliantly executed scorpion kick, breaking through Buffon''s defense. It''s evident that Juventus'' disadvantage of being a man down in the backline has finally shown, facing Inter Mn''s relentless attack, they are struggling to hold on."
After scoring, Wang Feng slid on his knees to the corner g area, then looked up and pointed to the sky in celebration. Matrazi and Concei??o also ran over, kneeling beside him to celebrate.
Coach Cooper, on the sidelines, stood up in excitement and roared, waving his fists backward. In aical scene, his fist identally hit Vieri''s stomach as he was celebrating behind him.
Fortunately, the punch wasn''t too strong, and the team doctor checked and found no major injury. However, the cameras on the sidelines faithfully recorded this incident, adding a touch of humor to this ssic match.
The game resumed, and Inter Mn showed no intention of holding back, seizing the opportunity while they could!
In the 89th minute, once again, Di Biagio broke through on the left. He passed the ball horizontally to Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area, and with his left foot, Wang Feng deftly flicked the falling ball to the right.
The ball changed direction in the air, catching Juventus defender Montero off guard as he rushed to intercept. Montero could only stop abruptly and then turn to chase the ball again, his movements somewhat awkward.
Meanwhile, Wang Feng suddenly elerated towards the ball, and facing the falling ball in the penalty area, he volleyed directly into the, once again breaching Buffon''s defense.
"Goal! Absolutely beautiful!!! Wang Feng has pierced Juventus'' defense once again,pleting a hat-trick! Inter Mn now leads 3-2 against Juventus!" Huang Jianqiang shouted at the top of his lungs.
"I wonder if Tudor in the locker room will regret his foul on Wang Feng. That red card was the turning point of the whole match. With Juventus down to ten men, they can no longer contain Wang Feng."
Just like Huang Jianqiang, many domestic fans in front of their TVs shouted out when Wang Feng scored, disturbing the peace of countless dreams.
Zhang Lu added, "Just a few days ago in the Europa League group stage, Wang Feng scored his first hat-trick since joining Inter Mn. I didn''t expect another one in the league so soon."
"At just 18 years old, Wang Feng, born on July 12th, has once again be the brightest star on the Serie A stage. Let''s apud his splendid performance!"
"Wang Feng scored two goals in thest five minutes, leading Inter Mn to reverse Juventus," the day after the game, "Mn Sports News" reported on the front page.
The cover featured a photo of Wang Feng''s second goal moment with his scorpion kick, vividly depicting his graceful posture and the angle of his shot.
The articlevished praise on Wang Feng, stating that hepletely turned around Inter Mn''s losing situation. Whether it was the aggressive opening goal, the red card he forced while trailing, or the consecutive goals at the end, all showcased unparalleled attacking threat and core value.
"Now Inter Mn fans can temporarily forget about Ronaldo''s absence. They will not repeat the tragedy ofst season because they have Wang Feng!"
On the other hand, "Turin Sports News" defended Juventus'' Tudor, "We all understand what it means to let Wang Feng go one-on-one. At that moment, Tudor didn''t have many choices."
"This red card indeed led to a reversal in the game situation, ultimately conceding the three points, but we should also see that with a full lineup, Juventus'' level is indeed higher than Inter Mn''s. So, who will win the league title this season is still unknown."
While Wang Feng stirred up storms in Serie A, stacks of endorsement contracts were brought to his agent Francesco Balmond, overwhelming him.
Serie A was not to bepared with the rtively unknown Belgian league. It was a truly top European league, maintaining the highest points in Europeanpetition from 1986 to 1999, slipping to second only in 2000.
Wang Feng''s influence quickly spread across Asia and Europe. World-renowned brands like Coca-C, Walmart, and Volkswagen wanted him as their spokesperson, all because of his immeasurablemercial value.
Especially after joining the Serie A giants Inter Mn, Wang Feng''smercial value multiplied. Even if Genk won the UEFA Cup, they couldn''t match this level of influence.
After careful consideration, Wang Feng chose to endorse several Fortune 500panies. Overall, the annual endorsement fees he could receive were close to 30 million euros!
Keep in mind, Wang Feng''s annual sry at Inter Mn was only 2.8 million euros, and with various bonuses, it wouldn''t exceed 4 million euros. It''s evident how hot his market demand was.
The Adidas executive responsible for Wang Feng deeply regretted his oversight. He didn''t expect such a huge loss due to a momentary negligence. Adidas didn''t have high hopes for Wang Feng at first, but they believed he was young enough and had potential. So they offered a contract of 500,000 euros per year for seven years.
When Balmond went to negotiate the amount and duration with Adidas headquarters, they were very impatient, showing a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. When Wang Feng signed with Nike for 2.4 million euros over three years, they secretly cursed Nike for being foolish.
Unexpectedly, with the passage of time, the revenue Wang Feng brought to Nike far exceeded the endorsement fees. ording tost quarter''s financial report, Nike''s sales and market in Asia had far surpassed Adidas''.
Recently, Nike was nning tounch a new exclusive sneaker series "WIND" for Wang Feng, personally designed by thepany''s top designers. This would be another market-booming product.
To keep Wang Feng tied to Nike''s chariot, thepany''s top management had begun nning the renewal work for Wang Feng. They offered 8 million euros per year for a ten-year contract.
In order topensate for their mistakes, Adidas even offered 10 million euros per year for a ten-year contract, hoping to bring Wang Feng under their banner. However, Balmond temporarily put these offers on hold.
He was increasingly convinced that as long as Wang Feng continued to y, the value he created in the future would far exceed these offers.
Chapter 94: Fashion ring
Chapter 94: Fashion ring
Apart frommercial endorsements, Wang Feng seems to have gained some recognition in the fashion world as well. Mn, being one of the global centers for fashion and art, is always at the forefront of chasing fashion trends.
Wang Feng''s well-defined facial features and robust yet not exaggerated physique are very appealing to Italians. The renowned fashion magazine "VOGUE" intends to invite Wang Feng for a photoshoot as the cover personality.
His agent, Balmond, dly epted the invitation. Initially, Wang Feng felt a bit embarrassed, thinking it might be inappropriate for a sports athlete to feature in a fashion magazine. However, Bamonte convinced him otherwise, saying, "Wang, this will greatly enhance your visibility in the fashion industry, leading to more endorsement opportunities."
"And remember, football superstars like Figo and Beckham, with their striking looks, have also been featured in fashion magazines. It''s quitemon."
To amodate the photoshoot, Wang Feng had to skip extra training sessions during his club''s break. Early in the morning, he boarded the car sent by the magazine to the headquarters, as he didn''t have a car or a driving license yet.
The headquarters of "VOGUE" is located in the heart of Mn, adjacent to the Mn Cathedral and the Royal Pce of Mn, in a prime location.
Guided by the staff, Wang Feng first spent several hours in the makeup room experimenting with various styles and outfitbinations before being taken to the photography studio.
At that time, there were also other models in the studio, a group of youthful and beautiful Italian girls, who were very excited to see Wang Feng. They crowded around him, moring for his autograph and photos together.
Wang Feng smiled and fulfilled their requests one by one. One of the girls stood particrly close to him, almost leaning her entire body weight on him, making him slightly ufortable. A strong scent of perfume overwhelmed him, and he blushed as he noticed her proximity.
Seemingly noticing Wang Feng''s difort, the girl became even more pleased, taking advantage of the crowd surrounding Wang Feng to edge closer to him, lightly caressing his body.
"Just by seducing this golden boy, my future will be secured," thought Desire Hansen, an obscure model.
As they were about to leave, she discreetly handed Wang Feng a note before reluctantly departing from his side. Wang Feng breathed a sigh of relief.
The note contained her name and phone number, but Wang Feng nced at it and set it aside. He wasn''t fond of such bold personalities; it seemed that modest Chinese girls were more suitable for him.
After this little incident, Wang Feng proceeded with the formal photoshoot. To his surprise, it took the entire day to capture just a few shots, and it was physically demanding. By the time it was all done, it was alreadyte at night when he returned to his amodation.
In the 10th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Le away. There was a noticeable gap in strength between the two teams, with Inter leading the league table while Le was struggling in the relegation zone.
From the beginning of the match, Inter Mn dominated the field. However, they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Wang Feng faced tight defense and could only contribute more to the attacks.
At the end of the first half, the score remained 0-0.
Despite Wang Feng''s current physical fitness and ability to withstand challenges, he still felt a bit overwhelmed. As he entered the dressing room, he was panting, and his legs felt sore.
Coach Cooper anxiously asked, "Wang, can you hold up? Is your body okay?" Seeing Wang Feng being constantly knocked around on the field, he was very worried about him getting injured.
Wang Feng wiped the sweat off and replied, "I''m fine, Mr. Cooper." He felt somewhat frustrated; with his rising fame in Serie A, opponents were increasingly targeting him, and Serie A being a defensively oriented league, many overly aggressive defenses went unnoticed by the referees.
This made it difficult for Wang Feng. If not for his durability, he would have been injured countless times already. "I need to figure out a solution. I can''t keep confronting defenders head-on all the time; I need to further improve my ball handling skills," Wang Feng silently pondered.
Coach Cooper excelled in coaching the team''s defense, but when it came to offense, he gave Wang Feng a lot of freedom. However, this also resulted in problems that Wang Feng had to adjust and solve on his own.
After the break, in the 77th minute, Inter Mn finally took the lead. After Wang Feng forcefully broke through on the right nk, he passed to Vieri in the middle, who directlyid the ball back to the edge of the penalty area.
Rcoba, who had advanced from the back, volleyed the ball near the arc, bypassing the defenders and finding the bottom corner of the!
As they say, one sess leads to another. With the first goal, Inter Mn became even more proactive. Eight minutester, they struck again. Wang Feng and Vieri staged a passing and receiving coboration in front of the penalty area.
Vieri passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right, who immediately inserted into the penalty area. Wang Feng then passed the ball back before the defending yers closed in. Vieri received the ball in the penalty area and passed it back to Wang Feng who was still inserting.
Finally, Wang Feng passed the ball to the edge of the small penalty area, where Vieri scored before the goalkeeper arrived.
With the referee''s final whistle, the match ended, and Inter Mn ultimately won 2-0.
The stands of Stadio Via del Mare were filled with boos as the home team''s fans were very dissatisfied with their team''s performance. In recent years, Le has been fluctuating between Serie A and Serie B, and this season, they seem destined to be relegated again.
In the post-match interview, Le coach Jonathan Tremy praised his team''s defense, attributing the loss to the overall inferiority of the team.
"Our defense was very strong, but Inter Mn''s lineup is much stronger than ours. As you can see, Wang Feng, who has scored in nine consecutive rounds, didn''t manage to score against our defense."
"Isn''t this also a kind of sess? As long as we maintain this positive defensive attitude in the uing matches, I believe the team can sessfully avoid relegation."
Inter Mn coach Cooper, in an interview, said, "Although Wang Feng didn''t score, his rating is still among the best because he orchestrated one goal and contributed one assist."
"It''s regrettable that his streak of consecutive goals was halted, but I have to say, Wang Feng is the most burdened yer on the field. Those who watched the game know how tightly Le''s defenders marked him."
"I want to say that many defenses have exceeded normal standards. Each time worries me a lot. Although Wang Feng just joined this season, he has already be the team''s offensive core. I don''t want him to get injured."
A reporter asked, "Are you implying that there''s a problem with the referees'' standards?"
Cooper replied, "I didn''t say that, but we have to admit that Serie A is the league where yers are most prone to injuries among the top five leagues, right?"
"ording to statistics,st season we had a total of 601 injured yers, far more than other leagues. This is abnormal and requires our reflection."
Chapter 95: Unique training
Chapter 95: Unique training
Wang Feng returned to Mn and began reorganizing his training n. He increased the emphasis on ball control exercises while reducing the focus on endurance and physical training, as he believed his current physical condition was sufficient to adapt to the demands of Serie A.
Therefore, Wang Feng needed to further refine his dribbling skills. It was evident that his one-on-one dribbling technique was no longer sufficient, as he often encountered double-team defenses.
He arranged the cones into various irregr patterns and then dribbled through them, using feints and dribbling moves to navigate through the tight spaces without touching the cones or stopping.
Although the cones did not provide feedback like real defenders would, they served as effective training aids. Firstly, the abundance of cones surrounded him from all directions, simting theprehensive defensive coverage he would face on the field.
Secondly, once he entered the maze of cones, he had to make instant judgments to find a way out, simting the fast-paced and ever-changing situations on the field, as well as the quick decision-making required by yers.
While adjusting the arrangement of the cones, Wang Feng continued to decrease the gaps between them after each sessful attempt, increasing the difficulty. After half a day of training, the difficulty had be extremely high, leading to twenty-one consecutive failures.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he recalcted the dribbling route and the force and angle of his ball control, preparing for another attempt.
Unnoticed by Wang Feng, head coach Cooper and Ronaldo had arrived at the sidelines. Ronaldo had been discharged from the hospital earlier and was undergoing recovery training. His injury was not severe, so he could return after the new year.
Curiously, Ronaldo asked Cooper, "Mr. Cooper, what training method is Wang Feng using? I''ve never seen it before."
Cooper shook his head and replied, "I''ve never seen this training method either. It seems to be a dribbling exercise. Wang Feng often does unconventional training exercises. Last time, I saw him doing passing drills with two footballs."
"I asked him about it, and he said it was his own improvised training method because he often couldn''t find someone to train with. His dedication is something we all can''t match."
Ronaldo wouldn''t adopt such masochistic training methods; he preferred joyful football. If life was all about training besides matches, it would drive him crazy.
"Do you think this training method is effective?" Ronaldo asked curiously.
Cooper grimaced and replied, "I''m not sure. Honestly, I personally don''t rmend this unscientific training method. However, Wang Feng only does this kind of training during club breaks, and it doesn''t harm his body, so I can''t do much about it."
It might not be effective for others, but it was effective for Wang Feng. The feeling of each practice was deeply ingrained in his mind, and all he needed to do was turn that feeling into a subconscious reaction.
He would truly make progress when he could move as effortlessly as Ronaldo did.
In his fifty-first attempt, Wang Feng finally seeded in dribbling through the cones once again. He shouted in exhration before realizing that Coach Cooper and Ronaldo were at the sidelines.
He hurried over, scratching his head apologetically. "How did you twoe over? I didn''t even notice. I''m sorry."
Cooper waved his hand, saying, "I came with Ronaldo for a routine check-up and to n some adaptive training. We saw you training, so we came over out of curiosity. Sorry for disturbing you."
Ronaldo chuckled and said, "Seeing you training so diligently, it''s rare to find such a young and disciplined yer. I''m not as dedicated as you."
"But you also need to bnce work and rest. I have lunch ns with another young yerter. You should join us and get to know each other." Ronaldo suggested.
Since Ronaldo had initiated the invitation, Wang Feng couldn''t refuse. They all went together in Ronaldo''s Porsche 911 Turbo to their destination. Along the way, Wang Feng curiously asked, "Which yer are you talking about?"
"Antonio Cassano, just one year older than you. He just turned 19 this year."
Wang Feng was surprised. Cassano was the young yer hailed as the "future pir of Italian football," right? He had recently transferred from Bari to Roma for ?28.5 million, and Roma was Inter Mn''s next opponent. Was it okay to meet the opponent before the match?
Seeing Wang Feng''s surprised expression, Ronaldo understood what he was thinking and exined, "Actually, our rtionship with Roma is good. Our cross-city rivals are AC Mn, while Roma''s cross-city rival is Lazio. AC Mn and Lazio have a close rtionship, so we are closer to Roma."
Wang Feng had just joined Serie A for less than half a season and was naturally not familiar with theplex interpersonal rtionships between clubs. Ronaldo took the opportunity to exin the three major factions in Serie A.
"We have a close rtionship with Roma, Atnta, and Torino. The fans don''t have hostile rtionships."
"AC Mn has good rtions with Parma, Bologna, Udinese, and Lazio. We always give our all against them."
"Juventus has closer ties with Napoli, Fiorentina, and Le, especially with Fiorentina. They have been known to y some clever games together in recent years. You have to be wary of them."
Seeing Wang Feng''s bewildered expression, Ronaldo chuckled and continued, "Good rtions don''t mean match-fixing. It''s more about free transfers and harmoniousmunication between yers."
"In fact, every league has clubs with good rtionships to some extent, but it''s most prominent in Serie A, which also reflects the Italian preference for socializing."
"I actually quite like the atmosphere of Serie A clubs, but unfortunately, the league has brought me too many injuries," Ronaldo said with a touch of mncholy.
Wang Fengforted him, saying, "Ronaldo, you don''t need to be sad. I believe you will return to the peak of your form."
"Haha, thanks for your kind words. After this season, it''s the World Cup. I must prepare myself to help Brazil achieve glory again," Ronaldo said confidently.
"By the way, can the Chinese team participate in the World Cup finals? It should be easy to qualify for the World Cup hosted in Asia, right?"
"We''ve already qualified through the qualifiers. We secured a spot ahead of schedule on October 7th," Wang Feng replied, as he also followed news about Chinese football.
"I look forward topeting with you on the World Cup stage," Ronaldo said.
"Don''t get your hopes up. I''m probably not going to be called up," Wang Feng said, shrugging.
Ronaldo gasped, "Is the level of the Chinese team already so terrifying? If even you are not called up, does that mean there are many yers better than you? Are you nning to directlypete for the World Cup?"
Wang Feng didn''t know what to say and could only shrug.
Chapter 96: Rome鈥檚 rising talent
Chapter 96: Rome''s rising talent
The two of them chatted all the way until they arrived at their destination, a restaurant located in the southwest corner of the Mn city center. Wang Feng looked somewhat surprised at the elegant decor and tranquil atmosphere of the restaurant. He had originally thought Ronaldo would take him to a passionate bar, but he didn''t expect it to be a traditional Western restaurant.
Ronaldo exined, "This is one of the few Michelin two-star restaurants in Mn. Although I have no idea how it''s rated, the food is indeed excellent. Our guests today really like this ce."
After entering the restaurant, their host was already waiting. Cassano was sitting by the window, waving at them. As they approached, he first embraced Ronaldo and then extended his hand to Wang Feng, saying, "Wang, I''ve been wanting to meet you. You''re currently a hot figure in Serie A."
Wang Feng shook hands with him, exchanged a few simple greetings, and then they each took their seats. Seeing Wang Feng looking around, Cassano said, "The environment here is nice, isn''t it? Next to us is the Mudec Museum of Art. I particrly enjoy dining in such a quiet environment."
"The food here is very distinctive. Later, you can taste it yourself. I also ordered a bottle of sparkling wine with low alcohol content. We can have a sip," he added.
"You''re just someone who enjoys this kind of environment. I''d rather go drink beer and eat barbecue," Ronaldo joked.
Wang Feng and Cassano were close in age, and with Ronaldo acting as the social butterfly, the three of them had a pleasant conversation.
"I made a name for myself with a goal in a match against Inter Mn," Cassano said. "Although it''s been two years, it still feels like it happened yesterday."
"I remember having a sudden sh of inspiration at that time, and I managed to shake off the defense of nc and Pani, then scored a goal. It was also at that time that I met Ronnie. He took the initiative to exchange jerseys with me after the match, which made me excited for a long time."
"I used to think I was one of the best young yers, until you appeared, Wang. While I was still basking in the glory of scoring against Inter Mn, you had already won the Europa League and became the season''s best yer."
"It was at that moment that I realized there''s always someone better out there."
Wang Feng smiled shyly and said, "It''s not as magical as you say. It''s just that I met a group of teammates who fully supported me." Ronaldo, on the side, teased, "Not only that, but your masochistic training methods are also part of the reason for your sess, right?"
Cassano was curious about Wang Feng''s training regimen and was surprised to hear that he spent most of his time training besides matches.
"You''ve been living this kind of life since you started ying professionally?" Cassano eximed. "I couldn''t bear such a life. I''d go crazy without good food and social gatherings."
As they chatted and ate, they soon began discussing recent performances. Last season, Roma won the Serie A title, and their performance this season had been excellent as well. They were currently behind Inter Mn and Juventus on the league table.
"Roma''s performance this season is still outstanding, but unfortunately, I''m not a regr member of the starting lineup," Cassano said helplessly. "The forward line is filled with experienced veterans, andpared to them, I''m still too young."
"Fortunately, Coach Capello trusts me rtively more and arranges some opportunities for me toe off the bench and y. So, I envy you for starting in every match for Inter Mn."
"Why did you choose Inter Mn in the first ce? Weren''t you afraid of not being able to adapt and bing a substitute? I heard that Deportivo La Coru?a also wanted to sign you at that time," Cassano asked curiously.
Wang Feng replied, "It''s actually rted to Ronnie''s injury. Inter Mncked a striker, and the club showed great sincerity, so I came."
"To be honest, I didn''t have much confidence in the future at first, but a good friend of mine said, ''Don''t lose confidence in yourself on the field.'' So, I decided to give it a try."
"It must have been a female friend," Ronaldo joked. "Otherwise, why would her words carry so much weight, haha."
The sh with Roma took ce as scheduled over the weekend. Inter Mn continued with their regr three-five-two formation, while Roma lined up in a four-three-three formation.
Upfront, Batistuta, Totti, and Monte formed the formidable attacking trio, while the young Cassano remained on the bench, watching Wang Feng take to the field.
Once the match began, despite the good rtionship between the two sides off the field, on the pitch, it was a fierce battle. Batistuta and Totti frequently threatened Inter Mn''s defense, while Wang Feng and Vieri also vigorously attacked Roma''s defensive line.
In this match, Wang Feng adopted a different style of y, relying more on dribbling attacks to further hone his skills in official matches. This felt somewhat ball-hogging to the other yerspared to Wang Feng''s usual style, but after experiencing his outstanding performances for almost half a season, most of his teammates didn''t raise any objections. They were just slightly puzzled by his change in ying style.
Using this method, Wang Feng''s error rate undoubtedly increased. Previously, when he was double-teamed, he would decisively pass the ball, but now he attempted to break through, making it easier for defenders to intercept.
However, Wang Feng always maintained a bnce, avoiding making mistakes in critical positions. Even if the ball was intercepted, he actively tracked back to defend, so there were no serious consequences.
Under such harsh conditions, his dribbling skills were rapidly improving, and his technique was constantly progressing.
In the 57th minute of the second half, Wang Feng received the ball on the right, with two Roma defenders closing in on him. He first turned with the ball to evade one defender, then, amidst the pushing and shoving, struggled to maintain his bnce.
Next, he pushed the ball with his right foot, slipping it under the legs of another defender. He sessfully broke through the double-team, then swiftly moved sideways into the penalty area.
Before the defending yers could arrive, he sent a low cross to the far post of the penalty area, where Vieri, who had made a run, sent the ball into Roma''s.
"Goal! The ball''s in! A cross from Wang Feng, and Vieri breaks the deadlock on the field."
"Wang Feng managed to break free from the double-team of two defenders, and Vieri, arriving at the far post, had no difficulty in scoring."
After the game resumed, Roma, unwilling to settle for a draw, organized more determined attacks. In the 81st minute, Totti broke through on the left and crossed into the penalty area, where the 1.85-meter-tall Batistuta rose high and headed the ball into Inter Mn''s goal.
1-1, Inter Mn held Roma to a draw at home, ending their streak of five consecutive wins but still maintaining an unbeaten run of 11 rounds in the league.
Chapter 97: 2 situtations
Chapter 97: 2 situtations
Wang Feng didn''t score in this match, and he made quite a few mistakes, but overall his performance was still decent. He contributed with an assist, earning the third-highest rating in the team after the game.
Coach Cooper noticed some changes in Wang Feng''s ying style, but as long as it didn''t affect the overall game, he didn''t intervene. In his view, Wang Feng is already a star yer within Inter Mn and naturally enjoys certain privileges.
On the other hand, Casano had a tough time as he didn''t get a chance to y throughout the match. He could only briefly embrace Wang Feng on the field after the game before heading to the locker room with his teammates.
At that moment, the Roman prince Totti walked over, wanting to exchange jerseys with Wang Feng, saying, "I believe your jersey will be a legendary symbol, so I''ve collected it in advance."
Two dayster, Inter Mn headed to the Nethends to prepare for the second round of the Europa League group stage against Feyenoord.
On the day of the match, the entire Fin province was hit by heavy rain, forcing both teams to face a rainy battle. The slippery ground posed a challenge for the yers.
In the 25th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the right edge of the penalty area, feinted to take it to the nk, drawing the opposing defenders towards the sideline. However, he swiftly cut inside with his right foot and scored, opening the scoring for Inter Mn.
After halftime, in the 59th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in their own half, and a long pass from Mazzarri found its way to the front. The wet grass slowed the ball down near the edge of the penalty area.
A Feyenoord defender reached the ball first, but with Wang Feng chasing closely behind, he panicked and attempted a clearance, only to slip and fall.
Wang Feng, who had caught up, angrily shot the ball into the.
After the shot, Wang Feng lost his bnce and fell to the ground, but he quickly got up and celebrated near the corner g, paying no mind to the mud covering him.
In the 81st minute, Inter Mnunched another attack. Rekoba dribbled down the left nk and crossed, but Vieri''s attemptcked power.
Feyenoord goalkeeper Jamal tter could have easily caught the ball, but he seemed to forget the slippery surface, causing the ball to slip from his grasp.
Wang Feng, lurking in the penalty area, capitalized on the opportunity and effortlessly scored.
Inter Mn won 3-0 against Feyenoord, with Wang Fengpleting a hat-trick once again! With six goals in two Europa League group stage matches, he was unmatched on the top scorer''s list.
Back in Serie A, in the 12th round, Inter Mn visited the Frankie Stadium to face Fiorentina. Fiorentina faced financial crisis this season, and despite initially ranking sixth, they plummeted due to the loss of key yers and sry issues. They suffered eight consecutive defeats and were currently at the bottom of the table, facing relegation for the first time since 1938.
The encounter between a demoralized Fiorentina and a weary Inter Mn was destined to be a dull match. It wasn''t until the 88th minute when Grazesco assisted Rekoba to score the only goal, helping Inter Mn secure all three points.
In the third round of the Europa League group stage, Inter Mn hosted Reims. Reims had performed exceptionally well in Ligue 1 this season, currently leading the league ahead of Lyon and likely to appear in the Champions League next season.
The match started with Reims taking the initiative, scoring a goal in the 5th minute by forward Hadley Bashirian.
Although temporarily behind, Inter Mn graduallyunched threatening attacks amidst the cheering of the home fans.
In the 41st minute, Wang Feng received the ball in the midfield, turned past a defender, and fired a long-range shot from 35 meters out, slicing through Reims'' defense and finding the.
1-1, Inter Mn leveled the score before halftime!
In the 71st minute of the second half, Inter Mnunched a counterattack from their own half. Zti''s pass reached the front, where Wang Feng flicked the ball over a defender and passed it to the middle.
Vieri, rushing forward, chose not to control the ball but volleyed it directly, helping Inter Mn turn the game around.
Ultimately, Inter Mn defeated Reims 2-1, securing their ce in the next round with three wins in three games.
In Serie A''s 13th round, Inter Mn faced Atnta. Atnta, known as one of Serie A''s elevator teams,st promoted in 1998. However, their performance this season has been impressive, currently ranking 9th with little pressure of relegation.
At the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Atnta''s yers disyed a high-level game. In the 31st minute, forward Giovanni Shovolti broke the deadlock for Atnta through continuous cooperation in the frontcourt.
In the 77th minute of the second half, Shovolti scored again with a long-range shot, sealing Atnta''s 2-0 victory over Inter Mn and causing the biggest upset of this Serie A round, ending Inter Mn''s unbeaten streak of twelve rounds.
Moreover, due to Inter Mn''s recent four-point performance in three league matches and Juventus maintaining a perfect record, Juventus sessfully surpassed Inter Mn, taking the top spot in the league.
Wang Feng''s form also raised concerns, with Mn Sports newspaper writing, "In the past four league matches against Le, Roma, Fiorentina, and Atnta, Wang Feng failed to score and only provided two assists. What''s wrong with him?"
"Although such performance ismon for other forwards, like Juventus'' Trezeguet, who hasn''t scored in six consecutive matches this season,"
"But this phenomenon feels particrly strange when ites to Wang Feng. Compared to his excellent performance in the two Europa League matches, where he scored four goals and provided one assist, this is inconsistent with his strong start in the league."
"Different types of matches have led topletely different situations. Could it be that Wang Feng has encountered the so-called ''newbie wall'' in the league?"
Inter Mn''s senior management also paid close attention to Wang Feng''s mental state. Technical director Horacio Boehm originally wanted to have a chat with Wang Feng together with head coach Cooper to see if there was any problem.
However, Cooper rejected this approach, sensing that Wang Feng was undergoing a transformation. "Give him some space, Horacio. Didn''t we agree before the season started that we would give Wang Feng plenty of time to adapt to Serie A matches, even considering skipping this season?"
"It''s just that Wang Feng gave us a big surprise. He quickly settled into his role and brought Inter Mn to this level. He has already done well enough."
"Now just consider his adaptation time to be a bitte. The season is still long, and we can fully trust him."
Chapter 98: Shortlisted for the ballon d鈥橭r
Chapter 98: Shortlisted for the ballon d''Or
Wang Feng is well aware of the fluctuations in his current performance, but he believes that this state will notst long. With continuous practice in normal times and the tempering on the league field, he is bing increasingly adept at handling the ball.
In the 14th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Brescia away. Brescia is a team from the northern part of Italy, currently ranking 14th in the league, and considered a weaker team.
In this match, Wang Feng regained his form. In the 17th minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. Di Biagio advanced with the ball on the left and then crossed into the penalty area.
Wang Feng first stopped the ball with his chest in the penalty area, then flicked it to the right with the tip of his right foot, bypassing the rushing defensive yers. Then Wang Feng met the ball and scored directly with a volley, opening the scoring for Inter Mn.
In the first half injury time, Inter Mn''s midfielder got the ball, Grzesk passed it long to the left, and Di Biagio sessfully beat the offside trap, catching up with the ball near the goal line.
Then he passed the ball to the middle, where Vieri won the first ball at the far post and headed it to the other side, where Wang Feng was waiting to receive.
"Vieri''s header to Wang Feng, Wang Feng faced two defensive yers, chest control, shot!!! Goal!!! Goooooooal!!!"
"Wang Feng, after controlling the ball with his chest with his back to the goal, used a beautiful backheel shot, once again breaking Brescia''s goal."
"We can see the ball passing through the gap between the two defensive yers marking Wang Feng, blocking the Brescia goalkeeper''s line of sight, preventing him from reacting in time."
"Wang Feng''s goal is full of imagination. Before the game, some media spected how many rounds of goal drought Wang Feng would face, but he unexpectedly pped them hard with a brace."
"This is not the first time Wang Feng has left the Italian media speechless. At the beginning of the season, he used a series of goals to fiercely counter those who doubted him. Unexpectedly, it''s the same this time."
After scoring, Wang Feng ran wild on the sidelines. He finally felt the kind of ying state Ronaldo had back then, making the best shooting decisions before his body reacted, everything seemed veryfortable.
In the second half, Inter Mn continued to dominate the game. In the 60th minute, coach Cooper substituted Wang Feng, and in the 67th minute, Di Biagio assisted Recoba to score the third goal.
The only downside was that Brescia capitalized on a mistake in Inter Mn''s backline just before the final whistle, pulling one back and salvaging some pride at home.
After the game, Wang Feng is set to go to Zurich, Switzend, to attend the annual FIFA awards ceremony.
Earlier, the winners of the European Golden Ball Awards had been revealed. Some media captured "France Football" magazine''s editor-in-chief, Jette Puffenastier, appearing in Madrid, Spain.
In the end, Raul defeated Owen and won the 2001 European Golden Ball Award. Although Liverpool won the FA Cup, League Cup, and English Community Shieldst season, achieving a domestic treble, they were knocked out by Genk in the UEFA Cup semi-finals, missing out on the UEFA Super Cup. Ultimately, they regretted not achieving the historic quintuple, diminishing Owen''s achievements.
In contrast, Raul helped Real Madrid win the league title, won the Pichichi Trophy, and also won the Champions League Golden Boot. At the beginning of this season, he also won the Spanish Super Cup for Real Madrid, making his achievements more dazzling.
With this news, Spanish media were jubnt while English mediamented. Since Kevin Keegan won the Ballon d''Or in 1979, no English yer has won this honor.
The headline of the English "The Times" read "Chinese prodigy emerges, Owen''s dream shattered by the Golden Ball." The article analyzed that if Owen could achieve the historic quintuple, even without the Champions League, he could have had a chance against Raul, but unfortunately, Wang Feng dashed all these hopes.
"The Sun" once again led everyone to review the entire process ofst season''s UEFA Cup semi-final. They wrote, "Wang Feng scored all five goals in the two legs of the series, almost single-handedly blocking Liverpool''s path to the final."
"Although Owen also scored three goals, he failed to help the stronger Liverpool team win. This makes people reflect, is it the coach''s tactical arrangements that were wed, or Owen''s performancecked dominance."
"The Guardian" analyzed the pursuit of Wang Feng by major clubs in the summer transfer window, "No one expected Wang Feng to choose Serie A, but his disyed abilities still exceed everyone''s expectations."
"Up to now in Serie A, Wang Feng has scored a total of 18 goals, leading the Serie A top scorer chart by arge margin, and also has 6 assists. It can be said that his transition from the second-rate Belgian league to the pinnacle Serie A league has been seamless."
"Everyone can see that this young yer who has just turned eighteen will surely dominate European football in the near future and win more honors."
"But what is our Football Association doing? They spent a lot of time researching and concluded that it will take another two years to amend the so-called special talent introduction bill, which is very unreasonable."
"This almost ensures that the English Premier League will forever shut out this super talent."
The eager reports from major European media aside, Wang Feng, with his Belgian league championship and top scorer award, UEFA Cup championship, and UEFA Cup Best yer de, sessfully made it to the shortlist for the 2001 Ballon d''Or. He also made it to the shortlist for the 2001 Ballon d''Or, ranking as high as tenth.
It is worth mentioning that Hidetoshi Nakata, who also ys for Parma in Serie A, also made it to the shortlist, albeit ranking outside the top 30.
This is another glory for Asian yers. Although Wang Feng is not the first Asian yer to be shortlisted for the Ballon d''Or, he is the first to make it to the top ten.
The AFC''s official website immediately sent blessings to the two yers, with Wang Feng unsurprisingly upying the central position in the website''s image, while Nakata stood on the side.
This year''s AFC Footballer of the Year underwent a reform, adding an award called "Best Overseas yer," specifically for Asian yers who do not y in Asia.
The inaugural "Best Overseas yer" award naturally went to Wang Feng, but he did not go back to receive the award, but instead prepared to attend the FIFA awards ceremony.
The AFC Footballer of the Year eventually went to Fan Zhiyi, who led the Chinese team to qualify for the World Cup qualifiers for the first time. Although he also ys for Dundee Football Club in Scond, he spends a considerable amount of timepeting in the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
For two consecutive years, the AFC Footballer of the Year has been won by Chinese yers, which has excited domestic fans, who expressively state that this is the best era for Chinese football.
Chapter 99: Red carpet
Chapter 99: Red carpet
Wang Feng and Ronaldo arrived in Zurich, Switzend, together with their agent Balmond, Martins, the technical director of Inter Mn Horacio Bomme, and others.
Martins, evidently experienced in such matters, took charge of arrangements with the somewhat flustered Balmond. From selecting stylists to customizing their entire outfits, preparations needed to be made well in advance.
Upon arrival, they checked into the hotel prepared by FIFA. The next afternoon, they began preparing for the evening''s award ceremony.
The suit Wang Feng wore was meticulously designed by Armani, while his shoes were crafted by SILVANO LATTANZI.
Since his appearance on the cover of Vogue, all luxury brands in Italy have wanted him for endorsements, including Prada, Gi, and Armani.
For the exposure at the FIFA awards ceremony, they crazily raised their prices to secure exclusive endorsement rights, with Armani ultimately winning with a higher bid, signing Wang Feng to a ten-year contract.
This means that for the next decade, Wang Feng will be dressed in Armani for various public events, with tailored designs provided whenever necessary.
Last year, when he attended the Asian Footballer of the Year awards, he just bought a random suit, feeling ufortable. This year''s custom-made outfit, however, was extremely fitting andfortable.
The dark suit paired with a white shirt and a ck tie looked coordinated. His neat short hair, along with his angr face, even prompted the stylist to exim, "Wang, you could totally be a model with this look!"
As Wang Feng finished getting ready, Ronaldo also dressed up and came to Wang Feng''s room. Observing Ronaldo''s slightly rounded body and protruding beer belly, Wang Feng felt he needed to step up his exercise routine.
Ronaldo teased Wang Feng, saying, "I''ve been injured for nearly two years, so of course my physical condition isn''t as good as yours. But hey, I bet you''ll attract a lot of fangirls in this outfit."
His femalepanion, Mnie, his wife, whom he fell in love with in Hong Kong, wore a light-colored evening dress,plementing Ronaldo perfectly.
Mnie said helplessly, "Dear, you need to control yourself a bit. Those endless parties and food need to be moderated."
Ronaldo joked, "You''re right, dear. Looks like I need to cut them out of my life a bit. That way, I can cut off some fat from my body too."
This remark elicitedughter from everyone.
After Wang Feng and Ronaldo finished getting ready, they got into the special car provided by FIFA and headed to the Zurich Opera House. The red carpet had beenid out at the entrance, with reporters and fans waiting on both sides. Each star would walk this red carpet into the theater.
Ronaldo was in the car in front of Wang Feng''s. When he got out of the car with his wife, Mnie, cheers and screams erupted from both sides of the red carpet, and the shes never stopped.
Ronaldo was obviously very familiar with this situation. With a smile on his face, he slowly walked up the red carpet, asionally leaning sideways to wave to the crowd on both sides.
Wang Feng sat in the car, his eyes fixed on Ronaldo''s every move, ready to imitate him after getting out. His nervous palms were sweaty, and all sorts of strange thoughts raced through his mind uncontrobly.
What if he embarrassed himself? What if he identally fell or stumbled? How long should he walk? What if no one recognized him after getting off the car, and there wasn''t much apuse?
Should he find apanion for himself too? It would be much better than walking alone. What was her name again, the Italian girl he gave his contact information to? She would probably be happy to attend such an event. Unfortunately, the little piece of paper with her contact information had long been lost, and it was toote to call someone now.
Just as Wang Feng was lost in thought, his driver reminded him, "Mr. Wang Feng, it''s time for you to get off. I''ll get off the car first to open the door for you. Please wait a moment."
Wang Feng''s chaotic thoughts were interrupted, and he replied slightly trembling, "Okay." When the car door was fully opened, he took a deep breath and got out of the car.
Upon seeing the yers in the car, the fans at the scene stirred up, many shouting Wang Feng''s name, while media reporters snapped photos continuously.
Wang Feng hadn''t expected to receive so much attention. It seemed like the attention he received was even greater than Ronaldo''s. In fact, he underestimated his influence in the world of football. Just being an eighteen-year-old European Cup champion and season''s best yer was enough to make everyone pay attention to him.
Wang Feng tried to imitate Ronaldo''s appearance as he slowly walked down the red carpet, maintaining a slightly stiff smile. When he reached the entrance, a staff member opened the door for him. He nodded slightly in thanks, then entered the venue.
This global football event attracted attention from all over the world, especially from Chinese media, who arrived early and upied important positions.
At this point, it was already 2 a.m. Beijing time, but many Chinese fans were still watching the live broadcast of the ceremony on TV, solely to find that familiar Eastern face among the crowd of foreigners.
"Now walking down the red carpet is our Chinese yer, Wang Feng!" Zhang Jun eximed in the broadcast room, "He has sessfully made it onto the 30-yer shortlist for the FIFA World yer of the Year! This is the first time for a Chinese yer, as well as an Asian yer!"
"This means he has be one of the recognized outstanding yers worldwide!"
"Today, in his suit, he gives off a stable vibe and a unique Eastern charm, standing out among the Western faces."
"As he enters the venue, people outside keep shouting his name. This is our eighteen-year-old Wang Feng. From him, I see the brilliance of Chinese football''s future!"
"Another thing worth celebrating is that our women''s footballer, Sun Wen, has sessfully entered the shortlist for the annual world''s best female yer. She is likely to win this honor, adding a new chapter to Chinese football''s history!"
Inside the venue, Wang Feng rxed, and his tense nerves gradually eased. Taking in his surroundings, unlike the chaotic outside, this ce seemed very quiet.
He was situated outside the opera house stage, now set up as a small gathering ce. People gathered in groups chatting, and several servers moved around with trays of drinks.
Ronaldo arrived with a few people and handed Wang Feng a ss of wine, then introduced him to others: "This is the Wang Feng I often talk about."
Louis Figo''s eyes lit up as he approached Wang Feng, clinking sses with him. "I''ve heard of your name before. Seeing you now, it''s clear you''re young and promising."
Wang Feng shyly replied, "You''re still far aheadpared to me. You''re my idol, and you look much better in person than in photos." Thisment elicitedughter from everyone.
Beckham, Zidane, Raul, Henry, and other top yers engaged in lively conversations with Wang Feng under Ronaldo''s introduction, chatting about club anecdotes to pass the time before the ceremony began.
Chapter 100: FIFA awards ceremony
Chapter 100: FIFA awards ceremony
Several people were chatting when the ceremony was about to begin. Wang Feng and the others were guided by the staff to their seats. Wang Feng''s seat was arranged in the second row, next to Totti and Shevchenko.
The three of them were old rivals in Serie A, exchanging greetings and chatting briefly. Wang Feng seemed to have a better rtionship with Totti.
Totti asked in a low voice, "How does it feel to attend such a grand event for the first time?" Wang Feng replied, "A bit nervous. My expression was stiff on the red carpet earlier. I''m worried about how the photos will turn out."
"Fortunately, Ronnie has been keeping me engaged with everyone. Otherwise, I might have been standing in a corner, lost in thought with food in hand."
Totti chuckled, "You''ll have plenty of opportunities in the future. You''ll get used to it."
"But this season, Roma isn''t nning to give up the league title easily," Totti said. "Last time we yed, it ended in a draw. The next encounter might decide the winner."
"The next time we face each other, Ronnie will be back. By then, the oue will be uncertain."
Shevchenko, listening to their conversation about Serie A standings, couldn''t help but interject, "Hey, don''t forget about AC Mn."
Tottiughed, "AC Mn had a poor start to the season. Even if they''re catching up now, they''re almost out of contention for the league title. Focus on securing a Champions League spot."
Shevchenko felt somewhat frustrated. Last season, AC Mn''s performance was worse than Inter Mn''s, ranking only sixth in the league. They could only participate in the Europa League like Inter Mn. Although they signed yers like Rui Costa and Inzaghi this season, the initial period of adaptation led to quite a few losses.
Now they were only in eighth ce, and it was nearly impossible to catch up with Juventus, Inter Mn, and Roma. They could only strive for a Champions League spot for next season.
"We must win the Europa League this season," Shevchenko turned to Wang Feng, dering. Wang Feng responded, "Alright, we''ll be waiting for you. Don''t get eliminated before meeting us."
Once everyone was seated, the award ceremony officially began.
First announced was the Fair y Award, which went to West Ham United forward Di Canio. He caught a cross from a teammate with his hands after the Everton goalkeeper was injured, foregoing a scoring opportunity.
Each award presentation was interspersed with song and dance performances, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the splendid Zurich Opera House.
Finally, the award for FIFA Women''s yer went to Mia Hamm from the United States, receiving 154 votes. China''s Sun Wen came in second with 79 votes.
The Honduras national team was named Team of the Year, followed by Colombia and Costa Rica, with China''s team ranking eighth.
Thest and most anticipated award was the FIFA World yer of the Year. This year''spetition was quite suspenseful, with Ral, who had just won the Ballon d''Or,peting against his Real Madrid teammates Figo and Zidane, as well as Owen, who narrowly missed out on the Ballon d''Or.
In the end, Figo won with 250 votes to be the FIFA World yer of 2001. Second ce went to Beckham with 238 votes, only 12 votes behind Figo. Ral came in third with 96 votes, followed by Zidane with 94 votes, Rivaldo with 92 votes, Back with 71 votes, and Kahn with 65 votes.
Previously highly anticipated Owen only received 61 votes, ranking eighth, while Shevchenko ranked ninth with 46 votes, Totti tenth with 40 votes.
As for Wang Feng, he received 35 votes, ranking eleventh, just missing out on the top ten.
Wang Feng was quite satisfied with the result. He now just wanted to help Inter Mn win more honors so he could enter the ranks of the top ten yers in history.
After the awards ceremony, FIFA hosted a reception at a nearby hotel for all the guests. Naturally, Wang Feng sat with Ronaldo. During the banquet, Wang Feng noticed Ronaldo was particrly concerned about Real Madrid''s situation and talked with Figo, Zidane, and Ral for a long time.
The banquetsted untilte at night before dispersing. Wang Feng returned to the hotel, briefly replying to messages from his sister and Lu Yao, then fell asleep exhausted. He felt attending this ceremony was more tiring than ying a match.
The next morning, Wang Feng received a call from his sister. "Bro, you looked so handsome in that outfit! You know, Lu Yao couldn''t take her eyes off you on the red carpet. She said she wanted to record it, but unfortunately, we didn''t have any equipment."
"Lu Yao has beening to our house oftentely, watching your games with us. Mom says she really likes this obedient girl."
Wang Feng smiled and said, "You guys seem to be having a great time. You stay up until the early hours to watch my games. You don''t have to watch every game. Remember to rest, especially Mom. She shouldn''t stay upte too often."
"I know, by the way, your agent Balmond contacted me. He said all the paperwork is done, and we''re just waiting to process the visa after the Chinese New Year. Then next September, I can enroll in the Brera Academy of Fine Arts."
"Can Ie to Mn earlier? Balmond said you live in a big vi. I can live there."
Wang Feng was intrigued. "Why don''t you and Mom and sistere over? I can take you around Europe in the summer."
"Great! I''ll ask themter. Mom definitely wants to see you soon."
The sister continued, "Lu Yao also wants to go to Mn. She ns to apply to Mn University and is diligently studying English and Italian."
Wang Fengughed, "You guys get along well. At least you have apanion now, and I''ll be more at ease when I''m away for games."
The sister on the other end rolled her eyes and said indignantly after a while, "Brother, you''re so clueless."
Wang Feng touched his head, puzzled. "What''s wrong?"
"Nothing. Just think about it."
The two chatted for a long time, and Wang Feng talked to Mom and sister before hanging up. Although the sister wanted Lu Yao to say a few words, the shy girl shook her head vigorously, unable to speak in this awkward situation, even for a yful sister.
It seemed that Lu Yao only feltfortable facing Wang Feng when no one could see or hear them. This helpless situation even stumped the yful sister.
Wang Feng and Ronaldo, among others, only started their journey back to Mn at noon. At this time, Inter Mn had already gone to Spain to start their fourth Europa League group stage match against Osasuna.
Because Inter Mn won all three previous rounds, they had already advanced and secured the top spot in the group. Therefore, the coach arranged a rotation strategy for this match.
Second ce in the group was Lorient, and Osasuna needed to give their all topete with Heerenveen for the third spot. Odense, with no wins, had already lost the chance to advance.
In the end, Inter Mn''s substitute lineup lost 1-3 to their opponents, and Osasuna secured thest spot for advancement.
Chapter 101: Halfway to the end
Chapter 101: Halfway to the end
Italian Serie A, Round 15. Returning to their home ground, Inter Mn will face the challenge of newly-promoted Chievo. This season, Chievo has shown strong performance, currently ranking fourth on the league table, just behind Juventus, Inter Mn, and Roma.
Last season, their city rivals, Verona, once mocked them, saying if Chievo could make it to Serie A, it would be like a donkey flying to the sky. Unexpectedly, their words came true, as Chievo indeed made it to the Serie A stage.
To tease this idea, many fans would refer to Chievo as "flying donkeys". This season, this flying donkey has given a hard time to powerhouses like AC Mn, Lazio, and Parma.
Chievo''s coach, Del Neri, deployed a traditional 4-4-2 formation for this match. This retired yer turned coach hasn''t achieved remarkable results in his ying or coaching career, rtively unknown in the football world.
However, it''s precisely this team without big-name stars and an unknown coach that has managed to create a strong chemistry, making the team full of vitality.
From the start of the match, Wang Feng could feel their passion for the game and their desire to win. Every attack and defensive press was executed with great vigor, with every yer exceptionally active, no one strolling on the field.
In the 17th minute, Chievo''s central defender Luciano, known as one of the "deadly duo", dribbled the ball from the nk, breaking free from Cordoba''s defense with powerful impact and burst, then delivered the ball into the penalty area.
Striker Marcolini received the ball and shot from a distance, piercing through Inter Mn''s goal.
This was his seventh league goal of the season, currently ranking first in the team in goals and among the top scorers in Serie A.
After conceding the goal, Inter Mn experienced chaos momentarily, allowing Chievo to seize the opportunity andunch several attacks. Another striker, Corradi, also created several threatening shots.
But their luck seemed a bit off in this match, with two clear goal-scoring opportunities hitting the woodwork. In the 34th minute, Corradi''s shot hit the crossbar again, bouncing back, and Materrazzi in the penalty area immediately cleared the ball with a long kick to the midfield.
Wang Feng, originally supporting the defense in the back, immediately chased after the ball upon seeing the situation. However, he was a stepte, as the ball was intercepted by Chievo''s captain, Danjel, who attempted to shake him off with a feint upon seeing Wang Feng approaching.
However, Wang Feng''s senses were far superior to other yers. Upon seeing Danjel''s movement, he judged the correct direction based on the opponent''s body reaction and limb position, sessfully intercepting the ball.
Danjel was taken aback, hastily chasing after Wang Feng, but to his dismay, once Wang Feng surged forward, there seemed to be no Serie A yer capable of catching up.
Wang Feng sprinted over fifty meters at high speed, directly entering the penalty area facing the goalkeeper. He used a standard swerve move to dodge past the goalkeeper, Naft, equalizing the score for Inter Mn!
The first half ended in a draw. After the break, Inter Mn gradually stabilized, while Chievo''s weakness in crucial moments became evident C theycked a star yer to step up.
In the 71st minute, after Di Biagio broke through on the left and passed the ball into the small penalty area, Wang Feng, who quickly inserted himself, poked the ball before Naft could make a save, then jumped over him.
As a result, the ball had more force, although it hit Naft, he couldn''t hold onto it, letting it rebound. At this moment, Wang Feng quickly caught up to the ball and shot again, this time Naft couldn''t stop the ball from entering Chievo''s goal.
2-1! Inter Mn reversed the opponent and won this crucial match!
In the post-match press conference, head coach Cooper criticized Inter Mn''s defense: "Our defense was a mess throughout the game,pletely deviating from my tactical arrangements. The chaotic situation after conceding the goal is disappointing."
Regarding Wang Feng''s brace, Cooper gave high praise: "I just want to say that this victory was earned by Wang Feng. Whenever the team is in trouble, he always steps up. It''s hard to imagine how bad our results would be without him."
"His performance is not like that of a Serie A neer but that of a team''s core."
Inter Mn captain, Javier Zti, also expressed in an interview: "We performed poorly in this match, except for Wang Feng, who has be our most reliable partner."
Chievo''s coach, Del Neri, expressed his regrets: "Our performance wasmendable, and we created many opportunities, but luck wasn''t on our side in this match."
"Throughout the game, we hit the goalposts and crossbar four times in total. Our luck was just too poor." Regarding Wang Feng, he said: "Wang Feng''s performance was indeed outstanding, but our strikers, Marcolini and Corradi, also did not disappoint."
Midweek, the fourth round of the Italian Cup was held, facing Serie B''s Crotone. In this match, Wang Feng did not start but sat on the bench, as coach Cooper once again rotated the lineup.
Crotone, perennially in Serie B and Serie C, has never been promoted in their 78-year history. Even facing Inter Mn''s substitute lineup, they still put up a good fight, with both sides exchanging attacks.
In the 70th minute, Cooper, unable to bear it any longer, sent Wang Feng onto the field. Eight minutester, Wang Feng received the ball in the penalty area after a breakthrough on the left, first using his heel to knock the ball out from the surrounding defenders.
Then, taking advantage of the defenders''ck of response, he quickly caught up to the ball and shot, breaking the deadlock for Inter Mn.
In the end, with Wang Feng''s goal, Inter Mn won 1-0 against Crotone, advancing to the Italian Cup round of 16.
In Serie A Round 16, thest match before the New Year, Inter Mn will visit Leonardo Garilli Stadium to challenge Piacenza.
Piacenza is a "magical" team, famous for strictly rejecting foreign yers but nurturing many excellent local yers in their youth academy. The most famous of them is naturally Inzaghi, who just transferred to AC Mn this year.
In the 17th minute of the match, Piacenza forward Dario Hubner took advantage of Inter Mn''s defensive error in passing, sessfully intercepted and scored a goal.
In the 41st minute, Inter Mnunched an attack, with Conceciao lofting the ball into the penalty area, Wang Feng quickly inserting himself and sessfully avoiding offside. He used the tip of his right foot to send the ball past Piacenza''s goal, equalizing the score.
In the second half, in the 69th minute, Piacenza seized a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half, with Brazilian forward Amoroso scoring from close range in the penalty area, giving the home team the lead again.
This 21-year-old youngster had been experiencing a goal drought this season, making this goal his first in 16 rounds, so he celebrated exceptionally excitedly.
In the 88th minute, Inter Mn won a corner kick opportunity. Zti delivered the ball into the penalty area, Wang Feng leaped up to flick the ball to the edge of the small penalty area, where Recoba received it and directly shot, once again equalizing the score for Inter Mn.
2-2! In the final match before the mid-season break, Inter Mn ended with a draw.
Chapter 102: Short winter break
Chapter 102: Short winter break
Due to Juventus'' 2-0 victory over Brescia in the final game of the first half of the season, they imed the first-half championship with a two-point advantage, leaving Inter Mn in second ce.
After the conclusion of the 16th round of matches, there were only two days left until Christmas, and the second half of the season would resume on January 6th. Typically, Serie A''s winter breaksts for about a month, much shorter than that of other leagues.
While other yers were busy reuniting with their families and traveling for rxation during the holidays, Wang Feng was alone in his vi by Lake Como, dedicating himself to extra training. This year, Abel Le Goff was not with Wang Feng but instead went back to France to be with his family.
"I can''t always be working during Christmas, Wang. My little daughter hasn''t seen me for a long time. She might have forgotten my name," Le Goff said.
Wang Feng had to follow the training n Le Goff had left behind. Fortunately, he could rely on his senses and wouldn''t risk injury due to mistakes during training.
During Christmas, Wang Feng''s house was surrounded by bustling activity, with many hotels filled with tourists on vacation. To avoid causing amotion, Wang Feng rarely went out, as his fame in Mn was well-known.
He rememberedst Christmas when he was still in Oostende, Belgium, enjoying delicious seafood. The drastic changes in just a year made him feel like he was in apletely different world.
During New Year''s, Wang Feng called his family as usual. His sister Wang Qi''s factory was thriving due to ample funding and had be the town''srgest enterprise.
Of course, with benefitse disadvantages. Many distant rtives came to seek shelter, and some jealouspetitors tried to undermine her, which gave her a headache.
However, his sister, who had been hustling in society for a long time, handled these matters smoothly. She was particrly attentive to Wang Feng''s investments, even though he insisted on not needing such clear divisions. Every month, she still transferred a fixed amount of dividends to his ount.
Wang Tian, Wang Feng''s younger sister, seemed carefree. Her university ns were settled, and without the pressure of the college entrance examination, she only needed to study English and Italian. So, she had already gone wild.
She nned to travel all over the country in the remaining days, with Wang Feng covering the expenses. At first, their mother strongly opposed, fearing for her safety as she was still a minor.
However, after her persuasive arguments and repeated assurances, their mother eventually agreed to her ns,ying down some ground rules, such as reporting her itinerary daily and only visiting major cities, not remote areas.
The family lived contentedly, which was Wang Feng''s greatest satisfaction.
The winter transfer window in Serie A opened on the first day of the New Year, and Juventus eagerly began their reinforcement n. They were in talks with Argentine club River te, aiming to sign Dari?? Sandro.
This young talent was dubbed the "New Maradona" and had shown exceptional performances atst year''s U20 World Cup. His outstanding ball control and imaginative passing left a deep impression on all scouts.
In addition, Juventus was seeking reinforcements in midfield and defense from various sources. Despite winning the first half of the season, they couldn''t afford to becent with Inter Mn lurking behind them.
The rest of the "Serie A Seven Sisters" were also actively seeking reinforcements, with Fiorentina being the most eager. They were currently in the relegation zone and needed strong support to stage aeback in the second half of the season.
Inter Mn was also negotiating two or three reinforcement deals, but whether they could bepleted remained unknown. The winter transfer window was short, and with low attention, many yers were unwilling to change teams in winter.
After the brief winter break, Inter Mn began to regroup for their battle against Lazio, with Ronaldo returning once again. To make good use of him, Coach Cooper spared no effort in controlling Ronaldo''s training workload.
All the returning yers were in good physical condition because the holiday was too short. Even with irregr eating and sleeping habits, it wouldn''t cause any problems in the short term.
Because Wang Feng had been training extra, his physical condition was undoubtedly the best. Even the experienced team doctor gave him a thumbs up: "Wang, your condition is good enough to y immediately. It''s hard to imagine how much effort you''ve put into this."
On January 6th, Serie A resumed, and the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium came alive once again.
Inter Mn deployed the traditional 3-5-2 formation, with Ronaldo appearing on the bench. Lazio lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Peruzzi, defenders Coutho, Nesta, Favalli, and Negro, midfielders Giannichedda, Liverani, Poborsky, and Mendieta, and forwards Crespo and Little Inzaghi.
Little Inzaghi and his brother Filippo Inzaghi both came from the Piacenza club, but their fates werepletely different. Filippo quickly rose to prominence and went on to experience spells at Parma and Juventus before making a record-breaking transfer to AC Mn.
Little Inzaghi, on the other hand, was loaned out to Serie B and Serie C clubs for a long time. It wasn''t until the 99-00 season when he transferred to Lazio that he finally broke out, helping the team win both the Coppa Italia and the league title.
Little Inzaghi''s breakout season coincided with Wang Feng''s debut season, which some Italian media found intriguing. However, they didn''t confuse the two. Compared to this season''s Wang Feng, Little Inzaghi appeared much weaker.
The media paid more attention to the showdown between Crespo and Wang Feng. Last season, Crespo scored 26 goals in the league, winning the Serie A Golden Boot. This season, he had scored 14 goals so far, not as many as Wang Feng''s 21, but still had the strength to make a difference.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Lazio''s finances had been severely strained since the beginning of the season. They were considering selling Crespo, and Inter Mn was within their considerations. However, with the talented forwards already present in Inter Mn''s lineup, Crespo would need to perform even more outstandingly to prove himself.
Ronaldo''s return was also reported by the media, but it wasn''t as sensational as the first time. Some media even bluntly stated, "Even without Ronaldo, this Inter Mn team is a title contender."
"All of this is thanks to their acquisition of Wang Feng. This young talent, valued at only ?20 million, is not even worth mentioning among Serie A''s big-name yers, but he has performed far beyond his value."
"Even the most loyal Inter Mn fans are no longer moring for Ronaldo''s return. They have changed their tune and raised Wang Feng''s banner. From Wang Feng, we can see unlimited possibilities."
Chapter 103: Malicious foul
Chapter 103: Malicious foul
As the referee''s whistle sounded, the game officially began. Both teams, having gone through the holiday period, were somewhat out of form, resulting in a rather dull atmosphere on the field.
However, Wang Feng''s performance stood out. Whether it was his one-on-one breakthroughs, pration of the defense, or his offensive organization, he performed admirably.
Unfortunately, his teammates failed to capitalize on opportunities, as the defensive duo of Nesta and Favalli from Lazio firmly controlled the safety of the penalty area.
In the 69th minute, Inter Mn organized an attack in the frontcourt. Dibaggio sent a straight pass from the edge of the penalty area, and Wang Feng quickly initiated a run, sessfully beating the offside trap. At this moment, the defender attempting to cover slid to kick the ball out of the danger zone.
The goalkeeper also rushed out to intercept the ball. Seeing this, Wang Feng swiftly stopped the ball with his right foot, then performed a Marseille turn, evading the sliding tackle from the defender and the goalkeeper''s outstretched arms before slotting the ball into the empty.
1-0! Inter Mn scored a valuable goal!
With the deadlock broken, the yers from both sides gradually enteredpetitive mode, sparking intensepetition. Inter Mn coach Cooper made consecutive substitutions. He first reced Recoba, bringing on a center-back to strengthen the defense.
In the 75th minute, he substituted Vieiri with Ronaldo. Ronnie returned to the field after a two-month absence!
Ronaldo, who had just entered the field, yed very conservatively, even more so than when he first returned. He avoided making big moves, quickly passing the ball when faced with tight defense, reluctant to engage in physical confrontations, clearly cautious about avoiding further injuries.
In the 87th minute, Wang Feng made a one-on-one breakthrough on the right side, evading Negrini''s tackle. However, the thirty-year-old Lazio veteran, feeling embarrassed, recklessly tackled Wang Feng from behind.
Wang Feng felt a sharp pain in his shin as he fell to the ground, clutching his leg in agony.
The referee immediately blew the whistle, stopping the game. He quickly ran to the confrontation between the yers and separated them, then pulled out a red card and gave it to Negrini.
Negrini regretted his actions deeply. He pulled away his teammates who were trying to defend him, then walked away towards the yer tunnel, asionally looking back at Wang Feng''s condition.
Warmth enveloped Wang Feng''s shin. He realized he had suffered another major injury, his body automatically recovering. He couldn''t continue the game, and coach Cooper used thest substitution to rece him.
Wang Feng was soon taken to Mn''s best hospital for examination. Technical director Horacio Bom personally tracked the situation. He silently prayed that Wang Feng wouldn''t suffer a devastating injury like Ronaldo did. Inter Mn couldn''t afford such a blow now!
The doctor''s report came out quickly. Wang Feng had only suffered a simple sprain and would need to rest for two to three weeks. Upon hearing this news, Bom''s tense heart finally rxed.
He quickly called Inter Mn president Moratti to report. Moratti, who was anxious, answered the phone and directly asked about the situation. After learning the results, he breathed a sigh of relief and said with remorse, "We must hold someone ountable. Negrini must pay for this malicious foul!"
At the post-match press conference, Cooper praised Wang Feng''s performance as usual, saying, "In the first game of the second half of the season, he was the only one in the whole team in good form. He''s a yer with extreme self-discipline, and every coach would love such a yer."
"Regarding the malicious foul against Wang Feng," Cooper''s tone changed, anger evident. "We will protest to the Italian Football Federation and hope to impose additional punishment on the offending yer."
"The cameras captured it clearly; that was not an action that should happen on a football field."
Negriniter epted interviews from reporters, expressing his apologies to Wang Feng. "I''m really sorry. I acted impulsively at that moment, and I regret it. I''m very concerned about Wang''s condition, regardless of whether the Football Federation imposes additional punishment, I will ept it."
The next day, the media extensively reported on the match and Wang Feng''s injury. The headline of "Ronaldo Returns, Wang Feng Injured" in Mn Sports Daily pointed out that Ronaldo''s status after his return was still a mystery, and Wang Feng suffered an injury due to a malicious foul, which was definitely not good news for Inter Mn.
The Rome Sports Daily analyzed with malicious intent, "When Ronaldo was injured, Wang Feng stepped up to help Inter Mn stay close in the title race. Now it''s Ronaldo''s turn to lead Inter Mn forward."
The Italian Football Federation eventually issued a heavy penalty to Negrini, suspending him for seven matches and fining him ?10,000. Such malicious fouls are not allowed at any time.
But this penalty was a thunderbolt for Lazio, who were striving for a Champions League spot. They would have a major problem in their left nk defense, and the club was actively seeking a recement for Negrini.
To be cautious, Wang Feng was still required to stay in the hospital for a few more days for further observation. The Inter Mn yers visited him at the hospital the next day.
Ronaldo stood by Wang Feng''s bedside, expressing his relief, "Wang, fortunately, you didn''t suffer a major injury. Professional yers fear such sudden idents the most."
Then he added with envy, "Your physique and luck are really good. If such a foul were on me, I would probably have to rest for several months." His fragile knees probably couldn''t withstand such a strong impact anymore.
Matrazi expressed his indignation, "That guy Negrini, his defense was already dirty when he debuted in Bologna. After being noticed by Lazio, he toned it down a lot. I didn''t expect him to suddenly resort to such a dirty trick."
After chatting for a while, they bid farewell, letting Wang Feng rest well, and entrusted the team''s performance to him.
In the following two days, Wang Feng felt that he had recovered almostpletely. However, the doctors still refused his request to be discharged, asking him to observe for a few more days. Even Bom and Cooper took turns to persuade him, so he could only stay bored in the hospital.
After enduring until all the checks werepleted, the doctor rmended that Wang Feng rest for three weeks. Therefore, to ensure he couldpete for the league title and the Europa League in a good condition, the club decided to let him miss the next three rounds of matches and the midweek Italian Cup matches.
Back home, Wang Feng''s training n was also strictly limited. He could only exercise for an hour a day, with an hour of ball training, supervised jointly by Abel Le Goff and Inter Mn''s team doctor Alexander Glover.
Wang Feng was quite helpless about this. He had been supervised during training, but he had never been forbidden to train. In his boredom, he could only call his old friend, Carl Bess, hoping he could arrange something interesting for him.
Bess did not disappoint Wang Feng. He sent him the newly released Nintendo NGC game console, including itsunch games "Luigi''s Mansion" and "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles."
"It hasn''t even been officially released in Europe yet. I specially brought it back from the United States," Bess bragged over the phone.
Although Wang Feng didn''t understand much about these things, it didn''t prevent him from immersing himself in gaming to pass the time.
Chapter 104: Defeat
Chapter 104: Defeat
While Wang Feng was recovering from his injury, Inter Mn traveled to Perugia to prepare for the 18th round of matches.
The first encounter with Perugia was in the opening round, where Wang Feng contributed two assists and two shots to a big win. Now, halfway through the season, Perugia''s ranking was mediocre, making it difficult for them topete for a Europa League spot. Inter Mn felt this was a match they should win.
Coach Cooper deployed a 4-4-2 formation, with Recoba, usually active in the midfield, pushed up to the forward line alongside Vieri, while Ronaldo continued toe off the bench.
However, the game did not unfold as expected. Perugia''s midfield duo of Tedesco and forward Frizzaras sessfully connected, causing significant trouble for Inter Mn and creating several threatening attacks.
In the 41st minute, Perugia''s efforts paid off. Tedesco cleverly lofted the ball into Inter Mn''s penalty area, and Frizzaras, well positioned, headed the ball past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.
In the second half, Inter Mn''s performance did not improve. In the 59th minute, after Frizzaras''s shot in the penalty area was saved by the goalkeeper, substitute South Korean yer An Jung-hwan scored on the rebound, further extending Perugia''s lead.
After scoring, An Jung-hwan went wild, tearing off his shirt in celebration, marking his first goal of the season!
Unable to sit still any longer, Coach Cooper made a substitution in the 60th minute, bringing on Ronaldo early.
In the 81st minute, Inter Mn earned a corner kick. Ronaldo chested the ball and volleyed it directly into the, pulling one back for Inter Mn. This goal was Ronaldo''s first of the season.
But it was too little, toote. Inter Mn ultimately lost 1-2 to Perugia, suffering their second defeat of the league season!
As Juventus won 1-0 against Venezia and Roma triumphed 3-2 over Verona, Inter Mn dropped to third ce in the standings.
After the match, criticism from the media and fans flooded towards Inter Mn, primarily targeting Coach Cooper. Mn Sports Daily sarcasticallymented, "With Wang Feng on the field, Inter Mn''s many problems were masked. His absence now reveals all of them. Inter Mn is still the same asst season, showing no change."
"Why can''t Cooper ensure more ying time for Ronaldo?"
"If Inter Mn continues like this, even with Wang Feng''s return, they won''t be able to recover. They will drop out of contention for the title."
Cooper also had his grievances. He was deeply concerned about Ronaldo''s physical condition, so he limited his ying time, not expecting it to be the catalyst for defeat.
This game became a sensation in South Korea. Many Korean media outlets reported on it, considering An Jung-hwan''s goal the key to deciding the oue of the match.
It was a goal against the powerhouse Inter Mn, against the extraterrestrial Ronaldo!
Some Korean media even wrote, "Wang Feng''s injury exposes Inter Mn''s fatal ws, and An Jung-hwan''s winning goal against Inter Mn reveals the true nature of a superstar." They believed that Wang Feng''s sess in the first half of the Serie A season was due to hisck of injury troubles and the strong support of his teammates, while An Jung-hwan''s ability to rise above demonstrated his true strength.
This view received widespread agreement in South Korea, with fans believing that under the leadership of Park Ji-sung and An Jung-hwan, the South Korean national team would surely achieve a historic breakthrough at their home World Cup!
In the midweek Coppa Italia round of 16 match, Inter Mn faced Serie B team Empoli. Coach Cooper, after much consideration, still decided to keep Ronaldo on the bench.
Despite dominating the game, Inter Mn''s attack remained a major issue. Although they had absolute control of the game, they couldn''t convert it into goals.
The first half ended 0-0. Frustrated, Cooper had to bring on Ronaldo at the start of the second half. With him supporting upfront, Inter Mn''s attack gradually became threatening.
In the 65th minute, Konan Kou broke through the wing and crossed the ball into the box, where Vieri, who had made a run from midfield, slotted the ball home, finally breaking Empoli''s defense.
In the 77th minute, Vieri and Ronaldobined in the penalty area, with Ronaldo scoring the second goal to seal the victory.
However, just before the end of the game, Empoli managed to pull one back.
Ultimately, Inter Mn won 2-1 against Empoli, advancing to the quarterfinals.
In the 19th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Parma at home. The precarious situation forced Cooper to start Ronaldo for the first time this season.
Amidst the thunderous cheers of the home fans, Inter Mnunched a fierce attack against Parma. However, the strong defense led by Cannavaro and Junior prevented them from converting numerous chances.
In the 72nd minute, Parmaunched a swift counterattack. Cannavaro broke through with a pass from Lamouchi, tearing apart Inter Mn''s defense. Finally, in the penalty area, Cannavaro slotted the ball home, helping Parma secure the only goal of the match.
0-1! Inter Mn suffered their second consecutive defeat.
To make matters worse, the previously fourth-ced Chievo continued their impressive performance from the first half of the season, surpassing Inter Mn in the standings. Inter dropped to fourth ce.
By the Como Lake the next morning, Wang Feng was jogging with thepany of Le Goff and team doctor Glover. Throughout these past ten days, all of Wang Feng''s injuries had almostpletely recovered. He watched as Inter Mn slipped further down the league standings, feeling especially distressed, eager to return to the field.
"Wang, let''s do aprehensive check again. If everything is fine, I can approve you to y," Glover said.
"Don''t worry, Mr. Glover, I feel very good now, there shouldn''t be any problems," Wang Feng said confidently.
After the examination, Wang Feng''s physical report was quickly sent to the head coach and club management. Seeing the words pletely healthy" in the report, Coach Cooper excitedly paced around his office.
These past few days had been worrisome, and now he could only hope that Wang Feng could turn the tide and halt Inter Mn''s decline.
Chapter 105: Comeback
Chapter 105: Comeback
The news of Wang Feng''s return spread throughout the Inter Mn locker room as soon as it was announced, and everyone showed expressions of joy and relief.
When Wang Feng is on the field, everyone doesn''t feel anything special, but when he''s absent, all the problems in the attack are exposed.
At some point, Wang Feng has be the focal point of the team''s attack, a role that used to belong to Ronaldo.
After Ronaldo returned from injury, both his physical and mental states were not the same as they used to be.
When Wang Feng reappeared at the San Siro, all the Inter Mn yers apuded him. Ronaldo hugged him tightly and said, "Bro, wee back, we need you!"
Matrazi then tapped his chest and said, "I heard you''re still ying video games. Don''t get too addicted, get back to your battlefield."
In the next Serie A match, Inter Mn will face Venezia away, and their only goal is to take all three points!
The news of Wang Feng''s return in the next round of Serie A matches quickly dominated the headlines of major sports media outlets, and all of Italy wanted to know if Wang Feng could stop Inter Mn''s continuous decline.
During the pre-match press conference, a journalist questioned whether Inter Mn was disregarding Wang Feng''s injury and forcing him to return, as the severity of his injury was obvious at the time.
Coach Cooper exined, "Wang Feng''s physical condition has recovered very well. We have conductedprehensive tests repeatedly. In fact, he was ready to return in the match against Parma."
"But out of caution, we let him rest for one more round, and now Wang Feng is extremely eager to return to the field again, which is also evident from his performance in training."
Venezia''s home ground, the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, is very distinctive. Located at the easternmost end of the ind of Venice, far from other famousndmarks, it requires taking a boat to get there. Wang Feng experienced this way of traveling for the first time, and everything seemed so novel.
Venezia is currently rankedst in the standings, with only two victories this season, and relegation seems almost certain. However, this did not prevent Venezia''s fans froming to the stadium and cheering madly for the home team.
Coach Cooper deployed an attacking formation of 3-4-3, with Vieri, Ronaldo, and Wang Feng all starting, marking the first time this season for Inter Mn, which also reflects Cooper''s desire to win.
At the beginning of the game, Wang Feng, who has been away from the battlefield for a long time, appeared particrly active. In the 7th minute, Inter Mnunched a counterattack after winning the ball in the backcourt. Matrazi made a ground pass to the front right side.
Wang Feng, taking advantage of his physical and speed advantages, made an early touch on the ball between two defending yers, then with a powerful kick, sent the ball rolling towards the middle.
Wang Feng, after shaking off the defenders, caught up with the ball in the penalty area and passed it to the far post before the goalkeeper came out. Vieri, who was quick to follow, scored with a simple push shot.
1-0! Inter Mn''s smooth attacking rhythm is back!
After scoring, Vieri ran directly to Wang Feng, hugged him tightly, and celebrated. Other yers followed suit and surrounded them. At this moment, Inter Mn appeared extremely united.
With a lead, Inter Mn continued to control the game. In the 41st minute, Dibaggio organized an attack in the frontcourt, passing the ball to Wang Feng on the right, who was directly facing Venezia''s right-back Bertarini.
Wang Feng pretended to cross from the bottom, then abruptly stopped near the goal line, dodged Bertarini''s block, and crossed with his left foot to the front of the penalty area.
Ronaldo, in the penalty area, couldn''t help but use his signature step-over to get past the defenders, and then shot into the near corner of the goal.
2-0! Inter Mn scored again!
After scoring, Ronaldo once again used his ssic flying celebration. At this moment, he seemed to be the unstoppable "alien" as before.
Following closely behind, Wang Feng ran with Ronaldo and said with a smile when he stopped, "Didn''t you say you wouldn''t use the step-over anymore?"
Ronaldoughed heartily, "With so much space given to me, it''s ufortable not to use it. It''s be my subconscious move."
Coach Cooper, on the sidelines, breathed a sigh of relief and slowly returned to his seat, taking out a thermos and starting to drink tea.
He had realized Wang Feng''s importance to the team, which was topletely open up Inter Mn''s wing attack.
Wang Feng not only can quickly advance and threaten with crosses, but also can retreat to receive the ball, and then threaten the goal directly withteral cuts or bottom line breakthroughs.
A yer who can dribble and pass is like a nightmare for the opponent''s defense.
"As the game enters the 65th minute, the score on the field is still 2-0. We can see that Inter Mn is preparing to make substitutions. Coach Cooper is preparing to rece both Wang Feng and Ronaldo."
"This is not surprising, after all, both of them have just returned from injury. Inter Mn is firmly in control of the game, so it''s very reasonable to substitute them."
"Wang Feng didn''t score in this game, but he contributed two assists and yed a crucial role on the field. If Inter Mn can take all three points, Wang Feng deserves a lot of credit."
After leaving the field, Coach Cooper gave Wang Feng a big hug and said, "Wee back to the field, Wang, your performance was excellent."
Wang Feng responded, "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Cooper, I finally didn''t let you down."
Then he greeted the teammates on the bench one by one, picked up a bottle of drink, and sat aside, continuing to watch the team''s next game.
Inter Mn, after substituting their attackers, controlled the game with possession, while Venezia seemed somewhat deted, both in attack and defense.
In the 81st minute, Inter Mn seized another opportunity. Grisk scored again with an assist from Recoba, helping the team win 3-0.
After this round, Inter Mn halted their decline. Due to Chievo''s 1-3 loss to Juventus, Inter Mn''s ranking in the standings changed again, overtaking Chievo to reim third ce.
They are four points behind second-ced Roma and seven points behind leaders Juventus. There is still hope!
It is worth mentioning that in the second half of the season, AC Mn also began to exert force. Shevchenko, Rui Costa, and Inzaghi, with Ancelotti''s strongbination, yed well together, allowing the team to win consecutive victories and currently chase fifth ce in the standings.
Chapter 106: Savior
Chapter 106: Savior
After winning a thrilling victory, Inter Mn returned to their home ground to prepare for the 21st round of Serie A against Torino, another must-win opponent.
However, luck seemed not to be on Inter Mn''s side. Just 8 minutes into the game, defender Cordoba was cautioned by the referee for a foul while defending.
In the 23rd minute, Concicao suddenly fell to the ground in pain, clutching his thigh. After a brief assessment, the team doctor diagnosed a muscle strain, forcing him to be substituted.
Just 5 minutester, Cordoba was provoked by an opponent while defending and angrily pushed him down, receiving his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red card and a direct send-off.
Inter Mn had to y with ten men for the next sixty-plus minutes. Torino''s forwards, Lucarelli and Fiorente, frequently threatened Inter Mn''s defense, with Wang Feng often dropping back to defend.
In the first half, Inter Mn barely managed to keep their goal intact, with the score remaining 0-0.
In the halftime dressing room, Coach Cooper''s roar echoed, "How could you make such a rookie mistake, Cordoba? It''s clear that they were deliberately provoking you. You should have been more cautious after receiving the early yellow card."
"And the first yellow card, it''s just a mistake that''s as basic as it gets."
The twenty-six-year-old Colombian defender remained silent with his head down. He deeply regretted his impulsive actions. As an experienced veteran who had yed in the Colombian and Argentine leagues beforeing to Serie A, he should have been more mature in handling such situations.
Having finished his scolding, it was time to address the problem. With the situation on the field heavily favoring Torino, Inter Mn couldn''t afford to solely defend. They needed to capitalize on their attacking advantage and unsettle Torino.
Coach Cooper then turned to Wang Feng and said, "Wang, I need you to take on the attacking responsibilities in the second half. You can expand your range of movement in the front court as much as possible to distract the opponent."
"For defense, leave it to Zti and the others. If you don''t need to defend, don''t. Stay nailed in midfield and strictly implement the counter-attacking strategy."
Wang Feng nodded and said, "I understand, I''ll do it."
Then he turned to Zti and the other defenders and said, "The defensive task for the second half is up to you. I hope you strictly follow my previous defensive arrangements. Solorindo will rece Cordoba''s position."
"Ronnie, take a rest in the second half. I need to strictly control your ying time." Ronaldo nodded in understanding.
Coach Cooper concluded, "Everyone, the title race is heating up. We must strive for three points in every game, especially against mid-table teams like Torino. Get your spirits up; this is our home ground, the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium!"
After the break, Torino continued to press Inter Mn with possession tactics. They fully utilized their numerical advantage and adopted a tight marking approach against Wang Feng, making other Inter Mn yers hesitant tomit fully to counterattacks.
Many times, when Wang Feng tried tounch a quick counterattack, he found himself surrounded by several opponents with no teammates to support him, forcing him to retreat and give up the attack.
It wasn''t until the 85th minute that Inter Mn won possession again in their own half. Matrazi passed the ball to Wang Feng in midfield, initiating a counterattack.
Wang Feng instantly elerated with the ball, darting towards the opponent''s half like a meteor. Torino''s center-back, De Assentis, tried to keep up but was quickly left trailing behind by Wang Feng''s speed.
"Inter Mnunches a quick counterattack, Wang Feng charges forward with the ball. His speed is incredible, De Assentis can''t keep up with him and is left behind!"
"In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng reaches the edge of the opponent''s penalty area, but Torino''s defenders quickly return to their positions. Delicari and Gante converge on him, while Fatori defends inside the penalty area."
In this critical moment, Wang Feng''s mind seemed to elerate. Scenes from his training and past experiences merged with reality as he quickly found the best solution.
Facing the converging defenders, he suddenly decelerated, then leaned his body towards Gante''s side, seemingly intending to dodge him and charge through on the side, prompting the Italians to block his path.
At this moment, a gap appeared between the two defenders. Wang Feng quickly pulled the ball back to the side, flicked it forward with his toe, and the ball slipped between the two defenders.
Delicari and Gante, both experienced defenders, immediately realized the situation and tried to block Wang Feng''s path, but it was toote. They could only watch helplessly as Wang Feng broke through.
Was this still an eighteen-year-old youth? This disy of strength was on par with Vieri''s!
After breaking free from the defenders, Wang Feng charged into the penalty area, facing off against Torino''s goalkeeper, Bi, in a one-on-one situation. Employing a wide swing move, he easily evaded thest defender and stood face-to-face with the goalkeeper.
Torino''s goalkeeper, Bi, dived to make a save, attempting to snatch the ball from under Wang Feng''s feet. However, at the edge of the small penalty area, Wang Feng lifted his foot and executed a delicate chip shot. Bi missed the ball and instead grabbed onto Wang Feng''s leg, causing him to lose his bnce and tumble over the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, the ball had already sailed over Bi''s head and gently nestled into the. As Wang Feng fell to the ground, he quickly lifted his head and witnessed the scene.
The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium fell momentarily silent, followed by an explosive eruption like ignited fireworks. Eighty thousand fans roared with excitement, chanting Wang Feng''s name throughout the stadium.
Cameras captured the frenzy in the standsfans vigorously waving banners bearing Wang Feng''s name, shaking Inter Mn''s gs with vigor, and even shedding their own team jerseys, twirling them in the air.
Watching Wang Feng sprinting in celebration, Coach Cooper couldn''t contain his excitement. This goal was simply incrediblea solo run of over seventy meters, evading three defenders consecutively, and slotting the ball into the opponent''s.
Wang Feng had single-handedly rescued Inter Mn tonight!
Chapter 107: Duel of fate
Chapter 107: Duel of fate
When Inter Mn narrowly defeated Torino 1-0 at home, another highly anticipated match also came to an end. AS Roma weed Fiorentina, who were second from bottom, at home.
Fiorentina, fighting desperately, disyed astonishing strength. In the 17th and 34th minutes, forward Gomez and defender Di Livio scored for the visitors, leading Fiorentina 2-0 ahead at one point in the home match for Roma.
However, Roma staged aeback in the second half, with the "Prince of Rome," Totti, stepping up. He scored twice to help the team eventually draw level with their opponents.
However, securing just one point clearly didn''t satisfy the Romans, as the gap between Inter Mn and Roma in the league standings narrowed to just two points. After the match, some angry Roma fans were reluctant to leave the Stadio Olimpico, protesting against the club''s poor performance by singing team songs together.
Meanwhile, league leaders Juventus maintained their stable form, securing a 3-0 away victory against Le. Trezeguet scored twice, and Nedved contributed a brilliant direct free kick goal.
On the top scorers'' list, Wang Feng''s lead was significant. He had scored 23 goals so far this season, while the second-ced Trezeguet had only scored 16 goals.
Winning the Golden Boot in his debut Serie A season would indeed be a reason for celebration. However, Wang Feng was more eager to help the team win the league title. Inter Mn''sst league title dated back to 1989, and not even Ronaldo''s joining could bring this long-awaited honor to the team.
Inter Mn''s opponent for the UEFA Europa League knockout stage had been decided: Paris Saint-Germain from Ligue 1. This news quickly spread through the media of both countries.
An article in the French newspaper "Le Parisien" called it a "fateful encounter," pointing out: "PSG chose Ronaldhino over Wang Feng. Although the transfer values of the two yers differ, it adds a dramatic element to this matchup."
"Some stubborn PSG fans still believe the team should have invested heavily in Wang Feng instead of Ronaldhino."
"As the league progresses, Wang Feng has been in great form at Inter Mn, not only challenging for the Golden Boot but also helping the team stay in contention for the title."
"While Ronaldhino''s performance has been somewhatckluster inparison, with only five goals in the Ligue 1 so far, PSG is only ranked fifth on the table, basically losing the chance topete for the league title."
"However, fans who have watched PSG matches must have a deep impression of this 22-year-old. He possesses extremely delicate footwork on the field, like an elf on the pitch. No one can deny that he could be the spokesperson for Samba football after Ronaldo."
"If he can help PSG eliminate Inter Mn, he canpletely prove himself, win over the PSG fans, and shake off the shadow of being Ronaldo''s substitute."
PSG chairman Laurent Pimpernel denied the "substitute" rumors in an interview: "Wang Feng is indeed an outstanding yer, and his performance in Serie A has already proven that. There''s no need to borate on this."
"But Ronaldhino is by no means a substitute for anyone. He''s also an excellent yer we''ve been admiring for a long time, and we firmly believe that he will be the core of PSG, leading the team to unprecedented sess in the league and even in Europeanpetitions. He is our future!"
Although the club publicly supported Ronaldhino, the yers were not in good spirits. Realistically, the draw for the UEFA Europa League couldn''t have been worse for PSG. Inter Mn''s strength was much higher than PSG''s, and with the media attention on Wang Feng and Ronaldo, the pressure on the team was immense.
In Paris, at the Parc des Princes, PSG would face Montpellier in the 24th round of the league. This match would determine whether PSG could progress further and secure a valuable spot in the Champions League.
On the morning of the match, after finishing breakfast, Ronaldhino briefly skimmed through the newspapers of the day and found that all the news was analyzing the UEFA Europa League sh between PSG and Inter Mn.
Obviously, the Parisian media were not optimistic about the PSG-Inter Mn matchup. Furthermore, their words subtly implied a derogation of Ronaldhino and admiration for Wang Feng. Many reports suggested that PSG should have signed Wang Feng instead.
This season, Ronaldhino''s performance undoubtedly justified his price tag, but it didn''t change the negative public opinion surrounding him. The media always liked topare him with Wang Feng, finding the secret to boosting their sales. Fans enjoyed reading these "provocative" reports.
As long as he remained at PSG, the media would never stop hyping up theparison between him and Wang Feng.
A while ago, when he and Grimes went to the nightclub, they were identally photographed by paparazzi and appeared on the front pages of major newspapers the next day. All reports condemned him, saying how hardworking Wang Feng was and how they had never seen him indulging in Italian nightlife, while Ronaldhino not onlycked skills but also had a bad attitude, indulging in revelry and neglecting the game.
This almost created a psychological shadow in his mind. He had not dared to go to the nightclub with Grimes in recent times, but rather stayed at home bored, consoling himself with wine and good food.
Fortunately, the club was not influenced by external reports and had a great trust in nurturing him. They not only gave him enough ying time but also granted him unlimited shooting rights.
For Ronaldhino, apart from the annoying parison" issue, none of the other conditions at PSG were satisfactory. The stages of the top five leagues, high sries, bustling urban life, and being the attacking core of the team - he had achieved all of them here.
However, this was just the starting point for him, definitely not the end. ording to reliable information from his agent, PSG''s finances were getting worse year by year, so he didn''t know when he wouldn''t be able to stay here anymore.
"Next time, I must be more cautious in choosing a team." He silently thought to himself.
While Ronaldhino was lost in thought, Grimes walked over and sat down beside him, took the newspaper from his hand, threw it aside, and said, "Buddy, now is not the time to read these. The only thing you need to do is to perform in tonight''s game and fiercely counter those nders."
In the evening''s match, both sides fought neck and neck, and the score remained 0-0.
In the 80th minute, PSGunched a swift counterattack. Ronaldhino received the ball in midfield, dribbled directly towards the opponent''s half, and used elegant footwork to bypass three defenders in a row before calmly shooting past the goalkeeper.
After scoring, Ronaldhino excitedly hugged Grimes and danced. Thementators on the scene couldn''t help but marvel, "Easily bypassing three defenders and scoring, Montpellier''s defense crumbled before Ronaldhino''s samba-like dribbling."
Ultimately, with this brilliant goal, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Montpellier, climbing to fourth ce in the standings, just one step away from securing a Champions League qualifying spot.
Believe the media, which likes to watch the excitement, should calm down a bit now.
Chapter 108: Contradictions are growing
Chapter 108: Contradictions are growing
Midweek, the Italian Cup held the quarterfinals, with Inter Mn facing off against Roma in a showdown. Wang Feng didn''t make it to the starting lineup; Coach Cooper opted for the striking duo of Ronaldo and Vieira for the first time.
However, as the game progressed, the situation on the field favored Roma. The synergy between Ronaldo and Vieira upfrontcked, failing to pose a threat to Roma''s defense. Roma, on the other hand, backed by Tomasi and Emson''s midfield organization, constantly supported their attacking trident, pressuring Inter Mn''s goal.
In the 25th minute, Emson and Totti utilized a wall-passbination on the nk, evading Inter Mn''s defenders, and then delivered a diagonal pass into the penalty area, where Batistuta broke the deadlock for Roma.
After halftime, in the 60th minute, Totti again exploited his speed to break through Inter Mn''s defense, then forced a cross from the byline. Although the ball deflected off Cordoba''s left leg, it still redirected into the penalty area. Monte''s follow-up extended Roma''s lead.
0-2! Since the Italian Cup quarterfinals are single-elimination matches, Inter Mn found themselves on the brink.
Just five minutester, Inter Mnunched an attack. Ronaldo dribbled on the nk, using a feint to get past Cand''s defense and then took a direct shot from a tight angle. The ball hit the post and bounced out of bounds.
Ronaldo squatted down, pounding the turf with his fist, full of frustration and regret.
Just two minutester, Coach Cooper made a substitution, with Wang Feng recing Ronaldo. As Ronaldo left the field, he hugged Wang Feng and whispered, "Bro, keep going!" Then he walked straight towards the yer tunnel, not even sparing a nce at Cooper.
After Wang Feng came on, he couldn''t quickly change the game''s momentum. Roma even employed a desperate time-wasting tactic, leading to a yellow card for their goalkeeper.
In the 88th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in midfield. Di Biaggio passed it to Wang Feng on the right, who sprinted down the nk. Upon reaching the edge of the penalty area, he used a Cruyff turn to evade defenders, then passed it to the far post.
Vieira, who quickly inserted himself, didn''t waste the opportunity this time, slotting the ball into the.
Unfortunately, the goal came toote. Inter Mn still lost 1-2 to Roma, failing to advance to the Italian Cup semifinals.
In the 22nd round of Serie A over the weekend, Inter Mn faced Bologna away. Bologna had performed well this season, currently sitting seventh in the standings, with a home win rate of 70%.
Coach Cooper fielded the same lineup as the start of the league, with Ronaldo sitting on the bench.
At the start of the match, Bolognaunched a wave of attacks, and in the 8th minute, Cruz breached Toldo''s goal.
Although Inter Mn tried their best to equalize, Bologna''s defense was stubborn. Coupled with fatigue from the midweek match, their offense seemedcking. Until the 70th minute, the score remained 0-1.
Ronaldo, on the bench, looked anxious, asionally ncing at Cooper, who still didn''t send him onto the field.
In the 85th minute, Recoba carried the ball forward and sent a through pass into the penalty area. Wang Feng received it sessfully but was met by the Bologna goalkeeper, Pagliuca, who rushed out.
Wang Feng feinted, avoiding the goalkeeper''s dive, then maneuvered with the ball in the penalty area, eluding several defenders and the goalkeeper''s pursuit with subtle footwork adjustments.
Then, he spotted an opening and sent a lob with his left foot, the ball flying towards the top left corner of the goal.
As the goalkeeper came out, there was only one defender in front of the goal. Using the goalpost for leverage, he tried to jump and deflect the ball out of the crossbar, but the angle of the shot was too tricky. Eventually, he failed to reach it, and could only watch as the ball went into the.
Inter Mn equalized!
Leading almost the entire match, Bologna''s yers inevitably showed signs of mental struggle after being equalized in the final moments.
After the restart, they made a midfield passing mistake, intercepted by Zti, who then passed it to Wang Feng on the right. Wang Feng dribbled past the defense, with Falcn chasing desperately, but he couldn''t catch up and had no choice but to pull Wang Feng down. Unfortunately, his timing for the foul was poor, as Wang Feng had already crossed the penalty area line.
Referee blows whistle It''s a penalty + red cardbo! Bologna''s coach on the sidelines raised his hands in frustration, clearly dissatisfied with Falcn''s performance.
To secure victory, Wang Feng let Vieira take the penalty. He didn''t disappoint his teammate''s trust and easily scored.
Ultimately, thanks to Wang Feng''s goal and a penalty he earned, Inter Mn won 2-1 away against Bologna.
Back in Mn, the club gave everyone a day off before starting training to prepare for the Europa League match against Paris.
Early in the morning, Wang Feng went to Pina for extra practice. At noon, as he passed by the coach''s office on his way to the restaurant, he was attracted by the arguing inside.
He only heard Ronaldo yelling, "You don''t trust me at all. Your training n is just a pile of crap!" Coach Cooper retorted defiantly, "How can I trust you? Is it based on your careless attitude or endless night outs, parties, and revelries?"
The two couldn''t see eye to eye. Ronaldo angrily stormed out of the office, mmed the door shut, and then saw Wang Feng in the corridor.
Wang Feng felt awkward and stuttered, "I... I was just going to practice... um... and now I''m going to eat. Just passing by here."
Ronaldo smiled bitterly, shook his head, and said, "Wang, care to have a drink with me?"
So, Wang Feng''s afternoon training n was scrapped. The two went to a bar near Lake Como, a popr spot for tourists. After a few drinks, Ronaldo began to pour out his grievances.
"That Cooper guy is targeting me. He''s drawn up an overly long training n for me but doesn''t arrange for me to y unless I meet his benchmarks."
"But I know my body. Whilepleting a full game might be a bit precarious, ying for 70 minutes is absolutely no problem. If I train ording to his demands, I''ll only waste my energy in training and risk getting injured."
"He''s just upset seeing me often socialize with everyone, but that''s how I''ve been since I started ying football. I''ve never heard anyone elsein."
Ronaldo was a social butterfly. His gatherings not only invited Inter Mn yers but also many other famous yers from different teams and even movie stars, oftensting all night.
Sometimes, Wang Feng would attend, but he wasn''tfortable in such social settings and would leave by evening, usually avoiding staying upte.
Facing the growing discord between Ronaldo and the coach, Wang Feng didn''t dare say much and could only be a listening ear.
Ronaldo drank a lot and talked a lot, eventually passing outpletely. Wang Feng had to call Mnie to pick Ronaldo up and take him home.
Chapter 109: Vs PSG
Chapter 109: Vs PSG
Next training camp, the atmosphere within Inter Mn''s team became somewhat strange. Head coach Cooper deliberately ignored Ronaldo in tactical arrangements, even excluding him from group confrontations.
On Ronaldo''s side, he conducted individual training under the guidance of a personal trainer, showing no intention of participating in collective training, which left other yers somewhat bewildered.
During ball possession drills, Materazzi approached Wang Feng and whispered, "What''s going on with this weird atmosphere? Do you know any insider info?"
Wang Feng dared not gossip, only shook his head indicating he didn''t know, then focused on his own training.
Until the Europa League knockout match against Paris, there were still no signs of reconciliation between the two sides.
On match day, the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium was almost full. Inside the yer tunnel, both Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Mn''s starting lineups were lined up, ready to enter the pitch. It''s worth mentioning that Conchiao, who had recovered from a muscle injury, would make aeback in this game.
Standing next to Wang Feng was a young man with disheveled long hair and dark skin, who was sizing up Wang Feng''s Asian face. Sensing the gaze, Wang Feng turned to him.
The young man shed a bright smile. "Hello, Wang Feng, I finally get to meet you."
Wang Feng realized he was Ronaldinho, the 22-year-old Brazilian prodigy hailed as the sessor to Ronaldo.
As Wang Feng didn''t make it to Paris, the Parisian media oftenpared Ronaldinho and him in their reports, and he had heard about it.
So, he smiled back and responded, "Hello, I''ve heard Ronaldo speak highly of you."
Ronaldinho replied, "Compared to you, I still have a long way to go, but I''ll give my all in this game."
Wang Feng nodded with a smile. After a brief exchange, both teams officially entered the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. This is the Italian Broadcasting Corporation''s sports channel. I''m your old friend, Damien Grant. Today, I bring you a Europa League showdown, Inter Mn against Paris Saint-Germain."
"In this game, whether it''s the sh between Wang Feng and Ronaldinho, the rising stars of the top five leagues, or the Brazilian derby between the big Ronaldo and the little Ronaldo, there''s plenty to look forward to."
"Both teams have lined up on the field. Let''s take a look at their starting lineups. Inter Mn is still deploying a 3-5-2 formation, with Ronaldo on the bench. It seems the head coach sees him as a secret weapon."
"Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, is using a 4-4-2 formation. Ronaldinho is still starting upfront. This is his seventh consecutive start, indicating he''s won the coaching staff''s trust with his performances."
"The main referee, Hoyte Harris from the Czech Republic, has blown the whistle to start the match. Inter Mn kicks off, Di Biagio passes to Recoba, who returns it to Cordoba."
"Inter Mn controls the ball in the back, while Paris Saint-Germain yers maintain their formation."
"A long pass from Materazzi finds Wang Feng in the forward area. Wang Feng didn''t win the first ball, and the Paris defender heads it back. The ball is at Inter Mn''s feet in midfield."
"Conchiao grabs the ball, reorganizes the attack, a through pass, beautiful! Wang Feng''s timing for the forward run is just impable. He''s fast and sessfully gets the ball."
"Wang Feng dribbles into the penalty area. At this moment, there''s only one defender left inside the penalty area! A feint, he bypasses the defender! A shot, it''s in! Goooooooooooooal!"
"Only two minutes into the game, Wang Feng breaks through Paris''s defense. His form is just exceptional."
"Inter Mn continues to attack. From the start until now, Inter Mn has been dominating Paris Saint-Germain. It''s clear they have absolute superiority in the midfield and attacking areas."
"Look at this, Di Biagio receives the ball in the forward area, passes to Recoba, Recoba with a wide cross to the right, to Wang Feng''s feet."
"What will Wang Feng do? A beautiful feint, he bypasses left-back Simon Boury, crosses into the penalty area."
"Vieira shoots!! Oh, what a pity, his shot hits the crossbar. It had too much power. We can see Vieira giving Wang Feng a thumbs-up, indicating a good pass."
Because Paris often loses possession in midfield, Ronaldinho constantly runs back and forth in both attacking and defensive transitions, and less than ten minutes into the game, he''s already slightly out of breath.
At this rate, the team will definitely lose! Little Ronaldo thought to himself. Although he was somewhat yful and unwilling to train hard, deep down, he still had the blood of a football champion flowing through him. He didn''t want to lose to Wang Feng, nor did he want the team to be eliminated so early!
Under the various miraculous saves of Paris goalkeeper Emery Jacobs, they managed to maintain a one-goal deficit for a full forty minutes.
During this time, he at least saved three certain goals from Inter Mn, including a long-range shot from Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area. Wang Feng felt confident with that shot, and the ball was flying straight to the corner, but unexpectedly, Jacobs managed to use his fingertips to tip the ball over the crossbar.
As the first half approached its end, Paris Saint-Germain finally got a chance. Ronaldinho initiated a quick counterattack with the ball. First, he bypassed Zti with a change of direction, then used his speed to evade Cordoba''s pressing.
From a distance of thirty-five meters from the goal, he suddenly shot. The shot caught everyone off guard, even the other Paris Saint-Germain forward who was still making a run forward didn''t anticipate it.
Inter Mn goalkeeper Toldo was positioned a bit forward, so he was caught off guard by the shot and fell awkwardly while backpedaling, only able to watch as the ball dropped into the.
1-1, Paris equalized just before halftime!
This was their third shot of the game and Ronaldinho''s first shot, sessfully piercing Inter Mn''s goal.
After scoring, Ronaldinho excitedly sprinted to celebrate at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, repeatedly making the bullhorn gesture with his hands.
During halftime, the Inter Mn yers were all very frustrated. They had absolute dominance but allowed the away team to equalize, and even conceded an away goal, which was absolutely uneptable.
Captain Javier Zti wasforting Toldo, who was at fault for the goal. It was his momentarypse that put the team in a disadvantageous situation, and he felt extremely guilty.
Ronaldo called Coach Cooper outside the dressing room, trying tomunicate with him about letting himself onto the field. He was also anxiously watching from the sidelines.
But Cooper was a very strong-willed coach. He tly rejected Ronaldo''s suggestion, bluntly stating that if he couldn''t meet his demands, Ronaldo shouldn''t even think about returning to the field!
Ronaldo was furious, stormed back into the locker room, changed into his regr clothes without saying a word, and left the stadium directly.
The other Inter Mn yers were stunned, including Wang Feng. He didn''t expect these two to have such a public falling out. Seeing Ronaldo leave, Cooper said nothing, but continued to prepare tactics for the second half.
Chapter 110: Big news
Chapter 110: Big news
In the second half of the game, many of Inter Mn''s yers seemed absent-minded on the field, shocked by what had happened in the locker room during halftime.
Paris Saint-Germain took advantage of this and gained control of the game. Ronaldinho''s performance in the forward position was exceptionally active, contributing several very threatening attacks.
Wang Feng might be the most sober person in the Inter Mn team. He had to step up.
In the 67th minute, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to receive a pass from Gresko. He immediately turned and dribbled forward. At this moment, two Paris defenders converged on Wang Feng and extended their legs to tackle.
But Wang Feng still firmly controlled the ball at his feet, stumbled to evade the double team. Another defender, Abdul-Roberts, wasing at him.
While advancing, Wang Feng feinted to the left, sessfully evading Roberts and continued dribbling forward. Paris defender Norberto Larry retreated while signaling his teammates to cover the space.
But Wang Feng''s speed was too fast. He reached the edge of the penalty area in an instant. Larry had no choice but to step forward to block him from further breakthroughs, as letting him advance would be too dangerous!
Wang Feng used a croquette trick, pretending to go left but actually breaking right, easily evading Larry''s pressure and dribbling horizontally into the penalty area.
Near the edge of the penalty area, he directly shot with his right foot, sending a low shot past the legs of the oing defender straight into the goal.
"Gooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!! In the 67th minute, Inter Mn takes the lead!"
"Wang Feng staged a brilliant solo performance, dribbling past five yers from midfield and ultimately sending the ball into the of Paris Saint-Germain!"
"Perhaps due to thete first-half goal conceded, Inter Mn yers seemed out of sorts in the second half, but once again, Wang Feng stepped up and saved the team!"
This goal was like a wake-up call, finally rousing the other Inter Mn yers. They rallied, regained control of the game, and maintained the 2-1 scoreline until the end of the match. Inter Mn won the victory, but Paris Saint-Germain took away an away goal, keeping their chances alive.
Ronaldinho came to Wang Feng and said, "Wang, you''re really a responsible and excellent yer. Compared to you, I still have a long way to go."
"But I won''t give up easily. Let''s have another showdown in Paris next time."
Wang Feng smiled and handed him his jersey, saying, "Your skills are also excellent. Your goal in the first half took everyone by surprise."
The two didn''t have the hostility reported by the media. It was justpetition between young yers. They hugged each other, and the cameras faithfully recorded everything on the sidelines.
The photo of their embrace made the front page of "Le Parisien" the next day, with the headline: "Paris Saint-Germain suffers a narrow defeat in Mn, Wang Feng and Ronaldinho exchange smiles."
The article stated, "The most outstanding yer of the match was undoubtedly Wang Feng with his two goals, crucial for Inter Mn''s victory. But Ronaldinho''s performance was also impressive, especially his unexpected world-ss goal, which kept Paris Saint-Germain''s hopes alive."
"After this match, I think the Paris fans who have been moring for Wang Feng should quiet down. Wang Feng and Ronaldinho are two different types of yers, but both are extremely talented and undoubtedly can be the core of a team."
"The two yers themselves seem unaffected by the external opinions and were seen exchanging jerseys with smiles."
The Italian media were too busy reporting on another matter: a photo of Ronaldo leaving the stadium during halftime, which was taken by a journalist from a small newspaper who couldn''t enter the stadium for coverage. He sold the photo to major newspapers, earning a hefty sum and receiving a bonus from his own newspaper. This news overshadowed everything else.
Therefore, all Italian media reported on this matter the next day. Ronaldo''s dispute with the club, leaving the stadium during the match!
This was definitely big news. "Mn Sports Daily" wrote, "From the recent two matches, it can be seen that Ronaldo has been on the bench and hasn''t had a chance to y."
"We originally thought Inter Mn was considering his recent recovery and didn''t want to overuse him, but it turns out he was being sidelined. Obviously, Ronaldo is not taking it lying down. He''s dissatisfied with the club''s arrangements and left in anger."
"Rome Sports Daily" analyzed, "The most likely conflict with Ronaldo is the head coach, Cooper, who directly decides on Inter Mn''s tactics. Perhaps because Ronaldo doesn''t ept his authority, Cooper has given him a warning."
"But it''s also possible that the team''s attacking core, Wang Feng, has conflicts with Ronaldo. Although Inter Mn had always emphasized that the two were not inpetition, the number of goals speaks for itself. Wang Feng''s dominance has made Ronaldo feel threatened, and Cooper, who took over this season, is definitely siding with Wang Feng."
The torrent of public opinion naturally affected the Inter Mn management. Moratti personally spoke with head coach Cooper about the matter.
"Hector, I don''t mean to interfere with your personnel arrangements for the team. In fact, both the club''s management and I are very satisfied with the team''s current performance," Moratti said first.
"But regarding Ronaldo, I hope you can consider it carefully. He is currently the most influential star of our Inter Mn. Let''s not make the situation too tense."
Cooper frowned and said helplessly, "Mr. Moratti, I also don''t want it to be like this, but Ronaldo''s unruly character is really giving us headaches, and his excessive partying is indeed affecting other yers."
Moratti knew about this matter, and the previous coaches had someints about it, but at that time, they had no other choice and could only pretend not to know. However, at this moment, Cooper, with Wang Feng, the top scorer of Serie A, to choose from, naturally couldn''t tolerate Ronaldo''s carelessness.
Though unintentional, in a certain sense, Wang Feng did exacerbate the conflict between Ronaldo and Cooper.
Moratti said, "I will also talk to Ronnie about this matter. Both sides shouldpromise. You will draw up a more rxed training n, arrange for Ronaldo to y, and Ronaldo will reduce his partying and nightclub visits. Can we smoothly finish this season?"
After a long period of mediation, both sides finally reached a preliminary consensus. Cooper also finally rearranged tactics for Ronaldo during training sessions.
After experiencing this tug-of-war, Moratti was physically and mentally exhausted. On the other hand, Ronaldo could only endure his displeasure. At this moment, a phone call came to his personal cell phone: "Ronnie, hello, I''m Florentino Perez. Are you interested in joining Real Madrid? Let''s build the Gcticos together!"
Chapter 111: It is glorious to lose
Chapter 111: It is glorious to lose
Florentino and Ronaldo talked for a long time, and only they knew the specifics of their conversation. After their conversation, Ronaldo''s determination to leave was strengthened.
With that in mind, there was no need to sh with Cooper. Before leaving, he hoped to secure a league championship for Inter Mn, not to disappoint the years he spent there!
In the 23rd round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Verona at home. In preparation for the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, coach Cooper put Wang Feng on the bench and started Ronaldo.
Before this, Roma unexpectedly drew 0-0 away against Brescia, so as long as Inter Mn won this match, they could reim second ce on the standings.
Verona put up a strong fight in the match. They were currently ranked fifth from the bottom, just one step away from the relegation zone, so every game from now on was crucial for them.
Inter Mn struggled to break the deadlock. In the 60th minute, Cooper reced Gresko with Wang Feng.
Five minutester, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack from the back. Dibaggio passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right side, who advanced with the ball.
His speed was fast, and in the blink of an eye, he reached the top of the penalty area. At this moment, the two Verona defenders focused entirely on Wang Feng, converging on him from left and right.
When Wang Feng started dribbling, he nced at the positioning of other Inter Mn yers. He estimated that Ronaldo was not far behind him.
So he decisively flicked the ball with his heel behind him, directly to Ronaldo''s feet.
Since Wang Feng attracted all the defensive attention, Ronaldo easily received the ball and broke into the penalty area, then scored with an outside-of-the-foot shot.
This was Ronaldo''s third league goal of the season. With this goal, Inter Mn defeated Verona 1-0 and reimed second ce on the standings.
After finishing the league, Inter Mn directly flew to Paris, France, preparing for the second leg of the knockout match against Paris Saint-Germain.
They stayed at a local five-star hotel. Coach Cooper announced a rule that until the end of the match, no yer was allowed to leave the hotel.
After all, this was the luxurious Paris, and before departure, Rekoba and Konchesky privately discussed where to y, but their conversation reached the coaching staff''s ears.
However, to boost morale, Cooper promised that if they won the game, the club could stay in Paris for an extra day, which made the yers cheer again.
On the day of the match, the Prince''s Park Stadium with a capacity of 46,000 was full. Despite Paris Saint-Germain''s not-so-impressive performance, their fan base was still fervent.
In this match, the tridentbination of Wang Feng, Vieri, and Ronaldo continued to start. Although Inter Mn had the advantage of a home victory, they did not intend to adopt a conservative strategy but started with an aggressive approach.
In the 11th minute, Dibaggio slowly dribbled the ball past the midfield, observing the situation on the field and looking for the right passing opportunity. Just then, Wang Feng, lurking in the frontcourt, suddenly ran forward.
Dibaggio understood, he kicked a lob pass with the toe of his foot. The ball drew a parabolic curve in the air and fell directly into the penalty area.
Wang Feng, who had made a high-speed run, still managed to reach the ball despite the defensive interference and volleyed it into the, piercing through Paris Saint-Germain''s defense.
"The goal is in! In the 11th minute of the first half, Wang Feng gave Inter Mn the lead. They are already halfway into the round of 16!"
"Relying on Dibaggio''s broad vision and urate passing, as well as Wang Feng''s speed advantage and finishing ability, Inter Mnunched an unstoppable offensivebination. Paris Saint-Germain''s defenders and goalkeeper could only stand by helplessly."
Paris Saint-Germain''s nightmare was not over yet. In the first half, in the 41st minute, Inter Mnunched an attack from the left, and Rekoba''s cross was blocked by the defender but did not fly too far, falling into the 30-meter area of the penalty area.
Dibaggio stopped the ball and passed it to Wang Feng near the top of the penalty area. Without stopping the ball, Wang Feng lofted a pass to Ronaldo, who was making a run.
Ronaldo, under pressure from the defenders, stumbled a bit as he ran past the ball''snding spot. He had a sudden inspiration, lifted his right foot, and flicked the falling ball with his heel toward the goal.
The ball arced in the air like a spoon penalty,nding in the. The goalkeeper stood near the small penalty area, his eyes following the ball''s trajectory, but he couldn''t react.
2-0! Inter Mn led Paris Saint-Germain with a total score of 4-1 over two legs, with Ronaldo scoring his first goal in the Europa League this season.
The home fans booed, and many of them left the stands angrily. They didn''t want to witness a ughter.
In the second half, with only about a third of the original audience left in the stands, in dire straits, Ronaldinho erupted.
In the 57th minute, Paris Saint-Germainunched an attack from the left. Central defender Vince Cord passed the ball into the penalty area, where Ronaldinho, at the edge of the small penalty area, executed a brilliant bicycle kick to pull one back for the home team.
In the 71st minute, Ronaldinho received the ball in the frontcourt again. He dribbled to the right, constantly adjusting his footing, evading the tackles of Sandetti and Cordoba, and broke into the penalty area.
After entering the penalty area, he flicked the ball to the left, quickly changed direction to the left, avoiding Matrazi''s block, and then left-footed shot to equalize the score for Paris Saint-Germain.
It wasn''t enough! Ronaldinho entered the goal and grabbed the ball, running towards the center circle.
The remaining spectators in the stands were impressed by Ronaldo''s brilliant performance, and they stood up one after another, cheering for the home team again, showing a strong presence for a moment.
Football is round, and anything can happen.
In the 80th minute, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Jacobs received a back pass from his teammate under Vieiri''s pressing and hastily kicked the ball out, but the force was small, and the ball rolled slowly towards defender Alton Dural''s direction.
Wang Feng quickly approached at this time, seized the ball before Dural, and then dribbled into the penalty area.
Facing the only defending yer in the penalty area, he stopped abruptly, used his right foot to control the ball, then turned around and used his left foot to flick the ball backward, performing a standard Marseille turn to pass the opponent.
The goalkeeper also rushed out of the small penalty area to block Wang Feng, but he only lightly pushed the ball forward, evading Jacobs'' save, and then scored into the empty.
Jacobs, who made a fatal mistake, fell to the ground in pain, grabbing his hair tightly with both hands. How much he wished time could go back two minutes, or even one minute, so that he could make up for this mistake.
Football matches are sometimes so cruel. With Wang Feng''s two shots and one assist, Inter Mn eliminated Paris Saint-Germain with a total score of 5-3 over two legs.
But whether it was the tenacious fight of Paris Saint-Germain''s yers in the first leg or the sh of brilliance from Ronaldinho in the second leg, it was enough to show that this was an exciting contest.
Paris Saint-Germain and Ronaldinho can still hold their heads high despite the defeat!
Chapter 112: Devil鈥檚 schedule
Chapter 112: Devil''s schedule
After the game, Ronaldinho quickly adjusted his mindset and calmly epted the fact of defeat. He took the initiative to walk up to Wang Feng to congratte him, and then hugged Ronaldo.
Ronaldo whispered in his ear, "You did really well. We have more confidence for the World Cup this summer." Ronaldinho blushed and smiled shyly, his eyes filled with longing. It would be his first World Cup journey!
Then, Ronaldo invited Wang Feng and Ronaldinho to dinner. One was a formidable opponent, and the other was apatriot. Even though they had just fought on the field, it didn''t seem awkward.
Unexpectedly, Recoba and Konchesky wanted to join them, and Grimes from Paris naturally attended. Soon, more and more yers from both sides joined in, turning it into a big gathering.
The party was held at the rooftop bar, located on the top floor of the Parisian building, overlooking the Paris City Hall and the distant Eiffel Tower, providing an excellent view.
Grimes arrived early and booked the entire bar. To liven up the atmosphere, he mobilized his connections and invited many enthusiastic Europeandies to apany them, including famous actresses and models. Konchesky enthusiastically agreed; this was the Paris nightlife he longed for.
Such arge-scale event naturally attracted the attention of the media. Many reporters came to the scene, hoping to uncover some big news.
Young, wealthy, handsome, and at the peak of his reputation, Wang Feng became the center of attention at the party. Many enthusiastic girls approached him for conversation. If they could win his favor, it would mean a qualitative leap in both fame and future prospects.
Wang Feng also encountered a familiar face, the girl Desire Hansen who had tried to seduce him during thest magazine cover shoot. She said with a resentful tone, "Wang, you''re too heartless. I''ve been waiting for you for so long. Why didn''t you contact me?"
Wang Feng had long discarded her contact information and could only excuse himself by saying he was too busy. However, she still relentlessly stuck by his side throughout the party, making him very ufortable.
So Wang Feng found an excuse to get away from her for a while, told Ronaldo, and went straight back to the hotel. He would rather practice for a few more hours than stay in that environment any longer.
What he didn''t know was that Hansen had prepared aplete publicity n. She had already contacted a reporter waiting outside. When the party ended, she nned to pretend to be drunk, let Wang Feng help her, and then take a photo, creating a scandal.
But Wang Feng slipped away ahead of time, foiling her n. Hansen''s face was extremely grim. She didn''t know if she would get such a perfect opportunity again.
The next day, major newspapers in Paris indeed published the details of the party. Each yer was photographed in various revelry, especially Konchesky, whose cozy embrace with multiple girls received widespread criticism.
Only Wang Feng, who left the scene early, didn''t have any photos leaked. This made everyone even more optimistic about his future. "A young, talented, and disciplined yer like him, how could he not seed?"mented Le Parisien.
Back in Italy, in the 24th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Udinese away. Udinese, gued by injuries, had plummeted in the standings and currently ranked fifth from the bottom.
In the 6th minute of the game, Wang Feng was fouled in the penalty area by defender Caballero, and the referee decisively awarded a penalty. However, Vieri''s penalty flew over the crossbar.
Nevertheless, Inter Mn continued to press Udinese. In the 17th minute, Dibaggio created an opportunity on the left, dribbled past defenders, and crossed.
Wang Feng, positioned perfectly near the penalty spot, rose high despite Caballero''s interference and headed the ball into the.
1-0, Wang Feng opened the scoring for Inter Mn! This was his first headed goal since joining Inter Mn, and Matrazi, who rushed to him, excitedly rubbed his head, shouting, "Your head finally got it, not in vain for me to teach you for so long."
Just two minutes after the first goal, Inter Mn intercepted Udinese''s attack in their own half andunched a counterattack. Sandetti''s long pass found Dibaggio on the left, who cut inside.
After a clever one-two with Recoba, Dibaggio passed to Wang Feng in the penalty area.
Despite being tightly marked by Berto, Wang Feng managed to turn around forcefully and shoot.
"Goal! It''s Wang Feng again, within two minutes, he scored a brace."
"This shot is powerful and precise. Goalkeeper Turci guessed the direction correctly but couldn''t stop the ball from flying into the."
"This is Wang Feng''s 27th league goal of the season. With ten rounds left, Wang Feng is on the verge of reaching thirty league goals, a feat as easy as pie."
When the game reached the 35th minute, Udinese''s corner kick was ineffective, and the ball was cleared outside the penalty area. Wang Feng controlled the ball and started a swift counterattack.
Udinese defenders Pisano and Jorgensen couldn''t catch up with Wang Feng, who formed a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
3-0! Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick, his third of the season, two in Serie A and one in the Europa League. He was a strong guarantee for Inter Mn''s dual campaign!
In the end, Inter Mn defeated Udineseprehensively, dragging them into the relegation abyss.
In another match, Juventus drew 0-0 with Torino, narrowing the gap between Inter Mn and Juventus to 5 points.
Inter Mn''s opponent in the Europa League Round of 16 was Chelsea from the Premier League.
Last season, Chelsea made history by reaching the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time, but the strain of ying on multiple fronts led to a disappointing sixth-ce finish in the league. This season, they could only participate in the Europa League.
However, their entry into the Champions League quarterfinals in their first attempt was enough to demonstrate Chelsea''s strong capabilities. The sh between Inter Mn and Chelsea promised to be an evenly matched contest.
What''s even more unfavorable is that they will face AC Mn and Juventus consecutively in the league, with both matches affecting the final championship oue.
With four tough matches in half a month, the members of Inter Mn''s coaching staff were scratching their heads, discussing tactics and personnel arrangements overnight.
Chapter 113: Vs AC Milan
Chapter 113: Vs AC Mn
The coaching staff of Inter Mn discussed for a long time and finally decided on a principle, which is to rely on Wang Feng!
Cooper joked, "From the perspective of the first half of the season, Wang Feng has abundant physical fitness and rtively strong injury resistance. Both the league and the Europa League are at critical moments, so we can only let him take on more."
When the coaching staff informed Wang Feng of this news, he patted his chest and assured, "You can rest assured, I will definitely hold on." This intensive series of matches is a test of his physical fitness and skills.
Soon Inter Mn faced their first opponent, AC Mn, in the 25th round of Serie A at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
For AC Mn coach Terim, this match was thest chance. At this stage of the league, they were 13 points behind the league leaders Juventus, almost impossible to reverse for the championship. Roma, who was third in the standings, also firmly held them down.
After spending over a hundred million euros on transfersst summer, they only achieved such results. The club''s top management was very dissatisfied, even saying that if they couldn''t beat Inter Mn, then Terim would be fired.
The Mn Derby kicked off in such a tense atmosphere.
Terim made adjustments to the starting lineup, with Helveg and Coco, who performed poorly in thest round, ced on the bench. Kdze reced Coco in the starting lineup, partnering with Maldini in double defensive midfield. Shevchenko, Albertini, and Rui Costa remained unchanged in the frontcourt, with Inzaghi still leading the attack.
After the kick-off, AC Mnunched a threatening attack. In the 7th minute, Rui Costa kicked a long pass from the midfield. Shevchenko, known as the "missile", quickly started and sessfully dribbled into the penalty area, then bypassed the goalkeeper and calmly shot into the far corner.
Fortunately, Matrazi reacted quickly, not going after the ball but intercepting the approaching Shevchenko, sessfully clearing the ball off the goal line.
In the 13th minute, AC Mn came again. Inzaghi, after receiving the ball in the penalty area, dodged consecutive tackles from Sanehti and Cordoba with small steps, then passed to Shevchenko on the other side.
If Shevchenko had an easy shot, the ball would surely go in. Helplessly, Matrazi had to slide tackle, but failed to touch the ball, instead bringing down Sheva.
Yellow card + penalty! Inter Mn got off to a bad start and fell into crisis.
Shevchenko personally took the penalty kick, but unexpectedly, when he ran up, he stumbled a bit, failing to hit the ball properly, directly shooting a high shot.
The AC Mn fans in the stands immediately booed, while the Inter Mn fans cheered, and even some quarrels broke out in the area between the two sides, requiring additional security to prevent further conflicts between the fans.
With the missed penalty, AC Mn''s offensive momentum was blocked, and Inter Mn gradually regained some advantage, organizing several sessful attacks.
But as the game went on, neither side managed to break the deadlock, and the tension on and off the field intensified, with defensive actions bing more aggressive.
Under Terim''s special orders, Wang Feng was tightly marked, and he couldn''t count how many times he was brought down. Several times, it almost led to conflicts, but fortunately, he was rational enough to get up immediately and stop his impulsive teammates.
"Don''t get into conflicts, bro. The best way to deal with fouls is to score goals, to win, not to fight each other," Wang Feng said to Matrazi.
As the game approached the end, both teams'' yers were almost exhausted physically and mentally, and Wang Feng had been waiting, just needing one chance!
In the 90th minute, Dibaggio advanced with the ball along the left side, quickly reaching the edge of the penalty area. AC Mn''s Kdze was a bit distracted, standing far from him.
At this moment, Dibaggio suddenly cut inside with the ball, intending to enter the penalty area. Kdze hurriedly moved forward to block, but his positioning was poor. Dibaggio calmly sent a cross to the middle of the penalty area.
The ball arrived in the center along the penalty area line, and Rekoba quickly darted forward to receive it, then pushed the ball to the right side, where a figure emerged from behind the defense line, it was Wang Feng!
AC Mn defender Maldini closely followed Wang Feng. By this time, they were already in the penalty area. He didn''t dare to make big moves and could only use his body to block Wang Feng''s shooting angle.
However, Wang Feng suddenly braked, used his right foot to stop the ball, then flicked it to his left foot. Maldini''s momentum couldn''t be stopped, stumbling and falling to the ground, just blocking the goalkeeper''s route out.
Seizing this momentary loophole, Wang Feng fiercely shot with his left foot, and the ball flew like a cannonball straight into the upper left corner of the goal, hitting the.
"The ball''s in!!! Goooooal! In the 90th minute, Wang Feng scored a crucial goal for Inter Mn!"
"This is a priceless goal. When Inter Mn''s offense was in trouble, Wang Feng stood up again and again, proving his value to the fans!"
After scoring, Wang Feng excitedly crossed the advertising boards, ran along the sidelines, followed by other yers, caught up with him, and then hugged him tightly. Joy and excitement were evident on everyone''s faces.
Terim stood on the sidelines like a statue, his face full of loss and despair because he knew he hadpletely failed, and he would soon be swept out with nothing. No coach hoped for such a result.
"Wang Feng, Wang Feng," he muttered through gritted teeth, "Why do you always make trouble for me?" Last time they met, he scored twice, and this time, he scored the decisive goal. It was just too much!
He deeply regretted it now. If only he had watched Wang Feng''s footage in the Belgian Leaguest summer or had not been so full of words when the club management suggested bringing Wang Feng in.
Wang Feng naturally didn''t know what was on Terim''s mind. Even if he did, he would only smile helplessly. He wasn''t targeting anyone. In every game, he would give his all, only for that final championship trophy!
The second half of the match had only 2 minutes of injury time, and of course, with AC Mn''s current depressed momentum, even if a few more minutes were added, they wouldn''t be able to reverse the situation. Soon, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game.
The Inter Mn fans in the stands cheered and danced, waving their team gs and homemade banners, singing Inter Mn''s anthem. The AC Mn fans left the stadium grumbling, but fortunately, the security forces were sufficient, and there were no further conflicts between the two sides.
Inter Mn won a valuable three points. At the same time, in another match, Juventus stumbled again, drawing 1-1 with Bologna, drawing for two consecutive rounds. Inter Mn sessfully narrowed the points gap to 3 points.
In other words, the next round directly facing Juventus will once again determine the top spot! Last time they faced off, Inter Mn topped the table with victory and goal difference advantage. If they win the next round, they will once again take the top spot with goal difference advantage, which is quite dramatic.
Of course, Juventus is also waiting at home with strict defenses, eager to avenge their previous defeat and secure their position as league champions!
Chapter 114: Rapid blitz
Chapter 114: Rapid blitz
AC Mn Football Club announced after the match that they have officially terminated the contract with Fatih Terim. This coach, who previously led the Turkish powerhouse Gtasaray to win the 2000 UEFA Cup and the 2000 UEFA Super Cup, apparently fell short of expectations.
Recing him is the Italian Carlo Ancelotti. In the previous three seasons, he was the head coach of Juventus, but was only able to lead the Old Lady to two league runner-up finishes and one insignificant International Toto Cup, resulting in his dismissal.
He has been idle at home since the beginning of this season until AC Mn''s team manager, Stuart Kunde, approached him, hoping he could take over the mess left by Terim.
For AC Mn, Ancelotti''s coaching record is not considered sessful, but being born in the Italian league, he has a deep understanding of Serie A. Therefore, with no better options avable, the club''s top management decided to give him a try.
Midweek, Inter Mn hosted Chelsea at home.
The visiting team lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Cudicini, defenders Le Saux, Gas, Terry, and Melchiot, midfielders Senden, Petit, Lampard, and Z, and forwards Goodjohnsen and Hasselbaink.
Chelsea''s performance this season has not been very good. They are currently sixth in the league and only have a chance topete for the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League. The main reason for this phenomenon is the club''s serious financial deficit, with even yer bonuses being reduced, leading to a rtively low team morale.
At the beginning of the season, they spent a lot of money on rebuilding the stands at Stamford Bridge Stadium, and then frequently made moves in the transfer market to build the current lineup. Coupled with expenses such as building luxury hotels, it can be said that they are spending more than they can afford.
However, the club''s top management is currently actively seeking external investment. It is said that the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich is interested in Chelsea, and the two sides are in negotiations. It is believed that if sessful, it will bring sufficient funds to the team.
So they urgently need to perform well to show Abramovich the potential of Chelsea. They have the advantage in the market, and the Europa League against Inter Mn is their opportunity to showcase their performance!
"Beep~" The main referee Quentin Blungett blew the whistle to stop the game once again. In the 7th minute, Grzeskowicz''s long pass from midfield reached the defense line, and Wang Feng quickly surged forward, passing Chelsea defenders Gas and Terry.
But Terry immediately raised his hand to signal offside. The linesman hesitated for a moment before raising the g. The main referee believed the linesman''s decision, and Wang Feng could only ept it helplessly.
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey of the defense. It can be seen that this is a controversial decision. At the moment the ball was yed, Wang Feng was still half a body behind the defense line."
"This is the second time this kind of decision has appeared in this match. Wang Feng''s speed is too fast, coupled with Chelsea''s defense line frequently signaling offside, it''s also pressure on the linesman."
After the start of the match, both Inter Mn and Chelsea yed very actively, conducting simple probing before organizing attacks.
Two minutester, Chelsea central defenders Lampard and Petit passed the ball to each other and sent a cross into the box. Hasselbaink in the penalty area, under Matrazi''s defense, barely managed to touch the ball butcked power, which was confiscated by Inter Mn goalkeeper Toldo.
In the 31st minute, Chelsea had a free kick opportunity in the frontcourt. Lampard took the free kick, lofting the ball into the penalty area, where Zti and Goodjohnsen were contesting for the ball.
Goodjohnsen put his hand on Zti''s waist, secretly trying to push him away, while Zti pressed his elbow against Goodjohnsen''s chest, both making somewhat aggressive moves.
In the end, Zti gained a slight advantage, pushing Goodjohnsen away and winning the first touch, then cleared the ball out of bounds, while Goodjohnsen lost his bnce and fell to the ground.
"Beep~" The referee''s whistle sounded again as he walked into the penalty area, pointing to the penalty spot!
Chelsea was awarded a penalty! Zti and other yers found it hard to ept, surrounding the referee team, exining that they hadn''tmitted a foul just now.
But the German referee Blungett still insisted on his decision, warning the Inter Mn yers to disperse quickly, or he would show them cards.
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Zti did indeed press his elbow against the opponent during the contest, but this should be a qualified confrontation. The referee''s decision to award a penalty was obviously too strict."
"Inter Mn is facing a disadvantageous situation. They haven''t broken the deadlock themselves yet, and now they are giving the opponent a chance to score an away goal?"
Wang Feng wiped the sweat from his forehead. He felt that today''s main referee was indeed too harsh on Inter Mn. Several previous offside calls against them were blown, and now they were awarded a penalty. Was this still their home field?
But this is football, and unexpected situations can happen at any time.
Hasselbaink took this penalty, and he scored easily, giving Chelsea a valuable goal.
Trailing Inter Mnunched a fierce attack against Chelsea''s defense.
In the 41st minute, Inter Mn goalkeeper Toldo kicked the ball long to the midfield.
Midfielder Conceicao headed the ball to Recoba, who then made a nted long pass to the right side. Wang Feng quickly chased after the ball, receiving it near the penalty area. The transition from defense to offense took only a dozen seconds for Inter Mn!
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng, facing Chelsea defender Le Saux, first pretended to cut inside to the left, but actually poked the ball to the right, dribbling past Le Saux''s defense. Near the goal line, he crossed.
The ball passed over Gas at the near post and reached the edge of the small penalty area. Vieri, at this moment, leaped forward like a missile, just in time to head the iing ball, redirecting it into the.
"Gooooooooooooal!! The ball''s in!! A leaping header from Vieri, so wonderful! Inter Mn''s counterattack is so fast."
"From Toldo''s long ball to Vieri''s goal, it took less than forty seconds, piercing through Chelsea''s entire defense line."
"Inter Mnunched a rapid counterattack. This is a typical non-Serie A style of offense, so unexpected."
After Vieri''s goal, he excitedly sprinted to the sidelines, interacting with the fans. Since the beginning of this season, he felt that he had been ying more smoothly on the front line, all thanks to Wang Feng''s organization in the attack, not only reducing his pressure but also keeping injuries almost away from him.
It should be noted that in the 00-01 season, due to injuries, Vieri only yed 27 times for Inter Mn. So far this season, he has already exceeded the number of appearances fromst season.
Coach Cooper on the sidelines showed great excitement in his eyes. He didn''t expect that under Wang Feng''s leadership, Inter Mn would organize another sessful attack. Wang Feng''s potential has not been fully tapped!
He is like a precious treasure. The deeper you dig, the more you can feel hisprehensive abilities.
With Vieri''s goal, the first half between Inter Mn and Chelsea ended in a 1-1 draw.
Chapter 115: Ronnie outburst
Chapter 115: Ronnie outburst
In the second half of the match, the mentality of the Chelsea yers was clearly unbnced. They could y brilliantly when things were going their way, but once they faced setbacks, they seemed to be on the verge of copse.
In the first half, Inter Mn''s rapid counterattacks organized by Wang Feng dealt a severe blow to their morale. Coach Ranieri on the sidelines continuously directed the yers'' positioning and tactics, appearing very tense.
This coach has previously coached several Serie A teams, including Cagliari, Napoli, Fiorentina, Parma, and even Juventus. However, he gained fame by bringing Valencia''s defensive counterattack tactics to Serie A,ying the foundation for their subsequent UEFA Champions League runner-up finishes.
The current Inter Mn coach Cooper took over Valencia after Ranieri''s departure and led the team to two UEFA Champions League finals.
As for Ranieri himself, he stumbled at Atletico Madrid, leading the team to relegation in the 99-00 season. Consequently, he was rightfully dismissed by the club and remained idle for six months before receiving an invitation from Chelsea.
It can be said that Cooper might have some "peach-picking" suspicions regarding his achievements at Valencia.
With this background, Ranieri was even more determined not to lose to Inter Mn. Therefore, during halftime, he provided a lot of psychological guidance to the team. However, the yers'' performance on the field still did not meet expectations.
In the 55th minute, a through ball from Recoba reached the edge of the penalty area, where Wang Feng quickly inserted himself. He lightly touched the ball forward with the tip of his foot and then elerated past Chelsea defender Le Saux.
At this moment, Chelsea goalkeeper Cudicini decisively chose toe out and dive to intercept the ball. Before he could reach it, Wang Feng shot with his foot, avoiding the goalkeeper''s hands and sending the ball towards the bottom left corner of the goal.
Wang Feng also urgently jumped to avoid colliding with Cudicini, as both of them would have been injured otherwise.
Le Saux desperately chased after the ball, trying to block it before it crossed the goal line, but he failed.
2-1! Inter Mn took the lead!
In the 71st minute, Zti sent a diagonal long pass to find Dibiagio on the left side of the field. He made a brilliant control to bring the ball down and then crossed from the baseline.
Vieri, lurking in the penalty area, failed to reach the ball first, allowing it to reach the far post. Wang Feng and Chelsea defender Gas were both contesting for the ball.
Wang Feng''s position was somewhat unfavorable, unable to use his head to challenge for the ball. So, he instinctively turned sideways and jumped, using his right foot to volley directly!
Gas, who thought he could defend against the ball, did not expect Wang Feng to twist his body to the extreme in mid-air, beating him to the ball.
With a "bang," the ball quickly flew towards the top right corner of the goal. Cudicini never expected Wang Feng to shoot in this manner, his reaction was half a beatte. Only after the ball crossed the goal line did he attempt to save it.
"Goooooooooooooal! The ball''s in!! Wang Feng scores his second goal!"
"Wang Feng has secured the victory for Inter Mn! In a very unfavorable attacking position, he created a valuable goal with a side volley!"
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Wang Feng almostpletely turned sideways in the air, allowing him to beat Gas to the ball before shooting. This move is truly exquisite!"
After the shot, Wang Feng fell sideways to the ground, feeling a slight pain in his left arm due to the impact. However, he ignored it, immediately looking up at the goal. When he saw the ball go in, he excitedly got up and rushed towards the sidelines.
He slid all the way to the corner g area, pointing to the sky in celebration. He was greeted by the thunderous cheers of the home fans and the warm hugs of his teammates.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the score on the scoreboard was 1-3, with Inter Mn winning. They secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
The Inter Mn yers, who had fought two consecutive matches, had to immediately rush to Turin, Italy, to prepare for the challenge against league leaders Juventus in three days. Their exhaustion was evident.
Especially for Wang Feng, who had yed full 90 minutes in the previous two matches and had taken on a significant offensive role. Coach Cooper found him to confirm his physical condition.
"No problem, Mr. Cooper," Wang Feng said confidently. Although the consecutive high-intensity matches had strained his body, he hadn''t reached the point of fatigue or injury yet. Faced with the current tense situation, he also wanted to take on more responsibility.
Cooper nodded, not saying anything further. He believed Wang Feng was definitely suited to be a qualified team leaderhardworking, humble, and responsible. If all his yers were like him, coaching would be much easier.
On the Juventus side, technical director Harl Branda''s situation felt simr to that of AC Mn''s former coach Terim because he had previously denied the talents of Jan Koller and Wang Feng, who came from the Belgian league.
As a result, Jan Koller joined Borussia Dortmund and immediately took off, forming a formidable attacking trio with Brazilian forward Amaruso and Czechpatriot Rosicky, helping the club surpass Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen to top the Bundesliga.
Wang Feng''s performance in Serie A was even more explosive, leading the top scorers'' chart and directly threatening Juventus'' championship aspirations.
Although Branda would not be dismissed like Terim, club president Kiusano had already begun to feel dissatisfied with him.
Facing two consecutive draws and the relentlesspetition from Inter Mn, Juventus started a fierce battle against them at the San Siro Stadium.
However, the protagonist of this match was not Juventus'' Trezeguet and Del Piero, nor Inter Mn''s Wang Feng and Vieri, but Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute in the 40th minute!
Continuous injuries and conflicts with the coaching staff had made this season extremely difficult for him. Many times, he seemed invisible on the field. But in order to leave no regrets at Inter Mn, he would give his all whenever he could y.
In the 43rd minute, Inter Mnunched a rapid counterattack. Consi?ao carried the ball into the opponent''s half and passed it to Ronaldo on the left nk. After entering the penalty area, he dribbled past a defender with a feint and scored.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Dibiagio crossed from the left, and Ronaldo, on the edge of the small penalty area, made a spectacr scissor-kick motion. His right foot touched the iing ball, deflecting it into Buffon''s goal.
With Ronaldo''s brace and their strong defense, Inter Mn defeated Juventus 2-0, once again equalizing points and reiming the top spot with a better goal difference!
In a luxurious box in the stands, Branda watched with a grim expression as the club lost to their championship rivals, undoubtedly a huge blow for them.
The only constion might be that Wang Feng did not shine in this match, temporarily avoiding President Kiusano''s disapproval. However, the team''s excessive focus and vignce towards Wang Feng were also one of the reasons for Ronaldo''s breakout.
"Fortunately, Ronaldo and Cooper don''t get along. He''ll probably leave after the end of this season," Branda thought silently, knowing that some Spanish media outlets had already begun to specte about Ronaldo''s arrival at the Bernabeu.
Chapter 116: Leadership qualities
Chapter 116: Leadership qualities
"Chelsea''s performance was much better than the previous match," said Osgood, former Chelsea legend, in the Sky Sports studio.
As a special guest, he was broadcasting this highly anticipated match, the second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16, between Chelsea and Inter Mn, to audiences across the UK.
In the previous encounter, Chelsea was in a disadvantageous position, almost on the brink of elimination. Therefore, in this match, the entire team showed great enthusiasm, initiating a relentless attack amidst the cheers of the home fans.
Within the first ten minutes of the game, Chelseapletely dominated the field, making it difficult for Inter Mn to organize effective attacks, and the ball rarely reached the feet of Wang Feng and Vieri.
In contrast, Chelsea''s Goodjohnsen and Lampard both made two high-quality shots. If it weren''t for Toldo''s focused attention and strenuous saves, Inter Mn''s goal would have been breached early.
This is the true strength ofst year''s UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists!
In the 15th minute of the first half, Chelsea''s attack paid off. Lampard crossed from the right, Materrazi made a powerful header clearance, but the ball''s trajectory was too high, just grazing his scalp and reaching the back post in the penalty area.
Goodjohnsen, despite Zti''s interference, managed to jump and head the ball into Inter Mn''s goal.
Chelsea sessfully pulled one back! The moment the goal was scored, the entire Stamford Bridge erupted with deafening cheers. Lampard''s excellent cross not only evaded Materrazi at the near post but also found Goodjohnsen urately at the back post. The ball had a noticeable downward trajectory when it reached him, everything seemed to fall perfectly into ce.
After scoring, the dic yer didn''t choose to celebrate but quickly rushed into Inter Mn''s goal to retrieve the ball and put it at the center circle. He knew it wasn''t enough; they needed at least one more goal to have hopes of advancing!
Wang Feng took a moment to catch his breath. In the intense fifteen minutes of the game, he actively participated in defense, covering arge distance with his runs, yet still allowed the opponent to seed.
As the game resumed, in the 18th minute, Peti, in midfield, used a feint to get past the distracted Grzeskowiak and attempted a direct breakthrough.
But Wang Feng timely filled the gap, disrupting the ball with a sliding tackle, causing Peti to fall.
"Beep!" The referee''s whistle sounded, as he walked up to Wang Feng, showing him a yellow card. Wang Feng and several other yers surrounded the referee to exin that he didn''t touch Peti at all, just the ball. However, the referee insisted on his decision.
"Oh, the Frenchman Aurelio Cusna, the referee in charge, has shown a yellow card to Inter Mn''s number ten, Wang Feng. Let''s see what happened exactly."
"From the slow-motion rey, it can be seen that Wang Feng''s foot touched the ball first. This should be a good defensive move. What do you think, Osgood?"
"I think this situation could go either way. It could be considered a foul for lifting his foot too high when tackling, or it could be seen as a good tackle. Of course, being at Chelsea''s home ground, there might be some advantage in the refereeing decisions, but I don''t think a yellow card was necessary at all."
"ording to the records, this yellow card is the first one Wang Feng has received since joining Inter Mn. The referee was indeed too arbitrary."
Wang Feng shrugged helplessly. The events on the field were indeed unpredictable. He said to his teammates around him, "Come on, guys, let''s stay focused. We''re still in the lead, this minor setback doesn''t mean anything."
Seeing Wang Feng''s determined attitude, the others couldn''t help but feel shaken. Throughout this season, Wang Feng had repeatedly created miracles, helping the teame from behind to win. Unknowingly, everyone seemed to rely on him.
Although he was not very old, his leadership qualities were bing more and more prominent.
Inter Mn''s defense in the back gradually stabilized, and their offense did not shine much. Wang Feng frequently dropped back to midfield to organize attacks. In the 30th minute, he received the ball in midfield and dribbled forward.
With sessive dribbles and lightning-fast speed, he shook off Cenden and Gas, charging directly into the opposition''s final third. At this moment, several defenders hurried over to defend, and Wang Feng found himself surrounded by four defenders.
Vieri had not yet pushed forward into the attack. Wang Feng could only protect the ball and wait for the right moment to pass. He managed to pass the ball to the space where Vieri was supposed to run, but unfortunately, his speed was slightly slower, and Chelsea''s Melchiot intercepted the ball ahead of time.
The first half ended with a score of 0-1. Chelsea coach Ranieri encouraged the yers, "Guys, we''re just one goal away from overturning Inter Mn and advancing to the Europa League quarter-finals."
"Our performance in the first half was excellent, sessfully suppressing Inter Mn''s attacking momentum. But we must pay attention to defending against Wang Feng; his elerating dribbles are too threatening."
After the break, Inter Mn made a substitution, with Ronaldo recing Konsikao. It seemed that Cooper didn''t intend to just defend, as it was too risky.
Ronnie and Wang Feng''s connection once again paid off. In the 60th minute, Inter Mnunched an attack. Di Biagio passed the ball into the penalty area, where Ronaldo received it on the left.
At this moment, Chelsea defender Le Saux rushed over and chose to slide tackle, blocking Ronaldo''s passing and shooting routes with his body. However, Ronnie dodged the tackle with a back-heel turn, and with the goalkeeper fully prepared, he passed it to Wang Feng on the right nk.
Cudicini was taken aback, but it was toote for him to react. Wang Feng directly shot into the empty goal, and the other defender, Terry, couldn''t stop the ball from entering the.
1-1! Inter Mn equalized! With the aggregate score of 4-2 in both legs, each team had scored an away goal. This meant that Chelsea needed to score two goals to level the score and three goals to win.
"This goal really shouldn''t have happened!" Osgood in the studio eximed angrily, his face turning red, "How could Le Saux make such an easy slide tackle in the penalty area?"
"This is inside the penalty area; even if there was no foul, with Ronaldo''s skills, he could easily evade your tackle in hundreds of ways. And if the sliding tackle fails, you can''t just stay down; it will cause serious positional errors."
"The correct approach in this situation should have been to maintain a certain distance from Ronaldo, then focus on defending against his dribble or shot. There was actually very little space for Ronaldo to operate."
"Le Saux is also a veteran of Chelsea; how could he make such a mistake here?" Osgood mmed the table.
No matter how regretful it was, this goal was irretrievable. The score remained unchanged for the rest of the game until the 87th minute, when Chelsea equalized through Lampard''s direct free-kick.
This goal restored some pride for Chelsea at home, but they were ultimately eliminated by Inter Mn with an aggregate score of 3-4 over two legs!
Chapter 117: Learn to drive
Chapter 117: Learn to drive
Afterpleting half a month of intense matches, Inter Mn finally returned to Mn. The club generously granted everyone a three-day vacation, followed by a gathering for training to prepare for the next round of league matches on the weekend.
Although exhausted, the hearts of everyone at Inter Mn were filled with joy. They had consecutively defeated AC Mn and Juventus, climbed to the top of the league standings, and then eliminated English powerhouse Chelsea to advance to the Europa League quarter-finals, achieving great sess.
As the nightlife kings, Ronaldo and Vieri naturally couldn''t miss this rare vacation opportunity. Along with Recoba and Konsi Kao, they nned to hit the clubs and have a good time.
Originally, they nned to invite Wang Feng to join them, but Wang Feng decisively declined, citing a very legitimate reason: "I want to learn to drive. As you know, I still don''t have a driver''s license, so I want to take this opportunity to learn."
In fact, Wang Feng really intended to get this essential document as soon as possible. Public transportation in most parts of Europe is very inconvenient, and not being able to drive oneself would bring a lot of trouble.
Another important thing is that after signing an endorsement deal with Volkswagen Groupst time, they generously gave Wang Feng a brand-new Lamborghini Murcigo.
This car has not yet entered mass production and was only showcased at the 2001 Frankfurt International Motor Show, making Wang Feng one of the few people to own it.
With its all-yellow paint, rugged lines, and iconic scissor-style doors, this car was exceptionally eye-catching. To be honest, Wang Feng had been longing for it since he got it, but unfortunately, without a driver''s license, it had been sitting in the garage for several months.
An Italian driver''s license can be applied for personally and only requires various documents, including various forms of identification and health certificates. Originally, Balmond could have helped him with all of this, but he had been too busytely with many endorsement contracts and business matters concerning Wang Feng. So Wang Feng didn''t bother him and took a day to handle it himself.
After sorting everything out, Wang Feng only needed to submit the documents and then wait a month to schedule the exam. As for learning to drive, his progress exceeded his own imagination.
Because Wang Feng found that his keen senses seemed to be applicable to driving as well. For different situations, he always gave the best operating methods, astonishing the driving school''s old drivers.
"Wang, is this really your first time driving? Your handling is like watching a racing driver," his instructor Chadwick Belmont said.
Belmont was a fan of Inter Mn and naturally a loyal fan of Wang Feng. When he found out that Wang Feng came to him to learn, he was so excited that he couldn''t sleep at night. After seeing Wang Feng, he pulled him for photos and autographs.
Wang Feng naturally wouldn''t disappoint this loyal fan''s wish. The two of them became very familiar in just half a day. While teaching Wang Feng, Belmont discovered that his skills were excellent, hence his remark.
Wang Feng didn''t know how to describe this kind of talent encounter, so he just smiled and said, "Maybe one day I''ll stop ying football and be a racing driver. That''s not a bad choice."
"I''m afraid you''ll have to wait many years for that. You''re only eighteen, I think you can y for at least another 20 years," Belmont said.
"Thanks for your kind words. I hope everything goes smoothly," Wang Feng replied with a smile.
After the vacation, the yers'' physical condition was always unsatisfactory during training, especially for the nightlife group. The visible dark circles and tired expressions indicated how crazy their partying had been.
This time, even Wang Feng''s condition was not very ideal because he had spent almost all of his time learning to drive, barely doing any recovery exercises.
After settling in Pina, the team began closed-door training to prepare for the 27th round of the Serie A match against Le on the weekend.
On the day of the match, Wang Feng did not enter the starting lineup but sat on the bench. In addition, Cooper also made major rotations to other main yers, and the nightlife quartet did not even make the squad.
Fornana, Zolondo, Sidorov, Vent, and other substitute yers started, with Vent being the most outstanding. This 24-year-old youth yer was once considered the future star of Inter Mn.
Unfortunately, with the arrival of Vieri, Recoba''s rise, and Wang Feng joining this season, Inter Mn''s frontline had long since lost its ce for him. So far, he has only yed twice, and both times were during garbage time.
Vent scored two fantastic goals in this game and was selected as the best yer of the match. Le only managed to score one goal in the final moments, and Inter Mn won 2-1.
There was nothing much to say about the match itself. However, after the game, Vent officially submitted a transfer request to the club: "I want to go to Crystal Pce in the Premier League. They are interested in signing me." Standing in front of Moratti, the Italian was somewhat nervous yet relieved.
Moratti looked at this handsome yer somewhat absent-mindedly. The once proud and arrogant teenage talent from Bari had grown up, but the cruel Serie A had buried how many teenage talents.
Just like Adriano, who was loaned from Inter Mn to Fiorentina at the beginning of the year. He was also a Brazilian genius, but he never got a chance because there was no ce for him in the team.
Arriving at Fiorentina, Adrianopletely exploded and has now contributed five goals. However, he still couldn''t stop the team''s consecutive defeats, and Fiorentina was slipping deeper into the abyss of relegation.
If they eventually get relegated, who will remember the contributions and efforts of this Brazilian genius?
The cruelty of Europe''s top leagues far exceeds the imagination of the fans.
Moratti regained his wandering thoughts and said in a low voice, "If you want to go, I won''t stop you. Inter Mn will never be an obstacle to a yer''s transfer."
"But if things don''t go well,e back to Italy. Even if you start ying from Serie B, it''s no big deal."
Vent nodded and smiled, "Don''t worry, Mr. Moratti. Football is my passion. Maybe I can''t shine like Ronaldo and Wang Feng, but as long as the club needs me, I will never give up."
Inter Mn''s opponent in the Europa League quarter-finals will be AC Mn, who eliminated Hertha Berlin. The derby between the city rivals on the European stage undoubtedly attracted the attention of many people.
The Mn Sports Daily wrote, "Inter Mn has defeated AC Mn twice in the league, leading to the resignation of former coach Trim. Whether the new coach Ancelotti can sessfully lead this group of defeated yers to counterattack Inter Mn will be the biggest highlight of this series."
Ancelotti, the newly appointed coach, didn''t dare to make any big promises during an interview, saying, "As everyone knows, Inter Mn has the best forwards in Serie A. This will be a big challenge for us."
Chapter 118: Star chaser
Chapter 118: Star chaser
The day after the match ended, the training base at Pina weed a wave of visitors, all young yers who came to trial for Inter Mn.
While the first team enjoyed a two-day break, Wang Feng, as usual, came to the training base for extra practice. He was curious about the type of yers trying out for Inter Mn. He remembered how De Bruyne, who was just nine years old during their time at Genk, had left a deep impression on him.
However, Wang Feng didn''t directly appear in front of these trialists. Instead, he observed from a window. Soon, a young ck man caught his attention.
He had excellent physical qualities, good flexibility, and noticeably betterbat abilities than the other trialists, which impressed Wang Feng. This kid seemed very suitable for the Italian league.
However, it seemed that his personality was somewhat introverted. While others gathered in groups to chat during breaks, he sat alone on the grass resting.
The performances of the other yers were mediocre, so Wang Feng stopped paying attention after a while and continued his "iron pumping" journey at the training equipment.
After the trials ended, this young ck man and his foster father hesitated to leave, constantly looking around at the entrance of the base, which caught the attention of the staff.
"What are you doing? The trial results won''te out immediately. They will be sent to the address you left in a few days. Continuing to wait here won''t help," one of the staff exined.
The boy''s foster father quickly said, "You see, we read reports that Wang Feng oftenes to the training base for extra practice even on the team''s rest days."
"This boy is Wang Feng''s loyal fan, so he wants to see if there''s a chance to meet him. Wee from Brescia, and it''s not easy for us to make a trip to Mn."
The staff member hesitated because he knew Wang Feng was in the training base, and he would definitely train until it got dark. He didn''t know if Wang Feng would want to meet this fan, so he didn''t reveal his whereabouts rashly.
Wang Feng, as the core yer of Inter Mn, was greeted with smiles by all the staff at Pina, not daring to offend him in the slightest.
So, the staff member turned to ask the experienced colleague next to him, who thought for a moment before saying, "Let''s just inform Wang Feng. Whether he wants to meet them or not is not our concern."
Upon learning that one of the trialists was his fan, Wang Feng readily came to the door to meet them, only to find out that it was the young ck man.
Excited to see Wang Feng, he ran up to him and said, "Wang, I finally see you! You are my idol." There was no hint of shyness in his demeanor.
His foster father introduced themselves, saying that the boy''s name was Mario Balotelli, who had just turned twelve this year. Balotelli had initially joined a club, but upon hearing about Inter Mn''s trials, he hurried over to see Wang Feng.
Facing the enthusiastic Balotelli, Wang Feng signed his name on his clothes and hugged him, asking his foster father to take a photo with them.
Seeing his smiling idol, Balotelli''s heart was even more touched. He admired Wang Feng not only for his brilliant football skills but also because, as a foreigner, he could establish himself in Serie A and earn the respect and praise of almost everyone.
Balotelli grew up in poverty and discrimination. When he started ying football at the age of five, he was deeply attracted to the sport. Ironically, football is a team sport.
When he joined Brescia at the time, people often pointed fingers at him, and extremists wanted to pressure the club''s executives to dismiss him.
So, Wang Feng became his idol and spiritual support. He hoped that one day he could stand on the highest stage of Serie A like Wang Feng and earn the respect and praise of everyone.
Unbeknownst to Wang Feng, he had be an idol in the hearts of many people, especially younger yers, who continuously strived to emte him.
He told Balotelli''s foster father, "If you ever embark on the path of professional football in the future, you can choose my agent, Mr. Francesco Balmond, to be this child''s agent."
With that, he handed his business card to the foster father, who solemnly epted it and thanked him repeatedly.
Because of Wang Feng, Balmond was quite famous in the agent circle. Many second and third-rate stars wanted to join his team, and at the very least, they could gain some insights from Wang Feng''s negotiations.
However, adhering to the principle of quality over quantity, Bamonde did not blindly expand his team. He preferred to invest in young yers, just like Wang Feng did in his early years.
He believed that as long as he could develop a few outstanding yers like Wang Feng under his wing, he could leap into the ranks of top agents.
Wang Feng was also happy to see this situation, so he often rmended his agent''s phone number to young yers whom he felt had talent. Whether they seeded or not depended on Balmond himself.
On the weekend, in the 28th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
In this match, Wang Feng started and scored a brilliant goal in the 31st minute. The team orchestrated a fantastic goal, with Di Biagio dribbling forward, evading the defense of Tomassi with a quick stop-and-turn, then passing to Recoba near the edge of the penalty area.
Recoba, after receiving the ball, directly poked it back with his toe to Di Biagio, who continued to pass the ball into the penalty area.
Wang Feng, positioned inside the penalty area, received the ball with his back to the goal. Faced with iing defenders, he skillfully pushed the ball to his left, and Vieri, who followed up, sted a shot past Antonioli''s hands into the.
Although in the second half, Totti and Batistutaunched a fierce attack on Inter Mn''s goal, they failed to make an impact. The goal scored in the first half remained the only one of the match.
In the end, Inter Mn won 1-0 against Roma.
In the 29th round of Serie A, Inter Mn yed against Fiorentina at home. The Vi had already been relegated this season, so Inter Mn didn''t exert much effort and defeated them 3-1.
The three goals came from Wang Feng, Ronaldo, and Recoba, while Fiorentina''s only goal was scored by Adriano.
Adriano still hoped to return to Inter Mn and be valued by the club, so he performed exceptionally well, despite his teammates having given up long ago.
After this match, due to Juventus'' 1-1 draw with Lazio, Inter Mn had now extended their lead over Juventus to two points, bringing them one step closer to the title.
Chapter 119: How much does it cost to buy him ?
Chapter 119: How much does it cost to buy him ?
At the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Mn, a high-profile match was unfolding, the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, featuring the sh between Inter Mn and AC Mn.
After Ancelotti took over AC Mn, he made significant tactical adjustments to the team, allowing attacking talents like Ruiz Costa, Shevchenko, and Inzaghi to fully unleash their potential.
As a result, AC Mn''s performance improved, securing four consecutive victories after losing to Inter Mn, firmly holding onto fourth ce in the league.
In the 23rd minute of the match, Castolo assisted Shevchenko to break the deadlock for AC Mn.
Just three minutester, Inter Mnunched an attack on the left nk. Di Biagio dribbled the ball near the goal line and delivered a diagonal pass into the penalty area.
The ball had great power, crossing directly to the right side near the center, where there were five AC Mn defenders in the penalty area, but only Wang Feng from Inter Mn in support.
Wang Feng held off Serginho behind him and pushed against him, seizing the opportunity before Maldini could double-team him. He lifted his foot to shoot fiercely, and although goalkeeper Abbiati made a flying save, he was a fraction too slow.
"The ball''s in! Goooooooal! Inter Mn equalizes the score to 1-1! Wang Feng scores for Inter Mn again!"
"The camera focuses on AC Mn defender Serginho, who now looks full of frustration, as if wondering how he lost to Wang Feng in the duel."
"This Brazilian seems much stronger than Wang Feng, but unexpectedly found himself at a disadvantage in the confrontation. This shows how robust and powerful Wang Feng is beneath his jersey."
AC Mn fans in the stands booed loudly, while Inter Mn fans cheered vigorously. On the coaching bench, Ancelotti frowned, realizing that dealing with Wang Feng had be a daunting task for him.
With no better options, Ancelotti could only instruct Maldini to assist Serginho in tightly marking Wang Feng. He couldn''t help but feel regretful. If he had taken charge of AC Mn at the beginning of the season, he would have tried to sign Wang Feng. Regardless of calctions, Wang Feng''s cost-effectiveness was very high.
After being equalized, AC Mnunched a fierce attack. Although they shared the same home ground with Inter Mn, in terms of thepetition format, this match was their home game. Therefore, Inter Mn''s goal just now counted as an away goal, which was unfavorable for AC Mn.
Inter Mn''s defense was under immense pressure, with even Wang Feng and Vieri retreating to midfield to help defend.
Near the end of the first half, Inter Mn had another excellent opportunity. Theyunched a counterattack after winning the ball in their own half. Di Biagio quickly dribbled down the left nk, with Wang Feng rushing forward.
As soon as they crossed the halfway line, Di Biagio sent a long diagonal pass with his left foot. The ball curved across the pitch, surpassing Maldini at the near post and urately reaching Wang Feng in the center.
At this moment, Maldini and Serginho were closing in from both sides, trying to surround him. However, Wang Feng didn''t stop after receiving the ball. Instead, he poked it forward and elerated past the defensive line.
Wang Feng''s speed was extremely fast. The 34-year-old Maldini and 31-year-old Serginho couldn''t catch up with him. He sessfully reached the edge of the penalty area with the ball, forming a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper Abbiati.
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Wang Feng feinted past him with a body feint, then easily tapped the ball into the empty.
"Goooooooal!! Wang Feng scores his second goal!"
"This is his 16th goal in the Europa League. He''s simply unstoppable! He won the top scorer title in the Europa Leaguest season. Could he retain this honor this season?"
After scoring, Wang Feng went to celebrate with the Inter Mn fans in the stands, waving his arms to signal them to celebrate with him. The teammates who rushed over afterwards hugged him tightly.
In the luxurious box in the middle of the stands, AC Mn president Berlusconi looked grimly at the confident young man on the field, feeling extremely frustrated.
Beside him was the club manager Stuart Conde, who had lost his usual dignity and was anxiously waiting for reprimand.
Although it was Trimboli''s idea not to sign Wang Feng, he epted it, and now, their city rivals Inter Mn had acquired this gem, which was undoubtedly Conde''s dereliction of duty.
After a long silence, Berlusconi slowly said, "How much money do we need to buy Wang Feng now?"
Conde, with sweat dripping from his forehead, swallowed and said, "ording to current market estimates, Wang Feng''s value should be around 40 million euros because he hasn''t participated in the top Europeanpetition, the Champions League, yet."
"Otherwise, his value would probably increase even more."
"Is there a possibility of negotiation?"
"It''s like this, Mr. Berlusconi. Inter Mn will definitely not choose to sell Wang Feng at this time, especially not to us."
"If we were to pay his release use, it would cost us 200 million euros. Inter Mn is very tight on this matter."
Berlusconi sneered and said, "Really? Horacio Bom, Inter Mn''s technical director, I remember he used to be a nobody, right? Even a nobody has more foresight than our experienced team manager. He just spent 20 million euros and snatched the gem. It''s really regrettable."
Conde said with a bitter face, "We have a better candidate, Mr. Berlusconi. He''s also a young genius who can rival Wang Feng and be our future core."
"Oh, who are you talking about?"
"His name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, a 20-year-old Brazilian forward known as Kaka."
"In the 2001 season, he made 27 appearances for Sao Paulo in Brazil, scoring 17 goals, winning the Brazilian League''s Best yer and South America''s Best Neer of the Year."
Berlusconi frowned and said, "It doesn''t sound as impressive as Wang Feng, does it? And he hasn''t yed in Europe yet."
Conde continued, "He''s definitely not as good as Wang Feng now, but with our training, he''ll definitely grow rapidly. Do you know Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain? He hadn''t yed in a European league before, but he had a back-and-forth battle with Wang Feng in the Europa League."
"Kaka is apletelyparable talent to Ronaldinho, and with our training level much higher than Paris, I believe he will perform even better."
"Well, how much do you expect it would cost to get this talented yer?"
"At the moment, several clubs are interested in him, so his value is soaring. However, the total price shouldn''t exceed 9 million euros."
"Okay, then get him. If he still can''t suppress Wang Feng and Inter Mn, your career will be over." Berlusconi said without hesitation.
Chapter 120: 30 goals !
Chapter 120: 30 goals !
In the 30th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Atnta away. In the first encounter of the season, Inter Mn suffered a significant upset defeat to their opponents.
Facing the pressure of the title race, they could not afford to make any mistakes in this match.
However, their worries seemed to materialize when, in the 17th minute of the first half, Atnta capitalized on a mistake in Inter Mn''s defense, with forward Comandini scoring a goal.
The Blue Arena suddenly turned into a sea of joy, with fans cheering for their team''s excellent performance. Meanwhile, Inter Mn yers wore expressions of disappointment, fearing a repeat of thest game''s oue.
But no, this couldn''t happen again! Wang Feng gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on Atnta''s goal, filled with endless determination.
Just five minutester, thanks to Wang Feng''s pressing, Atnta''s center-back Zauri made a passing error, intercepted by Konsciakao, who organized a counterattack on the spot for Inter Mn.
He passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right nk, who dribbled near the sideline. Despite Zunoni''s attempts to interfere and steal the ball, Wang Feng steadily advanced, neither losing possession nor going out of bounds.
Seeing Zunoni unable to stop Wang Feng, Carerra and Sara quickly retreated to provide defensive cover, blocking Wang Feng''s path forward.
Wang Feng first slowed down to evade Carerra, then, with a change of direction at his feet, broke through Zunoni and Sara''s encirclement, entering the opponent''s half.
He then swiftly cut inside into the penalty area, where three Atnta yers were positioned to cover the front, middle, and back. Inter Mn''s support had not caught up yet.
In a split second, Wang Feng decided to take on the challenge alone. As he entered the penalty area, Atnta''s defender Paganin quickly stepped up to defend. Wang Feng took a small step forward, feinted to go one way, then quickly shifted his weight and cut inside from the left, deceiving Paganin.
Before the other two defenders could arrive, he unleashed a shot, aiming for the bottom right corner. Goalkeeper Tabi made a desperate dive but couldn''t reach the ball in time. It grazed the post and flew into the.
"The ball''s in!! Goooooooal!! Wang Feng scores a fantastic goal!"
"While the entire Inter Mn team was engulfed in the shadow of defeat, Wang Feng once again steps up, tearing through Atnta''s defense with a fluid breakthrough, contributing a crucial goal for Inter Mn."
"Oh my, the director just reminded me that this is Wang Feng''s 30th goal of the Serie A season. Since 1959, no yer in Serie A has scored thirty or more goals in a single season!"
"This is truly incredible! Wang Feng has achieved this long-standing record. Remember, this record is one that even legends like Zidane, Baggio, and Ronaldo have not been able to achieve."
"He''s not even neen yet. It''s imaginable that this superstar is still growing. What kind of legend will he be? Many are eagerly waiting to see."
Some Atnta fans also spontaneously stood up, apuding Wang Feng''s brilliant goal and his insane performance of thirty goals in the league.
Inter Mn yers were even more excited, jumping on Wang Feng''s shoulders one by one, stacking up like a human pyramid.
The referee and Atnta yers tacitly did not interrupt this scene, as it was a recreation of a forty-year-old tradition. It was understandable to celebrate for a while longer.
The Serie A''s defensive intensity and slow pace of y make it the toughest among the top five leagues. For any Serie A forward to score over thirty goals in a single season is considered an unreachable feat.
Yet, Wang Feng, who just joined Inter Mn, has aplished this seemingly impossible record.
The first half ended with a score of 1-1. During halftime in Inter Mn''s dressing room, there was a cheerful atmosphere, with everyone talking andughing about Wang Feng''s thirty goals.
At this moment, Wang Feng stepped forward, instantly attracting everyone''s attention. "Everyone, my goals wouldn''t have been possible without your help. Thank you, everyone," he said, bowing to his teammates.
Apuse broke out, and yers like Matrazzi and Konsciakao even cheered. Then, Wang Feng changed the subject, "Scoring goals makes me happy, but I want the victory in this match even more, and then to lift the league trophy that belongs to us!"
Coach Cooper nodded in satisfaction from the side. It seemed that Wang Feng always maintained a clear mind, never letting sess get to his head.
He then stepped forward and said, "Wang Feng is right. Let''s aim for another goal in the second half and take all three points!" He began to outline the tactical arrangements for the second half.
Everyone refocused, attentively listening to the instructions. They were determined not to let this historic moment be tarnished.
As the second halfmenced, in the 67th minute, Inter Mn orchestrated an attack in the opponent''s half. After Wang Feng''s breakthrough on the right nk and a subsequent cross, Loba''s shot was saved by Atnta''s goalkeeper Tabi, but Ronaldo, following up, tapped the ball into the.
2-1! Inter Mn reversed the score!
After scoring, Ronaldo soared at the Blue Arena. Although he hasn''t scored many goals this season, many of his goals havee at crucial moments, which satisfies him greatly.
This score held until the final whistle, and Inter Mn secured the victory in this match, widening the path to the championship!
As news of Inter Mn''s victory over Atnta reached Turin, Juventus was preparing to face Perugia. Trailing in points, they felt immense pressure.
Coach Lippi said in the dressing room, "Guys, there''s no need to be so anxious. There are still five matches left in the league, and our points deficit can be overturned with just one game. So, we just need to y well in each match."
In such a situation, Juventus''s stars stepped up. Trezeguet scored twice, while Del Piero and Nedved each contributed a goal, leading them to a 4-0 victory.
After the match, the Mn Sports Daily described the current title race as "white-hot," stating, "Wang Feng has just achieved the remarkable record of thirty goals in the league, helping Inter Mn maintain the lead in the standings."
"Juventus has staged thergest points difference game of the season. Both sides refuse to give in, and the points gap is very small, so the oue is still uncertain."
The Turin Sports Daily stated, "Juventus''s failure to pursue Wang Fengst summer may be one of their biggest regrets."
"Considering Wang Feng''s current performance, he still has a lot of room for improvement. It is feared that in theing years, Wang Feng will be an indelible nightmare for the Bianconeri."
The Rome Sports Dailymented on Wang Feng''s thirty goals, saying, "We may have to wait another fifty years to see another genius like him whopletes this record."
Chapter 121: That strand of fireworks
Chapter 121: That strand of fireworks
Midweek, the Europa League reignited its fire as Inter Mn faced AC Mn in the second leg of their intense encounter.
AC Mn found themselves in a precarious position, so they opted for an aggressive approach from the outset. Inter Mn''s coach, Cooper, had anticipated this and instructed his team to focus on defense in the first fifteen minutes, determined not to concede.
Gattuso and Ruicosta''s ability to advance with the ball, coupled with Shevchenko and Inzaghi''s effectiveness in the frontline, created several threatening attacks for AC Mn, but they were all thwarted by Inter Mn''s resolute defense.
In the 10th minute, Inter Mn seized a promising counterattack opportunity. Zti intercepted the ball in midfield and swiftly passed it to Di Biagio to orchestrate the attack.
At this moment, Wang Feng sprinted forward rapidly. Di Biagio, understanding the situation, delivered a through pass behind AC Mn''s defensive line. Wang Feng elerated to reach the ball, but Maldini arrived just in time to tackle him.
Maldini''s challenge was clean, as he made contact with the ball before bringing down Wang Feng. Laursen quickly cleared the ball, disrupting the attack.
Wang Feng, feeling frustrated, sat on the turf to adjust his socks. Maldini approached him and extended his hand, saying, "Wang, I won''t make it easy for you in this match."
Wang Feng smiled, shook his hand, and got up, replying without hesitation, "Let''s see about that."
AC Mn continued to dominate the game. In the 14th minute, Laursen swiftly passed through the midfield, and Ruicosta, after carrying the ball forward, suddenly took a shot from distance.
The shot, both in angle and power, was perfect. It bypassed Cordoba and Materazzi and reached Inzaghi near the edge of the penalty area.
Inzaghi, utilizing his experience, shielded off Samuel''s defense and then chipped the ball towards the right side of the penalty area. He quickly followed up, shooting fiercely towards the bottom right corner.
Goalkeeper Toldo remained focused and managed to deflect the ball with his fingertips, pushing it out for a corner. It was AC Mn''s most threatening shot since the beginning of the match, leaving Inter Mn fans sweating in the stands.
AC Mn earned a corner kick, with Ruicosta standing in the corner area. He raised his left hand high, and inside the penalty area, both teams'' yers were engaged in intense battles, refusing to give an inch.
Ruicosta delivered a curved corner kick into the penalty area. AC Mn failed to win the first ball, as Materazzi headed it away. The ball flew towards the edge of the penalty area.
Gattuso rushed forward to win the ball, opting to take a direct shot. However, his attempt was blocked by Samuel. The ball rebounded to the top of the penalty area, with ample space around.
At this moment, Shevchenko had already moved out of the penalty area in search of an opportunity. Seeing the chance, he hurriedly ran towards the dropping ball. After controlling it with his chest, without letting the ball touch the ground, he executed a side volley.
The shot was elegant, piercing through Inter Mn''s defense like a bullet and finding its way into the. Shevchenko opened the scoring for AC Mn, truly living up to his nickname "Atomic Bomber"!
The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium erupted with joy as AC Mn fans realized they were just one goal away from advancing to the Europa League semifinals, stepping over the bodies of their arch-rivals!
On the coaching bench, Cooper became restless. Despite detailed pre-match preparations, he hadn''t expected the opponent to score so early in the game.
At this point, Inter Mn only held a slight advantage with two away goals. There were still nearly 75 minutes left in the game, and anything could happen.
After scoring, AC Mn continued their offensive pressure, making it difficult for Inter Mn. The home team wanted to regain control of the game''s pace but struggled to do so.
It wasn''t until the 35th minute of the first half that Inter Mn organized a threatening attack. The first was initiated by Di Biagio''s left-sided breakthrough. He sent the ball into the penalty area, but neither Wang Feng nor Vieri could get to it first, and Maldini sessfully cleared the danger.
The second attack saw Wang Feng dribble past Serginho on the right nk, cutting into the penalty area. Faced with Serginho''s challenge, he passed to Recoba at the far post, but thetter''s shot was blocked by Abbiati.
The first half ended with a score of 0-1, with neither side able to score again.
As the second half began, although AC Mn maintained dominance on the field, they failed to score again. They were still in a disadvantageous position. As time passed, the yers'' mentality inevitably changed, and unrest spread among the fans in the stands.
This provided Inter Mn with an opportunity. In the 85th minute, Inter Mnunched an attack from the back, with Zti diagonally passing to the left for Dalmat, who then found Di Biagio in midfield.
Di Biagio advanced while observing the yers on the field. Suddenly, he sent a long pass that crossed the entire pitch andnded directly at the feet of Wang Feng on the right nk.
AC Mn''s defensive focus had initially been on Di Biagio''s side, so the sudden shift caught them off guard. After receiving the ball, Wang Feng, with only Serginho nearby, initiated a run towards the goal, using a feint to bypass Serginho and entering the penalty area.
Once inside the penalty area, Wang Feng didn''t hesitate to shoot. With other defending yers closing in, his shot headed towards the far corner of the goal.
Abbiati leaped desperately, stretching his body to the limit and managing to touch the ball with his fingertips. However, the ball''s momentum remained unchanged, deflecting off the inside of the post and bouncing into the.
"Goooooooooooooal!! The ball''s in! Wang Feng! Wang Feng!"
"Give him the slightest chance, and he can be deadly. That''s the best striker in Serie A!"
"The score on the field is now 1-1, with Wang Feng scoring a crucial goal for Inter Mn!"
After scoring, Wang Feng dashed out of the field in excitement, sprinting along the stands and basking in the cheers of the fans. But at this moment, an unexpected incident urred.
Many disgruntled AC Mn fans threw fireworks towards Wang Feng, and one hit his shoulder. He felt a sudden pain, then stooped down, holding his shoulder.
Chaos ensued both on and off the field, with arge number of security personnel stepping in to maintain order. The rioting fans were quickly subdued, and team doctors rushed to check on Wang Feng.
Although the injury was not serious, Cooper decided to substitute Wang Feng. This incident caused a thirty-minute dy before the match resumed.
With little time left in the game, the remaining minutes felt somewhat dull. Clearly, experiencing such an event had affected the mentality of both sets of yers.
The final score remained 1-1, with Inter Mn winning 3-2 on aggregate and advancing to the Europa League semi-finals. Their next opponent would be Feyenoord from the Eredivisie.
Chapter 122: What to know in Rotterdam
Chapter 122: What to know in Rotterdam
After the match, at the press conference, both coaches condemned the irrational behavior of the fans. Lippi stated, "Impulsive fans ruined this game."
The media''s primary concern was Wang Feng''s injury. Cooper said, "After examination, Wang Feng is not seriously injured, but he will miss the next league match against Brescia."
"This incident is the most absurd ident in European football this year. It should not have happened on the football field. The football association should take relevant measures to prevent such incidents from happening again," Cooper added.
The next day, Italy''s mainstream media reported on the unexpected incident in the match, and the football association promptly introduced rted punitive measures.
Mainly targeting AC Mn''s fans, for the remaining three home games, they will be prohibited from entering the stadium to support the home team. As for regtions, relevant officials are still negotiating whether it is necessary to prohibit fans from carrying throwable objects during important matches.
On the weekend, in the 31st round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Brescia at home. Wang Feng, who had recovered from his injury, was still not included in the squad list but rested at home as per the team doctor''s request.
He could only do aerobic exercises while watching Inter Mn''s match on TV.
In this match, both Serie A veterans Ronaldo from Inter Mn and Roberto Baggio from Brescia disyed superb skills, each contributing two goals. As a result, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Inter Mn only gained one point.
The most eye-catching match of this round was Juventus vs. AC Mn. The two teams fought fiercely, and Juventus scored the only goal of the match in the 71st minute of the second half by Trezeguet.
After Juventus secured all three points, they leveled the total points on the league table with Inter Mn, with Inter Mn only maintaining an advantage in goal difference.
A weekter, in the 32nd round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Chievo away. This promoted team intended to fight to the end this season and waspeting with AC Mn for a spot in the Champions League, with both teams very close in points.
For both sides, this match was a must-win.
Wang Feng returned in this match, with only a slight shoulder injury from the collision, which hadpletely healed in less than two days. However, Inter Mn''s staff were very cautious about him, insisting on a thorough examination. They did not want Wang Feng to be someone like Ronnie, frequently injured.
In the 67th minute of the second half, Wang Feng scored the only goal of the match for Inter Mn, securing a 1-0 victory over Chievo.
Immediately after winning, everyone from Inter Mn rushed back to the dressing room. They asked the staff about the situation with Juventus and were informed that Juventus had also won 1-0 against Piacenza.
"Juventus is really tenacious," Mattarazi sighed. Ronaldo nodded, saying, "The battle for the Serie A title has always been fierce."
"Since I came to Serie A in 1997, Juventus, AC Mn, Lazio, and Roma have each won the title once, and each time, the winner was decided in thest round," added Ronaldo.
"I think it''s our turn to win it this time. Everyone, let''s pull ourselves together. We only have two rounds of league matches left!" said Mattarazi.
At this moment, Wang Feng added, "Yes, and we only have three rounds of Europa League matches left. Although I won itst year, I don''t want to miss it this year either!"
Everyoneughed heartily. Mattarazi joked, "If we win the Europa League this year, you''ll be the defending champion of the Europa League. No yer has achieved this honor before."
"Here, here," led by Consicao, Wang Feng and the others arrived at a Dutch-themed restaurant on Maasstraat in Rotterdam, Nethends.
Inter Mn arrived in Rotterdam three days in advance to prepare for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Feyenoord. Consicao, being familiar with the Nethends, wanted to show everyone around.
Originally, Coach Cooper was firmly against it, but assistant coach Lloyd Dono persuaded him on the side, "Mr. Cooper, the yers have been under tension during this period. Rxing a bit might be better for them. Plus, we can set some ground rules."
In the end, Cooper agreed to their outing request but stipted that they must return to the hotel before 9 p.m. and could not drink alcohol. The next day, they would have a normal training session to familiarize themselves with the venue.
Sitting at the outdoor terrace of the restaurant, beside the canal leading to the North Sea, they enjoyed the scenery. Rotterdam had be thergest seaport in Europe due to the many harbors built along this river by the Nethends.
While enjoying their meal, Consicao introduced the unique features of Rotterdam. "The Saint John''s Cathedral and the European Mast are well-known ces. If you''re interested after dinner, you can go there."
Then, he smiled mysteriously and whispered, "As a port city, Rotterdam also has some other fun ces to go. Whoever wants to goter, just follow me."
Vieri and Recoba looked understandingly, while Zti said helplessly, "Don''t overdo it. If the coach mes uster, you guys will be in trouble."
Consicao waved his hand, saying, "It''s okay. We''ll definitely be back at the hotel before nine, and you can rest assured."
He then grabbed Wang Feng and said, "You shoulde with us and broaden your horizons. Hond is a good ce."
Wang Feng quickly dodged his grasp and said, "Don''t count me in. I don''t want to ''broaden my horizons'' like that." Vieri joked, "Wang is a clean-living person, unlike us nightlife experts. Don''t force him."
After dinner, the group split into several groups. Consicao and the others quietly left first, while Wang Feng, Mattarazi, and Zti agreed to visit the sights of Rotterdam together.
Taking a boat tour of the Grand Canal was a very pleasant experience. Mattarazi said, "I should have brought Dani here. She has always liked this kind of environment."
Ztiughed and said, "If you do that, Mr. Cooper will definitely go crazy."
"You cane here in the summer. Find and Sweden are also good choices."
At dinner, they arrived at the famous Arcade Market, where they found cuisines from all over the world. Wang Feng was surprised to find a Sichuan restaurant there.
He enthusiastically invited Mattarazi and Zti to join him. Seeing the bright red peppers on the dishes, both of them hesitated to eat, but after taking a bite, they couldn''t stop and eximed with satisfaction.
This also caused trouble for them. They both suffered from diarrhea after returning to the hotel that night and were in no spirit the next day during training, just like Consicao and the others.
Cooper was furious, thinking that Mattarazi and Zti had also gone overboard, so he trained them rigorously.
"I''ll never try that hellish food again," Mattarazi said with a bitter face.
Chapter 123: Going forward to the final
Chapter 123: Going forward to the final
Feyenoord Stadium was filled with cheers as the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final unfolded as scheduled.
Feyenoord, ying at home, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Cillessen as the goalkeeper.
The defenseprised of Kian, Van der Linden, Bouvy, and Lezaza.
In midfield were Kalou, Bosvelt, Ono Shinji, and Van Persie.
The forward line consisted of Van Hooijdonk and Tomasson.
Inter Mn continued to employ a 3-5-2 formation, with Ronaldo on the bench.
Wang Feng had encountered South Korea''s Ahn Jung-hwan and Japan''s Hidetoshi Nakata on the stage of Serie A. Now, facing Japan''s Ono Shinji in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, he couldn''t help but feel nostalgic, wondering when he could witness a Chinese derby in such high-levelpetitions.
This year''s UEFA Europa League final would be held in Rotterdam, Nethends. Therefore, if Feyenoord could eliminate Inter Mn, they would gain the advantage of hosting the final.
So, they started the game very actively,unching wave after wave of attacks against Inter Mn''s defense amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd.
In the 2nd minute, Feyenoord won a corner kick. Van Persie delivered the ball into the box, and the current top scorer in Eredivisie, Van Hooijdonk, collided with Inter Mn''s Gresko, both falling to the ground. After getting up, they confronted each other.
The referee, German Torsten W?hrle, quickly ran to separate them and issued a warning. Materazzi and others also restrained Gresko, preventing him from escting the conflict, which could add uncontroble factors to the game.
In the 4th minute, Feyenoord got a free kick in the attacking third, again taken by Van Persie. The ball entered the penalty area, and Bosvelt won the first touch with a header. He headed it back, and Van Hooijdonk''s looping shot from close range went over the bar, missing a chance to open the scoring.
The transition from defense to attack was swift. In the 9th minute, Inter Mn also had a good chance. Zti passed from the back to Di Biagio, who dribbled down the left and crossed directly.
Feyenoord goalkeeper Cillessen decisively came out and punched the cross away. Vieira received the ball near the penalty area and took a shot, but it ended up as a high shot.
Inter Mn dominated the field but struggled to break through Feyenoord''s defense. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.
After the break, Coach Cooper substituted Conchita with Ronaldo, aiming to strengthen the attack.
In the 60th minute, Wang Feng dropped back to midfield to receive the ball. After passing it to Di Biagio, he quickly moved forward. Di Biagio stopped the ball at his feet and gently pushed it to Wang Feng passing by him, while blocking the defense of Kalou.
Wang Feng dribbled forward, first feinting to the right to evade Feyenoord''s left-back Bosvelt, then immediately performing a nutmeg to shake off Lezaza''s challenge, catching up with the ball inside the penalty area.
Facing the challenge from Kian, he easily held off the opponent, fell to the ground before goalkeeper Cillessen reached the ball, and shot, piercing Feyenoord''s goal.
"Goal!! Fantastic!! Wang Feng staged a solo dribble goal!!"
"In this Inter Mn attack, Feyenoord''s defensive positioning was greatly wed, giving Wang Feng ample space to dribble, allowing him to pass four defenders and score."
With this brilliant goal, Inter Mn ultimately won 1-0, taking home a victory and an away goal.
Back in Italy, in Serie A Round 33, Inter Mn faced Piacenza at home. It was an intense match with both sides ying aggressively.
In the 17th minute, Wang Feng scored with a long-range shot, opening the scoring for Inter Mn. In the 34th minute, Amoreli equalized for the away team.
Towards the end of the first half, Ronaldo contributed another brilliant solo dribble and scored a goal past Piacenza''s goalkeeper, Gardellini.
Just a minute into the second half, Piacenzaunched a swift counterattack while Inter Mn yers were still not in position. Hubner''s shot found the, equalizing the score again.
In the 85th minute, Wang Feng dribbled on the right, performed consecutive stepovers to get past defender Lamaki, cut inside the penalty area, and passed to Vieiri in the middle, who easily slotted the ball into the.
In the end, Inter Mn won 3-2 against Piacenza, while Juventus swept Brescia 5-0. Both teams had the same points, but Juventusgged behind Inter Mn by three goals difference, meaning the title race would be decided in the final round.
In thest match, Inter Mn faced Lazio, while Juventus faced Udinese. Lazio was striving for a Champions League spot, while Udinese was fighting against relegation.
In terms of the fixtures, Inter Mn was at a disadvantage, but they would y first. If they won, all the pressure would be on Juventus, who needed to score at least three goals against Udinese to have a chance topete for the title.
In the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, the match was held at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Feyenoord, trailing from the first leg, had no choice but to fight back, but when they pushed forward, their defense inevitably became vulnerable.
This provided an opportunity for Inter Mn. In the 31st minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. Di Biagio received the ball in the midfield and directly passed it to the right-back. Wang Feng sprinted past Van der Linden and received the ball inside the penalty area.
He pretended to shoot, bypassed Van der Linden''s slide tackle, then shot with his left foot.
Goalkeeper Cillessen dived but missed by a hair, failing to stop the ball from entering the.
After scoring, Wang Feng slid on his knees to the sidelines, arms spread, epting the roaring cheers from the stands. His teammates rushed over, embracing him.
This goal was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Feyenoord. After the game resumed, their attacking organization also became less smooth.
The first half ended with no further goals from either side. In the second half, in the 75th minute, Inter Mn once again disyed superb teamwork in the attacking third. Recoba received the ball outside the penalty area, 30 meters away. He passed it to the middle for Vieiri and ran into the penalty area.
Vieiri passed the ball to Wang Feng, who received it with his back to the goal. He held off the defensive yer before passing it to Recoba, who had entered the penalty area.
Recoba received the ball and scored with a one-on-one against the goalkeeper before he could make a save.
2-0! Inter Mn secured victory!
This score remained until the end of the match. In the end, with a total score of 3-0 over two legs, Inter Mn advanced to the UEFA Europa League final. Their opponent would be Borussia Dortmund from the Bundesliga.
A dramatic scene unfolded as Wang Feng and Jan Koller, who emerged from the Belgian Pro Leaguest year, unexpectedly met on the stage of the UEFA Europa League final, adding many highlights to the match.
Chapter 124: Ronnie鈥檚 tears
Chapter 124: Ronnie''s tears
On the eve of the final round of Serie A, the Italian Football Federation prepared replicas of two championship trophies and two sets of medals, which were sent to Udine and Rome respectively. The two title-contending teams, Inter Mn and Juventus, both yed away matches, with Inter Mn ying first and Juventus following.
It wasn''t until after the conclusion of Juventus'' match that everyone would know which team had won the Serie A championship. To ensure that the champions could lift the trophy immediately, preparations were made for both scenarios. The president of the federation, Cararo, would go to Inter Mn''s stadium, while the vice president, Mazini, would watch Juventus'' match.
On the afternoon of May 5, 2002, the match between Inter Mn and Lazio was underway.
As Wang Feng stepped onto the field for warm-up, his heart was pounding rapidly. A mix of excitement and nervousness lingered in his mind. This was his first experience of a league''s final round deciding the championship.
Matth?us noticed Wang Feng''s tense expression and approached him before kickoff, patting his shoulder and saying, "Buddy, rx a bit. We''re still in a favorable position. Just treat this game like any other league match."
"Think about how you''ve done it before. You''ve already scored 32 goals so far." Matth?us smiled. Wang Feng looked at him and nodded gently.
With the referee''s whistle, Lazio kicked off, and the match officially began.
In the 21st minute, Inter Mn intercepted the ball in midfield, and Cordoba sent it to the left, initiating an attack led by Zti.
Zti sprinted along the sideline through the half, while Wang Feng didn''t choose to make an immediate run but instead roamed the forward area looking for opportunities. Zti passed the ball to Di Biagio, who then charged towards the baseline.
At that moment, Wang Feng quickly ran into the penalty area and raised his hand, while Vieri and Recoba in the box also ran to different positions, signaling for the ball. This momentarily disrupted Lazio''s defense, with one yer marking each of the three.
Di Biagio, breaking free from defender Nesta''s tackle through a sprint, sent a cross near the baseline. The ball, flying with a curve,nded perfectly in front of Wang Feng.
With a defender beside him, adjusting his position to contest the ball was impossible at this moment. Wang Feng jumped forcefully, turning his entire body around and swiftly transmitting power back to his right leg with his waist, fiercely kicking the iing ball.
As he kicked the ball, he fell heavily to the ground, with his back bearing the brunt of the impact.
The Olympic Stadium erupted into cheers. Without looking back, Wang Feng knew the ball had found the!
He quickly got up and indeed saw the ball spinning in the, while Lazio''s goalkeeper, Peruzzi,y on the ground with a helpless expression.
Excitedly, Wang Feng let out a roar. Vieri rushed over from behind to embrace him, but Wang Feng shrugged him off, then sprinted to the sidelines at the fastest speed.
Finally, Wang Feng arrived at Inter Mn''s fan stands, gesturing to celebrate with those who hade from afar. Soon, he was surrounded by his teammates who rushed over, with Matth?us patting his head and saying, "I thought you might be too nervous to perform, but I didn''t expect you to do so well!"
"Spectacr! Wang Feng opens the scoring for Inter Mn with a fantastic goal!" thementator shouted hoarsely.
"It all happened so fast. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Di Biagio''s cross had a noticeable curve, and Wang Feng''s position at that moment wasn''t advantageous for the attack."
"Yet, he chose the most suitable shooting method at the first opportunity. That''s the intuition of Serie A''s top scorer!"
"Not only is this goal highly difficult, but it''s also incredibly entertaining. Personally, I believe this will be one of the best goals of the Serie A season."
The deadlock on the field was broken, greatly boosting the confidence of Inter Mn''s yers and dampening Lazio''s morale.
Just five minutester, Inter Mn intercepted the ball in midfield again. Konsikao dribbled into the frontcourt and then passed diagonally to Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area. Without stopping the ball, Wang Feng directly passed to Di Biagio on the left.
After receiving the ball on the left side of the penalty area, facing Favalli''s defense without a better chance, Di Biagio passed it back to Wang Feng who wasing to support.
Facing the rolling ball, Wang Feng used his left foot to loft a lob directly towards the goal, which flew straight into the, leaving Lazio''s goalkeeper Peruzzi stunned. He leaped to try and punch the ball away, but the trajectory was too high, directly sailing over his fingertips and bouncing off the inside of the crossbar into the.
2-0! Wang Feng scored his second goal!
In the 57th minute of the second half, Wang Feng dribbled on the right and saw Vieri raising his hand in the penalty area, so he sent a cross.
The ball drew a very curved arc in the air, evading the header attempt by Negr at the near post and heading straight to the jumping Vieri''s head, deflecting into the goal.
3-0! No one had expected Inter Mn to y so smoothly, relying on Wang Feng''s two goals and one assist, they had a big lead over their opponents. They were already touching the championship trophy with one hand!
In the 81st minute, Lazio pulled one back through Crespo, but it was toote. They ultimately suffered defeat, finishing just one point behind AC Mn and missing out on next year''s Champions League qualification, having to settle for the UEFA Europa League instead.
After the full-time whistle, Inter Mn''s yers nervously sat around the television in the dressing room, watching the second half of Juventus'' match against Udinese. At this point, Juventus was leading 1-0.
The goal difference between Inter Mn and Juventus had now widened to five goals. This meant that Juventus had to win 6-0 against Udinese to overturn and win the championship.
This indicated that Inter Mn''s chances of winning the championship had reached 99.99%. Matth?us and Konsikao were already prepared with champagne, waiting to celebrate once Juventus'' match ended.
On the other side, during halftime, Juventus learned the result of Inter Mn''s match. Despair filled everyone''s hearts; under such circumstances, a turnaround was simply impossible.
Ronaldo clenched his fists, his face filled with excitement as he watched the screen. No one could understand his feelings at this moment. When he entered Serie A at the young age of 21, he was so ambitious, wanting to establish his own dynasty at Inter Mn!
But he never expected that after winning only one UEFA Cup honor for the team, he would fall into a cycle of injuries. Forget about the UEFA Champions League trophy, he hadn''t even won the league championship.
If he were to leave Inter Mn like this, he would leave behind a lifetime of regrets. His professional career at Inter Mn would be a painful memory for him.
But now, things were different. They had already brought the league trophy close, and even though he wasn''t the hero in this process, he had contributed his strength at crucial moments!
When Udinese scored a goal, and the full-time whistle blew, with champagne flying everywhere, Ronaldo shed tears.
Chapter 125: Goodbye, Ronnie !
Chapter 125: Goodbye, Ronnie !
All matches of Serie A have ended, and everything has settled. Inter Mn won the league championship with a two-point advantage over Juventus!
Third ce went to Roma, followed by AC Mn, then Lazio and Chievo. The newly promoted "Flying Donkeys" sessfully secured a spot in Europeanpetition.
With a draw in the final round, Udinese narrowly avoided relegation. The teams relegated were Verona, Le, Fiorentina, and Venezia. The purple lilies wilted in the end.
The promoted teams for next season are Empoli, Modena, Reggina, and Como. What achievements will they make? Will they be like Chievo, a dark horse, or just a one-season wonder? Everything is still unknown.
As for yers, Wang Fengfortably secured the top spot on the scoring chart with 34 goals. Second-ced Trezeguet only managed 24 goals. It''s worth noting that the record for most goals in a single Serie A season is 35, set by AC Mn''s Nodari in the 1949-1950 season.
It''s a bit regrettable not to break this record, but with continued effort next season, anything is possible.
In addition to his goals, Wang Feng also contributed 13 assists, ranking second in the assists chart. He narrowly missed out on topping both the goals and assists charts, demonstrating his dominance.
After the simple setup of the venue, the Serie A championship awards ceremony officially began. Since the Golden Boot award is presented before the start of the next season, only the championship medals and trophy were awarded.
Rtions between Lazio and Inter Mn are poor, so most of their fans had already left, not wanting to witness their rivals'' victory. Only the die-hard Inter Mn fans who traveled with the team remained.
Sitting on the sidelines, President Cararo hung the medals around the yers'' necks one by one. When it was Ronaldo''s turn, he embraced Ronnie and said something, though it''s unclear what was said.
When it came to Wang Feng, Cararo paused for a moment, smiling as he looked at Wang Feng and said, "Wee to Serie A, Mr. Legend."
Wang Feng modestly replied, "Thank you, sir. I''m still on the way." Cararo nodded satisfactorily, then hung the medal around Wang Feng''s neck and embraced him tightly.
Finally, Cararo handed the championship trophy to Zti and left. Zti lifted it high, and other yers joined in to touch the trophy. This was Inter Mn''s first league championship trophy since 1989!
When the trophy was passed to Wang Feng, he carefully examined it. It was golden all over, shaped like a funnel with a cylindrical center and a conical top inserted into the middle, quite unique.
Inter Mn''s yers celebrated with the trophy and medals, even tossing their head coach and assistant coach into the air. Poor Cooper, the 47-year-old middle-aged man, was tossed around until his back almost gave out.
They also wanted to tease Wang Feng, the hero of the hour, but luckily he was too quick to be caught, so they went to prank Vieri instead.
Ronaldo watched quietly from the side, a warm smile on his face. Wang Feng approached him and asked, "Ronnie, why aren''t you celebrating with them?"
Ronaldo didn''t answer the question directly but said, "Thank you, Wang." Seeing Wang Feng''s puzzled expression, he continued, "I''m leaving, going to Madrid. The transfer should bepleted this summer."
"I n to announce it after the Europa League final, but I feel there''s no need to hide it from you. You helped me achieve what I couldn''t on my own, and my life is less one regret because of it."
Wang Feng looked at the global superstar with a mncholic expression. He knew almost all the inside stories, including Ronaldo''s conflicts with coach Cooper, his injuries and decline in form, and Moratti''s impatience as Inter Mn''s president.
So Ronaldo''s departure was an inevitable result, just like after Genk won the title, everyone went their separate ways. But Wang Feng still felt sentimental. Though their time together wasn''t long, Ronaldo had helped him a lot, and they had be good friends.
"Don''t give me that ''I''m gone forever'' look," Ronaldo said helplessly. "In the future, whether you go to Madrid or Ie back to Mn, we can meet again."
"And I feel like, with your current potential, Real Madrid might just be your next destination."
Wang Feng remained nomittal. He had no ns to leave yet. He had waited too long for the chance to y in the highest level of Europeanpetition, the UEFA Champions League.
After the end of the Serie A season, there were two whole weeks to prepare for the Europa League final. The club gave all yers a five-day vacation before regrouping to travel to Rotterdam.
During this time, the club''s technical director, Horacio Borm, approached Wang Feng and offered to cover all transportation and amodation expenses for Wang Feng''s family to attend the Europa League final in the Nethends.
In fact, as early asst season, Wang Feng had wanted to bring his family to watch the matches in Germany. However, time was tight then, and his mother didn''t want Wang Feng to spend money unnecessarily, so the n fell through.
This season, with Wang Feng''s significantly increased sry and endorsement fees, he would have invited his family to visit even if Inter Mn hadn''t offered. It was unexpected and heartwarming, making Wang Feng feel valued by Inter Mn.
So Wang Feng first called home to inform them. All three were very willing toe and cheer for Wang Feng in person. His uncle''s family also decided toe over and join in the fun.
"Lu Yao will also go to the venue. This time she''lle with her parents. Bro, you have to look handsome." Having just returned home after ying outside for half a year, Wang Feng''s sister reminded him.
Wang Feng patted his head and asked, "I''m already quite handsome, aren''t I? Oh, by the way, how''s Lu Yao''s university?"
"Hehe, why are you so concerned about her? Why not just ask her directly? She''s already received an admission letter from the University of Mn. She''lle with me to visit you during the summer vacation."
"I''m worried you''ll be alone in Italy withoutpany. Always causing trouble everywhere." Wang Feng said, "I forgot to askst time we talked. We only talked about her Italian proficiency reaching level B2. What about you? You''ve been too busy ying and haven''t learned anything?"
On the other end of the phone, Wang Tian stuck out her tongue and said, "I can manage basic conversations now. I''ll learn more when I''m in the environment. Aren''t you the same, bro?"
Wang Feng shook his head helplessly. In fact,nguages were his weakness when he first arrived in Belgium. But since his adventure, his memory had improved dramatically. He not only learned Dutch and French but also quickly picked up Italian after arriving, allowing him to integrate well with the team andmunicate with his teammates.
After hanging up the phone, he contacted his agent, Balmond, to arrange for his family to travel to Rotterdam, while he focused on training and preparing for the match.
Chapter 126: Before the game
Chapter 126: Before the game
Inter Mn arrived in Rotterdam three days before the final. This time, head coach Cooper insisted that the yers not go out to y, instead conducting training sessions within the hotel they were staying in, with the team adapting to the venue the day before the match.
Wang Feng''s family and Lu Yao''s family arrived at the hotel where Inter Mn was staying ahead of time. Inter Mn arranged enough luxurious suites for them, showing great care.
Wang Feng took half a day off specifically to meet with his "entourage." After a year apart, his mother still pinched Wang Feng''s arm, saying he had lost weight as soon as she saw him. His sister and younger sister smiled silently beside her.
As for Lu Yao''s family, it was the first time Wang Feng had met them. Lu Yao was already blushing and hiding behind her younger sister, while her father, Lu Xuexing, was very excited, shaking Wang Feng''s hand and saying, "I finally meet you, Wang Feng."
"I''m an old football fan. I''ve been following Chinese football since the Dalian Shide days. After waiting for so long, we finally have our own Maradona!" At this moment, Lu Xuexing had no trace of his usual corporate executive demeanor; he waspletely a football fan to the core.
Wang Feng modestly replied, "You''re overestimating me. I definitely can''tpare to Maradona." Lu Xuexing said, "Your age speaks for itself. You''re not even neen yet this year, right?" Learning that Wang Feng wouldn''t turn neen until July 12th, Lu Xuexing looked even happier.
Lu Yao''s mother looked at her daughter and Wang Feng with a puzzled expression, her keen intuition telling her that there must be something going on for Lu Yao to be so shy.
Wang Feng''s mother and sister noticed everything, having frequent contact with Lu Yao. They really liked this well-behaved and sensible girl, but they didn''t force anything. Children have their own destinies, and sess depends on fate.
Finally, everyone had dinner together at the hotel and nned to tour the sights of Rotterdam as a group. Wang Feng was specially allowed to leave the hotel for half a day to spend time with his family.
This treatment made Consigliaco very envious. He wailed, "If I had known, I would have brought my family too, so I wouldn''t have to be stuck training at the hotel."
Matrazi joked, "You see your family dozens of times a year, but Wang Feng only gets to see them once. Is there even aparison? Besides, if your family found out you went out to have fun, they''d probably skin you alive."
Everyone burst intoughter. Head coach Cooper''s lips also curved into a smile, but he quickly restrained himself and urged everyone to hurry up and train. He approached Wang Feng and said, "Wang, you''re already diligent enough in your usual training. Skipping half a day won''t matter much to you."
"Don''t worry about training today. Just spend time with your family. That''s your task for today."
Wang Feng nodded. He cherished the time he could spend with his family.
Wang Feng had already toured Rotterdam before, so this time, he acted as a tour guide, leading the group to visit all the famousndmarks in Rotterdam and exining them earnestly.
As for the content of his exnations, it was what Zti had told himst time. He just learned it and sold it right away.
They didn''t have Chinese food for dinner but tried authentic Dutch cuisine instead. By the time they returned to the hotel, it was already after nine o''clock in the evening. With the match still two days away, Wang Feng couldn''t apany them anymore.
His mother expressed understanding, "Hurry up and prepare for your match. Don''t let us dy your business. We have arge group here and can have fun together without any problems."
His younger sister also nodded, taking out a notebook and saying, "I''ve already nned everything out. I want to shop and eat. That''s the essence of traveling, right?"
Wang Feng sighed silently. This little spender had indeed spent quite a bit during their six-month trip in China. So that''s where all the money went.
On the morning of the match, head coach Cooper gathered all the yers for pre-match tactical arrangements.
The coach of Borussia Dortmund was Matthias Sammer, a former German yer who won the European Footballer of the Year award in 1996. However, his coaching career was just beginning and couldn''tpare to the experienced Cooper.
Despite this, Cooper''s nervousness was heightened by the team''s two previous losses in the Champions League finals. He felt like he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, unable to sleep all night, with his mind filled with tactical formations.
During the meeting, Cooper repeatedly emphasized the team''s defense. Borussia Dortmund would likely use the front trio of Everton, Jan Koller, and Amoroso, with a strong offensive force. It was crucial for Inter Mn not to concede first, as falling behind would put them at a disadvantage both in terms of on-field situation and psychological pressure.
Wang Feng had already experienced a Europa League final once, and that too under extremely unfavorable conditions, yet miraculously won.
So he was actually the most rxed one in the entire team. Thinking back tost year''s ves defender Geli''s bizarre own goal, would there be any unexpected urrences this year as well?
The meeting continued until noon, followed by a press conference and the final training session in the afternoon. ording to tradition, only the coaches attended the press conference to prevent yers from being asked tricky questions that could affect their emotions and performance in the match.
Both teams had won their respective league titles in Serie A and Bundesliga before the final, making this Europa League final highly anticipated. The media believed that their sh represented the highest level ofpetition between the two major European leagues this season.
"We are evenly matched opponents," Cooper said in an interview. "This match has reached the level of the Champions League."
Borussia Dortmund coach Sammer showed a bit of weakness, saying, "Inter Mn''s strength this season is very strong. They not only have the FIFA World yer Ronaldo but also signedst year''s Europa League Best yer, Wang Feng. His performance in the league this season has been perfect."
"We need to find a way to limit their performance in order to bring the trophy back to Dortmund."
As the Inter Mn yers walked out of the locker room and lined up in the yer tunnel, Wang Feng spotted a familiar face, none other than Jan Koller, who also started his career in the Belgian league.
The two greeted each other warmly, even embracing. Their teammates nearby knew about their connection, so they didn''t find it strange.
Koller had performed excellently in the Bundesliga this season, contributing 11 goals in 34 league matches and being one of the key yers in Borussia Dortmund''s title-winning campaign.
He smiled wryly and said, "I didn''t expect us to leave the Belgian league and still have topete against each other." Koller felt quite depressed; his encounters with Wang Feng during their vs days had left him with a psychological shadow.
Wang Fengughed and said, "Not only in the Europa League, but we also have topete on the Champions League stage. Don''t fall behind." Koller felt a chill in his heart; he sensed Wang Feng''s strong confidence, shining like the rising sun.
Chapter 127: Unstoppable Wang Feng
Chapter 127: Unstoppable Wang Feng
In the Dortmund coach''s seat, their head coach Sammer stood on the sidelines early, watching the yers entering the field with a nervous and worried expression.
As a neer with little experience coaching in major tournaments, he felt immense pressure. He had heard of Wang Feng''s reputation before, scoring 34 goals in the defensively renowned Serie A, which spoke volumes about his terrifying attacking ability.
Could the defensive midfield duo of Vorns and Koller stop Inter Mn''s sharp attacks? Sammer was somewhat uncertain. Koller was a veteran, and this Europa League final would likely be his farewell performance. Sammer hoped that Koller could use his rich experience to contain Wang Feng.
As the whistle of the Frenchman Perrin-Bardini sounded, the final began.
In Dortmund''s half, Wang Feng skillfully received Zti''s long pass. Faced with the defensive duo of Vorns and Koller, Koller directly approached Wang Feng, while Vorns stepped back for support.
Wang Feng protected the ball at his feet, using his left hand to shield against Koller''s approach. As Koller extended his leg to tackle, Wang Feng deftly shifted the ball to his left foot and then poked it forward. With a twist of his body to the other side, he forcefully pushed past Koller''s defense.
Vorns was taken aback and hurried to chase after the ball, but Wang Feng had already reached it first. With a wide swing, he effortlessly deceived Vorns, easily passing him on the left.
"On this attack, Wang Feng broke through two defenders and rushed to the right side, crossing!!"
"Vieri in front of the penalty area!! Oh, what a pity, he didn''t kick it with enough force, and the goalkeeper has collected the ball."
"Wang Feng''s pass after the breakthrough was perfect, there was no one around Vieri at the front post, this should have been a goal."
Vorns and Koller, who were broken through, frantically chased back, but they couldn''t stop Wang Feng''s pass. Fortunately, Vieri failed to seize the opportunity, or else they would have been at fault for conceding.
Koller red fiercely at Wang Feng. He hadn''t expected his technique and physicality to be so strong. Next time, he must not let him have it so easy.
Inter Mn''s attack ignited the atmosphere in the stadium. The fans in the stands waved their gs excitedly to cheer for the team. Lu Yao''s father, Lu Xuexing, also joined the crowd, cheering excitedly and singing along with everyone.
Lu Yao''s mother supported Lu Xuexing from the side, preventing him from getting too excited and falling over. Initially puzzled by why a simple football match could evoke such excitement, she now felt the blood boiling within her. The football atmosphere here was just too good.
She nced inadvertently at her daughter Lu Yao beside her and realized something. The admiration and affection in her daughter''s eyes, unable to be concealed, made her understand. Wasn''t this how she felt about Lu Xuexing back then? Why did Lu Yao insist on going to Italy to learn Italian instead of the more popr option of the United States? Everything suddenly made sense.
"I see," Lu Yao''s mother''s feelings wereplex at this moment. She was somewhat gratified that her daughter had grown up, yet also somewhat annoyed. How could her precious daughter easily give her heart away like this, even if it was just unrequited love? As someone who had been through it all, how could she not see that Wang Feng did not have any special feelings for Lu Yao?
On the field, Wang Feng waspletely unaware of what was happening in the stands. He had focused all his attention on the game. Seeing Inter Mn organize another attack, Wang Feng received the ball on the right nk. Faced with the double-team from Koller and Vorns, he skillfully dribbled past them, leaving both defenders behind.
Approaching the ball on the right side of the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly elerated and crossed to the far post, where Rekoba made a direct shot without stopping the ball.
The German goalkeeper Lehmann dived to save, blocking the ball flying towards the bottom left corner out of the baseline.
The fans in the stands let out sighs of regret. Rekoba also scratched his head in frustration, then gave a thumbs-up to Wang Feng nearby, indicating that his pass was excellent.
Vorns gasped for breath, looking at Wang Feng in disbelief. He had heard that Wang Feng was fast, but he hadn''t expected him to be so astonishing. In just a few seconds, Wang Feng had dribbled past him, leaving him and Koller a step behind. Even if they wanted to foul to stop him, they couldn''t touch his body.
Coach Sammer in the coaching seat broke out in a cold sweat. From these two attacks alone, the defensive strategy of Vorns and Koller seemed ineffective against Wang Feng. He shouted loudly from the sidelines, instructing Evanilson and Ded to pay attention to double-teaming, while Royce should retreat to take care of the defensive line.
Inter Mn''s excellent attacking organization finally paid off. In the 34th minute, Grassko''s long pass from midfield found Wang Feng on the right nk.
Wang Feng and Vorns both contested for the ball, but Wang Feng''s positioning was better. He chested the ball, pushing it away, then elerated to catch up with the ball, shaking off Vorns and cutting inside towards the penalty area.
Faced with the double-team from Koller and Ded, Wang Feng first shifted the ball to the right, drawing Koller to tackle. Then he flicked the ball back to the left, catching Koller off guard and causing him to lose his bnce and fall to the ground.
Before Ded, who was nearby, could press him, Wang Feng shot with his raised foot. The ball flew towards the near corner of the goal, grazing the crossbar and post before entering the.
"Gooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!! In the 34th minute of the first half, Inter Mn has broken the deadlock."
"French referee Bardini blew the whistle to confirm the goal. In a situation where Inter Mn had been unable to score, Wang Feng decisively stepped up and personally scored the goal."
After scoring, Wang Feng turned and ran straight to the area where the Inter Mn fans were seated, raising his arms to signal to them. Even though he couldn''t see his rtives and friends among the tens of thousands of people, he knew they must be watching him at this moment, feeling proud of him!
"Dortmund has fallen into a disadvantageous situation. Obviously, their defensive strategy against Wang Feng has backfired. Koller and Vorns in the defensive line simply cannot stop the full-force Wang Feng. Sammer needs to carefully consider how to contain this young warrior in theing time."
"Of course, Inter Mn''s attack hasn''t been smooth sailing either. Other yers have missed many opportunities. Does Cooper need to make some adjustments to improve the overall attacking efficiency?"
"There''s still a long time left in the game, and everything is still uncertain."
Inter Mn''s yers celebrated for a long time until the referee urged them to return to their positions and restart the game with Dortmund.
Vorns, who had been yed multiple times, had a major mental breakdown. In the 41st minute, he received a back pass from Licken and, under Wang Feng''s pressure, made a mistake, kicking the ball to the opponent.
Helpless, he had to slide tackle, but he missed the ball and viciously nailed Wang Feng''s shinbone.
The referee''s whistle sounded immediately, pointing to the penalty spot while walking towards Vorns, taking out a red card from his pocket to show him.
Chapter 128: Tenacious
Chapter 128: Tenacious
French referee Bardini awarded Dortmund a severe penalty: a red card and a penalty kick. For the already trailing Dortmund, this was like adding insult to injury. Even though he knew it was an intentional foul, Vorns kept exining to the referee, hoping he would retract such a severe penalty and instead issue a yellow card.
The Inter Mn fans in the stands booed Vorns, and when Wang Feng''s mother saw him being tackled, her heart clenched, while Lu Yao covered her mouth in shock.
Thatst tackle was too aggressive; there was no question about the red card. Fortunately, Wang Feng was wearing shin guards and had a sturdy physique, so he wasn''t injured, just feeling a bit of pain in his leg. He rubbed his shin, adjusted his shin guards, and stood up with the help of Zti.
In the end, the 30-year-old German veteran had to leave the field prematurely, ending his imperfect farewell performance.
Wang Feng handed the penalty kick to Vieri to take. He had missed many opportunities in this game and needed a goal to regain his confidence.
Vieri did not disappoint Wang Feng and his teammates, scoring easily and helping Inter Mn increase their lead.
The first half ended with Inter Mn leading Dortmund 2-0.
During halftime, the atmosphere in the Inter Mn locker room was jubnt. Leading by two goals and having an extra man on the field, even the usually cautious Wang Feng felt confident of victory.
Konczykao excitedly discussed where he should go for vacation this summer. Although the entire month of June would be upied by the World Cup, where he would represent Portugal in Asia, the next season wouldn''t start until September, leaving plenty of time in between.
"Korea and Japan should have many fun ces to visit. I can stay a bit longer and maybe visit China as well. Wang, are you going home this summer?"
Wang Feng shrugged and said, "I''m not going back. I''ll stay in Europe this summer." He felt somewhat annoyed that he hadn''t been called up for the World Cup and subconsciously didn''t want to hear anything about it.
It seemed like his family could sense his mood. His mother suggested spending the summer in Italy with Wang Feng, and his sister said she wanted to tour Europe while Wang Feng showed her around.
Upon hearing this, Konczykao expressed regret, saying, "It''s a shame. Wang''s sister is super cute. I wanted to invite her to China to be my tour guide."
Wang Feng grabbed him by the throat and jokingly scolded him, "You brat, don''t you dare have any ideas about my sister, or I won''t let you breathe." Konczykao begged for mercy, patting the table and saying, "I was wrong, I was wrong."
Everyone burst intoughter, and the locker room was filled withughter and joy.
Soon, halftime was over, and both teams returned to the field.
Despite being a man down, Dortmund did not give up on the game. On the contrary, theyunched a direct attack right from the kickoff, causing chaos in Inter Mn''s defense.
In the 49th minute, Rossi dribbled down the left nk and crossed into the box. Materazzi headed the ball away, but it fell to Koller outside the box. Without stopping the ball, Koller volleyed it into the top left corner, leaving Toldo helpless as Dortmund pulled one back.
Just five minutester, Rossi struck again. His cross into the box was headed on by Koller to Amoruso at the far post. Amoruso was battling with Cordoba, and the physical contact caused Amoruso to fall.
The referee stopped the game and, after consulting with the linesman, awarded Dortmund a penalty!
"Oh, giving Dortmund a penalty at this point is very unfavorable for Inter Mn."
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. The contact between Cordoba and Amoruso seems normal, with both engaging in some minor physicality. Shouldn''t that be enough for a penalty?"
"We can see that the referee has shown a yellow card to Cordoba, who was chasing after him the whole time. It seems like this penalty is set in stone and won''t be changed."
Amoruso took the penalty himself and scored, equalizing the score for Dortmund!
Watching the ecstatic Dortmund yers celebrating, the faces of the Inter Mn yers showed disbelief and frustration. They had thought victory was in their grasp, but now they had be overconfident.
They subconsciously looked towards Wang Feng. This season, due to Wang Feng''s continuous outstanding performances, they had unwittinglye to see him as their backbone.
From Wang Feng''s demeanor, they didn''t see any despondency or regret, only a firm gaze revealing a desire for victory.
The uneasy feeling gradually subsided. Even though both teams were back on level terms, Inter Mn still had the numerical advantage, so there was nothing to worry about.
As the game resumed, Dortmund, despite being a man down, continued their offensive. However, facing the well-prepared Inter Mn defense, they ultimately fell short, and control of the game gradually shifted in favor of Inter Mn.
In the 79th minute, Wang Feng dribbled into the attacking half. He suddenly elerated towards Koller, who stretched out his foot to try to steal the ball. Wang Feng deftly flicked the ball past his leg but was tripped in the process.
Struggling to stay on his feet, Wang Feng managed to maintain his bnce and caught up with the ball, charging towards the edge of the box.
Dede stepped in to intercept, but Wang Feng''steral eleration left him trailing behind. Faced with Evanilson in the center, Wang Feng pushed the ball forward, threading it between Evanilson''s legs and directly into the box.
Wang Feng then sprinted into the box, received the ball, and faced the goalkeeper, who dived to block. Wang Feng calmly sidestepped the goalkeeper''s outstretched arms and slotted the ball into the empty from a tight angle.
"Goooooooooooooal!! Wang Feng scores his second goal of the game!! He helps Inter Mn take the lead once again."
"This game has been a rollercoaster. With Dortmund trailing 0-2 and a man down, nobody expected them to score two goals in the second half."
"Just when everyone thought the Yellow Jackets were about to stage aeback, Wang Feng stepped up and said No!"
"This is Wang Feng''s 19th goal in the Europa League this season, putting him far ahead in the top scorer standings. If Inter Mn ultimately lifts the trophy, he is very likely to win the yer of the Season award and create a new historical record!"
"I''m getting more and more excited for next season. When Wang Feng steps onto the Champions League stage, what surprises will he bring us?"
After scoring, Wang Feng slid on his knees towards the corner g, raising his arms in celebration. Then he was swarmed by his teammates, with Materazzi shouting in his ear, "Is there anything you can''t do, Wang? This is all too crazy!"
In the stands, watching Wang Feng acknowledging the fans, Lu Yao''s eyes welled up with tears. She knew how difficult it had been for Wang Feng toe this far.
In her mind, she remembered a year ago when Wang Feng hade to her specifically to talk about whether or not to join Inter Mn. Back then, he looked lost and confused, like a seventeen-year-old boy. Thinking about it now made herugh through her tears.
Lu Yao''s mother shook her head as she watched her daughter, crying andughing. It seemed she was deeply immersed in it all.
Chapter 129: Cup, Golden Boot
Chapter 129: Cup, Golden Boot
When the referee Bardini blew the final whistle of the match, the substitutes, coaching staff, and personnel who had been waiting on the sidelines all rushed onto the field in excitement.
After four years, Inter Mn once again lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy. Everyone''s faces were filled with excitement. Cooper kept his hands in his pockets, trying to maintain hisposure. After all, he had experienced the Champions League final as a coach.
But soon he was overwhelmed. A group of yers surrounded him, lifting him high and catching him again. He could only sigh at his old age while yfully joining in with everyone''s antics.
Wang Feng stood with his hands on his hips, watching everything with immense satisfaction but also an intense desire, longing to touch the trophy that symbolized the highest honor.
"Champions League, here Ie," he murmured. At that moment, Koller walked over. Hearing Wang Feng''s words, he first paused, then smiled knowingly. "Yes, next season will be your first time participating in the Champions League. How will you handle those powerhouses? It''s truly something to look forward to."
"Let''s exchange jerseys, Wang. From your debut until now, I''ve only beaten you once. I wonder if that was lucky or unlucky."
Wang Feng took off his jersey and handed it to him, saying with a smile, "Of course it was lucky. There are many yers who haven''t beaten me even once."
"You''re not being polite at all, but it''s true. Genius yers are often full of youthful energy. I really miss those days." Koller shook his head and walked towards the yer tunnel.
On the familiar award ceremony stage, with the familiar trophy, the Inter Mn team lined up excitedly, waiting to receive their awards. When Zti lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy, the entire Feyenoord Stadium erupted in apuse.
Inter Mn won the UEFA Europa League, achieving a league and cup double! Although this news wasn''t as shocking as Real Madrid lifting their ninth Champions League trophy, it was still remarkable.
Wang Feng was once again mentioned. He became the first yer in history to win the UEFA Europa League yer of the Season award two years in a row, contributing 19 goals and 6 assists in the Europa League.
There was another surprising event: Wang Feng sessfully won the 01-02 season European Golden Boot award. Despite Mario Jardel of Sporting Lisbon scoring 42 goals, Wang Feng''s 34 goals earned him 68 points, surpassing Jardel by 5 points and iming the honor of Europe''s top scorer.
Jardel felt quite frustrated. He had worked hard to score goals this season, hoping to attract the attention of the top five leagues and secure a transfer after the season ended. At 29 years old, he wasn''t getting any younger, and winning the European Golden Boot would undoubtedly have improved his negotiating position. However, Wang Feng''s sudden rise snatched away that honor, leaving him feeling helpless.
For a moment, Wang Feng''s achievements and honors were widely reported, and the news reached China, causing domestic fans to cheer. Every honor Wang Feng received created history for Chinese football.
After the UEFA Europa League final, the Inter Mn team returned to Mn, preparing for the championship parade. Wang Feng''s uncle''s family and Lu Yao''s parents nned to participate in the parade before returning to China. They had been away for too long, and there was much work to be done.
At Lu Yao''s repeated requests, her mother finally agreed to let her stay as well, to adapt to life in Mn in advance. However, she scrutinized Wang Feng, her eyes filled with a warning, leaving Wang Feng puzzled.
Before they left, everyone would stay at Wang Feng''s vi near Lake Como. The location was spacious enough, and they were all very satisfied with the vi''s environment. Lu Yao''s sister looked around and said, "Brother, you live in such a big vi by yourself. It''s really luxurious. I want to live here when I go to school."
Wang Feng ruffled her hair and said, "It''s too far from your school, and transportation is inconvenient. You should stay in the dormitory."
His sister pushed away his hand and said, "I''m an adult now. You can''t always pat my head. It messes up my hair. Besides, I can drive. Staying in the dormitory, I heard the dormitory environment at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts is very poor, with facilities that are outdated relics."
"And the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and the University of Mn are both in the city center, only two kilometers apart. When Lu Yao moves in, the two of us can take care of each other, right, Lu Yao?"
Lu Yao nodded vigorously, her face turning red under Wang Feng''s gaze, but she tried to remain calm, looking at him with watery eyes.
After thinking for a moment, Wang Feng still felt it was inappropriate. "It''s inconvenient tomute so far every day. How about this: you cane over and stay with me on weekends or during holidays. Choose a room to stay in permanently, and I''ll give you the keys."
His sister pouted, but she also felt that she couldn''t push it too far. So she dragged Lu Yao excitedly to choose rooms. She chose a room facing Lake Como for herself, with a panoramic balcony that offered beautiful views.
Lu Yao chose a room next to Wang Feng''s, which, rtively speaking, didn''t have as good a view as the sibling''s room, but it had excellent lighting and venttion.
After dinner, everyone went back to their rooms to rest. Wang Feng went to the basement gym to exercise. Despite the fatigue from the journey, he had developed a habit of exercising every day.
After finishing his workout and taking a shower, Wang Feng saw Lu Yao waiting for him in her pajamas, holding a cup of milk. Her long, shiny ck hair cascaded down like a ck waterfall.
Approaching her, Wang Feng asked, "Is there something you need, Xiaoyao?" A pleasant fragrance wafted over, indicating that she had also freshened up. Her face was still red, but she tried to calm herself down, handing him the milk and saying, "Brother Feng, drinking a cup of warm milk after exercising helps with sleep. You''ll feel more energetic tomorrow."
Taking the milk, Wang Feng smiled and said, "Seems like you''re not as shy around me anymore. But you''re always blushing, which is really cute." With that, he finished the milk in one gulp.
If this were a scene in aic book, steam would already being out of Lu Yao''s head. Her mind was nk as she mechanically took the empty cup, went to the kitchen to wash it, then returned to her room, burying her head in the covers.
Her breathtakingly beautiful smile would surely astonish many people, but at this moment, no one could see it.
Inter Mn''s championship parade was nothing special. The club had prepared several open-top buses adorned with the Inter Mn crest for yers, staff, and enthusiastic fans to ride through the streets of Mn.
As the captain and vice-captain, Zti and Dibaggio each held the league championship trophy and the Europa League championship trophy on the lead bus. The other key yers were also on this bus.
As the core of the team, Wang Feng''s rtives and friends received special treatment. They were arranged to ride on one of the buses with some staff, allowing them to participate firsthand in the championship parade, which was a novel experience for them.
Watching the fans surrounding the buses, Wang Feng waved to them, eliciting screams of excitement. Many bold female fans were fervently expressing their love.
This scene caught the eyes of Wang Tian and Lu Yao. Wang Tian whispered to Lu Yao, "I told you, there are so many people chasing after my brother that they could line up from Mn to Turin. You should be more generous and not always shy away. Otherwise, he won''t notice you."
Lu Yao nodded vigorously, feeling a pressure she had never experienced before.
Chapter 130: Finally called
Chapter 130: Finally called
After the parade ended, everyone was about to part ways. Before leaving, Lu Yao''s mother called Lu Yao over alone and gave her some earnest advice. Meanwhile, Lu Yao''s father, Lu Xuexing, hugged Wang Feng and said, "Keep up the good work, young man. Make those people back home take notice."
Wang Feng was aware that Lu Xuexing knew about the situation regarding his non-selection for the national team. However, many domestic fans were unaware because the authorities had decided to handle it discreetly, keeping it under wraps for now. The n was to secure good results at the World Cup first, and then everything would fall into ce.
"Without you, there wouldn''t have been any good results," Lu Xuexing said indignantly. "They will sooner orter pay the price for underestimating you."
After everyone left, only Wang Feng''s family and Lu Yao remained. Wang Feng''s sister, in high spirits, started nning, "We don''t need to rush to tour Italy. We''ll have plenty of opportunities in the future. So let''s start with the Nordic countries and then move on to Eastern Europe."
"Well, let''s start with the capital of Find, Helsinki. It''s a garden city, definitely beautiful. Then we''ll cross the Baltic Sea to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to see the Royal Pce and Djurg?rden."
"For the third stop, let''s choose Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian fjords are famous naturalndscapes. I''m already excited even before seeing them. Finally, it''s Copenhagen, Denmark. I want to explore the origin of Andersen''s fairy tales there."
"This journey will probably take more than half a month. For Eastern Europe, let''s choose Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Hungary. These countries all have many medieval castles that will surely make us feel like we''re in a fairy tale world."
Wang Feng said helplessly, "You''re really good at nning. This trip will probably take more than a month."
His mother worriedly said, "How much money will that cost? Ah Feng, why don''t we just tour nearby?" Wang Feng reassured her, saying, "Mom, I earn enough money now to travel for a lifetime. You''vee all this way; you must have fun to the fullest. So, let''s go with whatever n Xiaomei arranges."
His sister cheered, and she and Lu Yao started discussing the details of the itinerary in whispers. They nned to set off as soon as possible to have more ces to visit.
As Wang Feng embarked on his journey around Europe, the 2002 FIFA World Cup kicked off in South Korea and Japan. Without Wang Feng, the Chinese team suffered early elimination, losing 0-2 to Costa Rica, 0-3 to Turkey, and 0-4 to Brazil.
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, in an interview, expressed his confusion about why Wang Feng wasn''t in the Chinese team: "You know, I yed alongside Wang Feng at Inter Mn for a year. I can say for sure that my attacking abilities are not as good as his now."
"This Chinese team, yes, they''re strong, but without Wang Feng''s firepower, they''re stillcking."
The three defeats without a single point or goal,bined with Ronaldo''s remarks, ignited the anger of the fans. They questioned the authorities through various channels, asking why Wang Feng wasn''t selected and what the reasoning behind it was.
Under immense public pressure, the authorities had to exin and take action. They first sacked coach Milutinovi? and shifted all the me onto him, iming that the coach didn''t see the need for Wang Feng to join the team.
Even though Milutinovi? and his team had been talking to them every few days before the World Cup, hoping to call up Wang Feng, those discussions were now irrelevant. The Mexican coach left China with a tarnished reputation.
Additionally, the Chinese Football Association made a decision: Wang Feng would definitely be called up for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup,peting for honor on home soil!
These two pieces of news instantly calmed the fans'' anger. They spread the word, believing that their appeals had finally made a difference.
Wang Feng received a call from his agent Balmond at a five-star hotel in Salzburg.
"Wang, the Football Association has formally submitted the documents for your call-up. However, there are still a series of procedures to bepleted. You need to be a registered yer."
"And, this is a bit... I don''t know how to describe it. You''ll need to sign many agreements. By joining the national team, the Football Association will gain all your image rights, along with some othermercial rights."
Wang Feng said, "That''s fine, you can agree directly."
Balmond exined excitedly, "You don''t understand, this will cause you to lose a lot, a lot. Aren''t we joining the national team to increase ourmercial value?"
"No, Balmond, I''m joining the national team because I want to serve my country, not to make money. Well, let''s add an additional use to the terms: these rights will automatically expire after I turn thirty-five."
Ultimately, Balmond agreed to Wang Feng''s decision, which was one of the reasons why Wang Feng had never changed agents.
In fact, several renowned European agents like Mendes and Rai had contacted him frequently, hoping to sign this future superstar.
They indeed had unparalleled influence, but they would never agree to some of Wang Feng''s decisions, like this one, because it would mean a decrease in the agent''s ie.
But Balmond was different. Starting out with Wang Feng, he was Wang Feng''s most loyal friend and would never cause trouble over money. Wang Feng had already given him plenty.
Moreover, Balmond had a very good personality; he onlycked some connections and experience, which would gradually be richer as he continued to serve as Wang Feng''s agent.
Thinking about this, Wang Feng felt that choosing Balmond back then was a very wise and important decision!
After lengthy negotiations, both parties finally reached an agreement: Wang Feng would respond to calls for crucial matches such as the AFC Asian Cup, World Cup qualifiers, and the World Cup. For smaller tournaments like the East Asian Cup, the focus would be more on nurturing domestic yers.
Initially, the authorities thought that negotiations with Wang Feng would be difficult, but they didn''t expect him to be quite cooperative. They wished they had initiated the call-up process earlier, even though the condition of expiring at thirty-five was quite annoying.
But on second thought, nobody knew what Wang Feng would be like at thirty-five, so they eventually agreed to include this use in the agreement.
When Balmond informed Wang Feng of these details, he had already returned to Italy and begun his extra training journey.
The trip went smoothly; they really did visit the Nordic countries and Eastern Europe ording to the n. They went to many ces, took many photos, and bought many souvenirs. They couldn''t fit them all in their suitcases, so they had to send some back to Mn.
After the trip ended, Wang Feng''s mother and sister returned to China, while his sister and Lu Yao stayed in Mn, waiting for school to start. With over a month left, they nned to visit some domestic attractions in Italy. Wang Feng couldn''t apany them.
He nned to intensify his training, making up for all the time he had ckened off, and greet the new season in the best condition possible!
Chapter 131: Transfer news
Chapter 131: Transfer news
The 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan was a highly controversial event, but it also produced numerous ssics. Ronaldo led Brazil to their fifth World Cup victory, while he himself won the Golden Boot with eight goals.
Germany, with outstanding performances from Kahn and Back, as well as a moment of brilliance from young talent Klose, sessfully reached the World Cup final. Meanwhile, the formidable French team was eliminated in the group stage, and Zidane, in pursuit of helping Real Madrid win the Champions League, had to face the consequences of a World Cup injury.
As the quadrennial event concluded, the summer transfer window opened as scheduled. Major clubs around the world were vying for yers who had performed well in the previous season and the World Cup.
The first explosive news in football was Ronaldo''s transfer. The "Alien" was set to move from Inter Mn to Real Madrid for 45 million euros.
Although Ronaldo had struggled with injuries and poor performance in Serie A in recent years, his ster performance at the 2002 World Cup reaffirmed his dominance.
Some media outlets couldn''t help but wonder why Inter Mn let him go for such a low price. After all, the previous year, Zidane''s transfer fee was as high as 64.5 million euros.
In an interview with a reporter from the French newspaper "L''Equipe," Ronaldo was asked if his transfer was due to conflicts with Inter Mn''s coach Cooper and the new attacking core Wang Feng, prompting him to leave in anger.
Ronaldo replied, "There were some disagreements between Cooper and me, but it wasn''t to the extent of a feud. As for Wang Feng,e on, we''re good buddies. I''m still very grateful to him. Without him, I wouldn''t have won the league titlest season."
"As for leaving Inter Mn, it''s because I''ve been gued by injuries in recent years. Perhaps a change of environment will be better for me? Haha, I want to try something new and face new challenges."
Leaving only after winning the Serie A title, Ronaldo was evidently in good spirits. The past grievances were thus settled.
Inter Mn chairman Moratti, in an interview, expressed regret: "Ronnie''s departure is unfortunate, but that''s professional football."
Regarding the new season, he expressed hope: "We have the best striker in Serie A, and he''s still young. I believe under Wang Feng''s leadership, Inter Mn will achieve better results."
In Serie A, Fiorentina went bankrupt and got relegated, while Parma and Lazio were deeply mired in financial crisis. The era of the "Seven Sisters of Serie A" seemed to have passed, with AC Mn, Juventus, and Inter Mn forming a triumvirate.
A significant event was the top clubs selling their core yers. Firstly, Lazio sold their team captain Nesta to AC Mn for 31 million euros.
Then, they put Crespo, a former Serie A Golden Boot winner, up for sale, with potential buyers being Inter Mn. Originally, the Nerazzurri nned to acquire the striker, but Wang Feng''s almost insane scoring outputst season sessfully cured Moratti''s habit of "hoarding forwards."
As a result, Crespo lingered in the transfer market for a long time without finding a new club. Eventually, Chelsea signed him for 20 million euros half an hour before the transfer window closed, which was the highest price they could offer.
Parma sold their captain and defensive stalwart, Cannavaro, to Inter Mn for 23 million euros.
It wasn''t just the smaller clubs in Serie A that were selling their core yers; many simr instances urred in European football.
For instance, Leeds United, facing financial crisis, sold their defensive core Ferdinand to Manchester United for 46 million euros. His transfer fee was even higher than Ronaldo''s, sparking discussions among various media outlets.
Another controversial transfer news was Barcelona''s decision to terminate Rivaldo''s contract one year early and let him leave. The former Camp Nou king could only leave with his head held low, joining AC Mn as a free agent.
No one could have expected that the hero who stormed the gates for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup would end up in such a manner. "AS" revealed that it was Van Gaal who drove Rivaldo away. Their notorious rtionship was well known, and Rivaldo was not an easy yer to tame, which undoubtedly led to this "breakup."
Meanwhile, "Marca" regretted that Rivaldo would never wear Barcelona''s shirt again, stating in an article: "Rivaldo''s departure is a tragedy, just like Maradona, Romario, and Ronaldo before him. Barcelona always fails to keep their best yers."
"Maradona and Ronaldo said when they left that the president didn''t want them. Rivaldo would say the same thing."
To appease the anger of Camp Nou fans, they quickly came up with an alternative: signing 24-year-old Argentine midfielder Riquelme.
He won the Argentine Footballer of the Year award for two consecutive years and was also honored as the South American Footballer of the Year, helping Boca Juniors win the Copa Libertadores twice, earning him the title of Argentina''s future.
AC Mn emerged as the biggest winner in the transfer market, signing yers like Rivaldo, Seedorf, Tomasson, De La Red, Simic, Nesta, and other stars, assembling a luxurious lineup.
Clearly, the previous season''s failure left a deep impression on them, and the club manager, Stewart Kunde, had to make some achievements to appease Berlusconi''s anger.
As for the Brazilian forward Kaka mentioned earlier, he failed to get enough ying time at the 2002 World Cup, making him feel that his strength was still insufficient. He ultimately decided to stay another year at Sao Paulo.
Inter Mn didn''t make many moves in the transfer market. They bought Cannavaro from Parma and exchanged Sidorov, who had been unable to get ying timest season, with AC Mn, aiming for Italy''s international striker Co.
At the same time, they signed 28-year-old Italian defender Adani as a free agent. He originally belonged to Fiorentina, but since the Vi went bankrupt and got relegatedst season, all yers were allowed to leave for free.
Adriano, who returned from Fiorentina to Inter Mn, still couldn''t secure a starting position in the team. So the club sold him to Parma, but they retained the right of first refusal.
Overall, Inter Mn further strengthened their defensive line, while relying more on Wang Feng for their attacking line.
Regarding Asian yers, Japanese Nakamura joined newly-promoted Serie A side Reggina on loan, while Perugia''s Ahn Jung-hwan failed in his transfer to West Ham United and became embroiled in disputes between clubs, putting his future in doubt.
China''s Li Tie, with his outstanding performance at the 2002 World Cup, joined Everton in the English Premier League, while Sun Jihai continued to stay at Manchester City. The "Chinese Derby" between the two sides was highly anticipated by domestic fans.
Chapter 132: Assembling and warming up
Chapter 132: Assembling and warming up
Wang Feng''s birthday, July 12th, began with his sister and Lu Yao getting up early to prepare for him. When he returned from his morning exercise, the air in the living room was filled with the aroma of cake, and there was milk and egg bread on the table.
His sister came out of the kitchen and said, "Brother, let''s have breakfast first. I guess you won''t get to eat your birthday cake until tonight. Lu Yao said she wanted to make a cake for you herself."
Curious, Wang Feng asked, "You guys can bake a cake? Let me see." With that, he walked into the kitchen. Being a luxurious vi, the kitchen was naturally equipped with all the utensils and machines.
The kitchen at this moment looked like it had been through a battlefield, with egg and flour sttered everywhere. There was even some unidentified ck substance in the trash can. Lu Yao''s delicate face was now covered in white flour.
Seeing Wang Fenge in, she blushed and said, "This is a bit of a mess. We''ll clean it up. You should go out first." With that, she reached out and pushed Wang Feng out.
From behind, his sister chimed in, "Hehe, brother, just wait to eat. We won''t give up. We''ve been baking all day and still couldn''t make a perfect cake."
Wang Feng chuckled and said, "As long as you don''t make a bomb, I''ll be grateful."
By evening, Wang Feng finished his day''s training. His sister and Lu Yao had alsopleted their culinary training and brought out a cake that didn''t look too good but smelled delicious.
Wang Feng looked at it, then at them, and said cautiously, "This shouldn''t be poisonous, right?" His sister said, annoyed, "This is the result of our hard work all day, and you''re saying this? Be careful, I''ll throw it at you."
Wang Feng quickly waved his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. Thanks for your hard work. Hurry up, light the candles so I can make a wish." Lu Yao went to turn off the lights, while his sister ced the candles on the cake.
With closed eyes, Wang Feng made his wish. He wished for his family''s well-being in theing year, for himself to achieve better results, and to earn more money. Well, maybe that was a bit greedy.
When he opened his eyes, he saw Lu Yao''s watery gaze fixed on him. In the candlelight, she looked especially alluring.
The two locked eyes for a long time, until his sister''s light cough broke the spell. Lu Yao shyly lowered her head, and Wang Feng felt a flutter in his heart.
After a long summer break, Inter Mn gathered in early August. They would y four warm-up matches first and then prepare for the UEFA Super Cup at the end of the month.
As usual, Wang Feng arrived early at the training room for warm-up. As the yers arrived one by one, they greeted Wang Feng with smiles. yers like Vieri, Recoba, and Conceciao looked noticeably out of shape, indicating that even participating in the World Cup couldn''t stop their unhealthy holiday habits.
The club weed many new faces and bid farewell to many old ones. One departure that made Wang Feng feel a bit nostalgic was the Slovakian defender Grzesko. They had some friendship off the field, but his declining form in thetter half of the previous season led to dissatisfaction from the management, resulting in his transfer to Parma.
Among the arrivals, the most famous was Cannavaro. The former Parma captain greeted Wang Feng immediately upon arrival. "Wang, you left a deep impression on mest season. I hope you''ll guide me in the future."
Wang Feng jokingly punched him in the chest and said, "Your sharp defense and free kicks left asting impression on me too. I hope you enjoy your time at Inter Mn."
Not only Cannavaro, but other new and old yers also greeted Wang Feng eagerly. They seemed to surround Wang Feng, making him the center of attention, despite not being the team captain anymore. His strong support from the club president Moratti and his own formidable skills contributed to this.
However, Wang Feng maintained a warm attitude without any hint of superiority, making his teammates feelfortable around him.
Coach Cooper arrived on time at the training ground. When he saw the various body shapes of the yers, he felt a headacheing on. Only Wang Feng reassured him; no matter when, Wang Feng could maintain the healthiestpetitive state.
With Ronaldo gone, Cooper focused on reforming Konsi Kao, who had been living a dissolute life, increasing his training load, much to his dismay.
The first warm-up match was scheduled a week after the training camp, against Pro Vercelli from Serie C. Wang Feng didn''t y in this match, and several out-of-shape yers were given full ying time.
In the first half, Inter Mn made defensive mistakes, allowing the opponents to score first and dominating the game.
In the second half, Inter Mn took control of the game with their rich experience but still couldn''t score.
In the end, they lost 0-1 to the Serie C team. After the match, Cooper was furious and kept all the yers who attended the match for extra training.
A few dayster, Inter Mn yed their second warm-up match against Livorno from Serie B. Cooper rotated the lineup mainly to adjust the new defense line, with new yers like Cannavaro and Cocu appearing on the field.
Vieri broke out in this match, scoring twice, and Inter Mn won 2-1. But Konsi Kao still performed poorly, disappointing the coaching staff on the sidelines.
In the third warm-up match against Servette from the Swiss Super League, Cooper only used substitute yers and new signings. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Wang Feng sat on the sidelines for this match, and what impressed him most was that Cannavaro didn''t perform as well as he did at Parma. It seemed that Cooper''s coaching hadn''t beenpleted yet.
Moreover, he seemed to have some tension with Cordoba, evident in their usual activities. Although there was no open conflict between them, they barely spoke to each other. The situation in Inter Mn''s locker room seemed moreplicated thanst year.
In the fourth warm-up match, Inter Mn yed a real battle against Lazio, using all their main yers, hoping to verify the lineup for the new season.
Starting the game despite being out of action for a long time, Wang Feng still showed exceptional activity. He contributed a goal and an assist, and orchestrated an attack that helped Vieri score.
However, Inter Mn only narrowly won 3-2 against Lazio, as the Lazio strikers, Corradi and Lopez, tore through Inter Mn''s defense.
With four warm-up matches, Inter Mn achieved two wins, one draw, and one loss, which was unsatisfactory. Their defense still needed further adjustment.
The only constion was that Wang Feng''s role in the forward line remained prominent. At neen years old, he had further grown in terms of physical strength, impact, and explosiveness.
Chapter 133: The first trophy !
Chapter 133: The first trophy !
On the afternoon of August 28, 2002, the Inter Mn team flew to Monaco, in the southeastern corner of France, preparing for the European Super Cup match against Real Madrid on the 30th.
Monaco is a very small European country that has sold 90% of itsnd to France and is now under French protection.
Since 1998, the European Super Cup has been held at the Louis II Stadium, which,pared to top league stadiums, is particrly small, amodating only 18,500 people, with the parking lot built directly under the pitch.
During the pre-match press conference, the most concerning question for all journalists was whether Ronaldo would y for Real Madrid against his former club.
Real Madrid coach Vincente del Bosque said, "Ronaldo is still in a recovery phase. As you know, he took on too much during the Korea-Japan World Cup, and we can''t afford to overburden him."
Not only that, ording to the match squad lists, many key yers for Real Madrid such as Figo and Zidane were absent from this game. Some journalists suggested that Real Madrid might be giving up on this trophy.
The Spanish coach denied this, saying, "Of course not. As you know, we have never won the European Super Cup, so we are extremely eager to add this trophy to our collection. It would be very interesting, wouldn''t it?"
"However, after the battles ofst season''s Champions League and the World Cup, many of our yers have suffered injuries, so we have rotated the squad. This is normal."
"Our opponents, Inter Mn, are also facing simr situations, aren''t they? Moreover, the Europa League''s level ofpetition cannot bepared to the Champions League, in my opinion."
This argument sparked controversy among the media, with many believing it showed contempt for Inter Mn''s strength. Cooper, not a magnanimous coach, specifically mentioned this in his pre-match motivational speech: "Guys, get yourselves together and show the legendary Gcticos some colors."
Once the match began, Real Madrid showed strong momentum, wanting to overpower Inter Mn and control the game. In the first ten minutes, their ball possession and attacks were quite threatening.
Inter Mn, however, yed with great patience. Their recent training had focused on stabilizing the defense, with Cooper even specifically instructing Wang Feng to continuously challenge the defense during group confrontations. Now, Cannavaro and others saw Wang Feng as if they were facing a big demon.
Overall, this training proved effective. So, facing Real Madrid''s pressing attacks, Inter Mn''s defense remained solid. Of course, the absence of key yers was also one reason Real Madrid struggled to break through.
In this game, Cooper used a 4-4-2 formation, different from the previous season''s regr lineup. Toldo remained in goal.
The defense consisted of Cannavaro, Cordoba, Materazzi, and Coco.
In midfield were Sainz, Di Biagio, Dalmat, and Recoba, while Zti and Konscia were on the bench.
The forwards were Vieri and Wang Feng.
As the game progressed, Wang Feng on the front line quietly revealed his sharpness.
In the 23rd minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. Di Biagio dribbled the ball into the frontcourt from the left, then delivered a cross to Wang Feng on the other side of the field.
Wang Feng controlled the long pass perfectly, then started ateral cut inside, using his speed to get past Carlos'' defense.
Near the top of the penalty area, he sidestepped Elgera''s pressure with his left foot, then struck the ball fiercely with his left foot, sting it through Real Madrid''s goal. Casis guessed the direction correctly but reacted a step too slow.
This astonishing shot stunned the Real Madrid fans in the stands, who had traveled from Spain to Monaco to witness their team''s historic victory. They had hoped to witness Real Madrid lifting the trophy but didn''t expect Inter Mn to take the lead.
Their cheers grew louder, hoping to provide encouragement and support to the yers on the field, to avoid repeating the tragedies of 1998 and 2000.
But the iplete lineup of the Gcticos couldn''t stop Wang Feng''s footsteps. As the first half approached the end, Inter Mn again nned an attack.
After Wang Feng''s pass back, Dalmat passed horizontally to Recoba in the middle. Recoba used his right foot to loft a pass, the ball flying high over Real Madrid''s defense.
Wang Feng retreated slightly to avoid being offside, then suddenly elerated when Recoba''s pass came, sessfully avoiding offside. With no one defending in the penalty area, he volleyed the ball into the far corner of the goal.
Two goals! After scoring, Wang Feng excitedly ran towards the Inter Mn fans in the stands. Although outnumbered by Real Madrid fans, they had been cheering passionately throughout the match.
Seeing Wang Feng approach them, many fans were moved to tears. They had finally waited for this day, the rise of Inter Mn!
With a 2-0 lead into halftime, everyone at Inter Mn was excited. Coach Cooper approached Wang Feng to discuss tactics: "Wang, will you continue to y in the second half? If you feel tired, I''ll let Martins rece you."
Wang Feng said, "Coach, let me y the full match. I feel very good, and there''s no need for rest. Besides, a 2-0 lead doesn''tpletely ensure victory, especially against Real Madrid."
Cooper nodded, "I also want to win this trophy and start the new season on a good note."
After the break, Real Madrid indeed intensified their offensive. In the 57th minute, Spaniard Guti helped the team pull one back. Then, Carlos'' direct free-kick narrowly missed breaking through Toldo''s fingers. A series of attacks from the Gcticos brought suspense back to the game.
In the 77th minute, Wang Feng and Vieri formed a wall-passbination near the edge of the penalty area. With Vieri blocking Elgera who wanted to help defend, Wang Feng easily shot into the goal from inside the penalty area.
Hat-trick!
With a 3-1 lead until the final whistle, Inter Mn lifted their historic first European Super Cup with Wang Feng''s hat-trick!
You see, among the "Northern Trio" of Serie A, AC Mn has won the European Super Cup three times, Juventus twice, while Inter Mn had nothing.
Now, Wang Feng has made history for Inter Mn. With this alone, he will be forever remembered in Inter Mn''s trophy room.
The European Super Cup is silver overall, shaped like a giant goblet, with the stem part widened into a more streamlined shape. The trophy weighs 5 kilograms and is about 42.5 centimeters tall, making it the smallest and lightest trophy in European clubpetitions,pared to the 15-kilogram Union Cup, it''s like a dwarf before a giant.
When Zti lifted the trophy, everyone had only one belief in their hearts: this is just the beginning! Next, Inter Mn will create one miracle after another of their own.
Chapter 134: Turning the tide
Chapter 134: Turning the tide
Just after winning the UEFA Super Cup, Inter Mn couldn''t afford to rest. They boarded an international flight to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, to y the Italian Super Cup againstst year''s Italian Cup champions, Parma, on September 7.
Tripoli is thergest international city in Libya, characterized by its Mediterranean atmosphere and Arab-Imic charm, facing Italy across the sea.
At this time, Tripoli''s situation was very stable. The club gave everyone a day off to enjoy the charm of this ancient city.
Since Wang Feng toured major Europeanndmarks in the summer, he seemed to have developed a liking for this kind of travel. "No wonder my sister always wants to travel everywhere. But by now, they should have already started school. I''ll call hometer and ask." Walking the streets of the old city, Wang Feng silently pondered.
Tripoli''s old city retains its ancient Arab Eastern color, dotted with mosques of all sizes and many characteristic cuisines.
The hotel where Inter Mn stayed was located in Tripoli''s new city area, with tall buildings, wide and straight streets, palm trees shading the roadsides, forming a sharp contrast with the old city.
For this match, Cooper sent out a partially substitute lineup, with Pasquale recing Cannavaro, Vivas recing Materazzi, Zti recing Di Biagio, Emre recing Dalmat, Konscia returning, and Wang Feng sitting on the bench, with Recoba and Vieri forming the frontline.
This arrangement wasn''t because he didn''t want to win the trophy, but because Parma suffered significant setbacks in the summer transfer window, with many ofst season''s key yers sold off, likely significantly weakening their strength, so there was no need to field all the main yers.
However, things often develop unexpectedly. When the game reached the thirtieth minute, the score on the field was 0-3, with Parma in the lead and Inter Mn trailing.
The audience in the stands and Cooper on the coaching bench were shocked. Was this the debt-ridden Parma that sold stars to make ends meet?
The frontline trident of Adriano, Mutu, and Grdino disyed astonishing strength, easily tearing through Inter Mn''s defense. Adriano scored twice, Grdino added a third goal, and within thirty minutes, Inter Mn couldn''t keep up.
As Parmaunched another attack and Mutu''s shot after breaking through the defense hit the post, Cooper finally couldn''t sit still. He sessively substituted Cannavaro and Materazzi, recing the sleepwalking Konscia and the underperforming Vivas.
At this point, Inter Mn''s formation changed to a 5-4-1, barely keeping the goal from conceding before the end of the first half, entering halftime with a huge 0-3 deficit.
The dressing room was silent, as no one had expected Parma''s frontline to be so fierce. Adriano and Mutu, who could be considered Inter Mn''s castoffs, managed to overwhelm their former team, which was truly thought-provoking.
Coach Cooper said, "We conceded too early in the first half, and our defensive formation was a mess. Fabio, your led backline must withstand Parma''s attacks in the second half."
"Actually, Parma''s defense is very weak, but our forwards didn''t y a good deterrent role, allowing them to attack with all their might. Wang, I''ll send you in the second half. You mustunch attacks." Wang Feng nodded solemnly. The team was at its most critical moment.
After the break, Parma''s frontline trident remained active, but Wang Feng exerted great pressure on their defense, causing their midfielders to tighten their defense and disconnect from the front line, thereby somewhat suppressing Parma''s offensive momentum.
The rhythm on the field gradually returned to Inter Mn''s familiar pattern. In the 57th minute, a long pass from Inter Mn''s backcourt found Wang Feng''s back. He turned, shrugged off Bonera, and charged into the penalty area.
He performed a one-twobination with Recoba in the frontcourt, then personally kicked the ball into Frey''s goal.
Inter Mn pulled one back! Cooper was right; Parma''s defense indeed had significant issues. Although Bonera was a mainstay in Italy''s under-21 team, he still fell short against Serie A-level attack and defense.
Moreover, their defensive positioning was poor, easily allowing Inter Mn to use one-twobinations. Wang Feng believed that as long as they continued to work hard, everything would still be possible!
Eight minutester, Zti dribbled near the midfield line. Seeing Wang Feng being defended by only one yer in the frontcourt and standing rtively far, he sent a high pass.
Wang Feng controlled the ball with his head, pushed it forward, evaded the defenders, and elerated into the penalty area.
The goalkeeper, Frey, quickly rushed out when he saw the situation, but Wang Feng flicked the ball with his right foot, sending a lob shot. Frey raised his right hand high, trying to push the ball out, but it was just out of reach.
In the 82nd minute, a through ball from Emre found Wang Feng near the center line. Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal, then passed it horizontally to Vieri in the center. Vieri dashed into the penalty area and equalized the score for Inter Mn.
From 3-0 down to 3-3, Inter Mn staged a stunningeback!
After Vieri''s goal, he excitedly circled the field in celebration, then tightly hugged Wang Feng, saying in his ear, "This is all too unbelievable, we did it!"
Compared to the ecstatic Inter Mn yers, the Parma yers seemed very frustrated, especially the new recruits in the defense and the mentality of the frontline trident, who were entrusted with heavy responsibilities for a short time and still needed to gain more experience.
Just when everyone thought the game would go into extra time, in the 93rd minute, Inter Mnunched an attack. Zti passed the ball to Wang Feng in the frontcourt, who first flicked it to the left to evade Nakata''s block.
Then he passed the ball to Recoba near the arc, and he ran to the right side of the field. Although Recoba failed to control the ball well under Ferrari''s interference, falling to the ground, he still managed to use his right leg to push the ball towards the right side of the defense.
Wang Feng burst out like lightning, received the ball, continued to the right, evaded the defenders in the penalty area, and scored with a low-angle shot.
"Hat-trick!! Near the end of the second half, Wang Feng staged a stunningeback for Inter Mn!"
"Seven days ago, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco, Wang Feng helped the team win the UEFA Super Cup with a hat-trick. Now, he has helped the team lift the Italian Super Cup with another hat-trick."
"Who can stop his crazy performance? We look forward to what excitement Wang Feng will bring to us in the uing league!"
Thementators on the scene already believed that Inter Mn had secured the final victory, and indeed it was. Shortly after the game restarted, the referee blew the final whistle.
Inter Mn defeated Parma 4-3, lifting their second-ever Italian Super Cup in history, with their first cup won in 1999.
Chapter 135: Great goal
Chapter 135: Great goal
When Inter Mn returned to Mn with two championship trophies, they were greeted by enthusiastic Inter Mn fans and numerous Italian media.
Naturally, Wang Feng was the most eye-catching yer. Many Inter Mn fans wore his number ten jersey, holding up banners with his name, and to avoid disappointing them, he walked over and signed autographs for several people in the front row.
This caused a bit of chaos, and airport security had to remind him that it wasn''t the ce for autographs. Wang Feng apologetically nodded to the fans before boarding the bus.
Sitting next to him, Materazzi eximed enviously, "Wang, you have so many fans. Inter Mn''s best-selling jersey is yours."
"I heard that many fans bought several of the same jerseys: one for everyday wear, one for collecting, and even one just to admire. It''s unbelievable," he continued.
Wang Feng smiled slightly. In fact, this was also a significant source of ie for him. ording to the contract signedst year, Inter Mn would hold 50% of Wang Feng''s image rights, while he retained the other 50%. Therefore, for every piece of authorized merchandise sold about him, he could receive 50% of the profits.
Back at Inter Mn''s training ground in Pina, they held a grand press conference to meet the media''s interview demands, and Wang Feng also attended.
When asked about the goals for the new season, Wang Feng said, "Of course, we want to defend the league title, and it''s my first time participating in the Champions League. I hope we can go further."
Cooper, on the other hand, said more confidently, "The league, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia, we want to achieve good results in all of them. Since we''ve already won two trophies, why not aim for more?"
This statement immediately caused a stir among the reporters present. A journalist from Mn Sports News asked, "Are you implying that Inter Mn will aim for the grand achievement of winning five trophies this season?"
Cooper replied, "That''s our ultimate goal, but it''s not absolute. Many uncertainties will arise as the season progresses, and no one can predict the future."
Inter Mn''s press conference caused a sensation in the Italian football world, with many media outlets criticizing Cooper''s statements.
Mn Sports News wrote, "Cooper and Inter Mn have fallen into an irrepressible mood of arrogance." The article analyzed that after narrowly winning the league titlest season, Inter Mn had a skewed assessment of their own strength.
"The fact that they struggled against a team like Parma, which was short on yers, indicates a serious problem with Inter Mn''s squad depth. They rely solely on Wang Feng''s powerful attack."
"However, whether Wang Feng can continue his amazing performance fromst season and stay injury-free remains highly uncertain. Therefore, it is advised that Inter Mn abandon unrealistic ideas and make some trade-offs."
Rome Sports News stated that AC Mn had the best summer transfer window operations, while Inter Mn had the worst. "Inter Mn sold striker Adriano to Parma and missed out on Crespo. They''ve put all their hopes on Wang Feng, which is a big mistake."
"Moreover, Inter''s defense has major issues. Cannavaro and Coco seem unable to adapt to Cooper''s tactical system. Whether in friendly matches or the two cup games, they have not performed at their usual level."
These negativements did not affect the yers of Inter Mn. For them, each game waspleted step by step, and aspiring to higher honors was not a mistake.
However, the club''s management felt that some of the media''s points were valid. President Moratti convened several senior officials, along with head coach Cooper, to discuss the goals for the season.
"Should we make somepromises and trade-offs to avoid losses in the end?" Moratti asked.
"I didn''t originally think so much about it, but after winning the UEFA Super Cup and the Italian Super Cup consecutively, I''ve been thinking, why can''t we aim for more achievements?" Cooper said excitedly.
He added, "Now the problem is twofold: the teamcks depth in defense, and there''s no one who can rece Wang Feng."
Moratti nodded. "Since the Serie A league has been postponed by two weeks, the transfer window will also be extended. We still have time to operate. Juventus'' Zambrotta is a defensive stalwart, and we''ve had discussions with him before."
"As for recing Wang Feng, I''m afraid there''s no yer on the transfer market who can reach that level. However, in terms of attacking power, Roma''s Batistuta has a chance."
"He''s had a difficult time with Roma, so we could easily bring him in on loan as a backup option."
Cooper nodded and said, "Then let''s bring these two yers to Inter Mn. In any case, the opportunity is already in front of us; it''s up to us to seize it."
Ultimately, Inter Mn brought Zambrotta from Juventus for ?9 million and then loaned Batistuta from Roma,pleting the final reinforcement before the transfer window closed.
Just one day after the match between Inter Mn and Real Madrid ended, Lu Yao and Wang Tian officially went to their respective schools, so when Wang Feng returned to Mn, they had already started their school lives.
Returning now, facing the empty vi, Wang Feng felt a sense of emptiness in his heart. He used to live alone and didn''t feel there was any problem.
But after spending just one summer together, he had be ustomed to the noisy presence of the two little girls. Whenever he exercised in the gym, just hearing their voices would make him feel at ease.
Now, returning to being alone, he felt a bit uneasy. He smiled bitterly and shook his head, only able to relieve this feeling with more diligent training and work.
But at this moment, he suddenly heard the sound of the door opening behind him. Turning around, he saw the two little girls. Wang Feng was extremely surprised and asked, "Isn''t today Monday? You should be in school."
His sister replied, "We''re afraid someone might feel lonely, so Lu Yao suggested that when youe home today, we take the afternoon off ande back to have dinner with you, to let you gradually get used to the days without us."
Lu Yao carried the evening''s ingredients and smiled, saying, "Originally, we nned to go home first, make dinner, and wait for you, making you think we never left. But we didn''t expect you toe back so early."
Wang Feng was somewhat touched, but he said, "I''ve lived alone before. I''m not that fragile." Only at this moment did he seem like a stubborn neen-year-old boy.
That afternoon, Wang Feng, for the first time ever, skipped training and instead yed and joked around with them. They yed games for a while, swam in the indoor pool, and then cooked together in the kitchen. In the evening, amidstughter and joy, they had dinner together before each went to their own dreams.
The next day, Lu Yao and her sister went back to school, and Wang Feng began his brand new season journey.
Chapter 136: Opening successively
Chapter 136: Opening sessively
On September 14, 2002, at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Mn, Italy, Inter Mn would wee the opening match of the new season. Their opponent was Torino, a team from the same city as Juventus.
For the home coaching staff, this was a must-win game. Since Cooper mentioned the "great goals," the Italian media had not stopped mocking Inter Mn. They would be delighted to see Inter Mn stumble at the beginning.
Shortly after the game started, the home team''s coaching staff stood in a row, anxiously watching the situation on the field. Cooper stood in the middle with his hands in his pockets, appearing calm on the surface, but the sweat on his forehead exposed his nervousness.
Inter Mn did not have the upper hand at the beginning of the game. French midfielder Dalma''s performance was worrying, with frequent low-level mistakes, causing anxiety among the spectators. Meanwhile, Torino''s Uruguayan forward Maganes was exceptionally active, putting great pressure on Inter Mn''s defense.
Cooper''s greatest hope now was for Wang Feng to continue his previous performances. As long as his offensive role was demonstrated, it would deal a fatal blow to Torino.
In the 10th minute, the suppressed Inter Mn finallyunched a strong attack. Di Biagio dribbled on the left, forcefully broke into the penalty area with his technical skills, and then delivered a cross.
The ball went directly to the right, where Wang Feng pushed aside Torino defender Fattori, received the ball, and took a shot.
The shot was fast and urgent, heading straight for the bottom right corner of the goal, but Torino goalkeeper Bi made a miraculous save, using one hand to push the ball out of bounds.
Wang Feng, frustrated by not scoring, scratched his hair, while Inter Mn fans in the stands apuded, apuding both Wang Feng''s attack and Bi''s miraculous save.
"Wang Feng made Inter Mn''s first shot of the game, and this shot was perfect in both angle and strength, but unfortunately, Bi managed to keep the goal safe."
"After Di Biagio''s breakthrough, he found Wang Feng on the right, and the two still maintained their understanding fromst season."
Three minutester, Recoba passed the ball to Wang Feng outside the penalty area, Wang Feng held the ball with his back to the goal, and, feigning to turn to break through, attracted Torino''s Fattori toe for a double-team.
However, he suddenly sent the ball backward with his right foot, directly to the feet of the advancing Vieri. Unfortunately, the Italian striker''s shot was too strong, and the ball flew over the crossbar.
In the following game, Inter Mn gradually took control of the game, and their midfield became more organized. Torino gradually retreated to defend, and their threat in the front line became minimal.
"Let''s take a look at this attack. Wang Feng received the ball in the frontcourt, and Torino''s defense is quite dense. He passed the ball to Recoba on the right."
"Recoba received the ball, with Gnte making a pulling motion, but Recoba didn''t fall and still passed the ball to the frontcourt, where Vieri received the ball at the edge of the penalty area."
"Beautiful, he hooked the ball into the penalty area, Wang Feng made a run, Wang Feng! He shoots! Goal! Gooooooooooooooal!"
"In the 31st minute of the first half, Inter Mn finally scored the first goal!"
"Wang Feng, number ten, opened the scoring for Inter Mn. This is his first league goal of the season and Inter Mn''s first league goal. Wang Feng is proving with his actions that his form is as hot asst season!"
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Vieri''s hook pass at the edge of the penalty area was very thoughtful. He retreated to the best receiving position, touched the ball with his right foot, and hooked it into the penalty area."
"Wang Feng, relying on his speed, got to the ball before the Torino defenders and poked it with his foot, sending the ball through the goalkeeper''s hands into the."
After Wang Feng scored, both the Inter Mn yers on the field and the coaching staff off the field breathed a sigh of relief. Although they controlled the game, not being able to take the lead always brought great pressure, and now all the pressure had been released, making their performance on the field more rxed.
Just five minutester, Inter Mn struck again. Wang Feng dribbled on the right, cleverly turned with a Cruyff turn to shake off the defensive yers, and crossed.
The ball hit Vieri''s head urately at the near post, and then deflected into the, 2-0! Inter Mn scored another goal!
When Vieri celebrated the goal, he said to Wang Feng who came afterwards, "Wang, I feel like this goal waspletely aimed at my head. I didn''t even use much force, and the ball was headed into the."
He joked, "My head is still spinning from the impact." The surrounding teammates burst intoughter, and Wang Feng felt proud. It seemed like his passing uracy had be even more precise, which was the result of his usual diligent training.
The first half ended with Inter Mn leading by two goals, but at halftime, head coach Cooper was still not satisfied with the team''s performance. "We wasted a lot of opportunities in the first half. You must know that Torino is not a strong team."
"Dalma, you haven''t fully entered the game yet. I hope you can y a more important role in both attack and defense in the second half."
The Frenchman, who transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Mn in 2000, had just obtained a starting position in this season, but unexpectedly performed poorly in his debut and was criticized by the head coach. He felt quite depressed and could only lower his head to tie his shoces.
Seeing this, Wang Feng sat down beside him and whispered, "Stphane, Mr. Cooper is usually quite strict. It''s your first start, and you''re sure to feel a bit ufortable. We can all understand."
"When I made my first start in the Belgian Pro League, I was so nervous that I couldn''t figure out what to do."
Dalma was surprised and said, "With your talent as a young genius, weren''t you outstanding in your first start? Were you still nervous?"
Wang Feng did indeed make a stunning debut in the cup, but tofort Dalma, he only focused on his own feelings of nervousness and confusion in the first few moments on the field.
This made Dalma somewhat empathetic, and gradually his uneasy mood was relieved. Even Wang Feng had such feelings; he felt that he could do it!
As the second half began, Inter Mn still maintained the level of the first half. In the 67th minute, a quick counterattack saw Inter Mn form a three-on-three situation in the frontcourt. Wang Feng dribbled on the right, bypassed the defending yers, and sent a straight pass into the penalty area.
Recoba took the ball and scored into Torino''s goal, sealing the victory for Inter Mn.
The three most potent attackers for Inter Mnst season, Wang Feng, Vieri, and Recoba, all opened their ounts in the first league game of the new season, which could be considered a good omen.
Chapter 137: Champions League draw
Chapter 137: Champions League draw
The day after the game was the weekend, and as usual, Wang Feng returned to the vi after his morning training. When he entered the living room, the aroma of eggs wafted from the kitchen.
Approaching, he saw that Lu Yao, who was staying at the vi for the weekend, was preparing breakfast. Wang Feng asked in surprise, "Why aren''t you sleeping a bit more? You''re usually busy with sses, you should rest more on weekends, like Wang Tian, thatzy pig, who can''t get up before noon."
Lu Yao smiled and said, "Brother Feng, with your level of activity, I thought I''d make breakfast for you in advance. It saves you the trouble of making it yourself when youe back."
"That''s too much trouble for you." Wang Feng scratched his head, and Lu Yao brought the dishes to the dining table. "No worries, I can''t go with you when you have away games anyway, it''s not even twice a month. Let''s just consider it a thank you for letting me stay at the vi."
They enjoyed their meal and conversation, feeling content. Lu Yao was no longer as embarrassed around Wang Feng as she used to be. Even when Wang Tian teased her, she could maintain herposure, a sign of her growing maturity.
"You read sports newspapers too?" Wang Feng asked, looking at the Mn Sports News on the table. Lu Yao stuck out her tongue, saying, "I still need to practice my Italian, reading newspapers is one of the better ways."
Wang Feng picked it up and saw the headline on the front page: "AC Mn 4-0 Rout of Promoted Side Modena, Shaking off Last Season''s Slump." Intrigued, he continued reading.
The article praised AC Mn''s summer transfers as the most reasonable in Serie A, stating that the team now had no obvious weaknesses, whether in attack or defense.
"They are definitely strong contenders for the league title, even Wang Feng''s Inter Mn can''t match AC Mn now."
The newspaper also mentioned Inter Mn''s 3-0 victory over Torino: "Although Inter Mn defeated their opponents, the yers'' performance was inconsistent, with the attack sharp as always but significant issues in midfield and defense."
"Torino suffered casualties in the summer transfer window and failed to strengthen adequately. Their level is much lower than even newly-promoted teams, making them hot candidates for relegation this season. So, Inter Mn''s victory was expected, but the problems it masked should not be ignored."
Seeing Wang Feng reading the news, Lu Yao blushed slightly and said, "I think you guys can definitely beat AC Mn." Wang Feng confidently replied, "Of course, I will defeat any opponent standing in my way!"
After breakfast, Wang Feng went to Pina for training. He would have lunch and dinner there. Lu Yao waited for Wang Tian to wake up. The two would either cook together or go out shopping. They would return to school together at night.
Wang Feng was urging them both to get their driver''s licenses. It would make traveling much more convenient, and he nned to buy them a moderately priced car. This way, it wouldn''t seem like showing off.
In early September, the annual UEFA Champions League group stage draw and UEFA Awards Ceremony would be held in Monaco. As Inter Mn had secured a spot in the Champions League this season, Wang Feng received an invitation from UEFA, hoping he could attend this European football event of the year.
With hisst season''s European Golden Boot, Wang Feng sessfully made it to the Best Forward shortlist, but that wasn''t the focus. All clubs were focused on the draw results for the group stage.
As the Serie A and Europa League champions, Inter Mn was ced in the first seed group. The second seed group included strong teams from the top five leagues, including Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, and Deportivo La Coru?a.
Even the third seed group had strong teams like AC Mn, Ajax, and PSV Eindhoven. So, if luck wasn''t on their side, they could face toughpetition in the group stage.
When the draw results came out, Wang Feng seemed to hear cheers from the club members. They surprisingly drew a favorable group, avoiding most of the strong opponents.
Inter Mn''s opponents were Lyon, Ajax, and Norwegian side Rosenborg. Even the presenters in the studio couldn''t help but exim, "Inter Mn has secured a spot in the knockout stage."
The other Serie A teams weren''t as lucky. Juventus would face Feyenoord, Dynamo Kyiv, and Newcastle United, while AS Roma would encounter Real Madrid, AEK Athens, and Genk.
AC Mn had the worst luck, dropping to the third seed group, and had to face Bayern Munich, Deportivo La Coru?a, and Reims.
AC Mn coach Ancelotti epted interviews about the draw results, stating, "Our performancest season wasn''t satisfactory, which is why we dropped to the third seed group and face strong opponents."
"Bayern Munich and Deportivo La Coru?a are formidable opponents, and Reims is also a strong team from Ligue 1. We must give our all to break through. This is not only a challenge and test for the yers but also for the coach. We will not give up easily."
Even though Ancelotti''s words were encouraging, the Italian media changed their tune, no longer boasting about AC Mn''s strength.
At the awards ceremony, Wang Feng missed out on the Best Forward award, which went to Ra??l, who helped Real Madrid win the Champions Leaguest year. Watching the Spaniard talk confidently on stage, Wang Feng silently vowed to win this award sooner orter!
Whether Ra??l could win the European Golden Ball again became a hot topic. However, most people thought it unlikely because this year was a World Cup year, and the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year awards were likely to go to the best performer in the World Cup.
Ronaldo would be the top contender, and many media outlets believed he would easily win both awards. Marca, the Spanish newspaper,mented, "Ronnie won the FIFA World yer of the Year and the Ballon d''Or in 1997. Now that he''s back, he''ll definitely bring these two trophies back to Real Madrid."
"I wonder if Inter Mn will regret selling a double award winner for ?45 million. It''s definitely a loss-making deal."
Of course, some thought it could be Ronaldo''spatriot Roberto Carlos, as he not only won the Copa America but also the Champions League with Real Madrid. The only disadvantage was that he was a defender, and winning as a defender was much harder than as a forward.
After attending the awards ceremony, Wang Feng returned to Mn and was soon to apany the team to Norway for their first Champions League group stage match against Rosenborg.
Rosenborg was the most dominant team in Norway, winning the Norwegian Premier League every year since 1992. However, on the Champions League stage, they were considered weak, having to go through three qualifying rounds to enter the group stage. To other teams, they were no different from a walkover. Such was the cruelty of the Champions League!
Chapter 138: Rain and injuries
Chapter 138: Rain and injuries
On the evening of September 18th, at the Lekendal Stadium in Trondheim, Norway, the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage match between Rosenborg and Inter Mn is underway.
Inter Mn haspletely dominated the game since the start. In the 3rd minute, Dharma organized an attack in midfield and passed to Rekoba, who was making a run down the nk. The Uruguayan sent a cross into the penalty area.
The ball smoothly passed between two defenders and found Wang Feng at the far post, who didn''t hesitate to shoot, opening the scoring for Inter Mn.
Five minutester, Wang Feng received a long pass from Zti at the edge of the penalty area. He controlled the ball with his back to the goal, then turned and broke through without any fancy footwork, simply overpowering the opposing defender. Their abilities were clearly mismatched.
Once inside the penalty area, Wang Feng didn''t miss the opportunity, dribbling past thest defender and slotting the ball home to extend Inter Mn''s lead.
In the 21st minute, Inter Mnunched another attack. Di Biaggio passed from the left to Rekoba inside the penalty area, who chipped the ball to the side where Vieri was positioned.
Despite defensive pressure, Vieri headed the ball to the penalty spot, where Wang Feng executed a bicycle kick to score his third goal of the match!
In just 21 minutes, Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick! Afterwards, Inter Mn slowed down their pace and began to control the game, while Rosenborg''s defensive gaps were too wide. In the 34th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the right and casually passed it into the penalty area.
Vieri, who made a run into the box, volleyed the ball fiercely, once again piercing through the home team''s defense.
4-0! Rosenborg began to feel anxious. To avoid further embarrassment, they started defending more aggressively. In order to avoid conflicts, Inter Mnpletely gave up on attacking and rxed their defense a bit, but Rosenborg still couldn''t score.
At halftime, Inter Mn reced key yers Wang Feng and Vieri with new signing Batistuta, a 33-year-old veteran with strong attacking abilities. In the second half, Batistuta further extended Inter Mn''s lead with a powerful long-range shot.
As the game neared its end, Inter Mn was awarded a free kick in the opponent''s half. Zti''s direct shot once again breached Rosenborg''s defense.
The final score was 6-0, with Inter Mn convincingly defeating Rosenborg.
While Inter Mn enjoyed a big win over Rosenborg, Juventus drew 1-1 with Feyenoord, AC Mn beat Crotone 2-1, and Roma suffered a 0-3 defeat against Real Madrid. It''s a mixed bag for the top four teams in Serie A.
Even against weaker opponents, Wang Feng''s Champions League debut hat-trick and one assist performance shocked European football. The German newspaper "Bild" described: "In the two UEFA Cup appearances Wang Feng made, he contributed 22 goals and 19 goals respectively, astonishing the world."
"Now on the Champions League stage, can he continue to lead the top scorer list? Let''s wait and see."
On the evening of September 22nd, in the southern Italian city of Reggio Cbria, it was raining heavily at the Granillo Stadium. Inter Mn, dressed in white, was facing Reggina, dressed in red, in the second round of Serie A.
Rainwater dripped into Wang Feng''s eyes, blurring his vision. He wiped the water droplets away with his hands, running tirelessly in search of opportunities.
He had experienced rainy battles before, but ying in such heavy rain was a first for him. It was almost impossible to see the opponent''s goal, and if the rain got any heavier, the game might have been postponed.
The heavy rain severely hindered both teams'' performances, especially Inter Mn''s. Compared to newly promoted Reggina, they were more adept at possession y and would have normally dominated.
However, the soaked pitch made it difficult to pass and control the ball properly. Both teams made numerous mistakes, and in the first thirty minutes of the game, neither managed to create a shot on goal.
In the 35th minute, Vieri received the ball in the middle and prepared to dribble forward, but suddenly slipped and fell to the ground without any challenge.
Seeing Vieri in obvious pain on the ground, Reggina defender Morabito kindly kicked the ball out of y. Then Inter Mn''s team doctor entered the field for a simple examination.
"Muscle strain!" Doctor Hert gave a grim diagnosis. He shook his head and signaled to coach Cooper for a substitution. Cooper thought it was just a minor injury from slipping in the rain, but it turned out to be more serious. He had no choice but to bring on Batistuta to rece Vieri.
At halftime, Inter Mn yers inquired about Vieri''s condition with the staff. They were told that he would miss at least the next two months of matches.
The atmosphere in the dressing room was heavy. Matarazzi said gloomily, "Vieri told me before that he was very luckyst season, not to have suffered any injuries. I didn''t expect him to get injured right at the start of this season."
Injuries are unavoidable for professional yers, especially for Inter Mn, who have experienced many such precedents. Just as everyone''s spirits were sinking, Wang Feng stood up and said, "Guys, it''s not time to despair yet. If you believe in me, please pass me the ball."
Matarazzi continued, "Yes, of course we believe in you, magical kid. Is your body made of iron? Last season, you only rested for two matches after such a serious foul."
Everyone couldn''t help but smile, and the heavy feeling gradually dissipated. Yes, things were different now. They had the "Iron Man" Wang Feng, who was undoubtedly a goal-scoring machine!
When coach Cooper returned to the dressing room, he found that the yers'' morale had returned. This puzzled him a bit, but he also breathed a sigh of relief.
He tapped the tactics board and said, "With such heavy rain, we need to change our tactics. Try to minimize short passes and instead use long passes to tear apart the opponent''s defense."
"After winning the ball in the back and midfield, we can directly kick it to the forwards. Wang Feng and Batistuta, you two wait up front for the ball."
"Sti, you lead the backline to closely mark the opponent. I estimate Reggina will also use this long-pass tactic. We can''t let them take advantage of it."
After carefully arranging the tactics, the second half of the game began amidst the pouring rain.
In the 71st minute, Inter Mn''s Dharma sent a long pass to the front, while Wang Feng quickly sprinted to find the ball''snding spot.
Despite being closely chased by defender Ramaki, Wang Feng had the advantage in speed and was the first to reach the ball''s destination. He then pushed the ball forward and continued chasing after it.
The rain made it difficult to advance with the ball, and Ramaki quickly caught up. However, relying on his instincts, Wang Feng managed to control the ball, dodge a tackle with a quick turn, and then, with a powerful left-footed shot, scored from long range.
The goal was sudden, and the Reggina goalkeeper couldn''t react in time. He made an attempt to save it, but it was toote.
With this unexpected attack, Inter Mn won 1-0 against their opponents, securing three valuable points.
Chapter 139: Slip of the tongue
Chapter 139: Slip of the tongue
"Vieri Injured, Inter Mn in a Tough Situation!" The next day, the prominent Italian newspaper "Evening Post" published a report on the match, with the cover featuring a snapshot of Vieri being carried off the field on a stretcher.
The report stated, "The heavy rain in Reggio Cbria brought many misfortunes to Inter Mn, especially the injury of their main striker, Vieri. It is understood that he will be sidelined for at least two months, meaning he will miss the next eight league matches."
"With a sudden long-range shot from Wang Feng, Inter Mn managed to escape unscathed against the newly promoted team. However, their plight was evident to all."
"At present, apart from Wang Feng, Inter Mn''s forward line only consists of veteran Batistuta and substitute Mohamed Carlon. At the beginning of the season, Coach Cooper''s bold words seem to be drifting further away from reality. Inter Mn needs to seriously consider the path ahead."
For the coaching staff of Inter Mn, the shortage of personnel in the forward line is indeed a serious problem. They did not buy Crespo in the summer and sold Adriano. Currently, the position only has Wang Feng, Batistuta, Carlon, and Recoba.
So they promoted Obafemi Martins from the Inter Mn youth team to the first team as Wang Feng''s backup, which can be considered a temporary solution. This eighteen-year-old youngster is even younger than Wang Feng and bes the youngest yer in the first team.
Returning to Mn, everyone will soon wee the second round of the Champions League group stage match against Ajax, a strong team from the Eredivisie.
Ajax''s attacking training is top-notch in the Eredivisie and is well-known in European football, nurturing outstanding forwards such as Ovimars and Van Basten, who are renowned worldwide.
And what left a deep impression on Wang Feng on the field now is the young center-forward not far away, Ibrahimovic. His physical confrontation and sprinting abilities are outstanding, and his tall stature makes him a towering presence in the penalty area.
In the first twenty minutes of the game, he contributed two fierce shots and two headers, although they didn''t result in goals, they forced Inter Mn goalkeeper Toldo to make several fantastic saves.
On the other hand, the injury to Inter Mn''s main yer affected the on-field performance of the yers. They still haven''t been able to organize effective attacks.
The twenty-one-year-old Ibrahimovic showed his strength, and after each shot, he provocatively looked at Wang Feng, as if saying, "You''re not that great, are you?"
Wang Feng didn''t take this provocation to heart. Instead, he felt somewhat gratified that he had be a target for young yers to chase andpete with.
But at this moment, the situation on the field must be reversed as soon as possible, otherwise, Inter Mn would be in danger in this match.
After nearly forty minutes of being attacked by Ajax, Inter Mn finally got a chance. Cannavaro made a tackle in the backcourt and directly kicked the ball forward.
At this time, Wang Feng, who was defending near the center line, also sprinted forward with all his might. Although there was still a considerable distance from the Ajax defender, they were like facing a formidable enemy. In European football now, everyone knows that if Wang Feng is allowed to have a one-on-one chance, there is only one oue, a goal!
Perhaps under the intimidation of Wang Feng, even the goalkeeper ran out of the penalty area and was the first to arrive at thending point, using his head to forcefully push the ball forward. The ball passed over the chasing Wang Feng and two defending yers.
Wang Feng quickly turned around and chased after the ball. At this moment, he went from being behind to leading the race to the ball''snding point, with two Ajax defenders closely following behind.
In a split second, he made a decision. He saw that the goalkeeper''s position at this moment was likely not near the goal, and if he stopped the ball and then attacked, it would likely lose the value of a fast break and could only turn into a positional battle.
In an instant, he decided. He jumped up as the ball fell, raised his right leg high, and struck the falling ball with a bicycle kick!
The long-distance scissor kick slid over the desperately defending goalkeeper''s head,nded in front of the goal, and then deflected into the.
The broadcast booth fell into a moment of silence, then a deafening roar erupted: "Goooooooooal!!! The ball is in!!! I can''t believe my eyes, Wang Feng, Wang Feng scored!!!"
"In the 42nd minute of the first half, Wang Feng scored with a bicycle kick from 35 meters out, breaking the deadlock against Ajax!"
"This will be a goal that shocks the world! We don''t know what Wang Feng was thinking at that moment, why he chose a bicycle kick from that position, but he scored, breaking the deadlock on the field in a way we dared not imagine!"
In the moment when Wang Feng kicked the ball, he knew it was almost certain! When he fell to the ground, regardless of the pain in his back, he quickly raised his head and saw the moment the ball deflected into the.
He then roared loudly, quickly got up from the ground, and ran towards the stands.
"Wang Feng, you are a god!"
"Wang Feng, you are so handsome, I love you to death!"
Wang Feng opened his arms when he reached the stands, enjoying the praise and cheers from the fans. His teammates who caught up with him hugged him from behind, and Di Biagio eximed excitedly, "I couldn''t even imagine this kind of shot!"
They celebrated for several minutes before gradually dispersing. After the game restarted, Ajax yers were a bit dazed by Wang Feng''s goal, and by the end of the first half, they still hadn''t fully recovered their senses.
In the second half, Inter Mn stood firm and began to counterattack steadily. On the Ajax side, the yers'' morale had not fully recovered yet. Although Ibrahimovic''s attack was still threatening, there was a hint of fear in his eyes when he looked at Wang Feng.
In the 71st minute, Inter Mn stole the ball in midfield, Di Biagio sent a diagonal long pass to Wang Feng on the right, and Wang Feng quickly started dribbling along the wing.
He then used consecutive feints to get past the full-back and crossed, and Recoba, who had inserted into the box, scored with a left-footed shot.
2-0! Inter Mn won against Ajax at home.
After the game, the Swede came to Wang Feng and said, "Wang Feng, I finally understand your skills. I lost in this game, but next time, it might not be the same."
As he spoke, he took off his own jersey: "Let''s exchange jerseys. I should have the qualification for that."
Wang Feng smiled and agreed to his request, also taking off his jersey to hand it over. At this moment, he suddenly remembered the story between himself and Jan Koller, saying, "Come on, young man, the future belongs to you."
Passing by, Materazziughed, while Ibrahimovic angrily snatched the jersey from Wang Feng''s hand and walked into the yer tunnel without looking back.
Wang Feng suddenly woke up, pped his head suddenly, realizing that he was two years younger than Ibrahimovic, and saying such things was inappropriate!
He wanted to catch up and exin, but he didn''t know where to start. He could only sigh and realize that he couldn''t just focus on practicing all the time. asionally, he also needed to participate in social activities, or he might be awkward even in speech.
Chapter 140: Sad Cassano
Chapter 140: Sad Cassano
Three dayster, Inter Mn hosted Chievo at home. In this match, Cooper attempted to use Wang Feng partnering with Calon in the forward line.
Just three minutes into the game, Wang Feng received a through pass from Dibiaggio on the right nk. He skillfully dribbled past Chievo defender Moro and delivered the ball into the penalty area before the defense arrived.
Calon attempted a header in front of the goal, but unfortunately, the ball flew over the crossbar due to excessive force. Frustrated by the missed opportunity, it was Calon''s first start of the season, so he was eager to make an impression.
Seeing Calon''s frustration, as he ran back to defend, Wang Feng quickly said, "Bro, don''t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities in this game. I''ll pass to you more."
Calon looked at Wang Feng with gratitude, wanting to say something but too excited to articte. Having long been at lower-tier clubs and serving as a substitute for Inter Mn for several years, he had never experienced a star yer personally creating opportunities for him.
Wang Feng understood Calon''s thoughts very well. He intentionally said this to help Calon ovee his inner fears and take courageous shots, even if it meant wasting many chances.
In the subsequent game, Wang Feng indeed often attracted the attention of numerous defenders and then passed the ball to Calon''s feet, allowing him toplete the final attack. However, Calon seemed to be possessed by the "happy football" spirit, repeatedly missing the target with seven or eight shots, either shooting too high or straight at the goalkeeper.
Each time, Wang Feng woulde to Calon and offer encouragement. In fact, Calon''s awareness and technique were not the issue; he often found himself in the right positions to shoot. The only problem was his poor shooting uracy.
In the 41st minute, their efforts finally paid off. After a failed attempt to break through in the frontcourt, Le passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right nk. Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past Moro who was pressing him, and then made a ground pass.
The ball traveled along the grass, avoiding Chievo defender Lelotale, and went straight to the left side of the penalty spot. Calon, unmarked, poked the ball into the with his toe.
After scoring, Calon immediately rushed to Wang Feng and embraced him tightly, shouting, "I did it! I did it!"
"Inter Mn''s Calon opens the scoring for the team! The Sierra Leonean striker, who started his first game of the season, scored his first goal of the season with an assist from Wang Feng."
"Wang Feng is undoubtedly a bomb on the opponent''s defensive line. All of Chievo''s defensive attention was focused on him, leaving Calon unmarked at the far post."
The first half ended with Inter Mn leading by one goal. In the second half, Chievo, like a second-year student, showed strong fighting spirit. In the 51st minute, Chievo midfielder Passoni broke through on the wing and crossed.
Forward Marazzina broke through Matri and Cordoba''s double-team in the center of the penalty area and headed the ball from 11 meters out, sending it into the from an angle Toraldo couldn''t reach.
Chievo equalized!
They continued to create dangerous situations. In the 57th minute, another cross from Passoni, the Inter Mn goalmouth was chaotic, and Marazzina won the aerial duel against Kos, clearing the ball out of the penalty area.
Unexpectedly, Marazzina''s follow-up shot from outside the penalty area was blocked by Kos inside the penalty area, preventing a goal.
While Chievounched an all-out attack on Inter Mn''s goal, Wang Feng was not idle. In the 67th minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. After bringing the ball to the frontcourt, Le sent a through pass, and the ball came to Wang Feng on the edge of the penalty area.
Facing Chievo defender Lelotale''s block, Wang Feng dribbled quickly, while making a fake move to cut inside to the right, but actually broke through to the left.
Due to his convincing shoulder feint and footwork, Lelotale was deceived and moved in the wrong direction. When he realized his mistake and tried to turn back, he stumbled and fell to the ground, watching helplessly as Wang Feng entered the penalty area and scored.
Inter Mn once again took the lead!
And it didn''t end there. In the 77th minute, Inter Mnunched another quick counterattack. Wang Feng and Calon formed a two-on-two situation in the frontcourt. Chievo''s defensive line was once again distracted by Wang Feng, allowing Calon to easily slot the ball into the after receiving a pass from Wang Feng.
Second goal! The 23-year-old was ecstatic, unable to contain his joy. As he celebrated the goal, he continuously expressed his gratitude to Wang Feng. At least for the second goal, Wang Feng could have taken the shot himself, but he still gave this goal to Calon.
The "Flying Donkeys" once again failed at the Meazza Stadium. They lost due to their inability to bnce attacking and defending. Whenever they needed to go all out in attack, their defense would face significant problems.
Youth, enthusiasm, and energy were the team''s strengths, but sometimes they also caused problems.
Inter Mn narrowly passed the test, securing their third consecutive league victory. However, the other three giants of Serie A were not so lucky. AC Mn were held to a 1-1 draw by Lazio in this round, with two wins and one draw in three rounds, they umted 7 points and ranked second on goal difference.
Juventus, on the other hand, drew 2-2 with Parma, also with 7 points and ranked third.
The most unfortunate was Roma. They won 3-2 against Brescia in this round thanks to the brilliant performance of "Prince" Totti. However, with only 3 points from three rounds, they ranked 12th.
Although head coach Capello imed that Roma''s poor performance was due to ying in multiplepetitions, they also suffered two consecutive defeats in the Champions League, a statement that did not satisfy the fans.
Since Ronaldo introduced Casano to Wang Feng, the two yers of simr age have exchanged contact information and asionally chatted.
Recently, Casano''smunication with Wang Feng has been quite frequent. He often called Wang Feng toin, "Wang, you don''t know how difficult my situation is now. In thest two seasons, when the team was doing well, everyone didn''t think of me. Instead, they praised the performance of the front trident."
"Now that the results are declining, I''ve only yed a few more games, and my ying time hasn''t increased much. As a result, the fans put all the me on me for the losses, saying I''m not capable and can''t rece the front trident."
"I''ve be a real scapegoat. If it weren''t for Coach Capello constantly encouraging me and believing in me, I would have wanted to leave."
Listening to Casano''s incessantints, Wang Feng also felt a little scared. If he hadn''t performed well enough at the beginning, he might have also been considered a scapegoat for Inter Mn''s poor results. After all, rising to fame as a youngster makes one more susceptible to expectations.
Chapter 141: Chasing Wang Feng
Chapter 141: Chasing Wang Feng
On October 6th, Inter Mn weed Lyon from Ligue 1 for the third round of the Champions League group stage. Lyon had just won the French Ligue 1 championship for the 2001-2002 season and was a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking of Ligue 1, one cannot ignore their tumultuous journey in the Champions League. Although Ligue 1 consistently ranks fifth in UEFA rankings, asionally being surpassed by the Portuguese Primeira Liga or the Dutch Eredivisie, due to France''s footballing stature, it has always been considered one of Europe''s top five leagues.
However, embarrassingly, they have only lifted the Champions League trophy once, in 1993, when Marseille won it. Moreover, Marseille was soon embroiled in a match-fixing scandal, tarnishing the prestige of their victory.
Therefore, for Lyon, the newly crowned champions of Ligue 1, creating a legend in French professional football was their urgent pursuit.
Lyon''s squad boasted stars like French goalkeeper Coupe, Brazilian defender Edmilson, "King of the Falling Leaves" Juninho, and the "Gentle Killer" Sonny Anderson up front.
Due to several consecutive matches, Inter Mn coach Cooper made rotations to the lineup, and Wang Feng and several key yers did not start.
The game started with a dream start for Lyon. Just after conceding a goal from Conzikao in midfield, Juninho pierced through Inter Mn''s defense.
Trailing, Inter Mn appeared even more chaotic. Strikers Calon and Martins failed to shoulder the burden, while the inexperienced Pasquali and Vivas in defense allowed Lyon to create numerous threats at the goal.
In the 60th minute, Wang Feng finally appeared amidst great anticipation. Cooper substituted the underperforming Martins with number ten Wang Feng.
As he came on, Wang Feng hugged Martins and whispered words offort in his ear. As a product of Inter Mn''s youth academy, if he could grow into a pir of the club, it would be gratifying, but he still needed time to mature.
After Wang Feng came on, Lyon''s defense became cautious, even on the offensive end, which showed how much of a threat he posed.
Five minutester, Wang Feng orchestrated an attack on the right nk. His cross found Calon at the far post, but Calon''s shot was blocked by Edmilson on the goal line.
Facing Lyon''s dense defense, Wang Feng could only keep moving, creating space for other yers and patiently waiting for opportunities. As soon as Lyon showed the slightest opening, he seized it.
He didn''t have to wait long. In the 71st minute, Zti initiated a counterattack. Emre carried the ball forward from the backline and suddenly yed a through pass after crossing the halfway line.
At the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to goal, turned around, and engaged in a physical duel with defender Casapa. The 1.78-meter-tall Brazilian couldn''t stop the towering Wang Feng and was pushed back several steps. Wang Feng then passed by him and entered the penalty area.
Another defender, Bresshe, hurriedly stepped forward to defend, but Wang Feng deftly flicked the ball to his right after taking two steps sideways, evading Bresshe.
With two more steps, Wang Feng chipped the ball into the penalty area. Calon at the far post lightly tapped the ball, and it slipped past Coupe''s hands into the.
With Wang Feng''s goal and assist, Inter Mn reversed Lyon 2-1!
In three Champions League group stage matches, Wang Feng delivered a dominating performance with 5 goals and 3 assists. The German newspaper "Sport Bild" praised Wang Feng, saying, "The two-time Europa League top scorer has shown no less prowess on the Champions League stage."
As a traditional powerhouse in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich''s performance had been declining since winning the Champions League in 2001. Not only did they lose the league title in the 2001-2002 season, but in the just-concluded three Champions League group stage matches, they lost 2-3 to Deportivo La Coruna, drew 1-1 with Lens, and were defeated 1-2 by AC Mn, making their situation very bleak.
"Sport Bild" wrote, "Bayern should not stick to their old lineup but actively seek new recruits and reforms, and Wang Feng is a great target."
Bayern chairman Ottmar Hitzfeld said in an interview that they had always been the first club to pursue Wang Feng, starting from the days of Felix Magath.
"Wang Feng''s abilities are undeniable. We have missed out on him several times. If possible, we will do our best to bring him back to Munich."
However, this statement was scoffed at by the Catn media in Spain. They believed that Wang Feng, who currently yed for a Serie A powerhouse, would not turn back to the Bundesliga, which was ranked fourth in UEFA coefficients.
"He should shine on the stage of La Liga, one of Europe''s top leagues. Barcelona needs to seriously consider the feasibility of signing him. We need a superstar who can rival Real Madrid," wrote the local media "Ara."
In fact, the current Barcelona president, Gaspart, was also seriously considering this possibility. Next year, he would face a major club election, and to defeat the formidable Laporta, he needed to present a convincing n.
Back then, Gaspart''s decision not to sign Wang Feng was because he didn''t want to cultivate external yers but focused on developing their own youth academy yers, represented by Messi. However, the situation had changed. Wang Feng no longer needed nurturing and waiting but could be directly utilized.
"How much is his value?" Gaspart asked the club''s technical director, Besu-Ram.
"I believe Inter Mn will definitely not agree to sell him next summer, after all, he is still very young," Ram shook his head helplessly. "If he sessfully helps Inter Mn win the Champions League, his value will surely exceed 70 million euros."
"Money is not a problem. Let''s see where Wang Feng can lead Inter Mn. If they eventually win the championship, immediately offer them 80 million, and we must bring Wang Feng back to Barcelona!"
Chapter 142: One big win
Chapter 142: One big win
After three rounds of the Champions League group stage, Inter Mn topped the group with a perfect record, setting an optimistic tone for their advancement. Ajax, with one win, one draw, and one loss totaling 4 points, sat in second ce, while Lyon, with one win and two losses totaling 3 points, upied third ce. Rosenborg, with one draw and two losses totaling 1 point,nguished at the bottom.
Both Ajax and Lyon still had a chance to advance to the next stage of the group stage as the second-ced team, but Ajax held a stronger position, having the upper hand in their direct confrontation in the first round.
With eight groups and a total of sixteen teams in the top two positions, there would be another round of four-group matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The current format of matches and scheduling posed significant challenges for all participating clubs.
Therefore, UEFA was discussing restructuring, and perhaps the 2003-2004 season of the Champions League would no longer have a second round of group stage matches but would directly proceed to home and away matches in the round of sixteen.
This change would reduce the number of matches for the sixteen teams from six to two, significantly alleviating the pressure on the teams.
On October 6th, in the fourth round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Piacenza away. The home team''s fans in the stands were cheering loudly while enjoying hot Italian ham pies, creating a very lively atmosphere.
In this match, Inter Mn fielded their strongest lineup, aiming for victory. The away team dominated the game, disying absolute superiority on the field. This "Red Wolf" team, with its distinct Italian characteristics, had been running towards the relegation zone this season.
In the 5th minute of the game, Di Biagio dribbled the ball into Piacenza''s penalty area, then cut inside, drawing the attention of the defense, before sending a cross.
Batistuta failed to connect with the ball inside the penalty area, but the ball was cleared out by a defending yer, earning Inter Mn a corner kick.
Wang Feng decided to take the corner kick. After observing the crowd in the penalty area, Di Biagio signaled with his hand while moving, and Wang Feng nodded slightly. With a run-up, Wang Feng delivered a curved ball to the near post.
Di Biagio, positioned centrally, suddenly moved, and with a slight block from Recoba on the defender marking him, he sessfully arrived at the near post.
Di Biagio managed to touch the ball at the edge of the small penalty area, and it deflected onto the post and into the.
"The ball''s in! Just at the beginning of the game, Inter Mn executed a wonderful corner kickbination, with Wang Feng assisting Di Biagio to score first!"
After scoring, Di Biagio immediately rushed to the sidelines and gestured for Wang Feng toe celebrate with him. Their tactic had seeded, and Wang Feng''s precise corner kick cement yed a crucial role.
Wang Feng quickly joined him, and the two of them together acknowledged the Inter Mn fans who hade from afar in the stands.
In the 15th minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. Zti''s diagonal pass from midfield found Di Biagio on the left nk, who took two steps before passing to Recoba in the middle.
Recoba, outside the penalty area, curled a right-footed shot over the defensive line into the penalty area. At this moment, Wang Feng surged forward from the defensive line and, using his chest to control the ball, volleyed with his left foot, once again piercing Piacenza''s goal.
"Goodness, it''s only been fifteen minutes, and Inter Mn is already leading by two goals!"
"This is Wang Feng''s fourth goal of the season, averaging a goal per game. He still demonstrates his formidable attacking ability."
With two goals in quick session, Inter Mn gradually slowed down the pace of the game. However, in the 30th minute, Inter Mn had another excellent opportunity. A backcourt steal and long pass from Materazzi.
Wang Feng, relying on his unparalleled speed in Serie A, arrived at the ball''s position before the Piacenza defenders. With a touch of his toe, he continued to push the ball forward, while also pulling away from the defenders, sessfully breaking into the penalty area to create a one-on-one situation.
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, a wide swing was enough to solve the situation, and Wang Feng calmly slotted the ball into the empty.
Hepleted a brace! Inter Mn led Piacenza 3-0! All of this happened in just half an hour!
At the end of the first half, Inter Mn''s victory was already assured. During halftime, Coach Cooper sought Wang Feng''s opinion on whether he wanted to continue ying andplete a hat-trick.
"My personal opinion is not to y anymore. After all, this is Piacenza''s home ground, and I''m worried you might get injured due to the host''s desperate defending," Cooper said. Although he was a stubborn coach, he treated the team''s top yer and beloved Wang Feng differently.
Wang Feng nodded and said, "Mr. Cooper, you can substitute me. I don''t think it''s necessary to deliberately pursue some statistics. The league is still long, isn''t it?"
Cooper nodded. Wang Feng''s maturity had always been one of his favorite qualities. He rarely acted impulsively and always made the best choices.
As the second half began, Wang Feng remained on the bench, and the young striker Martins reced him.
The second half of the game was rtively dull, as Piacenza, despite wanting to reduce the deficit, was limited by their limited strength.
To make matters worse, in the 58th minute, center-back Hubner dribbled near the bottom line on the right side of Inter Mn''s penalty area. Co and Materazzi surrounded him from behind, contesting for the ball, which went out of bounds.
The linesman signaled for a goal kick, but Hubner was extremely dissatisfied. He angrily ran to the linesman, shouting, "How could this be a goal kick? Are your eyes blind?"
The referee hurried over and gestured for him to go back, but he continued to protest incessantly, even trying to push the linesman. This finally pushed the Italian referee Edmondo Sada to his limit, and he directly showed Hubner a red card, sending him off.
With ten men, Piacenza could no longer muster the desire to attack,pletely surrendering, and both sides hoped the game would end soon.
In the 86th minute, Inter Mn earned a corner kick, and Recoba delivered the ball into the penalty area. Materazzi''s header once again smashed the opponent''s goal.
Inter Mn won 4-0 against Piacenza! Although he only yed for forty-five minutes, Wang Feng, who contributed two goals and one assist, was named the best yer of the match.
After the game against Piacenza, everyone rushed back to Mn overnight, where they could enjoy a pleasant Sunday. With this round of matches over, the league would temporarily pause, weing two weeks of national team match days.
When Wang Feng returned to his vi, it was already past midnight, but the lights were still on in the room. Needless to say, it was the two little girls. Wang Feng opened the door and indeed saw them still ying video games.
"Even if you have a day off tomorrow, you shouldn''t stay up sote, right?" Wang Feng scolded after entering the room. His sister yawned and said, "Isn''t it because someone wanted to wait for you toe back? It''s been almost a month since west saw you."
Since the away game against Rosenborg, Inter Mn had been ying almost every three days, not to mention away games, even when ying at home, they were in closed training at Pina. So it had indeed been a long time since he had been home or seen the two little ones.
Chapter 143: Love ?
Chapter 143: Love ?
Wang Feng tiredlyy on the sofa and said, "How''s life at your school?" At this moment, Lu Yao brought a cup of hot milk to Wang Feng, who took a sip and felt veryfortable.
His sister said, "It''s totally different from high school. The schedule is very rxed, and we have a lot of free time. Yao Yao is doing fine since there are many Chinese students at her school. But as for me, I''m in a tough spot. I haven''t seen anypatriots so far."
Wang Feng chuckled. In this era of development, even those with means would choose higher education institutions over an art school. Naturally, there would be few Chinese people.
"Who made you insist on choosing Brera Academy of Fine Arts? It would be so much better to attend Mn University with Lu Yao."
"No, I have a dream of art in my heart, and I think the teachers are quite good. Their teaching methods are easy to understand. As for not having ymates, I can find Lu Yao. Besides, we have a cute Japanese girl in our dormitory."
Wang Feng chuckled, "You sound like a big, tough guy. Don''t bully her." His sister scoffed and then said with a sly smile, "Yao Yao, why don''t you tell us about your situation? Talk about your admirers, hehe."
Lu Yao nced carefully at Wang Feng and said indignantly, "What admirers? They''re just a bunch of unruly kids from the same country, making jokes. I don''t pay any attention to them."
His sister hugged Wang Feng''s neck from behind and said, "See, aren''t you concerned about Lu Yao?" Wang Feng felt a little embarrassed. When he first heard about this, he did feel a bit uneasy. He exined, "Of course, I care about Lu Yao. I promised Uncle Lu to take good care of her."
His sister tapped Wang Feng''s head hard and said, "You blockhead, thatst sentence was totally unnecessary."
"Don''t worry, I''ll take care of Yao Yao for you, you fool."
Lu Yao retorted, "Why do I need you to take care of me? Just take care of yourself." With that, they started yfully wrestling, filling the vi with a cheerful family atmosphere.
The next day, Wang Feng woke up early for morning exercises. After returning home, he enjoyed a long-awaited breakfast. While he was exercising, his sister burst in excitedly, "Bro, take half a day off and let''s go out together."
Wang Feng thought it was a rare opportunity, so he went out with them. However, they needed to disguise themselves to avoid being recognized.
After putting on a wig, fake beard, sunsses, and other disguises, his sister rolled her eyes, "Do you really need to be so thorough?"
"Of course, don''t you know how famous I am in Mn? If I''m recognized and it causes a scene, it will be troublesome."
Wang Feng didn''t use his usual Lamborghini Murcigo, mainly because many reporters knew his car model and license te. It was difficult to be low-key. Plus, with three people, a sports car wasn''t the mostfortable option.
He chose a Bentley Continental, which offered afortable interior space, something Wang Feng valued highly. With his sister and Lu Yao, they set off on their outing.
It was more of a shopping spree than sightseeing. They went to the famous Via Monte Napoleone, where luxury brands filled every corner, overwhelming the girls.
Soon, Wang Feng had several shopping bags in his hands, all items chosen by his sister. Not only did he have to pay, but he also had to help carry them, which was quite a hassle.
It was evident that Lu Yao was interested in some clothes and handbags, but unlike his sister, she maintained enough rationality and restraint. Although Wang Feng wanted to buy for her, he didn''t know how to bring it up.
Perhaps sensing the situation, his sister came up with an idea. She saw a Prada autumn collection that would suit Lu Yao perfectly and urged her to try it on.
Lu Yao was tempted, but seeing the four-digit price tag, she shook her head, "It''s too expensive, I''d better not." She didn''t want to waste her family''s money.
His sister whispered in her ear, "But this really suits you. Why don''t you try it on? I bet my brother''s eyes will pop out."
Blushing, Lu Yao nced at Wang Feng. The dress was indeed beautiful, but would Wang Feng like it?
If she spent a little less this month, she could save from her allowance. So she bit the bullet, took the dress, and went into the fitting room.
When Lu Yao came out, Wang Feng was truly amazed. The waist-length shirt paired with ankle-length skirt, both in gray tones,plemented her fair skin and long straight hair, making her look beautiful and elegant.
Shyly, Lu Yao asked, "Brother Feng, what do you think?" as she slowly turned around, now resembling a princess.
Seeing Wang Feng''s entranced expression, his sister whispered in his ear, "Looks great, why don''t you buy it for her?" Then she ran to Lu Yao, pulling her to show off the outfit and engaging her in conversation.
Wang Feng snapped out of his daze and discreetly paid for the dress. The salesperson understood andpleted the transaction without a word.
After learning about it, Lu Yao insisted on giving money to Wang Feng, but his sister interjected, "Consider it a fee for cooking for him. You can cook for him more often in the future." Wang Feng nodded vigorously, and Lu Yao epted.
After dinner, Wang Feng dropped his sister off at Brera Academy and then Lu Yao at Mn University. When they reached the door, Lu Yao, clutching the paper bag, whispered, "Thank you for the gift, Brother Feng. I''m really happy."
With that, she shyly got out of the car and walked into the school. Wang Feng watched her walk away, feeling a flutter in his heart.
At that moment, he saw a Chinese-looking boy running angrily towards Lu Yao, shouting something. Lu Yao didn''t even acknowledge him and just kept walking. The boy continued to follow her persistently.
Wang Feng, worried about Lu Yao, quickly parked the car and went after them. Just as he reached the corner, he heard Lu Yao''s voice, "Yes, the one who just dropped me off is my boyfriend, Li Ran. Give up on me."
Lu Yao, who appeared as an ordinary girl next door to Wang Feng, now exuded a cold aura that intimidated the student named Li Ran. He tried to act calm, saying, "Who is he? Are you only with him for money?"
Lu Yao sneered, not bothering to exin, and walked away. Li Ran, knowing her background, blushed and stammered, unable to say anything, watching her walk away.
On the other side of the corner, Wang Feng heard their conversation and was deeply moved. He never realized Lu Yao''s thoughts. Even when she wasn''t in front of him, her presence was strong. Was this the same girl who blushed at the slightest tease?
Chapter 144: Hat trick, last laugh !
Chapter 144: Hat trick,stugh !
In the following days, Wang Feng''s mind was filled with thoughts of Lu Yao and her resolute words. Was she just saying that to fend off suitors? He became somewhat anxious, so he resorted to increasing his training to suppress his overthinking.
During the weekends, Wang Tian and Lu Yao returned to the vi as usual, but Wang Feng didn''t act as naturally around Lu Yao as before, leaving her confused. She wondered if she had said or done something wrong. They say a woman''s heart is as deep as the ocean, but she didn''t expect men''s thoughts to be so hard to decipher.
In this situation, two weeks passed quietly, and Inter Mn gathered for training, preparing to resume the league.
On October 20th, the San Siro Stadium reignited with passion. With nearly eighty-five thousand spectators filling the stadium, they were ready to witness a crucial match that could affect the championship. It was the 5th round of Serie A, Inter Mn against Juventus.
Both teams faced significant challenges. Inter Mn had Vieri injured, while up front, Wang Feng partnered with Batistuta. Juventus, on the other hand, had Trezeguet sidelined, with Ss pairing up with Del Piero.
For Juventus, this was a must-win game. They had two consecutive draws, trailing Inter Mn by four points on the league table.
With the cheers of the fans, the game officially began.
Just 2 minutes into the game, Juventus created the first threat. Camoranesi sent a diagonal pass, and Tudor''s shot from the edge of the penalty area narrowly missed the crossbar.
In the 5th minute, Juventusunched a quick counterattack. Nedved received a pass from Ss, dribbled into the penalty area, and took a sudden low shot, narrowly missing the left goalpost.
Inter Mn also fought back. In the 8th minute, Wang Feng received the ball in the attacking third, passed it back to Recoba, who took a shot from 35 meters out, but Buffon blocked it.
Both teams wasted numerous chances thereafter. Each yer was eager to gain the lead, knowing it would provide a psychological advantage.
This is where the role of superstars shines.
In the 35th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in their half. Materazzi cleared the ball forward, Recoba and Julianopeted for the header, with Recoba winning and flicking the ball to the side.
Wang Feng, sprinting forward, controlled the ball with his knee, pulling away from Thuram gradually. Faced with Ferrara''s sliding tackle, he deftly pushed the ball to his right, evading the challenge, then quickly looked up at the goalkeeper and the goal, before suddenly shooting.
The shot was taken from the corner of the penalty area on the right, the ball soared high into the air, then suddenly dipped as it entered the penalty area. Buffon, positioned forward, leaped backward, attempting to deflect it, but the ball sneaked over the crossbar and into the.
1-0! The San Siro erupted into a frenzy of blue and ck. Wang Feng, excited after scoring, dashed out of the field, followed by his teammates, celebrating.
"The goal''s in! In the 35th minute, Inter Mn takes the lead!"
"The current superstar of Inter Mn, Wang Feng, once again makes a significant contribution to the team!"
"Although Inter lost the alien Ronaldo, they have found a new beacon in this neen-year-old youth, who has shown performances no less impressive than Ronnie''s!"
Being scored on first rattled Juventus yers, directly affecting their performance. In the 41st minute, just six minutes after the first goal, Inter Mn struck again.
Di Biagio broke through on the left, then sent a cross to the right. The ball found no one until Recoba''s headernded near the edge of the penalty area.
Wang Feng, unmarked at the spot, was ready to capitalize. He flicked the ball upward as Julian approached, then hooked the airborne ball with his toe, directing it back. The ball flew over Julian''s head, and Wang Feng, turning around, volleyed it as it descended. The ball pierced through the defensive line and crashed into the.
2-0! Inter Mn expanded their lead!
The first half ended with Inter Mn in the lead. In the second half, Juventus gradually regained their momentum, thanks in part to coach Lippi''s psychological guidance and several effective substitutions.
In the 67th minute, Juventus scored a goal through Camoranesi''s assist to substitute Ss.
In the 85th minute, Davies of Juventus initiated an attack. Camoranesi entered the penalty area and, after slight contact with Coco, went down, resulting in a penalty. Despite Coco''s protests, the referee stood by his decision, and Del Piero sessfully converted the penalty, equalizing the score.
Just when everyone thought the match would end in a draw, during stoppage time, the situation on the field changed dramatically.
"Look at this Inter Mn attack, this should be theirst offensive move of the game, and the referee is constantly checking his watch."
"Di Biagio has the ball near the baseline, but there''s not much opportunity. Let''s see how he handles this."
"Oh no, that pass was a bit too much, isn''t this just giving the ball away to Juventus?"
"What''s happening? Ujfalusi, who went up to intercept, unexpectedly misjudged his kick. Rebic quickly took over the ball, and Inter Mn still holds possession."
After Rebic fortunately received the ball, he took two stepsterally in the penalty area. With no one marking him, Wang Feng stood by for support, creating an opening!
He stepped on the edge of the penalty area, without stopping the ball, directly unleashed a powerful shot. The ball flew like a cannonball, heading straight for the upper corner of the goal, grazing the crossbar andnding into the!
"Goooooooal!! It''s in, it''s in, it''s in! In the 94th minute, Wang Feng seals the deal for Inter Mn!"
"This is ast-minute goal! Wang Feng scores the first hat-trick of the season, and with this hat-trick, he helps Inter Mn win 3-2 against Juventus!"
"Let''s take another look at this goal. Juventus made two fatal mistakes. The first was Ujfalusi''s misjudgment when clearing the ball, a rookie mistake."
"The second mistake was Thuram and Ferrara both choosing to defend Recoba, leaving Wang Feng unmarked at the edge of the penalty area."
"Wang Feng''s shot was also magnificent. He had almost no run-up, taking the shot directly after receiving the ball, and his power was remarkable, indicating his explosive strength."
"Both teams have contributed to a thrilling match, but Inter Mnughsst because they have Wang Feng!"
Chapter 145: An encounter on the streets of France
Chapter 145: An encounter on the streets of France
Just as Inter Mn narrowly defeated Juventus, AC Mn faced Atnta away. Their lineup was perfect, having beaten Bayern Munich in the Champions League, so defeating Atnta was natural.
In the end, they swept their opponents 4-1. After five rounds, Inter Mn remained undefeated, leading the league table, followed closely by AC Mn, with Juventus in third. The title race between the "Northern Three Giants" was starting to take shape.
In fourth ce was Parma, led by Adriano''s trio, demonstrating strong attacking capabilities in the first five rounds. Adriano even scored 5 goals, second only to Wang Feng''s 8 goals on the top scorers'' list.
This left Inter Mn''s management somewhat frustrated. Fortunately, they had only transferred Adriano''s rights for two seasons initially, retaining the priority to buy him back.
Now even a fool could see that this 20-year-old talent had a bright future ahead.
After the match against Juventus, the Inter Mn team headed directly to Lyon, France, preparing for the UEFA Champions League group stage match in three days.
For Lyon, this match was a do-or-die situation, but for Inter Mn, winning was not essential as they had absolute dominance in the group.
To prevent the main yers from getting too tired, Coach Cooper sent out a substitute lineup, focusing on defense. Securing one point would guarantee their qualification.
After the game started, Inter Mn voluntarily gave up possession, defending in their own half and waiting for counter-attacks, while Lyon pressed forward aggressively, creating several threatening shots but failing to break through Inter Mn''s defense. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw.
In the second half, in the 57th minute, there was a sudden roar at the Olympique Lyonnais Park as Lyonunched a swift attack. Edmilson''s long pass found Juniinho in the forward position.
Juniinho managed to pass it to Anderson near the penalty area, who then swiftly struck, piercing through Inter Mn''s defense, leaving Torlodo helpless.
1-0! Lyon took the lead!
Under immense pressure, Lyon fans finally saw a glimmer of hope, while Inter Mn showed no signs of giving up. Coach Cooper approached Wang Feng on the bench and said, "Wang, warm up. You''reing on next."
In the 65th minute, Wang Feng reced Martins. Lyon coach Le Guen looked worried as he remembered how Wang Feng''s appearance in thest match had changed the game, resulting in Inter Mn''s reversal.
This match could not afford the same mistake! So he also made substitutions, bringing in defensive stalwart Arlequin and instructing him to keep a close eye on Wang Feng!
Aftering on, Wang Feng indeed felt the tight marking from the home team but remained calm. He continuously ran to exhaust Lyon''s defense.
"Wang Feng!" As the game approached its end, thementator in the live broadcast eximed.
At this moment, Wang Feng was near the top of the penalty area. Leveraging his physical advantage, he firmly held off Arlequin, receiving Sandetti''s long pass with his back to goal.
After controlling the ball, Wang Feng immediately turned, using his right hand to shield Arlequin, then dribbledterally for a few steps. Edmilson and D''Almeida were attracted, rushing to defend.
Before beingpletely surrounded, Wang Feng, with a quick movement, used the back of his right foot to tap the ball, passing it to the running Carlon. The three defenders instinctively chased after the ball.
Receiving the ball, Carlon was nervous but recalled his training and sent a through pass with his left foot. Wang Feng was waiting for this moment. He quickly started a forward run, sessfully avoiding offside.
The pass was a bit heavy, but Lyon''s goalkeeper reacted swiftly, rushing out to intercept. Wang Feng, in a moment of urgency, dove and stretched his foot out to reach the ball before the goalkeeper.
The ball changed its trajectory, deflecting into the far corner of the goal!
"Goooooooal!! The ball''s in!! In the 87th minute, a fantastic shot from Wang Feng!!"
"This goal is beautiful, showcasing Wang Feng''s attacking awareness and finishing ability!"
"The substitute Italian striker Wang didn''t disappoint the away team. Once again, he helped Inter Mn in adversity. The Olympic Park Stadium fell silent. Home fans couldn''t believe that after leading for almost the entire match, Lyon had been equalized."
"Let''s review this magnificent goal. Wang Feng waspletely dominant against Arlequin. An imaginative pass broke through Lyon''s blockade."
"Mohamed Carlon, the Sierra Leonean forward who has recently be a key yer for Inter Mn this season, didn''t let Wang Feng down and sessfully passed the ball back. However, the pass was a bit too strong."
"But for Wang Feng, it was nothing. He used his height and long legs to his advantage, sweeping the ball into the before the goalkeeper''s reach."
Inter Mn ultimately drew 1-1 with Lyon. After four rounds of the group stage, Inter had 10 points, Ajax had 7 points, Lyon had 4 points, and Rosenborg had 1 point. Inter Mn had almost secured a ce in the next round.
Since Inter Mn''s next match was away against Bologna, they would fly directly from Lyon to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. However, due to bad weather dying flights, they could only rest in France for a day before departing the next evening.
The yers were restless. Although Lyon couldn''tpare to Paris''s prosperity, it was still a major city in France, with many interesting ces to visit in various respects.
After much consideration, the coaching staff decided to give the yers half a day off, with the familiar three rules: no alcohol and returning to the hotel on time.
The coaching staff''s understanding mainly stemmed from Cooper''s good mood. Despite injuries to key yers this season, the team''s performance remained solid. Moreover, with Wang Feng as the team''s core, he was a yer who could be relied upon, allowing other yers some room to rx.
Wang Feng and Matrazi took a stroll around Lyon''s streets, experiencing the charm of Lyon''s old city, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At this moment, amotion caught their attention. Upon closer inspection, they saw a young manying bricks on the street, practicing keepie-uppies during his break. His high number of keepie-uppies attracted onlookers.
Wang Feng watched with interest for a while. Matrazi, puzzled, asked, "What''s so fascinating about keepie-uppies? Don''t we do them often?"
Wang Feng did not answer him but instead fell into his own memories. He reminisced about the days when he was still in Virton, Belgium, doing keepie-uppies in the park as if nobody were watching, feeling as if it were a world away.
This young man''s fundamentals were solid. After juggling for a long time, he stopped and prepared to continue his bricying work. Wang Feng was suddenly inspired and walked up to ask, "Brother, what''s your name? Your skills are almost on par with professional athletes like us."
Chapter 146: Prototype of the training plan
Chapter 146: Prototype of the training n
The young man nced at Wang Feng in surprise, feeling somewhat familiar. Although Europeans often have prosopagnosia when ites to recognizing Asians, those who frequently appear in the news tend to leave a deeper impression.
After a moment, he recognized the soaring football star. His mind was in a whirl. It took him a while before he said, "Wang Feng, hello. I''m Franck Ribery."
He looked at the people beside Wang Feng. Ribery recognized them too: Zti, Matrazi. My God, weren''t these the key yers of Inter Mn who had just faced Lyon yesterday?
Howe they''re out on the streets today? Seeing the famous football star right in front of him, Ribery couldn''t contain his excitement. After he calmed downpletely, Wang Feng and he exchanged words, and Wang Feng learned that he was a professional football yer, but he yed for the Alez Football Club in the French third division.
Due to the club''s meager sry, Ribery had to moonlight as a road worker with his father. Just these past few days, there was a job avable in Lyon, so they came from Alez to Lyon.
Although Ribery looked mature, he was only 19 years old, the same age as Wang Feng. Learning this information, Wang Feng felt deeply moved. It seemed like he was quite lucky.
He became a key yer for the team at the age of 16, quickly catching the eye of the powerhouse Inter Mn. Then he soared to sess. However, in the football world, there are many talented neers who can only wait for their chance while time passes them by.
Wang Feng said, "Your basic skills seem good. Are you interested in trying out in Serie A?" Ribery was stunned at the suggestion, then ecstatically said, "Do I really have this opportunity?"
Ribery''s heart was full of discontent. He was confident in his football skills; all hecked was an opportunity. Back then, he had no resources or connections, so he could only start from the fourth tier of French amateur leagues, his hometown club Blois Football Club.
Two yearster, his outstanding performance caught the attention of Alez Football Club, which brought him to the French third division. If everything went smoothly, it would be another two years before he would be valued by teams in the French second or even first division. It would take time to climb up step by step. Who knew how long it would take before he could truly step onto the grand stage of top clubs?
Now Wang Feng had offered him a shortcut, how could he not be ecstatic?
Wang Feng nodded and said, "I can rmend you to the club because I think you''re really good. Whether you can seize this opportunity depends on your ability."
Ribery nodded incessantly. Wang Feng then left the contact information of his agent, Balmond, and the deputy director of Inter Mn, Ruolsong, for him. "You can contact my agent. If there are no good options, you can also have your current agent contact Inter Mn directly. I''ll talk to them."
Even after Wang Feng and the others left and Ribery got the contact information, he still felt like he was in a dream. He couldn''t believe that a simple part-time job had led to such a lucky opportunity.
Meanwhile, Matrazi asked puzzledly, "Wang, I don''t see anything remarkable about that kid. Is it because he looks fierce that you''re paying him special attention?"
Wang Feng smiled and shook his head. "I just thought of some things from the past, so I couldn''t help but want to help him."
Matrazi didn''t quite understand, but he empathized with the survival of grassroots yers. He could only sigh, "Why didn''t I meet someone as enthusiastic as you back then?"
With Wang Feng''s rmendation, Inter Mn would surely give Ribery an opportunity. If he truly had the talent, reaching the top would not be impossible.
After this incident, Wang Feng silently pondered in his heart, "Whether it''s in China or abroad, there must be many talented yers who are unrecognized. Why not do something for Chinese football?"
In his mind, a n was vaguely taking shape: to establish a football academy backed by a foreign club, exclusively recruiting impoverished children from families who love football and aspire to make it their career, providing them with all training, living, and educational expenses until they reach adulthood.
This would not only help poverty alleviation but also cultivate talent. As for whether they would continue on the professional football path after adulthood, it would depend on their own choices.
However, one thing was certain: they would not recruit children from well-off families, even if they had talent. For them, football was just a hobby that they could pick up or give up at any time. Football was not a matter of survival but enjoyment for them.
And if they truly wanted to pursue a professional football career, they didn''t need Wang Feng''s help.
Certainly, there were many yers who genuinely loved football now, but mere love for the game wouldn''t improve Chinese football. It needed to be a way of survival, asmon as working andboring.
As for whether truly outstanding talents nurtured outside the system would encounter the same problems and be marginalized like Wang Feng, that was something Wang Feng couldn''t control now. He only believed that with enough "wild" yers making names for themselves, the formalities would lose their significance.
There were still many details to be worked out in this n. Wang Feng''s assets and influence were not yet sufficient to support it. It seemed he needed to continue working hard to expand his influence.
So Matrazi and zti stared dumbfoundedly at Wang Feng, who suddenly looked so determined. They didn''t know what new idea had struck him.
In the 6th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Bologna away. Although Cooper still used a lineup of half main and half substitute yers, Wang Feng did not start.
Even with an iplete lineup, Inter Mn still controlled the game. The veteran Batistuta had a breakout performance in this match. Despite Bologna''s defense holding strong for nearly forty minutes, it was eventually pierced by his ssic Batistuta goal.
Wang Feng came on as a substitute in the 65th minute. Three minutester, he received a pass from Dalma on the right nk and dribbled into the end zone.
Facing Farconi''s defense, he first stopped the ball with his foot, then flicked it with his toe, elerating past the defense horizontally into the penalty area.
Bologna''s goalkeeper, Peruzzi, rushed out to block Wang Feng''s shooting angle, but Wang Feng feigned a shot and instead passed the ball over the goalkeeper and defenders'' heads to the middle, where Recoba followed up with a header into the empty.
Inter Mn won 2-0 against Bologna, securing their sixth consecutive victory in the league!
On October 31st, Inter Mn faced Rosenborg at home. In the first leg, both sides had already shown a significant gap in strength.
Just 6 minutes into the game, Inter Mn earned a corner kick. Wang Feng took it and urately found Matrazi in the penalty area, who opened the scoring for Inter Mn.
In the 31st minute, Inter Mn''s goalkeeper Tordo kicked a goal kick, sending the ball over the midfield to the front. Wang Feng and Rosenborg defender Mato contested for the ball, but Wang Feng outsmarted him, sessfully intercepting and passing the ball forward.
He then quickly elerated away from his opponent, first reaching the ball on the edge of the penalty area. Seeing trouble for the Rosenborg goalkeeper, he could only abandon the goal, but Wang Feng flicked the ball to the right with his right foot, avoiding the goalkeeper''s reach.
He then took a shot at a tight angle and scored into the empty. Inter Mn led 2-0!
Wang Feng was substituted off at halftime. In the 77th minute, Emre''s left-wing cross assisted Kalon in scoring again.
In the end, Inter Mn won 3-0 against Rosenborg, securing their spot in the next round with one match to spare.
Chapter 147: False goal
Chapter 147: False goal
In the 7th round of Serie A, the "Northern Big Three" all faced newly promoted teams simultaneously. Inter Mn hosted Como at home, AC Mn hosted Reggina at home, and Juventus challenged Modena away.
Since Juventus suffered a narrow defeat to Inter Mn, they had been consistently trailing behind AC Mn, sitting only in third ce on the league table. This undoubtedly displeased the club''s executives, and both the head coach Lippi and the yers felt immense pressure.
ying with such a burden in mind naturally led to mistakes. In the first half, Juventus conceded a goal to Modena, but fortunately, they rallied in the second half, with Del Piero scoring twice to help the away team secure a narrow victory.
AC Mn''s match, on the other hand, proceeded without much drama. They secured afortable 2-0 victory over their opponents with goals from Shevchenko and Rivaldo.
The yers of Inter Mn were rtively rxed in their mentality. Although the scheduling of the Champions League and league matches was intense, their opponents were not particrly strong, allowing Cooper to rotate the squad confidently. Everyone''s physical and mental conditions were still decent.
In the 17th minute of the game against Como, Di Biagio received the ball on the left nk, delivered a cross into the box, and Wang Feng swiftly arrived at the far post, smashing the ball into the with his left foot to open the scoring for Inter Mn.
Six minutester, Recoba dribbled into the penalty area and took a sudden shot, which struck the hand of defender Monten, resulting in a penalty. The Uruguayan then calmly converted the penalty to extend Inter Mn''s lead.
In the second half, Wang Feng and Kalonbined brilliantly. The duo executed a perfect one-two outside the penalty area, with Wang Feng breaking into the right side of the box. Drawing the attention of Como''s defenders, he delivered a precise pass to the left, where an unmarked Kalon calmly slotted the ball home to seal the victory for Inter Mn.
With a goal and an assist from Wang Feng, Inter Mnfortably defeated Como 3-0, maintaining their lead over AC Mn in the league table. Wang Feng was also named the best yer of the match.
In the 8th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Empoli, one of the newly promoted teams. Although Empoli was currently ranked only thirteenth in the league, they were the best-performing among the promoted teams. It seemed not every neer could be a dark horse like Chievo.
The maintenance of the Casteni Stadium was poor, causing some trouble for both sets of yers. Despite controlling the game, Inter Mn missed several scoring opportunities.
In the 67th minute of the second half, Recoba delivered a lob into the penalty area, where Wang Feng, while sprinting, slipped and lost his bnce. However, he improvised, lifting his left foot high in the air before falling, managing to make contact with the ball. The ball flew into the in a bizarre trajectory, catching the Empoli goalkeeper and defenders off guard.
"Goal!!" Thementator eximed, praising Wang Feng''s spectacr shot. The fans watching on television also marveled at the goal, attributing it to Wang Feng''s creativity.
However, only Wang Feng knew it was a mistake. He had slipped and lost his bnce, and after making contact with the ball, he fell heavily to the ground, covered in mud. Nheless, the goal mattered above all else. Wang Feng quickly got up, wiped the mud off his face, and rushed to celebrate with his teammates.
During the game''s dying moments, Inter Mn scored again, this time from Wang Feng''s cross on the right wing, which was headed in by Matrazi. With a 2-0 victory over Empoli, Inter Mn secured a new record of eight consecutive wins, with Wang Feng contributing significantly to their sess.
While Inter Mn continued their impressive run, the club''s embarrassment was Vieri, who had nned to take a break and return to the team after a dozen rounds to contribute to their title challenge. However, in his absence, the team continued to lead the table. Vieri''s recements, such as Batistuta and Kalon,cked consistent attacking prowess, but Wang Feng''s explosive form, contributing 10 goals in 8 league matches and 6 goals in 5 Champions League group stage matches, exceeded expectations.
Concerned about losing his starting position if he continued to be absent, Vieri became restless. He proactively approached the team''s trainers and doctors, eager to start his recovery training ahead of schedule.
After aprehensive examination by the team doctor, Hert, Vieri received a discouraging diagnosis. His excessive weight and body fat, abnormal heart rate, and endurance meant even with an additional two months, there was no guarantee he would recover to his pre-injury level.
Embarrassed, Vieri smiled awkwardly. Despite being able to move his thighs slightly, he had frequented bars, nightclubs, and other ces without controlling his diet.
"Go ahead and make strict ns. As long as it prevents me from getting injured again, I can endure any hardship," Vieri said with determination.
Hert nodded and said, "I will discuss your training n with head coach Cooper. Don''t worry, you are still an indispensable core yer for us."
Vieri''s worries were unfounded. In fact, the club had not been blinded by their winning streak. Wang Feng''s strong performances in the attacking line did not mask the weaknesses of other yers.
The veteran Batistutacked stamina and struggled to sustain himself throughout the entire match. Kalon and Martins could only be used as substitutes. Therefore, the club''s executives were actively seeking reinforcements for the winter transfer window. Otherwise, they would be unable to cope with the three-front battle of the league''s second half, the Coppa Italia, and the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Inter Mn''s president Moratti, along with the scout Esing, and head coach Cooper, were in a meeting discussing Wang Feng''s rmendation of Ribery, evaluating whether he was suitable for Inter Mn.
This was the first time Wang Feng had made a suggestion to the team. Regardless of whether it was epted or not, it needed to be evaluated. Moreover, many renowned yers were unwilling to transfer during the winter window, so finding suitable reinforcements could only start from veteran and young yers.
Chapter 148: Exquisite cooperation
Chapter 148: Exquisite cooperation
Hert said, "With Ribry''s level, he should have more than enough ability to be a starter in Ligue 1. It''s just unfortunate he didn''t get the chance. But there are quite a few scouts watching him, I even saw people from Bayern."
Moratti frowned and asked, "Hector, what do you think? Ribry''s position is also on the wing, right? Won''t there be an ovep with Wang Feng''s role?"
Cooper carefully examined the scout report and said, "That shouldn''t be an issue. However, if he joins, we''ll need to adjust our tactics a bit. Wang Feng has strong finishing abilities, so there should be some coboration between him and Ribry."
Moratti responded, "Then let''s get him! Whether it''s useful or not, has Ales made an offer for him?"
Hert said, "I haven''t contacted that club yet, but based on their historical experience, the transfer fee won''t exceed 100,000 euros."
Moratti chuckled, "I''ve never bought a yer with such a low price before. Contact them and try to catch the winter transfer window."
Hert nodded and immediately headed to France to start the transfer negotiations.
The negotiations went smoothly. Udinese, which was already on the brink of bankruptcy, was delighted that a top club like Inter Mn was interested. In the end, they sold Ribry for 80,000 euros. On the yer''s side, Ribry chose Wang Feng''s agent as his new representative. Under the operation of Balmond, he would officially join Inter Mn when the winter transfer window opened.
For Ribry, everything seemed unbelievable. He was ying in the third division just a while ago, and now he was about tond in Serie A?
"It''s nothing," Wang Feng said over the phone. "I remember when I joined Genk in the winter window and then made a breakthrough. It''s a good sign."
Later on, after hearing this news, Marco Hax, a scout from Bayern Munich, called the club''s technical director, Jean-Morganfield, and said, "The Ribry we were eyeing has been taken to Inter Mn."
Morganfield was surprised, "Didn''t they say nobody was paying attention to this yer? Can we just let him develop in France for a few more years?"
"Inter Mn, their vision is really vicious. A yer like Wang Feng is already the most valuable signing. In less than two years, his value has multiplied several times."
Morganfield asked, "Do you want to contact Inter Mn and discuss the issue of acquiring Ribry? If he performs well at Inter, buying himter will cost a lot more."
Hax thought for a moment and rejected the proposal, "We''re just gambling as well. If we propose a trade now, Inter Mn will definitely ask for a high price. The uncertainty is too great. Let''s wait and see."
Hax nodded with regret. In his heart, Ribry was absolutely more suitable for Bayern Munich. He could even be the core of Bayern Munich''s future attack! But he couldn''t say such things directly. As a scout, he could only collect information for the club, and the decision-making still had to be made by the higher-ups.
On the evening of November 11, 2002, in the 9th round of Serie A, Inter Mn finally faced a tough opponent at home, Udinese, from the northeast of Italy.
This team, which was on the brink of relegation justst year, unexpectedly became a dark horse, currently upying fifth ce in the league standings, and striving for a spot in the Champions League, thanks to the decline of traditional powerhouses and scientific reinforcement this summer.
At the beginning of the match, Udinese gave Inter Mn a tough challenge. In the 11th minute of the first half, J?rgensen assisted Yankel to score the opening goal for the away team.
After that, they retreated to defend en masse, determined to maintain this one-goal lead until the end of the game. Under Wang Feng''s organization, Inter Mnunched wave after wave of attacks against Udinese''s defense, but they always came up empty-handed.
The best opportunity in the first half came in the 41st minute. After receiving the ball on the left, Di Biagio first attempted to dribble past the defender without sess, then reversed direction with the ball, and despite the interference from Manfredini, managed to deliver the ball into the penalty area.
The ball reached the near post, and Wang Feng suddenly made a diagonal run, leaping ahead of the defenders to head the ball from close range. At that moment, Udinese defender Santini swooped in like a savior, rushing over to block, and in thest moment, he managed to head the ball out of the goal frame, colliding heavily with the goalpost himself.
Then, Manfredini kicked the ball out of bounds. Because Santini was unable to get up, the referee stopped the game. After a period of treatment, he was able to return to the field.
Thanks to this miraculous save, Udinese maintained their one-goal lead and went into halftime.
The atmosphere in Inter Mn''s locker room was very tense. Coach Cooper was scratching his head, feeling quite troubled by Udinese''s defensive setup, while Wang Feng was contemting strategies to break through.
Suddenly, he had a sh of inspiration and came up with a good idea. He leaned over to Carlon and whispered something to him. Carlon''s eyes gradually lit up at the words, but he asked in a worried tone, "Will this work?"
Wang Feng replied, "Since the conventional attacks haven''t been effective, let''s give it a try. There''s nothing to lose."
"Alright, I''m mainly worried that I won''t be able toplete this move," Carlon said anxiously.
"Wake up, buddy. Trust yourself. We''ve practiced this move on the training ground before," Wang Feng patted him on the shoulder. Carlon nodded. If it worked, it would definitely be a shining moment in his career!
At the start of the second half, in the 70th minute, Wang Feng''s awaited opportunity finally arrived. He received the ball on the right, and Udinese''s defense was still very solid. Santini moved forward to intercept, while Martinelli was not far behind to support.
As Wang Feng dribbled the ball, he suddenly shifted it to the left, lowering his left shoulder aggressively as if to cut inside, prompting Santini to press closer. However, he used the tip of his left foot to hook the ball to the right, then with a light touch, the ball evaded Santini''s challenge, and at the same time, Wang Feng passed by him, sessfully breaking into the penalty area.
Martinelli hurriedly followed to block, but instead of shooting or crossing, Wang Feng turned around and dribbled back. Martinelli had to keep up with him, while the other two defenders in the penalty area and the two central defenders outside the penalty area were all drawn in by Wang Feng''s threat, converging around him.
Unable to me them for being cautious, Wang Feng''s intimidation was too strong!
For a moment, Wang Feng was surrounded by five opponents. Just at this critical moment, he remained calm and controlled the ball, then suddenly chipped it to the far post.
Carlon was already in position near the edge of the small penalty area. He couldn''t afford any hesitation or stopping motion, otherwise, the defense Wang Feng had pulled apart would instantly regroup. He raised his right foot and volleyed the ball directly into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! What a goal! A fantastic volley from Carlon!"
"Exquisite coboration, spectacr goal, a link-up between Wang Feng and Carlon! Wang Feng used his unique attacking threat to attract the majority of the defense, creating a shooting opportunity for Carlon."
"Carlon didn''t disappoint the trust, delivering an amazing volley."
With this goal, Inter Mn drew 1-1 with Udinese, ending their winning streak but still leading the league standings with a considerable advantage.
Chapter 149: No. 1 in double list
Chapter 149: No. 1 in double list
"I really didn''t expect that goal to go in. The feeling of volleying was so awesome!" In the locker room after the game, everyone had finished showering, but Carlon was still excitedly chattering away.
Battistuta put his arm around him and said with a smile, "Kid, what''s this? You''re still young, you''ll have plenty of time and opportunities to score amazing goals in the future, just like Wang didst time. How about trying a bicycle kick next?"
Carlon immediately fell into a beautiful fantasy, but Wang Feng poured cold water on him, "You better practice your volleys first. Even in training, your sess rate with straight shots isn''t that high."
The Sierra Leonean shrugged, "Can''t I dream a little? My wish is simple, topile fifty amazing goals in my career before retirement."
Everyone couldn''t help but smile. Matrazi said, "You''ll need a good assist for that. Wang, what you did this time was really beautiful. Being surrounded by five opponents and still finding space to deliver the pass."
"By the way, you have 9 assists now, my god. Ten goals plus nine assists, you''re currently leading both the goal-scoring and assist charts." Matrazi said as he checked the data, "It''s insane, simply not human-like. Fortunately, I''m your teammate. Looking at these stats is enough to make all Serie A defenders tremble."
Wang Feng tapped his head, "You shouldn''t say that about your own teammate." He didn''t expect to get so many assists just by serving up opportunities, but topping both charts didn''t seem too bad either.
In the final round of the group stage of the Champions League, Inter Mn challenged Ajax away. Since both teams had already advanced, the result of the final round wouldn''t affect their standings, so they both fielded reserve yers.
Wang Feng didn''t even travel with the team to the Nethends, instead staying in Italy to handle endorsement matters. Thanks to his outstanding performances in the Champions League, he had secured several lucrative endorsements in session.
So Wang Feng took advantage of the rest period to quickly handle everything. Although it was called handling, he didn''t have much to do, just some tasks like taking promotional photos and filmingmercials, which could bepleted in a day or two.
As for the match, it turned out to be a dull affair, ending in a 0-0 draw.
Four Serie A teams, Juventus, AC Mn, Inter Mn, and Roma, all advanced to the Champions League round of 16, beginning the second round of group stage matches!
Especially AC Mn, who advanced ahead of Bayern, along with Deportivo La Coruna, and Roma narrowly eliminated AEK Athens in the final round, advancing with Real Madrid, a result that surprised everyone.
After handling the endorsement affairs, Wang Feng flew directly to Rome to join the rest of the team and participate in the Serie A match on November 17th. The home team Roma had just experienced a grueling battle in the Champions League group stage, and the whole team was exhausted, presenting an opportunity for Inter Mn.
This season, Roma seemed to have given up on the league, currently only ranked 8th in the standings, focusing all their attention on the Champions League, aiming for a historic breakthrough.
After the start of the game, Inter Mn took control of the gamepletely.
Just one minute into the game, Wang Feng broke through on the right to near the goal line, then passed back to the center of the penalty area. Facing his former team, Batistuta unleashed a powerful shot without hesitation, but it hit the post and went out!
Then Inter Mnunched a series of brilliant attacks, but the beams and posts of the Roma goal turned into goalkeepers one after another, even Wang Feng hit the post twice and failed to score.
But the away team wasn''t discouraged, because they knew that maintaining such pressure would lead to a goal sooner orter, and Roma''s luck couldn''tst forever.
Sure enough, in the 31st minute, Inter Mnunched an attack from the back. Cannavaro''s long ball reached the midfield, Wang Feng won the first ball, and headed it back to Dalma, then turned and broke through the center-back Assuncao.
After receiving the ball, Dalma immediately passed it back to Wang Feng, who then dribbled forward rapidly, reaching near the edge of the penalty area, facing three hurriedly retreating defenders.
Wang Feng first faked a shot, causing Cand to dive to block, leaving arge space open, and the other two defenders also focused on him.
But at this moment, he chose to pass diagonally to Rekoba, who had arrived unmarked. Rekoba, facing the goalkeeper one-on-one, easily scored into the bottom corner.
1-0! Inter Mn finally broke the deadlock!
Just five minutester, the Nerazzurri struck again. Another rapid attack from the back to the front, Di Biagio dribbled on the left into the opponent''s half, and seeing Wang Feng sprinting towards the edge of the penalty area.
So he decisively sent a curved cross, the ball flew past the near post and reached Wang Feng''s feet directly. At this moment, Roma defender Samuel rushed towards the ball, looking like he wouldn''t stop until he seeded in tackling.
But Wang Feng seemed to have eyes on the back of his head. Instead of controlling the ball, he used the tip of his toe to lift it into the air, evading Samuel''s dive. By the time he stopped abruptly, Wang Feng was already volleying the falling ball!
The ball made a whistling sound as it pierced the air, thundering into Roma''s goal!
"Goal!! Goal!! In the 36th minute, Wang Feng widened Inter Mn''s lead!"
"With Inter Mn''s sharp speed, Roma''s defense seems as fragile as paper! ording to the data we just received, both of Inter Mn''s goals, fromunching an attack in the back to scoring in the opponent''s goal, took less than 1 minute!"
"What a terrifying attacking force, Inter Mn is like elite cavalry riding on horses, attacking Roma''s weak infantry formation!"
With a lead entering the second half, Inter Mn sounded the retreat and made substitutions, not wanting to embarrass the home team too much. Wang Feng and other key yers were reced, and the 2-0 score was maintained until the final whistle.
"Top of both charts," the headline on the front page of the Mn Sports Daily the next day read, "After a third of the season, Inter Mn''s Wang Feng has contributed 11 goals and 10 assists, leading both charts."
"His goal tally is ahead of the second-ce scorer by five goals, AC Mn''s Shevchenko with 5, and his assist tally is ahead of the second-ce assister by one, Juventus'' Nedved with 4. It can be said that he dominates both charts."
"Given the current pace, Wang Feng is very likely to win both the Serie A Golden Boot and Assist King titles, creating new history!"
The Rome Sports Daily reported under the title "Crazy Inter Mn," pointing out, "After this many matches, Inter Mn has achieved a record-breaking start in Serie A history with 9 wins and 1 draw."
"With 28 points already, they lead second-ced AC Mn by a full 7 points. If they continue like this, they are very likely to make history by winning the title with several rounds to spare!"
"Who can stop them? The team that has already lost to them once, Juventus, or the uing challenger, AC Mn? We wait and see."
Chapter 150: Dreadful AC Milan
Chapter 150: Dreadful AC Mn
The results of the second stage group stage of the Champions League are out. The participating teams have to curse the disappointing format while checking their respective groups. Clearly, it could have been determined with just two matches in the round of 16, but instead, they have to y a full 6-match group stage.
Inter Mn''s three opponents are Newcastle from the Premier League, Leverkusen from the Bundesliga, and Barcelona from La Liga.
"Headache!" eximed Cooper, who received the list. Apart from Newcastle, Leverkusen and Barcelona are both formidable opponents.
After entering December, Inter Mn will also embark on the journey of the Italian Cup. As the second-seeded team, they can start directly from the fourth round of matches, skipping some of the tedious qualification matches at the beginning of the league.
But with their involvement in threepetitions in thetter half of the season, they often face the challenge of ying two or even three matches in a week. How to rotate the squad and bnce will be a major issue for the coaching staff.
"Reasonable, it''s really too reasonable!" Wang Feng, sweating profusely, looked at Shevchenko celebrating the goal and could only think of this word.
The ongoing match is the 11th round of Serie A, with Inter Mn against AC Mn. In the 30th minute, Shevchenko gave AC Mn the lead.
Inter Mn ispletely at a disadvantage on the field because AC Mn''s lineup is too well-bnced. Whether in the front, midfield, or back, everyone cooperates without any obvious weaknesses.
No wonder they were able to upset Bayern Munich. With such overall strength, they even have the potential to challenge for the Champions League title.
They can no longer be viewed with the same perspective asst year! Wang Feng gritted his teeth, bing more proactive, constantly making runs and attempting to prate AC Mn''s solid defense.
In the 43rd minute of the game, Inter Mn controlled the ball in the opponent''s half. Di Biagio and Dalma were passing back and forth but found it difficult to find opportunities to get the ball into dangerous positions, so they had to keep possession and observe.
Wang Feng kept running with Maldini and Costacurta, covering a wide area. This strong presence threatened AC Mn''s defense, forcing them to remain highly focused.
Seeing this, Di Biagio couldn''t help but sigh. Wang Feng is really hardworking! He couldn''t fall behind, so he dribbled towards the center for a few steps, then feigned to pass with his left foot, turning his body in the process, seemingly intending to pass back.
Wang Feng''s heart jumped. He noticed the subtle movement in Di Biagio''s hand. Wasn''t this the signaling they practiced during training? This is the moment they''ve been waiting for! Just as AC Mn''s defense rxed slightly, Di Biagio suddenly rotated 180 degrees and sent a ground pass into the penalty area.
The ball passed through Maldini and Costacurta defending Wang Feng and sessfully reached behind the defensive line!
"Di Biagio''s through pass has pierced AC Mn''s defense. Will someone receive it?"
"It''s Wang Feng! He broke free from the defenders and was the first to reach the ball."
"Shooting, it''s a goal!! Goooooal!"
"Wang Feng, despite Costacurta''s interference, stretched his leg and used his right foot to chip the ball over the goalkeeper Dida, dropping it into the!"
"Brilliant teamwork! The biggest contributor to this goal is Di Biagio, who, when everyone thought he would pass back, suddenly yed a through ball that tore through AC Mn''s airtight defense."
"Wang Feng''s shot, despite the interference, shows his attacking desire. He could have easily gone down as Costacurta''s challenge was somewhat heavy, and it was inside the penalty area, the referee could have awarded a penalty!"
"But Wang Feng says NO to uncertainty! Only a genuine goal can make him feel at ease. He''s a perfect frontline warrior!"
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t rush to celebrate. He just slowly walked back to his own half, then shook hands and embraced each of his teammates who came to congratte him one by one. He needed to conserve energy as there were tough battles ahead.
The first half ended with the teams tied, and in the second half, the situation remained the same. AC Mn was like a spider weaving a web, and Inter Mn was the prey ensnared in it, gradually being bound tighter.
Wang Feng''s role was to struggle to tear apart this big web, butcking support from teammates, the brilliantbination y seen in the first half was firmly contained by AC Mn in the second half. They wouldn''t make the same mistake again.
Although this match wasn''t a thrilling goal fest, it was a great test of both teams'' physical and mental strength.
In the 77th minute, after receiving the ball in the frontcourt, Recoba passed it to Wang Feng on the right, but he fell to the ground in pain as he passed the ball, clutching his thigh.
Wang Feng was startled and quickly kicked the ball out of bounds, then rushed to his side to inquire about his condition, "My thigh hurts like it''s torn apart. Could I be this unlucky?"
Wang Feng''s heart sank. Wasn''t this situation exactly the same as when Ronnie returned and got injured again years ago? He quickly signaled to the coach Cooper to make a substitution and called the team doctor over.
Cooper''s heart sank little by little. With Vieri still not fully fit, now Recoba was down again, and it looked like he was injured quite badly. This was really adding insult to injury.
He had no choice but to rece Recoba with the substitute Mo Fiao. After Recoba was stretchered off the field and sent directly to the hospital, Inter Mn, missing another key attacker, was broken through by AC Mn''s defense in the final moments, with Rivaldo assisting Inzaghi to score the winning goal.
Inter Mn lost 1-2 to AC Mn, ending their unbeaten streak in the league.
At the post-match press conference, Cooper announced Recoba''s injury, a muscle strain caused by fatigue. He would be sidelined for at least four weeks: "This is an unfortunate event, as we''ve lost another attacking ace."
A reporter from Turin Sports Daily asked, "With Inter Mn''s attacking stars getting injured one after another, facing a dense schedule ahead, is the team''s goal still topete on multiple fronts? Aren''t you afraid that Wang Feng might also get injured, leaving the team empty-handed in the end?"
Cooper responded, "We will adjust our goals ording to the actual situation. There are too many uncertainties."
In fact, Cooper also doubted whether the team could persevere and achieve the feat of winning five trophies. "Wang Feng''s physical condition is excellent, this is something we have confirmed repeatedly, so the concern for him is unnecessary worrying."
When asked about how he evaluated Inter Mn''s performance, AC Mn coach Ancelotti also praised the opponents: "In fact, we didn''t defeat them; injuries helped us."
"Their goals in the first half were really splendid, and it surprised me. So during halftime, I specifically emphasized defense. If we couldn''t contain Wang Feng''s sharp attacks, we would swallow the bitter fruit of defeat once again."
"Fortunately, the yers didn''t disappoint me, and with Recoba''s injury, Inter Mn can only be said to have lost unfortunately. I look forward to facing them with full strength next time."
Chapter 151: Carrying Inter Milan forward
Chapter 151: Carrying Inter Mn forward
After the derby against AC Mn, Inter Mn flew overnight to Newcastle to prepare for the Champions League match three dayster.
The Magpies have performed remarkably well this season, not only advancing from the Champions League group stage but also trailing only behind Manchester United and Arsenal on the league table.
Before the match, the coaching staff of Inter Mn carefully studied the recent league and Champions League matches of Newcastle by watching video recordings.
"Their attacking ability and resilience are really strong. Despite losing the first three rounds, they managed to win three consecutive games to advance," assistant coach Dono eximed.
Cooper frowned as he watched the footage of the tall English striker, "That Shearer is their captain, right? His ball-holding and confrontational abilities are top-notch. We definitely need to focus on defending against him."
"Let''s analyze the characteristics of other yers and see how to deploy our defense. Our defensive line is already very tired, so we must arrange tactics properly!"
The starting lineup and formation of Newcastle were basically the same as predicted by the coaching staff of Inter Mn, with Given in goal.
The defenders were Griffin, Bramble, O''Brien, and Bernard.
In midfield were Laurent Robert, Speed, Jenas, and Sno.
The forwards were Bemy and Shearer.
On Inter Mn''s side, Bati and Wang Feng formed the forward line, with Mo Fiao substituting for Recoba''s absence. Zambrotta reced the underperforming Cannavaro in the defense, while the rest remained unchanged.
Cooper dared not make major changes in this match, as Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona, both in the same group, were lurking, and they had to win the two matches against Newcastle.
After the match started, Newcastle Unitedunched a fierce attack against Inter Mn amidst the cheers of their home fans. The defense line consisting of Cordoba, Coco, Zambrotta, and Materazzi was severely tested.
In the 17th minute, after a breakthrough on the right, Laurent Robert crossed from the baseline. Materazzi in the middle failed to head the ball, and Shearer, unmarked at the far post, chested the ball down and shot into the far corner, bypassing the out-of-form Coco.
The situation that Cooper feared had urred! The consecutive high-intensity battles had greatly reduced thebat effectiveness of the Inter Mn yers, putting them at a disadvantage against the towering English Premier League yers.
Topensate for this disadvantage, the forward line led by Wang Feng had to step up. In the 7th minute after conceding a goal, Di Biagio sent a diagonal pass from the left, and Wang Feng quicklytched onto it. Facing Bramble''s block, he used a feint to get past his opponent and then sted the ball with his right foot to equalize for the away team.
At halftime, Wang Feng''s perseverance was crucial! Towards the end of the first half, he was fouled and fell in the penalty area.
Inter Mn won a perfect free-kick opportunity, and Wang Feng personally took it. The ball curved in the air, bypassing the wall and flying into Newcastle''s.
In the second half, despite dragging his tired body, Wang Feng continued to move in the opponent''s half, preventing them fromunching full-scale attacks.
In the 71st minute, Wang Feng initiated another quick counterattack, dribbling past the midfield, continuously bypassing Griffin and O''Brien, and entering the opponent''s half.
But the Newcastle United defense was very fast in retreating. Wang Feng awkwardly found that there were four waiting defenders in front of him, with no support from his teammates.
Helplessly, Wang Feng could only protect the ball and retreat, turning the fast counterattack into a positional y, a situation that happened more than once.
In the 71st minute, when Wang Feng faced the dense defense again, he bravely charged forward! He first used consecutive feints and dribbles to break through Griffin and O''Brien''s encirclement.
Then he passed the ball sideways in front of the penalty area, creating distance from Bramble, but Bernard''s tackle followed closely. After catching up with the ball, Wang Feng stopped abruptly and dodged his leg.
His knee and ankle were slightly aching due to the sudden stop, but Wang Feng couldn''t care less. He turned around on the spot and took a powerful shot, the ball flying straight into the top corner, unstoppable by the goalkeeper!
"Goal!! Goal!! Goooooal!! Wang Feng scored!!"
"He scored 1v4, breaking through the entire Newcastle United defense! Amazing, this goal toyed with Newcastle United''s entire defense!"
"Let''s review the process of this goal again. Hmm, no matter from which angle you look at it, it''s so thrilling, as if we were about to concede a goal the next moment, but the ball was always firmly under Wang Feng''s control."
"He seemed like a graceful dancer amidst knives, this goal is full of artistic vor!"
As Wang Feng took the shot, the cameras on the sidelines didn''t stop shing. The Newcastle United defense in disarray and Wang Feng''s resolute strike were captured forever, bing the headline of major news the next day, and an eternal ssic!
In the final stages of the game, the frantic Newcastle United bombarded Inter Mn''s defense, with Cordoba and Coco even suffering from cramps due to fatigue.
But they persevered until the end, and Inter Mn reversed Newcastle 2-1, securing their first victory in the Champions League group stage!
After the battle with Newcastle, Inter Mn couldn''t rest. They flew overnight to Brescia, preparing for the 12th round of Serie A matches.
This time, Cooper finally made extensive changes, resting almost all of the starters except Wang Feng. He specifically found the coach, "Mr. Cooper, although I''m tired too, can I y?"
"My physical condition ispletely fine. Brescia is a team we must take points from, isn''t it? Right now, we''re only four points ahead of AC Mn. If we lose this advantage again, it will be very dangerous."
Cooper looked worriedly at Wang Feng, "Are you really okay? Traveling through three cities in eight days, ying three consecutive matches, I''m very worried you might suffer from fatigue or injury."
Wang Feng patted his chest. His physique did y a role to some extent. After the team doctor''s repeated confirmation, Cooper put him on the starting lineup.
Indeed, Wang Feng''s worries were justified. Even against teams like Brescia, in the middle and lower ranks, Inter Mn''s substitute lineup still appeared very weak. The passive situation continued until the 25th minute when veteran Baggio opened the scoring for Brescia.
But with Wang Feng persisting on the field, he yed a crucial role! Towards the end of the first half, when he was fouled and fell in the penalty area.
Inter Mn won an excellent free-kick opportunity, and Wang Feng took it himself. The ball flew over the wall and into Brescia''s.
In the final stages of the game, the frantic Brescia attacked Inter Mn''s defense, but they persevered until the end, and Inter Mn reversed Brescia 2-1, securing another victory!
Chapter 152: Annual award
Chapter 152: Annual award
In December 2002, the two most prestigious awards in the world of football, the Ballon d''Or and the FIFA World yer of the Year, were announced one after another.
These two trophies, symbolizing the highest honor for yers, attracted the attention of the media and fans worldwide. For a while, major newspapers gave their own predictions and insider information.
This year was a World Cup year, so it was highly likely that the awards would go to stars who shined in the World Cup, such as the Brazilian duo Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.
Indeed, it turned out to be the case. A journalist stationed in Madrid managed to capture a photo of Fran?ois Piffard, the chief editor of "France Football" magazine, but it was unclear which yer would ultimately win the title.
Shortly after, the Ballon d''Or announced the top ten yers, with Ronaldo receiving 169 votes, surpassing his teammate Carlos who received 145 votes, although the gap between them was not very significant.
Wang Feng,pared tost year, rose in the rankings, surpassing yers like Henry, Ral, and Rivaldo, ranking 6th with 57 votes. However, he still couldn''tpete with Kahn, Zidane, and Back ahead of him. It was evident that the UEFA Cup''s weight was still too small.
Although Wang Feng had known this result in advance through the club''s "sources," he couldn''t hide his disappointment. Nevertheless, he believed that he was not far from this highest honor!
Shortly after winning the award, Ronaldo called Wang Feng. Their rtionship didn''t end with Ronaldo''s departure. Ronaldo would often call Wang Feng toin about theplicated situation in the dressing room, and Wang Feng thus learned many secrets of Real Madrid.
Of course, all this was because Wang Feng was a qualified listener. He had always kept silent in front of the media and unrted people. Since the conflict between Ronnie and Cooper, he had gained Ronnie''s trust.
"Hey buddy, I won the Ballon d''Or again," Ronaldo boasted over the phone, as if disying his exquisite work, "And Florentino said I''m also the FIFA World yer of the Year."
"Oh, congrattions," Wang Feng replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Haha, Wang, I knew with your character you wouldn''t be content. You must be adding extra training sessions at the training ground now," Ronaldo chuckled.
"But it''s okay. If you can help Inter Mn win the Champions League this year, next year''s award is yours for sure. It''s just a pity that Real Madrid won''t let you have it so easily."
"Then let''s settle it in the final," Wang Feng said fiercely. ording to the format, if both teams were not eliminated, it was very likely that they would meet in the final.
"Oh, by the way, have you thought about joining the Gcticos? With your current status, you''repletely worthy of being called a superstar every year."
"Weren''t you saying Real Madrid''s target for next summer''s transfer is Manchester United''s Beckham?"
"That was the original n. Beckham''s talent andmercial value are indeed very high, but you''re not inferior. What''s more important is that you''re still young. So Florentino asked me to sound you out."
To be honest, Wang Feng was somewhat tempted. Since Florentino began building the Gcticos, Real Madrid''s influence had rapidly expanded. Coupled with its rich heritage, it was undoubtedly the top football club in Europe.
But at the thought of theplex dressing room filled with big names, Wang Feng felt a chill. "Forget it, I don''t want to join you old guys."
Ronaldo couldn''t help butugh and then said seriously, "By the way, I heard Barcelona is nning to buy you, and the offer will be very high. It''s because of this that Florentino asked me to persuade you."
"You know, I don''t have a good impression of Barcelona, so I think you should consider carefully. I don''t think Bar?a is a good destination."
In the 13th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Lazio at home. Inter Mn yers, who had a week''s rest, had recovered well physically.
Stimted, Wang Feng showed great aggression. Just 2 minutes into the game, he attempted a long-range shot from outside the opponent''s penalty area. The shot, from a distance of forty meters, narrowly missed the crossbar, sending chills down the spine of the Lazio defense.
However, Lazio was not a team to be underestimated. Seeing Inter Mn''s aggressive attack, they actively contracted their defense and even nned a high-quality counterattack in the 17th minute, almost piercing through Inter Mn''s defense.
Faced with the contracted defense, Wang Feng wanted to try the continuous dribbling he did against Bresciast time, but unfortunately, Lazio''s defense was evidently stronger. In the end, Negr?o stole the ball from under Wang Feng''s feet.
As Wang Feng quickly retreated to defend, he expressed his apologies to his teammates with his eyes. It seemed that he was not yet powerful enough to face all defenses alone. However, he did feel the progress in his abilities and even had a premonition that with continuous practice, such a feat was not impossible!
Neither side managed to score in the first half. In the second half, however, Inter Mn''s defense made a fatal mistake. Lazio''s Simeone lofted the ball into the penalty area, Lopez quickly reached it, Cordoba closely followed, but he managed to evade the defense with a feint.
At that moment, there was no one in that area to provide support. As a result, Lopez easily scored.
"Ah, Inter Mn shouldn''t have conceded this goal. Cordoba was shaken off too easily, and there was no one around to provide support."
"Hey, what''s going on? Cordoba and Cannavaro seem to be arguing on the field. There''s some physical contact and pushing between them. Is there a rift within the team?"
Inter Mn yers quickly intervened and separated the two. The cameras caught coach Cooper, whose face turned ashen. He quickly reacted by substituting Cordoba, who made the direct mistake, and bringing on Pasqual.
Wang Feng was also surprised. He knew their rtionship wasn''t good, but he hadn''t expected things to escte on the field. Cordoba should have med Cannavaro for not covering in time for the previous goal.
It seemed like the front-page headlines of tomorrow''s newspapers would be quite exciting. With injuries in the forward line and now internal discord in defense, Inter Mn was indeed facing a series of problems.
Dispirited, they couldn''t create miracles, and in the end, Inter Mn lost 0-1 to Lazio, suffering their second defeat of the season.
Facing an invitation to the annual FIFA awards ceremony, Wang Feng didn''t feel like attending. He asked Balmond to decline the invitation on the grounds that the team was at a critical moment and he couldn''t afford to be absent.
He wouldn''t be the focus of this event anyway. Ronaldo predictably won the FIFA World yer of the Year award, Kahn of Germany won the Silver award, and Zidane, thanks to the Champions League title, received the Bronze award.
Wang Feng''s ranking improved further, rising from 11th cest year to 6th ce this year. Obviously, his double victoryst season and the European Golden Boot were highly recognized by many voters.
Chapter 153: The fans are calling for their heroes !
Chapter 153: The fans are calling for their heroes !
The suspicion of internal discord had not yet dissipated, and Inter Mn ushered in a new opponent, Bayer Leverkusen. After winning the runner-up in the league, runner-up in the German Cup, and runner-up in the UEFA Champions League, they entered a trough.
As a rtively small club, they not only faced sessive yer poaching but also the dilemma ofpeting in two high-intensitypetitions simultaneously. Consequently, they suffered consecutive defeats in the league and found themselves deep in the relegation zone.
In the uing matches, Bayer Leverkusen''s primary goal naturally was to avoid relegation, and there was still hope for a strong performance in the second half of the season.
However, they had no intention of giving up on the Champions League. Since they couldn''t achieve much in domesticpetitions, they focused all their energy on the European stage.
In the first round against Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen almost managed to draw level with their opponents but were ultimately defeated 1-2 in the dying moments. To advance, they needed a victory in their match against Inter Mn.
The Meazza Stadium was nearly full, and although just a few days prior, fans had witnessed Inter Mn''s defeat and some regrettable conflicts, nobody understood better than them that the team needed their support and encouragement more than ever.
As the referee''s whistle sounded, the two sides officially started the battle. Bayer Leverkusen indeed took the initiative and, with constant movement and aggressive pressing, seized control of the game for a time.
"Look at this attack, Novier evades Cannavaro with the ball and shoots! Oh, what a pity, the ball narrowly missed the post. This is Bayer Leverkusen''s third shot of the game, while Inter Mn has yet to organize an effective attack. It seems the home team is in a disadvantageous position."
"Has Inter Mn''s defense not recovered yet? Cooper benched Cordoba, the main figure in the conflict, but so far, it doesn''t seem to be effective. Cannavaro''s performance isckluster."
In the 15th minute, Bayer Leverkusen''s attack bore fruit. Schneider broke through on the left and crossed, and Bellbato, following up, outmuscled Cannavaro to head the ball into the.
Just four minutester, Cannavaro left a gap in the defense again, allowing Novier to break through and extend the away team''s lead.
The fans in the stands were stunned. Was this the same Inter Mn that won the doublest season and started the league with nine consecutive victories?
"Wang Feng! Wang Feng!" Someone shouted Wang Feng''s name, and others joined in, until the whole Meazza Stadium echoed with the chant.
"The Inter Mn fans are calling for their hero!" thementator eximed. "Wang Feng has performed miracles on the Meazza Stadium countless times. Can he continue his legend today?"
Nearly seventy thousand people chanting one name together was a spectacr sight. Wang Feng looked at the dense crowd, feeling the anxiety and unease about the team dissipate. It was only about the game now!
In the 35th minute, Wang Feng retreated to midfield to receive the ball. As he got possession, Bayer Leverkusen''s defender Ramello quickly closed in, grabbing Wang Feng''s shoulder and attempting to dispossess him.
Relying on his physical strength, Wang Feng resisted, evading Ramello''s pressure with agile movements, keeping control of the ball. Then, he suddenly elerated, breaking free from Ramello''s grip and sprinting towards the opposition''s half.
Another nearby defender, Balic, was surprised and rushed to tackle, even if it meant fouling, to prevent Wang Feng from advancing dangerously.
As Wang Feng dribbled at speed, he slightly increased the force with his left foot, causing the ball to deflect to the left. This move evaded the sliding tackle at the critical moment, allowing him to enter the penalty area.
Facing thest defender, Nowotny, he feinted a shot to make him lose bnce, then attempted a shot. However, Nowotny, with remarkable reaction speed and coordination, adjusted his position just in time.
Feeling the impending block, Wang Feng sensed that the shot would hit the defender, so he abruptly pulled back his shooting foot before making contact with the ball, changing his shot to a dribble. Nowotny was helpless at this point.
After dribbling past Nowotny, Wang Feng found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. With a powerful shot, he pierced Bayer Leverkusen''s goal.
"Goal! Goooooooooal! Wang Feng scores!!"
"He lives up to the cheers of the home fans! A miraculous solo goal at the Meazza Stadium once again! Wang Feng receives the ball in midfield, dribbles past three opponents, and breaks the deadlock. It''s truly magnificent!"
"This goal is a serious blow to the morale of the away team because they don''t know how to defend against Wang Feng''s explosive runs."
"Let''s watch the rey. Beautiful! Wang Feng''s change of direction at high speed while dribbling, and there''s not a hint of loss of control over the ball. This level of ball control is absolutely world-ss."
After scoring, Wang Feng ran to Bayer Leverkusen''s goal, picked up the ball, and ran towards the center line, exchanging high-fives and encouragement with his teammates along the way. Finally, he ced the ball at the center circle, signaling everyone to take their positions for the restart.
Cannavaro approached him with a somewhat embarrassed expression. Wang Feng hugged him and said with a smile, "Cheer up, Italian captain." Cannavaro nodded solemnly.
In the remainder of the game, neither side scored again. Inter Mn entered halftime trailing by one goal, but they no longer felt despondent. Wang Feng''s goal not only demoralized the opponents but also revitalized their own team.
Cannavaro''s performance was indeed affected by the recent conflict. The main points of contention between him and Cordoba focused on two aspects: firstly, their roles on the field sometimes ovepped.
Both were short defenders, and Cooper tended to pair a tall defender with a shorter one for defensive bnce. While they sometimes yed together, they were mostly inpetition with each other.
The other point of contention was the significant sry gap between Cannavaro and Cordoba. As the core of Inter Mn''s defense, Cordoba believed he deserved a sry simr to Cannavaro''s, but reality proved otherwise, leading to Cordoba''s desire to mock Cannavaro whenever he made mistakes, further exacerbating their conflict.
Cooper rubbed his temples as he exined the second-half tactics. At this moment, he was extremely grateful for buying Zambrotta in the summer, originally intended to provide depth to the defense for multiplepetitions but now ying a crucial role.
"Fabio, take a rest in the second half and let Cordoba partner with Zambrotta." Cooper said, Cannavaro''s face was somewhat grim, but he nodded nheless. Towards the end of the first half, he finally regained some form, but his performance earlier was dismal.
Chapter 154: Win !
Chapter 154: Win !
After the second half began, Inter Mn''s defense gradually stabilized, which was also rted to Leverkusen''s defensive formation, as the German coach Topmller remained conservative, wanting to preserve the fruits of victory.
But solely focusing on defense gave Inter Mn space to attack. They weren''t in a hurry, instead, they organized their attacks steadily, waiting for the opponent to expose weaknesses.
This opportunity was fleeting, but Wang Feng seized it!
"Goal! Gooooooooooal! In the 66th minute, Wang Feng equalized for Inter Mn!"
After scoring, Wang Feng sprinted to the stands, bowing to the fans who had always supported and cheered for him, expressing his deepest gratitude.
The fans greeted him with apuse and cheers, their voices even louder now, with many of them tearfully looking at the figure on the sidelines as if they were witnessing a giant.
"Wang Feng received a cross from Dalma in the frontcourt, suddenly took a long shot from thirty meters away from the goal, the ball went straight into the corner of the, and Leverkusen''s goalkeeper couldn''t react."
"This shot caught everyone on the field by surprise. We can see from the sideline camera that Cooper''s reaction was captured, he was initially shocked, then raised his arms."
"The Inter Mn yers on the field were also stunned, and it took them a moment to react before catching up with Wang Feng to celebrate with him."
"It''s all so miraculous."
Wang Feng quickly took the shot because he saw Leverkusen''s defensive line had just opened up a gap due to Dalma''s dribbling, creating a straight path between him and the goal. His intuition told him that if he followed this path, he would have a chance!
Wang Feng always trusted his senses and intuition, so he didn''t hesitate to take the shot. He controlled the angle and force perfectly, and the ball flew into the along the optimal path.
Leverkusen''s defenders were on the verge of tears, screaming in their hearts: "Brother, can you show some mercy? Whether it''s a solo goal or a sudden shot, how can we defend against this?"
The three points turned into one, forcing them to continue defending. They were very unwilling, wanting to attack but fearing they would be caught off guard by Inter Mn.
Inter Mn, on the other hand, was full of momentum, enjoying the home advantage. Theyunched wave after wave of attacks, vowing to stage a stunningeback!
In the 77th minute, Wang Feng and Calon formed a cleverbination on the right side of the frontcourt. Wang Feng sent a low pass to the penalty spot, where Calon shot fiercely, only to be tipped over the bar by Leverkusen''s goalkeeper with an extreme stretch.
After the incredible save, Butt shouted angrily at his teammates, "How did you defend? Keep an eye on Wang Feng, don''t let them advance easily!"
In the 80th minute, Inter Mn came back again. After Wang Feng received the ball in the frontcourt, he made a fake move to get past the substitute Alisaul, but thetter, too nervous, instinctively pulled him down.
The referee quickly showed a yellow card and awarded Inter Mn a free-kick from twenty-five meters away from the goal.
Almost every opponent knew how urate Wang Feng''s free kicks were, especially within twenty-five meters of the goal. So, they tried to avoid fouling in this area. But since it happened, Leverkusen had to deal with it. Butt directed the positioning of the wall in front of him and ran around the goal, looking for the best angle to save the ball.
The electronic screen at the stadium focused on Wang Feng, Vdi was a long-time Inter Mn fan, from Baggio, Ronaldo to Wang Feng, he had witnessed all the ups and downs of Inter Mn in the past decade.
Seeing Wang Feng''s expression on the screen, he smiled and said to his friends next to him, "Get ready to celebrate, buddy, this goal is happening!"
Momentster, the Meazza Stadium erupted into thunderous cheers as Wang Feng executed a huge arcing free kick, circling around the wall from the left and flying into the top right corner of the goal.
Facing such a tricky angle, Butt was helpless and could only watch the ball go into the.
3-2! Inter Mn reversed the score! Wang Feng scored a hat-trick!
When the referee blew the final whistle, the Meazza Stadium turned into a sea of blue, and the home fans set off blue fireworks,ughter and songs filled the entire space.
In the media interview area, journalists were ready, and when Wang Feng passed by, they surrounded him.
"Wang, congrattions on another hat-trick and helping the team reverse the game. How do you feel at this moment?"
"I feel very happy, not only because Ipleted a hat-trick, but also because the team finally won. This is the credit of our entire team. It is because of their support that we can achieve miraculous victories." Wang Feng''s interview was as humble as ever.
But the journalists weren''t going to let him off that easily. "The two goals conceded in the first half were due to Cannavaro''s poor performance, and he was substituted during halftime."
"How do you view this? Is his poor performance rted to the conflict with Cordoba? Is Inter Mn''s dressing room facing disintegration?"
Facing such pointed questions, Wang Feng put away his smile. "Every yer has their ups and downs, including me. Fabio is a top defender, and that doesn''t need to be proven."
"How yers are used is the coach''s tactical arrangement, and it has nothing to do with anything else. There are no conflicts between the yers, just some differences. The dressing room is very harmonious."
After answering, seeing the journalists still eager for a big story, Wang Feng said he was too tired from the whole game and needed to rest quickly, then hurriedly escaped into the yer tunnel.
Mazzarri, who had just heard Wang Feng''s interview from a distance, joked when he saw himing over, "Wang, every time I see you interviewed, it feels like I''m listening to an official spokesperson. How did you train for that? I also want to learn."
When the media interviewed Leverkusen coach Topmller, the legendary coach fromst season sighed helplessly, "We did our best, but we lost to one of the best forwards in the world."
"We had made sufficient defensive arrangements against Wang Feng before the game, but he always manages to seize opportunities that don''t seem like opportunities andunch deadly attacks."
Topmller also sarcastically remarked, "I heard Bayern Munich wants to buy Wang Feng. My God, they''re really rich."
"Isn''t taking Barak and Zeroberto away from us enough? If this continues, small clubs like ours won''t be able to survive. We might as well let the Football Association award them the championship trophy before the league even starts."
"We small clubs must unite and appeal to UEFA to implement relevant policies to limit these moneyed giants."
Chapter 155: Each wonderful - 2
Chapter 155: Each wonderful - 2
The 02-03 season is already halfway through, and in every corner of the world football, various exciting stories unfold every day. There are emerging new stars, as well as experienced veterans fading away.
In the brightly lit Paris night, men and women unwilling to be lonely linger in nightclubs and bars. Among the various nightclubs, the most famous one is the barge nightclub on the dock.
Celebrities often frequent here, not only movie and television stars but also famous athletes. Ronaldinho is one of the most active ones. He is so active that even gossip magazines hesitate to report on his nightclub adventures.
At this moment, he is holding a beautiful girl, dancing passionately. His dance moves are as fluid as his football skills, often bing the center of attention in the nightclub.
After a dance, he returns to his table and drinks a ss of Caipirinha. Ronaldinho feels that life is wonderful. However, his gloomy-faced agent interrupts him, "Ronaldinho, you need to control yourself a bit. Now is a crucial time."
"Paris is obviously sinking. The club''s management will definitely sell high-paid yers like you in the summer. We need to think ahead, where should we go next."
"Big clubs in big cities, as long as they canpete in the Champions League," Ronaldinho casually remarks. He is actually somewhat disheartened. Afterst season''s Europa League battle with Wang Feng, his fighting spirit waspletely ignited.
But reality has harshly pped him in the face. Paris''s financial situation has affected the yers'' enthusiasm. After the season, they only ranked fourth in the league. While Wang Feng can already step onto the Champions League stage, he can only y in the Europa League.
This season, Paris Saint-Germain has been losing games all the way, dropping to 11th ce in the standings. On the other hand, Wang Feng is leading Inter Mn towards the achievement of five crowns. The gap between the two sides is getting wider, which is discouraging for him.
Having said that, he brushes off his agent and continues to return to the center of the dance floor.
Meanwhile, in S?o Paulo, one of Ronaldinho''spatriots is training diligently. The team doctor closely monitors him. After a while, the doctor says, "Kaka, that''s enough for today. You''ve exceeded your exercise limit. If you continue, there''s a risk of injury."
Kaka wipes the sweat from his forehead and says, "Mr. Haissel, can I increase my exercise intensity? I feel fine." He has always been anxious. The major injury at the age of 18 has already caused him to lose a lot of precious time.
Especially in the World Cup, he witnessed the strength of top yers. Now he feelspletely unable topare with them. Thinking back to when he was proud of his performance in the league, he realizes he was too conceited back then.
At this moment, the head coach, Schwade, walks over. "Kaka, I understand your anxiety, but you must learn to regte yourself. Your health is the top priority for a yer."
"Alright, Mr. Schwade, do you think my skills are good enough for European leagues? My performance this season has regressed."
Schwade says, "Your skills are definitely not a problem. What you need now is a bigger stage for development. As the coach of S?o Paulo, of course, I don''t want the team''s core to leave, but as an elder, going to Europe as soon as possible would be most beneficial for your growth."
"I remember you cared a lot about that Chinese yer named Wang Feng. He''s about your age, and when he debuted, his ying style was somewhat simr to yours, both being speedy yers. There used to be mediaparisons between you two."
"But now, do the media stillpare you? Although it''s harsh, he has surpassed you by far. Only by going to Europe do you have a chance to catch up with him."
Hearing Wang Feng''s name, a sh of determination passes through Kaka''s eyes. As Schwade said, when he first watched Wang Feng''s game footage, Kaka felt they were very simr. If he were in Genk, he could also lead the team to win the league.
But when he watched Wang Feng''s Europa League game footage and the footage after transferring to Inter Mn, to be honest, he was stunned. There was only one thought in his mind: how did this person improve so quickly?
Now Wang Feng is not only fast, but his physicality and technical skills far exceed his own. Is it really true, as Schwade said, that only the European stage can help yers achieve rapid growth?
Thinking of the top clubs his agent introduced, Kaka ponders for a moment. His gaze gradually bes firm C he will go to Europe in the summer and leave hisfort zone!
At the Alvde Stadium in Lisbon, a league match is underway between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica. Seventeen-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo starts for the home team.
Since the beginning of this season, CR7 has gradually secured his position as a regr starter in the team, relying on his sharp speed and explosiveness, often wreaking havoc on opponents'' defenses.
The only thing that annoys him is that he hasn''t been given the unlimited firepower rights yet. So far, he has only contributed 2 goals but has 4 assists.
CR7 is never a calm person; his heart is full of passion and pride. At the same age, Wang Feng was already making waves in the Belgian league and the Europa League, while he could only y a supporting role. How could he not be anxious?
In the 31st minute of the game, CR7 receives the ball in the frontcourt. Another Sporting Lisbon forward, Jardel, signals for the ball, but CR7, influenced by the news of Wang Feng leading the team to aeback victory, decides to take a long shot in front of the penalty area instead of passing to the better-positioned teammate.
The shot is powerful, but unfortunately, it goes over the crossbar.
CR7 kicks the turf in frustration. Jardel, who ran for nothing, angrily approaches him, "What are you doing? Why didn''t you pass the ball?" Jardel is a key yer for Sporting Lisbon, so CR7 can only endure his scolding.
On the sidelines, the coach Lorenzo understands CR7''s mindset at this moment, "He''s just too young." He silently shakes his head; it''s not easy to nurture this talented yer.
In Barcelona, the situation ispletely different for another talented yer this season. Messi can be described as thriving. Since officially joining the youth team in February, he has quickly be an absolute mainstay.
In the just-ended match between Barcelona''s youth team and Bilbao''s youth team, he scored four goals to help the team win 6-0. Messi, among a group of tall white yers, looks small but incredibly powerful.
On the stands, Barcelona president Gaspart smiles. He didn''t expect the investment in Messi to be so sessful. In the youth team matches so far, Messi has scored 23 goals, including several braces and hat-tricks. It can be said that Messi''s level has far surpassed yers of the same age.
These are all achievements. However, what he didn''t expect is that a fierce club president election battle is about to begin.
From various signs, the summer of 2003 will be an extraordinary period of excitement.
Chapter 156: Inter鈥檚 curse ?
Chapter 156: Inter''s curse ?
On February 15th, in the 14th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Atnta away.
In theory, Inter Mn and Atnta didn''t have much interaction, but in the two encountersst season, Inter Mn suffered their first defeat and narrowly won the second time.
If Atnta were a strong team, then this record would be understandable, but they have been lingering in the lower ranks of the standings for years. When facing powerhouses like Juventus and AC Mn, they don''t put up much resistance. However, they always seem particrly spirited when ying against Inter Mn, which is puzzling.
Sure enough, just 17 minutes into the game, Inter Mn conceded a goal inexplicably. Atnta winger Comandini forcefully dribbled down the wing and crossed the ball into the box. Inter Mn defender Coco failed to control the ball, identally deflecting it into his own.
Inter Mn maintained control of the game, especially after conceding the goal, they desperately elerated the pace.
In the 19th minute, Zti''s long pass found Wang Feng on the right, who then delivered a diagonal pass, but Carlon in the penalty area reacted a bit slowly and failed to catch up with the ball.
Three minutester, Wang Feng dribbled past Carreira on the right, then passed to Carlon, but his shot went over the crossbar.
Two minutester, Inter Mnunched another attack. Cannavaro sent a long pass from the back, and Wang Feng controlled the ball in the frontcourt. He dribbled past Beretta''s pressure and passed to Batistuta, whose low shot was saved by the goalkeeper, Taibi.
In just over ten minutes, Inter Mn created several very threatening attacks, but all ended in vain. Wang Feng looked at the opponent''s goal with frustration, feeling that luck was not on their side today.
"As the first half of the game is about to end, we can see that Inter Mn has created many scoring opportunities, but they have all failed to convert into goals, and they still trail 0-1."
"The Inter Mn yers on the field seem a bit anxious. Just now, when fighting for the ball, Inter Mn defender Dharma pushed down Atnta defender Zauri in frustration, and the referee predictably showed him a yellow card."
"As they enter halftime, they need to adjust their emotions. After all, there are still forty-five minutes left in the game. Look at this attack, beautiful, Wang Feng cleanly steals the ball from Zauri!"
After intercepting the ball in midfield, Wang Feng quickly dribbled forward. He used a one-two with Dharma to evade the Atnta defender Zanoni, then quickly entered the vicinity of the penalty area and faced off against defender Pagani.
Wang Feng moved forward with short steps, then suddenly elerated near Pagani''s left shoulder. Pagani thought Wang Feng was going to cut inside, so he stretched out his leg to intercept, but Wang Feng actually went to the byline, leaving Pagani watching helplessly as Wang Feng dribbled past him.
Once inside the penalty area, Wang Feng easily crossed, finding Carlon''s head. Thetter headed the ball into Atnta''s goal, finally equalizing the score!
Entering halftime with a draw ispletely different from being behind. The restless hearts of the Inter Mn yers calmed down, and there were smiles in the locker room. After all, they had the upper hand on the field, and with forty-five minutes left in the game, scoring another goal to secure three points was not a problem.
As they resumed y, the situation remained under Inter Mn''s control. But in the 69th minute, Atntaunched a defensive counterattack. Zauri''s cross was intercepted by Cannavaro, but his clearance resulted in a mistake, hitting Atnta forward Soardi. Soardi quickly controlled the ball and scored with a powerful shot, piercing the away team''s goal.
Inter Mn fell behind once again! This was Atnta''s first threatening attack of the second half and their first shot, yet it unexpectedly seeded.
Throughout the history of world football, there are always some inexplicable upsets, forming various strange curses.
Watching the home team yers celebrate wildly and the fans cheer in the stands, Wang Feng rubbed his forehead in frustration. Could there really be a curse, with Atnta being Inter Mn''s curse?
Never giving up under any circumstances is Wang Feng''s creed, even if it means confronting the elusive fate!
In the 81st minute, Atnta showed a w. Comandini made a passing error, intercepted by Matri. He sent a long pass to Carlon in the frontcourt, but the defensive yer headed the ball back to the midfield.
Dibiagio received the ball and pushed forward, then passed to Wang Feng on the right. Wang Feng elerated past Carreira on the wing, then delivered a curved ball to the far post in the penalty area. Carlon, making a run, volleyed the ball into Atnta''s goal, leaving goalkeeper Taibi with no chance to save.
Inter Mn equalized the score once again! The 2-2 scoreline remained until the end of the match. Inter Mn regretfully only earned one point, despite having a possession rate of 70%, with 17 shots and 9 on target, they only scored two goals.
In contrast, Atnta had only 4 shots, 2 on target, but all were converted into goals, which was astonishingly efficient.
Inter Mn''s recent record in thest four rounds is one win, one draw, and two losses, only gaining 4 points. Meanwhile, while Inter Mn faced adversity, AC Mn surged forward, achieving three wins and one draw.
As a result, the gap between the two teams in the standings has narrowed to 1 point. If it weren''t for Inter Mn''s hard-fought draw with Atnta, they would probably have to relinquish their position at the top of the table after 13 rounds.
On December 18th, Inter Mn faced a match in the Italian Cup against Cagliari, a Serie B team from the southwestern Italian ind of Sardinia. They had gone through three rounds of qualifiers, during which they also eliminated Serie A teams.
Cagliari has had a glorious history. In 1970, under Luigi Riva''s leadership, they won the Serie A championship, but in the years that followed, they have been hovering between Serie A and Serie B.
Although the opponent''s strength cannot be underestimated, Cooper still rotated the starting lineup, with Wang Feng and others on the bench, as they had to prepare early for the mid-season showdown with Parma.
After the game started, Cagliari proved to be evenly matched with Inter Mn''s substitutes.
In the 23rd minute, Inter Mn defender Pasquale fouled Cagliari forward Cyril in the penalty area, and the referee decisively awarded a penalty. Cyril duly converted it, helping the team take the lead.
The situation of trailing was maintained into the second half. Just when Cooper couldn''t help but want to send on Wang Feng, Inter Mn substitute Martins made a breakthrough.
First, he received a cross from Emre, heading the ball into Cagliari''s goal, then eight minutester, he scored again with a long-range shot,pleting theeback for Inter Mn!
The 18-year-old Nigerian substitute, who scored twice, was excited like a child. He rushed to the coaching staff and hugged the coach and the main yers one by one.
Wang Feng said some encouraging words. Although they were only a year apart in age, their positions in the team were vastly different. However, Wang Feng never acted superior and often yed with them.
"If given the opportunity, I would like to go to China to y football," Martins, who had a good impression of Wang Feng, said. With his ability, it was a bit challenging to make a mark in the top five leagues.
In the end, Inter Mn advanced to the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup by beating Cagliari 2-1.
Chapter 157: The battle of the halfway finale
Chapter 157: The battle of the halfway finale
On December 22nd, three days before Christmas, mostpanies in Italy had already started their holidays early, and people took to the streets, beginning to enjoy the holiday joy.
At this time, watching an exciting football match became the best choice for Italian fans, and at the Meazza Stadium, there happened to be a crucial match that would decide the winner of the Serie A first half, about to kick off.
Earlier, AC Mn narrowly defeated Brescia 1-0, so Inter Mn needed a victory in this round to im the honor of being the first in the first half.
The entire Inter Mn team was united, putting aside personal conflicts temporarily at this time. Everyone had only one thought in mind: to defeat Parma!
Inter Mn''s lineup was still very iplete, with Vieri''s physical condition never reaching thepetitive standard set by the team doctor. It was originally expected that he would return around the 10th round, but until the end of the first half, he had not been granted permission to y.
Recoba had just been injured as well, and he hadn''t even started recovery training yet. It was estimated that he would also miss arge part of the second half of the season.
Parma''s lineup, on the other hand, was veryplete, simr to when they yed in the Italian Super Cup. The forward lineposed of Adriano, Mutu, and Grdino gave Inter Mn a lot of trouble during that time.
Their performance in the league was also outstanding. Currently, all three of them were in the top ten of the goal scorers list, and the forwardbination they formed was the most prolific in Serie A.
With the sound of the main referee''s whistle, the match officially began.
In order to contain Parma''s offensive firepower, Inter Mn adopted a defensive counterattack tactic, stacking up defensively to block Parma''s attacks, while relying on speed to tear apart their fragile defense.
So, both sides seemed evenly matched in terms of the situation. Parma couldunch some brilliant attacks, and Inter Mn could also respond with sharp counterattacks, threatening the opponent.
On the defensive line, Cannavaro and Cordoba closely assisted each other. Although they hadn''t reconciled, they would never make moves that would drag the team down on the field.
The first threatening attack came in the 15th minute from Inter Mn. After Coco intercepted the ball in the backfield, he directly sent a long pass to Wang Feng, who was offside. He shook off Parma defender Bonera on the side and crossed, but Batistuta''s header in the penalty area just missed the target.
This shot ignited the Meazza Stadium. Inter Mn fans stood up excitedly, cheering for the home team, and many began chanting Wang Feng''s name again.
Two minutester, Wang Feng responded to the fans'' expectations! It was Zti''s pass in midfield. Wang Feng leaned against Ferrari, using his body to desperately suppress the Italian, and leaped ahead to head the ball to Batistuta on the left.
After receiving the ball, Batistuta flicked it to the edge of the penalty area, then stepped forward to shoot. The Parma goalkeeper made a desperate save, and the ball didn''t fly far, dropping in front of the small penalty area.
At this moment, Wang Feng quickly shook off Ferrari''s entanglement, wanting to go up and shoot again. But the goalkeeper''s position was closer, and the awareness short circuit caused by the previous save quickly recovered. Frey hurriedly tried to catch the ball.
At the critical moment, Wang Feng leaned his body back to the extreme, pushed his leg forward with all his strength just before the goalkeeper touched the ball, finally nudging it with the tip of his foot. The ball suddenly deflected out of Frey''s control range, then slowly floated into Parma''s.
"Goal! Inter Mn broke the bnce on the field in the 17th minute, taking the lead with a goal!"
"It''s a rebound shot from Wang Feng. He got to the ball before the goalkeeper and swept it into Parma''s goal. Before that, Batistuta''s long shot caused Frey to spill the ball."
"Batistuta still looks vigorous. This long shot was fast and urgent. Frey could only choose to push the ball out, but he didn''t expect Wang Feng''s follow-up shot to be so quick, and of course, his legs are so long!"
"With a goal so early, it seems that before Christmas, both teams will bring us an exciting match."
Adriano was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the same age, like many Brazilian kids, he loved football and admired "White Pele" Zico.
In order to follow in the footsteps of his idol, he went to the mengo Football School to study and was sessfully noticed by the club chairman, Junior, and became a starter for the team at the age of 18.
It can be said that he, like Ronaldinho and Kaka, was once a brilliant young talent. However, aftering to Inter Mn, Wang Feng, Vieri, Ronaldo, and Recoba were all absolute mainstays, leaving no room for him to y.
Without wearing the blue and ck jersey once, he was loaned out to Fiorentina, where Adriano found happiness for the first time aftering to Italy because he could perform on the field without restraint.
But happiness is short-lived. Even if he tried his best to help the team stay in Serie A, the club''s bankruptcy and relegation were inevitable.
Moreover, Fiorentina''s relegation affected the selection of the Brazilian national team, at least he thought so, because he did not receive a call-up to the national team next, thus missing out on the highest honor of a football yer''s career.
"Why can Ronaldinho, who couldn''t y in the Champions League in Ligue 1, be valued, and even Kaka, who is still in Sao Paulo, be included in the squad, but not me?" Adriano would sometimes bitterly ask himself.
The regret of missing the World Cup had not yet dissipated, and when he returned to Inter Mn, he was hit again, this time with the news that Inter Mn wanted to sell him to Parma. Moratti''s exnation was that the club couldn''t guarantee his ying time, so they couldn''t help him develop quickly.
But he understood in his heart that the chairman still didn''t recognize his strength, so he chose to loan out the veteran Batistuta instead, rather than giving himself more opportunities.
Parma was slightly better than Fiorentina, but their financial situation was still very bad. However, they were lucky. They brought back Adriano from Inter Mn for 13 million euros, and brought back Mutu and Grdino from Verona for 15.8 million euros and 12 million euros respectively.
Thebined value of the three of them was almost the price of a top Serie A striker, but the power they disyed far exceeded that. Adriano also truly entered the mainstream media''s field of vision in Italy for the first time.
On the other hand, looking at Inter Mn, no one expected that after the season started, Vieri and Recoba were injured one after another. Even the rtively unknown Martins could get ying time. Many media outlets believed that selling Adriano was a wrong decision.
What he needed to do now was to prove this to Moratti, just like he did just now, his powerful shot in front of the penalty area helping Parma equalize the score! After scoring, the Brazilian slid on his knees all the way to the corner g, looking up to the sky and howling. He didn''t want to repeat the same mistakes as in the Italian Super Cup. This time, he must win!
Chapter 158: Serie A big 4
Chapter 158: Serie A big 4
Both sides returned to the same starting line again. Although Inter Mn had the upper hand in the game, Parma''s offensive was equally fierce. The exceptionally active Adriano put a heavy burden on Inter Mn''s defense.
In the 35th minute, Inter Mnunched a counterattack. Materazzi sent a long pass from the back to the left side to Di Biagio, who advanced with the ball while observing his teammates'' positions.
Seeing that there were Parma defenders nearby, Wang Feng didn''t rashly push forward but instead retreated to his position. Di Biagio understood his intentions and elerated towards the baseline before making a sharp turn, evading Dejan''s block and passing the ball back to the center.
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng engaged in a ssic one-twobination with Batistuta nearby. Dejan, who was marking him, focused solely on the ball and momentarily forgot about Wang Feng.
By the time he realized it, Wang Feng had already received the ball and prated into the penalty area. He could only shout for his teammates to provide cover while desperately trying to catch up.
Parma''s goalkeeper Frey rushed out of the goal area, but Wang Feng remained calm. Near the penalty spot, he executed a wide swing to sidestep Frey and calmly slotted the ball into the empty, putting Inter Mn ahead.
As Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area, the fans held their breath nervously, and only when he scored did the San Siro erupt with thunderous cheers.
"Goal! In the 35th minute, Wang Feng scored his second goal!"
"Thebination y by Inter Mn in Parma''s half was excellent. They tore apart the opponent''s defense with just a few passes."
"Finally, Wang Feng''s handling in front of the goal was also very skillful. A signature sidestep deceived Frey, leaving him helpless as the ball went into the."
"We don''t know if Wang Feng studied the sidestep technique with Ronalost season, but from his performance, his sidestep seems more deceptive. It''s like the apprentice surpassing the master."
The head coach of Parma on the sidelines looked serious as he watched Wang Feng celebrating on the field, inevitably recalling the situation in the Italian Super Cup.
Now, Parma''s defense couldn''t stop Wang Feng at all! While they could rely on their attacking trio to capitalize on opportunities, they were powerless on defense. Seeing Adriano''s excellent form today, he considered whether to substitute a midfielder to fully support their attack.
The first half ended with Inter Mn leading. After a brief halftime break, the second half began as scheduled, and Parma chose to increase their attacking firepower, which was not surprising for the trailing side.
Adriano did not disappoint the coach''s trust. Shortly after the start of the second half, Parma equalized with a quick counterattack assisted by Grdino.
Just five minutester, Parma created another chance. When Adriano pressed forward in the opponent''s half, Cannavaro hastily cleared the ball, but it rebounded to Adriano''s feet.
Seizing this golden opportunity, Adriano dribbled forward, facing the defense of Materazzi and Coco. He skillfully controlled the ball at his feet, elerating, making sudden stops, and then elerating again, showcasing his abilities to the fullest.
At this moment, he seemed to have forgotten his disappointments in Italy and was once again the talented youth renowned in Brazil. Every touch of the ball seemed smooth and natural.
Inter Mn fans in the stands held their breath, surprised by Adriano''s performance. Their hearts were in their throats.
As Adriano dribbled into the penalty area, he evaded Coco''s tackle and, finding a gap, unleashed a shot that pierced through Toldo''s hands.
2-3! Parma reversed the score, and Adrianopleted a hat-trick! His third goal relied entirely on his individual skills, tearing apart Inter Mn''s defense.
The head coach of Parma on the sidelines excitedly clenched his fists and ran, Adriano did not disappoint him!
Materazzi and Coco were very surprised. In Adriano, they seemed to see the shadow of Wang Feng. Because, besides Wang Feng in training matches, there was no one else who could forcefully tear apart Inter Mn''s defense with personal dribbling skills, except for Adriano just now.
Everyone''s gaze converged on the team''s core, the slightly immature face. Wang Feng stood at the spot for the restart, his face showing no emotion, but his eyes were sharp as a de, staring firmly at Parma''s goal.
If you want to fight, then fight!
After the game resumed, Wang Feng became even more active. His range of movement gradually expanded, putting significant pressure on Parma''s defense.
In the 77th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in the backcourt, and Sti kicked the ball to the left area of the front court. Wang Feng, who was originally on the right, appeared on the left side at some point.
Relying on his speed and explosiveness, Wang Feng, who was two steps behind the defending yer, reached the position before the ball dropped. At this moment, he had many attacking options: he could control the ball and organize the y or dribble past and form a one-on-one situation.
But when he saw Frey in his peripheral vision, he made a decision. Wang Feng lifted his foot and took a shot directly as the ball descended. The ball soared high like a mortar shell before rapidly descending.
Frey was shocked and retreated, trying to jump, but he couldn''t reach the ball, which grazed the crossbar and went into Parma''s goal.
"Goal! The ball is in! From a super long distance of 40 meters, Wang Feng scored with an amazing lob, equalizing the score for Inter Mn!"
"Wang Feng alsopleted a hat-trick, it''s truly amazing! Just before Christmas, both teams have contributed to a fantastic goal battle! There are only a few minutes left in the game, who will have thestugh?"
In the remaining time, both teams tried to seize the victory. In the 88th minute, Carlon sent a through ball in the frontcourt, but it rolled towards the baseline with too much force.
Wang Feng chased after it with all his might, with only one thought in his mind: to give his all in every attack. Finally, he managed to stop the ball before it went out of bounds, then stumbled as he leaped out of the baseline.
After quickly adjusting his posture, Wang Feng turned and controlled the ball at his feet. At this moment, Parma defender Junior''s sliding tackle came into view, aiming to disrupt the ball out of bounds.
But how could Wang Feng let Junior seed! He used the tip of his foot to flick the ball up, evading the tackle, and then let it fall back to the ground. Throughout the process, the ball remained firmly stuck to his foot.
This was because when Wang Feng trapped the ball, the force exerted by his instep and shin was just right, ensuring that it neither fell off due to too little force nor was squeezed out due to too much force. This perfect control technique was based on sharp senses and countless hours of practice.
Evading the defense, Wang Feng dribbled directly into the penalty area. The Parma defender, who thought the ball would go out of bounds, was caught off guard and could only hastilye to block, but Wang Feng used the outside of his left foot to curl the ball into the from a distance.
4-3! Inter Mn took the lead again! Wang Fengpleted a fantastic four-goal performance!
Chapter 159: Winter break
Chapter 159: Winter break
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! As the match nears its end, Wang Feng once again breaks through Parma''s defense!!
"Wang Feng scored four goals in this match, staging a fantastic performance with a hat-trick. This is his first time achieving such a feat on the Serie A stage. We can see the fans at the stadium standing up and apuding his performance. Neen-year-old Wang Feng has be an irreceable figure in the hearts of Inter Mn fans!"
"The goal battle ended with Inter Mn''s victory, and they also secured the halfway championship."
Scoring a hat-trick but once again defeated by Wang Feng, Adriano walked to the locker room in frustration, when a voice stopped him: ''Hey! Adriano!''
The one calling him was Wang Feng himself: ''Your performance was truly outstanding. We could only win with a bit of luck. How about exchanging jerseys?''
Adriano looked at the best yer on the field in surprise, one of the hottest young stars in Serie A and even European football. For a moment, he didn''t know what to say. Finally, he hastily took off his shirt and handed it to Wang Feng.
After exchanging jerseys, Wang Feng smiled and said, ''Your fate with Inter Mn isn''t over yet. I look forward to fighting side by side with you one day.'' He knew that Inter Mn had a buy-back option for Adriano, and judging by his current performance, the club would likely exercise it.
This was also good news for Adriano because Parma was currently just a shadow of its former self, and their dire financial situation meant they couldn''tpete in the league and Europeanpetitions.
As the winter break approached, Wang Feng invited his personal trainer Le Goff and agent Balmond to dinner before Christmas. Unconsciously, the group of people surrounding him had grownrger.
This group could be called Wang Feng''s team, including those responsible for training and health monitoring, as well as those handlingmercial operations. In the new year, Wang Feng wanted to expand the team and hire a few nannies and cleaners. After all, he couldn''t keep relying on Wang Tian and Lu Yao alone. With his current financial resources, this waspletely feasible.
Balmond dly epted the request to find personnel, promising to find reliable service providers.
Another piece of good news was that Wang Feng''s contract renewal negotiations with Inter Mn were nearingpletion. In fact, since the end ofst season, Inter Mn had actively approached Balmond, hoping to renew the contract as soon as possible.
Although Balmond wasn''t as experienced as agents like Rai, who would relentlessly push clubs to their limits, he had his own strengths when it came to negotiatingpensation.
Combined with Inter Mn''s sincerity, the two sides reached an agreement. The new contract was signed for five years, with Wang Feng''s annual sry reaching ?6 million, excluding bonuses, far surpassing other yers in the team.
ording to Balmond''s understanding, this sry was among the top in European football, second only to a few top-tier yers like Beckham in terms of technical andmercial value.
Wang Feng''s various investments were also proceeding smoothly, bringing in considerable ie each year. However, managing them was quite cumbersome, leading him to consider starting an investmentpany.
''Balmond, what do you think about me registering an investmentpany?'' Wang Feng asked.
''Hmm, there''s no rule against athletes startingpanies, but an investmentpany might be tooplicated.''
''Integrating funds, getting involved in industries, and managing businesses all require specialized knowledge,'' Bamonde added.
''I know, that''s why I want to hire professional managers to run it. I''ll just be the majority shareholder,'' Wang Feng said. In his heart, he also had the idea that Lu Yao, that little girl, was quite professional in this area, and perhaps she could join hispany in the future.
''Well then, I suggest registering thepany in Switzend, and I''ll find the manpower. It''s better not to invest too much money at the beginning, mainly relying on financing and bank loans. With our connections and reputation, many people should be willing to support us.''
As they continued chatting, they settled on the matter. As for the training n during the holidays, Le Goff once again declined Wang Feng''s invitation: ''I can''t stay here, my little daughter will cry.''
So Wang Feng had to train ording to his own n, just likest year. However, this year, he had Lu Yao and Wang Tian by his side, so he wouldn''t feel lonely during the New Year.
Being with the two little girls, Wang Feng naturally couldn''t stay at home to train. They went to the Karara Bara Beach on the ind of Sardinia, which could easily rival tropical coasts. Even in winter, they could enjoy sunbathing.
Another pleasant surprise for Wang Feng was that the turquoise shallows here were the perfect ce for snorkeling. He specially hired a diving instructor to guide them. They weren''t aiming to get certified, just to enjoy the pleasure of diving.
The instructor was an Italian girl with a well-endowed chest. When she learned that Wang Feng had hired her, she excitedly hugged him, repeatedly saying, ''Oh my God, am I dreaming? I get to train with Wang in person. Oh, it''s real, you''re simply too handsome!''
Seeing Wang Feng being buried in ''mountains,'' Lu Yao''s eyes turned red, and her sister quickly intervened to rescue her brother.
In the days that followed, they lived veryfortably. asionally sunbathing on the beach, asionally going diving and fishing. Wang Feng even rented a yacht.
Since learning about Lu Yao''s feelings, Wang Feng dared not joke around casually in front of her anymore. asionally, they would both fall into a kind of ambiguous mood, but neither of them broke the final barrier. This made the younger sister very ufortable, but for a while, she didn''t know how to intervene, so she could only let things take their course.
On New Year''s Day, everyone video-called their families back home. Wang Feng''s mother repeatedly reminded Wang Tian not to be naughty and to listen to her brother, leaving her speechless: ''I''m the most worry-free one here, okay?''
On the other hand, Lu Yao whispered to her mother in secret, the specific content of which Wang Feng did not know. He only saw a blush rising on her face, her big eyes blinking, and her murmured words discernible.
While enjoying themselves, Wang Feng did not stop his training n. As a result, his sister oftenined that Wang Feng had turned into a ball himself. Lu Yao, on the other hand, admired her brother even more. No wonder Big Brother''s skills are so good. If all the yers in China were as diligent as him, Chinese football would surely excel!
The winter break was also a time for major clubs to strengthen for the second half of the season. For Inter Mn, Ribery''s arrival to some extent addressed the constant injuries in the forward line, although the club''s management didn''t have high expectations for him.
The first thing this Frenchd did when he arrived in Mn was to visit his benefactor Wang Feng. Unfortunately, Wang Feng was on vacation in Sardinia at the time, so he had to wait for him to return before paying his respects.
In addition, Inter Mn president Moratti was actively seeking reinforcements for the defense. Cannavaro clearly couldn''t y the role of a defensive anchor, and coupled with the conflict with Cordoba, Inter Mn''s defense was somewhat unstable.
Chapter 160: If I was 10 years younger
Chapter 160: If I was 10 years younger
After a brief holiday, on the second day of returning to Mn, Wang Feng arrived at the Pina training ground early in the morning. He needed to quickly adjust his physical condition topetition level.
As he drove into the training base, the empty parking lot had no cars, which was not surprising since Wang Feng was always the first to return to Pina.
Upon entering the gym, he unexpectedly heard the sounds of someone exercising inside. Could someone be earlier than him? Pushing open the door to take a look, Wang Feng discovered that it was none other than Ribery, who had already signed a contract with Inter Mn.
Seeing Wang Feng enter, Ribery immediately stopped his workout and ran to his side. The scarred tough guy''s eyes were full of gratitude, making Wang Feng quite ufortable.
"It''s okay, you don''t have to thank me. Whether you can stay at Inter Mn depends on your abilities," Wang Feng preemptively said, to which Ribery nodded. "I understand, but without you, I wouldn''t have had this opportunity."
Next, the two briefly chatted about Ribery''s life since joining Inter Mn. He had signed a one-year contract with the club, with a weekly sry of ?1000, much betterpared to his time at Al??s.
To save on expenses, Ribery was currently living in Pina. Although the environment wasn''t great, he believed it was temporary. Plus, living at the training base had the advantage of being able to practice for a longer time.
He had arrived in Mn at the end of December and had been training at Pina throughout the New Year.
Unlike carefree typical Frenchmen, Ribery had experienced hardships in life, so he firmly believed that hard work was necessary to seize opportunities. However, Wang Feng was somewhat worried that his excessive efforts might lead to injuries. After all, Ribery didn''t possess the same special physique as Wang Feng.
"Be careful of overworking your body," Wang Feng said with a serious tone. "Unreasonable training can also cause big trouble." Ribery nodded, understanding the importance of pacing himself.
"Find some time to talk to Hertz and have him conduct regr physical check-ups for Ribery," Wang Feng advised. He was concerned that the club might overlook this, especially since Ribery wasn''t well-known yet. However, with Wang Feng''s intervention, they should take it seriously.
With a few days left until the team training resumed, Wang Feng finally had a training partner. Ribery was very willing to practice with Wang Feng, and the two learned from each other, allowing Wang Feng toplete more training content.
On the day of formal training, everyone returned to Pina. Wang Feng introduced Ribery to everyone, and they all warmly weed him. Coach Cooper contemted how to utilize him.
After half a season of recuperation, Vieri finally joined the team for training and was given permission by the team doctor to appear on the field. He would rotate with Batistuta.
As for Recoba, who was injured not long ago, he was still lying in the hospital receiving treatment, with no prospect of returning anytime soon.
Originally, Cooper''s n was to have Consiagao rece Recoba, but his form had visibly declined since the preseason matches this season. Although he had been substituted in a few early matches, he was gradually abandoned.
Consiagao had now gone ten rounds without ying. Using him to rece Recoba was the least favorable option. So, Cooper decided to try using Ribery and see how this lineup would work.
The coaching staff organized an intra-team scrimmage, with Wang Feng leading the substitute lineup against the main lineup, and Ribery unexpectedly appeared in Wang Feng''s team.
During the match, Ribery appeared very nervous and made several mistakes. However, his excellent football IQ, breakthroughs, and choice of passing opportunities impressed Cooper.
However, Ribery was unaware of this and felt that everything was going wrong. He was sure that his future was bleak.
At the end of the scrimmage, with Wang Feng scoring twice, the substitute lineup drew with the main lineup. Cooper was very dissatisfied with the main lineup''s performance and decided to keep them for extra training, much to everyone''s dismay.
"It''s obviously Wang Feng''s sharp offense," Dalmat muttered quietly as Materrazzi passed by. "Stopining. I can see the coach''s mood isn''t great. Be careful not to get caught," Materrazzi replied.
On the other side, Consiagao approached Wang Feng. "Wang, let''s have dinner together tonight. I have something to discuss with you. Bring the new kid along."
Wang Feng was somewhat puzzled by Consiagao''s intentions but agreed nheless.
After showering, the three of them went to a restaurant near Lake Como.
Consiagao ordered a bottle of absinthe and said, "Wang, have a drink with me tonight." Wang Feng nodded. "What''s wrong? Are you not in a good mood?"
Consiagao sighed and nced at Ribery, saying, "I might be leaving Inter Mn." Wang Feng was somewhat surprised but also expected it, as Consiagao hadn''t yed for a long time.
"In fact, the coach has lost trust in me. He will arrange for Ribery to y instead of considering me. You can see from today''s lineup."
Ribery looked somewhat ufortable upon hearing this. He hadn''t expected this situation. Consiagao nced at him and said with a smile, "If I were ten years younger, I''d definitelypete with you to the end!"
"But unfortunately, I''m not young anymore. I know my own condition. I''ve been ying too loosely in recent years, resulting in a serious decline."
As one of the representatives of Portugal''s golden generation, Consiagao''s most glorious period was in the 1990s at Lazio. But even the most glorious can''t resist the erosion of time and temptation.
Wang Feng felt somewhat sad. Although Consiagao was a bit unreliable, he was one of the first good friends Wang Feng made when he came to Inter Mn, along with Materrazzi and Zti.
"Have you decided where to go?" Wang Feng asked softly.
"I was originally nning to return to Lazio. I''ve already negotiated with the club there and nned to leave this summer. But seeing the younger generation''s vigor, I suddenly feel that I''m not suitable for staying in high-level leagues anymore," Consiagao said self-deprecatingly.
"Maybe Porto. Returning to my homnd, I miss the Portuguese coast."
That day, Wang Feng, Ribery, and Consiagao drank quite a bit of alcohol. Wang Feng remained conscious, but Consiagao and Ribery werepletely drunk.
Consiagao wanted to get drunk himself, while Ribery waspletely forced into it. Although he said he didn''t mind, Consiagao still wanted to slightly inconvenience the young man who took his ce. Wang Feng didn''t stop him.
In the end, he had to call Materazzi to have them each sent back to their residences. This incident made Wang Feng quite emotional. Since ancient times, heroes cannot see each other''s white hair, and he might face the same situation as Consiagao in the future.
He silently resolved in his heart to persist in training and extend his peak period. If he truly couldn''t continue topete, he would leave on his own initiative with his head held high, rather than staying behind to bepared and criticized.
Chapter 161: The competition for the championship is heating up
Chapter 161: Thepetition for the championship is heating up
On the evening of January 12, 2003, in the second half of the Serie A season, in the 16th round, Inter Mn would challenge the newly promoted team, Modena, away.
In this match, the long-rested Vieri would once again start, partnering with Wang Feng upfront, while the absence of Recoba was filled by Mofeio, and Ribery also made it into the squad.
When Modena''s coach Hennig received the Inter Mn squad list, he was very puzzled by the appearance of this young yer. So he asked his assistant coach, Lamiro: "Do you know who this Ribery is?"
Lamiro shook his head: "I don''t know either. Maybe he was promoted from the youth academy. Their main forward, Recoba, is injured, so the forward line must becking."
Hennig nodded, no longer focusing on him, but rather concentrating on how to limit Wang Feng''s performance. Currently, the team was only one step away from the relegation zone, so securing points in this match was crucial.
With the referee''s whistle, the game officially began.
Inter Mn, ying away, took the initiative andunched a threatening attack right from the start. Wang Feng''s breakthrough in the front field found Vieri in the middle, who sent a shot, but unfortunately, it was too weak and collected easily by the Modena goalkeeper.
In the subsequent game, Wang Feng created several attacking opportunities to help Vieri regain his form, but he couldn''t capitalize on them. Despite dominating the game, Inter Mn couldn''t break the deadlock, and the score remained 0-0.
With no other options, Wang Feng decided to take matters into his own hands and score first.
In the 40th minute, during an Inter Mn attack, Di Biagio passed the ball into the penalty area, where Wang Feng faced two defenders.
First, he flicked the ball to the left, forcing the Modena defenders to react quickly, but Wang Feng quickly shifted the ball to the right.
The defenders were caught off guard and rushed to block him, but Wang Feng feinted and brought the ball back to his left foot. Then, with a swift shot, the ball flew into the bottom right corner of the goal, leaving the Modena goalkeeper no chance to react.
"Goooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!! At the end of the first half, Inter Mn, who had been dominating, finally opened the scoring!!"
"While Vieri struggled and missed several opportunities in a row, Wang Feng stepped up. With his continuous dribbling using both feet, he sessfully tore apart Modena''s defense and seized the opportunity to score."
"Let''s take a look at the rey before the goal. In just a moment, Wang Feng changed the direction of the ball three times, almost like a phantom. The Modena defender, number 19, twisted his body to the extreme but still couldn''t stop his shot."
"This is the footwork of a top striker! It''s worth mentioning that in the current league season, Wang Feng has already scored 19 goals. If he maintains this form, he is highly likely to break the Serie A goal-scoring record. Remember, he was just one goal shortst season."
After scoring, Wang Feng excitedly swung his arms and then ran towards the sidelines, followed closely by his Inter Mn teammates, embracing each other in celebration.
Vieri remarked, "It has to be you, Wang. ying football with you is just too easy." Wang Feng yfully punched his chest, saying, "Don''t get toofortable. Get back in form and score one too." Vieri nodded with a smile.
At halftime, Inter Mn led 1-0, and coach Cooper made adjustments to the lineup. Initially, he nned to substitute Vieri, but Vieri felt his physical condition was still good and wanted to score another goal before being substituted.
Considering Modena''s rtively low strength, Cooper agreed to his request and only brought Ribery onto the field.
Ribery, making his debut, appeared very nervous. Before entering the field, Wang Fengforted him, saying, "Bro, you''re just too concerned, that''s why you''re nervous. One game doesn''t define anything. I believe in your ability."
"I''ll pass you the ball. Let''s try to score one, and then everything will flow smoothly."
At the start of the second half, Modena, unwilling to ept defeat, strengthened their attack. Inter Mn consciously rxed their pressure, tempting the opponents toe forward and create more opportunities.
In the 65th minute, Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. Wang Feng dribbled the ball through the midfield, with Viera and Ribery closely following behind. Modena''s defense formed a three-on-three situation in the frontcourt.
He first passed the ball horizontally to Ribery in the middle, then made a forward run, and Ribery, despite some difficulty controlling the ball, managed to pass it before the defenders could react.
The quality of this pass was good, and Wang Feng easily received the ball on the wing. With his speed, he outran a Modena defender and calmly adjusted near the baseline before delivering a high-quality cross into the penalty area.
The ball found Vieri lurking in the penalty area, and he gently jumped to head the ball, which deflected off his forehead and flew into the bottom left corner of the goal.
2-0! Inter Mn scored another goal!
After scoring, Vieri was quickly reced by Batistuta. Just when everyone thought Inter Mn would easily win, there were some changes on the field.
In the 72nd minute, Modenaunched an attack, and after a cross from the center-back Gizin, the forward Badr was left unmarked in the penalty area. He controlled the ball and shot, piercing Toraldo''s fingers.
Just 3 minutester, Inter Mn once again left a yer unmarked in the penalty area, but this time Badr''s shot was blocked by Materazzi on the goal line.
Cannavaro was responsible for both mistakes and was immediately substituted by Cooper, who brought on Zambrotta. Inter Mn''s defense gradually stabilized.
In the 85th minute, taking advantage of Modena''s aggressive attack, Inter Mnunched another counterattack. Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area, attracting all the defensive attention, then passed to the left.
Ribery, who followed closely, easily tapped the ball into the near the goal line, securing the victory for Inter Mn!
After scoring, Ribery ran around the field in excitement. He never imagined that he would score on his first appearance on the Serie A stage.
He then hugged Wang Feng, continuously expressing his gratitude. Wang Feng smiled and patted his head, feeling satisfied that he hadn''t misjudged Ribery''s talent.
In the end, Inter Mn defeated Modena 3-1, with Wang Feng being named the Man of the Match for his one goal and two assists. This was his 10th time being awarded the title.
During the post-match press conference, Cooper said in an interview, "Wang Feng''s performance in this match deserves the Man of the Match award. If I were to choose, in the past 16 league matches of Inter Mn, he has been the best yer in every game."
At the same time, AC Mn defeated Bologna 2-0, and Juventus thrashed Reggina 5-0. The points gap among the three teams was very close, intensifying the title race.
Chapter 162: Rise to fame
Chapter 162: Rise to fame
On January 19, in the 17th round of Serie A, Inter Mn weed Perugia at home. In this game, Cooper continued with the lineup from the previous round, with the only change being Ribery appearing in the starting lineup. It seems that the Frenchman''s performance in thest game earned the coach''s approval.
After the start of the game, Inter Mn''s first attack posed a threat, with Di Biagio breaking through on the left and crossing the ball low into the box. Wang Feng attacked the ball with a header, but despite the perfect power, the angle was slightly off, hitting the crossbar and going out of y.
Subsequently, amidst the cheers of the home fans, Inter Mnunched wave after wave of attacks against Perugia. In the 21st minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Ribery on the right and faced defender Maria. He used a feint to get past him, dribbled horizontally into the box.
Once inside the box, Wang Feng flicked the ball to evade the defense of center-back Tedesco, took a shot with his right foot, but the deliberate angle made the ball hit the post and bounce out of y, leaving him frustrated.
Thementator on-sitemented, "The ball had already passed the defenders and the goalkeeper. If it had been slightly more inward, it would have been an unstoppable goal. Such a pity."
"Wang Feng''s performance in this game is still very active, and Inter Mn has been maintaining pressure on Perugia. In my opinion, it''s only a matter of time before they take the lead."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was a change in the score on the field. Wang Fengunched an attack from the right, using a quick stop to shake off the full-back''s block and sending a cross.
In the penalty area, Vieri, relying on his physical advantage, broke through the two defending yers and headed towards the near corner of the goal. Despite the efforts of the Perugia goalkeeper, Mazzantini, the ball bounced into the after hitting the ground.
1-0! Inter Mn finally scored!
In the second half, in the 71st minute, Di Biagio sent a through ball from midfield, and Wang Feng''s timing was perfect as he sprinted through the opposition''s defense. His shot was saved by the Perugia goalkeeper Mazzantini.
At this moment, Ribery demonstrated his ability to read the game. He appeared in the best position, controlled the ball that was parried away, and slotted it into the empty.
Inter Mn defeated Perugia 2-0!
On January 23, in the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup, Inter Mn faced Napoli. Wang Feng was ced on the bench, with Ribery partnering Vieri in the forward line.
In the 16th minute of the first half, Inter Mn''s defense made a mistake. Cannavaro''s clearance went directly to Napoli''s center-back Wyatt, who initiated an attack, and forward Groneve scored, breaching Inter Mn''s defense.
Coach Cooper on the sidelines shook his head in frustration. If this continues, the captain of the Italian team would lose his trust.
The first half ended with Napoli leading. In the second half, Cooper decisively substituted Wang Feng onto the field. In the 66th minute, Ribery broke through on the left and sent a cross with his right foot.
The ball had a significant arc, bypassing Napoli''s defenders at the near post and finding Vieri in the penalty area. Thetter used his head to equalize the score.
Five minutester, Wang Feng received a pass from Di Biagio, faced Napoli''s center-back Brennek, suddenly shifted the ball to his right foot, and then unleashed a powerful shot.
The long-range shot was powerful and unstoppable, hitting the inside of the post and into the.
2-1! Inter Mn eventually overturned Napoli to advance to the semi-finals of the Italian Cup. The semi-finals of the Italian Cup are yed over two legs, with Inter Mn facing their old friends Juventus.
Three dayster, in the 18th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Empoli away.
The gap in strength between the two teams was evident, with the away team dominating the game. Shortly after the start, Ribery sent a clever through ball from the right, which Wang Feng received and broke through, calmly finishing into the empty after bypassing the goalkeeper.
After scoring, Wang Feng came to the area where the Inter Mn fans were sitting, gesturing to them that this goal was thanks to the Frenchd.
After several rounds of games, Ribery gradually adapted to the rhythm of Serie A, and his performance improved. Wang Feng didn''t misjudge him; he indeed has the potential to be a superstar!
In the 61st minute of the second half, Wang Feng received a pass from Di Biagio, used his speed to sprint down the nk, and crossed. Vieri followed up and scored with a shot, further extending Inter Mn''s lead.
In the 81st minute, Wang Feng once again made a brilliant pass, Ribery broke into the right side of the penalty area and scored, helping Inter Mn secure victory.
3-0! Inter Mn secured afortable away win against Empoli!
On February 2, in the 19th round of Serie A, Inter Mn weed Torino at home. With only one victory so far in the league, unless a miracle happens, Torino has already secured a relegation spot.
The Torino yers had no intention of resisting, and in preparation for the Italian Cup semi-final midweek, Cooper rotated the Inter Mn lineup. Key yers like Wang Feng were on the bench.
The game was uneventful, and Inter Mn won 2-0 in the end, with goals scored by Carlon and substitute Martins.
In four league matches and one cup match, Inter Mn''s performance wasmendable. Not to mention Wang Feng, many media outlets focused on the new face Ribery, whose reputation was rising.
Italy''s "Evening Mail" even dug deeper into the background of this yer who gained the coach''s trust and a starting position shortly after arriving: "This 19-year-old French youngster is three months older than Wang Feng. In the five matches he represented Inter Mn, he contributed three goals and two assists."
"ording to our reporters'' in-depth investigation, he was ying for Alez in the French third division before the winter break, and Inter Mn only spent 80,000 euros to acquire him."
"Rumors have it that since the start of this season, Inter Mn''s forward line has been gued by injuries, and it was Wang Feng who suggested to the club''s top management to sign this rugged forward. As for how they met, it is still unknown."
This report immediately caused a stir in Italian football. Many legends came out toment, with Lazio''s legendary star Kinallia saying in an interview, "Serie A has declined; now any Tom, Dick, or Harry cane and show off."
Obviously, he looked down on Ribery, a yer from the French third division. Why should he? He even hinted at the rising star Wang Feng because he''s not Italian, causing dissatisfaction among many older generation yers in Serie A.
Of course, most people still hold a rational attitude. Italy''s legendary forward Mancini said, "Several of Ribery''s goals were created by Wang Feng. Obviously, this yer has sharp football intelligence; he always appears in the right position."
"But it''s still too early to talk about his future. In fact, I believe he''s not yet qualified to be a starting attacker in Serie A. Hecks physical confrontation, the ability to create chances, and his technical skills are still immature."
"I can conclude that only with Wang Feng by his side can he show sharp attacking performances."
Chapter 163: Cup
Chapter 163: Cup
On the afternoon of February 2nd, while Inter Mn faced Torino, Juventus also weed the challenge of Atnta.
Just three minutes into the game, Juventus defender Thuram made a mistake, losing the ball to Atnta winger Shodati, who then crossed from the byline. At the back post, Komanidini volleyed the ball into the.
Leading by one goal, Atnta retreated to defend as Juventus attacked relentlessly for the entire 90 minutes. Finally, in injury time, Trezeguet scored a goal to equalize the score.
This result left the sideline coach Lippi very frustrated. Since the start of the second half of the season, both Inter Mn and AC Mn had been performing excellently, each achieving four consecutive victories, making thepetition at the top of the standings intense.
In contrast, Juventus, after being forced to a draw in this game, saw the gap with the leading teams widen further. It''s not an exaggeration to say that Juventus'' chances of winning the Serie A title this season are bing increasingly remote.
Assistant coach Ralph reminded, "Mr. Lippi, should we have a meeting today to decide on the squad for the Italian Cup quarter-finals midweek?"
Lippi, as if awakening from a dream, hurriedly said, "Yes, we must do that." Since the hope of winning the league title was faint, they must strive in the Champions League and the Italian Cup. If the club ends the season empty-handed, he wouldn''t be able to justify it to the fans and the club''s management.
The technical coach reminded, "I''ve collected the footage of Inter Mn''s recent matches. We need to study them carefully. Their lineup has changed a lotpared to the beginning of the season, including Zambrotta in defense and Ribery in the forward line."
"It looks like we''ll need to stay up all night. I''ll go prepare some coffee," said the assistant.
The first leg of the encounter was held at the Meazza Stadium. Right from the start, Juventus showed unparalleled dominance, their aggressive momentum intimidating Inter Mn.
In the 5th minute, Juventus goalkeeper took a goal kick, with both Cannavaro and Pirlo contesting for the header. But Pirlo, with superior skill, won the aerial duel and headed the ball to the left side. Trezeguet swiftly intercepted the ball like a ghost and took a low shot in the penalty area, piercing through Toldo''s goal, giving Juventus the lead.
In the 21st minute, Juventus executed a wide-ranging attack. Nedved received the ball on the wing and crossed near the goal line. Neither Maldini nor Cordoba in the penalty area managed to touch the ball, leaving Pirlo unmarked at the back post to easily head the ball into Inter Mn''s. 2-0!
In just twenty minutes, Inter Mn fell behind by two goals, leaving both the yers on the field and the coaching staff on the sidelines incredulous.
Cooper frowned, realizing that Lippi had deployed a very clever tactical arrangement against Inter Mn. They focused on stopping Cannavaro defensively and cutting off Wang Feng''s connection with others in attack, effectively stifling Inter Mn''s performance!
Cannavaro had always been one of the weaknesses in Inter Mn''s defense. Apart from off-field factors, this wasrgely due to his inability to adapt to Cooper''s tactical system.
It''s worth noting that Cooper''s first choice for defense at the beginning of the season was Nesta, but unfortunately, AC Mn snapped him up first. Moratti had no choice but to bring in Cannavaro.
Knowing this, Cooper was infuriated. Cannavaro and Cordobapletely ovepped tactically, and with one being an absolute starter and the other a superstar, both had to be used, so he had no choice but to deploy Cannavaro in the unfamiliar full-back role.
This arrangement severely affected Cannavaro''s performance. The introduction of Zambrotta to some extent alleviated the problem, but deciding the starting lineup became a big headache. Cooper could only rotate the yers, trying to bnce the rtionships between them.
As for the forward line, it was even easier to understand. Currently, the only one who could y was Wang Feng. Vieri had just recovered from injury, and Ribery, who had performed well before, made numerous mistakes in this match under Juventus'' tight defense.
He''s still too immature; Ribery needs time to mature. Unlike Wang Feng, who is a prodigy that dominates as soon as hends in Serie A, throughout European football, he stands alone.
On the field, Wang Feng also felt Juventus'' determination and Lippi''s ingenious tactical arrangements. If they continued like this, his teammates would likely be increasingly frustrated, maybe even giving up mentally, after all, it''s just a cup match.
But Wang Feng didn''t want that! Since they''ve reached the semifinals, how could they give up so easily? He gradually sharpened his gaze, realizing that he needed to "fight" now. They must equalize before halftime to boost the team''s morale!
Afterwards, Wang Feng expanded his range of activities, being active both in attack and defense. In the 41st minute, he finally fought for an opportunity!
It was a midfield retreat to receive the ball. Wang Feng nced at the Juventus defense ahead. Although they were dense, they seemed somewhatx because, up to that point, Inter Mn hadn''t posed any particrly dangerous threats, and the yers inevitably rxed mentally.
Now is the time! Wang Feng suddenly dribbled the ball, passing through Thinardi and Davies like the wind, startling them. They hurriedly chased after him, but how could they catch up?
Tudor stepped forward to block, but Wang Feng suddenly shifted to his right, passing directly by his side, and charged straight into the penalty area. From midfield to the penalty area, Wang Feng only took about ten seconds.
Juventus'' defender Thuram and goalkeeper Buffon rushed forward and backward to close him down, but at the critical moment, Wang Feng fell to the ground and shot to the far corner of the goal. The ball flew out from between the blockages and entered Juventus''.
"Goal!! Beautiful!! Wang Feng scores!!"
"As the first half approaches the end, Wang Feng has sessfully equalized for Inter Mn! This goal can be described as flowing like clouds and flowing water." In the sports channel''s live studio, Zhang Jun passionately eximed inmentary.
This season, Inter Mn sessfully entered the Italian Cup semifinals. In order to provide timely updates on Wang Feng''s cup matches to domestic fans, an agreement was reached between the sports channel and the Italian Football Association to broadcast Inter Mn''s next three matches, if they sessfully reach the final.
"In the first half, Inter Mn''s performance can only be described as dismal, but our national team yer Wang Feng has shown a strong will not inferior to anyone, with his presence seen in both attack and defense."
"And this time, it was his active retreat and superb foot skills that created a nonexistent opportunity."
"Look at this goal, Thinardi and Davies didn''t react at all, Tudor was easily bypassed, and the timing of the shot in front of the goal was just perfect, it''s simply too perfect!"
After scoring, Wang Feng celebrated by pointing to the sky with both hands, then hugged his teammates who rushed over one by one, saying, "Guys, we haven''t lost yet, it''s just one goal left, let''s fight!"
Hearing this, everyone nodded heavily, they were also inspired by Wang Feng''s fighting spirit, dispelling their despondency.
Chapter 164: Sorry, continue for 2 rounds
Chapter 164: Sorry, continue for 2 rounds
At the end of the first half, Inter Mn temporarily trailed 1-2. During halftime, Cooper pointed out the defensive loopholes in the team and substituted Cannavaro for Zambrotta.
At the same time, he asked Wang Feng, "I noticed that you expanded your range of activities in the first half. Will your stamina be a problem?" Wang Feng replied, "No, Mr. Cooper, ying the full 90 minutes will be no problem at all."
Cooper nodded, "Then I allow you to freely adapt to the situation on the field, adjusting your position and ystyle as needed." Wang Feng has always been a yer with high football intelligence, and Cooper trusted him greatly.
In the second half, Juventus continued with their fast-paced attack, attempting to regain control of the game. For a moment, Inter Mn''s defense was under intense pressure.
Fortunately, Zambrotta, who had just entered the game, performed excellently, resolving several threats in front of Inter Mn''s goal. Just as they were about to stabilize, another heavy blow struck.
Juventus won a free kick on the right side of the penalty area. Nedved delivered the ball into the box, where Co identally handled the ball in a contest with Pirlo. The referee blew the whistle.
Despite Inter Mn yers surrounding the referee to protest, he still deemed it a handball in favor of Juventus, awarding them a penalty.
Pirlo stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, extending the scoreline to 3-1.
Inter Mn found themselves on the edge of a cliff. Although it was a two-legged tie, being significantly behind at home, their hope of ultimately winning seemed very slim.
Wang Feng''s positive attitude constantly inspired his teammates. They hadn''t given up yet. In the 81st minute, Inter Mn won the ball in their own half, and Materazzi immediatelyunched a long pass to the front.
Wang Feng anticipated thending point, vigorously fighting off Thuram to control the ball at his feet. However, Thuram''s physical strength was formidable, leaving Wang Feng no chance to turn with the ball.
So, he yed a back pass to Ribery, then quickly turned without the ball, eluding Thuram''s pursuit.
After receiving the ball, Ribery didn''t hesitate and immediately passed it to Di Biagio on the left nk. He had been intimidated by Juventus'' defense, thinking he was doing fine, but facing a world-ss backline turned him into nothing.
Di Biagio received the ball and sprinted along the sideline, delivering a lofted cross near the center of the penalty area.
Wang Feng was there to receive it! Despite Pesotto''s interference, Wang Feng lifted his left foot and volleyed the dropping ball directly into the.
"Goal!! Beautiful!! Wang Feng scores again!!"
"Wang Feng equalizes for Inter Mn with an incredible volley!"
"Many of Wang Feng''s old fans remember that when he was just sixteen at Genk, he performed the ''flying fairy from outside the sky'' technique, shocking the entire European football scene."
"In the 2002 Champions League final, Zidane also executed a breathtaking ''flying fairy from outside the sky,'' helping Real Madride from behind to beat Leverkusen and win the title. In his post-match interview, he said that his goal was full of coincidence, inspired by Wang Feng!"
"What Zidane considered a coincidence is once again reproduced on the Serie A stage, still belonging to Wang Feng''s splendid performance!"
In the subsequent match, Inter Mn fought with all their might to equalize the score, but time was too short. When the referee blew the final whistle, they lost 2-3 to Juventus, but still retained hopes of advancing.
On February 9th, in the 20th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Reggina away. Cannavaro sat on the bench in this match, and Inter Mn''s defense improved slightly, but more due to Reggina''s weak attacking ability.
Thirty minutes into the game, Inter Mn won the ball in their own half, and Zti directly passed it to Wang Feng, allowing him tounch a quick counterattack. Wang Feng dashed forward with lightning speed.
Facing the defensive retreat of Reggina''s defender Vernd, Wang Feng slightly shifted his body at the edge of the penalty area, and just as he was about to shoot, Vernd rushed to block.
But Wang Feng made a feint with his right foot, then dribbled the ball to the left with his left foot, evading Vernd''s defense, and entered the penalty area.
After that, it was simple. Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Wang Feng calmly ced the ball into the far corner of the.
"Goal!! Gooooooooooooooooal!!"
"In the 23rd minute, Inter Mn breaks the deadlock, Wang Feng''s shot finds the!"
"Credit goes to Vieri as well; he kept control of the ball under tight defense, and even when he lost bnce, he managed to deliver the final pass, allowing Wang Feng to get the ball."
"For Wang Feng, everything bes simple once he enters the penalty area. With skillful technique, he bypasses defenders and scores, leaving Lupatelli helpless."
However, Inter Mn''s lead didn''tst until the end of the game. In the 77th minute of the second half, Chievo took advantage of apse in Inter Mn''s defense, with forward Corradi scoring.
The final score ended at 1-1, ending Inter Mn''s five-game winning streak in the second half of the season. Fortunately, AC Mn also drew 2-2 at home against Lazio.
Inter Mn still topped the league standings.
Chapter 165: Chaotic Barcelona
Chapter 165: Chaotic Barcelona
After a two-month hiatus, the Champions League group stage reignited, with Inter Mn traveling to Barcelona to challenge the Spanish powerhouse, Barcelona.
During the past period, Barcelona had been in disarray both internally and externally. Coach Van Gaal stubbornly relied on the "Dutch contingent," resulting in chaotic team tactics. The once-promising Rijkaard could only sit on the bench.
In this situation, as the first half of the season ended, Barcelona only ranked 12th in the La Liga standings. Criticism from the Catn media rained down on the coach like snowkes.
Barcelona''s patriarch, Cruyff, even wrote articles directly insulting Van Gaal, believing he was "stubborn and beyond redemption, and must leave Barcelona immediately."
Naturally, Van Gaal was not willing to back down. He repeatedly retaliated during interviews, attributing the team''s imbnced mentality to the media''s interference.
Amidst extreme chaos, Van Gaal reluctantly stepped down, and the firefighting coach Antic took over Barcelona for the second half of the season. Although their performance had somewhat improved, the path to securing a spot in the next season''s Champions League was still distant.
Therefore, Barcelona had to go all out in the current Champions League season. Before the match, Antic motivated the yers, saying, "Although Inter Mn is strong, they are not unbeatable. Whether it''s the defensive vulnerabilities or the forward line injuries, these are their weaknesses."
The yers looked at the coach with different expressions, clearly not fully trusting him as the temporary firefighting coach.
On the evening of February 19th, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, ??the yers of Barcelona and Inter Mn stood side by side in the yer tunnel, ready to enter the field.
The Argentine, Rijkaard, looked curiously at Wang Feng at the forefront of the Inter Mn lineup, couldn''t help but sigh inwardly, "He''s really young!"
Sensing the gaze, Wang Feng turned to look, Rijkaard smiled slightly at him, Wang Feng nodded in response, and both sides remained silent.
Barcelona deployed a 4-4-2 formation for this match, with Bonano in goal.
The defenders were Reiziger, Frank de Boer, Puyol, and Haavi.
In midfield were Rijkaard, Cocu, Ovimas, and Mendieta.
The forwards were Kluivert and Savio.
Led by the main referee, both sets of yers entered the field, greeted by the resounding apuse and cheers of the Camp Nou, showing decent attendance despite Barcelona''s poor performance this year.
Barcelona kicked off first, and Mendieta passed the ball back to the defense. Their strategy for this match was still based on possession and gradually prating the opponent''s defense through passing, so they did not rush to attack.
Inter Mn, on the other hand, adopted a defensive counter-attack strategy and did not elerate either. Therefore, for a period of time, the main battlefield for both sides was concentrated in the midfield, with no good scoring opportunities formed.
In the 34th minute, Barcelona''s attack failed, and Kluivert was intercepted by Materazzi in the frontcourt. Materazzi passed to Dalmat, who quickly distributed the ball to the left.
After receiving the ball, Di Biagio nced at the positioning in the frontcourt, then curled a diagonal long pass with his left foot directly to Wang Feng. At this moment, Reiziger and Puyol, two defenders, were beside him.
Facing the iing ball, Wang Feng explosively moved to upy thending spot. The two defenders were unwilling to fall behind, especially Puyol, who tightly marked Wang Feng, using both hands and feet to tightly entangle him.
Relying on sharp senses, Wang Feng reached the ball''snding spot first, lifting his right foot to control the ball. The ball fell perfectly with Wang Feng''s foot, without any gap, as if it were stuck to his shoe.
Puyol, feeling increasingly anxious, disregarded the risk of fouling and slightly raised his arm to bump into Wang Feng. Wang Feng felt a huge force hitting him, causing his body to tilt and his waist to ache slightly. Fortunately, he quickly exerted force on his lower limbs, lowering his center of gravity to avoid losing bnce.
Wang Feng then pushed the ball forward, quickly breaking free from Puyol''s entanglement, leaving the Spaniard with an incredulous look. Even Puyol, who just bumped into him, almost lost his bnce, realizing that Wang Feng could withstand the impact. He had heard about Wang Feng''s excellent physicality before, how he was a nightmare for all defenders. Today, he finally witnessed it.
Regaining his senses, Puyol hurriedly chased after Wang Feng, but he once again experienced Wang Feng''s speed. Sadly, even with his full eleration, Puyol was gradually left behind. To stop Wang Feng, he could only reach out to grab him, but such fouls would surely be severely punished.
In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng entered the penalty area, and Barcelona''s goalkeeper, Bonano, hastily abandoned the goal. However, Wang Feng suddenly shot, cing the ball directly into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Bonano was caught off guard, diving to save the ball, but was still a step too slow. The ball passed under him and rolled into Barcelona''s.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball''s in!! Wang Feng opens the scoring for Inter Mn!!"
"Wang Feng, with his stunning ball control and excellent physicality, tore apart Barcelona''s defense! The camera focuses on Puyol, who still wears a look of astonishment on his face."
"I need to remind the fans watching at home once again, Wang Feng has just turned neen, which means his body still has room to grow. Oh my God, I have to mourn for the defenders who have to face Wang Feng."
Barcelona''s yers seemed to remember the miserable matches they had before, their morale plummeting, and even the cheers from the Camp Nou fans decreased significantly.
At such a time, the team needed a g-bearer yer to boost morale, but unfortunately, Barcelona did not have such a yer now.
They kept passing the ball in the midfield, utilizing their excellent passing skills to keep possession, but they did not attack. It seemed as if they were the ones leading, not Inter Mn.
Inter Mn also couldn''t press too hard, to avoid defensive mistakes and could only wait cautiously to prevent Barcelona''s counterattacks. In such a passive game, time quietly passed to the end.
As the game was about to end, Inter Mn had another chance. Dalmat dribbled through the midfield and then passed to Di Biagio on the left, who waited for the support of other Inter Mn yers as he advanced.
Approaching the edge of the penalty area, Barcelona''s full-back Reiziger moved up to intercept, but Di Biagio stopped the ball with a step-over, then turned and caught up to the ball, pushing it horizontally towards the center.
Wang Feng, who was supporting, received the ball and, near the edge of the penalty area, performed a Marseille turn to shake off Puyol, then took two steps sideways and used the outside of his right foot to shoot directly at the goal.
The ball drew an arc in the air, entering the top right corner of the goal, and although goalkeeper Bonano made a full dive, he couldn''t reach the ball.
2-0! Inter Mn defeated Barcelona.
After the match, as they watched the Barcelona yers enter the dressing room one by one with their heads down, Wang Feng felt that this team needed rebuilding.
Chapter 166: Advance
Chapter 166: Advance
When Inter Mn secured three consecutive victories and stepped into the Champions League quarter-finals, the headline in the Italian newspaper "Mn Sports" read as follows: "The Happy European Journey of the Blue and ck Legion"
The article pointed out that Inter Mn''s journey in the Champions League had been smooth sailing, relying on extremely good luck in the draws. Up to now, they had not encountered any truly strong opponents.
"Whether it''s Ajax and Lyon, or Leverkusen and Barcelona, they were all in a low state for various reasons, so it''s not surprising that Inter Mn was able to defeat them."
"In contrast, AC Mn first topped the group ahead of Bayern, and now they have defeated Real Madrid and Dortmund, facing tough battles all the way. Therefore, the author is more optimistic about AC Mn."
Meanwhile, in the Catalonia region, the defeated Barcelona once again faced criticism from the media. "Barcelona contributed to a game without any fighting spirit. We cannot see their determination to win."
"Tiki-taka is the traditional skill of Barcelona football, but it is more for attacking and winning. However, in this Barcelona team, possession has unexpectedly be an excuse for passive y."
"There are many yers in the current team who are not worthy of wearing the Barcelona shirt. The club''s top management needs to seriously consider what to do next."
On February 23rd, in the 22nd round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Piacenza away.
Inter Mn dominated the entire match. In the 19th minute, after receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly turned and took a powerful shot, opening the scoring for Inter Mn.
Then, in the 37th minute, it was Wang Feng again breaking through on the right, passing to Ribery in the penalty area, who scored, expanding Inter Mn''s lead.
In the second half, in the 59th minute, Ribery repaid the favor, prating Piacenza''s defense with a through ball, and Wang Feng, who sessfully beat the offside trap, easily scored his second goal.
This goal was Wang Feng''s 24th league goal, leading the top scorer list by a wide margin ahead of the second-ced Shevchenko with 15 goals. At the same time, his assists also reached an astonishing 19, continuing to dominate the assist rankings.
3-0! Inter Mn took all three points against Piacenza.
On February 27th, in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Inter Mn hosted Barcelona at home.
When the match reached the 31st minute, Inter Mn won a free-kick opportunity in the opposition half. Worth mentioning is that before the foul, Wang Feng once again won against Xavi in a duel, and Xavi had to foul him.
Xavi also received a yellow card, but he breathed a sigh of relief, d that he didn''t fall in the same spot twice.
Two minutester, his mood turned sour again because Wang Feng personally took the free kick, and the ball flew over the wall, grazing the crossbar and into the.
This goal eventually helped Inter Mn win 1-0 against Barcelona.
With four wins out of four, umting 12 points, Inter Mn led Barcelona by a full six points, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals two rounds early!
As time moved into March, Inter Mn would face two crucial matches next, both against Juventus, one in the league and one in the second leg of the Italian Cup quarter-finals.
These two matches were crucial for Inter Mn. To win the league title and the cup, they had to beat Juventus in both matches!
On March 2nd, in the 23rd round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Juventus at home.
In the 6th minute, Juventus took the lead. After a breakthrough on the wing by Nedved, he crossed, and Trezeguet tapped in front of the goal, giving the visitors the lead.
To make matters worse, in the 16th minute, Cocu was injured in a duel with Pirlo, and Cooper had no choice but to substitute Pasquali, leaving Inter Mn''s defense in a major crisis.
Juventus quickly seized this opportunity. Seven minutester, Nedved sent a through ball, and Pirlo took advantage of Pasquali''s defense to receive the ball and score, piercing the goalkeeper''s fingertips once again.
2-0! Juventus led by two goals! Less than 30 minutes had passed in the first half, and the ck and Blues were stunned by Juventus at the Meazza! Fortunately, they had Wang Feng! In the 35th minute, Zti''s long pass found Wang Feng on the right. After receiving the ball, he dribbled past the defender Thuram with consecutive feints, entered the penalty area, and then shot into the far corner, pulling one back for Inter Mn.
In the 46th minute, Di Biagio''s cross from the left found Wang Feng in the penalty area, with his back to the goal, he leaped high and kicked the ball with his left foot, piercing Juventus'' goal before Ferrara could react.
A spectacr bicycle kick! 2-2! Inter Mn sessfully equalized!
During halftime, Inter Mn''s yers remained serious. Just received the news, Cocu had a meniscus injury and would miss all remaining matches this season.
The drawbacks of long-term multitasking finally surfaced! Besides Cocu, except for Wang Feng, other key yers had more or less some fatigue injuries. The uing matches would only get tougher!
Shortly after the start of the second half, Wang Feng appeared on the left side of the field, receiving a through ball from Di Biagio, dribbled sideways to the edge of the penalty area, facing Thuram, he feinted a shot with a shoulder drop, then cut to his left foot and shot, the ball went straight into the top left corner of the goal.
Inter Mn turned the score around! Wang Feng scored a hat-trick!
The entire Meazza stadium turned into an ocean of joy. Wang Feng seemed unstoppable. Without exaggeration, in the hearts of the fans, he was the "king" of Inter Mn.
Unfortunately, they couldn''t maintain the lead until the end of the match. In the 85th minute, Trezeguet sessfully broke the offside trap, broke into the penalty area from the right, and chipped the ball into the goal, equalizing the score once again.
Both sides shook hands with a 3-3 draw.
This was a golden opportunity for AC Mn. As long as they won all three points in this round, they could surpass Inter Mn and top the league standings for the first time.
However, to everyone''s surprise, they unexpectedly lost 1-2 at home to Udinese, once again wasting the opportunity to overtake.
With this victory, Udinese surpassed Parma to reach fifth ce in the league, just one spot away from a Champions League spot.
After the match between Inter Mn and Juventus, the Italian media were all pessimistic about Inter Mn. "The season-ending injury to key yer Cocu is a fatal blow to the Blue and ck Legion, making their already weak defense even more difficult."
"Wang Feng has be Inter Mn''sst straw, but one person can''t hold up the whole team. They seem to have good results in threepetitions, but trouble will soon follow."
"Tuttosport" believed that now was an excellent opportunity for Juventus. "With Wang Feng''s eruption, Inter Mn managed a difficult home draw against the Bianconeri."
"But in the Italian Cup, Juventus holds a one-goal lead and three away goals. Inter Mn, with a depleted lineup, will find it difficult to reverse the situation."
Chapter 167: Nothing is impossible !
Chapter 167: Nothing is impossible !
The Decisive Battle with Juventus Approaches!
At the pre-match press conference, head coach Cooper reluctantly admitted that Inter Mn was in trouble, but he believed there was still a chance. However, the media on-site believed he was just putting on a brave face and had no other option but to rely entirely on Wang Feng.
On the other hand, Juventus coach Lippi showed enough caution in his interview: "We cannot deny that we have a certain advantage, but we will never underestimate our opponents. Inter Mn has superstars who can change the game''s situation, and we must bring out all our strength and form topete with them."
In this match, Cooper deployed a 4-5-1 formation, with Toldo in goal:
Defense: Zti, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Cordoba
Midfield: Di Biagio, Ribery, Dalmat, Zti, Emre
Forward: Wang Feng
Although they were in a disadvantaged position, Cooper still chose to ce Vieri on the bench to strengthen the team''s defense. Inter Mn''s defense could not afford to be pierced again! As for the attack, Cooper could only rely on Wang Feng leading the front line.
At the beginning of the match, both sides fiercely contested possession in midfield, with Inter Mn seemingly at a disadvantage but not allowing their opponents any good chances.
After a stalemate for some time, Juventus created a great opportunity. Dalmat fouled Nedved in midfield, giving them a free kick in the attacking half. The Czech yer floated the ball into the penalty area.
Inter Mn goalkeeper Toldo chose toe out, punching the ball away with one fist,nding near the edge of the penalty area. Pirlo seized the first opportunity and volleyed the ball over the bar.
Just 5 minutester, Juventus struck again. After Nedved intercepted Ribery''s pass, he sent a long ball forward, and Trezeguet outjumped Zambrotta to head the ball, setting it up for Pirlo nearby.
Pirlo smoothly dribbled into Inter Mn''s penalty area, with Zambrotta stumbling and falling in the process. The Italian calmly shot, breaking the deadlock on the field.
Juventus took the lead!
The atmosphere at the Stadio delle Alpi instantly erupted, with many fans already starting to celebrate prematurely, as if they had already reached the cup final.
Even after conceding a goal, Inter Mn showed no improvement. Despite having more yers in midfield, they were still suppressed. The connection between the midfield and the front and back lines was poor, making it difficult to form effective attacking ys, and the pressure on the defense was immense.
In the 35th and 42nd minutes, Juventus attacked into Inter Mn''s penalty area twice in session. Trezeguet''s shot even hit the post. If it had been a little off target, Inter Mn would have been in big trouble.
At the end of the first half, Inter Mn trailed by one goal, with an aggregate score of 2-4.
One can imagine the celebratory scene in Juventus'' locker room at this moment. In contrast, Zambrotta was holding his head, still regretting his mistake, while captain Zti sat in the corner dejectedly, and other yers exchanged nces in silence.
"Everyone, Juventus is celebrating their victory," Wang Feng suddenly spoke up. "I don''t know what you all think, but I refuse to ept this. There are still forty-five minutes left, and football is round. Anything is possible."
"I won''t let them off easy. Even if we fail, we''ll scrape off ayer of their skin."
Inspired by Wang Feng and Zti''s fierce words, everyone gradually regained their spirits. After experiencingst season''s double championship and winning two trophies this season, a sense of pride had quietly emerged in the Inter Mn team, the pride of champions, never bowing down!
Shortly after the start of the second half, Inter Mn got a corner kick opportunity, and Wang Feng decided to take it himself, with Inter Mn yers lurking in various positions in the penalty area.
Materazzi lurked outside the small penalty area, and Juventus clearly understood his threat, sending tall defender Thuram to mark him.
When Wang Feng took the corner kick, Juventus'' defense realized that the ball was not intended for Materazzi at all. Who was it for?
The ball flew low and fast towards the near post, and a small figure suddenly leaped out, arriving at the ball''snding area and heading it towards the goal like a lion.
Goalkeeper Buffon was positioned very far to the right and was surprised to see the ball heading towards the goal, desperately diving to save it. Unfortunately, his arm span was not impressive enough, and he could only watch as the ball entered the.
"Goal!!! Inter Mn pulls one back!!! Ribery''s header!"
"Oh my God, what kind of tactic is this from Inter Mn, letting a 1.7-meter-tall guy go for a header, and it worked!"
After scoring, Ribery excitedly ran to Wang Feng''s side and hugged him tightly. He didn''t expect the ball to actually go in!
During training sessions, they had practiced this tactic, with taller yers attracting attention and Ribery "stealing" a header. The effect was quite good.
All of this was thanks to Wang Feng''s precise passingnot too high, not too low, and perfectly positioned.
With the score level, Inter Mn pressed on. In the 66th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Ribery near the edge of the small penalty area. With his back to the goal and Ferarra pushing hard to prevent him from turning, and Montero also rushing towards him, Thuram was very vignt in preventing other Inter Mn yers from making runs. It seemed like there was no opportunity, so the ball could only be passed out of the penalty area to organize another attack.
At that moment, Ferarra applied too much force, and his entire body leaned on Wang Feng''s back. Wang Feng made a sudden move, leaning back to push Ferarra away.
In that split second, he used the back of his right foot to flick the ball, passing it through Ferarra''s dangling leg and rolling straight into the goal.
Buffon was busy marking other yers'' runs and didn''t expect the ball to suddenly roll towards him,pletely beyond his expectations. Therefore, he couldn''t make any move.
Inter Mn leveled the aggregate score! Now, they were only one away goal behind!
Juventus was demoralized by these two inexplicable goals, and for a moment, they didn''t know how to y. In contrast, Inter Mn surged forward. Five minutester, theyunched another counterattack.
Di Biagio quickly dribbled the ball to the edge of the penalty area, passing it to Wang Feng on the right. Wang Feng, running at high speed, leaped high, with his waist already at the height of Juventus defender Davids'' head.
Wang Feng forcefully nodded the ball towards the goal, and it flew past the crossbar into the.
"Goal!!!! Wang Feng''s header! Saving Inter Mn!"
"Now they lead Juventus 3-1, with an aggregate score of 5-4!"
"Inter Mn''s performance on the field vividly illustrates footballnothing is impossible!"
This score held until the end of the match, with Inter Mn knocking Juventus out and advancing to the Italian Cup final!
Chapter 168: Devil鈥檚 schedule - 2
Chapter 168: Devil''s schedule - 2
When Inter Mn reversed Juventus with a total score of 5:4 to advance to the Italian Cup final, countless media outlets were shocked. Their pre-match belittlement of Inter Mn seemed to have turned into a resounding p in the face, hitting them hard.
What else could they do? In order to save face, these media outlets could only praise Wang Feng in various ways and harshly criticize Juventus.
The Mn Sports Daily used a photo of Wang Feng celebrating a goal as its front-page cover and wrote in its report: "Wang Feng defeated the entire Juventus team single-handedly, and his hands pointing to the sky in celebration have be his iconic celebration gesture. What is he thinking at this moment? Is he thanking the heavens for giving him unparalleled talent and strength?"
The Rome Sports Daily wrote that Wang Feng helped Inter Mn sessfully reach the cup final with two goals and one assist.
"Throughout the journey, Inter Mn has never been favored by anyone, but now they are realistically moving towards the grand goals set at the beginning of the season, all because they have superstar Wang Feng in the team!"
"This is not the first time Wang Feng hase forward to save Inter Mn. We dare to assert now that signing Wang Feng is definitely the most sessful signing for Inter Mn in this century!"
The Turin Sports Daily criticized Juventus coach Lippi severely: "To be reversed under such circumstances, Juventus management should consider changing the coach."
"The coach''s response in the second half waspletely inadequate. When Inter Mn scored their first goal, tactical adjustments should have been made promptly, but Lippi didn''t do it, ultimately leading to a loss of control."
The report also mentioned that some Juventus yerspletely rxed after the end of the first half, thinking they had the game in the bag. This was also due to the coach''s failure to urge them on.
Looking at Inter Mn''s uing match schedule, both the coaching staff and the yers felt both worried and fortunate. In the next 16 days, they would have to travel to three different ces toplete five matches, including two Champions League games.
Fortunately, Inter Mn had already advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, so they could field apletely substituted lineup for the two Champions League games. Only the match against Udinese in the league would be a tough one, with the other two opponents rtively weaker.
"Fortunately, they didn''t schedule matches against AC Mn or Juventus during this period, or else I would really curse," Materazzi said on the ne to Bologna.
The yers nodded in agreement. They all felt very tired. Since the start of the second half of the season, tough matches seemed to never end, and most of the main yers had been ying continuously, pushing their bodies to the limit.
Coach Cooper discussed the lineup for the uing matches with the coaching staff: "We can directly give up on the two Champions League matches without any impact. What about these three league matches? We are still in fiercepetition with AC Mn."
The assistant coach said, "We still need to secure the league, at least win two matches. I think we can field the main lineup against Udinese and rotate in the other two matches."
Others nodded in agreement. After some consideration, Cooper also thought this was the most appropriate solution.
On March 9, in the 24th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Bologna away. Cooper sent out a fully substituted lineup for this match, with yers like Concic and Vivas, who had not had many opportunities to y, starting.
Although Bologna was not high in the standings, only 11th, they were known for being tough, especially at home. Both Juventus and AC Mn had overturned there before.
After the match started, the home team quickly took control of the field, while Inter Mn retreated to defend near the penalty area, defending rigorously while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
But Inter Mn''s substitute lineup was not outstanding, and their form was not good enough. They could only defend passively and couldn''t produce a decent attack. In the 41st minute, Bologna seized a slight gap in the defense and broke the deadlock first.
In the 70th minute of the second half, Cooper substituted Wang Feng to strengthen the attack. Six minutester, in a counterattack by Inter Mn, Concic dribbled the ball through the midfield and sent a long diagonal pass to the right side of the field.
Wang Feng, overpowering Bologna defender Falconi to win the first touch, vigorously pushed the ball forward, then rushed forward to volley, equalizing the score for Inter Mn.
After scoring, Wang Feng went to the Portuguese Concic and hugged him. He knew that Concic''s time with the team wasing to an end, and there wouldn''t be many opportunities to fight alongside him.
The final score was fixed at 1:1, and Inter Mn earned one point.
On March 12, Inter Mn hosted Bayer Leverkusen at home. Cooper still sent out a fully substituted lineup. Bayer Leverkusen had no hope of advancing, and they had a miserable season. The yers had no desire to fight anymore and started to y poorly.
Both sides yed at a historic low level, with mistakes in the match that could have been made into several minutes of highlights. The final score was 2:2.
On March 16, Inter Mn hosted Como at home. As one of the teams destined for relegation, Como and Turin were truly weak teams. Comogged behind second-tost Piacenza by 10 points, while Turin was even worse, trailing by 15 points.
There was nothing much to say about the match process. Wang Feng scored twice in the 31st and 62nd minutes and assisted Ribery to score in the 42nd minute, contributing two goals and one assist.
He was substituted in the 65th minute, and in the 81st minute, Como finally pulled one back through center-back Obonaya.
The final score was 3:1, and Inter Mn took all three points.
On March 20, Inter Mn traveled to Ennd to face Newcastle in thest round of the group stage of the Champions League.
Inter Mn had no desires, while Newcastle was struggling to survive. They needed to win by a big margin and hope that Barcelona would lose in order to advance to the quarter-finals.
In the end, Inter Mn cleanly lost 0:2, but on the other side, Barcelona also defeated Bayer Leverkusen. The English team could only ept their fate of being eliminated.
On March 24, in the 26th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Udinese away.
In another match that ended earlier, AC Mn exploded with all their energy and defeated Juventus 2:1 at home thanks to Shevchenko''s brace.
As long as Inter Mn couldn''t win, AC Mn would top the table!
In the dressing room after the match, all AC Mn yers nervously stared at the TV screen, which was showing Inter Mn''s match. The time came to the 79th minute, and the score was still 0:0.
"We mustn''t make any mistakes." Inzaghi whispered. Just as he finished speaking, Wang Feng was seen on the TV screen dribbling horizontally near the edge of the penalty area, then suddenly shooting.
This shot was unusually tricky, initially flying towards the middle of the goal, then suddenly changing direction halfway, straight into the upper right corner. The Udinese goalkeeper was caught off guard and could only watch the ball go into the.
Apanied by the excited shouts of thementators on TV, Inzaghi finally couldn''t help but curse, "Can''t Wang Feng give us a chance?" He said indignantly.
Rivaldo was calmer. He responded, "Don''t we still have one more match against Inter? That should be the decisive battle for the championship!"
The AC Mn yers nodded, a strong sense of battle brewing among them.
Chapter 169: Partnership
Chapter 169: Partnership
After defeating Udinese 1-0, Inter Mn enjoyed a two-week break. Although some key yers were called up for national team training and matches, most of them could rest since there were no major international events recently.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Wang Feng flew to Switzend to finalize the establishment of his investmentpany. After more than three months of efforts, Balmond had a preliminary understanding of the conditions for setting up thepany and its general operation.
"Wang, I feel more like a financial worker on Wall Street than an agent," Balmondined to Wang Feng. "I still have the matters of Maxwell and Ribery to handle. Managing yourmercial endorsements is also a big task. I''m literally swamped."
Maxwell was the most promising young star Bamonte had signed since his fame. He currently yed for Ajax as a sharp left-back and was only 22 years old.
Initially, the famous agent Le and Balmondpeted for this rising star, but the Brazilian aimed for a higher stage.
So Balmond used Wang Feng to persuade him: "You know, Wang Feng has such influence at Inter Mn in Serie A. I am fully capable of getting you to Inter Mn, onto the stage of Serie A."
Maxwell was moved by these words and ultimately chose to sign with Balmond. However, he wasn''t in a hurry to step onto the stage of the top five leagues immediately. Ajax''s advanced training philosophy would help him grow more perfectly.
As for Ribery, his outstanding performance in Serie A had made him famous, even in the European football world, with many attributing it to Wang Feng''s guidance.
"My grandmother could score a goal with Wang Feng." Someoneined indignantly, but such remarks could only bringughter.
This figure, rmended by Wang Feng, quickly became Balmond''s second biggest star. He needed to renegotiate Ribery''s contract with Inter Mn and handle the influx ofmercial activities.
Hearing Balmond''sint, Wang Feng felt a little embarrassed and said, "Francesco, that''s my fault. Many things have been rushed."
"But didn''t you already negotiate a cooperation with the Caldera Group? Next, delegate many tasks and find more helpers."
Established in 1987, the Caldera Group was thergest asset management group in the United States. Upon learning of Wang Feng''s n to establish an investmentpany, they actively sought to partner with him.
At first, Balmond was very cautious because as an American financial giant, the Caldera Group''s strength was immense, making the cooperation seem unequal.
However, they provided sincere agreements and impable reasons. Caldera wanted to expand into the Asian market. Although they had established an Asia Growth Fund in 2000, they encountered many problems dealing with the Asia-Pacific region.
If they could cooperate with Wang Feng, leveraging his influence in the Asian region, they could better explore the market.
Balmond and a professional team ofwyers studied the cooperation details for a long time and found no problems. So they rmended partnering with them. Wang Feng contributed ?20 million, about 10% of his current assets, holding an absolute controlling stake of 67% in the newly establishedpany.
Caldera Group held 30% of the shares, bing the secondrgest shareholder of thepany, responsible for professional investment work, while the rest of the shares were held by some of Wang Feng''s rtives and friends.
Currently, the new investmentpany had no ns for an IPO, but could develop in that direction in the future. As long as Wang Feng ensured that his equity was not diluted, he would continue to control thepany.
For Wang Feng, establishing thispany was just to better manage his investments and conduct scientific financial management.
Some athletes were very foolish, earning a lot but spending a lot, going bankrupt after retiring, without any other skills to support themselves, ending up in a very sad situation.
Wang Feng and his team quietly arrived at Zurich Airport, where they were greeted by Caldera Group''s Executive Vice President DeAnroni and Wang Feng''s old acquaintance, Renee.
After they hugged, Wang Feng smiled and said, "Long time no see, buddy. After retiring, your physique has visibly be rounder."
Reneeughed heartily. "I''m going to eat back all the things I envied before. Finally, I don''t have to control my diet anymore. It was really frustrating."
Since Wang Feng left Genk, Renee stopped ying after a year and inherited his family''s small business. When he heard that Wang Feng wasing to Zurich to negotiate business, he followed along.
In Genk, Wang Feng also had a good friend named Bess, who became a partner at Wang Feng''s invitation. Bess was still ying for Genk, but had little chance of being noticed by top clubs. He would most likely retire from Genk.
Sometimes, he would talk to Wang Feng about those glorious days. When Genk lifted the league cup, it might be an unforgettable moment for most people.
Putting aside the reminiscing, Wang Feng''s biggest goal this trip was to establish thepany and sign a partnership agreement with Caldera Group. They arrived at the Zurich Marriott Hotel and began formal negotiations.
For Wang Feng, these negotiations were torture. Although he hired a professional legal team, he had to concentrate fully and keep up with both parties'' pace. He would rather fight Juventus for three hundred rounds again.
After three days and nights of pain, everything was finally settled. At this moment, DeAnroni suddenly said, "Wang, there''s one more thing. You haven''t named thepany yet."
At this moment, Wang Feng''s mind was a bit absent, and in a daze, he thought of Lu Yao''s smiling face. Speaking to himself, he said, "FengYao."
"FengYao? OK, I feel this name is quite good. Using a Chinese name can attract more attention domestically, and the English abbreviation is FY, easily reminiscent of ''Fly.'' Well, it''s meaningful." DeAnroni agreed.
Others also echoed, some genuinely feeling it was good, while others probably just wanted to end the long negotiations.
Wang Feng was surprised. He had just spoken subconsciously, and how did it almost be the official name? Thinking of the unclear feelings with Lu Yao, he suddenly felt extremely embarrassed. If his sister found out, wouldn''t she mock him like crazy? He wanted to suggest thinking about it again, but seeing everyone packing up and eager to leave, he didn''t have the heart to speak up, so he could only watch Bamonte submit all the documents.
It seemed that this matter had to be kept confidential. It could be kept secret for as long as possible, and other matters would have to take their course naturally.
Finally, the big event was done! Wang Feng and his team visibly rxed, especially Balmond. After transferring some of Wang Feng''s investments in Belgium and Italy under the FengYao Group, he hadpleted all his missions.
"Now I can finally focus on my career as an agent. There are still several talents you rmended to me that I haven''t had time to take care of. There''s that guy, Balotelli, a very distinctive young yer. He''s a bit solitary in character, but I''ll see if I can get him to Inter Mn or Juventus''s youth academy."
Chapter 170: Attack
Chapter 170: Attack
Returning to Mn, Wang Feng still felt somewhat downcast. During training, Ribery was surprised and asked, "Boss, you didn''t go out partying these past two days, did you?"
Wang Feng rolled his eyes at him. "Stay away from that old man, Conciocao. Even though he''s leaving, he''s still corrupting the new guys." Ribery scratched his head. "How did you know Conciocao talked to me about these things?"
"Do I need to exin? You were stillying floor tiles six months ago. Besides Conciocao, who else would be bored enough to give you this kind of knowledge? Let me tell you, stay away from gambling and drugs to make your careerst longer."
Ribery nodded. Though he was older than Wang Feng by a few months, in his heart, Wang Feng was his senior, the person he respected most after his parents.
Sometimes Ribery even felt he had Chinese ancestry. Otherwise, why would Wang Feng have helped him? He felt particrly close to Wang Feng. He realized he needed to ask his father about it when he got back.
On April 7th, Serie A resumed its battles. This time, Inter Mn hosted Roma.
This season, Roma could truly be described as pitiful. Once a powerhouse in Serie A, they currently ranked only eighth in the league, with little chance of Europeanpetition next season.
In this season''s Champions League, they narrowly advanced from the group stage under Real Madrid''s shadow in the first round, only to face Ajax, Arsenal, and Valencia in the second round.
After six rounds of bloody battles, Roma became a punching bag. Everyone wanted to take points from them. In the end, the young Ajax and Valencia advanced, leaving Arsenal regretful.
Inter Mn''s opponent in the quarterfinals was Valencia, which could be seen as a revenge match for Serie A teams against their Spanish counterparts.
To amodate yers who had gone to national teams, coach Cooper didn''t field the full starting lineup in this match. However, Wang Feng started, crucial for Inter Mn''s quest for points.
In the 31st minute, Inter Mn''s defense made a mistake. Pasquale, under Cassano''s pressure, chose to dribble into his own penalty area. Cassano intercepted and shot, scoring.
On the sideline, Cooper roared angrily, "What are you doing? Can''t you clear the ball?"
Ultimately, this 21-year-old defender was still too nervous. Not being regrly used made him a bit jittery, leading to bizarre mistakes.
Wang Feng wouldn''t me yers for making mistakes as long as their attitudes were correct. After all, who could avoid making mistakes all the time? He would step up when the team needed him.
In the 43rd minute, Inter Mn attacked. Zti passed the ball to Wang Feng in the middle after receiving it on the right. He first stopped the ball, then took a long-range shot.
The ball flew like a bullet towards Roma''s goal, and despite Pelizzoli''s full effort to save it, he was a step toote.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal!! Wang Feng''s long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, goal!!"
"Inter Mn equalizes! A brilliant set-piece shot. From this shot, you can see Wang Feng''s amazing explosive power, shooting directly without a run-up."
"The rapid ball was impossible to save. Roma''s defense also didn''t react in time, seemingly finding this shot unbelievable."
After scoring, Wang Feng hugged his teammates one by one, especiallyforting Pasquale who had made a mistake earlier, making the Italian feel warm. Wang Feng demonstrated his personality charm in these details, making the young yers in Inter Mn admire and believe in him even more.
At the end of the first half, both sides shook hands, and as they returned for the second half, Inter Mn''s defense became more solid while Roma began to show signs of decline.
In the 67th minute, Wang Feng returned to midfield to defend. He sessfully intercepted the ball from Emerson''s feet, then knocked it to Dalma, who quickly started dribbling.
After crossing the midfield, Dalma passed the ball to Wang Feng on the side. At this time, three Roma defenders faced three Inter Mn attackers. Wang Feng nced to his left, seeing Ribery speeding up ahead.
So he decisively sent a curved pass, the ball rolling on the grass in a new moon trajectory, finding Ribery at the edge of the penalty area.
At the same time, Wang Feng also rushed into the penalty area with his speed. Ribery didn''t hesitate and passed the ball to Wang Feng, who, under the interference of Zebe, didn''t stop the ball and shot directly.
The ball flew into the, grazing the underside of the crossbar, as Pelizzoli judged that Wang Feng''s shot would be a low one, choosing to dive. He didn''t expect Wang Feng to chip the ball so high with his toe.
"Goal!! Inter Mn overtakes Roma! In the 67th minute, Wang Feng scores his second goal!!"
"Inter Mn executed an exceptionally brilliant defensive counterattack. From Wang Feng''s knock in midfield to the pass to Ribery on the left and the subsequent pass and shot, the whole process was seamless."
"Wang Feng yed a crucial role in organizing the attack, immediately passing to an open yer after the interception and disying outstanding attacking vision, precise passing, and a perfect final shot."
"In this attack, Wang Feng showcased hisprehensive technical skills and superb football intelligence!"
At the end of the match, the score remained unchanged. Inter Mn won 2-1 against Roma, keeping the pressure on AC Mn behind them.
In the Champions League quarterfinals, Serie A upied three spots: Juventus, AC Mn, and Inter Mn. La Liga also upied three spots: Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. The remaining two spots were held by the Premier League''s lone representative Manchester United and the dark horse Ajax.
The distribution of seats showed that Serie A and La Liga were currently in a league of their own in European football, with other leagues struggling to keep up.
Valencia''s coach was the young Benitez, whose career had a legendary hue. In 2000, he was coaching newly-promoted Tenerife. In 2001, after taking over Valencia, he won the league title, beating out powerhouses like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Deportivo La Coruna.
If Cooper, taking over from Ranieri, led Valencia to two Champions League runner-up finishes, it was like "picking peaches." Benitez taking over from Cooper and winning La Liga would be "enjoying the shade."
Of course, such sayings didn''t hold water. Each coach had their own characteristics and tactical arrangements, and achieving good results depended on the coach''smand ability.
But Cooper indeed knew this Valencia team very well. When interviewed, Benitez said, "Inter Mn''s coach knows the technical characteristics of every Valencia yer, which is very disadvantageous for us."
This usually serious Spaniard showed a hint of worry when talking about Wang Feng. "Wang is one of the best forwards in European football. How to restrict him will be the ultimate test for our defense."
Chapter 171: Sprint !
Chapter 171: Sprint !
On April 10, 2003, the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals kicked off at the San Siro Stadium in Mn. Hosting the match was the Nerazzurri, while their cross-town rivals AC Mn had to travel to Amsterdam, Nethends, to face Ajax.
Valencia, who traveled from afar, deployed a 4-4-2 formation. Before the match, Benitez emphasized the defensive arrangements, particrly focusing on Capone, Pellegrino, Ay, and Raul Albiol, aiming to contain Wang Feng''s attacking threat.
Vincente, Albelda, Rufete, and Aimar in midfield were tasked with disrupting Inter Mn''s midfield and forward connection, preventing Wang Feng from linking up with other teammates.
Up front, Carew and Sanchez, with one tall and the other fast, coborated to both contest aerial duels and exploit Inter Mn''s defensive line with speed.
Benitez and his team racked their brains, finally crafting a rtivelyprehensive lineup to challenge Inter Mn.
Once the match began, Inter Mn indeed encountered trouble. Due to the home advantage, the yers'' mentality inadvertently became anxious, thinking about winning more to ease the away leg.
Benitez sessfully guessed Inter Mn''s mindset, instructing Valencia to y patiently from the start, trying to control possession and slow down the pace of the game.
The anxious Inter Mn yers indeed made mistakes! In the 21st minute, Cordoba''s eager interception fell into a trap, leading to a defensivepse, allowing Albelda to sessfully pass the ball into an open space.
With no one marking him, Sanchez easily scored, contributing significantly to Valencia!
Inter Mn was now in trouble. Their midfield organization became even more chaotic. Under Valencia''s defenders'' stern pressure, Wang Feng temporarily couldn''t find a way through and could only keep roaming on the field, hoping to create opportunities.
Valencia seized the chance tounch several threatening attacks, especially in the 49th minute when Carew''s header was blocked by Materazzi on the goal line.
The visiting yers protested vehemently, believing the ball had crossed the line. However, after consulting with the linesman, the referee disregarded their ims, sparing Inter Mn.
Reys in the broadcast room confirmed that the ball hadn''t crossed the line, but thementators remained highly skeptical of Inter Mn''s chances. "Given their current state, losing to Valencia is a foregone conclusion."
Time passed minute by minute. The Mn weather in April was quite cool, but Wang Feng was drenched in sweat. He didn''t know how far he had run. On average, Serie A forwards run about 11 kilometers per game, but Wang Feng felt he had far exceeded this value.
His chest was burning with pain, yet Wang Feng didn''t stop running. Defensive support at the back, interceptions in midfield, and attacks upfronthis presence was felt in every corner of the field.
The weight of one person on an eleven-man team might seem insignificant, but Wang Feng seemed to be gradually increasing his impact. Many times, his timely actions saved the team from danger.
In the 86th minute, Valencia''s defenders marking Wang Feng felt a hint of exhaustion. Despite rotating in defense, why hadn''t Wang Feng stopped yet? Was he even human?
Albelda, contemting this question, became distracted. His pass was too weak, and the ball slowed to a stop between him and Rufete.
Wang Feng suddenly elerated, taking the ball with him. Albelda and Rufete were stunned, rushing to intercept, but Wang Feng pushed the ball forward and elerated past the midfield line, leaving both defenders behind.
Emarle from the left nk hurried to cover, but Wang Feng was already at full speed. He felt just a gust of wind as the figure in front of him leaped forward.
In an instant, Wang Feng had stormed into the penalty area. Valencia''s defender Capone, with a serious expression, approached, trying to intercept him or at least slow him down to allow Emarle to assist in defense.
But Wang Feng didn''t hesitate at all. While running, he flicked the ball forward with his toe, separating himself from Capone and then fell to the ground, shooting.
"Gooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng! Brilliant! Equalizes the score!"
"As the match approaches its end, Wang Feng covers over seventy meters, bypassing four defenders in session, and slots the ball into Valencia''s!"
"Hold on to your seats, folks! ording to the data we''ve just received, Wang Feng''s average speed during the run reached 22.5 km/h!"
"No wonder Valencia''s defensive yers couldn''t catch up with him. Remember, in the International Association of Athletics Federations World Athletics Championships held in Parisst September, Jesse Owens, the men''s 100-meter champion, set a world record with a time of 9.78 seconds."
"If we convert Wang Feng''s speed, well, his hundred meters time would be 9.98 seconds! And don''t forget, he''s been running almost the entire match, with that damned ball!"
Wang Feng''s speed was too fast to stop. He crashed into the advertising boards at the edge of the field due to inertia.
There were abrasions on his arms and thighs from the friction, some ces even breaking the skin. His whole body was burning with pain. He wanted to push himself up with his hands but couldn''t muster the strength.
The Inter Mn teammates who rushed to celebrate felt something was wrong. They quickly called for the team doctor with a stretcher and rushed onto the field. Faced with Zti''s anxious inquiry, Wang Feng waved his hand, indicating that he was just exhausted.
The team doctor treated his external injuries whileining, "Wang, you''re pushing yourself too hard. I was watching with my heart in my mouth. Now what you need to do is get off the field and rest."
Wang Feng gasped for air, still wanting to continue, but head coach Cooper forcefully substituted him and had him carried off the field on a stretcher. When Wang Feng left the field, all the home team fans at the San Siro Stadium stood up and gave him a warm apuse.
The full-time whistle soon blew, and Inter Mn drew 1-1 with Valencia, with the visitors scoring an away goal. It was believed that when Inter Mn went to Valencia''s home ground, they would face a fierce battle.
After the match, Wang Feng was taken to the hospital for a detailed examination. The doctor''s conclusion was fatigue, and it would be best to rest for a round. But at such a crucial moment in the title race, Wang Feng was very worried.
"Wang, you always step up when the team faces its toughest moments. Now it''s our turn. Trust us. In the next round against Brescia, we''ll definitely give it our all!" Captain Zti said when visiting Wang Feng.
"Just take a good rest and prepare for the uing showdowns with AC Mn and Valencia," head coach Cooper nodded. "This is the decision of the coaching staff and the club''s top management. You''re exhausted. Don''t think about anything else. Just rest."
Chapter 172: For Wang Feng !
Chapter 172: For Wang Feng !
"Speed Beyond the Limits of Football yers!" The next day, the Italian newspaper "Evening Post" reported on the match between Inter Mn and Valencia, stating that Wang Feng''s equalizing goal created a record in football that can never be broken.
"A 9.98-second 100 meters! In fact, Wang Feng has already sprinted more than seventy meters. If he didn''t need to take the shot at the end, he could have elerated again."
"We can imagine, if he didn''t dribble but ran directly, would he break the world record for the 100 meters? This will be a topic of endless discussion for all Wang Feng fans."
"More importantly, Wang Feng can still maintain stable dribbling at such a fast speed, which shows his perfect control over the force and angle of his touches."
The Mn Sports Daily also revealed a set of data: "Before Wang Feng''s amazing sprint goal, he had already run 16 kilometers, which is 5 kilometers more than usual."
"This indicates that at that time, his body was in a very bad state, as can be seen from his performance after scoring, he waspletely exhausted."
"Even so, he was able to achieve such a feat. We have every reason to imagine how amazing his performance would be during his peak period of victories."
The article also pointed out that Inter Mn is facing a severe test. Their next two matches will directly affect their performance: the city derby against AC Mn and the second leg against Valencia.
"If they continue to perform like today, everything will be very difficult."
Inter Mn coach Cooper, in an interview after the match, evaluated the game as "everything is very bad." He believed that the teampletely lost its rhythm, and the tactics carefully arranged before the game were all disregarded by the yers.
"ying on three fronts will indeed greatly affect the yers'' mentality," Cooper said. "They all want to get some victories and results in advance, so that subsequent matches will be easier."
"But the fact is that this approach won''t work. Recently, I''ve been studying some famous Chinese articles, and there''s a sentence in them that well exins the current situation, which is ''haste makes waste.''"
Regarding Wang Feng''s situation, Cooper also gave an exnation: "The doctor said he was too tired, which is obvious. People who watched the game know what it meant to Wang Feng for this match. I can assert that without him, Inter Mn would definitely have lost in embarrassment."
Valencia''s head coach Benitez highly praised Wang Feng: "Wang is a phenomenal yer who always manages to deliver performances that shock the world."
"This game was also a difficult one for us. Despite our full preparations and efforts to lock down Inter Mn''s attack during the game, they still managed to score a goal."
A reporter asked, "Was Valencia''s opening goal something you could have predicted before the match?"
Benitez shrugged, "Actually, it wasn''t difficult to predict, because Inter Mn wanted to win too much. We just needed to y steadily, and they would umte anxious emotions, revealing vulnerabilities." Benitez at this moment seemed very shrewd and insightful.
He remained cautious about the oue of the second-leg match: "Although we have a certain advantage, returning to our home stadium still requires facing a difficult match. Everyone''s mentality must not rx."
The day after, Wang Feng was discharged from the hospital and returned home. Since the club prohibited him from extra training at the training ground, he could only work out in the gym in his basement.
In the past, when Wang Feng was injured, his family members were secretly worried in their hometown. Now, his younger sister and Lu Yao came to take care of him for the first time, even taking leave from school for this purpose.
"You don''t need to make such a big fuss. I just scraped a little skin," Wang Feng exined. "No, you scared me to death. I saw you fall heavily to the ground and slide, and then couldn''t get up. I was so worried!" his sister said forcefully.
Lu Yao, standing beside, vigorously nodded her head. When she saw that scene, her heart seemed to be tightly gripped, and tears uncontrobly flowed. Since the age of twelve, she hadn''t shed a tear. Since she met Wang Feng, all her tears were shed only for him.
"Next, we''ll be watching you closely. You can''t exercise excessively. How long should you control yourself each day?"
"Two hours."
"Yes, two hours. During other times, you can only rest. No touching the ball or the gym equipment."
Wang Feng smiled bitterly, "Can I still y with the ball a little? I just want to dribble and feel the ball, is that not okay?"
"No, I don''t know you yet. If you say just dribbling a little, then wanting to dribble more, then starting to run again, won''t that be intense exercise?"
While Wang Feng was being strictly monitored by the two kids, the sh between Inter Mn and Brescia in the 28th round of Serie A was about to begin.
In the locker room, captain Zti solemnly addressed all the yers: "At the beginning of the season, we proimed the slogan that shocked Italy: the five-time champion!"
"All the media didn''t believe in us. They crazily criticized and mocked us. Even the fans didn''t believe in us, advising us not to aim too high and make choices."
"Even in the hearts of some yers, they probably don''t believe in themselves."
"During the season, we suffered continuous injuries in the frontcourt, and problems frequently urred in the defense. These people came out again. I don''t know what you think, but I feel like there are countless mouths whispering in my ears, telling me to give up, that we can''t do it."
"But look at our current results. We are at the top of the league table! We reached the finals of the Coppa Italia! We''re in the Champions League quarterfinals! Which part of this journey have we failed in?"
"What do these achievementse from? Can anyone among you say they have made a greater contribution than Wang Feng?"
"Now he is already very tired and needs a game to rest. Brescia, a team ranked ninth in the league, thest time we yed against them, we only won by reversing with Wang Feng''s two goals."
"And this time, Wang Feng will be absent from this game. Everything depends on us. AC Mn behind us is still watching us. We must defeat them, for Wang Feng, and for ourselves!"
"For Wang Feng!" Everyone roared in unison. At this moment, they were full of fighting spirit, as if there was a burning me in their hearts.
After the game started, Inter Mn''s yers put aside their inner anxiety, steadily controlled the situation on the field, and nned their attacks and defenses more smoothly.
Throughout the game, Inter Mn''s possession rate reached 61 percent, with 13 shots and 6 shots on target, scoring one goal from Vieri''s long shot.
Brescia, on the other hand, only had 3 shots, 1 on target, and scored zero goals.
Inter Mn won 1-0, continuing to maintain their one-point lead over AC Mn on the league table!
Chapter 173: Wonderful confrontation
Chapter 173: Wonderful confrontation
Wang Feng sat in the VIP box at the San Siro Stadium for the first time, watching an Inter Mn match. He couldn''t help but feel impressed by the gradual recovery of his teammates'' form, which gave him more confidence for the road ahead.
A weekter, they would still be in Mn, facing their heavyweight rivals AC Mn in the title race. As the season progressed, AC Mn had several opportunities to overtake Inter Mn, but they had dramatically missed each one, leaving Inter at the top of the table for a whole 28 rounds.
This match was considered by many as the most crucial round in determining the winner of the Serie A title.
In the tunnel before the match, yers from both Inter Mn and AC Mn did not disy the same hostility as the fans. Whether they were Italian national team yers or South Americans, they were very familiar with each other and had good rtionships.
Matthias and Inzaghi were in conversation, while Nesta and Di Biagio were seen shoulder to shoulder. Shevchenko approached Wang Feng and asked, "Wang, why is your body so strong? Why don''t you ever suffer from injuries?"
Shevchenko had missed most of AC Mn''s games this year due to injury, only shining in crucial matches and in the Champions League. Since he and Wang Feng were acquainted from FIFA''s award ceremony, this question didn''t seem out of ce and had a hint of teasing.
Wang Feng chuckled and patted his body, saying, "Of course, because I''m strong enough." Shevchenko was left speechless by this response, and the two chatted for a while before returning to their teams just before the match was about to start.
Once the game began, the friendly atmosphere from before disappeared, reced by tension andpetitiveness.
AC Mn adopted an aggressive approach from the start. Inzaghi dropped back to receive the ball and executed a splendid one-two with Serginho, attempting to lob the ball to Shevchenko in the penalty area.
However, the ball was cleared by Materazzi, and Costa won the first ball. After pulling it to the right side of the penalty area, he suddenly crossed it. Shevchenko made another run, aiming for a header, but Zambrotta intervened effectively, holding off Shevchenko and clearing the ball out for a corner.
AC Mn continued to press aggressively, refusing to relent without a victory.
In the 17th minute, Ambrosini carried the ball in midfield, using his body to fend off Di Biagio and sending a precise pass to the left side of the penalty area.
Inzaghi received the ball, but Cordoba quickly closed him down. Inzaghi attempted a forced cross from the byline, but no one was in the box to receive it. However, the ball traversed the entire penalty area to the right side, where Serginho collected it.
After exchanging a nce with Shevchenko, Serginho feigned a breakthrough, drawing Zambrotta''s attention, before making a diagonal pass to Shevchenko inside the penalty area. Shevchenko received the ball and took a direct shot, which Torlodo attempted to save but failed to reach in time.
AC Mn opened the scoring!
The San Siro, or rather, the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, erupted into celebration. The pulsating red and ck colors became dominant, while the blue and ck areas emitted boos.
Shevchenko was in excellent form in this match! Wang Feng couldn''t help but remark, "Now it''s our turn." His fighting spirit burned intensely.
In the 20th minute, Inter Mnunched an attack. Di Biagio carried the ball on the left nk into the opponent''s half and, faced with Nesta, sent a long cross across the entire pitch. Wang Feng urately received the ball on the right side.
Their partnership often involved such extensive transitions to unsettle the opponent''s defense. Of course, this relied on Wang Feng''s precise judgment of thending spot and his wless ball control.
After controlling the ball, Wang Feng passed it horizontally to Ribery nearby and quickly surged forward. Ribery gently flicked the ball with his toe, sending it high into the air over the approaching Maldini, before returning to Wang Feng''s control range.
A beautiful one-two! Wang Feng, positioned near the edge of the penalty area, didn''t hesitate and immediately took a powerful shot. With a loud "bang," the ball roared like a cannonball into AC Mn''s goal.
"Goooooal!! Inter Mn equalized!! Just three minutes after the first goal!!"
"Inter Mn''s extensive transitions in the attacking third are incredibly lethal. AC Mn''s defense hasn''t reacted yet, and Wang Feng broke through to the edge of the penalty area."
"He didn''t hesitate, taking a shot immediately. It all happened so fast that even the fans at the stadium were momentarily stunned before realizing that it was a goal."
Wang Feng didn''t celebrate the goal extravagantly; instead, he nced at Shevchenko and shrugged, as if to say, "I can score one too." The infuriated Ukrainian stomped his foot.
The first half ended in a draw, which wasn''t good news for AC Mn. During halftime, Ancelotti devised an attacking strategy, intending to bring on Rivaldo and adopt a formation with three forwards to mount another assault.
As the second half began, AC Mn''s attack intensified, putting Inter Mn''s already shaky defense under even more pressure. Wang Feng actively participated in defense, making several interceptions against the opponent''s balls.
But danger loomed. In the 57th minute, AC Mn won a corner kick. Serginho delivered the ball into the penalty area, finding Inzaghi in the middle. However, Inter Mn''s defense was too tight for Inzaghi to threaten with a header.
In a critical moment, Inzaghi spotted Rivaldo at the far post and decisively headed the ball across. The Brazilian, living up to expectations, made a forward run and shot, once again giving AC Mn the lead!
In the 71st minute, AC Mnunched another attack. Shevchenko''s shot was blocked by Toldo, and Materazzi cleared the ball with a big kick. The midfield was chaotic, and Di Biagio managed to steal the ball.
In the moment he got the ball, he immediately, without hesitation,unched a long pass to the frontcourt, where AC Mn''s yers were positioned very high, leaving their own half almost empty.
At that moment, a figure darted out from the crowd, Wang Feng, who had been waiting for an opportunity. He maintained his understanding with Di Biagio and began elerating the moment the opponent touched the ball.
Offside trap seeded! At this moment, in AC Mn''s half, only the charging Wang Feng and the airborne ball were visible, while the defending yers behind were desperately chasing, but they were already several positions behind.
AC Mn''s goalkeeper, Dida, quickly abandoned his goal, trying to intercept the falling ball before Wang Feng. However, the ball descended faster than he expected, and near the top of the penalty area, Wang Feng stretched out his leg and brought the ball under control.
Helplessly, Dida could only rush towards Wang Feng, fouling him before he entered the penalty area! At this moment, he didn''t care if the referee would show a card. If he didn''tmit the foul, Inter would have scored.
Facing the aggressive Dida, Wang Feng controlled the ball and suddenly turned his body, easily dodging him, even denying him the opportunity to foul.
Marseille turn!
With an empty goal in front of him, Wang Feng gently pushed the ball, and it slowly rolled into the.
2-2! Inter Mn equalized once again!
This attacking spectacle ultimately ended in a draw, a favorable situation for Inter Mn.
Chapter 174: Good performance
Chapter 174: Good performance
After the intense battle with AC Mn, Inter Mn rested for a night before flying to Valencia, Spain, the next day, preparing for the quarter-final second leg of the Champions League three dayster.
The home team, Valencia, made thorough preparations. Their head coach, Benitez, evenpletely abandoned the league match against Real Vadolid on April 20, resulting in a shocking 0-1 loss.
After this match, Valencia''s ranking on the league table plummeted to fifth ce, dropping out of the Champions League spots. The cost was heavy, so they focused on this year''s Europeanpetition, determined to achieve good results!
On the other hand, Inter Mn, having just yed a tough match against AC Mn, was once again ying away and facing an unfavorable situation. It seemed like they were walking on thin ice.
But circumstances change. In the first leg, Inter Mn had many issues due to their mentality. Now, through the guidance of the coaching staff and Wang Feng''s outstanding performance as a spiritual pir, they had improved significantly.
Ultimately, if they could set aside their desire for quick sess, Inter Mn feared no decisive battle!
In contrast, Valencia did not have a clear advantage in the first leg. After stumbling in the league, being overtaken by Celta Vigo, their morale was low, and they were full of doubts.
So, although Benitez had some reputation, hecked experience. He only considered rotating and resting his key yers, without considering the impact of losing and the Champions League spot on the yers'' morale.
On the night of April 23, the match took ce at the Mesta Stadium as scheduled.
After kick-off, both sides yed cautiously. Valencia mainly focused on defensive contraction, while Inter Mn dared not push forward aggressively to avoid leaving gaps in defense. Therefore, they engaged more in midfield probing and shes.
Both sides had few shots on goal, and the score remained 0-0.
The turning point came in the 80th minute of the second half. After a midfield interception by Inter Mn, Zti retreated to his own half and passed horizontally to Dharma.
Dharma received the ball, and at this moment, Wang Feng also dropped back to midfield. He nced at the positioning and decisively chose to pass the ball to Wang Feng, letting him organize the attack.
As Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the opponent, Albertda rushed up to press him, trying to tackle the ball.
Wang Feng quickly hooked the ball, avoiding the opponent''s slide tackle, and then elerated forward. Valencia''s other center-back, Rufete, hurriedly stepped forward, blocking his path. Wang Feng''s sprint in the previous match had left a deep impression on him, and he couldn''t allow Wang Feng to elerate easily.
Facing Rufete''s block, Wang Feng saw an opportunity and flicked the ball forward. The ball passed through Rufete''s legs, and although he tried to close his legs, he was still a step too slow. Wang Feng brushed past him.
Sessfully breaking through the two defenders! Wang Feng elerated through the midfield and quickly reached the edge of the penalty area.
Valencia defender Pelegrino closely followed Wang Feng, trying to stop him from advancing further. He dared not make any big movements because Wang Feng was within range for a free kick.
However, there were constant body contacts and small movements with hands. Wang Feng managed to control the ball, using his left hand to block Pelegrino, then suddenly made a quick stop.
Pelegrino couldn''t stop his steps and stumbled forward. Wang Feng flicked the ball to his left foot and continued to advance, sessfully getting past him.
Near the edge of the penalty area, Reviere looked nervously at Wang Feng approaching him. He watched as his teammates were shaken off one by one, and his fear grew.
Wang Feng continued his speed, leaning his right shoulder as if he was going to the right side. Reviere instinctively reacted, adjusting his bnce with Wang Feng''s rhythm.
But Wang Feng unexpectedly used his right foot to pull the ball back and turn, executing a graceful Marseille turn to slip past Reviere. Thest defender in the penalty area, Caponi, was shocked to see Reviere being shaken off and hurriedly stepped forward to block.
Wang Feng reacted swiftly, using continuous shifts in weight and footwork to make Caponi misjudge.
Swerving past him! The only one standing between Wang Feng and the Valencia goalkeeper, Canizares, was Caponi. When Wang Feng reached the sideline of the penalty area, Canizares had already focused all his attention.
Seeing Wang Feng''s superb dribbling skills, continuously bypassing two defenders, Canizares had to admit that Wang Feng''s ability was truly strong. At this moment, he could only take a chance!
Seeing Canizares rushing out of the goal to tackle the ball at his feet, Wang Feng calmly flicked the ball to the left, easily evading the goalkeeper''s hands.
Then, he skillfully avoided Canizares and, after catching up with the ball, scored into the empty with a side-footed shot.
After scoring, Wang Feng leaped up excitedly, waving his clenched fist vigorously in the air, expressing his excitement.
Turning his head, he expected to see his teammates rushing over to celebrate, but the scene he anticipated did not appear. At this moment, both Valencia and Inter Mn yers on the field were dumbfounded, and there was a moment of silence in the stands. Even the referee momentarily forgot to blow the whistle, as if the whole world had been paused.
The first toe to their senses was the referee, whose whistle broke the silence of the entire stadium, followed by bursts of exmation and sighs from the Mesta Stadium. The Inter Mn fans in the stands began to chant Wang Feng''s name in unison.
Inter Mn yers ran to Wang Feng, with Materazzi grabbing him and shaking him desperately, "Do you know what you''ve done? Oh my God, you alone pierced through Valencia''s entire defense line!"
Zti also put aside his usualposure, rubbing Wang Feng''s hair vigorously,ughing and saying, "You little rascal, you!"
In thementary box, thementators woke up as if from a dream, shouting, "Six yers! Wang Feng dribbled past six yers and scored against Valencia''s goal!"
"I don''t know how to describe my feelings right now. Fans at the stadium and viewers in front of the TV, you are fortunate to witness a magical game!"
"Wang Feng started from midfield, dribbled past Albertda, Rufete, Pelegrino, Reviere, Caponi, and Canizares, performing a crazy dribbling show and scoring a goal to overturn the score for Inter Mn!"
"Now they lead Valencia 2-1 on aggregate! Faced with this incredible goal and the limited time left, does Valencia still have the morale to continue the game?"
On the coaching bench, Benitez rubbed his smooth head, showing a bitter smile and a desperate look. He knew this game was over! With more than ten minutes left in the game, it was impossible to adjust the yers'' mentality!
As expected, the game resumed, and Valencia''s yers on the field were at a loss, especially when facing Wang Feng''s attacks, they were like frightened birds.
The game ended with only Revier receiving a yellow card for fouling Wang Feng, and everything else remained unchanged. Inter Mn eliminated Valencia and entered the Champions League semi-finals!
Chapter 175: The theory of the king of football
Chapter 175: The theory of the king of football
After the match ended, the referee, Frenchman Bart Schmoller, specifically approached Wang Feng: "What a brilliant duel! I believe this match will surely be one of the most ssic battles in Champions League history."
"Do you want to keep the match ball, Mr. Wang Feng?" Schmoller asked. "Yes, Mr. Schmoller, this will be one of my most cherished collections. Our trophy room only has a few trophies; it''s time to expand it a bit."
Schmollerughed heartily. "I''ll give it to you in the yer''s tunnelter. By the way, could you also sign it for me? My little son is your loyal fan. When he learned that I was going to referee this match, he pestered me for a long time, hoping I could get your autograph."
"It''s my honor, sir."
This match caused a sensation in the media. Everyone praised Wang Feng''s performance. Valencia''s head coach, Benitez, said in an interview: "Wang Feng crushed us. Both goals in the two legs were wless. It wasn''t our defense that had problems, but Wang Feng''s attacking power was too strong."
Inter Mn''s coach, Cooper, believed: "Wang is a true superstar. His performance today will shock the world."
"The skill of dribbling past six yers reminds people of Maradona''s goal of the century. In addition to this delicate footwork, he also has excellent endurance and confrontation ability, terrifying speed, and explosiveness. I believe he will continue to grow and be an even more terrifying presence."
Some journalists specifically interviewed Maradona about Wang Feng''s performance. The former king of football said: "I watched Wang Feng''s two matches against Valencia. In the first match, his terrifying speed shocked me. In the second match, he showed a different performance, with outstanding dribbling skills once again exceeding my expectations."
"I really wanted topete with him during my peak period, but that''s no longer possible."
The journalist keenly perceived Maradona''s underlying meaning and asked: "Are you implying that he could match you at your peak?"
Maradona nodded. "From the footage, it seems so. Put me in his position, and I couldn''t do any better."
This report caused a huge stir in the football world. No one expected Maradona to praise Wang Feng so highly. The implication of his words is that Wang Feng''s technical skills are now on par with those of the former football king.
"This is just a polite statement from the Argentine football king," the Italian newspaper "Tuttosport" said. "Even though Wang Feng has excellent technical skills, he still cannot bepared with Maradona."
"To reach that level, it''s almost impossible for Wang Feng because he not only needs to perform well at the club level but also needs to make breakthroughs in the national team. But considering Wang Feng''s background, this achievement is difficult to achieve."
Such interviews and media reports were transmitted back to China. While fans felt proud, they also felt a hint of helplessness. But even the most rational people couldn''t help but have a small expectation: Can Wang Feng create his own legend in the Chinese national team?
The matchups for the Champions League semifinals are clear: Inter Mn vs. AC Mn, the Mn Derby once again; the league''s consecutive loss-gued AC Mn, can they regain their footing? This will be the biggest highlight of this round of matches.
The other matchup is Real Madrid vs. Juventus. Can the defending champions, the Gcticos, sessfully defend their title and create a history of consecutive championships in the Champions League after its restructuring? This also draws considerable attention from the public.
Once again, Serie A has proven its dominant position in Europeanpetitions. All three teams from the "Northern Trio" have entered the Champions League semifinals. The Italian media are describing the current Serie A as the "best era."
"This season''s Serie A champion will be the most prestigious league champion in recent years!" wrote the Italian newspaper "Corriere dello Sport." "Will it fall to the ambitious Inter Mn, the relentless AC Mn, or the Juventus that came from behind? Let''s wait and see."
On April 28th, in the 30th round of Serie A, Inter Mn yed against Lazio away.
From now on, every round of the league is rted to the final championship. Therefore, Cooper dared not be negligent and sent all the main yers to battle against the Eagles.
Wang Feng continued his excellent form. In the 31st minute of the match, he continuously feinted in the frontcourt, ying around with Lazio defenders Negr and Pancaro, and then entered the penalty area with a low shot to open the scoring for Inter Mn.
In the 77th minute of the second half, Wang Feng was again training his opponent in the frontcourt. Pancaro couldn''t bear it and directly tackled him. The referee awarded a yellow card and a free kick in the frontcourt. The ball was about twenty-six meters away from the goal.
Wang Feng personally took the free kick and directly shot at the goal. The ball spun rapidly in the air, drawing an unexpected curved trajectory and pierced through the gate defended by Peruzzi once again.
2-0! Inter Mn defeated Lazio!
In the post-match interview, Lazio defender Pancaro expressed helplessness, saying that Wang Feng was an unsolvable problem. Not only did they need to be constantly on guard against his tricky feints, but they also had to avoid fouling him because of his remarkable uracy in scoring from free kicks near the penalty area.
He also had something in his heart that he didn''t say. Why was Wang Feng so tough? Many fouls were already severe, yet he remained uninjured. Even if injured, he could immediately recover and return to the field. Doesn''t he allow others to y?
On May 3rd, in the 31st round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Atnta.
Inter Mn got off to a dream start. In the 3rd minute, Toldo grabbed a ball sent into the penalty area by Atnta, then quickly threw it to Sartor, who took two steps before passing it to Wang Feng.
Wang Feng dribbled the ball quickly past the midfield line, once again showcasing his speed and explosiveness. In the blink of an eye, he reached the frontcourt, leaving several Atnta center-backs behind him.
It formed a two-on-two situation in the frontcourt. Wang Feng was in the front. He didn''t rush; instead, he skillfully passed the ball to the left.
The ball drew an arc on the pitch and, in its journey forward, curved around defender Carrera, finding Di Biagio, who was making a run. Di Biagio didn''t lose his speed, dribbled down the baseline, and crossed.
After passing the ball, Wang Feng didn''t slow down. Instead, he rushed into the penalty area. At this moment, the ball was returned to him. He was in a battle with Paganin, gaining the upper hand. Facing the ball directly, he pushed the ball into the with a shot.
The ball flew into the air, hitting the inside of the crossbar with a "bang" and bounced into the. Inter Mn led 1-0!
This goal also became the only goal of the match. In order to prepare for the Champions League midweek, coach Cooper quickly reced the main yers and set up a defensive stance in the back.
Although there were suspicions of ying defensively, it was necessary to preserve the fruit of victory. Not slipping up against Atnta proved to be essential because in another match, AC Mn defeated Como 2-0.
This way, Inter Mn still maintained their lead in points. With three rounds left in the league, the pressure will be more concentrated on the shoulders of the Rossoneri, whose several slip-ups this season have be unforgettable nightmares.
Chapter 176: Hot derby
Chapter 176: Hot derby
The first leg of the Champions League semi-finals kicked off at the San Siro Stadium. To ensure the safety of the match and avoid a repeat ofst year''s fireworks incident, fans of both AC Mn and Inter Mn were prohibited from bringing fireworks into the stadium, which caused dissatisfaction among a small group of fans.
The match started with an exceptionally intense atmosphere on the field. Both sides exerted their full strength but struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Inter Mn''s best chance came in the 29th minute.
After abination y between Wang Feng and Ribry on the right nk, Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area, attracting most of the defensive attention before passing horizontally to Di Biagio at the far post.
Facing an almost empty goal, Di Biagio unexpectedly hesitated, causing the ball to roll out of bounds from the outside of the goal post, apanied by sighs of disappointment as he regretfully grabbed his hair in frustration.
AC Mn also created good opportunities. In the 49th minute of the second half, Shevchenko yed a through ball in the top of the penalty area, which deflected off Maldini and bounced to the edge of the penalty area. Ruiz Costa, under tight marking from Zambrotta, managed to control the ball and pass it back to Gattuso.
Gattuso then attempted to pass the ball diagonally to the right side of the penalty area, sessfully prating Inter Mn''s defense this time. Inzaghi received the ball at the five-meter position in front of the goal and took a furious shot, but astonishingly missed the close-range shot!
Ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Inter Mn''s proud attack failed to produce results, Wang Feng was restricted, and the performance of other yers was also subpar.
However, their fragile defense did not concede a goal either. AC Mn''s forward line was equally poor in form, with Shevchenko having few shots throughout the game, and Inzaghi missing several good chances.
In the end, both sides were too exhausted. Their schedules were almost identical, and both teams were striving for victory topete for the league title.
When the referee blew the final whistle, despite theck of goals, the match was still exciting, and the entire San Siro Stadium erupted in warm apuse.
Wang Feng breathed a sigh of relief and walked towards a disheartened Di Biagio. "It''s okay, a draw is not a bad result," he said. Di Biagio smiled bitterly and replied, "If I had capitalized on that empty goal opportunity, things might have been different."
"If Inzaghi had managed to kick a few shots on target, we would have been at a disadvantage, wouldn''t we?" Wang Feng joked. "Everything has happened already, all we can do is y well in the next match."
Zti approached and said, "Wang is right, a draw is not a bad result. Remember, this match was at our home stadium, and AC Mn didn''t score."
"As long as we score one goal in the next leg, even if it''s a draw, we can advance on away goals."
Coach Cooper also praised everyone in the post-match summary: "Well done, everyone. We didn''t concede a goal and have gained a slight advantage. Let''s aim to score an early goal in the next match, then AC Mn will be in a difficult situation."
His affirmation relieved the yers. When the strengths are evenly matched, the yers'' mentality bes one of the crucial factors affecting the result. Both coaching staff are currently doing their best to reassure the yers, hoping they will face the uing matches with a positive mindset.
On May 10th, in the 32nd round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Parma away.
Inter Mn still fielded their strongest lineup. In the 25th minute of the match, Di Biagio sent a clever pass, Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area, faked a shot to shake off Ferrari, and scored with a left-footed shot to open the scoring for the away team.
But shortly after the start of the second half, Adriano assisted Grdino to equalize for Parma. Their attacking power remained strong. If not for their poor defense, Parma wouldn''t have been only ranked fifth in the league standings.
As the match approached its end, Wang Feng orchestrated another attack. He sessfully found Vieira with a cross from the right, but Vieira''s header was saved by Frey. Ribry followed up with a rebound goal.
2-1! Inter Mn defeated their opponents!
When Wang Feng returned to the dressing room, he found his teammates smiling. He hurriedly inquired about the reason, and Materazzi replied, "Wang, great news! In the just-concluded match, AC Mn unexpectedly lost 0-1 to Brescia away."
"With two rounds left, we are now leading AC Mn by 4 points. As long as we win against Modena in the next round, we can defend our league title one round early!"
Wang Feng was delighted. He didn''t expect AC Mn to sumb to the pressure. The defense of the defending champions was within reach!
But he soon became worried again because he knew that AC Mn would give it their all in the next Champions League match!
On May 14th, still at the San Siro Stadium, the Mn Derby continued.
AC Mnunched a full-scale attack from the beginning. They used high-pressing tactics to pressurize the opponents. In the 9th minute, Ru Costa''s cross from the nk was picked up by Shevchenko, who then chipped the ball behind the defenders for Inzaghi to score.
The ball flew past Toldo, and at the crucial moment, Materazzi rushed forward and raised his right foot high to deflect the ball over the crossbar, but he couldn''t stop himself and crashed into the goal post.
Materazzi felt a sharp pain in his foot and rolled on the ground in agony. After a preliminary examination by the team doctor, he regretfully shook his head and signaled for a substitution.
Inter Mn lost another key yer in the defense! Cooper had no choice but to rece Materazzi with Pasqual and also let Gamara rece Dalmat. Wang Feng moved to the attacking midfielder position, and the formation changed to 5-4-1.
Cooper was really worried about the defense! Using more yers to stack the defense, he couldn''t care less about making adjustments so early in the game. It was better than falling behind and bing passive.
Wang Feng''s range of activity was already wide, so there wasn''t much difference between ying as a forward and an attacking midfielder. He just moved closer to the midfield, facing more defensive pressure.
As the match resumed, under AC Mn''s fierce attack, Inter Mn''s defense was indeed in danger. Without Materazzi''s aerial presence, they frequently used high crosses into the penalty area, with Shevchenko and Inzaghi attempting headers.
Fortunately, both of them were not in their best form, always missing the target by a small margin, so both sides maintained a 0-0 draw until halftime.
After the break, AC Mn continued to dominate possession, with their ball possession rate reaching 70% at one point. However, their inability to score increasingly frustrated the yers, and the actions on the field became more aggressive.
In the 81st minute, Sidorov made a fierce tackle on Di Biagio in the midfield, leading to a dispute that almost sparked a conflict. Fortunately, the referee intervened in time, separated everyone, and showed Sidorov a yellow card.
Inter Mn won a free kick in the midfield. Dalmat lofted the ball near the top of the penalty area, Di Biagio sessfully controlled the ball and then dribbled to the nk, pulling away the defense in the penalty area.
After faking out Maldini with a feint, he made his way to the left side, suddenly turned around and crossed, and Wang Feng at the far post shot with his left foot while in mid-air, piercing through Dida''s hands and into the!
Soon, the match ended, and Inter Mn advanced to the Champions League final with an aggregate score of 1-0 against AC Mn.
Chapter 177: THE stage
Chapter 177: THE stage
"Congrattions, Wang." After the match, Shevchenko walked towards Wang Feng, forcing a smile, and said, "Congrattions on your goal and victory." He took the initiative to shake hands with Wang Feng and hugged him briefly to celebrate.
The two-legged tie ended with only one goal, and it was this goal that ended AC Mn''s journey in this year''s Champions League, which was a heavy blow to them.
To make matters worse, they also found themselves in a disadvantageous position in the race for the league title.
"Thank you, you guys performed excellently. I thought we might go into penalties," Wang Feng said. Since his debut, he hadn''t experienced a cruel penalty shootout.
Shevchenko smiled bitterly and shook his head. He knew very well that over the two legs, Inter Mn and they had simr opportunities, and even due to the special marking on Wang Feng, his performance was limited.
In such circumstances, AC Mn''s forward line missed chance after chance, while Wang Feng, on the other hand, capitalized on the few opportunities he got and dealt a decisive blow.
"We won''t give up until thest moment in the league," Shevchenko said stubbornly. Even though the hope seemed faint, if Inter Mn wins the next round, they can clinch the title prematurely. He didn''t like leaving their fate in the hands of their opponents.
After exchanging jerseys and talking with Shevchenko, Wang Feng walked towards the yers'' tunnel. Seeing AC Mn''s coach Ancelotti, he greeted him, and Ancelotti hugged Wang Feng, saying, "Wang, I really like your style of y. Coaching you would be a joy."
Wang Feng smiled and didn''t say anything. As Inter Mn''s top star, it was almost impossible for him to switch to AC Mn. Ancelotti didn''t continue the topic but encouraged, "Next up is the ultimate showdown against Real Madrid. You have to keep up the good work and help Serie A reim the Champions League trophy."
The other semifinal match of the Champions League also concluded, with Real Madrid advancing by an away goal against Juventus after a 1-1 draw over two legs.
For Real Madrid, Inter Mn was both unfamiliar and familiar. The two clubs hadn''t faced each other formally for several years, but yers like Zidane and Ronaldo in Real Madrid had previously yed in Serie A.
Nowadays, Real Madrid was truly a gxy of stars. yers like Roberto Carlos, Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Makll, along with Zidane, Figo, Ral, and Ronaldo in the front, made them formidable in every aspect. They just needed to exploit Inter Mn''s weak defense, and the injury-gued Inter couldn''t resist.
"When Ronaldo was interviewed, he confidently said he would bring Real Madrid their 10th Champions League trophy. It seems he knows very well about the weakness in your Inter''s defense. You have to be careful," Ancelotti kindly reminded.
As Inter Mn''s team bus left the stadium, fans crowded the sides of the road, waving homemade banners with messages of support. Many shouted Wang Feng''s name, which he could hear clearly from inside the bus.
"Your poprity is incredible," Zti remarked. It was understandable. Thest time Inter Mn reached the Champions League final was way back in 1972.
At that time, they faced Ajax, the reigning champions of Eredivisie, and suffered a 0-2 defeat at the Feijenoord Stadium, narrowly missing out on the trophy.
That match saw Ajax sessfully defending their Champions League title, and in the following season, they achieved a three-peat, showcasing their dominance.
Unfortunately, after the Bosman ruling, Ajax suffered from significant yer departures and eventually declined into a smaller club, relying on youth academy products for survival.
Returning to Inter Mn, since that year, the team hadn''t been able to reach the Champions League final again. Despite continuously acquiring superstars like Altobelli, Matth?us, Brehme, Klinsmann, Vieri, and Ronaldo, they failed to achieve European glory.
Thirty-one years! For the self-proimed elite club of Inter Mn fans, thirty-one years of absence from the Champions League final was incredibly despairing. And now, Wang Feng appeared, seemingly like a savior, knocking out Valencia with two stunning goals, andst-minute defeating AC Mn, leading Inter back to the pinnacle stage.
How could such a yer not be adored by the fans? More and more people gathered just to chant his name, Wang Feng!
The scene was chaotic for a while, with some fans spilling onto the road, blocking the path of the bus. Security personnel worked tirelessly to maintain order, taking over half an hour to clear the way.
As the bus drove on, many fans continued to follow, only stopping at the highway intersection when intercepted. Wang Feng and the yers watched everything from inside the bus, each filled with shock and pride.
These were the fans of Inter Mn! They didn''t disappoint this group of people''s expectations!
"I wonder what the city will be like when we lift the Champions League trophy," Di Biagio said with anticipation.
"Not just the Champions League trophy," Wang Feng''s voice came, "when we lift five trophies and hold a grand victory parade, the whole city will be celebrating for us."
Everyone''s eyes sparkled with strong determination. If they could aplish this feat, they would be forever engraved in Inter Mn''s history and leave a significant mark on the world football history.
The next day, sports media around the world reported on the two Champions League semi-final matches, with Real Madrid narrowly winning with an away goal, and Inter Mn''s Wang Feng winning the Mn Derby with a precisete goal.
The reinvigorated Inter Mn facing the star-studded Real Madrid undoubtedly filled fans and media worldwide with anticipation. And how the newly crowned European Golden Ball and FIFA World yer of the Year, Ronaldo, would face his former club was a topic everyone eagerly discussed.
Could Wang Feng continue his miraculous performances and help Inter Mn win the long-awaited glory?
"I''ll see you at Old Trafford," Ronnie called Wang Feng. "I never thought we would meet in the final. I won''t show any mercy." As the stars in the team gradually aged, Ronnie keenly sensed that Real Madrid was declining, and this year might be theirst chance for glory!
"We don''t need your mercy," Wang Feng said firmly. "I''ve been looking forward to a formal showdown with you for a long time. See you on the pitch, Ronnie!"
Chapter 178: League Champion !
Chapter 178: League Champion !
After the Champions League semi-finals, Inter Mn continued their usual training to prepare for the Serie A league match three dayster, which was crucial. If they could win smoothly, they would secure the Serie A championship one round early.
If they couldn''t win, Inter Mn would face a dilemma of four decisive matches in 12 days: two Italian Cup finals, the final round of the league, and the Champions League final. This was a situation nobody wanted to face.
Unlike cup finals in other European countries, the Italian Cup final follows a two-legged home-and-away format.
After recovery training, the coaching staff called for a meeting with the entire team in the conference room. Club president Moratti, technical director Horacio Bom, and other top officials were all present, making it a grand asion.
The Champions League final absence for 31 years, and the Italian Cup absence for 21 years, alongside the looming league title defense, made every aspect seem incredibly important.
Moratti, the Inter Mn president, was in high spirits. He believed that the wisest and most important decision of his life was bringing in Wang Feng! As long as Wang Feng didn''t want to leave, no other club would sell him even for a hundred million!
Looking around at the Inter Mn yers, Moratti began, "Thank you all for your great contributions to the team. It''s because of your relentless efforts this season that the team has made such great progress."
He mentioned some key league, cup, and Champions League matches, praising Wang Feng, as well as other core yers like Snchez, Di Biagio, Batistuta, and Vieri. Even Ribery, who joined in the winter break, received praise.
In addition to praise, Moratti also promised that the club had drafted a reward n. Depending on the final results achieved, the rewards would vary in degree, and the specifics would be announced within three days.
"If we can help Inter Mn achieve the historic feat of winning five trophies, I believe the rewards we offer will exceed your imagination," Moratti said.
The technical director emphasized the uing key matches. The home match against Modena on May 17th must be won so they could focus on preparing for the first leg of the Italian Cup final on May 20th and the Champions League final on May 28th, while skipping thest round of the league on May 24th.
Inter Mn''s opponent in the Italian Cup final was their old friends, AC Mn. It''s imaginable that, in order to achieve something this season, they would fight desperately.
For this, the club''s top management even drafted an alternative n. If they couldn''t win the league early, they would give up the cup and spare no effort to ensure victory in the league and the Champions League.
However, Cooper was very confident about defeating newly promoted Modena. The overall level of their opponents was not high.
In the 33rd round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Modena at home. Earlier in the day, AC Mn withstood the pressure and beat Bologna 3-1. So, whether they could win the title in advance depended on the performance of the Nerazzurri.
The Meazza Stadium was filled not only with Modena fans but also with arge number of AC Mn fans, all there to support the away team, hoping to dy Inter Mn''s pace.
But in the 21st minute of the first half, Wang Feng, Vieri, and Ribery''s continuous passing and cooperation on the right tore apart the opponent''s defense, with Wang Feng finally shooting and scoring from the right side of the small penalty area.
1-0! Inter Mn dealt a heavy blow to the fans of the Rossoneri on the stands!
Thementator on-site eximed excitedly, "This is Wang Feng''s 40th goal of the season, breaking the record for the highest single-season goals in Serie A and raising it to 40!"
"What''s even more amazing is that Wang Feng''s assists this season have also reached 20, dominating both the top scorer and assist charts! This season belongs to Wang Feng! He is highly likely to win the European Golden Boot again."
Before the end of the first half, Vieri expanded Inter Mn''s lead, and in the 61st minute, Ribery added another goal, securing the victory. The head coach quickly substituted key yers.
In the end, Inter Mn won 3-0 at home against Modena, securing the crucial three points. With only one round left in the league, they led AC Mn by four points, sessfully defending their league title in advance!
At the moment the final whistle blew, members of Inter Mn''s coaching staff and substitute yers rushed onto the field to celebrate with the yers. Two consecutive titles, the triple crown, Inter Mn achieved it!
Modena''s yers congratted Inter Mn one after another before leaving the field, leaving the stage to this group that dominated Serie A.
Cooper looked at the celebrating yers on the field, tightly gripping and then releasing his palms. His heart was full of pride. Leading the team to consecutive championships at the top level of European football made this achievement enough to make many coaches feel inferior.
But besides pride, he also had a trace of anxiety. The experience of failing in the Champions League final twice made him somewhat worried. "I won''t repeat the same mistakes!" Cooper silently encouraged himself. "Unlike the stars of Valencia who failed to stand out in difficult times back then, Inter Mn now has Wang Feng, and he won''t let us down!"
Ribery, on the sidelines, was celebrating with his teammates, but he always felt a bit unreal. Just half a year ago, he was still ying in the French third division,ying bricks while ying football to make a living. Now, he had the chance to lift the Serie A championship trophy?
Looking at Wang Feng''s smiling face, Ribery''s expression of admiration became even stronger. This was a true superstar!
In the luxury box on the stands, Moratti let out a long breath. With the dust settled on the league, the next arrangements could proceed smoothly. First, they would battle AC Mn, then go to Perugia for a simple award ceremony, and finally receive the Serie A championship trophy.
The day after receiving the trophy, they would charter a ne directly to Manchester, Ennd. This way, they would have three days to train, adjust, and adapt to the venue.
The situation for their opponent, Real Madrid, was simr to Inter Mn''s. They might even be more exhausted because they were currentlypeting with Real Sociedad for the league title, and they couldn''t afford to give up any matches.
The day after the match, the major Italian media outlets reported the crowning of the new champions. The headline in the Mn Sports Daily read, "Inter, Champions!" The article stated that Inter Mn had won the league championship one round early, achieving a sessful defense of the title, with Wang Feng''s performance being indispensable.
"This season, Wang Feng continued his high-level performance, contributing 40 goals and 20 assists. He unquestionably became the league''s top scorer and assist leader. It can be said that Inter Mn''s sess isrgely due to him."
"At the beginning of the season, not being seen as a favorite, the injuries and conflicts during the season made Inter Mn''s journey to the championship not smooth. But Wang Feng always yed a crucial role at critical moments, saving the team time and time again."
"Two years ago, Moratti spent only 20 million to bring Wang Feng back to Inter Mn. This deal will undoubtedly be one of the most sessful transactions in Inter Mn''s history, and Moratti will also be one of the greatest presidents in Inter Mn''s history because of this deal."
The Turin Sports Daily also pointed out in its report that bringing in Wang Feng was the key to Inter Mn''s sess. "What''s even more worrying is that Wang Feng is only 19 years old. Inter Mn can continuously improve their team around him, and they will always be the biggest favorites for the title."
"Juventus must make some changes. The signings this summer are crucial. Otherwise, the failure to win any of the four major trophies this season is likely to repeat next season."
Chapter 179: Cup final, no compromise
Chapter 179: Cup final, nopromise
The biggest advantage of ying against AC Mn in the cup final is that there is no need for back-and-forth travel. The two teams have already yed against each other four times this season, with Inter Mn winning one, drawing two, and losing one, so they don''t have a statistical advantage.
However, they have solidly snatched the league title and the Champions League final spot from AC Mn''s hands. Therefore, AC Mn is united in their determination to retain the cup championship trophy!
"Beep~~~" With the sound of the whistle from the Italian referee Leon Foxworthy, the yers quickly started running, and the game began.
Without cautious probing, the two teams, who had shed just six days ago, quickly began nning their offensive and defensive strategies, and the pace of the game was fast.
Wang Feng sat on the ground, feeling somewhat frustrated as he looked at the handsome Italian guy in front of him. Nesta reached out his hand to him apologetically, and Wang Feng grabbed it and got up.
Just now, he had received the ball on the right, and after feinting Nesta with a fake move, he wanted to cut inside with the ball. However, before he could elerate, the Italian made a decisive foul.
It would have been a good opportunity if he could have made it inside. Ah, AC Mn knows him too well. Wang Feng shook his head and sighed. His start was still a bit slow.
It''s difficult to directly threaten the goal from this position for a free kick. Wang Feng took the free kick himself, lofting the ball into the penalty area. Without the high point presence of Materazzi and with Vieri not in peak condition, the 1.87-meter-tall Maldini easily cleared the ball.
AC Mn''s defense against Wang Feng became even tighter and more proactive, and they resorted to fouls in areas where he couldn''t threaten the goal directly with free kicks.
The game entered a stalemate, but the scene was exceptionally intense, with the referee''s whistle sounding frequently.
In such an intense situation, Wang Feng still created two very good opportunities. One was a free kick cleverly passed to Ribery at the far post, but his shot was saved by Dida.
The other was taking advantage of his superior eleration to break through Simic''s defense, but his right-footed shot hit the post, missing an excellent chance to open the scoring.
Retreating to the midfield to receive the ball again, Wang Feng dribbled forward himself, with Gattuso unable to tackle him, and decided to foul him, but this time, the referee blew the whistle again without showing a card.
Inter Mn quickly took the free kick, giving it to Di Biagio on the left, but he couldn''t break through AC Mn''s defense and was tackled by Nesta. Seeing the situation, Wang Feng elerated to press, wanting to regain possession on the spot.
Nesta was somewhat nervous and directly cleared the ball with a long pass. Inter Mn won the first ball, and Zti controlled the ball.
"AC Mn''s defense in this game is very tough, making it difficult for Inter Mn to make breakthroughs. Wang Feng needs more support from the midfield, but obviously, Inter Mn also dare not press forward too aggressively and leave their defense vulnerable."
"Look at this time, Zti passed the ball to Dalma on the left, and Dalma continued with a long pass. The ball came to the left side of the front court, and Di Biagio judged thending point and headed it."
As Di Biagio moved forward, Wang Feng had already run beside him to support. Seeing the balling, he first controlled it with his chest, then used his left foot to bring it down, immediately shifting it to his right foot. The whole process was seamless, not giving Nesta a chance to tackle him closely.
After securing the ball, Wang Feng poked it sideways with the tip of his right foot, then suddenly elerated past Nesta and quickly passed it to Ribery, who had rushed to the right.
Ribery pictured the situation in the front court. Di Biagio was on the left, Wang Feng and Vieri were in the middle, making it a perfect time for a cross. So, without hesitation, before the defender Maldini coulde to defend, he used his right foot to send a cross into the penalty area.
Ribery didn''t disappoint Wang Feng''s trust! As the ball was passed to the right, Wang Feng had already started running towards the penalty area. When Ribery made the pass, he had just burst out of AC Mn''s defensive line, sessfully avoiding the offside.
The cross wasn''t very high, only reaching Wang Feng''s waist, so he lifted his left foot and, with the ball flying towards him, executed a side volley in mid-air. The ball took a slight deviation and flew towards the left post of the goal, hitting the inside of the post and bouncing into the.
"Wang Feng!! Goal!! Gooooooooooooooooooal!! In the 41st minute of the first half, Inter Mn took the lead!!"
"Excellent teamwork in the front court, excellent volley!"
"AC Mn is in a disadvantageous position, I wonder if they will recall the bad experience of the Champions League quarter-finals. The yers need to adjust their mentality quickly."
As thementator said, the yers of AC Mn werepletely shattered mentally. Their attack was ineffective, and instead, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to score one. The pre-match arrangements were in vain, and it was too painful!
Defeat in the Champions League, defeat in the league, and now falling behind in the cup as well, the consecutive blows left them feeling bewildered. Inter Mn then seized this opportunity tounch another attack.
This time, Zti intercepted in midfield and organized the attack, passing the ball to Wang Feng. While dribbling forward, Wang Feng observed the situation and suddenly passed the ball to Di Biagio on the left. When thetter entered the penalty area, he didn''t have a good chance.
So he decisively passed the ball back to Wang Feng near the top of the arc of the penalty area. At this moment, AC Mn defender Costacurta didn''t know what he was thinking and left Wang Feng some distance, only waiting for him to break through inside the penalty area.
Wang Feng didn''t hesitate either. He immediately flicked the ball to his right, creating some space between him and the goalkeeper, and then took a shot without hesitation. The shot wasn''t very powerful, but the adjustment of the angle for the shot was perfect.
The ball drew a huge arc in the air, and just when the goalkeeper thought it was going out of bounds, it suddenly curved into the top right corner of the goal.
2-0! Inter Mn expanded their lead!
After scoring, Wang Feng excitedly slid on his knees to the sideline, pointing to the sky in celebration. His teammates crowded around him, as his heroic performance this season had already won over everyone.
Costacurta pped his head in frustration, wondering how he could make such a mistake! Now letting Inter Mn expand the lead was adding insult to injury for the team.
On the coach''s bench, Ancelotti rubbed his temples, feeling extremely troubled. Wang Feng had be the striker he least wanted to face. No matter how well the tactics were arranged, it was the yers who executed them, and inevitably, some mistakes urred. But Wang Feng always seized such opportunities until hepletely destroyed his opponents.
He even felt somewhat despondent, wondering if his coaching abilities were inadequate. Being handed a mess from Trimmelst year, they barely secured a Champions League spot at thest minute, so he proposed increasing the strength of signings at the beginning of the season.
The club was also very supportive, spending a lot of money to poach many good yers from major clubs. With a perfect lineup, they performed well on various stages, but Inter Mn, gued by injuries, was always trailing behind.
Was his coaching abilitycking? Ancelotti felt somewhat doubtful about life.
Chapter 180: Invite
Chapter 180: Invite
The time came to the second half, and after the halftime break, AC Mn yers managed to recover their spirits andunched a spirited chase. Meanwhile, Inter Mn adopted a defensive strategy, substituting Cooper for Vieri, strengthening the midfield and defense.
Wang Feng remained on the field, exerting significant pressure on AC Mn''s defense, and his constant running kept the opponents upied.
Although the Red and ck Legion created several threatening attacks, they always fell short, and the score remained 2-0 until the end of the match.
Inter Mn secured victory in the first leg of the final, and they were already halfway to lifting the cup!
After defeating AC Mn, the entire Inter Mn team headed to Perugia, including the still-injured Recoba and Materazzi. They all participated in the final award ceremony. The league trophy had already been sent ahead, so the Italian Football Association didn''t need to prepare replicas this time.
The final round of matches was uneventful. Inter Mn had already secured the title, so they fielded their entire bench. Perugia had no aspirations for a result and didn''t want to y seriously either. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with the referee blowing the final whistle as soon as the time was up.
When Zti lifted the league championship trophy again, both the traveling Inter Mn fans and the home Perugia fans apuded this dynasty team.
Wang Feng was awarded both the league Golden Boot and the assist king honors!
Some are happy, some are sad. The four Serie A teams that secured Champions League berths this season were Inter Mn, AC Mn, Juventus, and Lazio, while Parma narrowly missed out and had to settle for the Europa League.
The situation regarding relegation was moreplicated. Piacenza, Como, and Torino were already relegated, but Reggina, Modena, and Atnta all finished with the same points. ording to Serie A rules, the three teams needed to y a round-robin tournament to determine their final standings.
Modena umted the most points and secured safety. Reggina then faced Atnta in a two-legged yoff, narrowly defeating their opponents. The "curse" of Inter Mn''s relegation to Serie B was broken.
The four promoted teams for next season are Ancona, Siena, Le, and Sampdoria. It''s rumored that Serie A chairman Carraro is preparing a n to expand Serie A, with the league set to include 20 teams as early as the 2004-2005 season.
In Amsterdam, Christian Civu held a letter and a ticket to the Champions League final, unable to calm his excitement. Many thoughts raced through his mind, recalling the extra training sessions with Wang Feng, and their joint victory in the Europa League. These moments were the most significant in his professional career.
Returning to Ajax with the glory of the Europa League, Civu quickly secured his ce in the starting lineup. He took over the captain''s armband from Brindisi, bing the youngest captain in Ajax''s history, leading the team to a domestic double.
Unlike Bess and Renee, his connection with Wang Feng wasn''t as close. He simply admired Wang Feng''s leadership in winning the Europa Leaguest season and sent a congrattory message.
This season''s Champions League drew Inter Mn and Ajax in the same group, and both teams advanced. After the matches, there wasn''t muchmunication between the two, as their schedules were tight.
Ajax was eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, losing to AC Mn, also from Serie A. Meanwhile, Inter Mn steadily progressed to the final stage.
Now, Wang Feng sincerely invited Civu to Old Trafford to watch Inter Mn''s Champions League final. In the letter, he mentioned his hope that Civu would consider joining Inter Mn next season and fight alongside him again!
Both Civu and his agent felt that staying at Ajax couldn''t further his career. They were considering moving to a higher level league, with Serie A and La Liga being the main targets.
Their primary target had always been AS Roma. Negotiations were going smoothly, but unexpectedly, Wang Feng extended the invitation at this time.
His agent, Bacalli, was with him at the moment and saw Civu''splex expression. He said, ''Roma is indeed a good tform, but they didn''t secure a European spot this year. Next season, they only have the league to y.''
''Inter Mn, on the other hand, is different. They''re in great form, and their defense is shaky. If you go there, you''ll definitely make an impact, especially with Wang Feng''s rmendation.''
''Have you heard of Ribery? He started in the French third division, but thanks to Wang Feng''s rmendation, he shone on the Serie A stage and became a hotshot forward.''
''Listen to me, go to Inter Mn. There, your career will surely take another step forward!'' Bacalli said confidently. Civu nodded in agreement, thinking that training with Wang Feng at Inter Mn would elerate his progress, with a world-ss striker as a sparring partner.
Apart from Civu, Bess, Renee, and Barry, among other old friends, also received tickets to the final from Wang Feng, hoping they woulde to cheer for him. This was Wang Feng''s first time reaching the Champions League final!
Bess felt deeply moved. Without Wang Feng, Genk was no longer magical, and this year, they missed out on Europeanpetition. Looking back, it was Wang Feng who had made Genk, and they achieved glory that seemed unattainable forever.
''I''ll go. Seeing Wang Feng lift the trophy will be quite an experience. By then, we can also take a photo with the Champions League trophy,'' Bess said to Renee, confident that Wang Feng would win. This man never disappointed.
''Sounds great. That''s settled then. I''ll call Wang and remind him to remember to find us with the trophy,'' Renee said mischievously.
In addition to these close friends, Wang Feng also invited his family to join him. Compared to the Europa League final, tickets for the Champions League final were much harder toe by, with scalpers charging thousands of euros.
But Wang Feng still managed to secure plenty of tickets. After all, he was the most precious asset of the club. As long as there was demand, the club''s management would spare no effort to amodate him. Wang Feng''s entourage in Manchester, including his family, had everything taken care of by Inter Mn''s staff, showing a sincere gesture.
His younger sister and Lu Yao were on summer vacation. They were delighted to see their long-lost rtives in Ennd. This time, Wang Feng chose not to apany them, as the preparation time was too tight.
After spending a year in Europe, two young girls traveling around Ennd with their family was no problem at all. They even went to London, with Lu Yao eagerly suggesting the idea, as she had long wanted to visit the capital city.
Chapter 181: The curtains open
Chapter 181: The curtains open
Inter Mn and Real Madrid arrived in Manchester one after another, and the media stationed at the airport became busy, snapping photos to use as material for the news the next day.
Both clubs'' entourages were veryrge. In addition to the regr eighteen-man squad, injured yers like Recoba and Materazzi, who were ineligible to y, also traveled to Ennd.
The mood of the Inter Mn yers, who had just lifted the league championship trophy, was very good. They smiled and waved to the reporters and fans. Wang Feng''s appearance drew cheers from the fans, and some bold female fans even shouted flirtatious words at him.
That evening, Inter Mn arrived at Old Trafford Stadium for a familiarization training session. Inter Mn legend and one-club man Bergomi visited their training session and, in an interview, expressed that although Real Madrid was strong, it was Inter Mn''s era now!
"We have won three championships already. We have young and strong leaders. Although Real Madrid boasts many stars, it''s time to sink this gctic battleship!"
Although Zti was still the captain of Intern Mn, Bergomi clearly considered Wang Feng the true leader of the team.
After the training session, head coach Cooper attended the routine press conference. Regarding Bergomi''s statement about leadership, he did not directly respond but emphasized the high strength of the opponents and affirmed that Inter Mn would give their all.
"For a team like Real Madrid with an array of stars, we cannot allow them to y smoothly. We will focus on arranging tactics in the midfield and forward positions." Cooper didn''t explicitly state the strategy, and the journalists present understood that it wouldn''t be appropriate to reveal it at this point.
As for the team''s shorings, Cooper believed it was theck of experience in the Champions League final. After all, Inter Mn hadn''t reached the final for many years, and there were very few experienced yers in the squad.
"The pressure of big matches will affect the yers'' performance; this is inevitable. But I believe our yers can adjust well, especially Wang Feng. He is naturally a big-hearted yer, and I have full confidence in him."
Real Madrid also conducted an adaptability training sessionter. Head coach Bosque stated, "Real Madrid is a frequent participant in the Champions League and the club with the most championship titles. We once won the glory of five consecutive championships."
"Since the restructuring of the Champions League, no club has been able to achieve consecutive titles, but we will win this honor and continue our glorious history!"
Regarding Wang Feng of Inter Mn, Bosque expressed the highest level of attention and stated that they would arrange the tightest defense to limit him. "In front of the world-ss defense, Wang Feng will be defeated."
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Wee to the final of the 2002-2003 UEFA Champions League. We are at Old Trafford Stadium in Ennd."
"The two teamspeting tonight are Real Madrid from La Liga and Inter Mn from Serie A."
"Real Madrid is participating in the Champions League final for the twelfth time, having won nine championships. Inter Mn is participating in the Champions League final for the fourth time, having won two championships. It''s worth mentioning that Inter Mn''sst appearance in the Champions League final dates back to the distant year of 1972."
"From the data perspective, Real Madrid outperforms Inter Mn, and they are also the defending champions of thest edition of the Champions League. Therefore, they have an absolute advantage in terms of tournament experience."
"But after an absence of thirty-one years, Inter Mn''s return to the Champions League final stage is not to be underestimated. The team''s top scorer, Wang Feng, has contributed 18 goals on the Champions League stage, far ahead of other yers. He is the main contributor to Inter Mn''s journey to the final."
"Will the star-studded, experienced Real Madrid im the crown, or will the outstanding Wang Feng help Inter Mn lift the trophy? Let''s wait and see."
After a brief dance performance, both teams, following the lead of the main referee, Ondo Woolbridge, entered Old Trafford Stadium. Real Madrid yers wore their iconic white jerseys, while Inter Mn wore their home blue-ck jerseys.
Real Madrid''s starting lineup was 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Casis.
Defenders: Salgado, Carlos, Hierro, and Helguera.
Midfielders: Zidane, Makll, Figo, and Guti.
Forwards: Ral and Ronaldo.
Inter Mn''s starting lineup was also 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Toldo.
Defenders: Cordoba, Cannavaro, Zti, and Pasqual.
Midfielders: Di Biagio, Zti, Dalma, and Ribry.
Forwards: Wang Feng and Vieri.
Real Madrid won the kick-off, and captain Hierro gestured for his teammates to gather together as he walked back to his half, saying, "We got the kick-off for the first half, which is lucky. After the game starts, we stabilize the pace and follow the coach''s arrangements for offense and defense. The opponents are just neers to the Champions League final; we will definitely have thestugh. Understand?"
The Galcticos all nodded.
Both teams set up their formations, with Ral and Zidane standing at the center circle ready to kick-off. The yers from both sides were fully focused, staring at the ball in the middle.
Wang Feng was very worried about Inter Mn''s defense. The absence of Materazzi, Coco, and others due to injury, coupled with theck of coordination between Cannavaro and Cordoba, seriously affected the stability of the defense.
"It seems that we need to create more threats in the frontcourt after the opening to pressure Real Madrid''s defense and prevent them from attacking with full force!" Wang Feng thought silently.
As he looked at Real Madrid''s half, Ronaldo smiled and nodded in greeting, his eyes full of fighting spirit. He attached great importance to the showdown with International Mn.
With the sound of the main referee Woolbridge''s whistle, the curtain of the final was finally raised.
Ral quickly passed the ball to Zidane, who then passed it back to the defense to organize. Real Madrid did not start with an aggressive attack.
On International Mn''s side, Vieri and Wang Feng quickly moved into the frontcourt to pressurize Real Madrid''s passing, while Di Biagio and Dalma did not advance too much, staying near the center line.
Both teams appeared very cautious. Carlos passed the ball to the midfielder Guti; Dalma quickly moved forward to intercept. Guti chose to pass back to the defender Salgado, who looked ahead and suddenly sent a lofted pass directly to the feet of Ral in the frontcourt.
The Spaniard controlled the ball with his chest, turned around, and dribbled along the sideline. Although Pasqual marked him closely, with his excellent technique, he still found space to pass.
Ronaldo, who received the ball inside the penalty area, used a feint to shake off Cannavaro and directly shot. Goalkeeper Toldo was very focused, blocking the ball with one hand, and Zti, who followed up, immediately cleared the ball with a long kick.
Real Madridpleted the first shot of the game! The threatening attack nearly changed the score, leaving the Inter Mn yers on the field and head coach Cooper on the sidelines sweating coldly.
Toldo loudly reminded the defenders to stay focused and to be careful of Ronaldo and Ral''s dribbling skills, which were highly lethal to the defense.
Chapter 182: Nibble
Chapter 182: Nibble
After the kick-off, Real Madrid''s offensive organization was very effective, and Inter Mn hadn''t found their rhythm yet; they were mostly on the defensive.
"Look at this, Figo''s breakthrough on the wing, beautiful! He got past Pasqual, ah, Pasqual fouled Figo, it''s inevitable. If the Portuguese had gone past, it would have been very dangerous."
"Pasqual''s tackle was very decisive. We can see the referee running up to him; he''s probably warning him, but no cards are shown. Real Madrid gets a free-kick from the sideline."
This free-kick position posed a significant threat, with Hierro, Zidane, and others all lurking in the penalty area for headers, while Inter Mn set up a strong defense inside the box.
When the referee''s whistle blew, Figo quickly ran up and sent the ball into the penalty area. In the chaos, the ball passed over the heads of the yers vying for it at the near post and found Ra??l lurking at the far post.
Inter Mn left a gap! Ra??l, at the far post, controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed directly into the, leaving goalkeeper Toldo with no time to react.
"Gooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!! Just 11 minutes into the game, Real Madrid breaks through Inter Mn''s defense."
"Inter Mn''s defense was careless on this goal. They focused all their attention on the aerial duels in the penalty area, thinking that Real Madrid would aim for headers, but they forgot to mark Ra??l at the far post."
"Figo''s free-kick was excellent. The ball urately bypassed the high points in the penalty area, then swiftly descended,nding perfectly for Ra??l to shoot."
"Conceding a goal so early will be a huge blow to Inter Mn, a team with little experience in the Champions League final!"
Before the game started, the Inter Mn coaching staff had prepared the yers mentally for scenarios like conceding early goals, but when it actually happened, it severely shook the yers'' confidence. Coach Cooper couldn''t sit still; he came to the sidelines, shouting instructions loudly, hoping his voice would lift the team''s spirits.
Wang Feng and Zti encouraged their teammates, reminding them that the game had just begun, and there was still a chance! Soon, the Inter Mn yers regained theirposure.
As the game resumed, Real Madridunched another fierce attack, intending to quickly increase their lead, but Inter Mn''s defense held firm, surprising even thementators, who marveled at the excellent mentality of the Inter Mn yers.
In the first thirty minutes, Real Madrid''s offensive threat far surpassed that of Inter Mn, but with their resilient defensive attitude, Inter Mn didn''t concede again.
After saving another shot from Ronaldo, Toldo quickly threw the ball to Zti, the Inter Mn captain, who sent a long pass forward, finding Rib??ry in midfield.
Rib??ry dribbled past the halfway line, but Real Madrid''s defense retreated quickly, forcing Inter Mn into a positional battle. Rib??ry pressed forward into the frontcourt before passing the ball to Wang Feng on the right.
Facing Salgado, Wang Feng pushed the ball forward vigorously, elerated past his opponent, and delivered a cross from the byline. Vieri suddenly darted from the goalmouth to the near post, heading the ball from close range.
The ball narrowly missed the right post and flew out of bounds. Vieri rubbed his head in frustration; if only he had aimed a bit more to the center!
Although they didn''t score, this was Inter Mn''s most threatening attack since the start of the game. Wang Feng pped his hands, signaling everyone to keep up the effort, confident they could equalize.
Just as Inter Mn stabilized their defensive situation and looked for a chance to counterattack, danger struck again. Real Madrid won the ball in midfield, and Zidane quickly passed it to Figo, who sprinted into the frontcourt.
Despite being 31 years old, Figo''s attacking prowess remained undiminished, and his dribbling skills were impable. He used a feint to get past Pasqual, then sprinted toward the penalty area.
Although Cordoba made a decisive sliding tackle just outside the box, Figo was a step quicker, passing the ball to Ra??l behind the Inter Mn defense. Ra??l, waiting for the ball, quickly darted diagonally into the box, catching up with it at the edge of the small box and chipping it past the goalkeeper.
2-0!
"Real Madrid once again breaches Inter Mn''s defense! The stars'' attack is incredibly smooth. Just as Inter Mn was starting to show signs of improvement, their opponents dealt them another lethal blow!"
"Now Inter Mn is really in trouble. They might be facing a copse."
"Real Madrid is like a fierce beast, gradually devouring Inter Mn!"
In the luxurious box seats, Moratti jumped up at the moment Ra??l scored, then slumped back into his seat, his body seemingly emptied.
In the end, they couldn''t equalize, and instead, they let their opponents extend their lead.
"Can''t Inter Mn beat Real Madrid?" Moratti said dejectedly. Technical director Bomm sighed and said, "Real Madrid''s superstar attacking ability is just too strong. With our current depleted defense, it''s quite difficult to stop them."
"In the end, it''s a difference in overall strength. Our lineup is inferior to Real Madrid''s; they have many world-ss superstars, all currently in their prime."
"As for us, Cannavaro is a star in defense, but unfortunately, he doesn''t fit well into the coach''s tactical system. Weck someone in midfield who can control the game, and up front, Wang Feng is a superstar, but Vieri hasn''t fully recovered from his injury."
"With this lineup, it''s already quite remarkable that we''ve made it this far."
Moratti nodded, acknowledging Bomm''s words, but he felt a sense of unwillingness. Since 1965, Inter Mn hadn''t touched the glory of the European champion title; calling them a powerhouse was just a remnant of the past.
In the 1950s, his father Angelo Moratti led Inter Mn, bringing the club 2 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, and 3 Serie A titles, scripting the glorious era of "Grande Inter."
Just as they were at their peak, his father suddenly sold Inter Mn, dering that the family would never appear in the football world again. Moratti vaguely knew about some dark secrets, but his love for football made him go against his father''s teachings, insisting on repurchasing Inter Mn.
To rebuild the past glory, he spent heavily to bring in world-ss yers like Ronaldo, the FIFA World yer of the Year, and Italy''s top striker, Vieri, among others, but they still couldn''t make a breakthrough. The club only managed to win one UEFA Cup.
Until they brought in Wang Feng! Two league championships! Their first UEFA Super Cup! Back in the UEFA Champions League final! Moratti seemed to see a new era of Inter Mn beckoning to him.
Who could have anticipated that the ?20 million investment wouldn''t bring a future hope but a genuine top-tier king!
"We have Wang Feng!" Moratti suddenly eximed. Bomm, taken aback, replied with a wry smile, "Mr. President, Wang Feng is indeed formidable, but football is a sport of eleven yers; you still need to be mentally prepared."
Moratti looked at Bomm, shaking his head, "You don''t understand. A true football king is far more important than the other twenty-one yers on the field. Just watch."
Chapter 183: Never let Real Madrid wreak havoc again
Chapter 183: Never let Real Madrid wreak havoc again
When the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the first half, the numbers on the electronic scoreboard deeply frustrated Wang Feng: 0-2! Inter Mn seemed powerless and was being dominated by Real Madrid.
At Old Trafford, the stadium turned into a sea of white as Real Madrid fans began celebrating their club''s historic tenth championship early. From the looks of it, Inter Mn had little chance.
Not only the spectators in the stands, but even thementators from various countries in the live broadcast room, including Zhang Jun who hade all the way from China, held a pessimistic attitude towards Inter Mn.
"The trend of this game is regrettable, but Wang Feng, as the first Chinese yer to reach the pinnacle of the European Champions League final, has performed remarkably. I hope he can regroup and score in the second half. Even if he can''t help the team win in the end, he will have fought without regrets."
The Spanish televisionmentators were even more critical: "Inter Mn is no match for the Gcticos at all. It''s a shame we took them so seriously before the match."
"Real Madrid''s form is so hot, they are sure to score again in the second half. Since the Champions League was restructured, no yer has ever scored a hat-trick in the final. Now Raul has already scored twice, he has a great chance to make history tonight!"
"Inter Mn has shown their embarrassment in front of a true powerhouse. Serie A has never had three powerhouses; only Juventus and AC Mn stand out, just like Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga."
"I don''t deny that Wang Feng is a phenomenal forward, one of the top yers in the world currently. But in the first half, he only orchestrated four attacks and two shots. Obviously, the other Inter Mn yers couldn''t support him well. One person can''t defeat a whole team."
"Vieri''s form is very poor. His only header opportunity came from Wang Feng''s pass. Otherwise, he seemed lost. We couldn''t find him in the forward line at all. It seems that the injuries he suffered earlier in the season have really affected him."
"Inter Mn''s journey to the final relied mainly on unparalleled luck. In the group stage, only Ajax posed a threat to them. In the second group stage, they faced a chaotic Barcelona and a declining Bayer Leverkusen."
"Valencia in the quarterfinals and AC Mn in the semifinals had slightly higher strength, but Inter Mn''s victories over them were extremely difficult. To lift the Champions League trophy again, they probably won''t have such good luck."
"Forty-five minutes left, Real Madrid fans in front of the TV, Spanish fans, we are about to witness history! Real Madrid will bring back the tenth Champions League trophy for us!"
The halftime break was very brief, and the second half of the match was about to begin.
Old Trafford Stadium today weed around ten thousand Inter Mn fans who had traveled from afar. Some of them were praying with sped hands, while others were calling out Wang Feng''s name, hoping for the miraculous figure to appear again.
As both sides returned to the yer tunnel, Ronaldo, Figo, and Zidane all castforting nces at him. Wang Feng didn''t like this feeling at all. The game wasn''t over yet, why assume that we would definitely lose!
Seeing his teammates all looking downcast, Wang Feng felt even more annoyed. How should he put it? He hadn''t been at the club for long, and although he generallymanded respect, his experience was obviouslycking. At this critical moment, if he wanted to boost everyone''s spirits, some yers probably wouldn''t buy it.
When he caught sight of Ribery also looking dejected, Wang Feng had a sudden inspiration. He stepped forward and gave Ribery''s head a firm pat, pretending to be angry, and said, "What''s with all the sighing?"
Ribery was a bit stunned by the gesture, but Wang Feng waspletely entitled to do so. Without Wang Feng, he wouldn''t have the glory and status he had now. Wang Feng continued loudly, "Isn''t there still forty-five minutes left in the game? In the past two years, how many of our honors havee easily? Just because we''re behind by two goals, have we seen so few of these situations?"
Other teammates couldn''t help but feel a surge of spirit at his words. Yeah, we''ve faced even tougher situations before. Just because it''s the Champions League final, do we have to be so dejected?
Wang Feng looked around at his teammates and locked eyes with each of them. They could see the strong unwillingness and high spirits in Wang Feng''s eyes. "Everyone, the defense of Inter Mn is up to you. We absolutely cannot concede any more goals. As for the attack, leave it to me. That''s my specialty. Trust me!"
Zti gritted his teeth and said, "We won''t let Real Madrid rampage in our half again!" Cannavaro and Cordoba exchanged a nce. At this point, personal grudges no longer mattered. They all expressed that they would do whatever it takes to defend the backline.
As for the attacking yers, Vieri patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "I didn''t perform well in the first half, especially missing a chance. I''ll do my best to assist your attack in the second half. Let''s work together."
Ribery nodded incessantly. "Boss, I''ll assist you with all my strength. Let''s take on Real Madrid!"
Cooper, seeing this scene, couldn''t help but recall Valencia of the past. It was because they didn''t have a Wang Feng-like figure that they missed out on the championship trophy twice.
To be honest, the first half of the match had made Cooper feel hopeless. He thought he would once again fall before the Champions League trophy. Three finals, three losses. Perhaps no other coach had experienced such a fate.
More importantly, he didn''t have any good tactics to adjust. The current lineup and style of y were the best Inter Mn could offer. So, during the brief break, Cooper could only emphasize the need to defend.
His words didn''t move the yers, because even he himselfcked confidence. Unexpectedly, just before going on, Wang Feng''s actionspletely activated the yers'' desire to win.
If Wang Feng could really lead this Inter Mn toplete a miraculouseback, then his position in the locker room would surpass everyone, including the captain, Zti.
As both sides returned to the field again, everyone was surprised to find that the despondent look of Inter Mn before the end of the first half had disappeared without a trace, reced by a spirited and confident demeanor.
The Real Madrid yers, who were joking and preparing to face the second half lightly, felt a chill in their hearts. They knew that the second half would be a tough battle.
"We can see that neither side has made any personnel changes. Real Madrid doesn''t need to, and Inter Mn probably doesn''t have anyone to use."
"Injuries are also affecting the performance of this team. They are missing at least three absolute key yers due to injury."
"Inter Mn has no way back, but their momentum looks good. Can they create a miracle belonging to the Nerazzurri? We can only wait and see."
Chapter 184: 2 goals in a row
Chapter 184: 2 goals in a row
The second half of the game began with the referee''s whistle, after Inter Mn kicked off, they passed the ball back to the defense line, ying steadily to control the ball. Although they were trailing by two goals, blind eleration would likely lead to mistakes.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid continued their first-half performance, with Raul and Ronaldo pressing Inter Mn in their half. Coach Bosque wasn''t particrly conservative, believing the current situation couldn''t allow them to simply sit back and defend against Inter''s attacks.
The ball was quickly intercepted in the midfield, and Real Madrid''s strong presence near the center line consisted of experienced yers, making it difficult for Inter Mn to prate, just like in the first half.
After intercepting the ball, Real Madrid immediatelyunched a counterattack. Figo crossed from the wing, but Raul, under Cordoba''s interference, failed to hit the target and was collected by goalkeeper Toldo.
The situation on the field didn''t change muchpared to the first half, as Real Madrid still managed to form beautiful attackingbinations threatening Inter Mn''s goal.
"Inter''s defense seems to have be more diligent, but doing so only dys Real Madrid''s coronation. They need tounch a decent attack."
When Zidane attempted to pass the ball to Ronaldo in the penalty area once again, Zambrotta suddenly intercepted, swiftly passing the ball to Samuel Eto''o ahead.
Eto''o took a couple of steps, finding the opportunity to pass to Di Biagio on the left side. Seeing the dense defense ahead, Di Biagio chose not to advance but instead ran sideways towards the center, waiting for his teammates'' support.
Seizing the opportunity, he quickly kicked a low cross diagonally to the right side, bypassing Real Madrid''s defenders Mikel Layun and Guti, reaching the area on the right side of the field.
At the moment Di Biagio passed the ball, Wang Feng burst into action, sprinting full speed, chasing after the ball. Mikel Layun and Elgara, who were marking him, also followed closely.
Wang Feng, the first to catch up with the ball, soon found himself caught between the two defenders. However, he remained calm, recalling thousands of training sessions in his mind. Now was the time to test the results.
He deftly hooked the ball with his right foot to the right, leaning his body significantly in that direction. Mikel Layun rushed to block him, but Wang Feng suddenly pulled the ball back with a deft move, easily evading one defender!
Then, facing Elgara, Wang Feng repeated the same trick. But Elgara, having seen Mikel Layun''s attempt, resisted the urge to block, yet the threat of the feint lies in its ambiguity. Seeing Elgara unmoved after the hook, Wang Feng swiftly pushed the ball forward and passed him by.
He bypassed two defenders and stormed into the penalty area! Before the arrival of the defender, Yero, Wang Feng used his left foot to shoot directly outside the foot, the ball slicing through Real Madrid''s defense like a curved de!
"Goal!! In the 60th minute, Wang Feng''s shot from the right side of the penalty area brings Inter Mn back to one goal!"
"He toyed with Real Madrid''s defense with continuous feints, this is a signature solo goal, Wang Feng, with his excellent dribbling skills, steps up to save Inter Mn!"
After scoring, Wang Feng chose not to celebrate, but instead rushed to retrieve the ball from the and kicked it to the midfield, signaling Di Biagio to quickly set up the ball. He then hurried back to his position, encouraging his teammates along the way. Their defense against Real Madrid in the second half was satisfactory.
When Real Madrid kicked off again, Inter Mn still chose not to press forward recklessly. From being two goals down to one, they remained calm, knowing that their chance woulde from solid defense.
Seeing this scene, the mentality of Real Madrid''s yers also changed slightly. They believed that as long as they maintained their current advantage, the championship would still be theirs after thirty minutes. Therefore, they were happy to pass the ball back in their own half.
Wang Feng stood in Real Madrid''s half, seemingly harmless, but his eyes were fixed firmly on the ball. Continuous back passes were the easiest to cause problems, and this was his chance.
As expected, Salgado''s pass to Mikel Layun was slightly off, causing Mikel Layun to run to receive the ball. It''s now!
Wang Feng quickly started, charging towards the ball. Mikel Layun was startled and rushed to the ball, but he was a step toote and Wang Feng took the ball away!
After grabbing the ball, Wang Feng rushed towards the opposition''s half. Real Madrid''s defense quickly regrouped, and soon there were four or five yers swarming around him. Breaking free was almost impossible, but Wang Feng still managed to control the ball firmly in the midst of the encirclement, without being dispossessed.
At this moment, Inter Mn''s support arrived. Wang Feng seized the opportunity, sessfully finding Ribery with a through pass, and then quickly ran towards the penalty area.
The focus of the defense was on Wang Feng, allowing Ribery to easily adjust and cross. The ball found Vieri in front of the goal, who intended to head it, but due to the fiercepetition from behind by Yero, Vieri, whose form hadn''t fully recovered, was at a disadvantage. Shooting at this point would surely waste the chance due to body movement deformation.
So, he had to opt for a header assist. However, the angle and height of the header were not very good, and Wang Feng had slightly overrun.
At this critical moment, Wang Feng formed the best n in his mind. He turned his back to the goal, leaning back slightly while exerting force with his legs. After kicking off the ground, he lifted his right foot, hitting the ball with the back of his foot.
A bicycle kick!
The ball flew towards the near corner of the goal, and Casis never expected Wang Feng to shoot in this way, caught off guard, he watched as the ball entered the.
"Goal!! The ball''s in! In the 64th minute, Wang Feng once again contributed a brilliant goal, helping Inter Mn equalize the score!"
"Only four minutes have passed since thest goal, everything happened so suddenly!"
"Let''s take a look at the process of this goal. This attack was entirely due to Wang Feng''s proactive interception. Facing the encirclement of multiple opponents, he was still able to pass the ball out, which is truly incredible."
"Ribery''s cross, Vieri''s header, to be honest, this header was of very poor quality. Not only did it deviate from where Wang Feng was running, but also the force was weak, causing the ball to plummet rapidly. When it reached Wang Feng, its height was already very low."
"I didn''t expect Wang Feng to be able to shoot in such an unexpected way. If he had jumped too high during the bicycle kick, he wouldn''t have been able to hit the ball."
"In the end, he just slightly lifted off the ground, using an almost ground-level bicycle kick to break through Casis''s ten fingers."
After the shot, Wang Fengy on the grass, looking up at the ball entering the, feeling incredibly relieved. He did it! He didn''t get up immediately but instead looked at the brilliant night sky of Manchester, pointing his hands to the sky. Soon, the night sky was covered by smiling faces, and Inter Mn''s yers gathered around him, squatting beside him.
Zti excitedly shook his shoulders, "I knew I could always trust you, you''ve really done it!"
Chapter 185: Reversal !
Chapter 185: Reversal !
"Recovered two goals?" Moratti in the stands jumped up excitedly, pacing back and forth in the box. He had always believed in Wang Feng, but scoring two goals in such a short time to equalize the score greatly exceeded his expectations.
Simrly ecstatic, Bom eximed, "You have a keen eye for talent! You mentioned during halftime that Wang Feng would surely shine, and now it''s alling true!"
Like Moratti''s jubtion, the Inter Mn fans in the stands felt like the happiest people at that moment. Many of them shed tears again, not tears of sadness, but tears of joy and excitement.
Just as the fans were celebrating wildly, the situation on the field changed dramatically once again. Wang Feng retreated to support Ribery, who was entangled, then advanced with the ball to the frontcourt. When he reached the area 30 meters from the goal, he passed the ball horizontally to Vieri in the center. Vieri lurked near the edge of the penalty area, threatening to attack when necessary or fallback to provide support.
After receiving the ball, Vieri didn''t rush but continued to pass to the left side. Then he charged into the penalty area, waiting for an opportunity. Di Biagio received the ball near the bottom line and prepared to cross it into the penalty area.
However, Sargado defended Di Biagio tightly, and the quality of the cross wasn''t very high. Elgera at the front of the penalty area was the first to touch the ball with his toe, sending it flying out of the penalty area.
Wang Feng lurked on the right side, and the ball passed through almost half of the penalty area directly to him, without any yer touching it along the way.
A heaven-sent opportunity!
Facing the ball, Wang Feng took a fierce shot, and the ball, like a swift flying sword, cut another diagonal line and flew into the from the left side of the goal!
"Goal!! Beautiful!! In the 77th minute, Wang Feng reversed the score for Inter Mn!!"
"Like a flying sword under the peach blossom, with the sound of waves against a jade flute! Seeing this goal, I can''t help but think of the peerless flying sword that sealed the throat of Real Madrid!"
"In this exciting duel, Wang Feng is the absolute protagonist. He has performed a hat-trick. In the more than ten years since the restructuring of the Champions League, he is the first yer to perform a hat-trick in the final, Wang Feng from China!"
"The first half of the game made everyone feel desperate. The gap in strength between Real Madrid and Inter Mn was obvious. But in the second half, Wang Feng stepped up. He used his actions to tell the world that ''impossible'' is not in his dictionary!"
"To the viewers in front of the TV, I believe most of you, like me, have been following Wang Feng for a long time, witnessing one miracle after another. At this moment, I just want to say that with Wang Feng, anything is possible!"
"Did you see that? Did you see that? We''ve reversed it!!" Landstar in the stands yelled wildly to his wife beside him, his voice choking up. It''s been too difficult!
His wife nodded, surrounded by celebrating Inter Mn fans. From despair and helplessness, quietly praying, to rising hopes, cheering, and finally sessfully reversing the situation, she saw it all, and her emotions were unknowingly infected.
This is football. How can you not love football!
Wang Feng''s mother looked on with satisfaction at the celebrating figure on the sidelines. Her child had unknowingly grown so much and had be a hero and hope for many people. How could she not feel proud?
Bosque on the coaching bench couldn''t sit still. Although he had already valued Wang Feng greatly on a tactical level, he never expected that the situation on the field would change because of one person.
"He''s too versatile!" Bosque couldn''t help but exim. His assistant coach nodded in agreement, "Both in speed and technique, he''s one of the best in the world. Our defenders are no match for him one-on-one, and even when facing double-teams, he always finds opportunities."
"Now what should we do? We must change formation quickly and go all out!"
"Let Morientes and MacManaman both go on and give it all we''ve got." Bosque said bitterly.
In the final moments of the game, Real Madrid went all out, with every superstar squeezing out their abilities to the limit,unching a frenzied bombardment against Inter Mn.
These veteran superstars put immense pressure on Inter Mn''s defense, but everyone stood united, defending together, and repeatedly resolved the crisis.
In the final moments of the game, Real Madrid got a corner kick opportunity. At this point, even goalkeeper Casis rushed into Inter Mn''s penalty area to join the attack, and the oue would be decided here.
Figo took the corner kick, and the ball crossed the small penalty area to the back post. Both Zidane and Zamorata vigorously jumped topete for the header, but Inter Mn''s goalkeeper was faster. He arrived at thending spot and punched the ball away.
Near the penalty area, Raul received the ball and was about to handle it, when a ghostly figure swiftly passed by him. Raul found that the ball under his feet was goneit was Wang Feng! He intercepted the ball!
The Real Madrid yers were inexplicably shocked, and Casis was frantically rushing back. Guti near Wang Feng was desperately chasing him, his hands already reaching out, ready to foul him if necessary.
But Wang Feng didn''t give them a chance! He immediately kicked the ball from the backfield, giving it all his strength. The ball flew high into the air, traversing almost the entire length of the pitch, and then slowly descended, entering the from under the crossbar, with Casis still near the penalty area line.
The entire stadium held its breath, watching the ball spiral through the air and finally drop into the. For a moment, the stadium fell silent.
After a brief pause, the Inter Mn fans erupted into deafening cheers, echoing through the skies above Old Trafford.
"Goal!! Wang Feng has secured the victory for Inter Mn!! A quadruple in the Champions League final!!"
"Oh my God, how far was that shot? Well, ording to the data just received, Wang Feng''s shot was from 75 meters away from the goal! 75 meters!"
"You heard that right, you know, the length of Old Trafford Stadium is only 105 meters! How strong is his power?"
"Wang Feng once again contributed a goal worthy of the history books for us. Many yearster, when new fans look back on this Champions League final, they will surely sigh at its brilliance!"
Wang Feng''s shot was just a spective attempt, failure wouldn''t have mattered, it could have been considered a clearance, but it unexpectedly went in!
The Inter Mn coaching staff exploded with joy. Cooper clenched his fists, running along the sidelines, a big man with tears welling up in his eyes, muttering repeatedly, "Finally, it''s finally happened!"
The substitutes on the bench were eager to get on the field, waiting only for the referee''s final whistle to blow so they could rush onto the pitch!
In stark contrast to the excited Inter Mn coaching staff, the atmosphere in Real Madrid''s coaching bench was silent. Bosque, with a despondent expression, sank back into his seat, with only one thought in his mind, it''s over, everything is over!
Although there''s still the league title to fight for, Bosque''s enthusiasm has waned. This year, to bnce theplicated dressing room of Real Madrid, he didn''t know how much effort he had put in!
Next year, the superstars would be another year older. Did they really have the ability to challenge for the highest honor in European football again? Exhausted, he had already begun to consider leaving.
After the game restarted, Real Madrid hadpletely lost their fighting spirit. Seeing this, the main referee didn''t waste any time, blowing the final whistle as soon as the injury time ended.
Chapter 186: The stage for awards
Chapter 186: The stage for awards
When the final whistle blew and the game ended, Wang Feng bent over, resting his hands on his knees. He seemed to have been drained of all his strength. There was no wild joy or excitement as expected, only a sense of relief.
Quickly, he was surrounded by celebrating staff and yers. Every face was filled with joyous smiles. Regardless of whether they had yed or not, they had all made their contributions, destined to be recorded in the history of Inter Mn.
Konsciakos came to Wang Feng, embracing his little brother tightly. With aplex expression, he said, "Thank you for allowing me to return to my hometown with honor, although I didn''t contribute much."
Wang Feng shook his head. "You have done more than enough. Have a safe journey ahead. Let''s keep in touch. I''d like to visit Portugal when I have the time."
Upon hearing this, Konsciakos furrowed his brows. "That''s great. I can show you some exciting ces." Wang Feng yfully punched his chest, dispelling the mncholic atmosphere.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, the Real Madrid yers exited the field. They had celebrated on this stagest year, but this year, they could only y supporting roles. Before returning to the locker room, Raul approached Wang Feng and greeted him.
"Indeed, we lost to you. When Real Madrid was leading, I had a bad feeling," he said with a hint of mncholy. "Because when I was still with Inter Mn, you often led the team to reverse the situation and win. Everything seems familiar."
Wang Feng smiled but didn''t say anything. He didn''t want to keep trailing and reversing all the time, but Inter Mn''s defense was indeed unstable.
After congratting Wang Feng on winning the championship, Raul said, "There are no major tournaments this year. The Ballon d''Or and FIFA Best yer awards at the end of the year are yours for sure. Congrattions in advance. You''re still young. Strive to surpass me soon."
"I won''t exchange jerseys with you. Someone wants your jersey," Raul said before handing it over. Then, Ral also came over. "Wang, let''s exchange jerseys. We''ll settle the score next time we meet."
The two exchanged jerseys happily. Ral had performed very well in this game, scoring twice. The twenty-six-year-old Spaniard was at the peak of his career.
As they walked away, Ribery suddenly remarked, "Up close, Ral is indeed very handsome. Damn it, why do I have such an abstract face?" Everyone burst intoughter, while Ribery rubbed his head in frustration, realizing how many endorsement opportunities he might have missed with his appearance.
The temporary award podium on the sidelines was quickly set up. The Inter Mn yers lined up in two rows, while the Real Madrid yers, led by Hierro, walked through the middle to receive their medals.
UEFA President Johnson stood next to the Champions League trophy, waiting for the yers to approach. As the Real Madrid superstars passed by Wang Feng, they all greeted him briefly. In their eyes, Wang Feng was already on par with them.
As the Real Madrid yers went up one by one, the loyal fans apuded warmly. Although the team had failed, their fighting spirit during the match deserved respect.
After the runners-up received their medals, the officiating referee team also stepped onto the stage, and finally, it was the night''s protagonistInter Mn''s turn!
Wang Feng stood at the back of the line. Although Zti wanted him to raise the cup, he firmly refused. It wasn''t his turn anyway, so he decided to leave the opportunity to the senior yers in the team. Ultimately, it was decided that the Argentine captain would do it.
Standing in front of Johnson, he smiled and hung the medal around Wang Feng''s neck. "Your performance tonight can be described as perfect. I''m sure fans all over the world will be impressed by you!"
"Thank you." The two shook hands politely, and then Wang Feng walked over to stand with everyone else, waiting for the rest of the yers.
After everyone received their medals, they lined up on the podium in several rows. Zti stood at the front. He received the coveted Champions League trophy from Johnson''s hands.
He held the trophy with both hands and turned around, shouting, "On the count of three, let''s cheer together!" After three counts, Zti raised the trophy above his head. Behind him, his teammates cheered together, and confetti burst out from behind the stage. This scene was captured and became the headline of major newspapers.
Old Trafford Stadium turned into an ocean of celebration. ording to the Champions League tradition, fireworks lit up the stadium, illuminating the entire Manchester and announcing to the world the new king of the Champions League!
The Inter Mn team and the trophy took photos one by one. The yers'' families and friends were allowed onto the pitch to take photos with the trophy. Carl Bess touched the big-eared trophy and murmured, "I never thought I would one day hold the Champions League trophy."
Beside him, Renee chuckled, "Is it yours? Just touching it doesn''t make you a European champion!" Bess handed the trophy back and went after Renee to yfully hit him.
Wang Feng walked up to Civu and asked, "How do you feel?" The Romanian replied with aplex expression, "You guys are really strong. The Champions League title is well-deserved."
"Come to Inter Mn. Let''s work together and strive to lift this trophy again!" Wang Feng said. Civu nodded, feeling tempted.
The next morning, news media worldwide reported on this sensational battle. Wang Feng''s unprecedented quadruple in the Champions League final helped Inter Mn lift the Champions League trophy, bing the talk of the town.
Wang Feng will win the Ballon d''Or and FIFA Best yer awards! This was a fact that everyone was sure of. This season, no one had the potential to challenge his status.
And this Champions League trophy was Inter Mn''s third in history. Theyst won it in the distant year of 1965, exactly thirty-eight years without a crown, thirty-one years without reaching the final. What dark days Inter Mn had experienced!
The Mn Sports News boldly dubbed Wang Feng "the king of Inter Mn." "Regardless of the future, his name will be disyed in the Inter Mn exhibition hall at the Meazza Stadium, and it will never fade."
The Rome Sports News shouted "Renaissance." "The era of Grande Inter has returned! Wang Feng is only neen years old. With his current condition, maintaining a peak state for over ten years is not a problem. Inter Mn will dominate Serie A!"
The Turin Sports News was not so optimistic, knowing more about the inside story. "Inter Mn is flourishing again, but whether they will decline again remains to be seen. The Holy Alliance is on the move."
Many fans didn''t understand what the Holy Alliance mentioned in the report was. They thought it was just another conspiracy theory created by the newspapers. Little did they know that what happened three yearster would shock the entire world of football andpletely change Wang Feng''s destiny. Leaving Serie A, he truly began to establish his dynasty and greatness!
Chapter 187: The last piece of the puzzle
Chapter 187: Thest piece of the puzzle
Inter Mn''s yers had intended to celebrate all night long, but time did not allow it. They had to rush back to Mn overnight to prepare for the second leg of the Italian Cup final, which would be thest piece of the puzzle for the quintuple crown!
The club''s top brass nned to hold a grand parade after the match, regardless of whether they ultimately lifted the Italian Cup. The glory Inter Mn had achieved was enough reason for extravagant celebration.
When the group arrived at Malpensa Airport in Mn, it was already nine o''clock in the morning on the second day. After seven hours of flight time, they had gone from revelry to slumber. They were utterly exhausted.
Thousands of Inter Mn fans came to the airport to wee their heroes'' triumphant return. When Wang Feng and Zti stepped off the ne carrying the Champions League trophy, the fans'' cheers apanied shes from cameras.
Soon they boarded the team bus and headed straight to Pina. There was no time for vacation this time. After discussions among the coaching staff, it was decided to start training camp immediately, capitalizing on the momentum of the majorpetition to clinch the final match.
Outside the bus, thousands of fans cheered and followed, while inside, there were sleeping faces, creating a contrasting yet harmonious scene.
On the first day of June, the cup final was held at the Meazza Stadium, with a full house of eighty thousand spectators. All Inter Mn fans wanted to witness history. Many fans who couldn''t get tickets gathered outside the stadium, prompting local police to strengthen security forces.
In the first leg, Inter Mn had defeated their opponents 2-0, so everyone was optimistic about lifting the trophy.
Not only Inter Mn fans but also neutral fans were eager to witness the birth of greatness. The only ones not pleased were probably AC Mn yers and fans.
"Guys, Inter Mn has just won their third Champions League trophy in their history. This season, they also won the league championship, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Italian Super Cup."
Ancelotti continued, "What about us? Stopped at the Champions League quarter-finals, second ce in the league, are we going to give up the cup too?"
"Show some spirit, boys, let our city rivals see what we''re made of. Greatness isn''t easy to achieve!"
After the match began, AC Mn indeed became exceptionally fierce. They relied on ample physical strength topete head-to-head with Inter Mn, who had juste from a grueling battle. How could the worn-out Inter Mn possibly match the opponent?
This situation had been anticipated by Cooper before the match. He had specifically arranged tactical responses, which, in blunt terms, were parking the bus and time-wasting. As long as AC Mn couldn''t score two goals, victory belonged to Inter.
Winning the match was what mattered most!
So Inter Mn promptly abandoned the midfield, with all yers concentrating at their own thirty-meter position. Wang Feng transformed into a defender, reveling in the joy of defending.
AC Mn despaired as they found Inter Mn''s defensive yers everywhere in front of their penalty area, especially Wang Feng. How could a forward defend so well? It seemed like he should just switch to ying defense. Wasn''t Inter Mn''s defense line a serious problem?
Of course, they didn''t know that Wang Feng had earned his first chance to y by defending. His keen senses made him exceptionally sensitive to the ball and yers'' muscle movements. Ordinary feints couldn''t fool him.
Sometimes he even felt that if he didn''t y as a forward, he could also perform well as a goalkeeper. His precise judgments left the opposing forwards hopeless.
This time, as Inzaghi dribbled, he tried to make a feint, but his shoulder movement gave him away. At the moment of his breakthrough, Wang Feng urately extended his foot to disrupt the ball out of bounds.
Inzaghi looked at Wang Feng, panting heavily, with a face of despair. This was his third attempt. The first time he thought it was a coincidence, but the third time couldn''t be.
The first half ended in a draw, but Wang Feng was not at ease because he knew that as time passed, Inter Mn''s yers'' stamina would inevitably decrease.
Once their physical strength declined, they might lose in confrontations or leave gaps in defense, which would be a fatal blow.
Sure enough, shortly after the start of the second half, there was a sudden uproar at the Meazza Stadium. AC Mn midfielder Ambrosini passed the ball to the right nk area, where Ruikosta elerated past Cordoba near the baseline to receive the ball.
Cordoba''s physical strength was almost exhausted, and he failed to stop the ball''s pration at the first opportunity. After Ruikosta received the ball, he quickly reacted before being double-teamed by Zti, using a feint to trick Cordoba again.
Then he seized the opportunity to loft the ball into the penalty area, where Shevchenko outjumped Zambrotta to head the ball into Inter Mn''s.
AC Mn opened the scoring!
Faced with this attack, neither Cordoba nor Zambrotta made any mistakes, but they could no longer resist the opponent''s onught.
On the sidelines, coach Ancelotti finally let down his arms, as he saw hope. So he waved his arms, directing the team to attack with all their might, not giving Inter Mn any breathing space.
From the fiftieth minute to the seventieth minute, Inter Mn experienced their darkest moment. The opponent''s tireless running depleted theirst bit of energy, and several yers even suffered cramps.
Instances of yers cramping rarely urred in Serie A matches, especially not before the end of the game. This alone showed how poor Inter Mn''s condition was.
But AC Mn failed to score again, thanks to Wang Feng''s heroic performance and goalkeeper Toldo''s extraordinary saves. During this period, wherever the ball appeared, Wang Feng ran to defend, and even though the match wasn''t over, he felt a hint of fatigue.
His running distance must have exceeded the norm again! But the effect was evident. Wang Feng disrupted AC Mn''s five threatening attacks, leaving Shevchenko and Inzaghi frustrated.
They also had five shots, all within the frame, but were all saved by Toldo.
In the 81st minute, Wang Feng intercepted Serginho''s pass in the backcourt. As he was dribbling back, Shevchenko pressed forward.
When Sheva reached him, Wang Feng suddenly stopped the ball with his foot, then turned and passed it to the nearby Di Biagio, while using his body to block Sheva''s path.
Di Biagio had space! He elerated with the ball through the midfield,unching a rapid counterattack for Inter Mn. After reaching the frontcourt, with AC Mn''s Gattuso quickly catching up, he passed the ball to the right nk where Wang Feng was making a run.
Wang Feng''s speed was still impressive. From blocking Shevchenko to appearing in the attacking line, it took him less than ten seconds. After receiving the ball, he stormed into the penalty area, leaving Nesta and Maldini half a step behind.
AC Mn''s goalkeeper Dida quickly rushed out, wanting to sandwich Wang Feng with the two defenders, determined to intercept the ball!
But Wang Feng didn''t wait for the goalkeeper to reach him. In the high-speed dribble process, he suddenly exerted force and kicked a low shot, the ball flying straight towards the far corner of the goal. Dida was taken aback, quickly diving to reach the ball.
The ball flew past Dida''s fingertips, and he failed to touch it!
Chapter 188: Legend of 5 crowns !
Chapter 188: Legend of 5 crowns !
The high-speed flying ball seemed to slow down countless times, and the fans of both AC Mn and Inter Mn at the Meazza Stadium held their breath, staring without blinking at this shot.
The ball passed the goalkeeper! Is it going in at this angle? It looks like it''s heading towards the post!
With a bang, the ball struck the post, as if knocking on the hearts of all the fans. But in the next moment, it rebounded horizontally across the entire goal, and by the time it reached the other side, it had already entered the!
"Goooooal!! The ball crossed the goal line!! Inter Mn scores!"
"A fantastic fast counterattack, a fantastic shot! Wang Feng scores again for Inter Mn!"
"With just over ten minutes left in the game, Inter Mn leads AC Mn 3-1 on aggregate. I think the oue is already certain. Inter Mn will create new history!"
After taking the shot at high speed, Wang Feng lost his bnce after kicking the ball and fell heavily forward, but he ignored the pain in his body and immediately looked up to check the situation.
Just now, he didn''t have much confidence! Fortunately, the ball hit the post on the inside, allowing for a horizontal deflection. If it had hit a bit further outward, it would have bounced out directly.
Wang Feng quickly got up, rushed to the sidelines, and gestured to the Inter Mn fans. His knees were scraped and bleeding from the fall.
He didn''t mind, deliberately lifted his leg to show his wound, as if showing off a medal, then raised his fist and waved, instantly igniting the passion of all the fans.
"Champions! Wang Feng!" The fans shouted at the top of their lungs, giving the Inter Mn ace the highest praise!
After the team doctor quickly treated his wound, the match resumed. AC Mn''s attacking rhythm waspletely destroyed by this counterattack goal, and they didn''t have enough time left, failing to stage a miracle in the end.
Inter Mn lifted the Italian Cup!
The victory parade of Inter Mn was truly a citywide sensation. In Mn, AC Mn is a well-established powerhouse with numerous historical glories and a solid fan base. But never underestimate the loyal fans of Inter Mn and those who love the teams in Mn, or even just those who admire sess.
Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets to celebrate Inter Mn''s historic achievement, with more and more visitors pouring in. After all, Mn is the secondrgest city in Italy and a famous tourist destination.
Many European tourists came to join in the excitement, as the quintuple crown was truly rare. This situation greatly increased the pressure on the city hall, forcing them to increase security measures, yet riots still urred from time to time.
Wang Feng specifically instructed his friends and family to stay in the vi during this time, not to run around, especially Wang Tian, that wild girl. Everyone nodded in agreement, maintaining order abroad was iparable to domestic situations.
After three days of preparation, the grand victory parade began. At the forefront of the procession was a blue and ck open-top bus, with the yers standing on the roof. Zti, Wang Feng, Di Biagio, Cordoba, and Toldo each held a trophy, lifting them high to the fans beside the bus.
Mn TV provided live coverage of the entire event, broadcasting the grandeur to the whole of Italy. Fans along the route filled the streets for over ten kilometers, stretching from the suburbs to the city center.
On-site reporters could only report with shouting voices: "Many Inter Mn fans excitedly shouted out next year''s goal, three consecutive league titles, Champions League defense!"
"They have enough confidence to shout this sentence because Inter Mn has Wang Feng. In the past season, in a situation where no one in the world was optimistic, Wang Feng led Inter Mn to unprecedented glory."
"The young Chinesed, about to turn twenty, will be even stronger next season. Are Inter Mn''s opponents ready?"
When the bus arrived at the Meazza Stadium, it was already evening. They had been on the road for half a day since leaving at noon, and the yers holding their cups had changed several times.
Amidst the fireworks, the celebration ceremony officially began. Holding the five heavy trophies, the yers of Inter Mn walked to the center of the field, receiving the cheers and apuse of the fans.
Head coach Cooper was the first to speak. He first thanked the yers for their efforts over the past year. "We encountered many troubles, injuries being the most severe, but the yers'' perseverance on the field ultimately created this legend."
He then thanked the club''s management, Chairman Moratti for their support, and finally mentioned Wang Feng specifically. "He is a magical yer, and I am happy to coach him."
Then he handed the microphone to captain Zti, and the stadium erupted into enthusiastic apuse. But Wang Feng sensed something amiss. There was nothing wrong with Cooper''s speech per se, but he failed to mention any outlook for the next season.
Generally, coaches would offer some thoughts on the next season''s performance, which would excite the fans and motivate the yers. But Cooper didn''t say a word about it.
Unless he''s already thinking about leaving! Wang Feng was shocked by his own thoughts. Now is the peak of Inter Mn''s sess. Would Cooper really choose to retire at this time?
Just as Wang Feng was guessing wildly, Zti passed him the microphone. Wang Feng steadied himself. Regardless of any changes in the club''s arrangements, his task was only one: to y well in every game.
As he took the microphone and stepped forward, the stadium erupted into thunderous apuse and cheers, with countless fans shouting his name, and the atmosphere reached its peak.
Wang Feng smiled and thanked all the fans, thanked the coaching staff for their trust, and thanked his teammates for their support. It was crucial for him to have such support to perform well.
"This is not the end, but a beginning. Next year, we will return here to continue celebrating and cheering."
His powerful words thrilled all the fans, and they firmly believed that Wang Feng could lead Inter Mn to glory once again.
"He is truly a perfect yer!" Bombardini eximed. "Not only does he y well, but he''s also very popr among the fans, and hismercial value is very high. We haven''t tapped into him enough."
Moratti nodded. "Yes, he''s such a rare yer. What''s more important is that he''s still very young and not prone to injury. Just these two qualities alone make all clubs covet him."
"On the night of winning the Champions League, many teams contacted us immediately to make offers for Wang Feng," Bombardini said. "Among them, the most fervent is undoubtedly Barcelona. It seems Wang Feng left a deep impression on them."
As he spoke, he made a gesture of eight with his hand, then sighed. "This number is even higher than Zidane''s!"
Moratti sneered. "Let them dream. As long as Wang Feng doesn''t want to leave, no amount of money can take him away!"
Chapter 189: Farewell
Chapter 189: Farewell
On the second day after the championship parade, the Spanish newspaper "AS" exploded with sensational news: Real Madrid officially made an offer to Inter Mn, wanting to bring Wang Feng to the club for a fee of 60 million euros.
Soon after, Catalonia''s "Mundo Deportivo" did not want to be outdone, reporting that Barcelona had also made an offer to Inter Mn, with a staggering price tag of 80 million euros.
"The gctic battleship is really regressing; they want to buy the hero of the Five Crown King for only 60 million? We can represent Inter Mn''s president, Moratti, and say no directly," Mundo Deportivo sarcasticallymented.
To be honest, the transfer fee for Wang Feng skyrocketing to 80 million euros was beyond everyone''s expectations, but it was still reasonable. This season, he scored 40 goals in Serie A, surpassing Roy Makaay of Deportivo La Coru?a, winning the European Golden Boot for the second consecutive time.
He also disyed godlike performances with 22 goals in the Champions League, securing the title of the dual Footballer of the Year at year-end. Considering his age and form, it didn''t seem too exaggerated.
Several Italian media outlets were eager to report on the tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with many unscrupulous reports suggesting that Wang Feng was sure to leave Inter Mn this summer.
This spection provoked strong dissatisfaction among Inter Mn fans, with many protesting at the club''s headquarters, demanding that everything be done to keep Wang Feng at all costs.
Moratti personally approached Wang Feng, hoping he would stay at Inter Mn with peace of mind. "Wang, I hope you can personally create the best era for Inter Mn," Moratti said.
Wang Feng reassured the chairman''s uneasy emotions, stating that he would definitely stay. He couldn''t be med for feeling a bit sensitive, as Barcelona''s offer was simply too tempting. Not only the transfer fee, but also the yer''s treatment far exceeded what Inter Mn currently offered.
But he still felt Inter Mn was better! Although every top club had its share of ruthlessness, Barcelona seemed to be exceptionally "outstanding," having disputes with yers like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and others.
Wang Feng tactfully mentioned the problem with Inter Mn''s defense, to which Moratti explicitly stated they would address it. "We will focus all our efforts on improving the midfield and defense. There will definitely be a new atmosphere in the new season."
While Inter Mn was seeking reinforcements in the transfer market, there was also a wave of departures. Firstly, the most significant was the departure of head coach Cooper, which took everyone by surprise, except Wang Feng.
In an interview, he denied all conspiracy theories, stating, "The Champions League final has been a burden on me. Inter Mn helped me solve it. I am grateful. Now, I''m a bit tired and want to rest for a while."
Before leaving, he also had a deep conversation with Wang Feng: "To be honest, Wang, I haven''t fully developed your abilities. Actually, I''ve always known my weakness; I''m not good at coaching offense."
"In these two years, you''ve performed so well relying on your freedom on the field. I believe under an attacking master, you''ll soar even higher."
He still had some concerns. This season, Inter Mn had reached its peak. Continuing to coach would likely not lead to breakthroughs in results. Why not retire at the peak?
The recement for Cooper was Lazio''s current head coach, Roberto Mancini. This season, he led the financially troubled team to fourth ce in the league, indicating his ability. How Moratti managed to lure him away remains a mystery.
Apart from Cooper, Wang Feng had long known about Konchita''s departure. He eventually declined Lazio''s invitation and returned to his hometown in Portugal to y for Porto.
The departure of Di Biagio surprised Wang Feng. This season, he contributed many assists to Wang Feng and performed remarkably well.
"To be honest, since thetter half of the season, my back has been slightly aching, which is my old problem. I''m afraid I won''t be able to help Inter Mn in the new season."
"I want to go to mid-table or lower-tier teams in Serie A, without the pressure of winning the title. Thanks to this year''s prosperity, many teams are interested in me, such as Brescia, Perugia, and Bologna."
Wang Feng said with some sadness, "If you leave, who will pass me the ball?" Di Biagio patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "Believe in yourself, Wang. You can do even better."
Gresko, Konchita, Di Biagio, former teammates, one by one leaving, Wang Feng felt a bit sad, a bit helpless, but could only ept it. Since entering football, the cruelty of professional football had repeatedly unfolded before him.
Thest main yer to leave was Cannavaro. The Italian captain was not very happy at Inter Mn this season. He couldn''t integrate into the coach''s system and had some disagreements with teammates.
Although Cooper had stepped down, the conflict between him and Cordoba remained unresolved. At this time, Juventus extended an olive branch. He naturally agreed.
While Moratti was worried about the departure of these two defenders, he felt somewhat reluctant upon learning of Cannavaro''s intentions. But after thinking it over, he reluctantly agreed to his transfer.
Several substitute yers also left. As long as they were targeted by other clubs and promised a starting position, few would refuse such temptation.
Veteran Batistuta did not wait for Inter Mn''s renewal and his contract with Roma expired. So, he joined Al-Arabi in Qatar as a free agent to seek fortune in the Middle East.
With so many yers leaving, there was certainly a need for reinforcements. Firstly, Wang Feng''s old teammate, Christian Civu, was transferred from Ajax to Inter Mn for 18 million euros.
Moratti also set his sights on Arsenal''s Van Bronckhorst. He made a name for himself at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie and excelled at sgow Rangers, eventually being noticed by Arsenal.
Although he performed averagely at the Gunners, in Moratti''s eyes, who transitioned from being a "striker hoarder" to a "defender hoarder," the 28-year-old Dutchman was a usable immediate force. So, he decisively made a move.
Originally, Arsenal didn''t value this defender much, but seeing Inter Mn''s interest, and Barcelona extending an olive branch, they intended to demand a high price.
After a lot of effort, Inter Mn managed to sign the Dutchman for 4 million euros.
The final reinforcement urred when the transfer window was about to close, and the target was none other than Real Madrid''s midfielder, Makelele, who had just faced Inter Mn in the Champions League final.
His transfer can be described as a roller coaster. First, he was unhappy with sry issues and went on strike, privately contacting Chelsea''s new owner, Abramovich. When discovered by Real Madrid, he could only publicly apologize.
But the Congolese had already made up his mind to leave. Chelsea was the most sincere club. When the two sides had begun negotiations, Moratti suddenly intervened. Makelele''s defensive ability in the Champions League final impressed him.
Makelele also wanted to joinpetitive teams, and Inter Mn clearly met the requirements. Chelsea had just injected funds; although they splurged in the transfer market, whether they would seed was still uncertain, with too many uncertainties.
After weighing the options, Inter Mn acquired the "Gctic Battleship''s" iron-blooded defensive midfielder for a high transfer fee of 26 million euros.
Chapter 190: Changing situation
Chapter 190: Changing situation
Summer of 2003 was destined to be anything but calm. While Inter Mn made drastic changes to their lineup, the European football market was experiencing turbulence.
Real Madrid made their move first. After initial probing, Florentino Perez understood that Moratti wouldn''t give up Wang Feng at this time, and Wang Feng wouldn''t choose to leave now either.
The "one big star per year" n continued. The helmsman of the Gcticos set his sights on David Beckham of Manchester United. When it came to the most influential andmercially valuable yer in the world, Beckham was undoubtedly on top.
If it weren''t for Wang Feng''s emergence, Real Madrid''s target would surely be this English superstar. This conspicuous situation naturally became a hot topic for the media. Therefore, Florentino Perez had previously stated that he would temporarily not consider buying this Manchester United star, cutting off the media''s expectations.
However, circumstances change. Real Madrid didn''t mind breaking their word. They hadn''t shut the doorpletely, and at this time, due to various reasons, Beckham had fallen out with his mentor Ferguson. So, they quickly reached an agreement, and Beckham ultimately transferred to the Gcticos for 35 million euros.
The Real Madrid dressing room, already filled with stars, would be even moreplex. Plus, Florentino Perez''s focus was solely on star yers, neglecting important role yers, leading to ude Makelele''s departure. The future of the Gcticos might not be as smooth as expected.
Barcelona wasn''t as "generous" as Real Madrid. Gaspart was making a final effort because behind him, Laporta was eyeing him intently. To win the presidential election, he needed to show results, so he had to sessfully bring in Wang Feng.
One hundred million! ording to Balmond''s information, Barcelona''stest transfer offer for Wang Feng had risen to this terrifying figure. If the media got wind of this news, it would surely cause a sensation in the football world.
This offer was almost beyond Gaspart''s authority, and he could only choose to pay in installments. But Moratti remained unmoved, leaving Gaspart in a dilemma.
Laporta then began his move. His n relied on bringing in Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain to rebuild the team around him. At this time, Ronaldinho was already famous, with impressive performances in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the World Cup.
Although he hadn''t yet graced the stage of the Champions League, the main reason was Paris Saint-Germain''s poor level, which had little to do with Ronaldinho himself. Thus, it didn''t affect outsiders'' evaluation of him.
This n impressed most of the top brass. When it seemed unlikely for Wang Feng toe, Ronaldinho became a good alternative. His excellent technical skills should be well-suited to Barcelona''s possession system. Plus, he hadpeted head-to-head with Wang Feng before, albeit in the UEFA Cup.
The result was self-evident. Laporta sessfully defeated Gaspart. His first act in office was to fulfill his promise and initiate Ronaldinho''s transfer.
At that time, Paris Saint-Germain had been negotiating smoothly with Manchester United. Ronaldinho himself was very satisfied with the prospect of going to Manchester, a bustling city.
Unexpectedly, Barcelona intervened suddenly, convincing Paris''s top brass with a bid of 30 million euros, much higher than Manchester United''s offer. Manchester United couldn''t match such a high offer for a yer who hadn''t yet yed in the Champions League.
Ronaldinho was stunned. He was thinking about the vibrant nightlife of Manchester, and suddenly he had to go to Catalonia?
"If I''m not mistaken, Barcelona was the club originally chasing Wang Feng, right? Have I be a backup?" The Brazilian looked at his agent with frustration.
His agent certainly knew about Ronaldinho and Wang Feng''s "rivalry." When Paris failed to sign Wang Feng, they bought Ronaldinho. Although he performed well, he was always criticized by the local media as not being as good as Wang Feng.
Now, if he went to Barcelona, he would surely bepared with Wang Feng again, which was simply terrible for Ronaldinho!
But Ronaldinho didn''t have the right to veto the deal, and his agent could onlyfort him, saying, "Ronaldinho, think about it this way. If you can lead Barcelona to good results, then you can break free from Wang Feng''s shadow, right?"
"And Barcelona isn''t Paris Saint-Germain. They have a solid foundation and enough funds. Their tform is even better than Inter Mn''s. The new president of Barcelona promised me that you would be the core of the team, which is an excellent opportunity surpassing Wang Feng!"
Ronaldinho nodded helplessly. Why was making money so difficult? It seemed that if he went to Barcelona, he would have to stay away from the nightlife and focus on ying football.
Another major news in European football this year was Roman Abramovich''s sessful acquisition of Chelsea, ushering in the era of big spending in the English Premier League. They sshed money in the transfer market, bringing in many new recruits for the crisis-ridden team.
Chelsea''s wizard, Deco, Parma''s striker, Adriano, Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech, Ivorian "Beast" Didier Drogba, Chelsea for the new season was full of momentum.
Actually, Abramovich also wanted ude Makelele from Real Madrid and Andriy Shevchenko from AC Mn. The former was rmended by coach Ranieri, and thetter was because of the fellow countryman''s affinity.
But Makelele was ultimately intercepted by Inter Mn, and AC Mn also made it clear that they wouldn''t sell Shevchenko. These two deals fell through.
While English football was still shocked by Chelsea''s extravagance, a transfer that no one noticed waspleted between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United.
In a friendly match against Sporting Lisbon, Ferguson immediately set his sights on the young Cristiano Ronaldo. "He''s a talented kid. With proper training, he might be able to rival Wang Feng!"
His assistant seemed somewhat skeptical, but Ferguson didn''t exin further. Instead, he directly brought Ronaldo back to Manchester for 12.24 million pounds.
In Serie A, despite being the most anticipated league in the world, they weren''t the protagonists in the transfer market. Inter Mn was busy strengthening their lineup, while AC Mn aimed for long-term development.
Theypeted with Bayer Leverkusen for the genius neer Kaka. In the end, the Brazilian chose the Rossoneri, as he wanted to test himself in the highest level league and, more importantly, topete with Wang Feng!
Currently, he definitely couldn''tpare himself to Wang Feng, but the young Kaka was not convinced. He wanted to know how big the gap between them was, which would be his direction for future efforts.
Juventus became the most anxious club. They only ranked third in the league, and their Champions League campaign ended in the semifinals. The team needed reinforcements topete better. They spent 12 million euros to bring in Ajax''s genius Van der Vaart to bolster the attack and brought back midfielder Stankovic from Lazio.
Lazio and Parma faced further economic pressure, with the phenomenon of losing outstanding yers being very serious. The new season would probably still be difficult to threaten the positions of the "Big Three" in the north.
Chapter 191: Achievement
Chapter 191: Achievement
Under the clear sky, it was another rare good weather day. Wang Feng quietly arrived at Shanghai International Airport, apanied by his sister Wang Tian and Lu Yao.
After the championship parade, Wang Feng''s family and friends returned home ahead of him, as expected, encountering arge crowd of media and fans at the airport. However, they were destined for disappointment because Wang Feng did not travel with them.
They returned to China three dayster to avoid causing chaos. Although there were still reporters waiting, Wang Feng and hispanions disguised themselves and, with the help of airport staff, sessfully "escaped."
"This is too troublesome. Fortunately, I didn''t choose to be a star," Wang Tian said with lingering fear. ording to their mother, the day they returned to China, the entire airport was packed with people, countless shes, and noisy questionsing their way.
Wang Feng smiled. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to face the media and fans in China; he just didn''t want everyone to gather at the airport. It wouldn''t be good if something unexpected happened. In fact, during this trip back to China, he would ept interviews from sports channels, visit the youth training camp of the Jia A champion Shanghai Shenhua, and interact with fans there.
In addition, with the efforts of many parties, Inter Mn decided tounch activities in China, ying several friendly matches with domestic clubs, including Shanghai Shenhua and Dalian.
After a long season, Wang Feng didn''t immediately engage in high-intensity training during the holiday. Instead, he maintained his touch on the ball while enjoying the few leisurely days. Even the most determined person couldn''t help but feel a bitzy after achieving their goals.
Seeing that Wang Feng wasn''t immersed in training, Wang Tian suggested going to Suzhou and Hangzhou for a trip. "Heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below. I''ve been to Suzhou once before, and I feel like I didn''t get enough. Shall we go again?"
Wang Feng, who had never been there, was intrigued. Surprisingly, Lu Yao had never been there either. "When I was young, I had to focus on studying, so I rarely went on trips," she exined with a smile.
The three of them agreed, and Wang Tian suggested, "Let''s do something different this time. Let''s first go to Suzhou for sightseeing, then charter a boat along the Grand Canal to Hangzhou. I''ve been wanting to do this for a long time!"
Wang Feng was surprised. "Is there such a way?" Wang Tian gave him a nce and said, "As long as you have money, anything is possible. Let me tell you, there''s air conditioning on the boat, professional chefs, and you can even listen to Suzhou Pingtan."
"If it weren''t for me being a little scared back then, I would have chosen this way long ago. It''s so romantic!"
Wang Tian, always decisive, quickly booked a luxurious small boat with five guest rooms. However, this time, their family members didn''t n to join them. It was still just the three of them.
The boat would depart in the afternoon and take about seven hours to reach Hangzhou. Wang Tian''s n was to spend two days in Suzhou first, then take the boat to Hangzhou after exploring.
With Wang Tian as their guide, Wang Feng and Lu Yao had their horizons broadened and enjoyed delicious food. Lu Yao couldn''t help but joke, "Tian Tian, I think you should study tourism instead of art."
Wang Tian hummed and said in a low voice, "Why do I n so meticulously? Let me tell you, when we get on the boatter, make sure to be decisive. Always hesitating, what''s the use?"
Lu Yao blushed with embarrassment. Over the years, her rtionship with Wang Feng had always been like a thinyer of paper. So Wang Tian suggested that she be the one to break the ice. "What''s the big deal? Modern women should dare to love and hate. Besides, my brother is so single-minded. When do you think you''ll have a chance?"
When the three of them boarded the boat, the sun was still shining brightly. As the temperature in summer was high, they listened to Pingtan in the cabin. The staff had thoughtfully prepared fruit and pastries. With the air conditioning blowing and Pingtan ying, it was reallyfortable. No wonder Wang Tian had been yearning for this kind of travel.
The pipa yer was a girl from Hangzhou. She was very excited to hear that Wang Feng was on board and enthusiastically pulled him aside for photos. "You''re even more handsome in person than on TV. My whole family loves you. My little brother even said he wants to y football when he grows up. You are the pride of our Chinese people!"
Wang Feng smiled and fulfilled her autograph request. He also wrote encouraging words for her brother. There were countless children in China who had been inspired by Wang Feng. As long as one percent of them could pursue a career in professional football, the soil of Chinese football would be very fertile.
In the evening, after dinner, Wang Feng and Lu Yao came to the bow of the boat. By this time, the temperature had dropped slightly, and the warm breeze on their faces was veryfortable. The setting sun dyed the water golden, and the buildings on both sides of the canal were ancient and quaint. Everything seemed so wonderful.
"We feel like we''ve traveled through time. Do you think ancient people also enjoyed such trips?" Lu Yao asked, turning her head slightly.
She looked back, the gentle breeze blowing her long straight hair, her delicate features and tender skin wless in the sunset''s glow. Her white clothes seemed to be radiating with golden light, forming a beautiful picture with the bow of the boat, the canal, and the buildings on the shore.
Wang Feng was fascinated. He would never forget this scene in his life. Many yearster, when he read Wang Wei''s poem "Traveling by Boat on Green Waters, Enjoying the Scenery in the Painting," he couldn''t help but sigh that the poet''s name was well deserved.
Seeing Wang Feng staring at her intently, Lu Yao lowered her eyes, her face slightly red but her expression firm. Wang Feng suddenly felt a bit dry in his mouth and stuttered, "I, I..."
Lu Yao tightly held Wang Feng''s hand with her small hand, and her other hand rested on his waist, burying her face in his chest.
At this moment, they embraced each other, and Wang Feng finally gathered the courage to whisper, "I like you."
Lu Yao didn''t speak but hugged him tighter, responding to Wang Feng''s feelings with her actions. At this moment, the neen-year-old youth and the eighteen-year-old girl were experiencing the first stirrings of love.
They didn''t know how long had passed when a cough broke the silence. The two quickly separated, and Lu Yao blushed and turned her head away, trying to withdraw her hand from Wang Feng''s grasp. However, Wang Feng still held onto her, unwilling to let go. Lu Yao tried twice but failed, so she just let him hold her.
Wang Tian looked at the two with meaningful eyes and suddenly pretended to be sad, saying, "Lu Yao, I didn''t expect this. I treated you as a sister, but you want to be my sister-inw!"
Lu Yao immediately protested, "Tian Tian!" Wang Tian waved her hand, "Just kidding, just kidding. Can the Feng Yao Group be announced now?"
Wang Feng felt embarrassed. "You both knew?" Wang Tian disdainfully said, "Balmond told us the next day. Your feelings for Yao Yao are obvious to everyone."
Wang Feng felt awkward, and Lu Yao said softly, "You don''t know when someone is pleased with you. I''ve had feelings for you for a long time."
Chapter 192: Summer trip to China
Chapter 192: Summer trip to China
Wang Feng was moved and felt sweet in his heart. Isn''t the most beautiful feeling mutual devotion? When the two of them were immersed in the romantic atmosphere again, Wang Tian interrupted them without hesitation this time: "Hey hey, stop being lovey-dovey,e to the cabin quickly and have some snacks. The chef specially made date paste sesame cakes. They''re best enjoyed while hot."
The two exchanged smiles at each other''s words, held hands, and entered the cabin to continue their eating and ying.
The canal looked somewhat dark in the evening, but the lights on both sides and the moonlight reflected in the water created a unique charm. The three of them changed into long coats and chatted at the bow of the boat. Topics like Wang Feng''s matches and school life were endless.
As bedtime approached, Wang Tian hugged Lu Yao and shooed Wang Feng away jokingly, "Go away, tonight Yao Yao will sleep with me, you have no chance." Wang Feng chuckled awkwardly. He hadn''t even thought about taking it further yet. After bidding each other goodnight, they went to sleep.
Waking up in Hangzhou from their dream, when they woke up the next day, the pleasure boat had already docked at the pier. The three of them continued their journey with high spirits. During this time, Wang Feng and Lu Yao''s rtionship quickly heated up.
When the Inter Mn team arrived in China, Wang Feng returned to training ording to n. However, he always wore a faint smile on his face, and everyone could tell he was in a very good mood.
Ribery asked Zti with a puzzled expression, "What''s up with the boss? Why has he beenughing foolishly? Hasn''t the joy of winning the championship faded yet?"
Zti said, "I guess he''s in love. Wang is at the age where he should be looking for a girlfriend." Saying this, he recalled bits and pieces with his wife in his mind and couldn''t help but smile.
Ribery was still puzzled: "What''s wrong with being in love? Even though I have Magali, I''m not this happy!"
Zti suddenly woke up, remembering Ribery''s girlfriend Magali, who was even more muscr than him, and he shuddered involuntarily. He hadn''t expected Ribery, with his rugged appearance, to have such rugged tastes in women.
"Forget it," he said impatiently. Ribery scratched his head in confusion, "I''ll ask Magaliter why being in love makes peopleugh foolishly. I wonder if she''ll give me a good scolding."
Soon, news of Wang Feng''s rtionship spread throughout the team. He openly admitted it, and Civu asked, "Was it the beautiful girl you took a photo with on the day of the championship? The one who stood beside you?"
After Wang Feng nodded, everyone burst intomentation. "It''s infuriating! He ys football well, looks handsome, and his girlfriend is so beautiful. How are we supposed to live?"
They joked around for a while until Coach Mancini came over. Mancini had a rtively mild temperament, and he got along well with the yers, despite being new to the team.
He knew that most of the yers on this team had experienced the previous season''s five-title dynasty, and their mentality was somewhat arrogant. Therefore, it was best to gradually train the team rather than rush things, as it could easily breed discontent.
Upon receiving the appointment, Mancini immediately called Wang Feng, knowing that he was the true core of the team. How to handle him became his first and most critical lesson.
Surprisingly, Wang Feng was very easy to talk to. He weed Mancini''s arrival with respect and humility in his words, without a hint of arrogance or disdain. This made Mancini feel as if he were basking in the spring breeze and couldn''t help but marvel, "No wonder Wang Feng has been sessful!"
The strategy Mancini devised for Wang Feng was topletely unleash his attacking ability. Yes, he believed that in Wang Feng''s first two seasons at Inter Mn, despite winning the Golden Boot both times, his attacking ability had not been fully utilized.
"You should show more aggression. Through studying match footage, I''ve noticed that your shot selection is often the most rational, ensuring a high conversion rate of goals. But it weakens the omnipresent threat of a striker."
"Take more shots, or shall I say, take more wild shots? Haha, under mymand, you can do that without restriction."
Wang Feng nodded. Before taking a shot, he would subconsciously judge the sess rate based on his senses. If he felt it was low, he would choose to abandon the shot and reorganize the attack.
Although he also scored some miraculous goals, those were shots where his senses told him the ball would definitely go in, like long-range curlers or overhead kicks.
But a low sess rate shot didn''t necessarily mean it wouldn''t go in. In fact, adjusting the angle of the shot, body posture, and power could all increase the chance of scoring. Wang Feng hadcked this kind of opportunity in the past, thus not developing this skill.
Now, with the coach''s support, he felt eager to try it out, bing a true nightmare for defenders and threatening the goal anytime, anywhere in the field. Which striker wouldn''t want that?
Before the friendly match, Wang Feng epted an interview. When Zhang Jun asked about the goals for the new season, Wang Feng said, "Of course, it''s to defend the league and Champions League titles! We''ll get even better in the new season, and this goal isn''t unreasonable."
Wang Feng''s confident demeanor made Zhang Jun silently nod. His status was different now; he was about to be a doubleureate. Being too humble at this point would seem overly weak.
"What do you think of the gap between Inter Mn and Shanghai Shenhua? How should Chinese football develop to produce more superstars like yourself?"
Wang Feng smiled, "I haven''t studied Shenhua yet, so I don''t know their specific strength, but Inter Mn will go all out and use the main lineup topete."
"I think the development of Chinese football should be diversified. Individuals, clubs, and organizations should develop together, giving everyone the opportunity to y professionally."
"Football is the world''s number one sport, and its corresponding industry has tremendousmercial value. Many people canpletely make a living from this. When more people eat this meal, naturally, fertile soil will be formed."
"Of course, this needs to be established on the basis of no one monopolizing the market." Wang Feng winked, and Zhang Jun chuckled, avoiding this topic.
On the day of the friendly match, the stands of Shanghai Shenhua''s home field, Hongkou Football Stadium, were packed, and many fans who couldn''t get tickets gathered outside the stadium, reluctant to leave.
When Wang Feng stepped onto the field, everyone stood up excitedly, apuded vigorously, and shouted, "Wang Feng,e on!" Wang Feng bowed to all four sides of the stadium to express his gratitude.
Ribery came to Wang Feng''s side: "Hey, boss, your football market is so hot. Even the top clubs in Europe are no match for you. Why can''t you y out?"
Wang Feng smiled and patted Ribery''s head without saying a word. You''re still too young! It''s impossible to expect others to give way. Even he had topromise.
After the match started, domestic yers and fans realized the gap between themselves and top clubs. Shanghai Shenhua couldn''t get the ball from Inter Mn''s defense, while Wang Feng used his technical and physical advantages tounch continuous attacks.
Shenhua''s defenders couldn''t help but feel despair. Are these people really Chinese? Why are they so tough?
Wang Feng had 12 shots throughout the game, scoring three goals. In the end, Inter Mn won 7-0.
Next, they handed a 6-0 defeat to Dalian, with Wang Feng scoring twice and then sitting on the bench early.
Chapter 193: We are still strong
Chapter 193: We are still strong
At the end of the China tour, Inter Mn rushed non-stop to New York, USA, where they wouldpete with AC Mn for the Italian Super Cup at the MetLife Stadium.
This time, Wang Feng''s sister and Lu Yao didn''t apany them but stayed at home to spend quality time with their family. Lu Yao and Wang Feng had just established their rtionship, so naturally, they felt reluctant to part, but thinking that they would see each other in Mn after a while, the sadness diminished.
Since Inter Mn won the league championship and cup championshipst season, AC Mn, as the cup runner-up, was invited to participate in the Italian Super Cup.
The match was scheduled for August 3rd, still a long time before the start of the league, so Inter Mn would stay in New York and y friendly matches against several Major League Ser teams.
After the friendly matches with Chinese clubs, coach Mancini gradually finalized the starting lineup for Inter Mn for the new season. The formation mainly adopted a 4-4-2 pattern, with Torlodo as the goalkeeper.
Defenders Civu, Mazzarri, Zambrotta, Cordoba and Coco had recovered from their injuries and returned to the team, but Coco clearly didn''t receive the new coach''s approval and was ced on the bench.
In midfield, Sati, Mayley, Ribery, Dalmat, and Recoba were still undergoing recovery training and were not given permission to y.
The forwards were Vieri and Wang Feng.
With all eyes on them, the Mn Derby unfolded in New York. Both teams fielded their strongest lineup, with Inter Mn striving for victory to start the season off on the right foot, while AC Mn sought revenge forst season''s "double runner-up."
Both teams hadn''t fully recovered their best form, but AC Mn seemed to be in slightly better shape, having assembled earlier and yed several friendly matches against other teams, unlike Inter Mn, who only yed two easy friendly matches during their China tour.
However, Inter Mn''s defense appeared much stronger thanst season, with the additions of Civu and Mayley, which improved the stability of the team''s midfield. Although AC Mn had the upper hand on the field, they couldn''t breach Inter Mn''s defense.
Inter Mn opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through a counterattack, with Ribery providing a brilliant assist for Wang Feng to score.
In the 52nd minute of the second half, Wang Feng dribbled the ball forward and passed it directly to Vieri in front of the goal, who easily slotted it home.
Although AC Mn''s coach Ancelotti made adjustments to strengthen the team''s attacking front, they couldn''t find the.
2-0! With Wang Feng providing an assist and scoring a goal, Inter Mn once again won the Mn Derby and sessfully defended the Italian Super Cup! They were the first team to sessfully defend the title since AC Mn''s triple crown in 1994.
After lifting the trophy, Inter Mn began their warm-up matches. Their first opponent was the New York Red Bulls. In this match, Ribery''s performance was outstanding, as he provided three assists,pleting a hat-trick of assists.
In the end, the team won 4-0, with Wang Feng scoring twice, and Vieri and Mazzarri each contributing one goal.
Under Mancini''s coaching, Ribery''s attacking prowess and passing ability improved significantly, and he also demanded that Wang Feng attempt at least five shots per game. Consequently, Wang Feng''s goal-scoring tally soared.
Their second warm-up match was against the San Jose Earthquakes. Mancini rotated nine key yers for this match, including Wang Feng. Facing the new Major League Ser runners-up, Inter Mn''s substitutes still maintained a high level.
yers like Emre and Caron showed these young Americans just how big the gap between European and American football is, as Inter Mn won 3-0.
In the following warm-up matches, Mancini continued to adjust the lineup, giving almost every yer a chance to y. He analyzed each yer''s characteristics and techniques, preparing for possible recements for the main lineup in the future.
Mancini didn''t originally want to take over Inter Mn''s coaching position because the previous coach left after winning five titles, elevating the team to the highest level. If he couldn''t maintain such results, he would face criticism from everyone.
However, he was moved by Moratti''s sincerity and persuasion: "Don''t you want to coach a miraculous yer like Wang Feng?" Indeed, all Serie A coaches hoped to have Wang Feng under their wing. He was like an endless treasure waiting for coaches to unearth.
After the consecutive warm-up matches, the Inter Mn team didn''t return to Mn but flew directly to Monaco. Before the league began, they would face the Union Cup champions, Porto, at the Stade Louis II topete for the UEFA Super Cup.
Under the leadership of Mourinho, this Portuguese powerhouse had made significant progress, winning the Primeira Liga, the Portuguese Cup, and the UEFA Europa League consecutivelyst season.
The epic sh between Inter Mn, the five-time champions, and Porto, the three-time champions, attracted the attention of all European media in recent years.
"The Special One" Mourinho said in an interview before the match, "Inter Mn is formidable, but Porto''s goal is to win the Champions League this year, so we won''t fear any opponent."
Once the match began, Inter Mn indeed felt the difficulty posed by Porto''s rising stars. They adopted an unconventional 4-3-1-2 formation, willingly giving up possession and focusing on counterattacks.
Defensively, Ferreira, Costa, Cavaleiro, and Valentepressed space, not allowing Inter Mn''s forwards much depth in their attacks. On the offensive end, Porto utilized Deco''s passing, with Alberto and Delleyunching quick counterattacks. If it weren''t for Mayley''s outstanding performance, Inter Mn would have conceded.
Porto also had a killer move - set-pieces! In the 27th minute, they earned a free-kick in the front court. Deco lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Marchini made a surprising run and slotted the ball home from a narrow angle.
Inter Mn trailed!
Mancini looked at the "Special One" Mourinho on the opposing coach''s bench, hands in pockets, and silently admired him. Indeed, he had great coaching skills to mold young Porto into this formidable team.
But the oue was still uncertain. After several matches, Mancini''s offensive coaching for Wang Feng had begun to show results.
During one of Inter Mn''s attacks, after Ribery failed to prate from the wing and passed to Wang Feng on the side, Wang Feng suddenly took a long shot from the right corner of the penalty area.
The ball flew across the entire penalty area and went straight into the top left corner of the goal. Porto''s defense was still focused on Wang Feng''s passing and dribbling. No one expected him to suddenly shoot, catching them off guard and equalizing the score.
Excited, Wang Feng ran around the field. It seemed he had begun to feel what Mancini had described - the freedom to do as he pleased on the field, unstoppable!
In the following match, Wang Feng tirelessly experimented with new attacking strategies. It was like trying out a new toy. When defenders thought he would shoot, he passed, and when they thought shooting was impossible, Wang Feng suddenly took a shot, turning the game upside down.
In the end, he contributed another assist and goal, helping the team win 3-1 against Porto and sessfully defend the UEFA Super Cup!
In an interview, an excited Wang Feng dered to reporters, "Inter Mn is still very strong!"
Chapter 194: UEFA Champions League draw and league opening
Chapter 194: UEFA Champions League draw and league opening
Wang Feng''s deration, through reports from major media outlets, has sparked huge reactions in the Italian footballmunity and across Europe. Many believe this signifies the new season''s goal for Inter Mn: defending their titles!
"Inter Mn once again sessfully lifted the Italian Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup," stated Mn Sports Daily, "It''s quite coincidental that thest team to sessfully defend was AC Mn, winning the Italian Super Cup in 1994 and the UEFA Super Cup in 1990."
"Does this indicate AC Mn''s decline and Inter Mn''s rise, with Inter bing the city of Mn''s representative team?"
These remarks from the report naturally stirred dissatisfaction among many Red and ck Legion fans. However, Inter Mn has indeed firmly pressed ahead of AC Mn, leaving them only to describe Inter Mn with terms like "nouveau riche" to console themselves.
Spain''s Mundo Deportivo said, "Barcelona''s new president brings us a new standard, the Brazilian genius Ronaldinho, a yer who can rival Wang Feng."
"But this season, Barcelona can onlypete in the League Cup. We hope the rebuilt Barcelona can quickly regain strength, and Ronaldinho doesn''t fall too far behind Wang Feng."
During the summer, under the rmendation of Barcelona''s godfather Cruyff, new coach Rijkaard reced the firefighting manager Antic, and Barcelona has essentiallypleted its reconstruction.
Germany''s Sport Bild published photos of Wang Feng raising the UEFA Super Cup for two consecutive years,menting, "European football wees the era of Wang Feng!"
"This summer, while Real Madrid and Barcelonapeted to pursue Wang Feng, Bayern Munich quietly tightened their pockets. They shifted their focus to Dutch striker Roy Makaay, bringing him back from Deportivo La Coruna for 18.75 million euros."
"He''s the second top scorer in Europe after Wang Feng, but his value is only a quarter of Wang Feng''s. The main reason is that he can''t y the role of a talisman and hasn''t helped the team win any championships."
"When Italian powerhouses are not as strong, La Liga is rising, and the Premier League has ample funds, Bundesliga clubs still maintain a thrifty attitude, refusing to spend money on superstars. This will further weaken theirpetitiveness in European football."
"The Bundesliga needs stars like Wang Feng to create their own era. Bayern can be said to have forever missed Wang Feng, but they once came very close. Let''s hope they don''t miss the next Wang Feng."
Britain''s Sky Sports reported, "Wang Feng deres war on European football!" Since the restructuring of the Champions League, no team has been able to defend their title. Now, Inter Mn''s aggressive aim at this throne is a deration of war on all European football powerhouses.
Wang Feng didn''t expect his expression of joy to trigger such a huge public opinion response. However, his teammates not only don''t me him but are rather eager to try.
"Are we being seen as the evil boss?" Ribery eximed excitedly. "So we have to defeat all our opponents and step on their corpses to ascend to the throne!"
In the midst of the excitement, the draw for the Champions League group stage and the UEFA annual awards ceremony took ce in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Since there were no major events this summer, the Champions League qualifiers started early to determine the final participants before the start of the major leagues.
Naturally, Wang Feng was invited to the ceremony. He became the center of attention, not only making it into the Best XI and winning the Best Forward award but also receiving the highest honor of the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year!
With five titles, the European Golden Boot, and being the top scorer in the Champions League, his achievements were too dazzling. He received almost all the votes, far ahead of the second-ced Raul. It''s believed that a simr scenario will unfold in the end-of-year dual award ceremony.
Inter Mn continued their good luck in the Champions League group stage draw, being in the same group as Celta Vigo, Ajax, and Club Brugge. Their advancement is almost guaranteed.
AC Mn faced Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv, and Lokomotiv Moscow. Juventus was grouped with Gtasaray, Olympiacos, and Real Sociedad. Lazio was ced with Chelsea, Sparta Prague, and Besiktas.
Overall, Serie A teams have a strongpetitiveness in their groups. Italian media are very optimistic about their chances of advancement, even boldly stating their desire to replicatest year''s glory, upying three of the four spots in the Champions League semi-finals.
With everything settled, on August 31, 2003, the Serie A opening match officially kicked off. Inter Mn weed Modena at home.
Modena narrowly avoided relegationst season and didn''t have the financial capacity to invest in the transfer market over the summer. Therefore, their goal this season remains to avoid relegation.
Facing such opponents, Mancini didn''t dare to be careless. This was his first league match coaching Inter Mn, and it was the opening match yed at home. Therefore, he fielded the strongest lineup.
After the match began, Inter Mn''s yers were more active. They had just experienced the UEFA Super Cup, so although they were a bit tired, theirpetitive state was much better than Modena, who had rested for over a month.
Just five minutes into the game, after a header from Vieri, Wang Feng quickly started, sprinting into the penalty area ahead of everyone to meet the ball and score for Inter Mn!
The leading Nerazzurri continued to press forward. In the 27th minute, Inter Mn''s midfield intercepted the ball andunched a swift counterattack. Wang Feng appeared on the wing, received Ribery''s pass, dribbled past the defenders, and scored with his right foot into the near corner, piercing Modena''s defense once again!
"Wang Feng is still in excellent form. It''s only been 27 minutes, and he has scored twice! From his positioning and shooting, he''s as sharp as ever. I even think he''s be more terrifying!"
"I think Inter Mn''s opponents now need to carefully study how to stop Wang Feng."
Leading by two goals and absolute dominance, Inter Mn went into halftime. Mancini breathed a sigh of relief. After all, getting past the first hurdle of the league was considered done. The more important challenges against Juventus and AC Mn awaited.
In the second half, Mancini sessively substituted Wang Feng and Vieri, two frontline generals. Inter Mn slowed down the pace of the game on the field. In the 77th minute, they scored through a free-kick in the opponent''s half, with Zambrotta heading in the goal.
3-0! Inter Mn beat Modenaprehensively, securing a victorious start to the league.
Wang Feng watched the entire game from the bench. One point he deeply felt was that the team''s defense had be much more solid. Although Modena''s attacking ability was weak, based onst season''s situation, they could have made mistakes after slowing down their offense, leading to conceding goals.
However, in this game, no matter when, Inter Mn''s defense remained stable. The defensive yers were very focused, maintaining a calm demeanor even under Modena''s pressure and pressing.
This is the temperament of a strong team!
Chapter 195: It has to be Wang Feng !
Chapter 195: It has to be Wang Feng !
On September 14th, at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, in the second round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced newly promoted Siena away.
Due to a midweek match, they would face Ajax in the first round of the Champions League group stage three dayster. Therefore, Mancini rotated arge number of key yers for this game, giving opportunities to yers like Koko, Caron, and Martins.
It could be seen that Siena still had some aspirations for the league standings. Facing the defending champions, they created the first chance of the game. Kieza''s header in the penalty area was met by Vento''s shot, which was blocked by Toldo.
Several rotated Inter yers had yet to find their form at the start of the match. They looked a bit passive, and it wasn''t until the 15th minute that they had a very threatening chance. Rami''s cross from the left was met by Caron in front of the goal, but it was collected by the Siena goalkeeper.
Gradually, Inter Mn gained control of the game. Zti and Rami were still at a decent level in Serie A, helping the team firmly grasp the initiative, controlling the pace of the game. Siena fell into a defensive counterattack mode.
Siena''s coach, Benincasa, knew very well that his team couldn''tpete with Inter Mn. Their sharp attacks at the beginning were just an attempt to take advantage while Inter was not paying attention. If Inter regained their focus, they wouldn''t be able tounch such a vigorous attack again, or they would suffer greatly.
Although Inter controlled the game, they couldn''t produce threatening attacks. The active performance of the midfield was often wasted by the forwards. With the score still 0-0, Inter Mn fans in the stands were sweating. If they were held to a draw by the newly promoted team, it would be a big upset.
The first half ended in a draw, and the away fans became restless. When Wang Feng walked from the bench to the yer tunnel, many people were chanting his name, hoping he woulde on.
Wang Feng was also anxious on the sidelines. Inter Mn wasted excellent chances repeatedly, but he wouldn''t defy the head coach. If the team''s star yer and the new coach shed, it would greatly affect the harmony in the dressing room. So, facing Mancini''s tactical arrangements, he tried not to express different opinions.
In the second half, Mancini still showed no intention of subbing on Wang Feng. He believed Siena was a weak team, and it was reasonable to treat them with a backup lineup. Besides, Inter had the upper hand on the field, and they would eventually convert it into goals.
Although Wang Feng had a good physique with almost no serious injuries, Mancini was still very cautious. It was better to let him rest whenever possible with multiplepetitions going on.
As time passed, Inter Mn still couldn''t break through Siena''s defense. Fans kept eximing and sighing. Seeing the missed opportunities, the yers were frustrated and scratching their heads, feeling bitter and disappointed.
Finally, Mancini couldn''t help it. In the 70th minute, Wang Feng left the bench to warm up. As soon as he stood up, the home fans of Siena immediately booed loudly. They knew what kind of threat Wang Feng posed.
Inter Mn fans, on the other hand, stood up, cheering and apuding Wang Feng. Though their numbers were few, their voices reached Wang Feng''s ears despite the boos, so he happily waved to them.
"The thunderous boos are the greatest praise for Wang Feng!" Sky Italy TVmentator Felix said, "In just two seasons, he haspletely changed thendscape of Serie A, leading Inter Mn to the path of revival."
"With only 20 minutes left in the game, can he once again break the deadlock for the Nerazzurri?"
Mancini subbed Caron off for Wang Feng. He hugged the Sierra Leonean forward gently on the sidelines, encouraging him, then quickly ran onto the field to take his position.
Siena coach Benincasa nervously directed his yers'' defense on the field, making sure they marked Wang Feng tightly. After being tied for so long, he didn''t want to let go of the points they had gained.
Everyone knew that as long as Wang Feng got a chance, he could seize it and turn it into a goal. If he had been on the field in the first half, Inter Mn would have been leading by several goals.
Wang Feng''s first touch aftering on created a great opportunity. Zti''s through pass from midfield, Wang Feng used his speed to get ahead, sessfully getting the ball on the wing.
He then used a Cruyff turn to shake off the defender Kufray in front of him and prepared to charge into the penalty area. Helpless, Kufray had to foul him from behind.
The referee finally blew his whistle, awarding Inter Mn a free-kick in the opponent''s half. From the past two matches, Wang Feng keenly noticed that the main referee''s penalties against them were somewhat harsh.
Whenever an Inter Mn yer made a slight movement, the referee would harshly penalize them, while their opponents would only be whistled for very obvious fouls. Was it because they didn''t want Inter Mn to dominate alone, so there was some bias? Wang Feng shook his head. In football matches, it''s still strength that speaks.
The recent free-kick was on the right side of the penalty area, about twenty-five meters from the goal. Originally, because the angle was too steep, it wasn''t within Wang Feng''s shooting range, but he still wanted to try.
Whistle, run-up, shot!
The ball soared high, dropping rapidly after crossing the wall, falling into the top left corner of the goal!
"Wang Feng''s free-kick, a direct shot!! Goal!! Goooooooooooooal!!"
"As the game nears its end, Wang Feng finally breaks the deadlock for Inter Mn. This free-kick was very beautiful, shot from a narrow angle on the side, and it was even a banana kick!"
The Inter Mn fans in the stands instantly erupted. They had been holding back their emotions all night, and now they were fully released. Everyone left their seats and rushed to the front row, loudly calling out Wang Feng''s name.
Benincasa shook his head in frustration, the hard-earned points slipping away again. The road to survival this season was destined to be difficult.
Inter Mn defeated Siena 1-0 and secured two consecutive victories!
Chapter 196: Embarrassment
Chapter 196: Embarrassment
Serie A haspleted two rounds of matches, and in the middle of the week, the first round of this season''s UEFA Champions League group stage arrived. Juventus weed Gtasaray at home, a match that should have been straightforward under normal circumstances.
Head coach Lippi deployed a carefully prepared 4-3-1-2 formation, ensuring victory at home by connecting midfielders Turdo and Davies through Nedved, and forwards Trezeguet and Del Piero.
However, during the match, their defense on the wings left significant gaps, frequently allowing opponents to counterattack. Finally, nearing the end of the first half, they conceded a goal.
This goal ignited the Juventus fans in the stands. Their insults were relentless, with many calling for Lippi to resign. Although Nedved and Del Piero each scored a goal for the home team, helping them to a 2-1eback, the fans remained dissatisfied.
In the past two rounds of league matches, Juventus first won 5-1 against Empoli, then unexpectedly lost 0-1 to Chievo, creating a gap with the Mnese giants, which fans hoping for the resurgence of the Bianconeri find hard to ept. It seems like Lippi''s departure is imminent.
AC Mn traveled to London to challenge the "Gunners" Arsenal. They continued their excellent performance from the previous season, securing a clean 3-0 victory. It is worth mentioning that the young talent Kaka made his debut in the Champions League and sessfully scored his first goal.
Kaka''s arrival at AC Mn has earned him the affection of head coach Ancelotti. The 21-year-old Brazilian talent''s unstoppable dribbling skills have caught the eye of the Italian coach, especially his sprinting breakthroughs.
Ancelotti believes Kaka could be the new Brazilian superstar after Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, so he wants to focus on nurturing him. In AC Mn''s league opener, he ced Kaka on the bench and brought him on as a substitute.
Kaka did not disappoint Ancelotti. Although he did not score, his overall performance ced him among the top yers in the team, earning him a starting spot in the second match.
On such an important stage as the Champions League, AC Mn faced the formidable Arsenal, yet Kaka still received the coach''s full trust, which became one of the catalysts for his breakout.
As for another Serie A team in the Champions League, Lazio defeated Besiktas 2-0 away, somewhat surprising considering the current state of the Biancocelesti, who can hardly support dualpetitions. It just shows the depth of Serie A teams.
Inter Mn weed Ajax at the San Siro. The main lineup of Ajax, who reached the Champions League quarter-finalsst season, has not changed much, with only a few yers being poached.
Young yers within the team are getting better training. yers like Ibrahimovic are progressing rapidly, and it is believed that they will soon make their mark on the stages of the top five leagues.
However, even with their full-strength lineup, Inter Mn slightly outperformed Ajax. The well-rested yers were all very active on the field.
Shortly after the start, Dharma sent a cross from the left to Ribery near the edge of the penalty area. The Frenchman, without hesitation, quickly passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right before the defense could block him.
Wang Feng faced Maxwell with intense focus. The 22-year-old Dutch left-back was closely monitoring Wang Feng''s every move, determined to stop his breakthrough.
Maxwell is a well-known defensive stalwart in the Eredivisie, with his teammate Ibrahimovic once calling him "Ajax''s best defender" in front of reporters.
Wang Feng pushed the ball forward, abruptly leaning his left shoulder downward, tilting his entire body to the left. If not stopped in time, he would cut inside with ease.
Maxwell had to step forward to intercept, but Wang Feng immediately kicked with his left leg. With swift knee and waist movements, he shifted from left-leaning to right-leaning, then used his right foot to push the ball past Maxwell towards the right-wing breakthrough.
Sidestepping his opponent! Such a significant sidestep that even a deity couldn''t block! Because no matter which side the defense chose, Wang Feng could adjust with superhuman agility to break through the opposite side.
Wang Feng then passed the ball to Vieri at the far post, who easily shot and scored.
1-0! Inter Mn opened the scoring!
This goal triggered the aggressiveness of Ajax''s young yers. Theyunched fierce counterattacks against Inter Mn. Dutch midfielder Van der Vaart nned several threatening attacks, but they all ended without sess.
Their best chance came in the 35th minute when Van der Vaart lofted the ball into the penalty area. Ibrahimovic rose high to head the ball, but his powerful shot hit the crossbar and bounced out, failing to equalize.
Before the end of the first half, Inter Mnunched a defensive counterattack. Civu''s urate long pass found Wang Feng, who headed the ball forward. Using his speed to shake off the defenders, Wang Feng caught up with the ball at the top of the penalty area and unleashed a fierce shot.
The ball spun in the air and fell into Ajax''s goal in a parabolic trajectory.
"Goooooooooooooal!! 2-0!"
"Inter Mn''s quick counterattack caught Ajax''s defense off guard! A connection between Civu and Wang Feng, the two were already the best partners in the Belgian League. It seems that their chemistry remains undiminished after many years."
"Let''s take another look at this y. Civu''s pass was like it had a guidance system installed, directly finding Wang Feng in the midfield. At this moment, he was being closely marked by Maxwell, but Wang Feng''s next move was very clever, gaining possession and heading forward."
"Quickly breaking free from the mark, not giving the Dutch any chance. Maxwell even attempted a pull, but Wang Feng was just too fast, instantly escaping his defense."
With a two-goal advantage entering halftime, head coach Mancini made a substitution, recing Dharma with Pasquale to maintain defensive stability. In the 65th minute of the second half, Vieri was substituted for Carloni.
Two minutester, Wang Feng broke through on the wing and passed to Carloni in the right side of the penalty area. Carloni, who was about to shoot, was knocked down from behind by the pursuing Haitinga, earning Inter Mn a penalty!
Wang Feng had already contributed with a goal and an assist, and with the team dominating the game, he handed the penalty opportunity to Carloni.
Carloni didn''t disappoint, deceiving the goalkeeper and hitting the target! After scoring, he excitedly performed a tap dance. This was a goal on the Champions League stage!
In the harsh world of European football, ying in the top five leagues is already rare, let alone participating in the Champions League. As for scoring in the Champions League, it''s not an exaggeration to say that it''s the dream of many role yers throughout their careers!
In the final moments of the game, Ajax finally pulled one back through Sneijder''s through ball, scored by Ibrahimovic.
3-1, Inter Mn achieved a Champions League debut victory.
After the match, Ibrahimovic knelt on one knee, clenched his fist, and fiercely pounded the turf with his right hand.
Lost again! Whenever facing Wang Feng and Inter Mn, he always feels unable to struggle. Is it because his teammates aren''t strong enough?
Seeing Ibrahimovic kneeling in frustration, Wang Feng approached him, intending to have a simple conversation to console him. Unexpectedly, when "The Great General" saw Wang Feng approaching, his face changed slightly, and he hurriedly retreated to the dressing room, leaving Wang Feng stunned halfway.
Ibrahimovic didn''t want to hear Wang Feng say anything to annoy him again!
Chapter 197: The referee is also an enemy?
Chapter 197: The referee is also an enemy?
After participating in the Champions League, the four teams returned to Serie A and immediately began the third round of matches. Juventuspleted their match first, drawing 2-2 against Roma at home.
With only four points from three rounds, the Bianconeri faced widespread criticism. An article in "Tuttosport" stated: "After a season of nothingness, Juventus made great efforts in the summer transfer window to enhance theirpetitiveness."
"However, the continuous setbacks in the league this season are almost identical tost season. The fans have lost confidence. The club''s top management should seriously consider whether Lippi is capable of continuing to lead the team. After all, Juventus has not won any honors since he took over."
Public opinion squarely pointed fingers at the Italian "Silver Fox," even affecting his career ns. Originally, he nned to apply for the position of head coach of the Italian national team after this season, but now it seems unlikely.
In this round of matches, AC Mn also surprisingly drew 1-1 against Perugia. Exhausted from the long journey, they conceded first but equalized through Shevchenko.
The Rossoneri, with seven points from three rounds, were rtively satisfied with their current performance. However, Shevchenko was somewhat frustrated, feeling discontent with the club''s empty-handed situation over the past two years.
Despite assembling an almost perfect lineup, they still couldn''t beat Wang Feng and Inter Mn. The core yers who sacrificed their sries for the team had their own thoughts.
In addition, Chelsea''s new chairman, Abramovich, constantly tempted them with high sries, gradually eroding their firm resolve.
Despite the apparent strength of AC Mn, there was a subtle trend of instability.
Inter Mn continued to maintain a high level of performance. Hosting Sampdoria at home, they eventually won 2-1 against the newly-promoted team, securing three consecutive victories and leading the league table with nine points.
However, the match was not without difficulties. In the first half, Wang Feng scored the opening goal, but the fouls against him were best described as crazy, especially in the 35th minute when Sampdoria''s defender Diagne tackled him from behind.
Regardless of the angle, such a foul definitely warranted a card, and even a red card would not be excessive. However, the referee turned a blind eye and even signaled it as a fair challenge.
Inter Mn yers were infuriated and wanted to confront the referee, but Wang Feng stopped them. "Guys, our goal is the championship. If someone thinks they can steal our trophy like this, they are naive!"
In the second half, the referee became even more reckless. When Sampdoria forward Bazan broke through with the ball, he stumbled, but the referee signaled a foul by Matrazi, who was beside him.
Matrazi looked innocent. He was clearly half a body length away from Bazan, but the referee still insisted on awarding Sampdoria a penalty. Bazan personally took the penalty and equalized the score.
Just when everyone thought it would end in a draw, in the stoppage time, Wang Feng took the ball in the frontcourt, suddenly took a long shot, and the ball sted into Sampdoria''s goal like a missile.
At the end of the game, Wang Feng deliberately mocked the referee, Mr. Desantis, with a smile and shrugged. Anyway, the game ended, and the result didn''t go as he wished. It was a strong rebuttal against unfairness!
At the post-match press conference, coach Mancini praised Wang Fengvishly: "For three consecutive matches, he has been the best yer on the field, contributing five goals. The data speaks for itself. Wang is the main contributor to Inter Mn''s current performance."
Regarding the controversial refereeing decisions, Mancini bluntly stated: "Very unreasonable officiating. Anyone who watched the game knows we faced trouble. Clearly, someone doesn''t want to see Inter Mn dominate Serie A, but football matches are decided by strength. We still won, didn''t we?"
His remarks caused a huge stir, with numerous media outlets reporting, but they merely quoted directly without making any evaluations, touching on the dark side.
Only a few underground media outlets wrote articles suggesting that the Italian Football Federation clearly did not want Inter Mn to win three consecutive titles, so they would create some obstacles. "In the end, Mn can only be AC Mn, right?"
Although Wang Feng appeared strong, he still worried about the current situation. It should be noted that if the referees were also enemies, the new season for Inter Mn would be exceptionally difficult.
He hinted at some insider information to Inter Mn''s president, Moratti, through his agent, but Moratti didn''t say much, justforting him: "I will protest to the Football Federation. The eyes of football fans worldwide are on you, Wang. No one would be foolish to that extent."
In response to the controversial refereeing decisions and Mancini''s conspiracy theories, the Italian Football Federation quickly responded. They rarely admitted to referee mistakes, punished the referee Desantis, but still did not acknowledge Mancini''s conspiracy theories, thus imposing a fine on him.
The "dark side" of Serie A only attracted the attention of some European media, but one dark horse ignited all the hotspots - that is Jose Mourinho''s Porto.
They achieved five consecutive victories in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and surprisingly defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League group stage, shocking everyone.
The "Evening Post" detailed the Portuguese coach''s career. His coaching career started with victories at Setubal''s youth team, but the most important period for him was from 1996 to 2000 as an assistant coach at Barcelona.
Under the guidance of Robson and Van Gaal, Mourinho learned a lot of advanced modern football theories and tactical arrangements. Without his experience as an assistant coach at Barca, there would be no "Special One" today.
After that, Mourinho chose to coach teams himself. His resume was much better than that of other coaches of his generation. While coaching Leiria, he helped the team achieve fifth ce in the league, setting a historic record.
After joining Porto, he helped the team secure a UEFA Cup spot in the first season, and then won the league, UEFA Cup, and Portuguese Cup championships.
If it weren''t for Cooper''s Inter Mn winning five trophies, Mourinho was the most likely candidate for the Coach of the Year award, but he ultimately missed out on the award.
Feeling dissatisfied, the "Special One" made provocative remarks before the European Super Cup. Although they eventually lost to the Nerazzurri and failed to lift the trophy, Porto''s strong will and rational tactics left a deep impression on Inter Mn.
Reading the reports on the ne to Udinese, Wang Feng admired the coach. Porto''s achievements were closely rted to the coach''s guidance.
"Are you also reading reports about Mourinho? He seems to be very famoustely. Even the French ''Echo'' made a special feature. Many Ligue 1 teams want to invite him to coach," Ribery said as he looked at the newspaper.
"Yes, after fighting against Porto, I have a feeling that this team is likely to be one of our important opponents on the road to defending the Champions League title."
Chapter 198: Super star
Chapter 198: Super star
September 28th, Friuli Stadium, Serie A Round 4, Inter Mn will face Udinese here.
After the game started, both teams did not deliberately slow down the pace, and the speed of transition between offense and defense was very fast. Udinese took the lead in attacking, Yankulovski''s shot from a small angle on the left side of the penalty area hit the sideting.
Inter Mn quickly responded, Wang Feng, after receiving Ribery''s pass, sprinted near the top of the penalty area, suddenly stopped, and with defender Bettotto losing bnce due to inertia, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to shoot directly, beating goalkeeper De Sanctis, and the ball went into the.
1-0!
Although Inter Mn led, Udinese still caused them a lot of trouble, especially in the 33rd minute when the home team got a free-kick opportunity, Pizarro''s ball from the left side, Fava fell in the penalty area, and the referee immediately blew the whistle, awarding a penalty.
Darma stared angrily, wanting to argue with the referee, goalkeeper Tordo desperately stopped him, from the slow-motion rey, both had some minor actions, but Fava''s fall seemed to have little strong corrtion with Darma.
Nevertheless, the penalty had been given, Tordo tapped his face to motivate himself, Pizarro took the penalty, Tordo judged the direction correctly and directly saved the ball out of the baseline! Tordo, who sessfully saved the penalty, raised his arms and shouted, teammates surrounded him excitedly, encouraging each other, vowing to win!
Shortly after the start of the second half, Wang Feng actively retreated to support, after receiving the ball, he turned and dribbled forward, seizing the opportunity to send a through ball, which sessfully tore Udinese''s defense, and Vieri scored another goal for Inter Mn.
The score of 2-0 was maintained until the end, Inter Mn achieved four consecutive victories.
Regarding Inter Mn''s strong performance this season, Belgomi pointed out the key factor during an interview, "Inter Mn''s defense has be solid."
"Mancini is a coach with ideas. It can be seen from his decision to decisively let go of Cannavaro and put Coco on the bench. Both of these yers are powerful generals, but they don''t fit Inter Mn''s tactics."
"As for Wang Feng, I think I don''t need to make too muchment. His performance has been as stable as ever. If a solid defense is the bottom line of the results, then Wang Feng will determine the upper limit of Inter Mn''s performance this season."
"That''s the role of a superstar!"
Inter Mn, with a bi-weekly schedule, rushed to Vigo, Spain for the second round of the Champions League group stage against Celta Vigo.
Since the next league round is a strong match against AC Mn, Mancini rotated the starting lineup in this game, Wang Feng was ced on the bench, and Vieri didn''t even travel with the team to Spain.
Since the start of La Liga, Celta Vigo, who finished fourthst year, has suffered a lot. With severe personnel losses in the summer and the need to prepare for two fronts, they have encountered four consecutive losses in the league and are currently at the bottom of the standings.
However, they still don''t want to give up the hard-won Champions League opportunity. In the first round, they struggled to draw with Club Brugge and also attacked Inter Mn with all their might.
The away team was caught off guard. In the sixth minute, Celta Vigo got a free-kick opportunity in the frontcourt. Gaven assisted forward Ondo, who headed the ball into the goal!
After that, no matter how Inter Mn attacked, they couldn''t break through the opponent''s defense. In the 65th minute of the second half, Mancini reced Martins with Ribery, but there was still no improvement.
The coach, unable to bear it any longer, finally substituted Wang Feng in the 75th minute, and soon received results.
In the 81st minute, Raimondi received the ball on the left side of the penalty area and immediately lobbed into the penalty area. Celta Vigo defender Jorge rushed to intercept, but Wang Feng''s reaction was faster. In a sh, he kicked the ball away.
Years of practice have made him familiar with everything about the ball. It is no exaggeration to say that now he canpletely control the direction in which the ball rolls and the distance it rolls will never exceed his expectations.
Just like this time, under his handling, the ball easily avoided Jorge''s tackle and slid behind the Celta Vigo defense. The fans in the stands could only see Jorge trying to clear the ball, but for some reason, he missed the ball and let it slip away.
The barrier in front of the goal turned into a "sieve," shocking the home fans, and Celta Vigo goalkeeper Marchi urgently rushed out because he saw Wang Feng catching up with the ball and no one defending him! At the moment Wang Feng touched the ball, he chose to shoot directly, giving Marchi no chance to make up for it. The Spaniard stretched his body to the extreme but still couldn''t touch the ball flying into the corner.
"Goooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng, who came off the bench, equalized for Inter Mn!"
"In the sixth minute after Wang Feng came on, he scored a goal for Inter Mn. Before that, for a full seventy-five minutes, the away team had gained nothing."
"Let''s take a look at how Wang Feng dealt with this ball. He received Raimondi''s cross and used the back of his foot to change the trajectory of the football, cleverly avoiding Jorge''s clearance."
"It must be said that Wang Feng''s ball-handling skills have reached an extraordinary level, coupled with his confident shot, this is a world-ss striker!"
Celta Vigo''s yers didn''t expect Wang Feng to score so quickly aftering on, then what was the point of their previous efforts? This blow was too much to bear.
But Wang Feng wasn''t satisfied!
Just five minutester, Ribery inserted from the back in the sideline with the ball, and Celta Vigo''s defenders were all concentrated near the small penalty area, guarding against a low cross.
The Frenchman, however, forcefully lifted the ball to the far post, where Wang Feng outside the small penalty area stopped the ball with his chest, then volleyed with his left foot as the ball descended, once again piercing Celta Vigo''s goal! 2-1! Inter Mnpleted theeback!
During injury time, Inter Mn yed a long ball from midfield, and Darma chose to directly long pass to the penalty area. At the moment he passed, Wang Feng quickly started to chase the ball.
Entering the penalty area, defender Herbisen firmly grabbed his arm from behind, trying to stop Wang Feng from grabbing the ball, but he didn''t fall to seek a penalty, instead, he struggled forward, leaping forward with great force.
And his forehead just hit the ball, heading towards the goal in a fish leap.
"Gooooooooooooooooooooooal!!" Thementator''s goal call echoed throughout the entire broadcast room.
Wang Feng fell to the ground after heading the ball, and when he looked up and saw the ball passing the goalkeeper''s right hand and falling into the goal, he suddenly bounced up like a carp, ran towards the stands where the fans were, and then knelt on the grass on the sidelines.
"Hat-trick! In just fifteen minutes aftering on, Wang Feng scored three consecutive goals against Celta Vigo, this is a true superstar!"
Chapter 199: Derby eve
Chapter 199: Derby eve
The photo of Wang Feng kneeling on the field of Bidos Stadium made it to the front page cover of the Mn Sports Newspaper, with the headline boldly stating, "Wang Feng Shines in Spain, Hat-trick in Fifteen Minutes!"
"Faced with the uing Mn Derby, coach Mancini adopted a substitute lineup, which was understandable, but the performance of these yers was disappointing. Not only did they fail to threaten the bottom-ranked team in La Liga, but they were also caught off guard."
"Once again, it was Wang Feng who yed a decisive role at a crucial moment, and what''s even more surprising is that he scored a hat-trick in just fifteen minutes. This is Wang Feng''s first hat-trick of the season, and it came unexpectedly soon."
"Two consecutive wins in the group stage are undoubtedly crucial for Inter Mn. Establishing a lead earlier allows them to focus more on the league."
"It can be seen that Inter Mn''s bench depth is problematic. As the league progresses, can they continue to juggle multiple fronts? This will be a significant test for Mancini''s tactics."
"Chinese superstar shines in the Champions League," the Turin Sports Newspaper also extensively covered this match, focusing on Wang Feng''s hat-trick. This is the first hat-trick in the Champions League so far, and Wang Feng tops the scorer''s list with four goals.
"Wang Feng seems unstoppable. He is gradually bing the most terrifying striker in Serie A history. I believe he will appear in the nightmares of all defenders."
In the small town of Carnago in northwest Mn, at AC Mn''s luxurious training base Mnello, Ancelotti sat in the head coach''s office, flipping through thetest newspapers with a mncholy expression.
"Wang Feng''s strength and form are still outstanding. What should we do?" Several assistant coaches looked at each other, shook their heads with bitter smiles, evidentlycking good ideas.
Last season, Inter Mn and AC Mn had numerous decisive encounters, with two league meetings costing them the Serie A title, two Champions League matches ending their journey to the final, and two Italian Cup matches resulting in them conceding the cup to each other.
Even before the start of this season, they once again lost to Inter Mn, only to watch their city rivals lift the Italian Super Cup once more.
Inter Mn has be a nightmare for AC Mn and Ancelotti. Club president Berlusconi is very dissatisfied with this situation, and the team is restless. If they cannot change this situation soon, Ancelotti will be swept out like Terim.
"Our defense seems luxurious, but still can''t stop Wang Feng. Maldini and Costacurta are a year older, and Nesta hasn''t been very effective."
"This season''s acquisition, Kaka, has great talent, but he''s not Wang Feng. Inter Mn''s defense has also be more solid. Can Zardo and Shevchenko break through?"
No one can answer this question, and Ancelotti can only rub his brow, pondering for a long time before saying, "I n to use a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Shevchenko up front, Rui Costa and Kaka dropping back a bit, and Zardo on the bench."
"Don''t retreat too deep in defense, adopt effectiveteral interception to limit Inter Mn''s attack."
The technical coach nodded, "This way, we can greatly weaken Inter Mn''s counterattack and prevent Wang Feng from exploiting the space in the frontcourt."
"Then, in defense, we''ll have Maldini, Nesta, Stam, and Cafu in the back, with Seedorf, Pirlo, and Gattuso in midfield, Rui Costa and Kaka in the attacking midfield, and Shevchenko up front."
Ancelotti nodded. This is the perfect formation and lineup in his mind. In attack, there''s no need to rely on high-winger pration but rather sharp breakthroughs in the middle.
Pirlo is the key in this lineup. In attack, he needs to use his ability to read the game and excellent footwork in the defensive midfield position to urately find defensive weaknesses, while Kaka can use his speed and clear positioning judgment in the attacking midfield to quickly gain possession and organize the attack.
In defense, the 4-3-2-1 can also be turned into a 2-4-1-2-1 at the right moment. Pirlo will have Seedorf and Gattuso for defensive support, while Maldini and Cafu can provide cover through their excellent individual abilities.
The defensive line formed by the midfield and defense will definitely be able to block Wang Feng!
In fact, this formation has been formed in Ancelotti''s mind for a long time, but it has never been implemented. There are two most important reasons for this. One is that Shevchenko and Zardo are both world-ss forwards. If a 4-3-2-1 is adopted, one of them will inevitably be relegated to the bench, which the club''s higher-ups do not want to see.
The second reason is that Rivaldo is not a striker with breakthrough passing ability, but more of an organizing midfielder, so he cannot y a good tactical role.
Now AC Mn is in a crisis and must seek change. Kaka''s arrival fills the vacancy of the striker, but Shevchenko and Zardo also have to make some sacrifices. Ancelotti ns to have a good talk with the higher-ups.
As a heavyweight dialogue of this season, the Mn Derby between Inter Mn and AC Mn has attracted the attention of media and fans worldwide, but both teams appeared unusually low-key before the match.
On the eve of the game, both sides held press conferences and announced the squads for the match. They appeared very modest when facing the reporters. Ancelotti praised Inter Mn''s defense this season and Wang Feng''s outstanding performance, while Mancini stated that AC Mn''s lineup is strong and the neer Kaka has unlimited potential.
Unlike the cordiality between the two teams, there was a smell of gunpowder in the city of Mn. Everyone knew that this game would affect the course of the championship, and AC Mn''s suppression over the past two years had made many old Mn fans very dissatisfied. They hoped that the Rossoneri could rise again.
Inter Mn''s fans naturally hope that the club can continue to excel and achieve glory again this season. So far this season, their performance has been very pleasing.
Just turning 20 years old, Wang Feng has already shown his unparalleled dominance and strong endurance, so everyone is very optimistic about how far Inter Mn will go. The "Great Inter Mn" dynasty is not just a dream.
On the night before the match, the Inter Mn team rested as usual in the Pina, having experienced two seasons of glory. Club president Moratti has personally promised the yers that he will invest heavily in renovating this run-down training base.
As for the standards, they will follow Mn''s Mnello. First, expand the area, in addition to regr training grounds and office buildings, dormitories, and other areas, they will also open up a forest and an artificialke to make it more suitable for yer training and rest.
The number of indoor and outdoor football fields also needs to be expanded to meet the training tasks of different teams, and various professional venues will be established so that yers can do some physical therapy and non-ball movements.
Of course, the most important thing is to renovate the dormitory building, which is almost equivalent to demolition and reconstruction. Each room will be turned into a luxurious single room, with greatly improved lighting, which is believed to satisfy everyone.
Chapter 200: A sudden lead
Chapter 200: A sudden lead
It takes over an hour by car from Pina to the Meazza Stadium. As the bus entered the outskirts of Mn, the roads were crowded with Inter Mn fans, warmly weing the yers.
When Wang Feng first came to Inter Mn, there weren''t as many fans. It can be said that the spectacr scene now is all created by him. Among the crowd, there were many Asian faces, including Chinese and some Japanese and Korean students.
Wang Feng has be the pride of China and even Asia. Never has any Asian football yer achieved such great sess!
On the other road leading to the Meazza Stadium, AC Mn''s bus was also warmly weed. There were many die-hard fans of the Rossoneri, who would never leave the team in times of difficulty.
The main referee led the two teams onto the field slowly. The Meazza Stadium erupted with deafening cheers. Fans on both sides of the stands excitedly waved their team gs, turning the stands into a turbulent sea.
At the start of the match, AC Mn kicked off, while Inter Mn cautiously controlled their formation, with Wang Feng and Vieri pressing the opponent''s frontline.
Both sides engaged in fierce midfield battles. AC Mn''s 4-3-2-1 formation was somewhat unexpected for Mancini, giving the Rossoneri a slight tactical advantage.
Soon after, AC Mnunched a threatening attack. Rui Costa passed back to Pirlo, who made a precise through ball to find Kaka, who used his speed to shake off Cordoba before passing diagonally into the penalty area.
Shevchenko met the ball inside the penalty area and took a direct shot, but Toldo''s diving save defused the danger.
Just two minutester, AC Mn attacked again dangerously. Rui Costa sessfully prated Inter Mn''s left-wing defense, swiftly dribbling towards the penalty area and passing to the middle.
Kaka at the top of the arc took a long shot, which deflected off Zambrotta nearby and went out for a corner.
Three minutester, Kaka prated again. Like a gust of wind, he bypassed Cordoba and Zti''s joint defense, cooperated with Shevchenko at the edge of the penalty area, and finally shot at a narrow angle, hitting the post.
This was AC Mn''s closest moment to scoring, but unfortunately luck wasn''t on their side. Kaka showed a wry smile on his handsome face and exchanged encouraging nces with Shevchenko before returning to the midfield.
Less than ten minutes into the game, AC Mn hadunched three waves of attacks, all shots hitting within the frame, prompting Mancini to stand at the sidelines, closely observing the situation with a furrowed brow, surprised by what he saw.
Ancelotti''s tactical arrangement was indeed exquisite! The swift transition between offense and defense, and the pration in midfield were all demonstrated vividly. Mancini couldn''t find an immediate solution and could only continue observing.
"Inter Mn''s ball, Civu''s long pass over the midfield, aiming to breach AC Mn''s defense, but there are many AC Mn midfielders. Pirlo wins the ball."
"Inter Mn seems a bit rushed with this pass. AC Mn''s midfield distributes to Gattuso. Beautiful! Mark van Bommel intercepts, the ball returns to Inter Mn''s possession."
"Don''t rush, control the pace of the attack. Mark van Bommel passes to Dalmau. What will Dalmau do? He dribbles into the frontcourt, Wang Feng has already moved into position, and he passes."
At the moment Wang Feng received the ball, he suddenly noticed a slight difference in Zivkovic''s positioning, creating a gap in the middle. Seizing the opportunity, he pushed the ball sideways and quickly surged towards the frontcourt.
It was the first time AC Mn used this lineup in a real match, inevitably there were some ws, and the 4-3-2-1 formation demanded extremely high positional awareness from the yers.
By the time the defending yers reacted, neither Zivkovic nor Nesta, who attempted to block and cover, could intercept Wang Feng in time.
He was like a sharp sword, instantly piercing through AC Mn''s thick defense line. Facing the final barrier, Maldini, Wang Feng pushed the ball slightly to the side and elerated past him.
The 35-year-old veteran couldn''t withstand Wang Feng''s speed and impact, quickly falling behind. After catching up with the ball inside the penalty area, Wang Feng took a direct shot at a narrow angle. The ball soared over Dida''s fingertips and into the top left corner of the goal.
"The ball''s in! Goooooooooooooooal!"
"Inter Mn''s quick counterattack breaks through AC Mn''s defense. With his unparalleled speed and agile positioning, Wang Feng breaks the deadlock for Inter Mn!"
"Thirty minutes into the first half, AC Mn has dominated the field with their new formation, constantly threatening Inter Mn''s goal. But Wang Feng is Wang Feng, always seizing every fleeting opportunity to deal a fatal blow to the enemy!"
When Wang Feng broke through, Mancini excitedly raised his hands. At the moment of the goal, he couldn''t control himself anymore, running along the sidelines celebrating.
Although he couldn''t find a tactical solution to crack AC''s formation, the feeling of having a superstar was different! Mancini somewhat understood how Cooper felt back then. No need for special arrangements; entrust the attack to Wang Feng, and he would bring surprises to the team!
Unlike Mancini''s excitement, Ancelotti shook his head with a bitter smile, returning to his coaching seat. His tactical arrangement was not the issue. In this sh of titans, the 4-3-2-1 formation indeed had the effect of suppressing the opponent.
But it''s the people executing the tactics. They would always make various mistakes and oversights, which could be corrected if detected in time. But Wang Feng was too sharp. The time Zivkovic showed a w didn''t exceed a minute, even spectators couldn''t react in time.
Yet Wang Feng, amidst the chaos, immediately noticed and exploited it. His ability to read the game and understand tactics could only be described as terrifying. "Wang will definitely be an excellent coach after retirement, much better than me," Ancelotti joked self-deprecatingly.
The sudden lead changed the dynamics on the field. AC Mn''s veterans gradually recalled the fear of being dominated by Wang Feng and Inter Mn. They became hesitant in their ball handling, leading to a sluggish offense.
In the 41st minute, AC Mnunched a counterattack. Gattuso quickly made a long pass, but it was too far ahead. Kaka desperately chased after it, even diving in, but couldn''t reach the ball.
Three minutester, another pass from Gattuso to the frontcourt, but this time with less force. Kaka had to retreat to receive the ball but got caught in a double team. He had no choice but to pass back and reorganize.
The yers'' mentality was faltering! Kaka wiped the sweat off his face, looking at Gattuso helplessly. Gattuso shook his head apologetically, wearing a look of regret.
He then turned to look at Wang Feng. At this moment, the Chinese was chatting andughing with Materazzi. What would Wang Feng do in such a situation?
Having watched countless recordings of Wang Feng''s matches and aimed to emte him, Kaka had long found the answer in his heart: score! Score to awaken teammates, reverse the situation!
Chapter 201: Son of the wind
Chapter 201: Son of the wind
Second half begins, the 21-year-old Brazilian decisively took on the team''s attacking responsibility. In the forty-eighth minute, he received a through ball from Pirlo in the front court, turned, and elerated towards the penalty area.
Behind him, Zti chased closely, but at this moment, Kaka was like the son of the wind, steadily overtaking the Argentinean. Zti tried everything to stop him but couldn''t prevent his advance.
Soon, he diagonally dribbled the ball near the top of the penalty area. Caldoba sensed danger and rushed to defend, but Kaka suddenly shot low, and the ball rolled rapidly along the grass towards the bottom right corner of the goal.
Toldo hurriedly dived, but couldn''t touch the ball. It hit the inside of the post and bounced into the.
1-1! AC Mn equalized the score! Zti gasped, looking incredulously at the celebrating AC Mn yers. That Serie A neer could run so fast and dribble so steadily?
At a defensive moment, he even felt like the one sprinting ahead was Wang Feng, a feeling he had only experienced in battles against Wang Feng!
Wang Feng, during his defensive return, witnessed Kaka''s entire process from receiving the ball to scoring, and he was also very surprised. It was too graceful! With excellent dribbling technique and super-fast speed, he easily evaded the defense and timed his shot perfectly.
Kaka, amidst the crowd, always wore a warm smile. He embraced the seniors who came to congratte him, feeling relieved that they could quickly equalize the score, which should gradually restore everyone''s morale.
As expected, things developed as Kaka anticipated. The AC Mn yers'' mentality gradually returned to normal, and the new formation truly disyed its power.
When Inter Mn attacked, even Wang Feng found it difficult to break through the dense defense. But when AC Mn attacked, Pirlo and Gattuso frequently supplied bullets to the front line of Ruicosta and Kaka.
Especially Kaka, who was exceptionally active. He was not content with a draw. In the 57th and 66th minutes, he created threatening attacks through quick dribbling runs, but unfortunately, Ruicosta and Shevchenko didn''t capitalize on the chances.
Under enormous threat, Mancini had to make substitutions. He reced Vieri with Zti, trying to strengthen the midfield and defense, relying entirely on Wang Feng for the attack.
Before Zti could settle in, AC Mn struck again! Ruicosta initiated an attack from the left side, dribbling while waiting for his teammates'' movements. Kaka lurked near the edge of the penalty area. Seeing the situation, Ruicosta suddenly sent a through ball, and Kaka instinctively started quickly, reaching the ball before the approaching defender, Chiwo.
The ball rolled into the penalty area, and Kaka chased it with all his might. At the edge of the small penalty area, he caught up with the ball. Seeing Civu''s desperate attempt to tackle, Kaka was faster! Before Toldo''s save and Civu''s tackle, he had already taken a low-angle shot, and the ball crossed the entire goal, hitting the inside.
"Goooooooooooooooooal!! Kaka!! A goal from Kaka''s forward run, reversing the score for AC Mn!"
"It''s fantastic! Kaka was in an unfavorable position when he received the ball, but with his clever touch, he turned the situation around with his speed, turning Chiwo from being ahead to behind."
"Then the pinpoint angle of the shot was also technically perfect. AC Mn has really struck gold. Kaka can be as essential to AC Mn''s future as Wang Feng!"
After the shot, Kaka was tripped by Civu, but he quickly got up and sprinted along the sidelines. At this moment, he felt a sense of exhration. He wanted to shout out loud, "Serie A, here Ie!"
AC Mn fans in the stands waved their banners and gs frantically, cheering for Kaka''s brilliant performance. Especially some female fans, who unabashedly shouted some blush-inducing words.
They could finally hold their heads high! Ever since Wang Feng arrived at Inter Mn, his looks seemed to surpass those of AC Mn''s yers. Although Shevchenko, Inzaghi, and others were handsome, they were slightly inferior to Wang Feng.
Wang Feng, both handsome and skilled, didn''t know how many Red and ck Legion female fans envied and admired him. But now the situation was different. They also had a handsome and skilled yer, and that was Kaka!
A perfect goal! Wang Feng couldn''t help but shake his head in admiration. Civu defended well, but he encountered an even more outstanding forward.
But soon, his eyes lit up with determination. If you can score, so can I!
In the 85th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the right nk, facing Stamm. He cleverly feigned a move and prepared to cut inside towards the penalty area. At this moment, Cafu, who rushed to defend, directly brought down Wang Feng in desperation.
The referee''s whistle blew. The refereeing in today''s game was quite reasonable. Ignoring such tant fouls would probably not be eptable to football fans worldwide.
Inter Mn obtained a free kick in the right nk''s 25-meter area!
When Wang Feng stood at the penalty spot, AC Mn felt as if facing a major threat. Everyone knew that this free kick was within his shooting range!
Kaka was also part of the defensive wall, watching as Maldini beside him solemnly instructed on positioning and timing for jumping. His heart couldn''t help but tighten. At this moment, Wang Feng in the distance was like a caged beast, ready to devour them at any moment.
Whistle, run-up, shot!
The defensive wall quickly jumped, and Dida''s heart soared. Would they block it? No! Damn it, the ball just cleared their heads and flew towards the goal!
Dida quickly judged the ball''s trajectory but couldn''t see it clearly. He could only rely on instinct to make a save. He stretched his body as much as possible; he would surely deflect the ball.
But just as he dove to save, the ball suddenly dropped in mid-air, as if gravity had suddenly increased its effect on the ball. This change surprised the Brazilian goalkeeper.
His body and hands had already moved, but the ball''s trajectory suddenly changed. In the air, he had no way to remedy it, only watching helplessly as the ball passed by his side.
Without turning around, Dida knew that the ball must have fallen into the by now.
With the cheers from the stands and the referee''s whistle, Inter Mn equalized the score!
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball''s in!! A perfect free kick goal!!"
"Even though everyone knew Wang Feng would use a free kick to score, they still couldn''t do anything about it!"
Facing Wang Feng, Kaka saw his eyes the moment he kicked the ball, it was a sharp and passionate gaze! At that moment, it seemed like everything in the world had disappeared, leaving only the goal standing in front of him.
This gaze made Kaka shiver with excitement and fear, swirling in his mind. So, every time Wang Feng shoots, does he look at the goal with such a gaze? No wonder he has achieved so much glory!
2-2! A thrilling battle, and finally, both teams shook hands and settled for a draw.
Chapter 202: Waiting for the prize
Chapter 202: Waiting for the prize
When the referee blew the final whistle, Wang Feng let out a long sigh. He hadn''t managed to secure a victory, but holding a title-contending opponent to a draw wasn''t such a bad oue after all.
Next to the coaching bench, Mancini walked up to Ancelotti. "Congrattions, you''ve found a tactic that suits AC Mn and encountered a perfect executor."
Mancini observed clearly that the threat of the 4-3-2-1 formation on the offensive end was entirely created by Kaka; he was the core of this formation. Ancelotti smiled faintly, "I look forward to our next encounter, how will you respond then?"
The two embraced briefly, each with their own thoughts, before heading towards the locker rooms to prepare for the post-match press conference.
As Wang Feng and his teammates prepared to leave the field, Kaka approached him. Somewhat awkwardly, he said, "Wang, could we exchange jerseys?"
Although Kaka was a year older than Wang Feng, at this moment, this shy young man appeared even more innocent than Wang Feng. Wang Feng smiled and patted his shoulder, "Of course, Kaka, your performance today was truly outstanding, even better than mine. I look forward to our next encounter with you." With that, he took off his jersey.
Kaka had always looked up to Wang Feng as a role model, but now the Chinese star had achieved remarkable sess in the world of football, earning his ce among the elite. So whenever Kaka interacted with him, he did so with utmost respect.
"The Son of the Wind shines at San Siro, Mn Derby ends in a handshake." The headline on the front page of the next day''s Mn Sports News read.
"Kaka exploded in this match, contributing two brilliant goals in session. Coupled with his outstanding performance in the Champions League, his talent was showcased to the fullest."
"AC Mn only spent 8.5 million euros to bring him back from S?o Paulo, which can be considered a bargain. In Kaka, we can see shades of Wang Feng. He undoubtedly has unlimited potential."
"Many AC Mn fans describe Kaka as the Son of the Wind because of his elegant dribbling, as if gliding on the breeze."
"In this match, Wang Feng''s performance was equally outstanding. His free-kick goal to equalize the score was sensational. After five rounds of the league, he has already scored 8 goals, a terrifying efficiency."
"In the future, the showdown between Wang Feng and Kaka will also be one of the most exciting parts of Serie A."
Tuttosport titled their report "The Prince of San Siro Battles the King of Meazza", pointing out that both Kaka and Wang Feng scored twice, with no clear winner in terms of brilliance.
The other teammates fully supported the two. Although Kaka was young, under Ancelotti''s new formation, he was showing signs of bing AC Mn''s offensive core. Combined with his handsome face, he was rightfully called the Prince of San Siro.
Wang Feng, on the other hand, was undoubtedly the king and spiritual pir of "Grand Inter Mn". It remains to be seen how far he can lead Inter Mn this season.
After five rounds, the top spot in Serie A was unexpectedly imed by the rising Roma, who had won five consecutive games!
No one had expected Roma, who finished 8thst season, to suddenly explode and stage aeback. They made no significant moves in the summer transfer window, only bringing in the midfielder Mini Mancini, and failing to secure Civu who was snapped up by Inter Mn.
The trio of Cassano, Totti, and Monte in the frontcourt yed a key role in Roma''s rise. After a season of lows and criticism, the young Cassano seemed to have matured and stabilized, although his talkative nature remained unchanged.
"Wang, I''ve scored four goals already, although I''m still a bit behind you, I''ll catch up sooner orter," Cassano boasted when he called Wang Feng.
Cassano was in high spirits, with Totti experiencing aplete breakthrough this season. Not only was he excellent in organizing attacks, but he also provided many assists, showing a ruthless side in defense, helping Roma win a tough battle against Udinese.
"Well, well, well, who wasining about being the scapegoat a few months ago, wanting to leave Roma?" Wang Feng teased. Cassano on the other end of the phone was a bit embarrassed but argued, "At that time, the situation was indeed helpless, clearly Totti is the Prince of Rome, why should all the me fall on me when we lose?"
The two chatted about some interesting stories, Cassanoined to Wang Feng about the strictness of Roma coach Capello: "I''ve clearly improved a lot, but he still mercilessly criticizes me."
Wang Fengforted, "You should think of it this way, Capello criticizes you because he wants you to get better. Have you ever seen him criticize substitute yers who don''t even get on the field?" Cassano murmured in agreement, but it''s unclear if he really took it to heart.
There was also a significant event in the world of football, as FIFA announced the list of thirty candidates for the FIFA Ballon d''Or award. Wang Feng appeared on this list for the third time, alongside legends like Nedved, Maldini, and Shevchenko.
Real Madrid''s Ral, Zidane, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and others also made the list, along with renowned yers like Henry and Van Nistelrooy.
Apart from Wang Feng, only Vieri from Inter Mn made the list, which seemed somewhat biased considering Inter''s achievement of winning five titles. However, FIFA''s selections have always favored reputation over performance, so it''s no surprise that so many big-name yers made the cut.
As for who would win the FIFA Ballon d''Or, opinions were generally unified. Sheer dominance, Wang Feng, right?
Leaving aside his contribution to Inter Mn''s five-title triumph, just his 40 goals + 20 assists in the league, winning the European Golden Boot, and his performance of 22 goals + 5 assists in the Champions League, were enough to overshadow everyone else.
Since the start of this season, his statistics have been equally impressive, with 8 goals in the league and 4 goals in the Champions League.
What''s even moremendable is that under his leadership, Inter Mn reimed the Champions League trophy after thirty-eight years, defeating the star-studded Real Madrid head-on.
"Wang Feng can quietly await the arrival of the trophy!" The credible Sky Sports evaluated.
Of course, there were also a few dissenting voices. The Spanish Marca snidely reported that Zidane should have a chance to win the award, "Under his leadership, Real Madrid won the La Liga title and sessfully reached the Champions League final, falling just short of making history with a back-to-back win."
Facing such ims, the Catn Mundo Deportivo ruthlessly countered, "Then why don''t we let Zidane fall just short of winning the FIFA Ballon d''Or?" The media from both sides shed, igniting a fiery debate.
Chapter 203: Unstoppable
Chapter 203: Unstoppable
After experiencing two weeks of national team matches, Serie A reignited its mes as Inter Mn challenged Brescia away in the 6th round.
The match began with Inter Mn not in the best shape, as most yers were fatigued from shuttling between national teams and clubs.
However, Wang Feng''s lively performance still proved effective. In the 31st minute of the first half, after dribbling past two defenders in the opponent''s half, he prated the penalty area and scored the opening goal with a low-angle shot.
After the break, a cross from Ribery on the right was met by Wang Feng''s run from behind, doubling Inter Mn''s lead to 2-0!
Then, in the 71st minute, it was Wang Feng again near the top of the penalty area, dribbling to his right before unleashing a powerful shot to seal the victory for Inter Mn.
A hat-trick! The league''s first hat-trick came surprisingly quickly!
Inter Mn secured a 3-0 victory over Brescia, showing a clear gap in strength between the two sides.
Four dayster, in the third round of the Champions League group stage, Inter Mn hosted Club Brugge. After more than two years, Wang Feng faced a Belgian team again, evoking some nostalgia as many familiar faces from his past opponents were no longer present.
In the first half, Wang Feng received Ribery''s pass to score a goal for the team, and then assisted Vieri for another.
Leading by two goals, Inter Mn substituted Wang Feng and other key yers in the second half, while Club Brugge fought back and scored a goal before the final whistle.
2-1! Inter Mn defeated Club Brugge, achieving three consecutive victories in the Champions League group stage.
On October 27th, in the 7th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Roma at the San Siro, a match directly affecting the standings.
Just 8 minutes into the game, Inter Mn earned a corner. When Sti delivered the ball into the penalty area, the team''s movement caused chaos, allowing Vieri to head the ball onto the crossbar, where Wang Feng, suddenly emerging from the crowd, tapped in the rebound.
However, in the 25th minute, Roma attacked, with Totti''s chip pass finding Casano in the penalty area, equalizing the score. Casano''s form this season was exceptionally hot.
Near the end of the first half, Ribery''s exquisite lob found Wang Feng in the penalty area, who controlled the ball with his chest before volleying with his left foot past Pellegrini''s outstretched fingers.
Entering the second half with a lead, Inter Mn continued their good form. In the 67th minute, it was Wang Feng''s turn to shine, as he broke through Samuel on the wing before crossing to Dalma, who had no one to mark him at the far post.
Dalma naturally seized the opportunity to help Inter Mn expand their lead, scoring his first goal of the season.
Roma didn''t give up, finally scoring in the 85th minute from a free-kick by captain Totti. But it was toote as Inter Mn ultimately won 3-2, overtaking them to the top of the league table!
Entering November, in the 8th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Chievo Verona away.
Immediately taking the initiative, Inter Mnunched a wave of attacks. In the 8th minute, Dalma''s feint on the left attracted the defense, and a quick through ball from Ribery found Wang Feng in the penalty area, who didn''t stop the ball but shot directly, catching Chievo''s defense off guard.
In the 27th minute, Zti''s lofted pass found Wang Feng, who jumped in the penalty area to head the ball into the visitor''s.
Just 3 minutester, Inter Mn struck again, with Wang Feng dribbling on the right, feinting past the defense before shooting from a tight angle in the penalty area.
3-0! Within thirty minutes, Inter Mn had built a significant lead, with Wang Feng once again scoring a hat-trick!
At halftime, Coach Mancini promptly substituted Wang Feng; his mission was aplished, and the second half relied on the substitute yers to maintain the lead.
Without Wang Feng''s pressure, Chievo Verona posed some threatening attacks in the second half and managed to pull one goal back through Beretta. However, as the game approached its end, Argentine striker Cruz headed in a goal, sealing the score at 4-1!
A weekter, in the 10th round of Serie A, Inter Mn traveled to Cbria to face Reggina.
Fielding their main lineup, Inter Mn disyed a formidable attacking force. In the first half, Wang Feng scored twice and assisted Ribery for the third goal, staging another first-half dominance.
After the break, substitute yers Carron and Ramuzi also made contributions to the team.
5-0! Inter Mn won another big victory!
With two consecutive big wins and a streak of 5 wins, the media hailed Inter Mn as "unstoppable." They now lead the table with 9 wins, 1 draw, and 28 points, followed by Roma with 7 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, and 23 points, and AC Mn with 6 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, and 21 points.
Juventus, on the other hand, has not recovered from their early-season setbacks, currently sitting in 8th ce with 4 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, and only 14 points. The performance of their summer acquisition, the talented Van der Meade from Ajax, has been somewhat disappointing, as the Dutchman has yet to adapt well to the Serie A style and Coach Lippi''s tactical arrangements.
The Mn Sports News wrote, "Inter Mn seems to be reying the brilliant performance ofst season. Nearly one-third of the league has been yed, and they have already established a significant lead."
"What is even more rming is that their situation in the league hasn''t been that good, but they still maintain a strongpetitiveness."
The situation mentioned by the Mn Sports News naturally refers to the issue of referee judgments. Inter Mn''s yers clearly felt that they had been subjected to some unfair decisions in some matches.
Chapter 204: Group business
Chapter 204: Group business
In Serie A, referees often make unfavorable decisions against Inter Mn. While Wang Feng finds this somewhat surprising, it''s also understandable. The Nerazzurri have already achieved two consecutive titles, and with the current spirit and strength of the team, Wang Feng is confident in leading them to continue achieving good results. And he''s still so young.
In the history of Serie A, the longest consecutive title record is held by Juventus with five consecutive titles, dating back to as far as 1935. The most recent consecutive title was achieved by AC Mn with a three-peat in 1994.
So Wang Feng thought that at least the Serie A league would wait for Inter Mn to achieve a three-peat before discreetly attempting to suppress them. He didn''t expect them to be so eager to pull Inter Mn down now.
It seems that rumors about Inter Mn not being favored by Serie A tradition are not baseless. They may be a powerhouse, but in the minds of many high-ranking officials in the Serie A league, only AC Mn and Juventus are truly recognized.
Perhaps one day in the future, if Juventus were to achieve an eight or even nine consecutive titles, it would be eptable to these people, and there would be no deliberate suppression.
The only constion is that Wang Feng has made a name for himself in the world of football, with most of the media focusing on him. So the Serie A league dare not behave too excessively. As the top-ranked league in Europe, they still need to maintain their reputation.
After the match against Reggina, Serie A weed another two-week break, during which Wang Feng nned to take the opportunity to review the business of the Fengyao Group.
Since the establishment of the group, Wang Feng has always delegated specific business matters to professionals arranged by the Kai Group. However, he hasn''tpletely washed his hands of it, instead appointing core operational and management personnel, such as Renee. Although Renee is not a professional, he has devoted all his energy to this, learning and improving quickly, which Wang Feng trusts.
Of course, Wang Feng also personally participates in some major decisions of thepany, but he simply doesn''t understand much and can''t spare a lot of time to learn, so he asionally looks at board meeting briefs and tries his best to understand.
Facing a pile of data and meeting records on his desk, Wang Feng scratched his head in frustration. He had already shortened his training time by two hours just to look at these seemingly meaningless things?
A steaming cup of green tea was ced in front of Wang Feng, and at the same time, a pair of slender hands rested on his shoulders, gently kneading them. "I see you''ve been troubled for a long time. Have a cup of tea to refresh yourself. I added a bit of mint to it," said a gentle voice.
Wang Feng gently grasped the hands, feeling somewhat apologetic. "Yao Yao, I''m really sorry. It''s your weekend, but I still have to train and deal with these trivial matters, and I haven''t been able to spend time with you properly."
Liu Yao shook her head with a smile. "As long as you''re by my side, I feel very at ease. I don''t care what you''re doing."
She nced at the documents on the table, and the Fengyao Group logo in the top left corner made her blush slightly. Wang Feng noticed her gaze and felt a bit embarrassed for a moment. "Well, the name sounds nice, doesn''t it? Everyone agreed at the time, and the meaning is good too, easily associated with ''Fly,'' haha."
Liu Yao bent down, resting her cheek on Wang Feng''s shoulder and whispered softly, "I really like it."
Her gaze then turned to the documents, quickly bing absorbed in their contents because it fell within her area of expertise.
It was an evaluation report on Tengxun Computer Systems Limited, detailing their development history, current business, and predicting future prospects.
"Can I take a look?" Liu Yao asked. "Why not? And I was thinking, after you graduate, could youe to the group to help me?"
Liu Yao didn''t respond, but picked up the report and began to read it carefully. The reason she was interested in thispany was that the chat software she and Wang Feng had often used was developed by thispany.
After she finished reading the entire report, she had some ideas in mind and said, "Are there disagreements now?" Wang Feng nodded, "Many in the group are not optimistic about the domestic inte industry, thinking it''s not easy to handle such high-end business. But some people think it has great potential."
"Now decisions need to be made, whether to invest heavily in Tengxun or not. Of course, the two factions have reached a consensus, which is that either don''t invest, or if you invest, you must make a substantial investment and not just dabble in it."
Liu Yao nodded, "Let me share my understanding." So she broke down the contents of the report, simplifying it for Wang Feng to understand. With this, the originally obscure data and analysis became clear, and even Wang Feng, ayman, couldprehend.
Wang Feng was pleasantly surprised. He hadn''t expected the shy girl from back then to grow so quickly. He stared at Liu Yao, who was radiant, full of courage and charm, which seemed particrly alluring, gradually distracting him.
Perhaps it wasn''t that she had grown up too quickly, but that this was how Liu Yao appeared in front of ordinary people. Wang Feng recalled the cold and aloof Liu Yao he had met at Mn University, even the most arrogant youths were left speechless.
Liu Yao noticed Wang Feng''s gaze. "What''s wrong? Did I say something wrong?" Wang Feng snapped out of his reverie, shaking his head hastily. "You''re absolutely right. I feel like my thoughts are much clearer now, much better than when I read it myself."
"It''s great if I can help you," Liu Yao said.
"Do you think we should invest in this industry?" Wang Feng asked. Liu Yao rested her chin on her fingertips, pondering for a moment before saying, "I think it has great prospects. Not only because of these analyses, but more importantly, I see a brand new future ecosystem from their chat software. The development potential is definitely not to be underestimated."
Wang Feng nodded. He was already inclined to invest domestically, and now with such a promising developmentpany, especially one that hasn''t gone public yet, it''s a rare opportunity.
With a determined mind, all he needed to do was to give the final approval. Financing would naturally be arranged by specialists, and then Wang Feng and Liu Yao looked at several other emergingpanies together, both domestic and foreign, including Ali, Shengda, Jiu Cheng, etc., all of which were intepanies.
"The domestic inte industry will definitely see vigorous development," Liu Yao, who had been in contact with the inte early on, said confidently. Wang Feng also agreed. Sometimes he would browse some domestic forums and find that new inte users were increasing every day, with more and more Chinese people being exposed to this brand new world.
By increasing investment and bing important investors in thesepanies, the future returns would surely be considerable. And due to Wang Feng''s celebrity effect, manypanies were very willing to cooperate with him, providing guarantees in various aspects.
Chapter 205: Juventus in decline
Chapter 205: Juventus in decline
UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 5, Inter Mn traveled to Amsterdam to challenge Ajax.
Just three minutes into the game, Wang Feng seized an opportunity at the edge of the penalty area. It was Ribery''s cross, and Vieri''s shot inside the penalty area was blocked by Ajax defender Maxwell.
The ball came to the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng burst out and took a long shot, piercing through Ajax''s goal, opening the scoring for Inter Mn.
In the subsequent match, Ajaxunched a full-scale counterattack, with Club Brugge posing a significant threat to their advancement from behind, resulting in a stalemate.
However, in the 71st minute of the second half, it was Wang Feng''s attack on the right nk again. He and Ribery executed a ssic one-twobination, with Wang Feng dribbling into the penalty area and scoring with a left-footed shot from a narrow angle.
2-0! Inter Mn extended their lead!
Ajax managed to pull one back through Ibrahimovic just before the final whistle, but it was not enough to turn the tide. With this round over, Inter Mn secured the top spot in the group and advanced to the UEFA Champions League round of 16!
As for other Serie A teams, in Group B, AC Mn, Arsenal, and Moscow Lotive arepeting for two spots in the knockout stage. The gap between the three teams is very small, and it''s still undecided who will finish first and who will be eliminated, awaiting the final round of matches.
In Group D, Juventus and Real Sociedad currently upy the top two spots on the points table, seemingly unaffected by the threats from Gtasaray and Olympiacos.
However, it''s a different story for Lazio in Group G. They have only managed one victory so far and are at the bottom of the points table, losing any chance of advancement early in thepetition, which many Serie A media find hard to ept.
"If we can''t beat financially strong teams like Chelsea, it''s understandable, but the fact that Sparta Prague and Besiktas can dominate Lazio so easily is very surprising,"mented the Italian Evening Post. "Apart from the top three in the north, the decline of the rest of Serie A teams is very evident,rgely due to their poor financial situation."
"It''s a vicious cycle: financial imbnce leads to unfavorable transfers, which in turn results in declining performance. The decline in performance further exacerbates the financial crisis, leading to bankruptcy and relegation."
"The Serie A league should focus more on broadcasting and sponsorship, diversify revenue streams, and support small and medium-sized clubs to maintain sufficientpetitiveness. Only then can our top clubs be morepetitive in European football."
Back in Italy, Inter Mn will face Juventus at the end of November. It''s the first meeting between the two teams in the league this season. Looking at their performance in the past ten rounds, Juventus is in a very disadvantageous position, almost losing the chance topete for the title.
What''s worse is that their summer signing, Dutch midfielder Van de Meijde, has performed poorly and even had some conflicts with head coach Lippi.
The Dutchman expressed his confusion about Lippi''s tactical training in an interview: "We are like rabbits hopping around on the training ground ording to the coach''s instructions. I don''t understand the significance of this."
Despite performing excellently at Ajax and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with the team, Van de Meijde caught the attention of many top clubs, including Juventus, and Inter Mn had also shown interest in him.
Eventually, Juventus, who had achieved no results for two consecutive years, defeated allpetitors and spent a lot of money to bring him in, hoping to turn the tide in the new season. But obviously, Van de Meijde disappointed them. Since the era of the ''Three Musketeers,'' few Dutch yers who seeded in Serie A havended.
Van de Meijde''s open criticism of coach Lippi also led to punishment. In Juventus'' recent two league matches and Champions League matches, the Dutchman was not included in the squad.
This incident made Lippi, who was already losing his authority, even more embarrassed, and the club''s top management did not support him. Instead, they actively sought new coaching candidates behind the scenes, showing that their patience had reached its limit.
In sunny Mn in November, Malpensa Airport was bustling with crowds, and travelers from all over the world passed through here. In the domestic terminal area, arge number of reporters were waiting for the arrival of the Nerazzurri.
Many curious tourists and Juventus fans who arrived in Mn early also gathered together, waiting for the oldest and most honored Serie A team.
When Juventus'' team appeared in everyone''s sight, it caused bursts of exmations and shing lights. The airport security forces were well deployed in advance, guiding them to quickly board the bus and leave for the hotel where they were staying.
The yers looked very tired under the camera''s lens. Nedved had lost his usual smile, and Trezeguet looked particrly serious, both due to the continuous battles in the Champions League and Serie A and the recent controversies surrounding their "disunity."
Sharp-eyed reporters noticed that Van de Meijde was still absent from the team. He had been left behind in Turin. Even though he was not included in the matchday squad, ording to custom, the Dutchman should still have the opportunity to train with the team.
However, it seemed that Lippi had no intention of letting him off. As long as he remained, Van de Meijde could forget about appearing in his squad!
The reporters looked at each other, feeling that their trip was not in vain. They would have new topics to develop when they returned. Amidst the turmoil, the match proceeded as scheduled, with Inter Mn taking the kickoff. Ribery passed the ball back directly, and the home team immediately opened up their formation, while the Nerazzurri''s intentions were very clearthey pressed high and took a risk.
Less than a minute into the game, Nedved intercepted the ball from Dalmat in the midfield, dribbled twice, and then sent a long pass to find Trezeguet upfront. The Frenchman was quick, but he couldn''t match Toldo, who came out to snatch the ball. The Inter Mn goalkeeper quickly threw the ball to Cordoba to organize the attack.
Juventus also aggressively pressed forward, with Thinardi fouling Simeone in the process of winning the ball, causing thetter to fall to the ground in pain. This prompted the Inter Mn fans at the scene to boo.
However, the referee did not show a card, just giving Inter Mn a free kick in their own half. After receiving simple treatment, Simeone returned to the field, igniting the fire in the hearts of the Inter Mn yers.
You want to press forward? Fine, then don''t me me for hitting your weak defense!
Moreover, the current Inter Mn is not afraid of a pressing attack at all. Their defense ispletely different fromst season, with Mark Llewellin ying a pivotal role, and Civu has also performed well.
In the 10th minute, Inter Mnunched a counterattack. Materazzi sent a long pass from the back, Wang Feng headed the ball to Ribery nearby, and then turned and made a run forward.
Ribery didn''t hesitate after receiving the ball, directly sending a through pass to Wang Feng. At this moment, Juventus'' vulnerable defense waspletely exposed, with only one defender, Lerrota, in front of Wang Feng.
Of course, he couldn''t stop him. Wang Feng made arge swing to dribble past the defender, forming a one-on-one with the goalkeeper Buffon. When the goalkeeper rushed out, Wang Feng used the tip of his foot to flick the ball over Buffon''s outstretched arm and into the.
1-0! Inter Mn took the lead!
Chapter 206: One more defeat
Chapter 206: One more defeat
Inter Mn, who gained the advantage, responded more calmly to Juventus'' attacks. In the 33rd minute, after Toldo collected Trezeguet''s long shot, Inter Mn quicklyunched a counterattack.
Toldo kicked the ball long to the midfield, Ribery received the ball near the center line, with Wang Feng positioned on the right and Vieri in the middle, creating a wide attacking formation for Inter Mn.
This put immense pressure on the Juventus defense, forcing them to split their defense to mark these three yers. When Ribery received the ball, Wang Feng saw Thuram rushing over to press, while Birindelli remained close by.
Meanwhile, Vieri had already crossed the midfield and was making a forward run, ready to receive Ribery''s pass at any moment. This alerted the Argentine midfielder Camoranesi, who had to closely defend Vieri on his side.
Juventus'' high press created significant gaps in their defensive line! The three defenders couldn''t cover for each other, and Wang Feng quickly started his run into the forward area. Birindelli was surprised and hurried to defend, but couldn''t match his speed.
Ribery sent a lofted pass, the ball swiftly crossed Juventus'' defensive line into the forward area, where Wang Feng charged forward, lifting the ball with his right foot in the air, feeling no obstruction whatsoever.
At that moment, Birindelli bit his teeth, using all his strength to charge at Wang Feng, trying to push him away. However, Wang Feng just stumbled slightly and quickly regained his bnce.
He saw Juventus goalkeeper Buffoning out, and if he adjusted and shot again, Buffon would block the anglepletely. So, after barely stabilizing himself, Wang Feng directly took the shot with his right foot.
In the eyes of the audience, everything happened in a sh. They only saw Wang Feng stopping the ball and then, after sidestepping Birindelli, shooting directly with his right foot.
The ball flew out from the tip of Wang Feng''s right foot, Buffon dived sideways to save, but the angle was too small. The ball grazed past his right side and went straight into the behind him.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! Wang Feng scores again, Inter Mn leads by two goals!"
"The first half is not over yet, and Inter Mn''s lead has been further extended! Although Juventus nned numerous attacks, their efficiency is far lower than the Nerazzurri''s!"
"This is a brilliant defensive counterattack, the three yers in the front line posing a huge threat to the Juventus defense. Before they fully settled, Juventus had to split their defense."
"Ribery''s lofted pass, in terms of timing and strength, is impable. After nearly a season of training, the Frenchman''s dribbling and confrontation skills are rapidly improving. Don''t forget, he''s just a twenty-year-old youth yer!"
"We won''t talk much about Wang Feng''s ball control; it''s as stable and beautiful as ever. More importantly, he blocked Birindelli''s attack from behind, seized the fleeting opportunity, and decisively shot. This is the instinct of a top striker."
Birindelli sat on the ground, full of frustration and despair. The confrontation with Wang Feng just now made him doubt life. At the moment of collision, it felt like he had crashed into a giant rock. The intense pain and the huge reactive force almost made him fall.
But Wang Feng just stumbled slightly, then shot and scored as if nothing had happened. It was terrifying; his lower body stability could only be described as inhuman.
During halftime in the Juventus dressing room, there was silence. Coach Lippi sat there despondently, feeling tired. Where did things go wrong?
Losing to Inter Mn, he was prepared for it long ago. This Inter Mn is only scarier thanst season! The only things left to defeat them are injuries and some unexpected tactics.
His mind shed back to three years ago. If he had been more assertive about needing Wang Feng back then, the club probably wouldn''t have let go of such a big headache.
But what Lippi couldn''t bear was that Juventus had suffered several defeats this season, especially losing to AC Mn, Roma, and even Bologna!
His tactics were clear, but the yers'' execution on the field was alwaysckluster. So when Van de Meijde challenged his authority, the "Silver Fox" decisively shut him down.
Captain Del Piero looked at the old man with aplex expression. He didn''t have anyints about Lippi. Although Lippi''s coaching since 2001 hadn''t brought Juventus any honors, it was more because of Inter Mn''s strong rise.
So the Italian had always tried his best to help the coach bnce the dressing room, allowing the Bianconeri to pass through two seasons steadily. But this season''s consecutive setbacks had made many yers question the coach''s level.
The trust between coach and yers had been lost, and this kind of problem could destroy any team!
Returning to the field, Inter Mn was surprised to find that Juventus'' first-half dominance seemed to havepletely disappeared. Both their attack and defense looked particrly weak.
In the 51st minute, Wang Feng easily broke through the defense of Thuram and Lerota, entered the penalty area, and passed to Ribery, who had no one to mark him, for an easy tap-in.
3-0! Inter Mn''splete victory!
Seeing Juventus seemingly giving up resistance, Mancini gradually substituted key yers in stages. They needed to conserve energy for the uing matches.
The score didn''t change further, and Inter Mn continued their unbeaten record.
In the post-match press conference, Juventus coach Lippi announced his decision. He had formally submitted his resignation to the club''s management, and Juventus had agreed to his request.
This news stunned the reporters present. They couldn''t believe Lippi would choose to leave at this time. After a moment of silence, the venue suddenly became noisy, with a flurry of questions.
"Mr. Lippi, was the decision to resign your own or pressured by the club''s management?"
"Mr. Lippi, why did you choose to resign? Is it because of Juventus'' poor performance this season, or is it rted to conflicts with yers within the club? Please exin in detail."
"Mr. Lippi, is your resignation rted to Inter Mn''s multiple victories over Juventus?"
Lippi didn''t answer these questions but directly left the scene, leaving the reporters feeling regretful. However, they quickly contacted their respective newspapers to convey this explosive news.
The reporter from Mn Sports even had a headline ready: "Lippi sacked by Juventus, Wang Feng defeats another one!" Since AC Mn''s Terim was sacked after losing to Inter Mn, this was the second top coach to be sacked after losing to Inter Mn.
The reporter from Rome Sports didn''t harbor good intentions and wondered if Ancelotti would be the third. The 22nd round of Serie A would be another Mn Derby, likely to affect the title race, so there would be a lot to watch.
Chapter 207: First prize winner
Chapter 207: First prize winner
While the media were still reporting on the grudges between Lippi and Juventus, as well as the next coaching choices for the Bianconeri, a piece of news in Italy stirred up a huge wave.
The cover of the news was just a photograph, capturing a group of people walking out of Mn Malpensa Airport, among whom was prominently featured Jett Pufnastier, the Chief Editor of "France Football" magazine.
He appeared in Mn! Everyone knew what this meant; the dust had settled on the final oue of the European Golden Ball Award. Though everyone knew this award almost certainly belonged to Wang Feng, the day of confirmation still left manypeting yers feeling regretful.
Of course, there were a few European supremacists who thought Wang Feng shouldn''t win, perhaps suggesting Pufnastier came for Shevchenko or Inzaghi, but such ims only elicitedughter.
In fact, on the second day of Pufnastier''s arrival, Inter Mn allowed their group to enter Pina for interviews, and the photographers from "France Football" magazine also took several sets of photos for Wang Feng, officially congratting him on winning the 2003 European Golden Ball Award.
Mn Sports News stated in its report, "The European Golden Ball Award usually doesn''t hold many surprises because we always catch sight of the staff from ''France Football'' magazine at the airport ahead of time."
"Wang Feng, who helped Inter Mn achieve the quintuple crown, deserves the award. He consecutively won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and the European Golden Ball Award, with the FIFA World yer of the Year honor within reach."
"Since Zidane won the European Golden Ball Award at Juventus in 1998, no yer from Serie A has won this top European honor for 5 years, which is somewhat embarrassing for the league ranked first in Europe."
"So Wang Feng''s award is not only his own glory, but also Mn''s glory, and even Serie A''s glory!"
The news of Wang Feng''s award quickly spread from Italy to various parts of the world, and media outlets in each country followed suit in reporting. Especially in China, this news instantly caused jubtion among the media and fans.
Looking back at the history of modern football, no Chinese yer has achieved such high results and honors in the football world. Wang Feng has added a bright stroke to the history of Chinese football, making all Chinese people feel immensely proud.
Inte forums, burgeoning like spring bamboo shoots, and newlyunched Tieba tforms were all upied by ecstaticizens. They kept posting various thoughts and aspirations. Wang Feng''s experiences and achievements were repeated over and over again.
The huge traffic caused most forum servers to crash, and the immature Tieba tforms faced constant issues, requiring programmers to work overtime to resolve them.
Various departments and authoritative media outlets also publishedments, fully acknowledging Wang Feng''s achievements and congratting him on winning the trophy.
As the overwhelming news swept through the football world, Wang Feng was busy replying to various congrattory messages and calls.
People like Mate, Aimee Antonis, Ronaldo, Bess, and Renee all congratted Wang Feng at the first opportunity. They had provided various kinds of assistance to Wang Feng throughout his career, and he had always maintained good contact with them.
Unbeknownst to him, he had already umted a widework of contacts in the football world. Therefore, even before Pufnastier arrived, Wang Feng received the news, and "France Football" magazine even called him specifically, hoping to take some candid photos of his life.
After discussing with his sister and Lu Yao, they felt there was no harm, so they invited Pufnastier and his entourage to their vi for dinner, and also for a photo shoot.
His sister was always reluctant to appear in public, and Lu Yao only agreed to take one group photo under Wang Feng''s persuasion and his sister''s persuasion, officially announcing their rtionship to the public.
When Lu Yao appeared in clothes bought by Wang Feng, the photographer couldn''t help but praise, "Wang, you two are simply made for each other, like a pair of golden boy and jade girl." Lu Yao blushed and smiled, lightly linking her arm with Wang Feng''s, and the two quickly finished the shoot.
In early December, the round of 16 matches of the Coppa Italia officially began. The format of the cuppetition had been reformed this season, starting from the round of 16 with two-leg home and away matches.
Originally, it was thought that the cancetion of the UEFA Champions League group stage would make Inter Mn''s schedule less hectic, but unexpectedly, two more matches were added out of thin air.
Inter Mn''s opponent was newly promoted Serie A team Sampdoria. After the match against Juventus, the Inter Mn squad flew to Genoa for the first leg.
Due to interviews and photo shoots, Wang Feng dyed his departure by two days before heading to Genoa alone, but coach Mancini still ced him in the starting lineup.
"I believe in your adaptability and rapport with your teammates," Mancini said. "I made some changes to the lineup for this game out of necessity. Many yers feel tired due to the high-intensity continuous matches."
"But deep down, I still hope to continue Inter Mn''s glorious record. After all, I took over the team at its peak, and the pressure will be immense." Mancini exined to Wang Feng very seriously.
Wang Feng nodded. He actually wanted to create more glory again. "If you feel tired or ufortable, please tell me. Your health is the most important thing for the team, and I will always keep a substitution slot for you." Mancini added.
"Don''t worry, Mr. Mancini," Wang Feng said confidently. "I enduredst year''s tough schedule, so now I''m only stronger than before."
After the game started, Wang Feng led the substitute lineup against Sampdoria, and both sides created several good chances. The home team''s defense couldn''t stop Wang Feng, and under their attack, Inter Mn''s substitute defense also had many loopholes.
But the newly crowned Golden Ball winner was not just a name. In the 17th minute of the game, Inter Mn''s attack, Lamouchi sent a lob to the left, Cruz and Sampdoria center-back Efron both chased after the ball, but Efron was faster, intercepting with his left foot first.
The ball didn''t fly too far, but came to the area around the center line. Wang Feng judged thending spot well. Seeing that the defending yers were quite far away, probably to defend against his breakthrough, he confidently met the dropping ball with a direct volley.
With a "bang", the ball swiftly flew towards the goal, and due to no interference, Wang Feng''s shot was impable in both power and angle.
The Sampdoria goalkeeper dove and almost formed an "I" shape in the air, but still couldn''t reach the ball heading towards the corner, letting it fly into the.
1-0! Inter Mn broke the deadlock!
In the subsequent game, Wang Feng''s performance remained very active. In the 36th minute, he assisted Carlon in scoring another goal. Therefore, in the 65th minute, Mancini reced him.
The only regret was that in the 85th minute, Sampdoria pulled one back through Dianana. However, Inter Mn still held on to a victory with two away goals, and the prospect of advancing looked very promising.
Chapter 208: The weight of the Golden Ball
Chapter 208: The weight of the Golden Ball
After the match between Inter Mn and Sampdoria ended, Wang Feng left the team and went to Paris, France alone. His teammates were well aware that this time he would bring back Inter Mn''s third European Golden Ball Award in history.
At the same time, Inter Mn Football Club was also busy preparing for celebrations. The Champions League group stage match against Celta Vigo would be Inter Mn''s first home game after Wang Feng won the award, so they could arrange it nicely.
When the ne arrived in Paris, even though he was mentally prepared, Wang Feng was still startled by the scene before him. Media from all over the world set up cameras and microphones, broadcasting live from the moment he disembarked.
As the first Chinese and Asian yer to win the Golden Ball Award, numerous domestic and Asian media outlets came to Paris for coverage. Therefore,pared to previous years, the list of media covering the Golden Ball Award this time was the longest.
Wang Feng was received by his agent, Balmond, and the Deputy Editor of "France Football" magazine, Fares. Since "France Football" magazine has unparalleled influence in European football, Fares, like Pufnastier, was a pivotal figure in European football.
Fares, with a warm smile, introduced Wang Feng to the award ceremony procedures and some matters to note. Facing the rising star in the football world, he didn''t put on any airs.
"The ceremony will start in a little over four hours. We have arranged a hotel near the venue for you to rest. A special reception car wille to pick you up and take you to the venue when it''s time."
Fares exined, handing Wang Feng a detailed briefing. Although the Golden Ball Award ceremony was not as grand and borate as the FIFA Annual Awards, with only the wee ceremony and the official award ceremony, French TV would still broadcast it live, and the winner would be featured in "France Football" magazine the next day.
Besides the senior management of "France Football" magazine, the guests attending the wee ceremony would include the Chairman of the Club Newspapers Group and even the President of the French Football Association, showing that French football values ??this award greatly.
Unlike previous award ceremonies, this year''s live broadcast at the venue would not only include European media but also many Asian and Chinese media outlets. Wang Feng was not surprised by this; after all, it was the first time for an Asian. In the future, he would get used to it as he continued to win awards, and they wouldn''t be so amazed anymore.
After a brief wee ceremony, they would proceed to the live broadcast room for the award presentation. Dozens of reporters from around the world would witness Wang Feng lifting the trophy, and then he would ept congrattions and interviews from the media.
After receiving the award, Wang Feng would also need to attend a banquet and a fan meeting. Everything wouldn''t end untilte at night, so he booked a flight back the next day at noon, which meant he would miss Inter Mn''s away game against Perugia in the 12th round of Serie A. However, the club had already prepared for this, arranging for Wang Feng to return directly to Mn to rest.
When Wang Feng and his entourage arrived at the hotel entrance, enthusiastic fans had already gathered, which surprised him quite a bit. He tried to satisfy the fans'' requests for photos and autographs as much as possible while being escorted into the hotel by security guards. Many passionate fans were reluctant to leave.
"I didn''t expect to have so many fans in Paris." Wang Feng sighed. "Of course, besides Genk and Mn, Paris is your thirdrgest gathering ce for fans," Balmondughed.
Seeing Wang Feng''s surprised expression, Balmond chuckled, "Have you forgotten? Many Parisian fans started paying attention to you back then, especially after the media hyped up your duel with Ronaldinho. It attracted a lot of attention, so your influence in Paris is extraordinary."
Wang Feng suddenly realized, recalling the staggering offer from Paris when he was at Genk. Now it seemed they were right, but unfortunately, they didn''t manage to convince him toe here.
"Since then, many Parisian fans have started following you, especially with the mediaparing you to Ronaldinho afterward. So, your influence in Paris is extraordinary."
Wang Feng rubbed his forehead, feeling helpless. "I hope Barcelona isn''t doing the same thing now. They initially chose me, butter switched to Ronaldinho."
He admired Ronaldinho, the elf on the football field, quite a bit, and he really didn''t want to make enemies with him because of endless media hype.
Balmond said, "That won''t happen. Now, there''s no mediaparing you to any new star; instead, they''re saying which new star is like you. This treatment is only reserved for football giants like Ronaldo, Figo, and so on."
Wang Feng felt quite emotional after hearing this. It turned out he had be a senior figure now.
In the hotel, Wang Feng''s stylist was already in ce. Simr to attending the FIFA Awards ceremony, his entire outfit was provided by sponsors. He wore a dark suit with a white shirt as usual, coupled with a neat short haircut, giving off an aura of confidence.
During the styling process, Balmond reported onmercial endorsements: "Your poprity has reached a new level now. Differentpanies are vying to have you as their spokesperson, including razors, men''s cologne, sses, and even electronic games."
"I only follow one principle: choose industry leaders without negative news. I may earn less in endorsement fees, but I must not damage my reputation."
"You''re right, Francesco. Now we have our own investments andpanies. There''s no need to be greedy for small profits."
"But we mustn''tpromise on the benefits we should strive for." Balmond said, "It''s time to negotiate with Nike about the endorsement contract. If they can''t satisfy us, I believe Adidas would be happy to talk to us."
"Francesco, you''re bing more and more like a big agent!" Wang Fengughed.
Four hours passed quickly. Fares apanied Wang Feng to the hotel entrance, and they proceeded to the ceremony venue together. Theypleted all the procedures ording to the scheduled order, and Wang Feng finally received the heavy Golden Ball Award trophy from Pufnastier.
When he saw the Chinese characters on the Golden Ball trophy, only he knew how excited and proud he was. He had achieved many honors in his career abroad, but only this honor made him truly feel that he had brought glory to his country!
Chapter 209: Celebration
Chapter 209: Celebration
When Wang Feng lifted the Golden Ball Award high, the whole stadium erupted into warm apuse. Everyone was extremely excited. Every award presentation was a legendary testimony.
The apuse only stopped when Wang Feng took his seat, and then the organizers began to y highlights of Wang Feng''s splendid performances and goals over the past year. The sheer number and brilliance of his goals left the video editors in awe. It seemed that editing Wang Feng''s impressive performances this year was the easiest task they had encountered in years.
After the highlights, it quickly transitioned to his career introduction. Wang Feng was surprised to find that many acquaintances, including coaches Mette and Antonis, had been interviewed. They spoke about their experiences with Wang Feng in front of the camera, witnessing his transformation from an unknown young yer to a superstar.
This must have been a little surprise prepared by the organizers. Scenes from the past shed through his mind: Virton, Genk... it had already been four years.
After the video, Wang Feng first epted an interview from French television. Their questions were mostly simr to those asked by "France Football" magazine.
During the subsequent free interview session, impatient Chinese journalists were the first to ask questions: "Hello, Wang Feng, congrattions on winning the European Golden Ball Award. This is one of the highest honors in world football, and you are the pride of our nation!"
It was a young female journalist, her voice trembling with excitement. Wang Feng smiled and gestured to her to ask slowly, not to rush.
She took a breath before asking, "As the first Chinese person to win the Golden Ball Award, we are all very curious about the secrets of your sess."
Wang Feng smiled and said, "I think it''s luck and hard work. Luck gave me the stage to y football, and diligent practice continuously improved my skills."
She then asked several questions about his feelings about winning the award, and Wang Feng answered them one by one. Finally, she asked, "Next summer, you will represent the national team for the first time at the Asian Cup. Do you think we have a chance to win the championship on home soil?"
Wang Feng replied, "We have many overseas yers in our team, so we definitely have a chance. I can only say that I will do my best." The female journalist nodded.
After she finished, eager reporters asked all sorts of strange and bizarre questions, even inquiring about Wang Feng''s sexual orientation because, at 20 years old, he hadn''t been involved in any scandals yet.
Wang Feng could onlyugh awkwardly and say that he already had a girlfriend. This was sure to be reported by "France Football" magazer, causing a stir among the journalists, who whispered to each other, specting about who she might be.
After dealing with the reporters, there was a banquet and a fan meeting. When everything was over, Wang Feng copsed in the back seat of the car. He felt like he was falling apart.
But the excitement of winning the Golden Ball Award had not yet subsided. Next up was the FIFA World yer of the Year! Although this honor was almost certainly his, he couldn''t afford to be careless.
The next day, thetest issue of "France Football" magazine appeared on newsstands, convenience stores, bookstores, and online tforms. The image of Wang Feng kissing the trophy on the cover looked exceptionally eye-catching.
"Wang Feng unquestionably wins the European Golden Ball Award, almost favored by all the judges," wrote Editor-in-Chief Pufnastier in thementary article. "In the annual selection since 1956, Wang Feng is one of the few award winners who has almost no controversy."
"ording to the final voting data, his performance is enough to rank among the top three in history!"
"But it hasn''t been easy. Until 1994, the Golden Ball Award was only limited to European yers. We missed Maradona and Romario."
"Fortunately, we changed the selection rules in time to expand the scope to all yers ying in Europe, which allowed us not to miss rising stars like Wang Feng."
"In the future, the Golden Ball Award will continue to seek reforms, striving for further authority and globalization!"
Wang Feng quietly returned to Mn. He walked out of the airport through a special passage and took Inter Mn''s special car to Pina. Because there were too many fans gathered at the airport, appearing at this time could easily cause a hugemotion.
Looking at the bustling crowds on the streets, everyone wearing Wang Feng''s number 10 jersey, Felix Ruohlsen, Inter Mn''s Executive Vice President, couldn''t help but sigh, "Your jerseys have been sold out these past few days. The suppliers are rushing to make more, but the demand still outstrips supply."
"We''ll hold a small celebration ceremony before tomorrow''s game to show the fans your Golden Ball trophy. It''ll be as lively as a festival."
Inter Mn drew 0-0 against Perugia in the 12th round of Serie A, their defense impable, but their attack seemed somewhat weak without Wang Feng.
Ribry seemed inexperienced, and Vieri struggled alone. However, there was some good news: Recoba, who had been absent due to injury for a long time, could finally y!
He would temporarily serve as Ribry''s substitute. After fully recovering his form, the coach would rearrange the lineup and tactics. Regardless, almost all of Inter Mn''s main yers had ovee their injury problems.
On the day of the match, the San Siro Stadium was packed. Inter Mn had already advanced to the Champions League knockout stage, so this game was not important. Everyone came just to witness Wang Feng''s Golden Ball.
Two hours before the match, a simple tform was set up in the center of the stadium. Wang Feng took the stage with the trophy, hugged the coaching staff and teammates, and thanked them for their support.
When he finally lifted the trophy over his head, the cheers of eighty thousand people in the stadium were earth-shattering. Inter Mn''s third Golden Ball, won by Wang Feng, who led the team to regain the Champions League, everything seemed so beautiful.
After the celebration ceremony, the stadium was quickly prepared for the official match. Coach Mancini also arranged for a full substitute lineup to y. Celta Vigo, struggling in the relegation zone in the league, unleashed all their power, determined to give it their all.
The only goal of the match was contributed by Celta Vigo forward udio. Although Wang Feng looked at the coach on the bench several times, Mancini still showed no intention of sending him onto the field. Perhaps he felt that there was no need to push too hard in such a match.
After all group stage matches werepleted, Inter Mn topped the group with 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 13 points. Celta Vigo snatched the second spot, while Club Brugge and Ajax were both eliminated, causing a minor upset.
So, one should never underestimate teams from the top five leagues. Even if they are struggling in the relegation zone, they can still unleash unparalleled power.
As for the other Serie A teams, Juventus, although experiencing turmoil with the resignation of their head coach, temporarily reced by Berti, performed well in the group stage and also advanced as group winners. AC Mn narrowly defeated Lokomotiv Moscow in the final round and finished second in the group after Arsenal. Meanwhile, Lazio finished bottom of the group and was eliminated, unable to even qualify for the Europa League.
Inter Mn''s opponent in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 will be Sparta Prague from the Czech Republic.
Chapter 210: Another one
Chapter 210: Another one
In the second round of the Italian Cup round of 16, Inter Mn hosted Sampdoria at home. In the first leg, they not only defeated their opponents 2-1 but also scored two away goals, giving them a significant advantage.
At the start of the game, Sampdoria, unwilling to sit back and wait for defeat,unched an attack. Parlonbo dribbled down the wing and crossed into the box. Quagliare headed the ball towards the goal, catching goalkeeper Toldo off guard. However, the ball hit the post and bounced back, then cleared by Zambrotta.
This attack sent shivers down the spines of the Inter Mn yers, who quickly abandoned theirzy attitude and focused on the game.
In the 33rd minute, during an Inter Mn attack, Ribery dribbled down the wing. Wang Feng and Vieri were lurking in the box, so he chose to cross.
The ball passed the near post where Vieri couldn''t reach it, but Wang Feng, behind Sampdoria defender Carozzieri, saw the ball about to be intercepted. Wang Feng quickly darted forward from Carozzieri''s side and headed the ball into the before the opponent could react.
Carozzieri, thinking about how to clear the ball, was caught off guard by Wang Feng''s sudden movement, and the ball flew into the.
Inter Mn extended their lead!
Sampdoria didn''t have many good opportunities for the rest of the game.
With an aggregate score of 3-1 over two legs, Inter Mn advanced to the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup, where they will face AS Roma, a team showing strong performances in the league, promising to be a tough battle.
After the game, everyone hurried to Japan to participate in the 24th Toyota Cup. As the reigning Champions League champions, they would face Boca Juniors, the champions of the Copa Libertadores.
As the team with the most intercontinental championships in South America, Boca Juniors has a long and illustrious history, nurturing legendary yers like Maradona and Batistuta.
Inter Mn only participated in the Toyota Cup in 1964 and 1965, winning it twice during what was known as the "Great Inter Mn Era."
Now, with Inter Mn''sprehensive revival, they naturally aimed topete for this championship. Despite the fatigue of the yers, head coach Mancini still deployed his main lineup.
The match was held at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. It was Wang Feng''s first time ying in Japan, and as the first Asian yer to win the Ballon d''Or, he was extremely popr there.
Signs bearing Wang Feng''s name were visible everywhere in the stands, many of them written in Chinese characters. When Wang Feng entered the field, the cheers and screams from the crowd were deafening.
Inter Mn and Boca Juniors both adopted the conventional 4-4-2 formation. The Argentine powerhouse team had several impressive yers who could potentially move to European leagues.
Boca Juniors'' starting goalkeeper was Abondancieri, with Pereyra, Scaviavi, Budiso, and Rodriguez in defense.
The midfield consisted of D''Onofrio, Battaglia, Cascini, and Cania.
The forwards were Iarley and Schelotto.
With the referee''s whistle, the game officially began. Due to theirck of familiarity with each other and the knockout format of the game, both teams yed cautiously, mainly testing each other.
But in the tenth minute, Boca Juniorsunched an attack, and after Pereyra lofted the ball into the box, Schelotto fell during a tussle with Zambrotta, and the referee awarded Boca a penalty!
Schelotto converted the penalty himself, making it 1-0!
"Inter Mn temporarily trails, it seems they need to pick up the pace of the game." Thementator on-site remarked, "The first ten minutes of the game seemed a bit dull, but it should be much more exciting from now on."
As thementator spoke, Inter Mn won the ball in midfield and Santi passed to Ribery.
Ribery sent a long pass, bypassing Boca Juniors'' defense, and Wang Feng quickly moved forward, intercepting the ball ahead of everyone. He then dribbled into the box, faced goalkeeper Abondancieri, and shot low into the bottom left corner, equalizing the score.
"Less than two minutes after Boca''s goal, Inter Mn equalizes! A perfect connection between Ribery and Wang Feng, their understanding is impable."
The pace of the game remained fast, with both sidesunching attacks and thrilling the fans in the stands.
In the 31st minute, Boca Juniors won a free-kick opportunity near the edge of the Inter Mn penalty area. Rodriguez took the shot, and after Toldo parried the ball, Iarley scored from close range, putting Boca Juniors ahead again.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng dribbled down the right, bypassed Scaviavi, and crossed into the box. Vieri headed the ball into the, despite Abondancieri''s fingertips touching it, couldn''t prevent it from going in.
2-2! Both sides were level at halftime.
In the second half, Boca Juniors quicklyunched an attack after kick-off. Battaglia and Cascini yed a series of passes in the midfield, using their delicate South American footwork to break through Inter Mn''s defense. However, Zti''s interference prevented the final shot, which was collected by Toldo.
Inter Mn thenunched a quick counterattack, with Zti passing to Dharma, who then passed to Ribery. After two urate passes, the ball quickly reached the front.
Ribery sent a through ball into the box, and Wang Feng quickly moved forward. However, Boca Juniors'' goalkeeper Abondancieri decisively rushed out,bined with Ribery''s pass being a bit too long, Wang Feng almost ended up in the goalkeeper''s arms when receiving the ball.
There was no shooting angle! In desperation, Wang Feng flicked the ball forward with the tip of his right foot, evading the goalkeeper''s outstretched hands. At the same time, he leaped over Abondancieri with both feet in the air.
He caught up with the ball near the sideline, as Abondancieri quickly got up from the ground and rushed towards him, with Boca defender Scaviavi alsoing to block.
With the passing route blocked, Wang Feng decided to take a gamble. He used the outside of his left foot to shoot directly, and the ball curved in the air, entering the far corner of the goal.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball''s in!! Inter Mn takes the lead again!"
"A zero-angle shot by Wang Feng! It''s beautiful! He almost kicked a curved shot while stepping on the sideline."
"Ribery''s pass was already in the hands of Boca''s goalkeeper Abondancieri, but Wang Feng forcefully snatched it back and seized the opportunity to shoot amidst the blockade. Such finishing ability in front of the goal is unparalleled in the world of football."
With two goals and an assist from Wang Feng, Inter Mn eventually defeated Boca Juniors 3-2, winning the 2003 Toyota Cup!
Chapter 211: Belonging to the era of Wang Feng
Chapter 211: Belonging to the era of Wang Feng
After lifting the Toyota Cup in Japan, Wang Feng boarded a ne to Basel, Switzend, where the annual FIFA awards ceremony would be held. As for the other yers of Inter Mn, they needed to return to Mn for the 13th round of Serie A against Bologna, another game that Wang Feng would miss.
When he arrived in Basel, Lu Yao had already arrived at the airport two hours early, having departed from Mn. She was eagerly awaiting his arrival, serving as Wang Feng''spanion for the ceremony.
"You look exhausted. You should rest in the car," Lu Yao said sympathetically. Wang Feng nodded in agreement, feeling the strain from consecutive international flights and intense matches.
The group boarded the FIFA hospitality car, and Wang Feng leaned on Lu Yao''s shoulder, quickly drifting off to sleep due to the faint fragrance emanating from her. However, they soon arrived at the hotel.
The receptionist reminded them, "Mr. Wang Feng, you can rest in the hotel for a while, but you need to attend the press conference at three-thirty in the afternoon." It was a FIFA tradition for the top three candidates for the FIFA Men''s yer award to attend.
Wang Feng sighed and nodded, realizing he would only have about an hour to rest after ounting for grooming and preparation time.
For this asion, Armani had meticulously designed outfits not only for Wang Feng but also had started tailoring a dress for Lu Yao months ago. It was a white off-the-shoulder chiffon gown, with a two-tiered veil, satin for the upper body, and chiffon for the skirt.
Paired with Lu Yao''s fair skin and long straight hair, it exuded an aura of nobility and elegance, exuding a unique charm of an Oriental beauty. "You will surely dazzle on the red carpet," Wang Feng assured her confidently.
While Lu Yao was getting ready, Wang Feng had already taken a car to the press conference venue. Joining him were the other two candidates, Zinedine Zidane from Real Madrid and Thierry Henry from Arsenal.
The three exchanged pleasantries backstage. Wang Feng had truly gained recognition among the stars and had seamlessly integrated into their circle. When the time came, they entered the venue promptly, facing questions from media representatives worldwide.
Wang Feng was the focal point of media attention, with journalists asking probing questions to uncover news material, such as his assessment of hispetitors Zidane and Henry and who was most likely to win.
This scenario was familiar to Wang Feng, and he maintained a humble attitude, answering questions respectfully, expressing both his desire for the award and his utmost respect for hispetitors.
Zidane and Henry, with their extensive media experience, deftly evaded questions, leaving Wang Feng impressed. He still had much to learn in terms of handling the media.
After the press conference, the three candidates interacted with fans at the guidance of FIFA staff. Wang Feng was surprised to find that he seemed to have more fans than Zidane and Henrybined.
Zidane joked, "Looks like there''s a new generation taking over. Back in my day, I had the most fans when I won the FIFA Men''s yer award."
Henry chuckled, "But still not as many as Wang. After all, we don''t have his looks. Just look at those female fans, they''re all moring to get into Wang Feng''s arms!"
Wang Feng yfully scolded them, "You two are handsome too! Come over and help me handle the attention. And you, would you like a photo and autograph with Zidane?"
Seeing Wang Feng''s slightly tired expression, Lu Yao couldn''t help but chuckle, but quickly put on a serious face. "How does it feel to be surrounded by a flock of birds? Are you forgetting about everything else?"
Wang Feng shook his head helplessly, suddenly puzzled. "Yao Yao, how do you know what''s happening at the venue?"
"From the start of the press conference, it''s been broadcast live. I''ve been watching it live on the TV in the hotel room." Wang Feng was stunned by her revtion. So, his surrounded-by-female-fans moment might have been broadcasted to the world? Thankfully, he didn''t encounter any extreme fans; FIFA''s screening was reliable.
Ronaldo also attended the awards ceremony, ranking fourth and not making it to the top three candidates. After embracing Wang Feng, he noticed Wang Feng had brought a femalepanion. "You''ve really grown up, in every sense," he remarked.
Wang Fengughed but didn''t inquire why Mnie didn''te. He had seen reports rted to their breakup and knew they had separated. However, if Ronaldo didn''t want to talk about it, he wouldn''t ask.
Wang Feng wouldn''tment or me Ronaldo for his nightclub antics. Everyone had their own choices, just as he would never waste time on leisure activities.
"Are you feeling troubled because of my achievementsst year, winning the quintuple? Even when I joined Serie A, I didn''t dare dream of such results," Wang Feng asked.
"It''s not that I resent Inter Mn, but I don''t like them either because the injuries tormented me for too long during that time."
"In my two years at Real Madrid, my attendance reached a whole new level, it''s incredible. And this season, I''m in great shape; I might even contend for the La Liga Golden Boot."
Seeing Ronaldo''s radiant expression, Wang Feng understood that his time at Real Madrid was indeed going well. But how long could such a situationst with the pile-up of superstars?
Seeing Wang Feng furrow his brows slightly, Ronaldo tapped his chest. "What do you have to worry about? This is your era now."
When Wang Feng and Lu Yao arrived at the venue in a special car, Wang Feng said, "I''ll get out first and then open the door for you." Lu Yao grabbed Wang Feng''s hand. "Feng ge, I''m nervous. What if I make a mistaketer?"
Wang Feng smiled and soothingly rubbed her small hand. "Don''t be so nervous. I''ll be with you all the time. I remember trembling with nerves the first time I walked the red carpet, but I managed to finish the whole thing alone, and it wasn''t as scary as I thought."
Arriving at the entrance of the venue, when Wang Feng opened the car door to help Lu Yao out, journalists and fans alike were amazed, and camera shutters flickered incessantly.
Linking arms with Wang Feng, the two walked the red carpet, and after a brief mental adjustment, Lu Yao hadpletely controlled her emotions, facing the cameras and fans with a radiant smile.
Apuse and cheers had been continuous since their appearance, and even after they entered the venue, many fans were still shouting Wang Feng''s name.
Inside the venue, the staff led them to the front row. Lu Yao and Wang Feng were not seated together; Lu Yao was positioned next to Zidane''s and Henry''spanions, while Wang Feng was in the middle section, seated between Zidane and Henry.
After a short wait, the awards ceremony officially began.
Chapter 212: World footballer
Chapter 212: World footballer
The ceremony naturally began with a speech from FIFA President tter, which, after ackluster address, transitioned to the announcement of the major awards.
tter, in his bid to enhance his influence, had specially instituted the FIFA President''s Special Award, bestowed this year upon war-torn Iraq.
The Fair y Award was conferred upon fans of the Scottish Celtic Football Club, owing to theirposure duringst year''s League Cup final against Porto, despite Celtic''s ultimate defeat.
The Annual Most Improved Team award was granted to Bahrain, a country slightlyrger than Andorra and Singapore with a poption of about 700,000 and only 5,000 registered yers. Despite this, they made it to the 2004 Asian Cup finals, catapulting from 105th to 64th in FIFA rankings, a remarkable progress. Wang Feng paid particr attention to this nation as China, Indonesia, Qatar, and Bahrain were ced in the same group for the uing Asian Cup.
The Annual Best Team award predictably went to Brazil. Since winning the World Cup in 2002, Brazil''s "Dream Team" had maintained its dominance, securing a stable record of 8 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses in internationalpetitions throughout the year.
The recipient of the FIFA Women''s World yer award was Prinz from Germany, who triumphed over America''s Hamm and Sweden''s Wiberg. Her win was anticipated after her crucial role in Germany''s victory at the recent Women''s World Cup.
As the ceremony reached its climax, the atmosphere became tense, with millions of fans glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the historic moment.
Wang Feng suddenly felt apprehensive. What if he didn''t win? Despite his outstanding performance the previous year, FIFA might opt for Zidane, valuing reputation over merit.
Just like Neduvid, who, despite being in the top five for the Ballon d''Or, failed to make the top ten for the FIFA World yer award. Although Juventus had a poor performance the previous year, many believed FIFA discounted Eastern European influence.
How did they evaluate the influence of the Asian region? Wang Feng pondered, his palms sweaty with nervousness. He realized hispetitive spirit was stronger than he had thought.
tter took the stage once more to announce the top three yers of 2003: Zidane, Henry, and Wang Feng. As their highlight reels yed on the screen behind him, Wang Feng''s spectacr long-range goal against Real Madrid was featured.
Although everyone present had likely seen this goal before, it still sparked murmurs of awe. Zidane, standing beside Wang Feng, whispered, "You always score world-ss goals. Remember your overhead kick?" Wang Feng replied softly, "Didn''t you do the same in the Champions League final? Honestly, I think your goal was more elegant and crucial." Zidane shook his head in silence. It was Wang Feng''s prior sesses that emboldened him to attempt spectacr shots.
As the FIFA World yer trophy was brought onto the stage, everyone held their breath, awaiting the announcement. Wang Feng and Zidane grew restless. While the Frenchman had previously won the award, facing the title of the world''s best yer was still nerve-wracking.
"I am here on behalf of FIFA to solemnly announce that the 2003 FIFA World yer is Wang Feng!"
The entric pronunciation of the Chinese name echoed throughout the venue. Wang Feng instinctively sprang from his seat, fist clenched, expressing his excitement. The arena erupted into enthusiastic apuse.
For most, the result was not surprising. Wang Feng''s performance in the previous season was exceptional! Not only did he lead his club to five titles, but he also secured individual honors as the European Golden Boot and Champions League top scorer, an unprecedented achievement.
Moreover, his performance in Serie A remained ster in thetter half of the year, with 21 goals in 12 matches, along with 7 goals in the Champions League, helping Inter Mn lift the Toyota Cup after many years.
A hint of disappointment shed across Zidane''s face, but he quickly stood up to embrace Wang Feng, congratting him on bing the new world number one. Henry was more magnanimous, knowing he would never have a chance.
As Wang Feng ascended the podium, the big screen disyed the voting results for the FIFA World yer. Wang Feng received 304 votes, with Zidane in second ce with 166 votes, barely half of Wang Feng''s tally.
Henry received 156 votes, ranking third, followed by Ronaldo with 148 votes, Carlos with 115 votes, Van Nistelrooy with 86 votes, Beckham with 74 votes, Raul with 39 votes, Maldini with 37 votes, and Shevchenko with 26 votes.
Taking the FIFA World yer trophy from tter, Wang Feng lifted it above his head, prompting another wave of apuse and cheers throughout the venue.
The trophy was a semi-arched rectangr prism, entirely gold in color, with the longitude andtitude of the Earth depicted on the front. In the center of the cup was a crystal football, with Wang Feng''s name and the year of his award engraved on the circr base, in both Chinese and English.
With absolute dominance and indisputable achievements, he imed the highest honor for a professional footballer, ascending to the summit of the football world!
Suppressing his excitement, Wang Feng approached the microphone, took a deep breath, and attempted to begin his eptance speech. But he momentarily forgot his opening lines, only managing a sheepish smile, prompting another thunderous round of apuse from the audience, encouraging the young yer.
"For me, this is a dream night."
"When I set foot in Europe four years ago, I never imagined achieving what I have today. Back then, I only aimed to be a professional footballer, to earn a living for my family, and to satisfy my passion for football."
"I hail from a small footballing nation, China. Perhaps I have some football talent, but the most crucial factor in sess is hard work. Over these four years, I have never given up on training and effort."
"Weakness is no excuse. As long as you''re willing to work hard, there will always be rewards!"
"I want to thank all the yers at Inter Mn, thank you to coaches Cooper and Mancini. With their full support, I was able to achieve such outstanding statistics, and Inter Mn was able to regain its glory."
"I also want to thank Genk and Virton, thank you to coaches Mette and Antonis. Thanks to all those who have helped me grow and care for me, your support has been crucial for me toe this far."
"Finally, I want to thank my family and my girlfriend. They have been by my side at critical moments, and thinking of them gives me endless strength. Thank you!"
The venue erupted once again into enthusiastic apuse. Everyone stood up spontaneously to apud the new FIFA World yer. Most of them, to some extent, understood Wang Feng''s dedication, making his words particrly profound at this moment.
Football, to some extent, is unfair. There are always yers with exceptional talent, but without diligent training, these naturally gifted yers will flicker across the football world and disappear.
However, there are also many yers with average talent who, through diligent hard work, fully develop their bodies and potential, achieving feats that many geniuses cannot reach.
Chapter 213: Reports
Chapter 213: Reports
After the awards ceremony, Wang Feng gave an interview with FIFA, expressing his thoughts at the moment, saying, "I am extremely excited right now. Bing the FIFA World yer is every footballer''s dream, and I''ve actually achieved that dream!"
"But at the same time, I''m very nervous, worried that this dream might shatter. So, I''ll work even harder in training and matches from now on, to maintain my best form."
Speaking of hispetitors, Wang Feng said, "Zidane and Henry are both world-renowned superstars. Zidane''s versatility is something I greatly admire; his calmness and elegance on the field are areas where I need to learn."
"Henry is a very aggressive forward; his pace and explosiveness are at a world-ss level. Although I have a slight edge in the selection, it doesn''t mean I can beat them. There''s still a lot for me to learn and grow."
As for his New Year''s wishes, Wang Feng said, "I want to help Inter Mn defend the Champions League title. You know, since its restructuring, no team has been able to achieve this honor. But I want to give it a try."
The news of Wang Feng winning the FIFA World yer spread rapidly around the world, with media outlets worldwide reposting and reporting on it.
Renowned foreign media outlets praised Wang Feng''s achievement. Reutersmented that Wang Feng''s performance was nearly perfect, stating, "Wang Feng is one of the rare sharpshooters in today''s football world. Whenever he ys, fans can expect goals and victories for the team."
"When the team needs someone to rescue them, Wang Feng is always the first to step up. Remember the scene where 80,000 people chanted his name together? It''s always awe-inspiring and incredible."
Associated Press believed Wang Feng''s win was without suspense, stating, "The result was within everyone''s expectations, seeming in, but the difficulties behind it are also very clear."
"Wang Feng is the first Asian and Chinese yer to win the FIFA World yer award. In the past year, he has set a historic record for Inter Mn''s quintuple crown and achieved the grand m of personal honors."
"As a yer born in a football weak country, Wang Feng naturallycks advantages in the selection. He can only convince the judges worldwide with better performances and more dominant results."
"Thest time a yer from a football weak country won the FIFA World yer was back in 1995 with George Weah, but that had some other considerations. This time ispletely different; Wang Feng persuaded everyone with his performance, and there is no reason to question the value of the trophy."
Agence France-Pressebeled Wang Feng as the destined ruler, stating, "Wang Feng has shown his royal demeanor since entering the football world. In his first year, he helped Genk win the Belgian Cup, and the following year, he won the league and league cup."
"Coming to Inter Mn, his performance has been even more insane, winning the league, cup, league cup, and Champions League. He''s like an emperor conquering territories, wanting to build his own empire."
"Looking forward to his brilliant performance in the national team, helping the weak Chinese football create history."
CNN also extensively covered the news, highlighting Wang Feng''s victory over Zidane and Henry, crowning the world football at the age of twenty, just like Ronaldo did back then.
"Wang Feng''s achievements are evident; he is currently the best striker in the world, the nightmare of all defensive yers."
At the same time, they expressed concern: "We hope he continues to excel, rather than getting trapped in injuries like the past Ronaldo. Although there is plenty of evidence showing Wang Feng''s physical strength, injuries are always a nightmare for footballers."
Europe''s major sports newspapers were not to be outdone, featuring the news on their front pages. The Mirror from the UK stated, "Wang Feng defeated Zidane and Henry to win the crown, leaving Arsenal in a mixed state of joy and sorrow."
The article pointed out that Wang Feng''s victory was well-deserved, but Arsenal had once fantasized about Henry winning the FIFA World yer award, making their feelings quiteplicated.
"If Henry had won, he would likely have left for a record price, which Arsenal didn''t want to see. The Frenchman reiterated his loyalty to the club after the award, which should give the management some peace of mind."
AS from Spain believed that Real Madrid''s streak of yers winning the FIFA World yer award was broken by Wang Feng. "If it weren''t for Wang Feng, Zidane would likely have been elected."
"The Gcticos'' goal is to have the best yers in the world, but they failed with Wang Feng. The club shouldn''t give up pursuing Wang; at least they shouldn''t let their rivals Barcelona get him."
The Mn Sports Gazette reported that Wang Feng had brought glory back to Inter Mn, and his award was beyond dispute. While the Turin Sports Gazette thought Wang Feng''s win was unquestionable, they found it surprising that Nedved didn''t make it to the top ten. The Rome Sports Gazette reported that Wang Feng''s win was a glory for Serie A.
In Asia, within the country, the news of Wang Feng''s award swept through like a storm. The Asian Football Confederation immediately changed its website cover to a photo of Wang Feng holding the trophy.
Xinhua News Agency wrote, "Wang Feng bes FIFA World yer, creating history for Chinese football!"
"2003 is a year worth remembering for all Chinese people. In this year, our young yer Wang Feng lifted the honor of being the world''s number one in football, which is his pride and the pride of all Chinese people."
"Wang Feng, through four years of struggle, became the FIFA World yer and the Ballon d''Or winner, showcasing the tenacity, hard work, and diligence of the Chinese people. This is something all footballers should learn from."
"From today on, whether in domestic football or Asian football, there''s a legendary yer of our own, a g bearer, and a benchmark. Chinese football and Asian football now have a ce in the world of football."
In addition to traditional news media, news of Wang Feng''s award spread across the inte in no time, causing forums and onlinemunities to crash once again. Excitedizens continued to search for rted information, eager to express their feelings andments. Did the news of the award crash? No problem, they leftments under other unrted news.
Football, as the world''s number one sport, has unparalleled influence and tremendousmercial value. And the FIFA World yer is only one each year, always in the hands of football powerhouses.
But now, a Chinese person has managed to snatch this honor from them. How could the Chinese people, and even ethnic Chinese, not celebrate enthusiastically?
All the attention is focused on Wang Feng, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to the day when he wears the national team jersey.
Chapter 214: Undercurrent
Chapter 214: Undercurrent
When Wang Feng won the FIFA World yer of the Year award in Basel, Inter Mn encountered trouble against Bologna in Bologna. It was Rikobah''s first game back from injury, and his form clearly hadn''t returned to its peak.
The Nerazzurri dominated the field but failed to score, and it was Bologna who capitalized on a defensive counterattack in the 67th minute to score the only goal of the game.
0-1! Inter Mn suffered a surprise defeat at home to Bologna, ending their unbeaten record.
Victories can mask all problems, but once there''s a failure, tensions start to surface. While praising Wang Feng for winning both awards, the Mn Sports newspaper did not hesitate to criticize Inter Mn''s frontline.
"They seem to rely too much on Wang Feng, forgetting how to attack. The axe-like attack that Vieri was once proud of is nowhere to be seen. The agile Recoba has be a stumbling middle-aged man, and the young Ribery is not up to the task. His finishing makes one unable to bear to watch."
The Evening Post even revealed that Vieri and coach Mancini, as well as the club''s top management, were at odds. After a brief honeymoon period, disagreements arose between the two sides.
Mancini believed that Vieri''s inability to return to his peak form was due to unrestrained indulgence. He was often seen spending nights with several girls, a fact that Vieri resented Mancini for overseeing his private life too closely.
The thirty-year-old Italian, who had suffered major injuries, was no longer the hero of yesteryear. Therefore, the club''s top management wanted to reacquire Adriano in the winter transfer window, unaware that this would annoy Vieri.
As the third-ced scorer in Serie Ast season, Adriano''s strength and value meant he couldn''t be a substitute, which meant Vieri would have topete with Adriano.
He couldn''t ept this situation, so he and his agent met with Moratti. The result was unsatisfactory. "If that''s the case, then sell me this summer!" Vieri said firmly.
Moratti hesitated for a moment and said, "Think about it again, Christian. If you really want to leave, we''ll respect your wishes."
On the private ne to Mn, Wang Feng browsed thetest news with a furrowed brow. He couldn''t understand why the situation had deteriorated so quickly.
Lu Yao handed him a ss of water. "Stop reading those exaggerated news. The situation is definitely not as bad as they say. Haven''t you already called Ribery?"
Wang Feng took a sip. "Yes, Ribery said everything was normal, and Vieri didn''t show any obvious emotions. But I know this conflict can''t be resolved, just like Ronnie back then."
"I''m just feeling a bit emotional. Why can''t each season be smooth sailing? The first year was Ronnie''s conflicts,st year was continuous injuries and unstable defense, and this year there''s this conflict, along with pressure from the referees."
"But haven''t you ovee all of that? And still achieved magnificent results?" Lu Yao leaned against Wang Feng and whispered, "No matter how the environment changes, I believe you will always be the shining star on the football field."
In the 14th round of Serie A, also thest round before the winter break, Inter Mn faced Lazio away.
On the day of the match, Rome was drizzling, and the temperature was low. The yers of both sides performed rtively poorly in the opening period, as their bodies hadn''t yet adapted to the wet and cold conditions.
In the 30th minute, Inter Mn had a free-kick opportunity. Wang Feng lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Vieri, with great effort, pushed aside Lazio defender Favalli and headed the ball into the opponent''s goal.
After scoring, Vieri let out a roar, then ran along the sidelines to celebrate. He wanted to vent all the frustrations of the past few days. He wasn''t old yet!
At halftime, coach Mancini made substitutions, bringing on Recoba for Ribery and Carron for Vieri.
In the 67th minute, Lazio forward Corradi received the ball outside the penalty area and suddenly took a long shot. The ball hit Zambrotta and changed direction, catching goalkeeper Toldo off guard, who could only watch the ball go into the.
1-1! The home team equalized!
But they didn''t enjoy it for long. Just 3 minutester, Zti sent a long pass from the back, Recoba controlled it with his back to the goal and passed it to Wang Feng, who quickly dribbled past Nesta and shot with his left foot into the bottom corner, with goalkeeper Sereni unable to save the cleverly angled shot.
The Nerazzurri once again took the lead!
As the game neared its end, Wang Feng orchestrated another quick counterattack. He and Recoba, with Carron in the frontcourt, tore open Lazio''s defense with consecutive passes.
Wang Feng was in the center, distributing the ball to Recoba and Carron on both sides who were swiftly making runs, then receiving their return passes to draw the attention of Lazio defenders.
This required Wang Feng''s passes to be extremely urate, able to find his teammates without fail, and his receptions to be quick and timely.
Finally, Recoba made thest pass, sending the ball into the penalty area, and Carron scored from close range.
3-1! Inter Mn won convincingly!
After this match, Inter Mn''s record stood at 11 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, with 35 points, still topping the league table, securing the mid-season championship.
As the winter break approached, Wang Feng treated the team to a meal as usual, then they all went their separate ways. He himself, as before, went to a seaside city with pleasant weather for vacation and training.
This time they chose the town of Cefal on the ind of Sicily. Backed by the cliffs of Ra, the houses in the town were built along the coast, with white walls and red tiles. From a distance, Ra looked like a natural castle, guarding the town.
Cefal also had famous golden sand beaches, with the sunlight shining on the sand making it glitter beautifully. Wang Feng and his group rented a small house by the beach, enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful scenery.
This was Wang Feng and Lu Yao''s first New Year since they started their rtionship, and both felt a bit uncontroble, often cuddling together, which made Wang Tian very speechless.
"I think you might as well live together." Wang Tian said in her usual casual manner, instantly turning red-faced, finding it hard to ept the idea now that she was quite conservative.
Wang Feng then gave his sister a fierce look. Originally, he had nned to take it step by step and go with the flow as the atmosphere improved, but now, with his sister stirring things up, it was definitely going to backfire.
"From now on, don''t expect me to buy you bags and clothes!" He thought angrily.
During the short winter break, Serie A teams were also not idle. Juventus was actively looking for a new head coach, and it was said that they had contacted former Inter Mn coach Cooper, but the Argentine declined the invitation from the Bianconeri.
Then they turned their attention to Roma''s current coach Capello. While Roma is currently flourishing, ranking ahead of AC Mn on the league table and just behind Inter Mn, the club''s debt crisis is worsening day by day, so he was somewhat tempted.
Inter Mn, on the other hand, brought back Adriano from Parma for a whopping 27 million euros, seemingly calming the dressing room but brewing hidden turmoil.
Chapter 215: Hot pursuit
Chapter 215: Hot pursuit
After the team regrouped, the atmosphere in the locker room seemed a bit strange. Adriano, who returned to Inter Mn, found himself in an awkward position. Although Wang Feng weed him publicly, everyone maintained surface harmony. However, everyone knew that hispetition with Vieri had just begun.
How could the thirty-year-old Vieri be willing topete with the twenty-one-year-old Adriano? He had already contacted potential new clubs through his agent, hoping to leave Inter Mn this summer.
It is rumored that the Italian has be the target of many teams, including Juventus and AC Mn in Serie A, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Valencia and his former club Atletico Madrid in La Liga, as well as CSKA Moscow, among others, all expressing strong interest.
His contract with Inter Mn runs until 2006, so there are still two years left. Now it depends on the expectations and offers from the Nerazzurri, as well as the sry treatment of the new club.
In the turbulent situation, Inter Mn weed their first opponent after the winter break, facing Le at home in the 15th round of Serie A. In this match, Mancini indeed relegated Vieri to the bench and let Adriano start.
Both physically and mentally, Inter yers didn''t adjust well, so they started poorly, with many problems and mistakes on both ends of the field.
Wang Feng''s form wasn''t great either. He missed two very threatening chances in a row,cking the stability and efficiency he once had.
Le seized the opportunity. In the 27th minute, forward Chevantn broke into the penalty area and shot past Toldo''s fingertips.
At halftime, Inter Mn still trailed by one goal. In the locker room, Mancini, rarely seen angry, scolded all the starting yers, including Wang Feng.
"Although we are still leading the league table, everyone knows how fierce the final championship race will be. If we can''t even beat a newly promoted team, we might as well give up on defending the title early!"
In the second half, the home team gradually regained their form. Wang Feng was determined to score. In the 55th minute, he and newly joined Adriano staged a small-scale two-on-one cooperation in the penalty area. Wang Feng then scored with a poke, equalizing for Inter Mn.
In the 79th minute, Ribery sent a through ball, and Wang Feng, after receiving it, went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, dodged past him, and tapped the ball into the empty.
With Wang Feng''s brace, Inter Mn won 2-1 in aeback victory.
In the 16th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Parma away. The Nerazzurri and Crusaders opened fire, presenting fans with a brilliant offensive battle.
Just 7 minutes into the game, Wang Feng took a corner for Inter Mn, lofting the ball to the back post, where Adriano headed it in to open the scoring for the team.
But just two minutester, Marquioni sent a through ball from the front, and Grdino in the penalty area volleyed it in, equalizing for Parma.
Then both sides attacked and defended. Before the end of the first half, Wang Feng suddenly took a long shot from the front, but Parma goalkeeper Frey was very focused and miraculously saved the ball.
At this moment, Adriano, lurking in the penalty area, followed up with a rebound shot and scored, putting Inter Mn ahead again!
Having just yed two games for Inter Mn, the Brazilian scored a brace, running wildly around the field in excitement. The Inter Mn fans who traveled from afar were generous with their apuse and cheers.
Inter Mn''s lead didn''tst long. At the beginning of the second half, Parmaunched a counterattack. Grdino scored again, alsopleting a brace to level the score at 2-2.
The former Parma "Three Musketeers," with Mutu now at Chelsea, Adriano returning to Inter Mn, and only Grdino staying at Parma, both scored braces, belonging to different camps but simultaneously achieving the same feat.
If the first half of the game was a showdown between Adriano and Grdino, then the second half was Wang Feng''s stage. In the 74th minute, he dribbled past two Parma defenders, Ferari and Junior, and shot to score in the penalty area.
Just four minutester, Ribery broke through on the wing and passed to the near post, where Wang Feng, facing away from the goal, executed a bicycle kick, sending the ball flying towards the far corner of the goal, brushing against the crossbar and into the.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!! The ball is in! 4-2! Wang Feng secures victory for Inter Mn!"
"A wonderful bicycle kick! We can see that Wang Feng stayed in the air for a long time, which indicates his strong jumping ability and core strength, allowing him to contribute such a brilliant goal."
"So far, Wang Feng has scored 26 league goals. It was thought that his 40 goalsst season were his peak, but this season, he is still aiming to break records!"
After this round, Inter Mn''s record reached 13 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, with 41 points, setting a new high for 16 rounds of league history. However, Roma, with 12 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss and 39 points, and AC Mn, with 11 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss and 37 points, were close behind, showing a closely contested situation.
"It turns out that for Inter Mn, the current Adriano is indeed much more effective than Vieri." After the match, Vito Hodson, amentator on Italian broadcasting, evaluated.
"In the two games that have ended, his role on the front line is much greater than Vieri''s previous role. His superb shooting skills and strong physical presence have secured his position as a regr starter."
"I can even assert that he will be the second top scorer in the team after Wang Feng. His ying experience at Fiorentina and Parma has cultivated his instincts and confidence as a striker. I believe if he had stayed at Inter Mn earlier, he would not have grown so quickly."
Anothermentator, Donovan Majeski, discussed Vieri''s transfer saga. "Many teams have extended an olive branch to Vieri. Is he stillpetitive?"
Hodson said: "I think he is now suitable for the substitute position in Inter Mn''s frontline. Why? Twenty-year-old Wang Feng, twenty-one-year-old Adriano, and twenty-year-old Ribery are all young yers capable of taking on major responsibilities on Inter Mn''s frontline."
"They are young and talented, and it''s time for them to get more ying time. From the club''s perspective, there is no problem with Vieri being a substitute."
"But the former Italian striker is clearly dissatisfied with this role, so his departure is inevitable."
Hodson also believes that when Vieri transferred from Lazio to Inter Mn for 50 million euros, his value should have dropped to around 20 million euros now, definitely lower than Adriano''s 27 million euros.
Chapter 216: Overtime denied
Chapter 216: Overtime denied
After returning from Parma to Mn, Inter Mn faced the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, and the intense schedule inevitably left the yers feeling exhausted. Fortunately, their opponents Roma were in a simr situation, having just finished their league campaign and arrived in Mn.
Both sides opted not to rotate their squads and fielded their strongest lineups. For both clubs, the Coppa Italia was a trophy they did not want to relinquish, especially for Roma, who couldn''t participate in Europeanpetitions and thus focused more on league and cup matches.
The first leg took ce at Inter Mn''s home ground, and Roma started the game aggressively, seeking an early goal. They took control of the match for a period during the first half.
In the 21st minute, De Rossi yed a brilliant through ball near the midfield line, finding Totti who beat the offside trap, entered the penalty area, and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Roma a valuable lead.
Cordoba, who was marking Totti, made a serious mistake, allowing Roma''s prince to capitalize and strike Inter Mn where it hurts.
Throughout the game, Wang Feng was tightly marked as usual. Whenever he pressed high up the field, opponents quickly passed to avoid him, and when Roma transitioned to attack, there were always yers vignt around him.
The deficit continued until the 67th minute of the second half. After a series of passes at the back for Inter Mn, the ball reached Ribery on the right side. The Frenchman dribbled inside, drawing the attention of the right-back Zebe?a, and suddenly cut the ball back to the right.
Wang Feng, who was initially level with Ribery, anticipated the inward movement and started his run as soon as he saw Ribery preparing to pass. He elerated to shake off the defensive attention and received the ball.
He surged forward, sprinting towards the goal line after entering the penalty area. Before Samuel could close him down, he delivered a right-footed cross. The cross was beautifully arched, with the perfect height just outside the edge of the six-yard box.
Adriano shook off De Rossi''s marking, leaped high, and headed the ball into the left side of the goal. Roma''s goalkeeper Pelizzoli dived to his side but could only touch the ball, which bounced off his palm and into the.
1-1! Inter Mn leveled the score!
After Adriano''s goal, he pointed to the passing Ribery while running, his inner excitement hard to contain. He hadn''t expected to score so many goals just after returning to Inter Mn!
All credit went to Wang Feng, who not only attracted a lot of defensive attention, allowing other forwards more space to operate but also provided many exquisite assists.
Wang Feng and Adriano celebrated the goal together. Although he didn''t want Vieri to leave, Wang Feng would never intentionally target Adriano on the field. Victory was his only pursuit!
The match ended in a draw, with the score maintained until the final whistle. Despite Inter Mn regaining control of the game in the closing stages, Roma''s defense remained resilient and was not breached again.
Roma held the advantage with an away goal, leaving both teams eagerly anticipating the second leg.
On January 18th, in the 17th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Empoli at home. Facing the second-tost team in the standings, Mancini made significant rotations, but Wang Feng remained in the starting lineup. The head coach still wanted him to quickly secure victory.
Wang Feng didn''t disappoint. In the 7th minute of the match, he capitalized on a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half, scoring directly to open the scoring for the home team.
Then, in the 27th minute, Wang Feng broke through on the right side and crossed to the far post, where Vieri lifted the ball into the to extend Inter Mn''s lead. After scoring, the Italian ran wildly, venting his emotions. He was still the striker who made opponents'' defenses tremble!
Scouts from various clubs in the stands were working diligently. Since the news of Vieri''s transfer request came out, many clubs had sent personnel to assess his current situation. Regardless, he was quite attractive in the transfer market.
After establishing a lead, Mancini promptly substituted Wang Feng in the second half to avoid the risk of injury due to the opponent''s desperate attempts. The game''s pace slowed down significantly, and Empoli''s level couldn''t truly threaten Inter Mn''s defense.
After 80 minutes, Inter Mn scored another goal through a defensive counterattack, with Martins hitting the final blow.
3-0! Inter Mn triumphed over their opponents, with Wang Feng contributing with a goal and an assist.
Snow began to fall at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, marking Wang Feng''s first experience of snow in over four years abroad. Due to the Mediterranean climate in most parts of Europe, such extreme snowy weather was rare.
The snowkes formed ayer of white frost on the grass, causing inconvenience to both sets of yers. Any slight misstep could lead to slipping and falling, increasing the rate of mistakes for both teams. Even the sturdy Wang Feng found it somewhat challenging, let alone yers like Zti, Materazzi, Dalmat, and other mainstays whose physical conditions were pushed to the limit.
The same situation naturally urred with the Roma yers. Although the environment was fair for both sides, entering extra time and penalty shootouts meant that thepetition was no longer about technique but about luck.
Wang Feng didn''t like it. He stared firmly at the opponent''s goal, wanting to make the final gamble.
"Let''s see Inter Mn''s attack this time. The referee is checking his watch, the final whistle should be blown soon, and both sides will enter extra time."
"Adriano is dribbling near the penalty area, with Samuel defending alongside. Oh, Adriano slipped, and the ball is about to be lost."
"As he fell, he swept the ball to Wang Feng''s feet on the side. Let''s see how he handles it and takes a shot!"
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball''s in!! Absolutely beautiful!"
"Ast-minute goal, Wang Feng scores the winner against Roma, and Inter Mn advances to the Coppa Italia semifinals!"
Chapter 217: The Runaway Wang Feng
Chapter 217: The Runaway Wang Feng
On January 25th, in the 18th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Modena away.
In the first half, Wang Feng received a through pass from Ribery and opened the scoring for Inter Mn in the penalty area. After that, they always had the upper hand in the game.
However, the situation on the field suddenly changed. First, in the 31st minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Modena. The reason was a foul by Zambrotta on Modena''s forward Majinwa during an aerial challenge, which greatly angered Zambrotta.
Majinwa scored the penalty to equalize, and just before halftime, Zambrotta was inexplicably penalized for a foul in the penalty area, resulting in another penalty for Modena.
The Italians could no longer tolerate it and angrily chased after the referee, resulting in a direct red card for Zambrotta. Majinwa scored the penalty again to overturn the score.
As the halftime whistle sounded, Wang Feng looked helplessly at the electronic screen. The 1-2 score displeased him greatly. Once again, they were targeted in this match, now not only facing a deficit but also ying with ten men.
In matches against AC Mn, Juventus, which are globally acimed, the referees tend to be fair. However, against some underdog opponents, especially in away games, they couldn''t help but show bias, causing unnecessary trouble for Inter Mn.
"I won''t let you guys have your way in making Inter Mn lose!" Wang Feng silently vowed in his heart.
In the second half, with one man down, Inter Mn gradually withdrew their formation, and Wang Feng actively participated in defense. They weren''t in a hurry to organize attacks, aiming to deceive the opponent and the referee.
Modena fell into the trap. Their formation became increasingly loose, and the urgency of their yers gradually disappeared. In the 84th minute, Inter Mnunched a counterattack. Ribery dribbled on the right and reached the edge of the penalty area before choosing to cross.
At this moment, Wang Feng didn''t rush into the penalty area, as it would easily lead to an offside call. Several counterattack opportunities had been directly halted before.
Ribery''s cross didn''t enter the penalty area but flew towards the arc top. However, the ball was a bit high, and Wang Feng couldn''t reach it even with full eleration.
Seeing the ball about to pass by him, Wang Feng cleverly jumped off the ground, raised his right foot high, and kicked the ball in mid-air!
The ball instantly changed its trajectory and flew straight towards the goal. It brushed against the crossbar and went into the, leaving the Modena goalkeeper helpless, as the shot was too fast!
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! A fantastic volley! Wang Feng equalizes for ten-man Inter Mn!"
"This is a shot full of imagination. Let''s take another look. When Ribery''s pass reached Wang Feng, he still had some distance to cover."
"At this time, defenders Pivoto and Grandoni were by his side. If he lifted his leg to control the ball, he would surely get surrounded, making it difficult to find an opportunity. That''s why Wang Feng chose to volley."
"To lower the shooting angle, he even thought of jumping before shooting. Such football intelligence is simply breathtaking."
His performance wasn''t over yet. Just three minutester, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to receive the ball, then directly dribbled along the right sideline. Faced with the marking of Campedelli and Pivoto, he first made a quick stop to shake off one defender, then suddenly cut inside the penalty area, evading another defender.
Modena''s defender Chievoli hurriedly approached to block, but Wang Feng flicked the ball onto his left foot, and before Chievoli arrived, he directly shot with the outside of his left foot at a small angle. The ball curved in the air, bypassing Chievoli''s interception, and went straight to the far corner of the goal.
The Modena goalkeeper was still helpless. Although he made a diving save, the shooting angle was too tricky. The ball almost hit the intersection of the crossbar and post before entering the.
3-2! Inter Mn reversed the score! Wang Feng scored a hat-trick!
In the final moments of the game, the referee still looked for an opportunity to equalize the score, but Modena''s morale had been depleted in just three minutes, and they failed to pose a threat to Inter Mn''s penalty area.
After several minutes of added time, they could only helplessly blow the final whistle. Inter Mn won the game!
"In three minutes, Wang Feng scored two goals, leading Inter Mn to victory!" After the match, the headline of Mn Sports News read. The article pointed out that facing a situation with ten men, Wang Feng erupted in the final stages of the match, scoring two difficult goals and helping Inter Mn secure all three points.
"They have won 15 out of 18 matches in the league and are marching towards the great goal of three consecutive league titles, a feat that even the dynasty period of the 1960s could not achieve!"
Turin Sports News titled its article "Who Can Stop Wang Feng?" and pointed out that Wang Feng''s performance doesn''t conform to the style of Serie A, and his dominance is unimaginable.
"Compact and intense defense has always been the hallmark of Serie A. Because of this, the league''s top scorer usually doesn''t exceed 30 goals, but Wang Feng has broken this rule."
"In his first season, he scored 34 goals, and in the second season, he reached 40 goals, breaking the long-standing historical record, with the number of goals scored by other forwards trailing behind, not even reaching 25!"
"Justpleting a hat-trick, Wang Feng''s goal tally for this season has reached 30, and only 18 rounds of the league have passed! Will he break his own record again?"
Rome Sports News described Wang Feng''s performance as "He is invincible!" The article pointed out that all Serie A teams have proven that they cannot contain Wang Feng, and it is because of his amazing performance that Inter Mn has achieved such outstanding results.
"Even with many external factors interfering, he still shows an invincible attitude, which makes opponents and some people feel helpless."
Compared to the vague reports of the Italian media, the media from other countries are not so polite. Spanish Daily Sports News wrote that "No one can steal Wang Feng''s victory," pointing out that two penalties and a red card, as well as several wrong offside calls, the referee clearly wanted Inter Mn to lose, but Wang Feng''s two goals in three minutes shattered that idea.
Germany''s Sports Picture News analyzed all the controversial decisions, and the results showed that all the decisions against Inter Mn were wrong. "This probably can''t be exined by mistakes."
France''s Echo News wrote that the newly crowned World Footballer of the Year had been treated unfairly. "This shouldn''t be the level of refereeing in Europe''s top league. His poor performance has embarrassed the whole of Europe."
Every game of Wang Feng is broadcasted and reported domestically, and many fans who watched the game angrily left messages online using the referees of unfairness. Even official media outlets were rmed and specifically published articles criticizing them.
Things escted, and the Serie A league had to react. They reluctantly admitted that the referee on duty had "poor performance" and punished him with a three-match ban, which was the second time they had punished a referee this season.
Now, Serie A is still the top league in Europe. Wang Feng believes that after experiencing such incidents, they will at least be more discreet.
Chapter 218: "Crazy" February
Chapter 218: "Crazy" February
In February, Wang Feng looked at the packed schedule in his hands, a wry smile forming at the corner of his mouth. Describing this arrangement as "insane" wouldn''t be an exaggeration.
Coming up were not only five league matches, including against strong teams like AC Mn and Udinese, but also two rounds of the Italian Cup quarter-finals against Lazio, and a round of the Champions League round of 16 against Sparta Prague.
For Wang Feng, he also had to return to his country to participate in the World Cup qualifiers with the national team, facing Kuwait.
Due to the format of the World Cup qualifiers, only the group winners can advance to the knockout stage. While Hong Kong and Mysia in the same group weren''t particrly threatening, Kuwait posed a significant threat.
To be cautious, the new head coach, Alihan, sent out a call-up invitation to Wang Feng, hoping he could y in the two group matches against Kuwait and spare himself from unnecessary travel for other matches.
This would be Wang Feng''s first time wearing the national team jersey. Domestic media had already extensively covered this, with many fans questioning whether it was appropriate to send the World Footballer of the Year to y against Kuwait, likening it to using a cannon to kill a mosquito.
Only Alihan knew in his heart that although China had made it to the World Cup two years ago, the team''s performance was currently very unstable. He needed Wang Feng to sit on the bench and turn the tide in critical moments.
On February 2nd, in the 19th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Siena at home. In preparation for the midweek Italian Cup, Mancini ced all the main yers on the bench, allowing a rotated lineup to face the promoted team.
These yers with limited ying time fought hard, engaging in back-and-forth y with Siena, and contributed one goal each in the first and second halves through Martins and Cruz.
2-0, Inter Mn secured victory without much trouble.
On February 5th, in the first leg of the Italian Cup quarter-finals, Inter Mn hosted Lazio at home.
To gain home advantage quickly, Inter Mn started with a fast pace. Lazio had no choice but to pick up the pace as well, falling into Inter Mn''s control. They frequently threatened Lazio''s defense.
After a midfield interception, Ribery received a long pass from Zti on the nk and then sent a straight pass to the back line of Lazio. Wang Feng broke free from Negr''s entanglement, seized the ball first, and smoothly entered the penalty area.
Facing Fawalli''s sliding tackle, Wang Feng dodged with a quick stop and then pushed the ball into the near corner of the goal.
1-0! This goal ignited the Meazza Stadium, cheers and shouts filling the entire stadium.
Inter Mn soon seized another defensive loophole of Lazio. Still attacking from the right, Zti''s breakthrough was disrupted by Albertini, resulting in a sideline ball for them.
Dalmazzo quickly threw the ball into the penalty area. Wang Feng ran to the drop point and lifted his leg to hook the ball backward, avoiding the attempt to intercept by Lazio defender Cotto, then turned around to catch up with the ball.
He used his arm and body strength to block Fawalli, who was retreating to defend, and with his left foot, made a stab shot, piercing through Sereni''s fingers again.
In the end, the ck and Blues secured a 2-0 victory at home against Lazio, putting one foot into the cup final!
On February 8th, in the 20th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Sampdoria away.
As usual, Mancini rested some key yers and let Wang Feng start, hoping he could finish the battle in the first half.
In the 17th minute, Wang Feng dribbled past three defending yers in the front court and shot into the goal from inside the penalty area, opening the scoring for the away team.
In the 38th minute, he cut inside from the right, suddenly passed the ball back, and Carlon, unmarked, shot fiercely to expand the lead.
Afterpleting his mission, Wang Feng was substituted off at halftime. However, in the second half, Inter Mn immediately fell into a disadvantageous situation. Perhaps due to the recent heavy schedule and frequent appearances of substitute lineups, fatigue set in, or maybe they becamecent due to the lead, resulting in many mistakes by the team on the field.
In the 67th minute, Sampdoria center-back Carrozieri seized the opportunity to pull one back for the home team. Then they frequently threatened Inter Mn''s defense. Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Mancini had to substitute in Civu and Markyle to stabilize the defense.
Despite the stumbling, Inter Mn still managed to secure a 2-1 victory.
On February 12th, Inter Mn traveled to Rome to face Lazio again in the second leg of the Italian Cup quarter-finals.
Different from the first leg, Inter Mn slowed down the pace, while Lazio, who were in a desperate situation, wanted to speed up the game. However, Inter Mn''s overall strength and rxed mentality kept them in control of the situation.
This made Lazio yers gradually be impatient, and their defensive actions gradually becamerger. In the 35th minute, after a back pass in midfield, Dalmazzo received the ball at his feet, and the anxious Liverani directly brought him down.
Inter Mn won a free kick in midfield. Dalmazzo''s long pass reached Wang Feng on the right nk. He then dribbled to the outer edge of the penalty area on the right, evaded Negredo''s block, and sent a cross.
Vieri failed to reach the ball at the first point. The ball slipped to the left area. Zti stopped the ball near the sideline and reorganized the attack.
He nced at the situation in the penalty area and then lifted his foot to pass towards the middle. Wang Feng, who had originally been on the right, had now moved to the middle to receive the ball. He leaped high to head the ball into the penalty area.
Wang Feng''s movement attracted the attention of Lazio''s defense. With no one marking, Vieri easily slotted the ball into the.
1-0! Inter Mn scored another goal, a valuable away goal!
Now the total score between the two sides was 3-0, meaning Lazio had to score four goals in the remaining time to reverse the tie.
This was an impossible task for the Eagles. Despair was written on everyone''s faces, and goalkeeper Sereni angrily roared at the defenders, questioning why they had let their guard down.
Defenders Stam and Cotto also felt helpless. They saw Wang Feng already fighting for the ball in the middle. Based on previous match experience, at this point, he would definitely choose to shoot or dribble past the defenders.
So one chose to approach the defense, and the other chose to block the shooting path, but they didn''t expect Wang Feng to head the ball. Vieri on the side was almost ignored.
This situation couldn''t be med on their mistake. Without the encirclement of these two, Wang Feng would definitely choose to shoot by himself, and the probability of scoring would be very high.
After the restart, Lazio''s yers seemed somewhat listless and failed to organize effective attacks again. Inter Mn didn''t press further but instead wasted time to prevent injuries.
Coach Mancini gradually substituted off Wang Feng and other key yers in the second half. Only in thest moments did Lazio manage to score a goal to salvage some pride through a substitute, Odo.
Inter Mn won 3-1 over Lazio over two legs, once again advancing to the Italian Cup final. Their opponents would be Juventus, who narrowly defeated AC Mn to reach the final.
After the match against Lazio, Wang Feng flew back to his country. He would miss the Serie A 21st round match on February 15th due to the World Cup qualifiers.
In this match, Inter Mn drew 1-1 with Udinese, with Adriano helping the team score the equalizing goal at a crucial moment.
Chapter 219: National team debut
Chapter 219: National team debut
Wang Feng arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on the morning of the 14th. On the evening of February 18th, the national team will face Kuwait at Tianhe Sports Center.
By this time, the airport was already filled with reporters and fans who were well-informed. They were inexplicably excited when they saw Wang Feng appear, with shes and cheers resounding one after another.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Wang Feng did not interact with the fans but instead gave them a friendly wave. Then, apanied by staff, he left the airport and headed to the national team''s training base. The other yers had been training for over a month already.
In the training base, national team head coach Alihan awaited Wang Feng with both excitement and impatience. To be honest, he had never encountered a superstar as big as Wang Feng in his coaching careera world football number one!
During his ying days, Alihan swept across Europe with legends like Cruyff and Neeskens at Ajax, so he understood clearly how much of an impact a superstar could have on a team, in every aspect.
When Wang Feng arrived at Alihan''s office, the two quickly engaged in harmonious conversation. This was because Wang Feng took the initiative to speak Dutch with him, and Alihan did not sense any arrogance from Wang Feng.
The two discussed match tactics and arrangements. Alihan tactfully expressed his hope that Wang Feng could serve as a substitute because the team had been training together for some time to build cohesion. Wang Feng''s sudden inclusion might disrupt that cohesion, not to mention he was fatigued from travel.
Wang Feng readily agreed to this request. Facing opponents like Kuwait, he didn''t feel particrly motivated.
After meeting with the head coach, Wang Feng was taken by the team leader to the training ground, where he met his domestic teammates for the first time. Although Wang Feng was the youngest among them, his glory couldn''t be ignored.
Young yers like Zheng Zhi and Shao Jiayi were extremely excited about Wang Feng''s arrival. They admired this young "senior" of the football world and sometimes even used honorifics when speaking to him, making Wang Feng embarrassed.
Shao Jiayi had caught the attention of Bundesliga club 1860 Munich in 2003, but unfortunately, the team''s poor performance led to relegation to the second division. ording to him, his prestige among teammates in the German club rose significantly because of Wang Feng''s presence.
"Many people originally looked down on Asian yers. As soon as they knew I was Chinese, they treated me with great respect, saying you are one of the best yers in the world!" Shao Jiayi said excitedly.
Zheng Zhi also nned to go abroad for development, with Wang Feng as his role model!
Even veteran yers like Sun Jihai weed Wang Feng''s arrival, believing that the team''s strength would greatly improve. Of course, some yers weren''t as pleased, mainly the forwards who felt that Wang Feng was taking their ce. However, they didn''t show their emotions on the surface, maintaining harmony.
After exchanging pleasantries, the training session began. Wang Feng felt that joining in was too easypared to training at the club and his own extra training.
In just two hours, the overseas yers could still persevere, while the domestic yers were sweating profusely, calling out tiredly. Coach Alihan had to let everyone take a break.
Standing aside, Wang Feng felt somewhat helpless. He hadn''t even warmed up properly. So, he could only take the ball to the side and start his unique training.
Seeing Wang Feng practicing, some younger yers with energy also joined in. Wang Feng didn''t hesitate to point out their footballing issues with his senses, mainly theck of solid basics. Many times, their ball-touching angles were incorrect.
At the end of the day''s training, the yers gained a clear understanding of Wang Feng''s strength. He hadpleted almost all the courses without resting and even managed extra training, while others couldn''t hold on until the end.
"Fitness is really poor!" Wang Feng sighed inwardly. In his view, fitness and technique were the weakest links in the national team. Even with good tactics, they probably wouldn''t be able to execute them against strong European teams.
On match day, Tianhe Sports Center was packed. Many people came to witness Wang Feng''s first appearance for the Chinese team. After all, he was the first Chinese World Footballer of the Year!
When they saw the world''s number one sitting on the bench, many anxious fans began to voice their discontent. How could this be!
Of course, many rational fans and media had guessed this arrangement, considering he had just returned from Italy. The cohesion among teammates also needed time to develop, so sitting on the bench was just a precaution. Whether he would y or not was uncertain.
Wang Feng wore the same number 10 jersey as he did at the club. There was no one else in the team wearing number 10, and Wang Feng couldn''t be bothered to choose another one.
As the match began, China''s team was stronger than Kuwait''s, firmly controlling the situation on the field. They created several threatening attacks, but the final touch always seemed to becking.
Watching from the sidelines, Wang Feng could see clearly that the forwards couldn''t score, suffering from ck of forward power." The root cause was their poor basicsincorrect body posture, ball-touching angles, and power. How could they score like this?
Fortunately, the team''s defense was solid. Active running and execution of tactics made it difficult for Kuwait to organize effective attacks. Until the end of the first half, they hadn''t even managed a shot.
After the break, the deadlock persisted, making the fans in the stands increasingly anxious. They began chanting for Wang Feng to be subbed in, his name echoing throughout the stadium.
"Wang, are you okay to y?" Alihan approached Wang Feng, his heart also feeling anxious. "No problem, coach."
In the 75th minute, Wang Feng finally stepped onto the field amidst the crowd''s fervent calls!
Touching the national g on his chest, a sense of pride surged within him. Even though many people didn''t understand why he gave up so much to join the national team, only he knew that wearing the jersey representing his country was one of the greatest honors a footballer could pursue in their lifetime.
Facing the world footballer, Kuwait didn''t dare to be careless. Several defenders approached him to mark him closely, and as soon as Wang Feng touched the ball, they quickly closed in.
Without dy, Wang Feng quickly got into his rhythm. After receiving the ball, he immediately elerated, using a dribble to fake out one defender and then another, sessfully breaking through the encirclement and heading towards the penalty area.
His speed was too fast. Kuwait center-back Fahdah only felt a blur before Wang Feng had already passed by him, leaving him no time to foul.
Once inside the penalty area, Wang Feng took a shot directly, and the ball pierced through Kuwait''s goal, leaving the goalkeeper standing still in bewilderment. When had he ever seen such a fierce shot?
With his first touch aftering on, Wang Feng scored a goal! At that moment, he only had one thought in his mindit was too easy. So easy that he didn''t even feel like celebrating!
Against such defense, to be honest, evenpared to the second division, Wang Feng could easily dribble as many times as he wanted. The opponents wouldn''t even have a chance to foul or tackle him.
Chapter 220: It鈥檚 like cheating !
Chapter 220: It''s like cheating !
The moment of this goal ignited the passion of the fans, releasing the tension that had been building up for tens of minutes. Finally, they could celebrate to their heart''s content. Despite having the upper hand, the inability to break the deadlock was the most agonizing aspect.
Teammates rushed forward to embrace and celebrate with Wang Feng, their eyes reflecting a profound admiration. Wang Feng''s individual prowess was vividly demonstrated in this goal, and from a close distance, this seamless one-man attacking y was simply breathtaking!
Just three minutester, Wang Feng received a pass from his teammate in the forward position. A Kuwaiti defender suddenly squeezed in from the side, exerting all his strength to tackle Wang Feng.
But at the moment of contact, he felt as if he had collided with a mountain. The tremendous reactive force sent him stumbling and falling to the ground, while Wang Feng remained unmoved. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Feng deftly controlled the ball with his right foot and took a direct shot from a distance.
With a "bang," the ball flew straight towards the goal. Although the goalkeeper made every effort to save, the angle of the shot was too tricky, leaving him only to sigh in frustration.
2:0! Wang Feng scored his second goal!
After scoring, Wang Feng smiled and reached out to help up the Kuwaiti defender who had fallen. Thetter looked at this world-ss footballer with a face flushed with disbelief and astonishment.
However, Wang Feng paid no heed. Perhaps the opponent had intended to foul him, but such a level of confrontation paled inparison to the intense shes in Serie A.
With a two-goal lead, Wang Feng consciously slowed down the pace of the attack, no longer going solo but cooperating with teammates. Through several passes, he keenly realized the inadequacy in the team''s football intelligence.
Many times, teammates in good positions were not aware of it, either not expecting Wang Feng to pass to them or not immediatelyunching an attack after receiving the ball, instead organizing slowly after the opponents filled the gaps.
Wang Feng couldn''t help butment. If only he had a teammate like Ribery, he could definitely make the Kuwaiti defense understand what teamwork in football truly meant. What a pity!
As the game reached its final moments, Wang Feng intended to make another breakthrough. After receiving the ball on the right, he dribbled past several yers, cut inside the penalty area, and faced thest Kuwaiti defender who viciously lunged at his legs. Feeling greatly embarrassed, as Wang Feng seemed to be toying with them.
Just as the defender approached, Wang Feng deftly dodged the tackle, jumping effortlessly to evade the malicious defense. Facing the final barrier, the goalkeeper, he initially intended to shoot directly. However, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Shao Jiayi rushing to support.
So he changed his shot to a pass, a right-footed poke horizontally thatnded perfectly at Shao Jiayi''s feet. Facing the vast open goal, Shao Jiayi didn''t waste the opportunity and gently pushed the ball into the.
3:0! China''s team eventually triumphed over Kuwait. Within fifteen minutes, Wang Feng contributed two goals and one assist, proving his talent beyond doubt.
As the referee blew the final whistle, several Kuwaiti yers instantly surrounded Wang Feng, looking at him with admiration, hoping to exchange jerseys with him. Many others wanted his autograph, prompting a teammate to run to the sidelines to fetch a pen.
Wang Feng had no choice but to randomly select a lucky fan to exchange jerseys with. This fortunate person immediately became the envy of his teammates, and only after satisfying everyone''s autograph requests could Wang Feng finally leave.
Sun Jihai walked up to him, smiling, and said, "You''ve made history. I don''t think there''s ever been a yer chased by opponents for autographs on the spot."
"The 2002 World Cup is our eternal regret. With you joining us now, I believe we can go further on the world stage!"
After the match, the Kuwaiti coach described the game as "cheating" during the press conference, believing that China''s deployment of Wang Feng left no room for opponents.
"We couldn''t contain him. Honestly, I feel like he could break through our defense alone. It''s not surprising, after all, he''s the European Golden Boot, a double football legend."
"I''m d my yers showed tenacious fighting spirit. Without Wang Feng, we might have had a chance to secure the only spot for advancement."
"But now, I just want to say, stopparing. Let China advance, they should face Japan, Korea, and not trouble us!"
Despite the victory, Chinese coach Alihan remained serious at the press conference.
"Everything went wrong. I don''t know what happened. The tactics were clear, we had the upper hand on the field, but we couldn''t score."
"Wang made the game look easy? It''s obvious. He only contributed two shots aftering on and easily scored twice. He proved with facts that scoring isn''t that difficult; it''s our yers who have problems."
"After that, he made many exquisite passes, but we still couldn''t seize the opportunities. This gap is terrifying, and the yers have a lot to improve on."
This match garnered widespread attention and extensive coverage in China. Wang Feng, in just 15 minutes on the field, showed his strength to the Chinese people for the first time, not limited to just club football.
Many football professionals described Wang Feng''s performance on the field as wless. It seemed like he deliberately reduced his number of shots, otherwise, he would have scored more than two goals.
More importantly, his superb football intelligence and vision on the field were evident. Frame by frame analysis showed that every pass and run by Wang Feng was purposeful, all aimed at exploiting the opponent''s gaps. Unfortunately, his teammatescked this ability, often wasting opportunities.
"Now with Wang Feng leading, China''s smooth advancement from the group stage should not be a problem. But in the quarter-finals, we will face traditional powerhouses like Japan, Korea, and Iran, the oue is still uncertain."
Some mediamented that Chinese football should go global. "Apart from Wang Feng, foreign-based yers like Sun Jihai, Shao Jiayi perform better than domestic yers."
"So we should encourage more yers to go to European football tforms, learn their advanced football techniques, and hone themselves on high-levelpetitive stages. This is conducive to the development of Chinese football."
On the inte, the discussion about this match was as intense as in traditional media. Wang Feng, making his debut wearing the national team jersey, became the hottest topic, overshadowing all other entertainment news.
Many lucky fans who managed to get tickets to the Tianhe Stadium boasted on forums, posting pictures of Wang Feng taken with their rudimentary phone cameras. Even just a silhouette or a small piece of him sparked lively discussions.
"Wang Feng is so handsome. It would be great if I could be his girlfriend," sighed a female fan, resonating with many others.
"Don''t be infatuated; he already has a girlfriend, who is also very beautiful," someone responded, attaching a photo published in "French Football" showing Wang Feng with Lu Yao.
This photo had caused a huge stir a few months ago, leaving many female fans heartbroken.
Chapter 221: Fight again
Chapter 221: Fight again
After the match, Wang Feng did not attend the celebratory dinner but instead hurried back to Mn because Inter Mn would face their title-contending rivals AC Mn in the next round of the league.
In the first encounter between the two sides, they yed to a draw, and Ancelotti''s 4-3-2-1 formation left a deep impression on Mancini and Inter Mn. Their new yer, Kaka, also disyed potential and resilienceparable to Wang Feng''s.
Although Kaka experienced a period of quietness after this match, the club and fans showed great patience and gave him ample time. For a Serie A neer, fluctuating form is normal, unlike Wang Feng, who consistently performs strongly.
Kaka did not disappoint, as he regained his form after self-adjustment and scored 10 goals so far, cing him in the top five scorers'' list.
On the eve of the game, Mancini assembled the coaching staff to discuss tactics against AC Mn''s lineup. Since theirst encounter, he had been contemting ways to break through.
"I''ve been thinking for a long time. The 4-3-2-1 formation relies too much on central pration, making it difficult to form effective wing attacks," Mancini analyzed.
"This formation also heavily depends on the forwards and attacking midfielders'' impact and shooting qualities. Now, AC Mn''s Shevchenko and Kaka perfectly fit these characteristics, enabling them to exert maximum power."
The technical coach added, "But AC Mn will still have some wing attacks, mainly assisted by the full-backs'' long passes into the frontcourt. Can we counter and exploit the space behind them?"
Mancini frowned at the question, then watched the footage of the previous round''s match for a while. His eyes gradually brightened, and he excitedly said, "Yes, we can totally exploit the space behind the full-backs for quick counterattacks!"
"After receiving the ball from the wing, we can actively contest with Adriano and Wang Feng''s skills to exploit the space. Meanwhile, the central yers should quickly press forward to create a numerical advantage, rendering their horizontally spread defense ineffective!"
Mancini stood up from his seat excitedly and continued, "Defense can be done in the same way, by densely positioning yers in the middle to prevent easy pration. This can not only block their threatening central attacks but also force them to use their weak wings, providing us with more opportunities!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, and the assistant coach asked, "So how should we position our heavy troops in the middle? Should Wang Feng drop back to the attacking midfielder position?"
"Absolutely, using a 4-5-1 formation. Wang Feng has yed as an attacking midfielder before, and he''ll satisfy us," Mancini affirmed.
Before the game, Mancini briefed Inter Mn yers on the tactical arrangements. Although many didn''t fully understand the principles, it didn''t hinder them from strictly following the head coach''s instructions.
Thus, Ancelotti was surprised to find that his carefully considered formation had actually been figured out by Mancini, who discovered some ways to counter it. Kaka and Rui Costa faced difficulties in their central attacks.
Wanting to attack through the wings, AC Mn faced problems due to the distance between their front and back lines, which created significant gaps. As soon as the possession switched, it easily led to issues.
For instance, just after Zti intercepted the ball and passed it to Wang Feng on the right, he easily broke through the wing. Fortunately, Adriano missed the shot after receiving the cross, which was caught by goalkeeper Dida.
Relying on excellent tactical execution, Inter Mn gradually gained control of the game. AC Mn, sensing the danger, didn''t elerate their attacks blindly but focused on stability.
After experiencing the initial sh and a dull thirty minutes, changes finally appeared on the field.
In the 37th minute, Civu sent a long pass from their half, Wang Feng shrugged off Gattuso and Nesta, slipped through the two AC Mn defenders, and chased after the ball sessfully, rushing into the right side of the penalty area.
In his eyes, there was a big gap between defender Cafu, AC Mn goalkeeper Dida, and the left goal post at the moment, making it impossible for them to block directly!
So he didn''t wait for his central teammates to catch up, but directly shot with his right foot, sending the ball into AC Mn''s, hitting the inside of the goal.
"Goal!! The deadlock of the game is finally broken by a world-ss strike from Wang Feng!!"
"With his thoughtful and powerful long-range shot, he pierced through the opponent''s defense. We can see that Cafu attempted to block, and goalkeeper Dida tried to save, but neither could touch the ball."
"We have reason to believe that this is absolutely not a coincidence. Wang Feng''s shot selection was wise, and his execution was precise,bining to create this goal."
Although trailing, AC Mn had to elerate their attack pace. However, Inter Mn''s defense performed excellently, not giving them any chances until the end of the game.
2-0! Inter Mn secured victory in the derby, taking a solid step forward in the title race.
In contrast, AC Mn continued to rank behind Roma. It seems that their second-ce finish in the league this season will be difficult to achieve.
After the game, Ancelotti walked to the Inter Mn coaching area and had a brief exchange with Mancini: "You are really extraordinary toe up with countermeasures so quickly."
Manciniughed, "Anyway, it''s amazing that you can think of such tactics. Especially with the core of execution still growing rapidly, I look forward topeting with a fully equipped ''Christmas tree''."
Ancelotti was stunned for a moment, then smiled. Indeed, the 4-3-2-1 formation did look like a Christmas tree with a wide base and narrow top.
Chapter 222: Troubles of genius
Chapter 222: Troubles of genius
AC Mn suffered a heavy defeat against Inter Mn, almost losing their title hopes once again. After this match, the Italian media, chasing hot topics, naturally reported extensively on it.
When losing, one must find scapegoats. Apart from head coach Ancelotti, the media focused on their new recruit Kaka. Being a genius, when he performs well, everyone praises him, but when he performs poorly, everyone criticizes him.
ording to Mn Sports News, Kaka simply cannot bepared to Wang Feng, whether in the past, present, or future. "He indeed possesses unwaveringpetitive spirit and decent technique, butcks the leadership qualities and the dominance to turn the tide in adversity."
"The prince will always be the prince, unable to contend with the king."
On the other hand, Evening Post wrote that AC Mn was overly optimistic, to the extent of being embarrassed now. "When Kaka scored his 10th goal, Ancelotti couldn''t wait to proim to the media that he believed the Brazilian had a good chance of winning the Best Foreign yer of the Season."
"It should be noted that in the past two seasons, this award was won by Wang Feng, with 34 and 40 goals respectively. The editor understands Ancelotti''s desire to promote his protg, but after the humiliating defeat to Inter, such statements seem extremely arrogant."
The front-page headline of Rome Sports News read "The Prince Lost in San Siro, AC Mn''s Championship Dream Shattered." The article pointed out that Kaka waspletely restricted by Inter Mn''s defense in the match, failing to disy the heroic spirit from the first leg, resulting in the team''s defeat to the Nerazzurri.
"This nearly 22-year-old youth was once considered the yer most likely to challenge Wang Feng''s position in Serie A. Now, everything feels too optimistic, and Wang Feng remains unbeatable."
In the Mn training ground, Kaka was sweating profusely, surrounded by newspapers of the past few days. The remarks on them were like whips, fiercelyshing at him.
Next to him, the trainer Meria looked at the handsome young man with concern. Due to a major injury in his childhood, he didn''t rmend Kaka to undergo such high-intensity training, as he might get injured identally.
Unlike typical pleasure-loving Brazilian yers, Kaka rarely took the initiative to go to nightclubs or wild parties but was passionate about training. The club admired this young man''s dedication.
Being talented and willing to work hard, one always goes further than others but also bears more burden. This should be the dilemma of genius.
At this moment, head coach Ancelotti entered the training room, and Meria visibly breathed a sigh of relief. Only the coach could persuade the stubborn youth. Ancelotti waved his hand, and Meria understandingly exited the room.
"Kaka, you must be unwilling, but this is futile and will only harm yourself," Ancelotti said.
Kaka stopped his exercise, panting heavily. "I''m very unwilling, sir, but I don''t know what to do."
"When I was in Brazil, many people said I was like Wang Feng. I tried to catch up with him, but I could only fall further behind. Some people told me thating to Europe could greatly improve myself, so I resolutely chose Serie A where Wang Feng was. I hoped to defeat him one day."
"AC Mn has given me great progress. When I first met him, I really felt I was just a step away from defeating him, but then I fell into a low period. Everyoneforted me, saying it was the inevitable path for a neer, but my opponent Wang Feng has never experienced it!"
"When I finally emerged from the low period, I could only ept another defeat. At that time, I couldn''t perform as well as Wang Feng would have in my position. If it were him, he would definitely find a solution!"
Ancelotti gazed at his proud disciple for a moment before saying, "Living in the same era as Wang Feng is unfortunate for you yers and for us coaches."
"I have never seen a yer who can disy such dominance and pressure on the field like him. Even Maradona once said he couldn''t do better than Wang Feng."
"Aiming for Wang Feng is good, but don''t be overly anxious because of it. Doing what you should do is the most important thing. Your abilities still have a lot of room for improvement. The main goal now is to surpass yourself."
"Don''t train hard alone. I have discussed with the club executives, and we will jointly formte the most suitable training n for you. It will not only avoid injuring yourself but also enhance your strength. This is the method Wang Feng used back then."
Just when Kaka was starting to doubt life because of being struck by Wang Feng, Inter Mn encountered trouble in the Czech Republic, as the Champions League reignited after a two-month hiatus. They faced Sparta Prague away.
Due to the back-to-back matches in a week and the fatigue of travel, head coach Mancini rotated the starting lineup, believing that Sparta Prague wouldn''t cause much trouble for Inter Mn.
However, this Czech, or even Central European, one of the most sessful clubs performed remarkably well, unexpectedly overwhelming Inter Mn''s rotated lineup.
In the 21st and 37th minutes, forward Alkira and defender Delrin respectively breached the Nerazzurri''s defense, leading 2-0 at halftime.
Returning to Meazza with such a scoreline would put Inter Mn in a passive position, as the opponents could easily park the bus on the defensive line, making it difficult for them to equalize.
Therefore, at the beginning of the second half and in the 55th minute, Mancini reced Wang Feng and Adriano to strengthen the attack.
Sparta Prague, whether to expand their home advantage or for other considerations, did not retract their defensive line in the second half but continued to attack, giving Inter Mn opportunities.
In the 61st minute, Wang Feng sessfully broke the offside trap on the right side, and Sparta Prague defender resorted to a foul tactic. However, Wang Feng''s free kick pierced through the home team''s goal, pulling one back for Inter Mn. Then, in the 81st minute, Adriano received a cross from Wang Feng and scored from close range.
The final score was 2-2, erasing Sparta Prague''s initial lead and conceding two away goals, which was truly regrettable.
In thest Serie A match of February, in the 23rd round, Inter Mn hosted Brescia at home.
In the first half, Wang Feng seized an opportunity to break through the nk, passing to Ribery who scored from a tight angle inside the penalty area. Later on, he dribbled past three defenders and shot, hitting the inside of the post and scoring.
After halftime, Brescia pulled one back through Cjolo, but ultimately failed to stop Inter Mn''s winning streak.
2-1! The Nerazzurri once again took all three points, continuing to lead the league table.
Chapter 223: Skyrocketing value and plan start
Chapter 223: Skyrocketing value and n start
As Wang Feng led Inter Mn to continue advancing, his agent, Balmond, also achieved considerable sess in themercial endorsement field. "Since you became the first Asian to win the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer, thepanies wanting you as their spokesperson have been endless," Balmond eximed excitedly over the phone.
"This includes family businesses from West Asia as well as leadingpanies from Japan and South Korea. I have been very cautious in selecting the deals, but even after careful consideration, there are still dozens of high-quality contracts waiting to be signed."
The total annual value of thesemercial endorsement contracts, after tax, has exceeded one billion euros. This is not an exaggeration because Wang Feng is the only world football superstar from Asia, attracting all the attention and favor onto himself.
The economic strength of a continent can be gauged by how much they are willing to pay. Wang Feng divides this ie into three parts: one for his family, one for investment in business groups, and one saved for future use.
He''s now living the legendary life where every breath earns him a lot of money. Even if he were to retire now, he would live the rest of his life without financial worries.
"I don''t think Inter Mn can fully satisfy yourmercial value anymore," Bamonde said. "Perhaps Serie A has a high level of tactics and skills, but theirmercial operations are simply terrible."
"Comparatively, Real Madrid might be the most suitable club for you. Just look at how they utilized Beckham''smercial value, making both the club and the yer immensely wealthy. And your value surpasses that of the Englishman. Have you considered joining Real Madrid?"
"I don''t have such ns at the moment. You know, the dressing room at Real Madrid is tooplicated. Ronaldo hasined to me more than once, and they''ve already shown signs of decline this season. It''s too risky to go there at this time."
"Well, that''s a pity," Bamonde sighed, then suddenly eximed, "By the way, we finally settled the contract with Nike!"
Nike had started negotiations for an extension with Wang Feng a long time ago but couldn''t reach an agreement. The initial offer of eight million euros per year enraged Balmond because back in 2003, they offered over 8.3 million euros to an NBA rookie, James.
Just as he was about to start negotiations with Adidas, the Nike executives urgently made a new proposal, increasing the offer to 12 million euros per year. However, it still didn''t meet Balmond''s expectations.
His demand was simple: since football is the world''s number one sport and Wang Feng is the number one yer, it''s only fair that his endorsement fee is also the world''s number one. Moreover, Wang Feng brings with him the lucrative Asian market.
"What''s the final price?" Wang Feng curiously asked.
"90 million euros over five years, with an annual endorsement fee of 18 million euros!" Balmond proudly dered. Wang Feng was surprised; this endorsement contract should be the highest at Nike''s current stage. He had truly achieved it!
"Now, the Nike executives privately refer to me as the super vampire who''s no less than Rai and Mendes. I like this title. It seems I''ll have more stars under my wing!"
Earning so much money, Wang Feng also nned to officially start his development program. He had established a youth trainingpany in China a long time ago but hadn''t advertised or recruited publicly. Everything was done as he nned, for public welfare.
With his good rtionship with Belgium''s Genk and essential sponsorship support, he had set up a cooperative tform, which could annually train about ten young yers for clubs.
Genk''s scale was still too small. Wang Feng nned to discuss with Inter Mn President Morattiter, hoping to establish a simr cooperative rtionship.
Wang Feng personally reviewed the first batch of selected candidates, all of whom were children from poor families like him when he was young. They were only about ten years old, the age for learning knowledge and basic football skills. To ensure their safety abroad, several domestic staff would live with them in Genk.
Just like before, Wang Feng would support them until they turned eighteen. They would train in the youth camp and study cultural knowledge in local schools. After reaching adulthood, they could choose to take the normal path to university or pursue a professional football career, and Wang Feng wouldn''t intervene.
After the age of eighteen, Wang Feng wouldn''t sponsor them anymore.
In fact, the estimated cost of training a child to eighteen wouldn''t exceed 100,000 euros. Wang Feng definitely had the ability to support more, but he nned to umte experience first and gradually increase the scaleter.
On March 6th, in the 24th round of Serie A, the league-leading Inter Mn would battle it out with second-ced Roma. Although Inter Mn had a considerable lead, Roma had to strive for victory to keep their chances of aeback alive.
At the Olympic Stadium, Roma firstunched an offensive against Inter Mn''s defense. They earned a free kick in the attacking half through Cassano''s sharp breakthrough, and Totti scored from the resulting set-piece, opening the scoring for Roma.
However, Inter Mn wasn''t a team to be bullied. Shortly after falling behind, they seized an opportunity on the counterattack. Ribery''s cross caused a defensive error from Pelizzoli, and the ball fell directly to Wang Feng''s feet, who promptly equalized.
Just four minutester, the Nerazzurri struck again. Ribery''s cross found Adriano in the penalty area, who headed the ball back, and Wang Feng, following up, volleyed it into the to put Inter ahead.
Just before halftime, Inter Mn earned another free kick opportunity in the attacking half. Wang Feng took it himself and scored, extending their lead, andpleting his own hat-trick.
As the second half began, Roma continued to fight. In the 62nd minute, they earned a corner kick, and Totti''s precise delivery found Monte in the middle of the box, who headed home to make it 2-3.
This goal dispelled any thoughts Mancini had of substituting Wang Feng. A slightpse in concentration could allow the hard-earned three points to slip away. So, he opted to rece Ribery with Recoba instead.
Wang Feng didn''t disappoint. Under Roma''s fierce attack, he dealt a fatal blow to the opponents. It was a defensive counterattack, with Zti finding Wang Feng in midfield with a long pass.
He then stormed forward with the ball, evading the challenges of Samuel and Zebina, beforeying it off to Recoba, who had surged up from the right. Recoba, full of energy, sprinted towards the penalty area along the sideline before delivering a cross.
The ball evaded De Rossi''s block andnded perfectly at the feet of Wang Feng, who, without stopping the ball, struck it directly into the, piercing Pelizzoli''s defenses once again.
4-2! Wang Feng sealed the victory for Inter Mn with his fourth goal!
Scoring a quadruple for the first time this season, Wang Feng ran along the sidelines in excitement, while the Roma fans booed him, the ultimate acknowledgment of his performance!
This goalpletely shattered the home team''s confidence. They couldn''t pose any more significant threats to Inter Mn, and the final score remained 4-2. The Nerazzurri''s lead at the top of the table expanded further, indicating that they might clinch the title ahead of schedule this season.
Chapter 224: He surpassed himself again
Chapter 224: He surpassed himself again
The second leg of the Champions League round of 16 took ce at the San Siro, where the yers of Prague''s Sparta seemed particrly heavy-hearted as they walked onto the field. In the first leg, they failed to gain an advantage at home and instead conceded two goals, which was almost a fatal result.
Inter Mn didn''t disappoint the home fans. In the first half, Wang Fengpleted a clever exchange with Ribery on the right nk, then delivered a cross near the goal line, where Adriano''s header opened the scoring for the home team.
In the second half, Sparta Prague went all out, pressing forward almost entirely, which gave Inter Mn ample space for counterattacks. After several threatening counterattacks, they finally reaped the rewards.
It was in the 77th minute when Zambrotta intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to Civu, who sent a long pass to the front. Wang Feng, relying on his speed, arrived at the ball first, nudged it forward, and continued his pursuit.
As the ball bounced up, Wang Feng was already there, noticing that the Sparta Prague goalkeeper was positioned rtively forward. He directly lobbed the ball towards the knee-high corner as the goalkeeper, surprised, hurried back to the goal to save it. However, the shot''s arc was too perfect, sailing over the goalkeeper''s fingertips and dropping into the below the crossbar.
Inter Mn scored another goal! With Wang Feng''s assist and goal, the Nerazzurri defeated their opponents 2-0, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals with a total score of 4-2!
Juventus, who had experienced the turbulence of their coach''s departure, lost to super Deportivo La Coruna, stopping at the round of 16 in the Champions League, which was somewhat understandable. But AC Mn unexpectedly suffered a shocking defeat by the French side Monaco, which many found hard to ept. "A humiliating elimination," Italian media reported the next day. Now, in the Champions League quarter-finals, only Inter Mn, the sole representative of Serie A, remained. This left the Italians, the top league in Europe, with no glory. Their UEFA coefficient for the next season would undoubtedly suffer greatly, and they might even give up their top spot.
Among the other Champions League quarter-finalists, Ligue 1 imed two spots with Monaco and Lyon, the Premier League imed two spots with Chelsea and Arsenal, La Liga imed two spots with Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid, and the lone representative from the Primeira Liga was Porto.
Mourinho indeed had the capital of madness. He had brought Porto, who were ying in the League Cupst year, to the Champions League quarter-finals, causing quite a stir.
In addition, theplete copse of the Bundesliga was quitementable, with numerous German media outlets wailing, believing that they were getting farther and farther away from the mainstream level in Europe.
Inter Mn''s quarter-final opponent would be Deportivo La Coruna, who eliminated Juventus, a match also dubbed the Serie A revenge battle by the Italian media.
On March 14th, in the 25th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Chievo at home. Chievo, despite not disying the same heroic performances as in previous years, still held the 9th position on the league table.
Having yed several consecutive matches, Inter Mn seemed somewhat out of shape. In the 17th minute, Chievo''s Daner sent a long pass from the back, and Baronio, after receiving the ball on the left side of the frontcourt, stormed into the penalty area, crossing to Kozak at the far post, who easily tapped it in to open the scoring for the away team.
The early goal acted as a wake-up call, and Inter Mn quickly responded. In the 26th minute, Ribery broke through from the left and crossed, finding Wang Feng in the penalty area.
He quickly turned around with the help of Chievo defender Barzagli, then wrapped his right foot around his left foot and gently poked the ball, executing a skillful back-heel shot to level the score for Inter Mn.
Inter Mn maintained pressure on Chievo for the rest of the match. In the 65th minute of the second half, Recoba assisted Adriano in scoring the goal that turned the match around, helping the team secure aeback victory.
2-1! Inter Mn defeated "Flying Donkeys" Chievo.
In the 26th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced newly-promoted Ancona away, and the match proceeded smoothly.
Shortly after the start, Ancona''s goalkeeper Malcon made a mistake during a sortie, directly giving the ball to Wang Feng, who was wandering in the frontcourt. The Chinese star didn''t miss this opportunity and gently poked the ball into the opponent''s.
In the 25th minute, Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass from the edge of the penalty area, and Ribery, near the edge of the small penalty area, received the ball and shot, helping Inter Mn expand their lead.
In the second half, in the 55th minute, Ribery sent a straight pass to the defense, and Wang Feng made a run, received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot. The ball went straight into the bottom left corner of Ancona''s goal.
"Gooooooooooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng scores his second of the game!"
"Ancona can''t pose any threat to Inter Mn. The Nerazzurri are now leading 3-0, almost securing victory!"
"Well, folks, just confirmed, Wang Feng''s goal is his 41st of the season! He has broken his own record of 40 goals in a single Serie A season setst year! He has surpassed himself once again!"
"Now, with 41 goals in a single season, it''s terrifying. With 8 more rounds left in the league, what miracles will he create next?!"
"We dare not imagine if there will be another great superstar like him in the future to break Wang Feng''s records. But at this moment, I can confidently say that as long as he''s in Serie A, this is far from over!"
"Don''t forget, this Chinese superstar is not yet 21 years old!"
Wang Feng scored 41 goals in the league, surpassing the record of 40 goals he setst season! This news spread like wildfire, instantly sweeping across the world, causing a sensation in Italian and European football circles. It''s worth noting that no other striker in the top five leagues has scored more than thirty goals this season.
In other words, he had almost secured the European Golden Boot for this season. Since joining Serie A, he had won the European Golden Boot for two consecutive seasons, and now he was on track for a third.
The Mn Sports Daily reviewed every goal Wang Feng scored this season, some of which were achieved through his individual skills, including continuous breakthroughs and sudden long shots.
"This season, Wang Feng has increased the number of shots, and his attacking aggression has be stronger."
The Mn Sports Daily also believed that with Wang Feng, Inter Mn no longer needed to worry about their frontline. Whether it was the Ribery + Vieribination, the Ribery + Adrianobination, or the Recoba + Adrianobination, they could all y effectively around Wang Feng.
"He doesn''t need to rely entirely on attacking cooperation. As long as someone can help him alleviate defensive pressure, Wang Feng can prate the opponent''s defense."
The Rome Sports Daily, on the other hand, believed that Wang Feng had brought the Serie A goal-scoring record to a surreal number. "Is this still the slow-paced, defensively bnced Serie A in our minds?"
"If he were in La Liga or the Premier League, leagues with fast-paced transitions between attack and defense, how many goals could he score?"
Chapter 225: A rare drought
Chapter 225: A rare drought
During the week, Inter Mn weed their first-leg sh of the Coppa Italia final, with Juventus being led by interim head coach Berti.
The scheduling of this season''s Coppa Italia final was quite peculiar, with the first leg set in mid-March and the second leg arranged in mid-May, two full months apart before the final round of the league.
Nevertheless, facing the disheartened Juventus side, Inter Mn had a significant advantage.
However, the match unfolded unexpectedly. At the Meazza Stadium, in front of tens of thousands of Inter Mn fans, the home team''s performance was nothing short of disastrous.
Trezeguet and Del Piero each breached the Nerazzurri''s defense for Juventus, and the match ended with a 0-2 scoreline, with the Bianconerifortably walking away victorious.
What happened to the usually dominant Inter Mn? Post-match analyses pointed fingers at Wang Feng, the usually reliable yer who seemed to be struggling.
He attempted 12 shots during the match but only managed to hit the target five times, failing to score a single goal, a far cry from his usual efficiency.
With no concern for the defense, Juventus could organize their attacks calmly. Their frontline remained world-ss, causing significant damage to Inter Mn''s defense and resulting in the concession of two goals.
"But it''s premature to say that Juventus has secured the Coppa Italia," said some media outlets. "Let''s not forget about Wang Feng and the terror of Inter Mn. They are a team capable of producingeback miracles."
In the 27th round of Serie A, Inter Mn continued their home streak against Reggina, but Wang Feng''s performance remainedckluster. He attempted 9 shots, only 2 of which were on target, and naturally, he failed to score.
However, Inter Mn ultimately secured a 1-0 victory over Reggina, thanks to Adriano''s counterattack goal.
While the focus was on the victory, it was apparent that the media''s attention was on Wang Feng, who had gone two consecutive matches without scoring!
This was incredible. Considering that Wang Feng had always scored whenever he yed this season, this sudden drought was hard to fathom. Nevertheless, people gradually got ustomed to it.
Now, with two matches without a goal, what happened to him? This was a question many wanted answers to. Various media outlets, from major newspapers to regional tabloids, offered their theories. Some spected that Wang Feng was heartbroken, others suggested conflicts with teammates or coaches, and some even mentioned dissatisfaction with the club''s sry offer.
Regardless of whether it was a major newspaper or a small local tabloid, everyone was riding on this umon hot topic. People were gossiping about it, and the more reliable exnations came from the invited experts of Turin Sports Daily, such as Jitin.
"Wang Feng seems to have had a sudden change in mindset. After achieving a new historical record, his emotions are bound to fluctuate."
"I think he no longer needs to prove his strength to anyone. Going two matches without scoring may bemon for other strikers worldwide, but for Wang Feng, it has be abnormal. This is the best evidence of his abilities."
"However, I hope he can adjust quickly and present us with spectacr goal-scoring performances."
Even newspapers from rival cities praised Wang Feng, indicating how highly esteemed he was in Italy. People loved to gossip about his personal life, but nobody dared to question his skills.
AC Mn striker Andrei Shevchenko, when asked about Wang Feng''s goal drought in an interview, jokingly responded with an exaggerated expression, "A drought after two games without scoring?"
"I think you''re mocking me because I haven''t scored in four matches," he added with a smile. "Well, I don''t think it''s a big deal. Maybe he just doesn''t feel like scoring right now. You know, many geniuses have their quirks, haha."
Cassano, ranked fourth in the top scorer list, was also asked the same question. "I hope he keeps not scoring in the next games!" the Italian said fiercely. "At the beginning of the season, I called him boasting that my goal count could catch up with his. But now, I can''t even reach half of his tally. It''s infuriating; he must be doing this intentionally to embarrass me!"
"If this continues, no striker in Europe will be able to live. Before each season starts, they might as well give him the European Golden Boot directly. Sigh~"
Wang Feng himself didn''t know what was happening to him. In these two matches, he felt very bad when shooting, and the moment the ball left his foot, he already knew it wouldn''t go in.
Perhaps, as Jitin suggested, there had been a sudden change in his mindset, reflecting in his body?
As the sky gradually darkened, Wang Feng''s teammates left Pina one by one. Since Inter Mn''s next match against Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions League was scheduled a weekter, they had a rare two-day break.
The outskirts of Mn were sparsely popted, appearing particrly quiet, but the sounds of kicking the ball asionally echoed from the training ground at Pina. It was Wang Feng practicing shooting alone, while his personal trainer, Le Goff, watched over him.
After another shot of mediocre quality, Wang Feng rubbed his knee. He had already figured out the best adjustment in his mind, but his body somehow couldn''t keep up, still not recovered.
"Wang, you''re putting too much pressure on yourself!" Le Goff finally couldn''t help but interject. "From what I saw, you hesitated when shooting just now. That''s a bad sign."
"From your debut until now, the increasingly favorable environment has made you more and more confident, and your performances have be increasingly outstanding. But once you encounter adversity and start doubting yourself, the setbacks will umte like a snowball."
"I''ve seen many such cases, where once-promising young talents faltered just because of trivial matters."
Wang Feng shrugged helplessly. "Maybe I''m just overthinking it. So, what should I do?" With many tough battles ahead for Inter Mn, he didn''t want to slump at this crucial moment.
"To be honest, you''re already doing great. My advice is to temporarily set aside training and rx. It might be much better than burying yourself in practice all the time."
Wang Feng paused, considering the suggestion. It seemed like a good idea. So, he decided topletely let go of football and enjoy a two-day break.
Upon learning of Wang Feng''s n, Lu Yao fully agreed and even took time off from school to apany him. Seeing his excited girlfriend, Wang Feng felt a bit guilty. Although Lu Yao had always been understanding, whether it was training, matches, or handling group business, she neverined and always stayed by his side. But then again, which girl didn''t want to have fun with her boyfriend?
The two of them acted like an ordinary young couple, going to Mn''s amusement parks to have fun, indulging in delicious food. Their bond deepened further, finallypleting their growth journey without the interference of Wang Mei, the "lightbulb".
Chapter 226: Coming back strong
Chapter 226: Coming back strong
March 24th, at the Mn Meazza Stadium, Inter Mn weed Deportivo La Coru?a, their opponent in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Deportivo La Coru?a''s head coach Irureta stood on the sidelines with a grim face, inwardly wishing ill upon the unscrupulous media''s families, wondering what it meant for Wang Feng to be in a slump, and what this current situation meant. Less than five minutes into the game, Inter Mnunched an attack from the back, with Zti passing the ball to Dalma in the middle. At this moment, Deportivo La Coru?a''s defensive line pushed forward, leading to a midfield battle for possession.
Dalma, under Victor''s interference, barely managed to control the ball and immediately passed it back to Civu, who in turn passed it to Mrcly, before returning it to Dalma''s feet.
Through continuous passing and positioning in the middle and backfield, Inter Mn pulled Deportivo La Coru?a''s defense, while Wang Feng in the front field kept running, always with heavy defense around him.
But Wang Feng, with seemingly endless energy, kept changing positions, running from the right nk to the left and back to the middle, constantly shifting along with the defensive line.
Dalma surged into the frontcourt and diagonally passed to the right front Ribry. At this moment, Ribry saw Wang Feng arriving at the front of the penalty area arc, with only Nabet, a defender, marking him.
Sure enough, he created space! Ribry didn''t hesitate, quickly sending a lob, and just as he lifted his foot, Wang Feng initiated a run, catching defender Nabet off guard.
Moran Nabet, a key figure in Deportivo La Coru?a''s 2000 La Liga title, with rich experience, briefly panicked but quickly reacted, chasing Wang Feng and sessfully blocking his attacking route by positioning himself further forward.
Truly a champion defender! Wang Feng sighed inwardly. Nabet chose not to challenge Wang Feng directly for the ball but instead opted to block the attack, hoping to dy just enough time for other defenders toe back.
Wang Feng had a countermeasure. Instead of controlling the ball as usual, he lightly pushed the falling ball with the back of his right foot, deflecting it to the right.
At first nce from the stands, it seemed like Wang Feng had made a mistake in controlling the ball, knocking it several meters away. But the yers on the field knew that this move cleverly bypassed Nabet''s block.
Both sides rushed towards the ball''snding spot, with Wang Feng reaching it first. He used his left hand to block Nabet, his strong physicality leaving him with no chance.
Then Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area with his right foot and took a shot without any other interference.
"Goal! Wang Feng opens the scoring for Inter Mn!"
"Just five minutes into the game, Inter Mn takes the lead! Wang Feng, who hadn''t scored in thest two matches, scores again. This goal drought was too short-lived!"
After scoring, Wang Feng excitedly ran along the edge of the Meazza Stadium, enjoying the apuse and cheers from the stands. At that moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of conquest!
Teammates rushed to him, with Ribry even jumping on his back in excitement. "Leader, you''ve finally found your old form!"
Others also celebrated around Wang Feng, feeling a bit lost without his sharp attacks, their hearts somewhat chaotic.
"Wang Feng''s handling of this attack was very clever. Who would have thought he wouldn''t control the ball but instead use the back of his foot to evade the block? A slight dy at that moment would have given Deportivo La Coru?a a chance to defend."
"This also demonstrates his exceptional football sense and unparalleled skills. Even if other yers could think of this method, a slight misjudgment in force or angle would result in the ball flying randomly, turning into a real control mistake!"
After scoring the first goal, Inter Mn''s momentum soared, with Wang Feng relentlessly pressuring Deportivo La Coru?a''s defense.
In the 27th minute, Inter Mn midfield intercepted, Mrcly passed the ball to Ribry. The Frenchman quickly shook off Sergio''s marking, sending a lob pass to the front.
Wang Feng immediately seized thending position, forcefully pushing aside Nabet, controlling the ball with his chest, then unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the past Molina''s outstretched hand.
Inter Mn extended their lead! Nabet, who was outsmarted by Wang Feng twice in a row, sat frustrated on the ground. Feeling miserable, he wasforted by teammates Andrada and Pablo, who decided to defend Wang Feng together, not allowing him to wreak havoc again.
But the unstoppable Wang Feng struck again just four minutester. Ribry broke through on the right and lofted the ball into the penalty area. Adriano attempted an acrobatic shot from behind, but missed his target, sending the ball towards the middle of the box.
Initially positioned slightly forward, Wang Feng quickly reacted, turning to chase the ball. Near the penalty spot, he executed a backheel shot, sending the ball straight into the bottom left corner of the.
Deportivo La Coru?a goalkeeper Molina attempted to save, but the angle of the ball was too tricky, slipping past him into the goal.
3-0! Before the end of the first half, Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick!
"A beautiful goal! Silence before, but now astonishment! In less than thirty minutes, Wang Feng has scored three goals, his form is incredibly hot!"
With Inter Mn holding amanding lead, coach Mancini began substituting key yers like Wang Feng in the second half, allowing Deportivo La Coru?a some relief.
Unwilling to ept their fate of elimination, they managed to pull one back through forward Berenguer just before the final whistle, ending the match 3-1. Inter Mn''s advancement looked promising, while Deportivo La Coru?a retained a glimmer of hope.
In the post-match press conference, Deportivo La Coru?a coach Irureta seemed toin and express helplessness: "Wasn''t Wang Feng in a scoring drought? Why did he y so well against us?"
"We were once one of Wang Feng''s pursuers, and we almost seeded. It''s very regrettable."
This distinguished coach led Deportivo La Coru?a to their first La Liga title in the club''s history, as well as a Copa del Rey and two Supercopa de Espa?a titles, shocking European football and earning the nickname "Super Depor".
However, since this season, the club has gradually reduced spending, coupled with aging yers, he clearly felt somewhat powerless. The rise of Valencia and Barcelona in the league, coupled with such a defeat by Inter Mn in the Champions League, further added to their woes.
Perhaps Super Depor will not return next season. A hint of mncholy shed through the minds of the Spanish. This is the fate of small clubs. Even if there are moments of brilliance, it is difficult to sustain them, as economic strength and heritage are insufficient.
After the game, Wang Feng also epted interviews from the media. When asked about his return to form, he smiled and said, "Yes, I feel I have returned to my best form, and I will be even better than before!"
"What helped you adjust so quickly?"
Blushing slightly, Wang Feng recalled that wonderful night, a story he couldn''t share with outsiders. So he simply said, "The support of those who believe in me has given me great strength."
Chapter 227: Champions league upset
Chapter 227: Champions league upset
On thest day of March, the second round of the World Cup qualifiers for the top 32 teams was held in Hong Kong. Facing the amateur team from Hong Kong, the Chinese team still showed signs of weakness in the frontline. Despite dominating the game, they struggled to convert their advantage into goals.
It wasn''t until the final stages of the match that a long shot from Shao Jia Yi helped the team secure a narrow 1-0 victory over their opponents.
After the match, the national team''s performance naturally faced criticism from the fans. Everyone couldn''t help but wonder, why is it so difficult to score? Will they need the World Footballer, Wang Feng, to deal with the uing match against Mysia?
Head coach Alihan took the initiative to shoulder most of the responsibility, exining to the media that it was due to insufficient tactical coordination and assured that they would perform better in the next game.
Meanwhile, Wang Feng was preparing for the sh against Juventus. He also took the time to watch the national team''s game and noticed the same problem: theck of fundamental skills. Even the simplest shots were missing the target by a wide margin.
Old habits die hard, and Wang Feng could only hope that the young yers he supports in China would focus on mastering the basics, which are more important than anything else.
On April 5th, in the 28th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Juventus away. In the previous encounter, due to Wang Feng''s poor form, the Bianconeri gained a significant advantage in the cup final. Therefore, Inter Mn was determined to avenge their defeat.
Juventus also needed a victory to secure fourth ce in the league and ensure qualification for the Champions League next season. With their rich heritage, they rallied in the second half of the season, overtaking fifth-ced Parma by two points to reach fourth position.
The leading group formed by AC Mn, Roma, and Inter Mn had already pulled away from the rest, making it difficult for Juventus to advance further. Thus, they could onlypete with Parma and Lazio for thest Champions League spot.
The match began with Juventusunching attacks cheered on by their home fans. Tachinardi dribbled through the midfield, took a few steps to the right, and then made a horizontal pass to Tudor on the left.
Tudor didn''t hold onto the ball but instead immediately sent a through pass to Trezeguet in front of the penalty area. The previous wide movement of Inter Mn''s defensive line allowed the ball to prate sessfully.
Trezeguet resisted Materazzi''s pressure, forcibly turned, and took a shot. The ball flew towards the goal, but fortunately, goalkeeper Toldo was extra focused and managed to block it.
Trezeguet shook his head in frustration. He felt a bit anxious and thought he should have coordinated with nearby Moli before attacking, which might have been more effective.
The Juventus fans in the stands still apuded the Frenchman warmly. He had contributed a brilliant shot early in the game, lifting everyone''s spirits.
Trezeguet''s peak was in the 2001-2002 season when his league attendance rate reached 100%, and he scored 24 goals. If not for Wang Feng''s remarkable performance with 34 goals, he would have been the Serie A top scorer that year.
In the following seasons, he was gued by injuries and couldn''t maintain his peak form. What''s worse, with Inter Mn rising, Juventus was almost devoid of honors.
Although he was still the team''s top scorer, Trezeguet felt self-me. He believed he hadn''t performed well as an attacking focal point, and his pressure increased day by day.
Juventusunched fierce attacks, while Inter Mn temporarily avoided their edge, retreating to defend and waiting for opportunities. They were not weak in fast counterattacks because they had Wang Feng!
During one of Juventus''s attacks, Appiah was forced to make a mistake on the wing by Zti, causing the ball to roll out of bounds. It was Inter Mn''s throw-in.
Zti chose to quickly throw the ball to Civu, who had already started running towards the front field when he threw the ball. With excellent understanding, Civu directly sent a lob pass to find Wang Feng''s forward run.
Unfortunately, the ballnded near the defending Bilindelli and Leroi. Wang Feng managed to protect the ball from the double-team but couldn''t break free.
At this moment, Ribry arrived to support. Wang Feng immediately passed the ball back to him and suddenly turned to sprint forward. Bilindelli was tightly marking Wang Feng to prevent him from turning, but without the ball at his feet, Wang Feng exerted all his strength and easily pushed aside the 1.76-meter-tall Italian defender.
Ribry had excellent football intelligence. Without wasting any time, he quickly made a through pass behind Juventus''s defense line, creating a one-on-one opportunity for Wang Feng inside the penalty area!
Juventus goalkeeper Buffon could only choose to rush out. Wang Feng used a fake shot to deceive him, sending the ball to the left side and leaving the goal wide open. He calmly slotted the ball home with his left foot.
"Goal! Inter Mn takes the lead!"
"Wang Feng and Ribry''s brilliantbination! Wang Feng''s powerbined with Ribry''s pass created this sessful fast counterattack. Juventus paid the price for their impetuous attack!"
"Now Wang Feng has increased his league goals to 42. Each of his goals from now on will create a brand new legend!"
This goal became the only one in the entire match, and Inter Mn won 1-0 against Juventus, sending them out of the top four in the standings.
Midweek, Inter Mn visited the Riazor Stadium to challenge Deportivo La Coru?a.
Super Depor was clearly intimidated by Wang Feng''s performance in thest round, adopting a strict defensive posture against him. This was a reactive measure; any new opponent who suffered a heavy defeat to Wang Feng would instinctively adopt this tactic.
This allowed other Inter Mn attacking yers a lot of space. Adriano, Ribry, and others were not to be underestimated. After Wang Feng pulled the defense apart, they could also cause damage.
In the 37th minute, Wang Feng dribbled on the right side of the penalty area with continuous small steps, dribbling past two defenders in session. This forced nearby defending yers toe over for support, and he took advantage of the opportunity to pass the ball out.
Adriano, unmarked at the far post, easily scored, further extending Inter Mn''s lead!
In the second half, with victory already secured, Mancini sessively reced the main yers to rest, as ying two games in a week had put a considerable burden on them.
Deportivo La Coru?a seized this opportunity to pull one goal back. In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, but with Inter Mn winning the first leg 3-1, they advanced to the semifinals with a 4-2 aggregate score!
This season''s Champions League quarterfinals were full of upsets. Firstly, Monaco surprisingly eliminated Real Madrid to reach the semifinals. In the first leg, Real Madrid won 4-2 at home, but suffered a 1-3 defeat away, resulting in a 5-5 aggregate score, with Monaco advancing due to more away goals.
Secondly, Porto defeated Lyon to reach the semifinals. Lyon had won the French league title for two consecutive seasons and was also performing well this season, aiming for a third consecutive title. They hoped to make a historic breakthrough in Europeanpetitions but fell to the hands of the Portuguese powerhouse.
Finally, Chelsea eliminated Arsenal to reach the semifinals. This English derby attracted widespread attention in the UK. The financially strong Chelsea defeated the traditional powerhouse Arsenal, sparking considerable controversy.
Chapter 228: Be careful
Chapter 228: Be careful
After Real Madrid was eliminated, Inter Mn''s opponent in the Champions League semifinals was confirmed to be Monaco from Ligue 1. "Be careful, Wang," Ronaldo called Wang Feng.
What impressed him most was Monaco''s coach Deschamps and the small forward Juri. Deschamps'' excellent tactics made it difficult for Real Madrid to gain an advantage, while the 1.64-meter-tall Juri greatly exceeded Real Madrid''s expectations. His brace directly caused the Gctic Warship to be eliminated.
Although Juri was small in stature, he was incredibly fast, with top-notch passing and shooting skills. "He''s like an electric mouse," Ronaldo described him.
"Our defense was in chaos because of him. He can sprint quickly along the wings, causing us a lot of trouble with both cuts inside and crosses. It seems a bit like your style, except your physical qualities and skills are better," Ronaldo said.
"Since losing Makelele, Real Madrid''s defense has be very weak," Ronnie sighed. "This season, the club is likely to face a situation of getting nothing, and we have lost dominance in the league, while arch-rivals Bar?a are rising."
"I''m d to see Little Ronnie y. Rivaldo and I probably won''t y for many more years. He will be the new gbearer for Brazilian yers, but I''m annoyed that Bar?a is rising. I hate that club."
Ronaldo never hid his disdain for Bar?a in front of Wang Feng and always advised him not to go there. It''s really hard for outsiders to fit in, "And Real Madrid shouldn''t consider it either. Although it''s not good for the club, as a friend, I can''t help but remind you."
"The dressing room is a mess, Queiroz is useless, he''ll probably leave soon. Florentino is under a lot of pressure; he''s asked me about your situation more than once, hoping to bring you in as part of this summer''s superstar n."
"But I think you''re still in the prime of your career and not suitable to be with us old guys." Ronnie said.
While Wang Feng and Ronaldo discussed the game, Inter Mn coach Mancini was also not idle. He and his coaching staff were carefully studying all of Monaco''s Champions League match footage from this season.
Often, dark horses appear not just because the tactics of strong teams are wed, but also because they don''t understand the characteristics of their opponents and are caught off guard.
Mancini didn''t like being caught off guard, so he immediately decided to start studying the opponent''s tactical approach. "This young coach Deschamps really has some skill to train Monaco so well," he sighed after roughly watching the footage.
Monaco''s attacking style is possession-based, tearing apart opponents'' defenses through continuous short passes. The focus of their attacks is mainly on the wings, making it easy to cut inside or y wide.
With Juri, the wing assassin, executing such tactics, it''s like adding wings to a tiger, and he''s fully capable of ying as a second striker, linking the midfield and attack.
"However, their lineup still has ws," the technical coach said. "The formation stretches wide, requiring yers to make flexible runs, and their defensive style is high pressing, so the yers won''t be positioned too deep."
"We canpletely use speed to attack behind them, exploit defensive counterattacks to tear open their defense. Wang Feng is the best executor of this tactic."
Mancini nodded, "Monaco scored five against Real Madrid over two legs, but they also conceded five, which says a lot."
"Our defense is better than Real Madrid''s, and we can dominate any opponent in attack. We still have a certain advantage in this series."
On April 11th, in the 29th round of Serie A, Inter Mn weed Perugia at home. Inter Mn controlled possession and the tempo of the game as usual. Wang Feng, immersed in a happy life, was exceptionally active.
After a Perugia turnover in Inter Mn''s half, Civu passed to Zti, who passed to Dalma, who then split the ball to Ribry''s diagonal run, quickly advancing the ball to the front.
After experiencing several seasons of tempering, Ribry''s skills and courage became increasingly outstanding. Now was the stage of his rapid growth. He cleverly dribbled past defender Diomande on the wing with a feint and then crossed into the penalty area.
Wang Feng didn''t expect Ribry to dribble past his opponent before crossing, so his position was closer to the near post. Seeing the ball about to pass in front of him, Adriano, at the far post, didn''t arrive in time.
So he improvised, jumping up and lifting his left foot high, sideways in mid-air, hooking the ball with force towards the goal. Perugia''s goalkeeper Carri had already moved with the ball towards the far post, not expecting Wang Feng to reach the ball, let alone hit it to the near post. He could only watch helplessly as the ball went into the.
"Goal! Beautiful side volley! Wang Feng scores first for Inter Mn, and he looks to be in excellent form."
"Wang Feng turned what should have been a fruitless attack into a goal with his skill!"
"This goal demonstrates his perfect body control. Whether it''s the jump, mid-air adjustment, or the final shot, everything is just right. Perugia''s defense had no chance!"
Just before halftime, Wang Feng scored again, securing a brace and helping Inter Mn extend their lead.
Also assisted by Ribry from the wing, this time Wang Feng was surrounded by Perugia defenders Di Loreto and Diomande. Unable to shoot with his foot, he found another way. Facing the ball at his feet, he lightly flicked it with his heel, deflecting it into the.
"Perugia did their best, but Wang Feng is a weapon all over his body!"
In the second half, in the 63rd minute, Wang Feng assisted substitute Recooba to further extend the lead. The Uruguayan hugged Wang Feng tightly, crying tears of joy.
Since returning from injury, his form had been poor, and he had always been at a disadvantage inpetition with Ribry. Moreover, his nature of not participating in defense made Mancini quite unhappy, gradually making him a substitute.
But unlike Recooba and Vieri, he never thought of leaving Inter Mn. He loved the Nerazzurri and respected President Moratti very much. Moratti also liked this Uruguayan star, but the oil tycoon couldn''t interfere with how the coach used him.
Losing the starting position during these years was indeed painful, but he still felt gratified because he could apany Inter Mn out of the dark ages and into full recovery.
He once had a dream: Inter Mn without Wang Feng. At that time, Ronaldo, Vieri, Adriano, Martins, none of them could help the Nerazzurri win the championship, and they could only ept season after season of failure.
In the dream, Recooba still couldn''t be a starter, but that feeling was a hundred times more painful than now. He even felt that as long as Inter Mn didn''t win the championship, even if he didn''t receive his annual sry, he couldn''t imagine leaving the Nerazzurri with no achievements.
Fortunately, this is reality! Inter Mn is advancing steadily towards their goal of a third consecutive league title and defending their Champions League title!
The final score of this game was 3-0, with Inter Mn defeating their opponents decisively.
Chapter 229: I am !
Chapter 229: I am !
On April 18th, in the 30th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Bologna away.
In order to prepare for the uing Champions League semifinals, head coach Mancini rotated some key yers, hoping Wang Feng could shine on the field.
However, they underestimated the resilience of Bologna. It''s worth noting that Inter Mn''s only defeat this season was against Bologna.
The first half proceeded as Mancini had nned, with Inter Mnunching fierce attacks led by Wang Feng. In one instance, Rcoba and Wang Feng exchanged positions on the right nk, and after shaking off the defenders, Wang Feng cut inside with the ball.
Easily evading the defense of Higo, he used his left foot to curl the ball into the far corner, making it 1-0!
Just five minutester, Almada intercepted the ball in midfield and immediately sent a long pass to Carlon up front. The Sierra Leonean striker flicked the ball to the right, where Wang Feng was speeding forward.
Carlon and Wang Feng advanced together, causing confusion among Bologna''s defenders as they focused their attention on Wang Feng. Wang Feng showed absolute aggression.
After dribbling past two center-backs in front of him, the others couldn''t help but converge on Wang Feng, and in that moment before being surrounded, he urately passed the ball to the unmarked Carlon.
Carlon found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper! Only Bologna''s goalkeeper Paluka stood in his way. The 25-year-old Africand had many thoughts running through his mind. Although he hadn''t be a regr starter for Inter Mn, his performances as a substitute were impressive enough.
His agent told him that teams like Monaco in Ligue 1, Braga in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie had expressed sufficient interest in him, promising him a starting position.
Carlon had already won many honors with Inter Mn, but now he wanted to pursue a core role. However, he felt a bit nervous, unsure if he could handle it. So, he staked it all on this shot!
With determination, he held his breath, faked a move to make Paluka dive, and then calmly slotted the ball into the. 2-0!
After scoring, Carlon was ecstatic, celebrating wildly as he embraced his teammates who rushed over. When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he said, "I can do it!" Wang Feng looked into his sincere eyes and understood. He smiled and patted Carlon''s head, "Indeed, you can."
In the second half, as per the nned rotation, Mancini substituted Wang Feng. However, the game took an unexpected turn. With the loss of their biggest threat, Bologna began to press forward without inhibition.
In the 66th minute, their efforts paid off as striker Amoruso pulled one back for the home team. Just two minutester, taking advantage of a defensive error by Adani, Bologna''s Gambirini leveled the score.
The rest of the match saw both sides dissatisfied with the draw and engaging in attacking exchanges. However, despite thebination of Martins and Carlon, they couldn''t breach the opponent''s defense again, and the alert defensive line didn''t make any more mistakes.
2-2! After a rollercoaster of a match, the teams shook hands and settled for a draw.
On April 21st, Louis II Stadium was packed to the brim. Excited Monaco fans upied most of the seats in the stands. The Champions League semifinals were Monaco''s best-ever achievement, and they were eager for the team to go further and lift the trophy symbolizing European supremacy.
With the home fans cheering tirelessly, Monaco, full of momentum,unched the first attack. Although Mancini had repeatedly cautioned againstcency and emphasized fighting with the best mindset, unlike matches against powerhouses like Real Madrid and Juventus, the yers couldn''t help but feel a slight sense of rxation, especially with their five-time champion glory.
This provided an opportunity for the opponents. In the 17th and 33rd minutes, Gulli and Morientes respectively breached the defense of the Nerazzurri, and before they knew it, Inter Mn found themselves in trouble!
After scoring the second goal, Morientes passed by Wang Feng and said in a slightly disdainful tone, "Double Mister?" Wang Feng frowned, a hint of annoyance shing across his face.
Ribry, beside him, heard this and instantly became furious, pushing forward towards the Spaniard, "Damn it, what did you say?" Wang Feng quickly pulled Ribry back. It would be disadvantageous to get into a conflict at this moment.
The referee intervened between the two immediately, and both teams'' yers also rushed over. They were all confused about the conflict, but when they learned that Morientes had taunted Wang Feng, all Inter Mn yers showed expressions of indignation.
In their hearts, Wang Feng had be an absolute spiritual leader. Taunting Wang Feng was like taunting the entire Nerazzurri. At this moment, everyone shared amon hatred, and any hint ofcency was long gone.
The referee issued a warning to both sides and then let everyone disperse. After the game resumed, all Inter Mn yers stared fiercely at the opponents'' half, their eyes filled with infinite killing intent.
Wang Feng was somewhat annoyed, but he didn''t say a word because he knew that the best counterattack was to score goals, to eliminate the opponent, rather than futile exnations and conflicts.
In the 37th minute, during Inter Mn''s attack, Wang Feng received the ball near the edge of the penalty area. He sent a ground pass into the heart of the penalty area, and Adriano, following up, still managed to shoot despite the tight defense of Monaco''s defenders.
However, the shot was too central, and the goalkeeper parried it away. Nearby defenders hastily cleared the ball, which was intercepted by Civu in midfield. Without hesitation, he immediately lofted the ball back into the forward area.
At that moment, Wang Feng was still near the penalty area. Facing the dropping ball, he twisted his body in mid-air and unleashed a side volley, a powerful and precise shot that went straight towards the goal. The Monaco goalkeeper made an attempt to save it, but the shot was too strong. It hit his hand but couldn''t be stopped, deflecting into the.
Inter Mn pulled one back! After scoring, Wang Feng quickly ran to the goal to retrieve the ball. His serious expression sent chills down the spines of all Monaco yers.
Just three minutester, Wang Feng struck again. Dribbling the ball on the nk towards the vicinity of the penalty area, he suddenly used the outside of his right foot to curl a curved cross, prompting both Inter Mn and Monaco yers in the penalty area to vie for the header.
"Look at this attack from the nk, Wang Feng sends in a crossno, this is a direct shot from a tight angle! The ball suddenly bends in front of the goal and deflects off the post into the!"
"I don''t know if he did it intentionally or unintentionally, but this goal is amazing!"
Of course, Wang Feng did it intentionally. At that moment, he noticed that the Monaco defender Evra was positioned to the left, and both defensive and offensive yers in the penalty area were concentrated outside the small penalty area. He clearly saw arge space between him and the goal.
How could Wang Feng be content without trying? So, he deliberately used the outside of his foot to shoot, making the ball spin rapidly in the air, executing a small-angle shot.
Equalizing the score didn''t satisfy Wang Feng. Towards the end of the first half, he received a through ball from Ribry and scored again in the penalty area!
A hat-trick in less than ten minutes! After scoring, Wang Feng deliberately approached Morientes and said firmly, "I am the one!"
Chapter 230: Defending the title ahead of time, surpassing the legend !
Chapter 230: Defending the title ahead of time, surpassing the legend !
Morientes'' face turned pale when he heard this, filled with embarrassment, anger, and a hint of regret. Why did he provoke Wang Feng for no reason? The Chinese superstar exerted immense pressure and threat, showing why he is the best shooter in the world!
In reality, Morientes didn''t have any grudge against Wang Feng; he only said those words out of disced anger. Morientes used to be a key striker for Real Madrid, but since Florentino built the Gcticos, he had been subjected to the club''s disdain, gradually losing his starting position and eventually being loaned out to Ligue 1.
So, Morientes harbored deep hostility towards renowned global stars. He felt that many of them were just names without substance and might not necessarily be better than him. Beating Real Madrid in the quarterfinals allowed him to vent his frustrations and further fueled these thoughts.
But Wang Feng was no pushover. His pride and desire to win were no less than Morientes''!
In the second half, Inter Mn didn''t give Monaco any chance. The entire defensive line was focused, determined not to concede another goal, while the attacking side continued to press mercilessly.
In the 71st minute, Ribry assisted Adriano in scoring another goal, sealing the final score at 4-2. Inter Mn lost the first leg but won the tie with a lead and four away goals, confidently returning to San Siro.
On April 25th, in the 31st round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Lazio.
The Nerazzurri continued their positive momentum, catching Lazio off guard from the start. In their first organized attack, Ribry swiftly cut inside from the right nk and received a high-quality pass from Dalmat. He then delivered a precise cross.
Adriano, intending to head directly towards goal from the edge of the penalty area, noticed that Lazio''s goalkeeper Peruzzi was too close to him, risking a save. Instead, he leapt high and flicked the ball towards the edge of the box.
Wang Feng was waiting there, deceiving the defender Stankovic with a fake shot, shifting the ball to his right, and then unleashing a powerful right-footed shot.
"Goal! Wang Feng''s long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area!"
"The powerful shot caught Peruzzi off guard. Based on our data, the speed of this shot must have exceeded 150 kilometers per hour!"
"It''s well known that the most representative yer of long-range shooting is Brazil''s Roberto Carlos. His shots usually reach speeds of around 150 kilometers per hour during open y, even faster during direct free kicks. Wang Feng''s shot can already rival his!"
After taking the lead, Inter Mn didn''t abandon their intention to attack further, while Lazio also didn''t back down. The two sides engaged in fierce confrontations.
In the 41st minute, Lazio capitalized on a defensive counterattack opportunity, with Corradi assisting in equalizing the score.
In the second half, Inter Mn initiated another attack through the middle. Ribry dropped back to receive a pass from his teammate, then turned and sent a through ball to the defense.
Wang Feng quickly surged forward, reaching the ball near the edge of the penalty area. Despite Ferarri''s desperate attempts to obstruct him, Wang Feng managed to push the ball to the left and create some space.
Arriving near the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly performed a dribble-stop move, deceiving Ferarri and then sending a horizontal pass with his right foot. Adriano, exploiting the moment when the defenders were focused on Wang Feng, made a forward run and slotted the ball into the.
2-1! Inter Mn took the lead again! This score held until the final whistle, and Inter Mn secured the victory!
Just half an hour after Inter Mn''s match ended, another high-profile game concluded, with Roma suffering a shocking 0-1 defeat away to relegation-threatened Empoli, marking the biggest upset of this round.
The oue of this match had a significant impact. After 30 rounds, Inter Mn had 25 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss, totaling 79 points, while Roma, with 21 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses, had 70 points, trailing by 9 points. With four rounds remaining, there was still hope.
However, after the 31st round, Inter Mn''s points reached 82, while Roma remained at 70 points. Regardless of the subsequent results, the 12-point difference couldn''t be erased in three rounds. Inter Mn sessfully defended their league title in advance!
Upon learning this news, Inter Mn''s locker room instantly turned into a sea of celebration. Some yers, still in their towels from the showers, came out dancing and singing, looking ecstatic.
The staff promptly brought champagne for the yers to spray on each other. Wang Feng''s dry clothes were soaked again in no time, and even the jubnt head coach Mancini got soaked, but he didn''t mind. Instead, he actively joined in the revelry.
The pressure on the Italian shoulders had finally eased a lot. They hadn''t let Inter Mn deteriorate further!
The next day, major Italian and European media outlets prominently featured Inter Mn''s early championship win on their front pages.
The Mn Sports Gazette headlined with "Surpassing Legends," pointing out that Inter Mn''s best league record was two consecutive titles, but they had now broken that record, achieving a legendary third consecutive title.
"They be the fourth club in Serie A history to achieve a three-peat. It''s worth mentioning that the other clubs to achieve this feat are Juventus, Torino, and AC Mn."
The Rome Sports Gazette believed that Inter Mn''s three-peat had transcended eras, stating, "Since the 1980s, Serie A has almost always dominated European football. Its level and influence in the world of football are undeniable."
"Only two clubs havepleted a three-peat in Mn. If the 1990s belonged to AC Mn with the Dutch trio, then the early 21st century belonged to Wang Feng''s Inter Mn dynasty!"
The Turin Sports Gazette expressed deep frustration,menting, "When Inter Mn rose strongly, Roma refused tog behind, while AC Mn chased closely. What is Juventus doing? They are stillpeting with Parma for thest Champions League spot!"
"Have the Bianconeripletely be a second-rate Serie A team? The club''s top management needs to step up this summer and avoid repeatingst year''s mistakes!"
The British Telegraphbeled Inter Mn as "ascending to true giants," stating, "When talking about Serie A, Juventus and AC Mn must be mentioned. Inter Mn''s reputation was slightly lesser, but after this season, such controversies will disappear. They are one of Serie A''s true giants."
Germany''s Kicker newspaper invited football emperor Franz Beckenbauer toment on Wang Feng and Inter Mn, "Inter Mn''s three-peat is of great significance, and Wang Feng yed a crucial role."
"I''ve said it a long time ago, Wang Feng will be a legend. Now I want to add that he has be a great yer."
"Coming from thergest continent, Asia, Wang Feng has achieved such great sess. His influence in football is nowparable to mine in the past. If I am the football emperor of Germany, then he is the football emperor of China, and even Asia!"
The French Echo Newspaper believed that Wang Feng was still a strong contender for the 2004 dual titles. "Although this year is the European Championship year, if no prominent yer can lead their country to victory, then Wang Feng will effortlessly im these two awards."
The Spanish Marca boldly dered in big red letters, "The Gctic Ship needs the world''s best team, and we need the world''s best yers!"
The article repeatedly emphasized that Real Madrid must target Wang Feng for recruitment this year to fully demonstrate the value of the Gctic Ship.
The Catn World Sports Report also echoed Barcelona''s call to "sign Wang Feng." Although it was originally proposed by the outgoing president, it didn''t prevent it from bing Laporta''s strategy. He believed that Wang Feng''s value surpassed everything.
Chapter 231: An insurmountable record
Chapter 231: An insurmountable record
The joy of winning the league in advance filled the entire city of Mn. Everywhere on the streets, you could see Inter Mn fans wearing blue and ck jerseys, with most of them choosing Wang Feng''s number 10 jersey.
A small number of fans, unable to buy Wang Feng''s jersey, had to choose other numbers. Ribry was the second choice, while the newly joined Adriano, who performed exceptionally well, became the third favorite.
Inside the club''s cooperating factories, workers were working overtime to produce merchandise. The boss spared no expense in paying high overtime fees because the profits were enormous!
In addition to regr match jerseys, there were training kits, three-peatmemorative editions, and more. Anything with Wang Feng''s imprint was being snatched up like crazy.
In restaurants, bars, and malls, many ces disyed Inter Mn''s logos and gs. Excited fans discussed whether Inter Mn could win the Champions League trophy again this season and continue their glory next season, among other topics.
Amidst the festive atmosphere, the most miserable were the fans of AC Mn. Every time they went out, they were pierced by the surrounding blue and ck atmosphere.
After a week of rest and revelry, Inter Mn weed the 32nd round of Serie A, facing Le away. With no pressure from league standings, the club unusually gave the yers a few extra days off and only assembled for the away game two days before kickoff.
Coach Mancini fielded a full lineup of substitutes, as the club would focus on the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, using the league matches for squad rotation.
In the first half, the two teams fought to a 1-1 draw. In the 70th minute of the second half, in order to let Wang Feng find hispetitive form, the coach substituted him in.
Wang Feng''s performance was outstanding. He first scored with a header after receiving a cross from Zti, then contributed a long-range screamer from outside the penalty area.
With two goals in 20 minutes, Inter Mn won 3-1.
Midweek, in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, Inter Mn hosted Monaco at San Siro.
This match was of hellish difficulty for Monaco. The defeat in the first leg left everyone feeling hopeless. With a two-goal deficit and four away goals conceded, how could they possibly overturn the tie?
Sometimes, when underdogs doubt their own abilities, they lose the courage to forge ahead.
In the first half, Inter Mn seized an opportunity. A long pass from the back by Zti found Wang Feng outside the penalty area. He held off Ibara behind him, then passed to Ribry on the right nk.
Ribry dribbled into the penalty area and shot before the goalkeeper could block, extending Inter Mn''s lead and pushing Monaco into the abyss.
In a gesture of reciprocity, Ribry quickly assisted Wang Feng with another goal. Dribbling on the right, he suddenly stopped and turned, evading Gueye''s defense, then passed across the box.
Wang Feng, at the near post, despite Ibara''s interference, managed to push the ball into the.
2-0! Inter Mnpletely secured victory, leaving no chance for aeback. They eventually eliminated Monaco 6-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League final!
In another match, Jos Mourinho''s Porto was relentless. They eliminated Chelsea with a total score of 1-0. Facing the irond defense trained by the "Special One," Chelsea''svishly funded frontline had no answers.
Chelsea owner Abramovich watched the entire match from his luxury box. He developed a keen interest in Porto''s coach and pondered how to bring him under his own banner.
At the post-match press conference, Mourinho boasted again, "We will avenge our loss in the UEFA Super Cup and bring the Champions League trophy back to Porto!"
On May 9th, in the 33rd round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Parma at home. The Crusaders, eager for a European qualification spot, gave Inter Mn an early scare when Grdino scored in the 5th minute.
Just 7 minutester, Grdino and Bresciano''sbination tore apart Inter Mn''s defense, with Bresciano widening the lead.
Less than 15 minutes and two goals conceded! Although Inter Mn had no pressure from the standings, they definitely didn''t want to suffer a defeat at home. Seeing the precarious defense, coach Mancini had to rece Maicon early to stabilize the backline and bring on Wang Feng to lead the attack.
The two substitutes, forced to work overtime, didn''t disappoint the coach. Soon, the defense stabilized. Facing a top team in Serie A, it was difficult for a full lineup of substitutes to shoulder such responsibility.
In the 57th minute of the second half, Emre''s cross found Wang Feng, who headed in a goal for Inter Mn.
In the 69th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in midfield. Cambiasso quickly passed to Zti in the front, who sent a direct pass to the backline. Wang Feng, offside trap sessfully beaten, charged into the penalty area. He swayed past Parma''s goalkeeper Frey and scored into the empty.
Wang Feng once again scored two goals, helping Inter Mn equalize!
Unfortunately, the draw didn''tst until the end of the match. In the dying moments, Inter Mn''s defense made a rookie mistake, directly passing the ball to Parma forward Grdino, who naturally didn''t miss such a good opportunity.
Inter Mn lost 2-3, but the fans in the stands still apuded the home team, especially Wang Feng. As he walked back to the locker room from the yer tunnel, fans kept shouting his name hoarsely.
Inter Mn once again dominated the front pages of major European media, using the bright red number "50" as the cover headline, reporting Wang Feng''s achievement of scoring 50 league goals!
"This is an insurmountable record. It''s hard to imagine anyone breaking it again. The only possibility is probably himself." All the media had the same thought: this number was astonishing.
Fifty goals also set the record for the highest number of goals in a single season in the history of the top five European leagues. Currently, the highest single-season goal record in La Liga is 38 goals by Sarra in the 1950-1951 season, when he yed for Athletic Bilbao.
In the Bundesliga, the highest single-season goal record is 40 goals by Mller in the 1971-1972 season, while he yed for Bayern Munich.
In the Premier League, there are two yers who share the record for the highest number of goals in a single season: 34 goals by Shearer in the 1993-1994 season and 34 goals by Cole in the 1994-1995 season.
In Ligue 1, the highest single-season goal record is 44 goals by Skor in the 1970-1971 season, when he yed for Marseille.
Many of these records were achieved with 20-team leagues and 38 rounds of matches, but don''t forget, Serie A currently has only 18 teams and 34 rounds of matches, and Wang Feng achieved such a miracle in just 33 rounds.
"In addition to the 50 goals, Wang Feng also has 13 assists. He''s almost involved in every goal Inter Mn scores. His role is crucial to the sess of the Nerazzurri." So praised the Italian newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport."
Chapter 232: Juventus cornered
Chapter 232: Juventus cornered
To celebrate Wang Feng''s 50 goals, the club''s executives held a small gathering in Pina. They thoughtfully customized arge cake with the number 50 on it.
After the celebration, everyone boarded a ne to Turin, where they would face Juventus in a decisive battle at the Alps Stadium,peting for the final Coppa Italia. In the first leg, Juventus defeated them 2-0, so they had to give it their all for the trophy.
The stands were packed with fans. Despite Juventus''s recent poor performance, loyal fans still believed the team could rise again.
In the southwest corner, a devout fan was praying for Juventus to win. His friend joked, "Hey, Lichetti, rx. We''re leading now."
Lichetti''s prayer was interrupted, and he reluctantly said, "Rnd, I always feel nervous. Even though we''re in the lead, I can''t calm down until we win at thest moment."
"Inter Mn and Wang Feng are too formidable. They always defeat us and lift the trophy time after time."
"You''re scared of Inter Mn," Rnd frowned. "We''re not pushovers. Just watch how Juventus defeats Inter Mn here and lifts their 10th Coppa Italia."
The mentality of some Juventus yers on the field was simr to Lichetti''s in the stands. They trembled at the sight of Wang Feng and Inter Mn. Despite being in the lead, they were still anxious.
Moreover, with interim coach Bartini''s conservative coaching style, they chose to defend and maintain their lead. After kick-off, Inter Mn took the initiative,unching fierce attacks on Juventus''s goal.
What you feares upon you. In the 3rd minute, Inter Mn counterattacked after winning the ball on the right side. Zti passed to Ribery, who crossed into the penalty area. Wang Feng blocked Rugani and Llorente with his body and controlled the ball.
He flicked it with his toe, over Rugani''s head, escaping the double team and creating space. Then he followed up with a left-footed shot, but Buffon made an excellent save, punching the ball over the bar.
This attack not only made Juventus yers nervous but also caused Bartini on the sidelines and the fans in the stands to break into a cold sweat. The stadium fell silent for a moment, then the home fans, seemingly to dispel their fear, cheered even louder.
"Look at this attack. Inter Mn wins the ball in the back, Zambrotta passes to Makalele. The Frenchman dribbles through midfield and makes a long pass to the front."
"Wang Feng receives the ball on the left, his range of movement is indeed wide. He keeps going along the nk and nears the penalty area. Montolivo finally can''t help but step forward to intercept, while Linderley alsoes to help defend."
Wang Feng was waiting for this moment! He used his left foot to flick the ball inward. He cut inside horizontally, instantly shaking off Montolivo and heading straight for Linderley.
Linderley was surprised, Wang Feng was too fast. In the blink of an eye, he arrived and couldn''t react. He only saw the Chinese star lean left and try to break through on his right side, so he attempted to block with his leg.
Unexpectedly, Wang Feng changed direction, and Linderley only saw a blur as Wang Feng passed him on the left, swinging past him!
After shaking off his marker and entering the penalty area, Wang Feng didn''t hesitate and took a powerful shot. Buffon''s attention was highly focused, and he quickly dived to save, but the ball still entered the from above his outstretched hand.
1-0! The Nerazzurri pulled one back!
After conceding, Buffon pounded the ground and then stood up, loudly reprimanding Montolivo and Linderley, "What''s going on? How could you let him in so easily and shoot so calmly?"
Montolivo and Linderley were also frustrated. They had defended well, but Wang Feng''s skills were too strong, and his explosive power was full. A slight mistake and he would instantly break free.
This goal severely shook the confidence of Juventus''s defense. Soon, Inter Mn came back. Wang Feng and Riberypleted a one-two on the right, with Wang Feng facing Rugani on the edge of the penalty area, performing two consecutive stepovers.
Then he suddenly darted to the bottom, leaving Rugani behind, and then sidestepped Llorente''s sliding tackle, reaching the ball and shooting with his left foot into the bottom left corner of the goal.
"Gooooooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng scores again, and Inter Mn equalizes the aggregate score!"
"Oh my God, everything happened so quickly. In the blink of an eye, Juventus''s advantage haspletely disappeared, and now both sides are back on the same starting line."
"The situation is very unfavorable for the Bianconeri. They need to lift their spirits and take up the g of attack again!"
The first half ended with no change in the score. Bartini hurriedly walked to the team''s dressing room; he needed to arrange tactics for the second half.
On the stands, Lichetti sat despondently in his chair, murmuring to himself, "It''s over, everything is over." Rnd said with an unpleasant expression, "It''s not over yet, at most, it''s a draw now."
"You don''t understand. The opponent is Inter Mn. Unless we have a big lead, it''s no different from losing! No, even a big lead seems unreliable. My God, I''m about to go crazy!"
As the second half began, in what seemed to confirm Lichetti''s words, in the 67th minute, Ribery broke through on the right, shaking off Rugani and sending a diagonal pass near the baseline. The ball reached the edge of the small penalty area on the right.
Wang Feng quickly made a run, and despite Llorente''s efforts to stop him, almost holding him backpletely, he still managed to reach the ball with his strong explosive power, sting a shot through Buffon''s fingers.
3-0! Wang Feng scored a hat-trick!
Most of the stadium fell silent, except for a small section of enthusiastic Nerazzurri fans. Wang Feng, the hero of the goal, ran to that area to celebrate with the fans.
This scene was extremely ironic for Juventus fans. Someone started booing, and soon it swept through the entire stadium like a storm. Deafening boos echoed in Juventus''s home ground, whether they were directed at the detestable Nerazzurri or the disappointing Bianconeri was unclear.
Looking at the Juventus yers on the field with their heads down, Lichetti couldn''t help but feel deste, thinking, "The backbone of the Old Lady has been broken by Inter Mn!"
With the sound of the referee''s whistle, the score remained unchanged. With a total score of 3-2 over two legs, Inter Mn defeated Juventus and defended the Coppa Italia!
Many fans began to leave before the end of the game. When the referee blew the final whistle, only scattered Inter Mn fans and some ordinary spectators remained at the scene; Juventus''s hardcore fans had already left!
As the Inter Mn yers lifted the trophy on the makeshift stage, in the box, Juventus''s technical director, Halil-Branda, nervously called the general manager, Moji, to report the result of the game.
"I got it." A stiff voice came from the receiver, followed by a series of beeps as Moji hung up the phone.
Branda was already soaked in cold sweat. He thought he would be fired and wanted to exin, but he didn''t expect Moji to hang up so readily.
At this moment, Moji sat in the office like a stone statue. The whole night passed, and the next morning, he started making calls again.
Chapter 233: Not 2 but 6
Chapter 233: Not 2 but 6
After winning the cup final, what lies ahead of Inter Mn is only the Champions League Cup!
The entire Europe and even the whole world are in awe of Inter Mn''s dominance this season. They have already won the league championship, the UEFA Super Cup, the Italian Super Cup, the Toyota Cup, and the Italian Cup, totaling five trophies! After securing the league title in advance, Inter Mn coach Mancini excitedly stated in an interview, "Our goal before the season started was not just one or two trophies, but six!"
It must be noted thatst season''s quintuple winners were already a unique existence in European clubs. Now they are striving for a sextuple, and they are about to seed! Will it be the reigning champions Inter Mn, who are at the peak of their game, creating new history, or the dark horse Porto staging aeback to im their second Champions League trophy in the club''s history?
Porto''s first Champions League title dates back to 1987, before the restructuring of the Champions League. After oveing numerous obstacles, they have once again reached the final, much to the delight of the club''s top management.
ording to Portugal''s "Newspaper", Porto has prepared a historically rich championship prize. If they can lift the Saint Bridget Cup, each yer will receive a reward exceeding seven figures in euros.
Inter Mn is not willing to fall behind either. In fact, with the five trophies they have already won, they have umted a total of 30 million euros in rewards, with Wang Feng receiving the most, close to several million euros in total.
If they can lift the final Champions League trophy, Moratti has promised to distribute another 15 million euros in bonuses, of which Wang Feng will receive the lion''s share.
Wang Feng''s ie this season is far more than that. With the new five-year contract he signed with Inter Mn continuing until 2008, the contract details various bonuses for winning matches, scoring goals, being the best yer of the match, the best yer of the season, the European Golden Ball award, the FIFA World yer award, and so on.
Due to Wang Feng''s extraordinary performance, ording to his and Balmond''s initial calctions, the regr bonuses he received this season have already exceeded his annual sry of 6 million euros, which is simply incredible! "You''re like a gold-devouring monster, haha," Balmonde said. "Moratti onceined to me on the phone that after every game, the money in his pocket would flow away like water, feeling like ying a pay-to-win game."
"But he''s still generous. Instead of haggling over the agreement, he lets you y to your heart''s content. However many goals you score, however many games you win, he''ll pay you ordingly."
"But you don''t have to be grateful to him for that. This old fox has no idea how much money he''s made off you. Just the sales of jerseys and other merchandise could fill his pockets to the brim."
The Champions League final will be held on May 27th at the Gelsenkirchen-Oer-Erkenschwick Stadium, the home of Schalke 04, in Germany.
Before that, on May 16th, Inter Mn will y their final league match against Empoli and lift the league championship trophy after the game. The result of the match is inconsequential; Inter Mn drew 1-1 with Empoli with a substitute lineup.
At the end of all matches, Inter Mn''s final record is 27 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses, with 86 points, setting a new record for single-season points in Serie A. If they had not eased off in the final three rounds after securing the title in advance, their performance would have been even better.
The record of 86 points in 34 matches will be impossible to break in the future, as Serie A will adopt a 20-team, 38-match format starting from next season, and the promotion and relegation system will change from "promote four, relegate four" to "promote three, relegate three."
The four teams that have secured Champions League spots this season are Inter Mn, Roma, AC Mn, and Juventus. In the final round, the Bianconeri held off the pressure to defeat Siena, securing fourth ce with a one-point advantage over Parma.
As thest edition before expansion, four teams will be relegated to Serie B, and six teams will be promoted to Serie A. The unfortunate teams relegated are Perugia, Modena, Empoli, and Ancona.
The six teams promoted to Serie A are Cagliari, Palermo, Livorno, Messina, Atnta, and Fiorentina. Thanks to the expansion, the Vi barely secured Serie A qualification, unaware that this would indirectly facilitate their subsequent disgraceful behavior.
Inter Mn is considered the strongest club in today''s football world, while Porto is a super dark horse. The sh between the two naturally attracts a lot of attention and discussion, drawing the eyes of the whole world.
To focus on preparing for the match to the maximum extent, Inter Mn kept the timing of their trip to Germany strictly confidential. They quietly arrived at Gelsenkirchen and went to the designated hotel for closed-door training. When the journalists received the news and rushed to the airport, they had already checked in and started adaptation training.
During the training period, full closed-door management was implemented, so Wang Feng could not reunite with his family and friends. He could only, likest year, let his sister lead everyone to enjoy the sights of Germany.
Unlike Inter Mn''s low-key approach, Mourinho appeared at the airport with Porto in a grand manner, receiving a warm wee from fans and the media. He believes that this is also a way to motivate the yers.
They arrived a littleter, so the venue adaptation training was arranged after Inter Mn''s.
At the pre-match press conference, the "Special One" spoke again, full of enthusiasm for the uing final, and stated that Porto is no longer the same team from the beginning of the league.
"We have defeated many strong teams, and the yers'' skills and mentality have been fully honed and grown. They are eager to avenge the defeat in the Super Cup."
Although Wang Feng''s terrifying attacking prowess left a deep impression on him, Mourinho still trusts his defensive training. As long as they can score a goal, he is confident of maintaining the lead until the final whistle.
On the Inter Mn side, only head coach Mancini attended the press conference. Although the club''s top management hoped that Wang Feng would also attend, Mancini refused the suggestion. "Wang has maintained a good mentality before the match, but we still can''t add extra burden to him, such as being harassed by cunning reporters."
When asked about Mourinho''s confidence, he said, "Yes, Porto''s performance this season has been outstanding. It''s not surprising that they are confident in reaching the final. We are the same. We have also reached the final and are full of confidence."
When asked about defending the title, Mancini said, "The Champions League has been restructured for more than a decade, but no team has been able to achieve this feat, which shows its difficulty. Now thepetition in the Champions League is more fierce than ever."
"Although we really want to create this legend, now I will advise my yers to focus on every minute of the game, rather than the final result. As long as they don''t let their efforts down, their efforts will not let them down."
Of course, there are also many malicious reporters who specte on Wang Feng, believing that Inter Mn has relied solely on him to reach this point. "Wang Feng is a great yer, and I absolutely do not deny his contribution to Inter Mn. But I do not agree with the view that we rely entirely on him."
"Ribery and Adriano upfront have grown rapidly, and they have be strong yers. They are also young and are the future of Inter Mn."
Chapter 234: Controversial, backward !
Chapter 234: Controversial, backward !
On the morning of the match, major news media outlets reported extensively on the remarks of Inter Mn''s head coach Mancini, suggesting that this was his confidence to continue dominating European football.
Wang Feng no longer needs analysis, as the media has shifted its focus to Ribery. The 21-year-old Frenchman has had a remarkable season, and it is reported that he has officially been called up to the French national team, preparing to participate in this year''s European Championship.
Ribery''s position in the Inter Mn lineup is as an attacking midfielder. He possesses strong dribbling skills, excelling in breakthroughs on the wings. Hisprehensive technique is also evident in his passing ability,bining outstanding vision with precise passing to assist Wang Feng in scoring multiple times.
His ball control and dribbling skills are also excellent. Thanks to his rugged appearance and strong physique, Ribery can hold his own against defensive yers.
In his first season in Serie A, many people thought that a yering from French lower leagues would not be able to adapt to the strong Serie A, and would soon be eliminated. However, his outstanding performance has silenced these critics, making even Recoba a substitute.
Simrly, Porto also has a simr yer in their lineup, 27-year-old Brazilian Deco, who also ys as a midfielder.
Deco''s passing skills have also been unanimously recognized by the media and professionals, with an effective passing rate that can be described as excellent. His dribbling skills are simple yet effective, without shy moves.
Ribery was very happy with the praise from the media, and even before the match, the smile on his face had notpletely subsided, making him look somewhat ferocious.
As both teams stood in the yer tunnel awaiting entry, Porto''s yers asionally cast determined nces, indicating that coach Mourinho''s encouragement had been effective.
The referee for the match is Ken Ransen from Germany.
Inter Mn''s starting lineup is no different from their regr starting lineup, using a 4-4-2 formation, with Toldo in goal.
The defense consists of Cordoba, Materazzi, Civu, and Zambrotta.
In midfield are Makalele, Zti, Ribery, and Dalmat.
Up front are Adriano and Wang Feng.
Porto, on the other hand, adopts a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Baia in goal.
The defensive line consists of Paulo Ferreira, Jorge Costa, Carvalho, and Valente.
In midfield are Mendes, Costinha, and Maniche.
Deco ys as an attacking midfielder, with Delray and Alberto upfront.
As expected, Porto still won''t engage much in ball possession, instead utilizing Deco to link up the midfield and attack for quick defensive counterattacks.
With Ransen''s whistle, the final officially begins! Inter Mn kicks off first,unching an early attack. After Ribery breaks through on the wing and sends in a cross, neither Adriano nor Wang Feng can reach it, and the ball is cleared by Ferreira.
Wang Feng, who missed the chance, shakes his head. He feels that Porto''s defense is indeed tighter than it was at the beginning of the season. Mourinho really has some tricks up his sleeve.
Porto, too, is not to be outdone,unching a counterattack in the 4th minute. After Costinha intercepts the ball and passes it to Deco, Deco controls the ball with his back to the goal, turns to shake off Saniol''s mark, and sends a lob into the penalty area.
Alberto quickly gets on the end of it, but under Zambrotta''s interference, he manages only a weak shot that Toldo easily collects.
Zti specifically runs over to Zambrotta, praising his effective defense and continuously reminding the defensive line to stay alert and not make mistakes due tocency.
Inter Mn, despite Porto''s sharp counterattacks, does not be timid. They calmly keep possession of the ball, continuously organizing attacking opportunities. However, the Portuguese champions seem to have parked a bus in defense, making it difficult for Inter Mn to find that final breakthrough.
Moreover, their defensive tactics are top-notch. When Wang Feng organizes an attack, Porto''s defensive yers always choose the right moment to foul and disrupt, resulting in free kicks that often do not directly threaten the goal.
And when Wang Feng tries to sprint past his marker, they always manage to catch him offside. Less than ten minutes into the game, Wang Feng has already been caught offside twice, much to his frustration, as he prides himself on his timing.
However, he still manages to unleash a long-range shot from outside the box, but unfortunately, it goes wide, almost grazing the post and flying out for a goal kick. This is Inter Mn''s first shot of the match.
Yes, it''s not until the 20th minute of the game that Inter Mnpletes their first shot. Despite controlling possession and the pace of the game, Porto''s defense seems imprable, making it difficult for Inter Mn to find that crucial final shot.
The deadlock is broken in the 25th minute, with a counterattack by Porto. After Deco floats the ball into the penalty area, Zambrotta and Delray tussle for it, and amidst the chaos, Delray goes down, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot from a distance!
There''s a roar from the stands, with countless Inter Mn fans in blue and ck jerseys emitting deafening boos, believing that this is definitely not a penalty!
Zambrotta also wears a surprised expression, quickly rushing to the referee Ransen to exin: "Please, I didn''t foul at all. It was just a simple collision!"
Inter Mn defenders nearby also crowd around, appealing to the referee, but the German maintains his serious demeanor, sticking to his decision, and warns: "Back off, or I''ll show you cards!"
The TV broadcast rey is showing the situation at the time, with thementator regretfully saying, "From the slow-motion rey, there doesn''t seem to be a clear foul."
"But Porto''s counterattack was too fast and sharp, even the referee couldn''t keep up. From a distance, it looked like Delray was fouled and went down, it''s a subconscious subjective judgment."
Wang Feng doesn''t understand what subjective judgment means, he only knows that in the face of the failed attack, Inter Mn is now trailing! Delray steps up to take the penalty, and sessfully breaches Toldo''s defenses.
At this moment, he fervently hopes that the referee could take a look at the slow-motion rey to correct this penalty decision. Of course, this technology called VAR won''t appear for another decade or so, and he certainly wouldn''t know about it now.
At the end of the first half, the score remains 0-1, with Inter Mn behind.
In the locker room, everyone is consoling Zambrotta, "This is not your fault at all. You defended cleanly!" Materazzi adds from the side, "Do you think it''s because UEFA doesn''t want to see consecutive champions, so they subtly favor Porto?"
"Don''t talk nonsense!" Head coach Mancini walks in, "This is the highly anticipated Champions League final, there''s absolutely no chance of that happening!" He adds, "But mistaken judgments are also part of football, aren''t they? Think about Maradona''s ''Hand of God''."
"Everyone, we''re just one goal behind, and there''s still forty-five minutes left. Let''s pull ourselves together!"
Chapter 235: Overtime, desperate situation !
Chapter 235: Overtime, desperate situation !
In the second half, Mancini made adjustments to the lineup. He substituted Dalmat with Recoba in an attempt to strengthen the attack, but it didn''t yield much improvement.
In the 60th minute, Ribery dropped back to the midfield to receive the ball, with Recoba lurking nearby for support. The Frenchman decisively passed the ball to Recoba, who, upon receiving it, immediately passed it back to Ribery along the sprinting route.
Ribery then broke through from the wing, utilizing his speed to create space near the goal line. He chipped the ball into the penalty area, flying over Valente''s head andnding near the penalty spot.
Adriano was unable to threaten the goal under the pressure from Ferreira and Costa. Unable to control the ball, he extended his leg to redirect the ball, changing its direction towards the top of the penalty area.
Wang Feng rushed to meet the ball directly, but Carvalho timely arrived and blocked it, causing the ball to rebound outside the penalty area. Wang Feng attempted to chase it down again, but Mendes had already disrupted the y by knocking it out for a corner.
It''s a pity! At the moment of the shot, Wang Feng felt that both the power and angle were excellent. If it had pierced through the defense, he was confident that Baia wouldn''t have been able to save it. However, it was ultimately blocked by Carvalho.
Porto''s defense was incredibly tough! He thought angrily.
As time passed, the hearts of Inter Mn''s yers sank gradually. They looked at Wang Feng, hoping this miracle yer could shine once again.
In the 85th minute, Porto''s counterattack failed. Cordoba passed the ball to Makalele in the backfield, who then sent a through pass to Ribery. Ribery dribbled forward with Maniche closely marking him.
As they approached the penalty area, Ribery seized the opportunity, suddenly flicking the ball towards the goal line before elerating to catch up. Maniche tried to block him, but Ribery skillfully evaded him.
Ribery caught up with the ball near the goal line, executed a quick stop-and-go move, leaving Maniche behind, and then swiftly dribbled towards the penalty area. He then passed the ball across the middle.
Wang Feng received the ball with Carvalho on his back. With Ferreira and Costa quickly closing in, in a split second, Wang Feng shifted his weight to the left, appearing to prepare for a left-footed shot.
Carvalho wouldn''t let Wang Feng have it his way. He also shifted his weight to the left and exerted force to push Wang Feng. Knowing Wang Feng''s strong resistance, he put all his strength into the challenge.
As soon as he made contact with Carvalho, Wang Feng felt something was offwhy was there so little force? Before Carvalho could react, Wang Feng quickly changed direction, turning from the right side to shoot with his left foot.
Baia''s view was obstructed by Carvalho, and Wang Feng''s sudden shot startled him. He hurriedly dived to block it, but with Wang Feng''s current strength, even without a run-up, the shot was still powerful. Baia was a split second toote.
"Goal! Gooooooooooooooooooal! As the match nears its end, Inter Mn finally equalizes the score!"
"Wang Feng! Wang Feng! Yes, it''s Wang Feng once again saving the Nerazzurri!"
After scoring, Wang Feng roared to the sky, relieving the frustration that had built up throughout the match. It was not easy at all!
He quickly retrieved the ball from the goal and ran towards the midfield, signaling everyone not to celebrate but to continue attacking until victory!
On the sidelines, Mourinho''s heart was in his throat as Wang Feng received the ball in the penalty area. He muttered to himself, "We must defend, we must defend!"
But in the end, his shot pierced through Porto''s goal. As the ball went in, the Portuguese coach squatted down in frustration, pounding the turf. Leading for almost the entire match, he didn''t expect to be defeated by Wang Feng in the final moments.
Porto''s morale was in disarray. It''s just a shame that there''s too little time left. If given another ten minutes, Wang Feng is confident he could once again score the winning goal. The score remains 1-1 at the end of regr time.
Extra time will decide the oue! This result surprised many who expected either Inter Mn to dominate or Porto to stage aeback. Few predicted that the match would be so evenly matched and go into extra time.
"Extra time is a serious test for both teams, not only in terms of technique but also in terms of physical and mental strength," thementator continued. "ording to our data, this is Wang Feng''s first experience of extra time in his career. It''s unbelievable!"
"He has been in the football world for over four years, participating in domestic cups, Europa League, and Champions League, yet he has never managed to defeat an opponent within regr time. To some extent, it demonstrates Wang Feng''s and Inter Mn''s strength."
"Of course, it also shows that Mourinho''s Porto is stronger than many people imagined."
"On the other hand, theck of experience in extra time or even penalty shootouts puts Inter Mn at a disadvantage, especially Wang Feng, their key yer."
There is little time left for both teams to rest; they will soon be back on the field. Mancini made no changes, as he needs to keep one substitution slot open just in case.
Except for Wang Feng, the other yers'' condition isn''t great. The whole match has taken a toll on their stamina, especially veterans like Zti, who are nearing exhaustion.
Although they have practiced penalty shootouts, Mancini is unsure because he never expected Inter Mn to be pushed this farit''s a miscalction!
When the match resumed, both teams'' pace slowed down involuntarily. It seems that everything is heading towards the final stroke of luck, but fate yed a joke on Inter Mn once again!
It happened in the 101st minute, the 11th minute of the first half of extra time. Zti had the ball in the backfield, with Deco pressing forward to challenge him. He intended to pass it out directly but unexpectedly, his leg suddenly twitched, and he couldn''t make the move.
The Brazilian wouldn''t miss this opportunity. He quickly intercepted the ball, then proceeded to charge into the penalty area and shoot into the far corner of the goal!
The stadium and thementary booth fell into a moment of silence. After a while, the voice of thementator resounded, "Goooooooooooal! The ball''s in!"
"It''s a frontcourt interception and assault by Deco, helping Porto reverse the score."
"Zti''s mistake, what happened to him? He stood still as if short-circuited before Deco easily took the ball away. The Inter Mn defense didn''t react at all."
"Then he directly entered the penalty area and scored. It''s too easy. Does the Inter Mn defense look vulnerable because of fatigue orck of concentration?"
"Now, Inter Mn has little time left, only four minutes to go!"
"They should perhaps thank FIFA for changing the rulesst year, recing the golden goal rule in the Champions League with the silver goal rule. If not for that, they would have lost theirst chance to defend their title!"
"The so-called silver goal rule means that if one team leads at the end of the first half of extra time, there''s no need to y the second half; they win directly!"
Chapter 236: Miracle, defending !
Chapter 236: Miracle, defending !
Unlike the Porto yers who were celebrating wildly, the faces of the Inter Mn yers were filled with despair. Most of them felt that it was over, that there couldn''t possibly be another miracle.
Ztiy on the ground, and initially, everyone thought he was too guilty to get up. After a moment, they realized something was wrong and rushed over to check on him. The team doctor was called onto the field, and it was eventually diagnosed as a thigh injury.
No wonder he was acting like a malfunctioning machine! Under Mancini''s helplessness, he used thest substitution slot, with Emre recing Zti.
The captain''s armband needed to be passed on as well. After a brief moment of thought, Zti handed it over to Wang Feng, clutching his thigh in pain, and said, "Wang, please, don''t give up."
Wang Feng nodded solemnly, taking the captain''s armband and wearing it on his right arm. He would be the first Asian captain in Serie A!
On the ck giant disy board, the bright red numbers indicating the time continued to change every moment. In the blink of an eye, it had reached 104 minutes, yet the score on the field remained 1-2, with Inter Mn trailing.
Wang Feng was panting heavily, feeling gradually overwhelmed by the shadow of failure in his heart. He shook his head forcefully. No, when failure was imminent, what was there to fear?
Inter Mn won the ball in midfield, and Emre, who had juste on, sent a lofted pass to the right nk of the frontcourt. Ribery and Costa contested for the ball, both very fatigued, so neither could win the header cleanly. However, Ribery managed to send the ball forward with all his might.
The ball bounced on the grass, then slowly descended. Wang Feng, shaking off Costinha''s marking, arrived at the ball first near the edge of the penalty area. He had no time to hesitate; he was about to face multipleyers of defense.
He saw the ball dropping and used the tip of his foot to strike it forcefully. The ball soared high like a skyrocket, remaining very high even after entering the penalty area. Just when everyone thought it might fly over the crossbar, it suddenly plummeted.
Goalkeeper Baia was taken aback, quickly retreating to the goal line to jump and block. A save like this should be foolproof, right?
No! The flying ball hit the corner where the crossbar and post intersected, bouncing sideways onto the other post of the goal, hitting slightly inside to rebound into the again!
It was an impossible save!
"Goal! Goooooooooooooooooooal!! In the 104th minute, Wang Feng once again equalizes the score for Inter Mn!"
"It''s an unbelievable long-range strike from the edge of the penalty area, hitting the impossible angle! Wang Feng, with his perfect shooting, pulls Inter Mn back from the cliff!"
"Will this sensational match be decided by penalties in the end?"
After scoring, Wang Feng waved his hand gently to stop his teammates from approaching to celebrate. He went into the goal to retrieve the ball and put it back at the center circle.
He wouldn''t leave their fate to penalties alone. His teammates looked at each other and silently nodded. Now, their task was to defend well.
The second half of extra time wasing to an end, with yers from both sides gradually running out of energy. Long balls and mistakes were bing more frequent. Until the 118th minute, Inter Mn won the ball in their own half, and Civu sent a long pass deep into the opponent''s penalty area.
Wang Feng squeezed out thest bit of energy from his body, chasing after the ball with all his might. He finally caught up with the ball near the edge of the penalty area, with Porto defender Ferreiraing over from his right and Costa providing support on the left.
With Adriano still near the halfway line, unable to run anymore, Wang Feng could only fight alone.
Wang Feng reacted instantly, having already pictured the situation in his mind. He chested the ball down, waiting for it to drop to knee level, then used the tip of his right foot to flick it sideways.
The ball rose along the trajectory, leaping over the pressing Ferreira''s head, moving horizontally along the edge of the penalty area. Wang Feng chased after it.
This caught Ferreira by surprise. He rushed forward urgently to stop Wang Feng at all costs. But how could he let him escape easily? So the Portuguese defender abruptly stopped, trying to turn around to keep up with Wang Feng.
But after nearly two hours of y, his foot slipped as he tried to start again. He fell forward helplessly, watching Wang Feng''s powerful shot.
The fallen Ferreira and the furious shot from Wang Feng formed an eternal ssic scene.
The shot, powered by every ounce of Wang Feng''s strength, went into the top right corner of the goal, beyond the reach of Baia!
"Goal! The ball''s in!!"
"We''ve won!! Inter Mn has won!! Wang Feng, the hat-trick hero!!"
Thementator in the broadcast room shouted hoarsely, while Wang Feng, who had exhausted all his strength, knelt on the grass. Sweat streamed down his forehead, blurring his vision. The noisy cheers and inquiries around him seemed distant, making it hard for him to hear clearly.
He felt a bit dazed afterward, only vaguely aware of someone helping him up. Then, he staggered back to his own half, ran a few steps aimlessly after the kickoff whistle blew.
The San Siro Stadium erupted into cheers, with Inter Mn fans waving gs and lighting blue fireworks. The stands were engulfed in a sea of blue.
All the members of Inter Mn''s bench rushed onto the field, embracing the heroes of the moment. Head coach Mancini couldn''t hold back his emotions, sprinting along the field in his suit, tears welling up in his eyes. This match was too hard-fought!
Seeing Wang Feng standing still, Ribery came over and shook him vigorously. "Boss, we''ve defended our title, snap out of it!"
Wang Feng''s dazed eyes finally refocused, and the cheers around him suddenly grew louder. He asked, "Is the game over? Did we win?"
"Yes! You scored the decisive goal, and shortly after Porto kicked off, the game ended!"
Wang Feng smiled, then copsed onto the ground, exhausted. Ribery quickly helped him sit down, and at that moment, Wang Feng felt not jubtion but infinite fatigue. He just wanted to have a good sleep, to sleep until the end of time, and forget about training!
Not long after resting, Wang Feng was enthusiastically pulled up by the substitute yers and joined their celebration army.
As losers, Porto also deserved respect. They yed a game that surpassed expectations, and this Champions League final was destined to go down in history.
So when the Porto yers walked up to the podium, the fans in the stands and the Inter Mn yers on both sides sent them warm apuse.
Many Porto yers covered their faces to hide their tears. For them, this might be theirst Champions League final, and losing the chance to win the title meant forever missing out on this honor.
But that''s how cruel winning and losing can be!
When Inter Mn went up to receive their awards, Wang Feng walked at the end. He lifted the championship trophy on behalf of the club!
UEFA President Johnson hung the medal around Wang Feng''s neck and handed him the UEFA Champions League trophy. "Go ahead, our world superstar!"
With both hands gripping the trophy, Wang Feng took a moment topose himself. He loudly counted down to one and then lifted the trophy high. Fireworks behind the podium also erupted at the same time. Inter Mn were the champions!
Chapter 237: After the game
Chapter 237: After the game
After the match, at the post-match press conference, Mourinho appeared somewhat dejected. He said helplessly, "Porto was a bit unlucky. We couldn''t catch up with the final Golden Ball. Otherwise, we would have lifted the trophy by now."
A journalist pointed out that even with the Silver Ball system, Porto still had a significant advantage at the time. The time left for Inter Mn was not much, and the Golden/Silver Ball system had been officially abolished by FIFA in February this year, with the uing European Championship being thest.
"Yes, I know. I just wanted toin a bit. There''s no doubt Inter Mn deserved to win the game. They performed better than us, especially Wang Feng. He was incredible."
"Every time he attacked with the ball, it felt like my heart was about to leap out. No matter how well we set up before the match, he always made an impact."
Unlike Mourinho attending the press conference alone from Porto''s side, Inter Mn head coach Mancini attended the conference with Wang Feng. When asked about scoring two goals in extra time, Wang Feng said, "Porto''s defense was very good, and they only showed a slight w at thest moment. I just seized the opportunity."
This season, Wang Feng''s journey in the Champions League remained excellent. He scored a total of 19 goals, firmly leading the scoring chart, and also contributed with 6 assists. When asked about these achievements, he modestly attributed all the credit to his teammates.
Head coach Mancini, on the other hand, praised his performance endlessly: "Without a doubt, Wang is the biggest contributor to our ability to defend the Champions League title. Inter Mn has created the greatest history!"
The Italian coach, who had just turned forty this year, couldn''t stop smiling. When he took over the reins from Cooper, he was still apprehensive, worried that his performance wouldn''t match up to the past, causing dissatisfaction among fans and the club''s top management. However, in the end, they achieved the sextuple crown, and Inter Mnpleted the season with a full set of awards!
After winning the championship, Inter Mn held an all-night celebration. The club booked a bar for everyone to enjoy, and many people drank heavily. Especially Vieri, who went wild, knowing this would be hisst time at the club.
With his arm around Wang Feng''s neck, Vieri suddenly said solemnly, "Ronnie left without regrets. I''m leaving without regrets too! Thank you, Wang."
Without waiting for Wang Feng''s response, he returned to his unserious self and started flirting with the young barmaids. It must be said that Italians have a good appearance, and soon the two of them hit it off.
Wang Feng felt a bit disdainful of the noisy environment, so after a while, he quietly slipped back to the hotel to rest. He was just too tired, and soon entered the realm of dreams.
Early the next morning, his internal clock woke him up as usual. However, today he didn''t feel like training, so he went downstairs to the hotel lobby, preparing to go out for a stroll.
Luo Yao was holding a book and reading in the lobby. When she saw Wang Feng, she smiled sweetly, "I knew you would wake up at this time."
"Yao Yao, were you waiting for me specifically? I haven''t had time to talk to you properly these past few days. Let''s go out together today, just the two of us."
Luo Yao nodded and took out her phone, saying, "Let''s make a call first and let them rest a bit. It''s too early now."
So the two of them left the hotel hand in hand. Wang Feng didn''t know where to go, but Luo Yao suggested, "Let''s go to the Zoo Experience Museum. There are many cute little things there, it''s the most famous ce in Gelsenkirchen."
Wang Feng had no objections. Luo Yao had obviously done some research, and soon the two of them arrived at their destination. Strangely enough, in Germany, visiting zoos was the primary choice for leisure travel. Not only were there first-ss visiting designs, but also a rich variety of animal species.
It was rare to seerge enclosed cages in the park. Many areas only had low ss fences with a slight electric current to ensure visitors'' safety.
For gentle and non-dangerous animals, people could even interact with them up close, such as swans, goats, and deer.
Wang Feng bought a packet of feed from a stall in the park and handed it to Luo Yao to feed a group of small deer. They gathered around her very gently, waiting for food.
Luo Yao crouched down to stroke the bodies of the little deer, her gentle demeanor intoxicating. Wang Feng took out his phone, wanting to capture this scene, and noticed Luo Yao looking up at him, her smile radiant. Truly beautiful!
Theyter saw meerkats, and Luo Yao was immediately captivated. "This little creature is too cute!" She turned into a photographer, taking many close-up, high-definition photos of these adorable animals.
Bison, ostriches, brown bears, goris, all kinds of animals amazed the visitors. It wasn''t until close to noon that the two remembered to call home.
"I knew you two left us behind to have a tryst!" Wang Feng''s sisterined over the phone. "Men and women have no conscience. Okay, I''ll take the family out to y, you two enjoy your time alone, but don''t forget toe back to the hotel tonight!"
Luo Yao blushed suddenly, and after chatting with her sister and family for a while, she hung up the phone. The two of them breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at each other.
In China, when news of them being together spread, Wang Feng''s mother was very happy. She couldn''t wait for the obedient Luo Yao to be her daughter-inw. Luo Yao''s mother was not surprised either, as she had sensed it early on.
The most surprised was Luo Yao''s father. His precious daughter was suddenly taken away, and the culprit was the person he admired the most. For a while, he was filled with mixed emotions.
In the leisurely afternoon, the two found a secluded cafe to rest. Curiously, Luo Yao asked, "Brother Feng, have you ever thought about what you''ll do after retiring? Although it''s a bit early to ask this question."
"I think it''ll still be rted to football, like being a coach or a club manager," Wang Feng shrugged. "Football is something indispensable to me in life."
"What about you? Last time, you said after graduation, you wanted me to join your group. How''s that going?" Wang Feng asked. Although he wouldn''t switch careers to work in apany, the Feng Yao Group was the foundation of his assets, and he wouldn''t neglect it. Right now, there was a need for someonepletely trustworthy to help manage it, and Luo Yao was undoubtedly the best candidate.
Luo Yao responded, "I also want to help you, but I don''t want to take a shortcut to a high position. So I think I can start from the grassroots and train step by step."
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised, "That''ll be very hard, and I''ll feel sorry for you."
Luo Yao smiled and shook her head, "That''s already luckier than many people."
Chapter 238: Opening of Asian cup
Chapter 238: Opening of Asian cup
After returning to Italy, Inter Mn held a grand celebration, evenrger thanst year''s, because this year they had one more trophy.
The number of Inter Mn fans participating in the championship parade increased, and at this moment, the entire city of Mn belonged to Inter!
Inter Mn became the first club to achieve consecutive championships in the Champions League after its restructuring. Moreover, they also won the league title three times in a row. In the eyes of the public, the current Nerazzurri had officially surpassed the "Great Inter Mn era" of the 1960s and established a new "Inter Mn dynasty"!
Wang Feng, as the leader of this dynasty, was naturally praised by the media as Inter Mn''s most sessful signing in history. This made Moratti, who personally invited Wang Feng and orchestrated the transfer, particrly proud. Whenever he epted interviews, he would boast about these achievements.
The Mn Sports Dailymented that if Inter Mn could win the Champions League again next season, whether it be a three-peat or umting five championships, it would qualify them to permanently retain the St. Bled Cup! It''s worth noting that historically, only four teamsReal Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich, and AC Mnhave had the opportunity to permanently retain the St. Bled Cup, showcasing their status as superpowers!
Even powerhouses like Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool did not have this opportunity and could only disy replica trophies in their trophy rooms, let alone newer clubs like Chelsea.
Moreover, with continuous reforms by UEFA, it was rumored that this honor might bepletely abolished in a few years, bing a true swan song.
Wang Feng didn''t stay long in Mn. He hurried back to China to prepare for the uing 2004 Asian Cup, while in Europe, the 2004 UEFA European Championship proceeded as scheduled.
However, before the opening ceremony, the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers took ce. China hosted Mysia at home, and in this match, Wang Feng finally didn''t have to y, as China cleanly won 4-0.
Afterward, everyone headed to the capital for closed-door training. Initially, the team leader wanted to assign a separate room for Wang Feng, but when he learned that the yers were sharing rooms, he decisively refused: "I''m the same as other yers, regardless of amodations." So he and Shao Jia shared a dormitory. They were both overseas yers, which mademunication easier.
This year, 1860 Munich failed to return to the Bundesliga, leaving Shao Jia somewhat confused about his future. Several Chinese Super League teams were interested in signing him.
He discussed this with Wang Feng, who pondered for a moment and said, "I think you''re still young. Staying abroad will help further your growth and hone your skills. Even if it''s the 2. Bundesliga, it''s still stronger than the Chinese Super League, right?"
Shao Jia nodded. Indeed, in terms of intensity andpetitiveness, the 2. Bundesliga far surpassed the Chinese Super League, cing high demands on yers'' physical and technical abilities.
Wang Feng couldn''t help but sigh, "We have many talented youngsters who refuse to leave the country. Going to the 2. Bundesliga, Ligue 2, or even the Segunda Liga would be good, but they hesitate because of the tough conditions and lower earnings."
Shao Jia nodded in agreement. Nowadays, families who can afford to send their children to domestic youth training camps are well-off. They are fully capable of sending their children abroad alone, but parents prefer to keep their children close, avoiding hardships. Therefore, they choose domestic youth training.
The children who can y football cannot endure hardships, while those who can endure hardshipsck the conditions to y football. That''s the reason for the scarcity of talent.
That''s why Wang Feng values ??those poor families. He can sponsor them to study abroad, and whether they can seed in the end depends on themselves.
During the first training session, head coach Alihan arranged high-intensity physical training, making everyonein incessantly. However, sometimes a team was just so wonderful that if one personpleted the training diligently, others would be embarrassed toin too much.
That person was Wang Feng! Although he inevitably felt tired after the grueling Champions League final, he still handled this intensity of training with ease.
Alihan''s eyes lit up. Indeed, the role of a superstar was reflected in every aspect of the team. He then handed the yers over to the fitness coach, while he and other coaching staff discussed tactics for the Asian Cup.
"Based on the World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait, I don''t think Wang Feng is entirely suitable to stay on the front line because no one can cooperate with him," the technical coach said.
"Yes, our midfieldcks awareness and capability. Wang Feng needs to frequently withdraw to organize, so can we let him y as an attacking midfielder?" Alihan''s eyes brightened.
"We can give it a try. Wang Feng''s attacking organization is also top-notch in world football. Last season, he even recorded 20 assists in Serie A."
Alihan nodded. "Later, I''ll talk to Wang Feng and hear what he has to say. I believe he''ll have many good suggestions."
Wang Feng readily epted his new position. During his time at Inter Mn, with Ribery providing support in the middle and front, his attacking ability was greatly unleashed. But in the national team, there was no one to take on that role, so he had to do it himself.
Moreover, what he excelled at even more than Ribery was his finishing touch. So even in the attacking midfielder position, his scoring ability remained undiminished.
In the next few friendly matches, Alihan introduced this new formation for coordination. Wang Feng didn''t disappoint his expectations. In the first match against the UAE, he scored a hat-trick and assisted Li Jin and Li Yi for two goals, helping the team win 6-0.
In the second friendly against Lebanon, Alihan fielded a full substitute lineup, but the opponents capitalized on a mistake in the 30th minute to score first, leaving the Dutchman on the sidelines furious. He believed that even with substitutes, they shouldn''t lose to such weak opponents as Lebanon.
Helpless, he had to send in Wang Feng and other key yers. Soon, the situation turned around. Wang Feng scored four goals and assisted two more, leading the national team to a 6-1 victory over Lebanon.
After the match, Alihan found Wang Feng. "Wang, I think you and your teammates have already cooperated well. Putting you on the field for the warm-up matches ispletely meaningless, so from now on, I will focus on other yers. Just keep yourpetitive state up."
Actually, he muttered in his heart. Every game, Wang Feng yed for a dozen minutes and made the opponents dizzy. The other yers on the field were like taking a walk, so what''s the point of the warm-up matches?
In the following friendly matches against Oman and the Philippines, Wang Feng sat on the bench and watched the entire game. As expected, the games were much more intense, although their strength was weaker than China''s, they still caused quite a bit of trouble.
In the end, relying on the outstanding performance of overseas yers, China defeated Oman 2-1 and the Philippines 3-0, achieving a perfect record of four consecutive victories in the warm-up matches.
This news also greatly excited the domestic media and fans, who were eager to lift the championship trophy for the first time on home soil.
Amidst great anticipation, the Asian Cup kicked off.
Chapter 239: Cut melons and vegetables
Chapter 239: Cut melons and vegetables
On the evening of July 17th, at 8 o''clock, the Workers Stadium was brightly lit, where the opening match of the Asian Cup between China and Bahrain was to be held.
At the start of the match, Wang Feng sent a powerful long shot as a "condolence" to the small Middle Eastern country, putting China ahead 1-0!
The Bahraini yers were stunned. They hadn''t fully settled into the game yet; weren''t they supposed to pass the ball back to their defense after kick-off and slowly organize their attack?
Seeing their state, Wang Feng decisively pushed forward after kick-off, swiftly advancing to the edge of the penalty area about thirty meters away and unexpectedly scored a goal.
After taking the lead, Wang Feng frequently provided passes to forwards Li Jin and Li Yi. However, sometimes they were too slow to keep up, and other times, their actions were disrupted by defending yers, failing to pose a threat.
Overall, with a lead and possession, the Chinese team''s yers were rtively rxed. Just before halftime, Li Yi finally seized an opportunity from Wang Feng''s through pass, helping the team extend their lead.
In the second half, the situation changed. Due to head coach Alihan''s emphasis on high pressing tactics and local possession y, some yers experienced significant physical decline. Combined with their high positioning, Bahrain unexpectedly counterattacked with a long pass, pulling one goal back.
Before and after conceding the goal, the team seemed like two different entities. Wang Feng keenly sensed a significant change in the yers'' mentality; they became hesitant, afraid to attack or make moves, continuously passing back in the midfield and hoping to preserve their lead.
For a long time, Wang Feng couldn''t get the ball, and Bahrain gradually opened up, creating more attacking opportunities in the hope of equalizing the score.
This couldn''t go on! So Wang Feng retreated further to his team''s thirty-meter area to demand the ball. Sun Xiang hesitated for a moment but ultimately passed the ball to him.
He then slowly dribbled the ball past the midfield line. Bahrain perhaps still thinking about their next attack, only sent two central defenders to defend him. Their technical level wascking, and although they didn''t rush to tackle, their defensive positioning was poor, allowing Wang Feng to easily advance to the frontcourt.
Without further ado, Wang Feng elerated suddenly, took the ball to the right with a big step, instantly evading one defender, while the other was caught off guard and rushed to defend, only to be fooled by a feint.
He then shot with his right foot into Bahrain''s goal, making it 3-1!
This goal greatly boosted the team''s morale. A one-goal lead and a two-goal lead were entirely different situations, and they realized they still had Wang Feng to rely on!
In the final stages of the game, Wang Feng broke through on the right and crossed into the penalty area. Li Jin and Li Yi both rushed to the ball, with Li Jin eventually deflecting it into the. China won 4-1 against Bahrain, achieving a flying start.
While the victory excited the fans, head coach Alihan was still somewhat dissatisfied, especially with the lone conceded goal and the team''s performance in the second half.
Wang Feng took the time to chat with the Dutchman about it. He tactfully expressed that while high pressing tactics were advanced, whether the yers could understand and keep up with it both physically and technically was a big problem.
However, each coach had their own tactical characteristics. After discussing with his technical team, Alihan believed it was possible to adjust the tactics ording to the yers'' physical condition.
In the second match against Indonesia, the weakest team in the group, the high pressing tactics worked well, preventing the opponents from leaving their own half. In the end, China won 5-0, with Wang Feng contributing a goal and an assist before being substituted early.
With two consecutive wins, they advanced early. In the third round against Qatar, shortly after kick-off, Wang Feng initiated a counterattack, dribbling into the penalty area and being fouled by the opposing defender.
The referee decisively awarded a yellow card and a penalty. The sight of Wang Feng falling to the ground frightened the fans in the stands and the coaching staff on the sidelines, fearing he was injured. However, he quickly got up and waved his hand to indicate he was fine.
Wang Feng then took the penalty himself and scored, opening the scoring for China!
Subsequently, Qatar continued to adopt a rough defensive approach against Wang Feng, butpared to Serie A, this level of confrontation was insignificant. What''s even more amusing was that they seemed unaware of Wang Feng''s threat from set-pieces, or perhaps they didn''t believe it.
So Qatar gave China five free kicks in the attacking half, and Wang Feng didn''t disappoint them, converting two of them.
A hat-trick, this was the first time Wang Feng scored a hat-trick solely from free kicks!
However, Alihan on the sidelines was quite anxious because Wang Feng kept falling to the ground. Once their lead was secured, he quickly substituted him out.
The 3-0 scoreline was maintained until the end of the match, with China winning all three games and advancing to the quarter-finals!
In the quarter-finals, China faced Iraq, another traditional West Asian team known for their physicality and strength, although their technical skills were not on par with teams like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Trying to rely on technique to stop Wang Feng was an impossible task for the Iraqi defense, so they resorted to fouling tactics, doubting that Wang Feng could kill them with free kicks.
Sorry, but he really could. Out of six free kicks, one was a curled shot, and one was a powerful st, once again demonstrating what it means to be the world''s number one striker.
In the second half, he took a long-distance free kick, and the ball formed a perfect arc in the air, hitting Li Jin''s head and deflecting into the goal.
3-0! After the goal, Li Jin, still feeling dizzy, while Li Yi on the sideughed and rubbed his head: "When did you be so good at heading? The power and angle were perfect."
Really? Did I really practice such powerful heading shots? Although his head hurt from the impact, Li Jin was excited to realize what he had done.
Wang Feng smiled silently on the side. This was his experiment. Because his teammates'' ball control and finishing skills werecking, he came up with the idea to use the principle of rebounding force.
Just now, he calcted the angle and force well, kicked the ball, hit Li Jin''s head, and deflected it into the goal. It looked like a header, but in reality, Li Jin didn''t exert any force. If he had to head the ball himself, he wouldn''t have been able to score.
Of course, this method was too random, and even Wang Feng couldn''t control it perfectly every time.
In the final moments of the match, Iraq managed to pull one back with their resilient spirit, but ultimately couldn''t change the fate of elimination. China advanced to the semifinals!
Three group stage matches and one knockout match, to be honest, China''s overall strength was superior to these teams. They dominated the game, but the problem was their inability to score upfront. If the opponent scored on a counterattack, it could potentially lead to a copse.
Wang Feng''s addition perfectlypensated for this weakness. His fierce attacking firepower and diverse attacking methods troubled the opposing defense, coupled with his unstoppable free kicks. Fouls couldn''t stop him either, so it was like cutting vegetables with a knife, easy victory and advancement.
Chapter 240: D茅j脿 vu
Chapter 240: Dj vu
In the pleasant morning temperature and humidity, Wang Feng had just finished his morning run and returned to the hotel when he encountered a group of rtives and friends who came to visit. His mother, with a worried expression, approached Wang Feng and looked him over: "Ah Feng, I saw you fell several times on the field during yesterday''s match. Are you injured? Let me see."
Wang Feng could only helplessly turn his body while saying, "Mom, I''m fine. Didn''t I tell you over the phonest night that those little collisions couldn''t even break my skin?"
After checking on her son''s condition, Wang Feng''s mother finally rxed, and Lu Xuexing came forward, patting Wang Feng''s shoulder and saying, "Xiao Feng, your goals from the free kicks were really satisfying, making those West Asian guys regret their actions."
"Now, news about you and the national team is all over the domestic newspapers, magazines, and television. ording to my nephew, there''s also a lot of discussion online. You can really be considered famous nationwide."
Back when Wang Feng yed football abroad, he was already a target of pursuit for many fans. This time, representing the country in the tournament, he had gained visibility even among non-football fans, bing a well-known figure nationwide.
Afterwards, Lu Xuexing chatted with Wang Feng about football anecdotes. Wang Feng always knew some inside stories, which was very attractive to an old fan like him.
The Chinese team secured a spot in the semifinals. Japan and Jordan drew 1-1 in regr time and eventually secured the second qualification spot through a penalty shootout.
In the other match, Uzbekistan faced Bahrain and also went into a penalty shootout. Eventually, Bahrain, ying the role of the dark horse, remained calmer under pressure and eliminated Uzbekistan in an upset.
Thest quarter-final match was a showdown between South Korea and Iran. After a goalden battle, South Korea eventually lost 3-4 to Iran, stopping at the quarter-finals. Therefore, China would face Iran in the semi-finals.
Although China didn''t have to face their nemesis South Korea, which relieved many fans, Iran was still a formidable opponent. Previous encounters had mostly ended in defeat, and now with Wang Feng''s addition, could they change this situation?
The semi-final began amidst great anticipation. Both China and Iran yed cautiously in the opening stages of the match. Compared to previous opponents, Wang Feng clearly felt that Iran''s defense was much stronger.
Not only did they possess strong physicality, but their technical skills and overall coordination were also excellent. In this situation, Wang Feng dared not say he could break through their defense alone.
Iran got the first chance. Nekounam orchestrated an attack from the nk, bypassing Sun Xiang and crossing into the penalty area. Forward Madavikia''s header was blocked by Liu Yunhui, and Li Weifeng quickly cleared the ball.
This threatening attack made everyone, including the team and the fans, sweat nervously. It was too close!
The Chinese team refused to be outdone. Wang Feng orchestrated an attack, breaking through two defensive yers on the nk and crossing to the middle.
The ball reached Shao Jia''s feet near the edge of the penalty area, and he calmly took a shot, but unfortunately, it grazed the crossbar and flew out of bounds.
Iran clearly studied the characteristics of the Chinese team. They adopted a strategy of heavily marking Wang Feng, leaving some space for other yers. Whether they could capitalize on these opportunities remained to be seen.
This feeling made Wang Feng somewhat reminiscent of the past, just like when he faced Liverpool with Genk. Although the national team''s overall strength couldn''tpare to Genk''s, Iran wasn''t as strong as Liverpool.
Running was the most effective way to break through the blockade! So Wang Feng, like in the past, tirelessly ran on the field, leading Iran''s entire defense. At the same time, he actively retreated to participate in defense.
The Iranian defenders marking Wang Feng could only follow him tirelessly, inevitably feeling tired and ck at times, and this was his opportunity.
In the 33rd minute, the Chinese teamunched an attack. Zhao Junzhe dribbled into the left nk area, and Wang Feng suddenly moved from the right to the left to support him. His well-timed run perfectly shook off one of Iran''s central defenders, Kaveh Ansarifard.
Seeing the situation, Zhao Junzhe cleverly passed the ball to Wang Feng''s feet. With his back to Ghmreza Mazraeh, Wang Feng controlled the ball, quickly turned around, and evaded.
After catching up with the ball, Wang Feng took a powerful shot from the top of the penalty area. The ball flew straight towards the upper right corner of the goal. Iran''s goalkeeper Mirzapour dived and touched the ball with his fingertips, but couldn''t prevent it from entering the.
1-0! China took the lead!
The entire Workers Stadium immediately turned into a sea of joy, with red gs fluttering up and down. The atmosphere was no less intense than in major international matches.
After scoring, Wang Feng interacted warmly with the fans in the stands. Hearing them calling his name in a familiar tone, he felt proud in his heart.
At the end of the first half, China still maintained their lead. In the final stages, Iranunched a fierce counterattack, but fortunately, everyone resisted the pressure and didn''t let the opponent score.
In the halftime locker room, head coach Alihan praised everyone''s performance in the first half and hoped they would continue to persist in the second half. "You must focus more on defense, but of course, don''t just passively defend. Wang, it''s up to you to create pressure on the Iranian team in the frontcourt, so they can''t fullymit to the attack."
Wang Feng nodded. This was a job he was very familiar withconsuming the opponent''s energy. A one-goal lead wasn''t secure.
After the break, Iran, already in a disadvantageous situation, intensified their pressure on the Chinese team. But they were also very afraid of Wang Feng''s rapid counterattacks because his speed was well-known.
What they feared came true. In the 67th minute, China intercepted the ball in the backcourt. Sun Jihai sent a long pass to the midfield, and Wang Feng sessfully anticipated the first touch, outrunning Iran''s central defenders Nekounam and Ansarifard who were pressuring him.
Facing the ball, Wang Feng quickly moved forward, almost shaking off Nekounam, who was hanging on him like a shadow. Ansarifard, trying to grab his shirt, was toote.
Wang Feng reached the ball and charged into the frontcourt! At this moment, there was only one defender left in Iran''s defense, Amirabbadi. He turned sideways to defend, trying to slow down Wang Feng''s pace and push him to the right, so that other yers could have time to defend.
If facing a right-footed yer, this defensive strategy would be fine, but Wang Feng could shoot with both feet. So as he sprinted forward, he deftly used his left foot to control the ball, swiftly changed direction, and passed Amirabbadi on the left.
Entering the penalty area, Wang Feng was one-on-one with the goalkeeper! Facing the goalkeeper, Wang Feng calmly pushed the ball with his left foot, changing the score to 2-0!
This goal once again struck a blow to Iran''s confidence. In a decisive knockout match, if the opponent scored consecutively, the pressure would multiply.
The momentum-driven Chinese team seeded in another counterattack in the final moments, with Wang Feng assisting Li Jin in scoring the final goal.
3-0! China defeated Iran and entered the final of the Asian Cup!
Chapter 241: Fierce confrontation
Chapter 241: Fierce confrontation
When the match ended, the audience at the Workers Stadium stood up one after another, giving the Chinese yers the warmest apuse. Led by captain Li Weifeng, the yers bowed to thank the supporters.
"Champions!" It''s unclear who started chanting this slogan, but soon others joined in, and the entire stadium echoed with fervent voices.
Indeed, havinge this far, how could they not aspire to strive for the highest honor?
In the other semi-final match, Japan ultimately defeated Bahrain 4-3 and advanced to the final.
Facing Japan, the strongest team in Asia, it was impossible for the Chinese team to not feel a bit afraid. However, their performance in this tournament hadn''t been dominant. Not to mention the narrow victory over Bahrain, even the quarter-final against Jordan was forced into a penalty shootout. If not for luck, they might have been eliminated from subsequent matches.
"When facing Bahrain, we were able to achieve a big victory, while Japan almost stumbled. From this perspective, there''s no need to fear them." In the post-match locker room, the coach was encouraging the team, "If we can lift the first-ever Asian Cup trophy on home soil, it would be a perfect oue, and all of you will be remembered forever."
Everyone''s faces showed eager expressions, especially some veteran yers who were about to retire from the national team. They had experienced various failures with the team and were very eager to achieve real honor.
"Good evening, everyone. Here we are at the Workers Stadium in the capital. I''m your old friend, Zhang Jun. Today, we will witness a heavyweight matchthe final of the 2004 Asian Cup, featuring China against Japan."
"This match has attracted many fans to the venue. There are also many fans who haven''t been able to get tickets and are reluctant to leave the stadium. Zhang Jun here reminds everyone to pay attention to safety."
"We can see that both teams'' yers have already stepped onto the field under the lead of the main referee. Before the final, China''s performance can be said to be very good. They scored 18 goals in five matches, conceding only 2."
"In addition to good defense, China''s offensive firepower is also very fierce. Part of the reason is attributed to our first FIFA World yerWang Feng. So far, he has contributed a total of 10 goals, ranking first in the top scorers list, and also has 5 assists."
"This data is amazing. It can be said that Wang Feng single-handedly ounted for most of China''s goals."
"On the Japanese side, their performance in this Asian Cup seems not as outstanding. This is mainly because European-based yers such as Hidetoshi Nakata, Shinji Ono, and Naohiro Takahara did not join the team for the tournament."
"So for the Chinese team, this will be a great opportunity. Can they lift the Asian Cup for the first time in history? Let''s wait and see."
After the match started, the Chinese yers seemed a bit nervous, feeling very anxious under the gaze of the numerous fans at the scene.
In the 11th minute, Japan got a chance for a set-piece in the frontcourt. It was a bit unnecessary foul by Zheng Zhi in the backcourt, and Japan''s forward Koji Nakata fell down following the momentum. The whistle of the referee Al-Fahari sounded immediately.
"It shouldn''t have been a foul at that ce. Zheng Zhi might still be a bit nervous. Let''s see Japan''s set-piece. It''s very close to the goal, a bit dangerous."
"Run-up, shot! Goal! Japan takes the lead now, trouble for China!"
Goalkeeper Liu Yunhui scooped the ball out of the goal and kicked it to the midfield. This free kick was too tricky, he couldn''t save it at all, and Zheng Zhi, who caused the free kick, was scratching his head in regret.
Only Wang Feng remained calm. He had seen this kind of situation many times before, so he kept rallying his teammates, hoping they could pull themselves together.
After the restart, the Chinese team immediatelyunched an attack. Zhao Junzhe lofted the ball into the penalty area, but it was intercepted by defender Keisuke Honda, who forcefully headed it away, clearing it to the sideline.
At this moment, following up, Iwamatsu received the ball and delivered it into the penalty area again. The ball was a bit high, flying over the yers in the middle to the back post, where Wang Feng leaped and volleyed, piercing through Japan''s defense!
"Goal!! Beautiful!! Japan just scored, and China immediately responds!!"
"An aerial volley from Wang Feng, let''s take another look. Actually, the pass from Iwamatsu wasn''t very good, but Wang Feng stretched his body to the extreme. He truly deserves to be the best in the football world. His threat in front of the goal is unmatched!"
After the equalizer, both sides continued to press forward and defend. At halftime, the score remained unchanged. After the break, in the 50th minute, Japan won a corner kick.
Shunsuke Nakamura sent the ball to the far post, where both Nakata Hiroshi and Li Weifeng contested for the header. In the confusion, Nakata Hiroshi used his arm to divert the ball into the goal.
Li Weifeng immediately gestured to the referee for handball, and other nearby yers also signaled, but Al-Fahari insisted the goal was valid, and Li Weifeng, protesting fervently, received a yellow card for it.
"From the slow-motion rey, this is definitely a handball! The referee''s decision is too unfavorable for the Chinese team. Let''s hope these young men can adjust their mentality in time."
This goal was a huge blow to the yers on the field. They gradually became restless, and the execution of tactics on both ends of the field became chaotic. Japan seized this opportunity andunched two very beautiful attacks in session. Fortunately, Liu Yunhui made heroic saves to prevent the deficit from widening.
Wang Feng had been closely marked by Japan''s defense, but he continued to tire them out tirelessly. However, it was clear that this level of effort was not enough, and they needed toe up with some ideas quickly!
In the 65th minute, Japan''s attack was once again thwarted by Liu Yunhui. Li Weifeng cleared the ball from the penalty area to the midfield, where Yasuhito Endo saw that there was no immediate threat around him, so he nned to wait for the ball tond before controlling it.
At this moment, a lightning-fast figure rushed towards himit was Wang Feng. Yasuhito Endo was taken aback and hurriedly tried to control the rebounding ball, but he was too nervous to touch the ball, allowing Wang Feng to snatch it away with a toe poke.
Japanese defenders Junichi Inamoto and Tsuneyasu Miyamoto quickly converged on Wang Feng, while the mistake-prone Yasuhito Endo also gave chase. In an instant, Wang Feng found himself surrounded by three yers.
In the critical moment, he decisively took a shot, lifting the ball, which soared into the air as it entered the penalty area, then suddenly plummeted. Goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, who was positioned forward, kept retreating and could only make a desperate leap to block it, but he couldn''t reach the ball in time.
"Goal!! Goal!! Wang Feng has equalized the score for the Chinese team again!"
"The quick counterattack by the Chinese team, Wang Feng is very fast, his pressing and harassing caused the mistake by Japanese defender Yasuhito Endo, sessfully intercepting the ball."
"At this point, he found himself isted and without support from other teammates, while Japan''s defense was very tight, but Wang Feng is Wang Feng, he always finds the loophole."
"He must have noticed that the position of Japan''s goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki was problematic, so he kicked a lob shot. This shot is also very wonderful, perfectly flying over Seigo Narazaki''s head and into the!"
Chapter 242: Top of Asia
Chapter 242: Top of Asia
After scoring, Wang Feng was surrounded by his teammates, each wearing a face of ecstatic joy. They had endured quite a torment during the time they were trailing.
Sun Jihaiughed heartily and said, "I knew you could do it. You are the king of our Chinese team!"
With the match resumed, the morale of the Chinese team soared, gradually stabilizing their defense. However, Wang Feng understood deep down that a draw still put the Chinese team at a disadvantage because they were physically inferior to Japan. The longer the game dragged on, the more they would be at a disadvantage.
Five minutester, Zhao Junzhe''s breakthrough on the wing was thwarted by a Japanese defender, resulting in a corner kick for China. After a brief discussion, they decided to let Shao Jia take it, while Wang Feng stayed in the penalty area waiting for an opportunity.
The ball flew in from the corner g area, causing chaos in the penalty area. Despite being sandwiched between Hiraoka Keisuke and Endo Yasuhito, Wang Feng still managed to control the ball.
However, unable to turn around, Wang Feng had to carry the ball to the outside of the penalty area to look for an opportunity. At that moment, he nced back at the positioning of his teammates and noticed a clear gap behind him amidst the numerous defenders.
His exceptional football intelligence kicked in, and he skillfully nudged the ball with his right foot to the side, sending it rolling swiftly towards the left bottom corner of the goal.
Japan''s goalkeeper Narazaki Seigo, seeing Wang Feng with his back to the goal, never expected him to suddenly shoot with his heel. The ball passed through the crowd directly in front of him, catching him off guard, and rolled straight into the.
3-2! China reversed the score!
From leading to being reversed, the mentality of the Japanese yers also experienced ups and downs, but their self-regtion ability seemed to be better than that of the Chinese yers. They remained stable on the field and gradually gained control of the game.
At this moment, Wang Feng finally felt the gap between Chinese and Japanese football, both in overall strength and yer maturity. Japan was superior to China in every aspect.
When the game reached the 79th minute, Tamada Keisuke seized on a mistake in China''s backcourt, sessfully intercepting the ball. This mistake was purely due to fatigue, as the pass wasn''t urate.
Tamada Keisuke seized the opportunity and equalized the score again after dribbling into the penalty area.
The game was likely to go into extra time! Wang Feng looked at his teammates on the field with a heavy heart. Four of them had already cramped up, and head coach Alihan had used up all the substitutions, leaving no chance for tactical adjustments in extra time or penalties.
The experience of the recent Champions League final''s extra time reyed in Wang Feng''s mind. That intense game surely would drain the yers''st ounce of energy. He feared that many wouldn''t be able to withstand it and would be taken away by Japan in the end.
Absolutely not! He gritted his teeth, ran even harder, from the back to the front, his support was everywhere. Finally, he created another excellent opportunity, but Li Jin missed the chance almost facing an open goal.
Li Jiny on the grass, gasping for air. If it were within the first sixty minutes, he wouldn''t have missed that. But the rapid depletion of his energy made even simple touches difficult.
This missed opportunity elicited sighs from the fans in the stands, but they continued to cheer for the team, hoping the yers could hold on.
Just when everyone thought the game would go into extra time, China got another attacking opportunity. Wang Feng received the ball in the backcourt and dribbled it past the midfield line. Then, along the left nk, he moved towards the opponent''s half.
As he reached the thirty-meter area, Japan''s defense suddenly tightened, surrounded by defenders. The Chinese supporting yers were already too tired to keep up, and they hadn''t even entered the penalty area yet.
There''s no time to wait! Wang Feng suddenly elerated, swerved past Tanaka Makoto blocking in front of him, and as he reached the edge of the penalty area, he quickly stopped the ball with a dribble, then flicked it to the right to evade another defending yer, Miyamoto Tsuneyasu.
As he caught up with the ball again, he immediately shot with his right foot, a high-speed ground shot flying towards the bottom right corner of the goal.
"Chance! Shot! It''s in! Wang Feng breaks through the Japanese defense after bypassing two defenders!"
"He swerved past Tanaka Makoto with an elerating change of direction, stopped the ball with a quick dribble to evade Miyamoto Tsuneyasu, and made a decisive low shot straight into the bottom right corner of the goal!"
"In this game, Wang Feng has scored four consecutive goals, achieving a fantastic performance! "
"There are only five minutes left in injury time. We can finally send the message to our opponents that Japan has little time left!"
After scoring, Wang Feng raised his hands to the sky, epting the thunderous cheers from the Workers Stadium. He was soon surrounded by his ecstatic teammates, who patted his back and rubbed his head. Some older yers even shed tears of joy.
It wasn''t until the referee Al-Fahari urged them multiple times that they gradually dispersed. However, their hearts were firm and resolute, determined to guard thest post!
China''s full-scale defense didn''t allow Japan to create any waves. 4-3! Chinaughedst, reaching the top of Asia! Just a few days ago, Japan had eliminated Bahrain with the same score, but unexpectedly, they fell to the same score in the end.
At the moment the referee blew the whistle, everyone on the bench rushed onto the field, cheering and celebrating with the heroes on the field. The fans in the stands spontaneously began singing the national anthem!
This was the first time the Chinese team lifted the Asian Cup, witnessing history!
On the makeshift award podium, the various awards for this Asian Cup were officially announced. Wang Feng was unsurprisingly named the Best yer of the tournament and also won the Golden Boot with 14 goals, while Bahrain''s Hu Bai''er, who ranked second on the top scorer list, only scored 5 goals.
Japan''s Nakamura Shunsuke received the Fair y Award, which could be considered as somepensation for the runners-up. To be honest, their second goal didn''t deserve this award at all.
After the individual awards came the runner-up award for Japan. The fans at the scene still apuded the Japanese team. As the winning side, they still showed considerable etiquette and magnanimity.
Lastly, it was China''s turn to receive the award. Captain Li Weifeng led everyone onto the stage, where AFC President Hamman handed each yer a silver trophy. When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he warmly embraced him, saying, "Wang, you are the pride of Asia. I hope you will continue to shine for Asia!"
Wang Feng smiled and nodded, then went to the Asian Cup trophy. It was all silver, simr in style to the smaller trophies he held earlier. It had a circr base supporting a bowl-shaped structure with wavy edges. In the center of the "bowl" was a football relief, and below it were the year and edition of the award.
When Captain Li Weifeng lifted the trophy, brilliant fireworks lit up the entire Workers Stadium. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night for Chinese football fans.
Chapter 243: New Years鈥橢ve
Chapter 243: New Years''Eve
On the day after the match, major media outlets at home and abroad reported China''s first-ever victory in the Asian Cup. Due to Wang Feng''s presence, European media paid special attention to this result.
Italian media had the most coverage. Mn Sports Newspaper believed that Wang Feng''s performance throughout the entire Asian Cup was outstanding. His goal tally was more than twice that of the second-ce scorer on the leaderboard.
"The hero of China''s championship is Wang Feng. He has proven that he can not only perform well in clubs but also contribute to the national team. This is a quality that a great yer must possess."
Rome Sports Newspaper, on the other hand, believed that a month ago, Greece''s Cindere story culminated in winning the European Cup, which meant that European stars had failed to make a significant contribution to the tournament.
"Wang, on the other hand, made an indelible contribution at the Asian Cup. Although the difficulty of the two tournaments ispletely different, it is still worth referencing. Coupled with Inter Mn''s sextuple-winning performance, he is very likely to retain both awards at the end of the year."
Turin Sports Newspaper wrote, "Wang''s performance remains stable as ever, indicating that he will also show dominance in the new season. How will other Serie A teams stop Inter Mn?"
"Will he really establish a legendary dynasty in Serie A? No, that is not allowed!"
During the Asian Cup, while European football was in a whirlwind of transfers, Wang Feng, even though in China, kept a close eye on the situation.
The most explosive news concerned Chelsea and AC Mn. Although Mourinho failed to lead Porto to the Champions League title, his excellent coaching experience caught the attention of Abramovich, who hired him at Chelsea for a hefty sum.
With ample funds, Chelsea did not stop their expansion. Mourinho''s most desired target was Wang Feng, who defeated Porto. However, Inter Mn was not willing to sell. Coupled with Abramovich''s interest in Shevchenko, they turned to AC Mn.
The Rossoneri had no intention of selling their star yer at this time, but Shevchenko himself was somewhat disheartened by Wang Feng and Inter Mn''s performance. Wanting to leave Serie A,bined with the club''s poor performance in recent years, after lengthy negotiations, they finally reached a deal. Shevchenko joined Chelsea for ?50 million!
Meanwhile, Chelsea also spent ?18 million to buy Robben from Ajax. With Drogba, Lampard, Terry, and Cech still in their lineup, they were a star-studded team.
This "ruthless" capital operation caused a stir in the Premier League. Last season, they relied on their strong lineup to eliminate Arsenal in the Champions League, and many media believed they would be the third party to end the dominance of Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League.
After losing Shevchenko, AC Mn loaned back Crespo from Chelsea. The former Serie A top scorer seemed somewhat out of ce in the Premier League, and AC Mn wanted him back to strengthen their lineup.
At the same time, they also brought in Stam, Dhorasoo, Brolin, and Colini. These signings were not very notable, causing dissatisfaction among the Rossoneri''s fans, who even believed the club had already lost the championship before the season began.
Only the team manager Quandt and the club''s top management understood that it was almost impossible for Inter Mn to dominate this season, and no one wanted to see this happen.
Juventus made big moves in this summer transfer window. They first hired Capello, the coach long coveted by both Italy and Juventus. Along with him came Roma star Emerson.
Then they bought Ibrahimovic from Ajax. The abilities of this Swedish forward were evident, and his conflicts with van der Vaart were almost public. Therefore, he had to leave Ajax.
Ibrahimovic initially didn''t want to join Serie A because of his defeats against Wang Feng, which left asting impression on him. He hadn''t encountered such powerlessness when facing other teams. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the power to veto the transfer, Juventus offered a high price, Ajax was willing to sell, so he had to move.
At the same time, the Bianconeri also brought in Zebina, Chiellini, si, Brighi, Kapo, and Volpatte, which could be described as recruiting talents, showing a grand posture.
Inter Mn, on the other hand, tried to retain their championship lineup as much as possible. However, Vieri still left. He transferred to Atletico Madrid for ?10 million, and the main center-back Dalma also left for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
There was also Caron, familiar to Wang Feng, who promised to give him a starting position at Monaco in Ligue 1, so he decided to leave. Although he was only a substitute at the club level, it was a good friend for Wang Feng.
The two of them had a special conversation for a long time, and Wang Feng expressed his approval of his decision, while the Sierra Leonean thanked him: "You are the best team leader I have ever seen, Wang. I hope everything goes well for you and Inter Mn in the future."
With departures, there were also arrivals. Moratti seemed to be obsessed with building the defense line, believing that as long as Inter Mn''s defense was stable, Wang Feng would surely lead the team to victory after victory.
He first brought in Maxi from Ajax, which was something that Balmond had promised years ago, sessfully introducing the Brazilian to the Inter Mn president.
In addition, a group of central defenders including Favalli, Potenza, Lombardi, Budisso, and Mihajlovic were also brought to Inter by Moratti.
In La Liga, Real Madrid experienced dual losses in the Champions League and the leaguest season, with further divisions in the locker room. After failing to purchase Wang Feng again, President Florentino had to temporarily give up the strategy of acquiring superstars, instead bringing in Samuel and Woodgate to strengthen the defense.
Originally, they were interested in Michael Owen, but since he didn''t win the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year, and his position didn''t match the superstar n, plus the forward line of Real Madrid was already bloated, there was no follow-up.
Barcelona''s situation was gradually improving. Their reconstruction efforts were very effective, led by Ronaldinho. Although they didn''t win La Liga or the UEFA Cup, thepetitiveness of the entire team was already evident.
Like Real Madrid, the pursuit of Wang Feng was an annual routine for Barcelona. After receiving the expected negative answer, they immediately proposed alternative ns, namely Eto''o, Deco, and Kluivert.
In the Premier League, to cope with the threat from Chelsea, traditional powerhouses made strenuous efforts to reinforce themselves. Liverpool brought in stars like Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, etc.
Manchester United brought back Rooney, who made a name for himself at the European Cup, as well as Heinze, n Smith, and others.
For the 19-year-old Rooney''s joining, Cristiano Ronaldo felt both nervous and excited. Last season, he only scored six goals in 29 league appearances, 5 goals in the Champions League, and 5 goals in the FA Cup. This dissatisfaction, coupled with the arrival of Rooney, would undoubtedly elevate Manchester United''s attacking power, giving him more opportunities to score.
But would Rooney take away his already limited ball rights? And since Rooney was a local yer from Ennd, would he receive some special treatment within the team? These were the main concerns for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chapter 244: Early season
Chapter 244: Early season
Inter Mn''s new lineup needed some time to gel, so they gathered at the end of July and yed friendly matches against several Serie B teams, but the results were not entirely satisfactory.
Their defense remained solid, and with added depth to the squad, coach Mancini could rotate the team better. However, the partnership between Ribery and Adriano upfrontcked chemistry, and without Wang Feng, there seemed to be a significantck of attacking threat.
Fortunately, Wang Feng returned to the team in mid-August just in time. With aplete squad, Inter Mn trained for a few days before facing Juventus in the Italian Super Cup, held in Mn.
As Inter Mn had won both the league and the Italian Cupst year, their opponents were the runners-up of the previous Italian Cup, Juventus.
Before the match, Wang Feng greeted Ibrahimovic, who was making his Serie A debut, in the yer tunnel. Ibrahimovic put aside any previous awkwardness and conversed with Wang Feng, acknowledging Wang''s status as a veteran in football despite his young age.
However, the friendly atmosphere disappeared as soon as the match started. Juventus was determined to avenge their defeat from the previous season, leading to a heated atmosphere on the pitch. Additionally, the referee, Desantis, appeared to favor Juventus, disallowing two goals by Wang Feng for offside and turning a blind eye to some rough challenges.
In the 67th minute of the second half, when Wang Feng was fouled again by Kdze and Desantis remained indifferent, Inter Mn yers finally reached their limit. They engaged in a fierce confrontation with Juventus yers, with yers like Zti and Civu showing great anger.
Ultimately, Civu was sent off with a red card, and Kdze received a yellow card. Wang Feng''s strong physique was evident, as even malicious fouls couldn''t force him off the field.
However, despite their efforts, Inter Mn, ying with ten men, couldn''t hold on to their lead and lost the match 1-2, failing to win the Italian Super Cup for the third consecutive time.
A weekter, in the UEFA Super Cup, the match was fairer. Their opponents were Valencia from La Liga. With Wang Feng scoring two goals and Adriano adding a header, Inter Mn defeated Valencia 3-1, securing their third consecutive UEFA Super Cup.
This victory made Inter Mn''s history in the UEFA Super Cup. While AC Mn had achieved back-to-back victories in 1989 and 1990, they were the first team to win three consecutive titles.
The news spread in Italy, with the media acknowledging that this was Inter Mn''s true level, while Juventus'' Italian Super Cup victory was seen as somewhat deceptive. However, the Italian Football Federation adopted an indifferent attitude, as the match was already over.
The UEFA Champions League draw and UEFA Awards Ceremony were held before the start of the new season. Wang Feng defeated Deco from Portugal to win the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year once again, bing the first yer to win the award in consecutive years since its establishment in 1998.
Inter Mn''s opponents in the Champions League group stage were Werder Bremen from the Bundesliga, Valencia from La Liga, and Genk from the Belgian Pro League, making it a favorable draw, ensuring their passage to the knockout stage.
AC Mn would face the rising Barcelona and Shakhtar Dsk, while Juventus would have to deal with Bayern Munich and Ajax. Roma was grouped with Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Dynamo Kyiv.
The league''s first round began on September 11, with Inter Mn hosting Lazio. Despite Wang Feng scoring two goals against the strong Lazio side, and with the referees seemingly biased, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
This was the first time since joining Inter Mn four years ago that Wang Feng failed to win the opening match of the league season. What was even more uneptable was that he was injured and had to leave the field in the 77th minute of the second half.
This incident ignited the anger of Inter Mn fans, who organized protests, and some extreme fans engaged in irrational behavior. The Italian Football Federation had to step in and punish the referees to appease the anger.
In the second round, away against newly promoted Palermo, Wang Feng was not in the starting lineup. The score remained 0-0 until the 70th minute of the second half when coach Mancini unexpectedly substituted Wang Feng onto the field.
"We saw Wang getting ready toe on, which is simply unthinkable. Fans who watched thest round''s match could clearly see how serious the foul on Wang by Lazio''s defender Siviglia was. Many spected that Wang would be sidelined for at least three to four rounds, but he''s already on the field."
His entrance had an immediate impact. In the 73rd minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Ribery in the center, swiftly evaded Balzaretti''s block, creating space between him and the goal, and then unleashed a powerful shot.
"Goooooooal! The ball is in! Wang Feng''s world-ss goal!"
"This powerful shot seems to tell the whole world that he''s absolutely fine! Since his debut, Wang Feng has been almost immune to injuries. Could he be a favorite of the gods, born to dominate football?"
With this goal, Inter Mn defeated their opponents 1-0, securing their first league victory.
The road to defending their title remained incredibly challenging for Inter Mn. Despite no obvious refereeing mistakes due to public pressure, opponents still employed fouls to disrupt Wang Feng''s attacks, with referees being lenient and rarely showing cards.
Despite these difficulties, in the first 15 rounds of the league before December, Inter Mn achieved 10 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, umting 33 points. Wang Feng contributed 20 goals and 7 assists, leading the league''s top scorer chart.
However, Juventus, who made significant reinforcements in the summer, also performed strongly, leading the league with 11 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, and 36 points. Under coach Capello''s guidance, Ibrahimovic was in excellent form, scoring 7 goals, leading among the neers in Serie A.
AC Mn''s overall strength might have declined after losing Shevchenko, but Kaka''s performance this season was outstanding. They ranked third in the table with 9 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses, and 31 points.
The "Big Three of the North"pletely dominated Serie A this season. Udinese, in fourth ce, only managed 6 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses, and 24 points, showing a significant gap from the leading group.
Unlike their rocky league performance, Inter Mn''s journey in the Champions League was smooth. They defeated Genk twice, won one and drew one against Valencia, andfortably beat Werder Bremen at home. Since they had already qualified from the group stage early, they fielded apletely different lineup in the final round and lost to the German powerhouse.
With 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 13 points, they topped their group. Wang Feng contributed 9 goals and 3 assists in the Champions League matches, still leading the top scorer chart. Their opponent in the round of 16 would be familiar foes, Porto from the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
As for other Italian teams in the Champions League, AC Mn and Juventus also progressed to the knockout stage, with AC Mn facing Manchester United and Juventus facing Real Madrid.
Roma finished bottom of their group and was eliminated. Their performance in the league also couldn''t match the heroic efforts of the previous season, as they dropped to 9th ce in the standings.
Chapter 245: Consecutive footballer of the year
Chapter 245: Consecutive footballer of the year
On November 30, 2004, as usual, Wang Feng arrived at the Pina training ground. In yesterday''s Serie A match, Inter Mn faced Juventus at home in the 15th round. He contributed with an assist and a goal, but the team ended up drawing 2-2 with the opponent, failing to climb to the top of the standings.
The recent struggles of the team in the league left him frustrated and helpless. The club''s top management constantly reassured him, hoping he could understand some of the "peculiarities" of Serie A, saying, "This is a society of favors, and Inter Mn''s dominance has offended many people."
However, Wang Feng believed that football should be pure, with strength being strength and weakness being weakness. If bnce had to be sought in everything, what difference would it have from match-fixing? He had grown tired of this seemingly oppressive atmosphere and even entertained thoughts of leaving.
At this moment, the club''s technical director, Horacio Bomb, came to the training room and gently said, "Wang, the chairman asked me to take you to the boardroom. He and Mr. Puffinastiel are waiting for you there. Congrattions!"
Wang Feng was taken aback, only then realizing that Puffinastiel was the editor-in-chief of "France Football," meaning he had won the Ballon d''Or again?
As early as September, many media outlets believed that the Ballon d''Or belonged to Wang Feng, but some thought it might go to Deco because he helped Porto reach the UEFA Champions League final and had an impressive performance in the European Championship, helping Portugal finish as runners-up.
Moreover, Deco transferred to Barcelona this summer, and his new club spared no effort in promoting him, almost catching up with the calls for Wang Feng to win the award.
Fortunately, the jurors were not fools. Two-time Asian yer of the Year couldn''t bepared to the six-time winner. Furthermore, Wang Feng also had the Asian Cup title and the Golden Boot of the tournament. In the end, they chose to let Wang Feng retain his title.
As Wang Feng entered the boardroom, Puffinastiel greeted him with a smile and gave him a big hug. He knew very well that a yer who could retain the Ballon d''Or would undoubtedly be a big figure in the football world.
The apanying photographers and staff were all familiar faces to Wang Feng, no different fromst year''s setup. Moratti said on the side, "Then let''s begin. The administrative building, training ground, and dormitories are all open to you. Bomb will apany everyone, but I believe you are all familiar with this ce."
Puffinastiel winked and said with a smile, "Yes, we are quite familiar. Perhaps we''ll being here more often in the future."
Hearing this, both Wang Feng and Moratti were pleased because each time Puffinastiel visited meant another Ballon d''Or for Inter Mn and Wang Feng. Wang Feng''s frustration was temporarily set aside.
Theypleted the shooting and interviews in the training ground and conference room. The news of France Football''s visit to Mn was disclosed by the Italian media, spreading worldwide in no time.
Domestic and Inter Mn fans naturally rejoiced, while Barcelona fans were slightly disappointed. However, upon closer inspection, they could ept it. They were even more eager to sign Wang Feng.
In Barcelona''s training base, Deco seemed somewhat despondent. Although he knew he probably couldn''t beat Wang Feng, he still had some small expectations because this would be his closest chance to the Ballon d''Or!
After seeing Deco''s silence, Ronaldinho, utilizing his enthusiastic personality, approached him. Being both of Brazilian descent, they wererades.
He walked up to Deco with a hearty smile, "Lus, losing to Wang Feng is nothing to be ashamed of. And you''re just behind him, the European second!"
"We should celebrate properly. I''ll cover the expenses at the nightclub tonight, everyone is wee. Lus, I''ll introduce you to a few Spanish girls, they can definitely help you forget your troubles."
On December 12, at the Yokohama International Stadium, thest edition of the Toyota Cup was held. UEFA Champions Inter Mn faced South American champions Caldas.
After lengthy discussions between FIFA and sponsors, this event would be transformed into the Club World Cup next year, with six champions from six continents participating, far surpassing the current Toyota Cup in scale.
The champion of thest edition of the Toyota Cup would permanently retain the original trophy, which was of greatmemorative significance. Therefore, neither team was willing to give in, leading to a heated offensive from both sides from the start.
In the end, Wang Feng scored a hat-trick and assisted Adriano to score a goal, defeating the opponent 4-2. He also won the tournament''s best yer, ensuring that he received a Toyota car, just like the winners of each edition of the tournament.
On December 21, at the Zurich Opera House in Switzend, the FIFA Annual Awards Ceremony was held, and Wang Feng attended this grand event with Lu Yao.
Their appearance still amazed the world. Armani tailored a light yellow long dress for Lu Yao, noble and elegant, stunningly beautiful, not inferior to any top female stars.
Since bing famous on the red carpetst year, many talent agencies and production teams had invited Lu Yao. If she entered the entertainment industry, she would definitely have a bright future.
But she herself wasn''t interested. "The entertainment industry is tooplicated!" Lu Yao said so. It was predictable that after this year, there would be crowds of talent scoutsing to her door again.
After the long prelude and performances, the awards ceremony finally officially began. This year''s theme was "thebination of football and opera," so FIFA specially invited Ian Wright and the daughter of Scottish former superstar Dalglish to host.
The first award announced was the Fair y Award, which went to the president of the Brazilian Football Association because they held a friendly match in Haiti in August, bringing the charm of football to the people in the war-torn Haiti.
Two new awards were established this year, namely the "Indoor Football yer of the Year" and the "E-Sports Championship." FIFA was also keeping up with the times. The former was awarded to Brazil''s Falcao, and thetter to Tiago, also from Brazil.
The Chairman''s Special Award was given to the Haitian Football Association, and the World''s Best Team Award went to Brazil. It is worth mentioning that the Most Improved Award went to China, who as Asian champions, had risen 33 ces in the FIFA rankings.
When it was announced that the FIFA Women''s World yer was Prinz, the atmosphere in the venue became somewhat tense. Everyone was paying close attention to the final award. The three candidates, Wang Feng, Ronaldinho, and Henry, looked serious, focusing on the stage.
Ronaldinho''s performancest season was not outstanding. They finished as league runners-up, got knocked out in the fourth round of the League Cup by Celtic, and he even refused to participate in the 2004 Copa America citing it as "unimportant."
In theory, he didn''t qualify to be one of the final three candidates. However, FIFA''s selection was never just about achievements. Ronaldinho was the leader of Brazilian football after Rivaldo and Ronaldo, and his outstanding abilities were beginning to show. Therefore, FIFA elevated him to the top three.
Even though it was a stretch to put Ronaldinho in the top three, the grand prize naturally wouldn''t go to him. tter announced the final answer: the 2004 FIFA World yer - Wang Feng!
Chapter 246: Dark season
Chapter 246: Dark season
Upon hearing his name, Wang Feng took a deep breath, hugged Ronaldinho and Henry beside him, then walked slowly towards FIFA President tter, and received the trophy from his hands.
This golden trophy, resembling a semi-arched rectangr prism, was quite heavy. Whether it was made of pure gold or not, theoretically, the Ballon d''Or trophy should be pure gold. The trophy for the World Footballer of the Year couldn''t be much different, right?
Wang Feng shook his head slightly, casting aside these distracting thoughts. He then calmly delivered his thank-you speech, much steadier in emotionpared tost year. In his speech, he thanked his teammates, club, and family, and dered confidently that he would continue striving for more awards.
"I hope my trophy room will be filled with these trophies." The audience below chuckled knowingly, apuding and encouraging this young superstar.
Wang Feng wins the FIFA World Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time! This news quickly spread worldwide through the media, and no one was surprised. This year, almost no one could shake his position.
In terms of the number of votes, he overwhelmingly defeated Ronaldihno and Henry. Even coaches and captains from traditional football powerhouses in Europe and South America gave their first-ce votes to Wang Feng.
FIFA praised Wang Feng as the "leader of the new era of superstars" and stated, "Wang Feng is only 21 years old, with a long professional career ahead of him. We believe he will bring us many more brilliant performances and add many legends to the world football."
Media outlets, news agencies, and online tforms all reported and spread the news. Fans in the country celebrated as if it were New Year''s Day. Moderators on forums and discussion boards had already madeprehensive preparations, but they still underestimated the power ofizens. Websites once again "sacrificed" and had to work overtime to maintain them.
Winning the double title greatly boosted Wang Feng and Inter Mn''s morale. Even facing biased refereeing in the league, they continued to fiercelypete for victory in every match, firmly chasing Juventus, who held the top spot.
This situation greatly drained the yers'' spirits. In the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup, Inter Mn was eliminated by Lazio with a total score of 3:4.
In the round of 16 of the Champions League, they eliminated Porto with a score of 4:1, but in the quarter-finals against AC Mn, they tied 3:3, only barely advancing thanks to away goals.
The league also reached a crucial round, with Inter Mn facing Juventus away in the 30th round. Currently, Juventus had 21 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses, with 69 points leading the table, while Inter Mn had 20 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses, with 67 points in second ce. In other words, if Inter Mn won now, they would top the table!
In the drizzling rain of Turin, the game officially began! From the start, Juventusunched a fierce attack. In the 17th minute, Ibrahimovic received a cross from Nedved on the wing and headed the ball into the, opening the scoring for the Bianconeri.
Towards the end of the first half, Inter Mnunched a counterattack. Civu intercepted the ball in the backfield and sent a long diagonal pass, the ball flew in a beautiful arc, finding Wang Feng who had run up the left nk.
Wang Feng controlled the ball at his feet. Facing Tumore in front of him, he lifted his left foot as if to pass the ball to the bottom, but quickly flicked the ball inward with his right foot. His feint was too convincing, sessfully deceiving Tumore.
Cannavaro, behind Tumore, hurriedly chased to defend, but Wang Feng had already elerated. He took two stepsterally, slightly pulling away from the defense before shooting directly.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Wang Feng equalizes the score!"
"A powerful shot from outside the penalty area, the ball suddenly rose halfway, hanging directly into the upper right corner of the goal, the goalkeeper had no chance to save it!"
"This crucial title showdown, both sides are back on level terms!"
At the start of the second half, in the 55th minute, Inter Mn got a good chance. While Juventus pressed aggressively, Zti stole the ball from Pirlo and immediately passed it to Wang Feng in midfield.
He dribbled the ball at high speed, with only Tumore, who kept retreating to defend, in front of him. When he reached the top of the penalty area, Tumore finally felt he couldn''t let him go any further and moved in to intercept.
Wang Feng stepped on the ball with his right foot, swiftly rotated his body, and flicked the ball under his foot, sessfully getting past Tumore with a Marseille turn. At this moment, Buffon, who came out to close him down, was approaching, trying to block.
In the critical moment, he poked the ball to the right with his right foot, dodging Buffon, and caught up with the ball near the goal line, then scored into the empty from a narrow angle.
2:1! Inter Mn reversed the score! As time passed, the score on the field remained unchanged. Juventus'' frantic attacks left their defense vulnerable, and Wang Feng nearly expanded the lead several times.
This made the yers of the Bianconeri somewhat anxious, and their movements gradually became more aggressive. Apart from Wang Feng, other yers also suffered injuries.
In the 64th minute, Ribery was tackled on the shin by Zebina while dribbling. The Frenchman immediately fell to the ground in pain, and the yers from both sides almost erupted into a conflict. The referee managed to control the situation in time to prevent a major incident.
Ribery''s injury was quite severe, and Mancini had to substitute him. But what was extremely confusing happened next: the main referee came to Wang Feng and showed him a red card! This was absolutely unreasonable and inexplicable because Wang Feng had been checking on Ribery''s injury and hadn''t been involved in the altercation. Even the TVmentators were eximing, "This red card is simply absurd, what''s wrong with De Santis?"
After several protests, the main referee De Santis still maintained the decision to expel Wang Feng from the field. Inter Mn, suffering from a double blow, faltered and conceded two goals in the following time, losing 2:3 to Juventus.
After the match, an angry Mancini directly criticized: "Zebina, whomitted a malicious foul, wasn''t sent off with a red card, but Wang Feng, who did nothing wrong, was expelled. This is absolutely uneptable!"
A group of reporters surrounded De Santis, who exined that he hadn''t seen clearly at the time and thought Wang Feng was also involved in the conflict. But with such an obvious Asian face, mistaking him is simply unbelievable!
The next day, major media outlets all reported that the main referee had ruined the match of the century. The Italian Football Federation also imposed thergest penalty ever, banning De Santis from officiating in all remaining matches of the season.
But these punishments were futile. Inter Mn still lost to Juventus, increasing the point gap to 5. Ribery would be sidelined for at least a month, and Wang Feng received a red card and would be suspended for the next match, pushing them further away from the championship.
Misfortunes nevere singly. In the Champions League semi-finals against Chelsea, facing a strong lineup of the Blues under Mourinho''s coaching, Inter Mn was eliminated with a score of 1:2 over two legs, missing the final!
Unwilling to ept failure, Wang Feng then led Inter Mn in the league to make aeback, even achieving a seven-game winning streak. However, after 38 rounds, the point gap between Inter Mn and Juventus remained at 3 points, and the Nerazzurri had to settle for second ce without winning the championship.
If it weren''t for that uneptable defeat in the 30th round, Inter Mn would surely have been able to reverse the situation and win the league title again, but now everything had be a pipe dream.
Chapter 247: I鈥檓 leaving now !
Chapter 247: I''m leaving now !
Wang Feng contributed 43 goals and 14 assists in the league, 17 goals and 7 assists in the Champions League, once again bing the Serie A Golden Boot winner, European Golden Boot winner, and Champions League top scorer. However, Inter Mn only won two trophies, the UEFA Super Cup and the Toyota Cup.
Behind Inter Mn on the standings are AC Mn and Udinese, while the relegated teams are Atnta, Brescia, and Bologna. The teams promoted from Serie B to Serie A are Ascoli, Treviso, and Empoli.
As for the Champions League, Liverpool advanced to the final after eliminating PSV Eindhoven in the semi-finals. They faced Chelsea in an English derby on the European stage. With Shevchenko''s excellent performance, Chelsea defeated Liverpool 1-0, and Mourinho finally lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy after a year!
Chelsea won their first-ever Champions League trophy in the club''s history, achieving unparalleled sess, which made their owner Abramovich proud and drew the attention of many wealthy investors to other clubs, signaling the emergence of money-driven football.
Liverpool missed out on the eternal Champions League trophy. Despite winning it four times in history, they fell short in theirst attempt to permanently retain the cup, unfortunately missing out by a small margin.
In addition to Europeanpetitions, Wang Feng also participated in some World Cup qualifiers during the 2004-2005 season.
On September 4, 2004, in the fourth round of the group stage, China faced Mysia away. Confidence was high among the Chinese team due to their significant victory in the first leg, so Wang Feng was not called up. Despite numerous attempts, China only managed a difficult 1-0 victory thanks to Li Jinyu''ste goal, narrowly avoiding a mishap.
On October 9, in the fifth round of the group stage, China faced Kuwait away. They faced the prospect of advancing with a draw, causing anxiety among domestic fans as if under a spell. However, Wang Feng''s presence changed everything, as he scored a hat-trick to help the team secure a 4-1 victory and advance to the quarter-finals!
On November 17, in the final round of the group stage against Hong Kong, the Chinese national team yed without pressure and won 3-0 even without Wang Feng.
In December, when Wang Feng was named Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time, the groups for the quarter-finals were also determined. China was ced in Group A, with South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan as their opponents.
Since the top two teams in the group would directly qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Wang Feng responded to every call-up, hoping to secure qualification as soon as possible.
On February 9, 2005, in the first round of the quarter-finals, China hosted South Korea. Both sides fielded almost all their overseas-based yers, and with Wang Feng leading the attack, China''s defense held up well. Eventually, with his three goals and one assist, China defeated South Korea 4-2.
On March 26, in the second round of the quarter-finals, China faced Saudi Arabia away. Despite facing strong West Asian defense, Wang Feng still managed to score twice, securing a 2-1 victory.
On March 31, in the third round of the quarter-finals, China hosted Uzbekistan. Wang Feng''s two goals and one assist helped the team win 3-0.
On June 4, in the fourth round of the quarter-finals, China faced Uzbekistan away. With Wang Feng providing three consecutive assists, the team won 3-1.
On June 11, in the fifth round of the quarter-finals, China hosted Saudi Arabia. Facing the challenge of needing a draw to advance, Wang Feng defied the odds with a hat-trick, leading the team to a 3-2 victory and securing qualification for the World Cup with five consecutive wins, one round ahead of schedule!
On August 17, in the final round of the group stage, China faced South Korea away. With the focus on training, Wang Feng did not y in this match, but his teammates held firm with a defensive attitude, drawing 0-0 with South Korea.
After all matches were concluded, the teams directly qualified for the World Cup were China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iran, while South Korea and Bahrain needed to participate in the yoffs against the fourth-ced team from the CONCACAF region.
Failure to directly qualify for the World Cup caused a stir in South Korea. The national team coach, in an interview, exined that China''s Wang Feng was simply too formidable, scoring 10 goals in 6 group stage matches, surpassing all opponents.
However, this exnation failed to quell the anger of the fans, and the coach himself was dismissed. Nheless, facing Bahrain, Trinidad and Tobago in the yoffs, South Korea''s chances of advancing were still quite high.
Back in May, after the final match against Reggina, Wang Feng learned that he had missed out on the league title. He went to a secluded ce, called his agent Balmond, and said, "I want to leave Serie A, and I want to leave now! Help me contact other clubs."
After saying this, he hung up the phone and silently returned to the corner of the locker room, as if all his strength had been drained. He could ept failure, but not this kind of failure!
Teammates and staff approached to console him, but Wang Feng forced a smile and said it was okay. Ribery sat angrily aside, saying, "Boss, this is too unfair. Just because of one mistake in the Juventus match!"
"We were just one win away!" Zti approached, patting Ribery on the shoulder and saying softly, "Let it go."
"Wang Feng seeks transfer out of Serie A!" The Serie A season had just ended, and the British Sky Sports newspaper was the first to reveal this sensational news.
The article pointed out that Wang Feng was disappointed with the current situation in Serie A, and his agent Balmond was actively contacting other top league giants, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and others.
This news sent shockwaves throughout European football. Everyone knew how strong Wang Feng was; he had scored 40+ goals in Serie A for three consecutive seasons and was not yet twenty-two years old.
Moreover, Wang Feng was a robust yer immune to major injuries, with only a few absences due to injury in his six-year professional football career. If a club acquired Wang Feng, they would not only win in the present but also secure their future, as he had at least a decade of his prime left!
Italian media only learned of this newster, and they mobilized to interview Wang Feng and other Inter Mn yers, hoping to uncover deeper insights. However, since the league was over and the team was on vacation, all yers declined interviews.
At the club''s final press conference, coach Mancini was interviewed. He refused to discuss Wang Feng''s transfer saga and instead said, "Inter Mn showed strong performances this season. Unfortunately, we faced some off-field issues, which had a significant impact on the team and irreparably damaged the reputation of Serie A."
A sharp journalist asked, "Are you implying that Inter Mn suffered unfair treatment in the league this season?"
"I won''t say such things without evidence. Let the audience judge whether it was fair."
Italian media focused on why Wang Feng wanted to leave rather than where he would go, causing a storm of controversy. Inter Mn fans protested the oue of the season, demanding a rematch or additional yoffs. Juventus fans, who had finally won the championship, were also dissatisfied and joined the protests.
Chapter 248: News from all parties
Chapter 248: News from all parties
In the office of the President of the Italian Football Association, Carlo is pacing anxiously. He didn''t expect things to escte to this extent, underestimating the influence Wang Feng brought.
"What should we do?" Vice President Marchini asked. "I didn''t expect Inter Mn and Wang Feng to have such a big impact in Italy. If we had known, we wouldn''t have intervened so obviously."
Carlo red at Marchini, "Stop talking nonsense. Think about what to do next. And what about Desantis? Who let him send off Wang Feng? That wasn''t our intention at all."
Marchini shook his head with a bitter smile, "Regardless of who it was, if Wang Feng hadn''t been sent off, Juventus couldn''t have won that match. They wouldn''t have won the league title, and our attempt to stop Inter Mn''s consecutive titles would have failed."
"But this method is too crude!" Carlo said. "We''repletely at a disadvantage!"
Suddenly, Marchini had an idea and brightened up, saying, "We can shift the focus a bit. Genoa, who won Serie B, has some issues. We canunch a high-profile investigation and divert attention to them."
"At the same time, let the newspapers lead with news about Wang Feng''s transfer, rather than focusing on the match issues."
Carlo slumped back into his chair, saying, "Let''s do that. We''ll see how public opinion develops and decide on our public rtions strategy."
When Wang Feng requested Balmond to handle his transfer, he had already formally submitted a transfer request to the club. Moratti was shocked and immediately sought him out to understand the situation.
After a long discussion, Wang Feng''s intention to leave was firm, but Moratti still tried hard to persuade him, "Wang, I know Inter Mn faced unfair treatment this season, but I promise this situation won''tst long. I will fully utilize the club''s influence."
Although they didn''tpletely agree, Moratti ultimately adopted an open attitude toward Wang Feng''s transfer. As long as someone could meet his expectations, Wang Feng could leave.
After discussing with Inter Mn''s president Moratti, Wang Feng boarded a ne back to his national team duty. His agent Balmond also joined him to report on the situation, "Based on current contact information, the top clubs interested in you are mainly Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, and Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League."
"But meeting Inter Mn''s demands won''t be easy. We don''t know Moratti''s expectations, and your contract runs until 2008 with a release use of 200 million euros, which no club would pay."
"The most sincere offers are from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United. They have officially submitted bids, all around 80 million euros."
"What is Moratti''s attitude?" Wang Feng asked. "Inter Mn hasn''t given a clear response yet. It seems they''re still waiting for further negotiations."
Wang Feng furrowed his brow, "Moratti isn''t moved by these offers? Inter Mn only paid 20 million euros for me when they bought me."
Bamonte sighed, "You''ve performed too well, and you''re still young. If I were Moratti, I wouldn''t want you to leave either. me it on the damn Serie A environment."
Wang Feng sighed helplessly, "Just try harder. Do your best to convince Moratti. With this situation, are these the only three clubs I can choose?"
"Probably. Other clubs have lower offers. Bayern Munich, for example, can only offer 60 million euros, which is unlikely to persuade Moratti to ept."
"Then let''s consider these three clubs first. I remember Barcelona has Ronaldinho and Eto''o upfront, and Manchester United has Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, right? They''re not old, and they''re also key stars the team focuses on developing."
Bamonte nodded, "You''re right. If you choose these two teams, you have to face this issue: who is the real core of the team?"
Although football is a team sport, each team usually has one core yer in attack, with resources directed towards them, such as who takes penalties and thepetition for off-field honors.
For example, Barcelona now is built around Ronaldinho as the core. Eto''o''s addition is justplementary, and even Deco has been moved from an attacking role to a defensive one. If the club were to nominate a yer for the Ballon d''Or, it would only be Ronaldinho.
"What about Real Madrid? What''s their situation?" Wang Feng rubbed his temples. "Real Madrid''s situation is moreplicated. They have too many superstars in the midfield and forward positions, making the squad bloated."
"But the only advantage might be that the superstars are getting older, with no new generation emerging. If you go there, they will definitely focus on grooming you as the heir."
"But I''m worried about theplex dressing room causing many off-field disturbances. And they are exceptionally eager for results now. If they invest heavily in you and don''t see results, the pressure will multiply."
Wang Feng nodded, suddenly asking, "What about Chelsea? Didn''t you say they were also interested? They should have ample funds."
"Yes, I''ve also contacted the top brass at Chelsea. Their coach Mourinho seems very interested in you. It seems your performance in the final between Inter Mn and Porto left a deep impression on him."
"But Mourinho seems to have some differences with the club chairman Abramovich. Abramovich prefers Shevchenko, especially after Sheva helped Chelsea win the Champions League this year. So he is the team''s primary focus."
"Abramovich isn''t optimistic about this transfer and hasn''t made a formal offer. I''ll continue to follow up, but the hope isn''t great."
While Wang Feng was representing the national team in the World Cup qualifiers, there was new information about his transfer. ording to Marca and Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid president Florentino and Barcelona president Laporta both assigned individuals to Mn to discuss matters rted to bringing in Wang Feng.
At the same time, Barcelona coach Rijkaard specifically called Wang Feng to express his fondness, "I''ve watched many videos of your matches. Although we haven''t faced each other formally, I know that Barcelona is not a match for Inter Mn because of you."
"So I''m extremely eager to work with you in the new season. Together, we will create legends for Barcelona, no less than the Inter Mn dynasty!"
At the same time, he hinted that although Ronaldinho is currently the core of Barcelona, Wang Feng canpete for that position through his own abilities. He believed Wang Feng could seed.
Wang Feng thanked Rijkaard for his invitation, "I''m honored to have your trust. But at the moment, the initiative for the transfer is not in my hands."
Chapter 249: I only keep you for one year
Chapter 249: I only keep you for one year
Barcelona Club''s third-floor conference room, President Laporta is discussing with the club''s top management about Wang Feng''s transfer. "ording to the information Jeffrey ryed, Inter Mn''s attitude towards Wang Feng''s transfer is not optimistic."
"Although we have raised the offer to 90 million euros, Moratti still hasn''t budged," added Technical Director Laufenberg.
"ording to Rijkaard''s information, Wang Feng himself isn''t eager toe to Bar?a either. In fact, if the yer applies more pressure, like boycotting training or such, considering his status in Inter Mn, Moratti might be more willing topromise," Laufenberg continued.
Laporta nodded, "Then we must make a decision now. Should we continue waiting for Inter Mn''s exorbitant demands, or abandon this transfer n?"
The executives exchanged nces. Vice President Kristensen said, "Wang Feng is strong, that''s well known. But we shouldn''t underestimate ourselves either. Last season, we sessfully won La Liga, and thebination of Eto''o and Ronaldinho is working."
"And also, Bar?a nevercks talent. We just signed a contract with Messi, who''s only 17 years old but already showing outstanding performances in the first team. The club will also make every effort to win him the Golden Boy Award at the end of the year," he added.
"Bar?a already has both present and future in hand, so there''s no need to worry too much about Wang Feng."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Laporta concluded, "Alright then, let''s stick to this price and not increase it further. Then let Jeffrey hint to Wang Feng''s agent that he needs to make some effort himself. If it doesn''t work out in the end, we won''t lose much."
Simr scenes were happening in Madrid, inside Real Madrid''s conference room. Florentino conveyed the unfavorable news about the transfer negotiations to his trusted executives.
"That guy Caldern is instigating trouble again at the board meeting. His intention is next year''s elections. Real Madrid has missed the Champions League and league titles for three consecutive years. We must make a change," he said.
The early sess of the Galcticos brought the club high brand value and profits, but as the star yers aged, the team''s performance plummeted. Now the team is gradually heading towards an abyss.
One of the executives, Sandro, said, "Shouldn''t we prepare for both scenarios? If we fail to sign Wang Feng, then the Brazilian Robinho can be our new cornerstone, like Bar?a''s development of Ronaldinho. And he''s only 20 years old."
The Chief International Scout, Marquis, shook his head, "I''ve seen Robinho''s data, he does have some talent, but he''s far from beingparable to Ronaldinho, let alone Wang Feng, who won two Ballon d''Or awards at the age of 22."
"But if we do nothing in case the transfer fails, the team''s performance next year will be even worse. The presidential election will be truly in danger!"
Florentino listened with closed eyes, pondering a solution. Although not from a football background, his rich experience inpany management gave him many insights.
Real Madrid was originally just one of many European powerhouses, with a rich history but fundamentally no different from Bayern Munich, AC Mn, and other teams. It was after he took office and implemented the Galcticos policy that the team became unique.
Once the brand was established, maintaining it became crucial. Continuing to frequently acquire star yers brought diminishing returns and seriously disrupted the team''s bnce, leading to poor results. A football club without results is like a floating duckweed without roots.
Thinking of this, thinking of the dynasty Wang Feng built at Inter Mn and his age, even his broad market behind him, Florentino finally spoke up, "Conventional solutions can no longer stop the sinking of the Galcticos. I n to rebuild it. If it fails, bury me with it."
"Wang, I want to talk to you." When Wang Feng received a call from Real Madrid President Florentino, he was at the national team training base, so he found a secluded corner.
"I originally nned to talk to you face-to-face, but since you''re still fighting for the national team, we can onlymunicate by phone. I''ll be straightforward:e to Real Madrid. It''s the best choice for you," Florentino said.
"In fact, our tform is much better than Inter Mn''s. Real Madrid can maximize both your athletic andmercial value," he continued.
Wang Feng thanked Florentino for his interest but subtly mentioned the bloated lineup and tactical issues at Real Madrid. Florentinoughed, "To be honest with you, I think the Galcticos are already in trouble, so I n to rebuild it. Come be the captain!"
With that, he introduced the club''s new transfer strategy, clearing out aging stars from the squad and building around Wang Feng, respecting the coach''s wishes, focusing on young yers, and distributing the lineup more reasonably.
"When you were at Inter Mn, you were undoubtedly the king, holding up the already declining dynasty. Are you interested and confident enough toe to Real Madrid and lead this historically prestigious club to a full revival?" Florentino asked.
"At least we won''t face as many external difficulties as Inter Mn."
To be honest, Wang Feng was moved! If everything turns out as Florentino said, then he can fully unleash himself at Real Madrid, and even have the opportunity to elevate his position again.
Suppressing the urge to agree, Wang Feng mentioned Moratti''s attitude, indicating that if he agrees, the club would. Jeffrey smiled, "I''ve already reported this to the president, and he thinks it''s eptable. Waiting for a year is also okay, and he can take the time to adjust the team."
This was somewhat unexpected for Wang Feng, but if Florentino was willing, then he had nothing more to say. With that, a contract was signed, promising a transfer after a year. Real Madrid would pay Inter Mn 100 million euros for Wang Feng, breaking the historical transfer record.
Inter Mn promised to release Wang Feng after a year, or else pay Real Madrid 200 million euros, which coincidentally was Wang Feng''s buyout use. In other words, even if they don''t want to release him, Real Madrid can use this buyout use to terminate Wang Feng''s contract.
To avoid unnecessary media trouble, the contract is currently kept confidential.
Chapter 250: Clean up your mood and start the journey again
Chapter 250: Clean up your mood and start the journey again
Wang Feng appears in the training ground of Pina! Journalists squatting at the Inter Mn training base discovered this major news and immediately took out their phones to contact their newspapers, hoping to publish this important report as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" officially announced the failure of Wang Feng''s transfer. President Laporta, in an interview with reporters, stated, "Inter Mn seems unwilling to sell Wang Feng. I am very regretful, but our team is already very strong. Ronaldinho''s abilities are not inferior to Wang Feng''s."
"We have just won the La Liga championship, and our goal for the new season is to win the Champions League. I believe this will mark the beginning of a new era for Barcelona!"
Ennd''s "Sky Sports" also reported the failure of Manchester United''s transfer, with Ferguson expressing his frustration at missing the opportunity to manage this legendary yer once again.
"Inter Mn''s stance is somewhat unreasonable; transfer negotiations cannot proceed smoothly. However, we have the new generation of Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, and I believe they will grow."
Barcelona''s archrivals Real Madrid, on the other hand, remained much quieter. "Marca" also reported the failure of the Gcticos'' acquisition, but Real Madrid did notment much on it. Instead, they began adjusting their squad internally.
Zidane will retire after the World Cup next year, while Figo will head to AC Mn. Real Madrid will not demand a transfer fee from AC Mn nor will they have to pay Figo''s final year''s sry; AC Mn will cover it.
Real Madrid is interested in selling Beckham next summer. Beckham himself leans towards developing his career in Major League Ser in the United States. Ronaldo and Wang Feng have a close rtionship, so I believe they should have no problem cooperating.
Of course, they also reinforced their squad. They spent 27 million euros to acquire the 19-year-old genius defender Ramos from Sevi. However, there''s no news regarding the rumored signings of Robinho and Baptista.
Robinho ultimately joined Sevi, while Baptista joined Arsenal. This matter caused a minor earthquake within the upper echelons of Real Madrid. Calderon seized the opportunity to join some people in criticizing Florentino''s unfavorable signings, further reducing his support.
Wang Feng stays! The Inter Mn fans are the happiest upon hearing this news. They celebrated this joyful moment with friends, and it''s evident to the discerning eye that Wang Feng is an indispensable factor in Inter Mn''s current sess.
However, some observant media noticed that Wang Feng has not renewed his contract with Inter Mn, even though he still has about three years left on his contract. Typically, a superstar of his caliber would renew his contract, so they specte that Wang Feng''s stay may be temporary.
As for why he stays, gossip media have offered their own spections, but neither Wang Feng nor the Inter Mn club have responded to any of these controversies.
They are busy adapting to the new lineup. Inter Mn has made some gains in the transfer market. Currently, their main lineup consists of:
Goalkeeper Toldo, defenders Cordoba, Zti, Civu, Materazzi.
Midfielders Santi, Mancini, Pirlo, Ribery. After a summer of rest, Santi has recovered from his injury.
Forwards Adriano and Wang Feng.
Since they don''t have to participate in the UEFA Super Cup and the Italian Super Cup, Inter Mn''s first official match is on August 28th, the Serie A opener against newly promoted team Treviso. During this long break, the club arranged several friendly matches. Their opponents were Serie B''s Crotone Arezzo, as well as Serie A''s Lazio and Ascoli.
Wang Feng appeared in two of these matches, contributing 6 goals. His body is gradually reaching its peak, and his form is adjusting very well. With new goals in mind, he has settled his mood and is ready to embark on the journey again.
Before the start of the season, UEFA''s annual Champions League draw ceremony took ce in Monaco as scheduled. Wang Feng found an excuse not to attend because he knew he might not be eligible for the major award.
As Wang Feng expected, he was selected for the season''s best lineup, but Shevchenko sessfully won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year. After leaving AC Mn, he finally won the UEFA Champions League trophy and even has a chance to look forward to the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year at the end of this year.
Inter Mn paid close attention to the Champions League group stage draw. Manager Mancini was informed; he knew Wang Feng would leave after the season ended, and Moratti gave him a mandate: to do everything possible to win the Champions League, sacrificing all other achievements.
When the final results came out, the Italians let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that God was favoring Inter Mn!
They were grouped with Artmedia of the Slovak Super Liga, Rangers of the Scottish Premiership, and Porto of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, not encountering any clubs from the top five leagues!
AC Mn''s luck with the draw was also good; they were grouped with PSV Eindhoven, Schalke 04, and Fenerbahce of the Turkish Sper Lig. Juventus encountered Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, and Rapid Vienna.
Udinese found themselves sandwiched between Barcelona and Werder Bremen, with Panathinaikos from the Greek Super League also eyeing them, making their qualification quite difficult.
Before the start of the league, Wang Feng took a trip to Belgium to rx and visited the domestic children sent to Genk. From the club manager to the substitute yers, everyone weed his arrival warmly.
14-year-old De Bruyne was particrly happy. He had been a loyal fan of Wang Feng since he yed in Genk. With the increasing glory and respect for his idol, his admiration and ambition grew stronger.
He was also very interested in the dozen or so friends from China. He often guided them in football techniques, but unfortunately, there seemed to be no yers as talented as Wang Feng among them.
Seeing the golden-haired boy in front of him, Wang Feng was both surprised and appreciative. He didn''t expect the little guy from back then to have grown to over 1.7 meters and still be rapidly growing.
His football skills had also improved day by day. ording to Genk manager Albert, De Bruyne''s abilities were already sufficient to join the Genk youth team, making him the youngest yer in the team.
After fulfilling little De Bruyne''s requests for photos and autographs, Wang Feng met a group of familiar Asian faces. After six months of dietary adjustments and training, these originally impoverished and thin children had gradually grown stronger.
They looked at Wang Feng nervously, understanding that the man in front of them was not only a "big shot" but also their benefactor. Wang Feng showed a warm smile and didn''t put on any airs. He started ying with them, and soon, the distance and tension disappeared.
"Wang ge, do you think I can be a big football star like you and make big money in the future?" 12-year-old Huang Hu asked. He was the most skilled and diligent among this group of children.
Wang Feng ruffled his hair and said, "Bing like me isn''t easy; it requires you to put in a hundred or even a thousand times more effort than usual. But making money from ying football is possible, as long as you can keep up with that little guy named De Bruyne, you''ll definitely earn big money from football in the future."
Huang Hu''s eyes sparkled at these words, nodding heavily in response.
Chapter 251: The eternal captain of Inter Milan
Chapter 251: The eternal captain of Inter Mn
On August 28, 2005, at the San Siro Stadium in Mn, the first round of the Serie A saw Inter Mn facing off against Treviso.
Before the game began, captain Zti proposed that Wang Feng should wear the captain''s armband, but he firmly refused; the captain of Inter Mn could only be Zti!
Other yers also agreed. Zti had been serving Inter Mn since 1995 and had left a deep impression on every teammate with his patience and tolerance.
Following the referee onto the field, the deafening cheers of the fans echoed in the yers'' ears. Dressed in blue and ck jerseys, they stood up excitedly, apuding and shouting.
The previous season had been frustrating for the team, unexpectedly losing the championship. Additionally, rumors of the departure of the team''s star yer had saddened the fans of the Nerazzurri.
But now, Wang Feng was still here! Wearing the number 10 jersey, he once again embarked on the journey to pursue glory for the team, bringing joy and excitement to everyone.
Shortly after the start of the match, the dominant home team dealt a heavy blow to the newly promoted side amid the cheers. Wang Feng dribbled forcefully on the right nk, bypassing two defenders and passing into the box.
Adriano, positioned at the far post, slotted the ball home with his right foot, making it 1-0! Inter Mn got off to a dream start.
But things were far from over. In the 14th minute, Wang Feng retreated to midfield to collect the ball, quickly turned to shake off defenders, and charged towards the penalty area. When he reached the 30-meter mark, he suddenly unleashed a shot.
Treviso''s defense was rtively loose, perhaps still ustomed to the habits of Serie B, so Wang Feng gave them a good lesson.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng''s long-range cannon has pierced the visitors'' goal once again!"
"The ball flew through the entire defensive line at lightning speed. Treviso''s defense was in trouble. Just 14 minutes into the game, they were already trailing by two goals. Inter Mn looked in great shape; they seemed unaffected by the controversies ofst season."
And as the first half approached its end, it was Wang Feng once again with consecutive dribbles in the attacking third, cutting into the penalty area and slotting another goal, making it 3-0!
Shortly after the start of the second half, a Treviso defender, unable to dispossess Wang Feng of the ball, angrily tackled him, resulting in a free kick in a dangerous position. Wang Feng personally took the free kick, and the ball, spinning rapidly in the air, curved past the wall and into the.
Wang Fengpleted his hat-trick! After this goal, he was substituted by Mancini for protection.
The score remained 4-0 until the final whistle, with Inter Mn securing a resounding victory over their opponents.
After the match, Wang Feng, as usual, took a shower in the locker room, changed into dry clothes, and walked out. At this moment, Zti approached him: "Wang, how abouting to my house tomorrow? Bring your girlfriend along, and my wife will cook something delicious for you both."
The next game was on September 10th, with more than ten days to spare. Therefore, the club gave the yers a three-day break. Wang Feng hesitated for a moment upon hearing this but nodded eventually. Giving face to the captain was necessary.
The next day was the weekend, and Wang Feng drove with Lu Yao to Zti''s residence. They had bought a vi in the northern part of Mn, near arge forest park, as well as hospitals and museums, making it a very livable area.
Wang Feng had been to Zti''s house before, but no matter how many times he saw it, he found it exquisite. It was a two-story vi with its own courtyard, filled with various potted nts and even a swing set. Lu Yao was visiting for the first time and was quickly captivated by the scenery, considering whether to have something simr at their home.
Ring the doorbell, and after a while, a woman''s voice came from inside the house: "Please wait a moment, dear. I''ll open the door; I''m taking care of the baby and can''t free my hands."
Momentster, Zti came out and greeted the two with a smile: "Sorry for the wait. Pa gave birth to a baby in June, and she insists on taking care of her herself."
As he spoke, a blonde woman came out holding a baby in her arms, happily saying, "Wee, wee, Wang and your girlfriend." Lu Yao chuckled and went over to her, introducing herself in Italian.
Seeing the cute little daughter in Pa''s arms, Lu Yao was overwhelmed with cuteness and asked, "Can I hold her?" After receiving an affirmative answer, she carefully took the baby. The little one seemed to sense the change in her arms and furrowed her brows momentarily, but soon found the new environment cozy and fell asleep again after turning her head.
This scene made everyone smile. Zti teased, "It seems Lu will be an excellent mother. Wang, you better be ready." The two blushed at his words.
"Too bad Sora isn''t a boy; otherwise, I could teach him football and pass on my legacy," Ztimented.
"Girls are adorable, aren''t they, Sora? Besides, what''s good about ying football? You often can''te home, and you might get injured," Pa scolded Zti yfully.
The group sat down in the living room, chatting andughing, while the child was taken back to the bedroom by the nanny. The newborn baby needed more rest.
Zti enthusiastically invited Wang Feng, "Let''s go, I''ll show you my pitch." So the two men got up and left, leaving Lu Yao and Pa chatting.
"Zti is like this; whenever he has free time, he can''t stay away from sports and football. On our wedding day, just after exchanging rings and before all the guests arrived, he couldn''t resist going for a jog and thening back. I scolded him fiercely," Pa said, halfining, half-sweetly.
Lu Yao nodded in understanding. Wang Feng was also someone who couldn''t live without football. The two then continued chatting about some trivial matters of life, such as clothes, bags, and other topics, with a hint of regret for not meeting earlier.
Outside, Wang Feng was visiting a small area set up by Zti, which was where he usually practiced football in his spare time. It wasn''trge, but the facilities wereplete. Since they had nothing else to do, the two practiced passing while chatting, showing a shared interest.
The Argentine recounted his journey into professional football. He was born into a poor family in Buenos Aires; his father was a bricyer, and his mother was a cleaner,pletely unrted to football.
To support his family, he started working at an early age. Football was merely a toy for him to escape reality. "Gradually, I found myself falling in love with football. Since that''s the case, why not embark on the path of professional football?"
Of course, things were not so simple. At the age of 16, Zti tried out for the Independiente team but was immediately told that his physique was too slender and weak for football. He could only deliver milk and assist his father''s bricying work while persevering in football.
At the age of 18, he joined Talleres Athletic in the Argentine second-tier league, starting his career from the bottom. "At that time, I didn''t think about the future at all; I just focused on the matches in front of me." With diligence and effort, after one season, he was noticed by Banfield and brought into the top league.
Chapter 252: Don鈥檛 hate the club
Chapter 252: Don''t hate the club
"I gained a lot in Banfield, even some loyal fans who called me ''Tractor'' because of my abundant physical fitness," said Zti, smiling.
Wang Feng smiled knowingly, thinking of those lovely Genk fans. Perhaps they didn''t support a top-tier team, but they always found their own joy, beyond just winning or losing.
"In 1995, President Moratti brought me back to Inter Mn. I am truly grateful to him. When I found out that Inter signed me, I was so excited that I went to buy my first suit just to attend the press conference properly," Zti said.
Wang Feng, hearing this, felt somewhat nostalgic, recalling his first encounter with Moratti and Zti in a hotel years ago. "Wang, you''ll be leaving Mn next season, won''t you?" Zti suddenly remarked.
Wang Feng was somewhat startled as the ball rolled past him. Zti chuckled, "Don''t be so surprised. I can still guess things like this."
He walked up and patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "I understand your choice. I just hope you won''t leave with resentment towards the club. It would be a pity, because you would be one of the greatest yers Inter Mn ever had."
Wang Feng shook his head. "I never had such thoughts. I also love Inter Mn. If possible, I''ve always wanted to keep ying for her."
"Yeah, Serie A is showing signs of decline. Poormercial operations, chaotic management, and a lot of murky things that are no longer suitable for talents like you. You need a broader stage," Zti said.
"Let''s work together onest time to bring the highest honor to Inter Mn!" Zti extended his hand, and Wang Feng firmly shook it. "Definitely!"
Afterward, Zti began inviting guests to dinner, and Wang Feng, under his warm invitation, tried the so-called "Four Treasures of Argentina" Mate tea, which had a strong bitter taste that wrinkled his brow into a twist.
Seeing Wang Feng''s reaction, Zti burst intoughter. "Wang, is it really that bad? I find the taste quite good. And Mate tea is quite suitable for athletes. It not only boosts immunity but also enhances endurance and aids digestion. Let me bring some back for youter."
Wang Feng tried a sip but refused to drink more. Seeing Zti still promoting it, he could only cover his mouth and shake his head repeatedly. The taste almost made him gag.
Curious, Lu Yao also took a sip, her reaction simr to Wang Feng''s. It seemed this thing was indeed unfriendly to those who hadn''t tried it before.
After the cheerful banter, the group enjoyed a hearty meal, and Wang Feng bid farewell with Zti. Through this exchange, he realized Zti''s deep affection for Inter Mn. Despite the cruelty of professional football, there would always be warmth, such as Zti for Inter Mn, Totti for Roma, Maldini for AC Mn, and so on. This was also part of the charm of football.
In Serie A''s second round, Inter Mn faced Palermo away. Palermo is the capital of Sicily, located in the northwest of the ind, near the Mediterranean Sea.
Like many Italian football clubs, Palermo has a long history. Founded 105 years ago, they oncepeted in Serie A in the 1970s and reached the finals of the Coppa Italia three times.
However, due to Sicily''s rtively small size, they quickly declined and dropped to Serie B. In 2002, the astute Italian Zamparini took over the club. His reforms and signings revitalized the team.
In 2004, Palermo returned to Serie A and sessfully avoided relegationst season, indicating their capability.
With a capacity of 36,000, the Renzo Barbera Stadium was sixty percent full, a decent number considering Sicily''s total poption.
The home fans cheered incessantly for their team, but the gap in strength couldn''t be bridged by mere cheering. In the first half, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal, executed a brilliant turn with a chip pass into the box, assisting Ribery''s goal.
In the second half, Pisaro dribbled down the nk and crossed into the box, where Adriano scored for the visitors again, sealing Inter Mn''s clean 2-0 victory.
After the match, Palermo''s fans didn''t turn angry but rather stood up to apud the yers'' performance. It was evident that the football atmosphere here was very harmonious.
Midweek, the UEFA Champions League group stage ignited, and Inter Mn traveled to Slovakia to challenge Atme?ia. The top Slovak leagueprises only 12 teams, with the champion earning a Champions League qualification spot, starting from the first round.
Atme?ia started their Champions League journey from July 12th. They eliminated Kairat from the Kazakh Premier League in the first round, Shelbourne from the Irish Premier Division in the second round, and Anorthosis from the Cypriot First Division in the third round, sessfully entering the group stage!
This was also the first time a Slovak team had reached the Champions League group stage, causing great excitement among fans nationwide. What made them even happier was the draw. Apart from Inter Mn, they had a chance against Porto and sgow Rangers.
Making it to the Champions League round of 16 for the first time, creating history for the team, seemed not impossible! The 12,000-capacity Basaka Stadium was fully packed. Although knowing the home team was unlikely to win, seeing world-renowned stars made it worth the ticket price.
As Inter Mn''s team entered the stadium, they immediately drew cheers from the fans in the stands, leaving the visiting yers puzzled. Ribery whispered, "Boss, why are these fans cheering for us? It feels like we''re ying at home."
Wang Feng shook his head. He wasn''t sure what the fans were thinking, but the European football market was indeed bustling. A Central European country with only about five million people could have so many passionate fans.
It''s worth mentioning that the Slovak national team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
There were no upsets in the match result. Wang Feng scored twice, and through a corner kick, he assisted Materazzi in scoring another goal. He was substituted off after 60 minutes.
Substitute Martins scored again in the final moments, sealing Atme?ia''s fate with a final score of 4-0.
In Serie A''s third round, Inter Mn weed Le at home. Wang Feng scored two goals again, and Pisaro added another, helping the team secure a 3-0 victory.
In the fourth round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Chievo away and encountered their first setback since the start of the league. To be fair, the referee''s decisions were much better under the pressure of Inter Mn''s management and public opinionpared to the previous two seasons.
Thirty-year-old Cordoba, twenty-nine-year-old Zambrotta, and thirty-three-year-old Materazzi, the passage of time had weakened the once solid defense.
Although Wang Feng contributed with a goal and an assist, Cordoba missed two defensive marks, leading to a 2-2 draw.
After four rounds, Juventus and AC Mn both had four consecutive wins, upying the top two spots in the standings, while Inter Mn ranked third with three wins, one draw, and a better goal difference.
Chapter 253: Late bloomer
Chapter 253: Late bloomer
After the end of the game, the Colombian defender appeared somewhat despondent, standing with his hands on his hips and staring nkly ahead, seemingly still immersed in the regret of his mistakes.
Zti approached him and said, "Ivan, stop dwelling on the past. Let''s focus on the future. Come on, let''s go back to the locker room and rest."
Cordoba,ing back to his senses, nodded and began walking towards the sideline. However, he felt a twitch in his right leg, which had prevented him from keeping up with the opponent''s forward during the game.
Zti quickly noticed this and asked for details. After learning about his feeling, he said, "I had a simr feeling duringst year''s Champions League final, and then I got injured. You should let the team doctor take a look at you."
The two returned to the locker room and immediately called for the team doctor. After a check-up, the doctor said, "This is a muscle injury caused by overexertion. You need to be hospitalized for treatment." Cordoba frowned, not expecting to be injured at this time. "How long do I need to be absent?" he asked.
"It will probably take at least a month. I will report to the coach and the management. Once we''re back in Mn, I''ll take you to the hospital," replied the doctor before hurrying out.
"Damn it!" Cordoba pounded the chair in the locker room. "Maybe you should have reported your physical condition to me earlier so I could arrange rotations better." Mancini walked in and said, "After returning to Pina, everyone will undergo a detailed physical examination!"
Cordoba lowered his head in shame. He had indeed been too stubborn, which was partly due to his personality and experiences, resilient and unwilling to admit defeat.
Cordoba debuted in 1995, just a year before Colombia, led by "Golden Lion" Valderrama and "ck Hurricane" Aspri, was favored by everyone in the World Cup in the United States.
But primary defender Escobar''s own goal against the United States led to the team''s elimination in the group stage, a huge upset. Even more terrifying was that Escobar was shot dead by gang members after returning home.
For a time, Colombian football fell to its lowest point, and domestic defenders were all on edge, fearing a simr fate. At the time, Cordoba was only 19 years old. He bravely chose Escobar''s No. 2 jersey and debuted as a defender.
After establishing himself at Medellin''s Atletico Nacional, Cordoba was called up to the national team. At the time, the atmosphere within the team was bad, with no one willing to take the lead except for him, a neer. He took on the responsibility at the 1997 Copa America against strong opponents.
Although Colombia did not achieve good results in the end, his performance was recognized by everyone. He was noticed by San Lorenzo in the Argentine league, brought to Argentina, and bought by Moratti for ?16 million two yearster.
At the time, it was seen as a huge sum,pounded by his short stature of 1.73 meters, which caused dissatisfaction and questioning among many Inter Mn fans. However, Cordoba quickly won them over with his outstanding performance.
With first-ss physical fitness and a fearless spirit, he was a rare talent among all Serie A defenders, excelling in positioning, dueling, speed, and jumping ability. Even Ronaldo once said that the defender he least wanted to encounter was Cordoba.
So he could openly disdain Cannavaro, the captain of the Italian national team. Clearly, their abilities were simr, so why did he earn so much more money than me?
Many domestic fans watched Inter Mn''s games and saw Cordoba''s fierce expression and merciless defense and tackles. Thus, they gave him a domineering nickname - "Living Yanwang" (King of Hell).
However, this "Living Yanwang" looked fierce but was actually very kind-hearted. Not only did he establish a foundation to help children in his hometown of Rio Negro, but he also regrly participated in charity fundraising and charity matches.
After returning to Mn, Cordoba was taken to the hospital, while Wang Feng and others silently prayed for his speedy recovery. Inter Mn needed him!
On September 26th, in the fifth round of Serie A, Inter Mn encountered Fiorentina at home. Since buying their leading star Toni from Palermo, the "Purple Lily" had been performing astonishingly this season, jumping straight to fifth ce in the league fromst season''s relegation zone.
All this was attributed to Toni''s breakthrough. So far, Wang Feng had scored six goals, leading the top scorers list, with Toni trailing behind with four goals.
This 28-year-old Italian yer had finally reached the peak of his career. His experience was deeply explored by major media outlets. He had been lingering in lower leagues for years until he rose to Serie A with Palermo at the age of 26, demonstrating his talent. He scored 50 goals over two seasons, truly ate bloomer.
Many media outlets predicted that Toni would be a strongpetitor for the Serie A Golden Boot. This honor had been dominated by Wang Feng for four years, and even the European Golden Boot had been continuously held by Wang Feng for four years.
After the game started, Fiorentina, led by Toni, took the initiative andunched a fierce attack against the Nerazzurri. Samuel, who reced Cordoba this season after transferring from Real Madrid, had not yet fully adapted.
In the 17th minute, Toni continuously dribbled in front of the penalty area, sessfully deceiving the Inter Mn defense and seizing the opportunity to shoot from long range, piercing the home team''s goal first! Truly a top striker in his prime! Wang Feng, who hadn''t had time to defend, couldn''t help but sigh. With his keen sense of the game and delicate technique, seizing fleeting opportunities was his specialty, wasn''t it?
A sense ofpetitiveness rose in his heart, and in the 33rd minute, he responded. It was an Inter Mn counter-attack, Wang Feng dribbled the ball into the frontcourt, facing two defenders.
He first raised his right foot as if to shoot, causing one defender, Uifalusi, to extend his foot to block. But when the raised footnded, the force was small, changing the shot to a feint, shifting the ball to his left foot, and then using the toe to flick the ball to the left, evading Uifalusi''s defense.
Facing another defender, Viali, he used the same method. Feinting with the left foot and actually flicking the ball with the right foot, the ball then came to the right foot. With no obstacles in front of him, Wang Feng shot with his right foot, equalizing the score, 1-1!
Everything happened in the blink of an eye. The fans in the stands only saw Fiorentina defenders Uifalusi and Viali rashly trying to block, but they failed to intercept the ball. Instead, they allowed Wang Feng to seize the opportunity and score.
Only the three of them in the situation understood the danger and the technical content involved. Wang Feng''s body posture and shot preparation were all real. If the Fiorentina defenders hadn''t moved to block, it would have been a real shot.
Uifalusi and Viali didn''t dare to gamble on not intercepting, so they made the most appropriate defense. But what followed was what set Wang Feng apart from other forwards. He was able to instantly dissipate the force, turning a powerful shot into a gentle flick. This level of control was jaw-dropping.
At halftime, the score remained tied, but the overall strength of Inter Mn gradually took the upper hand in the second half. In the 67th minute, Inter Mn attacked in the frontcourt, and Ribery sent the ball to Wang Feng''s feet inside the penalty area.
With his back to the goal, Wang Feng stopped the ball. At this time, Viali, who was defending him, was pressing against him and secretly pulling his shirt, preventing him from turning around.
So he had to take the ball outside the penalty area. The approaching Dainelli tried to intercept, and both yers kicked the ball with force, causing it to rise into the air. Seeing this, Wang Feng jumped up, lifted his right leg, and hit the ball with the back of his right foot before the Fiorentina yer could head it.
Bicycle kick! The ball went straight to the lower right corner of the goal, and goalkeeper Lupatelli watched helplessly as it rolled into the.
2-1! Inter Mn eventually reversed Fiorentina, securing the final victory. Wang Feng continued to lead the top scorers'' list with 8 goals, ahead of Toni''s 5 goals.
Chapter 254: Rotten rotten
Chapter 254: Rotten rotten
On September 29th, in the second round of the Champions League group stage, Inter Mn weed sgow Rangers at home.
sgow Rangers are the champions of the Scottish Premiership, having almost monopolized the league along with their city rivals Celtic for nearly 100 years. Most of the time, these two teams take turns being champions.
Unlike other dominant teams in small country leagues, because Rangers and Celtic are rivals, theirpetitive level remains high. Rangers are also considered the most likely team to advance from this group apart from Inter Mn.
Of course, they didn''t cause much trouble for Inter Mn. Wang Feng scored a goal in the first half, and assisted Pizarro to extend the lead. Although the opponents pulled one back in the second half, Ribery assisted Adriano to score the winning goal.
3-1! Inter Mn defeated their opponents, securing their second consecutive victory in the Champions League group stage.
On October 3rd, in the 6th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced a focal battle, away to Juventus.
On the eve of the game, Juventus coach Capello said to the yers in the dressing room, "Last season, we worked hard to regain glory and win the league title, but everyone outside is spreading rumors about our unworthy championship."
"This is an insult to each of you! Friends, pull yourselves together, we must defeat the Nerazzurri gantly again and set out towards the goal of defending the title."
After listening to the coach''s encouragement, the yers had various expressions. Some were full of momentum, such as Ibrahimovic. He had finally defeated Wang Feng once and couldn''t ept being criticized.
Of course, some remained unmoved, knowing in their hearts thatst year''s game was indeed suspicious, but no one would openly say it.
On the Inter Mn side, Wang Feng thought the coach would say something about revenge or redemption to encourage everyone, but he didn''t say anything like that. He just asked the yers to stay calm and stay healthy on the field.
After all, the league was no longer important; their goal was the Champions League trophy.
After the game started, Inter Mn took a defensive counter-attacking stance, while Juventus had a high ball possession rate. They seized the opportunity in the 5th minute, with Trezeguet contributing the first shot.
Inter Mn defenders Tum and Zebina tightly marked Wang Feng, making it impossible for him to bepletely neutralized, but they had to dy until other yers came to help defend.
After experiencing two rounds of games, Samuel, who reced Cordoba, gradually found some feeling. He originally came from Serie A and performed well in Rome. Unfortunately, he didn''t adapt well to La Liga''s Real Madrid, wasting a year of his time, which put a lot of pressure on him.
Neither side scored in the first half. Juventus had a ball possession rate of 67%, with 6 shots and 3 on target, while Inter Mn had a ball possession rate of only 33%, with 3 shots and 1 on target.
At the start of the second half, Juventusunched a sharp attack. Emerson passed the ball directly to the frontcourt, and Nedved elerated to shake off Zambrotta near the goal line and crossed into the penalty area.
Trezeguet grabbed the ball at the near post, attracting Materazzi and Samuel. They adopted a double-team strategy, but Trezeguet didn''t stop the ball or shoot; instead, he used his head to flick the ball to the far post, where Ibrahimovic kicked it into the goal.
Juventus took the lead! Watching Ibrahimovic celebrating with open arms nearby, Wang Feng was also quite amazed. His body coordination was truly remarkable. Despite his height of 1.95 meters, he could still make a high-speed run to the goal and perform a kicking action.
After Juventus scored, the pace of the game quickened. Inter Mn began to exert force, bing more aggressive in midfield duels, and Wang Feng''s role in leading the defense gradually became evident.
In the 71st minute, Ribery attacked with the ball on the right nk, and Wang Feng supported nearby. He suddenly ran towards the penalty area, drawing away Juventus defenders Tum and Zebina, creating space for the Frenchman.
Ribery rushed into the penalty area and crossed from the right. Cannavaro at the near post timely blocked it. Although he didn''tpletely disrupt the ball, it changed direction after brushing against his leg, flying towards the outer edge of the penalty area.
At this moment, Wang Feng''s position in the middle was a bit deep. He didn''t expect Ribery''s cross to be blocked by Cannavaro. However, Adriano''s position was better, and as long as he could receive the ball in time, there was still a chance to shoot from the far post.
Seeing that Wang Feng no longer posed a threat, Zebina moved decisively to defend Adriano at the far post, intending to disrupt this wing cross attack.
The situation described above is veryplex, but everything happened in an instant on the field. Wang Feng quickly outlined everything around him in his mind. He lifted his right leg to hook the ball in mid-air, turned sideways towards the goal, and swept.
Fortunately, Zebina had moved away, leaving only Tum beside him. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to make this move under the double-team. The ball suddenly changed its path, flying straight towards the goal.
Buffon didn''t expect such a shot, he rushed to save it but was a step too slow. The ball had crossed the goal line and hit the before he could block it with his hand.
"Goal! Wang Feng''s volley equalizes for Inter Mn!"
"I thought Ibrahimovic''s volley was imaginative enough, but Wang Feng quickly responded with a sweep!"
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t choose to celebrate wildly. Instead, he hugged his teammates who rushed over and smiled at Ibrahimovic, which annoyed the Swede greatly.
"That guy must be doing it on purpose. One day, I will also score like that!"
Just when everyone thought the game would end in a draw, there was another wave of waves on the field. In the 88th minute, Juventusunched a long pass from the back, finding Trezeguet directly at the edge of the penalty area. Under Materazzi''s tight defense, he failed to jump for the header, and the ball fell into the penalty area and was cleared by Toldo.
Toldo was about to throw the ball to Zambrotta when the referee blew the whistle, awarding Juventus a free kick in the arc area in the frontcourt. Inter Mn defenders looked at each other in confusion.
After a simplemunication, they understood that the referee believed Materazzi''s defense against Trezeguet just now was a foul, impeding his jump, and the camera urately captured Materazzi''s surprised expression.
The ball just now waspletely clean; he didn''t make any downward pressure, just used his body to block the position. Moreover, thending point of the ball was very high. Even if Trezeguet jumped, he would most likely not touch it. So he just tentatively tested and gave up the ball. Could this still be called a foul?
The decision was final. Nedved seized this opportunity, his free kick bypassed the wall and went straight to the dead corner, achieving a miraculous feat for Juventus.
1-2, Inter Mn lost the game.
Back in Mn, Wang Feng sat in his room feeling frustrated. He felt very aggrieved. The next day, major newspapers reported on the match between Inter Mn and Juventus, as well as the controversial decision.
Everyone agreed that the decision to award the free kick was wrong, but most people believed it wasn''t the referee''s fault. Firstly, because throughout the game, the main referee did not show any obvious bias and remained very fair.
Secondly, because he didn''t award a penalty but only a free kick, and no one could guarantee that a free kick would definitely result in a goal.
But after experiencing the red card incidentst season, Wang Feng always felt something was wrong. They were turning a blind eye to the obvious and continuing to trouble Inter Mn, no, not trouble Inter Mn, but protect Juventus!
He felt this way because in other matches, the standard of refereeing for Inter Mn had returned to normal.
It seems that Serie A is getting deeper and deeper.
At this time, Lu Yao knocked on the door and walked in: "Are you still angry about the game?" Wang Feng nodded, and Lu Yao, with her soft jade-like hands, massaged his shoulders: "Isn''t the goal of Inter Mn this season the Champions League? Don''t worry too much about the league."
Wang Feng nodded. Yeah, why think so much? He''s leaving Serie A next year anyway. Let it go this year. So he turned around and hugged Lu Yao, smiling, "I''ll ask for leave in the next league match, I''m toozy to y."
Lu Yao''s cheeks blushed: "Why? It''s still daytime."
"So what?"
Chapter 255: Decadent genius
Chapter 255: Decadent genius
Busy until evening, Wang Feng finally found time to call the head coach and expressed his wish not to participate in the 7th round of Serie A against Udinese on the 16th. Mancini was initially surprised but eventually agreed to his request.
It''s not difficult to guess the dissatisfaction of the Chinese star at this time. Mancini also empathized with him and decided to give up the leaguepetition, aiming to secure a top-three finish to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
Approaching graduation, Lu Yao and her younger sister moved back to the vi with no more sses, but their states were quite different. The younger sister waspletely liberated, havingpleted all the credits required for graduation without any additional pressure.
Lu Yao, on the other hand, was different. She needed toplete a high-quality thesis and pass the defense to obtain her diploma, so she was feeling anxious.
Taking advantage of the two-week break due to the national team match days, Lu Yao suggested going out to rx together. She noticed that Lu Yao was under a lot of pressure; alwaysforting others but keeping her own worries to herself.
Arriving in Venice, the city of water, cruising through the canals on a small boat, they inexplicably remembered a scene from their youth along the Grand Canal. They exchanged smiles, and Wang Feng''s frustration and Lu Yao''s anxiety were swept away. As long as they had each other, what else was there to worry about?
"I like Venice," the younger sister said. "The school once organized students to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the exhibits inside were very impressive. Let''s go take a lookter."
Wang Feng and Lu Yao readily agreed. Thest time Wang Feng came to Venice was topete with the Venice Club. At that time, he went to the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, far from all the tourist attractions, so he didn''t have time to sightsee.
The museum is located next to the Grand Canal, showcasing works by Picasso and Michngelo. All the exhibits belong to an American tycoon named Peggy Guggenheim.
As Wang Feng admired the artworks, he secretly pondered whether he could also create a football museum in the future, showcasing the honors and memorable items he has received.
After visiting the museum, the three of them came to St. Mark''s Square. Thisndmark building in the city center is called the "most romantic square" because thousands of white doves perch there, asionally taking flight as people move around.
In the evening, the lights shone brightly on St. Mark''s Square, while the Cafe Quadri on the south corner appeared very magnificent and elegant. Sitting by the window inside the hall, ordering a cup of fragrant Italian coffee, listening to the melodious music, the younger sister couldn''t help but sigh, "Capitalist society is indeed decadent."
Lu Yao and Wang Feng couldn''t help butugh. The younger sister was indeed a mood destroyer, but what she said was not wrong. One cannot indulge in decadent pleasures; people should have more pursuits and embrace higher challenges, although asional rxation is also eptable.
In the following two days, they continued to explore Venice, with countless churches and various bridges worth visiting. Until they returned to Mn, Wang Tian still felt a little reluctant: "There are still many attractions we haven''t visited yet. Let''se again next time!"
After a brief rest, the team regrouped and continued their journey of training and matches, facing Porto away in the third round of the Champions League group stage.
Porto can be considered a team that rises and falls with the Champions League. After reaching the final as a dark horse in 2004 and losing to Inter Mn, they still received recognition from the European footballmunity.
Several key yers in the team, such as Cavaleiro, Pereira, and Deco, left for the top five leagues, and even the head coach Mourinho was poached. As a result, they quickly fell silent and suffered two consecutive defeats in the first two rounds of the Champions League group stage, losing to teams ranked below them, Atromitos and sgow Rangers.
Inter Mn did not have much difficulty against them either. In the first half, Wang Feng contributed two goals and an assist, helping the team secure a decisive victory before being substituted.
The final score remained 3-0, with Inter Mn securing their third consecutive victory.
In the 8th round of Serie A, Inter Mn defeated newly promoted Livorno 2-0. After that, they faced the challenge of Roma.
Seeing Cassano again, the once proud and talented young genius appeared very dejected. He had been effectively sidelined by coach Voler, only training with the team without being included in the match squad. Since Capello left, Roma''s performance had plummeted, with two head coaches changed in just two months. Moreover, Cassano did not receive a contract extension from the club.
"I have informed my agent to contact the next club for me. I will leave Roma this summer," Cassano said to Wang Feng.
Shortly after the start of the first half, Ribery received a pass from Zti. He pretended to cut inside but suddenly hooked the ball with his right foot to elerate past Mexes'' defense.
Approaching the penalty area, Ribery directly delivered a low cross. Wang Feng, leaning against Roma defender Kuffour, turned sideways to receive the ball. Kuffour vigorously pressed against his waist, with his right arm wrapped around him, and kept disturbing his feet, defending very tightly.
But Wang Feng had never been afraid of anyone one-on-one. He skillfully used his right foot to flick the ball to the right side and then suddenly turned around, forcefully pushing Kuffour aside.
Marseille Turn!
"Beautiful! Wang Feng used a Marseille Turn to get rid of Kuffour''s defense, caught up with the ball, and shot with his left foot! Goal! Goooooooooooooooooooal!"
"Only 7 minutes into the game, Wang Feng opened the scoring for Inter Mn! This is definitely a brilliant goal. He turned 180 degrees to tear apart the defense, and finally, his left-footed shot was powerful and precise!"
"This goal fully demonstrates his delicate footwork and superhuman confrontation ability. The way he controlled the ball and flicked it was seamless, and Kuffour, who was defending, waspletely pushed aside by him."
With the first goal, the subsequent game became easier. After all, Roma was still in disarray, and many yers'' minds were not on the game. Soon after, Wang Feng pierced Pelizzoli''s goal again with a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area.
With a brace from Wang Feng, he was substituted in the 60th minute of the second half. In the 67th minute, Adriano took a powerful shot in the penalty area, which was saved by Pani on the goal line, but Pizarro followed up and scored.
Before the end of the match, Totti scored a goal for Roma, but Inter Mn still won 3-1.
Chapter 256: People who chase
Chapter 256: People who chase
October 30th, evening, at Mn''s Meazza Stadium, the Serie A 10th round match between AC Mn and Udinese was underway. In the south stands sat the home team''s die-hard fans, but it seemed that the attendance was less than fifty percent.
This kind of phenomenon was impossible a few years ago. Located in Italy''s secondrgest city and being one of Italy''s oldest clubs, AC Mn had a massive fan base, and their matches were almost always packed.
But with Wang Feng joining Inter Mn, the rise of this cross-town rival was swift, dominating in the league, cuppetitions, and the Champions League, leading many victory-loving fans to switch sides.
Of course, many loyal Rossoneri fans remained steadfast, but some were no longer willing to attend home matches. ording to a random survey by Mn''s local media, La Libera, a seasoned fan of fifteen years stated, "I''d rather watch the televised broadcast than enter the stadium to watch the game because I know we have no chance at the title."
Many fans with such pessimistic sentiments existed. The club''s statistics over the past three years showed a decrease of around thirty percent in ticket revenue. A simr situation was also happening to Juventus in Turin, even more severely. Hence, they were eager to win the title to revive the football market.
On the field, Kak, wearing the number 22 jersey for AC Mn, stared solemnly at the opponent''s half. He hadn''t shown a bright smile for a long time. Shevchenko''s departure and his subsequent sess at Chelsea, winning both the league and Champions League trophies, didn''t that further indicate that his former AC Mn teammates were burdensome?
Under Ancelotti''s tactical arrangements, the 23-year-old Kak became the undisputed attacking core this season. The veteran Inzaghi and new signing Grdino supported him with all their might, so he had to be even stronger.
In the earlier match against Sampdoria, where Inter Mn won 2-0 thanks to Wang Feng''s goal and assist, they aimed to win their match too. "So, we must also win the game," Kak thought to himself.
Once the match started, AC Mn''s front duo Kak and Rui Costa fully utilized their advantages, continuously pressuring Udinese along the middle, with Udinese''s Muntari and Pieri unable to stop them.
In the 17th, 33rd, and 41st minutes, Kak made consecutive prations into the penalty area, scoring two goals himself and assisting Inzaghi for one.
In the 51st minute of the second half, Kak extended AC Mn''s lead with a stunning long-range shot from outside the penalty area.
Hat-trick! This was the first hat-trick Kak had performed since joining Serie A! Kak,pleting this feat, smiled like a child as he went to the south stand to receive the deafening cheers of the fans.
On the sidelines, Ancelotti showed a relieved smile. Kak hadn''t been overwhelmed by the pressure but had continued to chase growth. His skills and all-around abilities were rapidly improving.
At the end of the match, AC Mn won 4-0 against Udinese, leaving the fans who had persisted in buying tickets to watch the game satisfied as they left. It also regained many fans who watched the game on television.
During the post-match press conference, Ancelotti once again praised Kak, regardless of how the beloved yer performed; he always praised him in front of the media, building his confidence.
A reporter brought up an old topic, asking Ancelotti who he thought should be awarded the best foreign yer of the season. Currently, the three best-performing yers were Wang Feng, Toni, and Kak, with only Wang Feng and Kak being non-Italians. It was highly likely that the award woulde down to these two.
Ancelotti responded, "There are still many rounds in the league, and there is still a long time for yers to perform. I think it''s too early to talk about this now. However, the number of goals scored cannot represent everything. The team''s performance should be the most important criterion."
The reporters exchanged nces and quickly understood Ancelotti''s intention, yet another jab at Wang Feng! Given his goal-scoring performance, Kak wouldn''t surpass him even if he tried.
But this year, it seemed that Inter Mn wasn''t focused on the league. Therefore, AC Mn still had a good chance of staying ahead of the Nerazzurri on the league table.
As for winning the title? At least Ancelotti wasn''t sure because Juventus'' performance was too crazy. They had won 9 out of 10 matches in the league so far.
In the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Inter Mn faced Porto at home. As expected, it was another easy match. Ribry opened the scoring for the team, and Wang Feng quickly scored two more goals, securing a brace. The final score was 3-0, and Inter Mn''s Champions League matches continued to be very rxed.
After the match, when asked about Kak''s performance, Wang Feng praised, "Yes, Kak''s performance was brilliant. I watched the game too."
He didn''t directly address the controversy over the best yer, only saying, "The football world is constantly producing amazing talents, like Manchester United''s Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney, as well as Barcelona''s Messi. I hope they can grow rapidly and present wonderful performances for everyone."
As a two-time winner of the European Golden Ball and FIFA World yer, there was no problem with Wang Feng speaking like a senior. But when you consider he was only 22 years old, it felt quite strange.
Wang Feng had always been a figure reported by media outlets worldwide, and the UK was no exception. When Cristiano Ronaldo saw this report, he was first delighted that he was noticed by Wang Feng, but then he felt a little sad.
His surprise was that he managed to catch Wang Feng''s attention, but his sadness came from the fact that he used to aim to be like Wang Feng, but now the gap between them was growing.
When would he truly be the core of a team? Since Rooney came to Manchester United, the club had been nurturing other yers as well, not just him, and Rooney''s English nationality gave him an advantage inpetition.
Although the two couldplement each other, Ronaldo was eager for a stage where he could shine alone. His childhood experiences, born into a very poor family, where his mother even considered aborting him, made him have a difficult childhood. It was football that became his savior. Starting from Andorinha, he walked through discrimination and istion to Sporting Lisbon, and then to the powerhouse Manchester United.
Being criticized as "ying fancy tricks, good technique but likes toplicate simple things, diving and simting fouls," hurt him deeply. He just wanted to prove that he wasn''t worse than anyone else.
Perhaps next year''s World Cup would be a great opportunity, he thought silently in his heart.
The other protagonist mentioned by Wang Feng, Messi of Barcelona, seemed much calmer. Just learning from the club that he was very likely to win the European Golden Boy award in a month.
As the third yer to win this honor, he was only 18 years old, and the previous two winners were Van der Vaart and Rooney, not Ronaldo.
Messi had enough time and confidence to surpass anyone, including the currently high-flying Wang Feng.
Chapter 257: Fallen heroes
Chapter 257: Fallen heroes
November 6th, in the 11th round of Serie A, Inter Mn weed Lazio at home.
As one of the former Serie A powerhouses, Lazio reached its peak in the 1990s. At its zenith, its squad was even more luxurious than teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
However, the club''s fortunes depended on one person, Lazio''s owner Cragnotti. Even before Florentino Perez''s "Gcticos" at Real Madrid, he had advocated for a policy of "signing superstars to build the team."
Stars like Veron, Vieri, Crespo, and Nedved were signed by the Biancocelesti, breaking numerous transfer records at the time. Lazio transformed from a mid-table team to a title contender.
In 1999, Lazio boasted a formidable lineup with stars like Favalieri, Nesta, Nedved, Stankovic, Ss, Veron, Almeyda, Inzaghi, and Conceicao.
With this squad, they won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 1999, as well as the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana in 2000.
Just when everyone thought Lazio would be another powerhouse besides the northern giants, Cragnotti''s foodpany faced a crisis. The club had to cut expenses, leading to the departure of many stars, and their performance declined significantly, no longer able to challenge for the league title.
Lazio''s rise and fall illustrate a broader issue in Serie A: most clubs operate at a non-profitable state. Poor management andmercial development by the league mean clubs receive very little revenue, except for the top northern giants. Other clubs often rely on their owners'' parentpanies for financial support, and any crisis in the parentpany severely affects the clubs.
The match kicked off in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Inter Mnunched the first attack, with Wang Feng breaking through Lazio''s defense twice. Unfortunately, one shot was saved by Peruzzi, and the other, a header to Adriano, missed the target.
Inter Mn''s midfield dominance was apparent, with Ribery and Makll linking up effectively, both possessing excellent technical skills and precise passing.
In the 27th minute, their efforts paid off. Ribery cut inside from the right and, despite Vigil''s interference, chipped a pass to the far post. Wang Feng chested the ball forward, then elerated past Couto, unleashing a powerful shot into Lazio''s.
1-0!
Despite taking the lead, Inter Mn continued to control the game''s tempo. However, they missed several chances to extend their lead, perhaps due to their teammates''ck of excitement.
In the 51st minute of the second half, Wang Feng received a through ball from Ribery, sprinted down the wing, and delivered a low cross to the edge of the six-yard box.
Adriano, usually quick to react, was slightly slower this time, allowing the ball to slip past him to the unmarked far post, where Lazio defender Vigil cleared it.
Adriano shook his head in frustration, giving Wang Feng a thumbs-up for the excellent pass, acknowledging his own missed opportunity.
Five minutester, Inter Mnunched another attack. Wang Feng received a pass from Sti in the opposition half, shrugged off Oddo''s challenge, dribbled into the box, and fired a low shot into the far corner, making it 2-0! Inter Mn secured victory!
On November 20th, in the 12th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Parma away.
Like Lazio, Parma was once a Serie A powerhouse, even earlier than Lazio. In the 1990s, it was known as one of the "Seven Sisters" of Serie A.
Parma''s rise was also fueled by "moneyball." In 1990, the club was promoted to Serie A, and Parmt, the local dairy industry giant, acquired a 45% stake in the club, bing its leader, and began massive investment in signings.
The arrivals of Glenn, Brolin, and Taffarel helped them qualify for the UEFA Cup as newly promoted side, and they also won the Coppa Italia, shocking Italian football.
Notably, Taffarel''s most famous moment was in the 1994 World Cup final when he was Brazil''s goalkeeper. When Roberto Baggio missed his penalty, Taffarel fell to his knees and looked up to the sky, a moment captured in an iconic photograph.
Subsequent signings like Aspri and Z brought Parma European sess, winning the UEFA Cup and their first Coppa Italia. They also shattered Juventus'' dreams of a treble.
Despite changes in their squad, Parma remainedpetitive, winning the Cup Winners'' Cup and UEFA Super Cup in the 1998-1999 season.
However, after Parmt went bankrupt, Parma lost its financial support and gradually declined. Although they had a resurgence for a brief period with Adriano, Grdino, and Mutu, they failed to win any more trophies.
The match began with Parma attempting to capitalize on their home advantage, but the ball was soon intercepted by Inter Mn''s defense. A long pass found Ribery in midfield.
Ribery broke through to the edge of the penalty area before passing to the far post. Wang Feng rose above Bonera to head the ball into Parma''s.
"Goal! Wang Feng scores with a header, giving Inter Mn the lead within just 3 minutes! This header was magnificent, showing Wang Feng''s incredible leap as he reached above Bonera''s head."
"Wang Feng doesn''t often use headers, but it''s definitely one of his weapons. Opponents who underestimate him will pay the price."
Finding themselves behind so early was unexpected for the home team. They didn''t want to lose easily, so they continued to press forward against Inter Mn. However, this was undoubtedly a mistake. Facing a strong opponent, it would be better to tighten their defense and wait for counterattacks.
Ten minutester, Inter Mn''s Zti intercepted the ball and initiated a counterattack. He passed to Ribery on the wing, who dodged Bonaventura''s tackle and crossed to the edge of the penalty area.
Wang Feng attracted the defense before delivering a through pass, finding Adriano unmarked. Adriano didn''t waste the chance, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper with his left foot.
Fifteen minutester, Inter Mn extended their lead with a third goal from Pizarro, effectively sealing Parma''s fate.
In the second half, Parma adjusted their tactics, opting to defend deeper rather than attacking Inter Mn directly. Inter Mn also slowed down the tempo of the game and made substitutions.
In the 77th minute, Parma pulled one goal back through a counterattack, but Inter Mn maintained their lead, winning 3-1 at full time.
Chapter 258: Franck Ribery
Chapter 258: Franck Ribery
After the match against Parma, the midweek weed the challenge of the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, hosting Atmedia at home.
Coach Mancini sent out the main lineup to face the opponents. As the referee''s whistle blew, the San Siro Stadium echoed with waves of cheers, and the game officially began.
Inter Mn''s lineup quickly spread out, with yers upying important positions in the front, middle, and backfields. The ball circted continuously in the backfield, with Marchisio and Sane interchanging passes with their teammates.
After four rounds of group stage matches, Atmedia and sgow Rangers both had 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss. Due to goal difference, Atmedia ranked third. Seeing their hopes of advancing, the Slovakian club was determined topete with Inter Mn.
In the 5th minute, Ribery intercepted the ball from Atmedia''s central defender, Trongo, in midfield, quickly advancing towards the penalty area line, suddenly shooting, only to be saved by goalkeeper Essen for a corner.
Just 2 minutester, Ribery received a pass from Sane again, shaking off defenders in the frontcourt and shooting in the penalty area, but unfortunately, the ball went over the crossbar.
It seems that the Frenchman''s attacking desire is strong. Since Wang Feng didn''t wait for the pass, he didn''t mind. It''s rare that he wants to shoot himself. He''ll just cooperate well.
Ribery has been with Inter Mn for almost three years. From being questioned at first to proving his worth, Wang Feng has seen the effort and dedication he has put in.
The Frenchman always affectionately calls Wang Feng "Big Brother", often stating in interviews that Wang Feng has given him valuable opportunities. However, Wang Feng understands in his heart that with his talent, he will eventually make a name for himself. He just gave him a tform in advance.
How about sending him off before leaving Inter Mn, leaving Serie A? Thinking of this, Wang Feng began to actively retreat, attracting defenders to create space for Ribery''s attack.
In the 14th minute, Ribery dribbled on the right, Wang Feng came to his side to ask for the ball. Ribery was a bit puzzled. Shouldn''t he be waiting in the penalty area at this time? But the Frenchman didn''t hesitate and passed the ball directly to him.
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng signaled Ribery to go to the penalty area for support, while making a breakthrough gesture. The Atmedia defenders became nervous, closing in from front and back.
He used a fake move to trick one defender, and then passed to Ribery in the penalty area, who was unmarked nearby, so he easily pushed the ball into the near corner, 1-0!
After scoring, Inter Mn did not stop their attacking pace. Just 5 minutester, Ribery returned the favor. Dribbling sideways from the wing, he suddenly pushed the ball to Wang Feng nearby.
Wang Feng, near the edge of the penalty area, directly shot the ball, which flew into the top right corner of the goal in a small arc in the air. He wouldn''t miss such an opportunity, 2-0! Inter Mn expanded their lead!
In the 33rd minute, Inter Mn counterattacked, Wang Feng dribbled on the left and ran, using his speed to shake off the defender and reach near the goal line, then passed back to the left rib of the penalty area.
Ribery, who followed up, shot into the far corner of the goal, 3-0! Ribery scored twice!
The performance of the Blue-ck Legion was far from over. Near the end of the first half, Wang Feng received Ribery''s pass in the penalty area, dribbled past three defenders in a row, and then entered the penalty area.
At this moment, all eyes were on him. ording to past experience, Wang Feng would definitely aim for a shot in the gap. But this time, he didn''t do that. Instead, he directly passed to Ribery, who was making a run. The space around Ribery was as wide as the sea.
After a moment of surprise, Ribery quickly regained his senses, shot before the opposing defender arrived, and the ball went into the.
Ribery scored a hat-trick in the first half!
After scoring, he looked incredulously at the goal, but soon realized it. Excitedly, he leaped up, then rushed to Wang Feng and shouted, "Big Brother, a hat-trick! I actually scored a hat-trick!"
Wang Feng hugged him with a smile. "It''s just one. You''ll create more in the future." Ribery nodded vigorously, a grateful expression on his face. All three of his goals came from Wang Feng''s assists, and two of them, Wang Feng had the chance to shoot but passed to him.
The Inter Mn fans in the stands were also very happy. Besides Wang Feng, there were other yers who could score for Inter Mn, and they were young yers!
They shouted the names of Wang Feng and Ribery loudly. The two of them came to the stands area to bow to these lovely fans.
At halftime, it was 4-0! The strong performance of Inter Mn made Atmedia feel desperate. Even if Wang Feng and others were reced in the second half, they still had no confidence in making aeback.
Instead, in the final moments, substitute striker Martins once again broke the opponent''s goal, setting the final score at 5-0. Inter Mn, with five consecutive wins in the group stage, confidently advanced to the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
Three dayster, in the 13th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Messina at home. The coach arranged for the bench lineup to y, with Wang Feng starting to ensure attacking power. Surprisingly, Ribery also requested to y because he felt in excellent form. After detailed examination by the team doctor, which showed no signs of fatigue or injury, Mancini agreed to his request.
In the 23rd minute of the game, Wang Feng received a long pass from Civu in the frontcourt, leaned against the defender, turned around, and made a straight pass. Ribery made a run ahead, then shot in the penalty area, opening the scoring for Inter Mn.
And near the end of the first half, after Wang Feng dribbled past three yers in a row and entered the penalty area, Messina defender Augustine had no choice but to trip him.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty, which Wang Feng personally took and scored, making the score 2-0.
In the second half, substitute forward Cruz scored the third goal to secure a victory for Inter Mn at home.
On the first day of December, the battle for the Italian Cup ignited. In the Round of 16, Inter Mn challenged Parma away.
This time, the Crusaders appeared spirited against Inter Mn, and they took the lead in the 25th minute due to a defensive loophole.
But just before halftime, Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area and passed to Ribery at the far post, who shot into the from the right side, equalizing for Inter Mn.
In the second half, Wang Feng and Riberypleted a wall-pass style cooperation on the right again, and Ribery shot sessfully from a tight angle.
2-1! Ribery scored a brace!
In the end, Inter Mn won 2-1 against Parma, and in the second leg at the Meazza, their advancement advantage was very significant.
A double match week, in the 14th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Ascoli away.
This time, all the main yers sat on the bench, including Wang Feng, but the situation in the game was not optimistic. With their tenacious spirit and home advantage, the promoted team did not fall behind at all.
At halftime, the score was still 0-0, and Mancini was a bit impatient. In the second half, he sessively reced Wang Feng and Ribery, and the effect was immediate.
Wang Feng first broke the deadlock with a long shot, then assisted Ribery to score again. Although Ascoli pulled one back with a counterattack, Wang Feng quickly locked in the victory with a direct free kick.
Chapter 259: World cup draw
Chapter 259: World cup draw
As December approached, it was time for the annual selection of the highest awards in international football. The winner of the Ballon d''Or was revealed earlier, with "France Football" personnel appearing in Ennd.
Shevchenko''s win was expected, given his contribution to Chelsea''s UEFA Champions League and league double. While British media celebrated, they also expressed excitement that Wang Feng''s era had ended and that next year''s awards were unlikely to go to him, as it was a World Cup year.
"Even if Wang Feng is formidable, he cannot lead the Chinese team to any breakthrough in the World Cup," assessed Sky Sports UK.
Italian media expressed regret that Wang Feng couldn''t secure a third consecutive win, with some articles hinting that Serie A "stole" Wang Feng''s honor.
The discourse domestically was even more intense, with many fans advocating, "Wang Feng, leave Serie A, leave Inter Mn, you''ve done enough."
Later, "France Football" magazine announced the rankings, with Wang Feng narrowly losing to Shevchenko by 15 votes, taking second ce. His consecutive European Golden Boot performances still impressed the judges.
On December 7th, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, Inter Mn faced sgow Rangers away. Having already secured first ce in the group, they settled for a 1-1 draw, advancing together to the round of 16. Atmedia ultimately failed to make history but participating in the Europa League was an achievement; Porto finished bottom and was eliminated.
Inter Mn''s opponent in the Champions League Round of 16 would be Ajax from the Eredivisie. AC Mn and Juventus also progressed, while Udinese fell to Barcelona and Werder Bremen, "earning" a spot in the Europa League.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup draw took ce on December 9th in Leipzig, Germany''s eastern part. Prior to this, South Korea sessfullypleted their World Cup qualifiers, defeating Bahrain and Trinidad and Tobago consecutively, securing Asia''sst precious spot.
This meant five Asian teams would participate in the World Cup, a rare urrence historically, as the fifth-ced team from Asia usually had little advantagepared to teams from other continents. But China''s strong rise disced the formidable South Korea, giving them an edge in the yoffs. In this regard, Wang Feng indeed contributed to the development of Asian football.
Many Chinese fans nervously watched the draw on TV. In 2002, excitement overshadowed everything, and they hardly paid attention to the groups until they realized they were in the group of death with the champions and third-ced teams.
This time, with Wang Feng participating, they hoped for a favorable draw to achieve a historic breakthrough. Wang Feng watched the draw from his vi, with his sister and girlfriend by his side, silently praying hand in hand.
The result was revealed: China was drawn with Spain, Ukraine, and Tunisia in Group H, prompting fans''mentations. Apart from traditional European powerhouses Spain, Ukraine and Tunisia were formidable opponents, ranked much higher than China in the FIFA rankings.
"A group of death!" Variousments appeared on major portals and forums, with fans sighing while rallying behind Wang Feng''s magical performances.
When Wang Feng saw the draw, he felt a moment of frustration, but he quickly came to terms with it. After all, which opponent wouldn''t be challenging for the Chinese team? His sister and girlfriendforted him, saying, "It''s okay if we can''t beat Spain. As for Ukraine, it''s a chance to get back at them and show those blind judges." His sister was still indignant about Wang Feng not winning the Ballon d''Or.
Wang Feng smiled and patted his sister''s head, nodding, "Just watch your big brother''s performance!"
Among other Asian teams, South Korea was drawn with Ennd, Paraguay, and Sweden, facing a tough challenge to advance and settle debts from four years ago.
Iran was grouped with Mexico, Ang, and Portugal. Japan was with Brazil, Croatia, and Australia. Saudi Arabia faced France, Switzend, and Togo.
In December, the FIFA Men''s yer award announced its final three candidates: Barcelona''s Ronaldinho, Chelsea''s Shevchenko, and Lampard. Wang Feng was not among them.
This sparked further debate. Many questioned why Ronaldinho, with a second-ce finish in La Liga and elimination from the Champions League, made it while Wang Feng, with a second-ce finish in Serie A and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, did not? Moreover, Wang Feng was still the European Golden Boot winner, with far more goals than Ronaldinhost year! Many media outlets believed this was an invisible advantage of being born in a football powerhouse like Brazil.
The subsequent result proved this point once again, with Ronaldinho defeating the other two contenders and lifting the FIFA Men''s yer award!
Regardless of the controversy, Ronaldinho was the final winner. He trembled as he received the trophy from FIFA President tter, feeling immensely excited and emotional.
Finally, in Serie A Matchday 15, Inter Mn hosted AC Mn at home. Now, the Blue-ck Legion''s fans'' momentum clearly surpassed that of the Red-ck Legion.
However, the match process was not smooth. In the 11th minute, Wang Feng''s lob pass found Ribery to open the scoring. This was Ribery''s first season with a total of more than ten goals in three years, and the excited Frenchman hugged Wang Feng in gratitude.
The home team''s fans in the stands were also very amodating, with many disying slogans supporting Ribery. Obviously, his recent outstanding performances had won over more fans.
But soon, in a midfield tackle, Makll twisted his ankle andy in pain. After a brief treatment and assessment, the team doctor signaled for a substitution.
Mancini had no choice but to rece Makll with the young Maxwell, leaving Inter Mn without control in midfield. Kaka and Inzaghi then scored two goals in quick session to reverse the scoreline.
In the dying moments, Wang Feng secured a 2-2 draw with a long-range shot.
Chapter 260: Halfway trough the league
Chapter 260: Halfway trough the league
Before the winter break, Inter Mn has two more matches, respectively the 16th round away game against Reggina and the 17th round home game against Empoli.
Both opponents in these two matches are not very strong, allowing rotation yers such as Favalli, Mihajlovic, Maxwell, Davies, Emre, and Cruz to get plenty of ying time.
Wang Feng started the game against Reggina and scored a goal before being substituted, helping Inter Mn to a 3-0 victory.
In the match against Empoli, Wang Feng came off the bench and scored directly from a free kick, assisting Cruz for another goal, helping the team win 2-0.
After 17 rounds, Inter Mn''s record is 13 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses with 41 points. This record is already good, but Juventus and AC Mn have performed better this year.
Juventus leads with 15 wins, 2 draws, and 47 points, undefeated and winning the first half championship. AC Mn also performed well with 13 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, and 42 points, ranking second ahead of Inter Mn.
The Turin Sports Dailymented that "the real Juventus has awakened" and "after three seasons of decline, the Bianconeri have finally found the key to their rise."
"Under the guidance of the famous coach Capello, this team has shown very strongbativeness, especially in the three matches against Inter Mn, Fiorentina, and Lazio this season, they achieved all victories and won the first half championship ahead of Mn''s two giants."
The Rome Sports Daily believes that Inter Mn''s dominance is declining. "In recent years, Inter Mn has always focused on signing midfielders, putting all the attacking focus on Wang Feng. This is undoubtedly a gamble. They won for a while, but it''s not a long-term n."
"Although Wang Feng still leads the league''s scorer list with 22 goals, second-ce Toni from Florence only has 16 goals, but the Nerazzurri''s decline in performance is an undeniable fact. Their team has problems."
The Mn Sports Daily neither criticizes Inter Mn nor supports AC Mn, but only points out that Inter Mn''s decline in the past two years is abnormal, and some reporters are digging deeper into the backstage.
The external disturbances have not affected Wang Feng''s mood. This season, he only wants to win the fifth UEFA Champions League trophy for Inter Mn, leaving the original Saint By Cup forever in Meazza, so as not to disappoint the fans who have always supported him. He can leave Mn without any worries.
Lu Yao''s graduation is approaching, and she has be busier. Even during Christmas, she needs to stay at school to consult literature and write papers. To apany her, Wang Feng and his sister did not go on vacation elsewhere.
In the evening, Mn University appeared very quiet. Most of the students had already left for home. The siblings walked on the path in the woods, preparing to find Lu Yao and go to have a Christmas dinner together.
"Brother, are you going to Madrid next year?" Wang Tian asked softly. "Yeah," Wang Feng sighed, "This time leaving may be forever. I''ve lived in Mn for nearly five years, and I''m really reluctant to leave."
His sister nodded, "I''ve been here for four years too. I really miss the days in college."
"Lu yao has decided to work at the Feng Yao Group after graduation. Have you thought about what you want to do?" Wang Feng asked curiously. "Not at all. With such a reliable brother like you, I have no desire to strive," Wang Tian stuck out her tongue.
Wang Tian chuckled, "Maybe I''ll continue traveling, painting, and writing travelogues. You know, a few years ago, there was a concept called self-media. I think it suits me very well."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile, "You just don''t like to work hard, do you?" He rubbed his sister''s head vigorously, and Wang Tian didn''t dodge, looking at her brother with a smile, her big eyes particrly bright.
At this time, Lu Yao ran out of the library, "Sorry for keeping you waiting. Let''s go eat now." Wang Feng nodded and led the two little ones to a Chinese hot pot restaurant near the university.
The owner of this restaurant is a genuine Chinese and also Wang Feng''s most loyal fan. The first time he came, he was extremely excited to take a photo and get an autograph from Wang Feng, even offering him a permanent free meal.
But Wang Feng didn''t want to take advantage of hispatriot for nothing. After some negotiation, they reached an agreement: Wang Feng would enjoy a 30% discount on meals, and the owner could disy Wang Feng''s photos and autographs in the restaurant to attract more Italian Chinese customers, making the business even more prosperous.
Eating a steaming hot pot in the cold winter, the three of them praised its deliciousness. Wang Tian couldn''t take her eyes off the sizzling meat slices, waiting eagerly to pick them up when they were cooked.
As they ate, they chatted about the future. Wang Feng said, "Lu Yao, although you will work at Feng Yao Group after graduation, you don''t have to go to Switzend. With the convenience of the Inte now, you can work remotely with aputer,e with me to Madrid."
Lu Yao hesitated a bit. She didn''t want to be apart from Wang Feng for too long, but it wasn''t good to be away from thepany for a long time either. So after some thought, she said, "Then I canmute between two ces, working in thepany for a period of time and going to Madrid for another period. Is that okay?"
Wang Feng could only nod. After all, Lu Yao was doing it for hispany, and he didn''t want to confine his beloved at home all the time. Wang Tian interjected, "Brother, have you found a ce to live in Madrid?"
Wang Feng shook his head, "Balmond is helping me inquire through some connections, but we can''t make it public. It would be troublesome if the media found out."
"There are several suitable areas for residence, where other Real Madrid yers also live. The quiet atmosphere and privacy are guaranteed."
"Then I''ll just continue to freeload at your ce. I''ve decided. My goal next is to travel and sketch in Spain. Please apud for the future great painter!"
Wang Feng and Lu Yao smiled at each other. "What about this vi in Italy? It holds so many memories for us. I feel reluctant to terminate the lease," Lu Yao said.
"I''ve contacted the original owner and bought it," Wang Feng said with a smile. "We can stille to Mn for shopping and tourism in our spare time and continue to live in this vi. I will have someone maintain it regrly."
As the winter transfer window approached, there were not many actions from Serie A teams. Moratti continued to strengthen Inter Mn by signing midfielder Cesar from Lazio and loaning young talents Salvi and Rosini from Bellinzona, Switzend.
Juventus and AC Mn remained unchanged. Roma couldn''t sign yers due to a ban. Lazio made some moves at thest minute, bringing in tall left winger Bonani from Palermo to fill Cesar''s vacancy. Also, due to the good form of veteran goalkeeper Ballotta, Sereni, who had been in a wage dispute, was exchanged to Treviso for substitute goalkeeper Handanovic.
Sampdoria signed former Juventus veteran Iuliano from Mallorca at thest minute, while Palermo acquired Tedesco from Genoa. Le bought defender Sayyed from Feyenoord but sold their starting right-back Angelo to Serie B''s Crotone.
Chapter 261: Happiness comes first
Chapter 261: Happinesses first
On January 8, 2006, Serie A reignited as Inter Mn challenged Siena away in the 18th round.
Both teams'' yers, having just experienced the holiday break, were not in top form. Even by halftime, they hadn''t fully gotten into the game, and the score remained 0-0.
The situation improved in the second half. In the 57th minute, Ribery dribbled down the right side, assessing the situation around him. Suddenly, he sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area.
Wang Feng quickly made a run to the right side of the penalty spot, lifting his left arm to fend off Siena defender Potanova. He then shot directly into the with his side foot after receiving the ball, making it 1-0! Inter Mn finally broke the deadlock.
Potanova, feeling helpless, rubbed his ribs. He had tried hard to push forward, but Wang Feng''s body position was too stable, and with his arm blocking, Potanova''s chest was pressed against his arm, causing him pain.
After this goal, Inter Mn quickly gained momentum. Ribery and Adriano contributed several brilliant attacks. In the 78th minute, Adriano scored with a header to help the team secure another goal.
2-0, Inter Mn won the game.
Midweek, in the second round of the Coppa Italia round of 16, Inter Mn hosted Parma at home. Despite being in a disadvantaged position, the away team burst with energy. In the first half, Rossina scored a goal, temporarily taking the lead.
But in the second half, when Wang Feng received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, he suddenly cut inside while dribbling. With his explosive power, he quickly shook off defender Bonera in front of him and unleashed a world-ss shot with his right foot.
The ball flew in a bizarre arc in the air, initially heading towards the left side of the goal, then suddenly veering to the right, entering the from the upper right corner. Parma''s goalkeeper Frey couldn''t react in time.
Ultimately, with a 1-1 draw in this match and a first-leg score of 2-1, Inter Mn advanced to the quarter-finals with a total score of 3-2, and their next opponent would be Lazio.
On January 15th, in the 19th round of Serie A, Inter Mn weed Cagliari at home. In the 21st minute, Pizarro made a quick run from the left side, receiving a through pass from midfielder Santi in midfield, then crossed to the middle.
Wang Feng followed up and chested the ball in the area at the top of the penalty arc, then volleyed with his left foot as the ball dropped, piercing through Cagliari''s defense.
Just 7 minutester, Wang Feng dribbled through on the right side, then lifted the ball into the penalty area near the goal line. Adriano''s header found the again, further extending the lead.
Establishing dominance in the first half allowed Inter Mn to y morefortably. In the 73rd minute of the second half, Santi assisted Adriano once again, and the Brazilian scored his second goal of the match, also bringing Inter Mn''s lead to two digits.
3-0, Inter Mn secured aprehensive victory.
On January 19th, in the 20th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Treviso away. This team, currently at the bottom of Serie A, made its first appearance in the top league in its over 100-year history this season, but it seems likely to be relegated after the season ends.
Located in the Vo region, Treviso is even further north in Italy than Venice, with a poption of just over 80,000. Since its football club was founded in 1909, it has long struggled in the lower leagues, rarely even making it to Serie B.
It wasn''t until 1993, after capital injection, that they made a three-level jump to enter Serie B. But in 2001, they were relegated back to Serie C. After changing club presidents in 2004, the team made a qualitative leap and returned to Serie B, achieving amendable 5th ce.
Their promotion to Serie A was a major event in the club''s history, but it brought along stadium issues. Their home ground did not meet Serie A standards at all. Treviso city officials had to repeatedly write to the Serie A league, exining their difficulties.
"Our region''s poption is simply too small. It''s difficult to reach the standard of over 10,000 people in attendance, and many Serie A teams also have simr problems, like Siena. We shouldn''t be judged solely based on this."
"If possible, we will appropriately renovate our home ground, reducing the seat length from 50mm to 48mm, which would add around 300 new seats." After much discussion, the Serie A league eventually granted them admission.
Returning to the game itself, Treviso''s home ground, the Nani Stadium, gave Wang Feng a feeling of traveling back in time. He felt as if he were back at the Ivanhoe Stadium of Serie B''s Vicenza. Even Siena, a team that has long hovered between Serie A and Serie B, wouldn''t have such a rudimentary home ground.
However, football here was very pure. Local fans would gather in groups of three or five after work to watch the game at the stadium, passionately cheering for the home team. They didn''t care so much about winning or losing; they just wanted to enjoy a good game.
Inter Mn didn''t disappoint them. After Wang Feng scored a goal, he assisted Recoba and Cruz to score consecutively. In the second half, Emre once again extended the lead.
4-0! The reserve lineup of the Nerazzurri blossomed, securing a big win.
After the game, although Treviso''s fans were somewhat disappointed, they still apuded the Inter Mn yers. Perhaps this is what football, with its emphasis on joy, is all about.
It''s reasonable for fans to watch football matches with a focus on joy, but if yers also approach the game with this mentality, it would seem quite bizarre. Balmond feels this way now.
A few years ago, a ck youth named Balotelli, rmended by Wang Feng, found him. He hoped to join Balmond''s team. Balmond only briefly looked at the information and quickly signed the contract.
For better development, Balmond originally intended to find a youth team in a top club for him to train with. However, an Italian Serie C club, Lumezzane, saw the potential in the Italian''s physical attributes and wanted to sign him to strengthen their team. For Balotelli, starting his professional career early meant earning money sooner, so both sides quickly agreed.
At the age of 15, when he officially yed for the club, he set the record for the youngest yer in the history of Italian professional football league. However, Lumezzane soon realized something was wrong. Balotelli''s personality was reclusive, and he would often perform inexplicable antics during matches.
For example, when he relied on his physical abilities to shake off defenders, he would insist on making shy shots, leading to missed opportunities, or he would suddenlymit fouls during the game, and so on.
Whenever this happened, Balotelli would often smile, as if this was the happy time he enjoyed ying football. The modest Lumezzane couldn''t afford such antics from the "big god," so they informed the yer and his agent that they would not renew his contract after the season.
Helpless, Balmond could only turn to Inter Mn''s youth camp, hoping they would sign this "old" youth yer. The relevant officials carefully reviewed the information and felt that Balotelli was indeed worth nurturing, so they decisively signed him to a three-year contract.
Chapter 262: Incredible record
Chapter 262: Incredible record
January 22nd, in the 21st round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Palermo. Although the away team lost their top star Toni, they still had Fabio, Barzagli, and Zardo, three Italian internationals.
Inter Mn''s consecutive victories had left their yers somewhatcent, especially with Mancini absent and Maxwell appearing somewhat inexperienced. In the first half, Palermo seized an opportunity to break the deadlock andter earned a penalty in the box, which Gasbarroni converted to expand their lead.
Fortunately, Coach Mancini scolded the yers during halftime and substituted the out-of-form Materazzi with Mihajlovic to stabilize the defense. In the second half, the game returned to Inter Mn''s control.
In the 51st minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Santi at the edge of the penalty area, turned, and fired a powerful shot towards the bottom corner. Despite Palermo''s goalkeeper Guadal diving quickly to save, he was a fraction too slow, and the ball crossed the goal line before he could reach it.
1-2! Inter Mn pulled one back.
Afterwards, the away team defended deeply, while the Nerazzurri intensified their attacks. Despite Mancini bringing on Recoba and Martins to bolster the offense, they failed to score again.
Inter Mn suffered a defeat, their third in the league this season.
While Inter Mn faltered, Juventus achieved a shocking record: 17 wins, 4 draws, 55 points, remaining unbeaten for 21 rounds! It''s worth noting that even during Inter Mn''s strongest season, they only remained unbeaten for 12 rounds, making it extremely difficult to maintain an unbeaten streak for multiple rounds in the high-intensity Serie A due to factors such as rotation and injuries.
Indeed, yers like Trezeguet and Nedved have been sidelined due to injuries, and Coach Capello has rotated the squad in some matches, yet the team miraculously persevered.
The Turin-based sports newspaper "Tuttosport" described Juventus'' resurgence as "the return of the kings." They emphasized Juventus as the most prestigious club in Serie A history and the only team to achieve five consecutive league titles.
"Under the leadership of Coach Capello, they are advancing towards the goal of defending their title. yers like Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic, and others will bring this team back to its former glory."
"It''s not just Inter Mn that can be revived!"
This report resonated with many old fans. Since 1935, no team has been able to dominate Serie A for five seasons, and Juventus, with the most championship titles, desires nothing more than a resurgence.
However, "La Gazzetta dello Sport" disagrees. "Inter Mn during their peak was more imposing. Juventus nowadays seems to rely more on luck."
The report cited Juventus'' match against Fiorentina in the 18th round as an example. "Fiorentina led Juventus 2-1 with five minutes remaining. No one expected Fiorentina''s defense to make consecutive mistakes, gifting two goals to the opponent, resulting in Juventus''eback."
"These lucky incidents have urred more than once. It''s hard to believe they have the ability to dominate Serie A."
Juventus'' performance further solidified the ideas of Inter Mn''s senior management and coaching staff: to focus on the Champions League matches and, if possible, also prioritize cuppetitions.
On January 25th, they faced Lazio in the first leg of the Italian Cup quarter-finals, away from home.
Just 2 minutes into the game, Wang Feng received a pass from Santi on the left side, dribbled into the penalty area, then passed to Adriano in the middle. Adriano, in a perfect position, lofted the ball with his right foot, and before it touched the ground, Wang Feng instinctively toe-poked it into the.
The home fans were stunned. How could they concede so early? Angry, they booed both the celebrating Inter Mn yers and their own underperforming Lazio yers.
Fortunately, the home team quickly adjusted their mentality and didn''t allow Inter Mn to score again. The two sides entered a period of stalemate until the 43rd minute.
Inter Mnunched a quick counterattack. Civu''s long pass found Wang Feng in the attacking third. His superb control amazed the fans, drawing the attention of the defense.
As the defenders shifted their focus, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to pass across the box. Adriano, making a well-timed run, easily slotted the ball into the, further extending Inter Mn''s lead.
Although Lazio pulled one back in the second half, they still lost 1-2 to Inter Mn. The Nerazzurri secured a victory away from home, taking the initiative in advancing to the next round.
On January 30th, in the 22nd round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Le away. Despite the efforts of Recoba, Cruz, and Martins, they couldn''t break through the opponent''s defense. Finally, in the 75th minute, Mancini substituted Wang Feng.
His impact was immediate. Three minutester, a nervous Le defender fouled Wang Feng in the box, resulting in a penalty for Inter Mn.
Wang Feng confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, making it 1-0! Inter Mn secured the victory with this goal. After the penalty, Mancini immediately substituted Martins for Wang Feng.
Jokingly, if Wang Feng had gotten injured at that moment, Moratti would have killed him!
With ten men, Le couldn''t mount aeback, and they were eventually defeated 1-0. With a 3-1 aggregate score, Inter Mn advanced to the semi-finals of the cuppetition.
Their opponent was Udinese, as AC Mn and Juventus seemed to have focused their energy on the league and the Champions League, respectively, exiting the cuppetition in the quarter-finals.
Chapter 263: Meet once again
Chapter 263: Meet once again
In February, in the next four league matches, Inter Mn defeated Chievo 2-0 at home, won 3-2 against Fiorentina away, drew 2-2 with Juventus at home, and won 3-0 against Livorno away.
With a record of 3 wins and 1 draw, they remained in third ce on the league table. What''s more pleasing is that Mark Lye returned to the team in the match against Livorno, and his performance seemed promising, which would be helpful for the uing Champions League matches.
On February 23rd, the Champions League reignited, with Inter Mn facing Ajax away in the round of 16. Compared to several years ago, this Ajax team had undergone significant changes in its lineup, with well-known yers such as Ibrahimovic, Van der Vaart, and Maxwell having been sold to clubs in the top five leagues.
However, they had a new batch of talented yers emerging, helping the team sessfully reach the Champions League knockout stage. It was believed that by the end of the season, they would be a target pursued by many teams.
Ajax lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Scott Lundberg. The defense consisted of Tetrabelsi, Heitinga, Vermaelen, and Emanuelson. The midfieldprised Maduro, Lindenberg, and Buhari. The forwards were Rosales, Huntar, and Rosenberg.
Thest time Ajax reached the second stage of the Champions League was in 2002. Therefore, the nearly fifty-one thousand seats at the Johan Cruyff Arena were almost full, with fans d in red and white singing the team''s anthem, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
In the yer tunnel, both teams stood under the lead of the main referee. The camera of the live broadcast focused on Wang Feng in the middle of the teams, who was seen chatting with Ribery. Thementator remarked, "Wang Feng seems to be in good spirits. I wonder how he will perform tonight, and what kind of exciting match the yers from both sides will bring us?"
Inter Mn kicked off first. As the main referee blew the whistle, Adriano passed the ball to Ribery, who then passed it back to Zti. The ball was passed back in defense, and Wang Feng immediately ran towards the front.
Inter Mn quickly organized an attack. The ball reached Ribery''s feet in the opponent''s half, and the Frenchman dribbled forward forcefully, bypassing the defense of Emanuelson.
After reaching near the goal line, he quickly crossed, and the ball flew across the goalmouth to the far post. Ajax''s goalkeeper Scott Lundberg remained calm, not rushing out recklessly. Adriano at the far post attempted a header, but his attempt hit the crossbar and was pushed out by the goalkeeper''s palm.
The home fans in the stands eximed, "Inter Mn just created a threatening attack right at the beginning of the game, earning the first corner of the match!"
Adriano shook his head apologetically to Ribery nearby. This time his cross was of very high quality, and there was not much tight defense at the far post. Unfortunately, he didn''t put in enough power himself,bined with the opponent goalkeeper''s focused attention, he couldn''t capitalize on the opportunity.
Wang Feng took the corner kick. Inter Mn''s tall yers entered the penalty area and awaited instructions a few steps back. After raising his left hand, Wang Feng made his run-up and kicked the ball. The ball''s height wasn''t high, flying straight to the near post. Inter Mn''s Materazzi suddenly rushed out from the crowd, leaped forward, and perfectly headed it in.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The goal is in! Just 2 minutes into the game, Inter Mn takes the lead with a goal, they seem unstoppable!"
"This corner kick coordination perfectly demonstrates the understanding between the Inter Mn yers. Wang Feng''s delivery went straight to the near post, where Materazzi was expected to head it in. The Italian did not disappoint."
"At a critical moment, Ajax''s defense made a marking error. How could they allow Materazzi to easily sneak out?"
This goal quieted down the Johan Cruyff Arena, with only a small blue g fluttering in the southwest corner, where the visiting team''s fans were cheering.
With the lead, Inter Mn yed more confidently. Ajax, on the other hand, had not recovered from the blow, showing a disjointed performance. They wanted to attack to equalize the score but also feared Inter Mn''s sharp counterattacks.
In the 19th minute, Inter Mnunched a fast counterattack. Civu intercepted the ball in the midfield and sent a long pass to Wang Feng near the halfway line. With his back to the goal, Wang Feng didn''t stop the ball but flicked it backward, evading the defense of Maduro, then turned and chased after the ball.
He elerated quickly, and Maduro realized something was wrong in a split second. When he wanted to foul, Wang Feng had already shaken off him, leaving him a step behind, unable to catch up.
Running at full speed, Wang Feng collided with Tetrabelsi head-on, the Tunisian being Ajax''sst line of defense. Behind him, the goalkeeper couldn''t stop him, preferring to foul him to prevent him from breaking through!
But Wang Feng didn''t give him the chance. Seeing Tetrabelsi rushing towards him, Wang Feng flicked the ball forward with a big stride, then elerated past him.
The ball flew over Tetrabelsi''s head, and when the Tunisian turned around in a hurry, Wang Feng had already left him far behind and entered the penalty area.
Goalkeeper Scott Lundberg was of no help. After dodging Tetrabelsi''s challenge effortlessly, Wang Feng shot into the empty after a light feint.
2-0! Just twenty minutes into the game, Inter Mn led by two goals!
After scoring, Wang Feng spread his arms and ran to the area where the away team''s fans were, epting their cheers. He enjoyed this unrestrained attacking state, which the current Serie A environment could not provide.
On the coaching bench, Ajax head coach Danny Blind looked at the field with a frown, his thoughts wandering far away. There was no way to win! No matter how he adjusted the lineup, Inter Mn''s solid defense and Wang Feng''s fierce attacking firepower seemed to make victory impossible.
Ajax''s performance in the league this season was also very poor, currently only ranking fourth, almost losing hope ofpeting for the title. Blind had a premonition that he was not far from losing this job.
After the kickoff again, whether it was the home fans, the staff on the coaching bench, or the yers on the field, all fell into a negative mood. Inter Mn easily continued to dominate the game, firmly suppressing the Eredivisie powerhouse.
Time quickly reached 45 minutes, and there were two minutes of injury time in the first half. The referee looked at his watch, ready to blow the whistle to end the game after Inter Mn''s attack.
The Ajax yers breathed a sigh of relief. Just now, their experience could be described as torture. In order not to suffer a big defeat at home, everyone was mentally prepared to defend.
At this moment, Wang Feng received a pass from Ribery on the sideline, and Heitinga quickly followed to defend. The Chinese made a very convincing shoulder fake, making the Dutch defender think he would go down the line, so his center of gravity involuntarily shifted.
But he actually tapped the ball inward with his left foot, easily evading Heitinga''s entanglement, and turned to chase the ball into the penalty area.
Ajax had umted a strong defense in the penalty area, with three defenders and two midfielders forming a blockade, waiting for him to break through.
Instead of entering the penalty area, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to shoot on the spot, hitting a low shot that skimmed the grass and flew rapidly between the legs of Ajax defender Vermaelen. By the time he reacted and closed his legs, it was toote.
The dense defense obstructed Scott Lundberg''s view and made him somewhat rxed. When the ball came to him, his reaction was slightly dyed.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! 3-0! Inter Mn has an absolute advantage at halftime!"
"Wang Feng scores his second goal, a brilliant low shot that pierced through Ajax''s defense. Before that, his shoulder fake dribble was also very skillful, sessfully deceiving Heitinga."
With a huge advantage, head coach Mancini made some substitutions in the second half, and neither side made any further progress. The score of 3-0 was maintained until the end.
Ajax''s fans slumped in the stands like wilted eggnts, unable to imagine any hope of aeback.
Chapter 264: Advance to the top 8
Chapter 264: Advance to the top 8
During the Champions League break, Inter Mn had a dense schedule of league matches. They resolutely rotated the squad, not because they were worried about the uing second leg, but rather concerned about the possibility of key yers getting injured.
On February 26th, in the 27th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Udinese at home. The substitute lineup made the game somewhat ugly, with Udinese''s defender Muntari and forward Aquni each scoring a goal in the first and second halves, putting Inter Mn 0-2 behind!
Amidst the calls from home fans, Mancini finally substituted in Wang Feng in the 75th minute of the second half. Eight minutester, after Emre intercepted the ball in midfield, he passed it to the edge of the penalty area, where Wang Feng swiftly advanced. He received the ball, faced defender Kriv, suddenly stopped and changed direction, dribbled the ball inside and cut into the penalty area.
Before the arrival of other defending yers, he decisively took a shot from a narrow angle, and the ball flew to the far corner, just out of the reach of goalkeeper Dessena''s dive, pulling one back for Inter Mn! Unfortunately, the time left for Wang Feng was too short, and he couldn''t create aeback. With a score of 1-2, Inter Mn lost the match.
The next day, major media outlets questioned whether Mancini''s rotation n was too aggressive, almost recing all the key yers, and Wang Feng''s limited ying time also led to the team''s eventual loss.
"Although Juventus seems unstoppable, has Inter Mn already given up onpeting for this season''s league title?"
Although the team lost, Wang Feng''s performance still received widespread praise. His goal against Udinese in the match brought his current league goal tally to 30, dominating European football. It seems that the Golden Boot award for this season is also destined to be his.
In addition, to fulfill Ribery and Adriano''s attacking desires, his assist count has also reached 14.
On March 6th, in the 28th round of Serie A, Inter Mn challenged Roma away. In this match, Wang Feng did not score, but he assisted Ribery to score a goal in the 33rd minute of the first half.
Towards the end of the match, Totti used a chance from a free-kick in the opponent''s half to head the ball to Perrotta inside the penalty area, equalizing the score. In the end, both sides shook hands with a 1-1 draw.
On March 12th, in the 29th round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Sampdoria at home, finally breaking out after two consecutive winless rounds.
Just 5 minutes into the game, Civu sent a long pass from the back, a bit too big, but Wang Feng, chasing desperately, finally caught up with the ball near the goal line.
Following closely, defender Pisano tried to tackle the ball almost like a collision, but Wang Feng extended his left arm to block him, and in almost zero angle, took a shot with a slight lift, the ball flying past the far post. The goalkeeper''s diving save fell short, and Inter Mn took the lead early with 1-0!
In the 34th minute, it was Wang Feng again who dribbled forward, shaking off defender Falcn, and passing the ball diagonally into the penalty area, where Adriano followed up and scored, further extending Inter Mn''s lead.
In the second half, Snchez assisted Ribery to score the third goal, while Sampdoria managed to pull one back through forward Pazzini.
3-1! Inter Mn took all three points.
Although the Nerazzurri only earned 4 points in three rounds, they still firmly held onto the third position on the league table, with a considerable gap between them and fourth-ced Fiorentina and the leading pack.
On March 15th, the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 was held at the San Siro. Before the match, all the media did not favor Ajax. They had to ensure not conceding a goal away and score four against Inter Mn to reverse the situation.
This was an impossible task. It was estimated that no team in the world could achieve such a result at the San Siro under Wang Feng''s dominance, let alone Ajax with their morale in tatters.
ording to reports from Dutch newspaper "Telegraaf", the heavy defeat to Inter Mn left the Ajax club''s top management extremely dissatisfied, considering the early dismissal of coach Blind.
Once the match started, Inter Mn predictably took control. However, they were not in a rush to attack but rather controlled the rhythm slowly, after all, they were the side leading by a big margin.
In the 26th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Snchez, faced defenders Emanuelson and Maduro, and suddenly started to maneuver between the two.
Maduro was instantly left behind, while Emanuelson was positioned deeper. Seeing this, he hurriedly moved closer to block, but Wang Feng effortlessly evaded the entanglement with a quick stop and dribble, then advanced towards the penalty area.
Just as he entered the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng lifted his right foot and took a powerful shot. The shot was quick and fast, and the defender Heitinga tried to block it, but the ball deflected off his leg, changing its trajectory, surprising goalkeeper Scott Lundberg, who could only watch it go into the.
1-0! Inter Mn continued to expand their lead!
Wang Feng didn''t anticipate this change in the shot; he just felt it was worth a try. Even if it was saved, it wouldn''t be a big deal. He never expected it to deflect and go in.
And just before the end of the first half, Civu intercepted the ball from Rosales at the back, then sent a long ball to Wang Feng near the center circle. Ajax''s defense wasn''t very stretched out, with many yers not participating in the attack just now.
Civu''s urate pass,bined with Wang Feng''s sharp judgment, allowed him to arrive at the ball''snding point first, flicking it aside as defender Maduro rushed over.
Seeing this, Wang Feng pushed the ball forward with his toe, then leaped into the air, with the ball flying over Maduro.
In the air, Wang Feng''s toe still touched Maduro''s left leg, causing him to stumble afternding, but with precise control over the force, he barely steadied himself and continued chasing after the ball.
At this moment, another defender, Vermaelen, had also arrived. With both yers almost simultaneously touching the ball, in a critical moment, Wang Feng''s ball control skills prevailed, and the ball, under the influence of both forces, flew into the front court, still flying forward.
What followed was very simple. Wang Feng elerated past Vermaelen, and by the time he turned around to chase, the two had already opened up a distance.
Entering the penalty area, there were only one defender, Emanuelson, and goalkeeper Scott Lundberg waiting for him.
"Wang Feng has entered the penalty area, the remaining two yers simply can''t stop him, shot! Goooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in!"
"As the first half approaches its end, Inter Mn once again extended their lead through a counterattack, with Wang Feng dribbling past three defenders from midfield and calmly shooting past the goalkeeper."
"Now the total score of the two legs has reached 5-0! Ajax has lost thest glimmer of hope; they must score 6 goals in the second half, which is impossible."
"Perhaps in this world, only Wang Feng can create such a miracle."
The miracle didn''t happen; neither side scored in the second half. Inter Mn eliminated Ajax to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.
In another Champions League match, Juventus won 2-1 away against Werder Bremen. However, they lost 2-3 at home in the first leg, resulting in a 4-4 draw on aggregate, and they were sadly eliminated due to the away goals rule.
This result caused a huge stir in Italy, as no one expected the unbeaten Serie A champions to be knocked out in the round of 16 of the Champions League, and there was a lot of criticism questioning Juventus'' strength.
AC Mn narrowly defeated Bayern Munich to smoothly advance to the quarterfinals. It is worth mentioning that Real Madrid was defeated by Arsenal in the round of 16, once again sparking strong dissatisfaction among the club''s top management, especially Florentino''s position was greatly impacted.
The other four teams in the quarterfinals are Benfica, Barcelona, Virreal, and Lyon.
Chapter 265: Yellow submarine
Chapter 265: Yellow submarine
Returning to the league, in the 30th round of Serie A, Inter Mn faced Lazio away. Despite the unusually careful coaching staff, injuries are always an unavoidable issue for athletes.
Zambrotta was knocked on the calf in a challenge, screaming in pain on the spot. Mancini quickly reced him with Samuel and urgently sent him to a local hospital in Rome for treatment.
Unfortunately, Civu also fell injured in a challenge, prompting Mancini to use another substitution to bring Mihajlovic on.
As the familiar faces were carried off the field, Wang Feng''s heart sank continuously. They both looked in great pain, certainly not minor injuries. Fortunately, Inter Mn''s talent pool in the midfield and defense has been quite well-stocked in recent years; otherwise, they would have suffered a serious blow.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with injuries to some extent affecting the morale of the other yers.
At the post-match press conference, Mancini announced with a heavy heart that Zambrotta would miss all remaining matches of the season, with the best-case scenario being a return at the World Cup. Civu, on the other hand, was slightly better off; he could recover around May. If the team reaches the Champions League final, he might be able to y, but his form certainly cannot be guaranteed.
In the first leg of the Italian Cup quarter-finals, Inter Mn hosted Udinese at the San Siro.
From the start, the away team exploited the instability in Inter Mn''s defense,unching continuous attacks and creating threats.
In the 14th minute, Mutari and Aquanta executed a wall pass, with Aquanta advancing to break the deadlock with a shot past Inter Mn''s goalkeeper.
Conceding a goal so quickly waspletely uneptable to Mancini, who stood on the sidelines directing the defense. After a short period of chaos, Inter Mn gradually stabilized.
Samuel and Mihajlovic were not weak in themselves and often yed with a rotated lineup. They justcked the synchronization with the main lineup, asionally resulting in defensive mistakes.
Knowing that when the defense is not reliable, strengthening the offensive firepower to deter the opponent is the best approach, Wang Feng actively inserted himself into various attacking routes. His sharp speed prevented Udinese''s midfield and defense from fullymitting to the attack.
In the 27th minute, Ribery sent a lofted pass from the right nk into the penalty area, where Wang Feng leaped high to head the ball past the outstretched hand of De Sanctis, equalizing the score for Inter Mn!
The first half ended in a draw. In the 61st minute of the second half, a long pass from the back reached the right nk, where Ribery received the ball and forced a cross from the baseline. Inside the penalty area, Wang Feng chested the ball to attract all the defensive attention before letting it drop and then pushing it towards the left.
Adriano rushed out and, with no one marking him, easily slotted the ball into the, putting Inter Mn ahead.
Unfortunately, this result couldn''t be maintained until the end of the game. In the dying moments, Udinese''s center-back capitalized on Samuel''s long pass mistake, charging into the penalty area to score the second goal for the away team.
2-2! Both sides shook hands, settling for a draw, which wasn''t very favorable for Inter Mn.
In the 31st round of Serie A, Inter Mn hosted Parma at home. They conceded early once again, with Parma''s defender Greg assisting striker Rosina to prate Torrodo''s goal. Neither Cordoba nor Samuel were quick enough to defend alongside Rosina, leaving a gap.
Fortunately, under Wang Feng''s leadership, the forward line quickly responded. Just five minutes after conceding, Ribery was intercepted by Bonera on the right nk, and nearby, Wang Feng immediately chose to counterattack on the spot.
Seeing the Chinese yer closing in, Bonera felt a bit panicked and hastily passed back to the goalkeeper. However, his pass was a bit weak, and the ball slowed down halfway.
Wang Feng and the goalkeeper, Frey, both rushed towards the ball. Wang Feng, with his faster speed, got to it first, poking it past the goalkeeper''s reach with his toe, then calmly slotting it into the empty to equalize!
This concession severely dampened Parma''s morale. A sessful defense turned into a basic mistake, especially for Bonera, who was consumed by immense self-me.
In the second half, Inter Mn got another chance. When Sinede intercepted the ball in the backline, Wang Feng immediately sprinted forward. The Argentine captain sent a straight pass through Parma''s defense.
Wang Feng caught up with the ball at the edge of the penalty area, faced with defender Bovo. Wang Feng didn''t give him any chance to react, suddenly stopping and then elerating with the ball, creating an angle for a shot with rhythm changes.
He then unleashed a powerful left-footed shot. Bovo attempted to block, but in the split second of Wang Feng''s movement, they had already created a significant gap, making it impossible for Bovo to block. Frey was also surprised by this sudden shot, his save being a bit slow.
2-1! With Wang Feng''s brace, Inter Mn turned the game around to beat Parma and secure all three points.
The quarter-finals of the Champions League will proceed as scheduled on thest day of March, with Inter Mn facing Virreal, known as the "Yellow Submarine."
They are called the "Yellow Submarine" because the team''s home kit is strikingly all yellow, and the club''s fans sang The Beatles'' "Yellow Submarine" when the team was promoted in 1967, bing one of the most ssic moments in team history, and the nickname Yellow Submarine has since be popr.
Of course, the "Yellow Submarine" has deeper significance. This team asionally surprises traditional powerhouses like a submarine surfacing to strike the enemy, and no one knows who their next target will be or how strong their impact will be.
Reaching the Champions League quarter-finals has already equaled the team''s best historical achievement. If they can eliminate Inter Mn and enter the semi-finals, it will create a new legend, motivating the yers, the club, local fans, and the media.
The local newspaper in Virreal, "Daily News," boldly proimed, "Our next target for a strike is Inter Mn!"
This is not entirely a boast. Virreal has a strong lineup; 26-year-old Dutch defender Jan Klonkamp is at his peak and reportedly being pursued by Premier League giants Liverpool.
Argentine genius Riquelme, who was not appreciated at Barcelona, became a core yer for the Yellow Submarine after being loaned there, rejuvenating his career.
Uruguayan forward Fran transferred from Manchester United to Virreal in the summer of 2004, shining brightly in his first season, winning the La Liga Golden Boot with 25 goals.
Brazilian midfielder Senna has performed brilliantly, immediately being called up to the Spanish national team after obtaining Spanish citizenship. Juventus veteran midfielder Thinardi was loaned to Virreal, adding stability to the team''s midfield.
Chapter 266: Offensive war
Chapter 266: Offensive war
Due to the recent instability in Inter Mn''s defense in the past few rounds of matches, Virreal coach Pellegrini expressed confidence at the pre-match press conference that he wouldy the foundation for advancement at the Meazza Stadium.
However, at the moment the game began, a great sense of fear surged through him. The thunderous cheers of over seventy thousand people, the home team''s overwhelming offensive pressure, all made him realize that this ce, like Camp Nou and Bernabu, was a devil''s home ground, and Inter Mn was no less formidable than Real Madrid or Barcelona!
Just two minutes into the game, Wang Feng contributed with a stunning shot that hit the crossbar heavily, seemingly striking the hearts of the Virreal coaching staff and yers as well.
"Wang Feng''s form seems as excellent as ever. Let''s hope Inter Mn''s defense can maintain a good state and not repeat the mistakes of the previous match against Udinese," remarked thementator in the broadcast booth.
In the following match, Inter Mn continued their strong offensive. Wang Feng assisted Ribry and Adriano in bombarding the visitors'' goal, with each shot feeling like a heavy hammer hitting Pellegrini. He could only silently pray that the team could withstand this wave of attacks before having a chance to n their own offense.
Wang Feng was the absolute protagonist on the field, constantly roaming and revitalizing Inter Mn''s entire front line. While Virreal''s defense adopted a tight marking strategy, it didn''t seem very effective because he was just too agile.
In the 11th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Zti in front of the penalty area. Gonzalo and Senna, two defensive yers, quickly closed in on him, but Wang Feng, with a feinting move, sessfully maneuvered between them, prating into the penalty area, with the defensive line instantly converging on him, forming a encirclement.
Completely focused on Wang Feng, they failed to notice a blue-ck figure quietly entering the penalty area, a detail Wang Feng keenly caught sight of.
Originally intending to attempt a forced breakthrough shot, he now had a better idea. With a tap of his right foot, the ball squeezed out between Venta and Arzo.
Ribry on the right side of the field saw the ball rolling directly towards him. What precise timing! The Frenchman thought, adjusting his posture, lifting his left foot to execute a chip shot.
Virreal''s goalkeeper, focusing on defending Wang Feng''s shot, was caught off guard when he suddenly passed the ball to Ribry on the other side. Hastily diving to save, he failed to touch the ball.
"Goooooooooooal! It''s in! Ribry opens the scoring for Inter Mn!"
"Thanks to the link-up between Wang Feng and Ribry, Wang Feng is the hero of this goal. After prating into the penalty area past two defensive yers and attracting the opponent''s full attention, it left space for Ribry to calmly receive the ball and take the shot."
Ribry, after scoring, appeared excited and tightly hugged Wang Feng, saying, "Boss, I knew you''d see me!" The fans in the stands cheered loudly, calling out Ribry''s name.
Just when everyone thought Inter Mn would secure a big win, an unexpected turn of events urred. Virreal''s forward Fran erupted. This La Liga Golden Boot winner was no pushover. Taking advantage of Inter Mn''s rxation after the goal, he suddenly exerted force, dribbling past Mihajlovic in the penalty area and firing a powerful shot with his left foot to equalize the score for the visitors, less than five minutes after the first goal.
Pellegrini on the sidelines jumped up excitedly. That''s it! No matter how fierce Inter Mn''s attack was, there would always be moments of slowdown.
He just didn''t expect the team to concede a goal so quickly. But equalizing the score still satisfied him because it was an away goal.
In the following time, both sides fell into a stalemate, with Inter Mn''s morale gradually declining from the roaring momentum at the start. Wang Feng knew he had to do something.
In the 40th minute, Inter Mn midfielder Mayle lifted the ball to the right, and Wang Feng ran along the sideline to find thending spot. With two defensive yers closing in beside him, he learned from the experience of conceding the previous goal, and instead of rushing forward, the other yers stayed back, ready to counterattack while guarding against potential gaps.
Wang Feng slowed down near thending spot, and the two defensive yers took the opportunity to block his attacking route. It seemed impossible to break through, but at that moment, the center-back Senna suddenly widened his eyes. Wang Feng lifted his right foot and kicked the falling ball in a way simr to kicking a shuttlecock.
The ball soared towards the center, just clearing the two defenders'' encirclement, as Wang Feng ruthlessly squeezed through them.
Once again catching up to the ball, there were no other yers within two meters around him, but this was only temporary. Virreal''s defense would soon close in.
Seizing this opportunity, Wang Feng shifted his body and lifted his left foot high, forcefully kicking the ball still in the air. The iing defender Gonzalo only heard a "bang," as a streak of lightning shot past him, swiftly piercing into Virreal''s goal, leaving the goalkeeper dumbfounded on the goal line.
"It''s in! Goooooooooooooal! Wang Feng''s volley helps Inter Mn take the lead again!"
"This is a very exciting goal. From receiving the ball, Wang Feng''s handling is full of imagination. Who would have thought he would break through the encirclement with a side kick and then immediately shoot without stopping, giving Virreal''s defense no chance to adjust!"
"Of course, to achieve this level, it probably requires ultimate ball control, timing, power, and angle of force. It can definitely be called an art on the field."
The first half ended with a score of 2-1. As they returned to the field, theoretically, the yellow submarine with a slight disadvantage should tighten their defense and look forward to the second leg at home.
But Pellegrini didn''t do that. He knew Wang Feng''s terror. If they gave up attacking and focused solely on defense, they might not be able to hold on. The yers'' physical fitness and mentality were also big issues.
His idea was correct. Virreal''s proactive attacking attitude caught Inter Mn off guard. In the 51st minute, Rickelme and Jose De''s offensive cooperation posed a threat. Thetter''s shot was punched out by Toldo with a single fist, earning the away team a corner kick.
Rickelme lofted the ball into the penalty area, and amidst chaos, Fran once again burst out, finding a gap in Inter Mn''s defense line with a header, scoring his second goal.
2-2! The fans in the home stadium couldn''t sit still. This was the Meazza! If this continued, Inter Mn would be in danger.
Someone started chanting Wang Feng''s name, and soon the entire stadium echoed with synchronized voices. Countless times in history, Inter Mn''s "King" never let them down.
Chapter 267: I am witing for you in the final
Chapter 267: I am witing for you in the final
Wang Feng looked up at the more than seventy thousand people chanting his name in unison. Although not the first time, each time made his blood boil. He didn''t want to let down this trust and expectation.
In the Mn TV studio, the host Manesar wasmenting on the situation at the scene: "In just five years, Wang has brought three league championship trophies and two Champions League trophies to Inter Mn. He deserves everyone''s trust."
"For various reasons, Inter Mn experienced a painful failurest year. Can they ovee the obstacles this year andunch another assault on the pinnacle of Europe?"
On a domestic TV station, Zhang Jun was alsomenting on the scene, "Wang Feng has received a lot of love and support from foreign fans. The fact proves that strong strength can transcend nationality, race, and gain unparalleled respect."
In the 66th minute, Inter Mn''s Mark Ly intercepted the ball in the backcourt. He quickly passed it to Sati in front. At the same time, Inter Mn''s front trident, Wang Feng, Ribery, and Adriano, also rushed forward.
Zti dribbled past the midfield line and passed the ball to Wang Feng in front. He immediately sent a diagonal pass to the wing, bypassing the returning Tachinardi, and urately found Ribery.
Ribery used his speed to forcefully break through near the goal line, then made a back pass. The ball flew to the edge of the small penalty area in front of the goal. At this time, Wang Feng had elerated into the small penalty area, positioning himself a bit forward.
Seeing the ball about to slip past, Wang Feng cleverly lifted his left foot backward and kicked the ball forward with the outside of his foot. The ball then drew a rainbow in the air and fell under the crossbar into Virreal''s goal.
3:2! Inter Mn once again took the lead!
And it wasn''t over yet. When the game reached the 85th minute, Virreal''s attack was fruitless, and the ball was intercepted by Inter Mn''s goalkeeper, Toldo. He quickly threw it to Mark Ly not far away, who then immediately passed it to Wang Feng, who was returning to defense.
Wang Feng received the ball and turned to run past the midfield line. Several opposing yers were retreating, with Solin rushing up first to try to slow down Wang Feng''s attack. But Wang Feng shook him off with a big step.
Center-back Senna then stepped in to defend, but Wang Feng controlled the ball and suddenly decelerated and changed direction, once again getting past the defender with the change in rhythm, rushing to the edge of the penalty area about thirty meters away.
Before others could react, he directly lifted the ball with his toe, causing Virreal''s goalkeeper Barbosa to think Wang Feng would enter the penalty area before shooting. Thus, he positioned himself very forward, and at this moment, he could only retreat while leaning back to reach the ball.
But the ball still passed over his head, leaving the Argentine feeling deste. This trend was undoubtedly tragic, as he had anticipated. The falling ball crossed the goal line and entered the.
4:2! With Wang Feng''s hat-trick and one assist, Inter Mn won at home against Virreal!
In the press conference after the first-leg match, Inter Mn coach Mancini affirmed the team''s attack while mentioning the defense: "Unfortunately, we didn''t do well defensively. It''s well known that Zambrotta and Civu''s injuries have put a lot of defensive pressure on us."
"Inter Mn''s defensive lineup seems to be full of talent. Why does the situation be so serious with only two main yers missing?" a journalist asked.
"Well, I think it''s more of a coordination issue. It takes more time to build mutual understanding among each other. You know, defensive yers need team coordination more than attacking yers. I''m confident we will get better in the uing matches."
"Of course, Virreal''s performance was also very impressive, especially Fran, the top scorer in La Liga. His attacking ability is obvious to all."
Virreal coach Pellegrini praised Wang Feng''s performance, "He dominated the whole game. Although we twice stubbornly equalized the score, we were quickly overtaken by Wang. All of Inter Mn''s goals are rted to him."
Regarding the hope of advancing, he said: "We are notpletely without a chance. After all, we got two valuable goals at the Meazza. Anything is possible back at the Ceramic Stadium."
In between the Champions League matches, there was a league match, the 32nd round of Serie A, where Inter Mn challenged Messina away. This small club from Sicily is significantly inferior in strength to the mainstream teams in Serie A.
Shortly after the start, Wang Feng scored the opening goal for Inter Mn with a long shot, and then Emre assisted Cruz for the second goal. After halftime, Wang Feng was substituted.
In the second half, substitute Martins added another goal, further expanding the score for the away team. The 22-year-old Nigerian''s performance in the past few seasons has been excellent, attracting strong interest from mid-table teams in the top five leagues.
It''s not surprising that he, like Kalon, will soon consider his next destination. Teams like Newcastle and Frankfurt are good choices, as no young yer wants to be a substitute forever.
In the end, Inter Mn won 3-0 against Messina.
In the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, at Virreal''s Ceramic Stadium, this stadium, which can only amodate 22,000 people, is much smaller than Inter Mn''s Meazza. However, the passionate Yellow Submarine fans filled it to the brim, and their momentum was no less than anyone else''s.
After a period of training, Inter Mn''s defense seemed to be improving. Samuel ran tirelessly on the field, hoping to regain his form from his youth.
The nightmare of the Gcticos journey is an unforgettable memory for him. There, his confidence was almostpletely destroyed. Fortunately, Inter Mn coach Mancini insisted on signing him.
This is like giving him a second chance! More importantly, he wants to participate in this year''s World Cup held in Germany. But so far, he has not received a call-up from the Football Association, while his teammate Zti has already been confirmed to be on the training list. This is the gap brought by achievements.
If he can win the Champions League championship with Inter Mn, especially as a starter, it should be easier to enter the national team. Aren''t Zambrotta and Cicu''s injuries a heaven-sent opportunity? Thinking of this, the Argentine''s fighting spirit became even stronger.
With his above-average performance, Virreal''s Riquelme and Fran did not perform well. The first half ended with a score of 0:0.
In the 64th minute of the second half, Ribery sent a pass directly into the penalty area, and then Wang Feng followed up and shot to seal the victory. The Nerazzurri won away against their opponents, advancing to the Champions League semi-finals with a total score of 5:2 over two legs.
After all the matches ended, the newly promoted top four teams and their matchups were confirmed. Inter Mn will face "Gunners Arsenal," while AC Mn will y against Barcelona.
When Ronaldinho, who was celebrating the victory at a nightclub, heard this news, he was shocked. He rarely left early and didn''t bring any beautiful women with him.
Since the match against Inter Mn at Paris Saint-Germain, Ronaldinho has not encountered Wang Feng again, but his career seems to have been influenced by the Chinese.
Recing him at Barcelona, the tumultuous transfer rumors and the struggle for supremacy, the ongoing controversy over the FIFA World yer of the Year, everything will be revealed in the Champions League final!
He firmly believes that Barcelona''s Dream Team can definitely make it to the final, and so can Inter Mn.
Chapter 268: He didn鈥檛 lose
Chapter 268: He didn''t lose
Returning from Virreal to Mn, the Nerazzurri weed their 33rd Serie A match against Ascoli, with an Italian Cup match scheduled just three dayster. Therefore, all the main yers were kept on the bench.
Wang Feng originally thought he mighte on as a substitute if the team couldn''t break the deadlock. However, the yers performed exceptionally well, with forwards Cruz and Martins consecutively breaching the visitors'' goal, leading Inter Mn to a 2-0 victory.
On the evening of April 11th, at the Udine Friuli Stadium, in the second leg of the Italian Cup quarter-finals, Inter Mn faced Udinese. The score in the first leg was 2-2, with Udinese securing two away goals, giving them an advantage.
The other semi-final match was between Roma and Lazio, with Inter Mn being the strongest team among the four. Therefore, although the Italian Cup was not initially part of the team''s n for the season, as long as it didn''t affect their Champions League campaign, it was worth fighting for.
Once the match started, Udinese''s tactics were straightforward. They persisted with a defensive counter-attacking strategy, aiming to prevent Inter Mn from scoring while holding onto their advantage.
This strategy indeed kept Inter Mn''s attacks at bay in the first half. Despite the Nerazzurri having around 70% possession, they managed only seven shots, and the score remained 0-0.
In the second half, Inter Mn''s frontline became more active, especially Wang Feng''s energetic runs, and Udinese''s defenders inevitably became distracted, exposing a loophole.
In the 63rd minute, Zti''s long pass found Pizarro on the left nk, who then dribbled towards the left side of the penalty area. After attracting defenders to the bottom line, he suddenly stopped the ball and made a back pass in a triangle.
Wang Feng, who followed up, received the ball and shot with his foot, cing the ball into the near corner of the goal. The nearby defending yers couldn''t block it in time, and although goalkeeper De Sanctis dived to save, the ball still grazed the inside of the post and entered the.
1-0! Inter Mn sessfully reversed the aggregate score!
At the moment of the goal, Udinese coach Sanniti sped his head in his hands, showing an extremely frustrated expression. Their goal was breached by Inter Mn once again!
If they hadn''t been so conservative and had yed as decisively as they did in the first leg, would the oue have been better? Sanniti was uncertain, as the two-legged tie was very unfriendly to smaller teams like theirs that asionally cause upsets!
Since they were already behind, Udinese''s continued defense was futile. Sanniti sessively substituted two attacking yers, intending to take a risk. However, once their defense was breached, it meant Inter Mn''s attacks would be even easier.
In the 77th minute, Wang Feng and Ribery formed a wall-likebination on the right nk, and when Wang Feng received the ball inside the penalty area, he didn''t encounter the tight defensive wall as he did in the first half. So, he easily chipped the ball to the back post, where Adriano arrived with a header to seal the victory for the team!
With a total aggregate score of 4-2, Inter Mn eliminated Udinese to advance to the Italian Cup final. The final format remains a two-legged tie, with Roma eliminating Lazio with an aggregate score of 2-1.
On April 14th, in the 34th round of Serie A, the city of Mn hosted the Derby de Madonnina, with Inter Mn facing AC Mn. Due to Juventus'' unbeaten streak, only AC Mn had a chance to challenge their championship position, as Inter Mn had already withdrawn from the race.
Moreover, with the Champions League semi-finals starting midweek, head coach Mancini made a surprising decision to field a reserve team. This was an extremely rare urrence in the history of the Mn Derby.
Seeing main yers like Wang Feng sitting on the bench, Inter Mn fans quickly understood the situation and were very understanding of the team''s approach. After all, AC Mn had been eliminated from both the Champions League and the Italian Cup. If they didn''t strive for something in the league, they would end the season empty-handed.
Therefore, both on and off the field, the atmosphere was very harmonious. AC Mn, who fielded their full-strength lineup, dominated the game, while Inter Mn defended with all their might. The coach''s only requirement was not to lose by arge margin.
It wasn''t until the 31st minute that AC Mn opened the scoring through Kaka. In the 55th minute of the second half, Kaka assisted Inzaghi to extend the lead. Five minutester, Kaka dribbled through the center and scored his second goal with ease.
Seeing the team gradually copsing, Mancini substituted Wang Feng in the 70th minute to strengthen the attack. The effect was immediate, as the heavily pressed Rossoneri had to divide their defense, and their attacking momentum was hindered, slowing down the pace of the game.
In the 85th minute, Inter Mnunched a counterattack. Emre, retreating to the midfield, turned and sent a straight through ball to prate the defense. Wang Feng quickly initiated a forward run and caught up with the ball in the area about thirty meters from the goal.
Facing the defense of Maldini and Cafu, he calmly controlled the ball under his feet while slowly approaching the edge of the penalty area. Just when Cafu felt he couldn''t retreat any further and decisively moved forward to press, Wang Feng suddenly flicked the ball to the right.
Evading Cafu''s foot, he fiercely kicked a long shot at the edge of the big penalty area, and the ball drew a curved arc in the air, curving into the top left corner of AC Mn''s goal.
1-3! Wang Feng pulled one back! Inter Mn avoided a massacre, and this score remained unchanged until the end of the match.
Inter Mn cleanly lost the Mn Derby! Although many people understood the Nerazzurri''s starting lineup before the match, it was still unexpected for them to send on Wang Feng only after falling three goals behind.
"Inter Mn has broken AC Mn''s unbeaten record. Mr. Mancini, why did you make such a lineup arrangement, and why didn''t you let Wang Fenge on earlier?" a journalist asked at the post-match press conference.
"That record is quite interesting, isn''t it?" Mancini replied with a smile. "But more than that, I care about the trophies. We just finished a tough Italian Cup semi-final and are about to face the Champions League semi-finals."
"There''s no problem with rotating yers, and sending Wang Feng on was just to let him get a feel for the game in preparation for the uing challenge against Arsenal."
AC Mn coach Ancelotti also stated that while winning the Mn Derby after a long time was indeed pleasing, the more important goal was the fight for the league championship. "Even though Juventus has shown an unstoppable defending title form, we will never give up until thest round."
Kaka, who was named the best yer of the match, also epted an interview. A reporter asked, "In this match, you contributed two goals and one assist, while Wang Feng only scored one goal. This is your first victory against a Chinese yer. What are your thoughts on this?"
Kaka replied solemnly, "No, he didn''t lose. Wang Feng was only on the field for 20 minutes and still managed to score against AC Mn''s fully armed defense. This is a performance that only top strikers in the world can achieve."
"I''m still chasing after him." The Brazilian''s tone changed, full of confidence. "But I can feel that I''m getting better and better, and I believe this is not an impossible task."
Chapter 269: Unfavorable in the first game
Chapter 269: Unfavorable in the first game
In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, Inter Mn arrived at the Emirates Stadium in North London to challenge Arsenal. This schedule slightly favored the Nerazzurri because they could adjust their second-leg strategy based on the result of the first leg and return to the Meazza.
Inter Mn didn''t have the pressure of the league, having almost secured third ce in the standings. Arsenal was in a simr position, having long withdrawn from the title race. The leading group, consisting of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool, engaged in fiercepetition, with third-ced Liverpool enjoying afortable 15-point lead over Arsenal.
However, Arsenal''s position in securing fourth ce in the league shouldn''t be a problem, so they focused all their energy on the Champions League matches. The team''s main lineup was as follows: Goalkeeper Lehmann, defenders Ebou, Tour, Campbell, and Ashley Cole. Midfielders Pirs, Gilberto, Fbregas, and Hleb. Forwards Henry and Adebayor.
In addition to the star-studded main lineup, Arsenal''s bench strength was also impressive, with yers like Bergkamp, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, and Denlson eager to make an impact from the substitutes'' bench.
Throughout the journey, Arsenal performed well in the group stage, achieving 5 wins and 1 draw. They then eliminated Real Madrid with two 1-0 victories, followed by two 3-0 victories over Werder Bremen. Conceding only one goal in eight matches, Arsenal''s defense was excellent, making them one of the favorites to win the title.
Simrly in the Champions League semi-finals, facing Premier League teams, Inter Mn couldn''t help but recallst year''s shadow of failure. However, unlikest year, everyone was free from the pressure of the league and could go all out without any worries.
In the pre-match dressing room, Arsenal coach Wenger was busy giving the final tactical instructions. He knew that Arsenal couldpete for ball possession with Inter Mn in attack. With Pirs and Gilberto as double pivot midfielders connecting the front and back lines, Henry ying slightly withdrawn as an attacking midfielder, and Adebayor leading the front line, they could produce deadly threats.
As for defense, Wenger nced at Tour and Campbell, who immediately stood tall and looked at the coach with confidence. The Frenchman smiled satisfactorily: "I need you two to contain Wang Feng. Don''t be afraid of him, because you can both individually handle Drogba and van Nistelrooy. Now that you''re working together, you can definitely neutralize the Chinese."
Tour and Campbell nodded heavily. Both were among the best defensive cores in the Premier League. Now, defending Wang Feng together, whether for the team or for their own dignity, they wouldn''t allow him to wreak havoc.
As the match began, the home team Arsenalunched a high press against Inter Mn''s defense amid the cheers of the entire stadium. After Hleb''s breakthrough on the nk, Henry received his cross in the penalty area and headed towards the goal, shaking off Samuel''s defense from close range.
Fortunately, the header was quite central, falling right into Toldo''s arms. The powerful shot forced him to lie down to press the ball against his body to prevent any errors, leaving the Frenchman, who was ready for a rebound, somewhat frustrated.
Soon Arsenal came back again. Gilberto''s through ball almost put Henry through on goal in the penalty area, but after a slight adjustment, his shot was blocked out for a corner by Cordoba.
Inter Mn wasn''t just sitting back and taking punches. In the 17th minute, they seized an opportunity for a defensive counterattack. After Sati broke through the defensive line diagonally, Wang Feng, chasing after the ball with all his might, chose to cross, but Adriano, who followed up in the middle, failed to reach the ball in time, and it slid past the goal.
Adriano in front of the goal shook his head. His speed was indeed not fast enough, and Wang Feng, who was far away, sighed as well. Thebined defense line of Tour and Campbell put immense pressure on him. He could only hastily strike the ball before getting caught in the defense.
"You won''t have any chances in this match!" Campbell, who was tightly marking Wang Feng, said confidently, while nearby, Tour stared at him coldly, ready to provide backup defense at any time.
Wang Feng showed an innocent smile. It seemed he could only wander around a bit more and wait for an opportunity.
Arsenal''s lead came in the 41st minute of the first half. Henry suddenly shot from the edge of the penalty area, and the ball, with great force and precision, thundered into the top right corner of the goal. That''s what unreasonable goals from superstars look like!
Trailing, Inter Mn suddenly elerated their attacking rhythm. Just before halftime, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal in the opponent''s half, shrugged off Campbell''s challenge, turned with the ball, and dribbled into the penalty area. Despite Tour''s attempted interception, he managed to protect the ball firmly under his feet.
On the sidelines, defender Ebou was very nervous. From the data, Wang Feng posed a great threat inside the penalty area, and defending him jointly with Tour was not foolproof. So, he involuntarily moved closer to him.
At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly seized the opportunity to push the ball sideways to Adriano, who was making a run towards the back post. Ebou was taken aback. His attention was drawn to the Chinese forward,pletely losing his defensive position.
He desperately tried to recover and prayed for the opponent''s attack to falter. It seemed like his prayers were answered as the unmarked Brazilian unexpectedly unleashed a high shot, sending the ball directly into the hands of Arsenal fans in the stands.
After missing the chance, Adriano shook his head in frustration. His performance today was indeed somewhat poor. As he passed by Wang Feng, he lowered his head in apology. Wang Feng patted his shoulder: "Brother, don''t be discouraged. We still have a chance!"
After the break, Inter Mn strengthened their midfield confrontation. Wang Feng frequently retreated to provide support. In the 52nd minute, Wang Feng, with the ball in midfield,unched his own attack, slowing down upon reaching the 35-meter area, waiting for his teammates to make runs.
Campbell beside him saw an opportunity and stretched his leg, but Wang Feng had already anticipated his intention from his body movements, so he suddenly elerated to dodge the tackle, also evading the off-bnce Arsenal defender.
He took two steps with eleration and entered the penalty area, facing Ebou in front of him. Wang Feng slightly leaned to his left, attempting to go around him with his left foot. Ebou hurriedly blocked, but he didn''t expect the Chinese star to use his left foot to flick the ball back to the right, creating a shooting opportunity!
Only to see him raise his right foot and send a chipped shot, the ball soared into the air and hit the inside of the crossbar before bouncing into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Wang Feng has scored a crucial goal for Inter Mn, a priceless away goal!"
"Let''s take another look at Wang Feng''s brilliant performance in the penalty area. After being blocked by Ebou at the bottom, he managed to hook the ball back at thest moment. We can''t tell which way he intended to go."
"Ebou''s defensive choice was not wrong, and Tour also provided side defense in the first instance, but Wang Feng just knows how to seize this split-second opportunity to put the ball into the opponent''s!"
"Like Henry''s long shot, this is undoubtedly a superstar goal!"
If they could carry this score into the second leg, it would undoubtedly be advantageous for Inter Mn. However, in the final moments of the game, Pirs''s cross hit Maicon''s arm, and the referee awarded a penalty to Arsenal.
This decision was borderline between a foul and a non-foul, but ying at home favored the Gunners in the referee''s judgment, and Henry effortlessly helped the team score another goal.
1-2! Inter Mn lost the game but still retained hopes of advancing.
Chapter 270: Tragedy will not repeat itself
Chapter 270: Tragedy will not repeat itself
Back on the ne to Mn, the Inter Mn yers remained silent. Facing Premier League teams once again, they lost 1-2 to their opponents. Would tragedy repeat itself, and would they once again be stopped in the Champions League semi-finals?
Before the decisive battle with Arsenal, Inter Mn had to face Reggina in the 35th round of Serie A at home. Initially, coach Mancini nned to field an entirely different lineup, but Wang Feng volunteered, "Mr. Mancini, I want to y!"
"Only by constantly fighting on the field can I adjust myself to the best condition." After thinking for a while, Mancini finally agreed to his request but with an additional condition: "You must not get injured. If there are any problems, I will substitute you immediately."
After the game started, Wang Feng threw himself into the attack with full force. Reggina''s defense was no match for Arsenal''s, and they soon couldn''t hold on. In the 7th minute, he dribbled past two defenders and scored the opening goal for the home team.
Just four minutester, it was Wang Feng again with consecutive dribbles in the forward area, breaking into the penalty area and shooting suddenly, piercing Reggina''s goal once again.
In the following time, Inter Mn''s offensive end became Wang Feng''s solo show. He kept dribbling through double teams, eliciting bursts of amazement from the audience in the stands. It turned out that Wang Feng, who didn''t pass the ball, could y so beautifully.
To avoid a massacre, Wang Feng even aimed at the crossbar or posts when he got the chance to shoot. People outside the field could only feel regret, while Reggina''s defenders in the midst of it all felt something was off.
With continuous humiliation, their defensive actions became increasingly rough, often sending Wang Feng sprawling. The referee''s whistle sounded frequently, and Mancini on the sidelines also felt fluctuating emotions. Many times, he almost wanted to make substitutions.
In the 43rd minute, when Wang Feng once again dribbled into the penalty area, Reggina defender Del Rosario viciously went for his ankle with a tackle. Wang Feng leaped high to avoid it, but the defender''s studs still grazed his skin.
In that moment of losing bnce, he could have gone down to earn a penalty, but Wang Feng still adjusted his body shape in the air and shot with his right foot, piercing the away team''s goal again.
"Gooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! A beautiful aerial shot! Wang Feng has scored a hat-trick in the first half!"
"Faced with the rough foul from Reggina defender Del Rosario, he didn''t go down to fight for a penalty but tried to shoot while stumbling, ending the opponent with a wonderful goal in y."
"This is Wang Feng''s 40th league goal of the season! He has scored over 40 league goals for four consecutive years, such terrifying performance is also unparalleled in Serie A history! It seems that this year''s Serie A Golden Boot and European Golden Boot will have nopetitors."
After scoring, Wang Feng sat on the ground, holding his bleeding ankle. The team doctor hurried onto the field to treat him. After judging that he had avoided the tackle in time, it was just a simple abrasion, but Mancini still couldn''t bear it and substituted him.
"Go to the hospital immediately for a detailed examination!" the Italian said angrily. He understood Wang Feng''s feelings, wanting to break through Arsenal''s defense, but using this method was too extreme.
Wang Feng nodded. He had indeed been a bit irrational. He underwent aprehensive and detailed examination in Inter Mn''s cooperative medical institution, and the result showed that everything was normal except for some skin abrasions.
The game itself didn''t change much. After Wang Feng was substituted, both sides returned to a lukewarm state, and the score remained unchanged until the end of the game.
At the post-match press conference, the focus of many media outlets was on Wang Feng''s injury. Could he y in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals?
"ording to the examination report, Wang Feng is in very good health," Mancini replied. "He only has minor abrasions, which will not affect the uing matches."
The coach''s assurance relieved all Inter Mn fans. As the only representative of Serie A in the Champions League, many fans in Italy also hoped that Inter Mn could go further, and Wang Feng was the key figure in that.
On the evening of April 27th, after a week of rest, Inter Mn weed Arsenal led by Henry at the San Siro.
At the beginning of the game, Arsenal adopted a conservative approach, focusing on defense while maximizing possession. Inter Mn, on the other hand, was more cautious and didn''t choose to press forward rashly, after all, Arsenal''s attacking strength was not to be underestimated.
Time passed second by second in the confrontation. Before the end of the first half, the Nerazzurri had only managed two shots, while the Gunners had only one shot, and the score remained 0-0.
After the break, the trailing Inter Mn finally couldn''t help but elerate the pace of the game. Ribery first crossed from the bottom, and Adriano''s header was saved by Lehmann, followed by Wang Feng''s shot that grazed the post.
Arsenal, however, was equally unyielding. Fbregas sent a through ball to Henry, who found himself in a one-on-one situation inside the penalty area. The Frenchman''s shot had already passed the goalkeeper, but fortunately, Markly in front of the goal cleared the ball off the line.
The mood of Inter Mn fans in the stands was as thrilling as a roller coaster. The yers on the field were the same. When they saw Henry''s one-on-one opportunity, Wang Feng''s mood sank to the bottom. After Markly sessfully resolved the crisis, all his teammates surrounded him to praise him. This rescue was too important!
Perhaps as a punishment for the away team''s missed opportunities, a chance appeared for the home team. In the 86th minute, midfielder Zti sent a long pass to the front of the penalty area, where Wang Feng pressured Campbell and pushed the ball to the wing before turning and rushing into the penalty area.
Ribery, who received the ball, cleverly sent a straight pass, but unfortunately, it didn''t pierce Arsenal''s defense and was deflected towards the goal line by Tour.
Wang Feng immediately chased after the ball, while Ribery very cleverly cut inside and lurked behind the defense at the far post. The twopleted a crossover, with Campbell tightly marking Wang Feng. However, one person obviously couldn''t stop the Chinese superstar, and Ebou also came over to help defend.
Wang Feng forcefully pushed his body backward, shaking off Campbell''s momentary bnce and pushing the ball forward before turning and sending a cross. The ball passed through Campbell''s legs, who was unsteady on his feet, and reached Ribery at the far post.
At this moment, most of the defenders and the goalkeeper''s attention in the penalty area were on Wang Feng, and they didn''t expect him to suddenly break free, turn, and pass the ball, leaving Ribery facing almost half of the empty goal.
No matter how weak the Frenchman''s shooting skills were, he wouldn''t miss such an opportunity. With a gentle push, the ball rolled into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Ribery''s tap-in in front of the goal helps Inter Mn reverse the score!"
"This goal is mainly attributed to Wang Feng. Not only did he attract the attention of Arsenal''s defense, but he also sessfully delivered the ball amidst heavy marking. Ribery only needed to easily push the ball into the!"
"Now Inter Mn has regained the lead. They hold an away goal advantage, and time is running out for Arsenal!"
When the referee blew the final whistle, San Siro turned into a sea of joy. 1-0! Inter Mn won at home against the Gunners, with an aggregate score of 2-2, advancing to the Champions League final with an away goal advantage. Last year''s tragedy did not repeat itself!
Chapter 271: Shady
Chapter 271: Shady
After a year, Inter Mn''s return to the Champions League final has exhrated everyone, especially Chairman Moratti. He immediately promised the yers that if they could lift the trophy, the prize money would exceed everyone''s expectations.
Their opponents in the final are Barcelona, dubbed the Dream Team. As Ronaldinho had hoped, they had already clinched the league title this season and were striving for European glory.
What the public didn''t know was that Wang Feng was about to arrive at the Bernabeu. If he could defeat Barcelona, Real Madrid''s arch-rivals, in the final, fans'' eptance of him would likely soar. Therefore, he seemed eager to prove himself, able to help his former club fulfill their dream while also opening up new prospects.
Before the final showdown, they had three more league matches and two Italian Cup finals. First up was a trip to Empoli on April 30th. The main lineup, just after a tough match, all rested, not even traveling to Tuscany.
Thanks to the efforts of substitute and youth yers, Inter Mn managed a 2-2 draw away from home.
On the evening of May 4th, the first leg of the Italian Cup final was held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Inter Mn had arrived a few days earlier for their final closed-door training session.
That morning, as usual, everyone was having breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Ribery was fiddling with his Sony smartphone when suddenly he eximed, catching everyone''s attention.
"What are you doing, Frank?" Zti said impatiently. "Stop ying that damn little box. I don''t understand how you guys can keep staring at such a small screen with your eyes."
Ribery didn''t respond to Zti but eximed in surprise, "Oh my God, there''s big news! Mn Sports Daily revealed Juventus manipting referees!"
With this revtion, all the Inter Mn yers were shocked. They gathered around to see for themselves, and the young yers with smartphones also took theirs out to check.
"Don''t crowd, who will go buy some copies of Mn Sports Daily? It''s really inconvenient to read on this small brick," someone shouted. A clever substitute yer quickly bought a stack of newspapers from a nearby newsstand and distributed them to everyone.
Wang Feng carefully read the report, which mainly detailed themunication between Juventus general manager Moggi and Serie A referee appointees, including the selection of specific referees and match-fixing. It was very specific.
It even mentioned the circumstances leading to Wang Feng''s inexplicable red card in the 04-05 season. Before the match against Juventus, Moggi hoped the referee would send Wang Feng off, but the appointed referee, Pieri, refused. "Damn it, this is impossible. Can''t you make him lie down and leave the field?"
Moggi said, "There''s nothing I can do. He''s like iron, no matter how we foul him, he won''t get injured. We can''t just beat him up on the field, can we? Please think of a solution; we can offer a lot!"
"Who can help you with this kind of thing? Let me think... De Santis, but I can''t guarantee sess. It depends on luck. The fewer people who know about this, the better, understand?"
In addition to this, there were conspiracies involving matches against Lazio and Fiorentina. This happenedst season and this season too!
Mn Sports Daily concluded, "Since Inter Mn inexplicably lost the league titlest year, our reporters have been investigating possible scandals behind the scenes. Unexpectedly, the final result shocked everyone."
"This is a disgrace to Italian football. Upholding the ethics of the media and our love for professional football, we have decided to expose the truth, and everyone involved must face legal consequences!"
After reading the entire report, the Inter Mn yers were furious. "Damn it, I knew there was something fishyst year. The league didn''t want us to win back-to-back titles, and Juventus was up to some shady business behind the scenes."
"No wonder Juventus hasn''t lost a single game this year, staying undefeated even after 36 rounds of the league."
While the yers were discussing heatedly, coach Mancini walked in. He had obviously just seen the news and pped his hands loudly, saying, "Everyone, since these ugly deeds have been exposed, I believe they will be thoroughly investigated. Let''s not be distracted anymore. Don''t forget, there''s still a trophy waiting for us to win."
"Inter Mn won''t let go of any trophy in front of us, right? Let''s train as usual and prepare for tonight''s match!"
The yers'' discussions were temporarily suppressed, but Mn Sports Daily''s report caused an earthquake throughout Italy, with newspapers sold out everywhere. European media also urgently reprinted the report, overshadowing news of title races in other leagues.
France''s authoritative media, L''Equipe, wrote that this was "one of the biggest scandals in European football," and "the Italian Football Federation shouldunch an investigation as soon as possible to give everyone the truth."
Sky Sports UK believed that a top club being involved in such a scandal was a devastating blow, "The days of the ''Little World Cup'' are gone forever!"
Germany''s Bild wrote that Serie A no longer deserved to be ranked ahead of the Bundesliga, and UEFA should punish it, "Clubs openly manipting referees like this scandal shouldn''t happen in football!"
Spain''s Marca focused on matters rted to Wang Feng, "The man who can only be defeated by referees!" "Manipting referees to forcibly expel Wang Feng further confirms the Chinese superstar''s status as the world''s number one yer, something that has never happened in football history."
As the outside world was in turmoil, a bigger storm was quietly brewing, but the match between Inter Mn and Roma went ahead as scheduled.
Although coach Mancini repeatedly reminded everyone to focus on the present match, they inevitably were greatly affected, visibly distracted on the field.
Roma took advantage and Totti scored in the 27th minute, instantly snapping the Blue and ck Army''s defense back to attention. They made timely adjustments and finally stabilized the situation.
Wang Feng remained the most active yer up front. Although he was initially shocked by the report, he cared more about the glory at hand than past events.
Just before halftime, a counterattack wasunched by the away team''s defense. Wang Feng sprinted with the ball past the midfield, shaking off Cufre with his speed, entered the penalty area, and scored with a narrow-angle shot past the goalkeeper.
Equalizing the score before halftime greatly boosted the morale of the Blue and ck Army. At the start of the second half, theyunched an aggressive attack. When Wang Feng received the ball in the center, he passed it to Ribery on the right.
Ribery dribbled diagonally, while Wang Feng ran towards the right penalty area. The two switched positions, and as Ribery reached the edge of the penalty area, he sent a through pass. Wang Feng sessfully avoided offside and received the ball.
Facing the rushing goalkeeper Pelizzoli, he chipped the ball over his head with his right foot. The ball crossed Pelizzoli''s head and headed towards the goal. Roma defender Pani tried to clear it in front of the goal, but unfortunately, his slide tackle missed the ball.
2-1! Inter Mn reversed the score! This score held until the end of the match.
Chapter 272: The cup wins, the league ends
Chapter 272: The cup wins, the league ends
At the press conference after the match, no reporters cared about the final, instead, they all asked about the just-revealed "Phonegate scandal." AS Roma coach Spalletti, the club''s fifth coach in the past two years, cautiously refrained frommenting, only willing to answer questions rted to the final itself.
Inter Mn''s head coach Mancini also kept it brief, expressing hope that the Italian Football Federation would thoroughly investigate the matter and give Inter Mn justice.
Other yers, including Wang Feng, refused to discuss the matter. Now the entire European footballmunity was rmed, and Italy had already established an investigationmittee, believed to provide answers soon.
The Serie A league continued. On May 7th, in the 37th round, Inter Mn weed Siena at home. The Blue-ck Legion fans disyed a banner with the slogan "Return Our Championship" in the stands.
When the "Phonegate" report emerged, many infuriated Inter Mn fans began protests. Thanks to the Blue-ck Legion''s strong performance in recent years, their fanbase had multiplied, causing a significant uproar.
Amidst the resounding cheers, Siena quickly sumbed. Led by Wang Feng, the substitute lineup scored three goals in the first half alone, with Wang Feng scoring one himself and assisting Cruz and Gonzalez for one each.
Entering garbage time, the coach substituted him out in the second half, and the score remained unchanged.
3-0! Inter Mn defeated Siena!
In another focus match, Juventus surprisingly lost 0-2 to Livorno, ending their undefeated streak of 36 rounds. This defeat was clearly rted to the yers'' shattered morale upon hearing the news. After finally defending their league title, how could they suddenly be told it was rigged? Most yers were actually unaware of the club''s covert actions; only a few were uneasy.
This defeat once again pushed the Bianconeri onto the media''s hot seat. Their previous undefeated record made people more suspicious, and their early exit from the Champions League further fueled doubts.
Head coach Capello was absent from the press conference, leaving only his assistant trembling in front of the aggressive media. All yers left the stadium dejectedly, refusing interviews.
Early the next morning, the President and Vice President of the Italian Football Federation announced their resignations. A joint investigation teamposed of the four major prosecutors'' offices in Naples, Rome, Turin, and Parma was formed to intervene in the investigation, escting the situation.
Serie A had be a mess. Everyone could see that the scope of this scandal wouldn''t be small and would have a fatal impact on the entire league.
Wang Feng was very grateful for his decision to leavest year. Otherwise, in this chaotic environment, it would have been difficult to find a suitable transfer target hastily.
Apart from Wang Feng, other Inter Mn yers were also restless, especially young yers like Ribery. Although the turmoil didn''t directly affect Inter Mn, the team was still an obvious victim, and the league''s overall environment would inevitably affect all clubs.
At this point, Inter Mn President Moratti was the most anxious. Regardless, two trophies were right in front of them, especially the fifth Champions League trophy, which was crucial. They had to stop any wavering hearts.
So the club''s top management urgently convened a mobilization meeting. Moratti said at the meeting, "Everyone, we Inter Mn areplete victims. Neither the club nor your personal future will be affected."
"Now with two finals ahead, I hope you can focus all your energy on the matches. If we win the Champions League, I will immediately distribute a bonus of 30 million euros to the entire team!"
Moratti was indeed going all-in. Plus, Wang Feng''s departure this summer would bring in 100 million euros, so he wasn''t that reluctant.
The crowd was stunned at the offer of 30 million euros! It should be noted that when Inter Mn won the Sextuple back then, they only distributed a total of 45 million euros. At the time, it already set a record for bonuses in Serie A clubs, and now, they were setting a new record.
Wang Feng was also amazed. It seemed that in Moratti''s heart, Inter Mn''s glory and status surpassed everything else. He truly loved this club.
With the temptation of high bonuses, everyone at Inter Mn indeed cheered up and focused their energy on the two uing finals.
As the "Phonegate" incident continued to ferment, on May 11th, Juventus announced the collective resignation of its board of directors. On the 12th, the investigation went into full swing, referee De Santis was disqualified, and rumors circted about several teams, including AC Mn and Fiorentina, being involved in match-fixing. Some yers were also suspected of betting. That same night, the second leg of the Italian Cup final was held at the Stadio Meazza.
"You think this Phonegate investigation team is deliberately disrupting our mentality?" Riberyined. "On the 4th, we just yed the first leg of the cup final, and the scandal broke out that day. Now on the 12th, for the second leg, they announce that multiple teams are involved in match-fixing."
"This has nothing to do with us," said Zti. "Let''s focus on the present game. Keeping the cup at the Meazza is our top priority."
Once the game started, Inter Mn didn''t give Roma any chances. Wang Feng opened the scoring with a long shot, followed by assisting Adriano''s header.
With a total score of 4-1 over two legs, Inter Mn defeated Roma, winning their 6th Cup trophy in club history and the 3rd since Wang Feng joined.
The award for Inter Mn was presented by the acting head of the Italian Football Federation, Rossi. He hurriedly handed the trophy to Zti and then left the scene. Obviously, even the Football Federation was in turmoil internally, with many things needing attention.
The final round of the league was scheduled for May 14th, with Inter Mn facing Cagliari away. The team still brought a rotation and youth team, led by the assistant coach, while head coach Mancini and key yers went directly to Paris, where the Champions League final would be held four dayster.
In the end, Inter Mn won 1-0 away,pleting 38 rounds with 27 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses, and 87 points, ranking third in the league. AC Mn was second with 28 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses, and 88 points.
Juventus sessfully defended their title, with a record of 27 wins, 10 draws, 1 loss, and 91 points. However, after the game, the Serie A league did not award the champions'' trophy, raising suspicions among the media.
Fiorentina, ranked fourth, only achieved 22 wins, 8 draws, 8 losses, and 74 points, significantlygging behind the leading group.
The teams in the relegation zone were Messina, Le, and Treviso. The Serie A official did not announce the relegated teams either, and while the league had ended, the storm was still brewing.
Juventus general manager Moggi announced his withdrawal from football, the chairman of the Referee Committee Ranieri was dismissed, Juventus''s stock price plummeted, and the Director of Investigation Office of the Italian Football Federation Papa and his assistant resigned.
Acting head Rossi appointed Mn prosecutor Borelli as the new Director of the Investigation Office of the Italian Football Federation. When facing reporters'' interviews, he stated that they would find out the truth as soon as possible and announce it to the public.
Every day, the situation was changing.
Chapter 273: King of the finals
Chapter 273: King of the finals
As usual, Inter Mn, who advanced to the final, provided generous treatment to the main yers'' family and friends, allowing them toe to the scene to cheer, as the club believed it would give the yers more motivation.
Wang Feng''s rtives came to support him as always, but this time, his sister couldn''t apany him because she had her graduation defense on the same day.
"Let''s support each other on our respective battlefields. After I sessfully pass the defense, I''ll watch your game first thing," encouraged Wang Feng by the words of encouragement from his sister. To apany her, Wang Feng''s sister and mother would stay in Mn.
Before the match, Wang Feng received the European Golden Boot award from the European Sports Magazine Group and an interview from "World Ser" magazine. This award is usually presented in June, but this year being a World Cup year, all European leagues ended around mid-May, so the final results were self-evident.
With 41 league goals, Wang Feng lifted the trophy for the 5th consecutive time! At the same time, he contributed 18 assists, and in the Champions League, he scored 17 goals and made 9 assists, bing the undisputed top scorer.
Receiving the golden football shoe from the editor-in-chief of "World Ser" magazine, the British joked, "Can I ask you a question? Until when do you n to monopolize this award? We need to prepare the trophies for the next few years."
Wang Fengughed, "That depends on the rising stars in the football world. Anyway, I won''t stop scoring goals."
Except for his first season at Inter Mn when he scored 34 goals, in the other four seasons, he scored more than 40 goals each season, a record that cannot be surpassed. Now, no forward in the football world canpete with him.
Then, Ellis asked some routine questions, and Wang Feng answered them one by one as usual. Finally, he asked, "Since your debut, you have won all the cup finals, including the Cup final, Europa League final, and Champions League final. Many people call you the King of Finals. How do you view this?"
Wang Feng said, "The King of Finals? That''s a good title, I really like it. Being able to reach the final of a tournament is what every participating team dreams of, but it''s also very challenging because the championship is just one step away."
"I don''t like to fall at the finish line, so I put in 200% effort and dedication in every final."
At the routine press conference in Barcelona, the same question was asked by reporters, and Barcelona''s head coach Rijkaard smiled and said, "King of Finals? Sorry, but I''m afraid Wang''s consecutive final victories will be broken by us!"
He was very confident because the Barcelona lineup had reached its most mature stage. Whether it was the midfielders Puyol, Deco, Edmilson, or the forwards Giuly, Eto''o, Ronaldinho, they were all in their peak state. On the bench, there were also Belletti, Iniesta, and Larsson to fill in.
With such a dream lineup, they would definitely win the second UEFA Champions League trophy in Barcelona''s history!
By 2006, Barcelona had won 18 La Liga titles and 24 Copa del Rey titles, but they had only won one UEFA Champions League title in 1992, while their arch-rivals Real Madrid had won 9.
Europeanpetitions were always the Catns'' eternal regret, with only one trophy in five finals. Therefore, the club attached great importance to this final, perhaps promising huge prize money for winning.
The situation of Inter Mn had been thoroughly studied by Rijkaard''s team. The main defenders Zambrotta and Civu were destined to miss the final. Although the newly added Mihajlovic and Samuel had gradually yed their roles after a period of adaptation, they were not as solid as the original defense.
The only rtively dangerous part was the forward line led by Wang Feng. However, their passing and control ability were average, mainly relying on defensive counterattacks and Wang Feng''s individual ability to tear open the defense. As long as they controlled possession and defended against direct prations through local heavy defenses, the Dutchman believed Barcelona would not give Inter Mn any chance.
On the day of the match, the yers were doing their final warm-up exercises, while Mancini was in a meeting room with his think tank discussing the tactical arrangements for the match. He had hardly slept these past few days, feeling the weight of Barcelona pressing down on him.
Compared to the coaches'' anxiety, the Inter Mn yers were very rxed in mentality, minimizing the impact of Serie A chaos. With the "big leg" Wang Feng leading, they all looked forward to the bonus after winning the championship.
"Boss, we must win the trophy. I want to buy another off-road motorcycle," Ribery said enthusiastically. He was very obsessed with off-road racing, and most of his money had been invested in it since he started making money. His home in France was filled with all kinds of motorcycles, parts, and rted tools.
His passion for driving and speed even made him think about secretly driving the club''s bus. Fortunately, it was discovered and stopped by the staff in time; otherwise, it would have vited Italianw, as he didn''t have a bus driving license.
"I don''t quite understand your point of interest," Wang Feng shook his head. "But I have to remind you, motorcycles are not very safe. I don''t want to hear bad news one day."
Ribery nodded, "Don''t worry, I just ride with friends on the track and takeprehensive safety precautions."
In the afternoon, Mancini finally made the final decision. The original starting lineup remained unchanged, but the formation used AC Mn''s ssic 4-3-2-1 instead of the usual 4-4-2.
"Ribery and Wang Feng act as dual attacking midfielders, with Adriano at the front," the Italian pointed to the tactical board to announce the match tactics to everyone. "Barcelona will definitely use extreme passing and zone defense. We will use defensive counterattacks."
"Wang, I hope you won''t limit yourself to a certain area but actively run to draw the defense. This is a big test for your physical fitness, but I believe in you."
Wang Feng nodded. He didn''t need the coach to say it; he had already nned to do so. Then, Mancini detailed the on-field arrangements for each starting yer, his tactical arrangements were very meticulous, even including running positions, marking, and other details.
When the meeting ended, the yers from both sides were ready to warm up. The Italian encouraged, "Everyone, this is destined to be a historic battle. If you win this trophy, your names will be forever engraved on the Saint Brde Cup and preserved in the Inter Mn history museum!"
Just before going on the field, Wang Feng checked his phone, and sure enough, he received a message from Lu Yao: "Big Brother Feng, I sessfully passed my graduation defense! My battle has been won, now it''s up to you!"
Wang Feng smiled happily, filled with pride and determination. He was determined to win this battle!
Chapter 274: Spark of competition
Chapter 274: Spark ofpetition
The final venue, Stade de France, is located in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris. It is not solely a football stadium but a multi-purpose sports facility suitable for various athletic events.
The stadium can amodate 80,000 spectators. The 1998 FIFA World Cup final was held here, and the 2003 World Athletics Championships also concluded sessfully at this venue.
For spectators, watching a match at this stadium feels somewhat ufortable because there are running tracks encircling the pitch and separating it from the stands. However, this does not deter fans from eagerlying to the venue to cheer for their teams.
Both teams have arge fan base, leading to a frenzied demand for tickets to the final. Many locals in Parisined online that they couldn''t get tickets, hoping to rx by watching the final on the weekend but finding it impossible to obtain tickets.
In the luxury boxes on the top tier, Barcelona president Laporta calmly sips wine, asionally chatting with his assistants. In stark contrast, Inter Mn president Moratti paces anxiously. The Nerazzurri have reached this stage, and it''s now a question of whether they''ll seed in realizing their dream or fall short.
The yers from both teams line up on either side of the yer tunnel, awaiting entry onto the pitch. Inter Mn lines up in a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Toldo in goal, followed by Mihajlovic, Cordoba, Samuel, and Materazzi in defense. In midfield, there''s Simeone, Zti, Pirlo, with Ribery and Wang Feng ahead of them. Upfront is Adriano.
Barcelona, on the other hand, adopts a 4-3-3 formation, with Valds in goal, Oleger, Marquez, Puyol, and Van Bronckhorst in defense. In midfield, there''s Deco, Edmilson, and Van Bommel. Leading the attack are Giuly, Eto''o, and Ronaldinho.
When Ronaldinho sees Wang Feng, his eyes light up, and he greets him with a smile: "Wang, it''s been a while since the battles between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Mn, hasn''t it?"
"Since losing to youst time, I''ve been looking forward to our next encounter. God has been kind to me, giving me a strong team. This time, I''ll definitely win!" responds the confident newly-crowned World Footballer of the Year.
Facing this confident opponent, Wang Feng replies firmly, "My teammates are also formidable. I believe with their full support, I''ll have thestugh!"
The spark ofpetition ignites in their eyes. It''s only when other yers remind them it''s time to enter the field that they avert their gaze and follow their teammates into the stadium.
In the first half, Barcelona kicks off. Ronaldinho and Eto''o stand in the center circle. With a whistle from the Norwegian referee, Haug, Eto''o passes the ball to Ronaldinho, who then quickly sends it backward.
Adriano, Ribery, and Wang Feng advance toward the opponent''s half, looking for an opportunity to intercept the ball.
Puyol controls the ball, adjusts, and passes it to Marquez, who then gives it to Deco. Seeing no opportunity, the three Inter Mn yers retreat near the center circle.
Watching Barcelona''s precise passing is indeed a delight. Each yer''s ball control and the trajectory and pace of the passes are excellent, making it difficult for their opponents to regain possession.
However, Inter Mn''s tactics do not require ball possession; they only need to defend resolutely and counterattack swiftly to tear through the opponent''s defense.
Deco chips the ball to Ronaldinho on the wing. Ronaldinho, with his agility, bypasses Simeone and passes to Eto''o. Under the close marking of Samuel and Simeone, Eto''o still manages to pass the ball into the penalty area.
Adriano is inside the penalty area, but Materazzi is marking him tightly. While discreetly interfering, Materazzi uses subtle movements to distract him. It''s amon trick among defenders, usually unnoticed by the referee if not too obvious.
The Cameroonian forward doesn''t force it. Although he''s physically strong enough to shake off the Italian defender, shooting after shaking him off would render the attempt less threatening.
Instead, he immediatelyys the ball back to Edmilson, who has just arrived outside the penalty area. With no other defenders around him, Edmilson shoots skillfully with his right foot, and the ball sails over Toldo''s head into the.
"Goooooooal! It''s a goal! Just ten minutes into the game, Edmilson opens the scoring for Barcelona!"
"Eighty percent of the credit for this goal goes to Ronaldinho. Despite being double-teamed, he still managed to deliver the ball to Eto''o in the middle."
"The remaining twenty percent goes to Eto''o for his return pass and Edmilson for his excellent finish."
"What is Inter Mn''s defense doing? Why are Mihajlovic and Cordoba both focusing on Giuly?"
"The passive situation and conceding the goal have pushed the Nerazzurri into a corner."
After taking the lead, Barcelona doesn''t change their tactics or style. They continue to control the ball calmly, using passing to prate the opponent''s defense, appearing very stable as a team.
"Look at this attack! Ronaldinho dribbles forward with the ball; he''s truly agile, bypassing Simeone and passing to Eto''o."
"Giuly, Edmilson, and Deco are all pushing forward. Barcelona''s attack looks relentless!"
"Eto''o passes back to Ronaldinho, who takes the shot! It''s a goal!"
"This time, it''s Eto''o who entered the penalty area, drawing the defense and then making a triangle pass to Ronaldinho, who shoots on the run!"
"Barcelona''s attacking firepower is just too strong, with their front three shining brightly. Deco and Edmilson asionally joining the attack, Inter Mn can''t withstand it!"
"No wonder they are called the second Dream Team. The Nerazzurri now seem to be drifting further away from the championship."
Chapter 275: Pair burst
Chapter 275: Pair burst
When seeing Inter Mn fall behind by two goals shortly after the start, Moratti didn''t seem as anxious anymore. He sat back in hisfortable sofa-shaped seat, pouring himself a ss of red wine.
Beside him, the technical director, Bomm, was a bit puzzled: "Mr. President, why aren''t you worried now? We''re two goals down." Moratti shook his wine ss and said, "Because I suddenly realized that being anxious is useless. In the previous two finals, each one was thrilling. Until thest moment, you never know who will have thestugh."
"I believe in our yers, I believe in Wang Feng!"
Moratti wasn''t worried, but on the coaching bench, Mancini and Wang Feng on the field were a bit anxious. Under Barcelona''s pressure, Inter Mn''s attacks couldn''t even get started.
They had to figure out a way. Wang Feng didn''t know what strategy Mancini would have, but he felt that the counterattack needed to be stronger. So he ran to the midfielders and hoped that after they got the ball, they could decisively loft it forward. "Trust me, I''ll catch up."
As time passed to the 37th minute, a shot by Barcelona was collected by Toldo. He immediately threw the ball to Samuel. Thinking of Wang Feng''s words, the Argentinean sent a long pass directly, flying from the backcourt to the frontcourt.
The Barcelona yers hadn''t fully reacted yet, but Wang Feng, like lightning, started up. He consecutively bypassed the chasing Do, Edmilson, and Marquez, intercepting the ball in the 30-meter area in the frontcourt.
At this point, there was only Puuyol, who was both attacking and retreating, in front of him. Near the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly slowed down, feinting with his right foot to shoot directly. The Spanish defender could only stick out his leg to block, but Wang Feng moved the ball to the left, dodging the defense, and then shot into the with a strong shot, with the bted Marquez rushing into the goal.
1-2! Inter Mn pulled one back! This goal instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the Nerazzurri fans in the stands. They were originally drooping their heads like frostbitten eggnts, but now they were excitedly screaming and cheering. Manypanions hugged each other with tears of joy, constantly chanting, "We can do it, we can do it!"
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t choose to fish the ball out of the goal line. Instead, he encouraged his teammates who came to celebrate. There was still a lot of time, and more importantly, to stabilize the defense first, and then look for counterattack opportunities like this.
Originally, everyone thought this score would be maintained until the end of the first half, but unexpectedly, Barcelona organized another attack. After Ronaldinho''s breakthrough on the right, his cross was broken out by the timely arrival of Cordoba.
Do took this corner kick. The referee watched the time and blew the whistle. He would only give Barcelona onest chance to attack, but they seized it!
Like a flexible fish, Ronaldinho shuttled in the penalty area. He suddenly broke free from marking and headed the ball from close range, grazing his forehead and quickly diving into the right side of Inter Mn''s goal.
1-3! Barcelona once again expanded the score!
This blow was too heavy for Inter Mn. When they left the field, all the yers lowered their heads, their faces full of worry as they walked into the dressing room.
Wang Feng also felt very distressed. In the first half, he had very few touches, only two shots in total, and scored one goal. If he could have more chances, there might be hope for aeback.
But Inter Mn couldn''t hold onto the ball at all, and the precarious defense made the midfielders and defenders shrink back. At this time, Mancini walked in, and he said loudly, "Everyone, cheer up, we still have a chance!"
"Adriano, take a break in the second half. Sebastien, you''lle onter. Make sure to stabilize the team''s defense."
The Brazilian striker was taken aback. He indeed didn''t have many opportunities in the first half and had been running back and forth. But now that the team was two goals behind, shouldn''t they strengthen the attack? Why substitute him with a defender?
Mancini continued, "Wang, in the second half, go up front as far as possible, just like our first goal. Whenever someone gets the ball, immediately organize a counterattack and pass the ball to Wang!"
"As long as we don''t concede any more goals, just two goals behind, Wang will definitely bring us back!" Seeing the coach''s trust in himself, the yers gradually regained their spirits. Wang Feng naturally didn''t say much. He patted his chest and said, "Yes, everyone defend well, and then trust me to handle the ball!"
Back on the field again, Rijkaard saw the fiercelypetitive Inter Mn and couldn''t help but feel a little emotional. They were indeed not easy to deal with. As long as Wang Feng persisted, the other yers still had hope of working hard.
But the Dutchman was determined to win the Champions League trophy, so he made substitutions, bringing on Iniesta for Edmilson and Larsson for Van Bommel, continuing to strengthen midfield control and firmly suppress Inter Mn.
With Sebastien''s addition, Inter Mn''s defense became even tighter, but Barcelona controlled possession and attacked without urgency.
In the 65th minute, Cordoba intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to the nearby Samuel, who then gave it to Ribery. Ribery didn''t stop the ball but passed it directly to Wang Feng.
In just three passes, the ball went directly from their own penalty area to the midfield. After receiving the ball, Wang Feng quickly turned and rushed towards the frontcourt. Beside him, Puyol was running and trying to press him, even preparing for a foul.
Knowing that there would be no teammate to support him in front, and that the opportunity was fleeting, Wang Feng kicked the ball forward with a big stride, not confronting Puyol but overtaking him from outside the field to chase the ball.
His speed was fully demonstrated in this chase. Even though he took a detour, he still caught up with the ball before Puyol, then rushed into the penalty area. The Spanish defender was left far behind.
Facing goalkeeper Valdes, Wang Feng swung past him like a pendulum with a big movement, then pushed the ball to his right foot and shot into the empty goal with a strong shot.
2-3! Wang Feng scored twice, once again giving Inter Mn fans hope!
This wonderful pass and run also madementators around the world sigh. "Wang''s speed is really outstanding. Puyol couldn''t evenmit a foul."
Ronaldinho looked at the nearby Chinese superstar with aplicated expression. He could feel that Barcelona''s overall strength was superior to Inter Mn''s, but because of Wang Feng''s presence, the team''s victory was never secure.
At this point in the game, Ronaldinho had contributed seven shots and two goals, while Wang Feng contributed four shots and two goals. In terms of efficiency, Wang Feng had the upper hand, but in terms of threat, the two were evenly matched.
It was difficult for Inter Mn''s defense to stop Ronaldinho, and it was difficult for Barcelona to stop Wang Feng. Both teams had to put in more effort to defend against these two superstars.
Chapter 276: Time to master your destiny !
Chapter 276: Time to master your destiny !
After the restart, Inter Mnunched a pressing attack against Barcelona. When Do and Gully cooperated on the sideline, Cordoba and Mihailovic''s active running made them a bit flustered, and finally Do passed the ball out of bounds.
Inter Mn quickly took the throw-in, and Cordoba swiftly threw the ball to Sti, who turned around and sent a long pass trying to pierce Barcelona''s defense, but Van Bronckhorst was the first to reach the ball and headed it back.
The ball didn''t go far, and Ribery, nearby, sessfully grabbed the second ball and controlled it. Despite the interference from Do and Marquez, he still sessfully passed it to Wang Feng in the middle.
Wang Feng swiftly dribbled the ball forward, gently flicking it to the right as he sped up, sessfully dodging Puyol and arriving at the edge of the penalty area. Suddenly, he shot from a distance, and the ball flew out from his foot like a cannonball, piercing through Valdes'' hands and into the.
3-3! Wang Feng scored a hat-trick, finally equalizing for Inter Mn!
Watching Wang Feng receiving embraces from teammates and cheers from fans in one corner of the field, Ronaldinho almost bit his lips, finding it incredibly difficult to win against him. Within five minutes, he managed to equalize the score!
No, since he can score a hat-trick, so can I!
As the 80th minute approached, the highly focused attack and defense made both teams'' yers somewhat fatigued, but Wang Feng and Ronaldinho remained the most active on the field.
This time, Ronaldinho dribbled the ball inward from the sideline, smoothly passing Buldizzo, who reced Materazzi, with a fake move, then used his heel to flick the ball forward. The trajectory of the ball in the air resembled a rainbow, sessfully bypassing another defender, Sebastien.
Rainbow dribble! Ronaldinho dribbled past two yers and directly shot from the edge of the penalty area, creating a beautiful arc on the field. The ball spun through its highest point and then sharply descended, brushing against the crossbar and into the.
Gooooooooooooooal!! Goal!! Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick! Barcelona is once again in the lead!
The Brazilian lives up to the name of the World Footballer! His performance today is no less than Wang Feng''s. Both have scored hat-tricks!
With stronger teammates by his side, they are now close to touching the championship trophy, leaving Inter Mn with little time.
Wang Feng was panting heavily, and when he saw Ronaldinho starting to dribble, he felt something was amiss. He wanted to quickly defend, but he was a step toote. His teammates around him looked confused.
He shouted at the top of his lungs, "Pass me the ball!" Upon hearing his shout, his teammates snapped back to reality and looked at him. The determination and perseverance of the Chinese superstar deeply moved everyone.
Yes, Wang Feng hasn''t given up yet. He''s still seeking our support! Everyone knew what they should do next: defend that damned goal and then pass the ball to him.
Five minutester, Zti intercepted the ball at the back and sent a long pass to the midfield. Wang Feng, who had been running for over eighty minutes, once again exerted all his strength, outpacing two Barcelona yers and forcefully heading the ball forward before Marquez.
Then, he overtook the Mexican defender and went for the ball. Seeing the Chinese yer getting farther away, Marquez had no choice but to slide tackle from behind and brought down Wang Feng!
Both yers were very fast, so the slide tackle couldn''t be fully controlled. Marquez''s studs hit Wang Feng''s shin heavily, causing him to fall to the ground and roll several times due to inertia.
The Inter Mn fans who were excitedly watching Wang Feng''s attack in the stands exploded in anger. "Damn scoundrel! Murderer! Go to hell!" Some even threw bottles and fireworks onto the field in rage.
The referee''s whistle blew immediately, and Ribery, who was chasing after, didn''t hesitate to forcefully push Marquez. "You dirty bug!"
Both teams'' yers quickly confronted each other. Inter Mn''s yers were angry, while Barcelona''s yers looked somewhat ashamed. Puyol held back his teammates who wanted to step forward.
He knew Marquez''s foul was too dirty. The main referee, Haug, approached Marquez without hesitation and showed him a red card.
As for Ribery, who pushed someone, Haug hesitated for a moment and gave him a yellow card. Some Barcelona yers wanted to protest, but the Norwegian said fiercely, "Shut up, or you''ll also get off the field with Marquez!"
As the conflict unfolded, Wang Fengy on the ground holding his leg, feeling intense pain apanied by a familiar warmth filling his wound. The team doctor quickly entered to diagnose him.
"Fortunately, it''s not a broken leg. I was really scared just now. Under such a malicious foul, there''s no serious injury. You''re the first person I''ve seen in so many years."
"But your calf muscles are strained and need further examination. I don''t rmend continuing the game, but it seems like the team has no more substitutions left. What should we do?"
Wang Feng said while holding his leg, "Give me ice and spray some medicine. I can endure it." Helpless, the team doctor finally agreed to his n.
After a few minutes of treatment, Wang Feng returned to the field, and the stadium erupted into apuse like a tide. Inter Mn obtained a free kick from a position of forty meters.
He decided to take it himself, and the Inter Mn yers crowded into the penalty area, while Barcelona urgently arranged their defensive strategy. With one yer down, the forwards also had to participate in the defense.
With his calf still aching, Wang Feng looked at Oleg and Iniesta forming the two-man wall in front of him, slowly stepping back. The distance between him and the ball on the ground grew farther and farther.
The Barcelona yers in the penalty area gradually felt that something was wrong. Thementators in the live broadcast room said at this time, "What does Wang Feng want to do? From such a distance, he should be lofting the ball into the penalty area. Why is he stepping back so far?"
Taking a deep breath, Wang Feng endured the pain, elerated from slow to fast, and as he approached the ball on the ground, he used all his strength to kick it. "Bang!" Iniesta felt a gust of wind passing by.
"Gooooooooooooooal!! Goal!! Wang Feng, Wang Feng used a direct free kick from forty meters, piercing through Barcelona''s goal!"
"The ball passed through the crowd and hit the fiercely. Goalkeeper Valdes had no reaction to this shot, which had a speed of over 200 kilometers per hour!"
"A miracle, this is a real miracle! Just a second ago, we were worried that Wang Feng might leave the field due to a serious injury, but the next second, he responded to everyone with a powerful shot. He''s in great form!"
"Now both teams are tied 4-4. I didn''t expect this final to turn into a goal-scoring battle. Wang Feng scored four goals for Inter Mn, Ronaldinho scored a hat-trick. It''s so exciting. In recent years, Inter Mn''s Champions League finals have be ssic matches that people talk about."
With only a few minutes left, although Inter Mn had one more yer than Barcelona, they failed to create good opportunities. Barcelona also used up theirst substitution, with the well-rested defender Belletti recing Oleg.
It seemed they intended to defend the score until the penalty shootout. If he were in perfect condition, Wang Feng would definitely have the ability to tear apart the defense, but now, every step he took, his muscles felt aching, directly affecting his dribbling and speed.
The 90 minutes of regr time ended, the first half of extra time ended, and the second half was nearing its end. Would the final championship really be decided by a penalty shootout, which relied mostly on luck? Wang Feng was very unwilling, but he didn''t have any good options.
Just as the referee was about to blow the final whistle, another tragic incident urred. Inter Mn''s goalkeeper Tordo was injured.
The 35-year-old veteran obviously had some high-intensity activity in this game. He made great efforts to save various threatening shots from Barcelona, and the four goals conceded couldn''t be entirely med on him.
Mancini had already used up his three substitutions. Who should guard the goal in the uing penalty shootout? The Italian coach was sweating profusely, but Wang Feng realized that this was an opportunity!
This was the moment he could take control of his own destiny! In fact, his keen senses could be used not only in attack but also in defense. He could judge the angle of the shot based on the yers'' body movements, thus choosing the correct route to save.
The only problem was that he hadn''t undergone systematic training, and his saving movements were not standard enough. However, penalty shootouts were a one-time deal; as long as he blocked the ball, it would be enough.
Thinking of this, he no longer hesitated and solemnly said to the head coach, "Mr. Mancini, let me do it!"
Chapter 277: The St. Blaise Cup stays forever in Meazza!
Chapter 277: The St. ise Cup stays forever in Meazza!
Upon hearing Wang Feng''s resolute words, Mancini was stunned. Let Wang Feng do it? He hasn''t received any training at all!
In the end, it was his own fault. Adriano, who was ineffective, was substituted out, wasting a valuable substitution slot. Now they could only choose one yer from the remaining yers on the field to guard the goal.
Seeing the anxious looks of the yers, Mancini felt that Wang Feng wanted to take on the heavy responsibility voluntarily! Even if he failed, he wouldn''t be heavily criticized because he had done so much in this game.
The Italian nodded, "Wang, I leave it all to you!"
So Wang Feng took the gloves from Tordo''s hands, and the Italian goalkeeper, with tears in his eyes, said, "I''m sorry, Wang, I''m really useless."
Wang Feng just patted his shoulder without saying much, then stood in front of the goal.
"We''re about to enter the penalty shootout, and Wang Feng unexpectedly takes over as goalkeeper!"
"Inter Mn has made their final effort in desperation. They have no more substitutions left, and Tordo was injured unexpectedly. Someone has to step up, and it''s Wang Feng again!"
He only served as a goalkeeper for one minute, and Norwegian referee Haug blew the whistle to end the entire match, and both sides officially entered the penalty shootout!
As the first yer to take a penalty for Inter Mn, Wang Feng easily deceived Valdes and scored into the bottom right corner of the goal.
When it was Barcelona''s turn, Eto''o stood at the penalty spot, ran up, shot, and Wang Feng sessfully guessed the direction through careful observation, but Eto''o''s shot was too powerful and still broke through the goal.
"Oh, what a pity! As a first-time goalkeeper, Wang Feng''s save wasmendable, but unfortunately, the quality of the shot by the Cameroonian forward was very high."
For Inter Mn''s second penalty, Ribery scored steadily, and for Barcelona''s second penalty, Juliano Belletti also scored. Wang Feng once again judged the direction correctly, and the ball hit his gloves but bounced into the, leaving both Barcelona yers and fans sweating.
For Inter Mn''s third penalty, Pizarro''s shot was saved by Valdes! The Chilean midfielder fell to his knees in pain, and there were cries of agony from the stands. "Inter Mn is in danger! Look at Ronaldinho''s penalty this time!"
Ronaldinho held the ball and smiled at Wang Feng, showing his white teeth. Wang Feng pped his hands to encourage himself and stared at the Brazilian without blinking.
Where will he shoot? Top left? Bottom left? Top right? Bottom right? No, it''s a chip shot! At the moment Ronaldinho touched the ball, Wang Feng understoodhe wanted to chip it!
"Wang Feng saved the ball! Ronaldinho took a chip shot, but Wang Feng didn''t fall for it and securely caught the ball in his arms. Now the two teams are back on equal footing!"
The exposed Ronaldinho stuck out his tongue, feeling a bit surprised and regretful, but Barcelona still had a chance.
For Inter Mn''s fourth penalty, Zti withstood the pressure and scored, and for Barcelona''s fourth penalty, Deco also scored with a powerful shot that Wang Feng couldn''t block.
For Inter Mn''s fifth penalty, Marco Materazzi deceived Valdes and scored, and for Barcelona''s fifth penalty, the young Iniesta stepped up to the penalty spot.
"Let''s see how it goes this time. Wang Feng''s performance so far can be described as stunning. He guessed the direction correctly all four times, saved once. It seems he has the talent of a goalkeeper."
"Shot! Beautiful! Wang Feng punched out Iniesta''s shot with one hand!"
"Inter Mn is the champion! Penalty shootout 4-3! They defeated Barcelona and lifted the San Siro Cup!"
"This is Inter Mn''s fifth UEFA Champions League trophy in history. ording to UEFA''s regtions, they will receive the original trophy and keep it forever!"
"Wang Feng achieved all this. Oh my God, I don''t know whatnguage to use to praise him. He scored four goals in this game alone, helped the team draw with Barcelona within 120 minutes."
"Then he personally put on the goalkeeper''s clothes and saved penalties, guessing the direction correctly five times, and saving the ball twice, single-handedly winning the championship."
"Let us salute him together, salute to the living legend!"
The Inter Mn yers rushed to Wang Feng, lifted him high, and he was rightfully the hero of the victory.
The penalty-missing Iniesta knelt in pain on the field, and the 22-year-old Spanish midfielder left an indelible shadow in his heart at this moment.
Ronaldinho came tofort him, looking at Wang Feng not far away with aplex expression. He lost to him after all. Would everything have been different if the penalty had gone in at that time?
Without saying goodbye to Wang Feng, Ronaldinho left the stadium with the Barcelona yers. Wang Feng wanted to exchange jerseys with him, but he was surrounded by excited teammates and staff and couldn''t get away, so he had to give up.
Inter Mn chairman Moratti also came to the field at this time, shaking Wang Feng''s hands constantly, "Thank you, thank you! This trophy will be the heritage of Inter Mn, and you have forged it with your own hands!"
"You will be the greatest yer in Inter Mn''s history, without a doubt!"
At this time, they didn''t know that three yearster, in 2009, UEFA officially canceled the use of the perpetual trophy, and Inter Mn became thest team to meet the conditions.
Looking back then, Inter Mn fans couldn''t help but respect and admire Wang Feng even more. His glory as the number one yer in the club''s history was firmly established and would never be shaken.
After a brief business, the award tform was quickly set up, and UEFA President Johansson stood next to the trophy, waiting for the champions and runners-up toe up and receive their awards.
The runners-up came up first, all the Barcelona yers hanging their heads. They were so close to the championship, but still missed it.
When facing Ronaldinho, Johanssonforted him in his ear and patted him on the back.
The champion Inter Mn came upst. After repeated refusals, Zti still let Wang Feng lift the cup, so he went upst.
A familiar medal was hung around Wang Feng''s neck by Johansson, who smiled and said, "Congrattions, Wang. I''m honored to witness a legend!"
"Now, please take the perpetual trophy that belongs to you." With that, he picked up the Cup, forged in 1994, and handed it to Wang Feng.
Real Madrid took the first original trophy in 1966, Ajax took the second in 1973, followed by Bayern Munich in 1976, AC Mn in 1994, and now it was Inter Mn''s turn to take the fifth.
Holding the cup for the second time, Wang Feng''s feeling waspletely different from the first time because he knew that the trophy wouldn''t have to be returned before the next final. It would be permanently disyed in the club''s trophy room, which was a tremendous sense of achievement.
Raising the trophy high, with fireworks apanying, all the yers shouted, "We are the champions!"
The Stade de France instantly turned into a sea of celebration. No matter how many years passed, everyone would remember this night and remember another legend created by a powerhouse!
Chapter 278: Report and Celebration
Chapter 278: Report and Celebration
The next day, almost all media around the world reported on Inter Mn''s championship victory. There is no doubt that Wang Feng''s quadruple and his incredible save in the end became hot topics of discussion.
Reuters reported on the match process andmented that Wang Feng not only scored all of Inter Mn''s goals but also saved the opponent''s shot in the penalty shootout. There are no other words to describe this performance except miraculous.
"Last night, God put on the number 10 jersey, causing Barcelona to once again taste defeat in the Champions League final!"
Winning the UEFA Champions League three times in four years also made Wang Feng the greatest superstar in Inter Mn''s history. At 23 years old, how long he will continue to dominate European football is what everyone wants to know.
The Associated Press wrote that Barcelona lost to Wang Feng! Throughout the game, Barcelona''s advantage was obvious, their passing and the yers'' delicate skills were impressive.
On the other hand, Inter Mn''s main defenders'' injuries made their defense unstable, and Mancini''s lineup with Adrianopletely ineffective. It can be said that Barcelona should have won the game.
But Wang Feng said no to reason! "He''s like a superhero in Americanics, saving the world single-handedly. We always say that football is a sport of eleven people, but Wang Feng often makes us forget that."
The article concluded by praising the efforts of the other Inter Mn yers. It was their steadfast defense and assists in the second half that helped Wang Feng achieve this miracle.
Agence France-Presse reported, "The all-powerful Wang Feng defeated Barcelona''s dream dynasty, shocking the entire European football scene."
Barcelona''s advantage was obvious, and Rijkaard''s lineup was also very methodical. In contrast, Mancini seemed a bit reckless. Adriano, Ribery, and Wang Feng are all excellent attackers, so the defensive lineup seemed ineffective.
"In the second half, Inter Mn''s adjustments were very timely. It takes great courage to strengthen defense in thete stages of the final, but Mancini chose to trust Wang Feng, and Wang Feng did not let him down."
Xinhua News Agency also congratted the Chinese superstar Wang Feng. The article believed that his performance made the world take notice, and his sess brought great honor to China and Asia.
"We look forward to seeing China achieve a historic breakthrough in this World Cup under his leadership!"
In addition to the well-known four major news agencies, major European media outlets also reported andmented on this Champions League final. Italy''s three major sports media outlets praised Inter Mn unanimously, sessfully pushing the "Calciopoli" scandal off the headlines.
British media analyzed Wang Feng''s miraculous performance, contributing 21 goals and 9 assists in the Champions League, undoubtedly topping the scorer''s list again.
German media marveled at Wang Feng''s strong physique, enduring such brutal tackles without being forced off the field. The Spanish newspaper Marca mocked Barcelona in its article, which infuriated Catalonia''s media but left them with no rebuttal.
Inter Mn stayed in France for a day to celebrate before returning to Mn for the celebration ceremony. But Lu Yao couldn''t wait for a day, so she came to him early in the morning.
"I was almost scared to death when that bastard tackled you," Lu Yao said tearfully. "Are you feeling better now? You must have been in pain at that time. You can hide it from others, but you can''t hide it from me."
Wang Feng smiled and said, "It''s okay, it did hurt a bit during the game, but it''s not painful now. It''ll be better in a few days."
After the match, he went to the hospital for a detailed examination, and he didn''t even attend the post-match celebration dinner. The doctor''s conclusion was that there was no major injury, and he would fully recover in one to two weeks, although it wouldn''t actually take that long.
The reporters waiting at the hospital gate quickly learned this news. They marveled at Wang Feng''s abnormal physique and contacted their headquarters to prepare news releases. "Even such a brutal tackle didn''t cause a major injury. No wonder Moggi said there was no way to make Wang Feng leave the field injured, so he could only send him off with a red card."
Of course, Marcos'' behavior received widespread condemnation, and UEFA and the Spanish Football Association quickly handed out double penalties. The Mexican defender was suspended for the first fifteen league matches and the first five European matches of the next season!
When everyone returned to Mn Airport, thousands of Inter Mn fans came to greet them. They shouted the names of every hero, and Wang Feng''s name naturally resounded the loudest.
At a time when Serie A was embroiled in the "Calciopoli" scandal and traditional powerhouses like Juventus and AC Mn were faltering, only Inter Mn shone like a bright sun, illuminating the hearts of all Italian fans.
The championship parade had not officially started yet, but the streets of Mn were already filled with passionate fans. ording to local TV stations'' statistics, the number of people celebrating Inter Mn''s Champions League victory this time subtly surpassed the scale of the celebrations during the five and six consecutive champions years ago!
The current Serie A and fans need this championship too much!
On the day of the championship parade, the buses set off from early in the morning and arrived at the Meazza Stadium until evening. The hungry crowd could only wait to eat after the celebration ended.
When Zti and Wang Feng held the San Siro Cup belonging to Inter Mn in the center of the field, the stadium, full of spectators, erupted in thunderous cheers.
Everyone made championship remarks, and when it was Wang Feng''s turn, he thanked the coach, teammates, and fans, receiving warm apuse almost every moment.
Only a few sharp-eyed people noticed a problem: Wang Feng didn''t promise the fans the next season''s results! When he won the Champions League twice in previous years, he would confidently dere: "We will bring the trophy back again next season!"
But this year, there was none of that. Did he not want to make such bold statements? Or was there some other reason? A few people felt a slight unease in their hearts.
Of course, most people didn''t realize this issue. They were immersed in the happiness of the moment, even if they might not shine as brightly in the future, but the glory of the moment was truly real.
"Wang Feng is the pir of Inter Mn, and he is also the most popr among the fans. I really can''t bear to see him leave," Inter Mn''s technical director, Borm, sighed in the VIP box.
Moratti nodded with a bitter smile beside him, "I understand this truth, but unfortunately, Serie A can''t keep him anymore. It''s not our fault, nor is it his."
"So, what should we do next? After losing Wang Feng, should we pay more attention to the situation of the forwards in the summer transfer market?"
"There''s no need to be too anxious. Adriano and Ribery are also excellent attackers, especially Ribery, who is still so young. We must start his contract renewal as soon as possible. Next, we can treat him as the core to develop."
"Although the investigation results have not been announced yet, Juventus is highly likely to be relegated. Their stars will probably leave one after another. We need to closely monitor the personnel we need."
Borm nodded, "I understand. By the way, Real Madrid said they want to announce Wang Feng''s transfer as soon as possible. It seems that Florentino can''t withstand the pressure from the higher-ups and wants to use Wang Feng to turn the situation around."
Moratti said, "Then let''s announce it. This is inevitable. Let''s prepare for the shock that follows."
Chapter 279: The transfer that shocked football
Chapter 279: The transfer that shocked football
"Congrattions, Wang!" In a private estate in the suburbs of Mn, Florentino met with Wang Feng. "Your performance shocked us all, especially when you saved Ronaldinho and Iniesta''s penalties at the end. My jaw almost dropped!"
Wang Feng modestly responded with a few words. Apanying Florentino were Real Madrid''s executive manager Jeffrey and the first-team supervisor Sande, showing their appreciation for Wang Feng.
"Winning the Champions League by defeating Barcelona is the perfect achievement. I believe Real Madrid fans will warmly wee you," Sande said. "In fact, many fans write to the club every year wanting to bring you in. You already have a solid fan base in Madrid."
"We have reached an agreement with Inter Mn, and the transfer news will be officially announced in a few days!" Florentino said. Originally, he nned to announce it after the World Cup, but the election situation forced him to do so earlier.
In addition, Florentino''s visit was also to discuss the future direction of the new Gcticos with Wang Feng. "We n to hire a new head coach to lead the Gcticos. Currently, we are favoring Capello from Juventus and Schuster from Getafe. Which one do you think is more suitable?"
Although Wang Feng was valued by the club, he was new to the scene, so he did not express any opinions on the choice of head coach, indicating that he would fully respect the club''s decision, which Florentino appreciated.
However, Wang Feng subtly expressed his concern about Capello''s coaching style, wondering if his defensive-oriented tactical system was truly suitable for the Gcticos.
As for transfers, everything was still unclear, but Florentino stated that there would be substantial investment, whether for stability in midfield and defense or for attacking assistance upfront, they would choose excellent yers.
The World Cup often unveils many emerging talents, so most clubs initiate their transfer ns after the tournament ends.
They then discussed Wang Feng''smercial development. Florentino believed that Inter Mn had not fully explored Wang Feng''smercial value. "Whether it''s endorsements ormercial activities, Real Madrid''s operation will be more mature."
It''s worth mentioning that, after several rounds of negotiations between agent Balmond and the club, Wang Feng''s first contract with Real Madrid was for five years, with an annual sry of ?12 million after tax in the first year, making him the undisputed world number one.
Currently, the highest annual sry in the world belongs to Chelsea''s Shevchenko, who earns a weekly wage of ??130,000 from Abramovich, roughly nearly ?10 million a year.
Moreover, Wang Feng''s contract stipted that if Real Madrid achieved certain results, such as winning the Copa del Rey, La Liga, or the Champions League, his sry for the next year would increase by 5% to 15%.
In theory, his annual sry in 2011 could reach up to ?24 million after tax, an absurd figure. Of course, to achieve this, Real Madrid would need to win the Champions League for the next five years, which is almost an impossible task.
In addition to the annual sry, the contract also included other lucrative bonuses, whether helping the team achieve results or winning personal honors, there would be a substantial reward.
There were also variousmercial activities. The club would only take 20% of Wang Feng''s image rights, which was unprecedented for Real Madrid. Even Beckham had to hand over 50% of his image rights, while other superstars even more.
Three days after Inter Mn''s championship celebration, Real Madrid officially announced to the world that they would pay a transfer fee of ?100 million to acquire the core of the Nerazzurri - Wang Feng!
In an interview, Florentino said that Real Madrid had gone through a regrettable period of decline, but everything would be different from now on, and the Gcticos would set sail again!
"Wang Feng is undoubtedly the best yer in today''s football world. I am confident that his arrival will bring Real Madrid back to its former glory."
This news shocked the entire football world. Real Madrid fans were ecstatic, taking to the streets with banners weing Wang Feng to Madrid. Having just defeated Barcelona single-handedly, he was highly respected among the fans.
Internally, all the turmoil within the club was quelled. Most senior executives believed that Wang Feng would bring qualitative changes to the team, and with his arrival, Florentino solidified his position as president, eliminating uncertainties from the election.
Italy, on the other hand, mourned, especially Inter Mn fans. Someined about the unfairness of the Football Association leading to Wang Feng''s departure, while others hoped that Inter could do everything possible to retain him.
All media outlets scrambled to dig up first-hand information. Soon, the news of Wang Feng reaching a transfer agreement a year ago and continuing to fight for Inter Mn to win their fifth Champions League trophy under Moratti''s retention was exposed.
Although everyone spected that it was the year Moggi ordered the referee to send Wang Feng off, leading him to consider leaving, they still wanted confirmation from Wang Feng himself.
"The Calciopoli" case was still under investigation, and Wang Feng didn''t want to stand in the spotlight at this time. Therefore, in interviews, he remained silent about the reasons for the transfer, simply expressing gratitude to the Inter Mn club.
Moratti also became the focus of the media''s attention. In an interview, he said, "It''s regrettable that Wang is leaving the Meazza, but we will always remember his contributions to Inter Mn. We hope everything goes well for him in the future."
However, no matter how you look at it, the parting between the Nerazzurri and Wang Feng was peaceful, without quarrels or disputes, which is very rare for a superstar.
"For Inter Mn, the loss of Wang Feng, a core yer, is immeasurable, but given the current chaotic situation in Serie A, his decision is not unreasonable,"mented Mn Sports Daily.
Turin Sports Daily and Rome Sports Daily believed that Wang Feng''s departure from Serie A was just the beginning, and more and more superstars would choose to leave. "The decline of Serie A is inevitable."
Spanish newspaper Marca expressed a warm wee to Wang Feng, "We all know how well-suited Wang Feng is to the Gcticos. He will continue his legendary career here."
Catalonia''s Daily Sports, on the other hand, stated that Wang Feng made a foolish decision. "He had the opportunity to join the best team in the world, bing the pioneer of a dream dynasty, but chose to stand on the opposite side."
"Anyone who tries to challenge Barcelona''s position will be torn apart by reality!"
In China, there was also discussion about Wang Feng''s transfer news. The superstar policy of the early Gcticos era had left a deep impression on many fans, who believed that Real Madrid was one of the best clubs and deserved a yer like Wang Feng.
However, many rational fans felt that Wang Feng would face great challenges. After all, in recent years, the Gcticos'' performance has been somewhat poor, and whether he can make a difference remains to be seen.
Chapter 280: Promising teenager
Chapter 280: Promising teenager
When the whole of Europe was debating about Wang Feng''s transfer news, the protagonist had quietly left Mn and returned to his homnd. The national team was undergoing training in Beijing, preparing for the World Cup in Germany in June.
If the 2004 Asian Cup was Wang Feng''s first participation in the highest tournament in Asia representing China, then the World Cup in Germany would be Wang Feng''s first participation in a world-ss tournament representing China.
In 2005, as the champions of Asia, China participated in the Confederations Cup organized by FIFA at that time. However, after Wang Feng helped the national team secure a spot in the World Cup, he politely declined the subsequent call-ups and returned to Mn to focus on his professional career.
As a result, the Chinese team lost consecutively to Mexico, Greece, and Brazil, failing to advance beyond the group stage. It''s hard not to recall the tragedy of the Korea-Japan World Cup. Therefore, this time, as the team heads to Germany, fans are pinning their hopes on Wang Feng, hoping he can help the mothend achieve a historic breakthrough and change the status quo of early exits.
Head coach Alihan, who helped the Chinese team win the Asian Cup, continued in his position. Besides veteran yers like Sun Jihai and Shao Jiayi, neers like Gao Lin, Feng Xiaoting, Chen Tao, and Dongfang Zhuo also made it to the national team for the first time.
It''s worth mentioning that 21-year-old Dongfang Zhuo, who was loaned from Manchester United to Antwerp in the Belgian Second Division, received considerable attention from the media. In the just-concluded season, he scored 18 league goals, winning the Golden Boot in the Belgian Second Division.
With simrly remarkable performances starting from the Belgian Second Division, Dongfang Zhuo''s situation is somewhat simr to Wang Feng''s. Not only domestic reports but also European media have manyments on him.
The only regret may be that he is slightly older than Wang Feng was at that time, and also, he spent the entire season in the Belgian Second Division without being able to move to a higher stage for development.
In fact, many Belgian clubs were eager to sign him during the winter transfer window, including Genk, where Wang Feng once belonged, and Belgian giants Anderlecht, among others. Unfortunately, he still belongs to the Manchester United club.
The Red Devils won''t easily give up this promising talent. They responded to those inquiring clubs, saying, "Dongfang Zhuo is not for sale! His temporary move to the Belgian Second Division is only due to work permit issues, which we believe will be resolved soon."
The main formation of the Chinese team is 4-4-2, with Li Leilei as the goalkeeper, Li Weifeng, Zhang Yaokun, Ji Mingyi, and Sun Jihai in defense, Shao Jiayi, Zhao Junzhe, Zheng Zhi, and Zhao Xuri in midfield, and Li Yi and Wang Feng up front.
Young yers who are entering the national team for the first time are ced on the bench, eager to perform on the world stage.
Due to the Champions League final and subsequent celebrations, Wang Feng returned to the team rtivelyte. Other yers had been training in Beijing for several days. The young yers were very excited to see the superstar in person for the first time, considering Wang Feng their idol and goal.
Especially Dongfang Zhuo, he said, "Wang ge, although you''ve only yed a few matches in the Belgian Second Division, almost all yers are proud of you, which includes me. They also respect me a lot, and my outstanding performance this season wouldn''t have been possible without their support."
Wang Feng patted the young man on the shoulder and smiled, "Don''t underestimate yourself. I''ve watched the game footage, and your performance fully deserves the honor of the Golden Boot in the Belgian Second Division. If it weren''t for the loan issue, you could definitely go to the Belgian Pro League or even Eredivisie, a higher stage."
In fact, Dongfang Zhuo should actively seek a transfer to establish himself as a regr starter at mid-table clubs in the top five leagues in Europe or contend for the championship in Europe''s second-tier leagues. Therefore, in the conversation that followed, Wang Feng indirectly expressed this view.
Dongfang Zhuo scratched his head. Which young yer doesn''t dream of ying for top clubs? The temptation of Manchester United is indeed too great for him. However, he is also a very pragmatic yer, and the trust and respect he receives from Wang Feng also made him seriously consider this suggestion.
"Wang ge, where do you think I should go? What should I do about my contract with Manchester United?"
"Let''s do this. Why don''t youe under my agent Balmond''s management? I''ll talk to him and ask him to focus on nning your career." Finally meeting a fellow countryman with great potential, Wang Feng wanted to help him.
Dongfang Zhuo nodded incessantly. With the help of a renowned agent like Balmond, he believed his professional career would be smoother. So Wang Feng called this old friend.
"No problem, I''ve got it covered," Balmond said easily. "I''ll talk to Dongfang and, to be honest, Manchester United isn''t a good choice for him. As for the contract, it''s not a problem at all. The transfer market after the World Cup ends will be huge."
At the end of May, the Chinese team flew to Germany, where they yed a warm-up match against the French national team before the start of the tournament. The match ended in a 3-3 draw.
Wang Feng scored twice and assisted Li Yi in scoring a goal. From the scoreline, China didn''t have a big disadvantage, but in reality, France did not field all their main yers, and throughout the game, China was under constant pressure.
After experiencing the disastrous defeat in the Confederations Cup, head coach Alihan fully understood the gap between the yers and the world-ss level. Therefore, his strategy for this World Cup was simple: focus on defense and leave the attacking tasks to Wang Feng.
On the French side, Zidane''s performance was not outstanding; instead, Ribery was very active. Not only did he score a goal against the Chinese team, but he also assisted Henry in scoring.
"Bro, if I meet you on the World Cup stage, I won''t go easy on you!" After the match, Ribery greeted Wang Feng, "After all, this is one of the rare opportunities for me to beat you."
Wang Feng patted him on the head with a smile, "I don''t need you to go easy on me. You just perform well and try to secure a starting position!" The French team''s forward line is also full of talent, with Henry, Trezeguet, Sissoko, and Viltord, among others. Ribery has not yet be a regr yer for the team.
In addition to Ribery, yers like Zidane and Henry also approached Wang Feng after the game, while other Chinese yers could only watch from the sidelines with envy, as this time was reserved exclusively for the superstars.
"Joining Real Madrid is a very difficult challenge," Zidane said. "But it''s also a great opportunity. I envy the yers who can fight alongside you."
"In that case, why not retire a yearter?" Wang Feng joked, but Zidane shook his head. "I can''t keep up with the times anymore, but maybe we''ll have the chance to team up in the future."
Three dayster, the Chinese team yed a warm-up match against the Ennd national team, mainly with a substitute lineup, and Wang Feng sat on the bench.
In the end, China suffered a 1-4 defeat, with the only bright spot being Dongfang Zhuo''s header goal that broke through the ten fingers of the English goalkeeper Robinson.
After two warm-up matches, the World Cup was about to begin.
Chapter 281: Historic breakthrough
Chapter 281: Historic breakthrough
The World Cup officially kicked off on June 10th, with the host Germany facing Costa Rica in the opening match. China''s first-round match, scheduled for the 15th in Group H''s lower half, pits them against African champions Tunisia.
Tunisia is a traditional powerhouse in African football, having reached the World Cup finals in 1978, 1998, and 2002. This will be their fourth trip to the World Cup finals in 2006.
Key yers for Tunisia include Trabelsi from Ajax, Jaidi from Birmingham, and Chedli and Mnari from Nuremberg, showcasing considerable overall strength.
For the Chinese team, winning against Tunisia is crucial if they want to advance. This situation inevitably brings to mind the battle with Costa Rica four years ago.
"Santos, the core of Tunisia''s frontline, is injured and will miss the first group stage match against China," assistant coach Nicol is reporting thetest intelligence to Alihan.
"This is good news. Regardless, we must not repeat the mistakes of four years ago. We need to position ourselves as challengers and give our all in every match!"
During the pre-match tactical arrangement meeting, Alihan emphasized to defenders Zhang Yaokun and Ji Mingyi, "Tunisia is likely to field 20-year-old neer Zikawi as a starter. He''s very explosive, so you must closely defend against him."
Zhang Yaokun and Ji Mingyi nodded solemnly. Compared to African yers, speed is a weakness for domestic yers.
"In addition, Jaidi''s headers and Jamali''s direct free kicks are excellent. Be extremely cautious in defense."
"On the field, maintainposure and calmness. The pace of the game will surely be controlled by the opponent. We just need to defend well and seize opportunities to counterattack with Wang Feng. Don''t make reckless moves and lose positioning."
At the Allianz Arena in Munich, about 10,000 Chinese fans came to the scene to support. As the familiar cheers erupted, the game officially began.
Tunisia immediately dominated the midfield, with their excellentbat ability and aggressive pressing making it difficult for the Chinese team to hold onto the ball in midfield, forcing them to constantly retreat defensively.
Fortunately, when the lineuppressed into the thirty-meter area, the dense defense repeatedly thwarted Tunisia''s attacks, especially Zikawi, whose offensive advantage waspletely suppressed.
Tunisia''s most threatening attack urred in the 25th minute when Chedli dribbled inside and passed to the penalty area, Jaidi''s header flew towards the far corner, and with goalkeeper Li Leilei unable to save in time, Li Weifeng blocked the ball out of bounds with his body.
Tunisia won a corner, but Sun Jihai cleared the ball from the penalty area, and Zhao Junzhe on the sideline passed the ball to Wang Feng not far away, who immediately turned and quicklyunched a counterattack.
The center-back Namouchi standing in front of Wang Feng was shaken off with a feint, and soon he rushed into the opponent''s thirty-meter area. At this time, Trabelsi, Jemaa, and Hagui quickly returned to defend.
Wang Feng saw Shao Jiayi sprinting forward in front of him, so he swept the ball with his right foot to Shao Jiayi, then dashed into the penalty area himself. Trabelsi and Jemaa dared not ck off, sticking closely to Wang Feng, while Hagui went to defend Shao Jiayi.
Under pressure from Hagui, Shao Jiayi could only move towards the sideline, and after reaching near the penalty area, he hastily crossed the ball. The quality of this cross was not high, hitting a defending yer, but still wobbled towards the penalty area.
Wang Feng had already sprinted forward before Shao Jiayi crossed the ball, making a gesture to snatch the ball. The two Tunisian defenders subconsciously followed him.
When the ball was crossed, the approximatending position quickly formed in his mind. So after running two steps, he suddenly turned back, forcibly breaking free from the double team.
Near thending point, Wang Feng jumped high with his back to the goal, using the back of his left foot to volley the descending ball, and the powerful shot pierced through Tunisian goalkeeper Boumnijel''s hands and into the.
"The ball''s in!! Wang Feng''s fantastic backheel helps China open the scoring!!"
"In the 27th minute, China, using a defensive counterattack, has broken Tunisia''s defense! This is a historic breakthrough for China in the World Cup! We''ve scored for the first time in the World Cup!"
"Now we''re in the lead! Audiences in front of the TV, remember this historic moment!"
"After decades of effort and numerous failures, we''ve finally waited for this moment. Wang Feng, our own Mr. Football, shines on the World Cup stage with dazzling brilliance!"
"At just 23 years old, he is not only the present but also the future of Chinese football!"
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly got up from the ground and rushed towards the stands where the domestic fans were, pointing to the sky with one hand and holding the national g over his chest with the other. People from afar in the stands had already plunged into madness.
"Wang Feng, you''re awesome!"
"Wang Feng, I love you!"
The voices echoed into Wang Feng''s ears, listening to the familiarnguage, his heart surged with emotion, a feeling that he could never experience while ying for top clubs.
Soon after, the arriving teammates surrounded Wang Feng, each of them wearing a happy smile on their faces. They had made history!
After taking the lead, the yers'' struggle became more intense, repeatedly keeping Tunisia''s attacks outside the goal line, and Wang Feng also actively retreated to defend, sometimes even retreating near the penalty area.
As time reached the 71st minute of the second half, China was still in the lead. The audience in the stands held their breath nervously, many of them quietlyining, "Why is time passing so slowly!"
At this moment, Tunisia got a chance for a free kick in the frontcourt. Jamali took the direct shot, and the ball went straight into the corner of the goal after passing through the wall, despite Li Leilei''s desperate save.
"Oh no, Tunisia has equalized! What a pity!"
"The quality of this free kick is very high. Our defense didn''t have any major problems, but it''s always these unreasonable goals that we''re afraid of."
Tunisia''s equalizer dealt a blow to China''s morale. Victory, which seemed within reach, slipped away, leaving everyone feeling frustrated, including Wang Feng.
But he knew the game wasn''t over yet. The frustration and despair could also turn into unwillingness and effort. So he pped his hands and gathered the yers, saying, "Guys, we''re so close to a historic victory. Are you really content with just a draw?"
"Let''s put in a little more effort, defend well, and then pass the ball to me. We still have a chance!"
Teammates nodded at his words. They had watched Wang Feng''s games, especially the three Champions League finals with Inter Mn, which left a deep impression. Wang Feng''s never-give-up attitude also inspired many of them.
The game resumed, and Tunisia, not satisfied with a draw, continued to pressure the Chinese team, while China, on the other hand, maintained solid defense and waited for fleeting opportunities.
Chapter 282: First victory !
Chapter 282: First victory !
The game progressed to the 86th minute, with Tunisia''s Mnari breaking through the wing and passing the ball into the penalty area. Sun Jihai vigorously headed the ball to clear it, but it fell to Namouchi at the edge of the penalty area.
At this moment, a lightning bolt surged out from the penalty area, and it was Wang Feng rushing back to defend. He quickly closed in on Namouchi and intercepted the ball before the Tunisian defender could react.
Then he immediately dribbled the ball and sprinted at high speed, passing the halfway line in the blink of an eye. "Wang Fengunches a quick counterattack, carrying the ball himself. His speed is truly remarkable!"
"Tunisia''s frontcourt is in a one-on-two situation. The other yers can''t keep up with their rhythm and can''t support in time. Let''s see how Wang Feng handles this."
"Dribble past one! Beautiful! Wang Feng swings a wide arc and bypasses the pressing Trabelsi to shoot! The ball''s in! The ball''s in!"
"On the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly shoots from a distance. The ball drills into the top right corner of the goal, and Tunisian defender Hagui and goalkeeper Boumnijel didn''t react in time!"
"No one expected Wang Feng, who sprinted more than fifty meters, to suddenlyunch such a precise shot. Let''s take another look at his brilliant performance, swaying past Trabelsi and then taking two steps into the penalty area."
"At this moment, Hagui was very clever not to press too close but chose to step back slightly, allowing him and the goalkeeper to form a horned position. Once Wang Feng entered the penalty area, his speed would inevitably slow down."
"Trabelsi, who had just escaped, immediately came back to defend, and defenders Jamali and Jaidi would also provide immediate support, surrounding Wang Feng inyers."
"Hagui''s defensive strategy was not wrong, but Wang Feng is not an ordinary striker; he''s one of the best attackers in the world! It''s because of the space left by the retreat that Wang Feng was able to take the shot and score!"
"2:1! The Chinese team takes the lead again, with less than ten minutes left in the game. Come on, Chinese yers, make onest effort! The dawn of victory is within reach!"
In the final moments, the Chinese team struggled, with many yers experiencing cramps due to exhaustion, and the goal faced numerous threats.
Wang Feng was the best-performing yer among them, actively participating in defense in the backcourt, repeatedly intercepting and disrupting Zikawi and Yaakari''s attacks, blocking Bouazizi''s long shots with his body. At this moment, he was even more responsible than the defenders.
After who knows how long, the referee finally blew the whistle to end the game, and the score remained unchanged. The Chinese team won!
The Allianz Arena in Munich instantly turned into a sea of celebration. All Chinese fans were overwhelmed with joy, and many of them shed tears. It was not easy at all, but the Chinese team finally secured points in the World Cup, and it was three points!
Many people started singing the national anthem, and the increasingly passionate melody echoed throughout the stadium, leaving other spectators from different countries speechless. The reaction of Chinese fans seemed as if they had already won the championship.
Of course, they would not understand the feelings of Chinese fans at this moment. Every person who came to the scene was deeply in love with football and the national team. Witnessing the realization of their wishes was the happiest moment of their lives.
With three points, the Chinese team temporarily topped Group H with superior goal difference! In another match in the same group, Spain narrowly defeated Ukraine 1:0, also earning three points.
At the post-match press conference, Tunisia coach Lanisined helplessly, "We had absolute dominance, which can be clearly seen from various statistics."
"But we still lost to China, lost to Wang Feng." In his heart, Lanis knew that Tunisia''s World Cup journey was probably over. Facing Spain and Ukraine next, they wouldn''t have any hope.
This historic game caused a huge sensation in China. TV news, newspapers, and online forums were flooded with news, sweeping across the entire country. No matter how remote the ce was, everyone received the news: the Chinese team won their first victory at the World Cup!
Scoring twice in the first round and tying with Klose as the top scorer, Wang Feng became the focus of media reports. Everyone understood that without him, China could not have achieved such a historic breakthrough.
"Wang Feng fully yed his role as a world superstar in the national team, being the best yer on the field on both offense and defense, undoubtedly winning the title of the best yer of the match."
"Before the start of the World Cup, fans'' biggest expectation was for the national team to make a breakthrough, and under Wang Feng''s leadership, they exceeded expectations. We can even hope for further progress."
"Of course, it cannot be denied that there is a huge gap between the Chinese team and other world powerhouses. The game against Tunisia fully exposed our deficiencies in physical fitness and technical skills."
"No matter how far this team can go, we will always follow and support them!"
Many European media also reported on Wang Feng and the Chinese team''s victory, with many believing that Wang Feng''s strength far surpassed that of all yers on both teams.
"He is a magical yer, and his role in attack is obvious to all. However, we noticed that in thest ten minutes of the game, his defensive contribution was no less than that of any Chinese defender." This was the assessment of the French newspaper, L''Equipe.
"At that time, Wang Feng felt like a true full-back, and he performed exceptionally well. In fact, this is not the first time he has yed in other positions. Not long ago, in the Champions League final, he saved two penalties in a row in the goalkeeper position, helping Inter Mn lift the trophy."
"Thisprehensive performance adds to his legendary status. Perhaps coaches with ideas can consider exploring the potential of the Chinese superstar in this aspect."
However, many media believed that the overall performance of the Chinese team dragged down Wang Feng. "If Wang Feng had joined the Belgian national team back then, we could fully imagine lifting the first-ever World Cup trophy in history!"mented the Belgian newspaper, Le Soir.
To this day, there are still many Wang Feng fans in Belgium, and many people feel that the distance between him and the Belgian national team back then was not far, just because the weight given by the Football Association was not enough.
But as he said many years ago, besides wearing the Chinese team jersey, he would not consider ying for any other country. These people''s thoughts would only be wishful thinking.
Spain''s Marca was extremely excited,menting that whether in the club or the national team, Wang Feng''s performance was impable. On the other hand, Brazil, who narrowly defeated Croatia 1-0 in the first round, saw the World Footballer Ronaldinho invisible throughout the game.
Catalonia''s Mundo Deportivo was unwilling tog behind, stating that Ronaldo was very likely to lead Brazil to defend the World Cup, while it was Wang Feng, who was destined to not go far with the Chinese team.
The other four Asian teams, South Korea, lost 0-2 to Sweden, Iran lost 1-3 to Mexico, Japan lost 1-3 to Australia, and Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Togo. Among the Asian teams, only China won all three points!
Chapter 283: Can鈥檛 you respect your seniors ?
Chapter 283: Can''t you respect your seniors ?
The first round of group stage lost to Spain, which was not much of a surprise domestically in Ukraine, but the slump ofst year''s Ballon d''Or winner Shevchenko has worried the media.
"Ukraine has reached the edge of the cliff, Sheva must pull himself together, the second match against China will be a battle of life and death!"
Ukraine has reached the World Cup finals for the first time, but Shevchenko is already thirty years old, and he cannot ept going home dejectedly after the group stage.
At the Hamburg AOL Arena, the match between China and Ukraine will take ce here.
Right from the start, this Ballon d''Or winner showed exceptional activity, frequently threatening the Chinese team''s defense. Just in the 4th minute, he controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area, turned around, and then sent a fierce shot, piercing through the hands of Li Leilei into the goal.
0:1! China started the game trailing behind!
Conceding a goal so early left the yers, who were still immersed in the joy of the previous victory, somewhat at a loss. They wanted to press forward in attack but ended up creating gaps in the defense, allowing Shevchenko and another Ukrainian forward, Vornonin, to continuously create opportunities.
Fortunately, Wang Feng promptly covered defensively, disrupting the attacks. He loudly reminded his teammates to tighten the defense, emphasizing that they cannot afford to engage in open y even when trailing behind. The gap between China and the opponent was too significant; engaging in open y would only lead to a dead end.
His reminders and active defensive positioning finally woke his teammates up. The victory in the first match meant nothing at all! So everyone returned to the right path, organizing a defense to block Ukraine''s sharp attacks.
The score remained unchanged for both sides in the first half. As they returned for the second half, the head coach, Alihan, made consecutive substitutions, bringing on Cao Yang and Xu Yunlong, who had better stamina, in the defensive line.
In the 54th minute, the Ukrainian army pressed on the attack. Karlenchenko''s long shot from outside the penalty area hit Zhang Yaokun and was cleared with a big kick.
Wang Feng quickly started from the sideline of his own penalty area. His speed was extremely fast. In just a few seconds, he sprinted directly from the defensive end to near the center circle. At this moment, there was only one Ukrainian defender, Nismachini, in the backfield.
The two raced towards the ball, under the gaze of countless spectators in the stands. The distance between Wang Feng and Nismachini narrowed bit by bit. When the ball dropped, they were neck and neck!
Relying on his excellent confrontational ability, Wang Feng pushed aside his opponent to be the first to reach the ball. He lifted his right foot and gently pushed the ball to the right, then elerated again to shake off Nismachini, charging towards the penalty area alone.
At this moment, the Ukrainian goalkeeper Shovkovsky hade out to the edge of the penalty area. Seeing this, Wang Feng kicked the ball slightly to the right, dodging Shovkovsky''s dive, and then caught up with the ball to shoot into the empty goal.
1:1! China''s team stubbornly equalized the score!
Nismachini, who had been chasing from behind, watched the ball enter the, and he could only helplessly lie down inside the penalty area.
"A beautiful defensive counterattack! Ukraine has made an irretrievable mistake! They thought China had no counterattack ability, so they pressed forward in an attempt to secure victory, but they didn''t expect to be pierced by Wang Feng''s lightning strike."
"Starting from their own penalty area, Wang Feng bypassed five Ukrainian yers in session, touching the ball first. True to his name, his speed is as swift as the wind."
"Now the problem returns to Ukraine. Do they have the courage to continue throwing everything forward and seek a victory?"
Caught off guard, Ukraine indeed didn''t push forward with full force anymore. They had to be wary of Wang Feng''s speed, so the defensive pressure on China decreased significantly.
Wang Feng continued to y the role of a defender, disrupting Shevchenko''s attacks several times with clean tackles and interceptions.
In the 79th minute, Shevchenko dribbled the ball past Ji Mingyi on the right side of the penalty area, preparing to charge into the penalty area. Once again, Wang Feng''s tackle came to his feet, sessfully sweeping the ball out of bounds and taking Sheva down in the process.
The Ukrainians immediately stood up to pressure the referee, but the head referee quickly judged it as a clear good defense and awarded Ukraine a throw-in.
Wang Feng, speaking Italian on the side, said, "Stop struggling, Andriy, you know my defense has always been very clean, there''s no controversy."
Shevchenko shook his head helplessly. "Can''t you show some respect for your Serie A seniors? Every time you tackle me, it''s like a martial arts move."
"Why are you, a forward, always staying in the back? Get into the attack, you jerk!"
Wang Feng was equally helpless. He also wanted to attack. A draw didn''t ensure an advantage in advancing, but Ukraine''s attack was too sharp. He couldn''t just rush out recklessly and leave the midfield, waiting for an opportunity.
Doing so would likely not receive a pass from his teammates and instead, he''d watch helplessly as his own goal was breached.
In the final moments of the game, the Chinese team also attempted a counterattack. After Wang Feng dribbled past the midfield, facing a dense defensive circle, he couldn''t break through and had to resort to a positional battle. Soon, the ball was snatched away by Ukraine again.
In the end, both sides scored one goal each and shook hands in a draw. In another group stage match, Spain defeated Tunisia 2:0. With two wins in two matches, the Matadors advanced early, while Tunisia was eliminated with two losses.
The battle for second ce in the group intensified. Although China temporarily led with 4 points, Ukraine had 1 point. In the final round, China would face the mighty Spain, while Ukraine would face bottom-ced Tunisia.
Domestic media started calcting points. At this stage of thepetition, no one expected China to secure a win and a draw. Since advancement was within reach, why not strive for it?
In the match against Spain, whether winning or drawing, would directly lead to advancement; a draw meant advancement!
If China lost to Spain, then goals and total goals would need to be calcted. Currently, China''s goal was 1, with a total of 3 goals scored. Ukraine''s goal was -1, with a total of 1 goal scored.
Only in the scenario of China losing 0:1 and Ukraine winning 1:0 could they advance securely, otherwise, they would still be eliminated due to goals or total goals.
Coach Alihan didn''t want fate to be in others'' hands, so he set the tone for the team: at least a draw against Spain!
"Everyone, Spain has advanced early; they should be preparing for the knockout stage instead of going all out. This is our chance."
"Don''t fear any opponent. We defeated the African champions Tunisia and drew with Ukraine, who has a European Ballon d''Or winner. Advancement is within reach."
"The strategy for the match remains the same as the first two games, focus on defending to the end. Leave the judgment of offense to Wang Feng. Wang, you''ve performed excellently in these two matches. Your transition from defense to offense is just right. Keep it up!"
After two rounds of matches, Group A saw Germany and Ecuador advance early, Group B had Ennd and Sweden advance together, while South Korea was sadly eliminated. In Group C, Argentina and the Nethends advanced early, Portugal advanced in Group D, Mexico and Ang continued their battle, and Iran was eliminated.
Group E was moreplicated, with Italy leading with 4 points, Czech Republic and Ghana with 3 points each, and the USA with 1 point, making it anyone''s game to advance. In Group F, Brazil advanced early, while Australia had 3 points, and Japan and Croatia each had 1 point, maintaining suspense for advancement.
Group G was rtively unpredictable, with Switzend leading with 4 points, France with only 2 points, Saudi Arabia also with 2 points, and Togo at 0 points, bottom-ced.
Among the Asian teams, China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia still had the possibility of advancing.
Chapter 284: Against Spain
Chapter 284: Against Spain
On the afternoon of June 23rd, the two key matches in Group H kicked off simultaneously. China faced their strong opponent Spain at the Fritz-Walter Stadium, while Ukraine faced Tunisia at the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
Spain deployed a substitute lineup with a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Canizares. The defense consisted of Salgado, Marchena, Juanito, and Lopez. In midfield were Albelda, Iniesta, and Fabregas. Upfront were Joaquin, Raul, and Reyes. Notable yers like Casis, Xavi, Torres, and Puyol did not start. For China, the only change was Dongfang Zhuo recing Li Yi, with the rest of the main lineup unchanged.
Before the match, Real Madrid yers such as Casis, Raul, and Salgado greeted Wang Feng. Raul smiled warmly and said, "I didn''t expect that we couldpete before bing teammates. Although it''s not fair, I won''t go easy on you."
Wang Feng responded firmly, "Don''t underestimate me and my teammates. You''ll be surprised during the match."
Then, they discussed life in Spain and at the club. Raul strongly suggested that Wang Feng move to the affluent area of La Finca in Madrid, where Zidane, Ronaldo, and others lived, as the environment was pleasant.
This was Wang Feng''s first interaction with the so-called "Spanish clique" within Real Madrid. They seemed easy to get along with and praised Wang Feng, which relieved him. He felt that at least they wouldn''t oppose him at the club. Once he gained a foothold, he was confident he could influence the dressing room dynamics, regardless of the "Spanish clique" or the "South American clique," as results and statistics were what mattered in the club.
Seeing Wang Feng chatting amiably with Spanish stars, Dongfang Zhuo felt envious. Could he be such a yer one day?
On the other hand, Iniesta, Puyol, and others looked at Wang Feng with fear. Having suffered at the hands of the Chinese superstar recently, they were eager for revenge.
"Andres, the game is up to you. The Chinese team where Wang Feng ys is rtively weak. This is your best chance to ovee your shadow!" Puyol said solemnly.
Since missing a penalty for Barcelona resulting in the team losing the Champions League, Iniesta had been feeling guilty. He even dared not take penalties anymore and needed to regain his confidence, or Wang Feng would remain a shadow over his career.
With the referee''s whistle, the match began officially. Spain dominated the game, and Chinese goalkeeper Li Leilei became the busiest yer on the field.
Just 2 minutes into the game, Lopez broke through from the wing, and Raul''s header was punched away by Li Leilei. Three minutester, Reyes'' low cross from the left was met by Joaquin''s right-footed shot, hitting the crossbar from 18 meters away.
During the subsequent period, Spain created numerous opportunities. Twenty minutes into the game, they had 7 shots, 5 of which were on target, but Li Leilei''s outstanding performance and the woodwork prevented them from scoring.
However, China''s luck ran out in the 27th minute when Joaquin''s cross from the right found Reyes, who beat Sun Jihai and scored from 9 meters out.
In the 41st minute, Spain won a free-kick in the attacking half. Reyes'' cross was headed in by Joaquin, who got away from Li Weifeng''s tight marking.
0-2! China trailed by two goals!
At halftime, in the locker room, the Chinese yers received even more unfavorable news: Shevchenko of Ukraine had exploded in the game against Tunisia, scoring a goal and assisting Voronin to give their team a 2-0 lead.
If the current scoreline continued until the end of the match, China would be eliminated due to the inferior goal difference!
Everyone''s expression was extremely serious. Spain''s strength was too strong! Even facing a substitute lineup, China couldn''t mount a normal attack. Wang Feng was no exception. He had several counterattacks in the first half but failed to prate the defense. The gap between him and his teammates was too significant to form effective cooperation.
Wang Feng gritted his teeth. He was unwilling to ept failure like this. But what should he do? Just then, he thought of Dongfang Zhuo, who had shown great effort in running during the first half.
So he went to sit next to the young yer and asked, "Do you still have the strength to run?" Dongfang Zhuo, who was also frustrated, replied firmly, "Of course, I can run for another 45 minutes straight!"
"That''s good. When we win the ball in the backfieldter, charge forward. Don''t worry about anything else and try not to get entangled with Spanish defenders."
Dongfang Zhuo was a little puzzled. Even if he charged forward, it wouldn''t be useful without the balling to him. However, he nodded. At this moment, he could only trust Wang Feng!
As the second half began, Spain gradually slowed down their offensive momentum. After all, this match was just icing on the cake for them, and they didn''t want to ughter their opponents by arge margin.
China still had to defend in their own half entirely. In the 49th minute, Iniesta attacked with the ball on the wing, and Wang Feng stood in his way. The Spaniard looked at the determined Chinese superstar in front of him and couldn''t help but shiver. His dribbling movements also became somewhat deformed.
Wang Feng seized the opportunity to press forward. With just a light poke, he took the ball away from Iniesta. Albelda immediately moved forward to intercept. Wang Feng then passed it to Shao Jia, who immediately returned it to him as he elerated.
A give-and-go! After getting rid of Albelda, Wang Feng swiftly passed Lopez and continued towards the frontcourt.
Remembering Wang Feng''s instructions, Dongfang Zhuo, upon seeing Wang Feng steal the ball from Iniesta, began to run forward. His speed was not very fast, so Juanito, who was following him, caught up.
Seeing Wang Feng bypass Lopez and steadily advance under the marking of Marchena and Juanito, getting close to the penalty area, it was within the effective range of the Chinese superstar.
So Juanito didn''t care about anything else. In his eyes, apart from Wang Feng, the other Chinese yers were not worth worrying about. He immediately gave up marking Dongfang Zhuo and closed in on Wang Feng, blocking hisst threat opportunity.
Just when everyone thought China''s attack would once again be in vain, Wang Feng passed the ball! He seized thest gap before the encirclement closed in and passed it to the running Dongfang Zhuo.
At this moment, there was no one within three meters of Dongfang Zhuo inside the penalty area! No offside! Goalkeeper Canizares rushed out, and Juanito, who had run halfway, hurriedly returned.
"Shoot!" Wang Feng''s shout came, and Dongfang Zhuo, somewhat nervous, adjusted and shot, but it hit the goalkeeper and was sessfully collected by him.
"Ah..." Sighs came from the stands. This was China''s first shot of the entire game, and it was the most threatening attack. However, it ended in such a disappointing way.
The Spanish yers, especially Salgado, breathed a sigh of relief. He felt that his idea was not wrong. As long as he kept an eye on Wang Feng, the other Chinese yers couldn''t score.
Dongfang Zhuo, who missed a great opportunity, knelt down in frustration. What''s wrong with me? If this were in the second division, this shot would have definitely gone in. Am I really not good enough? Can''t I shine on a bigger stage?
Wang Feng walked to him and patted his shoulder, "Don''t be so discouraged. You did well. I see the hope of turning defeat into victory, right at your feet!"
Dongfang Zhuo looked up at Wang Feng with puzzled eyes, but he didn''t exin further. He just told Dongfang Zhuo to keep it up and charge forward whenever China won the ball back.
Chapter 285: Knockout, here we come !
Chapter 285: Knockout, here wee !
In the following match, the Chinese team created four consecutive counterattacks, with Wang Feng attracting defenders while opportunistically passing to Dongfang Zhuo.
One of these attempts was intercepted by Marchena, while another pass was slightly off-target, preventing Dongfang Zhuo from receiving it in time, leading to a quick clearance by Spain.
In two other instances, Wang Feng sessfully passed the ball to the feet of the Chinese young talent, but unfortunately, his shots were saved by Casis.
Dongfang Zhuo smiled apologetically at Wang Feng, who encouraged him with a thumbs-up. Wang Feng could see that Dongfang Zhuo''s forward runs and shots were improving gradually. Despite the significant gap in defensive quality between the second division teams he faced previously and the current opponents, coupled with his nerves, Dongfang Zhuo was now showing improvement.
Wang Feng believed that Dongfang Zhuo possessed the instincts of an excellent forward, evidenced by his status as the second top scorer in the second division. Wang Feng attributed Dongfang Zhuo''s previousckluster performances to facing teams with weaker defenses and his own nervousness.
Wang Feng urged Dongfang Zhuo to y with confidence, emphasizing that anything was possible with the right mindset.
The match was no longer one-sided. Despite leading, Spain maintained a rxed pace in their attacks, while China asionally created moments of excitement for the fans.
In the 79th minute, Iniesta once again faced Wang Feng with the ball. Despite Spain dominating the match, Iniesta struggled against Wang Feng''s relentless defense, failing to pose any threat.
Once again, the ball was quickly taken away from the Spanish yers, initiating another counterattack by China. Wang Feng dribbled forward, drawing three defenders towards him as he advanced into the opponent''s half.
Seeing Salgado finally drawn towards him, Wang Feng quickly passed the ball to avoid losing possession. The ball found Dongfang Zhuo, who was unmarked inside the penalty area. This time, he decisively struck the ball with his right foot into the top right corner of the goal, beyond Canizares'' reach.
1-2! The Fritz-Walter Stadium erupted into thunderous cheers as countless Chinese fans shed tears of joy, chanting the names of Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo.
In the live studio, Chinese guests Zhang Jun and Lan Jianxiang had already lost their voices from cheering: "Goal! Goal! China has finally scored!"
"An aerial strike from Dongfang Zhuo! With Wang Feng heavily marked, another Chinese yer has stepped up and saved the day!"
"In the first two group matches, Wang Feng scored all three goals for China. His attacking prowess intimidates all opponents, but no one within the Chinese team shares the burden of defensive pressure with him."
"Now, Dongfang Zhuo has emerged. This young talent, also the second Chinese to win the European league golden boot, has be the second Chinese yer to score in the World Cup!"
"Let''s apud Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo, these two young yers who shoulder the future of Chinese football!"
After scoring, Dongfang Zhuo stood dumbfounded in front of the goal, his face filled with disbelief. Did he just breach Spain''s defense and score in the World Cup?
Wang Feng was the first to rush to his side, patting his head and eximing, "I knew you could do it, kid!" Other yers also gathered around, congratting the 21-year-old sensation.
Finally recovering from his shock, Dongfang Zhuo smiled broadly, thanking Wang Feng profusely. Without Wang Feng''s guidance and passes, he wouldn''t have been able to score.
"Alright, enough of this. We just need one more goal, everyone. I don''t care how many Ukraine scorester; as long as we secure a draw, we''re guaranteed to advance to the knockout stage. We''vee this far, so why not give it one more push?"
With determined nods from everyone, the celebrations quickly ceased. Wang Feng hurriedly retrieved the ball from the Spanish, gesturing to the referee for a kickoff.
With only 10 minutes remaining, Spain rallied for one final push, but China relied on tight defense to fend off their threats and counterattacked with Wang Feng leading the charge.
This time, Spain''s defense didn''tpletely neglect Dongfang Zhuo. Facing Salgado, the Chinese youngster struggled to find an opening for a shot and lost possession.
In the 89th minute, China repeated their strategy. Wang Feng sessfully brought the ball into the opponent''s half despite being double-teamed, with Salgado closely marking Dongfang Zhuo.
Wang Feng faked a pass, tricking Marchena intomitting, then skillfully maneuvered past him, before flicking the ball forward and leaving Juanito behind in a sprint.
The sheer force of his charge caught Juanito off guard, creating a momentary gap for Wang Feng to prate the penalty area. Despite Juanito''s desperate attempt to catch up, Wang Feng blocked him with his arm and entered the box.
As strong as Juanito''s defensive skills were, Wang Feng''s strength surpassed his. After blocking Juanito, Wang Feng didn''t hesitate to shoot from a tight angle. The ball rocketed towards the left side of the goal, with Casis stretching his body to the limit but failing to reach it. The ball struck the inside of the left post before bouncing into the.
"Goal!! Wang Feng''s angled shot from inside the penalty area! China has equalized!"
"Wang Feng faced unprecedented tight marking throughout the match, and this is his first shot, straight into the!"
"Dongfang Zhuo sessfully diverted Salgado''s defensive attention, allowing Wang Feng to score with a brilliant solo effort!"
"With time running out, let''s pray together, spectators in front of the TV, as we witness China creating new history, sessfully advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup!"
As the German referee Sandh?us blew the final whistle, the entire stadium was engulfed in a sea of red. Thousands of Chinese fans waved their prepared gs, turning the stadium into a home ground for China!
Many fans were in tears, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions from trailing behind to a dramaticeback. They deeply understood the significance of this hard-fought victory.
yers, coaches, and staff from the bench rushed onto the field, embracing the heroes on the pitch. Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo were the center of attention as countless people hugged them tightly.
Head coach Alihan paced excitedly on the sidelines, waving his arms to express his jubtion. This match had been extremely difficult, with news of Ukraine leading by two goals causing him to almost lose hope.
Fortunately, the yers on the field didn''t give up, and neither did Wang Feng. It was their perseverance that earned China a precious point, securing their spot in the round of 16 as the second-ce finisher in the group!
Chapter 286: The rising stars of the world cup
Chapter 286: The rising stars of the world cup
Emerging from the dense crowd of celebration, Wang Feng spotted Ral waiting on the sidelines, and the Spaniard immediately approached him, saying, "Congrattions, you''ve once again created an incredible miracle."
"Strictly speaking, this should be the second time you''ve defeated me. I still remember a few years ago, your performance was like a god descending to earth, snatching the Champions League trophy from Real Madrid," Ral said somewhat mncholically.
"Since then, I''ve believed that only in the national team could I have a chance to defeat you. I never expected that even this wish would be a pipe dream."
"Wee to Real Madrid! You will be the best helmsman for the Gcticos," Ral extended his arm. Any resentment andpetitiveness in his heart vanishedpletely. This Spanish forward truly recognized Wang Feng as the core yer of the Real Madrid club!
Wang Feng was momentarily stunned, then he grasped Ral''s hand and smiled, saying, "Let''s together write the legend of Real Madrid."
The two exchanged jerseys and wished each other good performances in the knockout stage. This encounter should be the only one between the two teams in this tournament.
After the match, Wang Feng, performing outstandingly against Spain''s strong forwards, was elected as the best yer of the match. His contribution of one assist and one goal helped the team advance to the World Cup knockout stage.
After three rounds of group stage matches, Group H''s Spain, with two wins and one draw, umted 7 points to rank first, while China, with one win and two draws, umted 5 points to rank second. Although Ukraine defeated Tunisia 2-0, they still ranked third with one win, one draw, and one loss, umting 4 points. Tunisia lost all three matches, ending up at the bottom with 0 points.
What''s even more pleasing is that in Group G, Switzend, with two wins and one draw, surpassed France, who had one win and two draws, to take first ce. This means that China''s next opponent will be the Central European small country, Switzend.
Although Switzend managed to take first ce in the group, their overall strength is far from that of France''s. Many traditional powerhouses tend to reserve their strength during the group stage, only revealing their terrifying abilities in the brutal knockout stage.
Compared to France, Alihan prefers dealing with Switzend. Of course, their strength is also much higher than China''s, making this uing match a tough one.
Early the next morning, the news of the Chinese team''s first entry into the World Cup knockout stage quickly became the focus of attention nationwide and even worldwide, especially since all other four Asian teams were eliminated in the group stage.
FIFA promptly posted a congrattory article on their official website, stating that this match would be an eternal ssic, representing the dawn of a new era for Chinese football.
FIFA President tter also expressed his congrattions to Wang Feng and the Chinese team, saying, "Countless club matches have proven that Wang is one of the best forwards in the world. The national team''s outstanding performance once again confirms this view."
The AFC also changed their official website homepage to feature Wang Feng and the Chinese team. Over the past few years, Wang Feng''s news has always dominated the most prominent position on the AFC official website, making him the true number one in Asia.
So far, Wang Feng has scored 4 goals, surpassing Germany''s Klose to top the World Cup scorer list. The media couldn''t help but marvel, Wang Feng truly deserves to be called the "Golden Boot specialist."
As the biggest contributor to the national team''s advancement, during interviews, Wang Feng didn''t talk about his own contributions but rather praised his teammates. "Our defense was excellent. Despite facing the attacks of world-ss teams, we were able to hold our ground, which is the key to victory."
"On the offensive end, Dong Fangzhuo''s performance speaks for itself. He relieved a lot of pressure for me. Every yer yed a crucial role, and I don''t think the team could have made it this far relying solely on my strength."
"In addition to the efforts of the yers, the support of the fans is also indispensable. Many of them traveled thousands of miles from China to Germany, cheering us on throughout the match. They gave us a lot of strength."
As for the uing goals, Wang Feng smiled and said, "Of course, we want to continue making history, but Switzend is also a very strong opponent. We can only say that everyone will do their best."
Wang Feng''s interview excited domestic fans greatly. More and more people wanted to go to Germany to cheer for the national team in person, causing the prices of flights from China to Germany to soar.
Of course, many people couldn''t buy tickets to the venue because they had sold out long ago. But just the thought of being in the same city as the national team was enough to satisfy these enthusiastic fans.
In contrast to the morous Wang Feng, Ronaldinho and Kaka seemedckluster. After indulging in revelry following the Champions League final, Ronaldinho''s body clearly wasn''t in good condition, and he only contributed one assist in three group stage matches.
This performance disappointed both the Brazilian and Spanish media. Pictures of him partying in the nightclub before the World Cup were also exposed. "Losing the easily obtainable Champions League trophy seemed to have left the Brazilian superstar disinterested. Perhaps spending the night in the nightclub was the culprit for his poor form,"mented the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
As for Kaka, he worked very hard. In the match against Croatia in the group stage, he broke the opponent''s goal with a long shot, helping Brazil to victory.
But both Kaka and Ronaldinho are yers who need the ball. They are ipatible on the field, and most of the time, Kaka yed very awkwardly, unable to create much value.
The best-performing yer in the Brazilian team turned out to be Ronaldo. Despite his weight gain, his offensive threat remained significant. His two goals in thest round of the group stage allowed him to tie Mller''s record for the most goals scored in the World Cup finals.
With just one more goal, Ronaldo could be the top scorer in World Cup history!
The situation in Portugal was simr to that in Brazil. Although they sessfully advanced to the knockout stage, the best-performing yer was the veteran Figo, not the highly anticipated Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano not only failed to create opportunities but also made frequent mistakes. His only goal was a penalty given to him by Figo. This 21-year-old youngster, hailed as "Wang Feng''s challenger" within Portugal, received widespread criticism.
"At the age of 21, Dong Fangzhuo can break through Spain''s defense, while Cristiano Ronaldo can''t even handle Ang,"mented the British Daily Express. "Although Dong Fangzhuo has Wang Feng''s help, C. Ronaldo also has yers like Figo, Deco, Sim?o, and other strong attackers to share the pressure."
"Perhaps Manchester United coach Ferguson should seriously consider how to use Dong Fangzhuo instead of blindly relying on the Portuguese."
When Cristiano Ronaldo saw this article, he was so angry that he smashed his phone on the spot, saying that he couldn''t match Wang Feng, that was one thing, but who was this Dong Fangzhuo daring to challenge him?
He was an absolute mainstay for Manchester United and the Portuguese national team. Last season, he scored 12 goals for Manchester United. What did Dong Fangzhuo have? 18 goals in the second division? The second division golden boot? He almost burst outughing.
As an extremely proud and hardworking yer, Cristiano Ronaldo secretly vowed to perform well in the uing matches and p those who looked down on him in the face.
If we look at the data, Argentina''s other young talent, Messi, performed better than Cristiano. The 19-year-old youngster came off the bench and contributed one assist and one goal in the matches against Serbia and Montenegro.
To achieve such a high offensive efficiency in a limited amount of time, the Argentine media couldn''t help but be overjoyed. Ever since Riquelme declined, they had been looking for someone to once again hoist the national team''s g.
Watching Brazilian talents emerge one after another, from Ronaldo to Ronaldinho, Kaka, and other new generation yers gradually entering their peak state, they were very envious. Now Argentina finally had hope for the future!
Barcelona was also very happy. They had just renewed Messi''s contract until 2014, with a buyout use of up to 150 million euros. This clearly rising star would continue to serve Barcelona until at least the age of 27!
In March, Messi was sidelined for the season due to a torn right quadriceps muscle, and the club was very worried about whether he had the attribute of being "fragile." Now it seems that the injury has healed, without affecting his form at all.
Chapter 287: Spear and shield
Chapter 287: Spear and shield
On June 27th, the World Cup round of 16 match between China and Switzend was held at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. Switzend was the only team in this World Cup group stage that did not concede a goal.
Due to central defender Sendoros dislocating his shoulder, Switzend had to rece him with young yer Zhu Lu as a starter, which inevitably affected the team''s overall defensive strength and presented an opportunity for the Chinese team.
Although the lineup was iplete, Switzend''s overall level remained very high. Lyon defender Patrick Mller, Stuttgart defender Magnin, Leverkusen midfielder Bata, Cologne midfielder Cabanas, AC Mn midfielder Vogel, Hamburg midfielder Rafael Wicky, and Rennes forward Frei were all main yers in the five major leagues.
In addition, other yers were also mainstays of Swiss Super League clubs. In terms of European league rankings, the Swiss Super League was generally on par with the Belgian Pro League.
Switzend focused on defense, and their offensive strength was not outstanding. In this match, the Swiss head coach deployed a rare 4-4-1-1 formation, turning the defense into a solid shield.
On the Chinese side, they continued with a 4-4-2 formation, and coach Alihan opted to start the promising youngster Dong Fangzhuo instead of Li Yi, who performed well in the previous match.
The match started with the Chinese team unusually gaining possession, allowing yers to calmly pass the ball in their own midfield. However, once the ball crossed the halfway line, they faced Switzend''s dense defense, leading to frequent mistakes and ball interceptions.
Switzend''s counterattacks after winning the ball were not very effective either because the Chinese team quickly retreated to defense. Their lone striker couldn''t break through the enemy lines alone and could only attempt long shots.
In the 11th minute, a shot from Jakin outside the penalty area hit Li Weifeng, and 5 minutester, Frei''s shot from 28 meters in front of the goal was collected by goalkeeper Li Leilei. In the 24th minute, Wicky advanced to the left side of the penalty area and took a long shot from the 25-yard position, which was blocked out by Sun Jihai in the penalty area.
Coach Alihan, with a serious expression on the sidelines, watched the situation on the field. It seemed that the Chinese team had a high ball possession rate, but they couldn''t advance into the Swiss half of the field within the first thirty meters.
On the other hand, Switzend threatened the Chinese goal with frequent long shots. With each attempt, the yers'' feelings improved, and the uracy of their shots increased.
Considering China''s strength, maintaining the defense in the penalty area was already at its limit, unable to control the first thirty meters of the opponent''s half like Switzend. Therefore, conceding a goal was highly likely.
Alihan''s concerns soon became a reality. In the 41st minute, Wicky received the ball and took a shot from 25 meters outside the goal, and with previous attempts, his shot had be very perfect.
The ball quickly flew into the penalty area, passed through the defensive gap between Zhang Yaokun and Ji Mingyi, and headed straight for the bottom right corner of the goal. Li Leilei, who had made multiple saves, was inevitably a bit tired and thus reacted slowly, failing to save the ball.
0-1! Switzend took the lead!
Entering halftime with a goal behind, many yers felt a sense of pessimism. Was their World Cup journey going to end here?
Coach Alihan decided to take a gamble. He looked at the substitute lineup and said, "Gao Lin, Chen Tao, you two go on in the second half, and we''ll go all out on the attack."
Then he turned to Wang Feng and said, "Wang, if Switzend''s defense is like a solid shield, then we must be an unstoppable spear, and you are the sharpest part of the spear."
At the start of the second half, the Chinese team abandoned the strategy of defensive counterattacks and instead pressed high to force mistakes, especially the newly entered young yers who were full of energy, putting pressure on the Swiss defense.
Although Wang Feng was closely marked, he still contributed several threatening passes to Gao Lin, Dong Fangzhuo, and Chen Tao, but unfortunately, they couldn''t capitalize on the chances.
Of course, pressing up meant vulnerability to counterattacks, and in the 51st minute, Switzend almost extended their lead. Forward Frei dribbled into the penalty area but was stopped by Sun Jihai for a moment, and Wang Feng, who came to help, intercepted the ball.
Wang Feng''s continuous sprint from the frontcourt to the backcourt consumed a huge amount of energy, and he suddenly felt fatigue now, but when was the time to give up? Wang Feng gritted his teeth and continued to be active on both ends of the field, immediately elerating back when needed for defense.
Under his continuous running, the Chinese team had no major problems at both ends of the field for a while, going back and forth with Switzend, and his presence inspired his teammates, especially Dong Fangzhuo.
In the 69th minute, the Chinese team won the ball in the backcourt andunched a counterattack. Ji Mingyi quickly passed the ball to Zheng Zhi, who then slotted it to Shao Jia Yi. Shao Jia Yi dribbled through the midfield and saw Wang Feng sprinting towards the opponent''s frontcourt.
So he decisively sent a long pass over the top, with Swiss defender Cabanas originally closely following Wang Feng, but the Chinese suddenly elerated, instantly leaving the Swiss center-back behind.
Arriving at the left edge of the penalty area, he controlled the ball with his foot, with Swiss defenders Zhu Lu and Degen converging on him. Wang Feng made a feint to the baseline, causing the less experienced Zhu Lu to shift his weight to block, leaving a gap.
Seizing this opportunity, the Chinese superstar immediately shot the ball to Dong Fangzhuo inside the penalty area. At this time, Swiss defender Magnin was defending him.
In previous situations, Dong Fangzhuo would either lose the ball under pressure or hastily shoot and miss the chance, but after high-level confrontations and the excitement of scoring in the World Cup, he became more mature.
The results of constant practice on the training ground were reflected at this moment. Dong Fangzhuo lifted his right foot to shoot, and Magnin immediately stretched his leg to block, but after Dong Fangzhuo''s footnded, he gently flicked the ball to the left and then shot angrily.
"Goal! The Chinese team scored! They equalized the score!"
"In the 69th minute, a powerful shot from Dong Fangzhuo inside the penalty area! This is his second goal of the World Cup!"
"This 21-year-old youngster is the most outstanding forward yer in the Chinese team besides Wang Feng. I believe the audience in front of the TV right now feels very lucky. We have more than just Wang Feng!"
"Let''s review this goal again. The Chinese team won the ball andunched a counterattack, and the passing and handling were all very brilliant, with no one dropping the ball."
"Shao Jia Yi''s lob pass, Wang Feng sessfully chased after the ball with his speed, he used his rich experience to y around Swiss defender Zhu Lu and sessfully passed the ball to Dong Fangzhuo inside the penalty area."
"Dong Fangzhuo''s flick deceived Magnin who fell to the ground, then he immediately shot, the Swiss goalkeeper Zuberbhler missed, and the ball went into the!"
After scoring this goal, Dong Fangzhuo didn''t stay still but excitedly ran while roaring,ing to the sidelines to interact with the fans, the whole stadium echoing his name.
Wang Feng rushed to him and celebrated together, Dong Fangzhuo hugged him tightly and then said, "Brother Wang, I''ve made up my mind, I must be a key yer in Europe. If Manchester United won''t give me the chance, I''ll go somewhere else!"
Wang Feng nodded, "You will definitely seed. Confidence and the tempering of the field will make you stronger!"
Chapter 288: Beyond classic
Chapter 288: Beyond ssic
For many Chinese people, tonight is destined to be a sleepless night. Whether in first-tier cities or second and third-tier cities, almost every residential area is brightly lit. When the Chinese team equalized the score, bursts of cheers and roars could be hearding from the residences.
Although it may disturb some, at this moment, no one seems to mind. From eighty-year-old seniors to four or five-year-old children, they are all glued to the television, watching the match between China and Switzend.
The viewership of this live broadcast has exceeded that of the annual Spring Festival G, indicating how broad its audience is and how influential it is.
In Germany, in Munich, Hamburg, and especially in Cologne where this match is being held, many Chinese fans who failed to secure tickets for the game have gathered in various bars, restaurants, and squares.
As long as there is a big screen broadcasting the match, a crowd of Chinese people will gather. At the moment of the equalizer, everyone raises their hands in jubtion, jumping and cheering, crying andughing.
Many old fans are deeply moved. There was a time when they could only envy the fans of football powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, France, and Italy, who celebrated and danced for their teams during the World Cup.
Now, Chinese fans can finally support their own national team!
As the match resumed, Swiss yers appeared somewhat aggrieved. Their FIFA ranking is 13th, while China is only ranked 56th, yet they allowed the opponent to equalize the score.
This is simply humiliating! So they increased their attacking intensity. For a moment, the Chinese goal was under constant threat, prompting the Swiss coach to make consecutive substitutions, sending in attackers Streler and Lustrineko.
However, at this moment, the Chinese team was in high spirits, resisting wave after wave of Swiss attacks. During this period, several yers suffered cramps, forcing Coach Alihan to use his final substitution, recing the exhausted Zhang Yaokun with Zhang Yonghai to shore up the defense.
As time quietly reached the 82nd minute, another Swiss attack was thwarted. Sun Jihai intended to clear the ball with a long kick, but seeing Wang Feng raising his hand for the ball, he passed it to him instead.
Receiving the ball with his back to the goal in the backcourt, Wang Feng was immediately pressed by Jakin and Streler. The Chinese superstar made a beautiful Marseille turn to escape the double team.
Then he quickly elerated past the midfield, facing center-back Vogel, he forcefully surpassed him with his speed.
Seeing Wang Feng repeatedly evade defenders, another Swiss center-back, Vogel, rushed forward to tackle him, but in the process of dribbling at high speed, Wang Feng cleverly flicked the ball to change direction, skillfully avoiding the tackle.
Reaching the thirty-meter range in the opponent''s half, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to perform a nutmeg on the defender Magnin standing in front of him, directly entering the penalty area.
The nearby defenders Degen and Zhu Lu rushed to intercept, with Zhu Lu tightly marking Wang Feng, constantly pulling his jersey with his hands, but within the penalty area, they could only resort to some covert interference.
But at this moment, Wang Feng had already brought his senses and ball control skills to the extreme. With continuous changes of direction and body feints, he evaded the defense of the two yers and faced the goalkeeper.
Swiss goalkeeper Zuberbhler was very surprised and angry. He watched Wang Feng charge from his own half to his front, wondering what his defensive line was doing? He could only rush out of the goal.
Facing the oing goalkeeper, Wang Feng easily dodged sideways, and the pursuing Zhu Lu could only slide tackle, but Wang Feng poked the ball past him just before the interception, poking the ball into the, and then he was tripped and fell to the ground.
"!" Whether it was the fans at the scene or in various national broadcast rooms, at this moment, they all experienced a moment of silence, looking unbelievably at the man lying in the penalty area.
But Wang Feng quickly jumped up like a carp, spreading his arms and running towards the stands. "Beep!" The referee''s goal valid whistle sounded, which also made the fans at the scene regain their senses, and the deafening cheers and shouts seemed to shatter the sky.
"The goal is scored! Wang Feng''s goal!" The voice of thementator Zhang Jun was trembling with excitement. "Just now, Wang Feng staged a shocking goal performance, reversing the score for the Chinese team!"
"He started from the backcourt and dribbled past seven defenders, Jakin, Streler, Vogel, Magnin, Degen, Zhu Lu, and goalkeeper Zuberbhler!"
"Seven yers! This is even more crazy than Maradona''s five-man dribble in the World Cup back then. Switzend will be a background board for World Cup ssic battles like Ennd!"
"They made a serious mistake in their positioning, eager to take the lead again, but they loosened their originally dense defensive line, allowing Wang Feng to seize the opportunity toplete this amazing feat."
"There are less than ten minutes left in the game, and the Chinese team is currently in the lead! My god, before the start of this World Cup, who would have thought that the Chinese team coulde this far?"
In the broadcast rooms of other countries, there were also praises for Wang Feng''s magical performance. When he was at Inter Mn, he once created a miraculous six-man dribble,parable to the football king Maradona.
At that time, some people still believed that Wang Feng''s goal could not bepared with Maradona''s, because thetter''s miracle was aplished on the highest stage of world football.
But now Wang Feng himself has raised the record of dribbling past yers to seven, and it was against a European powerhouse like Switzend in the World Cup knockout stage!
Apart from the historical factors of Argentina and Ennd, there is no doubt that Wang Feng''s goal has surpassed the former football king in terms ofpetitive level!
Being scored such a goal that could go down in history, the faces of the Swiss yers were fiery. They will forever be nailed to the pir of shame, and whenever this goal is mentioned, it will serve as a negative example.
So in the final moments of the game, whenever Wang Feng got the ball, these yers were like wolves, aggressively tackling andmitting fouls one after another.
Realizing this, Wang Feng openlymunicated with the yers, asking them to give him the ball. Letting the Swiss team lose theirposure was just what he wanted!
The game continued intermittently until the end, and the Swiss team received two yellow cards and one red card, andmitted more than ten fouls, all targeting Wang Feng, who was almost battered and bruised.
But the most important thing was that the score did not change again. The Chinese team defeated Switzend 2-1, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals!
The match between the Chinese team and the Swiss team became the most exciting and talked-about match in the round of 16 of this World Cup, and the Chinese team, who advanced to the quarter-finals, became the biggest dark horse of this World Cup.
Wang Feng''s dribble past seven yers to score the winning goal attracted everyone''s attention. The German "Kicker" magazine believes that Wang Feng once again made the world look at him in amazement, "If he were born in a football powerhouse, would he have won the World Cup countless times?"
The Spanish "Marca"mented, "Wang Feng continues to create miracles at the World Cup, which also makes Real Madrid fans more and more excited. They can''t wait to see his performance in the club''s new season."
In addition to Wang Feng, Dong Fangzhuo has also entered the mainstream media''s field of vision. The British "Times" wrote that the 21-year-old Chinese youngster scored two goals in this World Cup, surpassing many famous yers. He has a good sense of goal and Manchester United should indeed consider how to nurture him.
Balmond is now the happiest person. Several teams were interested in Dong Fangzhuo before, but they were hesitating whether to make a move. Now, seeing his continuous outstanding performance, they finally sent preliminary intentions.
Everything will be revealed in the summer transfer window after the World Cup ends.
Chapter 289: Wang Feng鈥檚 revenge
Chapter 289: Wang Feng''s revenge
The eagerly awaited World Cup quarter-final lineup has been determined. In addition to the Chinese team, the other seven teams are Germany, Argentina, Italy, Ennd, Portugal, Brazil, and France, all traditional football powerhouses.
The opponent of the Chinese team is the Italian team, whose starting lineup consists of a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Buffon as the goalkeeper.
On the defensive line are Maldini, Barzagli, Cannavaro, and Grosso.
In the midfield, there are Perrotta, Pirlo, and Gattuso, while in the forward line, there are Camoranesi and Totti.
The lone striker is Toni, who has performed outstandingly in the league this season.
Most of the yers in this starting lineup are either Wang Feng''s teammates or opponents. Regardless of the yers'' ying styles or the team''s tactical systems, he is very familiar with them.
Italy''s formidable strength is evident to all. However, with Serie A deeply embroiled in the "Calciopoli" scandal, the mentality of many yers has indeed been affected, leading to a narrow 1-0 victory over Australia in the Round of 16.
Nevertheless, most people believe that Italy will not give the Chinese team any chance. Many domestic fans have also left messages online, feeling that the Chinese team has already exceeded expectations in this World Cup and can return home with their heads held high after one more fight.
On the first day of July, at the AOL Arena in Hamburg, the match between China and Italy officially kicked off.
The course of the match exceeded everyone''s expectations. Italy did have an absolute advantage at the beginning. In the 6th minute, Toni received the ball on the right side of the field, cooperated with Totti, and then cut inside with the ball, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot from 20 meters out in front of the goal.
The ball passed through the crotch of defender Li Weifeng and goalkeeper Li Leilei made a diving save to his left, touching the ball with his fingertips, but still couldn''t prevent it from entering the near corner of the goal. Italy led 1-0!
However, their leadsted only five minutes. Wang Feng received a long pass from Shao Jiayi on the right side of the field, dribbled into the penalty area, and faced the siege of defenders Cannavaro and Grosso. Suddenly, he extended his left foot, pretending to cut inside horizontally.
This move deceived Cannavaro, who instinctively wanted to stretch out his leg to block, but Wang Feng suddenly pulled the ball back with his left foot, and with his right foot, he poked the ball past Grosso.
Then Wang Feng charged directly at Grosso, the towering Italian defender, who was pushed back half a step by Wang Feng''s charge. It was this gap that allowed him to sessfully cut inside.
The fans in the stands felt that in an instant, Wang Feng broke through the encirclement of two experienced world-ss defenders, and faced goalkeeper Buffon, he caught up with the ball and chipped it over the opponent''s head, into the Italian goal!
1-1! China equalized!
If the world''s football fans were already in a dream-like state after conceding that goal, they were even more bewildered in the 24th minute.
This time, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to receive the ball, then broke through the joint defense of Pirlo and Gattuso, and arrived near the penalty area.
At this moment, several defending yers rushed to limit his continued attack, but Wang Feng immediately passed the ball to the sideline, where Shao Jiayi crossed near the baseline.
Dong Fangzhuo jumped into the penalty area topete for the header, but the tall and sturdy Maldini cleared the ball out of the penalty area first. Just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief, a red figure shed to where the ball was going.
It was Wang Feng! He was originally also vying for the ball in the penalty area, but was blocked by several defending yers.
However, he preemptively anticipated the trajectory of the cross and clearance, so he broke free from the defense to chase the ball.
He was seen facing away from the goal, jumping high on the edge of the penalty area, and viciously struck the ball with the back of his right foot. The ball soared into the air and quickly descended, brushing against the crossbar and flying into the, while Buffon remained motionless like a statue.
"The goal is in! China has scored again! My god, this is simply unbelievable! Wang Feng''s extraordinary long-range backheel in front of the penalty area has contributed another amazing goal to this World Cup!"
"Is it that Italy''s state is problematic today, or is Wang Feng in exceptionally good form? But this is too unreal, China is actually pressing Italy!"
The situation of being behind by one goal finally made the Blue Legion fierce. They started a frenzy against the Chinese team. In the 32nd minute, Italy yed a quick triangr passing in the middle, Totti passed directly to Toni from the right, who shot directly from the center but missed the goalpost. In the 33rd minute, Totti''s right-footed shot from 30 meters in front of the goal was saved by Li Leilei.
In the 41st minute, Camoranesi''s left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area was deflected off Zhang Yaokun''s leg and rolled towards the near corner. Li Leilei moved in the wrong direction, but the ball hit the post and was cleared by Sun Jihai.
Just when everyone thought that Italy was about to equalize, in the 44th minute, Wang Feng intercepted Camoranesi''s ball in the backcourt and dribbled through the midfield.
He initially intended to forcefully break through Pirlo with a powerful pass, but seeing the unfavorable situation, the Italian midfielder resorted to a tactical foul. The Chinese team won a free kick opportunity in the opponent''s half.
This free kick was quite far from the goal, so Shao Jiayi took it, while Wang Feng and other teammates stood near the edge of the penalty area, preparing to strike.
When the ball was floated into the penalty area, Wang Feng leaped high above Maldini, heading the ball before Buffon could touch it, piercing through the defense of the Blue Legion once again.
3-1! The halftime whistle hadn''t blown yet, and China unexpectedly led by two goals!
Watching the soaring Chinese superstar, Maldini could only helplessly shake his head. Wang Feng''s form was simply invincible. Why was he so spirited against Italy?
After scoring, Wang Feng ran and roared, feeling that he could do anything. This feeling was so relieving!
In fact, the "Calciopoli" incident had caused him great damage mentally, especially losing the chance to win three consecutive European Golden Balls and the FIFA World yer of the Year award.
This match would be his revenge against the Italian Football Federation!
With China leading at halftime, the whole world was shocked. As the game resumed, Italy, continuously attacking, finally made a breakthrough in the 69th minute.
Maldini threw in a sideline ball from the left, Grosso lofted a pass, Camoranesi broke through the double defense of two yers and fell to the ground as he sent a horizontal pass with his left foot, Toni tapped in with his left foot from 5 meters in front of the goal, making it 2-3!
Pulling one goal back gave the Blue Legion hope. China''s defense seemed shaky but always managed to hold on until thest moment. In the 75th minute, Toni''s shot from inside the penalty area had already passed the goalkeeper, but was still blocked off the goal line by the frantically chasing Wang Feng.
Hispleteck of deceleration also backfired, as his forehead heavily hit the goalpost, blood streaming down, his entire face covered in red, making all the fans feel extremely anxious.
His head was dizzy from the intense impact, but in order to continue staying on the field, Wang Feng allowed the team doctor to perform the simplest hemostasis treatment.
God did not disappoint his persistence. In the 83rd minute, with Italy''s defense all pushed up, leaving the backline empty, Wang Feng intercepted Toni''s ball in the backcourt and charged forward, running more than seventy meters, dodging Buffon and once again sending the ball into the of the Blue Legion.
4-2! Chinapletely secured the victory, and Wang Fengpleted a fantastic hat-trick on the World Cup stage!
Chapter 290: The future can be expected
Chapter 290: The future can be expected
After scoring, Wang Feng''s wound ruptured again, but he didn''t care and celebrated wildly, with the camera shes flickering non-stop on the sidelines. This iron-blooded scene became a ssic moment in World Cup history.
In the final moments of the game, Italy did not give up struggling but still couldn''t rewrite the score until the final whistle.
China advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup!
This result surprised everyone, including senior domestic fans and professionalmentators, who never thought China could defeat Italy.
Looking back at the previous matches, China faced Tunisia, Ukraine, and Switzend, none of which are traditional world powerhouses, so everyone thought they could give it a try. But Italy was different; they were one of the favorites to win the championship!
Although some yers were affected by the chaotic situation in Serie A, their absolute strength still far exceeded that of China, except for Wang Feng.
Many people believe that Wang Feng''s outbreak was the decisive factor in China''s victory. Since Oleg Salenko represented Russia to score five goals in 1994, no yer has scored three goals or more in a World Cup match, especially in the knockout stage.
But Wang Feng did it. His four goalspletely crushed the Blue Legion. The Italian newspaper "Mn Sports Daily" believed this was "Wang Feng''s revenge," stating, "Serie A despicably deprived him of his league championship, so this superstar sniped Italy on the highest football stage, announcing his resentment to the world."
"Rome Sports Daily" wrote that "Italy''s first person buried thest glory of Italian football with his own hands!"
"Are Moggi and others who are being prosecuted feeling regret now? Italian football no longer lives up to its past glory, and Wang Feng defeating Italy will be thest straw that broke the camel''s back!"
An Asian team enters the World Cup semi-finals for the second time! Unlike the embarrassment and controversy of South Korea four years ago, this time the Chinese team defeated their opponents in a dignified manner.
Therefore, whether it is the AFC or FIFA, they all praised the Chinese team, praising Wang Feng. His reputation is approaching that of football kings Pele and Maradona, as well as football emperor Beckenbauer, bing the recognized number one in today''s world football.
Some even raised the idea of "going all the way ck." After all, Greece staged such a magical performance in the European Championship two years ago, but the scale of the World Cup is notparable to that of the European Championship, and the Chinese team is far from as strong as Greece.
On July 5th, at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, the Chinese team weed the host team Germany in the World Cup semi-finals.
Wang Feng''s head injury was treated with simple sutures, but it was still very serious. Even with special physique, it would take some time to fully heal.
This time the Chinese team failed to create another miracle. The host team was impable in both strength and mentality. Schweinsteiger opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
Klose soon helped Germany widen the lead. However, in the 33rd minute, Wang Feng received the ball from the back and rushed to the edge of the penalty area, dodging Schneider before taking a long shot.
The ball passed through the legs of Friedrich in the penalty area and bounced off the ground, making it difficult for goalkeeper Lehmann to save, 1-2! China pulled one back.
This was Wang Feng''s 10th goal in this World Cup, surpassing legendary yers like Ronaldo and Eusbio, and equaled Gerd Mller''s single World Cup goal record. Ahead of him were only Kocsis with 11 goals and Fontaine with 13.
This goal reignited hope among domestic fans. However, Wang Feng collided with Back while contesting a header, reopening his wound, and had to go to the sidelines for treatment. During this opportunity, Podolski once again breached Li Leilei''s goal.
At halftime, the Chinese team trailed by two goals. In the second half, in the 69th minute, Back scored again for Germany, sealing the victory.
1-4! China was defeated by the host team, stopping at the World Cup semi-finals, unable to progress further. Of course, their performance in this tournament was described as perfect, and no fans would me them.
In the other semi-final, France narrowly defeated Portugal 1-0. They willpete with Germany for the title of the World Cup.
Four dayster, the third-ce match was held at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion. This was also the first encounter between Cristiano Ronaldo and Wang Feng. Neither side performed well. Wang Feng was affected by injury, while Ronaldo was too impatient, contributing several long shots.
Portugal''s controversial quarter-final against Ennd left Ronaldo widely criticized domestically. It was anticipated that his days at Manchester United would be difficult in the future, so he desperately tried to prove himself and seize the initiative. However, France did not give him the opportunity, and the match against China would be hisst chance.
The more impatient, the worse. Ronaldo''s sharp breakthroughs and excellent finishing abilities seemed to be sealed, while other Portuguese yers performed remarkably well.
Veteran Figo scored first, followed by Pauleta expanding the lead. In the second half, Maniche once again changed the scoreline with a long shot. When Wang Feng couldn''t actively participate in both attack and defense, Chinapletely lost itspetitiveness.
However, in the 71st minute, Wang Feng dribbled past Cavaro on the wing and cut inside, attracting defensive attention before delivering a triangr pass. Dong Fangzhuo confidently shot past Ricardo, breaching Portugal''s goal.
This was his third goal of the current World Cup! On the top scorers'' list, Wang Feng ranked first with 10 goals, followed by German striker Klose with 5 goals. Dong Fangzhuo was tied with Ronaldo and eight other famous yers for third ce with 3 goals!
Four minutester, Wang Feng was substituted, as his head wound had not fully healed yet. This also meant that China gave up the fight for third ce.
When Wang Feng was substituted, all the domestic fans at the venue stood up and gave him warm apuse, and many European fans also spontaneously stood up to apud.
1-3, China lost the game, eventually finishing fourth in the world.
Domestic official media, newspapers, portals, and forums immediately released this news. Everyone is still discussing the miraculous performance of the Chinese team in this World Cup.
Wang Feng proved with practical actions that his ability is not limited to the club. Even on the highest stage of world football, he is still the most dazzling gem.
In addition, young yers like Dong Fangzhuo, Chen Tao, and Zheng Zhi in the backline also performed admirably. Many people have begun to look forward to the Olympics at their doorstep in two years and the World Cup in four years. When this group of people grows up, they will achieve astonishing results.
On July 10th, the World Cup final was held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. After 120 minutes of fierce battle between France and Germany, neither team managed to score. In the penalty shootout, relying on goalkeeper Barthez''s outstanding performance, France finally defeated the hosts 6-4 to win the championship.
Zidane''s biggest wish before retiring was to lift the World Cup again. Now that the dream hase true, he couldn''t help but shed tears of joy. Wang Feng, on the sidelines, looked at all this with envy. They were only two steps away from sess!
Chapter 291: Farewell to Meazza
Chapter 291: Farewell to Meazza
Before the French team lifted the World Cup trophy, various other World Cup awards were gradually announced. The best goal undoubtedly belonged to Wang Feng''s miraculous performance in the 1/8 finals between China and Switzend, where he dribbled past seven yers.
The most entertaining team award was given to Argentina, while the Fair y Award was given to Brazil and Spain, serving as a constion for them.
The Best Neer award went to the German forward Podolski, who, along with Dong Fangzhuo, scored three goals in this World Cup. If Dong Fangzhuo were a little younger, he wouldn''t have missed out on this award.
The Golden Glove award was imed by the French goalkeeper Barthez. Although his performance in this World Cup wasn''t particrly outstanding, his highlight performance during the penalty shootout in the final impressed the judges.
The Best Lineup included three yers from the Chinese team: Sun Jihai, Dong Fangzhuo, and Wang Feng. The Silver Boot award was won by Klose, while the Golden Boot was imed by Wang Feng.
Finally, the highest individual honor of the World Cup??the Golden Ball, Silver Ball, and Bronze Ball??was announced. Firstly, the Bronze Ball award winner was Klose from Germany, which surprised many because usually only the winners and runners-up get the Gold and Silver Balls.
Next, the Silver Ball was awarded to Zinedine Zidane of the French team. And when the final moment of the Golden Ball award announcement arrived, everyone was both surprised and felt it was reasonable. The recipient was Wang Feng from China!
Since the establishment of the World Cup Golden Ball award in 1930, Wang Feng is the first yer to receive this honor as a member of the national team ranked fourth. When he received the trophy from tter, he felt deeply moved.
The trophy is all golden, with a slightly curved rectangr prism on the bottom circr tray, with two grooves inside and a golden football embedded at the top. The overall weight is quite heavy.
If the European Golden Ball and FIFA World yer of the Year are the highest individual honors for professional yers, then the World Cup Golden Ball award is the highest honor for national team yers. Renowned football stars like Pusk??s, Pel??, and Cruyff have all won this honor.
However, many yers still hope to lift the World Cup trophy, just like Zidane, who seemed ecstatic on the side. He didn''t mind not winning the World Cup Golden Ball, though he was congratting Wang Feng with his mouth, his eyes were fixed on the golden trophy in the center of the field that countless people admired.
Wang Feng shrugged, leaving the final stage to the French team. Tonight, they were the biggest winners.
The grandeur of the German World Cup came to an end, and the investigation into the "Calciopoli" scandal in Serie A also concluded. A first-instance judgment was made, mainly involving four clubs: Juventus, AC Mn, Lazio, and Fiorentina.
Juventus faced the most serious issues; they were relegated to Serie B for the next season and stripped of their league titles from the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. They would also be deducted 9 points in the new season.
Lazio and Fiorentina were also sentenced to relegation to Serie B, with varying points deductions.
AC Mn retained their Serie A participation for the next season, but they had 15 points deducted from the 2005-06 season, dropping them to fifth ce in the league, seemingly ruling them out of next season''s Champions League.
Of course, these clubs still have the right to appeal, but it seems Juventus is out of luck; Moggi''s phone recordings were too damning.
Inter Mn emerged as the winners amidst this turmoil. As they finished second in the 2004-05 season and third in the 2005-06 season, they were awarded the Serie A title for both seasons.
Originally, some officials in the Serie A league thought the 2004-05 season title should remain vacant, but that year Wang Feng''s red card incident had a significant impact and directly determined the destination of the title.
After several rounds of discussion, they ultimately decided to award the league trophy to the Nerazzurri, meaning that under Wang Feng''s leadership, Inter Mn won five consecutive Serie A titles!
As Wang Feng''s departure from Mn approached, he went through the formalities and reunited with his former teammates,forting the somewhat mncholic Materazzi and congratting Ribery on winning his first World Cup championship, albeit as a substitute.
"Boss, wherever you go, I''ll always remember that you pulled me out of the construction site back then," Ribery said with tearful eyes.
Wang Feng felt a bit emotional, but he didn''t show this emotion; instead, he said with a slight ease, "Frank, professional football alwayses with separations. You''re already a top-ss yer in Europe; it''s time to take the lead."
"If Juventus and AC Mn are in trouble now, what you need to do is to continue Inter Mn''s streak. If you can''t do it, I''ll fly back from Spain to knock on your head!"
Ribery nodded heavily. In the past, he primarily created opportunities and passed the ball, but now he needed to shoulder the responsibility of being the team''s attacking core and develop his own finishing ability.
As people discussed the future and digested the sadness of parting ways, in Inter Mn''s chairman''s office, Moratti said firmly, "I want to organize a farewell ceremony for Wang Feng. He is the greatest yer in the club''s history, and if he quietly leaves like this, it will be a permanent regret."
The team manager Santoro said, "But Wang Feng has only been with Inter Mn for five seasons, and he has just eliminated the Italian national team. I''m worried about negative effects."
"His contribution cannot be measured by time alone, and what does beating Italy in the World Cup have to do with the club?"
Seeing Moratti''s insistence, Santoro couldn''t persuade him further, so he could only contact Wang Feng while preparing for the club''s farewell ceremony.
Wang Feng was surprised to learn this news, realizing that Moratti had been very kind to him throughout. Of course, he hadn''t done anything to betray Inter Mn; he had not only won many championships but also left behind a transfer fee of ?100 million.
Wang Feng was to have his farewell ceremony at the Meazza Stadium! This news made Mn, which had just calmed down, lively again. Fans who loved Wang Feng, fans who couldn''t bear to see him leave, and fans who resented his cruelty to the Italian national team couldn''t help but want to witness it with their own eyes.
For a moment, the tickets originally prepared for Inter Mn fans became rare, and online prices skyrocketed, forcing the club to continue opening more stands.
On the day of the farewell ceremony, a small stage was set up at the center circle of the stadium. Wang Feng took the microphone and walked onto it. Various voices resounded, mostly pleading and trying to retain him, with a small part expressing grievances and booing.
Wang Feng just slightly turned his head, quietly listening to the fans'' voices. On the giant screen of the stadium, his contributions to the club were scrolling.
In five years, he yed 304 official matches for Inter Mn, scoring 327 goals, with over 40 league goals for four consecutive years and over 15 Champions League goals for four consecutive years.
These numbers had surpassed the club''s highest goal-scoring records. Giuseppe Meazza, the legendary star of Inter Mn, had scored 284 goals. The second-highest scorer, Altafini, had only 209 goals, achieved over 11 seasons, showing how miraculous and difficult it was to surpass Wang Feng''s records.
With so many goals, he brought five league titles, three Champions League titles, one UEFA Cup title, three Coppa Italia titles, two Supercoppa Italiana titles, three UEFA Super Cup titles, and two FIFA Club World Cup titles to Inter Mn.
Inter Mn truly surpassed the "Grand Inter Mn Dynasty" of thest century and established a new immortal glory, all of which couldn''t have been achieved without their "King," Wang Feng.
Watching the records disyed on the board and the highlight reel of Wang Feng''s brilliant goals and cup-lifting moments, the noise from the stands gradually disappeared, and more and more people shed tears. They cried, shouted, hoping to keep Wang Feng, hoping to keep this leader of the Nerazzurri.
Wang Feng raised the microphone, he didn''t say any unnecessary words, didn''t make a lengthy speech or express any sentiments. He simply said softly, "Addio! Inter Mno!" (Goodbye, Inter Mn!)
Then he walked straight into the yer tunnel, ignoring the fans'' shouts from above. He didn''t even look back, fearing that his tears would be noticed, but unfortunately, the omnipresent cameras betrayed him.
The next day, the headlines of major Italian newspapers were pictures of Wang Feng with tears in his eyes, which made more people feel sorry for him. It turned out that even the Iron Man could shed tears and couldn''t bear to leave everything behind of the Nerazzurri.
The former glory had passed, and a whole new challenge awaited him!
Chapter 292: Arrival at the Bernab茅u
Chapter 292: Arrival at the Bernabu
Inter Mn''s grand farewell ceremony for Wang Feng was also reported by major European media outlets. Everyone believed that this was the glory he deserved, reflecting the unique human touch of the Nerazzurri.
Early the next morning, Wang Feng, along with his sister and Lu Yao, boarded a ne and left Mn for Madrid to start a new life.
They made this trip without alerting anyone, as Wang Feng just wanted to quietly leave, avoiding the emotional turmoil of farewells.
Before this, his agent, Balmond, thoroughly inspected residences in Madrid and sent the relevant information to Wang Feng. He had already made a rough decision about the new home.
Uponnding, they headed straight to their destination, located in the affluent La Finca neighborhood in northern Madrid. This area was one of the favorite residential areas for Spanish celebrities and football stars, boasting beautiful surroundings and extremely tight security systems.
Many Real Madrid stars, such as Raul, Casis, and Ronaldo, resided nearby. The mansion Wang Feng selected had a staggering price tag of 8 million euros, upying a total area of 3100 square meters, making it one of therger homes in the area.
Balmond was waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Wang Feng, he eximed excitedly, "This house is absolutely amazing! If it weren''t for the high price, I would want to buy it myself!"
Wang Feng and hispanions looked curiously at the ck building in front of them. It exuded a modern vibe, with the interior of the vi covering a spacious 1200 square meters, featuring two living rooms and five bedrooms.
In addition, there were facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, spa center, gym, movie theater, and wine cer, dazzling those who saw them.
Several main bedrooms were equipped with panoramic ss windows, offering views of the nearby El Yelmo mountain range and a nearbyke called Isclekaida by the locals, which in Spanish alludes to falling stars.
Looking at the shimmering water, one could easily imagine the starlight reflected on theke''s surface at night, surely a picturesque sight.
Wang Feng''s sister gazed eagerly at him and said, "Let''s choose this ce. It''s so beautiful that I could set up an easel on the windowsill and start painting right away!"
Lu Yao was also very satisfied with the interior decoration and outdoor environment. The only drawback might be the distance from here to the Real Madrid training ground, requiring a car to reach.
However, both locations were in suburban areas, with rtively convenient ess, requiring only a short drive, so it was entirely eptable.
Therefore, Wang Feng hesitated no more and decisively signed the purchase contract, making this brand new residence his own.
Wang Feng buying a house in Madrid! This news was soon leaked by Marca, undoubtedly sending a positive signal to the Gcticos fans that Wang Feng nned to stay at Real Madrid for the long term!
Upon learning of Wang Feng''s arrival, the club immediately dispatched the first-team manager, Sande, and several staff members to wee Wang Feng and discuss the signing of the contract and the weing ceremony at the headquarters.
Most of the contract details had already been discussed, leaving only the final formal signing. Real Madrid was adept at marketing, and seeing the sessful farewell ceremony held by Inter Mn, they naturally didn''t want to be outdone.
"The entire city and the fans are looking forward to your arrival. We need a celebration, and I can guarantee that the fans'' enthusiasm will be no less than that of Inter Mn!" Sande said confidently.
Wang Feng could only smile in response. He wasn''t one to boast, but being on such a globally renowned stage like the Bernabeu, it was impossible to remain low-key.
The club''s current situation was somewhat turbulent, but the choice for head coach had already been made. Florentino ultimately chose Schuster to lead the new Gcticos.
Schuster, a former core yer for Barcelona who, like Figo, switched to Real Madrid, became legends for both clubs. His coaching career after retirement hadn''t been entirely smooth, but in the just-concluded La Liga season, he led Getafe to a historic ninth-ce finish and runner-up in the Copa del Rey.
The team decided to begin assembling for training inte July, with all necessary transfer work to bepleted by then.
On the day of the official signing, departing from the Real Madrid training base to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, crowds surged, enthusiastic Spanish fans filling the streets on both sides. They held various banners weing Wang Feng, with some attentive fans even writing in Italian and Chinese.
Some of these fans underestimated Wang Feng''s learning ability. After months of practice, he could now read and write basic Spanish.
They were all wearing the No. 10 jersey chosen by Wang Feng upon joining Real Madrid. This number originally belonged to Figo, and after he left for AC Mn, no one inherited it.
Since the club began selling Wang Feng''s new jersey, more than 100,000 orders had been ced within a few days in Spain alone, sparking a buying frenzy across Europe and around the world, forcing Adidas to work overtime to fulfill orders.
"The fans weing you are far more than this. Tickets for the wee ceremony were sold out early, and major TV stations in Madrid will also broadcast your appearance live," Sande said.
"We have organized wee ceremonies for Ronaldo and Zidane before, butpared to what you see now, it''s much smaller."
Arriving at the Bernabeu, Florentino was already waiting in his office, while most of the Real Madrid board members, technical director, and executives were also present, witnessing Wang Feng signing a five-year agreement with the club.
"Wee to the Bernabeu!" Florentino hugged Wang Feng. "Now, go meet your passionate fans. They''ve been eagerly waiting!"
When Wang Feng walked out of the yer tunnel, the fans in the stands rose to their feet, apuding this world-ss superstar with the warmest wee.
Looking around, the Bernabeu Stadium, which could amodate 80,000 people, was almost full. Compared to Inter Mn, Real Madrid had a muchrger fan base.
Wang Feng stood near the center circle, smiling, and waving to the fans around him, shouting enthusiastically, "H Madrid!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Bernabeu erupted like boiling water, with deafening cheers filling the entire space. Wang Feng believed that even kilometers away from the stadium, one could still hear the noise.
At the same time, fireworks began to bloom around the stadium, adding an inexplicably powerful aura to his appearance.
Actually, these fireworks were supposed to be set off at the end of the ceremony, but when the staff responsible for igniting them saw the deafening cheers of the fans stirred up by Wang Feng, they got too excited and pressed the button.
Wang Feng was also surprised. Wasn''t he supposed to continue speaking? How could fireworks go off now?
But he was experienced enough to go along with it. He raised his right fist high in the air amidst the fireworks, looking majestic.
The entire Real Madrid fan base danced along with him, and this spectacr scene was captured by countless cameras, stirring up excitement even yearster.
When the fireworks stopped, Wang Feng continued his speech in Spanish, promising all Madrid fans that he would do his best to help Real Madrid regain its former glory.
Chapter 293: Press conference
Chapter 293: Press conference
After the speech, on behalf of Real Madrid, Sande handed the No. 10 jersey to Wang Feng, and the two of them jointly epted the photographers'' shooting.
Later, Wang Feng changed into the jersey and circled the stadium. Many enthusiastic fans wanted to rush past the barriers to get to him, but Real Madrid had anticipated this and increased security forces.
At the end of the ceremony, Wang Feng also needed to attend the press conference organized by Real Madrid and answer questions from reporters. In addition to major European media outlets, he also noticed many Asian media, with domestic sports channels prominently featured.
Wang Feng first thanked the club and the fans for their warm wee, saying, "To be honest, the grandeur of the wee ceremony exceeded my expectations. I can only contribute to the team and repay the love of the fans with a more positive attitude on the field."
A journalist from Italy couldn''t wait to ask the first question: "Did you leave Inter Mn because of the impact of ''Calciopoli''?"
Wang Feng scratched his head and said, "I served Inter Mn for five years, during which my skills and level improved significantly, and I also won many honors there. The decision to leave was definitely a bit reluctant."
"Now I think it''s time for a change of environment. Perhaps there was external interference, but more importantly, it was my own career n. Real Madrid is a great club, and I hope to help her regain her glory."
The journalist seemed dissatisfied with Wang Feng''s ambiguous answer and continued to ask about "Calciopoli." "Undoubtedly, it was a terrible scandal. The investigation and handling results have been clearly announced, and I have no objections to that."
Spanish media did not ask about "Calciopoli" but inquired about Wang Feng''s confidence in adapting to La Liga and his expectations for Real Madrid''s performance in the new season.
"I am confident, of course. Don''t forget that I jumped directly from the Belgian Pro League to Serie A." Wang Feng joked, "As for the goals for the new season, I want to help Real Madrid regain the league title and Champions League trophy!"
With these words, whispers erupted in the audience, and reporters hurriedly recorded Wang Feng''s bold statement. This could be tomorrow''s headline news!
Many of them doubted that Wang Feng could achieve such aplishments shortly after arriving at the Bernabeu. Currently, La Liga is dominated by Barcelona, and Real Madrid has been stuck in the round of 16 in the Champions League for several years.
A journalist from Catalonia asked this sharp question, and Wang Feng replied calmly, "Undoubtedly, Barcelona is a strong club. I''ve just faced them, but anything is possible, right? At least I''ll beughing in the end."
Many reporters also cared about the core issues of the team. Ra??l was the core of the Gcticos before Wang Feng''s arrival, and his arrival would inevitably bringpetition. Who would be the first?
"Ra??l is a great yer, and his position in Real Madrid will definitely not change. We havemunicated many times, and I believe we will get along very well."
A reporter from a domestic sports channel, Mao Yun, asked, "Hello, Wang Feng. In the just-concluded World Cup, you led the national team to historically reach the semi-finals. Besides you, which other yers do you think have the ability to go to Europe to y?"
"Our team''s overall strength is still very good. I think Dong Fangzhuo is the first. He definitely has the ability to y as a starter in mid-table teams in the top five leagues. Others such as Chen Tao, Zheng Zhi, and others also have a good chance. I hope more and more yers can go abroad and hone their skills in higher-level leagues."
"We noticed that you are proficient in Spanish and have beenmunicating with fans and reporters. When you were at Inter Mn, your Italian was also very good, and even earlier, during your time at Genk in Belgium, your Dutchmunication was smooth. I would like to ask, how do domestic yers solve thenguage problem when they go abroad?"
Wang Feng smiled, "Maybe I have somenguage talent myself. When I have free time, I learn a little bit, and in a few months, I can achieve basicmunication."
"For domestic yers going abroad, this is indeed a tricky issue, but in fact, many yers from Europe, South America, and Africa also face this dilemma."
"So it will never be an obstacle for us. I suggest learning English well because most of the time, English is more universal. Secondly, if you stay in a club for a long time, you can also learn a little bit of the localnguage."
"The most important thing is tomunicate more with teammates. Improving listening and speaking skills through continuous dialogue is beneficial to better integrate into the team."
Wang Feng answered the reporters'' various questions reasonably and politely, until the news department staff prompted that it was the scheduled time to end, they reluctantly stopped.
It was already around eight o''clock in the evening. The Chinese superstar was invited to attend a dinner hosted by the club''s senior management. Lu Yao and Wang Tian naturally went together. The newly appointed head coach, Schuster, was also present, while other Real Madrid yers were still on vacation and did not attend.
This was the first time Wang Feng had met the new head coach. The German was very friendly and had a very good attitude towards him. "Wang, rest assured, in the new season, I will build an offensive tactic around you as the core and fully unleash your attacking threat."
Schuster, like Wang Feng, was new to the club, and the situation in the Gcticos'' dressing room was extremelyplicated. He thought the simplest way was to support Wang Feng. With the club''s trust in him and his own abilities, he could definitely carve out a ce for himself.
Wang Feng naturally dly epted the German''s goodwill. They immediately discussed the club''s transfer ns. Real Madrid''s attack did not need much adjustment, but the focus needed to be on solving problems in the midfield and defense.
After the grand wee ceremony, the Gcticos officially began their actions in the summer transfer window. Zidane had officially retired, and Beckham had joined the Los Angeles Gxy of Major League Ser on loan.
The club first brought in Juventus defender Cannavaro for ?7 million. The Italian national team captain was an old friend of Wang Feng''s, and the two had fought side by side before. They didn''t expect to reunite in Madrid.
Another Juventus midfielder, Emerson, also came to Real Madrid with Cannavaro. This was a defensive powerhouse trained by Capello, and the club paid a transfer fee of ?11.5 million for him.
Schuster knew that one of the reasons for the decline of the first era of the Gcticos was the loss of the sturdy midfielder, Makelele. So he suggested to the club to introduce Mali international Mahamadou Diarra, who helped Lyon win the Ligue 1 title four times. The club paid ?5 million for this midfield core.
Then, they borrowed Spanish midfielder Reyes from Arsenal to rece Beckham''s position. This midfielder debuted in La Liga with Sevi and transferred to Arsenal for a whopping ?35 million in 2004.
For the past two years, his performance in the Premier League had been excellent, appearing in 110 matches for the team and contributing 23 goals. As an additional condition of this deal, the underperforming Baptista was sent to Arsenal. With Wang Feng''s arrival, the Brazilian had no ce in the team anymore.
Chapter 294: Turbulent transfer market
Chapter 294: Turbulent transfer market
The summer of 2006 in European football was destined to be anything but calm. The just-concluded World Cup and the shocking "Calciopoli" scandal had led many well-known yers to embark on new career paths.
Juventus, destined for relegation, saw many key yers leave. Cannavaro and Emerson headed to Real Madrid, while Thuram transferred to Barcelona for ?5 million.
The iron-blooded defense of the 34-year-old veteran of the Bianconeri left a deep impression on Wang Feng. This year, he also sessfully made it into FIFA''s annual Best Defensive lineup.
Another Juventus midfield core, Vieira, moved to Inter Mn, currently the only top Italian club unaffected by the scandal. It seemed that the league''s situation was very favorable for Inter Mn, even without Wang Feng, they remained the only candidates for the league title.
Among those making the same choice was tan Ibrahimovic, who transferred to Inter Mn for ?24.8 million. However, as a forward, the pressure on him was much greater than on Vieira. With Wang Feng shining in the front, he needed to deliver a dominant performance to overshadow the influence of the Chinese superstar on the fans.
"Ibrahimovic is too arrogant!" Ribery said to Wang Feng over the phone, "He acts very coldly as soon as he arrives, as if he doesn''t care about anyone, and even has conflicts with Adriano."
"Inter Mn has brought in too many people. The atmosphere in the locker room is far worse than when you were there."
Wang Fengforted the Frenchman, saying, "Frank, tan is not difficult to get along with. He''s just a bit embarrassed now because he came to Inter Mn after being defeated, so he''s pretending to be cool."
"If you want to grow into a team''s core, you must adapt to theplex locker room situation. As long as you can dominate on the field, naturally you will gain fans and improve the locker room environment."
"With the current situation in Serie A and Inter Mn, I don''t think it''s difficult for you. Good luck in the new season!"
AC Mn''s situation was slightly better than Juventus''. Most of their main yers remained, especially Kaka, who, after much consideration, chose to stay with the Rossoneri.
Although ording to the initial judgment, the club would not be able to participate in Europeanpetitions next season, and they started the league with a disadvantage due to point deductions, they were actively appealing, hoping to regain their Champions League qualification.
AC Mn''s tactical arrangements and sry treatment satisfied Kaka very much. He wasn''t sure if he could find another club as suitable as this one.
Chasing after Wang Feng seemed almost impossible now. Sometimes the Brazilian pessimistically thought that even on such a dominant stage as the World Cup, he was still defeated by the opponent. Brazil, with its luxurious lineup, only reached the quarter-finals, while the significantly weaker China, under Wang Feng''s leadership, made it to the semi-finals.
However, he still had goals to strive for. Even if he couldn''t catch up with Wang Feng, he at least wanted to help AC Mn rise again. He believed that this former powerhouse would not be beaten down by current setbacks.
The decline of Serie A made other major European leagues eager topete for the top spot. Among them, La Liga and the Premier League were the mostpetitive.
Compared to the duel between the giants of La Liga, thepetition in the Premier League was even more intense. Traditional powerhouses like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool were already formidable, and Chelsea, who had just defended their Premier League title, were even more dominant.
Under Mourinho''s guidance, this team won two league titles and a Champions League title, but Chelsea owner Abramovich was still not entirely satisfied.
He hoped the team would emte the beautiful attacking football of Real Madrid and Barcelona, rather than the "ugly" continuous defense. Hence, he and coach Mourinho had clear differences in transfer policy.
Mourinho preferred to bring in midfield and defensive yers to further stabilize the team''s defense and rotation ability. However, Abramovich brought in Back through a free transfer, and how to integrate him into the existing lineup would be Mourinho''s biggest problem.
After two years of failures, Manchester United finally addressed their defensive issues, bringing in Serbian defender Vidic from Spartak Moscow for ??7 million.
Then they brought back French full-back Evra from Monaco for ??5.5 million. Vidic and Ferdinand formed an irond central defense, and Evra was excellent at defending.
Of course, Manchester United still had the problem of crowded forwards. Van Nistelrooy had a strong conflict with coach Ferguson at the end ofst season, and his ying time waspletely upied by Ronaldo!
So the Dutchman decisively sought a transfer. Real Madrid was initially the first choice, but with the Gxy''s purchase of Wang Feng, Florentino also didn''t want the forward line to be overcrowded, so there were no ns to sign a forward for now.
He could only negotiate with Barcelona, the archenemy of Real Madrid. At this time, Barcelona''s transfer ns included Chelsea forward Gudjohnsen. After several rounds of evaluation, Barcelona ultimately chose the more famous Van Nistelrooy, paying Manchester United a transfer fee of ?15 million.
After his outstanding performance in the World Cup, Dong Fangzhuo had the opportunity to apply for a work permit. He could y for Manchester United next season. Although Ferguson said he really liked the Chinese youngster, he was not willing to promise him ying time. Combined with Van Nistelrooy''s situation, Ferguson was not very optimistic about Dong Fangzhuo''s development at Manchester United.
So they officially started contacting other interested teams. Premier League clubs such as ckburn, West Ham, and Everton, as well as Ligue 1 clubs like Bordeaux and Lens, and Bundesliga clubs like Nuremberg and Mainz, all showed interest in Dong Fangzhuo.
Dong Fangzhuo himself was not very satisfied with these clubs either. At 21, he hoped to be a regr yer rather than waste away on the bench. But none of these clubs were willing to promise the young yer ying time.
At this time, Balmond showed his strength as an excellent negotiator. After continuous efforts and negotiations, he finally managed to get an offer of ??6 million from Eredivisie''s AZ Alkmaar to take Dong Fangzhuo away and was willing to stipte his ying time in the contract.
This offer was enough to impress Manchester United. After all, when they signed Dong Fangzhuo, they only spent ??3.5 million, and all his training waspleted at Antwerp, so Manchester United had no losses.
"Wang, do you think it''s really advantageous for me to leave the Premier League and go to the Eredivisie to y?" Dong Fangzhuo hesitantly asked Wang Feng over the phone.
"Although it may seem hard to ept, it''s a great choice for you," Wang Feng said. "The Premier League''spetition is too fierce, and your body needs to gradually adapt. If you sit on the bench for a long time and only get a slight chance to y, not only will you not perform or improve, but you''ll also be at risk of injury."
"The Eredivisie is different. They excel in technique, and the level ofpetition is weaker than the Premier League. Moreover, you can take on the responsibility of being a regr yer and constantly improve your skills."
"You''re only 21 this year. After three or four years when your skills mature, you''ll have a chance to return to the top five leagues and establish yourself. Besides, AZ Alkmaar is also a strong team in the Eredivisie, and next season they can participate in the Champions League qualification yoffs."
Hearing Wang Feng''s words, Dong Fangzhuo finally let go of his hesitations and decided to join the Eredivisie team. Moreover, he frequentlymunicated in Dutchst season in Belgium, so there would be nonguage barrier for him at AZ Alkmaar.
Apart from Dong Fangzhuo, another standout yer from the World Cup, Zheng Zhi, received interest from many European clubs. He ultimately joined Charlton Athletic in the Premier League for ??2 million.
Chapter 295: Real Madrid life
Chapter 295: Real Madrid life
In August, major clubs began to gather and train one after another, and Real Madrid was no exception. On the first day of formal gathering, Wang Feng, maintaining his usual style from his time at Inter Mn, arrived at the training base first thing in the morning.
Real Madrid''s training base was much more luxurious than Inter Mn''s. Despite several renovations, the original simple atmosphere remained unchanged.
Real Madrid was different. Many factors were considered in the initial nning of the training base, including support for yers in all aspects,plete youth training facilities, and even interactive spaces for fans.
After the arrivals of yers like Raul, Casis, Roberto Carlos, and Guti, they all came forward to greet Wang Feng. Ronaldo even gave him a hug: ''We''re fighting side by side again!''
''Yes,st time we won the league and UEFA Cup together. This time, joining forces again, it can''t be worse,'' Wang Feng said with a smile. His warm attitude made Ronaldo quite pleased. Despite his fame, Wang Feng remained unchanged, continuing to train diligently and respect his seniors.
Seeing that it wasn''t yet time for formal training, Raul suggested taking Wang Feng around to familiarize him with the environment. Naturally, Wang Feng agreed. After all, he only knew how to get to the indoor training room and dormitory; everything else was unfamiliar to him.
As they walked, the luxury of the Real Madrid base once again exceeded Wang Feng''s imagination. Various training grounds, recovery and therapy areas, restaurants, entertainment areas, and even a library and various gaming consoles were present.
Looking at the row of 46-inch luxury televisions and Sony yStation 2 consoles, Wang Feng was somewhat speechless: ''Doesn''t the club worry that yers will be addicted to games and neglect football?''
Raul chuckled, ''Of course not. We strictly follow the schedule arranged by the coaching staff for our daily routine. There isn''t much time left for entertainment. For many of us, the pressure of being in the first team is still significant. Who has time to indulge in games?''
''Ramos is rtively into gaming. He often ys during rest time. If you''re interested, you can be his gaming buddy.''
Finally, the two arrived at the dormitory area. The sight of rows of five-story buildings standing there shocked Wang Feng. Not only first-team yers but also youth yers and club staff lived here, divided into many areas.
The dormitory environment at Real Madrid was top-notch in all of European football. First-team yers even had their own rooms. However, normally, everyone didn''t live here. It was only used as a resting area, and it would be closed and centralized the night before home matches.
Returning to the training ground, head coach Schuster had already arrived. Seeing Wang Feng and Raul, he nodded to signal them to return to the team, then continued to rest with his eyes closed.
After a while, the German still didn''t say a word. Wang Feng looked around and realized that the assembly time had passed, but there were still a few yers missing. He suddenly understood that Schuster wanted to reform the locker room.
When everyone finally arrived, the German looked around. The yers who had just arrived couldn''t help but feel a little flustered, startled to see everyone standing there waiting for them.
Schuster finally spoke: ''As your new head coach, I naturally need to set some rules. Now everyone understands clearly: unless there are special circumstances, we will only start training after everyone is present.''
''If someone is one minutete, we''ll wait for them for one minute. If someone is an hourte, we''ll wait for them for an hour!''
''Theter will be fined ?500, and after training, they will have additional punishment. During official matches, they will be suspended for the next round. Regardless of who it is, the rules apply to everyone equally!''
Everyone felt a chill in their hearts. ''It seems that this coach is a tough one. It''s indeed necessary for Real Madrid to reform the locker room atmosphere,'' Wang Feng thought to himself.
After asserting his authority, everyone officially began training. There were no tactical drills on the first day. They just did warm-ups and some ball control exercises to regain their touch.
The team also arranged for the team doctor to assess the physical condition of each yer. The coaching staff was surprised to find that Wang Feng was in excellent condition, ready to start ying immediately.
''I''ve heard about Wang Feng''s discipline. Today, I see it''s truly well-deserved,'' assistant coach Del Bosque eximed. Schuster sighed, ''If only other yers had the same attitude, I''d be much less worried.''
He then chuckled self-deprecatingly, ''When I was a yer, I couldn''t even do it myself, let alone expect the current yers to have this attitude.''
On the training ground, Wang Feng meticulouslypleted the training exercises. The August weather in Madrid was extremely hot, and soon his body was soaked in sweat.
Many redited media were allowed around the pitch to take photos. After seeing Wang Feng''s training state, they nodded in approval and clicked their shutters to record it.
Although his attitude was very serious, the training intensity set by Schuster wasn''t very high. Wang Feng, as usual, added extra training for himself. Except for a few unlucky ones receiving punishment, no one else was willing to stay behind voluntarily.
In the evening, when he returned home, his sister was already curled up on the sofa, watching a soap opera and eating snacks. ''If you keep snacking like this, you''ll be chubby,'' Wang Feng reminded her.
''I won''t! I''ve been swimming and working out during the day, okay? Besides, I have a metabolism that doesn''t make me gain weight,'' Wang Feng shook his head and ignored the little glutton, heading towards the study.
At this time, Lu Yao was sorting out work materials inside. She had already joined the Feng Yao Group and was very dedicated to her current job.
Seeing Wang Fenge in, she happily said, ''Brother Feng, you''re back from training. Let me make you a cup of tea to relieve your fatigue.''
Wang Feng stopped her, ''I can handle this small task myself. You''ve been working all day; you shouldn''t sit in front of theputer all the time. You should move around more.''
''I just want to learn more as soon as possible. Besides, I went swimming with Tian Tian during the day,'' Lu Yao stuck out her tongue. ''By the way, Brother Feng, there''s a question I''ve been undecided on. Can you help me take a look?''
Wang Feng nodded, took the documents handed over by Lu Yao, which were about a US high-techpany called "Apple Inc." ''Apple is a very promisingpany. Since our group was established, we''ve been increasing our holdings of their stocks.''
''This year, their iPod portable media yer is very popr, and the essory market is also booming, squeezing a lot of market share from Sony. So thepany believes that continuing to buy their stocks is a very good investment direction.''
''But many people also believe that increasing holdings should not be too excessive because their future prospects are unclear. A few years ago, Apple said they were going to make a smartphone called the iPhone, but now the smartphone market is already dominated by HTC, Samsung, and Motor.''
''What do you think?'' Wang Feng asked. Lu Yao said embarrassedly, ''I really like their design of the iPod, so naturally, I have high hopes for thispany.''
''Then go with your thoughts. Yao Yao, you''re much more professional than me; you should be more confident.''
''I''m just worried about being charmed by my own preferences. But you''re right; if you''re confident in your judgment, you should be decisive.''
Chapter 296: Warm up and encouragment
Chapter 296: Warm up and encouragment
After several days of adjustment training, the state of the Real Madrid yers quickly recovered. Schuster''s words were followed by action, and several key yers who arrivedte were consecutively punished. The rigorous training left them exhausted, and everyone dared not repeat the offense.
Another important reason they behaved so well was that the biggest star in the team now was Wang Feng. Whether in personal performance, honors, or transfer price, Wang Feng surpassed everyone by arge margin.
But he was also an extremely disciplined yer, the first to arrive in the morning and thest to leave at night. No one could find fault with him, naturally influencing the mindset of other yers.
Originally, Schuster thought that managing theplex Real Madrid locker room would require a lot of effort and time, but he didn''t expect that as long as there was a star who could hold the scene, there was no need to worry too much.
A few dayster, Real Madrid weed their first warm-up match against Segunda Division side Real Bcano, a team located in the Spanish capital Madrid, just like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. They had reached the Round of 16 in the UEFA Cup before but unfortunately couldn''t get promoted back to the top division after relegation in 2003.
To integrate the lineup, Schuster sent out the full main lineup. From the formation, Real Madrid would likely use a 4-4-2 formation in the new season, with Casis as the goalkeeper.
Defenders: Carlos, Ramos, Cannavaro, and Cicinho.
Midfielders: Guti, Emerson, M. Diarra, and Reyes.
Forwards: Raul and Wang Feng.
The debut of the new Gcticos lineup, especially the first appearance of "Mr. 100 Million" Wang Feng, attracted arge number of media and fans even though it was just a warm-up match.
Right from the start, Real Madrid controlled the game. Wang Feng was very excited. Just three minutes into the game, he received a through pass from Guti, broke into the penalty area, and scored with a shot.
After that, Wang Feng scored two more goals in quick session,pleting a hat-trick, and assisted Raul in scoring, leading Real Madrid 4-0 ahead before halftime.
In the second half, Schuster reced 7 main yers at once. Lopez reced Casis in goal, Salgado, Bravo, and Mejia reced Carlos, Cannavaro, and Cicinho, Garcia and Redondo reced Guti and M. Diarra, and Ronaldo reced Wang Feng.
At this point, Real Madrid exposed their unstable defense. Even a Segunda Division team could breach the Gcticos'' defense. Bcano scored two consecutive goals, and Ronaldo also scored in the final moments.
With a 5-2 victory over the opponents, Schuster, in an interview after the game, praised Wang Feng''s professionalism, "He has always been very disciplined, whether in daily training or in group matches."
"I think this is probably why he can achieve such sess. No coach would dislike such a yer. From his performance, Real Madrid''s acquisition of him is definitely worth it."
Schuster also expressed concern about Real Madrid''s defense: "We must do better defensively. Just having an attacking game n won''t be enough to face the strong teams in La Liga and the Champions League."
"Wang Feng''s hat-trick debut!" The next day, major Spanish media outletspeted to report this news. Although it was just a warm-up match, Wang Feng''s excellent performance was evident to all.
At the same time, Barcelona also yed a friendly match against a small team from the Catalonia regional league, Girona. Although it was not open to the public, resourceful reporters found a way to learn about the entire game.
The defending champions struggled, with some South American yers, led by Ronaldinho, clearly out of form. In the end, 19-year-old Messi, who came on as a substitute, scored a goal.
Originally, Barcelona had been widely criticized for the fluctuating results due to the poor form of key yers early in the season. Now, with theparison, the situation seemed even worse. Even the media in Catalonia didn''t hesitate to criticize.
"Rijkaard should learn from Schuster''s approach, not always trying to be too lenient. Rectifying the team''s atmosphere is what Barcelona must do now."
The Dutch coach was also frustrated. Schuster had Wang Feng''s support, but who did he have, Ronaldinho? That was the one breaking the rules! It was always Ronaldinho who arrivedtest for training. After suffering double blows in the Champions League final and the World Cup, the Brazilian seemed increasingly decadent and indulgent.
Rijkaard wanted to promote young Messi, and for now, his skills and attitude seemed suitable, but such matters needed careful consideration.
Before the official matches, Real Madrid yed another warm-up match against a La Liga team, Valencia. In this game, Wang Feng did not start, and the overall performance of Real Madrid was not as impressive as the previous one.
Raul struggled on the attack, Carlos was showing signs of aging in defense, Cannavaro and Emerson had not fully integrated into the system yet. Schuster frowned, indicating that they might need to consider bringing in several strong reinforcements for the midfield and defense.
At halftime, Real Madrid was trailing 0-1. In the second half, Wang Feng was substituted on, and the offensive situation of the Gcticos improved. Continuous attacks left Valencia struggling, and in the 65th minute, Wang Feng assisted Garcia to equalize. Then, he personally took a direct free kick to pierce through the opponent''s goal, helping the team turn the game around for a victory.
Wang Feng''s impressive performances in two consecutive matches quickly solidified his position within the Gcticos. Everyone acknowledged his abilities.
Just when Wang Feng''s journey with Real Madrid was going smoothly, another Chinese youngster seemed not so lucky. Dong Fangzhuo, who joined Alkmaar, quickly had his debut. It was in the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualification against Olympiacos.
As the "big bully" of the Greek league, Olympiacos''s strength was slightly inferior to Alkmaar''s. However, they still showed remarkable resilience, forcing the Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse into a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
Therefore, Alkmaar had to strive for a victory in this game. If they drew again, they would need to score two or more goals away from home to advance. Dong Fangzhuo, who scored three goals in the World Cup, naturally became one of the coach''s hopes. Before the game, various major Dutch media also looked forward to the performance of the Chinese youngster.
He was substituted on in the second half but failed to create good opportunities within the only forty-five minutes of ying time. Instead, he made numerous mistakes, contributing only two shots. In the end, Alkmaar drew 1-1 with the opponent and missed out on the UEFA Champions League, only able to y in the UEFA Europa League due to the away goal disadvantage.
After the match, a deluge of criticism fell on Dong Fangzhuo. The media gave him the lowest rating in the team, and the term "flop" frequently appeared in various news headlines.
Wang Feng closely followed his debut. After the game, he called Dong Fangzhuo: "Don''t worry, take your time to adjust your physical condition and improve your skills. The Eredivisie is not like the Second Division, the level of technique andpetition will increase significantly. Also, you don''t have a favorable reliance in the forward line, you can only rely on yourself!"
Dong Fangzhuo smiled bitterly and said, "Wang, do you think I''m not suitable for ying in Europe? Several clubs in China have been contacting me recently, hoping I can return home to y for them."
Wang Feng paused for a moment before saying, "If you want to further improve your skills, I suggest you stay abroad. But earning money and being close to home are also advantages. It''s up to you to decide."
Dong Fangzhuo heard the disappointment in Wang Feng''s words and quickly said, "Wang, I''m not the kind of person who seeksfort. If there''s a chance, I''ll definitely choose to stay abroad!"
Without Wang Feng, he would have struggled in European leagues in the future, whether it be in the Polish league, Portuguese Primeira Liga, Armenian league, or even if the Chinese Super League thrived, Dong Fangzhuo still wouldn''t have returned until the end of his career.
Wang Feng felt his love for football, so he patiently analyzed the various problems during the match over the phone and encouraged him, "Don''t be disheartened, there are still many opportunities for you to seize. Didn''t BalmonD secure ying time for you? Keep practicing in each game, and you''ll definitely stand out."
"As for being criticized for poor performance now, that''s normal. You only saw how I was glorified whether at Inter Mn or at Genk. You didn''t see my efforts. Every training session, I was the most diligent!"
"I suggest you do the same. Even if you don''t perform well on the field, the coach won''t be too harsh on you. After all, hardworking yers always get some leniency. When you really start performing, everything will be different."
"But be careful of injuries. Let''s do this: I''ll have my training team send someone to you to create a scientific training n for you. Don''t worry about the cost, I''ll make sure they give you a discount."
Listening to Wang Feng''s patient advice and care over the phone, Dong Fangzhuo''s eyes were moist. "Wang, I''m so lucky to know you. It''s great to have you in the national team!"
"Don''t be sentimental, work hard, don''t disappoint my expectations. I hope you can be a global star like me !"
Chapter 297: Preview of the European war
Chapter 297: Preview of the European war
Before the opening of the new season, Real Madrid hosted the 28th edition of the Bernabeu Cup at the Bernabeu Stadium. This event is a traditional warm-up match for the Real Madrid club, aiming tomemorate the former president of Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu.
The invited team was the Belgian Jupiler Pro League champions, Anderlecht. Both sides were fine-tuning for the new season. In the 27th minute of the first half, Guti opened the scoring for the Gcticos with a long shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Just five minutester, Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past two defenders, and scored in the penalty area, helping the team expand their lead.
In the second half, Schuster continued to make extensive substitutions, and it proved that Real Madrid''s defense was not stable enough, as Anderlecht pulled one back in the 71st minute.
The final score settled at 2-1, with Real Madrid lifting their first trophy of the new season. Although it was insignificant, it was a good start for the team.
Looking at therge trophy in front of him, Wang Feng couldn''t help but feel curious. Does any team really want this thing?
They were invited to participate in thepetition probably for yer training purposes and the substantial ticket and broadcast revenue. Real Madrid would distribute all the proceeds from the game to the participating teams.
On August 25th, the UEFA annual awards ceremony and the Champions League draw were held at the Grimaldi Forum Cultural Center in Monaco. As for the ultimate award, the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, there was not much suspense. It could only be between Wang Feng and Ronaldinho.
Due to Wang Feng''s outstanding performance in the Champions League final, defeating Ronaldinho, he lifted the trophy for the third time in four years. When receiving the award, he thanked Inter Mn and stated that winning the Champions Leaguest season and the efforts of every yer were inseparable.
He also expressed his belief that despite Real Madrid''s recent struggles in the Champions League, under the guidance of the new coach, the Gcticos would surely regain the glory of being the "Kings of Europe."
Wang Feng''s award sparked heated discussions among major media outlets. The focus of their discussion was not the award itself, but rather, who would win the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year awards this year?
Traditionally, in World Cup years, the annual awards are naturally given to the best-performing yers in the championship-winning team. However, with Zidane retired from the victorious French team and Henry absent due to injury in many games, only Thuram, Vieira, and Trezeguet remained as contenders.
Wang Feng led the weak Chinese team to the semi-finals of the World Cup, creating a dark horse miracle, so he also became a popr candidate. Whether to break tradition and select based on skill or adhere to the tradition of choosing from the champions, this question would surely pose a dilemma for the judges.
After the awards ceremony, the tense Champions League group stage draw took ce as scheduled. The teams drawn in the same group as Real Madrid were Lyon from Ligue 1, Bucharest Stars from the Romanian Liga I, and Dynamo Kyiv from the Ukrainian Premier League.
Upon hearing this result, the Spanish media couldn''t help but marvel at Real Madrid''s luck. Apart from Lyon, the consecutive Ligue 1 champions, Bucharest Stars and Dynamo Kyiv were rtively weak. It seemed that they didn''t need to worry too much about the group stage.
However, when interviewed by the media, Wang Feng denied this statement, saying, "Bucharest Stars and Dynamo Kyiv have excellent yers in their teams. We will do our best to advance."
Barcelona was not as lucky as Real Madrid. They were drawn in the same group as Chelsea, Werder Bremen, and Levski Sofia. Both the Blues and the Bundesliga powerhouse had their eyes set on the knockout stage spots.
Valencia would face Roma, Olympiacos, and Shakhtar Dsk. Only three La Liga teams could participate in the Champions League group stage, and as for the qualifying spot, Sevi failed in the third round and could only participate in the Europa League.
From this, it can be seen that even if the top four in the five major leagues qualify for the Champions League qualifiers, they may not necessarily beat the champions of the smaller league.
Perhaps dominating the Europa League is their destiny. However, unless they can win the Europa League championship bonus, the prize money and broadcast ie from participating in the Champions League will far exceed that of the Europa League.
Back in Madrid, to celebrate winning the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and to strengthen the bond with his new teammates, Wang Feng invited all the yers and coaching staff to dinner.
Ronaldo rmended a very famous traditional Spanish restaurant, Casa Alberto, and Wang Feng personally booked the entire restaurant.
On the day of the dinner, luxury cars appeared at the entrance, and all the first-team yers of Real Madrid showed up for the appointment, even the head coach Schuster came. Upon hearing the news, reporters camped outside the door, constantly shing their cameras.
Entering the restaurant, the rich elements of old Madrid taverns filled the entire space, with tin water pitchers, agate bars, wrought iron pirs, and more. Each item seemed to tell a piece of history.
It is said that the great literary figure Cervantes once lived here, where he wrote works such as "Don Quixote" and "Journey to the Parnassus."
Everyone found their seats, choosing between the bar or small tables. Traditional Madrid delicacies such as oxtail, Antic sturgeon, tripe, meatballs, pig''s trotters, fried ham balls, as well as traditional stews and homemade desserts were quickly served.
As the league opener approached, yers were prohibited from drinking alcohol, but the feeling of eating meat was still enjoyable. Even Wang Feng, who usually avoided certain foods, couldn''t help but eat a little more. The atmosphere was especially lively as everyone ate and chatted.
Some quirky yers shuttled between tables, grabbing all the delicious dishes into their bowls and turning the meal into a buffet-style feast. This "rude" behavior naturally angered the public, and eventually, everyone got into a yful scuffle.
Nowadays, the phenomenon of factions within Real Madrid has improved a lot. The former star yers either left or stepped back, and fresh blood continued to be injected, allowing everyone to gather around the number one star, Wang Feng.
Of course, this also included the support of the Spanish locals represented by Raul. Perhaps out of consideration for the club''s performance, or perhaps being impressed, Raul and others fully epted Wang Feng from the beginning, willingly letting him be the core of the team, which saved him a lot of trouble.
But Wang Feng''s performance did not disappoint them. Despite being superior to everyone else, he still maintained a humble, hardworking, and gentle attitude. Whether they were main yers or substitutes, everyone had a very good impression of him.
With a cup filled with juice in his hand, Raul walked up to Wang Feng and gently tapped him, "Wang, Barcelona has won the La Liga title for two consecutive years. If they win it again this season, Real Madrid will surely lose face. So, we need to give our all this season."
The title of the El Clsico was not a joke. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona was much more serious than that of the Mn clubs. If one side remained dominant, the other would feel ashamed.
"In addition to the league, the Champions League is also our focus this season. Real Madrid has won the Champions League the most times, we cannot afford to be eliminated in the Round of 16 every year."
Wang Feng nodded. He once prevented Real Madrid from winning their 10th Champions League title. Now, amidst changing fortunes, the burden of reiming this honor fell on him again.
Chapter 298: La Liga debut
Chapter 298: La Liga debut
On August 28, 2006, at 8 p.m. local time in Spain, the opening match of La Liga was about to kick off at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with Real Madrid facing Virreal.
Coach Schuster continued with the 4-4-2 formation used in the first warm-up match. With Raul leading the attack alongside Wang Feng, the only weakness was in defense, with Carlos being considered too old. The club''s management hoped to find suitable reinforcements during the winter transfer window.
Virreal had suffered losses against Wang Feng in the Champions League, so they ced special emphasis on defending against him. Defenders Gonzalez, Alvarez, and center-back Josico coborated to mark him.
Shortly after the start of the match, Wang Feng was closely marked. In the 6th minute, Josico received the first yellow card of the match, and also the first yellow card of the new La Liga season, for a fierce tackle.
Wang Feng took a free-kick in the opponent''s half, lofting the ball into the penalty area, but Raul failed to beat Virreal defender Aruabarrena to it, and the ball was cleared.
Despite facing defensive pressure, Wang Feng remained active on the nks, frequently creating crosses. However, Real Madrid''s aerial ability was weak, and his teammates failed to capitalize on the chances.
After creating numerous opportunities without scoring, Wang Feng decided to change his approach. Instead of sticking to crosses from the nks, he opted for a different strategy. When Real Madridunched another attack, Raul passed the ball back to Emerson, who noticed an open space for Reyes on the wing. Meanwhile, Wang Feng positioned himself near the edge of the penalty area, ready to make a run into the box. However, there were many defenders around him.
Instead of passing to the wing as Virreal''s defense expected, Wang Feng yed a through ball directly, piercing through the dense defensive line like a sharp knife. Timing his run perfectly, Wang Feng sprinted ahead and received the ball just before the penalty spot, calmly chipping the ball over the goalkeeper''s head with his left foot, and into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in! In the 16th minute, Wang Feng opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"This is the first goal scored by a Chinese superstar representing Real Madrid in La Liga. Although we all knew that Wang Feng scoring was just a matter of time, we didn''t expect it toe so soon!"
"I am honored to inform you all that this goal is also the first goal of the new La Liga season. None of the other nine matches that started simultaneously have seen a goal yet!"
After scoring his first goal, Wang Feng sprinted to the corner g, pointing to the sky in celebration, while passionate Real Madrid fans continuously chanted his name, resonating throughout the Bernabeu in strange Chinese pronunciation.
His teammates soon surrounded him, with Raul expressing heartfelt admiration: "With you here, I feel much more relieved. No need to worry about goal drought anymore!"
Conceding early unsettled the Virreal yers slightly. Soon after, Virreal had another chance, but Riquelme''s shot was saved by Casis, who then sent a long ball to the midfield.
Before the Virreal defenders could fully regroup, Wang Feng had already received the ball and was charging towards the penalty area!
Goalkeeper Bieira could only choose to confront Wang Feng head-on. He silently calcted in his mind that as long as he tackled the ball in time, he could block it outside the penalty area, even if it meant fouling and receiving a card.
But Wang Feng wouldn''t engage in a physical battle. With a swift move, he deftly dribbled past Bieira with his right foot, effortlessly evading the goalkeeper''s n. He then caught up to the ball and calmly slotted it into the empty with a low-angle shot.
Defender Aruabarrena desperately tried to block the ball, but he was a step too slow, and the ball slipped into the along with him.
2-0! Wang Feng scored his second goal!
At halftime, Real Madrid maintained their two-goal lead. In the 61st minute, Diarra lofted the ball into the penalty area from the front, and Wang Feng, on the left side of the goal, outmuscled defender Alvarez, turned sideways, and volleyed the ball directly into the.
The ball smashed into the turf in front of the goal, then bounced rapidly into the. Because of this deflection, Bieira''s attempt to save became futile.
"Goooooooooooal!! Wang Fengpletes a hat-trick!! He scores three goals in the first round of La Liga. My God, does he not need an adjustment period?"
"Diarra''s pass was very precise, finding Wang Feng directly. As Raul was also waiting for his chance in the penalty area, there was a slight gap in Virreal''s defense against Wang Feng, and they couldn''t double-team him."
"It''s terrifying. Wang Feng, like a fierce beast, pinned down Alvarez relentlessly. The poor Spanish defender will have nightmares tonight. He tried his best to stop him, but still let Wang Feng make a fatal blow."
As one of Spain''s top clubs, Real Madrid''s first-round match of the new season attracted many dignitaries from politics and business, such as Madrid city officials, members of the Spanish royal family, and the deputy CEO of ZARA, among others.
In addition, many celebrities also made appearances. Real Madrid has the highest percentage of celebrity fans among all clubs in the world. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and Jennifer Lopez were watching from the stands.
With over 60 minutes yed, Real Madrid had secured a three-goal lead. These dignitaries wore satisfied smiles, indicating that Wang Feng''s joining had indeed greatly strengthened the Gcticos.
"Wang Feng hasn''t disappointed me. This is the strength of the world''s number one!" Florentino said with a smile in the luxurious box at the top of the stands.
"Indeed, to score a hat-trick in his debut, his performance can only be described as perfect," Sandro, the first-team manager, echoed.
"As long as Wang Feng is here, the team''s attack will be very smooth. Schuster''s coaching is also very effective. His tactics do not limit the performance of the Chinese superstar, allowing him to y very beautiful attacking football."
"If the head coach were Capello, I''m afraid it would be impossible to y like this," Sandro added. It was he who strongly advocated for Schuster to take charge of the Gcticos instead of Capello, who focused more on defense.
Florentino nodded. He only cared about results and the market. He left the specific execution details to his subordinates so that he could have the energy to oversee the big picture.
"Do you think we can beat Bar?a this year and make a breakthrough in the Champions League?" Florentino asked.
"Absolutely possible. From what I know, Ronaldinho''s form has declined severely. Barcelona''s focus is gradually shifting towards Lionel Messi. Although this 19-year-old has grown rapidly, he is definitely not Wang Feng''s match this season."
In the 75th minute, Real Madrid coach Schuster made a substitution, recing Wang Feng with Ronaldo. As he left the field, Wang Feng received a standing ovation from the entire crowd, while he raised both hands over his head, responding to the enthusiastic fans with apuse.
Ronaldo hugged Wang Feng on the edge of the penalty area, "Well done, Wang. Your growth is truly amazing."
In the final moments of the match, neither side changed the scoreline. 3-0! Real Madrid secured a convincing victory in the season opener.
Chapter 299: Some happy and some sad
Chapter 299: Some happy and some sad
After the first round of matches, major Spanish media outlets reported on Wang Feng''s miraculous performance. "Completing a hat-trick in the 61st minute, the Chinese superstar continues to dominate the attack!"
"Marca" wrote that Real Madridpletely dominated Virreal in the match, with their attacking prowess evident to all. "The Gcticos unleashed a magnificent offensive surge, leaving all fans thoroughly satisfied!"
The key to all of this was Wang Feng. Despite Virreal''s numerous defensive arrangements against him, he managed to neutralize them one by one.
"More importantly, Wang Feng seems to have fully integrated into Real Madrid''s attacking system. His cooperation with new teammates is very tacit, especially that through ball goal which left a deep impression."
"AS" believed that Wang Feng was the most threatening yer for Real Madrid. Not only did he score three goals, but he also created numerous scoring opportunities. "The Gcticos'' attacking organization ispletely entrusted to Wang Feng."
They felt that head coach Schuster made a wise decision. Indeed, for a super attacker like Wang Feng, his multifaceted abilities are enough to deal with variousplex scenarios. The coach only needs to n overall tactical strategies rather thanpletely restrict yers within a framework.
"Schuster has done well in this regard, giving Wang Feng ample room to y. Although many people think he is arrogant, temperamental, and unreasonable, he does have his own wisdom and ideas."
"El Pas" believed that Virreal was no match for the Gcticos. "They yed very passively, and Riquelme''s form visibly declined."
"Perhaps Riquelme is no longer suited to European football. At 28, in his prime, the former Argentine footballer has turned into what he is today, which is somewhat regrettable."
Virreal coach Pellegrini, in a post-match interview, said, "It''s regrettable to lose so badly to the opponent in the first match of the new season. We couldn''t gain any advantages on the field."
"Wang Feng is a world-ss forward, and his performance is perfect. I noticed that many news reports have mentioned his hard work. Even though he has achieved a lot, he still hasn''t rxed."
"On the contrary, we don''t have such yers in our team. The difference in the team''s core is very obvious, so losing is not surprising."
Pellegrini''s words surprised many, as they felt he was semi-publicly criticizing Riquelme, the core yer of the Yellow Submarine, who is none other than the former Argentine footballer.
As early as before the start of the season, the two had some conflicts. The Chilean believed that Riquelme, as the core of the team, should work harder, but the Argentine star did not want to live a monastic training life.
Mediation by the club''s top management finally eased the situation between them, but this match made the situation tense again.
At the same time, in another highly anticipated match, Barcelona hosted Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou, only to be scored against twice by the visitors before halftime.
This situation left the home fans very dissatisfied, especially upon learning that Real Madrid was leading by arge margin. However, in the second half, Eto''o, Deco, and Messi sessively scored to help the teamplete aeback.
Although they won the match, Barcelona''s performance still received a lot of criticism. "Sport" believed that Ronaldinho was once again immersed in the dreamlike nightlife, to the extent that he seemed to sleepwalk throughout the match.
"Perhaps the club management should considerpletely giving up on the Brazilian. Messi can definitely be the new core of the team."
Despite the widespread praise for Real Madrid, Schuster remained rational, well aware of the many weaknesses in the team, such as defense in the midfield and backline.
So he sternly warned the yers not to get carried away. "Our goals are clear: winning the league championship and advancing to the knockout stage of the Champions League. We are still far from achieving them."
The second round match against Levante in La Liga just validated his concerns. Since there were midweek Champions League group stage matches, Schuster rotated some key yers, and Wang Feng was ced on the bench.
Levante, originating from Valencia grassroots teams, has had stars like Distefano and Mijatovic in its history, and even Cruyff started his career here. However, they have long since lost their former glory, lingering in the Segunda Division for many years and only promoted to La Ligast season with a third-ce finish.
Facing such a newly promoted team, Real Madrid''s bench lineup still struggled. While the attack was frustrated, defensive issues also arose, allowing the unknown Oliver Kappo to score first.
The Ivorian forward started his career in Ligue 1 with Auxerre, briefly joining Juventus but quickly being loaned to Monaco due to his inability to adapt to the intensity of Serie A. This season, he was loaned to Levante.
Watching Kappo celebrate recklessly, Schuster''s face turned pale as he shouted at the yers on the field to raise their awareness. However, the effect was not obvious, and the weaknesses of Real Madrid''s bench lineup were too significant!
In the second half, the situation did not improve. Wang Feng looked very anxious. He kept looking towards Schuster and finally heard his angry voice: "Wang, get ready to warm up."
In the 65th minute, Wang Feng finally came on as a substitute. His appearance made the Levante yers very nervous, increasing their defensive intensity. However, they couldn''t contain the performance of the Chinese superstar.
Just four minutes aftering on, he used consecutive dribbles in the frontcourt, followed by a sudden eleration and shot, almost breaking the hosts'' goal. The ball hit the post and bounced out.
Then he created another corner kick opportunity. This time, after the ball entered the penalty area, Bravo got to it first, but his header was cleared off the line by Levante defender Alexis.
In the 74th minute, Wang Feng returned with another attack. He forcefully broke through Levante''s right-back Manolo on the right nk and passed it into the penalty area. Inside the penalty area, the inserted Mesia stabbed the ball past Caballero''s outstretched hand.
1-1! Real Madrid finally leveled the score!
In the 82nd minute, Wang Feng attacked through the middle again. He passed the ball to Reyes on the right side, quickly entered the penalty area, and Reyes'' chip pass coincidentally reached him.
Wang Feng lifted his right foot and used the instep to hit the falling ball, creating a perfect small arc in the penalty area. It wasn''t too high or too low, just enough to pass over goalkeeper Caballero''s head from under the crossbar and into the.
Real Madrid reversed the score! With Wang Feng''s assist and goal, they ultimately came out victorious.
In the second round of matches, Barcelona finally found their form against Osasuna. They defeated their opponents 3-0, with young talent Messi scoring once again, while Ronaldinho still failed to shine.
With two rounds yed, only three teams, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, have won all their matches. Real Madrid leads the standings with a superior goal difference, while Wang Feng, who scored four goals, sits atop the league''s top scorers'' list.
Chapter 300: Bad line of defense
Chapter 300: Bad line of defense
On September 14th, in the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Real Madrid visited the Gend Stadium to challenge the French Ligue 1 champions, Lyon. Since winning their first league title in 2002, Lyon has continuously defended their title for five consecutive seasons, and it seems they are poised to continue dominating the domestic league.
However, the Champions League has always been a sore spot for the French side. Despite their dominance in Ligue 1, their greatest aspiration is to lift the European Champions Trophy. Unfortunately, in recent years, their best achievement has only been reaching the quarter-finals.
Both sides attached great importance to this match, fielding their strongest lineups. Shortly after the start of the first half, Wang Feng received a lofted pass from Reyes inside the penalty area and promptly volleyed with his right foot to open the scoring for Real Madrid.
Then, in the 25th minute, Emerson broke through on the wing and crossed, with Wang Feng nodding the ball to the front post where Ral slotted it home from 8 meters out, helping Real Madrid extend their lead.
Initially, it seemed like an easy victory for Real Madrid, but Lyon suddenly surged at home, breaking through Real Madrid''s weak defense directly. Just before halftime, Tiago pulled one back for Lyon. At the start of the second half, Fred initiated another attack, bursting into the penalty area, outpacing Carlos, and beating Casis, equalizing the score!
To make matters worse, Carlos also injured his ankle, forcing Schuster to rece him with Salgado. Lyon continued to pressure Real Madrid''s defense relentlessly, with even Wang Feng having to retreat to defend.
In the 67th minute, their efforts paid off again. Forwards Malouda and Fred tore open Real Madrid''s defense with consecutive passes in front of the penalty area, with Malouda delivering the fatal blow, making it 2-3! Real Madrid was now trailing!
The furious German coach continually directed the defense from the sidelines and made sessive substitutions to try to stabilize the situation, but the yers on the field remained unsettled.
At a crucial moment, Wang Feng stepped up once again. In the 85th minute, during another breakthrough on the right nk, Wang Feng was brought down by Lyon defender Essien, earning Real Madrid a free kick in the right rib area of the penalty area.
The home defense trembled in fear. This position was suitable for a direct shot, and it was well known that Wang Feng always treated a free kick in the attacking half as a penalty kick, with an impressive conversion rate.
Some evenpiled all of Wang Feng''s attacking free kick data and found that once the team was behind, the Chinese superstar''s uracy would further increase.
It was a mystical phenomenon, but Lyon had to be cautious. They constantly changed the formation of the defensive wall, and the home fans in the stands booed, attempting to disturb Wang Feng''s free kick.
When the ball flew from Wang Feng''s foot and sessfully bypassed the carefully arranged wall, Lyon goalkeeper Coupet despairingly realized that he had no chance to save it because the ball made a significant curve in the air!
The delightful sound of the referee''s whistle signaled a valid goal, and Wang Feng immediately rushed into the, grabbing the ball and running towards the center line before the Lyon yers could react.
Unfortunately, time was running out, and the main referee ended this roller-coaster group stage match in an instant.
3-3! Real Madrid only managed to salvage a draw.
After the match against Lyon, the Gcticos hurried back to the Bernabu to face Real Sociedad in the third round of La Liga.
Real Sociedad is a football club located in the Basque region of Spain and is one of the founding teams of La Liga.
Initially named Sociedad Club, the club was bestowed the title "Royal" by King Alfonso XIII of Spain to promote football development in the region.
Nowadays, many Spanish teams also bear the title "Royal" due to this historical connection, including Real Madrid.
Real Sociedad won the league title twice in the 1980s, their peak period, but soon declined, and their current strength is far from what it used to be, having suffered two consecutive defeats in the league.
Once again, coach Schuster used a rotated lineup to face the opponents, but the match unfolded simrly to the second round, with Real Madrid trailing 0-2 at halftime, as Real Sociedad''s forwards Kovacevic and Skoubo each scored for the away team.
The home fans in the stands couldn''t believe it. Was this the same team that had convincingly defeated Virreal in the first round? "We want Wang Feng! Bring on Wang Feng!" The restless fans vented their frustrations.
Schuster readilyplied, substituting Wang Feng and Ral, two attacking stalwarts, at the beginning of the second half, instantly reversing the situation on the field.
In the 51st minute, Wang Feng broke through on the right, using his dribbling skills to bypass two defenders and cut inside the penalty area, then shooting into the far corner from a tight angle, finding the back of the.
Just 6 minutester, Wang Feng attempted another breakthrough, this time on the left nk. He forced his way to the byline and delivered a back-heeled pass to the edge of the penalty area, where Ral slotted it home to equalize for Real Madrid!
The fans, who had been frustrated for most of the match, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. They chanted the names of Wang Feng and Ral, hoping they could continue their momentum.
Wang Feng didn''t disappoint them. In the 74th minute, he initiated another attack through the middle, receiving a pass from Mesia 30 meters from the goal, not directly controlling the ball but letting it pass under his foot.
Immediately, he turned around, using his physicality to fend off Real Sociedad defender Diego Rivas, chasing the ball to the edge of the penalty area.
At this moment, another defender, Herrado, came to press, attempting to disrupt the ball, but Wang Feng flicked it in front of him, rendering his tackle useless.
Evading Herrado, Wang Feng unleashed a powerful left-footed shot, sending the ball soaring towards the goal. Real Sociedad goalkeeper Bravo leaped to save, but the ball hit the front part of his gloves, yet the momentum remained, deflecting into the!
3-2! Real Madrid reversed the score!
The Bernabu stadium turned into a sea of celebration. The home fans, who had considered leaving early, decided to stay, feeling grateful in their hearts. Wang Feng was truly a trustworthy yer!
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, experienced a mental copse. After leading for so long, the situation suddenly copsed. Thus, they abandoned their defensive approach, pressing forward with all their might, attempting to snatch points at the Bernabu.
Wang Feng relished these moments. In the final minutes of the game, Real Madrid seized another counter-attacking opportunity, with Salgado intercepting the ball and passing it to Wang Feng, who sprinted through the center line.
Ral and Guti also joined the attack, forming a three-on-three in the frontcourt. Wang Feng delivered a precise cross-field pass to Guti on the other side, who immediately sent a through ball to Ral.
The Spanish forward struck decisively, helping Real Madrid extend their lead andpleting his brace!
In the end, the Gcticos won 4-2 at home, defeating Real Sociedad.
After the match, a journalist asked about Real Madrid conceding five goals in two games. Coach Schuster acknowledged the team''s poor defense.
"The season has just begun, and Carlos has been absent due to injury, while our midfield and defenseck depth."
"This issue will be addressed by the club in the winter transfer window," Schuster added. "We have the best attackers in the world, and I firmly believe that Wang Feng can help the team through this difficult period."
Chapter 301: Can鈥檛 you cheer up ?
Chapter 301: Can''t you cheer up ?
In two matches, one draw and one win, although the results were not bad, Real Madrid''s performance was clearly unsatisfactory.
Marca believes that Wang Feng''s joining has greatly improved Real Madrid''s attacking ability. "In three league matches and one Champions League match, he has contributed 8 goals and 3 assists, maintaining his status as the world''s best."
"The problem for Real Madrid lies in their defense. Cannavaro, who was newly introduced in the summer, did not y a strong defensive role, and Carlos is troubled by injuries."
"More importantly, Real Madrid''s bench depth ispletely insufficient. As Schuster said, they need to quickly identify candidates and seize the opportunity of the winter transfer window to maintain theirpetitiveness in both the Champions League and the league."
Real Madrid legend Pachn expressed in an interview that pursuing attacking football is understandable for the club, as fans love to watch exciting matches, but there must be a bnce between offense and defense.
The defender from the 1960s was very dissatisfied with Real Madrid''s current defense: "Cannavaro as the defensive core? He can''t do it! As he ages, his speed and reaction clearly decline, and he is inadequate against the attacks of younger yers."
"Carlos is also not good enough. He is getting older, and Real Madrid needs to develop young and energetic defenders."
Real Madrid''s performance left people with mixed feelings, and Barcelona is no exception. In the first round of the Champions League group stage against Levski Sofia, Ronaldinho finally opened his ount, scoring a goal to help the team win 3-0.
But returning to the third round of the league against Santander, they were forced into a 2-2 draw. Ronaldinho was invisible, and Messi twisted his leg in a challenge, needing at least a week off.
Coach Rijkaard was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, having a bad feeling that they might lose to Wang Feng again this year!
So the day after the match, the Dutchman specially invited Ronaldinho to the Barcelona training base, preparing to have a good talk with him.
The two chose to talk in the coach''s office, with Ronaldinho looking tired and saying, "Boss, if you have something to say, please say it today."
As he spoke, he yawned several times. He had been out ying with many girlsst night and had exhausted himself. Now he just wanted to get a good sleep.
Rijkaard looked annoyed and said, "Can''t you be more energetic? Look at what you''re saying!"
"Don''t you want to defeat Wang Feng anymore?"
Ronaldinho was taken aback by his words, then said indifferently, "He ys his game, and I y mine. Whypare? I''m tired of it!"
In Ronaldinho''s mind, he had already achieved great sess, winning league titles, World Cup titles, and the Ballon d''Or. Why bother trying so hard?
Even if he didn''t win the Champions League, so what? Let Wang Feng be the world''s number one, as there were Maradona, Pel, Beckenbauer in the past, and Ronaldo in the present. They were all hard to surpass.
Now it was Rijkaard''s turn to be dumbfounded. Just a while ago, wasn''t Ronaldinho having a back-and-forth battle with Wang Feng? Howe he suddenly lost his fighting spirit? He thought Ronaldinho was just ying around, but he didn''t expect the Brazilian''s attitude to be so unbearable.
Despite Rijkaard''s attempts to persuade and encourage him, and even resorting to threats, Ronaldinho remained unmoved. "If you continue to indulge like this, I''ll bench you!" The Dutchman was truly angry.
Ronaldinho shrugged. "The club''s higher-ups won''t allow you to do that, Frank. Why are you so angry? You''ve already led the team to two league titles. Isn''t that enough?"
"Just get out of here!"
And so the two parted ways, with Rijkaard alone in his office, angry, while Ronaldinho prepared to go back to sleep. As he passed the training room, he heard somemotion inside.
Wasn''t it supposed to be a day off? Why were there still yers training so diligently at Barcelona? Ronaldinho was curious and walked in, only to see Messi undergoing recovery training, with the team doctor nervously looking after the Argentine youngster.
Ronaldinho couldn''t help but feel angry. He had just been injured, how could he start training immediately? His heart truly cared for his South Americanpatriot and acknowledged Messi''s talent.
"What''s wrong with you? Why don''t you recuperate properly and still push yourself to train like this?" Messi was also surprised to see Ronaldinho, as he usually wouldn''te to the club on his days off.
"I feel fine, it''s the doctor who''s being too nervous and making me rest for a week. God, not being able to y for a week is torture. I need to recover quickly. I never want to experiencest season''s injury again."
Last season, Messi tore his right quadriceps muscle in the Champions League round of 16, leading to him being out for the rest of the season and missing the exciting showdown with Inter Mn.
Sitting in the stands of the Parc des Princes, Messi witnessed Wang Feng''s stunning performance, and while he was deeply impressed, he also harbored deep doubts. Even if he hadn''t been injured, could he really defeat Wang Feng?
Hecked confidence! Knowing that Wang Feng had transferred to Real Madrid in La Liga, Messi realized that one day he would have to face this giant himself. So he dared not rest for a moment, only continuous training and improvement could make him feel a little relieved.
Ronaldinho looked at the 19-year-old with aplex expression. When had he wanted to chase after Wang Feng like this, wanting to defeat him, even if only once, but what he got was countless failures.
Ronaldinho wanted to persuade Messi to give up the fight with Wang Feng, but also hoped that this Argentine youngster could aplish what he himself had not achieved. Maybe it was really possible, after all, Wang Feng was "already" 23 years old, while Messi was four years younger.
So the Brazilian patted Messi on the shoulder. "Come on, youngster, we''re all rooting for you!" With that, he turned and left, perhaps fighting for one more season wasn''t such a bad idea.
In the fourth round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Real Betis away. This team was initially formed by a group of young Sevi football enthusiasts and officially obtained the royal title in 1915.
Apart from a distant league title in ancient times, Real Betis has always hovered around the relegation zone in La Liga, not due to ack of ambition from the club''s management, but rather due to unfortunate circumstances.
In 1998, the club brought in Brazilian international Denlson for a world-record transfer fee, but unfortunately, he turned out to be a "flop", not only failing to bring results but also causing the club to face financial crisis.
This season, their performance stillckedpetitiveness, and Schuster used a rotated lineup, but unlike usual, he ced Wang Feng in the starting lineup.
Just five minutes into the game, the Chinese superstar used a long shot from outside the penalty area to open the scoring for the away team, and then continued to create threats one after another, forcing the home team to focus on defense and to some extent,pensating for the weakness of the defense.
Bravo and Garca further extended the lead for the Gcticos, and Wang Feng, having achieved his objectives, was substituted in the 65th minute. In the 79th minute, Real Betis finally pulled one back through forward Edu.
3-1! Real Madrid secured a valuable three points away!
Chapter 302: Bad luck
Chapter 302: Bad luck
In the second round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Dynamo Kyiv at the Bernabu. This is the strongest hegemon of the Ukrainian Premier League, where three Ballon d''Or winners, Blokhin, Bnov, and Shevchenko, have emerged.
Just 5 minutes into the game, Ramos, the defensive mainstay of the Gcticos, was injured by Dynamo Kyiv''s forward Mykhaylychenko. Hey on the ground in pain, clutching his ankle, while the perpetrator received only a yellow card.
The 20-year-old prodigy, who only transferred from Sevi to Real Madrid in 2005, quickly became a key yer in the defense. Besides his outstanding abilities, the shortage of Real Madrid''s defensive yers was also a contributing factor.
Schuster looked worriedly at the team doctor, Edenson, as Ramos was carried off the field. After a moment, Edenson shook his head at Schuster from a distance, signaling the need for a substitution.
The German''s heart sank continuously. With Carlos still recovering, now Ramos was also injured and had to leave the field. What should Real Madrid do about their defense? Time waits for no one, so he had no choice but to send Bravo to rece Ramos.
With two key defenders missing, Real Madrid faced some difficulties against Dynamo Kyiv''s attacks. The double midfieldposed of Clber and Belkevich frequently confronted the midfielders, preventing them from passing the ball to Wang Feng and Ral in the front.
So the two had to retreat further to support, especially Wang Feng, who came to his own half to defend and wait for opportunities. Time proved his efforts worthy. In the 17th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the left, turned to shake off Dynamo''s central defender, Yusuf, and dribbled past the center line.
Reyes quickly inserted on the right, so Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass with his left foot, drawing a crescent moon in the center of the field, avoiding Clber and Belkevich one after another, and directly reaching the feet of the Spanish attacking midfielder.
From the stands, this pass seemed to be given to Reyes two secondster, and the perfect timing of the pass made the fans couldn''t help but apud and cheer for this attack.
Reyes stretched out his right leg to control the ball. His ball control skills were also excellent. The high-speed ball passed through the inside of his foot, lightly stopping at his side, then he poked it forward with his toe to elerate past Yusuf towards the bottom.
Approaching the baseline, the Spanish attacking midfielder sessfully created space, so he sent a triangr pass, and Ral, who was inserted in the middle, was closely marked by another Dynamo defender, Sabolchych. At this moment, shooting would definitelyck power.
So without even looking, he directly passed the ball to the left, causing sighs of regret from the stands, as everyone thought Ral''s shot was disrupted.
"Ral''s shot! No, it''s a pass! Ral passed the ball to the left, and Wang Feng arrives! Oh my God, his speed is just too fast!"
"He shoots with his left foot, and it''s in! Goooooooooooooal! Wang Feng opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"When the team was gradually in trouble, Wang Feng, Reyes, and Ral contributed to a wonderful attackingbination, sessfully changing the score. Now they lead 1-0!"
"Let''s take another look at this goal. Wang Feng, as the first organizer, his range of activity is too wide. Starting from the backcourt, his pass to Reyes is simply amazing. We can even see shades of Beckham and Zidane."
"Of course, Reyes'' control is also crucial, with one touch and one poke at the perfect timing, Yusuf couldn''t stop his cross."
"The most beautiful part is Ral''s handling of this ball. Under unfavorable conditions, he chooses to blind pass to the left. You know, Ral and Wang Feng have been teammates for less than a month, yet they can form such understanding."
This goal boosted the morale of the entire team, but the fatal problem of the defense line could not be avoided. Before halftime, thebination of Belkevich and Shatskikh tore open Real Madrid''s defense line, with Shatskikh delivering the final blow, and Casis failed to save the team, allowing the Ukrainian powerhouse to equalize the score.
As the second half began, within five minutes, Dynamo Kyiv sessfully reversed the score. This time, Mykhaylychenko faced Bravo, deceiving him with a feint before shooting, once again piercing through Casis''s ten fingers.
In crucial moments, Real Madrid always relied on Wang Feng. As the game approached its end, Wang Feng retreated to receive the ball and passed it to Reyes on the wing, then immediately turned and rushed forward.
Reyes understood immediately and sent a long pass over the top, attempting to pierce through Dynamo Kyiv''s defense line directly to Wang Feng.
Wang Feng, under the challenge of defender Hublianchich, skillfully stopped the ball at his feet, then suddenly stopped, using a change of pace to catch the opponent off guard, and took a sudden long shot from 25 meters out.
The ball bounced several times on the grass before reaching goalkeeper Shovkovskyi, still with plenty of power. The Ukrainian judged the situation wrong, and although he managed to block the ball, he let it bounce into the.
Relying on Wang Feng''s brace, Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Dynamo Kyiv.
After two rounds of Champions League group stage matches, Real Madrid garnered two draws and only ranked third in the group. Lyon and Dynamo Kyiv both had one win and one draw, while Bucharest Stars lost both matches and rankedst.
No one expected the once-mighty Gcticos to suffer consecutive setbacks in the Champions League. For Wang Feng, this was also the first time in his many years of Champions League experience to encounter such an unfavorable start.
But injuries were unreasonable. Two days after the match, during training, Emerson identally pulled a thigh muscle. Although not very serious, he still needed to miss the next month''s games.
Schuster was going crazy. He almost pulled out his hair. Real Madrid had been very unfortunate during this period. The yers on his hands were originally not very abundant, and now they encountered injuries one after another. It was simply too frustrating!
In the fifth round of La Liga in the first week of October, Real Madrid hosted Atletico Madrid at home. This city derby attracted a lot of attention, not only because of the ties between the two teams but also because Atletico''s lineup looked very promising, making both sides evenly matched.
During an interview before the match, the team''s coach, Aguirre, stated that Atletico Madrid''s goal for this season was a spot in the Champions League: "We have experienced the downturn ofst season, and both the yers and the club have had enough!"
"This season, the team sessfully retained Torres, and brought in Aguero, the scoring king, and Mista, the striker from Valencia. Now we fear no opponent."
"Injuries guing Real Madrid? Sorry, I won''t show any mercy because of that."
Chapter 303: Crazy show
Chapter 303: Crazy show
The sh at home against Atltico Madrid is a serious test for Real Madrid. They do not want to lose to their city rivals at the Bernabu, but the iplete lineup of the Gcticos has made the situation somewhat worse.
Hagire and his yers will not give up this opportunity for a head-on collision, even if it seems a bit "unsportsmanlike."
Atltico Madrid lined up their strongest 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Franco.
Defenders Pe?a, Lpez, Pablo, and Bare.
Midfielders Petrov, Costinia, Lucin, and Maxi.
The forwards are Aguero and Torres.
The young and energetic forwardbination naturally raises high expectations, and the double pivot formed by Costinia and Lucin will forge a solid barrier in the defense.
Hagire has never faced Wang Feng head-on, but he believes that one yer cannot change the overall situation. The Chinese star is definitely not as unstoppable as the outside world portrays him to be!
As the game begins, the situation unfolds just as Hagire predicted. Atlticounches a fierce attack amidst the resounding boos at the Bernabu and scores in the 17th minute.
Torres receives a through ball from Petrov, turns at the edge of the box, and shoots to break Real Madrid''s defense.
This young forward from Atltico''s youth academy has gradually grown into the team''s leader. He helped the club return from Segunda Divisin to La Liga and became the youngest captain.
The away team''s onught is far from over. In the 33rd minute, midfielder Costinia intercepts and sends a precise long pass. Aguero quickly rushes into the box, controls the ball ahead of the goalkeeper, and scores.
0-2! Atltico leads Real Madrid by two goals at the Bernabu!
The excited Argentine forward dances in front of the crowd. After all, facing the Gcticos at just 18 years old is no small feat!
Aguero, touted as the heir to Romrio, is a strong candidate for this year''s European Golden Boy award. His speed, strength, and agility are admired by Wang Feng, but he seems a bit too arrogant!
The strong desire to win of the Chinese superstar is ignited, and he ys even more actively and aggressively.
In the 41st minute, Real Madridunches an attack. Ral dribbles near the box and passes to Wang Feng on the right.
With Atltico heavily defending the box, Wang Feng finds it difficult to pass to his teammates, so he decides to try an attack himself.
He uses a feint to deceive Pe?a, then movesterally in the box, evading the pressing Lpez, Pablo, and Bare with speed and rhythm.
After moving to the left, Wang Feng shoots directly towards the near post. Although the goalkeeper Franco adjusts his position, he is caught off guard by the sudden shot.
"Goooooooooooal! The ball is in! Wang Feng scores one for Real Madrid!"
"A brilliant goal! Wang Feng dribblesterally, his feinting and shooting confound the entire Atltico defense!"
"Because they are in the box, these defenders dare not make big moves and can only use their legs to interfere, so they are easily evaded by Wang Feng''s agile movements."
"The strength of the superstar is indeed formidable. Will the Gcticos sound the horn of counterattack under his leadership?"
In the second half, Wang Feng''s activity puts significant pressure on Atltico''s defense. In the 52nd minute, he again initiates an attack from the left.
He dribbles past Bare, then enters the box diagonally. Faced with Pablo in front of him, he suddenly stops the ball with his left foot, appearing to flick it to the left.
Pablo can only choose to dive to block, but when Wang Feng''s left toe touches the ball, he applies force to the right, quickly catching up to the ball and shooting.
A seamless action and a high-quality shot, any goalkeeper would likely be powerless.
2-2! Real Madrid finally equalizes against Atltico!
Amidst deafening cheers, a disheartened Pablo lies on the grass. Once again, his dizzying dribbling and realistic feints deceive him!
Seven minutester, Wang Feng enters Atltico''s box again. After once again tricking Pablo, the Spanish defender tackles him from behind.
The referee''s whistle blows immediately, red card + penalty!
The sharp studs scrape Wang Feng''s ankle, causing Shuster''s eyes to twitch nervously. If Wang Feng were also injured, Real Madrid would be in trouble!
Fortunately, after simple treatment, the bleeding stops, and Wang Feng steps on the grass to indicate he''s okay.
So, Wang Feng personally takes the penalty. He cleverly scores with a chip shot, breaking Atltico Madrid''s goal for the third time.
After that, the away team, down to ten men, gradually falls behind, and Real Madrid''s defense can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
As the game nears its end, Wang Fengunches a long-range shot from thirty meters in front of the box. The goalkeeper Franco, who has conceded three goals in a row, seems a bit lost and lets the ball slip into the!
Even Wang Feng didn''t expect this shot to go in. He scores four goals, achieving his first hat-trick since joining Real Madrid!
After this, Atltico bes even less motivated to fight back. The main referee quickly blows the whistle, and Real Madrid wins 4-2!
At the moment the game ends, Atltico coach Hagire is very frustrated. He doesn''t understand how the favorable situation could be overturned. Could Wang Feng''s role really be so significant?
The Mexican ponders this question deeply, not even noticing Shuster approaching to shake hands. Fortunately, he quicklyes to his senses and congrattes Real Madrid on their victory.
On the field, Wang Feng finds the somewhat dejected Aguero: "Sergio, you yed really well. Let''s exchange jerseys."
The Argentine youngster looks excitedly at Wang Feng: "Can I really?" Today''s young forwards have basically grown up listening to Wang Feng''s stories.
They admire the Chinese superstar and hope to catch up with him, much like Maradona, Pel, and Ronaldo back in the day.
Aguero is no exception, so the two happily exchange jerseys. Unlike their energetic and passionate performance on the field, they seem a bit shy off the field.
At the post-match press conference, coach Shuster and Wang Feng attend together. As the focus of media attention forpleting a hat-trick in his debut for Real Madrid, Wang Feng naturally attracts attention.
"I''m d to have achieved this honor with Real Madrid so quickly, but honestly, I don''t feel anything special," Wang Feng says yfully. "After all, such performances are not unusual for me, but it would be strange not to score goals."
As soon as he finishes speaking, there is a burst ofughter from the audience. Indeed, if Wang Feng had gone several rounds without scoring, these people would surely have reported it extensively and analyzed the reasons.
The reporter then asks Shuster how he evaluates Wang Feng''s outstanding performance. The German proudly says, "Being able to coach Wang Feng is the luckiest thing in my career. He can simplifyplicated situations. As long as I trust him, he can repay me to the fullest extent."
Chapter 304: Best of the month
Chapter 304: Best of the month
After the match, Wang Feng was undisputedly elected as the best yer of the game, and major European media outlets praised him with top ratings.
The Spanish newspaper "El Pas" believed that Wang Feng saved Real Madrid from the humiliation by their city rivals, saying, "When Real Madrid was two goals behind, the Bernabu Stadium was in chaos. I believe many Real Madrid fans couldn''t bear to watch anymore."
"This match was too harsh for the Gxy Battleship, which was short on soldiers, but their captain did not give up hope. With his four brilliant goals, he told his teammates and the fans, ''Believe in me, I am the miracle!''"
The article also emphasized the analysis of Wang Feng''s first goal, histeral dribble past four opponents, his control of the ball at his feet, and the rhythm changes in his body, his deceptive shooting motion, all of which were key to executing this perfect attack.
The "AS" newspaper simrly praised Wang Feng''s performance, attributing Real Madrid''s five consecutive victories and 11 goals scored to him.
"He is like a terrifying goal-scoring machine. There has never been a yer in the history of La Liga who has scored more than 10 goals in the first five rounds of matches."
"If nothing unexpected happens, the Chinese superstar definitely has a chance to challenge the single-season record of 38 goals. During his time at Inter Mn, he once set a terrifying record of 50 league goals."
After five rounds of matches, La Liga ushered in two weeks of national team matches. The awards for September''s league matches were also announced on the official website. Wang Feng sessfully made it into the Best XI and was awarded the yer of the Month.
In the first four matches of the month, he contributed 7 goals and 2 assists, helping the Gxy Battleship achieve four consecutive victories. No one was more suitable for the title of yer of the Month than him.
Thus, he created another historical record, bing the first yer to win the yer of the Month in his first month in La Liga. It''s worth noting that legendary yers like Ronaldo never achieved this feat.
Simr to the Serie A yer of the Month, La Liga''s yer of the Month also has amemorative trophy, which will be presented to Wang Feng before the next round of matches.
More importantly, Wang Feng will receive a considerable amount of prize money for this, so he once again invited all his teammates to dinner to thank them for their strong support.
In addition, severalrades in the infirmary did not miss out. Wang Feng carefully prepared small gifts for them, including a newly released NDSL from Nintendo this summer and several first-release games.
"Oh, buddy, you really understand me!" Ramos said. "The hospital room is too boring. If it weren''t for the doctors stopping me, I would have wanted to bring all my game consoles from home. With this, I can pass the time even better."
Although Ramos likes ying video games, he ispletely different from Genk''s Bess. He is not a pure otaku. In his spare time, he likes to dress up, socialize, and make friends very extensively.
yers who participated in the national team matches gradually returned to the team. On October 15th, La Liga kicked off again. In the sixth round, Real Madrid challenged Getafe away.
In order to prepare for the crucial UEFA Champions League group stage match midweek, Schuster made extensive rotations, and even Wang Feng, who did not return to his country, was not exempt. He hoped to avoid injuries as much as possible.
For this reason, the German also specially selected several yers from the youth team to supplement the lineup.
Getafe, like Atletico Madrid, is also a team located in Madrid. Their home stadium, the Alfonso Perez Stadium, is located in the southern suburbs of Madrid.
Compared to other ancient teams with a history of hundreds of years, Getafe is very young. They were officially established in 1976, known as the Getafe Madrid Association at the time, and renamed Getafe Football Club seven yearster.
Last season, as a promoted team, Getafe once topped the standings, earning the title of "dark horse." However, as the league progressed, the shorings of insufficient squad depth became apparent. They eventually ranked ninth in the league, which was still a decent result.
However, a series of changes in the summer severely weakened the team. First, head coach Schuster was poached by Real Madrid, then defender Pe?a was bought by Atletico Madrid, midfielder Gavn transferred to Valencia, and forward Riki went to Sevi.
Facing such an iplete lineup, Real Madrid still yed very hard with a rotated lineup. When the game reached the 23rd minute, Getafe forward Manu dribbled the ball inside on the nk and then shot a cross.
Central defender Najo headed the ball into the from the front of the goal, opening the scoring for the home team. The Real Madrid defense made a marking mistake, allowing him to easily score with a header.
Although Real Madrid pulled one back through Javier Garcia in the 67th minute of the second half, in the final moments of the game, Serbian forward Ponjevic seized another opportunity to help Getafe score their second goal.
1-2! Real Madrid lost the game away, their winning streak was terminated, and it was the biggest upset of this round, while Getafe secured their first league victory.
Wang Feng sat on the bench watching the team lose, feeling a bit ufortable. He understood Schuster''s worries. The German was frightened by consecutive injuries and would rather give up this game than risk using the main yers, especially after their national team matches.
However, he still felt that he should be sent on the field in the second half, which might have turned the tide. With Getafe''s defensive strength, it would have been rtively easy to score goals.
After this game, Real Madrid continued to top the standings with 5 wins and 1 loss, umting 15 points. They were followed by Barcelona with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 14 points, and Sevi with 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, and 11 points.
On October 18th, Real Madrid faced a crucial battle on the European stage, challenging Bucharest Stars away. The Gxy Battleship had to win all three points to have a chance to advance from the group stage.
Bucharest Stars was also a team not to be underestimated. They had even won the UEFA Champions League before, bing the first Eastern European team to stand at the top of Europe.
The match was held at the National Stadium in Romania. Real Madrid spared no effort from the beginning. In less than 10 minutes, Wang Feng attempted to break through on the wing, causing the defender to foul him.
He took the free kick himself, and the ball floated into the penalty area as if it had eyes, finding the towering Guti, who scored with a lion-like header.
Leading the game, the Gxy Battleship continued their attacking endeavors. In the 21st minute, Guti passed the ball to the wing. Reyes, who received the ball, quickly advanced and sent a diagonal pass.
Wang Feng, facing the ball in the penalty area, kicked a furious shot, the angle was extremely tricky, brushing the inside of the post and entering the, 2-0!
Before the end of the first half, Ral once again contributed to Real Madrid. He received a through pass from Diarra, broke through alone, and the Spanish forward naturally didn''t miss this opportunity, helping the team further expand their lead.
Leading by three goals finally eased the tension for everyone, but coach Schuster still didn''t dare to be careless. He didn''t rush to make personnel adjustments.
In the 67th minute of the second half, Reyes dribbled inside from the wing, and just when the attention of the Bucharest Stars'' defenders was drawn to Wang Feng and Ral receiving inside the penalty area, he suddenly took a shot from a narrow angle.
The unexpected shot indeed caught the goalkeeper off guard, and the ball went into the from the near post, securing the victory for Real Madrid!
In the final moments of the game, the home team pulled one back, and the final score settled at 4-1, with the Gxy Battleship securing their first Champions League victory.
Chapter 305: Battle of focus
Chapter 305: Battle of focus
Riding the momentum of a big victory, Real Madrid returns to the Bernab??u for the uing showdown, the 7th round of La Liga against Barcelona, the Spanish national derby!
On November 20thst year, all Real Madrid fans still vividly remember that evening when the Gxy Battleship suffered a humiliating 0-3 defeat at the Bernab??u.
This year, they have the addition of Wang Feng, the world-renowned superstar who once single-handedly brought down Barcelona, so the fans are eagerly hoping that Real Madrid can redeem themselves at home.
However, everyone can see the plight of Real Madrid''s defense line. Coach Schuster, in a pre-match interview, was cautious in his words, only praising Barcelona''s performance.
"They have shown outstanding performances both in the league and in the Champions League, especially Messi, the winner of the Golden Boy Award, who has fully demonstrated his potential this season. I believe he will definitely grow into a superstar."
"Barcelona''s coach Rijkaard is also very impressive. Under his leadership, the club has won the league title twice and reached the Champions League final. We haven''t had good results against him in the past two years."
When asked about the recent downturn of Ronaldinho, Schuster said, "He is still a top-ss yer in the world. As long as he is willing, he can always perform at his best on the field, and no opponent can afford to becent."
"Moreover, Barcelona is not just about Ronaldinho as an attacking yer. Eto''o and Messi are also very threatening. Overall, Barcelona''s strength remains formidable." The German coach then added, "But we will strive for victory with all our might!"
Wang Feng also gave an interview, saying, "Barcelona is a very outstanding team. Their excellent possession and attacking abilities have left a deep impression on me."
When asked about the topic of being a ''Bar?a killer,'' Wang Feng smiled and said, "I don''t think one match can determine that. Besides, the effort of just one yer cannot change anything. To win, it requires the collective effort of the whole team."
In contrast to Real Madrid''s cautiousness, Barcelona coach Rijkaard seemed much more rxed. Perhaps it was due to the effect of previous conversations, Ronaldinho, who was originallynguid, finally showed a bit of spirit. Although his form has not fully recovered, it is gradually moving in the right direction.
On the other hand, Messi''s growth has been astonishing! Last year, he only contributed 8 goals and 3 assists, but this year he has already equaled that record.
This 19-year-old prodigy is even gradually recing Giuly''s position in the team. It''s worth noting that Giuly is an established and excellent forward.
In the summer, Inter Mn even wanted to pay Messi''s ?150 million buyout use to bring him to the Meazza, to fill the gap left by Wang Feng''s departure. Fortunately, Laporta vetoed the proposal. Anyone can see that Messi is another cornerstone of a top club after Wang Feng.
Therefore, Rijkaard stated that the entire team is ready, and they will secure a victory at the Bernab??u, surpassing Real Madrid to regain the top spot in the league.
"Wang Feng is indeed very strong. From him firmly upying the top spot in the league''s top scorers list, it can be seen. Even after joining Real Madrid, he still maintains peakpetitive form. However, we won''t forget the pain he inflicted on Barcelona. This will be the team''s greatest motivation."
"Barcelona will not fear anyone. We are confident to face Wang Feng again and regain the lost glory!"
Recently, Messi, who has been highly praised by the media in the Catalonia region, also gave an interview. "To be honest, Wang is my idol and the target I chase. Although we are simr in age, when I just debuted for Barcelona, he was already fighting on the European stage."
"So his skills and achievements far exceed mine now, but I am confident that I will catch up with him. Missing the Champions League finalst season was a big regret for me, but now I finally have the opportunity to confront him face to face!"
Barcelona''s "Godfather" Cruyff praised Messi''s recent performance and his courage in facing Wang Feng in his column, "He will definitely grow into a giant supporting Barcelona."
At the same time, he also expressed that as long as Barcelona can limit Wang Feng''s performance, the current Real Madrid team is not a concern at all.
Facing the formidable Barcelona, Real Madrid is very cautious. Although they won a precious three points against Bucure?ti Stars in thest game, many key yers yed the full 90 minutes, inevitably leading to some fatigue.
For this reason, Schuster deliberately adjusted the training schedule, allocating some time for the yers to rx with light physical activities, while repeatedly emphasizing the need to avoid injuries during training.
However, Barcelona is also not taking it easy. Although they won big against Levski Sofia in the first round of the Champions League, they drew against Werder Bremen in the second round and suffered a 1-goal defeat to Chelsea in the third round after a 90-minute battle. It can be said that the fatigue level of the yers is simr to that of Real Madrid.
Therefore, in the pre-match tactical discussion, Schuster proposed a rapid counterattack tactic: "Barcelona''s possession is very strong, and we must not fall into their rhythm. Therefore, we need to actively increase the tempo, press high, and counterattack quickly."
"But wouldn''t this be too aggressive? Our yers'' physical fitness will also be an issue," Assistant Coach Deldi expressed concern.
"Barcelona''s physical reserves must be worse than ours, and with the current state of our defense line, once they y their rhythm, it''s easy to prate. By then, it will be troublesome!"
"So we must disrupt the opponent''s rhythm. At least we still have Wang Feng to rely on; his physical fitness and impact arepletely fine." Schuster continued, "Let''s call him overter and discuss the feasibility of this tactic together."
Usually, when the pre-match tactics are formted, the head coach does not involve the yers, but discusses with the coaching staff and think tank. After the general direction is determined, it will bemunicated and discussed with the yers.
This is the first time Wang Feng has participated in a Real Madrid pre-match tactical meeting. He has participated in many pre-match tactical discussions at Inter Mn, but that was only after receiving full trust from Mancini and bing an absolute core of the team. It''s unexpected that he would gain this privilege so quickly at Real Madrid.
In the meeting, Wang Feng highly approved Schuster''s proposed tactics and believed that it was worth trying tounch a high-pressure attack from the beginning of the match. "Our high-pressure strategy needs to be executed in one go. If we get stuck in a stalemate, the rhythm will naturally slow down."
Schuster agreed, feeling surprised by Wang Feng''s tactical insight. It seems that an outstanding yer can also develop excellent tactical literacy.
Chapter 306: Derby eve
Chapter 306: Derby eve
Barcelona has arrived! The day before the match, the entire Barcelona team flew to Madrid and checked into a local five-star hotel. When they arrived at the hotel entrance by bus, many Real Madrid fans had already gathered nearby.
If the rivalry between the Mnese giants is merely mutual hostility, then Real Madrid and Barcelona are sworn enemies. Whether at the club level or among fans, there is a constant desire to fiercely suppress each other.
For example, right now, these Real Madrid fans are holding various banners. Some say, "Wang Feng will defeat you again," while others are more malicious, disying photos ofst season''s Champions League final when Barcelona lost and Iniesta knelt on the ground in anguish.
In addition to the banners, the fans'' mouths are not idle, with various mocking words constantly emerging, especially targeting the error-prone Iniesta and Ronaldinho.
The Spanish youngster''s face turned pale. Memories ofst year''s despairing scene flooded his mind, leaving him feeling both embarrassed and angry. Fortunately, Puyolforted him: "Andres, don''t mind what these people say. As long as we defeat Real Madrid in this match, defeat Wang Feng, we can wipe away our shame."
Ronaldinho, on the other hand, had no particr reaction. He seemed to be in a trance, leaving some young yers secretly admiring him. He truly deserves to be the World Footballer, with such outstanding demeanor. Only some veteran yers understood that he was probably reminiscing about something unpleasant again.
Upon entering the hotel, the Barcelona coaching staff immediately organized a team meeting. Rijkaard passionately eximed, "Everyone, have you seen how the Real Madrid fans are mocking us?"
"They seem to have forgotten how we humiliated the so-called Gcticos at the Bernabeust year. So, we must remind them!"
"More importantly, we need revenge! Get ready,ds, Wang Feng is right in front of us. This time, we''ll show him that Barcelona is invincible!"
For a moment, the yers were filled with righteous indignation, all expressing their determination to defeat Real Madrid and defeat Wang Feng. The coaching staff nodded with satisfaction. They deliberately chose to arrive in Madrid during the daytime before the match to use these Real Madrid fans to mobilize the yers'' enthusiasm. Now it seems to have worked quite well.
The atmosphere at Real Madrid is not as serious as at Barcelona. The day before the match, the focus is on tactical drills and rxation training. Schuster does not n to hold extra practice sessions and announced an early dispersal. However, the club regtions require all yers to stay overnight at the training base.
In the evening, the yers wille to the rest area to spend a few hours. Several yers are ying video games, inviting Wang Feng to join them.
Wang Feng nced over and saw that they were ying FIFA. He quickly waved his hand. ying football in real life is enough, why bother ying games? It''s simply iprehensible.
But Ra??l pointed to the nearby table tennis table and said, "Wang, how about we y some table tennis? I heard it''s the most popr sport in your country."
Wang Feng nodded with a smile, "Maybe it used to be, but now football is the most popr."
Wang Feng''s table tennis skills were not very good, but fortunately, Ra??l was also mediocre. The two enjoyed ying, chatting as they yed. "Wang, how do you feel about being in Real Madrid for over a month?"
"Very happy. Honestly, I feel like I''ve been here for a long time. I''ve adapted without any problems. It''s really amazing."
Ra??l made a m shot, "Haha, Florentino said that you were born to y for Real Madrid. I think he''s right."
"To be honest, the atmosphere in the Real Madrid locker room wasn''t good before you came. Everyone thought they were stars and looked down on each other, especially when faced with difficulties, even I couldn''t avoid it."
"But I really admire you. You''ve done what we couldn''t do. Since joining for over a month, your performance has amazed everyone."
"You will get the same status in Real Madrid as you did at Inter Mn. So, lead the Gcticos to create a dynasty!" Ra??l said solemnly.
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised. This was not the first time Spanish yers had expressed their goodwill towards him. It seems that the constant promotion of the rivalry between him and Ra??l by Catn newspapers had indeed had some influence on him.
In this situation, Wang Feng maintained his usual modesty. After exchangingpliments, the two talked about tomorrow''s match. "Barcelona is obviously prepared. They have been constantly hyping up the revenge talk, seemingly to stir up the yers'' emotions."
Ra??l nodded, "This will undoubtedly be a tough battle, especially now with injuries rampant in the defense. But we must win. Many times, the oue of the national derby will directly affect the final attribution of the league championship."
Wang Feng agreed. After ying table tennis for a while, they switched to ying pool. Time passed quickly, and it was time for the club''s designated time for washing up and sleeping, so everyone dispersed and returned to their dormitories.
The next morning, as the yers gradually arrived at the dining hall for breakfast, Real Madrid President Florentino, apanied by several executives, was already waiting for them. Florentino warmly encouraged each yer, a traditional practice of Real Madrid before major matches.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn, the Spaniard hugged him, "Wang, you''ve been performing so excellently in the previous matches. The battle against Barcelona is crucial for us. Please do your best."
"I will give it my all. You can count on me!" Not only Florentino, but the first-team director Sandro and the team leader Amos alsomunicated with the yers, confirming everything from living conditions to dietary arrangements. It must be said that the club''s care for the yers is excellent.
ording to Abesai, this Spanish national derby not only attracted the attention of domestic fans in Spain but also was live broadcasted by over fifty global media outlets, with an estimated audience of around 1.2 billion, with Chinese fans being the most numerous.
With such a massive scale, it is only slightly lower in attentionpared to the Champions League final, and even surpasses the average Champions League semi-final. Thebination of the Gcticos, Dream Dynasty, and Wang Feng has brought unimaginable traffic.
In the city center of Madrid, fans wearing Real Madrid and Barcelona jerseys can be seen gathering in groups of three or five, loudly discussing match predictions. Many fully armed policemen patrol the streets to prevent riots and conflicts.
Match tickets were sold out long before the start of the league, and now they are even more scarce online. There are many messages seeking tickets at prices as high as ?3000, but few are willing to sell.
For fans who couldn''t buy tickets, bars are also a good choice. Withrge screens and bustling crowds, the atmosphere is not much different from being at the stadium. At times like this, ordering a beer and celebrating together when goals are scored is a great pleasure.
With great anticipation, the Spanish national derby is about to begin.
Chapter 307: Fastest goal
Chapter 307: Fastest goal
On the day of the match, as the two teams walked onto the field from the yer tunnel, the entire Santiago Bernabu erupted into deafening cheers. Real Madrid fans upied most of the seats in the stands, but there was still a small section left for the visitors from Barcelona.
Wang Feng silently surveyed the opposing half of the field. Hmm, they were all familiar faces: goalkeeper Valds, defenders Thuram, Puyol, Van Bronckhorst, and Mrquez, midfielders Xavi, Deco, and Iniesta, and forwards Eto''o, Messi, and Ronaldinho. Except for Messi, everyone else had crossed paths with Wang Feng before, so they were all very familiar with each other.
As the Spanish referee, Snchez, blew the whistle to start the match, Real Madrid kicked off.
"Good evening, everyone. Wee to Spanish Broadcasting Television. We are currently live broadcasting a key match of the seventh round of La Liga, with Real Madrid hosting Barcelona."
"We can see Real Madrid kicking off first. Now let me introduce the starting lineups for both sides. In goal for Barcelona, number 1, Valds."
"What? What just happened? A goal! Goooooooooooal! Wang Feng scores!"
"Oh my God, just seven seconds into the game, Real Madrid has breached Barcelona''s defense. Is this real? I can hardly believe it!"
"Let''s take a look at the rey. Wang Feng kicked off, passed to Ral, surged forward, received the ball back from Diarra in the back, Diarra passed to Guti."
"Guti sent a long ball directly into Barcelona''s penalty area, and Wang Feng had already rushed there! He''s so fast, the Barcelona defense had no time to react!"
"Valds rushed out to block, but Wang Feng chipped the ball over him with a volley. Real Madrid leads 1-0!"
"Too fast, this goal is too fast. Real Madrid scored this goal in just 7.53 seconds, breaking the record for the fastest goal in La Liga!"
After scoring this rapid goal, Wang Feng excitedly ran to the sidelines, leaping over the advertising boards to interact with the fans, causing waves of screams and cheers.
Soon, Guti, who had delivered the exquisite assist, came behind him, jumping onto Wang Feng''s back, shouting, "You really did it, this feels like a dream!"
In fact, they had specifically practiced this tactic before the match, as part of their aggressive start, although Coach Schuster thought its sess rate was low. But they achieved unexpected sess on their first attempt!
Wang Feng''s speed and Guti''s long pass were essential elements of this goal, so when their teammates arrived, they surrounded the two to congratte them. This goal would surely go down in La Liga history.
Meanwhile, the Barcelona yers looked bewildered, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment, as they had not yet grasped how they fell behind.
So, when the game resumed, it took them a long time to adjust their mindset. They futilely passed the ball around in the middle and backfield, while Real Madrid continued their pressing strategy. One goal was not a guarantee.
"Barcelona seems to still be immersed in conceding the first goal," said Tant Snchez, a guestmentator in the Spanish Broadcasting Television studio. He was a Barcelona legend and former team captain.
"They should reduce meaningless passes and prate into the opponent''s front court instead of being indecisive under Real Madrid''s pressure. Come on, warriors of Catalonia!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Real Madridunched another attack. This time, Reyes intercepted a pass from Xavi in midfield and then fed the ball to Wang Feng on the right.
Wang Feng controlled the ball at his feet, facing the pressure from Puyol, he used a feint to deceive the opponent before gently poking the ball through the legs of the Spanish defender, then chased after the ball towards the baseline.
"A beautiful feint to bypass Puyol''s defense!" eximed the TVmentator excitedly.
On the sidelines, Snchez added with frustration, "The feint was originally Ronaldinho''s signature move, but Wang Feng executed it so smoothly."
"Wang Feng is not just a yer who relies on speed and strength to y football, otherwise he wouldn''t often create brilliant solo ys, even dribbling past seven yers on the World Cup stage. He simply attacks with the simplest and most efficient methods."
"Let''s see how he organizes this time."
Wang Feng positioned himself near the baseline as if to cut diagonally into the penalty area, drawing the attention of Marcos at the near post, while he used his left foot to redirect the ball backward before Puyol arrived, sending in a cross.
The ball passed between Puyol and Marcos, straight to the edge of the small area where Ral was unmarked. He easily raised his foot to shoot.
But Barcelona goalkeeper Valds performed exceptionally well, managing to parry the close-range shot, although due to the ball''s force, he could only push it out instead of holding onto it.
The Barcelona defenders immediately chased after the ball, wanting to clear it out of danger, but there was someone faster than all of them, Real Madrid''s number 10, Wang Feng, who arrived before everyone else and slotted in the rebound into the empty!
"A goal! Goooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng''s follow-up shot in front of the goal, helping Real Madrid expand their lead. In less than thirty minutes of the game, they are already leading by two goals!"
"The Gcticos seized an unexpected opportunity. After Wang Feng broke through the defense on the wing and crossed, Ral had a great chance inside the penalty area, but he missed the goal."
"Just when everyone thought the home team''s attack was in vain, the Chinese superstar had already rushed into the penalty area to follow up. He was the first to reach the ball''snding point and easily slotted it into the empty!"
Snchez analyzed from the sidelines, "This goal was due to Barcelona''s defensive line having problems. We can see from the slow-motion rey that Wang Feng immediately entered the penalty area after the pass, but the defenders Puyol and Marcos just stared nkly as the ball reached Ral''s feet, without choosing to mark him."
"This is the difference between world-ss forwards and top defenders. Wang Feng is always moving into space, but top defenders only focus on whether they can defend against the opponent at that moment, without thinking about the next move."
"I hope this goal can wake up Barcelona. They have wasted too much time, and Real Madrid''s defense has not yet experienced any pressure so far, which is unbelievable."
After the goal, Wang Feng found Ral and hugged him, while the Spaniardmented, "How could I miss such an opportunity?" Wang Fengughed heartily, "If you don''t want to score, then of course, I''ll take the chance."
Two goals behind, Barcelona seemed to wake up from a dream. They intensified their attack. In the 34th minute of the first half, Xavi orchestrated an attack in the frontcourt, sending a through ball into Messi''s path inside the penalty area, but his shot was saved by Casis.
Before the end of the first half, Barcelona created another chance. Thuram intercepted at the back and passed to Deco, who then yed a series of passes with Xavi in midfield, advancing towards the Real Madrid half.
Reaching the 30-meter mark, Xavi lofted a pass into the penalty area, where Eto''o held off Salgado''s pressure, lifting his left foot to attempt a volley, but unfortunately, the ball went slightly over the crossbar.
Finally, the referee Snchez blew the whistle for the end of the first half, with Real Madrid leading 2-0.
Chapter 308: Flashes and disappears
Chapter 308: shes and disappears
"Unbelievable!" Leading by two goals as they entered the locker room, Ral couldn''t believe it. Was this really their old nemesis, the Barcelona side hailed as the Dream Team II?
Not just him, but also Casis and Guti, who had faced them multiple times before, felt bewildered. When did Barcelona be so weak?
"They haven''t be weaker; it''s just that our opening goal caught them off guard," calmly analyzed Wang Feng. "Their minds were in disarray, and coupled with Rijkaard''s failure to make timely adjustments, they ended up being suppressed by us."
"But after a period of halftime rest, they will surely recover. In the second half, we''ll face a real test." Everyone nodded at his words. The defensive issues of Real Madrid were palpable to every yer. If Barcelona regained theirposure, the situation would be very dangerous.
"Can weunch another aggressive attack like in the first half?" Guti asked. "Probably not. They''re definitely more alert now, and with Barcelona starting the second half with possession, pressing recklessly might create gaps and lead to defensive mistakes."
"Yes, Wang Feng''s reasoning is sound," said head coach Schuster as he walked in. "Our second-half tactics must be based on defense, focus on counterattacks, and preserve the lead."
"Barcelona will surely dominate possession in the second half, so we need to tighten our defense. A two-goal lead is not secure; only by defending well can we secure all three points."
Schuster paused for a moment, then continued, "Last season, we lost 0-3 to them here at the Bernabu, which ultimately led us further away from the league title. So, this season, let''s kick off our quest for the championship with a big win!"
The Real Madrid yers were filled with passion upon hearing this, all expressing their determination to defend and strike again when Barcelona least expected it.
As the second half began, the Barcelona yers indeed appeared moreposed. It seemed Rijkaard had provided them with some psychological guidance in the locker room, as their passing became less haphazard, and their attacks more prating and threatening.
After the kickoff, the away team created a threat, with Iniesta receiving a back pass and dribbling past the halfway line before sending a long ball to the advancing Eto''o. The Cameroonian striker, unable to turn with his back to goal,id the ball off to the supporting Messi.
Messi dribbled along the sideline, evading the pressing of Cannavaro and Salgado with his superb dribbling skills, keeping the ball under control.
Seizing the opportunity, the Argentine youngster sent in a cross to the penalty area, where Eto''o and Savi contested for the ball''snding point. Both yers almost simultaneously went for the ball, but Savi''s positioning for the header was superior, and the ball was cleared out of the penalty area.
Near the edge of the penalty area, Deco was unmarked! He lifted his right foot to volley the dropping ball, "thud!" The ball struck the post heavily and bounced out of y.
"Oh, what a pity!" sighed Snchez. "This was a brilliant attack from Barcelona. Messi used his skill to tear apart the Real Madrid defense, but unfortunately, the final shotcked a bit of luck."
"Barcelona should y like this. Messi had little chance to shine in the first half, but in the second half, he''s been absolutely stunning. He definitely has the potential to be a superstar!"
After that, Real Madrid faced wave after wave of attacks from the away team. Messi became more confident on the ball, consistently breaking through the Gxy Defense with his dribbling skills.
In the 67th minute, after receiving the ball from Xavi in the frontcourt, Messi quickly dribbled past Bravo and headed straight for the Real Madrid penalty area. Upon entering the box, he sidestepped Salgado and Cannavaro, then shot low past goalkeeper Casis before falling to the ground.
"Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Messi pulls one back for Barcelona with a solo goal!"
"This goal signals Barcelona''s counterattack. They haven''t given up!"
Watching his teammates dejected and the opponents celebrating wildly, Wang Feng felt helpless. Such shes of brilliance in scoring were really hard to defend against, especially when it came from a yer as talented as Messi.
He walked over to the disheartened Bravo and patted his shoulder. "Don''t worry, mate. We''re still leading, and I''ll help you mark Messiter."
Bravo smiled wryly and said, "His speed and dribbling skills are top-notch. It''s hard to believe he''s just a 19-year-old."
"Don''t worry, I''ve figured out a way to deal with him. I''ll help you defendter." Hearing Wang Feng''s words, Bravo felt somewhat reassured. After all, as talented as Messi was, he didn''t have the strength and experience of his teammate here, who had already won the Champions League with Inter Mn at the age of 19.
Messi was very excited. He hadn''t expected to stage such an incredible goal-scoring performance at the Bernabu. "Maybe I really can save Barcelona!"
After the restart, possession quickly returned to Barcelona''s feet. Messi continued his dribbling assault. When he once again evaded Bravo and prepared to enter the penalty area, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him and swiftly cleared the ball out of bounds.
The person was Wang Feng. After the clearance, he smiled warmly at Messi, but in the Argentine''s eyes, it seemed like Wang Feng was mocking him, as if his smile was saying, "Don''t even think about going any further!"
Fuelled by his frustration, Messi relentlessly challenged the Real Madrid defense for the next period of time. He focused all his attention on dribbling through, but Wang Feng always emerged at the right moment to disrupt his attacks.
Unknowingly, Messi became increasingly isted, which yed right into Wang Feng''s hands. When Messi stopped focusing on pulling apart the defense and started trying to do everything himself, Barcelona''s proud possession-based style of ypletely copsed.
In the 75th minute, after the ball was once again snatched from Messi''s feet, Wang Feng quicklyunched a counterattack. After dribbling past the halfway line, he immediately passed to Guti on the wing and quickly surged forward.
Guti took a couple of steps before sending a perfectly timed lobbed pass over the Barcelona defense. The ball soared over the defense, showcasing Wang Feng''s speed to full effect as he sessfully beat the offside trap and found himself through on goal.
Facing the onrushing Valds, the Chinese superstar effortlessly sidestepped him with a feint, then calmly slotted the ball into the empty.
"Gooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! 3-1! Real Madrid have almost sealed the victory!"
"Wang Fengpletes a hat-trick! Quick, too quick! Real Madrid''s counterattacks and Wang Feng''s speed are both too fast. One moment it''s Barcelona on the attack, the next it''s Wang Feng through on goal."
Beside him, Snchez said with a solemn expression, "The main reason for conceding this goal was Messi''s mistake. What''s happened to him? After contributing a brilliant goal, he''s suddenly making mistakes left and right?"
Messi tugged at his hair. The moment he lost the ball, he desperately tried to track back to make amends, but the distance between him and the opposition only grew wider. In the end, he could only watch helplessly as Wang Feng breached their defense.
He had made a mistake! Just because he scored one goal, he became blind to everything else. Now, Barcelona''s chance of turning the game around had beenpletely extinguished.
Chapter 309: Dynasty fall ?
Chapter 309: Dynasty fall ?
On the sidelines, Rijkaard looked up and sighed, realizing he was once again one step toote! After equalizing, he witnessed Messi''s formidable strength, fully capable of tearing apart Real Madrid''s fragile defense if utilized properly.
Gradually, he realized Messi had fallen into the opponent''s trap. Wang Feng''s sessful defenses constantly provoked Messi into contesting with him,pletely disrupting Barcelona''s fluid attacking system.
With a mindset not to discourage the yers'' initiative, he nned to let Messi challenge for a while before using substitute yers to persuade him to get back on track. Unexpectedly, before implementing this n, the opponent seized the opportunity to score again.
Now not only Messi felt disheartened, but the entire team''s morale plummeted, making aeback almost impossible within the limited 15 minutes.
So he had to change the substitution strategy, recing the forward Eto''o with the midfielder Motta to strengthen the defense. They couldn''t afford to concede another goal!
This substitution also meant Barcelona had given up on this game. After all, it was just a league match, and the current scoreline away from home wasn''t too shameful.
Fate sometimes works in mysterious ways. Just when both sides seemed disinterested in further battle, as they spent thest moments, Barcelona suddenly made a mistake in their defense, and Marcos directly passed the ball to Wang Feng in front of the penalty area.
Wang Feng was momentarily stunned, but quickly, the striker''s instinct kicked in. He lightly flicked the ball to his right and then unleashed a fierce shot, sting open Barcelona''s goal for the fourth time.
"Gooooooooooooooooooo! Goal! Wang Feng scores his fourth!"
"Is he sent by God to punish Barcelona? Unbelievable! After his legendary performance in the Champions League final, he now stages another four-goal massacre against Barcelona in the national derby."
In the stands of Bernabeu, Real Madrid fans sang their club anthem "H Madrid" in unison, believing fiercely that despite the issues the team still faced, the rise was underway, and Wang Feng was their hope!
Meanwhile, a small wave of Barcelona fans who had traveled from afar felt itching with anger. They silently swore that the next time they returned to Camp Nou, they would give these people a harsh lesson!
Real Madrid 4-1 victory over Barcelona!
The day after the El sico, "National Newspaper" reported the match on the front page. In Spain, you might not be a football fan, but you couldn''t ignore matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona; their rivalry had transcended mere sport.
The report pointed out that Real Madrid had avengedst season''s defeat at the Bernabeu, with the new transfer king scoring all four goals, proving his worth and strength to the world.
"After winning two consecutive league titles and reaching the Champions League final after many years, Barcelona''s dream of a second dynasty seems to be losing steam this season. Will this big win be a turning point in ending their dominance?"
The current situation in La Liga easily reminded people of the scenes from the past. Under Cruyff''s coaching from 1991 to 1994, Barcelona achieved a remarkable feat of winning four consecutive league titles. However, in the winter of 1995, led by Baldano, Real Madrid thrashed them 5-0 at the Bernabeu, and they never recovered from that blow.
"The circumstances faced by Real Madrid then, with reconstruction, new coach, and new signings, are remarkably simr to now. Samorano''s five goals, Wang Feng''s four goals, the achievements of the Chinese are alreadyparable to the legends of Real Madrid!"
"World Newspaper" focused on praising Real Madrid''s opening goal, "Completing a fantasticbination in less than 8 seconds, Wang Feng and his teammates have developed a remarkable understanding."
"This goalid the essential foundation for Real Madrid''s victory. It almost destroyed Barcelona''s tactical system and morale, which never recovered to normal levels."
The article also pointed out that Messi''s solo goal had saved face for Barcelona momentarily, but his subsequent poor performance made people feel like the earlier goal was a fluke, with Wang Fengpletely shutting him down.
Here, the article went on to analyze and praise Wang Feng''s defensive abilities, even suggesting that just his defense alone was worthy of a European Golden Ball!
The Catn newspapers felt that Barcelona didn''t perform well. "Daily Sports" wrote that Barcelona didn''t y up to their usual standard, and Real Madrid''s early surprise goal dealt a significant blow to the yers.
"This score doesn''t reflect anything. We are still stronger than Real Madrid. When theye to Camp Nou next time, Barcelona will return today''s shame a thousand times over!"
Another authoritative Catn newspaper, "Pioneer Newspaper," described the game in detail and believed that Barcelona didn''te out empty-handed from the match. "We gained valuable experience in handling pressure, and we believe these guys won''t be crushed by conceding an early goal next time."
They also thought Messi''s brilliant goal showed glimpses of hope for the club''s future. "Of course, we should give this young man more support and tolerance. He''s still so young, asional stubbornness on the field is understandable, and with the coach''s counseling, he quickly adjusted his mentality until the final moments, creating many opportunities."
Cruyff alsomented on the match in his column, criticizing Ronaldinho''s poor performance. "This is not the level expected of a Brazilian. He was almost invisible throughout the game, a far cry from the hat-trick he scored in the Champions League final a few months ago."
The Dutchman believed Ronaldinho''sckluster performance stemmed from his indifferent attitude. "We want to see the sprite who dances on the pitch, not the libertine in the nightlife."
If his professional attitude couldn''t be reversed, Cruyff even suggested the club sell him, even though he''s still in his prime.
Regarding Messi, Barcelona''s legendary figure, Cruyff showered him with praise. In Messi, he seemed to see shades of the legendary superstar Maradona. He felt there was no need for the club and fans to be too harsh on this young talent; he had already shown exceptional talent,cking only experience.
"Constantly facing strong opponents will greatly contribute to his growth, and these failed experiences will eventually transform into his own abilities."
Chapter 310: Leisure time
Chapter 310: Leisure time
Although Real Madrid achieved aplete victory in the El Clsico, they only had a moment to rejoice before plunging back into a dense schedule. The Copa del Rey in Spain ignited the fire at this time, and the opponents for the fourth round of the Gcticos will be Segunda Divisin side Eixample.
Due to the seriousck of depth on the club''s bench, the coaching staff decided, after discussions with the management, to abandon the pursuit of the Copa del Rey. Therefore, theyposed the lineup using young yers and substitutes.
However, facing the Segunda Divisin team, these young yers showed strong desire to win. They eventually defeated their opponents 2-1 away and gained an advantage in advancing.
When assistant coach Delgado led the substitute lineup to participate in the Copa del Rey, head coach Schuster and the main yers did not travel with the team but stayed in Madrid for some adjustments, preparing for the uing league matches.
With a week freed up, coupled with the recent good performance of the team, the coaching staff gave the yers a two-day holiday. Instead of choosing to train at the training ground, Wang Feng stayed at home because Lu Yao had returned.
She had been in Switzend handlingpany business since early October, and now that it was all settled, she could finally return to Madrid. She would continue remote work for a while and travel when necessary.
Just a month apart, the longing between them was intense, so they couldn''t resist spending some intimate time together. Therefore, the next day, Wang Feng unusually skipped his morning workout.
Lying in bed with his beloved woman, Wang Feng felt particrly content as the sunlight filtered through the French windows onto the bed.
"Is your work very tiring?" he asked gently. Lu Yao shook her head: "The work I do isn''tplicated, and I don''t have to work overtime." With that, she chatted with Wang Feng about various interesting things at work. For Wang Feng, who had never experienced the workce, it was quite fascinating.
After some more cuddling, they finally got up. When they arrived in the living room, Wang Feng''s younger sister had already had breakfast and was ying games on the couch. She nced at Wang Feng and Lu Yao, then scoffed and said, "I knew you two would wake upte. I asked Auntie to put breakfast in the microwave. Heat it up yourselves."
For the daily maintenance and housework, Wang Feng had hired a professionalpany. To increase security, the entire house was equipped with the most advanced security system.
After breakfast, the three of them discussed going out to have fun. The girls couldn''t resist the desire to go shopping, so Wang Feng had no choice but to apany them. The three of them went to Gran Va in the city center, where luxury goods and shopping malls lined the street, not inferior to Mn, the fashion capital.
Wang Feng''s younger sister had be a somewhat famous blogger online. She skillfully took out her camera and started taking pictures, iming it was for content, but in reality, she directed Wang Feng to buy things while she snapped away.
After some shopping, the trunk of the car was already full. Satisfied, they returned home. In the evening, Wang Feng resumed his physical exercise. It was a habit he had developed since the beginning of his career, and no matter how busy he was, he always made time for it.
Lu Yao brought herptop to the gym to apany Wang Feng. She asionally handled some work or watched videos and listened to music. They both did their own things, but being together felt incredibly warm.
Leisure time always seemed too short, and soon Wang Feng embarked on the journey of the league again. In the eighth round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Tarragona away, a team located in the Catalonia region.
Tarragona is adjacent to Barcelona, ??a beautiful port city where the Ebro River rushes into the Ebro Delta and flows into the Mediterranean.
Tarragona Football Club was founded in 1913. They won the Segunda Divisin runner-upst season, thus returning to the top league after 56 years.
In order to stay in La Liga, the club signed 11 yers in one go in the summer, including Argentine goalkeeper Bizzarri, who had previously yed for Real Madrid andter moved to Segunda Divisin''s Vadolid as the absolute mainstay.
The defenders include Getafe''s mainstay Man, Nantes'' Caceres, and vs'' left-back Mingo. The forwards are even more eye-catching. They brought back Marci from Sevi and Poltiyo from Real Madrid.
However, the influx of fresh blood did not bring substantial value. Instead, it shed with the team''s system. Up to now, they have suffered five defeats in the league and currently rankst with 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses.
For them, winning against Real Madrid is probably just a wishful thinking. It is worth mentioning that head coach Schuster still adopted a strategy of partial rotation, but Wang Feng started in the lineup.
He quickly demonstrated his value on the field. In the first half, relying on a sideline breakthrough, he assisted Garcia to open the scoring. In the second half, he indirectly assisted Mesiya to expand the score.
2-0! Real Madrid took all three points away. Although Wang Feng only had one assist and did not score, his contribution to the situation on the field was significant, and he was still selected as the best yer of the match.
On November 2nd, in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Bucharest Stars at home. Although they improved slightly after thest round''s big victory, every game that followed was crucial.
Since participating in the Champions League, the club has never been eliminated from the group stage, so the whole team is particrly cautious. No one wants to be the culprit of history.
At the beginning of the game, Real Madridunched a fierce attack around Wang Feng. In the 3rd minute, after Wang Feng dribbled the ball on the right, he passed it to the center. Raul quickly inserted and headed the ball into the from 8 meters, opening the door to the Romanian powerhouse.
1-0! The Gcticos took the lead at the start! The aggressive home team pressed on the attack. In the 17th minute, Guti dribbled the ball in the middle, then passed it to Reyes on the wing. The Spanish midfielder quickly rushed to the bottom line, broke free from the defender''s block, and sent a triangle pass.
The ball arrived near the edge of the small penalty area. Wang Feng, lurking nearby, suddenly burst into action. His explosive power instantly pulled the defender away, and he pushed the ball into the with a shot, 2-0! Real Madrid expanded their lead!
And just before the end of the first half, in the Real Madrid half, Cannavaro intercepted the ball and passed it to Diarra. He then rushed forward with the ball and sent a long pass to Wang Feng on the right.
Wang Feng, with his back to the goal, stopped the ball with his chest, leaned against the defending yer with his body, then flicked the falling ball to his left and turned his body to chase the ball. He sprinted along the sideline, shaking off the defense.
Guti was also quickly advancing in the right rib area. Wang Feng attracted the defense, then lightly pushed the ball to Guti. The Spanish center-back then dribbled inward, dodged two defenders, and passed to Raul, who was unmarked at the far post. He tapped the ball into the empty.
3-0! Raul scored twice!
After scoring with exquisite cooperation, several yers embraced each other, expressing gratitude to the fans in the stands, which immediately triggered waves of cheers. Many tabloids like to engage in conspiracy theories, always promoting the idea of ??internal discord within Real Madrid, but who would believe it when they saw such a harmonious scene?
In the second half, Real Madrid deliberately slowed down the pace of the game, but their defensive instability was exposed once again. Bucharest Stars pulled one back in the 67th minute.
3-1, with Raul scoring twice and Wang Feng assisting once, the Gcticos won their second victory in the Champions League group stage.
Chapter 311: Both injured, still No 1 !
Chapter 311: Both injured, still No 1 !
In October, Real Madrid yed 4 games, winning 3 and losing 1. Wang Feng scored four goals twice and contributed 8 goals and 1 assist, earning him the title of La Liga yer of the Month once again.
He thus became the first yer in La Liga history to win the yer of the Month award consecutively. The judging panel initially didn''t intend for Wang Feng to receive such an honor, but the influence of the El Clsico was too strong. Wang Feng delivered outstanding performances, and forcing the award onto someone else would have caused even more controversy.
On November 6th, amidst a sudden downpour in Madrid, Real Madrid faced Celta Vigo at home in the 9th round of La Liga.
Celta Vigo was relegated sadly in the 04-05 season, but after returning to La Ligast season, they secured the 6th position and qualified for the Europa League.
However, this club has suffered frompeting in multiplepetitions in the past. Therefore, head coach Vsquez''s goal was clear: to ensure a good league performance!
The pouring rain made the game difficult for both sides. yers consciously reduced ground passes and switched to long passes, but mistakes were still abundant.
Wang Feng wasn''t very active, often hovering near the midfield, waiting for opportunities. Part of it was due to the weather affecting his mood, but mostly it was impossible for him to be fully passionate in every game, giving his all in both attack and defense.
Nevertheless, the presence of the Chinese superstar made Celta Vigo very wary. Defenders always kept an eye on him, and once he started running, they converged on him like facing a formidable opponent.
Both sides held each other for almost thirty minutes. Real Madrid had the upper hand on the field but conceded first. It was a back pass, and Slgado underestimated the resistance of the rainwater on the ball, resulting in a weak pass to Diarra.
The ball slowed down halfway through its path, and although Diarra tried to catch up, Celta Vigo forward Guai Lei was faster, poking the ball away and then calmly slotting it past Casis.
This goal severely dampened the home team''s morale, but it jolted Wang Feng. He wiped the rain off his face and decided to focus more.
Five minutes after conceding, Cannavaro sent a long pass from the back to the right side of the field. Wang Feng quickly surged forward, beating the opposing center-back Oviniya to the ball.
The slippery ground made him stumble a bit, but Wang Feng managed to stabilize himself through his muscle and body control. Oviniya, on the other hand, couldn''t control himself as well, rushing to intercept but ended up falling clumsily.
Receiving the ball, Wang Feng swiftly dribbled into the penalty area, dribbling past defenders Lucas and Reki, and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner with his right foot. The ball grazed the inside of the post and went into the, equalizing the score!
In the second half, in the 69th minute, Wang Feng suddenly elerated towards the opposing defender Pelos holding the ball in the middle. The Argentine was startled, and his hurried pass was intercepted.
Wang Feng then turned and pushed forward, seeing Reyes running quickly on the right nk. He passed the ball to the right, and Reyes, after receiving it, passed it back to the middle. Ral rushed forward and volleyed the ball angrily from twenty meters out, piercing Celta Vigo''s goal again.
2-1! After scoring, Ral shook hands with the arriving Reyes and Wang Feng one by one. Their interceptions and passes were indispensable for this goal.
Unfortunately, their lead couldn''t be maintained until the end of the match. In the 88th minute, Celta Vigounched an attack. Pablo Garca passed to the right, and Guai Lei dribbled into the box, passing near the goalmouth.
Bayano ran out of space in front of the goal, leaving Cannavaro behind. The Brazilian calmly shot into the near corner, equalizing the score for the away team.
The match ended in a draw amidst the pouring rain.
Midweek, at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, Real Madrid won 1-0 against Eixample in the second leg of the fourth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, advancing to the fifth round with a total score of 3-1.
On November 12th, in the 10th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Osasuna away. The club is located in the capital of the Navarre Autonomous Community, Pamplona, ??a typical northern Spanish city.
"Osasuna" is Basque for "health and strength," and it is the only team in La Liga named after linguistic vocabry rather than a region.
Last season, the team achieved its best historical result, finishing fourth in the league and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League yoffs. Unfortunately, they lost to Hamburg from the Bundesliga in the yoffs and had to settle for participating in the Europa League.
Overall, their level hasn''t significantly declinedpared tost season, and they currently rank 7th in the league standings.
On the day of the match, the El Sadar Stadium was almost full. As the only team from Navarre, Osasuna was passionately followed by local fans.
The home team didn''t disappoint the fans. Theyunched a fierce attack against Real Madrid, with Argentine forward Romeo and Spanish midfielder Juanfran scoring before halftime.
Before the end of the first half, Guti and Reyes formed a continuous passingbination on the wing. Reyes crossed into the penalty area, where Wang Feng stooped to head the ball.
At that moment, Osasuna defender Iskierdo stretched his leg to try to break the ball but identally hit Wang Feng''s head instead.
As the ball entered the, Wang Feng fell to the ground, feeling warmth on his hand. He must have been bleeding!
Ral and Reyes immediately surrounded him. Ral angrily shouted at Iskierdo, "You damn bastard did that on purpose! Why didn''t you pull your foot back?"
The Osasuna yers also confronted them. The referee quickly intervened to separate both sides. While ruling the goal valid, the referee showed Iskierdo a yellow card. Whether he pulled back or not, his raised foot was a fact.
Wang Feng obviously couldn''t continue ying. The head coach substituted him with Ronaldo. The final score of 1-2 was maintained until the end of the game, marking Real Madrid''s second loss in the league.
In the post-match press conference, Schuster announced to the media that after careful examination, Wang Feng''s injury was not serious and would not affect the uing games. "Iskierdo''s defensive action was very dangerous, and I believe he should receive a red card."
Osasuna head coach Ziganda defended his yer, saying, "It was a normal defensive reaction. Wang Feng was immersed in the attack and didn''t notice the iing leg."
After this round of matches, Real Madrid had a record of 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, totaling 22 points. Barcelona, ??who had a good chance of overtaking Real Madrid, were leading 2-1 against Zaragoza at home. Unexpectedly, in the 67th minute, Messi was stepped on by a defender, causing him to fall to the ground in pain.
Rijkaard had no choice but to substitute him, and Barcelona was eventually overturned by Zaragoza, continuing to rank behind Real Madrid with a record of 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 20 points.
What''s more heartbreaking for Barcelona is that Messi isn''t as "tough" as Wang Feng. After diagnosis, he was found to have a fractured metatarsal bone and would need to be sidelined for at least three months.
Chapter 312: Additional penalty
Chapter 312: Additional penalty
As the two current superstars of La Liga, the news of both Wang Feng and Messi getting injured naturally garnered widespread coverage from various media outlets.
Marca wrote that in terms of physical toughness, Messi could never catch up to Wang Feng. "In his seven-year career, Wang has never been absent from a match for more than two weeks due to injury."
"He has endured malicious fouls time and time again, yet he remains unyielding, as if he were a chosen one destined to be the king of world football."
In contrast, Messi has suffered two major injuries since joining Barcelona''s first team, missing the entirest season and being sidelined for three months this year, making him seem like a "fragile" yer.
Of course, the article also acknowledged that injuries are indeed an inevitable issue for athletes, and it expressed hopes for both yers to recover soon and return to the field to contribute spectacr performances.
AS, on the other hand, focused on analyzing the foul by Osasuna defender Iskierdo. By extracting frames from the video footage, it was evident that the Spanish defender made a deliberate kicking motion with his leg.
"This was definitely a malicious foul, not Wang Feng moving into him, but rather him intentionally kicking someone!"
This report immediately sparked strong dissatisfaction among Madrid fans and Chinese fans at home, with many leaving messages online urging the Spanish Football Association to impose additional penalties on Iskierdo.
Real Madrid''s official announcement stated that they had prepared relevant evidence and formally lodged aint with the Football Association, stating, "Such actions should not be tolerated on the field, and he must receive the appropriate punishment!"
Inside the Real Madrid president''s office, Florentino was discussing the matter with director Corsanes.
"The Football Association thinks we might be making a mountain out of a molehill this time. After all, Wang Feng didn''t need to rest for three months like Messi did," Corsanes said. He was acting as an intermediary between the Football Association and the club in this matter.
"No, we must establish the concept to the outside world that while normalpetition is fine, malicious fouls by Real Madrid will be fully investigated!"
"This matter absolutely cannot be taken lightly. If we let it slide, who knows what kind of malicious behavior we''ll face next time, which would be extremely detrimental to both Wang Feng and the team."
"Corsanes, remind the Football Association not to forget the lessons from Serie A. If Wang Feng''s supporters feel that the Football Association is condoning malicious fouls to suppress Wang Feng, La Liga''s reputation will be ruined!"
Corsanes nodded. "I will exin the stakes to them. Real Madrid is not Inter Mn; nobody dares to y dirty tricks on us!"
Soon after, the Spanish Football Association did indeed issue a statement on its official website, confirming that Osasuna''s Iskierdo had indeed made a malicious kicking motion, and he would be suspended for two matches and fined ?5000.
After a week of rest, on November 19th, Real Madrid weed Santander Athletic in the 11th round of La Liga at home.
Santander Athletic is located in the Cantabria Autonomous Community of Spain. The club has a long history and was one of the founding members of La Liga. They were also granted the title of Royal by the Spanish king.
Last season, the team was always on the brink of relegation, prompting head coach Preciado to step down in disappointment. After Pitu took over the team this season, he signed three yers from Deportivo La Coru?a: Munitis, Momo, and Castro.
Another notable transfer was Brazilian prodigy Sobis, who gave up joining AC Mn to join Santander Athletic. He shone brightly in the 2005 FIFA Youth Championship, helping Brazil reach the semi-finals and attracting the attention of many top clubs.
But he knew that winning only the Copa Libertadores wouldn''t be enough to establish himself in a top club, so he resisted Mn''s temptation and came to La Liga to be a regr in a relegation-threatened team.
His choice seems wise now. The 21-year-old has received plenty of ying time, helping Santander Athletic achieve decent results and temporarily avoiding the threat of relegation, currently ranking 10th on the points table.
Santander Athletic''s decent strength posed a challenge for Real Madrid. In thest two league matches, the Gcticos had only managed one draw and one loss, so winning this match was crucial. However, the midweek Champions League group stage match against Lyon was also important, leaving Schuster unsure how to rotate the squad.
At a critical moment, Wang Feng approached the head coach. "Mr. Schuster, let me lead the substitute lineup to y this match. I will do my best to help the team win three points!"
The German hesitated. "Wang, you just recovered from injury. Originally, I wasn''t even nning to include you in the squad for this match. How can I let you bear the brunt of it?"
Wang Feng said he had fully recovered after a week of rest and asked the team doctor to testify. After several discussions and deliberations, Schuster finally agreed to this n.
So Wang Feng and Ronaldo teamed up upfront for this round of the league match. After many years, the two once again stood on the field together, exchanging a smile, as if they were back in their youth.
Shortly after the start of the match, Santander Athleticpleted an attack. Sobis'' shot was saved by Real Madrid''s substitute goalkeeper Diego Pelos, and the home team immediatelyunched a counterattack.
Pelos threw the ball to Elgara, who then passed it to Garcia. The Spanish midfielder quickly passed the ball to Wang Feng''s feet after crossing the halfway line.
Facing Alvaro''s defense, Wang Feng made a big swing with his right foot forward, making the Spanish defender think he wanted to rely on his speed to force his way to the bottom, so he leaned leftward to block.
Unexpectedly, he suddenly used his right foot to hook the ball back, simultaneously turning his body, performing the whole set of movements quickly and agilely, and suddenly breaking free from Alvaro''s entanglement, a Cruyff turn!
After getting past the defender in front of him, Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area, drawing two defenders toe forward to defend sessively, and then floated a half-high cross to the far post.
At this moment, Ronaldo was unmarked near the goal, and after receiving the ball, he immediately shot without hesitation, the ball drilling into the from the near corner of the goal.
1-0! Less than five minutes into the game, Real Madrid took the lead!
After scoring, Ronaldo ran towards Wang Feng, pointing at him, and then rushed to embrace him, jumping on him tightly. "I knew you would pass it to me. Haha, it seems like nothing has changed over all these years!"
Teammates nearby also rushed up to celebrate the goal together. If you score early in the game, the next match will be easier to y.
Indeed, this was the case. In the subsequent match, the Gcticos dominated the game. In the 21st minute, Santander Athletic''s defense made a back pass, and under Wang Feng''s pressure, Argentine defender Gy could only pass back to the goalkeeper.
But his pass was a bit weak due to haste. Wang Feng poked the ball away before goalkeeper Karatayud, then easily pushed it into the empty.
"Goal! Wang Feng extends Real Madrid''s lead!"
"The immense psychological pressure when facing Wang Feng caused a serious mistake by Santander Athletic''s defender. The hardworking attitude of the Chinese superstar on the field has paid off."
"His form seems unaffected by the injury at all. This is simply miraculous!"
With Wang Feng''s assist and goal, Real Madrid won 2-0 at home against Santander Athletic, ending their brief winless streak.
Chapter 313: Promotion
Chapter 313: Promotion
After the match, Ronaldo found Wang Feng and said, "Wang, shall we go for a drink together?" Seeing Ronaldo''s expression, it seemed like he had something to say, so Wang Feng promptly agreed to the invitation.
The two headed to a bar near the stadium. The club was a regr here, and the yers often came to celebrate after victories. The environment and privacy were both excellent.
As usual, Ronaldo ordered his favorite Salton red wine and considerately ordered a ss of orange juice for Wang Feng, knowing that the young man had strong self-discipline.
"AC Mn has offered me a contract," Ronaldo said after taking a sip of wine. "Real Madrid doesn''t want to pay me a high sry anymore, so I had my agent start looking for a new club before the season started."
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised. Ronaldo was only thirty years old, and was Real Madrid really trying to push him out already? "Is it because of my arrival?" he asked.
Ronaldo chuckled bitterly. "No, Wang, it has nothing to do with you. After so many injuries, I understand that I''m on the decline now."
"Few yers can grow old at Real Madrid. Although it''s a bit early to say this now, I think you should also n ahead."
Wang Feng tried to persuade him, "Then at least finish this season, right? Don''t you want to work together with me to win the championship?"
Ronaldo shook his head with a wry smile. "I''m no longer the carefree alien I used to be. AC Mn will only make an offer to me during the winter break. They want to strengthen their squad immediately topete for the league title in the second half of the season."
The joy of victory was overshadowed by the sorrow of parting, and the two could only silently drink their sorrows away.
On November 22nd, the Santiago Bernabu Stadium weed the challenge of Lyon, a crucial battle in the fifth round of the Champions League group stage, determining who would advance to the knockout stage.
Lyon took the initiative from the start,unching wave after wave of attacks against the Gcticos. It seemed that they had gained confidence from theirst encounter, and Real Madrid''s weak defense was an excellent opportunity.
However, Coach Schuster''s rotation strategy paid off this time. After a week of rest, the main defenders were in excellent shape, and after holding off Lyon''s attacks for the first 15 minutes, their momentum gradually waned.
Wang Feng thenunched a counterattack almost immediately! In the 17th minute, Diarra intercepted the ball in the backfield and immediately sent it to Wang Feng in midfield, who drove forward with the ball.
Facing the only defender, Rivaille, Wang Feng easily dribbled past him, forcing him to grab the Chinese superstar''s jersey helplessly. With a "rip," the jersey was torn.
The referee blew his whistle, and the Frenchman, Evre, walked up to Rivaille, showing him a red card! Lyon''s yers pleaded with him, but he rejected their pleas because Rivaille was thest defender.
This foul was a full 35 meters from the goal. After observing for a moment, Wang Feng decided to take the free kick himself. Ral walked up to him and asked, "What''s your n?"
"Get ready to contest for rebounds in the penalty area normally, but leave me the route to the near post of the goal." When the Spanish forward heard this, he nodded in understanding. "Got it, I''ll tell the others."
"Lyon started the game with fierce attacks, but they repeatedly missed opportunities to score. Now, with one yer sent off, it seems that there will be a significant change in the situation on the field."
"Let''s see how Real Madrid will attack this time. Oh, now the broadcast has focused on the free kick taker, Wang Feng. You can see that he looks very serious. It''s well-known that Wang Feng''s direct free kicks are very urate, but from such a distance, he should choose to pass, right?"
The live broadcast director at the Bernabu, Westerveld, saw Wang Feng''s expression and suddenly realized, quickly contacting the nearby cameramen. "Sideline Zone A, when the free kick is taken, move the camera directly from the penalty spot to the goal; Baseline Zone C, when the ball is kicked, don''t track the yers contesting for headers, just focus on Wang Feng."
The cameramen, receiving the instructions, were somewhat confused. If someone scores from a header in the penalty area, it would be difficult to capture the moment with this setup. However, they had to follow the director''s orders and adjust the equipment ordingly.
"Whistle!" Evre blew his whistle to signal the start of y. Wang Feng took a deep breath, sprinted forward, and took the shot!
"Goal! A thirty-five-yard rocket pierces Lyon''s heart!"
"Wang Feng chose to take the shot directly, which is fantastic! Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. My goodness, the ball actually curved in the air while flying at high speed."
"From this angle, it''s very clear. The ball was originally heading for the upper left corner but suddenly changed direction before entering the penalty area, passing through the yers and going straight into the near corner of the goal."
"Lyon goalkeeper Coupet was caught off guard and could only watch the ball go into the."
This goal, coupled with ying with one man down,pletely extinguished Lyon''s fighting spirit. They couldn''t organize effective attacks anymore and could only choose to defend deep.
In the 37th minute, Reyes broke through from the wing with the ball, while Wang Feng attracted defenders nearby, and the Spanish midfielder Garca pulled out of the space and passed to the edge of the penalty area.
Raul, in position, volleyed with his left foot, the ball flying over goalkeeper Coupet''s fingertips towards the right side of the goal. Unfortunately, Raul focused too much on the angle, hitting the post and bouncing out.
Wang Feng, still on the right side of the penalty area, naturally didn''t miss this opportunity. He simply extended his foot and tapped the ball into the empty.
2-0! Real Madrid extended their lead!
After scoring a goal, Wang Feng celebrated with the hero Raul. The Spanish forward rubbed the Chinese man''s head with a wry smile, "You have a great nose for goal and some luck!"
After halftime, the situation on the field remained unchanged. Lyon''s coach even substituted defensive yers to stabilize the defense. They hadpletely given up hope of winning and only hoped not to lose by arge margin.
Seeing this scene, Real Madrid coach Schuster also let Garcia and Elgara warm up, preparing to rece Wang Feng and other key yers to avoid any injuries.
Just as they were waiting for a dead ball situation, Real Madrid created another excellent opportunity. In the 55th minute, Guti suddenly started with the ball in the frontcourt, engaged in a one-two with Raul, and entered the penalty area.
Faced with two defenders, he still managed to sweep the ball to the edge of the small penalty area before going out of bounds, where Wang Feng was lurking. There was only one defender, Capapa, beside him.
The 1.80-meter Brazilian defender exerted all his strength, but the Chinese superstar remained immovable, shooting with his left foot as the ball rolled towards him.
The ball soared into the air, skimming over the crossbar and into the, 3-0! Real Madrid sealed the victory! Wang Fengpleted another hat-trick!
After this goal, the substitute yers who had been waiting for a long time finally got the chance to y, and Wang Feng received a standing ovation from all Real Madrid fans. His performance in this game was perfect.
The final score remained unchanged, and the Gcticos secured the victory, advancing to the top of the group stage.
Real Madrid''s Champions League journey had a slow start, with two draws putting them in third ce, causing concern among fans. However, they quickly achieved three consecutive victories to advance.
As Marcamented, "The king of the Champions League with four titles in three years will not disappoint Real Madrid fans. He has proven with a hat-trick that he still dominates the European stage!"
So far, Wang Feng has contributed 9 goals, continuing to lead the Champions League scoring chart, and his 3 assists also earned him a spot on the leaderboard.
Chapter 314: Shoulder to shoulder with a myth
Chapter 314: Shoulder to shoulder with a myth
Real Madrid, who has advanced to the next round, is preparing for the 12th round of La Liga against the "Bats Legion" Valencia, while a piece of news is detonating the entire Spanish football scene.
The cover of Spain''srgest cirction newspaper, "As", is a big picture of the editor-in-chief of "France Football" magazine, Poupefenastier, appearing at the Madrid Barajas Airport.
The report indicates that reporters followed him to the Real Madrid training base and waited there for nearly three hours. Afterward, Poupefenastier drove to Wang Feng''s mansion in La Finca, where he stayed for about two hours.
Everything became clear - Wang Feng won the 2006 Ballon d''Or! Only Wang Feng and Zidane from Real Madrid had the opportunity topete for this highest honor. However, Zidane had retired long ago and was no longer in Madrid. It''s unlikely that the editor of "France Football" would just go to Wang Feng''s private residence for a casual chat.
This result was enough to shock the football world because in previous years, the dual awards were usually given to the best-performing yers from the championship team.
But this year, with Zidane retired from the World Cup champion team France, although he could participate in the selection, hisck of achievements in the second half of the year deducted many points.
Henry had no remarkable achievements at Arsenal, and his performance in the World Cup was mediocre. He suffered an injury and missed the crucial championship matches for the French team, contributing very little.
Upon careful consideration, Wang Feng, who led the 66th-ranked Chinese team to eliminate Italy and reach the semifinals, was undoubtedly the best performer. His goal tally also far exceeded that of other stars.
Not to mention his miraculous save as a goalkeeper before, helping Inter Mn win their fifth Champions League trophy, keeping the San Siro trophy forever.
Counting his various achievements, it''s not unreasonable to say that this is Wang Feng''s year. Therefore, winning the Ballon d''Or is expected, but the phenomenon of breaking tradition has also boosted the morale of many small-country yers.
Perhaps they will never be able to help their country lift the European Cup or the World Cup, but as long as they perform well enough, there is hope topete for the dual awards, which greatly uplifts their spirits.
Seeing Poupefenastier with a smile on his face again, Wang Feng couldn''t pretend to be surprised, but he was soon filled with excitement, understanding what this meant!
"I''m d to see you again," Poupefenastier blinked, "I thought I would often visit Mn, but maybe Madrid will be the ce I oftene to in the future."
Wang Fengughed, "Since you''re here, you muste to my new home as a guest."
"Of course, it''s our honor."
The two teams were very familiar with the process of taking photos and conducting interviews, and Real Madrid was not the first big club to encounter such situations. They had their professional reception process, which made the "France Football" team feel veryfortable.
ording toter understanding, Real Madrid yed a very important role in Wang Feng''s award this time. The influence of the old powerhouse was astonishing, coupled with Inter Mn''s president Moratti unexpectedly leveraging his influence.
Generally speaking, after club legends leave, their former club won''t bother with the yer''s honor anymore because it''s not worth the effort for them.
But Wang Feng made significant contributions to Inter Mn, and Moratti was very grateful to this Chinese superstar. This time, his full support could be considered a perfect ending to Wang Feng''s Nerazzurri career.
Of course, the club''s influence was only auxiliary. To truly sit in this position, one''s own performance was indispensable, and Wang Feng''s performance in the second half of this year was still dominant.
On November 27th, in the 12th round of La Liga, the Gcticos arrived in the "City of Sunshine" Valencia to challenge the Bats Legion.
Perhaps inspired by Wang Feng''s award, the club''s yers and staff all showed very impressive performances, and the Chinese superstar himself was exceptionally active.
In the 17th minute of the match, he broke through two defenders in the frontcourt and scored the opening goal for the away team. Just 9 minutester, he created another set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half.
This time, Wang Feng didn''t choose to take the free kick himself but handed it to Guti, positioning himself at the edge of the penalty area.
When the ball was floated into the penalty area, Wang Feng leaped up and headed it towards the goal with force, piercing through Canizares'' fingers once again.
2-0! Wang Feng scored his second goal of the match!
He rarely used headers to score, but no one could underestimate the attacking ability of the Chinese superstar; otherwise, they would pay a bloody price.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Guti assisted Ral again to score a goal,pleting his second assist of the match, while Valencia only managed to pull one goal back in the dying moments through Spanish forward Morientes, but everything was already irrelevant to the overall situation.
Real Madrid secured two consecutive victories, presenting a gift to Wang Feng for his award!
On the eve of the Ballon d''Or announcement, all media and fans nervously refreshed the official website, waiting for the final results to be released.
Although the winners were already leaked, it was just spection. The official announcement had not been made yet, and both Real Madrid and Wang Feng remained tight-lipped during interviews. Everyone wanted to wait for the results to be confirmed.
They didn''t have to wait long. At 9:21 PM, on an ordinary evening, the official website of "France Football" magazine was finally updated, announcing the winner of the Ballon d''Or - Wang Feng! He won this highest honor for the third time!
Prior to this, only legendary stars tini, Barcelona''s patriarch Cruyff, and Dutch superstar Van Basten had achieved this honor, and Wang Feng truly joined the ranks of legends.
Along with the announcement of the final winners, the specific scores were also released. Wang Feng ranked first with a huge advantage of 203 points, followed by Henry with only 94 points, Ronaldinho with 73 points in third ce, and Zidane with 71 points in fourth.
It can be said that Wang Feng received the support of most judges and was undisputedly awarded the Ballon d''Or.
Poupefenastier, the editor-in-chief of "France Football", wrote in hismentary article, "In the past year, Wang Feng has still dominated the world football scene. He is the most dazzling figure in anypetition."
"League champions and European Golden Boots, Champions League winners and top scorers, World Cup semifinalists and World Cup Golden Boots, World Cup Golden Ball."
"Nothing is more convincing than one heavyweight trophy after another. He is the best yer in the world football in 2006, and the Ballon d''Or is well-deserved!"
In addition to the article, many photos were also posted on the official website, including Wang Feng holding the Ballon d''Or trophy at the Real Madrid training base and Poupefenastier and others visiting Wang Feng''s new home.
More details and interview content will be published in thetest issue of "France Football" magazine after the award ceremony, including many judges'' opinions and evaluations of the thirty candidates.
As for Wang Feng receiving the customized trophy engraved with his name, he would have to wait until early December to personally go to France to receive it. At that time, there would be another round of interviews and photos, which would also be included in the magazine.
Poupefenastier''s evaluation of Wang Feng as the best yer in the world football in 2006 sparked heated discussions. Some people felt that he was exaggerating because another heavyweight award had not been announced yet - the FIFA World yer.
Others believed that he was right. If the FIFA World yer award went to another yer, it would cause a great controversy because no one could surpass Wang Feng''s performance this year.
Chapter 315: Additions to the showroom
Chapter 315: Additions to the showroom
The news of Wang Feng winning the Ballon d''Or Award spread quickly around the world. The official websites of Real Madrid, the Asian Football Confederation, and FIFA all congratted him immediately.
Real Madrid''s official statement expressed that the Gcticos weed anotherBalon d''Or Award winner, which was an incredibly honorable achievement for the club.
Although they have won nine Champions League titles, dominating Europe, there haven''t been many historical winners of the Ballon d''Or Award. Only four so far: Di Stefano, Copa, Figo, and Ronaldo. Wang Feng is the fifth.
"Although his performance during his time at Inter Mn was a key factor in Wang Feng''s award, now he belongs to the Gcticos. We believe and look forward to him leading the team to more honors."
The AFC believes that Wang Feng is the pride of Asia. He has repeatedly proven to the world that Asians can y football well, continuously elevating the status of Asian football in the world.
"In the continent with thergest poption in the world, many children who love Wang Feng devote themselves to football every day. Their growth will further enhance the strength of Asian football, all thanks to Wang Feng!"
FIFA believes that Wang Feng has be a phenomenal yer. "He''s only 23 years old this year, not yet at the peak age of a professional yer. It''s hard for us to guess how long he will dominate the football world."
But FIFA believes this isn''t a bad thing. More and more young yers are inspired by Wang Feng and work hard. As they chase their idols, they will contribute more exciting performances to the fans.
Many yearster, looking back, everyone suddenly realized that 2006 was the year when the situation of "one dominating over many" in football formed.
On December 4th, in the 13th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Athletic Bilbao at home.
They are a team from the Basque Country, founded in 1898, the second oldest football club in Spanish history, after Vasco.
Since the establishment of La Liga in 1928, Athletic Bilbao has never been relegated, with only Real Madrid and Barcelona holding this honor.
This team has a characteristic different from other clubs: they only use yers with Basque ancestry, a unique phenomenon throughout the European continent.
All of this stems from the regional factors of the Basque Country. They have their own officialnguage and attach importance to ethnic ancestry, hence the policy of not using foreign reinforcements.
Restricted by recruitment goals, Athletic Bilbao has experienced a difficult period. After avoiding relegationst season, the team didn''t make much progress in the transfer window in the summer.
They only brought in unknown minor roles but lost several key yers, including the defensive leader Lacroix, the team''s soul Caranka and Grero, and the main midfielder Gopeji was suspended for two years.
So, since the start of this season, the team''s performance has declined straight to the bottom four, just a step away from the relegation zone. Even so, 72% of the fans still prefer relegation rather than breaking the tradition of using only Basque yers.
This game was rtively easy for the Gcticos, as they always controlled the situation on the field. In the 5th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Diarra on the left, and seeing Raul advancing into the penalty area, he crossed from the outside of the penalty area.
Athletic Bilbao defender Casas cleared the ball out of the penalty area at the near post, and Guti received the ball outside, passing it again to Wang Feng on the left to organize.
This time, Wang Feng pretended to shoot towards the penalty area. The defender Esposito in front of him immediately moved to block, but he didn''t expect it was just a feint. The Chinese superstar easily dribbled past him and drove straight into the penalty area.
Arriving at the left side of the penalty area, Wang Feng directly shot from a narrow angle, aiming for the upper right corner of the goal. The ball curved around the front of the goal, avoiding the goalkeeper Lafont''s palm, hitting the intersection of the crossbar and the post, and bounced into the.
1:0! Real Madrid took the lead! After the goal, the home team continued to control the situation. In the 23rd minute, Wang Feng forced his way down the right and crossed to the middle for Raul, who made a low shot, but it was blocked by Athletic Bilbao defender Ustariz.
Then Reyes followed up with a shot, the ball hit Casas and deflected into the, and Real Madrid expanded their lead!
With 5 minutes left in the first half, Wang Feng cooperated with Reyes on the sideline, the ball came near the baseline, and the Chinese superstar chased it into the penalty area, crossing to Raul at the back post, who made a low shot to make it 3-0.
The victory was almost secured in the first half, so Schuster made personnel changes in the second half. However, Athletic Bilbao was still suppressed. Substitute Ronaldo, as well as Guti and Cannavaro, each contributed a goal for the team.
6:0! The Gcticos secured a big win at the Bernabeu.
Midweek, there was the 6th round of the Champions League group stage. Real Madrid traveled to Ukraine to challenge Kiev Dynamo, so they flew to Kiev the next day.
But Wang Feng didn''t travel with them. He took another private jet to Paris, France, to attend the European Ballon d''Or Award ceremony. Fortunately, Real Madrid had already secured the top spot in the group, so Wang Feng''s absence wouldn''t have any adverse effects.
Afterpleting a familiar routine, he finally got his hands on the heavy trophy, which would be a new addition to his trophy room.
After buying a mansion in Madrid, Wang Feng specifically set aside a whole underground space as his football honor disy room. From the Belgian Golden Boot at the beginning, to the Italian Golden Boot and even the European Golden Boot, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, World Cup Golden Ball, and the most important European Ballon d''Or and FIFA World Footballer trophies, all were neatly arranged on wooden shelves.
In addition to these, trophies such as League Monthly Best yer, UEFA Best Forward, Season Best yer, and other honors were also disyed. The honors he received already exceeded the sum of many yers'' entire careers.
But Wang Feng is not satisfied with this. The current trophies only fill 10% of the entire disy room. He hopes to increase this to 100% by the end of his career. At that time, regardless of how time passes, he will always be the man standing at the top of football, without any dispute!
While Wang Feng was adding new items to his disy room, Real Madrid encountered a strong challenge from Kiev Dynamo. They werepeting with Lyon for the second spot to advance, so they yed exceptionally hard.
Home team forward Shatskih opened the scoring for Kiev Dynamo with a long shot in the 17th minute, and then he scored again in the 34th minute,pleting a brace.
It wasn''t until the 86th minute that Real Madrid pulled one back through Ronaldo, but Kiev Dynamo held onto the victory, defeating Real Madrid 2-1.
However, the Ukrainian powerhouse still couldn''t secure the second spot because in another match, Lyon beat Bucharest Stars 4-0,ughingst with the advantage of goal difference.
Real Madrid''s opponent in the round of 16 will be the Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich. This result made many fans gasp in shock. Can the Gcticos really break the curse of the "Round of 16" in the Champions League?
Chapter 316: Dongfang Zhuo in despair
Chapter 316: Dongfang Zhuo in despair
Nethends, Alkmaar Training Base. Young Chinese yers Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng had a phone call. Dong Fangzhuo congratted Wang Feng on winning the European Golden Ball Award. After hanging up, Dong Fangzhuo sighed slowly.
Compared to the illustrious Wang Feng, Dong Fangzhuo felt somewhat ashamed of his own performance. So far this season, he had yed 13 league matches and 4 group stage matches in the league cup for the team, but only managed to contribute 3 goals and 1 assist.
For a forward, this performance was indeed subpar. His ying time had been reduced to the minimum specified in his contract 45 minutes.
He didn''t know how many more chances he had. ording to feedback from Balmond, the club''s management seemed to be losing patience gradually. They even wanted to terminate the contract with the Chinese yer by paying the penalty because his ying time guarantee had already affected the team''s performance.
Despite this, Dong Fangzhuo still didn''t give up. He maintained his habit of going to the training base for extra practice every day, arriving first in the morning and leavingst at night. Compared to the beginning of the season, his skills and abilities had improved significantly.
Walking back to the locker room with his phone in hand, Dong Fangzhuo stopped at the door. It seemed like they were discussing something about him inside. "Damn it, when will that Chinese guy get lost?"
It was Dong Fangzhuo''s substitute, Fan Sael, who spoke. His ying time was closely rted to Dong Fangzhuo''s, so he despised the Chinese yer who remained on the field without making any impact.
Defender Delon Williams chimed in, "Yeah, why did the club agree to such strict terms when signing this dude?" At that moment, everyone began toin. His poor performance and rtively high sry had already caused dissatisfaction among almost everyone.
No one was willing to step up to defend him, not even the team captain, Maldeya, who had once supported him. He believed that Dong Fangzhuo was no longer suitable to stay at Alkmaar.
Listening to these mocking words, Dong Fangzhuo clenched his hand holding the phone until it hurt, then pretended nothing happened as he pushed the door open.
The gossiping voices immediately lowered, but there were still jealous teammates speaking ill of him to his face. Fan Sael even intercepted him directly, "Hey, softie, did you call your mommy toin?"
"Darn off, benchwarmer. You know I neverin because I work harder than any of you," Dong Fangzhuo said coldly. Fan Sael paused at his words. The diligence of the Chinese yer within the club was well known, which was the only aspect worth praising about him. That was why the head coach had yet to make a move and force the management to make a decision to terminate his contract.
"Humph, burying yourself in practice won''t change anything. Before the winter break, you''ll definitely pack your bags and leave!"
Dong Fangzhuo ignored him and instead, put down his phone and changed into a fresh set of sports gear, continuing to head back to the indoor training room to work on his fitness. There, Le Goff, Wang Feng''s personal coach, was waiting for him.
On the night of December 10th, Dong Fangzhuo watched the 14th round of La Liga matches on TV. Real Madrid faced Sevi away, and Wang Feng once again delivered a brilliant performance.
Sevi, currently ranked third in La Liga, had a strong attacking force that Real Madrid''s fragile defense couldn''t withstand. The away team quickly conceded two goals.
Among the scorers for Sevi was the Brazilian talent Robinho. His preferred club initially was the Gctic Battleship, but Real Madrid rejected him in favor of signing Wang Feng, which made this goal somewhat retaliatory.
However, just before the end of the first half, Real Madridunched a brilliant counterattack. Guti attracted the defense in midfield before passing to Wang Feng, who immediately ran into the space behind the defenders after receiving the ball. He then passed to Raul with a sweeping motion.
Raul didn''t hesitate, sending a through ball with his left foot, and Wang Feng, inside the penalty area, used the tip of his foot to shoot, piercing through Sevi''s defense in an instant.
This goal made Dong Fangzhuo exim in admiration, also feeling a sense of realization. For an attacking yer, vision and positioning seemed crucial. If one kept staring at the ball at their feet, they couldn''t create such brilliant attackingbinations.
Following that, Wang Feng scored two more goals in quick session,pleting a hat-trick once again. Sevi, unwilling to be outdone, also scored one more goal, resulting in a 3-3 draw.
The fluctuating game thrilled all the fans and left Dong Fangzhuo restless. In his mind, he kept reying Wang Feng''s movements on the field. Each of his runs seemed perfectly timed, something Dong Fangzhuo was currentlycking.
Two dayster, in the 14th round of Eredivisie, Alkmaar hosted Ajax at home. Ajaxfortably upied the top position in the league this season, followed closely by Eindhoven, making it highly likely that the league title woulde from these two teams.
While Alkmaar, who finished secondst season, had dropped to eighth ce. Although the main reason was the strain of bncing league and Europeanpetitions for a smaller team, many fans still med Dong Fangzhuo''s performance for dragging down the club.
As the home team stepped onto the brand-new DSB Stadium, the moment Dong Fangzhuo appeared, the fans greeted him with boos. As the match progressed, these mocking voices grew louder.
"Good evening, dear viewers. This is the sports channel, and now we bring you the Eredivisie match between Alkmaar and Ajax."
"This season, Alkmaar has a yer we are very familiar with, Dong Fangzhuo, who shone brightly at the World Cup. Therefore, their matches are closely watched by domestic fans."
"Coach Zhang, what do you think of Dong Fangzhuo''s performance this season?" asked Lan Jianxiang. "Well, I think for a 21-year-old yer, his performance isn''t too bad."
"Perhaps everyone has be ustomed to Wang Feng''s dominant performances on the field, but in reality, Dong Fangzhuo represents the situation for most young yers. After all, if one can establish themselves in the top five leagues, they are already among the top professional yers."
"But as a key yer in Eredivisie, Xiao Zhuo''s performance is somewhat disappointing. And from the coach''s arrangements, it can be seen that he is gradually losing trust."
"Yes," Lan Jianxiang continued, "ording to the information we have, Dong Fangzhuo''s contract with Alkmaar includes detailed provisions regarding starting guarantees and ying time, which is why he has been starting even during his downturn."
"This use has its benefits and drawbacks. The benefit is that he can continuously y and improve. After all, for young yers, every match is an opportunity to grow."
"But the drawbacks are also obvious. If the performance is poor, it will inevitably lead to the disdain of fans and the club. Dong Fangzhuo is currently experiencing this."
"It''s definitely a difficult time, but I hope Xiao Zhuo can persevere and find his rhythm as soon as possible. He is the most promising attacking yer we have after Wang Feng."
"Well, as the referee''s whistle blows, the game officially begins. Ajax takes the kick-off, and let me introduce the starting lineups for both teams."
Chapter 317: Finally enlightened
Chapter 317: Finally enlightened
The match is proceeding vigorously. In the luxurious box on the south side of the stands, Alkmaar Club Chairman Scherlinga and team manager Moncler are watching the yers on the field sprint.
"This new stadium is really nice," Scherlinga said. They just moved to the DSB Stadium this summer. The old home stadium, the De Hout Stadium, had less than 10,000 seats, while the new stadium can amodate 17,000 people.
"We underestimated our football market a bit," Moncler added. "The average attendance was not very high at the old stadium, so we thought the new stadium could easily amodate it, but the demand for tickets far exceeded expectations."
"This is because the club has performed very well in recent years. In the 04-05 season, we reached the semi-finals of the league cup, andst season we finished second in the league, almost winning the championship. Naturally, the fans are more supportive."
"Let''s start the approved stadium renovation n as soon as possible. By 2010, this stadium will be able to amodate 21,000 people!"
Moncler nodded, then frowned suddenly. "But our league performance this season has deteriorated severely. The impact caused by that Chinese yer cannot be ignored, and we need to make a decision immediately!"
Scherlinga rubbed his eyes. "Who would have thought that the target we desperately pursued at the time would turn out to be a flop? But running a club is like this, there will always be some unsessful signings."
"Dong Fangzhuo is not that easy to get rid of because he has a difficult agent, Balmond." Scherlinga said. "It was his superb negotiation skills that allowed us to sign such a disadvantageous contract in the first ce. And if we break it, we''ll have to pay a hefty price."
"We can use some other unconventional means," Moncler hinted, "There are many ways to suppress a yer and make him choose to leave."
"That''s the most difficult part! You should perhaps understand the current external situation more. Wang Feng, from the same country as Dong Fangzhuo, has won his third European Golden Ball Award."
"What does this have to do with anything?" Moncler asked puzzledly.
"yers who can win this honor are all extremely influential superstars in European football! Although Wang Feng is Asian, hiswork in European football is still very strong."
"Considering the unity of the Chinese people, and the fact that both their agents are Balmond, once we use underhanded means to deal with Dong Fangzhuo, Wang Feng will definitely use his influence to retaliate against us. It''s difficult for the club''s current size to confront him head-on."
"Dong Fangzhuo''s agent Balmond also hinted at this point to me. Wang Feng will definitely stand up for him! But I have also made Alkmaar''s attitude clear, the club absolutely cannot afford to be dragged down."
"Next, we will start negotiations, and you will mainly participate. The most important thing is to abolish the use guaranteeing ying time. If Dong Fangzhuo''s performance doesn''t improve, just let him sit on the bench!"
Moncler nodded. The entire team has been harboring grievances on this issue for a long time, and it can''t be dragged on any longer.
On the field, Dong Fangzhuo was unaware of what was happening in the stands, but he understood that he had very little time left. In the past ten minutes or so, he still hadn''t gotten a good chance.
First, his teammates no longer trusted him and rarely passed him the ball. Second, Alkmaar was at a disadvantage overall, making it difficult to create effective attacks.
But he didn''t give up. In his mind, Wang Feng''s figure kept shing, and Dong Fangzhuo gradually forgot about the domestic youth training system and began to try ying with his eyes and brain.
Ajax broke through the home team''s goal twice in the 17th and 31st minutes, which made the Alkmaar fans in the stands very dissatisfied, and curses and curses were heard constantly.
On the sidelines, coach Van Gaal frowned tightly at his watch. He finally couldn''t help it a bit, waving his hand to signal Van Se to warm up. Even if it vited the contract and caused losses to the club, at this time, recing Dong Fangzhuo, who had done nothing, was the right thing for a wise coach to do.
But just then, there was a sudden change on the field. Alkmaar''s attacking core Avze received the ball on the left, and Ajax defender Stam defended him very tightly, so he turned and dribbled the ball back, then dribbled inward.
At this time, another Ajax defender, Vermaelen, hurried forward to block, with two defensive yers pressing him from front and back, Avze had to seek support, and Dong Fangzhuo was standing near the edge of the penalty area, with no one marking him in the five-meter area around him, perhaps because Ajax''s defense thought his threat was minimal.
Out of striker''s intuition, Avze saw that Dong Fangzhuo''s position was good, so he subconsciously passed the ball to him. But he immediately regretted it. In previous games, the Chinese youngster always wasted excellent opportunities, either awkwardly passing back or losing the ball under pressure, without making the right choice.
But Avze still continued to run diagonally into the penalty area. This was also what a forward should do. After receiving the ball sideways, Dong Fangzhuo, with defender Sneijder and defender Maduro immediately rushing towards him.
But this time, he didn''t make a mistake like before, but rather cleverly used the outside of his right foot to flick the ball into the penalty area, where Avze was advancing.
Sneijder was stunned for a moment, didn''t expect the ball toe to him, coupled with Dong Fangzhuo''s control not so good, the pass was a bit too strong, which caused him to fail to get the ball in the first time, but under the elerated pursuit, he still controlled the ball before it rolled out of bounds.
There was no one marking near him at this time, and Ajax''s defensive attention was all focused on the middle. No one went to mark Avze who was inserting into the penalty area, and Hetinga in the penalty area immediately moved towards Avze''s position.
But the distance was still a bit far, and Hetinga adjusted a bit and decisively crossed to the far post, a figure shed past, using the inside of his right foot to push the ball into the near corner of the goal, and the ball went into the with a sound.
"The ball''s in!! Dong Fangzhuo scored!! Beautiful!! He finally broke the goal drought!!"
"Alkmaar formed a wonderful cooperation in Ajax''s frontcourt, and the protagonist of this cooperation goal is our young talent, Dong Fangzhuo!"
"Oh my god, I can hardly believe my eyes. Apart from Wang Feng, we really have a yer who canplete such a beautiful attacking organization. Dong Fangzhuo didn''t disappoint us!"
"Let''s take another look at the rey of this goal. After receiving Avze''s pass, he didn''t hesitate at all to flick it into the penalty area, forming abination with the advancing Georgian."
"At the moment when the ball was passed out, Dong Fangzhuo didn''t just stand still like a fool, but immediately turned and ran towards the back post of the penalty area. This is the consciousness of a top striker! Avze was bound to choose a small-angle shot or a cross, waiting in the penalty area for an opportunity was the best choice."
"As expected, the ball came, and his near post shot was very calm, creating this goal. This is Dong Fangzhuo''s fourth goal since joining the Eredivisie, but it''s the most wonderful one!"
Chapter 318: I鈥檝e been watching you
Chapter 318: I''ve been watching you
After scoring, Dong Fangzhuo ran along the sidelines, fists clenched, shouting out to release the pressure in his heart. He finally scored again! But this time was different from before. There was no feeling of forced shooting, only immense satisfaction.
So, ying football could be this simple! It didn''t necessarily involve facingyers of defense or feeling panicked. All you needed to do was pass the ball to where it needed to go, run to where you needed to be, and everything would fall into ce.
Watching Dong Fangzhuo celebrate on the sidelines, Avze couldn''t believe it for a moment. Was this still the clumsy Chinese youngster?
But he quickly dismissed the thought. He and Dong Fangzhuo weren''t inpetition, and he didn''t harbor much resentment towards him. If Dong Fangzhuo could be stronger, it would only benefit the team.
So the Georgian caught up with Dong Fangzhuo and embraced him, congratting him on scoring again. Dong Fangzhuo, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Avze, thanking him for his trust. Without that pass, the cooperation wouldn''t have been possible.
The boos from the stands diminished significantly, and Van Gaal''s eyes lit up. He saw clearly that Dong Fangzhuo had nned and executed that goal.
This was the feeling he wanted! The Chinese youngster''s ability and attitude were not in question, but he had always struggled to integrate into the team''s tactical system. However, Van Gaal now saw a glimmer of hope. Had Dong Fangzhuo truly improved or was it just a fluke? The Dutchman decided to give him some more time.
In the following match, the Chinese youngster continued his magical performance, repeatedly delivering thoughtful passes and making unpredictable runs, threatening the Ajax goal frequently. For a period, Alkmaar even dominated the field.
At halftime, despite trailing 1-2, the home team''s morale remained high,rgely thanks to Dong Fangzhuo''s contributions!
In the locker room, many yers who previously held no grudge against Dong Fangzhuo greeted him. Team captain Maldia came to sit beside him, saying, "Dong, your performance was really impressive just now. It feltpletely different from usual."
He patted Dong Fangzhuo on the shoulder. "Keep it up!"
Dong Fangzhuo smiled. Sometimes, within the club, as long as you showed enough strength, you would earn the respect of your teammates.
Next, head coach Van Gaal began toy out the second-half tactics. When it was Dong Fangzhuo''s turn, he paused and said, "Dong, continue ying at the same pace as in the first half, with more involvement in the attacking organization."
Dong Fangzhuo was overjoyed to hear this. He hadn''t been benched, and he still had a chance to perform in the second half!
Meanwhile, not far away, Van Se gritted his teeth. He was so close to discing that damn Chinese guy and securing a starting position. Why did Dong Fangzhuo suddenly burst out like this? "It must have been a fluke. His true colors will show soon enough!"
As the game resumed, Dong Fangzhuo continued to be active in the attack. His mindset waspletely open, and his clever ball control and runs made it difficult for the Ajax defense to cope.
In the 54th minute, Alkmaar once again found an opportunity in the opponent''s half. Midfielder Soxes passed the ball to Dong Fangzhuo, who ran towards the penalty area, shielding Ajax defender Emmanuelson with his body.
His physicality had been honed through daily training and continuous matches. Although he was bumped by the Dutchman, he still protected the ball.
Instead of holding onto the ball, Dong Fangzhuo stopped it with his left foot and perfectly set it up for Avze a few meters away. He then continued his forward run, and Avze, understanding the situation, immediately flicked the ball into the penalty area, over the Ajax defense.
The Chinese youngster surpassed both Stam and Vermaelen, arriving at the edge of the small penalty area. With the ball dropping in front of him, he lifted his knee slightly and controlled it perfectly.
Facing the goalkeeper ahead, Dong Fangzhuo chose to pass across the middle. With the goalkeeper blocking the front, he passed to Maldia who was unmarked in the center, easily scoring into the empty. 2-2! Alkmaar leveled the score!
"Beautiful! Another attacking y by Dong Fangzhuo! His assist has turned the tide for the team!"
"His timing for passing was perfect, and his control inside the penalty area was impable."
"80% of the credit for this goal belongs to Dong Fangzhuo''s runs and ball control!"
On the sidelines, Van Gaal waved his arms excitedly. This smooth passing and control were exactly what he wanted for the attack. He began to consider seriously nurturing Dong Fangzhuo. If he could maintain this level of performance, he could be the team''s attacking core in the future.
After this goal, Dong Fangzhuo and Avze formed another partnership in the 63rd minute. The Chinese youngster, facing the goal from a tight angle in the penalty area, shot, hitting the inside of the post and into the!
A brace! Dong Fangzhuo scored his first brace since joining the Eredivisie!
In previous matches, he wouldn''t have dared to attempt such a difficult shot. But today, he was in high spirits, full of confidence!
Ultimately, with Dong Fangzhuo''s two goals and one assist, Alkmaar won 3-2 at home against Ajax. He was rightfully awarded the title of the best yer of the match.
As the game ended, still in an excited state, Dong Fangzhuo received a call from Wang Feng. "Well done. If you can maintain this level of performance, you will definitely establish yourself in the Eredivisie!"
Dong Fangzhuo hadn''t expected Wang Feng to know about the situation here so quickly. "I''ve been watching you," Wang Feng said. He had long been aware of hispatriot''s current predicament and had instructed Balmond to fully support Dong Fangzhuo.
To Wang Feng, Dong Fangzhuo''s outstanding performance in this match was entirely due to his previous umtion. If he hadn''t gained experience and understanding of the correct way to y football from previous league matches, he might have only contributed a few brilliant moments and then quickly faded away.
But now it was different. Continuously gaining experience from matches while understanding the right way to y, Wang Feng believed that Dong Fangzhuo''s growth would elerate in the future.
Dong Fangzhuo was moved. He hadn''t expected Wang Feng to care so much about him. The two then discussed the process of the game, and Wang Feng helped him analyze the on-field situation and ball-handling methods, offering improvement suggestions.
Previously somewhat confused, Dong Fangzhuo now felt incredibly clear. He realized that there were other ways to y football, not just relying on physicality but also using his brain!
Chapter 319: Reigning in football again !
Chapter 319: Reigning in football again !
On the evening of December 18th, in the 15th round of La Liga, Real Madrid yed at home against Espanyol, but Wang Feng did not appear on the yer roster. In the afternoon, he had already taken a ne to Zurich, Switzend, to attend the 2006 FIFA Annual Awards Ceremony to be held the next day.
Espanyol''s performance this season has not been outstanding, currently ranking only 12th in the league. Ramos''s return to the lineup slightly eased the defensive pressure for the Gcticos.
In both halves, Ronaldo and Guti each scored a goal for Real Madrid, and in the end, they defeated their opponents 2-0 at home.
In Switzend, as soon as Wang Feng got off the ne, he was the focus of reporters: "How do you feel about tini''s praise for you as the best yer in the world?"
"Do you think you have a chance to win the FIFA World yer award, or does Zidane, a meritorious yer in the championship team, have a greater chance?"
Wang Feng declined the interview and went straight to the five-star hotel prepared by FIFA. As the award ceremony approached, the media became increasingly frenzied, and every yer who arrived at the scene was asked about their predictions for the awards.
In addition to Wang Feng, the top three finalists for the FIFA World yer award also included Zidane and Ronaldinho, but the most likely winners were Wang Feng and Zidane. Compared to the Ballon d''Or, the FIFA World yer award pays more attention to the yer''s influence on the world football stage. Although Zidane has retired, his influence has not diminished.
Seeing the two of them again, their states werepletely different. Zidane looked radiant, and his body seemed to have gained some weight, indicating that he had been living a veryfortable life since retiring. He warmly embraced Wang Feng.
In contrast, Ronaldo''s expression seemed somewhat tired, and even his smile appeared forced. Wang Feng still took the initiative to greet him. Since joining Real Madrid, due to various media hype, his rtionship with Ronaldo seemed to have be more awkward.
This year, the list of thirty candidates for the FIFA World yer award included Ribery for the first time, which made the Frenchman very happy. Wang Feng immediately congratted him.
In addition, yers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney made it to the list for the second time and showed significant progresspared to the previous year, while long-established stars like Carlos, Beckham, and Owen were left out for the first time.
Football is about to usher in a new round of changes.
As this year marks the 250th anniversary of Mozart''s birth, the theme of the awards ceremony is "When Football Meets Mozart", with ssic excerpts from Mozart''s operas interspersed between various segments of the ceremony.
The hosts of the ceremony are one of the Dutch "Three Musketeers," Cruyff, and the famous television presenter Amanda. After announcing several major awards such as Fair y Award, President''s Special Award, FIFA eWorld yer, and FIFA Women''s World yer, the most exciting moment is about toe!
tter slowly walked onto the stage, looked at the cue card in his hand, and then scanned the audience. Everyone held their breath, and Wang Feng and Zidane waited anxiously.
"The winner of the 2006 FIFA World yer is... Wang Feng!"
The ecstatic Chinese could no longer contain his excitement and jumped up from his seat. Finally, he regained the throne of the world''s number one yer! Next to him, Zidane and Ronaldinho also stood up. Wang Feng hugged them separately. Ronaldinho was fine, knowing he had no chance this year. Zidane, on the other hand, was very disappointed, his expression looking very deste.
The French superstar was destined not to win his third FIFA World yer award. In 2003, he lost to Wang Feng, and now, unexpectedly, he lost to him again this year.
As the three of them approached the stage, the specific scores of each candidate were also disyed on the big screen. Wang Feng scored 490 points, while Zidane scored 462 points, a difference of less than 30 points. Wang Feng''s victory could be said to be narrow.
Third-ced Ronaldinho scored 380 points, followed by Henry with 317 points, Eto''o with 300 points, and Drogba with 150 points.
Receiving the heavy trophy from presenter Davies, Wang Feng became the second professional yer to win the FIFA World yer award three times after Ronaldo.
Approaching the microphone, Wang Feng began his eptance speech. He thanked the judges for their recognition, thanked both Inter Mn and Real Madrid, thanked his teammates for their support, and thanked his family and friends for their encouragement.
"There are more challenges waiting for me in the future. Fortunately, I still have plenty of time. I will work harder than ever, train harder, y harder, and win more honors with my teammates!"
Finally, the Chinese superstar said in a domineering tone, "This is by no means the end, but a new beginning!"
The apuse thundered in the audience. Many people suddenly realized that Wang Feng had tied all the legends of football in annual double awards, and he was only 23 years old. What legendary records will he create in the years toe? This is probably only known to God.
Cristiano Ronaldo looked admiringly at the shining figure on stage. How good would it be if he could stand on the stage one day and receive the congrattions and apuse of everyone! Can Manchester United really help him achieve this wish? The conflicts with Rooney, the sessive setbacks in the league and Europeanpetitions made him somewhat impatient. Fortunately, Chelsea finally started to decline this season, otherwise, he would have wanted to leave.
After attending the FIFA Annual Awards Ceremony, Wang Feng rushed to the province of Vlez, Spain. Two dayster, Real Madrid will y theirst round of matches before the winter break here, facing Vlez away in the 16th round of La Liga.
Currently, Real Madrid leads the standings with 11 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 35 points, leading second-ced Barcelona by 2 points. If they can win this game, they can secure the championship of the first half of the season.
Vlez is not a traditional strong team. They were established a long time ago but have always struggled in the lower leagues. They have only been promoted to La Liga three times. The first two times in 1978 and 2002, they were relegated in the same season. Last year, they won the Segunda Divisin championship. Determined to stay in the top league, they gathered arge number of powerful yers in the summer, including Poli, the starting left-back for vs, Arso, the central defender for Virreal, and Cazo, a midfielder.
With a powerful promotion lineup and reinforcements, they have shown a strong side. They once climbed to fifth ce in the league standings. Although they have now dropped to eighth ce, they are still better than many original top-tier teams.
As he had just returned to the team, head coach Schuster ced Wang Feng on the bench. During the match, the home team caused some trouble for Real Madrid. In the 27th minute, Romanian forward Rosu broke the deadlock with a counterattack, but fortunately, just before halftime, Diarra assisted Guti in equalizing the score.
In the second half, in the 60th minute, Wang Feng finally took the field. Five minutester, he dribbled past Moa, the opponent''s defender, on the wing, cut inside into the penalty area, and then sent a cross to the far post. Raul followed up and broke the deadlock, putting Real Madrid ahead.
Then, in the 77th minute, Wang Feng personally created another goal. From outside the penalty area, he took a long shot straight into the corner of the goal, and the home team''s goalkeeper Barrejo failed to save it.
3-1! Real Madrid won thest round of the first half of the league with a victory. This is the first time in nearly three years that they have won the championship of the first half of the season.
Chapter 320: Busy winter break
Chapter 320: Busy winter break
The league stopped and entered the winter break, but Wang Feng couldn''t enjoy his vacation as before, spending his time vacationing and practicing on the warm coast. Instead, he had to participate inmercial activities nned by Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is arguably the most professional and enthusiastic club when ites to developing themercial value of its star yers. Therefore, Wang Feng was destined to spend the New Year in continuous busyness.
Fortunately, Lu Yao decided to apany him all the way, while his sister returned to China to spend the holidays with their family. With his lover''spany, the trip wouldn''t feel too tiring for Wang Feng.
The destination of the Real Madrid team was Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Recently, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company became Real Madrid''s new sponsor. As a giant backed by the Abu Dhabi Royal Family''s fund, they provided substantial funding.
Therefore, the International Energy Company instantly became the biggest sponsor of the Gcticos. At the same time, they also offered Wang Feng a lucrative global endorsement contract, targeting his Asian identity.
For this visit, the club arranged the highest level of reception. Real Madrid''s vice president, Amador Suarez, personally led the team, apanied by the head of themercial department, Fernandez, and several staff members. Along with Wang Feng''s agent, Balmond, and Lu Yao, a team of over ten people boarded a private ne andnded at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
As soon as they stepped off the ne, Wang Feng felt the warm atmosphere. Dozens of media outlets were constantly taking pictures, while arge group of fans not far away held banners weing his arrival.
For security reasons, the security guards did not allow him to interact with the fans closely. However, to show appreciation for their enthusiasm, Wang Feng still stopped for a long time, continuously waving and acknowledging the adorable people.
Leaving the airport in a luxurious Rolls-Royce prepared by the Abu Dhabi Fund, their first stop would be the Emirates Pce Hotel, where they would rest briefly before meeting with members of the royal family.
As the world''s most luxurious and expensive eight-star hotel, its construction cost nearly $3 billion. The hotel, which opened in Aprilst year, only hosted heads of state or royal family members. Wang Feng was the first non-political visitor, showing the extent of the Abu Dhabi Prince''s attention to him.
Upon arrival, Wang Feng and Lu Yao were greeted by a magnificent ssical Arab pce, resembling a huge castle facing the sea to the north and west.
Led by the staff into the hall, the first thing they saw was the magnificent golden dome above. Lu Yao, despite being well-traveled, was still shocked by the scale of this ce. She whispered to Wang Feng, "Isn''t this too extravagant? It''s just gold ting, right?"
Wang Feng calmed himself. He had some prior knowledge, so he wasn''t too surprised. He whispered back, "No, this should be made of pure gold. It''s said to have cost 22 tons of gold."
Lu Yao''s eyes widened, and for a moment, she stood there dumbfounded before regaining her senses. Fortunately, the hotel staff were well-trained and did not rush the guests.
As they walked, they marveled at the luxurious surroundings. Everywhere, there were utensils made of pure gold or ted gold. Indeed, gold was the most representative symbol of wealth in the eyes of Arabs.
A beautiful Arab waitress led a dozen people to stand in front of Wang Feng and said softly, "Mr. Wang Feng, during your time here, we will serve you and your wife throughout. You and your wife can make any requests to us regarding food, clothing, housing, or transportation."
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised. Upon inquiry, he learned that this hotel usually assigns six waiters to serve one distinguished guest, including room cleaning,undry, meal preparation, etc. All aspects of daily life could be assisted by them.
"Such an extravagant life," Lu Yao eximed.
During dinner, Wang Feng and the others finally met the mysterious Abu Dhabi royal family. Unlike the high-profile Dubai royal family, they were generally more low-key in the internationalmunity but had stronger economic strength.
They discussed many details of future cooperation and then had dinner together. Compared to the formal and cumbersome European royal families, the Abu Dhabi royal family was much more rxed.
During the dinner, a middle-aged man named Sheikh Mansour showed a keen interest in football. He kept asking Wang Feng about various interesting stories in the football world and even expressed his desire to acquire a European football club.
Instead of sponsoring a team, he hoped to control one. Real Madrid was definitely out of the question, but Premier League clubs would be more suitable. After all, there was the sessful experience of Russian oligarch Abramovich with Chelsea.
"If one day I really take over a European giant, can I invite you to join my team?" Mansour asked eagerly. Wang Feng smiled awkwardly. This was poaching in front of the vice president of Real Madrid. He didn''t give a direct answer, just wishing that the UAE could fulfill its wish to acquire a football club.
After the warm hospitality, the Chinese superstar began his business trip. First, he had to shoot multiple posters and promotional videos for the International Energy Company. Meanwhile, the UAE Football Association specially organized a friendly match named after Wang Feng. The two teams from the local Super League wouldpete, and Wang Feng would present the trophy to the winning team.
After the match, he also attended a fan meeting, signing autographs and taking photos with passionate Middle Eastern fans. His friendly attitude and amodating behavior received warm praise from everyone. Even some initially arrogant Middle Easterners were moved by him and became loyal fans of the Chinese superstar.
On New Year''s Eve, the Chinese star was invited to attend a New Year''s Eve program on Abu Dhabi TV, talking about his football career. He greeted the people of the UAE in Arabic, once again winning the favor of the locals. Of course, in the end, he also sent his blessings to Chinese fans in Chinese, believing that many fans back home were also following him at this moment.
On the first day of the New Year, Wang Feng finally got a moment to catch his breath. He and Lu Yao spent some time exploring Abu Dhabi, buying many specialties to send back home. Then, they returned to Madrid with the club staff.
"Real Madrid''s Crazy Money-making in the Middle East, Wang Feng''s Terrifying Value Begins to Show!" Spain''s National Newspaper published this article in a New Year''s special edition. The report pointed out that although it cost the Gcticos ?100 million to bring in Wang Feng, halfway through the season, the profits he brought have far exceeded that number.
"Wang Feng''s Real Madrid No. 10 jersey has sold over 1 million units worldwide, and sales are still increasing. In addition to this, various peripherals and club endorsements have brought in over ?5 billion in revenue for the Gcticos."
"Not to mention the sponsorship from the International Energy Company this time. They approached Real Madrid purely because of Wang Feng, providing a super high sponsorship fee of ?400 million, bing their main sponsor overnight."
"It''s worth noting that the current world''s secondrgest primary sponsor amount is Arsenal, who received approximately ?100 million from Emirates Airlines, less than a quarter of what Real Madrid got."
Chapter 321: Lineup reinforcement
Chapter 321: Lineup reinforcement
Real Madrid''s head of business affairs, Fernandez, should be the happiest person at the club. Every day, there is a constant stream of sponsors eager to cooperate with Real Madrid and Wang Feng.
Every sponsorship deal with the club and Wang Feng''s team undergoes detailed evaluation and is only pursued if there are no hidden risks and it does not damage public image. Even so, the total sponsorship fees keep rising.
Currently, the club has earned over 7 billion euros from Wang Feng alone. 5 billion? That was just a month ago. What''s even more terrifying is that Wang Feng''s earning growth rate shows no signs of slowing down; on the contrary, it''s getting faster.
With the happiest people naturallye the most distressed ones, and that''s the club''s general manager, Bldano. Real Madrid president Florentino Prez has issued a strict order: Wang Feng must be fully taken care of in all aspects so that he can yfortably, which in turn ensures the team''s peace of mind.
But currently, Real Madrid''s defense is heavily criticized, and naturally, Wang Feng is also dissatisfied. Which yers should be brought in topensate for this deficiency?
Another consideration is whether or not to bring in attacking yers, and if so, what kind. If the iing yer is too high-profile or has a bad temper, causing Wang Feng difort, what should be done?
After consulting with head coach Schuster for a long time, Real Madrid began their reinforcement n when the winter transfer window opened.
First, they acquired 18-year-old defensive genius Marcelo from Brazil''s Fluminense for 6 million euros. He had represented Brazil in the U-17 World Cup, leaving a deep impression on European clubs at the time.
Next, they brought back 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago from Boca Juniors. Both of these young yers are seen as hardworking. Schuster hopes they will be more active defensively to bolster the team''s lineup.
On the other hand, Schuster has also set his sights on Porto''s solid defender Pepe. However, the Portuguese powerhouse is unwilling to sell during the winter break as they are still in the crucial stages ofpeting for the league title.
Bldano waved his hand and offered 55 million euros to Porto, finally convincing their top brass. Actually, if they waited until summer to buy Pepe, they might have only paid around 30 million euros at most. But Real Madrid couldn''t afford to wait, and they weren''t too concerned about the price; performance was everything.
Another unexpected opportunity was Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze. This season, his starting position was taken by Evra, so he''s actively seeking a transfer opportunity, with Liverpool being his preferred destination.
However, Ferguson would never allow his yers to join a rival team. Heinze could only negotiate quietly, waiting to see how things yed out in the summer.
But at this point, Real Madrid extended an olive branch. Compared to Liverpool, the Gcticos were also a good choice and could avoid potential disputes. In the end, the Argentine defender expressed his willingness to join, and Real Madrid paid a transfer fee of 9.6 million euros for him.
Unfortunately, both Pepe and Heinze have yed in the Champions League for their respective teams, so they will not be able to appear in the Champions League after joining Real Madrid. Schuster needs to devise a more reasonable rotation system to utilize the new lineup.
The previous signings strengthened the midfield and defense. With Ronaldo leaving for Mn, Real Madrid needs to find at least one backup for Wang Feng in attack. Schuster set his sights on River te''s rising star Gonzalo Higuan.
The 19-year-old yer gradually made a name for himself at River te, especially when he scored twice against Boca Juniors, catching the eye of many European clubs'' scouts.
Real Madrid made inquiries to River te early on. After multiple rounds of negotiations, they finally acquired him for 13 million euros.
At the beginning of the new year, the team regrouped to prepare for the second half of the league and the crucial Champions League knockout stage. The team doctors looked at the yers'' physical test data and shook their heads. Everyone''s condition was not good, including Wang Feng, despite his busymercial work during the past ten days. Although he persisted in training, the duration was not enough, which would undoubtedly lead to a decline in his athletic performance over time.
Luckily, this wasn''t a serious issue, and with one or two extra training sessions, they could adjust. However, some yers weren''t as disciplined, managing to gain weight in such a short vacation.
"No matter what method you use, you must reduce body fat, or I won''t let you y!" Schuster roared angrily.
During the first training session, Wang Feng also met the newly joined yers. It was his first time experiencing the club''s winter signing of so many new yers. Except for Heinze and Pepe, the other new recruits were under 20 years old. Looking at these young faces, he inexplicably felt himself getting older.
Facing the renowned seniors in the football world, they were equally nervous. Now, apart from the head coach, the most significant yer in the Real Madrid dressing room was Wang Feng. If they offended him, their future careers would be challenging.
However, they quickly realized their worries were unnecessary. The Gcticos'' dressing room seemed harmonious; Ral and others teased Wang Feng for crazily earning money during the holidays, while Wang Fengined about being too tired and vividly described the life of Middle Eastern tycoons, leaving them stunned.
"Since we have so many new teammates, let''s have dinner together tonight. I''ll treat you guys at the usual ce," the Chinese star said generously. Everyone cheered with joy; a dinner party was an excellent way to bond.
The coaching staff tacitly approved of this dinner, but they repeatedly reminded the yers not to overeat or drink. Schuster would not participate this time; he needed to carefully consider the uing tactical arrangements, as several injured key yers had returned, plus the new recruits, their strength and condition needed thorough evaluation and consideration.
The Alberth home was lively under the night sky, with Real Madrid yers enjoying delicious food and sharing holiday anecdotes. Wang Feng sat next to Pepe, striking up a conversation with the tough defender.
Unlike his fierce performance on the field, Pepe seemed a bit shy off the pitch. He spoke in a slightly admiring tone, "When I joined Porto, I often heard teammates talking about you, somewhat fearfully."
"The 2004 Champions League final has be their unforgettable nightmare. Even today, their fear of you hasn''t diminished much, which is simply unbelievable."
Wang Feng smiled and also talked about Pepe''s glorious experiences. Since joining Porto, his irond defense has been praised by many, helping the team win two league titles.
Not only Pepe, but Wang Feng also had pleasant conversations with every new yer who joined. He had done his homework well and could easily mention the achievements they were proud of. Coupled with his status, it was effortless topletely win over these yers, and unknowingly, his reputation within the team further increased.
Chapter 322: Constantly changing, forging ahead
Chapter 322: Constantly changing, forging ahead
On January 8, 2007, La Liga resumed with the 17th round as Real Madrid hosted Deportivo La Coru?a. The former "Super Depor" had gradually declined and currently ranked only 10th in the league.
Coach Schuster fielded the starting lineup from the beginning of the season, with injured yers Carlos, Ramos, and Emerson all returning, but their performances did not fully recover, especially Carlosmitting fatal errors one after another.
Despite Wang Feng scoring twice in the match, Real Madrid''s sieve-like defense conceded three goals, suffering a surprising 2-3 home defeat to Deportivo La Coru?a.
Fortunately, in another focus match, Barcelona drew 1-1 away to Getafe, narrowing the gap with Real Madrid to just 1 point but failing to reverse the situation.
On January 12, in the fifth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid faced Real Betis away. Schuster made seven changes to the starting lineup, with yers like Pepe, Marcelo, Gago, and Iguain making their first appearances.
Without Wang Feng''s attacking firepower upfront, Iguain clearly couldn''t shoulder the responsibility alone. Real Betis scored one goal in each half, handing Real Madrid a 0-2 defeat.
Although the media heavily criticized the Gxy Battleship''s defense after the match, the Germans saw a glimmer of improvement.
On January 15, in the 18th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Zaragoza away. Schuster decisively reced Carlos and Cicinho with Pepe and Heinze in the backline. With the adjustments, the Gxy Battleship''s defense became much more stable, thwarting the home team''s early onught and gradually gaining momentum.
In the 17th minute, Gagounched an attack from midfield, chipping the ball into the penalty area, where Reyes crossed it to the far post. Wang Feng, lurking there, leaped up and volleyed the ball into the, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead!
In the 34th minute, Wang Feng and Guti cooperated in the midfield to tear apart Zaragoza''s defense. Inside the penalty area, he passed the ball to Raul, who easily tapped it in.
In the second half, the Gxy Battleship continued to dominate, with Guti scoring a world-ss goal to seal the victory. The home team pulled one back in the 82nd minute, but the final score remained 3-1.
In another match, Barcelona faced Espanyol at home. Coach Rijkaard surprisingly benched Ronaldinho due to poor form and started with Van Nistelrooy.
His decision paid off as the Dutchman scored twice, leading Barcelona to a 2-1 victory, keeping the pressure on Real Madrid in the standings.
After this game, the Catn region''s sentiment towards Ronaldinho became even more unfavorable. Some newspapers even suggested that Messi, Eto''o, and Van Nistelrooy could form a new attacking trio, rendering Ronaldinho unnecessary for Barcelona.
On January 18, in the second leg of the fifth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid hosted Real Betis. Despite losing the first leg, coach Schuster still chose to rotate the lineup, determined to give up on this honor.
With Wang Feng watching from the sidelines, Real Betis quickly took the lead. However, Iguain showed a glimpse of brilliance and equalized for the Gxy Battleship in the 67th minute with a smart run, helping them draw 1-1.
This was the first goal the Argentine youngster scored for Real Madrid. With a final aggregate score of 1-3, the Gxy Battleship''s King''s Cup journey came to an end.
After being knocked out of the King''s Cup, many media outlets wrote that Real Madrid shouldn''t have given up on this honor so early. With Barcelona closely trailing in the league and tough opponents in the Champions League, winning either of these honors would be challenging. It was feared that the Gxy Battleship might end the season empty-handed despite their ambitious rebuilding efforts.
"The club is being overly cautious with Wang Feng''s usage. From his experience at Inter Mn, it''s clear his body can handle multiplepetitions, but Schuster insists on rotating him,"mented a journalist from El Pais.
They specifically interviewed Schuster about this, and the German said, "With the many new yers we brought inst summer and this winter, I need to adjust the lineup through games to find the bestbinations."
He said that although Wang Feng is a strong yer, his presence alone doesn''t guarantee victory. "The loss in the King''s Cup brought us a lot of experience and lessons, which will be very helpful for us in the uing league and Champions League matches."
Wang Feng himself had no objections to the coaching staff''s rotation policy. Although he was eager for honors, he respected the coach''s decisions. However, he asionally expressed his willingness to take on more responsibilities during discussions.
"That''s for sure," Schuster said. "When the Real Madrid lineup truly takes shape, we willunch an assault on the great historical achievements. By then, we will need you to show your full strength."
On January 22, in the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Mallorca.
Wang Feng appeared exceptionally active as soon as he stepped onto the field. Mallorca kicked off, and center-back Brazilianas passed the ball back to defender Barera. The Chinese star pounced on the Spanish defender like a cheetah.
Barera was flustered and tried to pass the ball to a nearby teammate after feinting with his right foot to his left, but Wang Feng saw through his movepletely, extending his right leg to intercept.
Wang Feng then broke into the penalty area and, with a wide swing, evaded goalkeeper Moya, easily slotting the ball into the empty.
"Goooooooal! The ball is in! Less than a minute into the game, Wang Feng caused the opponent''s defender to make a mistake through high pressing and opened the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"I haven''t had the chance to introduce the starting lineups of both sides; it''s just too fast. Let''s take a look at the video rey. Wang Feng was very excited at the start, and Barera, who just touched the ball, obviously didn''t expect him to suddenly make a move, leaving him in a state of confusion."
"Most importantly, he shouldn''t have made that feint. If he had passed decisively, the ball wouldn''t have been intercepted."
"With only one victory in thest four games, it seems that Wang Feng is really anxious. How will the situation on the field develop next? Let''s wait and see."
This goalpletely disrupted the visitors'' ns. They had intended to secure their defense while seeking opportunities to attack and secure at least a draw, but now they were behind. Should they press forward more aggressively, and what about their defense?
Taking advantage of Mallorca''s disarray, in the 11th minute, Emerson intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it to Wang Feng, who then made a solo run down the nk. After shaking off two defenders with consecutive feints, he charged into the penalty area.
Seeing the goalkeeper rushing out, Wang Feng immediately chose to go down and shot, the ball passing through Moya''s legs and rolling into the, making it 2-0!
Real Madrid continued their smooth y and created another chance in the 34th minute. This time, Wang Feng moved to the left, feinted a breakthrough to draw defensive attention, and then passed to Raul in the middle. Raul volleyed into the from 8 meters out, making it 3-0!
Before halftime, Wang Feng took a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, piercing Mallorca''s goal for the third time,pleting a hat-trick!
In the second half, Reyes scored the final goal of the match, ending the game with a resounding 5-0 victory for the Gxy Battleship.
Chapter 323: Lost in the top 16 again ?
Chapter 323: Lost in the top 16 again ?
From January 28th to February 18th, Real Madrid yed four more La Liga matches. In the 20th round, they faced Virreal away. With Wang Feng scoring twice and providing an assist, they defeated the Yellow Submarine 3-1.
In the 21st round, they hosted Levante at home. Guti, the "Golden Wolf," exploded with a hat-trick, while Wang Feng also found the once, securing a 4-0 victory.
In the 22nd round, they challenged Real Sociedad away. Despite conceding first, Wang Feng provided assists for both Raul and Reyes to turn the score around. Although he didn''t score himself, he still earned the title of the best yer of the match.
In the 23rd round, they faced Real Betis at home. Wang Feng scored a goal in the first half and assisted Ramos''s header in the second half, securing a 2-0 victory and avenging their King''s Cup defeat.
So far, Wang Feng has contributed 35 goals and 12 assists, averaging an astonishing 1.5 goals per game, nearing the record for most goals in a single La Liga season!
Marcamented that Wang Feng is "unstoppable," bing a nightmare for all opposing defenses in his debut La Liga season. It''s rumored that several teams are gathering to discuss how to stop him.
He is also a top candidate for the European Golden Boot award this year, having won it for the past five years in a row. Even the editor-in-chief of World Ser magazine joked that the award could be named after Wang Feng.
However, the Daily Sports newspaper sarcastically remarked that Real Madrid sacrificed the team''s attacking firepower to boost Wang Feng''s goal tally. They pointed out that Raul scored 19 goalsst season but has only scored 9 so far this season.
This kind of provocative reporting naturally displeased the Real Madrid yers. Raul refuted these ims in an interview, saying, "I''m happy to y alongside Wang Feng. If you look at the match statistics, you''ll see that his shot volume isn''t high. His high goal tallyes from efficiency."
"After all, I only care about the final victory, not about the number of goals. Therefore, fluctuations in form and statistics are normal. Wang Feng''s contributions are crucial to Real Madrid leading Barcelona in the league standings."
After this match, Real Madrid secured six consecutive league victories, continuing to lead the league standings strongly. Barcelona also kept pace, winning three out of four matches, with a draw against Osasuna in the 21st round.
As a result, the gap between them and the Gxy Battleship widened to three points again. However, both teams remained focused on the national derby in the 26th round, aiming for aeback at Camp Nou.
In these recent matches for Barcelona, Ronaldinho''s form improved rapidly, much to the satisfaction of coach Rijkaard. It seems he still needs some external motivation. With Van Nistelrooypeting for a starting position alongside him, Ronaldinho''s gloomy mood has improved significantly.
When Messi returns from injury, the Dutch coach is confident they can teach Real Madrid a lesson at Camp Nou, seeking revenge for their humiliating defeat in the first half of the season.
"Wee back, dear viewers. Now, we bring you the second half of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich."
"The current score on the field is 0-1, with Bayern scoring through Schweinsteiger in the 23rd minute, putting the Gxy Battleship at a disadvantage at home."
"Let''s see theirtest attack. Wang Feng receives the ball on the left, defended by Bayern''s No. 22, Lahm. Passes to Guti, back to Wang Feng, beautiful! A give-and-go, Wang Feng enters the penalty area."
"Shoots!!!! Oh no, the ball hits the post, Guti follows up, shoots!!!! Oh my, it''s over the crossbar."
"What happened to Guti? He had an almost open goal but still managed to shoot high. Earlier, Wang Feng''s angled shot also hit the post. He rarely misses such opportunities."
"Since the beginning of the game, Real Madrid''s attacking intensity has been high, but they have repeatedly missed chances. Instead, Bayern took advantage of a counterattack to break the deadlock. Could the Gxy Battleship be heading for elimination in the Champions League Round of 16 again?"
Feeling frustrated, Wang Feng touches his face and then runs back to the midfield. He was a bit rushed with thatst shot. If he adjusts a bit more or crosses, he should have a better chance.
The Chinese yer''s mentality has indeed be somewhat impatient. Since the start of the game, his teammates'' performance has been very poor. Perhaps it''s because they''ve been eliminated in the Round of 16 for two consecutive years, so they have a psychological shadow.
But this is the Santiago Bernabeu! If they can''t win at home, won''t it be even more difficult at Bayern''s Allianz Arena?
They are not only facing the powerful Bundesliga champions but also enormous mental pressure. From the team management, coaching staff to the yers on the field, they all need to ovee this pressure.
For this reason, Schuster deployed the safest lineup currently avable. With new signings unavable, the backline consists of Ramos, Cannavaro, Cicinho, and Salgado.
In midfield, Diarra, Emerson, Guti, and Reyes were chosen, although Emerson''s form has not fully recovered, there are no better options at the moment.
The Gxy Battleship has yed very chaotically in the first half of the season. They want to take advantage of home ground, but they are also afraid of conceding goals, making both offense and defense awkward. After Bayern took the lead, they became even more flustered.
Just as Real Madrid continued to attack in an attempt to equalize, another huge blow struck. It was in the 67th minute when Santos capitalized on Emerson''s mistake to intercept the ball and initiate a quick counterattack.
Makaay and Podolski followed closely behind, forming a three-on-three situation in Real Madrid''s defense. When Santos reached the edge of the penalty area, he passed the ball to Podolski, who then outran Cannavaro near the baseline and crossed to the far post.
Salgado and Makaay were both there! The tall Dutch striker pressured the Spanish defender and headed the ball into the goal, creating a rainbow in the air as the ball firmlynded in the.
0-2! Bayern once again extended their lead! Wang Feng, who was desperately tracking back, arrived in the penalty area just in time, watching the ball go into the with anger and frustration. How could they concede another goal? He retrieved the ball from the and kicked it fiercely towards the center circle.
In the luxurious box at the top of the Bernabeu, Florentino frowned as he looked at the field. Beside him, club general manager Baldano shook his head helplessly, "The yers'' mentality is too poor, they''ve made many mistakes and wasted many opportunities."
"If we lose to Bayern at home, the second leg could be really dangerous."
Suddenly, Florentino asked, "Wasn''t Moratti feeling the same way back then?" Baldano was puzzled by the question, "The team is in a disadvantageous position; someone has to step up."
"Wasn''t Inter Mn also facing various difficulties back then? Wang Feng always managed to lead the team to victory in the end. I believe he can do the same at Real Madrid!" Florentino said firmly.
Chapter 324: I don鈥檛 believe in spells !
Chapter 324: I don''t believe in spells !
Time was slowly passing by, and the yers became more and more impatient. From the 70th minute to the 80th minute, Real Madrid received three consecutive yellow cards due to excessive defensive actions.
Wang Feng continued to attempt to organize the attack. In the 81st minute, he dribbled the ball down the left side of the penalty area, then sent a low cross into the box, but Ral''s shot was off target under the interference of defender Van Buyten.
Three minutester, they tried again, but the ball cleared by the defender from the front of the goal, Bayern once again resolved the attack of the Gxy Battleship.
There were less than five minutes left! Although head coach Schuster looked anxious on the sidelines, he had no good way to adjust tactics.
So far, his two substitutions were made out of necessity, once recing the underperforming Emerson with Gago, and once recing the exhausted Cicinho with Bravo.
The German can only hope for Wang Feng now. Even if they pull one goal back, they still have a chance in Bayern''s home stadium, but the most important thing is not to concede again!
Compared to Real Madrid''s anxiety, Bayern yed very rxed. Their pre-match goal was to secure at least a draw, scoring a goal would be even better. They didn''t expect to exceed their expectations.
So, as the game reached its final moments, the yers yed quite rxed, intentionally dying time to ensure victory.
As the digital disy on the big screen reached 85 minutes, Wang Feng was panting heavily, silently closing his eyes. He could feel his heart beating violently. He had experienced so many life-and-death situations, why was he feeling anxious now?
When he opened his eyes again, the impatience in his heart had disappeared. This time, he received the ball on the right, and Bayern immediately deployed heavy defense. Instead of rashly trying to break through, Wang Feng turned and dribbled the ball back two steps, then passed it to nearby Reyes.
Reyes saw that the right side wasn''t a good attacking option, so he passed it horizontally to Diarra in the middle. Diarra quickly transferred the ball to Gago''s area on the left, and in an instant, Real Madrid changed their attacking route.
Gago, who had juste on, was very energetic. He elerated to reach the ball and immediately sent a cross into the box, aiming for Ral who was lurking inside. But Bayern defender Van Buyten''s positioning was very urate, and he blocked the ball out of the penalty area before the Spanish forward.
The ball flew to the top of the penalty area, where Guti arrived first. He originally wanted to take a volley directly, but seeing the dense personnel in the penalty area, it was easy to be blocked. So, he changed his shot to a pass, poking the ball to the right side of the penalty area with his instep.
Wang Feng had been waiting on the right side, and when he saw Guti reach the firstnding point, he immediately started running to seek an opportunity to receive the ball. Just at this moment, the ball arrived from Guti.
However, he couldn''t shake off the defensive yers'' entanglement. Bayern defenders Lahm and Lucio tightly marked him, making it impossible to shoot under such conditions.
At this point, Wang Feng hadpletely calmed down. He made the most correct decision, controlled the ball with his right foot and turned back, looking for Reyes who was still on the right side. He believed his teammate could receive it.
As expected, Reyes sessfully received the ball not far behind him, made some adjustments, and then crossed again to find Ral at the far post.
The consecutive passes made the Bayern defense line gradually chaotic. From the right to the left and then back to the right, therge-scale movement and the continuous threat to the goal by Wang Feng and Ral made them somewhat overwhelmed.
Several defensive yers subconsciously rushed to defend, and when Ral saw them approaching, he jumped high and headed the ball, while on the other side of the goal, Wang Feng blocked Lucio and volleyed the ball into Bayern''s goal!
"Goooooooooooooooooal!! Real Madrid finally scored!! In the 86th minute, Wang Feng pulled one back for the Gxy Battleship!!"
"If they enter the second leg with a two-goal deficit, it''s undoubtedly like standing on the edge of a cliff. Fortunately, Wang Feng stepped up at this moment and scored a crucial goal for the team!"
After scoring, Wang Feng stood in front of the goal and shouted loudly, then immediately pulled out the ball and ran towards the midfield. He was not satisfied with just this!
The teammates who had gathered to celebrate saw his intentions and ran back to their own half with him.
While running, Wang Feng discussed the next attacking strategy with nearby teammates like Ral. After Bayern''s kickoff, they would immediately press forward to force a turnover andunch another attack before Bayern could react.
Everyone nodded. This goalpletely activated their fighting spirit and made them realize they still had Wang Feng to rely on. The shadow of being eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16 was also suppressed.
After Bayern kicked off again, Ral and Wang Feng immediately pressed forward, while Guti and Reyes silently waited for their chance. This high-pressure tactic made their passing somewhat less smooth.
As the ball reached the midfield, Guti quickly stole it from Salihamidzic, evaded the German midfielder''s tackle, and then suddenly sent a long pass.
Wang Feng understood and started at the right moment, sessfully bringing the ball down in the penalty area. Facing Lucio, he lifted his right foot to feign a shot, and when he saw the Brazilian defender diving to block, he flicked the ball to his left foot and then shot.
The ball soared into the air, heading towards the top left corner of the goal. The goalkeeper Kahn, who had rushed out, took two steps back and jumped up with all his strength, stretching his body to the limit in the air, but still could only watch helplessly as the ball brushed past his fingertips and into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! Oh my God, what did I just see? Less than two minutes after the first goal, Wang Feng once again broke through Bayern''s goal!"
"His first goalpletely ignited the fighting spirit of his teammates. After Bayern kicked off again, everyone aggressively fought for the ball, which made the German powerhouse somewhat ufortable and quickly lost possession."
"Guti and Wang Feng formed a very brilliant fast break. Whether it was passing or forward runs, everything was just right. When Wang Feng received the ball in the penalty area, everything became so simple. The Chinese superstar would never miss such an opportunity."
"2-2! Real Madrid equalized! Although they still lost the advantage of ying at home, as long as they maintain their current form in the Allianz Arena, who will have thestugh remains to be seen."
The fans at the Bernabu erupted into cheers when the second goal urred. They kept chanting Wang Feng''s name, recalling the club''s tragic experiences from previous years despite having many superstars back then, no one could step up at critical moments like Wang Feng did. Yes, everything is different now!
In the VIP box, Florentino was also unusually excited, waving his arms back and forth as he paced around, "This is Wang Feng, this is the Gxy Battleship!"
Balda?o nodded, "Yes, only by experiencing all this firsthand can one feel its incredibility. I understand a bit of Moratti''s reluctance back then. Wang Feng always brings miracles to the club."
"He will be an indispensable core yer for us in the next five years, no, the next ten years!"
Until the end of the game, the score did not change. Although Real Madrid wanted to continue attacking, Bayern retreated all their lines to stabilize the situation, and they didn''t dare to be too aggressive. The referee soon blew the final whistle.
Chapter 325: Please fight !
Chapter 325: Please fight !
"The 100 Million Savior Saves the Gxy Battleship, Two Goals in Two Minutes Stun the Bernabu!" The day after the match, Marca published the details of the game on the front page.
They believed that Real Madrid was on the brink of elimination, but Wang Feng''s two goals before the final whistle reignited their hopes of advancing. "If they were to head to the Allianz Arena with a 0-2 defeat, the Gxy Battleship would face an irreversible hell. They could very likely repeat the tragedy of the past two years, being knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16."
"But Wang Feng''s two goals before the final whistle saved everything,pletely changing the situation for the next game. Although the Gxy Battleship still faces the disadvantage of conceding at home, the morale has returned to the yers, and they still have the strength to fight."
The report also analyzed the two goals conceded, stating, "With the new signings unable to y, Schuster has made the best arrangements. The main reason for Real Madrid conceding was their mentality issue; they were afraid of repeating the past mistakes, resulting in ying disorderly for a long time."
"As long as the yers can maintain the fighting spirit they showed in the final moments of this game in the next leg, they will definitely break the curse and return to the Champions League quarterfinals!"
As for As, they reported the game with the headline "Wang Feng Shines at the Bernabu, Turns the Tide and Saves Real Madrid!" The article highly praised Wang Feng''s role at critical moments.
"When all the yers were in a slump, the team needed a leader to step up, and Wang Feng did not disappoint the club president Florentino''s trust. He truly did what a ''captain'' should do."
"We noticed that the president of Real Madrid left the Bernabu with a smile. This game probably meant more to him than just a Champions League knockout match. Florentino will continue to cultivate Wang Feng as the team''s most important yer."
Meanwhile, in Germany, many media outlets expressed regret for Bayern''s draw. Bild believed that Bayern almost secured their spot in the next round but made some mistakes at thest moment.
"When the first goal was conceded, the yers hadn''t fully adjusted yet, and Real Madrid immediately began high pressing. Their strategy was very sessful, leading to the second goal."
"Here we noticed a detail: before Bayern''s kickoff, what did Wang Feng say to his teammates? They only started aggressively pressing after the kickoff, so was this strategy Wang Feng''s idea? If so, he not only has superb skills but also outstanding tactical vision on the field."
However, the article also pointed out that Bayern still holds the initiative to advance. As long as they secure a draw with fewer than two goals conceded at the Allianz Arena, they can safely advance.
For the Bundesliga powerhouse, this is not a very difficult task. From January until now, they have only conceded three goals at home, and the Allianz Arena is just as formidable as the Bernabu.
After drawing with Bayern at home, head coach Schuster clearly felt a change in the team''s atmosphere. The yers all had a strong desire to release their frustrations from the past few years and re-enter the quarterfinals.
But before facing Bayern again, they have two more league games to y. Currently, although they are ranked first in the standings, the gap with Barcelona is not significant, and just one game could reverse the situation.
For this, Wang Feng specifically approached the German coach to express his willingness: "Coach, my body ispletely fine. Let me keep ying!"
This was the second time Wang Feng volunteered. Normally, he wouldn''t question the coaching staff''s arrangements, but when it came to championship honors, he would unreservedly step up, showing his strong desire for victory. Schuster agreed to his request.
Four dayster, in the 24th round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited the Caldern Stadium to challenge their city rivals Atltico Madrid.
This was destined to be an intense game, amidst the cheers and jeers of fifty thousand Atltico fans, both teams yed with great intensity, and the referee''s whistle constantly sounded.
In the 21st minute of the game, Wang Feng received a through ball from Diarra on the left and dribbled into the penalty area, evading Costinha and Perna''s tackles, and went straight to face goalkeeper Cur.
But instead of choosing to shoot, he made a back-pass to Ral on the right, who was unmarked and hammered the ball into the with a powerful shot, opening the scoring for the home team.
Atltico equalized in the 37th minute when Agero''s shot in the penalty area hit Ramos'' shoulder, and the referee awarded the home team a penalty, which the Argentine converted with ease.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack after winning the ball in their own half. Diarra''s long pass found Wang Feng in the frontcourt, and as he ran farther, the defender Cetarti could only foul him from behind.
This earned Real Madrid a free kick in a position thirty meters from the goal. Wang Feng rubbed his leg and decided to take the free kick himself. "Your foul was a mistake, only bringing about conceding a goal for the team!" Passing by Cetarti, the Chinese said in a deep and powerful voice.
Wang Feng never spoke empty words! He slowly retreated, then, as soon as the referee blew his whistle, he started his run-up and shot! The ball soared past the wall and into the penalty area, too fast for Cur to make a save, and it crashed into the.
With this crucial goal, Real Madrid defeated Atltico 2-1 away.
On March 5, 2007, in the 25th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Getafe at home.
In the 19th minute of the game, Real Madridunched an attack from the right nk. Reyes sent a straight pass into the right rib of the penalty area, and Wang Feng quickly made a run, using his right foot to chip the ball into the far corner of the goal, opening the scoring for the home team.
Leading by one goal, the Gxy Battleship continued to press Getafe. In the 33rd minute, Guti danced past the opposing center-back Celestini and then sent a straight pass into the penalty area.
Wang Feng outmuscled Spanish defender Pulido to poke the ball into the, once again piercing through goalkeeper Luis Garca''s hands, widening the score to 2-0.
With a two-goal lead, the entire Real Madrid team was even more morale-boosted, firmly controlling the situation on the field. In the second half, there were no significant changes.
In the 67th minute, Wang Feng initiated an attack from the right nk. He used a fantastic turn to shake off Pareja''s tackle, then passed horizontally to Ral in the penalty area.
Ral, facing away from the goal, couldn''t turn around easily, so he seized the opportunity to make a nutmeg pass to the advancing Guti, who scored again with ease.
In the end, the Gxy Battleship defeated Getafe 3-0, extending their winning streak in the league to eight matches.
Meanwhile, Barcelona continued their winning streak, with Messi returning from injury and showing strong form, scoring consecutive goals to help the team defeat Athletic Bilbao and Sevi.
This Argentine youngster, who is not yet 20 years old, has contributed 13 goals this season, second only to Eto''o''s 16, and even ahead of Ronaldinho, who has scored 10 goals.
After this match, the gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the league standings remained at 3 points. The uing matches are crucial, as they will face Bayern and Barcelona consecutively within a week, both away games, making it a veritable journey of death.
Chapter 326: Finally a breakthrough, the hero of Real Madrid
Chapter 326: Finally a breakthrough, the hero of Real Madrid
At the beginning of the season, no one expected the final schedule to turn out like this. On March 8th, away to challenge Bayern Munich, it will determine whether the Gxy Battleship can break through the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
On March 11th, heading to Camp Nou to challenge Barcelona, it will determine the ownership of the first ce in the league. These two matches are crucial for Real Madrid.
Before the expedition, head coach Florentino organized a mobilization meeting in the conference room: "Boys, don''t fear the opponent. It should be them who fear us. We are Real Madrid!"
After a passionate speech, Florentino promised the yers that as long as they win these two matches, the club will provide them with an extra bonus.
Under the dual stimtion of glory and money, the yers, who were still somewhat troubled, were like chicken blood, one after another expressing their determination to win the final victory.
Standing at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with the tune of "Forever No.1" echoing in his ears, Wang Feng couldn''t help but sigh. Bayern truly deserved to be the top European powerhouse, the dominant force in the Bundesliga for many years, with strong infectivity and pressure from the home fans.
However, Real Madrid is not to be underestimated. Which top powerhouse in the world have they not encountered? The goal of the Gxy Battleship on this trip is only one: to defeat the Bavarian King and advance to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals!
ying at home, Bayern made slight adjustments to the lineup, with a 4-3-1-2 formation, and Kahn remained the goalkeeper.
The defensive line-up consisted of Lahm, Lucio, Demichelis, and Sagnol starting.
In midfield, Salihovic, Ottl, and Van Bommel yed, with Schweinsteiger ying a connecting role between the midfield and the front.
The forwards were Makaay and Pizarro.
With the Italian referee Smanro''s whistle, this life-and-death battle officially kicked off, and the fans in the stands timely let out deafening cheers, cheering for the home team while intimidating the away team.
Bayern kicked off first, Makaay passed the ball to Pizarro, the Peruvian forward immediately passed it back as soon as he turned around, directly giving it to Lucio at the back, Wang Feng and Ral quickly approached the front.
Lucio passed the ball to Van Bommel in midfield to organize, Bayern was not affected by Real Madrid''s pressing in the opening stage, nor did they repeat the mistakes of thest moments of the previous game.
After a period of passing, the ball came to Schweinsteiger''s feet, who immediately sent a diagonal pass to find Makaay near the edge of the penalty area, thetter received the ball with his back to the goal and pushed it with his right foot, Pizarro, who was advancing, directly shot with anger.
"Oh, what a beautiful shot! It''s a pity it''s slightly over the crossbar. From this attacking organization, it can be seen that Bayern''s y is very stable, which is dangerous for Real Madrid if it continues like this!"
"We must disrupt their rhythm and make them disorganized."
The Real Madrid yers on the field also understood this principle, but Bayern was just too stable. Despite attempting pressing and quick counterattacks multiple times, they always advanced and retreated reasonably, firmly controlling the rhythm of the game.
On the other hand, the away team dared not be too aggressive. If they let the opponent seize the opportunity to further expand their lead, everything would be over. So for a long time in the first half, both sides maintained a score of 0-0.
When the time came to the 43rd minute, a wonderful scene urred. Bayernunched an attack with the ball, Salihovic broke through on the wing and made a back-pass to the edge of the penalty area, Schweinsteiger took a shot from 15 meters in front of the goal.
The ball hit the defending yer Cannavaro and deflected to the right side of the goal, Makaay, lurking in that area, instantly shook off the defensive entanglement and followed up with a shot. At this moment, Real Madrid''s goalkeeper Casis erupted with his own cosmos, spanning half the goal to save the ball, sessfully keeping it out of the.
Diarra, near the baseline, was the first to get to the ball. He immediately cleared it with a big kick out of the penalty area. In midfield, Guti and Van Bommel engaged in intense physical confrontation, with "El Lobo" slightly gaining the upper hand and controlling the ball at his feet.
He caught a glimpse of Wang Feng sprinting towards the opponent''s half at this moment, so he sent out a powerful lob, trying to directly loft it into the opponent''s penalty area.
At this moment, there were only two Bayern yers, Wang Feng and Lahm, sprinting to catch the ball. Lahm was ahead, Wang Feng was behind, but the Chinese superstar''s speed was obviously superior. Seeing the two getting closer and closer, when they rushed into the penalty area, they were already neck and neck, and the home fans in the stands let out anxious cries.
Wang Feng forcefully pushed away the German defender to gain a favorable position, but at this moment, Bayern''s goalkeeper Kahn decisively chose to rush out of the goal, and the ball was too close to him!
In the blink of an eye, the falling ball had already fallen between Wang Feng and Kahn. The distance between the two was less than a meter now. Wang Feng stretched out the tip of his right foot and lightly touched the ball, which seemed to stick to his foot, unloading all its momentum.
Then, he flipped the ball to the right with his right foot, suddenly changing direction and bypassing Kahn from the left, and the rushing German goalkeeper couldn''t stop his momentum and collided heavily with Wang Feng''s side, also helping him get rid of the entanglement with Lahm.
Everything went smoothly, Wang Feng lightly pushed the ball into the empty goal.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng made a contribution! Real Madrid breaks the deadlock on the field and takes the lead!"
"This is a very exciting quick counterattack. Just a second ago, we werementing that Makaay''s shot failed to prate Casis''s fingers, and the next second, the Gxy Battleship tore apart Bayern Munich''s defense with two long passes."
"Diarra and Guti''s passes were very precise, but more amazing was Wang Feng. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. This control is too beautiful, I can say that there is no second professional yer in the world who can perform such an extreme control."
"If it were half a secondter, Kahn could have rushed to him and disrupted the ball, but Wang Feng seized this fleeting opportunity, enduring Lahm''s harassment, and bypassed the German goalkeeper."
"Oh? There was an unexpected scene on the field. Kahn and Lahm haven''t even stood up yet. Just now, the two of them sprinted with all their strength and collided heavily. Could they be injured?"
"We can see that the team doctor has entered the field with a stretcher. Well, it seems that neither of them can continue the game. Coach Heathfield is preparing to substitute, which is definitely a major blow to Bayern!"
Lahm and Kahn''s injuries seriously affected the morale and pre-match arrangements of the home team, and now they were one goal behind, so the calmness and steadiness they showed at the beginning of the game disappeared without a trace, and Bayern gradually became chaotic.
In the 64th minute of the second half, Wang Feng received the ball at the top of the penalty area, took it to the right, and shot angrily, the ball went through the dense defending yers straight to the goal.
The shot was a bit straight, substitute goalkeeper Rensing saved the ball, but due tock of experience, he misjudged the strength of the shot, and the ball slipped from his hands, rolling over the goal line in a daze, by the time he scooped it out again, it was already toote.
2:0! This mistake in conceding a goalpletely crushed Bayern''s belief in winning, and the final score did not change again.
With a total score of 4:2 over two legs, Real Madrid reversed Bayern Munich and finally broke through the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after three years. Wang Feng was the biggest hero!
Chapter 327: Barcelona out
Chapter 327: Barcelona out
After the post-match press conference, Bayern''s head coach Heathfield expressed helplessness, stating that conceding a goal at the 43rd minute was the turning point of the entire game. He said, "We not only fell behind by one goal but also lost two key yers."
And it was all because of Wang Feng. This Bayern''s meritorious coach praised the Chinese superstar, saying, "He was the best yer on the field. When you see that control of the ball, I think everyone will be impressed by him."
On the Real Madrid side, Wang Feng and coach Schuster attended the press conference together. Schuster was naturally generous with his praise for the beloved yer: "Yes, Wang changed the course of the game. At the beginning of the game, I was very anxious because the team was in a disadvantageous position and needed to break it as soon as possible."
"There is no doubt that I thought of Wang. He is such a magical star who will never let others down. To be honest, when I saw the first goal, I was more shocked than delighted. I didn''t expect him to y like this."
Regarding his difficult move of high-speed ball control and change of direction, Wang Feng didn''t feelcent: "As you know, in that kind of environment, I couldn''t perform other moves, so I had to try it."
"I didn''t expect to seed either. Maybe it was just luck. If I had to do it again, I''m afraid I couldn''t do it so perfectly."
Regarding Lahm and Kahn''s injuries, Wang Feng said, "They are both very responsible yers, and it is precisely because of this responsibility that they gave their all, leading to their injuries. I admire them."
As for Real Madrid''s future Champions League performance, Wang Feng said confidently, "There will be more difficult challenges ahead for the team, but we have ovee the shadow in our hearts, and the title of Champions League winner will be continued by us!"
The reporters below looked at each other. Wang Feng, who won the Champions League three times in four years, seemed to match Real Madrid, who had won the Champions League nine times. What kind of miracle would they create again?
Real Madrid smoothly entered the Champions League quarterfinals. Another team from La Liga to reach the quarterfinals was Valencia. In addition to this, the Premier League upied three spots with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, Serie A upied two spots with AC Mn and Roma, and thest spot was won by Eredivisie''s Ajax.
Inter Mn, without Wang Feng, was targeted by Valencia in the round of 16. The defending champion unfortunately ended its Champions League journey prematurely, causing Italian media to reminisce about the omnipotent Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar called tofort the dejected Ribery: "You are still young and far from reaching your peak. I believe you cane back in a year or two."
Riberyined: "Big Brother, I feel that the atmosphere within Inter Mn is very bad now. Many old yersck fighting spirit, and the newly joined yers have different factions."
"To be honest, Chairman Moratti''s judgment of yers is not very good. He has introduced many yers who don''t live up to their reputation, not only wasting resources but also taking away the ying time of useful yers."
"Yes, Frank, every club has its own problems, just like Real Madrid, where defensive ws frequently ur, and they often lose games they shouldn''t."
"But we can still choose to be the best version of ourselves and infect everyone with a positive attitude. By the way, as a core yer, you can also raise doubts to Moratti through Cambiasso about some of the club''s issues."
The two then chatted for a long time, and what Wang Feng said benefited Ribery a lot.
Another upset was Barcelona being eliminated by Liverpool. In the first leg, they lost 1-2 to the Reds at Camp Nou, and in the second leg at Anfield, they won 1-0 thanks to Ronaldinho''s brilliant strike.
With an aggregate score of 2-2, Barcelona lost on away goals, causing a huge uproar in Spain, especially in Catalonia''s local media, which were filled with negativements.
You must know that they reached the finalst year, so how did they be the round of 16 this year? Everyone couldn''t ept this result. Who would bear the responsibility? Coach Rijkaard was the first to be med, and Ronaldinho was not spared either.
Ronaldinho flipped through one newspaper after another, which constantly hyped up his alleged poor form at nightclubs, but he hadn''t been there for a long time. These were all old news.
And his form was obviously very good. He even scored a goal against Liverpool in the decisive match, but since they didn''t win, everyone med him, who had scandals hanging over him.
Since joining Barcelona, Ronaldinho has felt a gap with the club. He initially thought it was because he wasn''t Barcelona''s first choiceWang Feng wasso he felt this way, thinking that as long as he performed well, everything would be fine.
Gradually, he realized that things weren''t so simple. Barcelona is extremely strict with foreign yers. Only by truly integrating into Catalonia can they gain their recognition and understanding. Otherwise, once their form declines, criticism and insults wille as expected.
Maybe it''s time to leave. Ronaldinho felt a lot of reluctance in his heart. If Paris was where his European football career began, then Barcelona witnessed the most glorious days of his professional career, defending the league title and winning the FIFA World yer.
But this is not his belonging after all. Thinking of this, he took out his phone and called his agent, "Assis, I want to leave Barcelona this summer. Help me find a suitable club. My only requirements are sry security and a big city."
Assis was surprised, "Didn''t we just signed a contract extension with the club not long ago? It seems a bit sudden to talk about leaving now."
"Well, Rijkaard has always had opinions about me, even threatening with starting positions. If I stay, my ying time will probably be less and less, and when my form declines significantly, I''ll have even less autonomy. Go and talk to the club. If they offer a good price, I believe they will be happy to see it happen."
Assis could only agree. La Liga is definitely not suitable for him anymore, and Ronaldinho doesn''t like the atmosphere in Germany either; it''s like a big vige. The only choices avable are the Premier League and Serie A.
While Ronaldinho was contemting his future, Messi was feeling somewhat guilty. Although the media did not target him directly, his performance in both Champions League matches against Liverpool was not good.
Since entering the first team in 2003, Ronaldinho has taken very good care of him. He has witnessed Messi''s journey from a spirited young man to a depressed state, so he deeply understands how important the self-discipline of professional yers is.
So he rarely hangs out with the South American gang in nightclubs, but constantly improves his physical fitness and skills through training. Although he can''t be as diligent as Wang Feng,pared to ordinary football yers, he is already serious enough.
"It''s not enough!" Thinking of thest derby experience, Messi realized that the gap between him and Wang Feng is still far away. It is estimated that for a long time in the future, he will have to face this formidable opponent.
In any case, this time at Camp Nou, they must defeat Real Madrid. Messi secretly made up his mind. This game not only concerns the fight for the league title but also the atmosphere within the Barcelona team. The young Argentine keenly perceives that the team can no longer afford another failure, otherwise it will inevitably fall apart.
Chapter 328: Breaking through the home of hell
Chapter 328: Breaking through the home of hell
Camp Nou is located in the Santz district to the west of downtown Barcelona. Since itspletion in 1957, it has always been one of the best home stadiums for European clubs, with a capacity of up to 93,000 people.
On the way from the hotel to the stadium, the Real Madrid team could see fans wearing Barcelona jerseys everywhere. Tonight''s game was a feast for them.
There were also many malicious fans throwing mineral water bottles, stones, and other heavy objects at the visiting team''s bus, banging on the windows. Fortunately, the bus was structurally sound enough, and with the security''s maintenance, it quickly escaped.
"Barcelona fans are really crazy," Wang Feng said with lingering fear. Ral smiled and said, "It''s not like this for every game, but this round of matches is crucial for the championship. Moreover, we beat themprehensivelyst time at the Bernabu, so the fans are very unfriendly."
"It''s impossible to ease the tension." Guti turned around from the front seat and added, "The reason why the matches between our two clubs are called the Derby of the Century is that there is a deep-seated enmity. There''s hardly ever a friendly moment."
The temperaments of the two teams also shed. Real Madrid always unted its noble and elegant royal bloodline to the world, while Bar?a nurtured a strong sense of self-esteem and rebellious character.
The moment they stepped onto the Camp Nou field, Wang Feng felt a strong sense of hostility. Fans in the stands used various insulting words to provoke the visiting team yers, while the Barcelona yers on the other side looked very different from usual, their faces solemn, staring at Real Madrid with hostility.
With the referee''s whistle, the game officially began! Barcelona, ying at home, kicked off first. Their lineup was unchanged from the first round. Ronaldinho still started, forming a front line trident with Eto''o and Messi.
On the Real Madrid side, Pepe, Heinze, and Gago, who had been well-rested in the midfield and defense, reced Salgado, Sissoko, and Emerson.
Shortly after the start, Barcelona passed the ball to Messi on the wing. After reaching the edge of the penalty area, the Argentine suddenly crossed after a dribble. Eto''o faced tight defense in the penalty area and failed to grab the first touch. The ball was controlled by Cannavaro.
Just as he was about tounch a counterattack, he suddenly realized that Barcelona''s formation was retracting very quickly. Midfielders Ral and Wang Feng were already surrounded by several yers in defense. It would be unwise to go looking for them at this point.
It seemed that Rijkaard had done sufficient homework and tactical arrangements for Real Madrid''s quick counterattacks. Helpless, he had to make a short pass to Diarra to organize the positional battle.
After a few passes, the home team intercepted the ball. In terms of possession, Real Madrid was clearly not on par with Barcelona. Iniesta received the ball near the center line, and Puyol quickly passed it to him.
The Spanish midfielder rushed towards the Real Madrid defense, but unfortunately encountered Pepe, the tough defender. He cleanly tackled the ball and cleared it to the sideline, while also knocking down Iniesta.
Iniesta quickly got up and sought help from the referee, "This should be a foul, sir!" Referee Delgado shook his head, "No, I was right there watching. It was a clean tackle."
With no result from theint, Iniesta could only take a throw-in, while Pepe nearby smiled at him, as if saying, "Dream on if you think you can pass through me!"
After more than ten minutes of entanglement, Barcelona dominated possession and the initiative on the field, but their attacks were slow to progress because Real Madrid''s defense was much improvedpared to the first encounter. The new signings all seemed to be worth it.
They found it difficult to prate into the penalty area and could only attempt long shots in the attacking third. Messi and Eto''o each contributed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but one missed slightly wide and the other shot high into the stands.
Of course, Real Madrid''s attacks also didn''t yield any breakthroughs, but Wang Feng wasn''t worried. He kept moving around in the midfield, waiting for an opportunity. Defenders were not gods; there would always be openings.
As the game reached the 20th minute mark, Barcelona once again failed to score. Pepe tackled Xavi in a duel, controlled the ball, and the referee did not whistle. The Portuguese defender quickly lifted the ball to the midfield,unching a fast counterattack for Real Madrid.
Ral received the ball with his back to goal near the center line. Tram marked him tightly from behind, preventing him from turning. So, the Bernabu prince passed the ball to the left, and a figure shot past him like an arrow, taking the ball away.
Wang Feng''s rapid advance! Tram gave up on Ral, and Puyol and he quickly closed in on Wang Feng. However, the Chinese superstar forcefully pushed the ball forward. It just passed between the two defenders, and he elerated further, easily overtaking them.
Camp Nou erupted with boos. All the fans were anxiously shouting, "Stop him!" Sprinting at high speed, Tram and Puyol fell further and further behind, with Tram even reaching out his right hand to try and grab Wang Feng''s arm.
Using his powerful physical qualities, Wang Feng shook off Tram''s grab. Although he stumbled a bit, he steadied himself. On the other hand, Tram fell to the ground in a clumsy manner due to inertia.
Now, only Puyol chasing from behind and goalkeeper Valds ahead! After catching up with the ball into the penalty area and facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Wang Feng didn''t slow down to control it but directly used the tip of his foot to chip it.
The ball soared into the air. Valds jumped with all his might to save, but could only watch helplessly as the ball flew over his palm. Why is it so high? The Spanish goalkeeper thought, surely it''s going over the crossbar.
But the gasps from the stands shattered his illusion. After passing over him, the ball had a strange downward trajectory,nding steadily into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid used a clean and swift counterattack to break open Barcelona''s defense!"
"Everything happened so fast. After Pepe''s interception, he immediately lifted the ball to the midfield, Ral received it and passed, Wang Feng sprinted 60 meters to score. Real Madrid''s fast break this time took less than 1 minute!"
"Barcelona''s defense made a mistake. They didn''t choose to retreat immediately when Pepe intercepted, but protested for a foul to the nearby referee. But from the slow-motion rey, it can be seen that the Portuguese defender''s defense was wless, and they shouldn''t have tangled up here."
"On the contrary, Tram, who was chasing, had an obvious pulling action, but Wang Feng didn''t fall down. His desire for a goal surpassed everyone else''s. This is the true professional yer!"
"The new captain of the Gcticos has breached the fortress of Camp Nou. Will he lead the team to repeat the history of thest encounter and humiliate the opponent with a big score? It''s so exciting!"
Chapter 329: Miracle at Camp Nou
Chapter 329: Miracle at Camp Nou
After scoring, Wang Feng spread his arms and ran wildly on the sidelines. The roars and curses of tens of thousands of people were now praise and encouragement in his ears. The angrier the opponent, the stronger he proved himself to be.
Teammates chasing from behind surrounded him, each with a joyful smile on their faces. Especially the Real Madrid veterans like Ral, who had been suppressed by Bar?a for years, now saw a glimmer of hope again!
"How can you run so fast, mate? I was thinking of supporting you, but the distance kept getting farther and farther," Ral sighed. "Yeah, even Tram couldn''t catch you and ended up falling t on his face," joked Guti from the side, which immediately made everyoneugh. The mindset of all the yers was particrly rxed at this moment.
This conceded goal made Rijkaard on the sidelines furious. He angrily scolded the Bar?a yers, "What stupid mistakes are you making? Continue defending when the referee doesn''t whistle. Whether there''s a foul or not, stop the opponent''s attack first. Do I need to emphasize this point to you repeatedly?"
"Mark Wang Feng tightly, mark Real Madrid''s counterattacks, transition quickly between attack and defense, move faster!"
The game resumed, with the impatient Bar?a yers continuing to press the Real Madrid defense. However, they still couldn''t break through. Then, in the 35th minute, Real Madrid once again intercepted the ball in their own half, with Heinze dispossessing Ronaldinho.
At that moment, the Brazilian wanted to make a directional breakthrough, but his body was no longer as agile as it used to be during his peak years. The Argentine defender seized the opportunity to tackle him and sessfully intercepted the ball, not giving Ronaldinho a chance to counterattack.
Seeing that Bar?a''s defense was quickly retreating, Diarra dribbled the ball past the midfield himself and then passed it diagonally to Reyes on the wing.
"Look at this Real Madrid attack. Reyes dribbles the ball down the wing towards the goal line, with nearby Xavi and Van Bronckhorst chasing back to defend. How will he choose to attack?"
"He passes to Wang Feng, who passes it back, a beautiful give-and-go! Reyes shakes off the defense, crosses, but Ral couldn''t get to it. Marcos clears the ball out of the penalty area, and Ramos in the frontcourt controls the ball to reorganize the attack."
"This attack didn''t seed, but Wang Feng''s positioning was excellent. He didn''t rush forward with Reyes but withdrew between Xavi and Van Bronckhorst."
"This not only helps the Spanish center-back block a defensive yer but also attracts attention. After receiving the pass back, they form a give-and-go, allowing Reyes to calmly cross."
"Unfortunately, Real Madrid doesn''t have a strong aerial presence in the box, otherwise, this could have been more threatening."
Ramos passed the ball to Guti on the left, "The Golden Wolf" nced at the penalty area and sent a curved ball with his left foot, looping to where Wang Feng was on the right side of the penalty area.
The Chinese superstar was slightly interfered with by Puyol, unable to arrive at the optimalnding spot immediately. Seeing the ball about to pass by him, he stretched out his right leg to intercept.
But Marcos from the oblique front also pressed forward, thebination of front and back defense and poor positioning, even if he controlled the ball, it wouldn''t pose a threat. In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng cleverly swept the ball with the outside of his left foot.
To others, it seemed like Wang Feng was stopping the ball with his leg, but instead of stopping firmly at his feet as usual, the ball rebounded to the other side, looking like he missed the control.
But this was certainly not a mistake. He immediately chased after the ball, using the outside of his left foot to produce a crescent-shaped shot, hanging directly into the top left corner of the goal, with goalkeeper Valds a half-beat slow, unable to reach the ball.
"Goal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng scores for the second time, widening Real Madrid''s lead!"
"His control of the ball has reached an extraordinary level. The reception in the penalty area looks like a stop, but it''s actually a flick. Marcos''s approach inadvertently created space for the subsequent shot!"
"Of course, this can''t be med on the Mexican defender, because if he didn''t step forward to press, relying solely on Puyol wouldn''t have stopped Wang Feng from shooting. It can be said that this is an unsolvable defensive problem."
"But all of this depends on Wang Feng''s extreme control over the ball. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey, it''s like a masterpiece of art, one step further would have been interfered with by other defensive yers, and one step closer wouldn''t havepletely escaped Marcos''s defensive area."
"Just right, and all of this stems from a seemingly inconspicuous flick, Wang Feng is truly worthy of the title of World Footballer! From the first goal, we saw extreme speed, and from the second goal, we see extreme technique."
"The defending champions Bar?a are now truly in a quagmire. Will they suffer a humiliating defeat at Camp Nou?"
At the end of the first half, the huge electronic screen disyed the score: 0-3, with the home team behind and the away team ahead. In injury time, Wang Feng capitalized on a positional mistake by the Bar?a frontline,unching a cold arrow from outside the penalty area, piercing through the defense and catching goalkeeper Valds off guard.
Hepleted a hat-trick! Real Madrid took amanding lead in just 45 minutes, and the yers walked into the dressing room from the yer tunnel,ughing and joking, ignoring the angry boos from both sets of fans.
The Bar?a yers, on the other hand, walked with their heads down, their faces heavy, passing through the yer tunnel. "Softies! Trash! Why don''t you go die?" Various malicious words made them even more ashamed. This was Camp Nou, their home ground!
If it weren''t for the wire mesh barrier, these crazy people might have rushed up and torn them to pieces. Many rational fans chose to leave at this moment, unable to see any hope of winning.
Back in the dressing room, Rijkaard looked somewhat helpless at these yers. Bar?a at this moment was like an elderly person in decline, the team as a whole was on a downward slope.
To be honest, Real Madrid''s strength might not be better than Bar?a''s, but they had Wang Feng. This yer seemed to possess infinite vitality and energy, alwaysing through in crucial moments, something Bar?acked.
Ronaldinho? Look at the bulging belly he''s developing. Eto''o? He''s good at adding the finishing touch, butcks the drive to break through. Messi? He''s still too young. Van Nistelrooy? If he were really that good, he wouldn''t have been gradually reced by Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
"Ronaldinho, you''reing offter, let Bellettie on," Rijkaard said wearily, causing everyone to be taken aback, then realizing that the head coach was giving up on winning, trying to maintain the defense to avoid a ughter!
The Dutchman understood in his heart that he was probably not far from being fired, but he wanted to leave with some dignity. No one noticed the fiery look in the eyes of 20-year-old Messi at this moment.
As the second half began, seeing Bar?a rece a forward with a defender, the Real Madrid yers rxed even more. However, they soon tasted bitterness. Just two minutes into the second half, Messi received the ball in the middle and quickly started dribbling. His petite body was very agile, shaking off the defense of Diarra and Gago along the way.
Pepe hurriedly stepped up to defend. Although he wasn''t there for the previous game against Bar?a, he was greatly impressed by Messi''s solo goal in the video he watched. He didn''t want to be a background figure this time.
But his fierce defense failed. Although Messi nearly stumbled under his pressure, he still relied on his low center of gravity to squat and protect the ball under his feet, then suddenly stood up, shaking off the Portuguese.
The Argentine youngster then broke into the penalty area, adjusting his body continuously to evade defenders, and fiercely shot to prate Casis''s ten fingers, pulling one back for Bar?a!
His performance was far from over. In the 60th minute, he broke through again in front of the penalty area. This time, Pepe decisively fouled him, giving Bar?a a free kick from twenty-five meters out.
Messi wasn''t originally the designated free-kick taker, but he volunteered to take it. With a run-up, he shot! The ball drew a huge curve in the air, bypassing the wall and heading straight into the corner of the goal, leaving even Saint Casis helpless!
At this moment, everyone in Real Madrid felt uneasy. Wang Feng decided to have a word with Messi personally, but to his surprise, Messi''s ball control seemed even better now, making it difficult to steal the ball from him easily.
Moreover, his ying style became more flexible. Instead of persistently challenging Wang Feng, he immediately coordinated with his teammates to attack after pulling the defense apart. In the 70th minute, he formed a give-and-go with Iniesta to shake off Wang Feng and immediately darted into the penalty area.
He moved like a smooth fish in the Real Madrid penalty area, sessfully dodging one defender after another''s attempts to block with their legs. Before losing his bnce and falling to the ground, he used an incredible side-foot shot to breach the Gcticos'' defense.
"Goal! The ball''s in! Messi, Messipletes a hat-trick, and Barcelona stages a miraculouseback!"
"This can only be called the Camp Nou miracle! At a time when everyone, even the coach, had given up, he hadn''t! "
"I think at this moment, Barcelona fans can shout with excitement: Real Madrid has Wang Feng, but we have Messi!"
Chapter 330: There will be no miracles at Camp Nou
Chapter 330: There will be no miracles at Camp Nou
Watching Messi running and roaring on one side, the Real Madrid yers felt like they were in a dream. "This evens it out. Weren''t we ying smoothly in the first half?"
The yers on the defensive line were particrly distressed. When facing the Argentine, they felt like they were facing Wang Feng during training matches, or even someone scarier than him.
At this moment, they fully understood the resentment other teams'' defensive yers felt towards Wang Feng. His unreasonable dribbling breakthroughs were simply no different from cheating!
Wang Feng''s expression was very solemn. From the few encounters they had, he had already seen that this young yer''s future development would definitely be very rapid, but he didn''t expect his growth to be so astonishing under such pressure.
This was no longer a fledgling, but a true beast!
As the game resumed, the few remaining Bar?a fans in the stands were ecstatic, singing "Himne Del Fc Barcelona" to cheer on the home team, while the Barcelona yers continued to bombard Real Madrid with Messi''s brilliant performances.
The Gcticos had to send multiple defensive yers to restrict him. Even Wang Feng received a yellow card when defending, as it was too risky not to foul in that situation.
Fortunately, the support from other Bar?a yers for him wasn''t strong enough, otherwise, a miraculouseback might have been possible. In the 81st minute, Real Madrid seized a rare opportunity tounch an attack. Reyes'' cross was blocked out by Puyol.
After a brief discussion, Wang Feng decided to personally take this corner kick. He was still very confident in controlling thending point. As he stood in the corner g area, the front-row Bar?a fans crowded the wire mesh barrier and insulted him to disrupt him.
"You''re already old, look at Messi, he''s much younger than you, but he performs better!" "You damn monkey, go back to your hometown!" They became more excited as they insulted him, even insulting Wang Feng''s family.
Wang Feng turned his head and stared fiercely at these unscrupulous football hooligans. The temperament of the football king and his gaze full of killing intent made them pause for a moment, then they became even more angry and shouted insults.
Even the linesman couldn''t bear to watch and yelled, "You fools, shut up!" The referee also signaled Wang Feng to quickly take the corner kick. Taking a deep breath, the Chinese poured all his anger into the ball at his feet.
"Let''s see this corner kick from Real Madrid. They haven''t had many attacking opportunities in the second half. Can they make good use of this one? Wang Feng sends the ball into the penalty area, towards the far post, no one gets to the first touch."
"Is the ball in? It''s in! Gooooooooooooal! Wang Feng actually scores directly from the corner kick, and it''s in! My god, this is a true zero-angle shot!"
"Look at the slow-motion rey, the ball spins violently in the air, and when it reaches the goal, it still has a normal arc. It flies over Ramos, who waspeting for the header, feeling a bit too high."
"No one expected it to suddenly bend and then rapidly descend, hitting the inside of the right post and rebounding into the. This is a flight path that is unpredictable!"
After scoring, Wang Feng turned around, clenched his fist, and shouted loudly at the fans who insulted him: "There will be no miracles at Camp Nou!"
This extremely domineering deration was faithfully recorded by the cameras on the sidelines. The fans in the first two rows of the stands truly heard his shout, feeling both angry and helpless.
In the final moments of the game, Messi still didn''t give up hope, but his physical strength was also at its limit. In the 88th minute, he lost the ball under the double team of Marcelo and Ramos.
Ramos immediately cleared the ball to the midfield, and Wang Feng exploded with hisst bit of strength, rushing to thending point before Belletti, forcefully pushing the ball forward, and then elerating past the halfway line.
Compared to the Brazilian defender who had juste on the field for over forty minutes, Wang Feng, who had been running for over eighty minutes, was obviously much more tired. It was difficult for him to outpace Belletti with his speed now.
But because Bar?a was pushing forward with all their yers at this time, the defense was rtively empty, even the goalkeeper Valds anxiously stood on the edge of the penalty area watching the situation in the Real Madrid half.
So Wang Feng took advantage of the fact that Belletti hadn''tpletely caught up to him yet, stretched out his right foot to fiercely shoot the falling ball, "Boom!" The ball soared high like a mortar shell, then suddenly dropped.
Valds was greatly surprised, he didn''t expect Wang Feng to shoot from such a long distance with such force! He frantically retreated while observing thending point of the ball, but stumbled and fell to the ground, finally could only watch the ball fall into the, pounding the ground in sorrow.
5-3! Real Madridpletely locked in the victory! Wang Feng scores five goals!
"A fifty-meter long-range shot, from Wang Feng! He''s simply unstoppable!"
"This is a century derby that will go down in history. We''ve seen Wang Feng''s powerful dominance, as well as the incredibly shining Messi. They are truly the deserving protagonists!"
The tumultuous game ended, but the aftermath it caused was far from over. Barcelona coach Rijkaard did not attend the post-match press conference. Later, Barcelona officially announced the dismissal of this Dutch veteran coach. Drakulus took over as interim coach until the end of the season.
During his tenure, Barcelona won two league championship trophies and reached the Champions League final after many years, but losing the Champions League trophy and twice to Real Madrid were the main reasons for his dismissal.
After this round of matches, the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid widened to 6 points, which was a difficult gap to ovee. Of course, if Messi could maintain his form in the century derby in every game, there would still be hope.
At the post-match press conference, Wang Feng was asked about his five goals and the arrogant deration to the fans. He said, "They were very unfriendly, even I would say they had very poor quality. They not only insulted me but also insulted my family."
"I can''t tolerate this, so I want to tell them that provoking me is not a wise decision."
"I was able to score five goals in this game, to some extent, thanks to their ''encouragement''!"
When asked about the goal directly from the corner kick, Wang Feng said excitedly, "We didn''t deliberately practice it during training, and I only tried it in private, but the sess rate was very low."
"I didn''t expect it to seed the first time in an official match. Maybe even the heavens couldn''t stand those disrespectful fans, so they taught them a lesson through me."
Head coach Schuster highly praised the team''s performance, "In today''s game, all the yers who yed met my expectations. They executed the pre-match tactical arrangements very well and performed very well on both ends of the attack and defense."
"The three goals conceded in the second half were not the fault of the Real Madrid defense, but Messi was just too amazing. He contributed the best performance so far, if I''m not mistaken, this should be his first hat-trick in La Liga."
"But we stillughedst because we had Wang Feng! He always exceeds my expectations. In the final moments of the game, my astonishment was greater than my joy. I must have had a wonderful expression at that time. I wonder if it was recorded by the camera, haha."
As another protagonist of the century derby, although Barcelona did not hold a press conference after the match, the media still caught up with Messi afterward. The Argentine said bitterly, "I didn''t want a hat-trick, I just wanted victory!"
Then, ignoring the media''s blockage, he walked into the yer''s tunnel. He was really tired. Waves of despair surged up in his heart. He had already done his best, even ying above his level, but still couldn''t shake Wang Feng and Real Madrid.
At this moment, he finally understood the feeling of Ronaldinho after losing the Champions League final, but he didn''t despair like the Brazilian. Instead, he urgently hoped to find help. It seemed that he needed tomunicate well with the club.
Chapter 331: The rest of my life
Chapter 331: The rest of my life
"Wang Feng staged a five-star performance, and the Gcticos triumphed over the Dream Dynasty again, aiming for the league championship." The next day, the front page headline of "National Newspaper" reported on the grand asion of this century derby.
The article detailed the ups and downs of the game process. First, Real Madrid relied on Wang Feng''s hat-trick to lead by three goals at halftime. Just when everyone thought they had secured victory in advance, Barcelona, ??relying on Messi''s hat-trick, equalized the score.
This was exciting enough, but no one expected Wang Feng to continue his performance, scoring two more goals to help the team ultimately win. "In this game, the two teams created a total of 8 goals, each one splendid enough to be recorded in La Liga history."
"After this round, Real Madrid has taken the lead in the championship race, while Barcelona, ??stopped in the Champions League and failed to catch up on the points table, only has the Copa del Rey topete for, so Rijkaard''s dismissal is understandable."
"At this point, Wang Feng has contributed 43 goals in the league, breaking the record for the most goals in La Liga, achieving a new legend. In addition, he also has 13 assists, showing his attacking efficiency."
"Wang Feng single-handedly destroyed Barcelona with five goals, and Camp Nou does not deserve a miracle!" "Marca" reported on the grand asion of the national derby with bright red headlines.
The article pointed out that Real Madrid had firmly suppressed Barcelona in the first half. Wang Feng staged a hat-trick, and if it weren''t for Messi''s outbreak in the second half, they would have suffered a heavy defeat at Camp Nou.
"It was supposed to be a night of miracles at Camp Nou, but Barcelona fans were as rebellious and reckless as their club, being unkind and disrespectful to the world''s strongest yer today. This is a foolish move, and they cannot bear the consequences of angering Wang Feng."
Wang Feng broke through the gates of the Dream Dynasty with an unexpected direct corner kick goal, which "Marca" believed could be selected as the best goal of the season in La Liga.
And in the final moments of the game, the Chinese superstar contributed another equally brilliant half-court shot to seal the victory. He used his actions on the field to p the disrespectful fans in the face, "It''s not that Camp Nou won''t have a miracle, it''s that Camp Nou doesn''t deserve a miracle!"
"As" reported under the title "Wang Fengpletely destroys the Dream Dynasty, the coach killer continues to show dominance!" The article wrote that Wang Feng dominated this century derby, whether it was therge lead in the first half or the establishment of victory in the second half, he yed a decisive role.
"The defeat in this game will officially mean the copse of Barcelona''s Dream Dynasty. Head coach Rijkaard was swept out by Barcelona before he could even catch his breath."
Counting Barcelona''s several defeats, whether it was losing to Inter Mn and missing the Champions League trophy, or the defeat at the Bernabeu to the Gcticos, or this loss at Camp Nou, all were rted to Wang Feng.
"The Chinese superstar consecutively caused the dismissal of AC Mn and Juventus coaches during his time in Serie A. Now in La Liga, his coach killer attribute has not diminished. I wonder how many coaches will be fired because of him in the future?"
The Catn newspaper "Vanguardia" highly praised Messi''s performance in the national derby, "Real Madrid took a strict defensive stance against him, but still couldn''t stop this 20-year-old youngster from staging a hat-trick. Even Wang Feng suffered from him and was forced to receive a yellow card."
Although Barcelona lost this game, they did not lose their future. With Messi''s further growth, Barcelona will definitely build a new Dream Dynasty around him.
As for Rijkaard''s stepping down, "Vanguardia" believed that the Barcelona management was somewhat hasty. After all, he led the team to win two consecutive league championships, undoubtedly making him one of the best head coaches in the club''s history.
"Two consecutive defeats to the Gcticos were the main reasons for his dismissal." At this point, the most important thing for Barcelona is to rebuild, deal with some "non-essential" yers, and establish a new lineup centered around Messi.
"Daily Sports" reported under the title "Barcelona''s future star shines at Camp Nou, arrogant Wang Feng won''tst long." The article stated that Messi was the biggest gain for Barcelona in this game. This European Golden Boy winner is gradually growing into a true superstar.
"As a world-renowned superstar, Wang Feng should not use arrogantnguage to provoke fans. His pride won''tst long because Messi is younger than him and will soon rece him!"
"Daily Sports" even believed that the Spanish Football Association should issue a penalty to Wang Feng. His behavior was very irrational and could cause riots.
This statement caused great controversy, and soon "Marca" also believed that punishing Camp Nou fans was the right path. "They are simply a group of football hooligans, and this bad atmosphere must be restrained."
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona clubs also issued official statements, submitting protest documents to the Football Association, using Camp Nou fans and Wang Feng''s remarks. Although the century derby is over, the aftermath is still lingering.
In the end, this matter was left unresolved. Both sides were not punished. Although Wang Feng was subjected to insults, he fiercely fought back on the field, and Real Madrid was the winner. The Football Association acted as a peacemaker and let it pass.
However, the feud between Real Madrid and Barcelona has added another vivid stroke, and it is believed that the next national derby will be even more intense.
Leading Real Madrid to win two crucial games in a row, the yers finally breathed a sigh of relief. The club also generously distributed bonuses to everyone, with the Chinese star receiving the highest amount based on contribution, so he received the most.
"Everyone, the club is off tomorrow. Let''s alle to my house for dinner and celebrate together." Wang Feng said to everyone. This was the first time he invited the whole team to his house for a gathering, and everyone responded to the invitation with great face.
So the next day, the yers came in groups to Wang Feng''s mansion in La Finca. Many of them brought their families, such as Ral, who brought his beloved wife Mamen, and his 7-year-old son, Jorge.
Fortunately, Wang Feng''s new mansion was veryrge, easily amodating dozens of people for a party. As for catering and service, it could be entrusted to a professional team to handle. Of course, as the hostess, Lu Yao also showed off her cooking skills, and everyone praised Wang Feng for being fortunate.
Watching the children ying freely in the garden, Wang Feng envied them a bit and said to Ral, "Your family is really happy. What does Jorge n to do in the future, y football too?"
"You can easily have it too. When we were eating, I saw Lu''s eyes always on you, overflowing with love. To be honest, you should consider getting married." Ral joked. He had married his wife, Mamen, without hesitation at the age of 22, and their rtionship had never wavered over the years.
"As for the future of children, let them decide for themselves. Although I really want to y football with my son, haha."
Wang Feng pondered, looking up at Lu Yao not far away. At this moment, she was chatting with the other women. Having been in Spain for more than half a year, she had been diligently learning Spanish.
From Italy to Spain, Lu Yao had silently followed him, helping manage thepany, adapting to the foreign environment, and taking care of him meticulously. Wang Feng had long been ustomed to her presence by his side.
In a trance, he seemed to see the shy sixteen-year-old girl peeking out from behind her sister, and realized that so many years had passed!
At this moment, he made an important decision in his heart: he would propose to Lu Yao and hoped she would apany him for the rest of his life!
Chapter 332: I didn鈥檛 hear clearly
Chapter 332: I didn''t hear clearly
Since he was going to propose, Wang Feng couldn''t avoid seeking advice from his quirky sister. However, she had been influenced by the popr idol dramastely and came up with some extremely unreliable ideas, which furrowed Wang Feng''s brow.
"Let me think of something myself, something simple and sincere!" Wang Feng rolled his eyes. After a day of preparation, everything was finally in ce by evening. After dinner, Wang Feng suggested going out for a walk, while his sister made an excuse to stay behind, allowing the two of them to have a private date.
"Good luck!" His sister mouthed the words to cheer him up before they left. So, in the slightly nervous atmosphere, the two of them drove to the park by the side of Lake Izkiri-Kayeta.
By this time, the sky had gradually darkened. They sat on the grass by theke, feeling the gentle breeze on their faces, which was especiallyfortable and pleasant. With her eyes closed, Lu Yao savored the natural breath, then asked with a hint of doubt, "Feng, what''s going on between you and Wang Tian? It feels weird, like something''s not right. Is there something you''re keeping from me?"
A woman''s sixth sense was indeed remarkable! Wang Feng was now feeling the maximum level of nervousness. This was his first time proposing, and he didn''t have much experience. Moreover, it wasn''t yet the time he had nned for.
So, he could only stutter, "N-nothing, really. By the way, how''s your work beentely?" As soon as he finished asking, he regretted it. Why did he ask about work at a time like this!
Lu Yao didn''t mind. She smoothed her hair behind her ear and said softly, "Everything''s going smoothly. The investments I wanted to make before have been quite profitable, hehe."
"Of course, what I''m happiest about is being able to work from home. During the time when I couldn''t be by your side, it really felt like time was dragging on forever." She added, her cheeks blushing slightly.
"You felt the same way, didn''t you? Hmph~"
"Of course, I also want you to be by my side all the time. I feel at ease every time Ie home and see you."
The two of them chatted happily, and Wang Feng''s nervousness gradually disappeared. Just then, fireworks suddenly lit up in the distance, and brilliant mes shot up into the sky, bursting into bright flowers.
The brightness of the fireworks also reflected on the surface of theke, adding to the spectacle. Excitedly, Lu Yao stood up, pointing at the sky and said, "Feng, look, it''s so beautiful! I''ve always thought that if fireworks were set off here, it would be very magnificent. I wonder who actually did it!"
Lu Yao nced up slightly, her face illuminated by the light of the fireworks, her eyes shining like stars. Wang Feng couldn''t help but blurt out, "Yao Yao, marry me!"
At that moment, coincidentally, a string of fireworks exploded, drowning out his voice. It wasn''t until Wang Feng regained his senses that he realized the timing was off. He should have waited until after the fireworks ended to say it.
But the impulsive confession seemed to have drained all his courage, and when everything calmed down, he found it hard to say it again. Luo Yao then asked, "Feng, did you say something just now? I didn''t quite catch it."
Wang Feng looked extremely embarrassed. Lu Yao chuckled, extending her left hand with the back facing up towards him, "I''m kidding, aren''t you supposed to put a ring on it?"
"You clearly heard me!" Wang Feng alsoughed, taking out the ring he had prepared long ago and putting it on the hand of the girl with a radiant smile in front of him. She would be the one to apany him for the rest of his life.
On the way back, Wang Feng was somewhat puzzled, "Yao Yao, did you already know I was going to propose?" The girl shook her head, "You did a good job keeping it a secret. When I saw someone setting off fireworks, I didn''t think about it at all. I thought there was some event going on."
"Yet, you still managed to hear my proposal, which is amazing."
"What''s so amazing about that? It''s because I''ve always been paying attention to you." Hearing this, Wang Feng remembered what Ral had said before. It turned out that Lu Yao''s eyes were filled with him, making him feel warm inside.
"By the way, whose idea was it to set off fireworks? It''s really to my liking!" When she found out it was Wang Feng''s idea, Lu Yao was a bit surprised. "I thought it was definitely Tian Tian''s idea. I didn''t expect you, Feng, to have a romantic side."
Wang Feng was speechless. Was that considered romantic? He then recounted some of Wang Tian''s "ingenious ideas" to Lu Yao, who immediately showed a horrified expression.
"Thank goodness you didn''t choose her idea. Otherwise, it would have be a shadow over my life. It''s just too scary. Who in the world woulde up with such anti-human schemes!"
Upon returning home, his sister looked at the two of them with a scrutinizing gaze. When she saw the ring on Lu Yao''s hand, she said satisfactorily, "Done? That means we''ve truly be a family."
With a hint of pride, Lu Yao stepped forward and patted her sister''s head, "Little Tian Tian, quickly call me sister-inw." Wang Tian swatted her hand away, pouting, "Now you''re acting all high and mighty. I wonder who was begging me to introduce my brother to her."
As she spoke, she imitated Lu Yao''s persuasive speech when she begged her to bring Wang Feng home with her. When the embarrassing history was revealed, Lu Yao naturally disagreed, blushing and yfully wrestling with her sister. The vi was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.
After the sessful proposal, the next step was naturally to inform both families and discuss the specific wedding date and arrangements. Wang Feng''s mother naturally adored the prospective daughter-inw, while Lu Yao''s mother had long prepared herself mentally. However, Lu Yao''s father was somewhat reluctant.
"I''m afraid you''ll understand my currentplicated feelings only after you have a daughter." Lu Xuexing sighed over the phone.
The wedding date was set for this summer. Although there was the Asian Cuppetition, there was a whole month''s holiday between the end of the cup and the league, which was considered quite ample.
As for the honeymoon, they both felt that as long as they had each other''spany, anywhere could be a vacation paradise, without the need to pursue formalities.
When Wang Feng returned to Real Madrid''s training camp, he happily shared the good news with his teammates, who all expressed their desire to attend his wedding.
Soon, this news spread throughout the entire training base, from the club''s top management to the ordinary staff, all sending their sincere blessings. Wang Feng''s poprity was evident.
Florentino even specially invited him to the office for a chat, "Youth is truly wonderful. Will you hold the ceremony in Spain then? Even if it''s in China, you must invite me."
"Of course, President, we will have a gathering in Spain. I hope to invite everyone from the club."
"What a great idea. I''m d you''ve quickly integrated into Real Madrid. You know, I hope you''ll be happy here."
A weekter, on March 19th, Real Madrid weed Tarragona at home. In the 23rd minute, Wang Feng was tripped by the opposing center-back as he broke through from the right. The referee awarded a free-kick in the attacking half.
Instead of taking a direct shot, Wang Feng lofted the ball into the penalty area for Ramos to head home, giving the Gcticos an early lead.
In the 57th minute of the second half, Real Madridunched a swift counterattack. Wang Feng dribbled the ball into the opposition half and passed it to Reyes, who was making a fast run. Reyes then passed it to Ral inside the penalty area, and the Spanish forward effortlessly extended the lead.
2-0! Real Madrid extended their winning streak to 10 games in the league!
Chapter 333: Old rival, new friend
Chapter 333: Old rival, new friend
On the first day of April, in the 28th round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited the Bdos Stadium to challenge Celta Vigo.
They faced the strong sniping from the Sky Blues, and in the 26th minute, Brazilian forward Baiano opened the scoring for the home team, giving them the lead.
It wasn''t until just before halftime that the Gcticos managed to equalize, with Ramos scoring a goal. Wang Feng created chaos on the right side, seizing the opportunity to pass into the penalty area, where the Spanish defender shot and scored, leveling the score.
As they resumed y in the second half, Real Madrid suffered a heavy blow right after kickoff. Celta Vigo''s midfielder Ovi?a received a through ball from ngel on the nk, forcefully dribbled down and crossed from the baseline. Pereira headed the ball in front of the small penalty area, once again opening the door to the Gcticos.
1-2! After that, Real Madrid attempted multiple attacks, but they couldn''t capitalize on their chances. The home team almost entirely retreated to defend their lead until the 88th minute.
"With little time left for Real Madrid, let''s see this attack. Reyes dribbles the ball forward on the nk, how will he handle it? Wang Feng is on the side, receiving the ball."
"Wang Feng shakes off Lucas''s marking, beautiful! A lofted pass into the penalty area, Ral, shoots! It''s a goal! Gooooooooooooal!"
"As the game is about to end, Celta Vigo ultimately couldn''t hold onto their lead. At a critical moment, the connection between Ral and Wang Feng saved the Gcticos!"
"Wang Feng, with a beautiful Cruyff turn on the nk to evade the defender, sends a precise cross to find Ral. The Spaniard doesn''t disappoint, controlling the ball with his chest and volleying with his right foot into the, all in one fluid motion!"
"With this goal, Real Madrid secures a precious point on their journey to the league title!"
Although Real Madrid didn''t take all three points, theirpetitors Barcelona also stumbled. In their away match against Deportivo La Coru?a, the interim coach Drakuluspletely sidelined Ronaldinho, reced by Van Nistelrooy.
It turned out to be a hasty decision, as their key yer Messi performed poorly, seeming to have exhausted all his energy from the previous derby. He made numerous mistakes, didn''t attempt a single shot throughout the game, but had nearly ten turnovers.
Eto''o and Van Nistelrooy were also in poor form, while Ronaldinho had been performing decently in recent matches, but his reputation worked against him.
Deportivo La Coru?a scored one goal each in the first and second half through Sergio and Ricky, respectively, resulting in Barcelona''s 0-2 defeat to the home team.
Media and fans from the Catalonia regionmented the result. The gap between them and Real Madrid widened to 7 points, while the gap with third-ced Sevi narrowed to 4 points.
Although there were still 10 rounds left in the league, given Barcelona''s current performance and internal atmosphere, the situation for the title race became very grim, and even maintaining a top-two position was uncertain.
Returning to Mn''s Malpensa Airport again, Wang Feng felt a whirlwind of emotions. Over the past five years, he had walked through this familiar ce countless times, but he never expected that this timeing back would feel like being a "guest."
Seeing Wang Feng nostalgically surveying the surroundings of the airport, Ral draped his arm over the Chinese star''s shoulder. "What do you feel about revisiting this ce?"
"Nothing special, just feel like time hasn''t passed at all. Everything here is exactly the same as when I left, oh, except maybe there''s one more Christmas tree in that ce. It''s already April, why is the airport still not taking it down."
Ral chuckled, "That''s Europe for you, the pace of change is very slow. It''s possible that there won''t be major changes for decades or even centuries. I hope Madrid follows this rule, so that when Ie back, nothing will have changed."
"Come back? When did you leave?" Wang Feng was surprised, "I''m already 30 years old, and my peak condition won''tst long. I''ll naturally leave Real Madrid when I can''t y anymore."
Seeing the surprised expression on the Chinese man''s face, Ral said with a smile, "Just kidding, don''t take it seriously. Besides, I feel very good about my current condition. I''m sure I can y for several more years."
Although he said so, deep down, the Spaniard didn''t think it was a joke. No one can stay at Bernabu until retirement.
The yers'' discussions are not mentioned, while the coaching staff are studying the opponent''s formation. Schuster said, "Nesta and Kdze''sbination in the backline is very tricky."
"But Wang Feng should know their defensive capabilities inside out. Inter Mn always struggles in the Mn Derby, mostly due to Wang Feng''s performance."
"So, there''s no need to worry too much about attacking. The most important thing is defense. Pepe and Heinze not being able to y is a big disadvantage."
Assistant coach Deldi agreed, "Although they were affected by the Phone Call Gatest year, AC Mn still has forwards like Inzaghi and Grdino, as well as ymakers like Seedorf and Kak."
"Especially Kak, who scored a hat-trick in the Champions League group stage and scored the winning goal in the round of 16 against Celtic in extra time, seems unstoppable."
"Sissoko has always been aggressive and loves to participate in attacks, which is very unfavorable for defense. I''ve told him many times, but he still does his own thing on the field. Let''s rece him with the young Marcelo in this game." Schuster said.
"As for the other defenders, we don''t have many options, so let''s stick to the usual arrangements. The main goal of this game is to secure an advantage in away goals."
The day before the match, Ronaldo contacted Wang Feng, hoping to meet up and introduce a friend to him. The Chinese star dly agreed to the invitation.
Arriving at a quite familiar restaurant, Wang Feng found that the friend was none other than the current hot star of Serie A, Kak. "We can be considered old opponents, but unfortunately, we never had a chance to get to know each other," he said with a smile as he approached.
"Today, we can consider ourselves making a new friend." Ronaldo invited both of them to sit down. "Since my debut, I''ve always looked up to you." Kak said nostalgically.
"Can''t ept, can''t ept." Wang Feng waved his hand. The three of them then talked about several key battles in the Mn Derby. Although there were victories and losses on both sides, it was always Inter Mn led by Wang Feng that won at critical moments.
"Your performance is simply too stable. Sometimes, I can''t control my emotions and end up underperforming in key matches." Kak said somewhat frustrated. Now he hadpletely let go of the idea ofparing himself with Wang Feng and just wanted to be the best version of himself.
"I didn''t think so much about it. I just y each game ording to my normal rhythm, and I tend to perform very consistently."
They also discussed the lives of the two clubs. Ronaldo remarked that the atmosphere was simr, with the only difference being that Mn''s training base, Mnello, was much better than Pina.
"Has Pina finally been renovated? To be honest, I''ve endured the primitive environment there for a long time, but it seems that no matter how much renovation is done, it can''tpare to Mnello, because the initial nning was wed."
That was the truth. Just in terms ofnd area, Mnello was muchrger, so it could amodate many facilities internally. This was something Inter Mn''s training base, Pina, could never achieve, no matter how much renovation was done.
Chapter 334: Unreconciled tears
Chapter 334: Unreconciled tears
When he set foot on the Meazza Stadium again, oh, maybe this game should be called the San Siro Stadium, Wang Feng''s emotions were veryplicated. Looking around, besides therge group of red and ck Legion fans on the stands, there were also quite a few fans wearing blue and ck jerseys.
These people were all passionate fans who wanted to witness Wang Feng''s performance on the field once again, specially entering the stadium. They had to ovee the fierce ticket battle against AC Mn and Real Madrid supporters, which came at a considerable cost.
"Although you have left, the poprity in Mn has never declined, and the media and fans are always paying attention to news rted to you." Before the start of the match, Kak came to greet Wang Feng.
"Then I can''t disappoint everyone''s expectations in this game. You guys better watch out!" Wang Feng jokingly responded, "Let''s see, this is the San Siro after all."
When the Norwegian referee Alex Whirl blew the whistle to start the game, AC Mn took the kick-off. Their attack advanced to the edge of the penalty area, and Kak unleashed a world-ss shot just wide of the post.
"A brilliant long shot! Just a little more deviation and it would have been in. It seems Kak is in very good form today, using a threatening attack to deter Real Madrid who have traveled a long way."
In the following game, Kak continued to y a role as an attacking midfielder. He kept shuttling around the midfield, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The Brazilian became more and more excited as he yed; yes, he was at the peak of his form right now!
In the 13th minute, Kak once again surged into Real Madrid''s half, and Diarra had no choice but to foul him, giving AC Mn an excellent free-kick opportunity in the opposition half.
Kak stood up and patted the dirt off his body. He felt a slight soreness in his groin from the collision just now, but he didn''t pay much attention to it, as he had experienced simr symptoms before without any adverse reactions afterward.
The Brazilian midfielder personally took the free-kick, lofting it urately into the penalty area to find the forward run of Grdino. Thetter headed the ball from five meters out, beating Casis, and the ball hit the with a "swish."
"Goal! AC Mn takes the lead with Grdino scoring from Kak''s assist!"
"In the past 13 minutes, Kak''s form looks very impressive. Not only has he contributed three shots within the frame, he has also activated Mn''s entire attacking system. His contribution to this goal is about 80%."
"Real Madrid is now in a disadvantageous position. They haven''t been able to organize effective attacks yet and must quickly turn the tide to allow forward yers like Wang Feng to showcase their abilities."
The Mn fans in the stands celebrated the goal, but they didn''t go wild; instead, they cheered cautiously for their team, hoping they could build on their lead.
The bitter memories of the past engraved in their hearts made them not dare to be too proud orcent about Wang Feng. Some fans even shouted out cautious reminders in ce of the head coach: "Keep attacking! Keep an eye on Wang Feng!"
The AC Mn yers understood this principle better than the fans did. So, they continued to firmly control the game, with Kak acting as the heart of the engine, constantly providing attacking impetus for the team.
"This guy is ying crazy today!" Guti wiped the sweat off his face and said to Wang Feng nearby. "Kak has always been a powerful yer, and this year his form seems to have reached a new height, making him even more difficult to deal with than when I faced him before."
"We still need to counterattack quickly. When we get the ballter, try to push it forward as much as possible, find me and Ral. Being constantly on the defensive is too dangerous." Guti nodded.
Wang Feng remained the hardest-working yer on the field, constantly dropping back to participate in defense and then quickly joining counter-attacks at critical moments. He believed that opportunities always favored the prepared.
In the 35th minute, Kak sent a straight pass into the Real Madrid penalty area, and Pato''s shot from close range was saved by Casis, who then threw the ball to Cannavaro.
Cannavaro immediately made a diagonal long pass to find Guti''s feet. "The Golden Wolf" nced at Wang Feng''s position and chipped the ball towards the AC Mn defensive line.
Wang Feng''s attention was highly concentrated. Seeing Guti receiving the ball, he prepared to start running. The Spanish defender did not disappoint him; at this moment, the Chinese superstar seemed like a white lightning bolt, sprinting rapidly towards the ball''snding spot.
His speed far exceeded that of the AC Mn defenders, and he quickly reached the ball''snding spot, controlling it first, and then elerating towards the opponent''s half.
"Wang Feng''s lightning-fast counterattack! He''s so fast, leaving Nesta behind in an instant. Dangerous! Another yer is catching up from the other side, it''s Kak! It''s Kak!"
"The Brazilian''s speed is also very fast! When Wang Feng started his counterattack, Kak had already retreated to defend, and now the two yers are almost neck and neck. Can he defend against this?"
Kak felt his legs like electricity as he finally caught up. He caught up to Wang Feng!
On the other side, Wang Feng was also very surprised. He had almost exerted all his strength but still couldn''t shake off Kak''s marking. The Brazilian seemed to have be even faster.
Just as he was about to stretch his leg to disrupt the ball out for a corner, Kak suddenly felt his thigh muscles twitching crazily, followed by a sharp pain. The pain was so intense that he couldn''t support himself and fell to the ground.
"Oh no, Kak loses bnce and falls! Wang Feng breaks through one-on-one, goalkeeper Dida rushes out, Wang Feng dodges the block with force and shoots!! Goal! Real Madrid equalizes!"
"At the critical moment, Kak''s defensive effort falls short, it''s so regrettable. It seems he lost his bnce and fell to the ground. With Wang Feng''s stability during the final moments, he prevails."
"Hey? We can see that Kak is still lying on the ground, clutching his thigh. His expression is very painful. Is he injured? At this moment, the team doctor is rushing in with a stretcher, and the yers are gathering around, asking about the situation."
Wang Feng was originally celebrating this precious away goal, but he stopped immediately when he saw Kak seemingly injured and rushed to his side. "What''s wrong with you? Where does it hurt?"
"My thigh feels like it''s tearing apart, I can''t stand up. Oh God, no!" Kak said in pain, tears streaming down his eyes. Wang Feng''s heart sank, and he immediately signaled nearby AC Mn yers to call for a stretcher. They now understood the seriousness of the situation.
After a simple assessment, the team doctor shook his head solemnly at the head coach on the sidelines, indicating a substitution. Kak grabbed the doctor''s hand in pain. "Mr. Verdi, can I not leave the field? Just help me relieve the pain and I can still fight!"
Verdi sternly rebuked, "Nonsense! Your injury is severe, you must be sent to the hospital immediately for aprehensive examination and treatment, otherwise it will affect your future career!"
Despite Kak''s repeated pleas, Verdi clearly would not agree to such a ridiculous proposal. Ancelotti substituted him with Serginho, and as the Brazilian was carried off the field, tears of frustration streamed down his face. The team needed him, but he copsed at this critical moment.
Chapter 335: Familiar plot
Chapter 335: Familiar plot
When Kak was forced off the field due to injury, AC Mn suffered a significant blow, both in morale and in strength. The team''s attack relied heavily on the Brazilian as the core of their offensive system, so his departure greatly reduced the threat in the home team''s forward line.
At the same time, Real Madrid was able to free up their hands from the frantic defense to organize attacks. Therefore, the situation reversed in the second half, with the Gcticos gradually gaining the upper hand.
In the 51st minute, Wang Feng quickly surged into the penalty area, receiving a through pass from Guti. Faced with Carraze, he chose not to cross from the byline but instead flicked the ball to the left with his left foot before taking a shot.
The ball flew fast and fiercely towards the far corner, catching the AC Mn defense off guard. Dida couldn''t reach it in time, but unfortunately, it hit the post and bounced back into y, with Maldini clearing it out of the penalty area.
Cheers erupted from the stands, but the hearts of the home team''s fans sank continuously. This situation seemed all too familiar, like a rey of past events!
Just 4 minutester, Real Madrid struck again. Wang Feng received a long pass from Diarra on the right nk and faced Nesta. Instead of going down the line, he cut inside when he saw Ral in a good position and made a decisive pass to the left.
Carraze urgently stretched his leg to intercept, but the ball bounced back to Wang Feng''s feet. The AC Mn defense began to converge near Ral, so the Chinese superstar took a direct shot with his foot.
This shot caught all the defenders off guard, and goalkeeper Dida had no chance to react. Unfortunately, the angle of the shot wasn''t perfect, and the ball flew just above the crossbar.
Wang Feng scratched his head in frustration at the missed opportunity. He realized he had rushed the shot a bit and reminded himself to stay calm. AC Mn was like a trapped beast, bound to reveal a weakness sooner orter.
"Since Kak''s injury, AC Mn seems to have lost some of their vigor. They''ve only managed one shot so far, and the rest of the time, they''ve been defending in their own half. This is their home ground, but if the current situation continues, it could be very dangerous for them."
"Let''s see how they attack this time. Oh no! Serginho''s ball is intercepted by Reyes, and Real Madridunches a counterattack on the spot."
"He passes the ball to Wang Feng, who rushes into the opponent''s half with the ball, his speed is incredible. Nesta tries to block him."
"Beautiful! A wonderful nutmeg pass finds Ral on the left, the Spanish forward enters the penalty area and passes it back, shot! Goal! Gooooooooooooooooal!"
"Wang Feng falls under Nesta''s challenge, but he still manages to poke the ball into AC Mn''s with the tip of his foot at thest moment, goalkeeper Dida couldn''t save the team!"
"This counterattack started with Serginho''s mistake, Wang Feng took the ball and drove it forward quickly, then used Nesta''s positioning problem to nutmeg pass to Ral, and then entered the penalty area to wait for his chance."
"Ral''s pass wasn''t a great opportunity, but Wang Feng''s strong physical presence overpowered Nesta. The Italian defender had no choice but to foul him. If this ball hadn''t gone in, Real Madrid would probably have been awarded a penalty."
"Wang Feng is Wang Feng. Even when he''s on the ground, he never gives up shooting. The shot wasn''t very powerful, but the angle was extremely tricky, and Dida had no chance to save it."
"1:2! The Red and ck Legion havee to this point, but they are getting further away from the Champions League quarterfinals!"
After scoring, Wang Feng sprinted to the area where the Real Madrid fans were seated, raising his hands to celebrate with them. The audience wearing the number 10 Inter Mn jersey also stood up to apud his performance. He scored another goal!
The Chinese superstar also bowed to these fans, expressing his gratitude, which elicited cheers from them. For a moment, their morale was soaring, seemingly surpassing that of the home team''s fans, making it difficult to tell whose home ground it was.
This goal ignited AC Mn''s fighting spirit, and theyunched a counterattack in an attempt to equalize the score. However, there were significant problems with the connection in the midfield and forward line, with Grdino and Inzaghi not receiving good support, and the wing attacks not flowing smoothly.
After withstanding this wave of attacks, the match gradually approached its end. In the 87th minute, Diarra dribbled past the halfway line and sent a diagonal long pass to Wang Feng on the right nk.
Wang Feng passed it to Ral in the penalty area, but he was blocked by Maldini and couldn''t turn around, so he could onlyy it back to Guti on the edge of the penalty area.
Guti adjusted and sent a low pass with his left foot. The ball rolled in an arc, evading Nesta''s outstretched leg and reaching Wang Feng''s feet.
He stopped the ball with his right foot but didn''t choose to shoot directly because there were many defensive yers in front of him. Instead, he flicked it sideways with his toe, reaching Ral further inside. The Spanish forward jumped up and headed the ball into the once again, piercing through Dida''s fingertips.
1:3! Real Madrid further expanded their lead!
When the referee Alexandre Whirl blew the final whistle, the score remained unchanged. The Gcticos won away from home against the Red and ck Legion, one foot into the Champions League quarterfinals.
In the post-match press conference, AC Mn coach Ancelotti expressed his helplessness, saying that the club''s luck was very bad, and Kak''s injury caused many problems for the team.
"We had the upper hand in the first thirty minutes of the game. If we had maintained it, the oue would still be uncertain, but Kak''s injury came too suddenly, and no one was prepared for it."
Ancelotti also revealed that Kak had a groin strain, which was quite serious and was likely to sideline him for the rest of the season, which was a double blow to the Red and ck Legion.
AC Mn not only had Champions League matches but also werepeting with Inter Mn for the league title. The Brazilian''s injury would seriously reduce the team''s strength, widening the gap they had just managed to close.
In contrast to Ancelotti''s heavy heart, Schuster was much more rxed. The uing match at the Bernabu was almost in the bag, he said: "It was a roller coaster of a game. We encountered some trouble at the beginning, but thanks to Wang Feng''s brilliant performance, we ultimately had thestugh."
"I think for this stadium, the storyline of this game is not unfamiliar, right? Wang has created one miracle after another here." He added mischievously.
Returning to the San Siro once again, Wang Feng also received a lot of attention from the media. "A familiar stadium, familiar opponents, but for me, it''s a very novel experience. I''m d not to have disappointed the Real Madrid fans and my supporters."
Speaking of the goal that equalized the score and Kak''s injury, Wang Feng said, "His aggressive defense caught me off guard. At that moment, his speed had caught up with mine. If Kak hadn''t been injured, maybe this goal wouldn''t have happened."
"Football matches are full of uncertainties, and injuries gue every yer. I hope he recovers soon."
Chapter 336: Challenge from Ronaldo
Chapter 336: Challenge from Ronaldo
After the match, Wang Feng called Kak to console him. The Brazilian was not in high spirits, having worked hard for most of the season, only to end up with nothing due to injury, which was a devastating blow for anyone.
"Can I ept conservative treatment and return early?" he seemed to ask Wang Feng, but also himself.
"I advise you not to do that, because it concerns your entire career," Wang Feng advised.
AC Mn coach Ancelotti is not one to favor rotation, and Kak''s injury this time was mainly due to fatigue from consecutive matches.
The Brazilian responded with a "Hmm" over the phone, but it''s unclear if he really took it in. He admired Wang Feng, this outstanding yer, and didn''t want his peak to be short-lived.
Back in Madrid on April 8th, the Gcticos weed Osasuna for the 29th round of La Liga at home.
Coach Schuster learned from Ancelotti''s lesson and made significant changes to the lineup, allowing key yers to rest fully, including Wang Feng.
ording to him, Kak''s sudden injury sounded the rm for Real Madrid. "We can''t expect you to be healthy all the time." This rhetoric also made Wang Feng somewhat helpless; he couldn''t just shout that he would never suffer a major injury.
Fortunately, substitute youngster Iguan was very effective, seizing the opportunity to score the only goal of the game in the 77th minute of the second half. The Gcticos'' defense, led by Pepe and Heinze, also performed well under his leadership, allowing them to win at home by a narrow margin.
On April 12th, the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals was held at the Bernabu, with Real Madrid hosting AC Mn from afar.
Coach Ancelotti made adjustments to the lineup, with Oddo and Yankulovski recing Carragher and Cafu in the starting lineup. Carragher was out of form, while Cafu was injured.
Serginho was no longer used as a forward, and instead, Grdino''s position was pulled back to y a connecting role. AC Mn''s tactics remained centered around prating attacks through the middle.
After the start of the game, the Italian forward didn''t quite adapt to his new position. Hecked Kak''s surging explosiveness and ability to dribble forward at high speed, making him more suitable as a "receiver" rather than a "creator."
AC Mn''s attack couldn''t break through, while Real Madrid grew stronger amid the cheers of the home fans. In the first half, Wang Feng cooperated with Reyes and Guti on the right nk. When the Chinese superstar dribbled inside, Yankulovski reached out and pulled him down.
The referee''s whistle blew immediately. He ran to the Czech defender and showed him a yellow card, awarding Real Madrid a direct free kick just outside the penalty area.
This free kick was rtively close to the goal, and the fans in the stands suddenly became noisy. Many shouted, "Wang Feng! Goal!" His method of taking free kicks as penalties had already be well-established.
Wang Feng stood at the penalty spot amidst the anticipation, looking at the constantly adjusting wall and the anxious goalkeeper Dida, with a confident smile on his face.
The whistle blew, the run-up, the shot!
The ball pierced through the wall like a sharp de, flying straight towards the left side of the goal. Dida didn''t expect the ball to pass through the wall, and in a moment of unpreparedness, he missed it, 1-0! Real Madrid took the lead!
At the moment of the shot, Wang Feng knew this ball was in! So he raised his hands on the spot, waiting for his teammates toe and celebrate. Ral excitedly tugged at his hair, "How are you so amazing, every free kick you take is like this!"
In fact, this wasn''t surprising at all. As long as a high sess rate is achieved from the beginning, everyone will gradually ept the idea of "taking free kicks like penalties," and opponents facing free kick situations will be more timid and doubtful, naturally increasing the error rate.
With opponents making mistakes, one''s own sess rate will increase, continuing in a cycle, and eventually, free kicks be an unsolvable weapon.
As the second half began, AC Mn''s attack failed once again. From the back, Cannavaro got the ball, quickly passed it to the midfield to Guti, the "Golden Wolf," who then passed it to Wang Feng on the right nk.
Wang Feng dribbled all the way to the bottom line, suddenly made a quick stop and change of direction to shake off Yankulovski, then passed the ball into the penalty area. Ral rushed to the penalty spot, and with a volley, sent a low shot.
Goalkeeper Dida leaped to save it, but the ball still brushed against the post and into the, 2-0! The Gcticos sealed the victory!
The Bernabu Stadium instantly turned into a sea of celebration. After four years, they finally made it into the Champions League semi-finals again! Everyone joyfully sang the team''s song, calling out Wang Feng and Ral''s names.
With abined score of 5-1 over two legs, Real Madrid eliminated AC Mn, getting closer to their tenth Champions League trophy in history.
The other three teams in the semi-finals are Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, with the Premier League unexpectedly upying three-quarters of the spots, which delighted the British media, eximing about the resurgence of their professional league.
As for Real Madrid''s opponent in the semi-finals, it will be Manchester United, while Liverpool will face Chelsea, setting up an English derby.
"The Premier League is undoubtedly the strongest league in European football at the moment. It deserves a Champions League trophy," said Manchester United coach Ferguson in an interview.
Speaking of their opponent Real Madrid, this renowned coach gave his assessment: "Wang Feng''s ability is beyond doubt, but he is ultimately just one person. In my opinion, it''s not easy for Real Madrid to get to where they are now."
"There is an element of luck in this, facing Bayern Munich in the round of sixteen, goalkeeper Kahn and key defender Lahm both injured, gave Real Madrid an opportunity."
"In the quarterfinals against AC Mn, Kak''s injury once again opened the door to victory for them, but unfortunately for them, the yers in Manchester United are all in very good health. They will face the full strength of the Red Devils."
Meanwhile, Manchester United''s mainstay Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his confidence in an interview: "We will break through Real Madrid''s defense, they won''t stand a chance!"
This controversial 22-year-old has contributed 21 goals for Manchester United in variouspetitions this season, with his statistics and abilities significantly improvingpared tost year.
But he''s not happy at Manchester United, with conflicts with teammates during the World Cup and the inability to fully control the field being his sticking points.
Ronaldo''s most coveted club is Real Madrid, the shining Gcticos, the traditional Spanish powerhouse, and the unparalleled heritage are all irresistible temptations for the Portuguese youngster.
Since the first day of ying professional football, his biggest dream has been to y for Real Madrid, enjoying the attention and praise of the whole world.
But Real Madrid already has Wang Feng! The Chinese yer is only two years older than him but has a more dazzling array of honors. If he joins, wouldn''t he just be a supporting actor?
So he must assert more authority, arrive at the Bernabu with a stronger stance, so that he can be the center of attention!
So he issued a challenge to Wang Feng in front of the media: "I will defeat Wang in the game, lead Manchester United to the final, and lift the ultimate Saint Brde Cup!"
It was the first time reporters had heard such a straightforward challenge, so they asked what would constitute defeating him. "Manchester United winning is beyond doubt, and I will score more goals than Wang!"
Chapter 337: Metamorphosis
Chapter 337: Metamorphosis
Cristiano Ronaldo''s interview in European football caused a heated discussion. Many people thought he was a bit arrogant. "Marca"mented, "Wang Feng currently has 16 goals in the Champions League, ranking first on the top scorer list."
"While Cristiano Ronaldo only has 3, where does he get the courage to say he will score more goals than Wang Feng?"
Other media outlets echoed simr sentiments, mostly agreeing that Manchester United would defeat Real Madrid because the Gcticos'' defense was weak, but they didn''t believe Ronaldo would outscore Wang Feng.
"At the age of 22, Wang Feng has already won two European Golden Balls and two FIFA World yer of the Year awards. Cristiano Ronaldo is empty-handed. The Portuguese should learn to respect his predecessors."
Manchester United coach Ferguson also felt Cristiano Ronaldo''s remarks were inappropriate: "You shouldn''t say that. You should show more humility." He gave this beloved yer a lot of care and guidance.
Cristiano Ronaldo respects Ferguson very much, but he has his own ideas and career ns, as well as his own pride. He believes surpassing Wang Feng is only a matter of time and a prerequisite for joining Real Madrid.
Regarding Cristiano Ronaldo''s challenge, Wang Feng expressed his thoughts in an interview: "I believe the team''s smooth advancement is my top priority, and scoring goals is to help achieve this goal."
"Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney are both very talented and capable young yers. I am looking forward topeting with them and Manchester United."
This broad and assertive statement received unanimous praise from the public. Although the Chinese superstar is young, his numerous honors make him quite dignified.
On April 15th, in the 30th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Racing Santander away.
While many key yers, including Wang Feng, sat on the bench, the home team seized an opportunity in the 39th minute. Spanish forward Juanjo dribbled into the penalty area and was tripped by Real Madrid defender Bravo.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty, which Juanjo personally took, deceiving goalkeeper Diego Lpez to score and opening the scoring for Racing Santander.
In the second half, Coach Schuster made consecutive substitutions, bringing on Guti and Diarra to strengthen the attack organization. Although the Gcticos firmly controlled possession, they failed to convert it into goals.
In the 75th minute, Schuster used hisst substitution to bring on Wang Feng. His impact was immediate. Just six minutester, the Chinese superstar received a through ball from Guti inside the penalty area.
At that moment, with his back to the goal and defender Oriol tight on him, Wang Feng deftly flicked the ball to his right with the tip of his right foot, simultaneously turning his body. Oriol was caught off guard and quickly tried to stop him.
But Wang Feng forcefully pushed him aside, the ball seemingly glued to his foot, then turned and unleashed a powerful shot that pierced through Racing Santander''s defense, equalizing the score.
Three minutester, Real Madrid''s midfield regained possession andunched another attack. Gago passed to Wang Feng on the right, who then dribbled forcefully towards the baseline before chipping the ball into the penalty area, where Iguan finished with a shot from the edge of the small box.
2-1! In the end, Real Madrid reversed Racing Santander with Wang Feng''s assist and goal, iming all three points.
At the same time, Barcelona hosted Mallorca at the Camp Nou. With a goal from substitute Ronaldinho in the final moments, they won 1-0.
After scoring, Ronaldinho ran around the field, but there was no joy in his heart, only a sense of resignation and frustration. Perhaps leaving Barcelona is the best choice for him.
After this round of matches, Real Madrid maintained a 7-point lead over Barcelona, with 8 rounds remaining in the league. The situation was very unfavorable for Barcelona, and their hopes of aeback were fading.
After watching the match between Real Madrid and Racing Santander, Dong Fangzhuo sighed with relief. His inner restlessness had been quelled. When would he be able to dominate a match like Wang Feng, turning the tide in just 25 minutes?
Since the match against Ajax, his performances had been improving. In the next 16 league matches, he scored 12 goals, helping the team climb to 3rd ce in the standings, behind Ajax and PSV.
It could be said that Dong Fangzhuo had undergone a transformation, bing a key figure in the team''seback. So far, he had scored 17 goals in the league, bing the team''s top scorer. He also ranked 5th on the league''s top scorer list.
The internal criticism and exclusion within the team had almost disappeared. Coach Van Gaal paid more and more attention to him, even personally arranging core tactics for him. His only weakness might be his physical fitness; currently, Dong Fangzhuo could only sustain high-intensity matches for up to 70 minutes.
His consistently excellent performances attracted the attention of many clubs from the top five leagues. Bournemouth received several offers, but after discussing with Wang Feng and carefully considering it, Dong Fangzhuo decided to stay in the Eredivisie for another year.
At the age of 22, his data so far couldn''t support him bing an absolute mainstay in a new team due to his early-season slump. However, Alkmaar could guarantee it. Even next season, they would formte tactics around him as the focal point of attack, and he would surely perform even better by then.
The next morning, Dong Fangzhuo arrived at the Alkmaar training base as usual. The team would conduct the final tactical rehearsal today to prepare for tomorrow''s crucial match against PSV.
Afterpleting a set of warm-up exercises, other teammates also arrived one after another. They greeted Dong Fangzhuo very friendly, not as arrogant as they were at the beginning of the season.
As for Van Sel, who had humiliated him before, he could only sneak away in embarrassment now, no longer daring to provoke him. Strength is everything!
Van Gaal came in front of everyone with a serious look on his face. "If we can defeat PSV tomorrow, we will climb to 2nd ce in the standings."
"With only 4 rounds left in the league, we still have hope topete for the final championship. Come on, guys!"
With that, he began to arrange the tactical rehearsal for the next day, dividing the team into main and substitute teams. Dong Fangzhuo was undoubtedly a mainstay, and ording to the coach''s arrangement, he needed to provide the main attacking firepower.
Outside the training ground''s wire fence, there were also some media and yers stopping by. Thanks to Dong Fangzhuo''s recent outstanding performances, many fans had started making signs to support him.
Seeing all this, domestic sports channel reporter Wang Lei couldn''t help but feel emotional. There was a time when this Chinese youngster was disliked by everyone, and even many domestic fans were dissatisfied because they felt that Dong Fangzhuo''s performance was embarrassingpared to Wang Feng''s brilliance.
Only she, who followed Alkmaar''s coverage, knew how hard Dong Fangzhuo worked. Fortunately, this effort was not in vain. Now he had grown into the most famous attacking yer in China after Wang Feng, winning the love of many people.
"Nice goal!" Suddenly, a photographer eximed. It turned out that shortly after the training match began, Dong Fangzhuo sessfully created space and scored with a powerful long shot.
"His form is simply outstanding. If it weren''t for the initial adjustment period at the beginning of the season, he might havepeted for the league''s top scorer this year!" The photographermented regretfully, and everyone believed that Dong Fangzhuo''s early-season slump was due to hisck of adaptation to the new environment.
Chapter 338: Hard work
Chapter 338: Hard work
At 2:00 AM Beijing time, the most popr onlinemunity in China, the "Dong Fangzhuo Bar" on a certain search engine, became extremely lively. Various posts kept emerging, all about live updates of the Alkmaar vs. Eindhoven match.
The administrators had to intervene, leaving the live thread opened by the bar owner for everyone to discuss, while deleting all other posts.
People could only curse the moderators while discussing in the designated thread. "Has the match started?" oneizenmented. "Yes, it has kicked off. Quickly turn on the TV and tune in to the sports channel; you can watch it now."
"I came to the bar to check updates because I can''t watch the live broadcast. Please remember to inform me of any progress immediately."
"Got it!"
"By the way, is Sun Xiang ying? Didn''t he go on loan to Eindhoven in January and perform well in the Champions League?"
"No, he didn''t even make it into the squad. It''s a pity."
Thirteen minutes into the game, Avze entered the penalty area and shot, hitting the sideting, resulting in a goal kick for Eindhoven.
"Avze took the shot too selfishly. He should have passed to Dong Fangzhuo, who was in the right position. He could have scored with just a tap-in. Do you think it''s because Dong Fangzhuo snatched his position as the team''s top scorer that he wanted to suppress him?"
"The OP is being paranoid. Didn''t Avze assist Dong Fangzhuo in scoring multiple times in previous matches? I think this was just a result of not seeing Dong Fangzhuo''s positioning or being disrupted by defending yers nearby."
"Stay calm, stay calm. It''s just a normal attack. There''s still a long time left. I think Alkmaar has the advantage in this match."
"Herees another attack from Alkmaar!" After thisment was posted, there was silence for a while. Many fans who couldn''t watch the live broadcast anxiously asked, "What''s going on? Where''s the OP? No updates?"
"The ball is in! Dong Fangzhuo scored! Alkmaar is now leading!"
"Maldia lifted the ball into the penalty area, and Dong Fangzhuo leapt and volleyed with his right foot against the defender. I have to say his physical strength is really strong, honed by European league matches."
"It''s not necessarily true. I think the Chinese Super League is also fiercelypetitive."
"Fiercelypetitive? Are you talking about fighting? Physical battles in the CSL are not like those rough guys. It''s not just brute force; there''s technique involved in positioning and exerting force while controlling the ball during physical confrontations."
"Moreover, if you let those CSL veterans face European tough guys, they might fall to the ground after just one collision."
"Yeah, Dong Fangzhuo has improved in all aspects this year. I think Chinese yers should go abroad. yers like Wang Feng, Sun Jihai, and Zheng Zhi are clearly much better than domestic yers."
"But it depends on whether they are willing to go. Nowadays, Chinese football is getting more attention, clubs are getting richer, and sries are getting higher. Who would want to leave their hometown and suffer in a faraway ce?"
"s, everyone is after quick money. How can Chinese football develop like this?"
"Don''t discuss such heavy topics. We can''t change anything. How''s the match going?"
"The game is in a stalemate. Alkmaar''s attacks have slowed down, and Eindhoven hasunched several attacks. They almost equalized just now, scaring me."
"Dong Fangzhuo''s stamina still can''t keep up. He looks a bit tired after running for just over thirty minutes. I''ve seen Wang Feng y a full 90 minutes without breaking a sweat."
"Don''tpare these two. Wang Feng is just too good. Ordinary forwards can''t run like him. I think Dong Fangzhuo shouldn''t learn from him. He should find his own style as soon as possible. Asians might have a slight disadvantage in terms of stamina."
"What''s wrong with actively running on the field? Who said Asians must have worse stamina than other races?"
While everyone was still debating the yers'' stamina issue, the situation on the field changed again. In the 42nd minute, Dong Fangzhuo found space and received a pass from Avze.
Due to his limited stamina, he didn''t control the ball well at first, and Eindhoven defender Klomp immediately closed in. But Dong Fangzhuo remained calm, flicked the ball behind him with his toe, just above Klomp''s head.
He then caught up with the ball and slotted it past goalkeeper Gomez with his right foot, sneaking into the.
"Dong Fangzhuo scored again, Alkmaar leads by two goals! Hepletes a brace!"
"Beautiful! It was worth staying up. Is this his third brace of the season? When will he get another hat-trick?"
"Can Alkmaar win the league? If Dong Fangzhuo wins the Eredivisie title, he will be the second Chinese yer after Wang Feng to win a league title in a top European league."
"I think it''s doubtful. Ajax has been too stable this year. Even if Alkmaar wins this match, they still need to make up four points in the remaining three rounds. Even if they win all their matches, they might not have a chance."
"The first half of the match is over. This thread will continue to provide real-time updates for everyone in the second half!"
The second half had just started, and Eindhovenunched a counterattack, capitalizing on a mistake in Alkmaar''s defense to score a goal.
"What kind of defense is this? A little pressure and they make a mistake. I think these defenders should be reced."
"Why are you in such a hurry? Weren''t their defenses good in the first half? This goal was just a momentary mistake. Besides, they still lead by one goal. Let''s see Dong Fangzhuo continue to perform."
"The ball is in! Dong Fangzhuo scored again, a hat-trick! Haha, who just said Dong Fangzhuo would score a hat-trick today? What a prediction!"
Manyizens asked, "What happened? Wasn''t there a goal conceded just now? How did he score again so quickly?"
"Just now, after Eindhoven lost possession in the midfield, Alkmaar''s midfielder immediately yed a through ball, and Dong Fangzhuo used his speed to break through and scored!"
"Amazing! Dong Fangzhuo recovered his stamina quickly after resting for a while at halftime, but his endurance is stillcking, haha."
"Besides Wang Feng, we have another yer who scored a hat-trick in a top European league. Dong Fangzhuo''s status as the second best Chinese yer abroad is solidified!"
"There were so many people mocking him before, saying he couldn''t make it in Europe. Now Dong Fangzhuo has finally seeded after enduring hardships!"
"After waiting for so long, Dong Fangzhuo''s hard work has finally paid off!"
"I think he can go y in the top five leagues now. Where do you guys want to see him?"
"Real Madrid! I want to see a Chinese forwardbination!"
"Come on, with his current level, he can''t establish himself in a top club yet. It''s more appropriate for him to go to a mid-table team in the top five leagues and be a key yer."
"Not necessarily, with his current performance, he''s already qualified to join a title-contending team."
Chapter 339: A unique move against Manchester United
Chapter 339: A unique move against Manchester United
After Dong Fangzhuo staged a hat-trick and led Alkmaar to a crucial victory, Wang Feng sent him a congrattory text message. Now, the young Chinese yer''s journey abroad is bing smoother.
Dong Fangzhuo expressed his gratitude to Wang Feng. Without his tireless guidance, he might have taken more time to reach his current level.
"Keep up the good work. If you can win the Eredivisie title or the Eredivisie Golden Boot, the top five league teams will definitely be eager to sign you," Wang Feng encouraged. "Oh, don''t forget to treat your teammates to dinner. Your hat-trick wouldn''t have been possible without their support."
"Yes, I''m about to invite my teammates to celebrate at the bar," Dong Fangzhuo replied, and Wang Feng stopped bothering him, continuing with his own work.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid was actively preparing for the 31st round of La Liga, hosting Valencia at home. Since a heavyweight Champions League semi-final match was scheduled midweek at Old Trafford against Manchester United, head coach Schuster rotated some of the squad.
Valencia was also strong, currently ranked fourth in La Liga, so Real Madrid, with a reserve lineup, quickly found themselves in trouble. In the 19th minute, forward Vi opened the scoring for the visiting team.
As halftime approached, Albelda pierced through Diego Lopez''s defenses again with a direct free kick, putting Real Madrid two goals behind!
While fans understood Schuster''s approach, the situation at the Bernabeu still stirred them up, with many calling out the savior of Real MadridWang Feng.
In the 65th minute, the long-awaited Chinese superstar finally took to the field, boosting the morale of the entire team. With him on the pitch, everyone seemed to have found their backbone, bing more confident in their ys.
This was all due to his miraculous performances, repeatedly saving the Gcticos. Everyone had developed a mindset that as long as Wang Feng was there, the team wouldn''t fear any opponent!
Just seven minutes aftering on, Wang Feng intercepted Vicente in midfield, passed to Garcia, and quickly surged forward. After a few consecutive passes, he reached the edge of the penalty area on the right.
Facing Barragan''s defense, Wang Feng feinted left, creating space, and then curled a beautiful shot with the outside of his foot, breaking through Canizares''s defenses and pulling one back for Real Madrid.
Then, in the 84th minute, Real Madridunched a swift counterattack. Gago immediately sent a long pass to prate Valencia''s defense line, and Wang Feng sessfully received the ball after timing his run perfectly to avoid offside.
Breaking into the penalty area, he skillfully bypassed Canizares with a ssic feint and calmly slotted the ball into the empty, making it 2-2! In less than 20 minutes, Wang Feng equalized the score!
After that, the Chinese superstar made several more attacking attempts, but unfortunately, his long-range shot was saved, and his shot inside the penalty area hit defender Miguel''s leg.
In the end, the draw was maintained until the end of the game, and the fans were rtively satisfied with the result.
On the other hand, Barcelona suffered a shocking 0-2 defeat away to Virreal. The Yellow Submarine continued their role as giant killers, widening the gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona to eight points. The Gcticos were getting closer to their 30th La Liga trophy in club history.
The ne carrying the Real Madrid team arrived at Manchester Airport. Many Real Madrid veterans and Wang Feng remembered this ce vividly because it was at Old Trafford in 2003 where Wang Feng led Inter Mn to defeat Real Madrid, lifting his first Champions League trophy of his career and starting his own legend.
In contrast, Real Madrid gradually declined, suffering consecutive defeats in the league and failing to reach the Champions League final. In the past two years, they were even knocked out in the round of 16, which wasmentable.
This season, they brought in former rival Wang Feng and once again reached the Champions League semi-finals,unching an assault on the final at Old Trafford. In a way, it could be considered a cycle.
On the bus to the hotel, the yers rested with closed eyes, while head coach Schuster scribbled on paper, trying to find a way to contain Manchester United''s frontline.
The reason Manchester United could firmly hold the top spot in the fiercelypetitive Premier League and reach the Champions League semi-finals wasrgely due to the offensive firepower of Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Especially Ronaldo, despite saying he wanted to challenge Wang Feng and score more goals, in reality, his role in the game was more about connecting the midfield and the attack, posing a greater threat in terms of attacking organization.
How to disrupt Manchester United''s attacking system? Schuster believed the keyy in limiting Ronaldo''s performance. He also had some knowledge of the transfer rumors surrounding the Portuguese star. As early as 2006, there were some voices within Real Madrid suggesting that, apart from Wang Feng, they should also consider bringing in Ronaldo.
However, at that time, Florentino denied the proposal. The failure of the first Gcticos era made him realize that the club couldn''t rely solely on stacking stars. Ronaldo and Wang Feng clearly ovepped in position and role, and naturally, the superior Wang Feng was chosen.
Given this background, Ronaldo''s challenge to Wang Feng had deeper implications, and Schuster thought it could be used to their advantage. Therefore, after arriving at the hotel, he immediately convened the coaching staff to discuss tactics.
"Aggressive start?" Assistant coach Deldi asked in confusion. "Wouldn''t that be too aggressive? Remember, this is the Red Devils'' home ground."
"I think it''spletely feasible. Don''t forget that we''ve achieved it before, creating the fastest goal in La Liga history, and it can also deal a heavy blow to the opponents," Schuster exined.
"More importantly, I think if Wang Feng can score with an aggressive start, it will greatly disturb their attacking core, Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Of course, this is just my spection, but we have few cards to y, and there are no better options, right?"
The issues mentioned by Ferguson in the interview did exist. They were able to defeat Bayern Munich and AC Mn, and the opponents'' key yers'' injuries were a major factor.
"Well, anyway, our fragile defense will find it difficult to withstand the full-strength Manchester United''s attacks, so trying some unusual tactics might have unexpected results."
So, the next day, the head coach proposed the idea of an aggressive start at the tactical briefing and focused on practicing it afterwards. The yers felt it was feasible as a whole, but whether it would seed depended on luck.
After the practice, Wang Feng decided to stay and practice more. This kind of aggressive attacking method tested his reflexes and ability to seize opportunities, so he needed to consolidate his feeling.
Seeing this, the German coach walked up to him. "Wang, this tactic is not only about taking the lead but also has deeper intentions."
Wang Feng looked puzzled. "Mr. Schuster, are you referring to undermining the opponent''s confidence? But Manchester United seems different from Barcelona; they''ve been consistently stable, so it might be difficult to have an effect."
"That''s also a consideration, but more importantly, it''s about disturbing Ronaldo!" the German exined. "He cares a lot about this showdown with you, so if we take the initiative against him, it will be a big blow. After seeding, you can also provoke him as much as possible."
Wang Feng didn''t quite understand this logic, and he had never actively provoked opposing yers on the field. But if it was for victory, he was willing to do so.
Chapter 340: Blitz and mentality
Chapter 340: Blitz and mentality
On April 25, 2007, at Manchester''s Old Trafford Stadium, the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals between Manchester United and Real Madrid was about to begin. Just after the coin toss, Raul sessfully gained possession for the first half, which favored the team''s aggressive tactics.
Aggressive y requires a quick start to score and dampen the opponent''s morale. If they fail to score after a prolonged attack, Real Madrid could still find themselves at a disadvantage.
Real Madrid deployed a 4-4-2 formation for this match, with goalkeeper Casis. The defenseprised Cannavaro, Ramos, Salgado, and Marcelo. The midfield consisted of Diarra, Guti, Gago, and Reyes. The forwards remained Raul and Wang Feng.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Van der Sar. The defense included Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evra. The midfield featured Carrick, Scholes, and Giggs. The forwards were Cristiano Ronaldo, Saha, and Rooney.
Standing at the midfield, Wang Feng shifted his body slightly and nced casually at the opponent''s half. Their defense seemed tight, and the defenders were focused. Would they be able to execute their aggressive tactics? He felt a bit uncertain.
On the other side, Cristiano Ronaldo watched Wang Feng with determination. He had waited for this day for too long, targeting Wang Feng since his days at Sporting Lisbon. Unlike Kaka''s encounter, no one believed the young Portuguese could bepared to Wang Feng, even though they were only two years apart in age.
This fact deeply frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo. From the Champions League to the Ballon d''Or and now Real Madrid, Wang Feng''s career trajectory seemed to ovep with his own, almost blocking his path forward. So, Cristiano Ronaldo felt he must defeat Wang Feng and bury him in history.
"The era of Wang Feng has ended. It''s time for us, the new generation yers, to take the stage!"
When the German referee Stanzer blew the whistle to start the match, Wang Feng passed the ball to Raul and immediately made a diagonal run towards the right nk of the pitch.
On the other side, Guti also sprinted towards the left nk of the field. This unconventional movement baffled the Manchester United defense. They split into two groups, one to mark Guti and the other to follow Wang Feng.
At the same time, after receiving the ball, Raul didn''t pass it back to the defense but instead retreated with short steps. When Rooney and Saha approached to press him, he suddenly turned and sent a long pass into the penalty area.
Wang Feng observed Raul''s movements and anticipated the trajectory of the ball. Despite the efforts of the defenders Vidic and Evra to block him, the Chinese superstar remained steadfast. As he entered the penalty area, they dared not make any big moves to avoidmitting a foul.
As the ball descended, Wang Feng used his strength to push off Evra, lifted his right foot high, and volleyed the ball with the inside of his foot. The ball soared, crossed over goalkeeper Van der Sar''s fingertips, and hit the!
"Goal!! What a goal!! Goooooooooooooal!!"
"What is this? Oh my God, Real Madrid has executed a lightning-fast start and seeded!"
"Based on the data just received, this goal was scored only 8.57 seconds after the start of the match, breaking the record for the fastest goal in Champions League history."
"I remember they also broke the record for the fastest goal in La Ligast year against Barcelona. Could it be that Real Madrid wants to turn the fastest goal into a regr tactic? It''s amazing!"
"Let''s review this fantastic goal again. Wang Feng passed the ball to Raul, and both he and Guti quickly surged forward. From this, we can see the tactical intention, with Guti''s role to distract the defense."
"Instead of passing the ball back to the defense, Raul retreated with the ball, using short steps. This move was quite strange, and Manchester United didn''t seem to understand it at the time, so the yers rushed to press."
"The long pass turned out to be a brilliant move, catching the opponent off guard. It requiresplete control of the ball and instant explosiveness. Raul did a great job in this regard."
"The crucial finish. Despite the pressure from two defenders, Wang Feng calmly struck the ball into the with a spectacr volley, piercing through Manchester United''s defense."
"All the elements came together to achieve this lightning strike, which must have dealt a significant blow to the opposing team."
Wang Feng celebrated wildly at Old Trafford, while the Manchester United fans looked on in disbelief, with some recalling the Champions League final from a few years ago.
Back on the pitch, Wang Feng walked over to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was ring at him. Wang Feng smiled warmly and said, "Hey, Cristiano, I''ve already scored. You better keep up."
With that, he turned and walked away. Though Schuster thought he should say more provocative words, it wasn''t in his character. Besides, given Ronaldo''s pride, these words were probably enough.
The Real Madrid coaching staff guessed correctly. Cristiano Ronaldo''s mindset was exploding at this moment. After Manchester United restarted the game, he dribbled the ball aggressively towards the Real Madrid defense, but failed to produce results. Watching Cristiano Ronaldo struggle on the field, Ferguson realized that he needed to calm down and instructed other yers to stick to the nned tactics and demonstrate the team''s true attacking capabilities.
However, even so, Cristiano Ronaldo, in a destabilized state of mind, couldn''t unleash his full potential. In the 33rd minute, Manchester Unitedunched another attack. After receiving a through pass from Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo sprinted into the penalty area, facing pressure from two defenders and the goalkeeper. Despite their attempts to block him, he still attempted a shot, only to be saved by Casis. Rooney was left unmarked on the other side, but he didn''t receive Cristiano Ronaldo''s pass.
Chapter 341: Narrow victory!
Chapter 341: Narrow victory!
The English forward finally couldn''t bear Cristiano Ronaldo''s behavior anymore. With a hot temper, he rushed up to him and shouted, "Christiano, damn it, can''t you pass the ball to me at a time like this!"
The team captain, Neville, quickly ran between the two and separated them, while other teammates also stepped forward to console them. The conflict between Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo had been brewing for a long time, and their yful smiles during the World Cup were only part of the reason.
The Portuguese arrived at Manchester United a year before Rooney. Based on seniority and performance, he should have be the focal point of the team''s attack. However, in reality, both yers were equally important, and the club even seemed to favor Rooney more because he was English!
If Cristiano could tolerate this level ofpetition, he couldn''t ept it when Wayne Rooney was maneuvered into winning the 2004 European Golden Boy award, as Rooney had been mostly sidelined due to a foot injury sustained after the European Championship. Even though he asionally showed bursts of brilliance, his ying time was nowhere near as consistent as Cristiano''s diligent efforts.
Moreover, with Lionel Messi, two years younger than himself, winning the Golden Boy award in 2005, Cristiano Ronaldo felt he would never againy his hands on that trophy, bing a regret in his professional career.
Since then, there had been a rift between the two. Fortunately, Sir Alex Ferguson had a strong grip on the Manchester United dressing room, preventing any news from leaking out. However, what happened during the World Cup brought their tensions to the forefront, and the conflict could hardly be concealed anymore.
"Manchester United gets a corner kick opportunity. Oh, what''s happening? We can see Manchester United yers gathering together, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are arguing about something, and other yers are trying to pull them apart." At this point, the live broadcast cut to the scene of the conflict, exposing everything to football fans worldwide.
"It seems to be about the previous attack. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to pass to Rooney on the other side after his own shot, but the English forward looked unhappy, gesturing towards his position and then confronting the Portuguese."
"Internal strife like this is not good news, hoping both sides calm down soon. Let''s not forget they are ying at home and are currently trailing!"
After a while of chaos, the situation finally calmed down. Rooney walked away angrily, while Cristiano Ronaldo silently took his position nearby. Neville took the free kick, lofting the ball into the penalty area, but Cannavaro cleared it with a header amid the chaos.
Unfortunately, he misjudged the angle, and the ball soared high but not far,nding near the edge of the penalty area. Wang Feng seized the opportunity, jumping up to head the ball away.
He then sparked into action, swiftly advancing towards the Manchester United half, with Ral elerating beside him. Most of the Red Devils'' yers were involved in the attack and couldn''t retreat in time to defend.
At this point, a two-on-two situation formed in the frontcourt. Wang Feng, renowned for his skill, attracted the attention of Ferdinand and Vidic, who unconsciously moved closer to defend him.
The Chinese superstar had the ability to bypass the two defenders with his speed or skill, but seeing Ral in an open position, he immediately sent a curved pass, bypassing both defenders and reaching the Spanish forward''s feet.
Seeing the imminent danger, Ferdinand immediately slid to block Ral''s shooting angle. However, Ral abruptly stopped the ball, effortlessly evading the defense, and then struck it cleanly into the.
"Goal! Real Madrid takes advantage of the quick counterattack after the corner kick, once again breaching the Red Devils'' defense! 2-0!"
"Wang Feng receives the ball near the sideline of his own penalty area, sprints more than sixty meters to the frontcourt, selflessly passing the ball to Ral, who is in a better position. The Spanish forward doesn''t disappoint, smoothly evading the sliding tackle and scoring."
"This is the vision and generosity of the top yer in football! His actionspletely align with what he said in the pre-match interview, prioritizing team victory above all else!"
"In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo had just missed a chance for Manchester United''s attack not long ago, choosing to shoot himself instead of passing to the open Rooney."
"The difference in their actions is clear, and the results are vastly different. Now Manchester United is almost at the edge of the cliff. Can they stabilize their mindset?"
As the halftime whistle blew, Manchester United fans at Old Trafford couldn''t believe their eyes. The ring red digits of 0-2 on the scoreboard continuously frustrated them. Was this the same Red Devils team that had been undefeated this season?
On the sidelines, the English media were collectively stunned. Before the match, they had been hyping up Manchester United''s attacking prowess and portraying Real Madrid''s defense as full of holes. However, reality dealt them a heavy blow.
"There''s still a chance, there''s still a chance," murmured Viggers, a journalist from The Times. "As long as the normal Cristiano Ronaldo returns, everything still has a chance!"
In the Manchester United dressing room, Sir Alex Ferguson stared sternly at Cristiano Ronaldo, while the others remained silent. After a moment, unable to publicly scold him any longer, he coldly said, "Cristiano,e with me!"
Outside the door, Sir Alex gave the beloved yer a harsh scolding, warning him, "If you continue with this attitude and performance, I''ll substitute you out!"
Cristiano felt ashamed. By now, he had calmed down. The challenge from Wang Feng and Real Madrid had exceeded his expectations. Now, the priority was to ensure the team''s victory; otherwise, he would surely be the target of criticism after the match.
So he admitted his mistake, saying, "You''re right. I promise not to act on my own in the second half." After Cristiano''s repentance, Sir Alex returned to the dressing room to n tactics for the second half. It was time for a full-on counterattack!
On the other side, in the Real Madrid dressing room, Schuster expressed satisfaction with the team''s performance in the first half. He hadn''t expected to score two away goals. "In the second half, Manchester United yers will surely adjust their mentality and go all out on the attack. Our job is to defend!"
For this reason, the German coach substituted Ral for Emerson to strengthen the midfield control, leaving only Wang Feng to harass the opponent''s defense upfront. His presence alone was enough to deter the Red Devils from going all out in attack.
As the second half began, Manchester United indeed regained their organization. Cristiano Ronaldo no longer chose to go solo but cooperated with his teammates, frequently threatening the Gcticos'' goal, which the away team could only barely cope with.
Fortunately, there were still some misunderstandings between Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, and their understanding hadn''t fully recovered. Otherwise, it would have been even more difficult for the fragile Real Madrid defense.
The home team''s efforts finally paid off in the 77th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo sent a precise through ball from the wing, cutting through the defense to find the French forward, Saha, who helped the Red Devils pull one back.
Until the end of the game, Manchester United still had the chance to equalize. Cristiano Ronaldo received the ball in the penalty area, attracting the defense. Just when everyone expected him to go solo as he did in the first half, he passed horizontally to Rooney at the far post.
The English forward apparently didn''t react in time, watching helplessly as the ball slipped past his foot and rolled out of bounds, missing a golden opportunity to score.
In the end, Real Madrid narrowly defeated Manchester United 2-1 away, gaining the advantage in the series.
Chapter 342: Manchester United in its heyday
Chapter 342: Manchester United in its heyday
Real Madrid won against Manchester United at Old Trafford! This news spread like wildfire throughout the football world, leaving everyone incredulous. In fact, reaching the semifinals with the Gcticos was beyond most people''s expectations.
Look at their lineup. With new signings like Pepe and Heinze unable to y, Real Madrid''s midfield and defense appeared vulnerable. Breaking the curse of the round of 16 was already amendable achievement.
But luck repeatedly favored them. With key yers injured for Bayern Munich, AC Mn, and Manchester United, various issues with their opponents always seemed to help the Gcticos navigate through.
"The King of European Football," Wang Feng, was their biggest guarantee of sess. Whenever an opportunity arose, he always seized it firmly. So far, the Chinese superstar has contributed 17 goals and 6 assists on the Champions League stage, firmly upying the top spot in the scorer''s chart.
"Wang Feng is truly worthy of the title of World Footballer. If he can lead this Real Madrid lineup to win the Champions League, then there''s probably no doubt about this year''s annual awards," as described by AS.
"No yer in world football has ever won the Ballon d''Or four times. Can Wang Feng make history? Let''s wait and see."
On April 30th, in the 32nd round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Athletic Bilbao away. Next up was the crucial battle against Manchester United. Schuster knew that provoking Cristiano Ronaldo had failed, and they would face the full force of the Red Devils at the Bernabeu.
So the German coach directly abandoned the league, excluding all key yers from the Champions League squad, even letting them stay in Madrid to avoid travel fatigue.
At the training ground, Wang Feng and others watched the game. The Gcticos defended with all their might, and although theycked Wang Feng''s sharp attacks, the defense led by Pepe held up well.
It wasn''t until the 78th minute that the home team, Athletic Bilbao, broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike from forward Lorente from the edge of the penalty area. 0-1, they ultimately couldn''t hold on for a point.
In another match, Barcelona narrowly won 1-0 at home against Levante, with Van Nistelrooy scoring the only goal. Since his hat-trick against Real Madrid, Messi had been in a goal drought for several rounds, causing anxiety among Barcelona fans.
As for Ronaldinho, he hadpletely given up on staying at Barcelona. While he could still y in top-tier leagues, finding a new club quickly was the right path.
After this round of matches, the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid was reduced to 5 points, seemingly diminishing the advantage. But as long as the Gcticos were free to focus, they could stabilize the situation. Each win for Barcelona was now exceptionally difficult.
In the second leg of the Champions League semifinals at the Bernabeu, during the pre-match press conference, Ferguson confidently said, "I still hold the view that we can beat Real Madrid."
"In thest game, we had many chances but missed them. This time, we will not make the same mistakes again."
Regarding the conflict between Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney, Ferguson exined, "There''s no real conflict between them, just normal disagreements between teammates. Both of them are very eager for victory, which leads to different opinions."
As the yers waited in the tunnel before the match, Cristiano Ronaldo whispered to Wang Feng, "Wang, this time I won''t let you down. We will definitely win."
Wang Feng smiled faintly, "Let''s see what happens on the pitch!"
".Manchester United started very aggressively, almost taking the role of the host in reverse,"mented Zhang Jun in the sports channel studio.
"Yes, they are already in a trailing position and need to equalize quickly. Look at their attack this time, Ferdinand''s pass to the wing, Carrick rushes forward with the ball."
"Beautiful! Diarra with a clean tackle disrupts Manchester United''s attack, and it''s a throw-in for the away team."
After the ball was disrupted, Carrick quickly got up and ran out of bounds to retrieve it, then immediately threw it back in for a quick throw-in. Nearby, Cristiano Ronaldo received the ball, used his speed to shake off Cannavaro, and crossed it into the penalty area.
Rooney leaped high near the penalty spot and headed the ball into the Gcticos''.
Just 8 minutester, the Red Devils struck again. Ferdinand''s through pass found Rooney, who faked a shot and then passed to the advancing Cristiano Ronaldo. Thetter shot powerfully again, piercing through Casis'' fingers.
0-2, with an aggregate score of 2-3, Real Madrid suffered a dramatic turnaround, and it hadn''t even been 20 minutes into the game!
"This is the peak Manchester United, the epitome of the Red Devils. Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney each contributed a goal and an assist, showcasing the team''s attacking prowess!"
"Yes, it''s evident that Real Madrid''s defense has significant issues. Cannavaro bears a lot of responsibility for the first goal, failing to defend against Cristiano Ronaldo''s quick throw-in."
"The second goal reveals Marcelo''s immaturity, easily deceived by Rooney''s feint and leaving arge gap."
"I''m really worried if they continue like this; they might be stopped in this game. Can Wang Feng save the Gcticos?"
After scoring, the Portuguese celebrated wildly at the Bernabeu, drawing boos from the home fans. But he paid no attention, knowing that one day he would make this ce his own, and then all the fans would cheer for him.
Not only Cristiano Ronaldo, but every Manchester United yer wore a happy smile. After a tough gamest time, they finally got back on track, all thanks to coach Ferguson''s guidance.
As long as they maintain their current rhythm, Manchester United will surely eliminate Real Madrid and advance to the final,unching an assault on the club''s third Champions League trophy!
Wang Feng and Ral exchanged solemn nces. They knew the team''s defense was poor, but they didn''t expect it to be this bad. At this rate, wouldn''t they suffer a big defeat?
The morale of the Gcticos hit rock bottom, and everyone didn''t know what to do next. Coach Schuster shouted loudly from the sidelines, urging the whole team to defend deeply. With Manchester United''s current momentum, they could only temporarily retreat and slowly plot their counterattack. Otherwise, if they were overwhelmed in one go, it would be game over.
Next, the Red Devils continued to attack relentlessly, facing a situation that seemed like they were ying at home. Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney were both ying at their best, constantly threatening the goal, but fortunately, Casis showed remarkable courage,bined with Ramos''s timely blocks, preventing a disaster.
It wasn''t until the 30th minute of the game that Real Madrid had their first shot. Wang Feng dribbled the ball swiftly on a counterattack and sprinted to the edge of the penalty area. Without effective support, he got stuck in the defensive quagmire and could only choose to hurriedly shoot, but the ball went wide of the post.
The Chinese superstar, panting heavily, wiped the sweat from his forehead and returned to his own half to defend.
Chapter 343: The Jedi Strikes Back
Chapter 343: The Jedi Strikes Back
After 35 minutes, the away team''s attack gradually weakened, while Cristiano Ronaldo still showed explosive power, but Wayne Rooney seemed to be slowing down, with his speed dropping quickly.
During one attacking move, Ronaldo''s pass to Rooney was a bit too strong, and he couldn''t catch up to the ball. Fabio Cannavaro intercepted and quickly passed to ude Makll, initiating a swift counterattack by Real Madrid.
Makll lofted the ball to the midfield. Wang Feng, who had been defending in the back, had already moved up to an attacking position by this point. After receiving the ball, he continued to charge forward. Seeing this, Gary Neville resorted to a tactical foul to bring down the Chinese superstar.
Real Madrid won a long-range free kick. Guti floated the ball into the penalty area, and Wang Feng rose for a header, but it narrowly missed the post. This attack also lifted the spirits of the fans in the stands, as the Gcticos never give up!
Subsequently, although the situation on the field was firmly controlled by the Red Devils, they found it difficult to break through against their opponent''s parked bus. The score remained at 0-2, with the Gcticos like a lurking lion, waiting for a chance to strike back.
Wang Feng''s range of movement was very wide, even defending all the way into the penalty area on one asion, disrupting Cristiano Ronaldo''s attacking run and forcing the ball out for a throw-in. Ronaldo sat on the ground with a wry smile, unable toprehend why Wang Feng''s defensive abilities were so strong.
As halftime injury time approached, Manchester United continued to control the ball and attack. Michael Carrick passed to Ronaldo on the wing, but Wang Feng suddenly surged diagonally to intercept the ball, prompting Carrick to quickly attempt to win it back.
Wang Feng retreated with the ball, using his body to shield off Carrick, then suddenly flicked it back with his foot, turning swiftly. In an instant, he shook off Carrick''s challenge and elerated towards the front.
The Manchester United defenders, who had been preparing for his pass or attempted through ball, were caught off guard. When the Chinese superstar crossed the midfield, Neville moved in to use his customary foul tactics.
Unexpectedly, Wang Feng forcefully flicked the ball past Neville, evading his attempt to block, and swiftly circumvented him, denying him any chance ofmitting a foul.
Vidic, who was back in the middle to defend, immediately intercepted, attempting to block Wang Feng''s path in the final third. He tried the same trick again, using a quick stop and reverse dribble to shake off the Serbian defender, then cut inside into the penalty area.
This sudden stop and change of direction in high-speed movement was very effective, but it required strong control over his body and put a considerable strain on the knees. Even with Wang Feng''s current fitness level, he felt a slight soreness in his knees.
Facing only thest defender, Rio Ferdinand, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who rushed out, Wang Feng moved towards Ferdinand.
As he approached Ferdinand, Wang Feng shifted the ball between his left and right feet, executing a feint that fooled Ferdinand, then took arge step to the right to avoid van der Sar''s attempt to block.
After that, everything fell into ce naturally. Wang Feng caught up to the ball and scored with a low shot into the empty, pulling one back for Real Madrid!
"Goal! Wang Fengpletes a solo goal performance!"
"Real Madrid''s swift counterattack, Wang Feng dribbles past Carrick, Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, and van der Sar in session, sending the ball into Manchester United''s!"
"He has once again provided us with a splendid goal-scoring disy. This Chinese superstar is such a lethal weapon, the opponents never know when they will face a decisive blow!"
"Let''s take another look at the whole process of the goal. From intercepting Carrick''s pass, the skillful stop and turn were full of technique. There are probably not many yers who dare to perform such moves in their own half, which indicates absolute confidence in his own skills."
"Then, with a wide-rangingbination of teammates and the ball, he shook off Neville. Despite running for 45 minutes, Wang Feng''s speed is still astonishing. Facing Vidic''s high-speed dribble, the sudden stop and reversal, oh my god, are his knees okay? Vidic couldn''t stop and ran straight out of the field, and Wang Feng not only stopped but also reversed direction to evade him, it''s simply incredible!"
"As he entered the penalty area, hisposure was still perfect, fully demonstrating his calmness andposure. He calmly toyed with the English defenders and goalkeeper, eventually slotting the ball home."
"Now, the total score between the two teams is tied at 3-3, with both sides having scored away goals, essentially returning to the same starting line."
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly rushed out of the field and came to the front of the home fans, raising his fists and cheering, while also hitting the Real Madrid crest on his chest with his right fist, showing his determination to fight to the end.
The Bernabu Stadium erupted like boiling water, with deafening cheers reaching the sky. The feelings of frustration and difort they had before were swept away, leaving only excitement and determination!
"Wang, you are the hero of Real Madrid tonight!"
"You are the king of the Bernabu, the king of the Gcticos!"
Ral jumped onto Wang Feng''s back from behind, "Oh my god, is there anything you can''t do? I''m amazed!" Guti, Ramos, Cannavaro, and other teammates also rushed over, embracing Wang Feng and marveling at this incredible goal.
All their efforts were not in vain! The feeling of constantly defending was very unpleasant, especially when behind. They couldn''t see any hope, but Wang Feng stepped up and told his teammates that we can do it, as long as we defend, we have a chance to win!
All the confusion and uncertainty in everyone''s eyes disappeared, leaving only determination and motivation. Ral said firmly, "Guys, keep defending! We can win!"
"Yeah!!"
The first half ended shortly after this goal. During the halftime break, both sides in the locker room were full of fighting spirit. Sir Alex Ferguson encouraged his yers, "Don''t be afraid of Real Madrid and Wang Feng. Their weakness has been fully exposed. As long as we stay focused and snuff out their counterattacks, we can win the game."
"Cristiano, you have more energy. Keep running in the second half and keep pressure on Real Madrid''s defense. Wayne, be more efficient in your y and look for opportunities in space."
"Gary, I need you to mark Wang Feng at all times, wherever he is, even inside their penalty area. The Chinese yer''s eleration is too fast; he can pose a threat in the blink of an eye."
Several nodded heavily in agreement, Cristiano Ronaldo''s eyes filled with a thirst for victory. At this moment, he forgot his past thoughts and the challenge to Wang Feng, leaving only one belief: win this game!
In the Real Madrid locker room, Schuster encouraged his yers, "You''ve done very well. Remember, no team can defeat the united Gxy Warship!"
"Although the team is at a disadvantage on the field, Manchester United''s numerous attacks in the first half have yielded no results, indicating that we can hold them off. And on the attacking end, our only three shots have resulted in one goal!"
"Once they show a weakness, we will be a sharp sword that stabs at the heart of the Red Devils!"
Chapter 344: Athens, here we come !
Chapter 344: Athens, here wee !
The second half began much like the first, with Manchester United continuing to pressure Real Madrid''s goal. However, both the yers on the field and the fans in the stands were no longer bewildered. They encouraged each other for every sessful defensive y, and the fans didn''t hesitate to apud.
Dominating possession but unable to score was undoubtedly tormenting for the Red Devils'' yers. Their mentality began to change, bing somewhat anxious.
Because they didn''t want to go to extra time! Just a few days ago, they had fought hard against Chelsea, and in a few days, they would face an important league match. Even the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo felt some fatigue, eager to end this series within regr time.
Wang Feng was like an inexhaustible perpetual motion machine, actively participating in defense and constantly making runs to stretch Manchester United''s defense. In an effort to prevent him fromunching counterattacks, Neville kept close to him. After sessfully thwarting several threats, the English defender was physically and mentally exhausted.
The turning point came in the 84th minute when Real Madrid won the ball back in their own half. Ramos quickly passed to Wang Feng, who immediately started a sprint, leaving Neville stumbling behind.
Giggs and Evra also focused their attention on Wang Feng. Taking advantage of this, the Chinese superstar passed the ball to the unmarked Guti and continued his run to attract defensive attention.
Seizing the opportunity, Guti sprinted into the attacking third, drawing Vidic away from his defensive position. Just as Vidic moved to intercept, Guti made a diagonal pass into the right side of the penalty area, right behind Vidic.
Wang Feng darted forward like an arrow, intercepting the ball from behind Vidic, then sprinted into the penalty area before Manchester United could react, delivering a square pass.
Ral was waiting near the penalty spot. The attention of the two defending yers around him was focused on the Spanish forward. However, as soon as Guti''s pass arrived, he charged into the penalty area and met Wang Feng''s pass perfectly.
Without hesitation, the "Golden Wolf" lifted his right foot and unleashed a powerful shot. The ball flew into the bottom left corner of the Red Devils'' goal in a straight line, despite van der Sar''s attempt to save it.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! Real Madrid has overtaken the aggregate score! Guti scores a priceless goal near the penalty spot!"
"Another swift counterattack! The Gxy Warship quickly turns defense into offense in less than a minute, with several incisive passes tearing apart the Red Devils'' defense!"
"Wang Feng yed a key role in this attack, orchestrating the y from the beginning, both in the initial pass and the final run and pass, demonstrating his timing and vision."
"Guti also disyed his prowess as a top midfielder, cooperating closely with Wang Feng and seizing the opportunity to charge into the penalty area to seal the deal!"
"It was thought that the game would be dragged into extra time, but at thest moment, Real Madrid staged an incredibleeback, capitalizing on their few opportunities!"
In the final moments of the game, almost all Manchester United yers joined the attack, but they were left with too little time. They ultimately failed to change the score once again.
2-2! Aggregate score 4-3! Real Madrid eliminates Manchester United and advances to the UEFA Champions League final after four years!
Their opponent will be Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout. The match will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.
The fans at the Bernabu Stadium lingered long after the game, singing "H Madrid" and embracing their friends and family with jubtion.
Cristiano Ronaldo stood with his hands on his hips, looking up at the stars. He had given his all but still lost. Whether individually or as a team, they were thoroughly defeated, and the sky he once yearned for seemed farther and farther away.
Wang Feng looked at the rising star with a hint of admiration in his eyes. Setting aside the first game, his performance at the Bernabu could only be described as perfect.
Excellent physical attributes, unmatched explosiveness and speed, and decent technical skills, although he tended to perform some meaningless fancy moves, it was harmless.
So he walked up to the Portuguese and said, "Cristiano, let''s exchange jerseys!"
Ronaldo promptly took off his shirt and handed it to Wang Feng. "Wang, you won this time, but we''ll definitelye back stronger next year. Let''s settle the score then!"
Wang Feng chuckled softly. It seemed that his dedication to himself was indeed deep. "Of course, I never fear any challenge." They hugged briefly, and Ronaldo left the field of his cherished memories, while Wang Feng continued to celebrate with his teammates.
At the post-match press conference, Ferguson expressed his frustration, stating that Real Madrid''s defense was toopact, and their attack ultimately failed to break through.
When asked about Wang Feng''s sessful counterattack, the English knight shrugged, "Even God can''t stop him after dribbling past five yers. We didn''t make any obvious mistakes in defense, but Wang just kept breaking through. It''s just unreasonable!"
As for the duel between Wang Feng and Ronaldo, Ferguson spoke highly of his star yer, "Cristiano performed exceptionally well today, contributing a goal and an assist. Although he stillgs behind Wang in brilliance, he''s younger, and I firmly believe that he will grow into a superstar one day!"
The next day, major European media outlets reported extensively on the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Sky Sports in the UKmented Manchester United''s missed opportunities, despite their absolute dominance at the Bernabu.
"With a possession rate of 63% and a staggering 16 shots,pared to Real Madrid''s mere 4, such statistics still couldn''t bring a victory."
They believed that Real Madrid yed "ugly" football at home, spending most of the game defending and showing no signs of a powerhouse.
Regarding the two young stars at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, Sky Sports gave them very high praise: "Their coboration was excellent, and their assists for each other''s goals indirectly indicate that there are no serious conflicts within the Manchester United squad."
"Although Cristiano Ronaldo failed to challenge Wang Feng sessfully, we still admire him. Losing is not frightening; what''s frightening iscking the courage to fight."
They also believed that with Real Madrid''s current strength, they couldn''t defeat Liverpool in Athens. As the cup kings, the Reds had already given up the league title race and started adjusting themselves to their best condition.
However, the Spanish newspaper Marca didn''t consider Real Madrid''s y as "ugly" but rather highly efficient. "Facing the formidable Manchester United, Real Madrid''s defense was a bit shaky, but they relied on strong willpower to fulfill their defensive duties."
All four shots during the game were counterattacks, with a sess rate of 50%. This was an astonishing statistic. "Whenever Manchester United showed a slight opening, Real Madrid quickly seized the opportunity to pose a threat."
Wang Feng was undoubtedly the best yer, actively participating in defense and orchestrating all four counterattacks. He contributed with one assist and one goal. Compared to him, Cristiano Ronaldo still had a long way to go. "At least, when everyone needed him, he didn''t step up to save the team."
As for the final against Liverpool, Marca brought up the "mystical" aspect of Wang Feng: "So far, he has not lost a single final. We believe this time will be no exception."
Chapter 345: Sorry result
Chapter 345: Sorry result
After the match against Manchester United, Real Madrid will host Sevi at home in four days. The club has allocated a day off for everyone to rest, and the entire team cheered with joy. After experiencing consecutive battles, they indeed needed a good rest.
Wang Feng did not stay at the training base. Since the wedding date was confirmed, all the details were taken care of by Lu Yao. Wang Feng rarely had time to apany her, so he naturally wanted to get involved when he finally had some free time.
Originally, many internationally renowned brands wanted to sponsor the wedding, but Wang Feng rejected them all. They didn''t want it to be very high-profile; they just wanted to invite close rtives and friends to witness it together.
The most famous top churches in Europe invited them to hold the wedding, and various custom clothing brands wanted to tailor wedding dresses for them, as well as banquet, business, and servicepanies.
Looking at the dazzling array of information in front of him, Wang Feng was somewhat dumbfounded for a moment. "Yao Yao, I didn''t expect you to work so hard during this time!" Lu Yao stuck out her tongue. "Now you know, right? Originally, I just wanted to have a simple ceremony, but at your level, things can''t be simple anymore."
"Fortunately, Wang Tian has been helping me arrange everything, and the good sisters in thepany have alsoe to help. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to handle it alone. Oh~"
Wang Feng patted Lu Yao''s head. "I''ll have the group specially allocate a team of people to assist you. You just need to focus on the details, and leave the rest to them for ounting."
The girl nodded. The two of them stayed busy untilte at night before returning home. They copsed on the sofa like two tired fish. "By the way, there seems to be a key match in thest round of the Eredivisie tonight. I have to pay attention."
Saying this, Wang Feng turned on the TV, while Lu Yao leaned on him, and the thoughtful servant brought fruit and drinks to them. This should be the mostfortable time of their day.
The final round of the Eredivisie determines the final champion. The top two teams, Ajax and Alkmaar, have the same points, with third-ced Eindhoven just three points behind.
Their final opponents are all different: Alkmaar faces SBV Elite away, Ajax faces Willem II away, and Eindhoven hosts Vitesse. In other words, any of the three teams could win the championship.
"Watching Alkmaar''s match, right? I remember you are particrly interested in that young yer called Dong Fangzhuo." Lu Yao murmured while eating an apple.
"Yes, it''s rare to see a Chinese yer establish himself abroad. I want to see if he can win his first top league championship in his professional career."
Thementator on TV was introducing the starting lineups of both sides. Lu Yao asionally asked about the yers'' information, but Wang Feng didn''t know much and had to rely on the omnipotent Google search.
The home team quickly showed their dominance at the start of the game. Dutch center-back Josp broke through the side and sent a diagonal pass, and forward Dunay quickly arrived at the right side of the penalty area to receive it and scored with a low shot.
"Oops, there was a defensivepse on that goal, shouldn''t have happened!" Wang Feng regretfully scratched his head, while Lu Yao teased, "Feng Ge, I think your Real Madrid often makes these mistakes too, there''s still plenty of time, no hurry."
It wasn''t until just before halftime that Alkmaar finally got a great chance. When Maldia broke through with the ball, he was fouled by the opponent''s defender, giving the away team a chance for a free kick in the frontcourt.
He personally took the free kick and lofted it into the penalty area, where Dong Fangzhuo forcefully pushed away the defending yers and leaped high to smash the ball into the SBV Elite''s goal.
"Beautiful! When did Dong Fangzhuo develop this heading ability?" Wang Feng eximed excitedly and clenched his fist. Dong Fangzhuo''s position on the field is a center forward, so heading is an essential skill for him. However, when facing strong defenders, he often fails to head properly due to interference.
At halftime, the score remained 1-1. Wang Feng checked the Ajax match, and they also drew 0-0. "It seems that Alkmaar still has a chance, although their goal difference disadvantage is significant."
"I dislike situations where the oue depends on the opponent''s performance. If Alkmaar had performed as well in the first half as they did in the second half, they could have secured the championship long ago."
"Just like you now, it seems like you don''t have a big advantage, but you firmly hold the initiative," Lu Yao added. "Yes, the El Clsico is crucial. Apart from a few dark horse years, winning the El Clsico usually means a high probability of winning the league championship trophy."
In the second half, Alkmaar gradually gained the upper hand on the field. In the 67th minute, Avse retreated outside the penalty area to receive the ball, suddenly turned around and sent a diagonal pass straight into the penalty area.
Dong Fangzhuo immediately elerated, sessfully broke through the defense line, and formed a one-on-one situation, but he did not shoot directly. Instead, he adjusted slightly and passed to the back post.
Avse, who had already rushed into the penalty area, easily pushed the ball into the empty goal, 2-1! Alkmaar reversed the score!
"Gooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Dong Fangzhuo assisted Avse in taking the lead!" Thementator on TV shouted hoarsely, "He gave up a great attacking opportunity and passed the ball to a safer position, ensuring the lead!"
"A good choice, it seems that his field vision has improved a lot." Wang Feng nodded in appreciation. Lu Yao asked curiously, "Feng Ge, what would you choose if it were you, pass or shoot?"
Wang Feng smiled and flicked the girl''s nose. "Actually, there was no need to choose at all for this ball. Dong Fangzhuo could have shot when he sessfully broke the offside trap. At that moment, the goalkeeper almost surrendered."
"However, he still instinctively adjusted a bit, which lost the initiative. Shooting directly at that moment would also be fine. Many yers would do the same, but the sess rate is not high, as it''s very likely to be saved or blocked by the defending yers."
"Excellent forwards will choose to pass to a better-positioned teammate at this moment. That''s the advantage of having good field vision on the field."
"But if it were me, I naturally wouldn''t lose the initiative and would just shoot directly." Wang Feng said confidently.
Unfortunately, the game did not continue to develop favorably. Soon, SBV Elite seized the opportunity and scored two consecutive goals against the away team, even Maldia was sent off with a red card.
Until injury time, Dong Fangzhuo still did not give up. Hepleted the team''sst shot, but the ball slightly missed the goalpost, and the final whistle sounded at that moment.
The camera showed Dong Fangzhuo kneeling on the ground, pounding the turf in pain. Wang Feng sighed deeply. "To copse at thest moment, the yers'' mentality fluctuated. That''s football for you!"
Lu Yao also felt very sorry. "This Chinese youngster has indeed performed well. I just checked, and it seems that his goal tally has reached 24, ranking second in the top scorer list, second only to Alfonso Alves with 30 goals. It''s really good. Will he leave the Eredivisie for the top five leagues?"
"There''s a high probability he''ll stay at Alkmaar for another year, but if a top club shows genuine interest, I think he''ll consider it."
Chapter 346: The first La Liga title
Chapter 346: The first La Liga title
On May 7th, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Sevi at home. In their first encounter, the two sides ended up with a 3-3 draw, leaving a deep impression of the strength of the White Army.
This showdown at the Bernabu was crucial for determining the league champion. The entire Real Madrid team aimed to secure the title before the Champions League final, approaching the final opponent with the best mentality.
The game started with cheers from the home fans, and in the 27th minute, Wang Feng received a long pass from Diarra on the left side. Facing the defender Navarro, he made consecutive feints.
At this moment, Guti, who was supporting him, ran left and right behind him, attracting the attention of another defender. Seeing this, Wang Feng lightly flicked the ball to the right with his right foot and then suddenly shot with his right foot.
Due to its high speed rotation, the ball drew an S-shaped curve in the air and then headed towards the near post of the goal. Although Sevi''s goalkeeper Palop managed to touch the ball, its rotation was too intense. It slipped from the Spanish goalkeeper''s hands and rebounded into the.
1-0! The Gcticos took the lead! Just before halftime, Sevi stubbornly equalized the score. The goal was scored by the Brazilian genius Robinho, who was rumored to join Real Madrid, but in the end, the Gcticos chose Wang Feng.
Robinho''s days at Sevi were also not easy, with very poor performances in thest two seasons. It seemed that he had not adapted to the rhythm of La Liga. Many media outlets believed that Real Madrid''s decision not to sign him was a wise one.
Now, being able to break through Real Madrid''s goal at the Bernabu was somewhatforting for him. The Brazilian youngster had already begun to consider leaving La Liga.
In the second half, in the 74th minute, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack. Diarra sent a straight pass to Wang Feng, who had just crossed the midfield line, and thetter dribbled the ball all the way to the edge of the penalty area.
Seeing that the opponent''s defense had not settled yet, Wang Feng dribbled the ball to the left with his right foot, then used his left foot to shoot powerfully with the inside of his foot. The ball smoothly passed through the defensive gap in the penalty area and went straight into the upper left corner of the goal.
Sevi''s goalkeeper Palop made a flying save, but failed to touch the ball. It grazed the inside of the goalpost and entered the, 2-1! Real Madrid once again took the lead! This score remained until the end of the game, and the Gcticos secured a crucial victory!
On May 13th, in the 34th round of La Liga, Real Madrid yed away against Espanyol, while Barcelona faced Real Betis at home. The point difference between the two teams remained at 5 points.
Barcelona encountered a setback at Camp Nou, with Real Betis breaking the deadlock just 3 minutes into the game. Subsequently, they adopted a defensive stance, withstanding waves of attacks from Messi, Eto''o, and Henry.
It wasn''t until the 85th minute that substitute Ronaldinho made a contribution for the team. After a series of breakthroughs on the right, he crossed to Messi, who almost faced an open goal, equalizing the score.
After the goal, the two embraced affectionately, and Messi murmured, "Ronnie, are you really leaving?" Ronaldinho patted Messi''s head without saying a word. Both of them were well aware of the current situation. Ronaldinho''s time at Barcelona hade to an end!
In the end, they only managed to secure a draw at Camp Nou, while Real Madrid also suffered a blow from a Catn team. In the first half, Real Madrid was led by Pandiani and Riera, with the home team leading by two goals.
In the second half, Real Madrid began to exert pressure. In the 56th minute, Wang Feng broke through from the right and scored with a left-footed shot from a narrow angle.
In the 69th minute, the Gcticos got a corner kick, and Wang Feng lifted the ball into the penalty area. In the chaos, Ramos grabbed the first touch and headed the ball to the penalty spot.
Guti, waiting there, leaped up and volleyed with his right foot, piercing Espanyol''s goal. Real Madrid leveled the score!
Neither side gave up hope of winning until the end, and just as the game was about to end, Real Madridunched another attack.
"Diarra dribbles past the midfield. What will he do? Passing to Guti in the middle."
"Guti sends a diagonal pass. Is it for Wang Feng on the right? No! Wang Feng lets the ball pass, and Reyes follows up, reaching the ball near the goal line, and crosses!"
"Wang Feng at the near post! Shot! Goal! Goooooooooooooal!"
"In the 88th minute of the match, Real Madrid finally takes the lead again. Despite the interference from the defending yers, Wang Feng still receives Reyes'' pass and shoots to score at the near post!"
"He deliberately let Guti''s diagonal pass go through, allowing Reyes, who was in a better position, to receive it. Then he went to the near post of the penalty area to wait for an opportunity. This is a very clever way of dealing with it."
"The Chinese superstar scores a brace! This is already how many times he has scored more than one goal in a single game this season. Such attacking efficiency makes the entire La Liga shudder!"
"Dear audience, ording to the statistics we just obtained, Wang Feng has scored 50 goals in the league this season. Yes, you heard that right, 50 goals!"
"Oh my God, I once naively thought that no one would score 40 goals in La Liga, but Wang Feng repeatedly refreshes my understanding!"
Before the end of the game, Schuster substituted Wang Feng with Iguan, allowing him to receive the congrattions of the fans. Not only did the Real Madrid fans who came from afar cheer for him, but many Spanish fans also stood up and apuded the Chinese superstar thunderously.
With this valuable goal in the final moments, Real Madrid won 3-2 away against Espanyol, while Barcelona suffered a setback against Real Betis at the Caldern Stadium. With Real Madrid gaining 3 points, the point difference between the two teams widened to 7 points.
On May 21st, in the 35th round of La Liga, Real Madrid will host Virreal at home, while Barcelona will y away against Atltico Madrid.
Due to the Champions League final in Athens three dayster, head coach Schuster benched key yers including Wang Feng, fielding only substitutes.
Promoted team Virreal''s performance this season could be described as a "dark horse". Currently, they firmly upy the 8th position on the points table, and even at the Bernabu, they can confidently suppress the substitute lineup of the Gcticos.
The only goal in the first half came from the away team''s forward Carle. At the start of the second half, luck was on the home team''s side. In the 66th minute, Garca unleashed a shot from outside the penalty area, and Virreal''s Barbosa failed to hold onto it.
Argentine forward Iguan reacted swiftly inside the penalty area, immediately attempting to follow up with a shot. However, under the circumstances, defender Edu Mo?o had no choice but to bring him down.
The referee decisively showed him a red card and awarded Real Madrid a penalty. Iguan took the penalty himself and scored, securing his first penalty goal of the season.
With one yer less, Virreal had to defend desperately. In the 84th minute, substitute Gago made a contribution, scoring with a long-range shot that pierced the visitors'' goal, 2-1! Real Madrid secured a crucial 3 points at the Bernabu!
Barcelona, on the other hand, did not have such good luck at the Vicente Caldern Stadium. They suffered a blow from the Mattress Makers, with Aguero scoring twice in the first half and Torres adding another goal. The visitors trailed 0-3!
Although Messi unleashed his own magic in the second half, scoring two goals to revive hopes of aeback, they ultimately couldn''t turn the tide. The "Dream Team''s" dream shattered in Madrid.
When the referee blew the final whistle, all Barcelona yers wore a gloomy expression. Earlier, they had already learned that Real Madrid had secured a valuable 3 points. Now, they left the Vicente Caldern defeated, with the point difference between the two teams widening to 10 points!
With 3 rounds left in the league, it means Real Madrid has prematurely secured the 2006-2007 La Liga championship.
Chapter 347: Get ready ! Get ready !
Chapter 347: Get ready ! Get ready !
Barcelona''s Dream Team copsed, while the Gctic Battleship sets sail again! The news of Real Madrid clinching the title in advance spread rapidly throughout Spain and even across the European football scene.
On the front page of "National Newspaper," two sets of contrasting photos were published: one showing the jubnt Real Madrid yers celebrating victory, while the other depicted the despondent Barcelona yers.
The article pointed out that this season, the La Liga championship contenders had been clear early on, with the ultimate winner likely to emerge from the two powerhouses, Real Madrid and Barcelona, as thepetitiveness of other teams was minimal.
The Gctic Battleship relied on victories in two century derbies to establish dominance, disrupting Barcelona''s internal situation and indirectly leading to the dismissal of their head coach, which was crucial for Real Madrid to stand out in the title race.
"Wang Feng is the most important figure in helping the Gctic Battleship reim the league title. He set a terrifying record of 50 league goals in his debut season in La Liga. It''s believed that this record will be hard to break in the future."
"By abandoning the policy of star-studded signings and building the second phase of the Gctic Battleship around Wang Feng, it has been proven feasible. Real Madrid has clinched the long-awaited league title and sessfully made it to the Champions League final,unching another assault towards the highest honor in Europe."
As for Barcelona''s defeat, the "National Newspaper" believed there were multiple factors at y. The veteran core led by Ronaldinho gradually lostpetitiveness, while the newly nurtured core, Messi, hadn''t fully matured yet, leaving them in a difficult transitional phase.
"From Messi''s performance, Barcelona definitely has the opportunity to relive its former glory, but he also needs more support from strong teammates."
"As for Real Madrid, it''s not yet time for them to celebrate. The Champions League final against Liverpool on the night of May 24 is the biggest test of this season."
As reported by the "National Newspaper," Real Madrid officially announced that they wouldn''t hold a championship celebration now, but rather wait until they lifted the St. By''s Cup before celebrating together.
Florentino confidently stated in an interview, "We will definitely bring back the tenth Champions League trophy and receive congrattions from all the fans in the city!"
The time left for Real Madrid to prepare was very limited. On the evening after the match against Virreal, they flew overnight to Athens and began training and adapting to the venue after half a day of rest the next day.
Their opponent, Liverpool, arrived three days earlier, thus having more time to prepare. Coach Benitez stated in an interview that the team was ready.
"Although many people think Real Madrid has relied on luck to get here, I believe their strength should not be underestimated. Liverpool will go all out from the beginning and won''t have any lucky mentality."
Two years ago, he led the team to the Champions League final but ultimately lost to Chelsea led by Mourinho, which left Benitez deeply regretful. This year, he was determined to bring the fifth Champions League trophy to Liverpool!
Liverpool wouldn''t be unfamiliar with Wang Feng either, as a few years ago, he snatched the league cup trophy from the Reds, leading to their failure to achieve the quintuple crown and indirectly causing Michael Owen to losepetitiveness for the Ballon d''Or that year.
Though Owen has since left for Newcastle, the shadow of that game still looms over some of the older yers, who pass down the tales of the Chinese superstar''s prowess, keeping the entire team on high alert.
This was also Benitez''s arrangement. When he coached Valencia, he once fell to Wang Feng''s hands, leaving a deep impression on the yer. As long as he was given a chance, he could always create shocking achievements.
Benitez''s coaching style has always emphasized bnce, whether in tactical design, formation selection, or yer rotation, all following this rule, ensuring bnce between offense and defense.
In contrast, Schuster was limited by the personnel crisis at Real Madrid, relying solely on sharp offensive firepower topensate for defensive shorings, making them top-heavy and often uncertain in matches.
The collision of these twopletely different styles, who will emerge as the final victor, everything waits to be seen on the pitch.
With only a little training time left, Schuster arranged tactical drills and group confrontations. Intensive defensive arrangements and fully utilizing Wang Feng''s counterattacking abilities were the focus.
The German understood that they could only y defensively and counterattack in this game, simr to the strategy in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Manchester United. Even if the team had low possession and few shots, as long as they ensured efficiency, they still had a chance to win.
During a break in training, a familiar figure appeared on the sidelines, his iconic bald head instantly catching the attention of the yers. Raul and other veterans immediately went up to greet him, pleasantly surprised to see him.
The person was none other than retired French superstar Zidane. He still looked sturdy, not having gained weight like many retired yers do. Wang Feng even felt he looked stronger than when he saw him at the FIFA annual awards ceremonyst year.
Zidane smiled and hugged his former teammates one by one, then came to Wang Feng and embraced him warmly. "Wang, you''ve really done it. In less than a year, you''ve led Real Madrid back to the Champions League final. It''s truly unimaginable."
Wang Feng scratched his head humbly and said, "This isn''t just my achievement, Zizou, you know, our teammates are so excellent and hungry for victory."
The Frenchman nodded, looking at the Chinese superstar with some amusement. He could sense that Wang Feng''s prestige within the team was very high now, no longer the faction-ridden environment of the past.
All of this was not only due to Wang Feng''s past honors and demonstrated strength but also because of his amiable and humble personality, making interactions like a breath of fresh air. Therefore, no one would deliberately pick a fight anymore.
"Howe you''re here at the training ground?" Raul asked curiously. Usually, during major events, Real Madrid legends would receive invitations to watch the games, but rarely would theye directly to the training ground due to tactical confidentiality.
"President Florentino invited me to take a look and catch up with everyone," Zidane said. Since retiring, the Real Madrid president had wanted to hire him to participate in the club''s operations and management.
Many Real Madrid legends maintained good rtionships with the club after retiring, some even taking on roles within the team. They poured their love for this powerhouse club into their work, contributing to the club''s development.
Now it seemed that Florentino also wanted to recruit Zidane to work for Real Madrid. However, the Frenchman''s current desire wasn''t strong. He wanted to rest for a while longer and, even if he returned to football, he preferred to move towards coaching.
With his current qualifications and abilities, he couldn''t establish himself within the Gctic Battleship, so he politely declined Florentino''s proposal. However, the Spaniard sensed the French superstar''s intentions and invited him to visit the training ground, indicating his intention to nurture him.
Chapter 348: Haven鈥檛 seen you in a long time
Chapter 348: Haven''t seen you in a long time
On the day of the final, Real Madrid yers were immersed in a tense atmosphere from early morning. Florentino, along with the senior management, came to the restaurant as usual to cheer everyone up.
When Wang Feng approached him, the Spaniard patted the Chinese superstar on the shoulder and said, "You''ve done brilliantly. Your performance has far exceeded our expectations. Do you have confidence in bringing the trophy back to Madrid?"
"Of course, I don''t want the record of consecutive wins in the final to be broken," Wang Feng''s reply made Florentino burst intoughter. He then encouraged him a few more times, hoping he wouldn''t feel pressured and would perform normally. Their exchange was the longest among all yers, highlighting Wang Feng''s status in the team.
Meanwhile, on the city streets, lively fans gathered everywhere, discussing animatedly. Athens was already a tourist city, and the influx of visitors for the Champions League final multiplied, especially many faces from Asia. With increasing economic power, numerous domestic fans formed groups spontaneously toe and watch the game.
Fans and media from all over the world had their eyes on this event, wondering whether the Gxy Battleship, absent from the Champions League final for four years, would return to glory, or if Liverpool''s resurgence would surpass them.
Thest final between the two teams dated back to 1981, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, where Liverpool narrowly defeated Real Madrid 1-0, securing their third Champions League trophy in the club''s history.
Since then, the Reds only won their fourth title in 1984 and had been missing out on this top European honor. Two years ago, they were on the verge of eternalizing the trophy, only to be thwarted by Mourinho''s Chelsea.
So this time, Liverpool vowed to seize the precious opportunity and keep the European Cup at Anfield forever!
Real Madrid, on the other hand, was determined not to repeat the tragedy of the past, watching glory slip through their fingers. Revenge and clinching the double crown were the best oues!
The Olympic Stadium of Athens was once the center of the Olympics, capable of amodating 55,000 people, making it one of thergest stadiums in Europe. But for passionate fans, it was still not enough.
All tickets were sold out in no time, with requests flooding the inte. Early in the morning, numerous fans with signs reading "Looking for tickets" wandered near the stadium, hoping to meet someone willing to sell. However, the chances were slim.
In the afternoon, the Real Madrid team boarded the bus to the stadium. The Athens City Hall deployed hundreds of security guards to maintain order. The roads were lined with enthusiastic fans holding various banners of support. Wang Feng appeared most frequently, and many even chose to write his name in Chinese.
Seeing the Chinese characters like mystical symbols, Wang Feng was deeply moved. Madrid had fully embraced the Chinese superstar, even sparking a "Chinese fever" due to his influence.
Many people spontaneously started learning Chinese characters, eager to cheer for him better on the field. Madrid TV produced documentaries on Chinese history, and city councilors actively promoted friendly rtions with cities in China.
Never underestimate the influence of a football superstar in Europe. Even though Wang Feng had left the Nerazzurri, Mn was still actively promoting exchanges with Chinese cities. Inter Mn would still choose to visit China.
Mn City Hall even nned to erect a life-size statue of Wang Feng next to the road leading to the San Siro Stadium, tomemorate his contributions to Inter Mn and Serie A.
Even Italy, now in the past tense, did so. Not to mention Spain, which is currently ongoing. Except for the Catalonia region''s deep aversion to Wang Feng, his poprity remained high in most other regions.
Before the match''s press conference, Schuster brought Wang Feng along. "With your mindset, you definitely won''t be affected by tricky questions. As the top yer of Real Madrid, many reporters want to see you before the match."
This was also the difference between Real Madrid and Inter Mn. The Gcticos always maintained a high profile and exposure.
Underneath were numerous media from various countries. Wang Feng saw many familiar faces from domestic journalists. Since he made a name for himself in Europe, domestic media had also fared better in Europe. Many times, they received invitations to major events.
Wang Feng gave standard answers to all questions. Everyone was particrly interested in his predictions for the match. "I''ve always had confidence in the team because we are Real Madrid!"
Regarding opponents Liverpool, Wang Feng regarded them as a team with a long history and tradition of strength. Reaching the Champions League final twice in three years proved this. However, the Gxy Battleship did not fear them, or any opponent.
A considerable part of the media was also concerned about Wang Feng''s wedding, making the Chinese superstar a bit embarrassed. He quickly waved his hand, indicating that this was a private matter and not convenient to answer.
Media from China asked about the Asian Cup. Considering the 2008 Olympics, the AFC moved the originally scheduled Asian Cup from next summer to this summer.
"I will definitely respond to the call-up. In recent years, the number of national team members ying abroad has increased sharply, and their growth is obvious to all. We will do our best to defend the title!"
Before the match, both sides would have their final adaptive training sessions on the field. The two teams arrived at the venue almost simultaneously. Wang Feng nced at Liverpool''s lineup, finding few familiar faces. However, team captain Gerrard was a yer Wang Feng remembered vividly.
The former English prodigy was now over 27 years old. He came through Liverpool''s youth academy, making his debut for the Reds'' first team at just 18 in 1998.
Lady Luck favored this young man. Due to a main yer''s injury, Gerrard had a total of 12 appearances, impressing then-manager Houllier. In the following year, he became a regr starter for the team.
In the millennium season, the team reached its peak, winning four trophies in a row, with Gerrard ying a pivotal role. It was a pity that due to Wang Feng and Genk''s failure to achieve the feat of winning five trophies, they gradually fell silent.
In the 03-04 season, Gerrard took over the captain''s armband from Sami Hyypi?, bing the team''s leader. He inspired both old and new yers with his hardworking spirit, and Liverpool rose again, making it to the Champions League final twice in three years.
Looking around, he had been fighting for the same team for so many years. Like Zti and Maldini, he was a respected pir of the team''s spirit.
Gerrard felt Wang Feng''s gaze and smiled as he walked over. "Long time no see. I didn''t expect us to meet again on the stage of the Champions League final."
This English star also felt a myriad of emotions. Back then, Wang Feng was just an unknown young yer who scored four goals in a match, snatching away their League Cup.
Now he was a well-established figure, a three-time Ballon d''Or winner and FIFA World yer of the Year. Such glory made all opponents look sideways, but Liverpool was no longer the same. They would be stronger than before, and past mistakes would never be repeated!
Chapter 349: Fiasco !
Chapter 349: Fiasco !
The starting lineups for both sides were announced before the game began, with Schuster making no adjustments to the lineup, sticking to the traditional 4-4-2 formation, while Benitez opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation.
For Liverpool, Reina was in goal, with Finnan, Carragher, Agger, and Riise forming the defense. In midfield were Pennant, Alonso, Mascherano, and Kuyt, with Gerrard ying as the attacking midfielder. Kuyt was deployed as the lone striker upfront.
Compared to the conventional 4-4-2 formation, the 4-4-1-1 formation positioned one forward in the attacking midfielder role to link the midfield and the forward line, providing versatility in both attack and defense.
Gerrard was the linchpin of this formation, able to push forward to join the forward line during attacks, transforming the formation into a 4-4-2, while dropping back to a 4-5-1 during defense, showcasing his versatility in both offensive and defensive roles.
As the yers walked onto the field under the guidance of the referee at the Olympic Stadium, the fans erupted into enthusiastic cheers and chants. Looking around, there seemed to be an equal number of Real Madrid and Liverpool fans present, making it difficult to determine which team had the upper hand in terms of support.
Raul won the toss for Real Madrid to start the first half. With the referee''s whistle, the highly anticipated final began.
Wang Feng first passed the ball to Raul, who then yed it back to Ramos in the backline. Kuyt and Gerrard, two attacking yers, quickly pressed into the Real Madrid half, putting pressure on the Gxy Battleship, while the rest of the Liverpool team remained vignt against any counterattacks. It seemed that Real Madrid''s rapid attack after the kickoff had indeed startled many opponents.
However, the Gxy Battleship knew that they needed to be unpredictable to be effective. Therefore, in this game, they did not opt for quick attacks but instead controlled the pace by passing the ball around in the back, waiting for the right opportunity.
Soon, the ball reached Diarra in the midfield, and Wang Feng quickly moved forward, signaling for the ball. The Malian midfielder, with a ground pass, sent the ball to the advancing Wang Feng.
Seeing Pennant and Mascherano closing in on him, Wang Feng chose not to dribble past them but instead made a back pass with his left foot. The ball found Gutti''s feet with a precise low pass. The Chinese superstar then moved towards the left nk.
Gutti''s reaction was swift too. He delivered a low, curved cross, threading through the gaps in the defense towards the sideline. Wang Feng elerated past Pennant near the baseline and caught up with the ball. He then delivered a left-footed cross.
In the five-meter area in front of the goal, Raul attempted a left-footed shot, but unfortunately, under pressure from Carragher behind him, the ball soared over the crossbar.
"A shot! Oh! The shot goes high! Real Madrid creates the first shot of the game, and their attack is still sharp. The midfield and forward line advance very quickly, but Liverpool''s defense is also very solid, not showing any weaknesses."
"Both teams seem to be in good form. Liverpool, needless to say, and Real Madrid adjusting so well in less than three days of preparation is truly surprising. It seems that Schuster''s adjustments have paid off."
"Now let''s look at Liverpool''s attack. Gerrard dribbles towards the nk. Emerson and Cannavaro areing to block him. He needs support."
"He passes it back to Pennant. Beautiful! A ssic give-and-go to shake off the defense. Gerrard cuts inside the penalty area and shoots with his left foot! The ball grazes the post and flies out of bounds."
"The shot came very suddenly, but unfortunately, the angle wasn''t controlled well. Real Madrid''s defense is still as vulnerable as ever, and Cannavaro clearly can''t keep up with Gerrard''s pace, being left behind in an instant."
"After entering the penalty area, the Englishman found no one defending him, allowing him to easily take the shot. This should not have happened!"
In the opening minutes of the game, both teams exchanged attacks, with no clear advantage apparent. However, despite facing pressure, Liverpool''s defense remained stable, while the Gxy Battleship struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.
On the contrary, Real Madrid''s defense showed vulnerabilities under Liverpool''s attacks. If not for some luck, they might have conceded a goal earlier.
This was part of Benitez''s tactics. He had carefully studied Real Madrid''s semifinal against Manchester United in the Champions League and realized that applying full pressure on the Gxy Battleship''s defense would be difficult to break. So, instead, he chose to draw them out, allowing for smoother attacks once the formation opened up. Of course, this approach also had its downsides, as they had to endure the offensive firepower of yers like Wang Feng, but Benitez believed in the team''s offensive and defensive systems.
Twenty-five minutes into the game, Gutti was brought down in a collision with Alonso, but the referee allowed y to continue, and Liverpoolunched a counterattack.
Through continuous passing, they quickly got the ball to Gerrard on the nk. The English midfielder crossed from the baseline, and in the penalty area, Kuyt headed the ball back towards the penalty spot. Real Madrid''s defense had gaps, and Mascherano, unmarked near the penalty spot, calmly volleyed the ball into the, piercing through Casis''s fingers.
"The ball''s in! Mascherano scores for Liverpool! He made that shot look too easy, without facing any decent defense!"
"We can see the Liverpool yers jubntly celebrating this goal together. They indeed have every reason to be happy because this is the first goal of the Champions League final."
Wang Feng shook his head helplessly with his hands on his hips. Conceding a goal so early was definitely not a good sign for Real Madrid. Their attack struggled to find openings, while their defense seemed to have ws, indicating a dangerous situation.
As Wang Feng imagined, the situation turned out to be as bad as he had feared. The resurgent Liverpool continued their attacking disy. Just eight minutester, they showed their teeth once again.
Diarra, Gerrard, and Kuytunched an assault on Real Madrid''s defense. Diarra passed the ball to Gerrard before Emerson could intercept it, and the English forward, facing away from the goal, suddenly turned and dribbled to evade Cannavaro.
He relied on his speed to force his way past the Italian defender, near the baseline, and made a back pass into the penalty area. Gerrard was marked by Ramos, so he couldn''t get a clean shot. Instead, he lifted the ball towards the far post.
At this moment, Kuyt quickly rushed forward, uncontested, and headed the ball into the with a leap, once again breaching Casis''s defense!
2-0! Liverpool led by two goals!
But it didn''t end there! After the restart, Raul passed the ball to the backline, but the distracted Cannavaro, under pressure from Kuyt, made a panicked pass directly to the nearby Gerrard!
The Reds naturally didn''t miss this excellent opportunity. Gerrard surged into the penalty area, and Ramos, in desperation, brought down the English midfielder. "Beep~" The referee''s whistle immediately sounded.
Real Madrid''s yers were instantly tense, surrounding the referee. "II was thest defender!" Marcelo shouted excitedly.
After consulting with the linesman, he didn''t reach for the dreaded red gem card but instead showed a yellow card to Ramos and awarded a penalty to Liverpool.
"Real Madrid finally didn''t experience the worst-case scenario. If another yer had been sent off, they would have been done for. Let''s see this penalty kick. Gerrard decides to take it himself."
"Run-up, shot! Goal! He easily deceived Casis and scored the goal. Now, the Gxy Battleship trails 0-3. It''s truly a devastating defeat!"
Chapter 350: Open champagne at halftime
Chapter 350: Open champagne at halftime
In the luxurious box seats, Florentino frowned. He couldn''t understand why the score was widening despite the back-and-forth y between the two sides.
He turned to Zidane beside him and asked, "Are we really that much inferior to Liverpool? Do we still have a chance in the second half?" Zidane shook his head with a wry smile, "I can''t say for sure, but if it were the Gxy Battleship from two years ago, it would be hard to stage aeback."
"It looks evenly matched, but Liverpool''s defense is doing remarkably well, systematically limiting our attacks. On the other hand, Real Madrid''s defensive line is really weak. How did Cannavaro deteriorate like this? He''s only 34 years old."
Although it sounded strange for Zidane, who was only a year older than Cannavaro, to say "only," it''smon for defenders to have longer careers than forwards, and they canpensate for their increasing age with rich defensive experience.
But the Italian captain seemed to be aging faster, with his stiff body and slow speed, unable to stop the opponent''s fast attacks and prone to mistakes.
Florentino was also frustrated. If he had known, he would have brought in more defensive yers to strengthen the squad. It seemed he needed to start looking for reinforcements in the transfer market early this summer.
"What about our offense? Don''t forget, Wang Feng has already scored 18 goals in this season''s Champions League. Can he help the team stage a miraculouseback?" Florentino asked, unwilling to give up.
"I don''t know. To be honest, Wang has already surpassed me. It''s hard to imagine what he''s capable of. Like inst year''s decisive battle against Barcelona, perhaps no yer in the world can reach that level again," Zidane replied.
"I believe Wang Feng will never give up. He''s a yer who can create miracles. The second half is not without a fighting chance!" Florentino said firmly.
Zidane nodded. He was also curious. Could Wang Feng really turn the tide single-handedly?
Of course, single-handedly wouldn''t suffice! When the referee blew the halftime whistle, the Real Madrid yers returned to the dressing room with their heads down, their faces pale. They sat silently in their seats, the atmosphere heavy.
The coaching staff urgently discussed the n for the second half. Should they go all out for victory or focus on defending to preserve dignity?
Yes, even among the coaching staff, some believed they were destined to lose. Real Madrid''s goal for this Champions League season was originally just to make it past the Round of 16. Now that they had exceeded expectations, losing in the final wouldn''t be a big deal, as long as they weren''t humiliated by a big scoreline.
Perhaps many yers shared this mindset. Wang Feng felt extremely frustrated. He couldn''t ept such a defeat. He wanted to say something, but having been with the team for only one season, could he really motivate these seasoned veterans ustomed to European defeats?
Across the room, the atmosphere in the Liverpool dressing room waspletely different. Every yer wore a joyful smile on their face, chatting about the victory parade after winning the cup, where to vacation in the summer, and so on.
At that moment, club staff brought in several bottles of champagne and exined that the new owners Hicks and Gillett had bought them for everyone, expressing their satisfaction with the yers'' performance from the stands.
Kuyt eagerly took the champagne and said to everyone, "Let''s celebrate together, bringing the St. Brigid''s Cup back to Anfield forever!"
Others were also excited, except for the head coach Benitez and captain Gerrard, who felt something was amiss. But Benitez had always had an average rtionship with the yers, and now that the team was leading by arge margin, saying anything negative would backfire. Gerrard was also a good guy.
So, they eventually opened the champagne, even though they couldn''t drink it yet. But Kuyt said they only needed to wait another forty-five minutes to enjoy this celebratory drink!
This scene of jubtion was originally behind closed doors and unknown to anyone. But it was identally discovered by Diarra, who was passing by the Liverpool dressing room as a substitute yer went out to use the restroom.
He returned to the Real Madrid dressing room and angrily recounted what he saw to everyone. Everyone''s face showed anger and resentment.
The match hadn''t even ended, and the opponents were already celebrating! Such insult was unheard of, especially since they were the Gxy Battleship, the greatest powerhouse in Europe!
Wang Feng took this opportunity to stand up, "Everyone, look at how triumphant Liverpool looks. Can you tolerate this?"
"No!" Everyone shouted in unison.
Wang Feng continued, "Then let''s defeat them in the second half and make them a realughingstock! Being behind by three goals is nothing. I''ve seen worse scenes before. As long as we work together, we can definitely turn it around!"
Everyone''s spirits lifted upon hearing this. Yes, they had heard of Wang Feng''s achievements, and they had experienced them firsthand this season. With such a miraculous yer on their side, why couldn''t they create a miracle?
Ral also stood up at this moment, "For the honor of Real Madrid, we must overturn the previous humiliation in the second half. Leave the offensive to me and Wang. We must break through Liverpool''s defense!"
Ramos and others immediately stood up, "We''ll take care of the defense. We won''t let them rampage anymore, and we won''t concede another goal!"
The rest also expressed their determination, each pledging to do their part to strike at Liverpool''s head and let them taste the bitterness of defeat.
At that moment, head coach Schuster walked in. He was unwilling to simply hand victory over like this. How could he encourage these despondent yers?
But upon entering the dressing room, the German was somewhat surprised. The destion and despair from when they left the field were all gone, reced by raging anger and fighting spirit. Although he didn''t know what happened, it was definitely a good thing.
As the referee blew the whistle to start the second half, Liverpool kicked off. They were surprised to find that Real Madrid seemed even more determined, pressing aggressively and running more actively, making it difficult for the Liverpool yers to adapt.
In the 52nd minute, Crouch advanced with the ball to the midfield. Diarra and Guti pressed forward to intercept. Forced to do so, he could only pass back to Agger. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Feng suddenly sprang into action, forcefully stealing the ball from the Danish defender.
The Chinese superstar then charged towards the sideline. Riise and Agger, who were back defending, blocked him from both sides. Wang Feng, facing away from the goal, flicked the ball to the right with his right foot, causing Riise to spread his legs to block the cross.
Then he turned the ball from his right foot to his left foot, as if intending to dribble back. Seeing this, Agger stepped forward to block his path even further. At this moment, Wang Feng swiftly touched the ball with his left foot, threading it between Riise''s legs, and darted through the gap between the two defenders.
A small-scale nutmeg and a quick pass to escape the double-team! Fans in the stands and in front of the TV screens couldn''t see all of his movements clearly, only witnessing Wang Feng dribbling sideways towards the sideline, his path blocked by defenders.
But then, he suddenly shifted his body, and in the blink of an eye, sessfully prated the defense. Then, he cut inside into the penalty area, faced with goalkeeper Reina. The Chinese superstar fiercely shot with the outside of his left foot, and the ball flew straight into the far corner of the goal, grazing the junction of the post and the crossbar, nestling into the!
Chapter 351: A Night of Miracles in Athens!
Chapter 351: A Night of Miracles in Athens!
"goal! goal! goooooooooooooooooooal!"
"Wang Feng pulls one back for Real Madrid! The second half has just begun, and the Gxy Battleship has breached the solid Liverpool defense from the first half!"
"Their spirit seemspletely different from the first half. Everyone is fighting hard, and this attack was created under the aggressive pressing of Diarra, Guti, and Wang Feng."
"And the footwork of the Chinese superstar is still dazzling. We couldn''t even see how he handled the ball, effortlessly passing through the defense formed by Riise and Agger."
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. So, the ball actually passed through Riise''s legs, and Wang Feng sessfully confused the defenders with consecutive feints in such a short time."
"But his ball control is too strong. Whether it''s dribbling, feinting, or lightly touching the ball, the strength, position, and angle are all perfect, as if there''s a flexible spring between the ball and his feet."
"Will this goal sound the horn for the Gxy Battleship''s full-scale counterattack? How will Liverpool respond? Let''s keep watching."
After the goal, Wang Feng didn''t choose to celebrate but quickly rushed into the goal to retrieve the ball, signaling his teammates to get into position while running back to the center line. Their goal is far from achieved!
On the sidelines, Benitez couldn''t sit still. He had a sense of foreboding. Why is Real Madrid''s fighting spirit so strong? Howe they haven''t been beaten down yet?
Whenever facing a team with Wang Feng, Benitez always feels powerless. Generally, falling behind by arge margin is a huge blow to the team, and many yers will copse, leading to a loss.
But whenever facing Wang Feng, the team he is on always manages to stay victorious without being arrogant or discouraged, persisting until thest moment to turn the tide. Benitez finds this kind of defeat particrly hard to ept, so he rarely shouts loudly on the sidelines, reminding the yers to pay attention to defense and nning to strengthen the defense by substituting in reserve yers.
Seeing Liverpool substituting Alonso with Pennant and Mascherano with Crouch, Schuster also decided to go all out, substituting Emerson with Higuain, changing the formation from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3, and strengthening the offense.
This is the Argentine youngster''s first participation in the Champions League match, and it''s in such an incredibly important final stage. His excitement can be imagined, and he has been very active sinceing on.
In the 66th minute, Real Madrid''s midfield once again intercepted Liverpool''s ball. Diarra sent a long pass to the left side of the front court, but it was disrupted by Crouch and went out of bounds.
Guti threw the ball back to Ramos in the midfield, and Ramos immediately passed it to Wang Feng. Wang Feng then passed it sideways to Higuain, and Higuain passed it back to Guti. The three formed a triangr position in the front court, passing continuously and making the Liverpool defenders dizzy."
When the ball came to Wang Feng''s feet again, he pretended to want to break through along the baseline, attracting the attention of nearby defenders. But he suddenly passed the ball to the middle, where Higuain was waiting.
On the left side of the Argentine youngster was English defender Carragher, so he gently pushed the ball to the right, slightly widening the distance, and then suddenly shot with all his strength. This sudden shot surprised everyone. No one expected him to shoot from 30 meters outside the penalty area.
The ball flew towards the bottom right corner of the goal, with not much force but an extremely tricky angle. By the time Liverpool goalkeeper Reina reacted to save, it was already toote.
"goal! goooooooooooooooooooal! Higuain''s long shot! This Argentine youngster is so bold, actually shooting from 30 meters outside the penalty area. If he missed, it would have been a waste of a precious attacking opportunity."
"But he obviously had it all nned! The angle of the ball is extremely tricky, catching Liverpool off guard and easily breaking through the Red Army''s solid defense!"
"The Gxy Battleship is only one goal behind. Oh, God, will we witness a miraculouseback in Athens?"
After the goal, Higuain was surrounded by teammates, and he himself was somewhat incredulous. Wang Fengughed and rubbed his head, ''You really didn''t disappoint us!''
After the Argentine youngster came on, Wang Feng and Ral calcted opportunities for him because he is easily underestimated by the Liverpool defenders, after all, he is a neer to the Champions League.
But the two did not expect him to have this trick. This goal could easily be included in the top ten goals of the Champions League!
After being chased to 2-3, Benitez never sat down again, always standing on the sidelinesmanding. But unfortunately, Liverpool seemed to get more and more chaotic. The yers experienced half of joy and now frustration, and it was difficult for them to recover in a short time.
In the 80th minute, Real Madrid, with a momentum like a rainbow, attacked again. Guti dribbled continuously to the edge of the penalty area in the front court, suddenly nting the ball to Wang Feng.
After receiving the ball, Wang Feng pretended to go to the baseline, but actually used a Cruyff turn to get rid of Arbeloa. Then he sent a cross to the back post with his left foot.
This time, Ral didn''t miss the opportunity. He was originally in the middle position but suddenly moved to the back post, jumping high before the defensive yers to head the ball. The ball bounced into the bottom left corner of the goal.
"3-3! Real Madrid captain helps the Gxy Battleship equalize!"
The Olympic Stadium in Athens erupted with deafening cheers. The long-silent Real Madrid fans finally had the chance to celebrate wildly. They finally caught up! The Champions League title has not left them yet!
The Liverpool fans, on the other hand, looked puzzled. Their expressions were like those of the Real Madrid fans in the first half. What happened? What''s wrong with the team?
While they were still pondering life, reality struck them once again. Just 5 minutester, Real Madrid attacked Liverpool''s front court again. Guti passed the ball to Reyes on the right.
The Spanish center-back didn''t choose to go to the baseline but directly sent a lob pass into the penalty area. Wang Feng and Ral were both waiting at the back post, but Wang Feng was a bit far from the ball, and Ral was firmly marked, making it difficult for him topete for the header.
Seeing the ball about to go out of the penalty area, Wang Feng jumped high with his back to the goal, his body lying horizontally in the air while lifting his right foot high. With a forceful kick, ''bang!'' the shot pierced through the Liverpool defense, hitting the after a moment and goalkeeper Reina had no reaction.
"goal! goal! goooooooooooooooooooal!"
"Wang Feng''s bicycle kick! This power is too much! Oh, my God, does he want to break through the?!"
"4-3! Real Madrid staged an incredibleeback in Athens. If miracles have colors, then today must be white!"
"In the first half, the Gxy Battleship conceded three goals, and although they were notpletely at a disadvantage on the field, everyone thought it was due to the gap in strength, and Liverpool would ultimately win."
"But unexpectedly, they came back stronger in the second half, while Liverpool seemed to ck off a bit, allowing the opponent to score easily."
"After that, the Gxy Battleship, which became more and more fluent, had multiple scorers, with Wang Feng scoring twice, Ral and Higuain each contributing a goal, sessfullypleting theeback. Liverpool has less than 10 minutes left, do they still have the spirit to chase?"
Chapter 352: The 10th Champions League
Chapter 352: The 10th Champions League
At the final moments of the match, with Liverpool conceding four consecutive goals, their morale hit rock bottom. Despite Benitez''s continuous efforts, he used up the final substitution slot, recing defender Carragher with midfielder Kewell to strengthen the attack, but the situation couldn''t be reversed.
When the 3-minute injury time was up, the referee finally blew the whistle, signaling the end of the game. Real Madrid defeated Liverpool, lifting their historic tenth Champions League trophy!
The Red Army fans in the stands began to leave voluntarily, unwilling to witness the enemy''s jubtion and celebration. Meanwhile, the fans d in Real Madrid jerseys were the happiest people, singing their team''s anthem, embracing each other, screaming with joy. Tonight belonged to them.
The scene on the pitch was also a jubnt one. The substitutes and staff of the Gxy Battleship rushed into the field, celebrating the victory with the yers. Led by Ral, they bowed to the supporters who came to the scene, and thunderous apuse erupted.
Standing in front of the huge French window overlooking the pitch, Florentino couldn''t contain his excitement. Bringing Wang Feng not only brought huge profits to the team but also lifted the Champions League trophy in the first year. It could be said that he had achieved both fame and fortune!
This 24-year-old superstar still has plenty of peak time ahead of him. Where will he lead the Gxy Battleship? Does he have the chance to match the legendary chairman Bernabeu? At this moment, the Spaniard only has one thought in his mind: to build the team around Wang Feng at all costs and give him everything he wants.
Zidane walked to Florentino''s side and eximed with emotion, "Unbelievable! This Real Madrid feels somewhat unfamiliar to me. The change they''ve undergone is tremendous."
"Oh? So, you''re interested in this team? How about my suggestion, staying back to study and learn?" Florentino said with a smile.
The Frenchman''s face showed a hint of interest, but he quickly shook his head. "I''d rather train for a few more years first." He''s still too young, both in experience and knowledge, so he intends to return to Cannes, his hometown team, for further development.
Florentino sensed Zidane''s hesitation and didn''t persuade him further. After all, there would always be a day when he would return to the Bernabeu.
"Congrattions to Real Madrid for winning their historic tenth Champions League trophy, surpassing all other giants! Congrattions to Wang Feng, this is his fourth Champions League trophy, taking another solid step towards bing a legendary star!"
"In this match, Wang Feng contributed two goals and two assists, orchestrating the astonishingeback of the Gxy Battleship. This transfer king has proven his worth and world-ss abilities."
"In La Liga so far, the Chinese superstar has contributed 50 goals and 17 assists, while in the Champions League, he has been equally outstanding, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists, also clinching the Golden Boot."
"It is worth mentioning that although most European leagues have not yet concluded, the European Golden Boot award is already a foregone conclusion. The second-ranked scorer is Totti from Roma, but he only has 26 goals."
"So Wang Feng has won this honor for the sixth consecutive year, no wonder even the British magazine "World Ser" jokingly suggested renaming the award to the Wang Feng Award, haha."
After celebrating with his teammates, Wang Feng walked across the runway to the center of the stands, where he easily spotted his family and friends: the Lu family, his sister, his mother, and his uncle, all waving and acknowledging him. The seats reserved by the club for his family were the best ones.
Next, they would continue to stay in Madrid for some time, attending Wang Feng''s wedding after the season ends, and then return home together.
The celebration continued while the Liverpool yers had already left the field. UEFA officials were setting up a temporary award podium in the center of the pitch, while Real Madrid yers took the opportunity to celebrate in various ways.
The camera focused on Ral, who was chatting with coach Schuster with smiles on their faces, clearly enjoying themselves. Then there was Guti, who took off his jersey and threw it into the stands, interacting warmly with the fans.
Ramos and Marcelo were arm in arm, Cannavaro was doing some muscle rxation exercises, Casis stood at the door frame with one hand on his hip and the other lightly touching the pir, seemingly reminiscing about the intense game.
It took a while for the camera to find Wang Feng sitting on the sidelines. The lens gradually zoomed in, capturing the handsome face of the Chinese superstar with a satisfied smile. His bright eyes were full of confidence, and the audience watching on TV could feel his burning fighting spirit. He woulde back stronger next year!
The temporary award podium was quickly set up, and the award ceremony for the 2006-2007 Champions League officially began. Real Madrid and Liverpool were lined up, ready to receive their awards.
Being the runner-up always feels disappointing, and many Liverpool yers took off their medals and held them in their hands after stepping down from the stage, clearly feeling unsatisfied. Kuyt even felt like a fool for celebrating with champagne at halftime.
The remaining fans still apuded them, acknowledging it as a thrilling match. Liverpool performed exceptionally well,ing close to being the ultimate winners.
After all the awards were handed out, Ral led the Real Madrid team onto the stage to receive the championship medals. The newly appointed UEFA president tini was responsible for hanging the medals around the yers'' necks.
When Wang Feng approached him, the former French legend gave the Chinese yer a warm embrace. "Congrattions, Wang. I''m delighted to witness such a myth in my first year in office."
"You''re too kind, Mr. tini," Wang Feng humbly replied. "Compared to veterans like you, I still have a lot to work on."
tini was even more pleased. Respecting senior yers always earns a lot of goodwill. However, he still said, "No, your achievements on the field have already surpassed mine. I look forward to your future development."
The two chatted for a while until tini realized they were still in the middle of the awards ceremony. He interrupted the conversation and let Wang Feng go up to the podium. When Ral approached with the big-eared trophy, everyone spontaneously lined up in rows, waiting for the final toast.
After much persuasion, Wang Feng couldn''t resist his teammates and stood next to Ral in the front row. With loud countdown cheers, the Spanish forward lifted the trophy high above his head.
The Olympic Stadium in Athens reached its climax at that moment, with fireworks and cheers from the fans filling the air. Everyone was immersed in happiness.
The next day, major media outlets across Europe reported on the "Athens Miracle." The Gxy Battleship first lost, then won, sessfully lifting their historic tenth Champions League trophy!
Sky Sports UK considered Liverpool''s loss exceptionally bizarre, stating that Real Madrid in the first and second halves looked like two different teams.
"The Gxy Battleship yed fiercely in the second half, and Liverpool struggled to keep up, resulting in consecutive goals conceded. By the time they tried to recover, it was already toote."
AS reported a sensational news: Liverpool had champagne celebrations in the dressing room at halftime, which was witnessed by Real Madrid yers, leading to the intense reaction from the Gxy Battleship in the second half.
This news surprised all fans. Was Liverpool crazy? It''s understandable to celebrate a little when leading by a big margin, but why provoke Real Madrid?
Former Real Madrid captain Hierro said in an interview, "This is tant provocation, and Real Madrid will never sit idly by. So they sessfully fought back in the second half."
Then the news became even more mysterious. Some said that Kuyt wasn''t satisfied with champagne celebrations in their own dressing room, so he went to the door of the Real Madrid dressing room to continue, which was then discovered by the Gxy Battleship.
Some said that Liverpool yers got drunk collectively before the end of the match, which led to their disorientation in the second half.
There were even rumors that Gerrard led the provocation against Wang Feng, saying something about avenging an old grudge from years ago, now that the Chinese superstar was on the losing side.
Liverpool was in a tough spot! They were just epting their boss''s goodwill, a little celebration was harmless, why did Diarra have toe over?
Liverpool, losing both the game and their dignity, could only ignore the rumors about "champagne celebrations" and hope they would soon die down.
And the substitute yer who opened the door to go to the bathroom was already dismissed from the team, falling victim to unjustified rumors.
Many yearster, fans would still talk gleefully about this anecdote.
Chapter 353: League ended
Chapter 353: League ended
Returning to Madrid, the club granted all key yers a break. They will not participate in the May 27th La Liga 36th round away match against Deportivo La Coru?a, with the 37th round home match against Zaragoza postponed to June 10th.
At that time, the La Liga president wille to the Bernabu with the league championship trophy for the ceremony. Wang Feng had heard of the peculiar award system of La Liga. If no team secures the title before the final round, the trophy will be presented before the first match of the next season.
Fortunately, Real Madrid will not face such an awkward situation. They can celebrate grandly with their 30th league championship trophy and 10th Champions League trophy.
Wang Feng, apanied by family and friends, arrived at the vi in La Finca. They were all amazed by the scale of the house. "Wow, this ce is like an estate!" eximed Lu Xuexing.
Seeing the tall walls and huge electric gates, his mouth remained open. It took several minutes of driving after entering the gate to reach the main vi entrance.
Servants were already waiting at the door, guiding everyone into the living room and serving tea. Seeing their interest in the mansion, Wang Feng led them on a tour after a brief rest.
From the various rooms, swimming pool, spa, gym, cinema, wine cer, and trophy disy room indoors to the outdoor sports fields and gardens, every corner exuded luxury and sophistication.
Walking beside Wang Feng, Lu Xuexing asked, "How much did you spend on this house?" Wang Feng replied, "8 million euros, which is just over 80 million yuan when converted."
"Well, it seems that luxuryes with a price. But it''s quite challenging to buy such arge area house in first-tier cities in China at the same price, especially with the rapid rise in housing prices."
Wang Feng nodded. He also wanted to invest in several properties in China, which should pose no problem for either living or investment purposes.
At this point, Lu Xuexing paused and, in a somewhat serious tone, instructed, "Xiao Wang, you are a very sessful football superstar and a very wealthy billionaire. But for me as a father, that''s not as important."
"I only have one daughter, and I hope you won''t let her down. The football circle has many temptations and many fallen individuals. Always maintaining integrity and cleanliness is what a man and husband should do."
Wang Feng nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, I''ve always done so. There are also many model couples in the football circle, like Snchez and Ral, whom I look up to."
Lu Xuexing smiled satisfactorily. He actually had a great fondness for Wang Feng, not only because of his excellent skills but also because of Wang Feng''s dedication to training and the fact that there had been no scandals since his debut, indicating his character was very trustworthy.
For the next few days, Wang Feng spent time with his family in the vi. His mother was restless, insisting on cooking despite having servants.
His cousin''s daughter quickly bonded with his sister, either swimming in the indoor pool or snacking and watching movies in the cinema.
Lu Yaomama and Lu Yao reviewed the wedding arrangements. After the group assigned specific tasks to handle, Lu Yao''s workload decreased significantly. She only needed to make final confirmations now.
Without the pressure of results, the Gcticos yed very rxed against Deportivo La Coru?a. Garca opened the scoring for the away team in the first half, but the home team scored two goals in the second half, resulting in Real Madrid losing 1-2.
Returning to face Zaragoza at home, Wang Feng and others appeared on the squad list but did not start. Coach Schuster tried different lineupbinations.
In the 41st minute, the visiting team scored from a corner kick. In the second half, the coach substituted the Chinese superstar in the 70th minute, sparking cheers and apuse from the home fans.
Wang Feng''s presence restrained a significant amount of the visiting team''s defensive power. Although he did not score, his presence created space for Iguain to score the equalizing goal. Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Zaragoza at home.
After the match, the La Liga president, Tebas, awarded Real Madrid with the championship trophy. It was a silver trophy, resembling a "wine ss" with a small top and arge base installed on a pedestal.
The "wine ss" had ear-shaped handles on both sides, making it look more angrpared to the Champions League trophy, with sharp triangr protrusions near the top, resembling armor.
The final round of La Liga was scheduled for June 18th, with Real Madrid ying away against Mallorca. The Gcticos still yed with a substitute lineup. This time, Wang Feng did not get a chance to y. Gago and Bravo scored one goal each for the away team in the first half.
It wasn''t until the 71st minute that Mallorca''s forward, Toni, pulled one back. In the end, Real Madrid won 2-1 away, ending the season with a victory.
The long league season finally ended. Due to the dy caused byst year''s World Cup in Germany, La Liga started almost a monthter. The closing match was supposed to be before the mid-May Champions League final but was pushed to mid-June.
After 38 rounds, Real Madrid ranked first with 27 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, umting 87 points. Barcelona followed closely with 24 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses, totaling 80 points. Sevi and Valencia secured the third and fourth Champions League spots, respectively.
The bottom three relegation teams were Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, and Tarragona. Athletic Bilbao managed to secure survival by just one point in the final moments, maintaining their record of participating in the top league.
Celta Vigo was very unfortunate. They were once dark horses in the Champions League, but due to their small club size, they couldn''t sustainpeting on multiple fronts, resulting in fluctuating performances between top and second-tier leagues in recent years.
The three teams promoted from Segunda Divisin were Almera, Vadolid, and Murcia. Almera was a very young team, founded in 2001, making their journey to La Liga quite remarkable.
For instance, Vadolid, also newly promoted, was founded in 1928, while Murcia was founded in 1931. Many small clubs, although established long ago, have always lingered in lower leagues without ever reaching top-tierpetitions.
Almera''s rapid rise from the lowest division to La Liga in just a few years showed their strength should not be underestimated.
The day after the league ended, the Gcticos held a grand parade in Madrid. Thousands of Real Madrid fans took to the streets, following the buses from Bernabu to za de Cibeles.
This area was originally the eastern entrance of Madrid, which turned into arge square after losing its inner and outer city walls. In the square stood a quaint postal building, with a fountain featuring a statue of the earth goddess Cibeles in front.
The goddess, seated on a lion-pulled chariot, appeared majestic. This square also served as Madrid''s city emblem, and every time Real Madrid won, their parade would culminate here.
As Ral and Wang Feng lifted their respective trophies in the center of the square, cheers spread near and far, making the entire city tremble.
For Real Madrid fans, tonight was destined to be a sleepless night!
Chapter 354: Wedding and homecoming
Chapter 354: Wedding and homing
June 25, 2007 was a very important day for Wang Feng, because on this day, he acquired a new identity - husband.
The venue for their wedding was ultimately chosen as the Sch?nbrunn Pce in Vienna, Austria. They had once visited there together, and the musical atmosphere of Vienna and the beautiful scenery of the Sch?nbrunn Pce left a deep impression on Lu Yao.
This pce, with a long history, is located in the southwest of Vienna. It is a Baroque-style building with a total area of ??26,000 square meters, second only to the Pce of Versailles in France in Europe.
In addition to typical European-style buildings, there are also some characteristic oriental ssical-style buildings, including Chinese-style rooms with iid purple sandalwood and ck sandalwood, and Japanese-style rooms decorated with gold leaf andcquer.
It used to be the pce of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg royal family. Its namees from the refreshing spring water Emperor Matthias of the Holy Roman Empire drank here, which made him admire the refreshing and sweet taste.
The staff of the Sch?nbrunn Pce opened the banquet hall, ballroom, and vast royal gardens for Wang Feng and Lu Yao, and declined visitors one month before and 10 days after the wedding, specifically leaving the venue for them to arrange.
The music used at the wedding was specially performed by a dozen musicians invited on-site. Wang Feng''s suit and Lu Yao''s wedding dress were also custom-made by private brands, which are said to have served many European royal families.
The guest list for the wedding was also veryplicated. Although they wanted to keep it simple, Wang Feng has umted argework of contacts in Europe since he started his career there and had to consider carefully.
Teammates from Real Madrid, staff, and club executives needed to be invited, and friends from Inter Mn also wanted to attend. Moratti even called Wang Feng several times, afraid that the Chinese would forget him, making Wang Feng amused and promising to invite him.
Even earlier friends such as Maglietta, Renee, and Bess, as well as Antonis, also wanted toe. Of course, they couldn''t forget their national team teammates. They were already training for the Asian Cup, and the team leader specially gave everyone a few days off.
Business partners in themercial field and senior executives of Feng Yao Group also couldn''t be missed. Currently, thepany is getting bigger and its market value is getting higher, which cannot be achieved without the help of these people.
Counting them all, the number of guests even reached hundreds. Fortunately, the venue of the Sch?nbrunn Pce wasrge enough, otherwise such arge-scale wedding could not be held.
At the same time, in order to provide the best service to the guests, Wang Feng hired more than a dozen of Europe''s top wedding servicepanies, from the initial car reception to the service guidance during the wedding, to the return journey, all were meticulously nned.
The food at the banquet was provided by top chefs from around the world, including Michelin-starred chefs. In order to cater to different tastes, delicacies from Belgium, Italy, Spain, and China were all prepared.
Such a grand wedding naturally cost a lot. ording to preliminary calctions, it would cost at least 10 million euros, which was mostly discounted by the suppliers due to the influence of Wang Feng.
And the grand ceremony naturally attracted the attention of the world media. They flocked to Austria. Since Wang Feng didn''t want his wedding to be too exposed, he politely declined the media''s requests to enter and shoot. They could only wait outside the pce and take pictures of the guests entering.
Apanied by melodious wedding music, Wang Feng stood a little nervous in the ceremonial hall, waiting for the bride toe to him. When the door opened, his breath stopped for a moment.
Lu Yao stood tall in her white wedding dress, smiling at Wang Feng. The sunlight streamed in from behind her, casting a golden halo around her, making her look holy and beautiful.
Lu Xuexing stepped forward, took his daughter''s hand, and walked slowly towards Wang Feng. Aftering to him, he handed Lu Yao to him and said softly, "Please make her happy!" Wang Feng nodded vigorously.
Next was their time. Under the witness of the officiator, they made their vows of love. The ceremony was very concise, with no tedious questions or a loud master of ceremonies, only the vows of a couple to a beautiful future life.
When Wang Feng put the wedding ring on Lu Yao''s finger, the atmosphere at the scene reached its peak, and all the indoor spectators stood up to apud them.
Lu Yao''s mother looked a little choked up as she looked at her only daughter. There was always a sense of emptiness in her heart, but Lu Xuexingforted her, "Daughters will always get married, no need to be too sad. Yao Yao will always be our child."
Wang Feng''s mother also said aside, "Yes, we will treat her as our own daughter and will never allow Afeng to treat her unfairly."
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the banquet hall and began the banquet. Although there were many people, the service was wless. Many waiters would replenish guests'' dishes and drinks in a timely manner and listen to their needs.
Wang Feng and Lu Yao changed into casual clothes to ept everyone''s blessings. Maglietta patted him on the shoulder with a gratified expression and said, "Time flies, you were like a kid yesterday at sixteen, but now you have grown into a world superstar."
"It''s all because you gave me the opportunity from the beginning." Wang Feng clinked sses with him. "I''ve given many people opportunities, but only you have grown to this position. It''s fortunate for me to witness the rise of a superstar in my lifetime, haha."
In addition to Maglietta, Wang Feng alsomunicated with many old friends. They all felt that even though he had achieved fame and sess, he remained the warm and humble young man from China.
After a whole day of hustle and bustle, Lu Yao and Wang Feng were already tired, but the guests left satisfied. Some chose to leave on the same day, and some chose to leave the next day. Amodation and meals were naturally taken care of by Wang Feng.
Before Florentino left, he took the time to discuss the progress of the summer transfer with him. Pepe and Heinze can officially y all matches for the team next season, which is believed to greatly improve the team''s defensive capabilities.
But it''s not enough. Real Madrid ns to continue to strengthen the defense. They are eyeing Chelsea''s English defender John Terry. The Blues had a poor performancest year, and the conflicts between coach Mourinho and chairman Abramovich have be increasingly intense. The club is also in chaos.
In addition to this, the midfield support of the Gcticos also needs to be further strengthened. Ajax midfielder Sneijder and Chelsea''s Robben have also entered Florentino''s field of vision.
Wang Feng fully agreed with Real Madrid''s president''s transfer strategy. At this stage, stabilizing the defense of the Gcticos is crucial. Although he has a positive attitude towards the game, he may not be able to sustain frequent retractions and runs in every game.
After seeing off everyone, Wang Feng and his party had to return to their hometown to entertain the local elders and rtives who couldn''t attend the ceremony and had to be invited again.
For this reason, the national team allowed him to return at the end of June. Although it was still very rushed, considering that the first game of the Chinese team is on July 10th, this return date is already very generous.
Chapter 355: Team clearance
Chapter 355: Team clearance
The 2007 AFC Asian Cup was jointly hosted by four Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Mysia, Thand, and Vietnam. The Chinese team was grouped with Iran, Uzbekistan, and the host Mysia.
Except for Mysia, which had rtively weak strength, Uzbekistan and Iran were both strong opponents. Fortunately, with Wang Feng''s return, all the overseas yers had already gathered, giving head coach Ali Han more confidence.
Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo were the two highest-valued yers in this group. ording to authoritative transfer market websites, Wang Feng''s current value had reached 150 million euros, and Real Madrid certainly considered him a non-transferable asset.
Dong Fangzhuo''s excellent performance at Alkmaar had increased his value to 15 million euros, with a further upward trend. His age was a major plus.
How to make good use of these yers was also a big question. They would first face three intensive group matches. After consultation with the coaching staff, it was decided that Dong Fangzhuo would lead a half-reserve lineup against Mysia, while going all out in the remaining two matches.
Of course, Wang Feng would still sit on the bench. If the situation didn''t look good, he could enter the game at any time to avoid any unexpected events in the opening match.
After several days of adaptation training in China, the team flew to Ku Lumpur on July 5th, where they would finalize their preparations.
At 8 p.m. on July 10th, at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Ku Lumpur, the opening match of the Asian Cup between China and Mysia officially kicked off.
Ali Han deployed a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Li Leilei, defenders Du Wei, Zhang Yaokun, Ji Mingyi, and Zhang Shuai.
In midfield were Zheng Bing, Wang Dong, Zhao Junzhe, and Zhao Xuri.
The forwards were Dong Fangzhuo and Han Peng.
Apart from Wang Feng, Sun Jihai, who yed for Manchester City in the English Premier League, Zheng Zhi from Charlton, Shao Jiayi from Bundesliga''s Cottbus, and Sun Xiang from Eintracht Braunschweig were all ced on the bench.
Keeping these overseas mainstays on the bench showed the Dutch coach''s confidence in his team. As expected, China firmly dominated the game from the start.
In terms of technique and physical fitness, the yers on the field were far superior to Mysia. Theyunched attack after attack against the host, and in the 10th minute, Han Peng opened the scoring.
The game then turned into a showcase for Dong Fangzhuo. He repeatedly broke into the penalty area using his physicality and technical skills, scoring goals one after another toplete a hat-trick.
At this moment, the young Chinese yers finally understood Wang Feng''s feelings from three years ago during the Asian Cup. After experiencing baptism in the top European leagues, facing opponents like this was simply a mismatch.
At halftime, China led 4-0. To save some face for the hosts and to protect the yers, Ali Han substituted Dong Fangzhuo in the second half.
Mysia finally scored in the 71st minute, but towards the end of the match, Wang Dong pierced through the opponent''s defense again with a free kick.
5-1! China thrashed the host and got off to a flying start in the Asian Cup!
The big victory in the first match satisfied domestic fans, especially Dong Fangzhuo leaving a deep impression. Many people only now realized that he had grown to this level.
The Mysian coach sighed at the post-match press conference, "Dong Fangzhuo is too strong. Our defense was like nothing in front of him."
"In my opinion, China has be a world-ss team. Don''t forget, they reached the World Cup semifinalsst year. Facing such opponents is simply despairing."
This interview, after being transmitted back to China, once again sparked heated discussions. Many fans felt very proud, and the media believed that China had a great chance of defending their title in this Asian Cup.
On July 15th, in the second round of the Asian Cup group stage, China faced their tough opponent, Iran.
Coach Ali Han fielded the strongest starting lineup for this match, with all overseas yers ying, and thebination of Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng appeared for the first time in the game.
The Iranian team despaired when they realized they had to focus on more than just Wang Feng. Just two minutes into the game, Wang Feng threatened on the right, attracting two defenders, and then made a short pass behind the defense.
A figure quickly rushed outit was Dong Fangzhuo, waiting for his chance. He had learned to read the game situation, and when Wang Feng attracted the defense, he would be nearby, waiting for an opportunity.
After receiving the ball, the Chinese youngster smoothly entered the penalty area, facing thest defender in front of him. He used a fake shot to deceive the defender, then shot past him, scoring 1-0!
No one expected that even against a strong team like Iran, China could y so easily!
And when it was the 15th minute, Sun Jihai intercepted Iran''s attack in the backcourt, immediately passing to Shao Jiayi in midfield, who seized the opportunity to send a through ball to the penalty area.
Wang Feng, relying on his speed, shook off the defenders and rushed to where the ball wouldnd. Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, he lifted his foot and shot, once again piercing Iran''s goal, 2-0!
Conceding two goals so early left Iran in disarray, while China''s morale soared. They firmly controlled the game''s rhythm, focusing on defense while organizing attacking opportunities.
In the 37th minute, China got another great opportunity. Wang Feng held the ball on the right, suddenly elerated to pass the defenders, crossed to the bottom, and Dong Fangzhuo fiercely pushed away the Iranian defender who wanted to head the ball, forcing him to foul the Chinese striker.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty to China, which Dong Fangzhuo personally took and scored, making it 3-0!
In the second half, as Iran made sessive substitutions tounch a fierce attack,bined with therge lead, the yers'' mentality inevitably rxed, allowing the opponents to score in the 51st and 67th minutes.
Ali Han quickly came to the sidelines, loudly urging the yers to focus and continue controlling the game, not giving Iran any chance to exploit.
This was when Wang Feng yed his role. In the 78th minute, Li Weifeng intercepted Iran''s attack and immediately sent a long pass to Wang Feng in midfield, who, despite the defense''s interference, still controlled the ball steadily.
The Chinese superstar then elerated past the defenders, dribbled past a center-back, and rounded another defender to enter the penalty area. When the goalkeeper rushed out, he cleverly sidestepped him and scored into the empty.
4-2! Wang Feng, like Dong Fangzhuo, scored twice!
Many overseas Chinese fans in attendance considered Wang Feng an idol and source of pride. They never expected to witness such a spectacr solo goal from the Chinese superstar, making their presence at the stadium feel like being at a home game in China. The Iranian yers'' rising morale was once again dealt a heavy blow.
Ultimately, they failed to make another breakthrough, and China secured a crucial victory. With two wins out of two, they secured advancement from the group stage in advance. Because Iran had defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 in the first group stage match, China could almost be said to have locked in first ce in the group.
Chapter 356: Unstoppable
Chapter 356: Unstoppable
In the final round of the group stage, head coach Ali Han once again made changes to the lineup. It was Wang Feng''s turn to lead the substitute lineup, while Uzbekistan had no choice but to win this match to have a chance of advancing.
Therefore, they started the game with the fierce determination typical of West Asian teams. High pressing and aggressive attacking immediately threw the Chinese team into chaos, and in the 9th minute, they conceded the first goal.
Subsequently, under Wang Feng''s leadership, the Chinese teamunched a counterattack, but Uzbekistan repeatedly used foul tactics to obstruct, even leading to several yellow cards for the center-backs, but they didn''t care.
Seeing this situation, Wang Feng signaled his teammates to control the situation. The opponents should be the ones in a hurry, not themselves. They couldn''t get caught up in the opponent''s rhythm.
After stabilizing their mentality, the Chinese team regained control of the game. They used continuous passing to consume the Uzbekistan yers'' energy. As time passed, their focus inevitably waned.
In the 31st minute, taking advantage of the space created by center-back Itansvayl''s failed pressing, Zhao Junzhe delivered a diagonal pass to Wang Feng in midfield, who then dribbled into the penalty area.
At this moment, Zhao Xuri arrived on the nk to support. Wang Feng pretended to break through, attracting the defense before passing the ball to Zhao Xuri, who sent a lob into the penalty area.
Although Han Peng tried to intercept the ball at the far post, the angle for a shot was blocked by the opponent''s defender. So, he headed the ball back into the box where Wang Feng, who had moved forward, volleyed with his left foot to score, piercing Uzbekistan''s goal.
1-1! The Chinese team equalized!
After bringing both teams level, the Chinese team continued to maintain a steady attitude, focusing on defense instead of engaging in physical battles with the opponent to avoid injuries.
In the 69th minute of the second half, they once again got an opportunity. After winning the ball in midfield, they quicklyunched a counterattack from the right nk. Wang Feng dribbled towards the edge of the penalty area, then suddenly cut inside and elerated diagonally into the box.
He used his right hand to fend off the defending yer, then used the tip of his left foot to lift the ball, which soared into the top left corner of the goal, making it 2-1! The Chinese team took the lead again!
This goalpletely shattered Uzbekistan''s fighting spirit. Until the end of the match, the score remained unchanged.
After the group stage, the Chinese team topped the group with three consecutive victories, Iran followed with two wins and one loss, Uzbekistan with one win and two losses, and Mysia, without a win, was eliminated. China''s opponent in the quarterfinals was South Korea, also from East Asia.
On the evening of July 22nd, at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Ku Lumpur, the match between China and South Korea kicked off.
In the past few years, Wang Feng had led the Chinese team to defeat South Korea several times, even forcing them to y in the World Cup qualifying y-offs, which caused great dissatisfaction within South Korea, leading to the dismissal of their head coach.
So now, they urgently wanted to regain their former glory, to regain that dominance over China, and to revive the "Koreanphobia" in China!
But the Chinese team was no longer what it used to be. Apart from Wang Feng, a group of overseas yers led by Dong Fangzhuo had also made a name for themselves in European football, with abilities and reputations not inferior to South Korean yers abroad.
Just 3 minutes into the game, Wang Feng was fouled by South Korean defender Kim Sang-jik in a breakthrough, and the referee decisively awarded China a free kick in the opponent''s half.
Wang Feng took the free kick himself, and the ball rose rapidly in the air like an elevator, catching goalkeeper Lee Yun off guard, who could only watch as the ball went into the.
1-0! The Chinese team made a dream start.
Following that, Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo frequently created scoring opportunities, putting immense pressure on the South Korean defense. Of course, they were not without resistance. In the 12th minute, South Korea took advantage of a breakthrough in the middle to attempt a shot, but Lee Chun-soo''s shot went over the crossbar.
But this was just a fleeting chance. For the South Koreans, the Chinese team''s attacking pressure was too strong, making it difficult for them to form a proper defense. As a result, they lost possession of the ball in midfield for most of the time, feeling extremely stifled.
In the 25th minute, relying on continuous passing in midfield, the Chinese team sessfully tore apart the opponent''s defense. The ball was delivered to Wang Feng''s feet inside the penalty area. Seeing this, South Korean defenders hurriedly rushed to surround him.
Wang Feng kept touching the ball, seemingly ying with the South Korean yers. They couldn''t get close to him, couldn''t take the ball away, and didn''t dare to foul inside the penalty area. They were sweating profusely in desperation.
Seeing that the defense had been sufficiently attracted, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to send a horizontal pass. The ball passed through the legs of defender Kim Jin-kyu and went straight to the goal. Dong Fangzhuo, who had been waiting, timely rushed forward and shot with his right foot to break through South Korea''s goal again.
"Goal! Beautiful! Amazing! Through continuous passing, the Chinese team once again opens up the South Korean defense, and Dong Fangzhuo scores his second!
"I never thought I''d see such smooth passing from the Chinese team on the international stage. Each yer''s pass is precise, and their ball control is steady. It''s like watching art. Our opponents are not weak teams, they are Asian powerhouse South Korea! Now, this Chinese team gives me an unstoppable feeling. I believe defending the Asian Cup is definitely within reach!"
As the match neared its end, South Korean yer Park Ji-sung broke into the Chinese penalty area and fell, sessfully winning a penalty. Due to the big lead, the yers didn''t bother to argue with the referee. Lee Dong-guk took the penalty and scored, pulling one back for South Korea, somewhat salvaging their pride.
3-1! The Chinese team defeated South Korea and advanced to the Asian Cup semi-finals!
Chapter 357: Skyrocketing fans
Chapter 357: Skyrocketing fans
After the match against South Korea just ended, the domestic Inte tforms exploded once again, with everyone discussing the performance of the national team, including Dong Fangzhuo''s brace and that sequence of consecutive passes.
Since the miraculous advance to the semi-finals of the World Cupst year, football has been rapidly expanding in the domestic market, with more and more people falling in love with the sport. However, due to China''srge poption base, new fans are still rapidly growing, far from reaching its peak.
"A neer timidly asks, has the Chinese team always been this strong? Why can we dominate against South Korea? Didn''t we just enter the World Cup twice, and like South Korea, only achieved fourth ce?"
Many veteran fans, upon seeing such questions, inevitably feel a sense of pride. Someone responded, "Since Wang Feng joined the national team, China''s strength has been getting stronger and stronger, and they clinched the Asian title in recent years."
"As for South Korea''s fourth ce in the World Cup, please, how can wepare with them? We rely on our own strength, while they rely on referees. You can search for rted news; there''s a whole bunch of it!"
"Yeah, Wang Feng, I know him. Three-time World Footballer, too awesome, on par with alien Ronaldo. But I see the top scorer on the Asian Cup list is someone called Dong Fangzhuo, is he that strong too? Which top club does he y for?"
"You can tell you haven''t been into football for long. Dong Fangzhuo is also a rising star in recent years. He won the Golden Boot in the J2 League, was originally eyed by Manchester United, but he wanted more ying time to develop himself, so he went to Eredivisie, where he''s now a hotshot striker!"
"Thanks for the exnation, I''ll look up more information."
Conversations like the one above are happening every moment in various corners of the inte, providing very useful assistance in spreading the sport of football.
The next day, both domestic and foreign media praised the Chinese team, acknowledging that they have indeed reached the top level in Asia, seeming unstoppable in their quest for glory.
So far, it''s somewhat surprising that Wang Feng''s goal tally only ranks second on the top scorers'' list. Media evaluations suggest that he hasn''t even exerted himself much; for Chinese superstars, the Asian Cup probably feels more like entertainment than a serious challenge.
It''s actually Dong Fangzhuo''s performance that''s surprising. His dominant disy of 7 goals in the tournament has led some radical media outlets to even shout "China''s next World Footballer!"
Of course, most people are still very rational. Theyment that while Dong Fangzhuo''s performance is excellent, he hasn''t yet experienced the baptism of top clubs and stages like the Champions League, and there''s a huge gap between him and Wang Feng. For now, the most important thing is to continue improving oneself and n for a professional career in the future.
In the other three quarter-final matches of the Asian Cup, Japan battled Australia, the new addition to the AFC, for 120 minutes, ultimately winning 5-4 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals.
With China''s strong rise and Australia''s intervention, the situation in Asian football seems to have be more chaotic, and thepetition will be more intense.
Iraq easily defeated Vietnam 2-0, who had identally reached the quarter-finals. They will meet China in the semi-finals, while Saudi Arabia defeated Iran 2-1, winning the West Asian derby.
Iraq, amidst the mes of war, is the biggest dark horse of this Asian Cup. No one expected them to perform so well, but facing China, everyone shook their heads, indicating that the dark horse''s journey wasing to an end.
However, Iraqi coach Ambitza does not think so. In an interview, he said, "Iraq fears no tough battles. We will do our best to bring the Asian Cup back to our homnd!"
On July 25th, the highly anticipated semi-finals of the Asian Cup officially began, with Iraq vs. China, and Saudi Arabia vs. Japan.
The confident Chinese yers immediately felt the opponent''s strong fighting spirit, these yers who emerged from the battlefield indeed had apletely different momentum from other teams.
In the 17th minute, central defender Abdul Amir intercepted Zhao Junzhe''s ball and immediately made a long pass to the edge of the penalty area for Iraq''s forward Yunis, who dribbled past Li Weifeng and chipped the ball to the back post.
Karl rushed towards the ball and, despite being about to collide with the goalpost, remained unfazed and managed to touch the ball at thest moment, deflecting it past Li Leilei''s fingertips.
But he couldn''t control his momentum and crashed into the goalpost, blood streaming down instantly, unable to continue the match. Coach Ambitza had to rece him with Munajed.
"A spirited goal, Karl helps Iraq open the scoring! Although he''s an opponent, we still admire his actions."
"This goal easily reminds people of the scene of Wang Feng shedding blood on the battlefieldst year at the World Cup without retreating. We also have such great yers in our team, even stronger than him!"
Conceding the first goal didn''t make the Chinese team lose theirposure. They gradually showed the demeanor of champions, still calmly controlling the pace of the game.
In the 30th minute, Wang Feng suddenly broke through with the ball, shaking off two defenders in session. The second defender Abbas even tried to trip him, but the Chinese superstar stabilized his body with extremely strong bnce and control.
Immediately, he shot, but the Iraqi goalkeeper Nor managed to parry it out for a corner. China earned a corner kick.
Wang Feng personally took the corner kick, finding Zheng Zhi lurking in front of the goal after hanging it in the penalty area. With a gentle nod, Zheng directed the ball into the, 1-1! China equalized!
At halftime, the score remained level. As they returned to the field for the second half, the Chinese teamunched unexpected attacks. Wang Feng received a through pass from Shao Jiayi and sessfully infiltrated the Iraqi defense.
He then deftly dodged the onrushing goalkeeper and, despite the narrow angle, slotted the ball into the empty, 2-1!
After being overtaken, Iraq plunged into a frenzy. Their challenges became more aggressive, resulting in sessive yellow cards. Even Zhang Yaojun was injured in a duel with the opponent, forcing Alihan to substitute him.
Their efforts paid off. In the 73rd minute, Iraq managed to equalize again through a corner kick opportunity. Forward Yunis headed the ball past Li Weifeng to grab the equalizer.
As the match grew more heated, Wang Feng calmly observed the situation, urging his teammates to maintain a good mentality and y cleaner and faster, avoiding getting entangled with the opponents.
"The advantage is still in our hands!" he said. As the time was about to run out, Chinaunched an attack from the back. Zheng Zhi sent a long pass from the back to the midfield.
Zhao Junzhe immediately passed the ball to Shao Jiayi nearby without entangling with the opponents too much. Shao then nted it to Wang Feng in front.
Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal, immediately passed it back to Dong Fangzhuo, then turned to shake off the mark of Rehema. His explosiveness and speed were far above the Iraqi defenders. Even if Rehema wanted to grab the Chinese superstar''s shirt, he only felt his palm slip and couldn''t hold him.
Dong Fangzhuo understood and sent a straight pass directly into the Iraqi territory. Wang Feng then lifted his foot to shoot furiously, and the ball swiftly flew into Iraq''s goal.
"The ball''s in! In the final moments of the match, Wang Feng scored the winning goal!"
"Although it seemed like we were heading into extra time, the Chinese team tore open the Iraqi defense with a brilliantbination, settling the match with one strike!"
Chapter 358: Reach the top of Asia again!
Chapter 358: Reach the top of Asia again!
"After Wang Feng''s decisive goal against Iraq, the Chinese teamunches another assault on the Asian championship!" After the semi-finals, the media extensively covered this exciting match, "Everyone felt the tenacity and resilience of Iraq, even Karal, not hesitating to attack himself, they indeed brought considerable pressure to the Chinese team."
"But we have Wang Feng! Thanks to countless experiences in big games, he appears exceptionally calm, reassuring teammates, organizing attacks, and coordinating defense. The Chinese superstar seems like a steadfast needle in the sea, stabilizing the situation. He is the team''s spiritual pir!"
"With him around, who can stop the Chinese team from defending the Asian Cup?"
Xinhua News Agency wrote, "Wang Feng is a leader in the football field who can fight tough battles!" The article pointed out that while China''s overall technical ability surpasses Iraq''s, they stillck a bit of toughness. It''s inevitable to feel timid when facing opponents who go all out.
But Wang Feng is different. Whether it''s the Mn Derby, El Clsico, or the Champions League final, he ys a crucial role, exhibiting a calm demeanor that remains unchanged even in the face of adversity.
"Iraq is indeed full of fighting spirit, but Wang Feng''s desire to win is no less than theirs, even stronger! All Chinese yers should learn from this strong will to win."
In the other semi-final, after a 120-minute battle, Saudi Arabia defeated Japan 3-2 to advance to the final. In the final moments of the game, Saudi forward Malek also scored a decisive goal.
Therefore, the Asian Cup final matchup is between China and Saudi Arabia. Although they are also a powerhouse in West Asia, they have faced each other many times in previous Asian Cups and 2006 World Cup qualifiers, with China remaining undefeated.
Therefore, everyone believes they will be the favorites to win the championship. Wang Feng''s form is as excellent as ever, coupled with the growth of his teammates; they can''t perform worse than before.
On July 28th, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Indonesia, the match for third ce in the Asian Cup began. Japan''s overall strength is stronger than Iraq''s, but after 120 minutes of battle, they still couldn''t break through the gates of the dark horse of this tournament.
Iraq constantly obstructed Japan''s attacks with confrontation and fouls, resulting in one yer being sent off with a red card and five others receiving yellow cards. The conflict on the field continued. Japan did not have an attacker like Wang Feng, so they were dragged into a penalty shootout.
In the end, with ten men, Iraq defeated Japan 6-5, securing third ce in the Asian Cup!
On July 29th, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, the Asian Cup final between China and Saudi Arabia officially kicked off.
After some initial probing, both sides began an intense offensive and defensive performance. China, fielding their strongest lineup, had a slight edge in strength, but Saudi yers'' strong physical attributes made thempetitive.
In the 15th minute, Wang Feng dribbled the ball through the right nk, cut inside the defense, and entered the penalty area. He then crossed to Dong Fangzhuo at the far post, but his shot narrowly missed the goalpost, wasting a great opportunity.
Saudi Arabia also had an excellent opportunity in the 24th minute. Defender Aziz lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Malek, pushing aside Li Weifeng, headed the ball powerfully, but goalkeeper Li Leilei made a heroic save, deflecting the ball out of the baseline.
Until the end of the first half, the score remained tied. China had a possession rate of 53%, with 12 shots and 6 on target, while Saudi Arabia had a possession rate of 47%, with 9 shots and 3 on target.
"In the first half, China had a slight advantage, but unfortunately, they couldn''t break the deadlock. Let''s see how both sides perform in the second half."
"Oh, look at that attack! China started off aggressively, Shao Jiayi carried the ball into the frontcourt and passed it to the nk to Dong Fangzhuo. What will he do?"
After receiving the ball, Dong Fangzhuo nced at the situation, and Wang Feng was nearby to provide support. After a brief eye contact between the two, they had a n.
Dong Fangzhuo quickly passed the ball to Wang Feng and made a diagonal run. Hashawi, the Saudi defender marking him, followed closely, but Dong Fangzhuo''s speed was clearly superior.
Wang Feng, at the moment the ball arrived, quickly used his heel to redirect it backward, sending it precisely onto Dong Fangzhuo''s path. The timing was perfect, and the two met at the edge of the penalty area.
At this moment, Dong Fangzhuo had a moment of space as Hashawi failed to catch up. While another defender, Hariri, was guarding against Wang Feng, Dong Fangzhuo didn''t hesitate and took a shot with his right foot.
The ball flew like a meteor across the sky, directly into the upper left corner of the goal. Saudi goalkeeper Moslem dove but couldn''t reach the ball, regretting that his arm wasn''t just a bit longer to block the shot.
"The ball''s in! Dong Fangzhuo scored, he used a powerful and precise shot to break Saudi Arabia''s defense! China leads 1-0!"
"Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo sessfully connected once again. Wang Feng''s backheel pass was thoughtful and skillful, not only evading the Saudi defenders but also finding Dong Fangzhuo''s forward run urately. It''s amazing!"
"Dong Fangzhuo''s final shot was exceptionally brilliant, seizing the fleeting opportunity and decisively taking the shot, delivering a shot of very high quality that the goalkeeper had no chance to save."
"Now the scales of victory are tilting towards the Chinese team. Come on, boys, keep it up!"
Trailing, Saudi Arabia increased their pressing intensity, but the Chinese team, having faced the iron-blooded Iraq, clearly wasn''t afraid of this kind of confrontation. Both sides fiercely contested in midfield.
But until thest moments, the West Asian powerhouse failed to equalize the score. Their shooting uracy also decreased as their impatient emotions rose, with even thest five shots missing the targetpletely, bing mere attempts.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the Chinese fans in the stadium erupted into deafening cheers. China sessfully defended the Asian Cup, once again reigning supreme in Asia!
The day after lifting the trophy, the Chinese team returned to the capital airport. The exit was already crowded with excited fans and media, all there to wee the heroes.
When captain Li Weifeng appeared with the Asian Cup trophy, the scene became even more lively, and Wang Feng''s presence pushed the atmosphere to its peak.
Everyone shouted the yers'' names, offering them flowers and apuse. In terms of poprity, Wang Feng was undoubtedly the most popr yer, followed by Dong Fangzhuo.
In this Asian Cup, Chinese young talents contributed 8 goals, securing the tournament''s Golden Boot, while Wang Feng ranked second with 7 goals.
The AFC specially congratted this outstanding yer on their official website, hoping that he would follow Wang Feng''s example and continue to excel, showcasing the brilliance of Asian yers in Europe''s top leagues.
Meanwhile, the media in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabiamented. Why does China already have a Wang Feng, and now they have Dong Fangzhuo? Do they want to leave other countries with no chance to y football?
In their view, even if Dong Fangzhuo couldn''t be the world''s number one star like Wang Feng, he definitely had the opportunity to reach the world-ss level and outshine all other Asian yers.
Perhaps the most helpless of all is Australia, which actively pushed to join the AFC. Originally, the World Cup qualifiers in Oceania were not favorable to them, so they wanted to dominate Asia. But in the blink of an eye, Asia has be hellishly difficult, too!
Chapter 359: Before the new season
Chapter 359: Before the new season
ording to the contract signed between Real Madrid and Wang Feng, due to the Gxy battleship winning the league and Champions League double crownst year, his basic annual sry for this season will increase by 10%, from a post-tax 12 million euros to 13.2 million euros.
This sry still ranks first in the world. In addition, the Gxy battleship also needs to pay various bonuses and dividends from the ie generated by Wang Feng''s image rights.
In addition to this, with his endorsements and international brand sponsorships, his total annual ie exceeds 60 million euros, surpassing Beckham to be the highest-earning yer in football.
Beckham''s annual ie is only around 35 million euros, so you can see how terrifying Wang Feng''s influence and earning power are.
Of course, these ies are all benefits he obtains as a football yer, without considering the profits of the Feng Yao Group, otherwise, it would be a very astonishing number.
Although Real Madrid pays Wang Feng a sry far higher than other yers, it has not brought obvious adverse effects. There are two reasons for this. The first is that he brings huge profits to the club.
ording to Forbes'' ranking of the world''s most valuable football clubs, Real Madrid''s annual ie and total market value rank first, far ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal, which rank second and third.
With the current downward trend in the world economy, most clubs can only barely maintain a bnce between ie and expenditure. Serie A clubs frequently go bankrupt, Bundesliga clubs are very cautious with their finances, and the Premier League operates under debt. Only Real Madrid''s ie is skyrocketing, increasing several timespared tost season, all because of Wang Feng''s arrival.
The second reason is that the performance of the Chinese superstar is too outstanding. Scoring 50 goals in his first season in La Liga is enough to impress all his teammates. Most of them believe that Wang Feng deserves such a high sry, so he stands out from the crowd and does not significantly damage the team''s sry structure.
Of course, there will also be a small number of yers who dissent and want to demand a substantial sry increase, but Florentino''s principle is to arrange reasonably. Except for Wang Feng, no yer is indispensable. If there is any trouble, they will be sent away decisively. The Gxy battleship with funds in hand can fully replenish from the transfer market.
Real Madrid is one of the first clubs to operate transfers. When the summer transfer window opened, they immediately finalized the deals for Robben and Sneijder. Robben joined the Gxy battleship for 36 million euros, while Sneijder cost 27 million euros.
As for Terry, he is a product of the Blues'' youth academy, so he is not very willing to leave Chelsea deep down. Real Madrid has been very sincere in discussing with him and his agent many times, but still without sess.
Instead, another left-back, Ashley Cole, who joined the Blues less than a year ago, expressed his intention to move. His agent contacted the Gxy battleship.
Seeing the escting conflict between the club president and the head coach, and the team''s consecutive lossesst season, Ashley Cole anticipated that the situation would be very turbulent in the future, which would not be conducive to his own development.
After internal evaluation by the Gxy battleship, since the pursuit of Terry was unsessful, signing him was also a good choice. So they decisively brought back this English defender for 15 million euros.
In addition, Real Madrid also signed German defender Metzelder, whose contract had expired, fully arming the defensive line.
Among the yers who chose to leave the Gxy battleship this summer, Carlos is the first. Being able to win La Liga and the Champions League again at thest moment made this 34-year-old veteran very gratified. He will join Fenerbahce in Turkey as a free agent.
Savi gradually lost the trust of the coach and his starting position since 2007, so he chose to leave and join Roma in Serie A. Emerson, who performed poorly, was sold to AC Mn by the team, and his transfer fee dropped from 11.5 million euros to 5 million euros.
Reyes, who performed rtively wellst season, was officially bought out by the Gxy battleship for 12 million euros.
In addition to Real Madrid, other clubs have also joined the summer transfer frenzy. Barcelona has released two bombshell news in session, shocking the entire football world.
First is Ronaldinho''s departure. The Brazilian went to AC Mn for 25 million euros. He had already been abandoned since the second half ofst season, so this transfer was not too surprising.
Another transfer was the one that truly surprised people. Arsenal''s soul Henry joined Barcelona for 24 million euros!
Countless Arsenal fans couldn''t believe it. Pain, reluctance, and anger intertwined. Many of them began to curse Henry and the club, and some extreme fans even burned his number 14 jersey.
During the interview, Henry also expressed his reluctance, saying, "I love Arsenal very much, it''s like my home."
He left just to pursue some honors that professional yers aspire to, such as the Champions League, which is probably difficult to achieve with the ''Gunners.''
But The Times believes that what Henry wants may not be achievable at Barcelona, "Everyone can see that this era belongs to Wang Feng, belongs to Real Madrid."
Henry himself has also carefully considered the possibility of joining the Gxy battleship to join forces with Wang Feng, but Schuster and Florentino are not interested in him, and there is no position for the Frenchman in the tactical system.
On the other hand, Barcelona just lost Ronaldinho and needs to replenish its strength, and the young Messi seems to be very talented. Henry believes that waiting for him to grow up may not shake Wang Feng''s dominance, so he decided to go to Barcelona.
The traditionally thrifty Bayern Munich finished only fourth in the Bundesligast season, failing to qualify for this season''s Champions League, which is very rare in the club''s history.
The club''s management was deeply troubled and decided to invest heavily in the transfer market. The first target was Ribery from Inter Mn. However, the Frenchman is now the core of the Nerazzurri. Even if Bayern raises the offer to 40 million euros, Moratti is still unmoved.
So they had to settle for second best, bringing in Luca Toni from Fiorentina, who had previouslypeted for the Serie A Golden Boot with Wang Feng, and bringing back German striker Mirov Klose from Werder Bremen.
They also had a transfer news that attracted the attention of all Chinese people in the world. That is, they offered 20 million euros to bring back the 22-year-old Chinese forward Dong Fangzhuo who yed for Alkmaar!
Originally intended to continue to stay in the Eredivisie to hone his skills, Dong Fangzhuo reluctantly called Wang Feng and said, "This offer moved Alkmaar. You know, they are just a small club, and some senior management of the club seems to think that my performance is not stable. They are worried that it is just a sh in the pan."
Wang Feng did not expect such a turn of events. He paused and said, "Transfers require the consent of both clubs and the yer. If you insist on staying, it is impossible to transfer."
"Forget it, I feel very aggrieved. Obviously, I scored so many goals for the team, but still became a disposable object. So I want tond in the top five leagues to prove myself. Alkmaar selling me for 20 million euros is definitely the stupidest decision in the club''s history!"
Wang Feng saw Dong Fangzhuo''s resolute and spirited attitude and felt very relieved. "Then go to Bayern. They are also an old powerhouse, but now they are in need of revival. If you can help them out of the slump, you will definitely be a world-ss yer."
Chapter 360: Poor condition
Chapter 360: Poor condition
The new season of Real Madrid began training in mid-July, but Wang Feng, due to the dy of the Asian Cup and other affairs, did not return to the team until early August.
"Your various physical indicators arepletely normal, you''re doing well," said the team doctor as he packed up his equipment. Assistant coach Deldi, who apanied Wang Feng for the examination, breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. A Chinese superstar like Wang Feng couldn''t afford any mistakes.
Later on the training ground, Wang Feng met his new and old teammates, who greeted him one after another. Ral smiled and asked, "How''s married life?"
"It was rushed, no honeymoon at all, sigh~" Wang Fengined yfully. "The summer vacation this year was really short, plus you had the Asian Cup to participate in. But there''s plenty of time ahead, as long as the people in love are together, every day can be a honeymoon," Ral said, touching his ring.
Before Wang Feng''s return, the Gxy battleship had already yed several warm-up matches, and Schuster adjusted the best starting lineup based on the yers'' performances.
After he returned, the head coach quickly arranged an internal training match, hoping to test the results and also to assess the bestbinations.
However, the Chinese superstar didn''t seem too excited. Although his physical condition was good, the packed summer schedule still brought a lot of fatigue.
In the end, Wang Feng only contributed one assist to the newly joined Dutch forward Robben, who scored the goal, without any personal gains.
"No need to be too anxious, you can adjust slowly," Schuster said,forting Wang Feng, who seemed a bit discouraged. He nodded, having experienced simr lows before, knowing that maintaining a calm mindset was the most important thing.
On August 12th, the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup was held at the Ramn Snchez Pizjun Stadium, with Real Madrid challengingst season''s Spanish Cup champions, Sevi, away.
Head coach Schuster fielded a new starting lineup, with Casis in goal.
The defense consisted of Ramos, Pepe, Heinze, and Ashley Cole.
In midfield, there were Robben, Diarra, Sneijder, and Guti.
Up front were Ral and Wang Feng.
This lineup featured many new signings brought in by the club in the summer, indicating that they had earned the coach''s trust with their performances.
It was also expected that Cannavaro did not make the starting lineup. The Italian had already shown signs of fatiguest season, and since then, he had shown no improvement. Schuster was gradually losing patience with him.
Real Madrid controlled the main possession of the ball after the game started, but the connection between the midfield and defense still needed refinement, and the frontline couldn''t mount effective attacks due to Wang Feng''s poor form.
In the 30th minute, Sevipleted a wall pass on the right, and then Robbie went into the penalty area, passing back from near the baseline, and Fabiano followed up with a shot to open the scoring for the home team.
In the second half, in the 68th minute, there was a mimunication between Pepe and Ashley Cole, as their cooperation had not yet fully formed, leaving a gap in defense.
Sevi''s forward, Kanoute, seized the opportunity to score another goal for the team, making it 0-2! The Gxy battleship was in a very unfavorable situation!
It wasn''t until the 84th minute that Real Madrid pulled one back through Robben. Wang Feng received the ball outside the penalty area with his back to the goal, turned and dribbled past the defense, then passed it sideways to the nk.
Robben, who had surged forward, received the ball near the baseline. With an almost zero-angle shot, he broke through Sevi''s defense, giving the Gxy battleship hope of aeback.
Losing the first leg 1-2 to Sevi, both teams continued their battle in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Bernabu.
Schuster adjusted the starting lineup, recing Heinze and Ramos with Salgado and Marcelo in defense, and recing Guti and Sneijder with Gago and Reyes in midfield. Ral sat on the bench, and Higuan took his ce.
It was clear that the German coach was not satisfied with the team''s performance in the first game, so he wanted to try out otherbinations, but it turned out that this lineup also had its ws.
Although Salgado had more experience than Ramos, he was inferior to the young Spanish star in both ball sense and technique. Although Sneijder had not fully integrated into the system yet, he and Gago were notparable.
Sevi scored in the first half with goals from Robbie and Navas, establishing an absolute advantage.
In the second half, Wang Feng''s form finally improved. In the 56th minute, he dribbled past the defender Dragojevic on the left and crossed to the penalty area, where Higuan scored with a left-footed shot from 8 meters out.
Then, in the 81st minute, during Real Madrid''s attack, Reyes lofted the ball into the penalty area. Sevi defender Alves cleared it to the edge of the penalty area.
The ball fell near Reyes again, and he once again rose to contest the header in the penalty area. Wang Feng, positioned near the goal line, stopped the ball with his chest as it dropped to knee level, then lifted his left foot and volleyed it into the!
"Goooooooooooooooooal!! Wang Feng''s spectacr side volley pierces through Sevi''s defense!"
"He finally scored! In the Spanish Super Cup series, Wang''s performance has been low, and even in the first game, his rating fell out of the top three in the team."
"This has made many Gxy battleship fans uneasy because Wang Feng is the soul and guarantee of victory for the team, and now he has announced his return with a brilliant side volley!"
Although Wang Feng regained his form, there was too little time left, and he couldn''t help the team achieve aeback. In the end, the two sides drew 2-2, with a total score of 3-4 over two legs, and the Gxy battleship lost the series, regrettably missing out on the Spanish Super Cup.
At the post-match press conference, Schuster seemed quite upbeat. In his view, the Spanish Super Cup was just a side dish, and while winning it was good, losing it wasn''t a big deal.
"Real Madrid introduced many yers in the summer, and now is the time to gel them together. Although we didn''t lift the trophy, the two rounds of the series gave us very good experience."
Regarding Wang Feng''s fluctuating performance, the German coach chuckled, "You can''t expect a yer to always be in top form, that''s a machine, not a yer."
"I only care about Wang''s physical condition. The team doctor told me he''s very healthy, and that''s enough. We will still be strong contenders for the league and Champions League titles."
Some reporters also believed that the Gxy battleship''s attack relied too much on Wang Feng, which was a very bad phenomenon, but Schuster dismissed this notion.
"Wang Feng''s attacking efficiency is among the best in European football. He doesn''t hog the ball, and even when he''s not in form, he actively creates opportunities and assists for his teammates."
"Moreover, he''s only 24 years old. He scored 50 goals in La Ligast season. It''s a problem if the Gxy battleship doesn''t make him the focal point of the attack."
Wang Feng also attended the press conference. Regarding questions about his form, he exined, "As you know, there have been too many things happening this summer, I''ve been busy all the time, and maybe the mental fatigue has affected my performance."
"After the start of the new season, I will do my best to adjust myself to the best condition. Please rest assured, all the fans."
Chapter 361: Breakout
Chapter 361: Breakout
On thest day of August 2007, the entire Real Madrid team flew to Monaco to prepare for the European Super Cup match. It''s worth mentioning that their opponent was still Sevi, as thetter won the UEFA Cupst year.
Since the first European Super Cup match in 1974, the Gxy battleship had never touched this honor, which was quite embarrassing for one of Europe''s top clubs.
More importantly, they hade very close to winning the European Super Cup in 2002, only to be defeated by Inter Mn led by Wang Feng at the time. Now, the tables had turned, and it was time for Wang Feng to bring the trophy back to the Bernabu!
The night before the match, UEFA held a grand awards ceremony and the Champions League draw. Real Madrid emerged as the biggest winner, with several awards including best goalkeeper, best midfielder, and best forward going to the Gxy battleship.
When UEFA President tini announced the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year for the 06-07 season, everyone expected only one man to receive it.
"Wang Feng!"
The Chinese superstar stood up in a suit with a smile, apuding the crowd around him, then slowly walked to the podium and received the heavy trophy from tini''s hands.
He lifted the trophy, which he won over Liverpool''s Gerrard and his own teammate Ral, emphasizing the effort of the entire Real Madrid team in his eptance speech.
"Without their contribution, the Gxy battleship wouldn''t have won the Champions League, and I wouldn''t have won this trophy, so I want to dedicate it to all my teammates."
Once again, thunderous apuse erupted from the audience. This was Wang Feng''s fourth time winning this prestigious award, and since its inception in 1997, no other yer had defended the title.
But Wang Feng had not only defended it but also surpassed everyone else by arge margin. What''s more crucial was that only by dethroning Real Madrid from the Champions League could he, as the core of the team, be stopped from winning.
From the current situation, whether it was the long-standing stars like Kak and Ronaldinho, or the rising stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, none could shake the dominance of the Chinese yer in the world of football.
But with such a "big boss" leading the way, it was believed that many proud young yers could also be motivated to unleash their full potential.
In the subsequent Champions League draw, Real Madrid''s luck was considered above average. They were drawn with Werder Bremen, Lazio, and Olympiacos.
Werder Bremen finished third in the leaguest season and was one of the main reasons Bayern Munich missed out on the Champions League, but their overall strength was not outstanding.
As for Lazio, in recent years, they rarely had the opportunity to advance to the Champions League knockout stages, as their financial problems became more prominent, forcing them to focus on the league.
Olympiacos, on the other hand, was a recognized weak team, so as long as Real Madrid didn''t underestimate them, it would be difficult to capsize in this group.
However, unexpected situations could arise in the Champions League, and Wang Feng still believed that the club needed to take their opponents seriously.
The luck of several other La Liga teams varied. Valencia was grouped with Chelsea, Schalke 04, and Rosenborg, facing a tough challenge to advance.
Barcelona''s group included Lyon, sgow Rangers, and Stuttgart, providing a promising outlook for qualification.
Sevi was grouped with Arsenal, Sparta Prague, and Bucharest Stars, which also seemedpetitive.
The day after the draw, at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, the match between Real Madrid and Sevi officially kicked off.
Facing a Spanish derby on the stage of the European Super Cup was a great honor for La Liga.
The Gxy battleship, with the banner of revenge held high,unched an attack right from the start. Robben swiftly inserted from the wing, then passed the ball back to Wang Feng inside the penalty area.
Seeing his shooting angle blocked, the Chinese superstar movedterally with the ball when he reached the other side of the penalty area and suddenly unleashed a powerful left-footed shot.
Unfortunately, the angle of the ball was too tricky, slightly deviating from the post and hitting the bottom line.
Real Madrid continued to control the pace of the game. After several rounds of coordination, the connection between midfield and attack gradually became smoother, providing defensive stability and further assistance in attack.
In the 23rd minute, Sneijder sent a straight pass to the frontcourt. Facing Sevi defender Alves, Wang Feng suddenly changed direction with a swift dribble, passing by him effortlessly. Alves didn''t expect this move at all.
The Chinese superstar then entered the penalty area and shot with his right foot before other defenders could catch up. The ball pierced through the Sevi goal like a cannonball.
"Goooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng has indeed found his form again, and Real Madrid leads 1-0!"
"Faced with the blockade of the Sevi defenders, Wang Feng once again showed off his amazing dribbling skills, changing the trajectory of the ball with a single dribble."
"The moment they faced each other, I even thought they would collide, but the Chinese superstar seized the opportunity, breaking through Alves almost miraculously."
With the first goal, the rest of the match became much easier. Ten minutester, Robben''s breakthrough was disrupted by Dragojevic, giving Real Madrid a chance for a corner kick.
Diarra threw the ball back to Wang Feng outside the penalty area. Thetter controlled the ball gently at his feet.
Sevi defender Navarro stood not far away, staring at Wang Feng without blinking, preventing him fromunching an attack on the defense.
But Wang Feng had more than one attacking method. Seeing Navarro leaving an obvious gap, Wang Feng immediately chose to shoot, catching the Spanish defender off guard.
The ball drew an "S-shaped" curve in the air, bypassing Navarro and heading straight for the near corner of the goal. Goalkeeper Palop prepared to save.
But he didn''t expect the ball to curve again in the air, heading towards the far corner of the goal, and by the time he adjusted his position for the save, it was toote!
2-0! Wang Feng scored his second goal!
Against the same opponent, the previous two matches were exceptionally difficult, but this match was incredibly easy, mainly because of Wang Feng''s outstanding performance!
In the second half, Wang Fengpleted another wall pass with Robben on the wing. The Chinese superstar dribbled into the penalty area and lifted the ball to the far post, where Ral leaped to head it in again, making it 3-0!
In the 81st minute, Real Madrid''s defense intercepted Sevi''s attack, and a long pass from Cole to Wang Feng in midfield initiated a rapid counterattack.
Robben''s speed was also very fast, and he and Wang Feng raced into the opponent''s half together. Seeing the opportunity ripe, Wang Feng immediately sent a curved pass to Robben''s feet.
After entering the penalty area, Robben took a direct shot, but unfortunately, the ball hit the post and bounced back into the penalty area. At this critical moment, Wang Feng leaped out and headed the ball into the Sevi goal, making it 4-0! Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick!
With the extraordinary performance of the Chinese superstar, the Gxy battleship finally lifted the long-awaited European Super Cup!
Wang Feng received a flurry of praise from the media after the match. They could only once again admire the yer''s strong adaptability, full of expectations for Real Madrid''s performance in the new season.
Chapter 362: Hot opener
Chapter 362: Hot opener
Back in Spain, Real Madrid didn''t have time to celebrate as they immediately faced their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the opening match of the league at home.
Although the two matches were close in timing, this was nheless the first home game of the new season for the Gxy battleship. Head coach Schuster, in pursuit of victory, deployed most of the main yers with only minor adjustments, substituting the young Marcelo for Heinze.
The Real Madrid yers seemed slightly tired, while Atletico Madrid arrived with great momentum, determined to strike the Gxy battleship at the Bernabeu.
They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Franco in goal, Castro, Eller, Perea, and Perna in defense.
Garcia and Maxi were in midfield, with Motta, Forln, and Jurado in the front.
Upfront was Agero and Fran.
"The intensity of the game is very high right from the start. Oh, we can see that Atletico defender Perna fouled Wang Feng in the frontcourt. This is the third foul against the Chinese superstar in this match, and the game has only just begun for 5 minutes!"
Wang Feng sat on the ground, feeling frustrated, arranging his shin guards and socks. There was no doubt that he was once again the focus of attention from the opposing defenders. What''s more unfortunate was that the referee for this match was a "rookie".
The reason for saying this was that his grasp of the scale of judgment and the situation of the game was far from enough. Several fouls earlier should have decisively warned the away team''s yers. This is the Bernabeu, the home of the Gxy battleship!
But he didn''t do that, and the Atletico yers almost figured out the referee''s bottom line, thus bing more unscrupulous in disturbing and confronting Wang Feng.
Nearby, Robben came to Wang Feng and reached out to help him up, saying with lingering fear, "I hate this kind of foul the most. It''s very easy to cause harm. Wang, you have to be careful. Just lie down when it''s necessary."
Wang Feng nodded. His experience at Chelsea had broken his wings, and he was gued by injuries almost every season. He also received fines from the English FA due to conflicts on the pitch.
The two teams seemed evenly matched on the field, with both attacking and defending in the first 20 minutes. Although Wang Feng was closely harassed, he still managed to y a restraining role, allowing Robben and Ral to create several shooting opportunities.
On Atletico''s side, Agero was equally outstanding. As the club''s transfer record holder, his performancest season was not very satisfactory, with only 6 goals contributed under full attendance.
With Torres leaving in the new season, the head coach relied more on the forward lineposed of him and Fran. Therefore, the Argentine was eager to achieve something significant this season, preferably winning the European Golden Boy award at the end of the year!
He did have the ability for it. Even though Real Madrid''s defensive ability had greatly improved now, Agero still found opportunities to break into the penalty area. A left-footed shot slightly missed the post, causing cold sweat on the faces of the home fans in the stands.
"This guy is as tricky as hispatriot Messi. It seems that he might be a big enemy of the Gxy battleship in the future." The fans in the stands couldn''t help but think so.
The first goal of the match urred in the 25th minute. Real Madridunched a quick counterattack, with Sneijder sending a long pass directly into Atletico''s penalty area. Wang Feng finally caught up with the ball near the baseline after a long run.
Inside the penalty area, Perna didn''t dare to foul Wang Feng recklessly. So, the Chinese superstar quickly cut inside with his right foot, evading him. At this moment, Castro and Eller also came to defend.
Faced with the nking defense, Wang Feng calmly made two consecutive turns, making it impossible for the defenders to steal the ball from him. They had to keep guarding against his sudden shots.
Chaos ensued in the penalty area. At this moment, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to gently lift the ball, aiming for the defensive gap, and took a direct shot. The ball smoothly pierced through the defense and found the corner of the goal, leaving Franco helpless.
"Goal! Indeed, the first goal of the Gxy battleship in the league was contributed by Wang Feng, 1-0!"
"A very beautiful attack. After receiving Sneijder''s through ball, Wang Feng, like Zhao Yun in the Three Kingdoms, broke through the Atletico defense line with ease, as if there were no one there, and finally sealed the deal like a decisive blow of a dragon!"
"The away team''s irond defensepletely lost its effectiveness in the penalty area. They dared not foul Wang Feng easily, so they had no way to steal the ball from him. This is the most desperate situation!"
After scoring, Wang Feng ran freely on the field, his frustration swept away, even running to the sidelines to direct the fans to do the wave, celebrating this first goal of the season.
In the subsequent match, the defensive actions of both sides became increasingly intense, and the situation became exceptionally heated. In the 69th minute, Wang Feng received the ball in the frontcourt and was preparing to attack towards the wing when Perna slid in for a tackle, tripping him, and then deliberately or unintentionally kicked his shin before getting up.
This scene happened to be seen by nearby Ral, who immediately confronted Perna: "You bastard did it on purpose!" Nearby, Sneijder and Robben also rushed to support.
The Atletico yers naturally wouldn''t back down and rushed over, causing the situation to temporarily get out of control. The main referee and linesmen had toe between the two teams to separate them.
"Ral getting angry on the field is really rare. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Oh, that''s how it is. Perna''s action is really dirty this time,pletely not what a professional yer should do."
"The Spanish captain is very protective of Wang Feng, rushing over for him the first time. It seems that the atmosphere within the Real Madrid team is very harmonious now."
In the end, the main referee gave yellow cards to both Ral and Perna, considering it as tit for tat. Wang Feng patted the captain''s shoulder gratefully, "Thank you. This matter cannot be let go like this. We can take this opportunity to deal with them."
Ral showed a curious expression, wondering what new idea Wang Feng hade up with. He always brought some novel ideas. Last year, the Gxy battleship''s aggressive attacking strategy was first proposed by him.
The two whispered and discussed for a while. In the end, Wang Feng stood at the penalty spot. "Oh, it seems that Wang Feng is going to take the free kick. This distance should directly threaten the goal. Will he choose to shoot?"
"We can see that his run-up distance is very long. It seems that he is going to shoot. Atletico''s defense line should be very nervous. The free-kick skills of the Chinese superstar are unmatched in the football world."
"Run-up, shot! No, it''s a pass! Ral shoots in the penalty area, and it''s a goal! Beautiful!"
"Wang Feng and Ralplete an excellent free-kick cooperation! Wang Feng seemed to be rushing fiercely, but when he reached the penalty spot, he suddenly reduced his strength and then pushed the ball sideways with his right foot into the penalty area."
"The ball just passed under the jumping wall and found Ral in the penalty area. He naturally wouldn''t miss such a great opportunity. Now it seems that Atletico should have a yer lying behind the wall for security."
After scoring, Ral ran to Wang Feng excitedly and said, "I really can''t believe it can be passed to me. How did you know they would jump?" The Chinese superstarughed. Even though he elerated so far, it looked like a powerful shot. The Atletico wall could only choose to jump to block, but he was able to control the ball''s force and change it to a pass easily.
With Wang Feng''s pass and Ral''s goal, Real Madrid defeated Atletico 2-0, winning this fiery opening match.
Chapter 363: La Liga melee
Chapter 363: La Liga melee
When Wang Feng continued his brilliant performance, another Spanish powerhouse Barcelona suffered a dismal 0-0 draw away to Santander Athletic.
Henry also appeared in this game but still couldn''t change the situation. Barcelona dominated possession absolutely, ying their passing game to perfection but failed to score a goal.
Barcelona''s newly appointed coach Guardi was widely questioned by the media for this. The former "Dream Team" yer retired just over a year ago, and he only obtained his coaching certificate not long ago.
Originally, the club''s senior management wanted him to take over the Barcelona Athletic team first to hone his skills. But they couldn''t find a first-team coach all summer, and the situation was too difficult!
There were already few well-known coaches sitting idle at home. As soon as they heard that Barcelona was hiring, they shook their heads one after another. This job was not easy. Not only did they face the rebuilding of the club, but they also had to deal with Wang Feng in his peak state, which was quite tricky.
In desperation, Laporta could only choose to promote Guardi. After all, he was from the Barcelona lineage, and as a transitional option, it was also a good choice.
After watching Barcelona''s first-round match on TV, he was not disappointed but rather pleasantly surprised. It could be seen that Guardi was a very thoughtful person, and perhaps he could really train a strong team, provided he was given enough time and patience.
In the second round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Virreal away. Earlier this year, they parted ways with the former Argentine genius Riquelme, but it didn''t affect the team''s strength. They even achieved an eight-game winning streak at one point.
In the summer transfer window, their top scorer Fran joined Atletico Madrid for 21 million euros. With this transfer fee, the Yellow Submarine signed Rossi, an Italian, and kept Tomassen, who was on loan from Stuttgart.
In addition, Virreal also signed three other quality yers: French young international Mavuba, Spanish international Capdev, and Uruguayan defender Godin, all of whom were cost-effective signings.
In the first round, they defeated Valencia 3-0 away, shocking all Spanish media. This time, facing the Gxy battleship at home, they also caused a lot of trouble for the Spanish powerhouses.
In the first half, the Gxy battleship felt the vitality and fighting spirit of the home team. The energy burst out by this young lineup was astonishing, although the away team had the advantage in possession, they couldn''t score.
At the end of the first half, the score was still 0-0. In the 69th minute of the second half, the Yellow Submarine broke through Casis''s goal with a free-kickbination.
Subsequently, the Gxy battleshipunched a fierce attack. Wang Feng sessively assisted Ral and Robben, but both failed to seize the opportunity. Just before the final whistle, he received a pass from Guti and took a shot with his right foot, narrowly missing the post.
In the end, Real Madrid regretted at the Ceramic Stadium, suffering their first league defeat. This match once again made fans and the media feel thepetitiveness of the Yellow Submarine this season. They may have the opportunity to break the monopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona on the league title.
After the match, Real Madrid coach Schuster said in an interview that he was very sorry for the defeat. The team created many opportunities but failed to capitalize on them. "Pellegrini has undoubtedly inspired the yers'' potential, and they deserve such a victory."
But at the same time, he also said that the league had just begun, and the goal of the Gxy battleship this season was still to aim for defending the championship without wavering. "With continuous integration of the lineup, I believe we will get better and better."
In the second round, Barcelona hosted Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou. This time, they did not miss the opportunity, relying on Eto''o''s brace and Henry''s assist to Messi to win 3-1.
In the third round of La Liga, Real Madrid returned to the Bernabeu to face newly promoted Almeria. For this match, the coaching staff issued a stern order to the yers: they must win all three points!
The Gxy battleshipunched a full-scale attack from the beginning of the game. "It seems that the defeat in thest round has put considerable pressure on the entire Real Madrid team. They are determined to bounce back in this match."
"Look at this attack. Robben receives Guti''s diagonal pass and dribbles the ball towards the wing. Beautiful! A change of direction to shake off the 18th Asastine and cut inside into the penalty area."
"Pass to Wang Feng, shot! Goooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Just 2 minutes into the game, Real Madrid takes the lead, 1-0!"
"Robben tears open the Almeria defense with his speed and dribbling skills, then passes to Wang Feng, who squeezes past defender Audis and shoots with his right foot to score!"
"This is a goal-scoring opportunity created by the Dutch winger. It can be seen that his form has been improving since joining Real Madrid, and the former king of Eindhoven has returned!"
The turbulent experience at Chelsea has made this genius star subject to much scrutiny. Many fans were not optimistic about this transfer when he joined Real Madrid, believing that he would drag down Wang Feng''s performance.
But sinceing to the Bernabeu, his teammates have trusted him very much, especially Wang Feng. Not only did he quickly ept him into the team, but he also often invited him to train together and think of new ways to cooperate.
The harmonious atmosphere in the dressing room surprised and pleased Robben. He became more certain that joining Real Madrid was the right choice, and Wang Feng could lead the team to create a better history!
After taking the lead, the yers of the Gxy battleship obviously rxed a bit and yed more freely on the field, naturally improving their form.
In the 24th minute, Diarra carried the ball in midfield, waiting for his teammates to position themselves. He then sent a straight pass into the Almeria territory, and Wang Feng quickly started a counterattack.
Under high-speed sprinting, he suddenly made a quick stop and turn near the baseline, instantly shaking off the defending yers beside him. Then, he used a delicate touch to pass the ball to Ral in the distance.
At this moment, Almeria goalkeeper Diego was positioned very close to Wang Feng, guarding against the Chinese superstar''s shot. But he chose to pass the ball, leaving a nearly unguarded goal in front of the Spanish forward. Ral gently pushed the ball into the with his right foot.
2-0! The Gxy battleship adds another goal!
Chapter 364: Communicate
Chapter 364: Communicate
Winning a crucial victory made everyone at Real Madrid ecstatic, and the mood among the home fans at the Bernabu Stadium was no different. Most of them hadn''t left yet, standing up one by one to salute the heroes on the field.
"Let''s go, let''s go thank the fans together," Ral proposed as usual, and naturally, everyone agreed. They walked to the edge of the field, lined up, and bowed to the stands, eliciting even more enthusiastic apuse and cheers.
When all the yers had left the field, these fans reluctantly departed from the Bernabu, but they didn''t immediately go home. Instead, they found various taverns to continue celebrating the victory until the early hours of the next day.
Passing through the mixed interview zone, Wang Feng remained the focus of reporters'' attention. Jenny Philsing from Madrid TV was a familiar face, and she handed the microphone to the Chinese superstar before anyone else. "Wang, although Real Madrid won a big victory in this game, you only scored one goal. How do you feel about this?"
Wang Feng shrugged with a smile. "Come on, what do you mean ''only one goal''? The team won, and I scored a goal. Of course, I''m very happy."
Philsing followed up, "Yes, that''s true. In the first three rounds ofst season, you scored six goals, but this season so far, you''ve only scored two, and you''re behind Mallorca''s Gueyes on the scoring charts. So, we''re curious about your thoughts on this."
"Well, I''ve emphasized many times that the team''s victory is my goal. I want to score goals to achieve this goal, not just for statistics. Of course, I''m disappointed that I didn''t score in thest round to help the team reverse the situation. My performance in the first three rounds is indeed worse thanst season."
"But as Mr. Coach Schuster said, the league is still long, and I hope to contribute even better performances to the team in the future."
Philsing nodded. "Actually, we can see that you could have scored more goals in this game. For example, for Real Madrid''s third goal, you could have shot directly after shaking off the defense, but you passed it to Robben instead. What was the thinking behind that? Were you considering taking care of the new yers and hoping they would integrate into the team quickly?"
"No, no, no, you''ve misunderstood. At that time, I didn''t think my shooting sess rate was high, and Robben was in a better position, so I passed it to him. And he didn''t disappoint with the chance I created."
"There''s no such thing as someone taking care of someone else in Real Madrid. Everyone is a very talented yer, and everyone can independently bring out their maximum abilities. I have great confidence in this lineup and believe that it will achieve even greater glory."
After answering a few more questions, Wang Feng was finally allowed to leave by the reporters. When he returned to the dressing room, his teammates, who were quick on their feet, had already showered and changed into new clothes.
"The darling of the media always has to pay a little price, right?" Ramos joked. "Fortunately, we don''t have to attend the post-match press conference today, or I would really be exhausted." Wang Feng stuck out his tongue.
Guti, wiping his golden hair, walked into the dressing room at this time. "Guys, let''s celebrate the victory tonight. How about the usual ce?"
Wang Feng waved his hand. "I''ll pass. I''ll go home to apany my wife tonight." Everyone smiled knowingly. Ral also chimed in, "I won''t go either. My youngest son is still waiting for me to take care of him at home."
Seeing the two big shots in the team speaking, Robben quickly said, "I also want to go home first. Next time, there will be more opportunities for celebration."
"Hey hey, is the husband''s quotient in our locker room a bit too high?" Guti joked, and Robben, like Wang Feng, got married to his longtime sweetheart earlier this year. The two of them are still inseparable.
"Wesley, what about you?" he asked Sneijder. "No problem, I think I don''t need to go home so early. Haha."
"Great, who else wants to go together? Let''s celebrate tonight."
Ral reminded them not to y toote. They still had to fly to Bremen to y against Werder Bremen in the UEFA Champions League group stage in the middle of the week. Finally, everyone dispersed, going home or celebrating.
The next day at noon, the team regrouped and flew to Germany. After about three hours of flight, they sessfullynded at Bremen City Airport.
This is an airport close to the city center, connected to Bremen''s roadwork by several streets. Highways, trams, and long-distance buses can quickly reach various areas of the city.
The Real Madrid team naturally went to a five-star hotel near the Weser Stadium by special car, which would be more convenient for them to familiarize themselves with the venue.
Different from the tense Champions League knockout matches, although the coaching staff valued it, the rules were not so strict. After the yers arrived at the hotel, they could move freely until the day of the match when they would have a closed-door training session.
Different from the enthusiastic Nethends and unrestrained France, leisure ces in Germany are rtively few. Therefore, everyone was not very interested in going out to y at night but chose to stay in the hotel to rest.
The Chinese superstar had to attend an invitation. Dong Fangzhuo came from Munich to Bremen specifically to watch Real Madrid''s match and wanted to have a chat with Wang Feng. Bayern was on vacation because they didn''t have a Champions League match, and they would regroup two days before the weekend match.
"Are you still adapting to the environment in the Bundesliga?" Wang Feng asked while drinking orange juice in a Western-style restaurant in Bremen. Dong Fangzhuo looked a little embarrassed and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, I''m still not used to it."
Language is a big barrier. He is best at Dutch, and he can''t even speak English fluently. But there are many local yers in Bayern, and the mainnguage in the team is still German. Therefore, daily conversations are quite difficult, and it will take more time to integrate into the environment.
"Up to now, the only yers I''m rtively familiar with are Schweinsteiger and Podolski. I don''t really talk to the others."
Wang Fengforted him, "It''s normal to feel like a stranger at first. Like our Dutch winger Robben in the team, it took him more than a month to integrate a little. Even now, he still doesn''t speak Spanish fluently, but he''s still making efforts and even signed up for Spanish lessons."
"But excellent performances can indeed help you quickly build trust with your teammates. How about now? What''s your position in Bayern? Do you have a chance to secure a starting position?"
Dong Fangzhuo hesitated, "I''m not sure either. The club introduced several forwards in the summer, and Coach Hitzfeld is constantly adjusting the lineup, looking for the bestbination."
"I only yed 60 minutes in the first three rounds of the match, without any outstanding performance. Moreover, the technical level of the Bundesliga is much higher than that of the Eredivisie, and it seems that the strikerpeting with me, Klose, is more favored."
Wang Feng frowned. He is quite familiar with Klose, who performed very well in the semi-finals of the World Cupst year against China and Germany. He won the Bundesliga''s Best yer during his time at Werder Bremen and is a local yer. It can be said that it''s very difficult for Dong Fangzhuo topete with him for a position.
Chapter 365: I will show you
Chapter 365: I will show you
Wang Feng paused for a moment, then slowly spoke, "If the coaching staff oveps your position with Klose''s, it might take a few more years for you to emerge. The German is seven years older than you, and you will eventually rece him."
"But I think you''re still young, with the chance to try more technical routes. From my observation, your speed is impressive, and your sense of bnce and ball skills are outstanding."
"So, you can fully take on the role of organizing attacks, which is currently what Bayerncks the most."
Dong Fangzhuo said hesitantly, "I''ve done simr work during the Alkmaar period, but the level of the Bundesliga has improved a lot. I really don''t have the confidence to do well."
Taking a sip of water, Wang Feng continued, "It depends on your insight and diligent practice. Nobody is born knowing; everyone needs constant honing."
"I think Ribry at Inter Mn is a good example. He''s definitely the role Bayern dreams of. You should study his games carefully."
Dong Fangzhuo continued to ask, "Even if I can do it, I have no authority to intervene in the coaching staff''s arrangements."
"It''s simple. Just show diligence in your usual performance, then directly express your thoughts to the head coach. Be willing to try more technical routes and ept a slightly different position or a move back."
"You''re the yer Bayern spent 20 million euros to buy back. This transfer fee has already made its mark in the club''s history. The club wouldn''t want a loss."
Seeing Dong Fangzhuo still hesitating, Wang Feng said, "Then, during the match against Werder Bremen, I''ll demonstrate what to do."
"Wang, were you in this role at Inter Mn?"
"Not strictly, but the head coach was more lenient with me, so my position on the field was quite free."
Dong Fangzhuo looked at Wang Feng with envy. This was the true pivotal world superstar, the unquestioned soul of the team.
On the evening of September 19th, at 8 o''clock, at the Weser Stadium, the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage match between Real Madrid and Werder Bremen began on time.
Dong Fangzhuo, sitting in the stands, stared intently at the situation on the field. To him, after the kick-off, Wang Feng seemed to be just running a bit more actively, not delving too deeply into his position, nothing special.
But the situation quickly changed. In the 17th minute, Wang Feng moved to the midfield area, and Diarra passed the ball to him from the wing. After receiving the ball, he slowly advanced while observing his teammates'' movements.
At this moment, Ral ran to the top of the arc to support. So Wang Feng sent a straight pass and made a forward run towards the wing. The Spanish forward didn''t stop the ball but directly pushed it backward towards Robben nearby.
Facing several defending yers in the penalty area, Robben didn''t choose to dribble forward but instead used his heel to flick the ball back to Wang Feng. In an instant, the three of them formed a smooth passingbination.
Wang Feng received the ball again. With a quick flick of his left foot, he evaded the chasing defender, passed the ball with his right foot to Robben, and continued to sprint towards the center of the penalty area.
Robben immediately sent a through pass, and the ball sessfully reached the feet of the Chinese superstar through the defensive line. At this point, he was nearing the edge of the small penalty area.
The Werder Bremen defenders and goalkeeper approached anxiously, trying to block Wang Feng''s path to goal, but he suddenly made a back pass, and Ral, who followed up, easily shot the ball into the.
"Beautiful!" Dong Fangzhuo couldn''t help but cheer like the Real Madrid fans who hade from afar. This cooperation of the Gcticos was too wonderful, tearing apart the opponent''s defense in an instant.
At this moment, the big screen at the venue kept reying the goal-scoring process. Dong Fangzhuo closely watched it, constantly pondering Wang Feng''s role in the goal.
From the initial passing and positioning, the Chinese superstar seemed to have foreseen what would happen next. Werder Bremen''s defense was tight, but he found space through his movements and passes.
Could he do it himself? Dong Fangzhuo couldn''t help but ask himself. His teammates at Bayern were definitely trustworthy. The difficult part might lie in his own ability to judge the timing of his movements and receiving passes, which required absolute uracy and timeliness.
Of course, his ball control skills had to be excellent as well. Although Wang Feng''s ball control time just now wasn''t long, the feint that evaded the defender''s tackle and the back pass along the edge of the small penalty area all required superb technique. The space left for him to maneuver was very small, and any slight mistake would be seized upon by the opponents.
Wang Feng''s demonstration continued. In the 37th minute, Real Madridunched another attack. Guti dribbled into the frontcourt and passed to the Chinese superstar on the right. Under pressure from the defenders, he dribbled a few steps, drawing their attention.
At this moment, Robben quickly ran towards the right wing. Wang Feng seemingly casually flicked the ball with his heel, urately passing it to the Dutchman''s feet, then circled back towards the penalty area.
With no defenders around, Robben stopped the ball with his right foot, adjusted it, then passed it horizontally to the center. At this time, Wang Feng had just made a forward run to the edge of the penalty area to receive the ball.
There was a Werder Bremen defender in front of him, and another yer was marking Ral on the left. The Chinese superstar lightly tapped the ball with the outside of his left foot, passing it to Ral, then bypassed the defender to continue his advance.
The ball was controlled perfectly in terms of force, not reaching the Spanish forward directly but stopping a short distance in front of him. This prevented the defender marking Ral from intercepting it. Wang Feng used his body to block the defender and then made a back pass. It was evident that his attacking awareness was also excellent, perfectly following Wang Feng''s intentions.
As a result, the Chinese superstar sessfully received the ball and broke into the penalty area alone, dribbled past the goalkeeper with a feint, and scored into the empty.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! Goal! 2-0! Real Madrid once again breached the home team''s defense!"
"Another incredibly exquisite attackingbination. The trio of Wang Feng, Robben, and Ral are gradually reaching their peak, showing remarkable coordination and timing."
"Let''s take another look at the slow-motion rey. Wang Feng''s sudden back pass sparked this attack, his forward run connecting Robben and Ral''s y, like a beautiful piece of art."
At the end of the first half, the score remained unchanged. After the break, in the 59th minute, Werder Bremen pulled one back through Sagnol.
However, in the 81st minute of the game, Wang Feng and Robbenpleted a wall-passbination on the right wing and then cut inside the penalty area, passing to Sneijder in the middle who sted a shot to secure victory for the away team.
3-1! Real Madrid won the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage!
This game left a deep impression on the Real Madrid fans watching on TV, as there were two very beautifulbination goals, once again proving that Robben''s addition could elevate the strength of the Gcticos.
Dong Fangzhuo, sitting in the stands, didn''t leave for a long time. He kept reying the game process in his mind and nned to watch the rey again after returning home to study carefully.
Wang Feng didn''t approach him for further conversation. The entire Real Madrid team had to rush to Vadolid, Spain to prepare for the weekend league match. However, the Chinese superstar believed that with Dong Fangzhuo''s skills and insight, he should be able to understand the direction of future development.
Chapter 366: Cassano鈥檚 request
Chapter 366: Cassano''s request
Returning to Spain, on September 24th, in the fourth round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Vadolid away. This team also bears the name "Royal", and their home stadium, Jos?? Zorri Stadium, can amodate 26,500 people.
The previous season''s Segunda champions were very conservative in the summer transfer window. Their biggest investment was only ?500,000 to bring in Valencia''s substitute, Estoyanoff. It seems that the club''s upper management also believes that excessive investment does not necessarily bring returns to the team.
The game waspletely dominated by the Gcticos. In the first half, Wang Feng assisted Sneijder to open the scoring, and then the Dutchman returned the favor by assisting Wang Feng for another goal.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng suddenly took a long shot from thirty meters out, once again piercing the fingers of Vadolid goalkeeper, Butelle, and widening the score to 3-0. This was also Wang Feng''s first brace of the new season.
In the second half, Coach Schuster gradually substituted the main yers. In the 78th minute, substitute Higua??n scored again, sealing the score at 4-0, and Real Madrid achieved a resounding victory.
On September 28th, in the fifth round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced a challenge from Real Betis. This year marks their centennial celebration, and the club invited Wang Feng''s old acquaintance, H??ctor Cooper, to be the head coach.
Since leaving Inter Mn, his coaching career has not achieved much sess. His experiences with several clubs have been less than ideal.
The Argentine was somewhat regretful that he couldn''t encounter a magical yer like Wang Feng again. Gradually, he withdrew from the mainstream coaching ranks in Europe.
There''s not much to say about the game process. Real Madrid scored a goal in each half, with Wang Feng contributing to the first-half goal. In the end, the Gcticosfortably won 2-0 at home.
After the full-time whistle, the Chinese superstar took the initiative to approach Cooper and embraced him in greeting. The two hadn''t lost contact over the years, and Wang Feng even invited him to his wedding.
He never forgot Cooper''s invitation to join Inter Mn personally, and the care and attention he received right from the start, when he was just 18 years old.
"To be honest, coaching you is probably the most glorious thing in my coaching career," Cooper patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "You still have a lot of peak years ahead of you, go create more glory that belongs to you."
The post-match exchange with Cooper made Wang Feng sigh at the passage of time. Many old friends had changed, but at this moment, another acquaintance, Cassano, also contacted him after a long absence.
"Wang, I''m afraid I need your help. Can you talk to the Real Madrid higher-ups and see if I have a chance to join the Gcticos?"
Since leaving Serie A, the two had less contact. At that time, Cassano was still in a dispute with the Roma management and faced punishment.
After more than a year of setbacks, the once proud Italian star had almost worn away all his edges. Now, he just hoped to stand on the field again, and the choices in front of him were not many.
Real Madrid''s attacking lineup wasn''t very deep. The absolute starters were Ra??l and Wang Feng, with Higua??n and Savi as the first substitutes, along with the youth product Soldado and Bueno.
Compared to them, Cassano at least had richer experience in majorpetitions. "I can mention it to the club, but Antonio,ing to Real Madrid, you may not get a starting position," Wang Feng kindly reminded him.
"It''s okay, as long as I have the opportunity to y. I''m already 25 this year. How many more years can I stay in a top club? I just want to give it another shot during my peak years." Being benched for so long almost extinguished the arrogance in the Italian''s heart. All he wanted now was to y well.
So Wang Feng agreed to his request. After hanging up the phone, he thought for a moment and then separately called Coach Schuster and the first-team manager, Sandro, to briefly introduce Cassano''s situation and exin that he just hoped to give him a chance, and whether he could seed would depend on the club''s opinion.
However, with Wang Feng''s current influence at Real Madrid, the higher-ups soon held a meeting to discuss the possibility of the transfer. Schuster had no objections, "As long as the Italian epts being a substitute, I think having one more yer in the talent pool is not a bad choice."
Subsequently, the club initiated preliminary discussions with Roma and Cassano''s agent. If nothing unexpected happened, his transfer could be initiated as early as the winter break.
On September 30th, in the sixth round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Getafe away. Their coach, Laudrup, was deeply influenced by Cruyff, advocating attacking and beautiful football, but his philosophy also injected rational elements.
After the game started, the home team initially dominated the field and took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal from forward Kopa. This goal woke up the yers of the Gcticos, and they soon turned the tables, gradually gaining control of the situation.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng received a through pass from Sneijder on the right side of the penalty area, cleverly turned to shake off the defense, and crossed to Ra??l in the middle.
The shot from the Spanish forward was saved by Getafe goalkeeper, Abbondanzieri, but Wang Feng quickly rushed to the ball and scored with a follow-up shot, equalizing the score!
Shortly after the start of the second half, it was Sneijder''s through pass again, this time finding Wang Feng inside the penalty area. The Chinese superstar sessfully beat the offside trap to form a one-on-one situation and used his signature move, the pendulum feint, to dribble past the goalkeeper and score into the empty, making it 2-1! The score was reversed!
In the end, with Wang Feng''s brace, the Gcticos left Alfonso P??rez Coliseum with a victory. After this round, their record stood at 5 wins and 1 loss, totaling 15 points, rising to second ce in the standings, just behind Virreal, who had 5 wins and 1 draw.
As for Barcelona, their performance was still disappointing, with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, umting 9 points, ranking eighth. This disappointed all Spanish media, and even Catn media believed that Barcelona had missed the opportunity topete for the league title this season.
"Barcelona hasn''t had such a poor record of dropping out of the top two in the league for many years. I hope they can maintain this standard this season."
On October 4th, in the second round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid continued their away journey, heading to the Italian capital, Rome, to challenge Lazio.
The day before the match, Wang Feng met Cassano, who now appeared with long, untended golden hair and unshaven stubble. He looked very disheveled.
"Thank you, Wang. I received news that Real Madrid is negotiating my transfer with Roma," Cassano said gratefully. "But I''m worried that the club might block me, you know, we had a big fallout."
Wang Feng didn''t want toment on their past grievances and could only reassure the Italian that everything would go smoothly.
In the match against Lazio, the Chinese superstar scored a goal in the first half, helping the Gcticos take the lead. In the second half, Robben tore apart the Blue Eagles'' defense with his speed and then crossed to Guti in the penalty area.
Guti sessfully headed the ball into the, piercing Lazio''s defense once again. The final score of 2-0 was maintained until the end, and Real Madrid secured their second consecutive victory in the Champions League group stage.
Chapter 367: Step towards an idol
Chapter 367: Step towards an idol
At the training base in Belgium''s Genk, as soon as anyone enters the main administrative building, they can see a huge photo of Wang Feng on the wall, reminding everyone that this hotmodity in the world of football today emerged from this club.
Today, while the first team is still on vacation, the atmosphere on the training ground remains lively. The Genk youth team training and activities in the youth academy are in full swing.
There are many Asian faces with yellow skin and ck eyes on the field, upying about one-third of the total number of participants in the training camp. These children are all impoverished students from China who have been sponsored by Wang Feng toe to Belgium to study and train for several years.
Under the guidance of the coaches, these young yers go through a series of training activities together, such as warm-ups, shuttle runs, and dribbling. They then freely form groups to practice passing and receiving.
Most of the Chinese children still prefer to team up with theirpatriots, but there are also a few who have made friends, like the first batch of arrivals in Belgium, including Huang Hu.
"Kevin, are you about to join the first team soon?" he asked the blond and blue-eyed guy across from him, kicking the ball to him. "Not so fast, maybe next year there will be a chance."
"That''s great," Huang Hu said enviously. Even though he has been trying hard to catch up with his counterpart, De Bruyne quickly established himself as a key yer in the youth team, while he is still just a substitute, with no prospects of joining the first team anytime soon.
"I still have a long way to gopared to Wang. He became an absolute starter at 16, while I, at the same age as him now, am still struggling for a spot in the first team."
Belgians have always regarded Wang Feng as an idol and role model, so they constantly strive to follow in his footsteps. However, De Bruyne despairingly discovers that he doesn''t seem to possess the qualities of an excellent strikerstrong aerial ability and finishing skills.
Instead, he excels in midfieldmand and passing talent. Therefore, the Genk coaching staff strongly rmends him to y in midfield rather than as a forward, which disappoints him.
Thinking about this, De Bruyne passes the ball back to Huang Hu, and the ball draws a perfect arc on the field,nding urately at his feet. "Your passing is really beautiful. Every time I see it, I''m amazed."
De Bruyne shakes his head with a tinge of loneliness. "I envy your powerful physical attributes and explosiveness. Maybe you''ll be an excellent striker."
Under a regimen of healthy diet and systematic training, Huang Hu has grown to a height of 175 cm at the age of 15, with a strong physique. He can hold his own against European yers of the same age.
What''s even more remarkable is that unlike De Bruyne, he possesses all the qualities a forward needs, but his skills still need constant refinement.
"In fact, you''re fully capable of carving out a ce in the youth team," De Bruyne continues. "You just need to be more confident and seize the opportunities. How about this, in the next game, as long as you y, I''ll help you out." The two have formed a close friendship through years ofmunication and mutual assistance.
Huang Hu nods vigorously. He doesn''t want to disappoint Wang Feng''s expectations of them, and among this group of children, he has the best development. The others either sit on the bench or haven''t even yed in a formal match yet.
After training, everyone returns to the locker room together, takes a quick shower, and then rests in the dormitory. At this time, another Chinese yer, Zhang Xiaorui, approaches Huang Hu and asks, "Brother Huang, have you received an invitation to the provincial sports meet? Officials from my hometown hope I can go back to represent them in thepetition."
Huang Hu furrows his brow. In fact, many of the children in their group have received invitations, but they are not sure how they, rtively unknown across the ocean, have entered the mainstream view. However, due to their generally indifferent attitude towards domestic football, most of them have declined the invitations.
"I don''t n to go back now. Do you want to go?" Huang Hu says, and Zhang Xiaorui hesitantly nods. Although they are financially secure now, he still wants to be famous and make money as soon as possible, and returning to y football in China is undoubtedly a good choice.
Although he can''t make it into the Genk youth team like De Bruyne, he is quite confident in his own abilities. He would definitely have an advantage over the young yers in China.
"Will Sister Rui agree?" Wong Rui is their team leader and manager. "I asked her, and she said she wouldn''t interfere with our choices, but she hopes we''ll pay attention to safety."
"If you''ve made up your mind, that''s fine."
On October 7th, in the seventh round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Vadolid at home. Due to the midweek Champions League match, head coach Schuster rotated some of the key yers.
As a dark horse who finished eighthst season, the visitors have had a very tough time this season. Not only did their meritorious head coach leave for Santander Athletic, but key yers have also been lost inrge numbers. Either they returned to their original clubs after their loans expired or they were poached, resulting in theplete disruption of their tactical framework. Until now, they have yet to win a game and are among the top candidates for relegation.
After the game started, unsurprisingly, the Gcticos had absolute dominance. Soldado contributed a goal in the first half, helping the home team take the lead, and early in the second half, Higuan widened the lead.
Until the end of the game, Wang Feng didn''t get a chance to y, but the Gcticos cleanly defeated their opponents 2-0, extending their winning streak to five matches.
After this round of matches, international football weed two weeks of national team match days, and the Chinese team also convened. They will y a friendly match against the Swiss national team, and the Asian zone qualifiers for the South Africa World Cup will officially begin early next year.
However, Wang Feng is not included in this call-up. ording to the agreement, he will only respond to some particrly important matches, but Dong Fangzhuo does not have this "privilege" and has to return to China from Germany.
Since he took Wang Feng''s advice tomunicate with head coach Sheffield, the German has been very willing to give him some trial opportunities. Therefore, his ying time has increased, and both he and Kl?tzchen have been observed in the lineup arrangements.
But to be honest, the effect is not good. Dong Fangzhuo''s skills still need further honing, and he currently seems out of sync with the team''s attacking system, and the cooperation among teammates is not very smooth.
Fortunately, Bayern Munich has been ying smoothly in recent matches, winning four consecutive games and firmly holding the top spot in the Bundesliga. Therefore, Sheffield''s attitude is particrly tolerant, and he even consoles the Chinese youngster, asking him not to put too much pressure on himself and promising to allocate enough time and tactics to serve him.
For a yer, this is the best opportunity. If based on Bayern''s performancest year, the head coach would have definitely kept Dong Fangzhuo on the bench early on and would not have given him a chance to try.
Wang Feng also affirms his performance. "You definitely have the ability and skills to execute the new style of y. What youck is adaptability and experience. While the growth environment is still rtively rxed, you must work hard to seize the opportunity!"
On the other end of the phone, Dong Fangzhuo nods vigorously. "Don''t worry, Wang Ge, I will definitely persist until I seed in the end!"
Chapter 368: Heal him at all costs
Chapter 368: Heal him at all costs
On October 21st, the Spanish La Liga reignited its battles as Real Madrid faced Espanyol away in the 8th round of the league. The national team training and matches left many yers in the team feeling exhausted, and their form and strength couldn''t fully recover to their best.
Espanyol reached the Copa del Rey finalst season, ying a La Liga derby against Sevi. Although they eventually lost, the club''s top management was very satisfied with the team''s performance. Therefore, in the summer, they sessfully renewed contracts with many key yers, stabilizing their lineup.
The match kicked off amidst the cheers of the fans at the Montju?c Olympic Stadium. Whenever Wang Fenges to the Catalonia region, he can always feel the fanaticism of the fans here.
The home team did not disappoint the fans'' expectations. In the 17th minute, midfielder Darder and forward Luis Garca took advantage of Real Madrid''s defensivepse to execute a cleverbination, sessfully breaking into the penalty area, and Garca fired a powerful shot with his right foot, breaking the deadlock.
After taking the lead, they implemented a full defensive strategy to ensure victory, while Real Madrid showed a bit of sluggishness in their attacks, struggling to break through the opponent''s defense.
After several unsessful attacks, Wang Feng silently reminded himself not to be anxious. He relied on his physical advantage to constantly roam and stimte Espanyol''s defense, finally waiting for a precious opportunity.
That opportunity came in the 80th minute of the second half. Guti dribbled the ball through the midfield, Robben supported the attack on the right nk, while Wang Feng moved to the center. The Espanyol defense spread out, with Rau?l following closely to Robben, and Wang Feng was marked by two defenders.
Saballeta was in the middle, preventing Guti while being ready to provide support defense on both sides. Wang Feng and Robben exchanged a nce from a distance, and both immediately understood each other''s intentions, elerating simultaneously.
The Chinese superstar dashed fiercely behind the defenders, while Robben made a sudden stop and cut inside, shaking off his marker, and then passed the ball to Wang Feng at the edge of the arc.
Wang Feng didn''t stop the ball but directly powered into the penalty area. The defenders, Halk and Torrejo, were half a step behind him and couldn''t fully defend him. They dared not make any physical contact with the Chinese superstar.
As he caught up with the ball again, he fiercely swung his right leg, kicking a ground-strike towards the bottom left corner of the goal. The Espanyol goalkeeper, Cameni, dived sideways to save, but his longest finger still couldn''t reach the ball.
"Goal! The ball is in! Real Madrid finally equalizes! It''s a goal from Wang Feng!"
"Faced with an early goal against and the opponent''s full defense, they never found a way to break through, but they never gave up their efforts, and now they finally receive the reward!"
"It can be seen that after the goal, Wang Feng excitedly embraces Robben to celebrate together. This goal also credits the Dutchman. As the league progresses, the new Gcticos'' frontline is continuously improving their understanding."
"A slow-motion rey shows that the Espanyol defense appeared a bit flustered under the impact of two world-ss attacking yers, but of course, this is also rted to their high-intensity defense."
"Wang Feng''s positioning in the attack has always been a headache for opponents. He''s elusive but always finds the right position to receive the ball. Inside the penalty area, he is an unsolvable presence for all defensive yers."
With this goal, the Gcticos eventually drew 1-1 with the Catn powerhouse.
In the midweek UEFA Champions League group stage matchday 3, Real Madrid weed Olympiacos at home. Although it was back-to-back matches, the Greek team couldn''t bring pressure to the Gcticos.
Shortly after the start of the first half, Wang Feng was fouled by the opponent in the frontcourt. The main referee decisively awarded a free kick to the home team in the frontcourt. The Chinese superstar personally took the free kick and used a ssic lob to open the visitor''s goal.
The relentless attack from the Gcticos quickly showed its power again. Sneijder passed the ball to Robben on the wing, the Dutchman rushed to the right side of the penalty area, then passed to the near post, and Wang Feng arrived, resisting the defender before shooting with his right foot into the far corner, making it 2-0!
Before the end of the first half, Real Madridunched another quick counterattack. Diarra intercepted the ball in the backfield and sent a long pass to the frontcourt. Wang Feng sessfully formed a one-on-one situation by breaking the offside trap.
Facing the goalkeeper inside the penalty area, he used a feint to bypass the opponent and scored into the empty, making it 3-0! The home team secured the victory!
The Bernabu Stadium instantly turned into a sea of enthusiasm as Wang Feng scored his first hat-trick of the season! The fans chanted Wang Feng''s name, intoxicated in the team''s relentless attacks. Beautiful attacking football befitting the name of the Gcticos!
The cheers and encouragement from the home fans also ignited the blood of other yers. Shortly after the start of the second half, Wang Feng and Robbenpleted a passingbination on the wing. The Chinese superstar crossed to the bottom, and Rau?l, who followed up near the penalty spot, volleyed into the far corner, making it 4-0!
Their ughter was not over yet. In the 67th minute, excited Sneijder dribbled past three yers from midfield, arrived near the penalty area, and suddenly shot, catching the goalkeeper off guard, further expanding the lead for the home team, 5-0!
After this goal, Olympiacos'' defense became increasingly rough, with continuous whistles on the field. For this reason, head coach Schuster of the home team substituted key yers, signaling not to attack anymore, and the situation stabilized.
In the end, the Gcticos defeated their opponents 5-0, securing their third consecutive victory in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The knockout stage qualification was just around the corner. The goal difference in this match also became thergest in this round of the Champions League.
Although Barcelona''s performance in the league was not good, they performed well in the Champions League, consecutively defeating Lyon and Stuttgart, drawing against sgow Rangers, and also ranking first in the group stage, showing good form.
Sevi, with two wins and one loss, also ranked first in the group. Only Valencia, without a single win, ranked at the bottom of the group. Therefore, the Spanish media were very happy. If all three teams advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League, it would be very advantageous for La Liga, the number one league in Europe.
Just as Wang Feng was actively preparing for the next round of league matches, he received bad news from Belgium. Zhang Xiaorui, a young yer he sponsored from China, suffered a serious injury while returning home to participate in the provincial sports meet!
This surprised Wang Feng greatly, and he quickly asked for details. It turned out that Zhang Xiaorui''s level was indeed much higher than that of domestic youth training yers. Therefore, the team he joined performed exceptionally well, defeating opponents one after another all the way to the semifinals.
But outstanding performance ultimately brought not flowers and apuse but malicious tackles from opponents, leading to a torn meniscus. What was even more chilling was that when he fell in pain, there were almost no teammates who came forward to care for him or support him, only the team captain asked a few questions.
It turned out that nobody epted this outsider; he was in their way!
Wang Feng held the phone for a long time, unable to calm down. A surge of anger rose in his heart. He would use his influence to speak up for Zhang Xiaorui, perhaps causing some waves, exchanging for a meaningless punishment and a few sses of alcohol.
But what''s the use? To be honest, it''s just a drop in the ocean, just like "paying" back then. He deeply understood that nothing could change, and no one could change anything. "Give him the best treatment, I''ll cover all the expenses, spare no effort to cure him!"
In the end, all he could do was this. Wang Feng also instructed to publicize this matter widely, letting the children in training know it as a warning.
Chapter 369: Devil 3 combo
Chapter 369: Devil 3bo
The uing schedule is undoubtedly a "devilish" experience for Real Madrid, as they will face Deportivo La Coru?a, Valencia, and Sevi every three days.
"I''ve been wanting to ask how the league schedule is arranged and why there are always so many unreasonable arrangements," Wang Fengined while packing at home.
After today, he won''t be able to go home for another half month. Lu Yao helped him pack and softlyforted him, saying, "Brother Feng, focus on the game. Tiantian and I will take care of ourselves at home. Don''t get injured. Continuous high-intensity battles like this are most afraid of injuries."
Wang Feng walked over and hugged her waist, saying, "Yes, I will be careful. Yao Yao, I''m sorry. The intensity of the matches these years has indeed been very high, and I haven''t had much time to apany you. When I retire, I will definitely take you around the world to make up for it."
Lu Yao turned around and nestled in his arms, saying, "I love watching you shine on the field. My heart beats so fast. You don''t need to feel guilty."
"It would be even better if we had a baby to apany us!" Lu Yao''s face blushed slightly. "Let''s work hard for that, hehe~"
On October 28th, in the 9th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Deportivo La Coru?a at home. Although the former "Super Depor" has declined, they still maintain a decent level in La Liga.
At the beginning of the match, the young midfielders of Deportivo engaged in a tough battle with Real Madrid. Both sides created several good opportunities.
In such moments, the roles of superstars and key yerse into y. In the 21st minute, despite being pressured by two defensive yers, Wang Feng managed to receive Sneijder''s low pass by using his body to create space.
He then dribbled to the right with his left foot, swiftly turned around, and prepared to shoot. Baragan, sensing danger, immediately tried to block him while making some covert interference.
Wang Feng stumbled two steps under his interference but still managed to maintain bnce. The ball rolled slightly away from his feet, and at this moment, another Deportivo defender, Lopo, rushed over to try to disrupt the attack.
In a critical moment, the Chinese superstar, without hesitation, flicked the ball with his toe, changing its direction unexpectedly, slipping through Lopo''s legs, and into the bottom left corner of the goal.
Deportivo''s goalkeeper, Aouate, had his line of sight blocked by Lopo and didn''t anticipate the balling his way. Caught off guard, he watched the ball into the in a daze.
"Goal! The ball is in! Wang Feng miraculously scores for Real Madrid!"
"His control over his body is truly outstanding. We can see that even when almost losing bnce, he managed to stretch out his foot and poke the ball into the opponent''s goal."
"Never giving up any attacking opportunity, perhaps this perseverance is what has earned him countless honors at such a young age, breaking various scoring records."
After scoring, Wang Feng rubbed his slightly sore thigh and was immediately surrounded by teammates. Ral joked, "What''s this? A split shot? Haha!"
This goal didn''t deter Deportivo. Ten minutester, forward Adrin broke into the Gxy''s penalty area and scored, equalizing the score.
But just before the end of the first half, in a counterattack by Real Madrid, Sneijder made a thoughtful through pass, and Wang Feng turned his pass into a threat in front of the goal. Baragan had no choice but to foul the Chinese superstar.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty kick to Real Madrid, and Wang Feng, without hesitation, took it himself, fooling the goalkeeper and effortlessly scoring into the top right corner, once again putting Real Madrid in the lead.
In the second half, both sides continued to contribute to the high-level match, but the scales gradually tipped in favor of the home team. As Deportivo''s lineup was too young, they inevitably became impatient when trailing.
In the 77th minute, Wang Feng assisted Ral in scoring Real Madrid''s third goal,pletely securing the victory, 3-1!
On November 1st, in the 10th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Valencia away. During the summer, Los Che brought in seven yers, all promising talents at reasonable prices.
However, their Champions League opponents, Chelsea and Schalke 04, were tough opponents, and they almost lost their qualification with consecutive defeats, putting their hopes on the league.
The home team did cause Real Madrid a lot of trouble at the start of the match, with forward Moreno even opening the scoring to give them the lead.
But before the excitement of the fans subsided, Wang Feng gave them a reality check. Guti''s lob found Wang Feng near the frontcourt, and the defending yer Moretti almost put his hand on the Chinese superstar''s shoulder to prevent him from jumping for the ball. However, with his powerful explosive force, Wang Feng still managed to shake off the Italian and stop the ball with his chest.
After the ballnded, Wang Feng pushed it to the left while turning sideways to find space for a shot. Moretti wouldn''t allow him to do so and continued to closely mark him, while Valencia''s other defender Marchena rushed over.
Despite the double marking, Wang Feng remained calm, pushing the ball behind him again, then turning to protect the ball to avoid being tackled by the opponent. Seeing that the two defenders couldn''t do anything to him, nearby Albelda also rushed towards him.
Wang Feng leaned towards Albelda, slightly moving the ball towards his direction, brushing past the Spanish defender, leaving him no choice but to abruptly stop and turn back to chase the ball.
But Wang Feng was faster, catching up with the ball and pressing Albelda, then shooting powerfully with his left foot. The ball swiftly flew into the top right corner of Csar''s goal.
"Beautiful! It''s a goal! Goal! Real Madrid equalizes!"
"Wang Feng scores a brace! In a small area in the opponent''s half, facing three defensive yers, he managed to maneuver skillfully and actually broke through to create a scoring opportunity!"
This goal dealt a heavy blow to Valencia''s morale. In the second half, Robben relied on his speed to forcefully break through and cross to the penalty area, where Guti nodded the ball into the, sessfully reversing the score.
2-1! The Gxy battleship triumphs away against the Bat Legion!
On November 4th, Real Madrid weed Sevi at home. This was the fourth meeting between the two sides this season. They were familiar with each other, as Real Madrid lost to Sevi in the Spanish Super Cup but won in the UEFA Super Cup.
Consecutive battles left the home team quite exhausted, and the yers'' health conditions were rming. In the 24th minute, Robben got injured in a collision with Navas, and Schuster had to substitute him.
Just five minutester, Heinze fell to the ground after a sh with Fabiano. Despite receiving treatment on the sidelines, he couldn''t continue, and the head coach had to use the second substitution.
Sevi took advantage of this chaotic period for Real Madrid and Renato opened the scoring, giving the home team a one-goal deficit at halftime. In the dressing room, Wang Feng and other yers surrounded the club staff, anxiously inquiring about the injured yers'' condition.
Learning that their injuries were not serious and they would be out for at most a month, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. In the second half, Wang Feng scored another brace to reverse the score, but unfortunately, Robinho equalized just before the final whistle.
2-2, in the end, both sides shook hands and settled for a draw.
Chapter 370: Good news
Chapter 370: Good news
After three consecutive rounds of league battles, the Gxy battleship rushed to Greece without stopping, as there was a midweek Champions League group stage match, where they would challenge Olympiacos.
Robben and Heinze, who were injured, naturally couldn''t travel. Besides them, some other yers were also physically fatigued. Head coach Schuster decided to leave some key yers behind to rest while calling up some yers from the youth team.
Originally, Wang Feng was also in the rotation n, but he felt good about himself. The club conducted aprehensive physical examination on him, and the results showed that he was very healthy. In order to ensure victory and advance to the next stage, the Chinese superstar refused to take a vacation.
However, he soon regretted it. When the group arrived in Athens, Wang Feng received a call from his sister: "Brother, Yao Yao is pregnant, just found out!"
He stood still, holding the phone, feeling a surge of immense joy. Along with it came a hint of anxiety. He was going to be a father. Could he be a qualified father?
Wang Feng wanted to fly back to Madrid immediately to be with Lu Yao, but the gentle voice on the other end of the line stopped him: "You''ve already arrived in Athens, there''s no need toe back specially."
"Besides, everything is normal with me. It''s more convenient to do routine check-ups with Tian Tian by my side. Even if youe back, there''s nothing special to do. Just focus on the game. Tian Tian and I will cheer for you in front of the TV!" Lu Yao said.
"Okay, then make sure you both watch. I will dedicate a wonderful game to you." The two chatted for a long time before hanging up, and Wang Feng always had a smile on his face.
Seeing him finish the call and still smiling like a flower, Ral couldn''t help but ask curiously, "Wang, you look extremely happy. Did something good happen?"
"I''m going to be a father!" the Chinese superstar said. "Oh my God, congrattions! Is this your first time?" Ral showed a knowing expression and then said with nostalgia, "It''s an unparalleled feeling. When I first found out I was going to be a father, that feeling was unforgettable."
The news quickly spread within the team, and everyone congratted Wang Feng. Head coach Schuster said, "Do you want me to give you a break? You can go back to Madrid right away."
The Chinese superstar was very grateful for the coach''s concern, shaking his head and saying, "No need. I''ll y normally in this game. But I''d like to ask for leave in the next league match." The next match against Mallorca was also an away game, and the time interval was very short. They needed to depart immediately after ying in the Champions League.
Schuster readily agreed to his request. Wang Feng had a very high attendance rate at Real Madrid, and he was extremely serious in training. He didn''t have any arrogance or bad habits typical of superstars. He could be said to be a role model for all other yers.
At 8 p.m. local time on November 7th, the Karaiskakis Stadium, which can amodate 33,000 people, was brightly lit. As a veteran powerhouse in Greece, although it was difficult for the home team to advance from the Champions League group stage, there were still many fans at the scene to support them.
At the same time, Real Madrid fans organized an expedition to cheer for the team in Greece, with about 2,000 people. They looked very rxed, and many of them were discussing where to celebrate after the team advanced.
Head coach Schuster deployed a half-reserve lineup in a 4-5-1 formation: goalkeeper Dudek, defenders Salgado, Cannavaro, Drenthe, and Marcelo; midfielders Gago, Reyes, Balboa, Guti, and Sneijder; with Wang Feng as the lone striker.
After the match started, whether it was the yers on the field or the spectators in the stands, they could all feel Wang Feng''s excitement. His tireless pressing and chasing made Olympiacos very passive for a while.
"Wang doesn''t seem to be affected by Real Madrid''s consecutive games at all. He''s still so actively pressing and creating pressure for the home team. Sometimes I can''t help but wonder, where is the limit of his physical fitness?"
"Oh, look at this attack. Olympiacos lost the ball in midfield under Wang''s pressure, and he''s now dribbling forward and shooting! Goooooooooooooooal! It''s a goal! Oh my God, it''s a goal!"
"A shot from nearly forty meters outside the penalty area, no run-up at all. He lifts his right leg and shoots, the ball spinning in the air, straight into the top right corner of the goal. The home team goalkeeper didn''t even react!"
"This explosiveness is probably unmatched in the entire football world. I believe no other yer can reproduce such a powerful long-range shot!"
Even Wang Feng didn''t expect the ball to go in. At that moment, he just felt an infinite amount of energy in his body, unable to hold it in, so he concentrated all his strength in his right foot and struck the ball fiercely.
He excitedly ran to the goal to pick up the ball, then turned and ran towards the stands, stuffing the ball into his jersey to mimic a pregnant woman, while kissing his wedding ring.
Everyone understood what he meant. He was dedicating this goal to his wife and unborn child. "We can see that Wang''s celebration is very special. He''s announcing to the world that he and his wife are expecting a baby."
"It''s truly delightful news. Let''s congratte this world superstar again. He just turned 24 this year and already has his first child!"
This goal greatly relieved Wang Feng''s mood. He didn''t continue to press aggressively afterward, and the pace of the game gradually slowed down, with Olympiacos also starting to pose some threats.
Although the reserve lineup couldn''t control the game, Wang Feng''s presence represented the sharpest attack. The home team needed to allocate a lot of attention to defending him, and even then, they couldn''t necessarily stop him.
In the 33rd minute, Real Madrid intercepted Olympiacos'' attack in the backcourt. Drenthe immediately sent a long pass over the top, and the ballnded directly behind the home team''s defensive line.
Wang Feng, sandwiched between two defenders, still rushed to the ball''snding point, with one defender almost trying to hug his waist but failing to stop him, and instead falling over.
As the ball fell, the Chinese superstar immediately jumped forward and headed it, then chased after the ball again. He quickly shook off the defense and found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.
The home team goalkeeper chose to rush out, but Wang Feng flicked the ball over his head with the tip of his foot, and the ball flew into the behind him. 2-0!
After scoring, Wang Feng kissed his ring again and began to run around the field celebrating. Ral caught up with him and patted his shoulder, saying, "You kid even copied my celebration. Oh well, who made us both have happy families."
Everyone burst intoughter. They were clearly a group of handsome yers, yet inexplicably devoted, unlike a certain former Brazilian superstar from the neighborhood, who was ugly-cute and fickle.
Before the end of the first half, the Gxy battleship struck again. This time it was Reyes who intercepted the ball in midfield and dribbled towards the right nk. Wang Feng and he raced together, forming a two-on-three attack.
They cooperated to shake off the defense near the edge of the penalty area. Reyes entered the penalty area and shot with his right foot. The Olympiacos goalkeeper made a desperate save to block the ball outside the goal line, but unfortunately, the shot was too powerful, causing the ball to slip from his grasp.
Wang Feng followed up with an easy shot to score again,pleting a hat-trick! Real Madrid led 3-0 away, almost securing victory!
Reyes was a bit frustrated and scratched his head. Why was the goalkeeper so brave, causing him to miss a great chance to score? But he quickly adjusted his mindset and hugged Wang Feng to celebrate the goal together.
Chapter 371: No. 1 in history
Chapter 371: No. 1 in history
In the first half, conceding three goals in a row plunged Olympiacos into despair. In the second half, despite their efforts, they ultimatelycked the ability to breach Real Madrid''s defense four times for a sensationaleback. They only managed to score one goal after Wang Feng was substituted.
3-1! With Wang Feng''s hat-trick, the Gxy battleship secured victory in their fourth Champions League match, advancing from the group stage ahead of time. In the same group, Werder Bremen and Lazio ranked second and third, respectively, with the other qualifying spot to be determined between these two teams.
"Wang Feng''s powerful performance leads the Gxy battleship to victory, and the core of the team wees a new member." The next day, Spain''s "National Newspaper" reported on the game, focusing on the Chinese superstar''s first goal.
The article pointed out that the long-range shot was beyond belief, stating, "Perhaps in the game, it could be reproduced by adjusting the shooting attributes of the character, but this is reality! I think the nners of FIFA game must be very distressed at this moment. How many attributes should they give to this superstar to maintain bnce while simting reality?"
The "National Newspaper" also pointed out that Wang Feng''s celebration gesture heralded the arrival of new life, jokingly saying, "The century wedding this summer must have left a deep impression on many people. Although the media was not allowed to enter, there were still many leaked photos and information about the banquet, attended by many football stars and business tycoons."
"Never expected such good news so soon. It seems that the Chinese superstar is excellent in every aspect."
The "Marca" newspaper wrote an article titled "The King of European Battles Descends Again, Gxy Battleship Advances Early," stating that Wang Feng scored a hat-trick in the first half, making the oue of the match a foregone conclusion. The Gxy battleship is striving towards the great goal of defending their title.
So far, the Chinese superstar''s Champions League goal tally has reached 7, leading the scoring chart. Looking back at history, at the age of 19, he once created the miracle of scoring 21 goals in a single Champions League season. It''s hard to imagine another 19-year-old yer breaking this record in the future.
Wang Feng''s total Champions League goal tally has reached an astonishing 101 goals, ranking first in the historical goal chart. He achieved this in just six seasons. The second-ranked Ral took 12 seasons to score 59 goals, almost half of Wang Feng''s total.
"What kind of unprecedented records he will create next, we don''t know yet. But what we do know is that he is undoubtedly the king of European battles!"
Even newspapers from Catalonia couldn''t help but praise Wang Feng''s performance. The "Daily Sports" stated that with the blessing of personal happiness, the Chinese superstar unleashed the "strongest blow" in the world of football.
The league title race has reached a deadlock, and the Champions League is Barcelona''s lifeline. Fortunately, they have performed well and almost secured a spot in the next round. However, if they want to lift the trophy in the end, the Gxy battleship will be a formidable opponent they cannot avoid.
"Guardi needs to study and formte tactics to deal with Real Madrid early. Perhaps the 17th round derby will be a good opportunity to test the effectiveness of their training."
With Wang Feng''s consent, Real Madrid''s official website immediately announced the good news and sent their blessings. Major domestic media outlets and portals also reprinted the news, with fans leaving enthusiasticments to express their congrattions.
Led by Florentino, the senior management of Real Madrid personally called Wang Feng to express their care, stating that the club would provide him withprehensive convenience and assistance, and any requests would be met.
Wang Feng thanked the club for their care, understanding that making core yers feel a sense of belonging was their main purpose. But so far, everything has gone smoothly. After the match, the Chinese superstar rushed back to Madrid overnight. Seeing the beautiful face sleeping soundly, he felt extremely happy, gently lying down beside Lu Yao and falling asleep.
The next morning, when Lu Yao opened her eyes, she saw the familiar figure, feeling somewhat moved. Pregnant women''s emotions be richer, and Wang Feng made her feel cared for and loved.
After a while of intimacy, the two went downstairs for breakfast. The routine check-up had beenpleted with Wang Tian''spany, and now all they needed to do was rest and engage in moderate exercise to maintain a good mood.
"Brother Feng, do you want a boy or a girl?" Lu Yao blinked her eyes and asked, "I like both. I don''t have a specific preference. Besides, we can have both boys and girls in the future."
The two then talked about many issues rted to baby education. Overall, their views were consistent, hoping their child would have a happy childhood, respect their preferences, and not necessarily y football or do anything specific.
When everything settled down, Wang Feng notified both sets of parents. His mother was very happy and immediately expressed her desire to fly to Madrid to take care of her daughter-inw. Lu Yao''s mother also nned toe over. After all, the vi was veryrge, and living together would hardly affect each other.
Wang Feng missed the 12th round of La Liga, where Real Madrid faced Mallorca away. In this match, coach Schuster still didn''t deploy a full-strength lineup. In the 21st minute of the first half, Iguan opened the scoring for the team.
Until the game was approaching its end, everyone thought the Gxy battleship would take all three points. However, Mezquida made a mistake in the backcourt, and Mallorca''s forward Victor seized the opportunity to equalize the score with a goal.
Three points turned into one point, and the German defender looked very disappointed. He didn''t have many opportunities to y, and this mistake lowered his status in the eyes of the head coach. But football can be cruel sometimes, especially for substitute yers struggling on the fringes of the top five leagues.
After this game, Real Madrid''s record stands at 8 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, with 27 points, still leading the standings. Virreal ranks second with 6 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss, and 23 points.
Barcelona''s form has improved slightly. Currently, they have 4 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, and 17 points, climbing to fourth ce. However, this clearly did not meet the expectations of the club and the fans. Coach Guardi stated in an interview that the team went through a period of adjustment at the beginning of the season and is now moving in the right direction.
"Please give me and the team some more time and confidence. We will definitely regain our form from the past and create a new era of dreams!" He also firmly believed in this, because there was Messi!
In guiding this 20-year-old Argentine, Guardi was pleasantly surprised to find him like a treasure trove, always able to unearth various offensive abilities such as dribbling, shooting, and attacking organization. If it weren''t for Wang Feng, he even felt that Messi would be the greatest yer in the world.
So he earnestly advised Messi not to rush to challenge the ultra-high difficulty level represented by Wang Feng, maintaining a good mentality and striving to improve oneself is the key.
"Let''s take a step back. You are four years younger than Wang Feng. When he starts to decline, you will reach the peak of your career. Sooner orter, you will defeat him."
"Is Wang Feng unbeatable at his peak?" Messi said somewhat unwillingly. Guardi''s face showed a bitter smile. Although his coaching career was short-lived, he had never encountered Wang Feng in history. But from the moment he took over the coaching reins at Barcelona, he began to study the Chinese superstar.
The more he looked, the more despairing he became. No wonder no famous coach dared toe to Barcelona to face Wang Feng''s edge head-on. He was a true hexagon warrior!
Although he believed in his heart that the peak Wang Feng was unbeatable, the Spaniardforted Messi, saying, "No, what I mean is that I don''t want you to challenge and fail, leading to self-doubt and confusion. Confidence is important at all times."
Chapter 372: What kind of player is he ?
Chapter 372: What kind of yer is he ?
After the 12th round of La Liga, it''s time for another international break. For most of the Real Madrid yers, this isn''t a good day for rest because they must respond to the national team''s call-up to participate in the European Championship qualifiers.
Next year''s European Championship will be jointly hosted by Austria and Switzend, making it the most prestigious national-level event in the world of football after the World Cup. All European yers want to lift the trophy for their respective countries, reaching another pinnacle in their careers.
As a neer selected for the first time by the Portuguese national team, Pepe appeared somewhat nervous. In 2006, he received an invitation from the Brazilian national team, but due to the abundance of talent in the squad at that time, he felt he didn''t have much opportunity to shine.
Moreover, since he had been ying in Europe, he applied for Portuguese citizenship to avoid upying a non-European quota in his club. Head coach Scri strongly advised him to represent Portugal, and out of love for the country, Pepe ultimately decided to change his nationality and join the Portuguese team.
Now, with the departure of Ruicosta and Figo, the two core yers, there is no doubt that the team has be centered around Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo''s performance has been outstanding, helping Manchester United rise again and snatch the league title from "new rich" Chelsea''s hands. He has always yed a crucial role.
However, the young Portuguese yer stillcks solid individual honors. Many senior yers, such as Simao, Deco, and his rtionship with them is not friendly, even involving some conflicts.
The main reason for the conflicts lies in Cristiano Ronaldo''s temper. His refusal to ept defeat and his proud demeanor make some older yers feel disrespected.
As soon as Pepe reported, he felt the unusual atmosphere within the team. The two main factions maintained a superficial harmony, which gave him a vague sense of unease. It seems that Portugal may find it difficult to go far in this European Championship.
During training breaks, Cristiano Ronaldo approached Pepe and greeted him. Pepe felt a bit uneasy, thinking he might want to recruit him into his faction. As a neer, he didn''t want to get involved inplex struggles.
Unexpectedly, the first thing the Portuguese star asked about was Wang Feng: "Laven, you have been with Wang Feng at Real Madrid for more than a season. I want to ask you, what kind of yer do you think he is?"
Pepe was stunned for a moment, then thought for a moment and said, "If I were to describe him with one word, I think ''legendary'' is the most suitable. No matter when, he always brings confidence to his teammates and brings hope of victory to the team."
"I haven''t experienced the era of football kings like Maradona, Pel, or Beckenbauer, but I think even if they were in their heyday, they might not have performed as well as Wang Feng."
Cristiano Ronaldo''s face looked a bit unsightly. Not only did the media and footballmentators praise Wang Feng incessantly, but even his teammates almost worshipped him blindly. Is he really that magical?
Although he lost to the opponent in the UEFA Champions League semi-finalsst year, Cristiano Ronaldo believes that as long as he works harder, he still has a chance to catch up with him. And ording to thetest news, the 2007 Ballon d''Or winner is likely to be produced between the Chinese superstar and the Portuguese rising star.
The probability of winning the award himself is not high, but Cristiano Ronaldo still has some expectations in his heart. Now, hearing Pepe''s evaluation, he suddenly felt discouraged. He then asked about some details of their daily training, wanting to know where the gap between them lies.
Listening to how Wang Feng, even after achieving such sess, still demands strict requirements of himself, often trains extra, and actively thinks about many offensive tactics, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn''t help but feel admiration.
Talented yers emerge in the football world every moment, but those who have both talent and are willing to work hard are few and far between. Cristiano Ronaldo secretly swore not to fall behind. Even if he couldn''t catch up with the peak state of the Chinese superstar, being two years younger is his advantage. One day, the world''s number one yer will be me!
Pepe soon made his debut for the Portuguese national team, starting in the European Championship qualifier against Find and ying the full match. His performance wasmendable, but there were problems with the coordination between the midfield and the forward line, resulting in ack of attacking power. In the end, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Just as the national team yers returned to their clubs, the league reignited. On November 25th, in the 13th round of La Liga, the Gxy battleship weed newly-promoted Murcia at home.
This was an afternoon match, and head coach Schuster still didn''t send out the main lineup. They were too tired and needed a good rest. However, Wang Feng managed to y the full match. Over the past two weeks, he had been apanying Lu Yao off the field, making him the most leisurely person in the entire team.
Even though Real Madrid could only put out one-fifth of their strength, Murcia, as the second-tost team, still couldn''t match up. Especially with Wang Feng''s sharp attacks, these yers who lingered at the bottom of the league witnessed the power of a world superstar.
In the first half, Wang Feng scored three goals with his feet and head,pleting a hat-trick. Before being substituted in the second half, he assisted Barboa in scoring the fourth goal. In the end, the Gxy battleship won 4-0, with the Chinese superstar scoring four goals in 60 minutes.
After the match, a group of Murcia yers surrounded Wang Feng, wanting to exchange jerseys with him. However, he only had one jersey on him, so he could only choose to exchange with Goitom, who had amendable performance.
This 1.95-meter-tall Swedish forward looked somewhat simr to hispatriot Ibrahimovic, but in reality, he was far behind in both technique and physical confrontation. His best record was scoring 14 goals in the Segunda Divisin, and this season, he only scored 2 goals in La Liga.
Back in the dressing room, Wang Feng was somewhat surprised to see Florentino there. Generally, the president of Real Madrid rarely came to the dressing room to meet with everyone. With a smile on his face, he said to the Chinese superstar, "Turning the football field into a celebrity-chasing scene is truly a spectacle. It seems that the newly crowned Ballon d''Or winner is well-deserved."
Wang Feng was a little stunned before he could respond. Without waiting for him to speak, Florentino continued, "Go change into clean clothes. The people from ''France Football'' have been waiting for a long time. After the interview, let''s have dinner together."
Wang Feng quickly finished showering, changed into clean clothes, and then epted the interview and photo shoot from "France Football" in the honor room of the Bernabu.
Puffanastier said apologetically, "Our schedule is quite tight, so we can only take up your rest time after the match. The game was very exciting, and the photographer took many satisfactory photos on the sidelines."
Wang Feng waved his hand to indicate his understanding. They were very familiar with each other, so the process went smoothly, and theypleted all the work in no time. Then, the club hosted dinner for everyone. During the banquet, the atmosphere was lively and everyone enjoyed themselves.
In recent years, due to the vigorous development of the Inte, print media has gradually declined, and "France Football" is no exception. The selection of the Ballon d''Or consumes a lot of funds, so they can only try to minimize costs.
Currently, there are voices within the magazine suggesting cooperation with the "lower-tier" but financially strong FIFA Best Men''s yer award. However, this idea is still under discussion, after all, the Ballon d''Or is known for its authority, while the FIFA Best Men''s yer award focuses more on poprity, with less emphasis on past achievements.
Chapter 373: Overwhelming advantage
Chapter 373: Overwhelming advantage
Wang Feng has won his fourth European Ballon d''Or award! This news quickly spread to every corner of the world, and neither the media nor the fans were surprised becausest season, he led Real Madrid to win both the La Liga and Champions League titles, deserving such an honor.
But everyone still had a moment of astonishment because Wang Feng''s win meant that he officially broke the record of the number of awards previously set by famous football stars, bing the veritable number one in football history!
Cruyff, tini, Van Basten, these names that are well-known in the Ballon d''Or award winners'' list all dropped one ce, leaving many European old fans sighing.
In China, there was a jubnt atmosphere, with many people staying up all night, constantly refreshing the official website of "France Football" magazine until the results were announced.
From the moment it was announced on the official website, the news appeared on portals such as Sina and Sohu three secondster. Forums erupted into celebrations, with enthusiastic discussions about Wang Feng winning.
Zhang Guang is an ordinary office worker and a senior football fan. He has loved football since the 1990s, with stories like the Dutch trio, the German trio, and the dominance of aliens leaving him enthralled.
But as a Chinese, he still had regrets in his heart, that is, there was no figure of the Chinese nation on the stage of the superstars. The emergence of Wang Feng in the new millennium sessfully made up for this regret.
When he saw the photos of Wang Feng winning the award, an unparalleled sense of satisfaction and pride filled his mind. Zhang Guang suddenly jumped up from his chair, fists clenched, cheering continuously, waking up his sleeping wife and son.
His wife rubbed her eyes and said, "What happened? Why are you making such loud noises?" Listening carefully, not only in their house, it seemed that voices came from the neighboring house as well.
Zhang Guang exined with a smile, and after hearing it, his wife was also very happy, no longer questioning his staying upte and disturbing her sleep. Although she was not a football fan, she still knew about Wang Feng from various sources and knew that he was an outstandingpatriot.
Their five-year-old son didn''t make a fuss but blinked his big eyes and asked, "Did that uncle who ys football so well win another award? Dad, I want to y football in the future too."
Zhang Guang picked up his son and said, "Yes, it''s that uncle. Our treasure will also y football to make big money and win big awards in the future, haha!" This scene is just a microcosm of families across the country.
Not only wereizens and fans ecstatic, but authoritative media outlets in China also reported and congratted Wang Feng for his win in the first ce. Comprehensive channels halted their scheduled programs and urgently broadcast this news, praising Wang Feng as the pride of all Chinese and hoping he would continue to excel, creating a Chinese legend.
Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia all announced this news to their respective poptions for the first time, marking a monument in the history of Asian football, no longer dominated solely by South America and Europe!
The Japanese "Asahi Shimbun" believes that Wang Feng will continue to dominate Asian football and create more legendary performances, which is a source of pride for the entire Asian continent.
"China is the most populous country in the world, and in the strong football atmosphere, it will definitely cultivate more talented yers. Japan should seize this trend and strive to establish a good football training system, seeking out its own talents."
The Korean "Chosun Ilbo"mented that "Wang Feng not only represents China but also represents the entire Asia." The article borates that with his current achievements and status, he has already surpassed the influence of one country and is moving towards influencing a whole continent or even the same cultural circle.
Regarding Wang Feng''s award, European media also sent affirmations and congrattions, but inevitably, there was a bit of bitterness in their tone. When Wang Feng won his third European Ballon d''Or award, some media suggested urgently cultivating European superstars and not letting an Asian dominate anymore.
But the Chinese superstar was too strong, his brilliance had already overshadowed everyone else. This year, he won the La Liga championship, the Champions League championship, the UEFA Super Cup, the La Liga Golden Boot, the European Golden Boot, the Champions League top scorer, and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year.
In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, whopeted with him, only won the Premier League championship and the Premier League yer of the Year. Therefore, when it came to the Ballon d''Or selection, Wang Feng scored 544 points, while Cristiano Ronaldo only had 177 points. The Chinese won with overwhelming advantage.
The judges simply couldn''t ignore such a huge gap. Except for the two of them, other candidates such as Kaka, Messi, Drogba, and Pirlo were clearly inferior in achievements. Giving the award to these people would probably be aughingstock.
The American "New York Times" believes that Wang Feng''s appearance makes European football stars seem like they belong to a different era. "His influence has surpassed all other yers. Even in a football desert like the United States, many people will still talk about him, not anyone else."
With Wang Feng winning the award again, there was naturally a celebration within the Real Madrid team. The Chinese hosted a dinner for everyone, thanking everyone for their support and emphasizing that his achievements were rted to everyone.
Then they yed at home against Werder Bremen in the 5th round of the Champions League group stage. Since they had already qualified, head coach Schuster focused on training, and even Wang Feng was arranged on the bench.
The Bundesliga powerhouse, which wanted topete for another spot in the knockout stage, took the opportunity to attack. They scored two goals in the first half, taking the lead, while the Gxy battleship could only struggle to defend.
The enthusiastic Real Madrid fans in the stands couldn''t sit still, chanting Wang Feng''s name one after another. Although this was an insignificant match, they came to the scene just to witness the living legend.
After consulting Wang Feng''s opinion, Schuster didn''t disappoint the fans. He sent the Chinese superstar onto the field in the 65th minute, and his appearance did change the situation on the field.
Just six minutester, Wang Feng dribbled past two defenders in the frontcourt, cooperated with Reyes on the wing, broke into the penalty area sessfully, and then scored with his right foot from a small angle, helping the team pull one back.
Before the end of the game, he nned another counterattack, stole the ball himself, drove straight in, and the Werder Bremen defense treated him like a major threat, focusing all their attention on the Chinese superstar. Unexpectedly, he suddenly lofted the ball to Iguan on the other side.
In front of the Argentine youngster, it was like a morning street, and after calmly adjusting, he shot forcefully, sending the ball into the of Werder Bremen like a training shot.
2:2! Wang Feng contributed one assist and one goal in 25 minutes on the field, helping the team draw with their opponents.
Chapter 374: Wang Feng dependence ?
Chapter 374: Wang Feng dependence ?
In December, in the 14th round of La Liga, Real Madrid staged a 2-1eback victory against Santander Athletic away. In the 23rd minute of the match, the home team scored a goal by Prez, putting the away team in a disadvantaged position.
However, nearing the end of the first half, Wang Feng used a direct free kick to help the team equalize the score. Then, in the 67th minute of the second half, it was again the Chinese superstar who received a through pass from Guti, chipping the ball with his right foot inside the penalty area to score,pleting a brace and allowing the Gcticos to leave the Santander Athletic Stadium unscathed.
After the game, the rare urrence of a single match week led everyone to decide to stay in Santander for an extra day to rx. As a pleasant coastal city in northern Spain, Santander had plenty of sunshine even at the end of the year.
The Sardinero district where the Santander Athletic Stadium is located boasts vast beaches. Walking on them and gazing at the horizon made all fatigue seem to vanish.
Wang Feng said with some delight, "The environment here is really great. I can bring my wife here for vacation in the future." Having been in Spain for over a year, he was always busy with various matters and hadn''t been able to explore properly.
Ral nodded in agreement. The refreshing scenery indeed made people linger. "Since stepping onto the professional yer path, I''ve been traveling around and rarely have the opportunity to stop and enjoy the scenery, to be with family."
Like Wang Feng, he also valued family greatly. The two talked a lot about family and children, providing great inspiration for the Chinese man who was soon to be a father.
As the Gxy battleship returned to the Bernabu to face the challenge of Athletic Bilbao, Wang Feng traveled alone to Paris, France to receive the European Ballon d''Or award. Without the presence of the Chinese superstar and Robben, two frontline generals, Real Madrid struggled significantly.
Although Ral helped the team score a goal in the first half, theck of threat on the attacking end allowed the Basque Eagles to show their teeth. They quickly turned the tide with two consecutive goals and ultimately defeated Real Madrid 2-1. Fortunately, this loss did not affect their position at the top of the standings.
Three dayster, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid weed Lazio at home. The coaching staff believed that since the team had already advanced, it was not wise to expend too much energy. Therefore, they fielded a team of all substitutes and young yers. Fatigued from travel, Wang Feng didn''t even make the squad list.
The result of the match was naturally disappointing, with the Gcticos losing 0-2 to their opponents. Initially just an inconsequential match, it took on a different tone under the influence of some Catn media.
The Spanish newspaper "Vanguardia"piled all of Real Madrid''s records since Wang Feng joined and was surprised to find that without the Chinese superstar on the field, Real Madrid''s performance was very poor. They either drew or lost, with hardly any victories.
"The Gxy battleship has developed a severe dependency on Wang Feng. Without him, the team is nothing. This is not a good sign, as it means the value of other yers is not being realized."
This article was quickly circted andmented on by media outlets like "Marca," some even going so far as to say that yers other than Wang Feng were useless and not worth their current valuation.
Public opinion erupted, this was tant maniption!
Real Madrid coach Schuster quickly refuted this view in an interview: "Wang is in excellent physical and mental condition, so his attendance rate in the team is high. Generally, the matches he doesn''t participate in are either inconsequential or for training purposes. The oue cannot indicate a problem."
"When a technically outstanding and injury-resistant yer appears, I think everyone would choose to build tactics around him as the core. But that doesn''t mean others haven''t contributed. The achievements of the Gxy battleship are the result of the collective efforts of the yers, with Wang''s contribution being the greatest, that''s all."
Wang Feng also refuted the Catn media''s views in an exclusive interview with "AS": "Ral is technically refined, he has always been on the field distracting the defense. Robben is very fast, with sharp breakthroughs, and will provide favorable support for me. Guti..."
He summarized the characteristics of all the yers in one breath and concluded, "Without their support, I couldn''t achieve what I have now, and Real Madrid wouldn''t have the current results."
"I really doubt whether these media outlets understand football at all, yet they dare toment irresponsibly. It''s really too irresponsible!"
"AS" published the interview transcript as it was, allowing everyone to feel the maturity and wisdom of the Chinese superstar. He treats each teammate with care, remembering their contributions and characteristics, which is enough to move people.
The attempt by Catn media to sow discord within the Gxy battleshippletely failed, instead making the team more cohesive. Even Florentino, upon seeing the reports, couldn''t help but sigh, "Wang is truly a born leader!"
Seeing the smile on the club president''s face, Snchez understood that his mood was very good, so he chimed in, "Yes, I originally thought it was a major crisis for the team, but I didn''t expect Wang Feng to resolve it with wisdom in an instant."
"To be honest, I now want to recruit him into the Real Madrid management. He would surely do a great job, but considering his age, I''m afraid we''ll have to wait many more years. Let him first achieve extraordinary results for the Gxy battleship, haha."
The Spaniard''s expression suddenly became serious, and he said, "How is Ral''s attitude? Is he willing to leave Real Madrid voluntarily?" The rift between the Real Madrid president and captain was almost a public secret within the club, but both were very rational and did not have a falling out.
The root cause of the conflict was ipatible ideologies. Ral admired former president Sanz and disliked Florentino, a businessman. He also had reservations about his superstar policy, hoping Real Madrid would continue to adhere to localization.
The period of irreconcbility between the two was in the 2003-2004 season, when the Gxy battleship''s performance was poor. The Real Madrid captain made some unfavorable remarks, angering Florentino, who even personally instructed "Marca" to smear him.
With Wang Feng''s arrival, the team also achieved results, so these conflicts gradually went underground. However, Florentino had no intention of keeping Ral until retirement. This was also why the Real Madrid captain was pessimistic about ending his career with the Gcticos.
Snchez also put away his smile, somewhat helplessly saying, "He feels that his form has not declined significantly yet, so he currently has no intention of leaving. Moreover, he is very popr among the fans, and Valdano also speaks highly of him. It''s probably difficult to move him now."
Florentino nodded, realizing that this matter could only be approached gradually, "Keep a close eye on the situation in the dressing room, further enhance Wang''s position in the dressing room, and it would be best for him to take over as captain after Ral leaves."
Snchez was surprised, "President, ording to convention, the Real Madrid captaincy is based on seniority. Next should be Casis, and besides, Wang Feng is a foreigner."
Florentino abruptly interrupted him, "What kind of thing is Casis? He''s a ck hole, a scam, a huge failure for the team. I will never allow such a person to be captain!" For some reason, the Real Madrid president had a deep-seated prejudice against San Iker.
"Wang Feng is smarter than all the others. Him bing captain is the most suitable choice." Snchez nodded with a bitter smile. This was really a tough job. Doing these things without disrupting the team''s harmony was indeed a test of "technique."
Chapter 375: Win the Club World Cup
Chapter 375: Win the Club World Cup
After a brief turmoil, Real Madrid quickly settled down internally and the whole team went to Japan to participate in the Club World Cup. This year marked the third year of the event, with seven participating teams, including the champions from six continents and an additional slot for the host team.
Wang Feng was no stranger to the Club World Cup. He had led Inter Mn to participate in several editions of the Toyota Cup, even leaving thest trophy in Yokohama.
However,pared to the Toyota Cup where the champions of Europe and South America shed, the Club World Cup had arger scale. With more participating teams, thepetition was fiercer. Although European champions had a higher position, the Gxy battleship still had to start from the semifinals. Their opponent was Urawa Red Diamonds from the Japanese J-League.
When the Real Madrid team appeared at Tokyo International Airport, enthusiastic fans had already gathered at the exit to wee them. Especially when Wang Feng appeared, the cheers reached their peak.
The Chinese superstar naturally took it in stride, but others were obviously taken aback by the reception. Ral eximed in surprise, "You''re really popr here, it''s like being at home."
"Of course, there are few Asian yers who can y at this level. Unlike in Europe or South America, where there''s a bunch of stars, so there''s nothing particrly special about them." Guti shrugged and joked.
In addition to Wang Feng''s poprity, the Gxy battleship was also popr in Japan, thanks to Florentino''s internationalization and superstar strategy. This team had be a benchmark for giants, with a huge fan base worldwide.
After interacting with some fans in the front rows, everyone boarded a bus to Yokohama, where the matches would be held at the International Stadium Yokohama.
Before the start of the match, as both teams lined up in the yer tunnel preparing to enter the field, the Urawa Red Diamonds yers seemed very excited. Some were whispering to each other with their heads down, asionally ncing at the Real Madrid yers with expressions of admiration and envy in their eyes.
Feeling their gaze, Wang Feng turned his head with a friendly smile, greatly encouraging the opponents. After all, he was the number one yer in the world!
Tanaka Da, Urawa Red Diamonds'' starting forward, was one year older than Wang Feng, but at the moment he saw the Chinese superstar, he felt like he was a senior, silently determined to perform well.
Once the match started, Tanaka Da realized how naive his thoughts were. He couldn''t even get the ball! The Gxy battleship''s pressure on Urawa Red Diamonds wasprehensive, with the Japanese team''s midfield and forward linespletely disconnected.
In the 17th minute, Wang Feng received Sneijder''s through pass on the left, forcefully dribbled past two defenders, entered the penalty area, and curved a shot with the outside of his right foot.
The ball spun rapidly in the air, drawing a perfect arc, heading straight for the far corner of the goal, hitting the post and bouncing into the, putting Real Madrid 1-0 ahead!
Just five minutester, the Chinese superstar showed his dominance again. Reyes chipped a ball from the right into the penalty area, Wang Feng leaned against the defender and lifted his right foot to volley, the ball hitting the ground hard inside the penalty area, then bouncing high into the, leaving the Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper with no time to react.
Tanaka Da watched these two goals from close range with an incredulous expression on his face. Could football be yed like this? Under Wang Feng''s pressure, their defense seemed non-existent.
With a two-goal lead, Real Madrid gradually slowed down the pace of the game. After all, this was the opponent''s home ground, but they still firmly controlled the situation, giving Urawa Red Diamonds no chance.
At the end of the first half, the Chinese superstar was substituted off. In the second half, Ral and Sneijder scored two more goals, leading the Gxy battleship to a 4-0 victory and smoothly advancing to the final. Their opponent would be the Copa Libertadores champions, Boca Juniors.
After all the twists and turns, it was still the champions of Europe and South Americapeting for the final trophy, representing the dominance of the two continents in football.
Both sides fielded their full-strength lineups. Real Madrid lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with only Robben and Heinze missing due to injury, while Boca Juniors also yed a 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Caranta.
The defense consisted of Ibarra, Maidana, Pnta, and Morel.
The midfieldprised Banega, Gonzalez, Battaglia, and Cardozo.
The forwards were Palermo and Pcios.
In the early stages of the match, both sides seemed evenly matched in attack and defense. In the 4th minute, Palermo attempted a long-range shot from outside the penalty area that went over the crossbar, and two minutester, Real Madrid responded with a long pass from Guti, with Wang Feng''s subsequent shot narrowly missing the post.
In the 21st minute, Wang Feng dribbled through the center and entered the penalty area. Suddenly, he took a shot, which was blocked by the defender Maidana. The Chinese superstar quickly followed up and regained control of the ball.
This time, he feigned a shot, pretending to shoot before flicking the ball to his left foot and then chipping it, catching the Boca defenders off guard. The ball sailed into the top left corner of the. "goooooooooooooooal! Goal! Wang Feng opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"His positive attitude led to this goal. After the first shot was blocked, Wang Feng quickly reacted and regained possession, leading to a second attack."
"It''s this indomitable character on the field that allows Wang Feng to repeatedly contribute brilliant goals, bringing countless honors to himself and the team."
Ten minutester, Boca Juniors took advantage of apse in concentration in Real Madrid''s defense to equalize. It was a corner kick opportunity, and the South American champions chose to take it quickly. Real Madrid''s marking was wed, and Pcios headed the ball into the from six meters out to level the score.
The score remained unchanged until the end of the first half. After the break, when Real Madrid had a free-kick opportunity in the opponent''s half, everyone knew what wasing next.
Wang Feng slowly backed away from the penalty spot, took a deep breath, sprinted to take the shot. The ball curved around the wall, suddenly changing direction after passing the wall, leaving Caranta helpless as it fell into the, making it 2-1!
Immediately after, Sneijder sent a deadly through pass to the Boca Juniors'' defense. In the penalty area, Wang Feng faced Maidana and Pnta, but he still forcefully pushed past them, sessfully beating the offside trap and forming a one-on-one situation.
Then he directly chipped the ball, hitting Caranta''s gloves as he came out. Before the Argentine could rejoice, he was horrified to find that the ball''s momentum was too strong, slipping out of his hands and rolling into the behind him, making it 3-1! Wang Feng scored a hat-trick!
This goalpletely shattered Boca Juniors'' yers'' mental defenses. They began to grow restless, and even in the 79th minute, Ibarra crudely fouled Wang Feng, receiving his second yellow card of the match and being sent off.
Seeing Wang Feng fall, Schuster''s heart skipped a beat. Even though there was no serious injury, he dared not leave the Chinese superstar on the field any longer, so he reced him with Soldado.
Even so, with one less yer, the South American champions couldn''t reverse the score. Real Madrid won the final victory, lifting the Club World Cup trophy!
Chapter 376: Who else
Chapter 376: Who else
After the match, Wang Feng, who scored a hat-trick, was sessfully elected as the MVP of the final. The Real Madrid team joyfully received their championship medals, and finally, captain Ral lifted the championship trophy.
This trophy resembled an hourss, thicker at both ends and thinner in the middle. Most of it was silver, with a circr golden tray at the bottom and a golden sphere embedded at the top, resembling a miniature version of the Earth.
Having won both the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup sessively this season, trophies that the Gxy battleship had not previouslyid its hands on, the yers were in high spirits. Ral smiled and said to Wang Feng, "Wang, let''s celebrate in a special way."
The Chinese superstar readily agreed. They ced the trophy on the long table prepared by the organizers, and Wang Feng and Raly on either side, kissing the trophy. The rest of the yers and head coach Schuster cheered and celebrated behind the long table.
This scene was captured by photographers and made the front-page headlines of major media outlets the next day. It became an eternal ssic moment, once again demonstrating the harmonious atmosphere within the Gxy battleship to the fans.
Next, the schedule remained tight, and the Real Madrid team needed to rush to Pamplona, Spain, to participate in the 16th round of La Liga against Osasuna. Wang Feng informed the club of his leave as he needed to go to Switzend to attend the annual FIFA awards ceremony held at the Zurich Opera House.
In his absence, the team lost again, fatigued from the travel and rotation. The Gxy battleship ultimately lost 1-2 to Osasuna. After the match, head coach Schuster expressed satisfaction with everyone''s performance.
"The continuous tough matches and the bad jetg affected us, but I am pleased to see the yers'' fighting spirit on the field. Our cohesion has grown stronger after experiencing some things!"
This time, Lu Yao did not apany Wang Feng. She was not suitable for long-distance travel at the moment, which disappointed the designers at Armani, who had prepared beautiful dresses for her this year.
They even consulted Wang Feng''s opinion, hoping he would apany a domestic female star to the awards ceremony. However, he politely declined. The only person who could stand by his side was Lu Yao.
On the evening of December 19, 2007, three hours before the awards ceremony, the Chinese superstar was still making final preparations at the hotel. Balmond sat on the sofa chair beside him and asked, "Wang, FIFA''s confidentiality work is too good. Are you confident about winning the big prize?"
Wang Feng smiled lightly. "Besides me, who else?" This year wasn''t an international tournament year, and his performance was still outstandingpared to the previous year. It could be said that anyone other than him would cause huge controversy if awarded.
Balmond nodded. Over the years, he felt that the luckiest thing for him was to meet Wang Feng at a critical moment and seize the opportunity to sign this superstar. Otherwise, with his rising speed, famous agents would soon be flocking to him, and he wouldn''t stand a chance.
In addition to Wang Feng, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi appeared as candidates for the first time among the top three. This also marked the arrival of a new era dominated by the younger generation.
However, the two of them had no confidence in winning the award. Messi was indifferent to being empty-handed, while Cristiano Ronaldo had gone through great hardships to help the team win the Premier League title, only to end up empty-handed. Even his smile seemed forced.
As a "senior", Wang Feng had rich experiencepeting for the FIFA Ballon d''Or with yers like Ronaldo, Zidane, Henry, Ronaldinho, etc. He carefully guided the neers in participating in interviews and various activities arranged by FIFA until they finally sat in the middle of the front row of the Opera House.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the best young yers in variouspetitions. Argentine youngster Aguero and German rising star Kroos won the awards for the U21 and U17 World Cups respectively.
Next, the annual best yer in beach ser was awarded to Brazilian star Buru, and the Fair y Award was given to Barcelona. They had provided free advertising space on their jerseys to UNICEF and sponsored impoverished orphans over the past year.
The FIFA President''s Award went to Brazilian legend Pel, and the FIFA Women''s World yer was once again awarded to Brazilian star Marta. Although they did not win the Women''s World Cup, the performance of the Brazilian team was impressive.
The final highlightthe FIFA Ballon d''Orwas presented by FIFA President tter and football legend Pel. As tter slowly opened the envelope in his hand, the whole venue held its breath, waiting for the result.
The big screen behind the stage yed highlight reels of Wang Feng, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi''s performances over the past year, showcasing various extraordinary goals, making people marvel at their young age but exceptional skills.
At this moment, the TV broadcast focused on Wang Feng''s face. He calmly gazed at the stage until his name resounded through the Zurich Opera House, then he showed a shallow smile.
The Chinese superstar was elected with 1,247 votes, Messi ranked second with 404 points, and Cristiano Ronaldo came in third with 326 points. Following them were Drogba, Ronaldinho, Gerrard, Pirlo, Ribry, Henry, and Buffon.
After slowly standing up, he hugged Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi beside him one by one. Both of them showed regretful expressions. After all, this was their first time being in the top three, and who wouldn''t want to win the top prize?
However, they generously congratted Wang Feng and watched him walk to the stage to receive the award. Taking the trophy from Pel''s hands, the Chinese superstar stepped up to the microphone and cheekily said, "Here I am again, hehe."
Laughter and warm apuse erupted in the Opera House. After everything subsided, Wang Feng continued, "Thank you, FIFA, thank you to all the judges, thank you everyone. Thank you very much for your love and support." With that, he bowed deeply in gratitude, and the audience erupted into thunderous apuse once again.
"Being able to lift the FIFA Ballon d''Or trophy for the fourth time is a great honor and motivation for me. It will remind me to always live up to this trophy."
"This honor belongs not only to me but also to everyone at Real Madrid. It is because of their strong support that the club has achieved many honors in the past year, and I have been able to perform."
"Finally, I want to dedicate this award to my family, especially to my soon-to-be-born little baby. It is you who have always given me strength. As long as you are with me, I will never be lost!"
As soon as he finished speaking, another round of thunderous apuse and cheers erupted, with everyone shouting Wang Feng''s name, apuding and cheering for this world superstar.
During the awarding process, there was also a big blunder. Pel actually mistakenly gave the second-ce trophy to Cristiano Ronaldo because he seemed to have won more honors this year ording to his impression.
But in reality, Messi was the second-ce winner! Here, it is worth mentioning FIFA''s bias towards South American yers. The embarrassing situation left the two neers at a loss as to how to respond.
Fortunately, the host reacted promptly and guided Pel to redistribute the trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo''s face was as calm as water, feeling as if he had been pped several times. He could barely muster a smile for the final group photo.
Chapter 377: Derby on christmas eve
Chapter 377: Derby on christmas eve
"How to evaluate Wang Feng? I''m afraid everyone has heard too many words of praise, such as powerful, outstanding technique, magical kid, on par with legends, and so on. What I want to say is special. Throughout the history of football, I''m afraid it''s hard to find a second yer like him!"
"Just awarded the FIFA President''s Special Award, three-time World Cup champion, football king Pel said so, and he was interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC."
"His rise was too rapid. At 16, he became the mainstay of a top Belgian league team. At 17, he won the league cup and was the top scorer. At 18, he entered the stage of the five major leagues. At 19, he lifted the Champions League trophy and was the top scorer."
"Such a career experience is unprecedented. It''s probably hard for future yers to replicate. Therefore, it seems that he spans two eras, able topete with yers like Zidane, Ronaldo, etc., and also surpassing neers like Kak, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi."
"His uniqueness not only lies here but also in his physique and luck. Looking at Wang Feng''s career, he has never been troubled by injuries. Lady Luck seems to have always favored him, allowing him to continue to dominate football."
"Of course, these external factors only determine the yer''s floor. It''s their own efforts that determine the ceiling, and Wang Feng happens to be a hardworking person."
"From his debut to now, it''s hard to see any scandalous news about him, only focused practice, and more practice. I admit that this kind of life is boring and may not be suitable for all yers, but at least for Wang Feng, his hard work has paid off."
"I noticed him very early on, so I can see thatpared to a few years ago, Wang Feng''s technique has made a qualitative leap, which is the result of training."
"Football king and World Cup honors? This kind of evaluation is somewhat unfair. Wang Feng single-handedly led the Chinese team to the World Cup semi-finals. I believe if he were in a football powerhouse, he would have won the World Cup trophy effortlessly. This is not a baseless spection."
"In my mind, he is already a football king, and I believe my old buddy Maradona would agree with this view."
"This year''s FIFA World yer selection also has a controversy, that is, Messi ranked ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, and even Pel himself made a big mistake, but he couldn''t help but defend his South Americanpatriot."
" Messi''s talent is almost overflowing. He is so young and talented. It''s understandable that coaches and captains from various countries prefer him a bit."
"Both he and Cristiano Ronaldo are leading figures among the new generation of stars. I think we can have fewer meaningless arguments and work together towards the distant Wang Feng is the right way."
Pel''s interview caused a huge response worldwide, with countless media outlets reprinting it. When Wang Feng surpassed the record to win the Ballon d''Or and the FIFA World yer Award for the fourth time, it meant that the football world was undergoing earth-shaking changes.
Various disputes over historical status, the battle for the football king, emerged endlessly. People seem very keen on ranking yers,paring current yers with past stars, and even spawning two distinct camps: "ancient blow" and "modern football intensity theory."
But all of this has nothing to do with Wang Feng. He remains humble and maintains his own pace. After the awards ceremony, he returned to Madrid the next day to start training, declining more interview requests.
Everything is just for the Centennial Derby on Christmas Eve. The Gxy battleship will face Barcelona at the Bernabu, and on the day before the match, Wang Feng will show his Ballon d''Or trophy and FIFA World yer trophy to all fans.
So this game must not be lost. Otherwise, both the club and Wang Feng will lose face. Although Barcelona''s league performance has been very poor this season, the forms of Messi, Eto''o, and Henry are gradually improving. They will not easily give up the opportunity to strike Real Madrid.
At La Masia Training Base in the center of Barcelona, the Barcelona yers are preparing intensively for the Centennial Derby. Iniesta said to Messi, who had just returned to the team, "I heard that Real Madrid will celebrate Wang Feng''s double title before the next round of matches. Let''s take the spotlight away from them at the Bernabu and avenge you for missing the trophy."
Messi nodded, but then shook his head and said, "Wang Feng deserves this award, and I''m far from it yet. But we can indeed strike at Real Madrid, especially when they are exhausted from continuous battles."
Captain Puyol also stood up to cheer for his teammates, "Yes, think about the humiliation Wang Feng left us with. Now is a good opportunity for revenge!" Everyone nodded, especially Iniesta. Wang Feng''s injury to him was too deep.
Henry, who didn''t understand Spanish very well, could tell from the atmosphere that he should stand up against Real Madrid with everyone else. His performance this season was not outstanding, and he hadn''t adapted to the La Liga environment quickly enough as a neer.
However, the young coach Guardi trusted him very much and gave the Frenchman a high tactical position. Henry was very grateful and wanted to contribute to the team.
Before the Centennial Derby, Real Madrid still had a Copa del Rey match to y. Their opponent was cantano from Segunda Division B, and it was an away game.
Head coach Schuster repeated his tactics, letting the assistant coach lead the substitute lineup topete, leaving the main lineup to train and rest well in Madrid. They couldn''t afford to be tossed around everywhere.
Nevertheless, the Gxy battleship still won 2-1 against cantano, even though the substitute yers'' strength was still stronger than that of the Segunda Division B team.
As the Centennial Derby approached, the team led by Guardi finally arrived in Madrid. After checking in at the hotel, they immediately started closed-door training without epting any media interviews or paying attention to the enthusiastic Real Madrid fans outside the hotel.
Because the match was on Christmas Eve night, the scale of the audience was unprecedentedlyrge. Many citizens on vacation chose to watch the game as entertainment, and then celebrate Christmas with like-mindedpanions in bars or restaurants.
Tickets for the event were always insufficient, and this time, they were even sold at a sky-high price of 4000 euros, leaving many spectators astonished. In order not to disappoint enthusiastic fans, La Liga decided to cooperate with cinema chains to broadcast the game on the big screen.
This was definitely a new attempt. More than seventy cinemas nationwide were very interested and agreed to allocate precious Christmas slots for the game. Therefore, everyone could enjoy the high-definition game on the big screen, and at the same time, thementary sound quality would be excellent, giving people a strong audio-visual impact.
Of course, traditional TV broadcasts would not be neglected either. ording to statistics, the audience rating for the Centennial Derby is increasing year by year. Due to the direct confrontation between Wang Feng, the world''s number one, and Messi, the gifted, more and more people around the world are bing interested in the game.
The Asian region is needless to say, the overall audience share of La Liga is increasing, and for this reason, the league has specially discussed the timing of the matches, nning to hold some matches in the afternoon to better amodate Asian fans'' time.
Europe and South America are also paying special attention. What''s even more surprising is that in a country like the United States, which doesn''t value football much, there is also nearly tens of millions of viewership.
These people seem to not care who wins or loses, nor are they die-hard fans of a certain person or team. They just want to see heavyweight matches, the strong dialogue between superstars.
Chapter 378: Fast-growing new Barcelona
Chapter 378: Fast-growing new Barcelona
On the morning of the match, Wang Feng made a phone call to Lu Yao at the training base. Lu Yao reassured him that everything was fine with their family, and she had initially wanted to go to the Bernabu to watch the game. Clubs usually reserve some tickets for yers'' families. However, Wang Feng firmly rejected the idea: "The stadium is crowded and chaotic. What if something happens? You''d better stay at home and wait for me. I''lle back immediately after the match to spend Christmas with you."
After hanging up the phone, he went to the restaurant to have breakfast with his teammates. While browsing the real-time news on his phone, most of the news was about predictions for the oue of the Centennial Derby and the verbal battles between the two sides'' supporters.
Most of them mentioned that Wang Feng would disy the Ballon d''Or trophy before the match, which made the Chinese superstar feel some pressure. This game was very important for both the team and himself.
Before the morning training, head coach Schuster usually discussed the tactical arrangements with the coaching staff and then briefed the yers. Sometimes he would also listen to some favorable opinions.
After strengthening the midfield and defense during the summer and half a season of adjustment, Real Madrid''s defense was no longer as leaky asst year. However, some key yers were still injured and unable to y, so Schuster still positioned the team rtively conservatively.
"Maintain a solid defense and seize the opportunity to counterattack," he said to the yers before training. "Everyone should stick to their positions, mark their opponents as usual,press Barcelona''s passing space, andunch a quick counterattack once we regain possession."
"Wang, you can judge the timing of your runs based on the situation on the field. I know you''re very fast and y a big role in defense, so I won''t restrict your movement range. But remember one principle: our counterattacks must be sharp!"
Wang Feng nodded solemnly. "Don''t worry, I know what to do." Schuster smiled satisfactorily. Wang Feng was such a reliable and reassuring yer.
He then exined the tactics to the other yers one by one. Overall, they must not fall into Barcelona''s rhythm. They needed to apply pressure through continuous pressing and movement but also avoid being too aggressive and risking defensive mistakes. It was crucial to strike a bnce.
An hour before the game, Barcelona announced their starting lineup. The team formation was 4-3-3, with Valds as the goalkeeper.
The defenders were Puyol, Milito, Mrquez, and Abidal.
In midfield were Deco, Xavi, and Iniesta.
The forwards were Messi, Eto''o, and Henry.
Messi had grown into the soul of Barcelona''s attack. Although he was only 20 years old this year, his talent and strength were enough to justify the coach''s decision.
At the same time, his position on the field was as unpredictable as Wang Feng''s. He could organize in the center or break through along the wings. With his superb vision and passing ability, he was indeed a headache for opponents.
Before the start of the match, Wang Feng walked into the Bernabu alone with the Ballon d''Or trophy. He was greeted by thunderous apuse, and all the home fans were shouting his name at the top of their lungs.
When he reached the temporary stage set up in the middle of the field, he ced the trophy on the table and spoke into the microphone, "I''m very happy to achieve this historic breakthrough at Real Madrid. This great achievement is inseparable from this great club!"
"Here, I want to thank the club, the coaching staff, my teammates, and especially the fans. Thank you all for your continuous support. These two trophies are also because of you!"
After that, he bowed deeply towards the stands, and the fans became even more crazy. Some people were even moved to tears. Wang Feng always kept them in his heart. How could they not love such an idol?
Then Wang Feng shared some of his feelings and future prospects. He promised to take the Gxy battleship to a new level and achieve even greater glory in the future.
After the presentation ceremony, the yers from both sides entered the field. As the referee blew the whistle, the highly anticipated Christmas Eve battle officially began at the Bernabu. The home fans were very excited, and their cheers never stopped from the beginning of the match.
Barcelona kicked off first, and Messi passed the ball back to their own half. Then they began their possession-based attack, gradually prating Real Madrid''s defense. Real Madrid''s defensive yers concentrated in the midfield and backfield, waiting patiently.
Soon, the away team created a chance. Messi received the ball in the frontcourt, dribbled past Diarra, and then broke into the area near the goal line, passing to Henry.
After receiving the ball, the Frenchman feigned a shot, but actually made a short pass back to Messi, whose powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area was fiercely blocked out by Casis, earning Barcelona their first corner of the game.
Deco lofted the ball into the penalty area, where Eto''o jumped to head the ball first, but his header narrowly missed the crossbar. Three minutes into the game, the away team had already created two threatening shots on goal.
Wang Feng kept retreating to near his own penalty area to participate in defense. He had a deeper understanding of Barcelona''s attacking system, with Messi''s ymakingbined with the threats of Eto''o and Henry, this team was bing terrifying.
If it weren''t for Ronaldinho leaving at the beginning of the season and Barcelona needing time to rebuild, plus Henry not fully adapting to the changes in the environment, their league performance would not be like this.
Wang Feng had a feeling that Barcelona would be Real Madrid''s toughest opponent next season! Of course, these were all future considerations. At this moment, he only had one belief in his mind: victory.
Soon, Real Madrid also got a chance to attack. Pepe sent a long pass to Wang Feng''s position, who managed to hold onto the ball despite being sandwiched between Puyol and Mrquez.
Mrquez had to choose to bring down the Chinese superstar, and the referee''s whistle sounded. He went to warn the Mexican defender to be a bit more careful, but did not show a card.
The Gxy battleship won a free kick in the opponent''s half, and Wang Feng personally took the kick. He sent a quick and sharp lob, but unfortunately, the angle was too tricky, and the ball hit the outside of the post and went out of bounds.
He scratched his head in frustration. It was such a pity. Barcelona''s goalkeeper Valds was already helpless. As long as the ball had been a little more inside, it would definitely have been a goal, reducing the pressure on Real Madrid after taking the lead.
When the head coach, Jules Sousa, blew the halftime whistle, the scoreboard still showed a goalless draw. This result was unexpected to everyone because in the past few encounters, both sides had created many goals.
However, the game process was not dull. Barcelona had 10 shots, 6 of which were on target, and a possession rate of 63%. Among them, Messi''s performance was the most outstanding, continuously escaping the defense to threaten Real Madrid''s goal.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, had 8 shots, 5 of which were on target, all created through quick counterattacks. Wang Feng, with his sharp speed and excellent ball control, tore open Barcelona''s defense.
But it seemed that luck was not on either side. Barcelona''s shots either missed the goal or were saved by Casis, while Real Madrid, especially Wang Feng, hit the woodwork twice, missing excellent opportunities.
Chapter 379: One hit
Chapter 379: One hit
At halftime, both the Real Madrid and Barcelona coaches were not entirely satisfied with the game''s result. In the away team''s dressing room, Guardi frowned and said, "We had the upper hand in the first half, both in terms of shots and possession. Why couldn''t we break through their defense?"
"Thierry, I want you to move more on the wings and support Messi to create more threats in attack." Henry nodded in agreement, although he didn''t like ying on the wings, he was willing to sacrifice for the team.
"Samuel, you''re a pivot up front. Try to consume Real Madrid''s defensive focus as much as possible, creating tactical space for Ro and Thierry." Eto''o indicated his understanding of the coach''s instructions.
"Although Real Madrid''s defense has improved significantlypared tost season, it''s not impregnable. Let''s continue to work hard in the second half and bring them a humiliating defeat!"
"Alright!"
Meanwhile, in the Real Madrid dressing room, Schuster felt that the defense allowed Barcelona too many attacking threats. "We can''t just rely on their bad luck or Casis'' heroics. We must contain their attacks outside the penalty area."
"Ral, Sergio, your defense can be more resolute. Disturb their rhythm and interrupt their attacks more, don''t be afraid tomit fouls." Pepe and Ramos nodded in response.
"Wang, you performed well in the first half, but luck was not on our side. Continue to pressure Barcelona''s defense in the second half. I believe the goddess of fate will be on our side."
"Come on everyone, win this game and wee the arrival of Christmas!"
"Wee back, dear audience. Now, we bring you the second half of the 17th round of La Liga, the Centennial Derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The game has just begun."
"In the first half, both sides provided many exciting moments, but unfortunately, no goals were scored. Who will break the deadlock in the second half?"
"Look at Messi''s attack this time, beautiful! Pepe cleanly intercepted the ball, not giving the Argentine a chance to shine. It''s clear that we can''t let Messi control the ball for too long, or it will cause big trouble."
In the second half, Barcelona yers found that Real Madrid''s defense was even more determined, resulting in more physical contact and fouls. The referee''s whistle sounded frequently, and Pepe even received a yellow card for it.
However, Barcelona''s attack was indeed affected by this. Messi''sck of physical confrontation ability and experience made it difficult for the team to advance when he was restricted.
After solving the defensive problem, it was time for the offense. Wang Feng appeared very patient, constantly drawing the attention of two defensive yers. He kept moving around, believing that opportunities would arise.
On the sidelines, Guardi frowned and asionally nced at the electronic screen, which clearly showed that more than 60 minutes had passed.
Why was Wang Feng so energetic? After such a long and intensepetition, both sides inevitably showed signs of fatigue, except for the Chinese superstar, who seemed full of vitality, shuttling between offense and defense.
Puyol almost failed to keep up with his rhythm several times. Guardi was considering whether to rece him with a fresher defender to limit Wang Feng, but he was reluctant to substitute the Spanish captain, who had rich defensive experience.
Just as he hesitated, a dramatic change urred on the field. Messi dribbled through the middle, but Pepe once again stood in his way. The Argentine seemed hesitant, so he passed the ball to Iniesta.
But Ashley Cole''s quick interception disrupted the pass, and Ramos rushed out to make the steal.
Then he dribbled the ball into the opponent''s half, initiating a quick counterattack. Wang Feng immediately reacted by sprinting forward at high speed, leaving Puyol far behind and only barely keeping up with Mrquez, thanks to Wang Feng intentionally reducing his speed to avoid being offside.
After crossing the midfield, Ramos nced at the situation ahead. Ral was nearby, with his back to the goal, and Guti was on the other side, ready to receive the ball. Only Wang Feng ran deeper.
He quickly made a decision. Ramos sent a long pass directly behind Barcelona''s defense, and at the moment Ramos released the ball, Wang Feng suddenly elerated. The timing was perfect, and his strength instantly shook off Mrquez, rendering his attempt to grab Wang Feng''s jersey futile.
Sessful offside trap! The ball drew a rainbow-like arc in the air, and Wang Feng urately ran to thending spot near the edge of the penalty area. Lifting his right foot, he calmly finished the shot without any mistake.
Barcelona''sst hope of luck in defense waspletely shattered. Goalkeeper Valds decisively chose to rush towards Wang Feng, "Is he going to break to the right? Yes, definitely to the right!" He thought to himself as he dove to the right.
No! The Spanish goalkeeper realized in despair that it was a step-over dribble, the famous move of "the Alien" Ronaldo, but Wang Feng took it to another level. His body swayed even more, and the confusion was stronger!
After getting past the goalkeeper, Wang Feng didn''t hesitate, calmly slotting the ball into the empty, under the witness of tens of thousands of people.
"Goal! Goal! Goooooooooooooooooooal!"
"The game has reached the 72nd minute, the first goal finally arrives. Wang Feng tears apart Barcelona''s defense with his sharp speed and magnificent step-over move, giving the Gxy battleship the lead!"
"Whether it''s breaking through the defense, stopping the ball at high speed, or finally dribbling past the goalkeeper, Wang Feng''s handling in just a few moves demonstrates his superb skills."
"Ashley Cole and Ramos'' joint defense also contributed to this goal, intercepting the attack while nning a quick counterattack, helping Wang Feng score!"
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t slow down, directly crossing the sideline and going to the stands, raising his arms in celebration, drawing everyone''s admiration. Ramos, who came after him, jumped onto his back, "Haha, I knew you could do it! How was my pass!"
"Not just good, it was perfect!" Wang Feng smiled and replied. Other teammates surrounded them, excitedly patting their heads. This was a goal as precious as gold!
On the sidelines, Guardi covered his head in anguish, kneeling on the ground. It was Wang Feng again who defeated Barcelona; he seemed to be the Catn team''s nemesis.
He hesitated for a while whether to substitute the exhausted Puyol. Wang Feng seized the opportunity to score. This made the Spanish coach very frustrated. If only he had made the decision earlier, it would be difficult to try to remedy the situation now.
As expected, even after recing Puyol with the fresh Tura, they couldn''t reverse the situation. Furthermore, Barcelona''s attack became less smooth.
This was mainly due to the blow to morale caused by conceding a goal and Wang Feng''s lightning-fast movements firmly imprinted in their opponents'' minds. They didn''t dare to go all out in attack, fearing they would leave gaps for him to exploit.
In the end, relying solely on Wang Feng''s lone goal, the Gxy battleship secured a 1-0 victory over Barcelona at home, winning this Christmas Eve Centennial Derby!
Chapter 380: No holiday experience
Chapter 380: No holiday experience
Post-match press conference, Barcelona coach Guardi expressed helplessness, saying the team had done well enough butcked some luck, resulting in defeat.
"In fact, we had a certain advantage on the field, as can be seen from the statistics, but Real Madrid''s defense is very strong, and they also have Wang Feng."
"I have been paying close attention to him on the sidelines, so I deeply understand his threat on the offensive end. Therefore, Barcelona''s defense needs to be further strengthened. We believe the team will continue to improve and put an end to the recent unfavorable results against Real Madrid as soon as possible."
Real Madrid coach Schuster said that Barcelona is definitely not as weak as it appears on the league table. "Their lineup is very reasonable, whether it''s the front line, midfield, or backline, they have shining stars. After the initial adjustment period of the season, they are gradually showing their strength."
At the same time, he was very satisfied with his own team''s performance. "Our defense is mainlyposed of young yers, such as Pepe, Ramos, and Cole, they are gradually growing into a strong backbone, showing tenacity and fighting spirit."
"The defense has improved a lotpared tost year, and Wang Feng is still the key figure for victory on the offensive end. He is always so stable, making people feel extra reassured."
Wang Feng also attended the press conference. When asked about his post-match thoughts, he said, "Of course, I am very happy to win the game, but honestly, I really want to go home now. You know, today is Christmas Eve, and my wife is waiting for me at home."
This answer made everyone smile. Who wouldn''t want to leave work early? So, with everyone''s cooperation, all routine work was quicklypleted.
When Wang Feng arrived home, it was almost midnight. However, the living room was still brightly lit. His wife Lu Yao and sister were dozing off on the sofa, with snacks and cakes on the coffee table in front of them.
"Hey, you two, why aren''t you going to bed yet?" Wang Feng gently woke them up and said, "Especially Yao Yao, it''s already sote. What if you ruin your health by staying up like this?"
Lu Yao said apologetically, "Just this once, I want to celebrate Christmas with you." Seeing her gentle and delicate expression, Wang Feng couldn''t bear to scold her.
His sister quickly changed the subject and said, "Brother, you were so handsome today. Several times I thought we were going to lose, but we ended up winning, and it was you who sealed the victory."
Wang Feng said teasingly, "Humph, of course, we would win." Then he learned that after watching the game, the mothers wanted them to rest, but Lu Yao insisted on waiting for Wang Feng toe back. Unable to persuade the elders, they had to let her be.
"You, you." Wang Feng hugged Lu Yao tenderly. "Merry Christmas, Yao Yao!" With the arrival of midnight, the three of them raised their sses together, of course, not with wine, but with ordinary fruit juice.
This winter break should be the shortest Wang Feng has ever experienced because on January 3, Real Madrid will host the second round of the fourth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, so they have to gather and start training on January 2.
"This holiday reallycks the feeling of rxation," Gutiined helplessly. This also resonated with many yers. Most of them like to travel during the holidays, but just a few days off are clearly not enough.
"Alright, guys, stopining," Ral pped his hands and said, "At least we still maintain good physical condition, right? No need to go through painful training periods again."
Every time they return from vacation, many yers are not in good physical condition and can only ept the cruel training n formted by the coaching staff to recover as soon as possible.
However, this time, after the team doctor''s examination, no one''s physical condition was very bad, but there was a feeling of mental fatigue that needed to be relieved. Therefore, the club invited a professional team of psychologists to develop a reasonable rxation n for the team.
This includes watching movies, holding esports events, etc., and training time has beenpressed. After all, the current record is still good, so there is no reason to be tense all the time. With the progress of these rxation activities, the atmosphere within the team has be more harmonious.
Cassano was the only yer to join Real Madrid during the winter break. After spending Christmas, he came to Madrid with his family, waiting for the transfer window to open for formalities. An agreement has been reached between the Gxy battleship and Roma, and they can get the Italian striker for only 3 million euros.
Compared to his initial value of 28 million euros, he can be said to have declined significantly, but when Wang Feng saw him, he felt as if the former Italian genius had returned.
The storms of the Roma period, even being banned from ying almost left him with no football to y, all of which made the Italian more mature. He came to the Gxy battleship to start over.
La Liga can be said to be very quiet this winter. Most teams did not make any moves and chose to promote young yers from the B team for training. Therefore, the total transfer amount is less than 30 million euros.
Valencia, who suffered setbacks in both the first half of the season and the Champions League, not only fired their head coach but will also undergo a reform throughout the club. Therefore, theypleted several transactions during the winter transfer window.
Compared to the cold reception in La Liga, the Premier League can be said to be in full swing. The total amount of winter transfers exceeded 100 million euros, with Chelsea spending the most money. After a brief peak, they were knocked off the altar by Manchester United. Chelsea chairman Abramovich was very unhappy and further increased the team''s investment.
Signing Anelka for 20 million euros, Ivanovic for 12 million euros, and Di Santo for 4.5 million euros, Abramovich wanted to prove that without Mourinho, Chelsea could still return to its peak.
As the league leader, Manchester United did not make any major moves. This season, with the cooperation between Ronaldo and Rooney bing more tacit, they have jointly contributed 37 goals so far, surpassing the entire Premier League.
The team is aiming for both the league title and the Champions League trophy. Ronaldo understands that Wang Feng will definitely notg behind, and there will inevitably be another peak duel between the two. He is a little impatient.
The Bundesliga has always been stingy in terms of transfer investment, but unexpectedly, the total amount of winter transfers exceeded 40 million euros, even higher than La Liga.
The richest club is still Bayern Munich. They sessfully regained the top spot in the league and invested 12 million euros to bring in Breno, a center-back from S?o Paulo. The investment of all other clubs did not exceed 10 million euros.
What pleases domestic fans is that Chinese yer Dong Fangzhuo has sessfully secured a ce in the team''s starting lineup. Before the winter break, he has started in five consecutive matches and yed the full 90 minutes.
In high-intensity actualbat, he gradually becamepetent as an attacking organizer, contributing 3 goals and 5 assists. This performance has been recognized by the head coach. Recently, he even began to consult him for his thoughts and specially arranged tactics for him.
"It''s a good development. Sheffield seems to be grooming you towards a central role. He currently has a stable position as a coach, so you should take this opportunity to establish yourself." Wang Feng said to Dong Fangzhuo during their conversation.
"Yeah, I understand. I hope that one day, a real Chinese derby will be staged on the European stage. I think it will cause a sensation in China." Dong Fangzhuo said with anticipation.
Chapter 381: Consecutive hat-trick
Chapter 381: Consecutive hat-trick
In the fourth round of the Spanish King''s Cup against Alicante, head coach Schuster adopted a semi-rotated lineup, with Wang Feng partnering with Cassano upfront.
In the 22nd minute of the game, Wang Feng entered the penalty area, causing the opponent to foul, and the referee awarded Real Madrid a penalty kick. Chinese superstar generously let Cassano take the penalty kick.
Standing near the penalty spot, the Italian took a deep breath. It had been a long time since he had felt the sensation of scoring a goal, which was shameful for a forward.
Remembering his former glory, Cassano slowly approached for the penalty kick. He shot! Goal! He sessfully deceived the goalkeeper, sending the ball into the from the opposite direction of the dive!
After scoring his first goal for Real Madrid, Cassano couldn''t stop thanking Wang Feng, knowing that his resurgence depended entirely on this former friend.
At halftime, the Chinese superstar was substituted, and in the 60th minute, Iguan helped the home team extend their lead. In the end, they won 2-0, advancing confidently with a 4-1 aggregate score.
On January 7, 2008, in the 18th round of La Liga, the Gxy battleship faced Zaragoza away. Wang Feng scored two goals in the first half andpleted a hat-trick with a header in the second half, leading the team to a 3-1 victory.
On January 11, in the first leg of the fifth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid challenged Mallorca away. Although Wang Feng contributed with a goal and an assist in the first half, helping the Gxy battleship lead 2-0, the home team showed strong determination in the second half. They scored two consecutive goals to level the score, ending the game in a 2-2 draw.
On January 14, in the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Levante at home. In this game, the injured Robben and Heinze finally made theireback. Wang Feng assisted Ral to open the scoring and then extended the lead with a direct free-kick. Although Levante pulled one back in the second half, Wang Feng scored another goal with Robben''s assist, continuing to contribute to the team''s sess.
In the 77th minute, after receiving a through ball from Sneijder, he dribbled past two defenders into the penalty area and scored with a right-footed shot from an acute angle near the baseline,pleting his second hat-trick of the game!
The visitors scored a constion goal just before the end of the game, with the final score set at 4-2.
On January 17, in the second leg of the fifth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, the Gxy battleship weed Mallorca at the Bernabu. This time, they didn''t give the opponents a chance to score. Although the main yers didn''t y, Balboa scored the only goal of the game. He helped the team win 1-0, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 aggregate score.
On January 21, in the 29th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Atltico Madrid away. Despite trailing by two goals, Wang Feng once again exploded in the second half, scoring another hat-trick and leading the Gxy battleship to a 3-2eback victory.
On January 24, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid challenged Getafe away. Wang Feng led the substitute lineup and contributed with a goal and an assist, helping the team win 2-1.
In the La Liga match on January 18, in the 21st round, the Gxy battleship faced Virreal away, a highly anticipated showdown between the league leaders and the runner-up. The two teams were separated by 7 points in the standings. While the Gxy battleship had a significant advantage, they couldn''t afford to becent.
Just as the match began, the Yellow Submarine''s fans at the Ceramic Stadium started cheering madly for the home team, knowing that they had a chance to challenge for the La Liga title. In the 11th minute, Tomasson opened the scoring for the home team, followed by another goal from Calleja with a clever long shot just 5 minutester, extending their lead.
Just as the home team''s fans fantasized about defeating the Gxy battleship and then reversing the league standings to eventually lift their first-ever league championship trophy, the Chinese superstar ruthlessly shattered their dreams.
Wang Feng first scored a header from Robben''s cross, then equalized with a sideways volley, and finally scored again with a nearly impossible angled shot near the baseline.
A hat-trick, another hat-trick! For four consecutive league matches, he has scored a hat-trick!
Although the resilient Yellow Submarine yers managed to score another goal, the score remained at 3-3. However, at this moment, everyone''s attention was focused on the Chinese superstar. 12 goals in 4 rounds, what a terrifying record!
In the mixed interview area after the match, a group of reporters crowded around Wang Feng: "Wang, what do you feel about scoring a hat-trick for the fourth time?", "Wang, why have you been so crazytely? Do you have any secrets?"
The noisy questions forced the Chinese superstar to speak loudly: "Everyone, please calm down a bit. I''ll attend the press conferenceter. Can you wait until then to ask questions? I''m a bit tired and want to rest for a while."
With that, he stopped answering any more questions and went straight back to the locker room. At this moment, his teammates looked at him with astonished eyes. "Come on, you don''t have to look at me like I''m a monster."
"You''re really a monster," joked Ral, who had a good rtionship with Wang Feng. "How else could you achieve such crazy performances, scoring hat-tricks in four consecutive rounds? My God, do you leave any room for other forwards?"
"I didn''t expect to be in such good form. I just y as I feel, and if you remember, you mentioned in the first half of the season that my goal tally was a bit low, so I''ve been working hard. Is there a problem with that?" Wang Feng replied.
Ral rolled his eyes speechlessly. Wang Feng had contributed 19 league goals in the first half of the season, still leading the scoring charts but showing a slight declinepared to the previous season. So, he made a joke, but who would have thought this guy would be so outstanding.
"Treat! Treat!" Guti chimed in. "You''re definitely going to dominate the headlines again this time. The damn exposure you get is really enviable." Wang Feng smiled and promised to "foot the bill" for everyone, saying he would treat the whole team to dinner when they returned to Madrid.
As expected by "The Golden Wolf," the front pages of major European media the next day were all about Wang Feng. Scoring 12 goals in 4 rounds, with consecutive hat-tricks, such statistics were simply shocking.
The Spanish newspaper "El Pas"mented that Wang Feng was a god on the pitch, "He controls the entire field, and all defensive disruptions are almost futile. Everyone knows he can score, but there''s no way to stop him."
Meanwhile, "Marca" once again expressed regret that Barcelona failed to sign this epic superstar. It was the first time they had made such ament since Wang Feng joined La Liga, and their words even contained a hint of me towards Barcelona president Laporta for not being decisive enough.
Considering that they have always been the mouthpiece of Barcelona and have never uttered any unfavorable remarks about the team, their current sentiments were somewhat restrained. But facing the prospect of dealing with such a terrifying opponent in the future, it was inevitable that feelings of despair would arise.
Chapter 382: Replace in advance
Chapter 382: Rece in advance
ording to internal sources of the World Ser magazine, when Wang Feng scored 19 goals in the first half of the league, everyone was very excited. The European Golden Boot Award, which had been dominated by Chinese superstars for many years, finally had some suspense.
But when the news of his 12 goals in four rounds reached Ennd, the atmosphere inside the magazine turned pessimistic. Some even thought about making a trophy with Wang Feng''s name on it in advance, believing that no other yer would have a chance to threaten him.
It is worth mentioning that the favorablepetitor from China is Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, who has currently scored 21 goals in the Premier League.
Wang Feng was having breakfast while browsing through rted reports in the British "Sun" on his phone. He usually liked these kinds of "storytime" reports, absurd yet containing some truth.
But the other protagonist in the story seemed lessposed. Since the morning, Cristiano Ronaldo had been running in the gym at the training base, as if trying to shake off all his frustration.
2008 should be his year! The Portuguese had a clear goal in mind: first, win the European Golden Boot Award, then help the team win both the league and Champions League titles. He also wanted to lead his country to victory in the European Championship, securing the title of Mr. Double at the end of the year.
Especially when his league goals were once ahead of Wang Feng''s, he felt that everything was going ording to n. But why the hell did that guy not y by the rules? Four rounds of hat-tricks, is he even human?
With this in mind, Cristiano Ronaldo increased the speed of the treadmill again, gritting his teeth and running with all his might, as ifpeting with an invisible opponent.
Not far away, his personal trainer Thomason and nutritionist Sanchez looked worriedly at their employer. "This could lead to an injury if it continues," Thomason said anxiously. "We should contact Coach Ferguson quickly and ask him to persuade Ronaldo."
Sanchez nodded. If the Portuguese yer got fixated, hardly anyone could persuade him except for his mentor Ferguson.
As the closest partners, both of them understood his inner struggles. At 23, Ronaldo was still young for an average yer, but for someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, a prodigy, time was pressing. He wanted to achieve results as soon as possible.
Sir Alex Ferguson soon arrived at the gym, scolding Ronaldo sternly, "Ronnie, what are you doing? Stop it right away!" Ronaldo woke up abruptly and quickly turned off the treadmill.
"I know you''re feeling urgent, but this overexertion won''t help at all, and could even lead to injury!" Ferguson lectured sternly, then softened his tone, "Ronnie, you have to trust the team, and more importantly, trust yourself. Wang Feng is older than you and has been around longer, but it won''t be long before you surpass him. We''ll do everything we can to help you."
Cristiano Ronaldo felt slightly reassured by Ferguson''s words. The club had been very good to him this season, not only providing various resources but also gradually establishing his position as the core of the team, gaining an advantage over Rooney in the internalpetition.
This was partly due to frequent injuries to the English forward this season, and partly because Rooney wasn''t as disciplined as Ronaldo, often unable to control his diet and lifestyle.
Therefore, after weighing their options, the club''s higher-ups decided to prioritize Ronaldo. Coupled with his good performance, he managed to secure a ce in the top three of the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year awards.
"Boss, I understand what you mean. I''ll calm down. There are still plenty of opportunities ahead, it all depends on the uing matches!"
On thest day of January, the Gxy battleship weed Getafe at the Bernabu. This was the second leg of the Spanish King''s Cup quarterfinals, with the first leg ending 2-1 in favor of the Gxy battleship.
ording to the nning of the club''s higher-ups and coaching staff, the King''s Cup had never been a high priority tournament. Their main goals were still the league and the Champions League, so key yers like Wang Feng sat on the bench.
After a hard-fought 90 minutes, Getafe''s center-back Granero scored the only goal of the game. They defeated the Gxy battleship 1-0. However, due to the away goal disadvantage, it was a regrettable elimination. Real Madrid made it into the semifinals with difficulty!
Three dayster, in the 22nd round of La Liga, the Gxy battleship faced Almera away. Wang Feng continued his outstanding performance.
In the 7th minute of the game, Robben dribbled the ball into the opponent''s half and then passed it to Wang Feng with his back to the goal. He then movedterally to shake off the defense, while Wang Feng immediately passed it back to the Dutchman and ran forward.
Robben didn''t hesitate after receiving the ball again and sent a straight pass back to Wang Feng. The two formed a wall pass and sessfully broke through the home team''s midfield blockade.
At this point, Wang Feng found three defensive yers in front of the penalty area, making it difficult to break through directly. So, with a light touch, he passed the ball to the nearby Ral.
As an experienced forward, the Spaniard immediately understood Wang Feng''s intention and sent a lob pass to the back of Almera''s defense.
The ball flew over the heads of the defending yers, and Wang Feng, who was without the ball, sessfully pushed ahead of his opponent to reach the ball''snding point in the penalty area.
Just as he stopped the ball at his feet, goalkeeper Diego also came out to face him. In a critical moment, the Chinese superstar used the tip of his foot to chip the ball towards the goal, while jumping to avoid the goalkeeper''s slide tackle.
The ball soared over Diego and into the goal, despite the efforts of the approaching defender Pulido to clear it off the line. With that, "goooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Once again, Wang Feng opens the scoring for the Gxy battleship!"
"The away teampleted a very splendid offensivebination in the opponent''s half. Let''s take a look again at the continuous passes between Robben and Wang Feng, which fooled several Almera yers."
"Ral''s lob pass was also perfectly timed, followed by Wang Feng''s control and shot. The whole sequence was seamless. If it had been anyter, the goalkeeper might have disrupted it."
"His recent form has been incredibly impressive. Could the legend of consecutive hat-tricks in the league continue? Let''s wait and see!"
In the 31st minute, Diarra intercepted the ball at the back and sent a through pass to the front. A figure, like lightning, started from the halfway line towards the ball''snding point, with home defender Ortiz grabbing onto Wang Feng''s jersey, trying to stop him, but was still shaken off by the powerful force.
Nearby, Bruno rushed to defend, and both yers almost reached the ball''snding point at the same time. Seeing that he couldn''t gain an advantage, the Spanish defender directly fell to the ground to slide tackle. As long as he could touch the ball first and kick it out of bounds, it wouldn''t be considered a foul but rather good defending.
The Chinese superstar came up with a clever idea, using the back of his right foot to hook the ball, bringing it to his left side. Then, in one smooth motion, he sidestepped Bruno''s attempted block with his legs.
After that, no one could stop him anymore. Wang Feng caught up with the ball and shot with his left foot, once again piercing Almera''s goal, scoring his second goal of the match!
With nearly 60 minutes left in the game, no one doubted that Wang Feng would continue his streak of consecutive hat-tricks, but unexpectedly, head coach Schuster reced him early in the second half.
Chapter 383: Start again in the world preliminaries
Chapter 383: Start again in the world preliminaries
"Wang, I hope you can understand the reason I substituted you."
Before the start of the second half, Schustermunicated with Wang Feng: "Recently, the public opinion has been too high-profile, which has made our opponents pay extra attention to you."
"During the game, you should have noticed that many defensive yers are making big movements, and this result is unlikely to change. To protect you, I decided to make a substitution. I really don''t want you to get injured."
Wang Feng expressed understanding. Although it was regrettable that his record of consecutive hat-tricks was ended, being too high-profile inevitably became a target. He was also worried that his current outstanding form might encounter a bottleneck in theter stages of the Champions League when it resumes. It''s time to cool down.
So in the second half, Cassano reced him and scored a goal in the 69th minute, helping the team ultimately win 3-0 against Almera.
The game itself did not cause any major news, but the behavior of Real Madrid''s head coach, substituting Wang Feng at halftime, sparked discussion. He also exined this point in the post-match interview, and most people still believed that his purpose was to protect the yer.
However, there are still a small number of conspiracy theorists who like to overinterpret, such as suppressing Chinese superstars, further establishing authority by supporting other factions within the team, and so on. Such arguments are always attractive to some people.
After this round of matches, the Chinese superstar needed to return home to participate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifiers.
In the same group as China are Qatar, Iraq, and Australia. Originally, ording to the head coach Arhan''s intention, mainstay yers like Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo did not need toe back. He wanted to test the level of domestic yers.
But the team leader insisted on recalling them, even if they were sitting on the bench, it would be reassuring. "If it were just an ordinary warm-up match, I would agree with you, but when ites to the World Cup qualification, we must not be careless!"
"And our group is very unfavorable. Iraq was the dark horse ofst year''s Asian Cup, and Australia used to dominate Oceania. Only by finishing in the top two in the group can we advance to the final round of ten. It can be said to be a group of death."
The progress of the game also confirmed the worries of the team leader. In the first round of group stage away against Iraq, the situation could not be opened for a long time with all domestic yers on the field, and Wang Feng on the bench was very worried.
Arhan also couldn''t sit still and stood on the sidelines directing. He couldn''t understand why, after so much training, the actual game was still scattered.
As Wang Feng, Dongfang Zhuo, Zheng Zhi, and others shine on the international stage, domestic professional football is also thriving, with numerous capital influxes into the market, showing a thriving posture.
Needless to say, many excellent talents have emerged, but the capital market is too cruel. Without good management, it''s all about making quick money. Both yers and clubs are very impetuous, and they will definitely not be able to cultivate good yers.
Wang Feng has no ability to change all this because he is not a decision-maker in management, nor can he outsmart those "smart people". However, it is gratifying that many young people who truly love football can choose to go to Europe to participate in more systematic training camps. Wang Feng continues to sponsor young people to go to Belgium every year.
As the first half of the game is about to end, Iraqi forward Nasser seized an opportunity to counterattack and broke the deadlock on the field, 0-1! The Chinese team trailed as they entered halftime!
Arhan couldn''t hold on anymore. He walked up to Wang Feng and asked, "Wang, how''s your condition? Can you y?" After all, the Chinese superstar had just rushed back from Spain and hadn''t had a proper joint training with the whole team.
"No problem, coach, leave it all to me!"
At the beginning of the second half, Wang Feng took the field, not only boosting the morale of his team but also greatly impacting the information of Iraq. It was this superstar who ended their dark horse journey inst year''s Asian Cup.
In the 52nd minute, Wang Feng retreated to the right side of the midfield to receive the ball. Faced with Mahdi''s close defense, he hooked and sent the ball along the sideline, and he took advantage of this opportunity to break free and quickly follow up from outside the field.
After catching up with the ball, he quickly cut inside horizontally, ran all the way to the edge of the penalty area, and Lakhma and Graham saw the situation and came to defend from the left and right respectively. However, Wang Feng remained calm, lightly pushed with his left foot to change direction, and passed through the two defenders before entering the penalty area.
In Wang Feng''s eyes, the Iraqi defense was much inferior to the top European defense in terms of reaction speed and response strategies. For example, just now, they should have chosen to block his path forward and shot, rather than blindly rushing towards the ball.
After entering the penalty area, the Chinese superstar made a delicate chip shot, and the ball went straight into the top right corner of the goal. Although the goalkeeper made a save attempt, he couldn''t stop it.
"Goal! Beautiful! Wang Feng scores, I knew he could do it!"
"The Chinese team still can''t do without Wang Feng. The current score is 1-1. If we want to advance to the final round, we must not lose to our strongpetitors in the same group, Iraq and Australia."
"Let''s take another look at the rey of this goal. The attack started from the midfield, and Wang Feng easily broke into the penalty area with the ball. The shot was also rxed and calm. I''m a bit puzzled why the Chinese team couldn''t score in the first half?"
It looks like Wang Feng''s goal was easy, but whether it was the initial dribble to get rid of the defenders, the high-speed advance and change of direction, or the final shot. It was full of technical content, honed through numerous majorpetitions and tough battles. yers who only seek benefits andfort will never achieve it.
Next, Wang Feng staged another wonderful personal show. It was in the 67th minute when he held the ball and attacked from the center. With a dribble and change of direction, he broke through the central defender Mahdi. Although the Iraqi man intervened sessfully with his foot, he tripped Wang Feng, but with excellent body adjustment, he maintained bnce and continued to move forward.
This time, the Iraqi defensive yers were a little smarter. Graham came to press from the side, and Lakhma stood in Wang Feng''s path to block.
But Wang Feng seized the opportunity to suddenly flick the ball with a big foot, and the ball passed through Lakhma''s legs and rolled into the penalty area, while he elerated to chase the ball.
It was toote for Lakhma to turn around, facing the onrushing goalkeeper at the edge of the penalty area. Wang dodged his tackle with another flick, then quickly shot to hit the empty goal on the left side of the small penalty area. Thest-minute tackle by the Iraqi defender was a step toote.
2-1! The Chinese team reversed the score!
After taking the lead, Wang Feng chose not to attack the defense alone but to organize more attacks to create opportunities for other yers in the team. Unfortunately, their technical skills were not good enough, making the Chinese superstar miss Dongfang Zhuo sitting on the bench. If he were on the field, he should also be able to easily score.
The final score did not change again. Although there were some twists and turns, the Chinese team won the opening match of the World Cup qualifiers. In another group match, Australia beat Qatar 5-0 and ranked first with a goal difference advantage, with the Chinese team closely behind.
Chapter 384: Reunion moment
Chapter 384: Reunion moment
Back at his own vi in Madrid, it was a sunny morning. Wang Feng had experienced international travel, jetg, and official matches in a short period of time. Even if his body was strong, he still felt a bit overwhelmed, showing obvious signs of fatigue on his face.
The housemaid informed Lu Yao, who hurriedly ran to Wang Feng, looking worried as she approached him. "My little ancestor, you can''t run like this. What if something happens?"
"It''s okay, the doctor has already said that the baby is very healthy now." Lu Yao smiled and said, her belly slightly bulging, nurturing a little life.
"It''s actually you who looks tired. Go freshen up and rest quickly. By the way, isn''t there a Real Madrid match tomorrow? I''m worried about your health."
"Don''t worry, the head coach has given me a day off. I''m not on the squad for tomorrow''s match, so I don''t need to go to the club." With that, he washed away the dust of the journey and theny down in the bedroom with Lu Yao by his side.
The two chatted casually, and gradually Wang Feng fell asleep. The warm family environment made him very rxed, so he slept soundly.
Looking at the handsome yet slightly immature face in front of her, Lu Yao showed a happy smile. She recalled the first encounter between the 17-year-old boy and the 16-year-old girl on that afternoon years ago, which seemed like a fairy tale.
In the 23rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Real Vadolid at home. The newly promoted team''s strength was not outstanding, currently ranking only 15th in the league standings.
With goals from Ral and Cassano, the Gcticos defeated their opponents 2-0.
A weekter, in the 24th round, the Gcticos challenged Real Betis away. Since the UEFA Champions League knockout stage was officially underway midweek, the head coach Schuster rested some key yers. However, Wang Feng, who had returned, started the game.
Like Real Vadolid, Betis struggled in the relegation zone, but they were much stronger than the newly promoted teams. They showed great energy during the game.
In the first half, the home team took a two-goal lead with goals from forward Edu and defender Llera.
In the 64th minute of the second half, Diarra intercepted the ball in the backcourt and passed it to Wang Feng nearby. The Chinese superstar dribbled the ball all the way, shaking off four Betis defenders one after another, and dashed into the penalty area.
Facing the goalkeeper Dos'' charge, he calmly pushed a low shot, the ball passing just under the Spaniard''s crotch and into the Betis goal.
However, Wang Feng ultimately couldn''t save the team, as they lost 1-2, but Real Madrid still led Virreal on the league table. It''s no wonder Schuster dared to make bold rotations.
Setting foot on Roman soil again, Cassano felt a mix of emotions. Since joining the Serie A powerhouse in 2001, he had lived here for nearly seven years, witnessing thest glory and continuous decline of the "Red Wolves".
It would be false to say that he had no feelings for the club, but the ruthlessness of the management and the harsh criticism from the fans deeply hurt him. It was clearly because of the team''s financial crisis leading to a decline in overall level, but everyone pushed the me onto him.
Seeing Cassano''s fluctuating expression, Wang Feng said, "What''s wrong? Still feeling resentful? Want to take revenge for being banned?" He hadn''t yed a single game for Roma this season, so he could fully represent Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The Italian shook his head. "Being able toe to Real Madrid and start afresh is lucky enough for me. Any resentment has long dissipated. I just feel a little embarrassed thinking about the reckless things I did when I was young."
Wang Feng agreed with his statement. Cassano had indeed been a bit excessive in the past few years, not only falling out with the club''s management. He also exchanged harsh words with his former mentor Capello and his senior Totti, who had brought him into the limelight. As a result, he was almost isted by everyone, hence being banned for so long.
All of this stemmed from a disturbed mindset, but this low point had also tempered him. If Cassano had chosen to leave Roma back then, he might have repeated the same mistakes and fallen into an even bigger career crisis.
On February 20th, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 officially kicked off.
Shortly after the kickoff, both sides began intense battles after some initial probing. Roma had to go all out for victory to have a chance to advance to the next round because it was too difficult for them to conquer the Bernabu in their current state.
However, there was an obvious gap in strength between the two sides. Whether it was the decline of Serie A or Roma''s own financial difficulties, they couldn''t support the team in creating a strong lineup.
So Real Madrid gradually took control of the game. Roma could only rely on stars like Totti to create opportunities. In the 17th minute, Real Madrid prated the home team''s defense after a series of amazing short passes from the midfield.
Wang Feng shot with his right foot from a position 15 meters from the goal, aiming for the bottom right corner. Roma goalkeeper Doni made a desperate sideways dive and managed to deflect the ball out of the bottom line, causing a cold sweat among the fans in the stands.
Real Madrid won a corner, and Wang Feng personally delivered it into the penalty area. Sneijder, who was inserted from the far end, headed the ball into the goal, breaking through Roma''s defense, 1-0! The Gcticos eventually took the lead.
In the 21st minute, Roma also had a great opportunity. Tottiunched a quick counterattack all the way into the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by Casis. Perrotta''s follow-up shot went wide.
The Italian defender scratched his head in frustration. How could they miss such a great chance?
Just 6 minutester, under Wang Feng''s pressure, De Rossi made a mistake in the midfield when passing to his teammate. His angle was off, and the Chinese superstar intercepted the ball with a stretch of his foot.
Then he swiftly charged to the edge of the home team''s penalty area, used a ssic Cruyff turn to shake off Pani, and cut into the heart of the defense. He then pushed the ball into the far corner of the goal, once again piercing through Doni''s hands!
"Goal! Wang Feng extends Real Madrid''s lead!"
"Roma should still remember the strength of the Chinese superstar, as he has defeated them many times during his time in Serie A. Therefore, before the game, many fans expressed pessimism about the oue."
"Now it seems that Wang Feng''s goal and assist have helped the Gcticos breach the home team''s goal twice, gaining a lead and precious away goals. The home team''s hope of turning the tables in the second leg seems almost impossible."
In the second half, in the 74th minute, Wang Feng received a through pass from Robben on the wing, then used a Cruyff turn to evade Mexes and cut into the penalty area.
Before the other defenders could catch up, he suddenly shot with the outside of his foot. The ball looped in the air, hanging into the corner of the goal. Doni could only watch the ball with resignation as the Chinese superstar scored his second goal!
In the final moments, Roma pulled one back with a long shot from Totti, setting the score at 3-1. Their hopes of advancing were very slim.
After the match, Cassano, who was on the bench, took the initiative to find Totti, expressing his apologies and gratitude for his past bad attitude and thanking him for his care.
"It''s nothing, Antonio. I''m happy to see you getting back on your feet. I hope everything goes well for you at Real Madrid." With that, the "Roman Prince" walked back to the dressing room, looking somewhat lonely.
Chapter 385: The unpopularity spelled out
Chapter 385: The unpoprity spelled out
Totti understood in his heart that the decline of Serie A and the decline of Roma were inevitable. He had received many invitations from top clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.
But he refused them all because he loved the city of Rome and deeply loved the team. He didn''t want to see the fans sad and disappointed. Even though it might be difficult to win league titles and Champions League trophies in the future, he would still give his all. This was his own fairy tale, belonging to him and the city.
Back at the Bernabu, the Gcticos faced Getafe in the 25th round of La Liga. The intense match naturally brought fatigue to the yers. Therefore, Iguain partnered with Cassano in the starting lineup, while Wang Feng and Ral sat on the bench. Gago and Reyes reced Guti and Sneijder in midfield, and apart from Ramos, all other regr defenders rested.
Getafe did not rashly attack due to Real Madrid''s iplete lineup. Instead, they adopted a tight defensive strategy. Both sides reached a stalemate for a period, and the home team struggled to threaten the visitors'' goal.
It wasn''t until the 33rd minute that the Gcticos finally got a very good opportunity. Robben and Cassanopleted a wall pass on the wing, with the former''s cross being headed out by the opponent''s defender.
Cassano was the first to reach the ball''snding point and controlled it, then passed it back into the penalty area. Higuain''s header from the back post hit the outside of the post and bounced out of bounds.
Although they didn''t score, the home fans still apuded and encouraged the Argentine youngster. Everyone could feel his progress.
Seeing the deadlock persist, head coach Schuster substituted Wang Feng in the 55th minute of the second half. The effect was immediate. Five minutester, he received a brilliant pass from Robben on the wing and used a clever feint to get past the defending yer, then cut inside.
At this moment, two other Getafe defenders immediately moved to block him, but the Chinese superstar seized the opportunity to dribble through them, preventing them from forming a blockade.
Entering the penalty area, he lifted his foot and lofted a shot into the top right corner of the goal. Getafe''s goalkeeper Abbondanzieri failed to save it, and the ball flew over his head into the behind him. 1-0! Wang Feng sessfully broke the deadlock!
His splendid performance of dribbling past three defenders earned him apuse from the crowd. Whether it was evading the defense at the start or dealing with double marking, it was all very beautiful, piercing through the opponent''s defense in an instant.
And when the match reached the 81st minute, Real Madrid''s midfield intercepted the opponent''s ball, Gago sent a lob pass to the front of the penalty area. Wang Feng, with his back to the goal, gently nudged the ball back with his right foot, then turned and darted forward.
The ball flew over the defender Cane''s head toward the penalty area. The Chinese superstar caught up and, without waiting for it tond, volleyed with his left foot, once again piercing through Abbondanzieri''s fingers.
"Goal! Wang Feng scores his second! This is his 36th league goal of the season, averaging an astonishing 1.44 goals per game!"
"A very splendid one-on-one shot. Even with his back to the goal, the Chinese superstar still managed to make a perfect shot with his superb ball sense. The shot was powerful like a cannonball, and Abbondanzieri had no chance to make an effective save."
In the end, the Gcticos won 2-0 at home against Getafe, taking all three points.
Three dayster, the first leg of the Spanish Copa del Rey semi-final officially kicked off. Real Madrid hosted Valencia at home, facing the "Bat Army".
Valencia''s performance this season was very poor, currently ranking only 10th in the league standings, almost losing their qualification for Europeanpetition next season, and they were eliminated early in the Champions League group stage.
They only had the Copa del Rey as an honor topete for, so they fought desperately during the match. They temporarily took control of the game and had a chance in the 17th minute with a free kick.
Morientes personally took the free kick, with plenty of power and a very tricky angle. Although Casis managed to touch the ball, it still slipped into the from the dead corner.
Before the end of the first half, Valencia''s forward Vi was tripped near the sideline by Ramos, and the referee awarded Valencia a free kick. Morientes lofted the ball into the penalty area, Pepe cleared with a header but failed to push it out of the danger zone.
Joaqun won the second ball with a header, Vicente volleyed in front of the goal, 0-2! The Gcticos were two goals behind!
In the second half, Real Madridunched a fierce onught like a tide, but they couldn''t break through the visitors'' solid defense. In order to defend and preserve the victory, Valencia''s head coach made consecutive substitutions, sending on fresh yers.
In the 88th minute, the Gcticos'' attack was again blocked by defender Cane, and the home team won a corner kick. Wang Feng decided to take it himself.
The ball urately found Sneijder, who was inserting into the penalty area. The Dutchman jumped high and headed towards the goal, finally scoring a goal. 1-2. In the end, they were defeated at home by the "Bat Army", causing a somewhat unexpected upset.
After the match, Real Madrid''s head coach fully praised the opponent''s performance: "They worked very hard today, and it can be said that they deserve this victory."
"Our defense obviously had some problems. Both goals were caused by free kicks in the opponent''s half. Not to mention Morientes'' wonderful long shot, the second goal waspletely unnecessary."
"The header clearancecked power, and we failed to protect the second ball in time. There were also gaps in marking in the penalty area. These three mistakes led to this goal."
"But I don''t intend to me anyone. As you can see, Real Madrid''s schedule is very tight,peting on three fronts: the league, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, with almost a big game every three days. Fatigue and mistakes are inevitable for the yers."
"And we scored a goal before the end of the game, so everything still has a chance. It can be expected that the second leg at the opponent''s home will be a difficult battle, but we will not be afraid."
Having not scored and only providing one assist, Wang Feng took the initiative to take responsibility after the game. He said, "I''m sorry I didn''t y a decisive role. Valencia''s defense was very well-organized."
"In terms of physical fitness, they were probably better than us. It can be seen that their desire to win was very strong, and everyone was exceptionally proactive."
Regarding the second leg, the Chinese superstar said he would give it his all, "Since we''ve made it to the semi-finals, no one wants to fall here!"
Valencia''s head coach Koeman expressed his fear of Wang Feng: "I was standing on the sidelines throughout the second half, and to be honest, every one of Wang''s attacks made me nervous."
"But fortunately, luck was on our side. I believe our yers can continue to perform at a high level when we return home and win the valuable cup championship for the team."
The Dutchman''s coaching performance this season could only be described as terrible,pletely unworthy of the high sry the club gave him. The Copa del Rey was hisst lifeline. If he failed, he would probably have to leave with his bags packed.
Chapter 386: Champions League top 8
Chapter 386: Champions League top 8
On the evening of March 2, 2008, at 8 p.m., at the Cologne Pinault Stadium, in the 26th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Valencia away.
This was not a difficult game. Valencia, although one of the oldest teams in La Liga history, had only won a provincial league championship once in the early 20th century. Most of the time, they wandered in the lower leagues, and even ying in the top league was a luxury.
So far this season, they were ranked fifth from the bottom in the league standings, still a long way from securing their ce in the top flight. However, Valencia had always been a small-market team, making it difficult for them to invest heavily in development.
After the kickoff, the away team took the initiative andunched a fierce attack. Just 5 minutes into the game, Robben shook off the defender on the wing and crossed the ball to Wang Feng on the right side of the penalty area.
The agile Chinese superstar flicked the ball with his heel, sending it to the feet of the oing Higuain. The calm Argentine youngster calmly slotted the ball into the to open the scoring for the Gcticos.
Real Madrid''s onught was far from over. In the 18th minute, Sneijder''s long pass from the center found Wang Feng, who shook off two defenders and leaped to head the ball into the, effortlessly breaking through Valencia''s defense once again.
Ten minutester, Sneijder orchestrated another attack. He and Guti engaged in a series of consecutive passes, prating all the way to the edge of the penalty area before suddenly shooting from an acute angle.
Seizing the opportunity, the Chinese superstar slid to the ground and made a diving shot, beating the defending yer to the ball. It flew into the air and over the goal line, hitting the inside of the. 3-0! Before the end of the first half, the Gcticos had already secured victory!
In the second half, the away team slowed down the pace of their attack, but the situation on the field remained overwhelmingly in their favor. In the 64th minute, Wang Feng was substituted off. His performance of two goals and one assist in this match was enough to earn him the title of the best yer, even Valencia fans couldn''t help but apud him.
In the final moments of the match, Cassano scored again for Real Madrid, sealing the score at 4-0. They swept away the gloom of their cup defeat with a resounding victory.
26 rounds, 38 goals! When Cristiano Ronaldo received this news, he felt as if his heart was bleeding. As the undisputed ace of Manchester United, he felt that this season, both his individual strength and the team''s support had reached their peak.
With 24 goals in 27 rounds, although he was leading the Premier League''s top scorer list by a wide margin, he was being left further and further behind by the Chinese superstar, a heavy blow to his pride.
There were voices in his mind advising him to give up this rivalry. Winning championships with the team was more important than anything else. But the Portuguese couldn''t help but search for Wang Feng''s performance andpare himself to him.
Gradually approaching the figure he used to look up to, and then surpassing him, who could resist this temptation?
So Cristiano Ronaldo became increasingly anxious. His teammates and mentor Ferguson had been trying to console him, but his personality was such that he was stubbornlypetitive and unwilling to admit defeat.
As a result, his performance in the recent rounds of the league had been erratic again, bing somewhat "selfish". Eager to continue scoring goals, he always took the ball to attack on his own, ignoring the positioning and passing of his teammates. He not only failed to achieve his goals but also disrupting the team''s overall attacking rhythm, leading to Manchester United''s poor performance in recent games.
Teammates were quite critical, and Ferguson angrily benched him, saying, "Reflect on yourself properly. If you don''t understand, you''ll keep sitting on the bench!"
In the Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid faced Roma, while Manchester United faced Lyon. In the first leg away matches, without Cristiano Ronaldo, they were both drawn 1-1 by their opponents.
Returning to the league, they lost to directpetitor Chelsea again, narrowing the gap to 3 points. Arsenal, in third ce, was also unwilling to fall behind.
Seeing this, the British media began to condemn Cristiano Ronaldo, ming him for ruining the team''s good situation. Not only was the chance of defending the title likely to be lost, but they might even be eliminated in the Champions League round of 16.
The Portuguese was the perfect scapegoat, after all, he had a grudge against Ennd, and nobody had forgotten about the "winkgate" incident at the 2006 World Cup. Now that they had a chance, naturally, they would heavily criticize him.
It seemed that continuing like this was not the solution. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ferguson, the master and apprentice, had a night-long conversation. No one knew what they talked about, but on the next day of the Champions League match, the Portuguese returned to the starting lineup.
On March 6th, at Ennd''s Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester United faced the formidable French Ligue 1 champions, Lyon.
After the start of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo regained hisposure, frequently creating opportunities for Rooney and Tevez. When his vision opened up, he still stood at the top of the pyramid of yers.
"We might find it difficult to pass this test." Lyon coach in Perrin smiled bitterly to his assistant on the sidelines. "Originally, if there were internal problems in Manchester United, it would have been our best chance. The first leg confirmed this."
"But Ferguson is Ferguson, he actually managed to cate Cristiano Ronaldo and the team in such a short time, bringing them together like a rope. This is probably something that many coaches can''t achieve."
Just as the Frenchman feared, in the 7th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo was blocked by two defenders on the wing. He immediately engaged in a passingbination with Hargreaves and broke through to the bottom line.
This time, he didn''t choose to forcefully cut inside and shoot from a tight angle, as the sess rate would certainly be low. Instead, he opted for a precise curved pass, finding Rooney in front of the goal. After hitting him on the head, the ball bounced into the. 1-0! Manchester United took the lead!
Cristiano Ronaldo''s rationality paid off. The goals he had eagerly wanted naturally came. In the 24th minute, while Rooney drew away the defense, he decisively shot from long range, piercing through the goalkeeper''s fingertips.
Old Trafford Stadium instantly turned into a sea of celebration. The voices that had once mocked and insulted the Portuguese superstar all disappeared, reced by praise and cheers.
Next, Manchester United''s morale surged, attacking more smoothly, and scoring two more goals in session, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice and Tevez scoring one.
When the referee blew the final whistle of the match, the score stood at 4-0 for both sides, with a total score of 5-1 over two legs, Manchester United eliminated Lyon and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals!
Back in the dressing room, the Portuguese couldn''t help but pay attention to the news of Wang Feng and Real Madrid''s match on the same day. He opened his phone and searched for it. Sure enough, the Gcticos also achieved victory, defeating their opponents 2-0 at the Bernabeu, and also advancing with a total score of 5-1.
Wang Feng contributed with one goal and one assist in this match, and his performance was also very impressive. Among all the winning teams, both Real Madrid and Manchester United showed strong dominance, making them strong contenders for the final championship.
"If we can meet them in the final and defeat them, that would be the best ending," Cristiano Ronaldo thought to himself.
Entering the Champions League semi-finals, the eight teams also reflected a new pattern in European football. Among them, the Premier League upied four seats, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea all not falling behind, presenting a thriving scene in the English league.
La Liga upied two seats, with Real Madrid and Barcelona, while the Bundesliga upied one seat, with Schalke 04, and there was one dark horse from the Turkish Super League, Fenerbahce.
Serie A waspletely wiped out, no longer living up to the glory of the "little World Cup" years, while Ligue 1 stillgged behind.
Real Madrid''s quarter-final opponent was Chelsea from the Premier League.
Chapter 387: Close to scoring record
Chapter 387: Close to scoring record
Once again encountering Waterloo, Ribery''s mncholy mood can be imagined. They were defeated 0-3 by Liverpool over two legs, once again failing to reach the quarter-finals.
Since the Calciopoli scandal, Inter Mn has dominated Serie A for two seasons, and neither the declining AC Mn nor the newly promoted Juventus could shake their position.
However, with Wang Feng''s departure, Inter Mn also lost their miraculous performances in the Champions League, and both fans and the club greatly missed the Chinese superstar.
Not only was Mancini''s position as coach unstable, but Ribery, as the core yer, also came under criticism. However, the Frenchman was also full of grievances. Adriano''s form had declined, both mentally and physically affected, forcing him to return to Brazil for treatment. At the end ofst year, he was loaned to Sao Paulo.
Although Ibrahimovic performed bravely, his form was severely affected by a knee injury at the beginning of the year, and other yers in Inter Mn were also injured to varying degrees. Ribery found it difficult to carry the team alone.
"Sometimes I even wish I were injured myself," the Frenchman said self-deprecatingly. "Wang, I''m a bit confused. How did you lead a team full of wounded soldiers to win the quintuple crown or even the sextuple crown?"
Wang Fengforted him, saying, "Franck, you''ve done well enough. Didn''t you lead the team to break the league''s highest points recordst season and aplish what I didn''t?"
"The Champions League is always very unpredictable. Liverpool is very strong, at least they are a title-contending team. Losing to them in the context of the overall decline of Serie A is not shameful."
"Next, we should focus on the league and achieve an unprecedented seven consecutive championships, which would also be a good exnation to the fans and the club."
Ribery nodded. As he grew older, he increasingly felt that being the leader of the team was too difficult. Perhaps it was time for a change.
On March 9th, in the 27th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Espanyol at home. As another team from Catalonia, Espanyol naturally hoped to defeat the Gcticos here, but the gap in strength between the two teams was quite significant, and even the media didn''t want to hype up the confrontation.
Affected by the midweek Champions League match, several key yers of Real Madrid were not in good form. Although the home team controlled the ball, Raul and Robben missed opportunities frequently, and even Wang Feng was somewhat off his game, missing a sure goal.
Fortunately, the Chinese superstar''s adjustment ability was world-ss. In the 22nd minute, Sneijder slotted a pass to Robben on the nk, who immediately sent a lobbed pass with the outside of his foot. Wang Feng leaned against the defending yer in the penalty area and volleyed the ball into the. 1-0! The Gcticos broke the deadlock!
After taking the lead, the team became moreposed. Six minutester, Wang Feng received the ball on the nk and passed it to Raul. He attracted defensive attention while dribbling in the penalty area, then passed it back to Sneijder who volleyed the ball fiercely.
Espanyol''s goalkeeper, Kameni, got a fingertip to the ball, but it was too strong, deflecting out of his reach and into the. 2-0!
Just before the end of the first half, it was Sneijder again orchestrating an attack through the middle, with Wang Feng receiving the ball at the top of the arc. After receiving the pass, the Chinese superstar deftly pushed the ball to his left and suddenly unleashed a low shot.
This time, the ball didn''t fly aimlessly but went straight into Espanyol''s goal, hitting the inside of the left goal post and bouncing into the. Kameni was left frustrated, wondering why he always conceded such difficult shots!
Real Madrid once again ended the first half with a flurry of goals. However, unlike before, before clocking out early, Wang Feng assisted Raul in scoring another goal, expanding the score to 4-0. His contribution was two goals and one assist.
After the main yers were substituted, there was inevitably some ckening in the team''s performance. Espanyol seized the opportunity tounch several threatening attacks, and their forward, Baardo, even scored twice, pulling two goals back for the away team.
Fortunately, the teammates realized their mistakes in time and increased their ball control, avoiding giving the opponents more opportunities. With the referee blowing the final whistle, the score settled at 4-2.
After this match, Wang Feng''s league goal tally reached 40 again. Following his breaking of the La Liga highest goal recordst season with a terrifying 50 goals, everyone spected that only he could break this record again.
Unexpectedly, this day came very quickly. The Spanish newspaper "El Pais" wrote that Wang Feng was truly unique. Not only could he score goals, but he also wouldn''t disrupt the team''s system, helping the team achieve many honors.
"And what''s terrifying is that the Chinese superstar seems to have no downturns in form. His performance always surpasses the previous one, making people wonder where his limit is."
After ying against Espanyol, Real Madrid finally had a brief respite and didn''t have to face a high-intensity week of two matches. Their next match would be one weekter.
The club gave everyone a two-day short vacation, and Wang Feng returned home to apany Lu Yao. Her condition hadpletely stabilized now, and the doctor suggested she engage in some exercise to stay active.
"I can''t be a fat mom," she dered solemnly. So the two of them nned to drive to the nearby Alhambra.
This ce used to be a pleasure ground for the Spanish court, where the king nted thousands of exotic trees. After hundreds of years of growth, it had be lush and verdant, showing a thriving scene every spring and summer.
Walking in the pce gardens, Lu Yao, who hadn''t been out of town for several months, was very excited, looking around eagerly, while Wang Feng stayed by her side, always paying attention to her safety.
After a short rest, the Real Madrid yers regrouped and headed to La Coruna to prepare for the 28th round of La Liga.
That night at 8 p.m., with an attendance rate of over 70% in the 34,000-capacity Riazor Stadium, the fans were very enthusiastic. They hoped the home team could defeat the Gcticos here, after all, at the beginning of the new century, "Super Depor" had once been crowned kings at this stadium.
During the match, the performance of the home team yers delighted the fans. Not only did they suppress Real Madrid in the opening stages, but they also took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from forward Adrin.
Trailing 0-1 at halftime, in the 71st minute of the second half, Wang Feng appeared on the left to receive a long pass from Diarra. Facing two defensive yers, he continuously used his footwork skills to find space and break through.
After shaking off the defense, he immediately passed to Robben in the back post, who volleyed the ball into the, finally breaking through La Coruna''s defense and equalizing the score to 1-1.
After that, the away team gradually gained the upper hand but wasted many scoring opportunities. Instead, it was the Spanish forward Riki who seized the only counterattack opportunity in the second half to help La Coruna take the lead again.
This was also because Casis was toocent; he rxed when the opponent didn''t attack for dozens of minutes, resulting in a basic mistake.
So Deportivo La Coruna narrowly defeated Real Madrid 2-1, handing them their fifth loss of the season.
In another highly anticipated match, Virreal defeated Almeria 2-0, reducing the gap with the Gcticos to four points, and the championship battle seemed to be stirring up again.
Chapter 388: Horse stumbles
Chapter 388: Horse stumbles
On March 20th, the Gxy Battleship faced a crucial battle, the second leg of the Spanish King''s Cup semi-final, challenging Valencia away. In the first leg, they lost to their opponents 1-2 at the Bernabeu, so they must win this round to have a chance to advance to the final.
Coach Schuster fielded the strongest lineup, as no one wanted to give up the glory within reach. Valencia, likewise, was not willing to show weakness. The cup was theirst straw, so the entire team paid exceptional attention.
From the beginning, there were no tentative moves; the game started with intense shes. The Gxy Battleshipunched all-out attacks, while Valencia withdrew to defend and counter-attack.
In the 4th minute, Wang Feng created a threatening cross from the sideline, and Raul''s volley from outside the small penalty area narrowly missed the goal, leaving home fans sweating.
Three minutester, the Chinese superstar received a through pass from Sneijder and made a sudden shot from a tight angle. The ball was fast and fierce, but Valencia''s goalkeeper, Canizares, was extremely focused, deflecting the ball out of bounds with one hand.
Real Madrid got a corner kick, and Wang Feng floated it into the penalty area. Robben rose high for a header, but it sailed over the crossbar, failing to score.
In the 11th, 16th, and 25th minutes, the Gxy Battleshipunched wave after wave of attacks like a tide against the Valencia defense but returned empty-handed each time.
"It seems that Real Madrid''s shooting uracy is a bit off today. Not only Raul and Robben but even Wang Feng, who is usually efficient, missed several sure goals," remarked Zhang Jun on the domestic broadcast.
"Yeah, let''s hope the yers don''t get anxious and can calm down to control the pace of the game. Their advantage is still quite obvious," added the comentator, Huang Lu.
"Now, Real Madrid''s attack is back again. Robben passes into the penalty area, Wang Feng receives the ball, shoots!!! The ball hits the defending yer and bounces out of the penalty area. There''s another chance, Sneijder is going for the ball."
"Morientes also runs out, both are going for the header. Oh, the Dutchman is slightly inferior, the ball is snatched away by the Spanish forward, he dribbles quickly forward."
"Valencia''s counterattack, Real Madrid quickly retreats to defense. They pressed too far forward just now, leaving the defense rtively open, resulting in a two-on-two situation. How will Morientes handle it?"
"A fake pass and a real dribble! Heinze is deceived and falls to the ground, his bnce control is too poor. Now it''s bad, the Spanish forward enters the penalty area alone, shoots! Goal! The ball''s in!"
"Valencia scores again, expanding the aggregate score to 3-1!"
In front of the TV, domestic fans sighed in unison. Despite dominating the opponent, they couldn''t win, making them feel extremely ufortable. Of course, there were also a few "chaotic and evil" fans secretly delighted, as they rarely saw Wang Feng being defeated, and this game provided rare material.
When the referee signaled for the kickoff again, the Real Madrid yers did not give up. They dominated possession, reaching 70% on the field, continuously attacking the Valencia defense, making the home fans anxious.
Coach Schuster made consecutive substitutions, recing Heinze and Diarra with Higuain and Reyes to strengthen the team''s attack and take a gamble.
Finally, in the 84th minute, Robben passed from the side to the inside of the penalty area, Wang Feng received the ball in the middle. At this moment, he had his back to the goal, with two defenders, Marchena and Miguel, guarding behind him, and a yer, Cane, nearby ready to support.
Almost all Valencia yers participated in the defense, even the lone forward Morientes was marking near the edge of the penalty area, so they squeezed the attacking space very narrow.
At the critical moment, Wang Feng stretched out his right foot to stop the ball and slightly pushed it away from himself, just between him and Cane.
Then he shook off the defender behind and went after the ball. Cane also moved forward to press, but the Chinese superstar was obviously faster, reaching the ball first.
Seen him rotating his body 180 degrees, shooting with his left foot fiercely, "Bang!" A ck shadow soared into the air, originally, Marchena and Miguel wanted to enclose from left and right, so they were slightly apart, and the ball passed through them perfectly.
Valencia''s goalkeeper, Canizares, who performed bravely throughout the match, finally couldn''t do anything. He never thought that the Chinese superstar could kick the ball out in a triple marking situation and hit the center of the goal frame.
1-1! After scoring, Wang Feng did not celebrate, but rushed to retrieve the ball from the and ran to the center line, signaling his teammates to get back in position and pressuring the referee to restart the game quickly.
But there was too little time left! Valencia, in order to dy the game, even didn''t hesitate to receive four yellow cards, and central defender Fernandez was sent off with a red card for fouling Wang Feng multiple times.
They ultimately held onto the victory, with an aggregate score of 3-2 over two legs, the Bat Corps defeated the Gxy Battleship, advancing to the King''s Cup final!
"It''s really a pity, Coach Zhang, how do you see the result of this game?" After the final whistle, the live broadcast did not end immediately. ording to convention, the twomentators would briefly summarize the game, so Huang Lu asked.
"It''s indeed a pity. In the two-leg series, Real Madrid actually had the advantage in strength, but on one hand, they were a bit anxious, and on the other hand, luck was not on their side, so they were eliminated."
"But the goal scored by Wang Feng in thest moments today was really beautiful. It''s very difficult to turn and shoot in a limited space, highlighting his unparalleled body coordination and control."
"After the ball went into the, I saw the confusion on the faces of the three Valencia defenders and the goalkeeper. They couldn''t understand why Wang Feng could shoot in that state."
"And I noticed that the spirit of Real Madrid has changed. They fought for the cup until thest moment, which is hard to imagine for azy giant team. Just two years ago, they missed out on the league title and were frequently stopped in the Champions League round of 16."
"Yeah, now the Gxy Battleship has been deeply marked by Wang Feng, and his indomitable spirit also influences all the yers. A good leader''s contribution to the team will be very significant."
"Fans don''t need to be regretful. The league and the Champions League are the main events for Real Madrid. Whether they can achieve a double defense will be the most suspenseful thing in European football next."
"Right, Wang Feng once led Inter Mn to defend the Champions League title, bing the first club to sessfully defend the Champions League since its restructuring. So, we shouldn''t underestimate the importance of the King''s Cup to Real Madrid now."
"As for the King''s Cup, we can only say that the timing with it and the current Real Madrid is not right, but I believe the team wille back strong next year and strive for it again!"
"Thank you all for watching this year''s live broadcast. I''m Zhang Jun, I''m Huang Lu. Let''s meet again next time. Thank you!"
Chapter 389: Attack of Warcraft
Chapter 389: Attack of Warcraft
Real Madrid lost to Valencia and missed the King''s Cup final. This result surprised everyone. Even though they lost 1-2 in the first round, everyone believed they could turn it around in the second leg.
Another semifinal was equally surprising, as Barcelona lost 1-2 to Santander and missed the final as well. Both giants of La Liga fell, a rare urrence in the history of the King''s Cup.
Barcelona faces more pressure than Real Madrid. Despite their strong pursuit in the second half of the league, they currently sit only third in the standings due to their early season shorings. They are 13 points behind Virreal in second ce and have almost no chance of contending for the championship.
With their elimination from the King''s Cup, their hopes now rest on making a breakthrough in the Champions League. Otherwise, they will end the season empty-handed.
Of course, Real Madrid cannot becent either. Although they have beenfortably leading the league, Virreal is chasing closely behind. They need to shake off their disappointment and prepare for their match against Sevi in the 29th round of La Liga, which is just three days away.
Just five minutes into the game, the Gcticos conceded a goal as Fabiano scored after receiving a cross from Navas.
When it seemed like Real Madrid would suffer another defeat, Wang Feng stepped up. In the 21st minute, Real Madrid won a free-kick opportunity. Guti lofted the ball into the box, and Wang Feng rose high to head it in, equalizing the score.
Before halftime, Wang Feng and Robben disyed excellent teamwork. Sneijder sent a long pass to the Chinese star, who then passed it to the advancing Robben. The Dutchman sprinted into the box and passed it back to Wang Feng, who calmly slotted it in with his right foot, scoring his second goal.
In the second half, the home team dominated. In the 69th minute, Guti dribbled past defenders and crossed to the middle, where Wang Feng controlled the ball and fired a powerful shot with his right foot,pleting his hat-trick.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Sevi 3-1 at home, securing all three points.
In the World Cup qualifiers, China will face Australia in the second round at home. Learning from past experiences, head coach Alihan decisively recalled overseas yers such as Wang Feng, Dong Fangzhuo, and Zheng Zhi, cing them in the starting lineup.
Dong Fangzhuo has now established himself as a key yer for Bayern Munich and is likely to win the Bundesliga title this season. Thus, he has gained considerable poprity not only among domestic fans but also internationally.
Theirbined efforts put great pressure on the Australian defense. In the 14th minute, Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuobined near the edge of the penalty area, with Dong Fangzhuo delivering a precise pass to Wang Feng, who executed a difficult sliding shot to score the opening goal.
In the 33rd minute, Chinaunched another attack. Zheng Zhi sent a long pass from the back, finding Wang Feng on the wing. Wang Feng dribbled past Australian defenders, entered the penalty area, and passed it back to Dong Fangzhuo, who calmly slotted it home, doubling the lead to 2-0.
Although Australia pulled one back in the second half, China secured victory with Li Weifeng''s header from a corner kick in the 82nd minute, winning 3-1.
Meanwhile, as Wang Feng participated in the World Cup qualifiers, Real Madrid faced Valencia in the 30th round of La Liga away from home.
Facing the team that eliminated them once again, Real Madridunched relentless attacks but Valencia capitalized on their chances to take the lead.
In Wang Feng''s absence, young talent Iguain stepped up, taking advantage of Valencia''sx defense to score the equalizer after receiving a pass from Robben.
With the score tied at 1-1, Real Madrid avoided leaving empty-handed. However, this season, Valencia seemed to be their nemesis, as they had not won against them in theirst three encounters, with two draws and one loss.
Fortunately, as the league approached its end, Virreal showed signs of weakness. Hindered by injuries to two key yers, they suffered a 1-2 defeat to Mallorca in this round, widening the points gap to six. It would be challenging for the Yellow Submarine to catch up.
In the Champions League quarter-finals, Real Madrid will y the first leg at the Bernabeu. This schedule somewhat disadvantages them, as they need a big win at home to have confidence going into the away leg.
Upon arriving in Madrid, Chelsea''s coach, Grant, expressed confidence in an interview, saying, "We have made sufficient preparations and definitely have the ability to stop Real Madrid."
As an emergency recement for Mourinho, the Israeli coach has performed admirably, stabilizing the team and guiding them to second ce in the league, trailing closely behind the in-form Red Devils. He also made notable contributions in the Champions League.
Grant is also confident against Wang Feng and Real Madrid, as Chelsea is the only team that has defeated the Chinese star in the Champions League in recent years. Although he wasn''t the coach at the time, the team''s overall lineup and core remain unchanged, giving him confidence to achieve resultsparable to Mourinho''s.
However, what Grant doesn''t know is that the club president, Abramovich, is currently scouting for a new coach. Regardless of Grant''s performance, Abramovich has no intention of appointing him permanently.
Emergency measures are just that. Chelsea should have a more renowned coach, rather than someone who previously managed Hapoel Haifa or Portsmouth FC.
Drogba, as the undisputed attacking core of the team, also gave an interview, saying, "Wang Feng is undoubtedly the best yer in the world right now. It''s a huge challenge to face him."
"But haven''t we seeded before? I''m honored to have won the league and Champions League trophies in my first season with Chelsea, so I will work even harder to maintain this glory."
As football bes increasingly popr domestically, not only La Liga where Wang Feng ys and the Bundesliga where Dong Fangzhuo ys, but also the Premier League, has attracted the attention of many fans.
Drogba possesses formidable physicality and explosiveness, and he is a nightmare for almost all Premier League defenders with his high-speed dribbling. When he dribbles, there are no fancy moves, only endless power. Therefore, many domestic fans jokingly call him "the Beast."
With the Beast''s arrival, one wonders if Real Madrid and the Gcticos can withstand it.
Chapter 390: A close contest
Chapter 390: A close contest
On the evening of April 2, 2008, at eight o''clock sharp, Didier Drogba stood in the center circle of the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, wearing a blue jersey, awaiting the referee''s whistle.
Around him roared the deafening cheers of the crowd, some fans singing team songs to inspire the team. However, they were cheering for today''s opponent, Real Madrid.
"Not for nothing is this called the hellish home ground!" thought the Ivorian, silently. This atmosphere,pared to Stamford Bridge, had a slight edge. His body trembled slightly, not out of fear but excitement. Just the thought of defeating the Galcticos at the Bernabu made Drogba''s blood boil, a cruel smile appearing on his dark face.
This match attracted global attention. Although Chelsea was not as dominant as it had been a few years ago, it remained one of the biggest-spending clubs in European football, with a squad depth that was astonishing.
Coach Grant fielded a 4-4-2 formation, with ?ech in goal.
The defenders were Essien, Carvalho, Terry, and Ferreira.
The midfield consisted of Back, Mikel, Lampard, and Malouda.
Upfront were Drogba and Joe Cole.
The piercing whistle echoed around the Bernabu as the match officially began. Drogba quickly passed the ball to Mikel, who immediately sent it back to the backline. Ral and Wang Feng entered the opponent''s half to press, while others waited defensively.
Chelsea quicklyunched an attack. Lampard dribbled through the midfield and then passed the ball to Drogba, who was about to start when a figure swiftly shed in front of him, kicking the ball out of y.
"I won''t let you through easily!" Ashley Cole got up and patted himself lightly, saying calmly. As a former Chelsea yer, he knew best the destructive power of Drogba. Coach Schuster specifically instructed him to defend against him.
Drogba shrugged helplessly. Cole''s defensive ability was top-notch. If it weren''t for the chaos in the team managementst summer, he wouldn''t have left Chelsea. The team''s performance might have been even better.
While Chelsea''s attack was thwarted, Real Madrid aggressively pressed forward. Robben feinted down the wing and suddenly crossed the ball to Wang Feng near the penalty area. The Chinese star immediately slotted it diagonally into the box.
Raul barely held onto the ball under the marking of Carvalho and Terry, but his subsequent shotcked power and was saved by ?ech.
"In the first few minutes, both sides yed rtively steadily, with chances on both ends but no clear opportunities created. Oh, here we go. Sneijder steals the ball from Back in midfield, and Real Madridunches a counterattack."
"The ball is sent into the penalty area, and Wang Feng shoots! The ball is blocked by Terry and goes out for a corner. The English defender''s experience is truly remarkable. He urately judged the shot''s trajectory and blocked it in time. Otherwise, it could have been a goal."
"It''s been reported that Real Madrid tried to sign Terry multiple times inst summer''s transfer window, but his attachment to Chelsea is deep, so he turned down the Galcticos'' olive branch. Remember, there aren''t many yers in European football who can resist their temptation."
Real Madrid earns a corner kick, which Sneijder takes. Wang Feng waits in the penalty area for his chance. Chelsea''s defense looks tense; the Chinese star is closely marked by two defenders, sandwiched between them like a sandwich cookie.
As the ball is kicked out, Wang Feng quickly moves into position, unnoticed by the defense. It''s Ashley Cole! At 1.72 meters, he doesn''t seem threatening, but the ballnds perfectly above his head. With no one marking him, Cole lightly flicks his head, sending the ball into Chelsea''s.
"Goooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Real Madrid breaks the deadlock with a corner kick! The scorer is Ashley Cole! He seized the opportunity when Wang Feng drew the defense away, quietly heading the ball into the. Who says small yers can''t score headers!"
After scoring, Cole refused his teammates'' celebration, showing respect for his former club. Chelsea''s defenders looked dejected; they had let a man slip through. Cole wasn''t known for his heading ability during his time at Chelsea, so instinctively, nobody marked him.
But for a top yer, even if there''s a weakness, it''s rtive. Without defense, he wouldn''t miss such a great opportunity.
As the game resumed, Real Madrid continued to attack aggressively, while Chelsea defended with all their might, looking for a chance to counterattack.
In the 60th minute, Chelsea coach Grant substituted Ferreira with Haim to bolster the defense, indicating his satisfaction with a draw, knowing they would have a bigger advantage at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid also refused to back down. Schuster substituted Heinze with Higuan, clearly aiming to strengthen the attack and seek victory.
When the game reached the 81st minute, Sneijder dribbled into the opponent''s half and passed to Higuan on the left. The Argentine forward intended to enter the penalty area but found it heavily guarded, so he passed to the right.
Before the ball reached him, Wang Feng, near the edge of the penalty area, swiftly moved sideways, shaking off Terry who was marking him closely. With a left-footed shot, he sent the ball spinning through the dense defense, curving sharply towards the top left corner of the goal.
The ball seemed headed for the corner g before curving back unexpectedly, catching ?ech off guard. He couldn''t make a save in time, watching helplessly as the ball flew into the.
With this brilliant world-ss goal, Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 2-1 at home, winning this evenly matched contest.
Chapter 391: Knockout Chelsea
Chapter 391: Knockout Chelsea
"Cole against his former team, Wang Feng''s death curve secures victory!" The day after the game, major media outlets in Spain and Ennd reported on this highly anticipated match.
The three goals scored during the game were all spectacr. Whether it was Ashley Cole''s unexpected goal, Drogba''s long-range sprint, or Wang Feng''s world-ss shot, they were all among the highlights of this round of the Champions League series.
The English media generally felt that Chelsea''s loss was unfortunate. They stood firm under pressure at the Bernabeu, making it a evenly matched contest. Therefore, returning to Stamford Bridge, the Blues might still have a chance to turn the tide and win.
"Drogba fully demonstrated his formidable talent. Despite Real Madrid''s careful attention to him and the tight marking from his former teammates, he still managed to find opportunities to breach the defense of the Gcticos,"mented The Times.
"Strictly speaking, the performance of Real Madrid''s core, Wang Feng, was not outstanding. Chelsea''s tight defense sessfully contained him, and apart from thest-minute goal, his contribution was hardly visible throughout the game."
"So the Blues need not fear their opponents. The showdown at Stamford Bridge will unfold the path to victory!"
On the other hand, Spanish media believed that Real Madrid had a great chance of winning, with Wang Feng being the standout performer of the match. Marcamented that the Chinese superstar kept the visiting team''s defense on their toes, forcing them to work tirelessly.
"As long as other yers are in good form and seize their chances, Chelsea will face the disadvantage of Real Madrid scoring from multiple sources. Moreover, Wang Feng is not easy to contain, as evidenced by his stunning world-ss goal in the final moments of the game."
In the other three Champions League quarter-final matches, Manchester United defeated Fenerbahce 2-0 away, putting them in a favorable position to advance. Barcelona also secured a 1-0 victory over Schalke 04 away, while Arsenal and Liverpool drew 1-1 in the English derby, leaving the oue uncertain until the next leg.
On April 6th, in the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Mallorca. Despite fielding a rotated lineup, the home team maintained a high level of performance, with Casal and Iguain scoring goals sessively.
In the second half, Mallorca pulled one back, and in the 70th minute, Wang Feng was sent on to find his rhythm, a decision made after discussions with the coach before the game. The Chinese yer hoped to be in the bestpetitive shape for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
After the game, everyone rested for a night and then boarded a ne from Madrid to London the next morning, preparing for the Champions League battle against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
As the Real Madrid team entered Stamford Bridge, they were greeted with a barrage of insults and jeers. Ennd truly lived up to its reputation as a nation of football hooligans, with the fans disying extremely hostile behavior towards the visiting team.
"Although I don''t understand what they''re shouting, I really want them to shut up," Guti said while warming up, with his teammates expressing their agreement.
So, as the game began, Real Madridunched a strong attack amidst the jeers. Diarra sent a precise long pass from the back, finding Wang Feng in the front.
The Chinese superstar controlled the ball with his foot, facing Terry''s defense. He slowly dribbled the ball towards the wing, suddenly elerating in an attempt to break through. The English defender also immediately sped up to block him.
Unexpectedly, after Wang Feng took two steps, he suddenly stopped the ball with his right foot and pulled it back, while his left foot also followed by hopping backward. Then, he used his right foot to flick the ball forward and elerated to chase after it.
The change in speed and rhythm caught Terry off guard, sessfully shaking him off. Then, Wang Feng passed the ball to Sneijder at the edge of the arc, while he himself ran towards the penalty area.
The Dutchman understood his intention and sent a delicate chip pass, flying over Chelsea''s defense line, and finding Wang Feng in the right position.
At this moment, the penalty area was in chaos, with Chelsea feeling the pressure. Goalkeeper Cech quickly moved towards the direction of the Chinese superstar, trying to block his shooting angle, while the defenders next to him also tried to press him and interfere with his shot.
But Wang Feng didn''t choose to shoot. Instead, he swept the ball with his left foot to the other side of the small penalty area, leaving an empty goal in front of Raul. If he missed this opportunity, he might as well retire on the spot!
"Goal! The ball''s in! Raul opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"This is a fantastic coboration in the frontcourt of the Gcticos, culminating in a strike by the Spanish striker!"
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. It started with Wang Feng''s nk attack, using a very clever push-and-pull move to shake off Terry. You can see the English defender stumbling and falling. He tried to regain his bnce to keep up, but it was a futile effort."
"Then Sneijder''s handling was also very smart. He saw Wang Feng making a run into the penalty area and didn''t make any unnecessary moves, chipping the ball into the penalty area before the defense could react."
"Chelsea made a mistake here, they were too nervous about Wang Feng. Both goalkeeper Cech and defender Carvalho thought he would shoot."
"They can''t be med for that because countless historical records prove that the Chinese superstar''s shooting uracy in the penalty area is terrifying, and they had to give their all to defend against it."
"But it was this nervousness that gave Raul the opportunity to score into an empty, making it an easy task for him."
"At this point, the Blues are already on the edge of a cliff. They need to score at least two goals to equalize, so let''s see what happens next."
As the game progressed into the second half, Chelsea seemed somewhat panicked. They increased their attacking intensity while also bing more rough in defense. The atmosphere on the field suddenly became very intense, with the referee''s whistle sounding frequently.
In the 70th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Guti in the frontcourt and was about to turn and advance when Baleiti tripped him with a scissors tackle. "Whistle!" The referee decisively stopped the game and awarded a free kick to Real Madrid.
Wang Feng adjusted his shin guards, grabbed Guti''s hand, and stood up. "How about this, I''ll take the free kick, and you go into the penalty area?" he asked.
"No, let me take it," the Chinese superstar said firmly, having been fouled multiple times and fallen to the ground. He felt a surge of anger in his heart, needing an outlet.
"Oh, this should be interesting," Guti said with a smile, then ran towards the penalty area.
The free-kick spot was about thirty-five meters from the goal, and Wang Feng picked up the ball and gently rubbed it, then ced it in the designated position and slowly retreated.
Whistle, run-up, shot!
The ball soared into the air, not only curving sharply but also descending significantly after entering the penalty area, heading straight for the corner of the goal, a curved elevator ball! Unless Cech was a god, he had no chance of stopping this goal. 2-0! The Gcticos sealed the victory!
If the Blues wanted to overturn the game, they would need to score four goals in the remaining time, which was obviously an impossible task.
With two stunning world-ss goals over the two legs, Real Madrid eventually defeated Chelsea 4-1, advancing to the Champions League semifinals!
Chapter 392: The storm is coming
Chapter 392: The storm ising
The other three teams that made it to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals are Barcelona, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Real Madrid''s next opponent will be their old friend Liverpool, who they snatched the Champions League trophy fromst year in the miracle night in Athens.
"Experiencing the night of shameful reversal and the controversial premature celebration scandal, Benitez leads Liverpool once again to challenge the Champions League final and title, but before them stands the Gcticos, the mountain." This is how British Sky Sports reported.
"Whether Liverpool can redeem themselves, ovee the fate that has repeatedly hindered them by facing Real Madrid, will be one of the biggest highlights of this round of the series."
As two teams at the center of public opinion, their attitudes towards the media arepletely different. The entire Liverpool team declined all interviews, "We need to focus on preparing fully, everything can wait until after the game," said Benitez.
The Spanish coach knows the nature of the media; they will surely seize onst year''s defeat and keep bringing it up, letting the "champagne at halftime" incident ferment again, severely affecting the yers'' mentality.
On the other hand, he himself said sternly to the team, "Guys,st year we became theughingstock of the world, but fate has given us another chance. It''s time to return this shame to Real Madrid!"
yers led by Gerrard expressed indignation one after another, vowing not to give the opponents any chance and to regain the trophy that rightfully belongs to them.
The Gcticos did not shy away from questions about the semi-finals. Head coach Schuster admitted, "Liverpool is undoubtedly always a top-tier team, especially in cuppetitions, they have always performed well."
"Last season''s Champions League final victory had an element of luck, of course, but it was also closely rted to the yers'' indomitable spirit. So, we will also go all out in this series and not dwell on past achievements."
Wang Feng also expressed his respect and attention to Liverpool, "They are one of the opponents that left the deepest impression on me, always aggressive on the field, we hardly have any advantage, always in difficulty."
"But I believe in my teammates, believe in therades standing beside me. We are stronger thanst year, so defending the Champions League title is a great goal that must be achieved."
Apart from this rematch with the old rivals, another Champions League semi-final also promises excitement, the first encounter between Messi and Ronaldo, the two new-generation stars, in such an important asion.
The media naturally wouldn''t miss this opportunity for hype, all stating that only the winner among them would deserve the chance to challenge Wang Feng.
"These media really dare to say!" Ronaldo eximed indignantly, throwing his phone aside. "Why should Messi bepared to me? He only won the La Liga title relying on Ronaldinho; his team can''t even hold onto second ce in the league now!"
On the sidelines, assistant coach Sayers consoled, "Ronnie, these are just media tactics, and UEFA officials will also fan the mes to increase the excitement of the match."
Ronaldo understood this truth well, but Messi not only has his coveted European Golden Boy award, but also surpassed him inst year''s Ballon d''Or, all of which made him quite unhappy.
"I will make him understand the cruelty of football!"
At the Barcelona training base, the yers were also discussing the media''s so-called "new-generation duo" reports. "Isn''t Cristiano the yer who used to dive and show off?" Iniesta said mockingly.
"No, that was the situation when he just joined Manchester United a few years ago. Now, under Ferguson''s guidance, Ronaldo has upgradedprehensively. Both his explosiveness and impact have reached a whole new level. He will be a major threat to our defense," said Puyol with a serious expression.
"Thierry, you''ve faced him directly several times. What do you say?" Henry nodded and said in somewhat fluent Spanish, "Cristiano''s attacking skills are reallyprehensive. Speed, dribbling, free kicks, headers, all at the top level."
"And his scoring rate is very high, he also has a sharp sense of goal, since he changed his shy personality, he has be more and more efficient. When I left, he had already grown into the Premier League''s top scorer."
Messi remained silent. Although his status in the team was increasing day by day, he still rarely expressed himself. On one hand, it was due to his personality, and on the other hand, he was gradually adapting to the changing roles.
But there was also a sense of eagerness in his eyes, defeating Wang Feng was his ultimate goal, and before that, he had to make sure he didn''t lose to anyone else.
Among various attention-grabbing news, there were two major events in European football that caused quite a stir. The first was after Chelsea''s elimination, head coach Grant was unterally announced by the club to be dismissed, and the assistant coach would take charge of the remaining league matches.
Grant, in an interview,shed out at club chairman Abramovich, "He is an autocratic person who did not give the club''s head coach the respect he deserved."
Many coaches also came out in support of Grant; Chelsea''s actions were indeed somewhat hurtful, deeply affected by Abramovich''s "poisoning". Mourinho, currently idle at home, smirked at reporters, "Abramovich has ruined Chelsea single-handedly!"
While ordinary people were watching with interest, they could only sigh at Wang Feng''s "coach killer" attribute once again, another top coach fell after contending with him.
However, soon some Portuguese fans couldn''t remain indifferent. The British Daily Telegraph revealed that Chelsea''s favored new head coach is the current Portuguese national team coach Scri, and the two sides are almost in agreement!
Before the start of the European Championship, the coach is already thinking about leaving. It can be expected how much morale blow this will cause to the team.
On April 14th, in the 32nd round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Murcia away, with "workhorse" Wang Feng leading the bench lineup.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Gago sent a through ball to the right side of the penalty area, Soldado swiftly inserted near the baseline and crossed, the Chinese superstar in the penalty area managed to shoot amidst defensive interference, scoring 1-0!
Just before halftime, Soldado dribbled past on the nk again, Wang Feng stopped the ball near the near post, then cut into the penalty area and scored with a low shot into the far corner,pleting a brace, 2-0!
As a relegation favorite, Murcia was clearly no match for the Gcticos. Their biggest star was still Real Madrid''s former yer Mesia. Although the Spaniards tried their best to prove themselves, the overall strength of the team was ultimately insufficient.
After Wang Feng clocked out at halftime, Real Madrid scored another goal in the 77th minute through Cassano, ending the match with a predicted 3-0 victory for the Gcticos.
On April 21st, in the 33rd round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Atletico Madrid at home. The visiting team had just experienced a fierce battle in the Copa del Rey final, losing 1-3 to Valencia and failing to lift the trophy.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, rested some key yers due to the midweek Champions League semi-final, with Wang Feng and others sitting on the bench. A tired opponent against a substitute lineup resulted in a very dull match, ending in a 0-0 draw.
After this match, the entire Real Madrid team headed to Liverpool; a new storm was about toe.
Chapter 393: Battle of vengeance
Chapter 393: Battle of vengeance
Liverpool is a port city in northwest Ennd, located in Merseyside County. As one of the eight core cities in Ennd, itsmercial and port trade are first-rate, deserving the name of an international metropolis.
When the ne carrying the Real Madrid teamnded at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, there were already home team fans waiting near the airport with banners and slogans such as "Wang Feng, we don''t wee you!" and "Wang Feng, go away!"
"It seems you have be the most unwee yer in the hearts of Liverpool fans," joked Ral, to which Wang Feng shrugged and replied, "It''s my honor."
Jokes aside, the Liverpool City Hall deployed arge number of police forces and implemented strict security measures for the visiting Real Madrid yers and fans, as fanatical fans had caused incidents in the past.
The tragic Hillsborough disaster that shocked the world footballmunity urred during the Champions League knockout stages, with shes between Liverpool and Juventus fans resulting in 39 deaths and over 300 injuries.
After the incident, UEFA also issued the highest level of penalties, banning all British teams from participating in Europeanpetitions for five years, with Liverpool''s bansting seven years.
The pain will forever be remembered, football is supposed to bring joy, and everyone will do their best to prevent uncivilized incidents from happening.
On the evening of April 24th, at Anfield Stadium in Ennd, the highly anticipated first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals officially kicked off.
In this match, Benitez deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Reina as the goalkeeper, and Avraam, Carragher, Skrtel, and Aurelio as defenders, Gerrard, Alonso, and Mascherano as midfielders, and Kuyt, Torres, and Babel as forwards.
To be honest, this starting lineup was somewhat unexpected by the outside world, as it was predicted that the Spanish coach might adopt a defensive formation, with 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 being the preferred choices to limit Wang Feng''s performance.
However, Benitez was very firm in his decision, determined to win the first leg of the match, which would provide security when they visit the Bernabeu. Therefore, he deployed the team''s strongest attacking lineup.
Torres, the "golden boy" brought in from Atletico Madridst summer, set a record for Liverpool''s highest transfer fee, conquering the coach and fans in just one season, securing his position as a starter in the front line.
So far, the 24-year-old Spanish forward has scored 21 league goals, bing the first Liverpool yer to score more than 20 goals in a single season since Fowler in the 1995-1996 season.
At the beginning of the match, both sides appeared cautious, with the first ten minutes mainly focused on probing. Real Madrid had a slight advantage in midfield control, but Liverpool''s sharp insertions also posed a threat.
The home teampleted the first threatening attack, with Avraam intercepting the ball in the backfield and quickly sending a long pass to find Torres in the frontcourt.
The Spaniard swiftly advanced, flicked the ball past Heinze, and took a powerful shot. However, goalkeeper Casis remained very focused, anticipating the trajectory in advance and catching the ball, resolving the crisis.
Real Madrid had a rtively higher ball possession rate, and they soon organized an effective attack. Sneijder sent a through ball into the penalty area, Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past defender Skrtel, and shot towards the bottom right corner of the goal, but unfortunately, it was blocked by the post.
After nearly a season of training and coordination, Ramos, Pepe, and Ashley Cole''s performances weremendable, and they had developed a tacit understanding with each other, demonstrating excellent defensive strength.
However, Heinze had a weakness. Due to his aging and past injuries, the former Manchester United defender''s performance had severely declined, often bing a breakthrough point for opponents.
The young Torres keenly noticed this and seized the opportunity to frequently attack from Heinze''s side, using agile movements and strong physical qualities to gain the upper hand.
He first burst from the sideline, shook off Argentine defender and then entered the penalty area, but his shot from a narrow angle missed the target. Then, he received a through pass from Gerrard, again evaded Heinze, and unexpectedly chipped the ball into the far corner, but fortunately, Saint Iker remained stable and caught the ball.
Upon careful calction, although Real Madrid had control of the main possession, Liverpool created more chances, and they were also more threatening. They found effective attacking methods.
When the time came to the 27th minute, the home teamunched another attack from the nk. Gerrard made a wide-range transfer to divert the attention of the Gxy Warship''s defense, and Mascherano quickly sent a high-speed cross from the bottom.
Lurking in the penalty area, Kuyt leaped high and barely grabbed the first point. So, instead of shooting directly, he flicked the ball to the back post.
At some point, Torres, with clever movements, shook off the defense and emerged unmarked. With no one to disturb him, he headed the ball from close range, and it found the bottom left corner of the goal, giving Liverpool the lead!
"Fernando Torres!" eximed the livementator excitedly, followed by the deafening cheers of the home fans, finally receiving rewards after so much effort.
Tens of thousands of fans wearing red jerseys stood up one after another, shouting the Spaniard''s name at the top of their lungs. At this moment, he was the god of Anfield!
The Gxy Warship''s onught was not over yet. In the 37th minute, their defense line made another fatal mistake. Once again, it was Mascherano with a cross from the nk. Due to Heinze''s absence, Ramos hastily defended and ended up tripping Torres.
"Beep~" The referee''s whistle sounded like a haunting melody in the hearts of the Real Madrid yers. German referee Fandel decisively pointed to the penalty spot, "No, I didn''t mean it, you can see my intention." Ramos exined anxiously.
Fandel shook his head, insisting on his decision. Liverpool was awarded a penalty kick!
Kuyt walked to Torres and extended his hand, "Mate, well done! You take this penalty." Torres was somewhat surprised; wasn''t he the team''s first penalty taker?
"Your performance today is outstanding. I believe in you. If you can score a brace or even a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, it will be a wonderful experience." Kuyt added with a smile.
Torres nodded gratefully. He did not disappoint his teammate''s trust, easily deceiving Casis and slotting the ball into the bottom left corner, 2-0! Liverpool extended their lead.
Watching the home team yers celebrating together, Ramos hung his head in frustration. At that moment, an arm rested on his shoulder, "Brother, why so down? We haven''t lost yet!"
The Spaniard looked up at Wang Feng, "It was my mistake just now, giving them a goal. I was too reckless!"
"No, you just wanted to defend with all your might. Besides, who can guarantee that they will never make a mistake? There are still over fifty minutes left in the game, and even if this round doesn''t go well, we still have the second leg. It''s too early to be discouraged now!"
Looking at the confident and spirited face in front of him, Ramos gradually dispelled his despair. Yeah, we still have time and opportunity, and we have yers who can create miracles to rely on!
Chapter 394: Defend or fail
Chapter 394: Defend or fail
In the first half, neither side scored again. After a brief halftime break, Schuster made substitutions, recing the out-of-form Heinze with Marcelo. The Brazilian defender was not only younger and more energetic but also more involved in the attack. Real Madrid had to counterattack.
At the same time, he also substituted Diarra with Gago, hoping to further strengthen control in the midfield and attacking areas. Liverpool did not make many adjustments, and Benitez was very satisfied with the performance of the starting yers.
In the 68th minute, the Gxy Battleship created an opportunity. Wang Feng received a through pass from Sneijder on the wing, immediately attracting two defenders, Alonso and Carragher.
Alonso positioned himself on Wang Feng''s side, constantly disturbing the ball at his feet, while Carragher stood behind him, preventing the Chinese superstar from turning around and asionally extending his leg to disrupt the attack.
Despite such tight marking, Wang Feng still managed to control the ball without losing possession. However, prolonged stalemate would inevitably lead to a disadvantageous situation, requiring a prompt decision.
At this moment, Ral had already run nearby to provide support, but Carragher skillfully intercepted the passingne, making it easy to intercept the ball if it were passed.
So, the Chinese superstar decisively decided to attempt a breakthrough on his own! He lightly flicked the ball twice with the tip of his foot. The first flick was not high, just to test the control strength and evade the opponent''s pressure.
After gauging the situation, he suddenly exerted force on the second flick, lifting the ball high over his own head and behind him. It also passed Alonso, and at the same time, Wang Feng twisted his waist and exerted abdominal strength, forcibly pushing aside Carragher to turn and chase the ball.
Sessfully breaking through under the tight marking of the two defenders! Carragher was surprised; he never expected Wang Feng to escape the defense. He could only choose to step forward to defend.
After cutting inside into the penalty area, the Chinese superstar saw Carraghering forward and sent a horizontal pass to an unmarked Ral. The Spanish forward easily scored, giving the Gxy Battleship their first goal of the match.
"Gooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!"
"In the second half, Real Madrid finally pulled one back, a powerful shot from Ral, but the actions before the goal are just unbelievable!"
"Wang Feng was tightly marked by two defenders, with almost no space to control the ball, but he managed to break through the double-team with a delicate flick!"
"Let''s watch the slow-motion rey again. Oh my God, these two flickspletely controlled the ball. Alonso and Carragher seemed to apply tight pressure, but in reality, there was no chance for interception."
"After the breakthrough, instead of being greedy, the Chinese superstar passed the ball to Ral in a better position. Carragher failed to defend, but this can''t be med on him. If he didn''t stop Wang Feng, he would have faced the goalkeeper directly. I think everyone understands what that means."
"It can be said that 80% of the credit for this goal belongs to Wang Feng''s brilliant breakthrough, and 20% to Ral''s precise shot."
Conceding such an incredible goal, Liverpool''s team became a bit panicked. Benitez urgently made substitutions to stabilize the situation, bringing on the physically fit Riise and Pennant, and instructing them to remind other yers that the team was still leading and there was no need to panic.
His timely adjustments had a good effect. The home team''s confidence was rekindled, and they couldn''t afford to let aeback happen again! As the match reached the 82nd minute, Real Madrid''s Robben and Ral formed abination on the right side of the field. After Ral entered the penalty area, he made a back pass to find Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar''s powerful shot hit a defender and bounced back outside the penalty area. Gerrard was the first to reach the ball, thenunched a quick counterattack. He found Torres, who had advanced from the backline.
Facing Marcelo''s defense, the Spanish forward used his speed to overtake him, entered the penalty area from a narrow angle, and took a shot. The ball drew a strange arc in the air, finding the corner of the goal.
Casis stretched his body to the extreme in mid-air, but still couldn''t prevent the ball from entering the. 3-1! Liverpool once again extended their lead!
The atmosphere at Anfield Stadium boiled like boiling water, with the Reds'' fans going crazy. They seemed to see the team avenging Real Madrid, reaching the final, and eventually lifting the Champions League trophy, a glory that should have belonged to them long ago!
Torres scored a hat-trick! Wang Feng, who was desperately defending, kicked the turf in frustration. He didn''t expect the Spanish forward to choose to shoot from a narrow angle instead of passing to Kuyt in the middle. He yed with confidence, and his shooting uracy was high.
Soon, the final whistle sounded, and Liverpool won a splendideback at home with a score of 3-1 against Real Madrid!
The Real Madrid yers looked very frustrated, with Marcelo hanging his head in regret. If he had run a little faster and blocked Torres''s shot more decisively, thest goal wouldn''t have been scored.
Schuster''s expression on the sidelines was alsoplicated. Before the game, he was confident that the team had a psychological advantage over Liverpool, but the result was unexpected.
Wang Feng also lowered his head, but no one noticed the zing fire in his eyes.
"The Gxy Battleship walks away from Anfield in defeat, and the Chinese superstar can''t save the day. The defense of the title might just be a mirage!" The next day, this exciting showdown appeared on the front pages of major media outlets.
The sh between Torres and Wang Feng was the focus of the report. Although everyone had high hopes for the "Spanish Golden Boy" before the match, no one expected him to perform to this extent, almost overshadowing the Chinese superstar.
While several goals were due to mistakes in the Gxy Battleship''s defense, it also fully demonstrated his outstanding ability to seize opportunities, cing him firmly among the ranks of world-ss yers.
Furthermore, learning fromst year''s lesson, Benitez said in a post-match interview, "We haven''t achieved the final victory yet, so the whole team will remain vignt."
He reiterated his requirements in the team meeting, stating that they wouldn''t celebrate for now and would continue to intensify their training. If anyone showed signs ofcency, they would be severely punished.
The yers naturally understood and approved of the coach''s approach. The British newspaper "The Times" believed that Benitez was very wise, and the Gxy Battleship would not have any chance of aeback.
Spanish media believed that Real Madrid still had hope, highly praising Wang Feng''s performance of facing two defenders alone, "He is such a fighter who can create opportunities even in desperate situations."
At the same time, many media outlets criticized Heinze, believing that his decline in level was very serious and he was no longer suitable to be the team''s starting defender.
Schuster did not make anyments on this, only saying, "ying away in the first leg, the team did not fully demonstrate its strength, but we are not far behind, and we have scored a valuable away goal."
"Next, we will continue to focus on training and strive to regain our best form. Anything is possible at the Bernabeu."
Chapter 395: Substitute choice
Chapter 395: Substitute choice
When Real Madrid fell at Anfield, another first-leg Champions League semifinal also ended after 90 minutes of intense battle, with Barcelona ultimately shaking hands with Manchester United in a 0-0 draw.
Cristiano Ronaldo, hands on hips, was catching his breath. Throughout the match, he had been very active, creating many attacking opportunities, but unfortunately couldn''t convert them into goals.
Not far away, Lionel Messi was also catching his breath. In this game, he was closely marked by Manchester United''s defense, falling to the ground numerous times due to fouls.
The two locked eyes, with a burst of fierce determination in their gaze, along with a hint of mutual respect. Ronaldo couldn''t help but retract his previous disdainful assessment of Messi; he was indeed a worthy opponent. Messi''s superb dribbling skills during the match left Ronaldo feeling somewhat inferior.
So the Portuguese forward took the initiative to approach Messi. "How about we exchange jerseys?" The Argentine rising star didn''t hesitate, taking off his jersey and handing it to Ronaldo. "Of course, no problem."
The two chatted for a while, and suddenly Messi seemed to express some emotion or doubt. "I wonder how Wang Feng is doing?" Ronaldo''s spirits lifted upon hearing this, striding purposefully towards the locker room to find a staff member for confirmation.
Messi followed closely, inquiring as well. When they learned of the defeat, both wore expressions of incredulity. "Real Madrid actually lost. Will Wang Feng be eliminated?"
Ronaldo was initially shocked; this result greatly exceeded his expectations. But then he breathed a sigh of relief, followed by a surge of joy. They wouldn''t have to face such a tough opponent in the final. In his mind, Liverpool was much easier to deal with than Real Madrid with Wang Feng.
But this emotion was quickly dispelled by his fighting spirit. How could he entertain such thoughts? He needed to defeat Wang Feng squarely, to rightfully im the throne of the world''s best yer from him. Only then would it be truly deserved!
"Real Madrid will definitely not go down like this, right, Wang Feng? I''ll be waiting for you in the final!" Ronaldo silently thought to himself.
Compared to Ronaldo''s rich emotional fluctuations, Messi remained much calmer. His experiences facing Wang Feng and the Gxy Battleship multiple times made him understand that this team wasn''t so easily defeated.
Barcelona had already lost the league title and the Copa del Rey this season, leaving only the Champions League. They had no choice; the most important thing now was to eliminate Manchester United. After that, they wouldn''t fear facing either Liverpool or Real Madrid!
Back in Spain, the Gxy Battleship had another league match on the weekend, away against Athletic Bilbao in the 34th round of La Liga. Fortunately, they still maintained a points advantage over the second-ced Virreal, so Schuster simply let the assistant coach take a rotated lineup to Bilbao.
"Is this really appropriate?" Del Nido asked worriedly. "Can''t worry about that much!" Schuster scribbled on paper, pondering the tactics for the match against Liverpool: "Even if we lose this round, we''re still top of the league table. The most important thing is to ensure that the yers are in their best condition for the second leg."
"We mustn''t repeat the mistakes of the Copa del Rey!" Del Nido nodded, and Schuster thought of something else, adding, "Stay in contact before and after the match. I need to hear your suggestions on the lineup, and if any defenders perform well, let me know promptly."
Although he didn''t publicly criticize Heinze in front of the media, the Argentine defender had indeed disappointed him. It seemed that changes would need to be made to the starting lineup.
While the regr starters were spared the hassle, engaging in routine training and tactical drills under the guidance of the head coach, the rotated yers of the Gxy Battleship shed with Athletic Bilbao.
The lineupposed of substitutes and reserve team yers didn''t want to miss this precious opportunity in the league. Despite conceding the first goal to the opponents, Solerado helped the Gxy Battleship equalize before the end of the match.
After scoring, the 23-year-old Spanish forward ran wildly, celebrating and releasing his emotions. As the lowest-ranked substitute forward in the team, he not only couldn''t challenge the positions of main yers like Ral and Wang Feng but also came after substitute yers like Higuan, Cassano, and Savi in terms of ying time.
At this moment, he finally made an important decision: to leave Real Madrid, to leave behind all the yers coveted by others, and to join the Gxy Battleship he had longed for! This was a team always in the spotlight, arrogantly overlooking all other giants, but also the most brutalpetitive stage.
Srdo came through the ranks of the Real Madrid youth academy, one of the most prominent yers in the team since his youth days. During his four years with Real Madrid Casti, he scored 63 goals.
But in the star-studded frontline of the first team, there was obviously no ce for him. Experiencing constant bench roles and even setbacks like being loaned to clubs like Osasuna, he never mustered the courage to leave the ce he had called home for over a decade.
Until now, this goal told him that he still loved football, that he wanted to y rather than sit on the bench! More importantly, due to his unstable appearances, he was also excluded from this year''s Spanish national team squad for the European Championship.
Considering that he wore the symbolic main yer''s No. 9 jersey for the national team for the first time, but was now directly left out, this further strengthened Srdo''s determination to leave and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Ultimately, Real Madrid drew 1-1 away against Athletic Bilbao, and upon returning to Madrid, Srdo immediately submitted a transfer request. After some symbolic persuasion from the club''s top management, they agreed, after all, the frontline of Real Madrid was already the world''s best.
But the management would also fully consider and respect Srdo''s autonomous choices. After all, he was also from the Gxy Battleship''s main system. Srdo intended to join teams like Hrcules or Mallorca that could promise him a starting position.
On thest day of April, the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, about 7 kilometers from the city center of Madrid, was buzzing with activity. Whether or not they were football fans, the people living in the Spanish capital knew that there would be a heavyweight match today.
The second leg of the Champions League semifinal, Real Madrid vs. Liverpool!
The Gxy Battleship was in a trailing position, so as soon as the game began, theyunched wave after wave of fast-paced attacks. Compared to the first leg, head coach Schuster made some adjustments to the lineup, benching Heinze and having Marcelo rece him.
Liverpool, on the other hand, wasn''t as aggressive as in the first leg. They reced forward Babbel with defender Riise, maintaining a bnced 4-4-2 formation. Benitez aimed to secure the situation while not giving up on attacking.
In the 3rd minute, Wang Feng and Ral aggressively pressed in the frontcourt, sessfully intercepting the ball from Aurelio. They immediatelyunched an attack, and after a few passes, the Chinese superstar quickly received the ball near the edge of the penalty area.
He nced at the penalty area, then suddenly kicked a low shot with his right foot, the ball flying straight towards the bottom left corner of the goal, causing the fans in the stands to excitedly stand up.
"Shot!!"
"Oh, what a pity! The ball was blocked by goalkeeper Reina. The shot was very beautiful, very sudden, and the angle was tricky, but Liverpool''s defense was very focused. It seems they really don''t want to repeatst year''s mistakes."
Chapter 396: Time is running out
Chapter 396: Time is running out
On domestic forums, the entry about Wang Feng is always the most active. ording to statistics, the average daily activity starts in the millions. At this moment, the top post in the forum is about cheering for Wang Feng and Real Madrid.
This newly created pre-match post has already umted hundreds of thousands ofments within a few minutes. Netizens are showing off their creativity, using various unconventional methods to express their support for the Chinese superstar.
"Can Wang Feng win?" someone asks. Quickly, there are countless replies beneath: "Yes!"
The yers, who are highly anticipated by the fans, are also giving their all on the field. With continuous pressing and active running, the Real Madrid frontline resembles starving beasts, eager to tear Liverpool apart and devour them.
In the 5th minute, Wang Feng quickly pressures goalkeeper Reina, forcing him to kick the ball out of bounds. Although it relieves one crisis, the ball possession transfers to the home team, leaving the Spanish goalkeeper frustrated and signaling his defenders to be more vignt.
In the 8th minute, Diarra sends a long pass from the backline, and Raul heads it back to Sneijder in the midfield. The Dutch midfielder immediately organizes an attack with the ball at his feet.
Seeing Wang Feng sprinting towards the penalty area, he lifts the ball with his left foot behind the defensive line. The Chinese superstar anticipates the direction of the ball''snding while advancing. Reina decisively chooses to rush out of the goal, also moving towards the ball.
Just as the ball is about to fall into Reina''s arms, Wang Feng quickly extends his right foot, reaching the ball first! Without waiting for joy to well up, the Spanish goalkeeper suddenly changes from a dive to a block, stretching his right hand to catch the ball single-handedly, then falling to the ground to resolve the crisis.
After lifting the ball, the Chinese superstar falls over in frustration and taps the turf. He realizes that he didn''t strike the ball with enough force; otherwise, Reina wouldn''t have caught it so easily.
Continue attacking! In the 15th minute, Sneijder tries to send a through pass into the penalty area from the front, but Skrtel suddenly rushes out to intercept the pass sessfully.
Nearby, Raul immediately presses to win back possession. The Slovakian defender hurriedly clears the ball to Carragher in the middle. At this moment, Wang Feng has already moved out of the penalty area. He uses his keen senses to anticipate Carragher''s movement and intercepts the ball from his feet.
Just as he intends to dribble into the penalty area, the English defender extends his right foot to trip him. The Chinese superstar falls to the ground unexpectedly, but the ball is still at his feet. So he quickly gets up to continue his breakthrough.
However, this moment of dy allows Carragher to catch up. The Englishman directly embraces him, stopping Wang Feng''s next move, and the ball is cleared by the arriving Arbeloa.
"Whistle!" The referee naturally won''t overlook such an obvious foul and immediately stops the game. But already in a disadvantaged situation, Wang Feng feels a surge of anger at being obstructed by such a foul from the defender.
The Chinese superstar forcefully breaks free from Carragher''s embrace and turns to push him away, shouting in English, "Get out of here, jerk!"
Carragher is also very clever. Seeing the situation, he immediately falls to the ground, clutching his chest and struggling as if he had just broken a rib.
Liverpool yers swarm over, and Real Madrid yers confront them. The sharp and loud whistle echoes throughout the stadium, and the French referee, Yan Belei, quickly separates the two sides.
"Oh, what Wang Feng did just now was indeed inappropriate. He was too impatient. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey to see what happened."
"Oh, Carragher first made a tripping action that caused Wang Feng to lose bnce, but he got up immediately, and the referee didn''t blow for an advantageous attack. But the following embrace, he turned the game field into a sumo arena, no wonder Wang Feng got angry."
"This is the first time we''ve seen Wang Feng so angry after watching so many of his games. It''s really not easy."
"Yeah, he was too impatient. After all, being behind in score, he''s probably going to get a card now. Let''s see how the referee judges."
After calming down the confrontation, referee Yan Belei calls Wang Feng over: "You need to stay calm, Wang, just like you used to on the field. Unfortunately, I have to give you a yellow card."
Wang Feng nods helplessly. After dealing with the Chinese superstar, he walks to Carragher, who is still lying on the ground: "Get up, I know you''re fine, or else I''ll have the stretcher carry you off."
"Referee, I didn''t mean to offend, but Wang Feng pushed me. Isn''t that a red card offense?"
"You know what happened, Mr. Carragher. The two previous fouls could have been red cards for you. Now, get up! Let''s restart the game!" Carragher immediately gets up in frustration.
The home team fans boo loudly at the English defender, and many fans shout, "You can go audition for the Oscars, jerk!", "You shouldn''t be on the football field but in a sumo arena!"
Raul walks up to Wang Feng and pats him on the shoulder, saying, "Don''t worry, buddy, we still have time." The Chinese superstar takes a deep breath, nodding slowly. He indeed let anger cloud his judgment just now. Thinking back, weren''t all past victories full of obstacles?
Due to Liverpool''s foul just now, Real Madrid earns a free kick in the area just outside the penalty box, very close to the goal. Naturally, it''s Wang Feng who steps up to take the free kick.
"Watch the Gxy Battleship''s free kick opportunity. This distance is a piece of cake for Wang Feng. Statistics show that his free kick uracy is terrifyingly high, almostparable to the penalty kick sess rate of ordinary yers."
"Run-up, shoot!!"
"Oh my god!" Yellow Lu in the live stream couldn''t help but curse, "The ball hit the post and bounced back. Then it was cleared by Liverpool''s defenders out of danger. This is just too unlucky."
"Let''s take another look at this free kick. The shooting angle was very good, creating a curve around the wall in front of the penalty area. The goalkeeper Reina couldn''t even reach it. If it had deviated a little more inward, it would have gone in!"
A shot that was almost certain to score is blocked by the post. Wang Feng clenches his teeth. Recently, opponents have been wary of his free kick threats and usually don''t dare to foul near the penalty area, so he hasn''t had many opportunities from this distance.
Even when ustomed to shooting from longer distances, he made a slight mistake in control. He shouldn''t have curved the ball so much! "I''ll take 500 more free kicks after the game, no, 1000!" The Chinese superstar thinks fiercely in his heart.
Time passes slowly amidst the pouring sweat, through the first half, halftime, and the second half, until the game reaches the 80th minute, the score on the field is still 0-0.
The Gxy Battleship has created many opportunities, but Lady Luck seems not to be on their side tonight. Not only did Liverpool''s goalkeeper Reina perform brilliantly, but the away team''s goal was also equally imprable, repeatedly acting as a barrier to stop Real Madrid.
There isn''t much time left for them!
Chapter 397: Huge super mistake
Chapter 397: Huge super mistake
In the top-level box of the Bernabeu, Florentino let out a deep sigh and sat back on the sofa. At this moment, he had just regained his senses from the intense match. The yers had put in a lot of effort, and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals was not uneptable.
After all, it''s much better than being eliminated in the round of 16! Moreover, the team won their tenth Champions League titlest year. Although it was regrettable not to achieve back-to-back titles, Wang Feng is still young. As long as we fully support him, there may still be opportunities in the future.
So he said to Sand, the first-team manager beside him, "The team''s summer transfer work needs to be started as soon as possible. The focus should be on filling Heinze''s defensive gap and finding more offensive help for Wang Feng. I think Raul should make way."
Sand nodded, "There are already several yers in consideration by the team. I willpile a dossier for the managementter."
Florentino closed his eyes without saying anything further, pondering something. Others also fell silent, and the atmosphere in the box became somewhat heavy.
Meanwhile, the match still hadn''t made any progress. When the time reached the 85th minute, some home fans began to leave. They couldn''t bear to see their supported team being eliminated.
Andrea was one of them. He brought his young son to watch the game today. His child has always been a big fan of Real Madrid, and as a father, he couldn''t bear to expose his child to a sad environment.
Outside the stadium, some small media reporters were waiting for news at the entrance. A journalist from "Madrid Voice" saw the father and son and hurriedly went up to interview them. Andrea dly epted, "Well, this year we just had some bad luck. Overall, Real Madrid yed well."
"It was an exciting game, but if in the first leg the team could gain an advantage."
Just then, the stadium seemed to erupt, with earth-shattering shouts echoing through the sky, instantly drowning out his words. Andrea was first stunned, then immediately realized what was happening. Real Madrid must have scored!
He quickly picked up his son and rushed back. This scene was faithfully recorded by a "Madrid Voice" journalist with a camera, bing one of the ssic moments in football history.
Back on the field, in the 86th minute, Wang Feng once againunched an attack with the ball. He''s the kind of yer who never gives up until the final moment.
Liverpool''s defense was already a bit exhausted at this point, giving him the opportunity. The Chinese superstar first dodged Skrtel with a feint near the edge of the penalty area, then sidestepped towards the goal with small steps.
Facing Carragher''s leg block, he flicked the ball forward to evade, and at the same time, he jumped over the Slovak defender''s leg.
As he caught up with the ball, Carragher blocked him again, but Wang Feng hooked the ball back and changed direction to avoid him, then entered the penalty area. The nearby defender Arbeloa hurriedly stepped up to defend, but the Chinese superstar used his left foot to evade the defense again.
In the blink of an eye, he dribbled past four defenders! This magical move was partly due to Wang Feng''s incredible dribbling skills and partly because the Liverpool defenders were physically exhausted, slowing down their body adjustments after being deceived by feints. So the Chinese superstar easily escaped under the influence of his explosive power, unlike at the beginning of the game when defenders could react quickly and cover positions.
Now the only obstacle is goalkeeper Reina! In this game, he has blocked how many shots from Wang Feng, who knows. Wang Feng made a slight adjustment and used the outside of his right foot to push the ball.
Instead of flying off the ground, the ball rolled close to the grass towards the goal, but it was off-target! Reina judged it to be going towards the corner g almost, but when it reached the edge of the small penalty area, the ball suddenly turned back into the range of the goalpost.
Reina was taken aback, and by the time he wanted to make a save, it was toote. The ball grazed the right post and entered the.
"Goal!! Real Madrid finally scored!!"
"Wang Feng used a strange ground-level shot to break through Reina''s defense! It''s really not easy! Reina blocked so many of his shots today."
"Before the shot, he dribbled past four defenders with dazzling dribbling skills, let''s take a look at the rey. I don''t know how to describe this divine goal. I can only say that this goal is like a celestial being descending to the mortal world!"
This goalpletely ignited the passion of the Bernabeu stadium. The fans forgot that their team was still behind, forgot about the limited time, and just wanted to support the heroes on the field with all their might!
And Wang Feng quickly ran to the Liverpool goal to retrieve the ball and bring it back to the center line. The Real Madrid yers returned to their positions with a tacit understanding, and Raul kept urging the referee to restart the game.
Of course, the away team didn''t want things to go smoothly for them. They dyed for over a minute, until the referee couldn''t bear it and was about to show a card before restarting the match. Real Madrid immediately pressed high up the field and quickly regained possession.
Next, they sessfully prated into the penalty area through continuous passing. Unfortunately, Raul''s final shot was caught by Reina. The Spanish goalkeeper signaled his teammates to maintain their positions while trying to dy time.
Wang Feng stood nearby, observing silently. His face remained calm, but his attention was fully focused. When he saw Reina wanting to throw the ball, he suddenly rushed to intercept the passingne.
Reina had been making saves all night, and his shoulders were somewhat sore. Therefore, Wang Feng''s sudden appearance made his movements somewhat stiff. He wanted to retract his strength, but his body didn''t respond.
So everyone saw Reina throw the ball, hitting Wang Feng''s outstretched right foot heavily. Then, it rebounded and flew towards the goal. Even though he tried to make a save with all his might, it was toote.
"Goal!! Goal!! Goal!! In the 90th minute, Wang Feng scored another goal!"
"Liverpool''s goalkeeper made a huge mistake. Reina was like a god in this game, blocking one brilliant shot after another from Real Madrid. But unexpectedly, he made this low-level mistake at thest moment. What happened to him!"
The Spanish goalkeepery down in the penalty area, holding his sore shoulder with his right hand. He felt an immense pain in his mind. How much he wished time could rewind for a minute, no, even half a minute, he would definitely not make this mistake!
But time cannot be turned back. The Liverpool defenders stood dumbfounded, unable to ept that the goalkeeper, who was considered the backbone of the team, would actually destroy their hopes of advancing with his own hands.
For a long time, no one went tofort or help up Reina. Finally, Gerrard came to his senses and walked up to the Spaniard to console him.
Real Madrid took the lead in the score! Although the total score was 3-3, the Gcticos held the advantage of an away goal! Wang Feng sprinted on the sidelines, with the fans'' praises echoing in his ears.
Florentino danced with excitement, "Great!" He had already despaired, but he didn''t expect Real Madrid to overtake just before the end of the game, and it''s Wang Feng again, once again saving the team!
The 61-year-old helm of Real Madrid felt much younger. There seemed to be a surge of power in his body, making him unable to resist the urge to run. This is the charm of football!
All the other high-level executives in the box also showed joyful expressions. Sand wiped the sweat from his forehead. In fact, deep down, he believed that Wang Feng would definitely bring miracles. He just didn''t dare to say it out loud earlier.
"It seems that this Gcticos is really going to sail to the universe!"
Chapter 398: Reversal
Chapter 398: Reversal
Leading almost the entire game, Liverpool at this moment was extremely frustrated. The head coach Benitez could no longer maintain his calm demeanor but anxiously directed the team to attack with all their might, as one more goal would still make them the winners!
The away team yers, disregarding mutual encouragement and constion, now urged the referee to stop the endless celebration of Real Madrid and demanded a quick restart. Benitez felt somewhat absurd, but he still fulfilled the referee''s duty.
Unfortunately, Benitez was destined to be disappointed. Shortly after the restart, in a flurry of panic and anxiety, the away team lost possession of the ball, which Sneijder slotted through to Wang Feng, who immediatelyunched a rapid counterattack across the midfield line.
ncing ahead, Wang Feng noticed that Reina, perhaps due to self-me, was positioned very high, gazing at the advancing teammates. So the Chinese superstar made a powerful stride forward.
A run-up, a shot! A powerful long-range lob shot soared straight towards Liverpool''s goal, despite the Spanish goalkeeper''s desperate retreat, he still couldn''t catch up with the speed of the ball''s descent. It grazed just beneath the crossbar and dropped into the.
3-0! Real Madrid reversed the aggregate score to 4-3! Wang Feng staged a hat-trick! "Goooooooooooooooooooal! A super long-range world-ss goal from Wang Feng, piercing through the away team''s defense for the third time!"
"The Chinese superstar scored three goals within five minutes,pletely breaking Liverpool, Reina is to me for thest two goals, we can''t help but wonder what happened to him!"
As predicted by thementator, Liverpool had been thoroughly defeated and had no ability to fight back. Despite having three minutes of stoppage time, and another goal could push the game into extra time, clearly they didn''t want to y anymore! When the final whistle was blown by the referee Yungbeli, Real Madrid''s substitute yers and coaching staff rushed onto the field, celebrating together this miraculouseback victory, simr tost year''s championship celebration.
A magical game, a miraculous victory! This thought echoed in everyone''s mind. At the post-match press conference, the media eagerly raised their questions.
"Yes, this is a victory that can be recorded in history," joked Schuster. "Honestly, my surprise is no less than yours. Three goals in five minutes, my god, is there anything crazier than this?"
"At that time, I could only apud Wang Feng from the coaching bench. He always brings endless surprises."
Wang Feng also attended the press conference. He said, "Everyone only sees my goals, but they didn''t notice the constant pressing from my teammates to regain possession, they had to attack while ensuring no defensive mistakes. Every yer on the team made an indelible contribution, victory belongs to everyone, belongs to Real Madrid!"
"Um? Yes, yes, the second goal was quite miraculous, even I didn''t expect it to go so smoothly, I just wanted to put some pressure on the opponent goalkeeper."
"Perhaps in the final moments of the game, the God of fate finally decided to favor us." Wang Feng smiled and added, "You know, we had nearly twenty shots on target throughout the game, but didn''t score a goal."
On the other hand, Liverpool''s head coach Benitez attended the press conference alone. He answered the media''s questions: "The high-intensity game inevitably caused fatigue for Reina, and just now, the team doctor''s preliminary diagnosis indicated a slight muscle strain in his shoulder."
"Real Madrid performed better in the contest, they almost dominated us throughout the game, and even though we had some chances, the team couldn''t capitalize on them."
"So losing is not the responsibility of any one person, I won''t me Reina, without him, the team would have definitely lost more miserably, so he remains the first-choice goalkeeper."
Once again blocked by Wang Feng''s individual efforts from reaching the Champions League final, Benitez''s mood was very poor. He even felt somewhat pessimistic, believing that as long as the Chinese superstar is still ying, Liverpool will never get their fifth championship.
ording to thetest news, UEFA ns to abolish the permanent trophy system in 2009, which means Liverpool, this historically prestigious club, is about to lose their ticket to the top-tier elite clubs!
The Spanish coach couldn''t help but sigh, will hee again next year? Although the game ended, discussions on domesticworks were still lively. Netizens enthusiastically talked about Wang Feng''s miraculous performance and also discussed Reina''s blunder.
"Wang Feng''s first goal was a turning point in the game! Dribbling past four defenders in a small area upfront was already shocking enough, and the final shot was of such high quality."
"By the way, why didn''t he use his dribbling skills from the beginning? Does it require a special period like Ultraman''s special move?"
"I don''t know what Ultraman is, but judging from your post, you must have just started watching football, in fact, Wang Feng was trying to prate the defense throughout the game, but in the early stages, Liverpool''s defense was very strong both physically and mentally, making it difficult to achieve the effect of dribbling past multiple yers, so he had to choose not to lose possession and pass."
"But this also indirectly reflects his strong physical fitness. Even in the final moments, when defenders were feeling tired, Wang Feng still exuded vitality."
Regarding thest two goals, "These two shots directly halved the value of the Spanish goalkeeper!" someone predicted, but more people believed he shouldn''t be overly med.
"He has already performed well enough, if it wasn''t for Reina''s saves in the first half, Liverpool would have been broken much earlier."
"But history will not remember his merits, only his mistakes, soon everyone will only remember him flicking the ball to Wang Feng''s feet and positioning himself too far forward, leading to the long-range lob goal."
"In that case, Wang Feng seems to be a heavily sinning yer," someonemented, "Think about it, count carefully, how many well-known head coaches have fallen at his feet? Forgot aboutst summer when no one dared to take over Bar?a?"
As they chatted, they also discussed Liverpool''s history of setbacks. Someone summarized the club''s Europeanpetition history:
In the 2001 UEFA Cup final, encountering Wang Feng-led Genk, leading 3-0 but were chased to 5-3, tragically missed the championship.
In the 2002 Champions League quarter-finals, encountering Bundesliga''s Leverkusen, leading 1-0 in the first leg but lost 2-4 in the second leg, tragically reversed.
In the 2005 Champions League final, encountering Chelsea from the same Premier League, dominating but conceded ast-minute goal.
In the 2006 Champions League round of 16, encountering Portuguese''s Benfica, leading 1-0 in the first leg but lost 0-2 in the second leg, tragically reversed.
In the 2007 Champions League final, meeting the Gxy battleship where Wang Feng was, leading 3-0 simrly, but were chased to 3-4, eventually lost the championship.
Then there was this year''s 2008 Champions League semi-final, leading 3-1 in the first leg, but were chased to 3-4 in the second leg, eventually missed the final.
"Looking back, Liverpool''s experience seems to be called the ''European Reversal Sauce'', haha!"
At this time, there were not many fans of anime culture domestically, so most people were puzzled, "What does this mean? Is it a sauce that Europeanpetitions often get reversed?"
And veteran yers would show a meaningful smile and echo, "Exactly, there''s no problem exining it like that."
Chapter 399: Derby
Chapter 399: Derby
When Manchester United returned from Barcelona to Manchester, hundreds of Red Devils fans had already gathered at the international airport exit, along with a dozen media outlets that hade specifically for interviews, eagerly awaiting the yers'' emergence.
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in people''s sight wearing a dark blue suit,plemented by carefully groomed hair, looking very stylish and immediately causing waves of cheers from female fans.
He was undoubtedly the center of attention, as in the just-ended second leg of the Champions League semi-final yesterday, thanks to Ronaldo''s curling free kick goal, the Red Devils eventually defeated Barcelona 1-0, advancing to the Champions League final! With 30 goals in the league and 9 goals in the Champions League, such a performance was enough to make him highly sought after, especially surpassing Messi to be the number one below Wang Feng.
Yes, below Wang Feng, because the Chinese superstar scored 46 goals in the league this season and 16 goals in the Champions League, fully suppressing the Portuguese superstar.
Every time he thought of this, Ronaldo felt his teeth clenching. Since Real Madrid also made it to the Champions League final, he would never miss the chance for aeback this time!
So when interviewed by reporters, he expressed his ambition without hesitation: "Both the team and I are fully prepared, this time we are going for the Champions League title!"
But when someone mentionedst year''s elimination of Manchester United by Real Madrid, especially Ronaldo''splete defeat against Wang Feng, the Portuguese showed obvious displeasure. "I don''t think past losses mean anything. Every year, teams and yers undergo significant changes."
"The past regrets cannot deter us; they will only make everyone more determined!"
Back to the league, on May 5th, in the 35th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Osasuna at home. The coaching staff, who had temporarily rxed, focused their energy on the league. If they could secure the championship early, it would be very advantageous for the uing Champions Leaguepetition. Therefore, Schuster still deployed some main yers to face the match.
The game was under control of the Gcticos. In the 19th minute, Robben broke through on the wing and sent a lob pass to the penalty area. Wang Feng, stationed at the near post, leaped out to shake off the defense and sessfully headed the ball into Osasuna''s.
In the 37th minute, Real Madrid won a corner kick. Sneijder floated the ball into the penalty area, and Osasuna defender Iskierdo headed it out of danger, Ramos stopped the ball outside the penalty area.
He observed the position of his teammates and then sent a diagonal pass to Wang Feng, who ran out from the heart of the penalty area to receive it. The Chinese superstar, with his back to the goal, suddenly turned 180 degrees and shot.
The ball, like a bullet, flew fast and fiercely towards the goal, making a slight arc in the air. It then entered the from the top right corner, leaving Osasuna goalkeeper Elia with no chance but to watch it go in.
2:0! Wang Feng scored another brace! So far, the Chinese superstar has scored braces 11 times in the league and hat-tricks 6 times.
With Wang Feng''s brilliant performance, the Gcticos secured a crucial victory in the title race.
On May 8th, in the 36th round of La Liga, Real Madrid traveled to Barcelona for the El Clsico. Although Barcelona had lost the chance topete for the league title, the El Clsico still attracted a lot of attention.
Not only because it showcased high-quality football, but also because the result still affected the destiny of the La Liga championship! Earlier, Virreal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid, leaving them 5 points behind Real Madrid with one more round to go.
And Real Madrid still had 3 rounds of the league left, meaning that as long as they won or drew against Barcelona in this round, the gap with Virreal would widen to 6 points or more.
In terms of goal difference, Real Madrid far surpassed Virreal, so the team could sit on the throne of the league champions two rounds in advance.
To win the title at the Camp Nou, what could be more exhrating for the entire Gcticos team? This approach was simply killing two birds with one stone!
Amidst the deafening boos from the Camp Nou fans, the El Clsico slowly began.
Barcelona started off very aggressively, determined not to let Real Madrid take the crown at their home ground. With their poor performance this season, losing out in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, letting their arch-rivals seed would be a major blow to their pride.
In the 11th minute, Xavi passed the ball to Iniesta on the wing, who then passed it to Messi breaking into the penalty area. The Spanish star forcibly broke through into the penalty area and then shot fiercely to open the scoring for the home team, 1:0!
The hearts of Barcelona fans finally settled down. "Messi! Messi!" Cheers and apuse filled the air. Since Ronaldinho''s departure, the Argentine had quickly won the hearts of almost all Catns.
On the sidelines, Guardi knew that they could not rx until thest moment against Real Madrid, so he continued to loudlymand the yers, urging them to give it their all.
The home team quickly got another chance. In the 34th minute, after a midfield interception by Iniesta, he quickly pushed forward and then passed to Henry, who was advancing from the wing. The Frenchman dribbled past Ramos and cut into the penalty area.
At this moment, the focus of Real Madrid''s defense in the penalty area was all on Messi, but Henry directly shot into the far corner at a tight angle. The ball drew a beautiful arc in the air and flew straight into the top left corner of the goal, 2:0, Barcelona extended their lead! With this goal, Henry announced to the world that he was still a top striker in European football!
Being two goals down had once made the Gcticos yers very frustrated, but at halftime, Wang Fengforted them: "Why are you all so gloomy? This game isn''t that important for us. Even if we lose, it will hardly affect our championship aspirations."
"But for Barcelona, it''s almost a matter of life and death. They can''t afford to lose! So we just need to maintain a positive attitude and y to our full potential."
Coach Schuster also fully agreed with Wang Feng''s words. Although winning the title early would give them more time to prepare for the Champions League final, the mental state of the yers was more important. There was no need to be dejected over an ordinary game.
So in the second half, Real Madrid yed very calmly, while the entire Barcelona team felt the pressure, always feeling that their lead was not enough because of Wang Feng''s threat.
The more anxious they became, the more likely they were to make mistakes. In the 69th minute, Wang Feng suddenly approached Marcos during a casual stroll on the field, forcing him to make a mistake in passing, and the Chinese superstar sessfully stole the ball.
When he reached the top of the arc, he shot without waiting for other Barcelona yers to converge. The ball flew straight towards the top left corner of the goal, slipping into the before Valds could save it, 1:2! Real Madrid pulled one back!
Just 7 minutester, Real Madridunched a counterattack after winning the ball in the midfield. Sneijder shook off the defense near the center circle and sent a through pass to the Barcelona penalty area.
Wang Feng, like a lightning bolt, burst out of the defensive crowd, sessfully offside, and entered the penalty area. With a wide swing, he bypassed the goalkeeper and easily tapped the ball into the empty.
"Goooooooooooal! The ball is in! It''s Wang Feng again! A great goal, Real Madrid equalizes!"
"The Chinese superstar has once again scored a brace, increasing his league goal tally to 50 this season, equaling the record he setst season!"
"More importantly, with this goal, Real Madrid will secure a valuable point, thus winning the league championship two rounds in advance!"
Chapter 400: Now it鈥檚 your turn
Chapter 400: Now it''s your turn
Camp Nou fell, and Real Madrid sessfully defended their La Liga title at the home of their arch-rivals! As the curtain fell on the Derby of the Century, this news quickly swept across Spain and sparked a huge reaction in European football.
In fact, everyone could see that Virreal''s chances of aeback to win the title were theoretical at best. But for the Gcticos to lock in the final victory at Camp Nou, besides the coincidence of the schedule and results, it was also quite ironic.
The fans and media in Catalonia immediatelymented, demanding ountability for this! Bar?a patriarch Cruyff listed three major charges against the helm of the team, Laporta, in his column.
Firstly, the club''s management was chaotic. Under Laporta''s policy of cronyism, there were many ipetent people in high positions at the club, while he wielded unchecked power, leading Barcelona into an irreversible abyss.
Secondly, he had poor judgment of people. Initially, he did not make every effort to pursue Wang Feng, instead allowing the rival Real Madrid to seize the opportunity to acquire this world superstar, directly leading to their losses in the past two years. Also, appointing the inexperienced Guardi as head coach was one of the reasons for this year''s poor performance.
Thirdly, his transfer policy was ineffective. Although he brought back the Arsenal ace Henryst summer, he did not integrate into the Bar?a system this season, performing significantly worse than before. Other signings also had no highlights, failing to strengthen the team.
This article, once published, was unanimously recognized by almost all Bar?a fans. They all aimed their criticism at Laporta, even though he currently held immense power in the club, he would still feel uneasy. A small wave of opponents led by Rosell would definitely not let this opportunity to cause trouble slip by.
While desperately trying to quell the situation, Laporta also found Guardi to discuss ns for the next season. To some extent, he and the Spanish coach were on the same boat, sharing both glory and disgrace.
"Laporta, reality is definitely not as unfavorable as the outside world portrays it. This season, shortly after Ronaldinho left, Messi needed time to adapt to his new role, and Henry also needed time to integrate. Team cohesion is very necessary."
"I am confident that the team will be able to unleash tremendous energy next season and reim the glory of the league and the Champions League!"
Laporta took a deep breath and said slowly, "Josep, it''s not that I don''t trust you, but you must know that we don''t have much time left!"
"Next season will be ourst chance. Once we fail again, I think both you and I will be kicked out. So, be more attentive. I will fully support your transfer ns this summer."
Compared to the miserable Laporta, the helm of Real Madrid, Florentino, was riding high. Whether it was fans, media, or club executives, they all praised him, admiring his defiance of public opinion, willing to wait a year to bring in the legendary superstar Wang Feng.
Scoring 50 league goals in consecutive seasons! Such terrifying statistics were enough to match any praise. Marca wrote that Wang Feng was the sun of Camp Nou, overshadowing Messi, Eto''o, and Henry with his radiance.
"In the final moments of the match, many Bar?a fans shouted for Guardi and Laporta to leave. The Chinese superstar is gradually evolving from a coach killer to a club leader killer!"
"Before the match, Barcelona kept making tough statements, absolutely not allowing Real Madrid to win the championship at their home ground. The first half of the match also went as they expected, with Messi and Henry scoring for the home team."
"But Wang Feng, worthy of being a football legend, unlike some other stars who can only y well when everything is going their way, once in an unfavorable situation, they copse. The Chinese superstar is always a threat, and the final whistle is the moment when the battle ends and the winner is determined!"
In addition to the Spanish media, other European countries also reported on Real Madrid''s championship. Sky Sports from Ennd wrote that Manchester United must y with full determination when facing Real Madrid. They are a team capable of creating miracles.
"If the Gcticos really defeat Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United consecutively and lift the Champions League trophy, then the Premier League will be embarrassed just like Barcelona,pletely beaten by La Liga teams. What face do they have to im to be the top league?"
Italy''s Mn Sports reported Wang Feng''s achievements at Inter Mn. In the once star-studded little World Cup, the Chinese led the Nerazzurri to win five league titles and three Champions League trophies, perhaps the team will never achieve such glory again in the future.
"After leaving Inter Mn, Wang Feng''s performance has not declined but has be even more outstanding. He is a legendary yer with a championship system of his own!"
Germany''s Kicker focused on the situation of Chinese yers, "With China''s record-breaking fourth ce in the World Cup in Germany, more and more Chinese yers arending in Europe and achieving impressive results."
Apart from Wang Feng, Dong Zhuo should be the most developed yer. He has secured a regr ce in Bayern Munich and is currently helping the teampete for the league title.
Zheng Zhi serves as the defensive pir for Charlton Athletic in the Premier League, Chen Tao is an important substitute for Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League, often having opportunities to y. And Sun Xiang is also treated simrly at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Eredivisie.
When Wang Feng repeatedly proved that Asian yers were not inferior to European, American, and African yers, many clubs also gradually eliminated discrimination and were willing to give Asian yers more opportunities and patience.
On May 12th, in the 37th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Zaragoza at home. After winning the championship in advance, Schuster naturally would not burden the main yers, arranging for substitutes to rotate onto the field.
Zaragoza was deeply mired in the relegation zone, and now every game was crucial for them, so the away team fought with a desperate attitude. However, the gap in strength was ultimately difficult topletely erase.
Soldado opened the scoring for the home team, and the away team only managed to equalize the score through center-back Da Silva in the final minutes, 1-1, and the match ended in a draw.
After the game, La Liga president Tebas, who had arrived early, presented the league championship trophy to the Gcticos and hugged and congratted the yers one by one, congratting them on their sessful defense.
After a brief ceremony and celebration, the club gave the team a two-day holiday, then regrouped to prepare for the final round of the league and the Champions League final.
However, Wang Feng did not go home. He first called Lu Yao to chat about family matters, then drove to the airport, ready to fly to Munich, Germany.
There, a crucial Bundesliga match was about to take ce, with Bayern facing Hertha Berlin in the final round. Currently, the Bundesliga powerhouse led the table with 69 points, while Werder Bremen followed closely with 67 points.
So, as long as Bayern defeated their opponents, they could win the league title! This was an important moment for Dong Zhuo to lift the Bundesliga trophy as a key yer, and Wang Feng wanted to witness it firsthand.
After experiencing being a substitute and feeling lost at the beginning of the season, the Chinese youngster tried to transform under Wang Feng''s guidance. Although his performance was not outstanding, it was stillmendable. So far, he has contributed 9 goals and 11 assists in the league, and also scored 3 goals and provided 5 assists in the league cup.
His efforts and achievements were recognized by the head coach, and in the high-level leagues, Dong Zhuo''s strength was constantly being honed and improved, and he would continue to get better in the future.
Before boarding the ne, Wang Feng sent him a message: "I sessfully defended the title, now it''s your turn!"
Chapter 401: Leave everything to me
Chapter 401: Leave everything to me
The Allianz Arena in Munich is arge stadium that can amodate seventy-five thousand people. Two years ago, the opening ceremony of the World Cup was held in this venue. Tonight''s game attracted more than sixty thousand fans to the stadium to cheer for the home team.
Of course, they also came to witness Bayern Munich once again lift the league championship trophy. All the fans believe they can do it!
The VIP area where Wang Feng was located was originally nned for him to purchase a private box at his own expense. However, when Bayern Munich learned of the Chinese superstar''s n to attend the game, they generously offered him the most precious VIP seat tickets as a sign of respect.
"Good evening, dear audience. Today, the sports channel will bring you a crucial Bundesliga match, as Bayern Munich hosts Hertha Berlin at home."
"Yes, currently Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen are only two points apart on the league standings. Both teams will y their final league match at the same time, and it''s still uncertain who wille out on top."
"We will also provide real-time updates on Werder Bremen''s situation to all the fans. I believe many people share the same feelings as me, looking forward to Bayern Munich, looking forward to Dong Zhuo lifting the Bundesliga championship trophy."
"If he seeds, he will be the second Chinese yer to lift a major league championship trophy as a key yer after Wang Feng. This is a great honor."
"Alright, we can see that both teams'' yers are almost ready. Now, let me introduce Bayern Munich''s starting lineup. The goalkeeper is number 1, Kahn."
"The defenders are numbers 3, Lucio, 5, van Buyten, 21, Lahm, and 32, Hummels."
"In midfield, we have number 8, Altintop, 31, Schweinsteiger, 17, van Bommel, and 7, Dong Zhuo, who primarily ys as a shadow striker."
"The two forwards up front are number 9, Toni, and 18, Klose."
"And the starting lineup for the opponent, Hertha Berlin, is..."
The first half began with Bayern kicking off. Wang Feng watched the game with some emotion as he saw the active Asian faces on the field. Compared to thest time they met, Dong Zhuo looked stronger and more confident. ying for the top clubs represents pressure and growth that ordinary leagues cannotpare to.
In the 11th minute, Schweinsteiger joined the attack from the wing, receiving a pass from Lucio and passing it to the middle. Despite the defensive pressure, Dong Zhuo still managed to dribble into the penalty area and took a shot with his right foot.
"Shooting! The ball grazes the post and flies out of bounds. Bayernpletes a beautiful attacking threat!"
"Just now, Dong Zhuo''s shot was very decisive, daring andpetitive. He doesn''t hesitate once an opportunity arises. In this regard, he is getting better and better, already showing the qualities of a world-ss superstar."
"Yes, this is also closely rted to his own strength. Confidencees from strength."
"Oh, we can see that the live camera is now showing Wang Feng in the stands. A seven-time European Golden Boot winner, four-time Champions League winner, four-time European Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer winner, our Chinese football king!"
"He took the time toe to the scene to cheer for Dong Zhuo, which is not easy. Nine dayster, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, the highly anticipated Champions League final will take ce. Wang Feng will represent Real Madrid and aim for the title defense."
"At that time, the sports channel will also broadcast the entire game process. Interested fans can watch it on time."
"Speaking of which, Wang Feng cares a lot about Dong Zhuo. ording to media reports, not only did he introduce his own agent to Dong Zhuo, but he also often discusses football skills with him and guides the young Chinese yer''s performance on the field."
"It sounds like he''s an older brother, but in fact, they are not much different in age, haha."
"Herees Bayern again. Look at this attack. Schweinsteiger lifts the ball into the penalty area, Toni heads the ball! The ball hits the goalkeeper and rebounds back, but it''s not over yet. Dong Zhuo grabs the ball."
"Passing it again to the front of the goal, Klose shoots! Goal! Klose! In the 19th minute, Dong Zhuo assists Klose to open the scoring for Bayern!"
"This is the German forward''s 27th league goal of the season. He is undoubtedly the team''s deserved top scorer, while the Chinese star has contributed 12 assists, bing the team''s assist king."
"Both of them joined Bayernst summer, and there was initially somepetition between them. However, since Dong Zhuo changed his ying style, their cooperation has be more and more tacit."
After Bayern scored, Wang Feng, like other fans, stood up excitedly to cheer. Dong Zhuo has indeed developed excellent football intelligence and technique. I believe he will shine brightly at the Olympics this summer.
Before the home fans could settle down, Bayern created another surprise for them. This time, it was Schweinsteiger again leading the attack, delivering a clever lob pass behind Hertha Berlin''s defense.
At this moment, Klose was in an offside position, so the German cleverly ran to the other side of the ball''s trajectory, staying in the forefront to support the attack without risking being called offside due to the advantage.
Dong Zhuo, from the back, used his speed to surge forward and took the ball away, charging into the penalty area to form a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper and chipping the ball into the far corner.
"Goal! Dong Zhuo! He increases Bayern''s lead! This is his 10th league goal of the season, plus 12 assists. The Chinese star''s debut season in the Bundesliga has shown two outstanding performances, bing an indispensable force for the top clubs!"
With a two-goal lead, Bayern continued to control the game. Although Werder Bremen was also leading against Stuttgart, the team with more points, Bayern, clearly had the advantage.
The home fans couldn''t help but start celebrating, as they were about to win their club''s 21st league championship trophy!
In the 72nd minute of the second half, Dong Zhuo was tackled by the opponent''s defender during a pressing situation, and the referee decisively stopped the game and awarded Bayern possession of the ball.
But Dong Zhuoy on the ground, holding his leg, and nearby teammates quickly came over to inquire about his condition. Wang Feng in the stands felt a thud in his heart. Could he be injured?
After receiving simple treatment, Dong Zhuo was still carried out of the field by the medical staff, and the head coach began to prepare for a substitution. This scene made all the domestic fans anxious.
"No, Dong Zhuo can''t get injured at this time. He still has to step onto the highest podium of the league, and show his skills at the Olympics at home!"
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. The Hertha Berlin defender''s tackle was too dirty; he should be banned and punished! Dong Zhuo looks very painful, with a severe ankle twist."
"The specific injury situation may have to wait until after the game for the club to announce. Let''s pray together for him."
Wang Feng couldn''t sit still and watch the game anymore. He contacted his agent, Balmond, for Bayern''s staff''s phone number and learned that Dong Zhuo had been taken to the hospital, so he hurriedly followed.
After nearly half an hour of emergency treatment, the Chinese star was pushed out of the treatment room with a disappointed look on his face. When he saw Wang Feng, his eyes turned red. "Wang Ge, did the team win?"
"Of course, they won 3-0, and you''ve won your first Bundesliga championship of your career! Although you didn''t personally step onto the stage to receive the award, the medal definitely belongs to you. Work hard next season and try to make up for the missed award ceremony."
Dong Zhuo felt somewhat relieved at these words, but soon frowned and said, "The doctor told me that this injury requires surgery and at least three months of recovery. If that''s the case, I will probably miss the Olympics."
"Wang Ge, I want to choose conservative treatment so I can still y for the country."
Wang Feng frowned at his words. ying with an injury through conservative treatment would definitely have lifelong adverse effects, even jeopardizing his career. He had worked hard to get to where he was now, and such sacrifice was too great.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I disagree with you making such reckless decisions. You love football and have outstanding skills. There will be plenty of opportunities to y for the country in the future. Leave the rest to me!"
"Isn''t the recovery period three months after the surgery? I will try my best to help the team dy a little longer."
Dong Zhuo was very moved by his words, but also very hesitant. The doctor had made it clear to him that if he didn''t have timely surgery and chose conservative treatment, he would never return to his best form.
Just as everyone agreed to prepare for surgery, the national team''s head coach called to stop them. "The Olympics are a top priority event in the country. What if your absence leads to poor results? Who gave you the courage?"
Wang Feng was instantly furious upon hearing this. He took the phone and said, "I''m Wang Feng, and I''m the one who decided to have him undergo surgery."
The head coach was stunned by his words, but still stubbornly argued that even he didn''t have the right to make such a decision. If the results were unsatisfactory, who would be responsible to the fans?
"I will take responsibility. If the results fail to satisfy the domestic fans, I will personally hold a press conference to apologize to all the fans!"
Since the conversation had reached this point, there was no point in continuing the argument. Forcing Dong Zhuo to y while injured would only lead to a rift between him and Wang Feng.
In the end, Dong Zhuo immediately underwent surgery. Bayern Munich hired the best local doctor in Germany to perform the surgery. After the operation, he smiled and assured everyone that the Chinese star would definitely return to his peak condition!
Chapter 402: La Liga finale and Champions League preparations
Chapter 402: La Liga finale and Champions League preparations
When Wang Feng returned to Madrid, the team was already gearing up for the final challenge of the season. As usual, they split into two groups, with the assistant coach leading a team to Levante for the final round of the league. Schuster then took the main yers to Moscow to adjust to the pitch and conduct the final pre-match training.
Like Manchester United, Real Madrid had arrived early at the final venue to prepare for defending their league title. Moscow in May was still somewhat chilly, so the yers needed to take precautions to avoid falling ill before the game.
The treatment of yers by the Gcticos was always top-notch. They stayed in one of the few five-star hotels in the city center and even had Spanish ingredients flown in to prepare their preferred meals.
At the same time, the team rented Spartak Moscow''s training facilities for their daily practice sessions. Although the environment was undoubtedly lessfortable than Madrid, all the necessary facilities were avable.
In thest few days of training sessions, Schuster focused on drilling the team''s defensive system. In his view, apart from Wang Feng, Cristiano Ronaldo was the most potent offensive yer this year, and they had to find a way to limit his impact.
Provocations and other "crooked ways" would definitely not work anymore. The Portuguese had matured a lot, so they had to resort to direct containment. He had the Chinese superstar simte Ronaldo''s attacks, repeatedly challenging the main defensive line, hoping to inspire and gain experience for the yers.
It must be said that Wang Feng performed very well. He was more like Ronaldo than Ronaldo himself, or rather, more like the Portuguese at the peak of his form, leaving the Gcticos'' defenders in distress.
"Come on, Cristiano isn''t that strong!" After another breakthrough in the defense, Pepe finally couldn''t help but speak out. He was quite familiar with Ronaldo from their time together in the Portuguese national team, so he had some understanding of his abilities.
"You can''t be sure about that. In my estimation, at his peak, he''s truly unstoppable. Speed, dribbling, shooting, heading, he''s top-notch in all aspects."
"Alright, stopining. Wang is doing the right thing." Schuster pped his hands to attract everyone''s attention, then continued, "Cristiano is currently the most powerful yer among the younger generation. He could erupt with energy surpassing himself at any moment, and we must consider that."
With the endorsement of the head coach, Wang Feng yed even more confidently. He even subconsciously incorporated some of Messi''s techniques, surprisingly finding himself more at ease. If there were a yer in the world who could possess the technical skills and physical qualities of both of them, then they could definitely rival Wang Feng.
In the final match of La Liga, Real Madrid drew 0-0 away to Levante. With a record of 23 wins, 10 draws, and 5 losses, umting 79 points, they clinched the league title. Following closely behind was Virreal, while Barcelona, surprisingly, only ranked third in the league. Thest Champions League spot was secured by Sevi.
The three teams relegated were Zaragoza, Murcia, and Levante. The battle for survival in the relegation zone was exceptionally fierce, with only a 3-point difference between 15th-ced Real Vadolid and Zaragoza.
The three teams promoted from Segunda Division to La Liga were Numancia from Soria, Xerez from Jerez, and Mga from Mga.
Wang Feng contributed 50 goals and 10 assists this season, once again winning the La Liga Golden Boot without suspense and also receiving his seventh European Golden Boot. As soon as the season ended, the staff of "World Ser" magazine rushed to Russia to present him with the award, taking photos and conducting interviews in one go.
It''s no wonder that although there were no exaggerated rumors about making trophies for Wang Feng at the beginning of the season, seeing the Chinese superstar''s data, they did start preparing for his awards one or two months in advance.
Some people had proposed additional uses to limit Wang Feng''s awards, such as gradually decreasing points after winning consecutive awards, but most of the top executives of European sports magazine groups opposed it.
"If we do that, the European Golden Boot Award willpletely lose its authority. Just imagine Wang Feng leading the goal-scoring chart, but the Golden Boot goes to someone else. No fan would ept it, and even the winners would feel ashamed."
"As long as the Chinese superstar continues to score madly, we dare to continue awarding him. By then, the European Golden Boot Award will also be like him, creating an immortal legendary story."
On the morning before the Champions League final, the Real Madrid yers, as usual, had breakfast with the top management, then proceeded to the meeting room to receive the final tactical lineup arrangements from the coaching staff.
It was not surprising that the team primarily focused on defensive counterattacks. However, there were still two unexpected points. First, Heinze was once again reced by Marcelo, indicating that the Argentine defender hadpletely lost the trust of the head coach.
The other surprise was that Ral was put on the bench. The Real Madrid captain looked somewhat surprised, and Schuster exined, "Ral, Manchester United''s front line is too fierce in attack. We must strengthen the midfield and cut off their interaction in the middle and front."
"If we still can''t break the deadlock in the second half, sending you in with ample physical strength can also make an impact."
Ral nodded. Although he still had some doubts in his heart, the head coach was the most authoritative figure in the team. Being able to exin personally already made sense.
But now, there was a problem: who would be the captain on the field? Usually, it was Ral when the main lineup was present and Salgado in the substitute lineup.
Although Florentino intended for Wang Feng to take over the captaincy in the future, his experience was still too shallow at the moment. In the end, Ral handed the armband to Guti.
Real Madrid''s starting lineup was in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Casis in goal.
The defenders were Pepe, Ramos, Ashley Cole, and Marcelo.
The double pivot in midfieldprised of Diarra and Reyes, with Guti, Sneijder, and Robben in the advanced midfield positions.
Wang Feng yed at the forward position.
In the afternoon, the team drove to the Luzhniki Stadium for adaptation training. It was thergest stadium in Russia, with a capacity of eighty-five thousand seats.
Since FIFA allowed the use of artificial turf in 2002, this stadium was one of the few ces in Europe to use such material. When Wang Feng stepped onto the field, he immediately felt the subtle difference.
The ground felt somewhat hard to tread on, rtively t, and with less friction, which meant the ball would roll faster, and yers were more prone to slipping.
Although the other teammates didn''t have as profound a realization as Wang Feng, they still vaguely felt that the pitch was different from usual. So they worked hard to adapt to this change, which was one of the purposes of training at the venue in advance.
Robben ran up to Wang Feng, stomping on the turf beneath his feet andined, "This ground is too hard. My studs feel like they can''t dig in properly. I''m sure it''ll be slippery when we run during the game."
Wang Feng nodded, "Yeah, during the game, we need to pay attention to the strength of our passes and avoid running too aggressively to prevent slipping. How about we practice passing and receiving together?"
So the two of them began to pass the ball to each other. After a few mistakes, Wang Feng found his rhythm, while Robben obviously hadn''t fully adapted yet. He could only continue to practice while gradually getting used to the field during the game, but this disadvantageous situation was probably the same for Manchester United.
Chapter 403: Quick attack and stalemate
Chapter 403: Quick attack and stalemate
Upon seeing Cristiano Ronaldo again, his expression seemed to have lost some of its arrogance fromst season, reced by a sense ofposure. When he met Wang Feng''s gaze, there was no hint of hostility, and he even smiled in acknowledgment.
However, the Chinese superstar could still discern a strong fighting spirit and intense desire for victory in Ronaldo''s eyes. He remained the same Portuguese, never giving up and always striving.
Manchester United''s lineup tonight remained the formidable attacking 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Van der Sar.
In defense were Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evra.
In midfield, Carrick, Scholes, and Gary Neville.
Upfront were Ronaldo, Rooney, and Tevez.
Numerous coaches had devised various tactical strategies to counter Wang Feng in the past, such as istion or fouling tactics, but none had been very effective. Therefore, Ferguson believed it was best to stick to the team''s best rhythm. As long as they controlled the situation on the field, their chances of victory would increase.
Guti lost the coin toss to Neville, so Manchester United gained the initial attacking opportunity. Ronaldo and Tevez walked into the center circle, with the eyes of eighty thousand fans and media cameras from around the world focused on them.
The main referee''s whistle sounded, and the match officially began! Apanied by thunderous apuse, Ronaldo made the first touch of the game.
Soon after, the Red Devilsunched their first attack. Carrick dribbled into the frontcourt and attempted a through pass to find Ronaldo. Unfortunately, the ball rolled too quickly, and despite Ronaldo''s full sprint, he couldn''t catch up, and the ball went out of y, causing him to slip.
Ronaldo got up in frustration, dusted himself off, all of which was observed by Wang Feng. Indeed, Manchester United hadn''t fully adapted to the environment, limiting Ronaldo''s explosiveness to some extent.
Casis put the ball on the edge of the six-yard box, urging everyone forward. He then kicked it to the midfield, where Guti jumped up to head it back to Reyes.
The Spanish midfielder then passed it to Sneijder, who in turn passed it to Wang Feng just outside the penalty arc. At this moment, the Chinese superstar had his back to the goal, with Ferdinand and Vidic rushing to close him down.
Vidic gave Wang Feng a strong shove and simultaneously extended his right foot to disrupt the ball, causing Wang Feng to lose bnce and fall forward due to the collision and the hooking force.
Knowing he couldn''t just wait for the referee''s whistle, Wang Feng understood the situation. It could be considered either a charging foul or legitimatepetition.
So he instantly pushed himself backward with both hands and feet as he fell, propelling his head forward to make contact with the ball and pass it back to Sneijder nearby.
Ferdinand and Vidic subconsciously thought that the fallen Wang Feng posed no threat, so they focused mostly on the ball. After Sneijder received the ball, he kicked it diagonally to the nk to Robben.
Robben received the ball and immediatelyunched a cross into the penalty area. Manchester United defenders were puzzled; there shouldn''t be any attacking yers in the box. Who was he aiming for with the cross?
Soon, they found out the answer. A figure swiftly ran to thending spot, and with both legs suspended in the air, he fiercely struck the ball with his right foot. The moment he made contact, Wang Feng felt confident!
Sure enough, the ball rushed towards the top right corner of the goal like lightning, crossing the goal line without any obstruction, hitting the before falling down after a moment.
"goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Less than two minutes into the game, Real Madrid takes the lead!"
"From Wang Feng''s side volley, it''s fantastic! His first shot breaks through Manchester United''s defense."
"Let''s review the entire attack process. When the Chinese superstar received the ball in the frontcourt, he was knocked down by the defending yer, but he didn''t give up. Instead, he leaped up and headed the ball back to his teammate."
"While the opponents'' attention was focused on the ball, he quickly got up and rushed into the penalty area. His coordination with Robben in the frontcourt was impable."
"The final shot was simply iparable, a leap followed by a side volley. His powerful waist and leg strength supported him in making this shot, making it unstoppable."
This spectacr goal instantly ignited the atmosphere inside the Luzhniki Stadium. Real Madrid fans erupted into thunderous cheers, while Manchester United fans couldn''t help but gasp in disbelief. Losing a goal so early, can the Red Devils reallypete with the Gcticos?
Ferguson stood solemnly on the sidelines, unable to understand why his team conceded so early. He kept reying the scene of the goal in his mind. Perhaps there was a loophole in Manchester United''s defense when Wang Feng fell.
This is a problem in the yers'' mentality! Firstly, they were worried that the referee would penalize them for defensive fouls. Secondly, with Wang Feng on the ground, they naturally focused their attention on regaining possession of the ball. It was precisely during this fleeting moment that the Chinese superstar urately seized the opportunity and converted it into a goal.
"Don''t worry, it''s just the beginning." He silently said in his heart, then turned and walked back to the coaching bench, sitting down slowly, his face returning to calmness.
The Red Devils yers, who were initially at a loss, felt a sense of calm seeing Ferguson sit back calmly. The respected and authoritative head coach sometimes indeed gave the yers on the field the confidence they needed.
After the restart, they quickly found their attacking rhythm again. Ronaldo and Rooney seemed like two sharp knives, repeatedly attempting to prate Real Madrid''s defense.
If it weren''t for Schuster''s foresight in deploying heavy troops in the midfield to block Manchester United''s link-up y, the Gcticos would have been in a disadvantageous position long ago.
In the 11th minute, the Red Devils created an excellent opportunity. Scholes broke through the midfield and sent a long pass to Ronaldo on the nk. Instead of immediately crossing into the penalty area, the Portuguese dribbled inward, using his speed to bypass Ashley Cole.
After finding space, Ronaldo shot without hesitation, sending the ball in an arc towards the far corner of the goal. Fortunately, it was slightly high and flew out of bounds from the top of the crossbar.
Two minutester, they came back again. Ronaldo and Tevez on the left nk engaged in a wall-passbination. The former carried the ball to the baseline and then passed low to the back post of the penalty area, where Rooney resisted Ramos'' challenge and attempted a volley.
At this moment, Casis was guarding the near post, focusing on Ronaldo''s potential shot, paying little attention to the distant English forward. However, Rooney still failed to score, hitting the crossbar after the ball flew too high.
Pepe timely stepped forward to clear the danger for the Gcticos, and sighs emanated from the stands. Many couldn''t understand how Rooney could miss what seemed like a guaranteed opportunity.
In fact, Ramos'' defense caused significant disruption for him. The English forward neither struck the ball urately nor applied the appropriate force, leading to him missing what appeared to be a sure chance.
The Gcticos weren''t just sitting back either. In the 22nd minute, Sneijder intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it to Wang Feng on the right nk, who thenunched a quick attack.
With brilliant dribbling and eleration, the Chinese superstar shook off Neville and charged down the nk. Facing Evra blocking his path on the left side, he feigned a move to cut inside but instead flicked the ball backward with his heel.
The ball found Reyes in front, who then passed it horizontally into the penalty area. Robben, who had moved up from the backline, attempted a shot, but itcked power and was easily collected by Manchester United''s goalkeeper, Van der Sar.
Chapter 404: Absolute peace
Chapter 404: Absolute peace
Time passed gradually amidst the alternating attacks and defenses. Real Madrid had slightly higher ball possession than Manchester United, but fewer shots on goal, as they focused more on midfield organization, with Wang Feng frequently dropping back to support.
The Gcticos maintained their lead until halftime, but the yers faced immense pressure. In the locker room, Schuster first praised the team''s first-half performance, exceeding his expectations by both scoring a goal and holding off the opponent.
This shows that Real Madrid''s defense has made significant progress. I still remember the chaos in the first season after taking over the team, except for Wang Feng''s performance in attack; everything else was a mess. They were often torn apart by opponents, causing fear and trembling among the spectators.
It''s fortunate that the young yers can carry the team''s burden. The second half between Real Madrid and Manchester United is expected to be a high-intensity battle, where physical fitness will be a significant factor.
After the break, Manchester United continued their quick attacking pushes, trying to threaten Real Madrid''s goal with more direct and diagonal passes behind their defense, relying on the impact of Ronaldo and Rooney.
The Gcticos naturally had countermeasures. On one hand, they intercepted in midfield to prevent easy breakthroughs; on the other hand, they asionally caught the opponents offside.
Due to his rapid eleration, Ronaldo was caught offside several times. In the 51st minute, he received the ball in an obvious offside position and had a one-on-one chance to score, but unfortunately, he couldn''t escape the attention of the linesman and referee.
Frustrated, the Portuguese kicked the ball towards the stands from inside the goal. Tevez quickly ran up to him and said, "Cristiano, calm down. We still have many opportunities. Have you forgotten what Mr. Ferguson said?"
Ferguson knows his protg too well; if he doesn''t seed in attacking for a long time, he will surely get frustrated, so someone must remind him. Only when the Portuguese calms down is he the most dangerous.
Real Madrid maintained their lead until the 88th minute, with both teams making substitutions during this time, but neither team managed to score again.
At this point, with Real Madrid controlling the midfield, Sneijder was preparing to push forward when Anderson, who had juste on for Manchester United, seized the opportunity to slide tackle and take the ball away.
He then passed it to Scholes tounch a quick counterattack. The English midfielder''s urate long pass found Tevez in the forward area. Tevez, with his back to the goal, held off Diarra behind him and headed the ball to Ronaldo on the nk.
The Portuguese quickly bypassed the defense and rushed into the vicinity of the penalty area. Pepe, who was familiar with his attacking style, quickly rushed out of the penalty area to tightly mark him.
Seeing no way to advance, Ronaldo slowed down and waited for his teammates'' support. He deliberately looked up at the penalty area; at this moment, Rooney and Tevez had already moved into the penalty area, waiting for an opportunity.
Seeing this scene, Pepe quietly prepared to block his passing route, but unexpectedly, the Portuguese suddenly flicked the ball sideways with his left foot, using considerable force. The ball quickly rolled towards the center.
And he followed the ballterally, immediately raising his foot to shoot!
The ball soared towards the stands, but halfway through, it suddenly dipped, catching Casis off guard, and hit the bottom corner of the goalpost, bouncing into the.
"Goal! Manchester United equalizes the score just before the end of the match!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo! He saves the Red Devils with a fantastic side volley!"
"The powerful and precise strike breaks through Casis''s ten fingers. The Gcticos'' defense clearly didn''t anticipate him shooting from that angle."
"The match started with Wang Feng scoring for Real Madrid, and they maintained their lead for almost the entire match. Just at this critical moment, Ronaldo stepped up, proving his worth to the world!"
"Both sides are back on equal terms again. With regr time running out, it seems this exciting duel will have to be settled in extra time or even a penalty shootout!"
"Beep~" The referee''s whistle sounded as expected. The Real Madrid yers, panting heavily, walked back to the locker room, somewhat disappointed by thest-minute equalizer.
Schuster, on the other hand, was much calmer. He encouraged the yers, saying, "Guys, do you think winning the Champions League is easy? That Manchester United is easy to defeat?"
"Think about the opponents we''ve faced along the way, Chelsea, Liverpool, all strong teams, but they still lost to Manchester United in the league, allowing the Red Devils to defend their title."
"So it''s not surprising that they can draw with us. Whates next is the real test, 30 minutes of extra time and possibly a penalty shootout!"
"Get your spirits up, guys. We''vee this far; we can''t afford to fail now!"
After a brief rest, the tense and thrilling extra time officially began. In the first 15 minutes of the first half of extra time, Manchester United dominated, buoyed by their recent equalizer,unching a frenzied attack against the Gcticos.
Fortunately, Real Madrid''s young defensive yers had excellent mental and physical fitness, resisting immense pressure to guard their goal tightly, preventing the Red Devils from securing a victory with one burst.
As the second half of extra time approached, both teams'' energy reserves were almost depleted, inevitably slowing down the pace. The respective coaches were already preparing to think about penalty shootout tactics.
In the 120th minute, with only stoppage time remaining before the end of the match, Real Madrid controlled the ball andunched an attack. Robben dribbled the ball to the edge of the penalty area from the right nk and then passed it to Wang Feng inside the penalty area.
At this moment, two nearby defenders quickly moved to block him. The Chinese superstar received the ball with his back to the goal and took two steps backward, both to move away from the penalty area and lower the defenders'' vignce, and to create space.
Then, he suddenly hooked the ball backward with his left foot, turning his body in the process, using his explosive power to easily get past the approaching Ferdinand.
After catching up with the ball, Wang Feng flicked it sideways with his left foot again, cutting inside while avoiding Vidic''s fierce charge, stepping on the edge of the penalty area. Without waiting for Vidic to further defend, the Chinese superstar immediately raised his foot to shoot.
The ball spun in the air, looping towards the top left corner of the goal. With a "ng~" sound, it hit the intersection of the crossbar and the post''s inner side, then bounced into the.
"Goal!! The ball is in!! Ast-minute winner!! Unstoppable from the corner!!"
"Just as extra time is about to end, Wang Feng shoots a deathly arc from the side of the penalty area, as if the Grim Reaper''s scythe is harvesting Manchester United''s lives!"
"Until thest moment, we''ll never know what will happen on the pitch. That''s probably the charm of football!"
"Let''s take another look at this fantastic goal. After receiving Robben''s pass, the Chinese superstar moves back and forth, leaving the stumbling Ferdinand behind."
"Vidic''s aggressive defense is a bit too much, and Wang Feng easily gets past him. Then he shoots without hesitation, even though this could be the team''sst attack!"
"The ball goes into the corner where van der Sar has no chance to save it. He must have been the most desperate person at that moment; I can even hear his prayers."
"Unfortunately, fate didn''t favor Manchester United in the end. The ball hit the corner of the goalpost, but it was on the inside, so it rebounded into the without a doubt!"
Chapter 405: A respectable opponent
Chapter 405: A respectable opponent
Looking at Wang Feng rushing madly along the sidelines, with the rest of the Real Madrid teammates chasing closely behind him, and finally embracing him in a group, Cristiano Ronaldo felt his vision blur.
Why? He toiled for a full 120 minutes, only to have all hope shredded at thest moment. He would rather enter that damn penalty shootout and personally miss a penalty to suffer defeat than feel this way now!
The Portuguese felt immensely hopeless at this moment. Manchester United had undoubtedly reached their peak strength, and he himself had remained calm throughout the game, even witnessing the miraculous equalizer in the dying moments of regr time.
At that moment, he truly felt like the unique protagonist, ready to ovee his opponents and lift the Champions League trophy, ascending to the pinnacle of world football!
"So the world''s number one position still belongs to him."
A few years ago, when he first heard Wang Feng''s name, Cristiano Ronaldo was just a little-known substitute for Sporting Lisbon. When the Portuguese media hyped up his genius performances, he felt quite disdainful. He thought it was absurd that people were amazed by someone who was still in obscurity.
Yet the Chinese superstar rose like aet, quickly bing as renowned as Ronaldo, Zidane, and others, ascending to the peak of world football. At this point, Ronaldo''s pride and disdain had long disappeared, reced by a faint admiration and longing.
Joining this European powerhouse of Manchester United, the Portuguese star had prepared to showcase his talents, but things didn''t go as smoothly as he hoped. He wasn''t mature enough yet, and Wang Feng continued to dominate football. So he quietly prayed, hoping that the Chinese superstar wouldn''t fade away too soon, waiting for him to challenge.
His prayers were answered, but perhaps a bit too harshly!
From the era of the extraterrestrial Ronaldo, the legendary Zidane, the magical Ronaldinho, the son of the wind Kaka, to the current era of the Ronaldo-Messi duo, how much longer would Wang Feng reign over football!
Seeing Wang Feng''s winning goal, UEFA President tini, like all other fans in the VIP stands, stood up and apuded. It was truly dramatic!
There wouldn''t be much added time left, which meant Real Madrid would be the second club to defend the Champions League title since its restructuring!
The first naturally was Inter Mn a few years ago, and Wang Feng was the one who achieved it for them. Sometimes even tini had to admit that Wang Feng truly deserved the title of the King of the Champions League.
Why is it so difficult to defend the Champions League? Because there are too many unknown factors involved. The best clubs from all over Europe gather together,peting to determine the sole winner. To a certain extent, the Champions League is already the highest-level footballpetition in the world.
"What a miraculous yer." tini couldn''t help but marvel. He believed that even if Wang Feng were ced in his era, he would have been a dominant force, sparking off fireworks when facing legends like Beckenbauer, Maradona, and others.
At the same time, the UEFA President was filled with anticipation. How high would Wang Feng ultimately ascend?
Manchester United kicked off, but after just a few passes in the back, time ran out, and the main referee didn''t hesitate to blow the final whistle.
Amidst a scene of jubtion, Wang Feng felt a sense of relief. He sat down exhausted on the ground, quietly savoring the joy of victory.
But his teammates clearly wouldn''t let him rx like this. Cassano was the first to rush over and lift him up. "Champions League champion! I actually won the Champions League!"
Although the Italian didn''t get any ying time in the final, he was equally excited. This was a glory he had never dared to imagine before.
"Okay, okay, don''t get too excited, Antonio. I have to remind you that standing in front of you is a five-time Champions League winner!" Wang Feng shrugged jokingly.
"You damn guy, you''re really making people envy and admire you!" Cassano''s eyes lit up with fierce determination, as if the passion for football that had been lost was slowly recovering, and he fell in love with football again!
Then Raul, Guti, Casis, and others also gathered around Wang Feng, discussing their holiday ns. Some wanted to travel, while others wanted to go to China to watch the Olympics.
"Will you represent the national team in the Olympics?" Raul asked. "Yes, I will participate as an overage yer. After all, it''s apetition in my homnd." Wang Feng nodded.
"It''s just bullying kids." Guti couldn''t help muttering, "You''ll be the biggest star in the history of Olympic football!"
As usual, the Real Madrid yers lined up in two rows under the guidance of the staff, weing the runners-up Manchester United onto the podium to receive their medals.
The taste of failure was very unpleasant, especially when sess was so close at hand. Most of the Manchester United yers hung their heads and didn''t want to say much, but some yers shook hands with the Gxy Warship yers out of courtesy, congratting them on their victory.
When Cristiano Ronaldo passed by Wang Feng, he paused for a moment, reached out and shook his hand. "Congrattions, but I will never admit defeat!" His eyes were somewhat red, but his gaze remained clear and determined.
"Very well, wee you to challenge again." Wang Feng said solemnly. Regardless, the Portuguese was a respected opponent.
After all the Manchester United yers received their medals from tini, none of them chose to wear them around their necks. Instead, they silently walked off the podium with the medals in their hands. tiniforted them one by one. Tonight, although the Red Devils lost, they could still hold their heads high.
Next was the presentation of awards to the referees, and finally, it was the turn of the champions. As the Real Madrid yers each took their turn to step onto the podium, the entire stadium erupted in warm apuse and cheers from the fans.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn, the atmosphere reached its peak. tini personally ced the champion''s medal around his neck and smiled, "You''re quite popr, and it''s all because of your strength. Congrattions!"
The Chinese superstar responded with a smile. This time, he didn''t downy anything. Toe this far, he had every right to dominate football!
Finally, when Real Madrid lifted the Champions League trophy, the Luzhniki Stadium began to light up with dazzling fireworks, reflecting in the hearts of every Gxy Warship fan!
At the post-match press conference, as the best yer of this Champions League with 18 goals and 9 assists, Wang Feng received the focused attention of all media.
"We yed our best, and the yers worked very hard for 120 minutes. They are all heroes of this victory."
"Manchester United was very resilient, especially when Cristiano Ronaldo equalized in the 88th minute. To be honest, we were all a bit discouraged, but fortunately, coach Schuster timely encouraged us."
"And to all those who were there at the stadium, cheering for us every moment, and those watching on TV, it was the collective strength that produced the final miraculous goal. It''s not just my achievement alone."
"As for next year''s goal? Well, I know it''s very difficult, but I want to keep winning! Whether it''s the league or the Champions League, I will do my best to create a Real Madrid dynasty for this era!"
Chapter 406: Olympic flag bearer
Chapter 406: Olympic g bearer
The highly anticipated Champions League final hase to a close, but rted news continues to dominate the front pages of major media outlets. As the two best-performing yers in the final, Wang Feng and Cristiano Ronaldo naturally became the focus of everyone''s attention.
Spain''s "National Newspaper" was the first to congratte Real Madrid on achieving the epic feat of winning both the league and the Champions League, emphasizing the significant value of this year''s Champions League title.
"Everyone can see that English Premier League teams have performed exceptionally well in Europeanpetitions this year, upying four of the eight quarter-final spots. However, the Gxy Warship has sessively fought through challenges to reach the final and lift the trophy, making their victory well-deserved!"
"As the best yer in the final, Wang Feng was the main contributor to the team''s victory. His performance was consistently efficient, helping the team take the lead early in the game and giving his teammates a psychological advantage, even in the face of Manchester United''s fierce attacks."
The "National Newspaper" believes that the significance of Real Madrid''s first goal was immense because Manchester United had a slightly stronger overall strength throughout the game and performed better on the field. Therefore, if they hadn''t scored the opening goal to establish an advantage, the mentality of both teams'' yers would have changed significantly.
"When Cristiano Ronaldo equalized in the final moments, most Gxy Warship fans would have be pessimistic. This blow was significant, but our yers withstood the pressure and fought tenaciously until thest moment!"
"Their efforts were not in vain, as the Chinese superstar once again shone on the field, avoiding dragging the team into a cruel penalty shootout with a decisive goal, leaving the bitter fruit of defeat to Manchester United and the Portuguese star."
The "Marca" analyzed the team''s performance from a defensive perspective, believing that the Gxy Warship had made significant progress in defensepared tost year. Facing the efficient attacking duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, they did not show any obvious weaknesses.
With the foundation of having Wang Feng as their strongest spearhead, improving their defensive capabilities, Real Madrid''s future performance is highly anticipated. They are very likely to catch up with and even surpass the immortal legends set by their predecessors!
"AS" interviewed former Real Madrid superstars who went to the scene to watch the game. The former Portuguese captain, now retired and ying for AC Mn, Figo, said, "Wang Feng''s performance was amazing, and Cristiano Ronaldo''s loss was not unjust. I hope he can quickly ovee this shadow."
"In Mn, almost everyone talks about Wang Feng. Although he has left Serie A, the legend continues. Just watching this game, everyone can probably understand why."
Currently also ying for AC Mn but absent for the entire season due to injury, "Alien" Ronaldo said, "Wang is always so powerful, which reminds me of the days when I fought alongside him. Whether it was at Inter Mn or Real Madrid, it was the happiest time of my life."
"The first time I saw him was at the Pina base. His obviously young face and superb skills left a deep impression on me. At that time, I knew that Wang Feng would definitely be a legendary superstar!"
Even if the Catalonia region media are reluctant, they have to admit that Real Madrid and Wang Feng have brought glory to La Liga. Barcelona was eliminated in the semi-finals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United.
"Daily Sports" believes that Barcelona lost to the Red Devils because theycked yers who could fight tough battles,cking a spiritual leader like Wang Feng.
" Messi has the opportunity to be such a yer, and he is also growing continuously. We can fully expect the future, but the most important thing is to have a good club environment and excellent coaching."
The French "Footballeur" magazine believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is very strong, butpared to Wang Feng, he is slightly inferior, and the Portuguese still needs to continue working hard.
The German "Bild" believes that under Wang Feng''s leadership, Real Madrid will be unstoppable, and other European powerhouses should consider how to deal with them in the next season.
The Italian "Mn Sports" wrote that Wang Feng once again achieved the miracle of defending the Champions League, which is enough to show that he is the world''s unparalleled superstar, making the entire Europe submit under his feet.
The English "Guardian" believes that Manchester United''s loss is somewhat innocent. They fought almost the entire game, and Cristiano Ronaldo''s goal in the final moments seemed to toll the death knell for the Gxy Warship, but Wang Feng pulled the team back and sessfully turned the tables.
"The Times" believes that this season was supposed to be the Premier League''s rise, but it was interrupted by Real Madrid. They are the nemesis of all Premier League teams, and next season, they must strive to strike them with all their might.
Naturally, domestic authoritative media have also extensively reported on this victory. At the same time, they also disclosed a heavyweight news, which is that Wang Feng will be the g bearer for the Olympic delegation!
The Chinese superstar will join the national team as an overage yer to participate in the Olympics held at home. This is no longer a secret, but what is little known is that this matter was opposed by many national Olympicmittees.
They expressed "indignation" at Wang Feng''s current status and strength, believing that participating in the Olympics is simply "outrageous." "This is not his stage. The top European leagues, the Champions League, and even the World Cup are the battlefields he should go to!"
Officials from New Zend once said passionately at a meeting that they, Belgium, and Brazil were drawn into the same group with the Chinese team.
Originally, facing strong teams from Europe and the Americas, the hope of advancing was very slim. Now, with Wang Feng leading the Chinese team, wouldn''t New Zend be eliminated from the bottom?
However, the response from our side is reasonable. Firstly, Wang Feng''s participation fullyplies with the Olympic overage yer system. Secondly, including Brazil''s Ronaldinho and Argentina''s Riquelme, they are all world-ss superstars, but they can still represent their respective national Olympic teams. Especially Ronaldinho, he has also won the FIFA World yer of the Year.
Thirdly, there has been some regression, that is, this Olympics held at home is an event that everyone in the country has been eagerly anticipating, so Wang Feng must participate. However, he will not be called up for the next Olympics.
With this, the final list of Chinese team participants has finally been reviewed and officially confirmed. Dong Zhuo, who is still recovering from injury, was retained in the list under Wang Feng''s strong rmendation. Even if he cannot participate in the group stage, even if he advances to the quarter-finals, he is very likely unable to return to y.
The head coach of the national Olympic team is Ying Tiesheng. Originally, the top management wanted the national team coach, Alihan, but someone said, if the Dutchman achieves good results again, wouldn''t it be too high-profile? It''s better to change to our own person, so Ying Tiesheng took office immediately.
The other two overage yers besides Wang Feng are Li Weifeng and Zheng Zhi. Li Weifeng was originally the captain of the national team, but this time, both the yers and the coaching staff hope that the Chinese superstar can be the captain. His strength and qualifications arepletely sufficient, so Wang Feng naturally took the lead.
It is regrettable that Lu Yao cannot take a long-haul international flight back to China at this time. Her expected delivery date is at the end of August.
Even though Lu Yao pleaded earnestly, Wang Feng still heartlessly refused. This is a flight of more than ten hours. If something happens, he will regret it for a lifetime.
"Yao Yao, you obediently watch me perform on TV at home, and I will call you every day."
Chapter 407: World Preliminaries and Summer Window
Chapter 407: World Preliminaries and Summer Window
Just finished the whole season, Wang Feng couldn''t rest. Although the Olympics in August are still more than two months away, he first needs to represent the national team in the World Cup qualifiers.
In the first two rounds, the team defeated Iraq and Australia respectively, temporarily ranking first in the group. On June 3rd, they will challenge Qatar away. Due to his recent return, the Chinese superstar did not make the starting lineup.
The game process was quite dramatic. As a small country in West Asia that doesn''t attract much attention, Qatari football is not as famous as Iran or Saudi Arabia. Therefore, when the Chinese team dominated the field, they gradually becamecent.
At this time, the problem of theck of firepower appeared again. With attacking powerhouses like Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng absent, other yers clearlycked the ability to y tough matches, leading to prolonged attacks without sess.
Qatar, while maintaining a solid defense, seized the opportunity to counterattack. Finally, they scored quickly in the 40th minute with a fast break, and then added another goal while the Chinese team was in chaos. They trailed by two goals at halftime!
In the 60th minute of the second half, Wang Feng finally took the field. Just three minutester, he scored a goal with a direct free kick from thirty meters out.
In the 76th minute, the Chinese superstar broke through two defenders on the side and then scored with a shot from a tight angle, making it 2-2! The two sides ended in a draw.
The Khalifa International Stadium erupted in apuse after the game. Although the home team did not win, fans saw a splendid performance from both sides, especially with the appearance of the world superstar Wang Feng. Most people felt it was worth it.
One of the top executives of the Qatar Sports Investment Fund, Nasser Al-Halefi, also stood up and apuded. He said to his assistant Moumoud next to him, "Football is such an interesting sport, isn''t it?"
"The Abu Dhabi consortium''s acquisition n for the English Premier League team Manchester City is in its final stages. It is expected to bepleted this summer. By then, they will have the opportunity to influence Europe in various ways, which is a very profitable deal."
Moumoud nodded. "There are also voices within the royal family suggesting following the UAE''s approach, acquiring a team in the Premier League or other top European leagues. But many are still concerned about the risks and want to observe Manchester City''s development."
Nasser smiled meaningfully. "I know what they''re worried about, but there''s really no need. We currently have no conflicting interests with Europe."
"Moreover, there are ns to bid for the 2022 World Cup. Competitors include Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Australia, so we must demonstrate our strength."
After saying that, Nasser gazed at Wang Feng, who was surrounded by Qatari yers on the field asking for autographs and photos, lost in thought for a moment before waking up and asking, "Do you think it''s possible for the team we invest in to buy the Chinese superstar?"
Moumoud responded with a wry smile, "At present, it''s almost impossible. ording to my information, the Abu Dhabi consortium has actually approached Real Madrid, but they were directly rejected, and they didn''t even ept the offer."
"Wang Feng is only 25 years old this year. He still has at least 5 to 10 years of his prime. The Gxy Warship will definitely not allow such a cornerstone yer to slip away."
"Perhaps, but everything has its value. Not being able to get Wang Feng just because the price offered isn''t enough is just letting the Abu Dhabi consortium have a try for us."
Although Wang Feng did not know about everything happening in the stands, the Abu Dhabi consortium did contact his agent. Even Mansour personally called the Chinese superstar, hoping he would take over the rebuilding of the Citizens and be the team''s soul figure.
The two have a good personal rtionship, so Wang Feng bluntly said, "I have no intention of leaving Real Madrid now. Honestly, it''s not a warm club, but it helps me the most at the moment."
Mansour was still not giving up. He offered a sky-high annual sry and said he would continue to negotiate with the top executives of the Gxy Warship: "If Florentino personally promises this transfer, I believe you won''t refuse then."
Wang Feng could only shrug helplessly. Mansour may be a bit overly confident, thinking that the UAE consortium couldn''t offer a price matching his own value.
The Chinese team continued their journey in the World Cup qualifiers. On June 7th, in the fourth round, they faced Qatar at home. This time, Wang Feng started and didn''t give the West Asian team a chance. He broke the deadlock first, then assisted Gao Lin and Chen Tao to each score a goal. Qatar only scored one goal in the 81st minute. 3-1! A clean victory!
On June 14th, in the fifth round, they faced Iraq at home. A draw was enough for the Chinese team to advance to the top ten. Wang Feng easily broke the curse, scoring twice to help the team win 2-0.
On June 22nd, in the final round, they challenged Australia away. Coach Alihan sent out a lineup mainly for training purposes. Wang Feng sat on the bench without pressure, and they showed a tenacious spirit without pressure. After conceding a goal, they equalized with Chen Tao, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
In the end, the Chinese team topped the group with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 14 points, while the other qualifying team was Australia with 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, and 11 points.
In Europe, the European Championship co-hosted by Austria and Switzend is also in full swing. In the group stage, Croatia topped Germany, bing a significant topic. Greece failed to replicate their miracle from four years ago and ended this tournament at the bottom of the group.
But the most surprising team was the world champions France, who drew one and lost two games, rankingst and were eliminated in embarrassment. There were even rumors of internal strife among teammates. It seems that after Zidane retired, there are no big-name superstars in the French team who can control the situation.
The team thatughedst was Spain. They sessively defeated Italy, Russia, and Germany, standing at the top of Europe!
After the matches, the transfer market of various clubs started in full swing. Barcelona took the lead, spending ?32 million to acquire Alves from Sevi, ?16.5 million to bring back Caceres from Virreal, and ?15 million to buy Hleb from Arsenal.
Not to mention the ?14 million introduction of Keita from Sevi and the ?5 million introduction of Pique. The Catn club turned into a big yer in the transfer market, vowing to strengthen their lineup to erase the shame ofst season.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, was more rational. With the team''s good performance and cohesionst season, the top management only wanted to strengthen appropriately. They brought in Argentine defender Garey for ?10 million. He had won the FIFA U-20 World Cup with the golden generation of Argentina in 2005 and left a deep impression during his time at Atletico Santander.
At the same time, the Gxy Warship also brought back Dutch winger Van der Vaart from Hamburg for ?13 million. He was the earliest winner of the European Golden Boy award and could serve as an offensive supplement as Raul gradually faded out of the starting lineup.
Other La Liga clubs didn''t make as big moves as the two giants, but Atletico Madrid, after experiencing ups and downs in recent seasons, also decided to increase their investment. They spent ?22 million to buy two strong yers, Heitinga and Pongolle.
Chapter 408: Disturbance, kick off
Chapter 408: Disturbance, kick off
In recent years, the most attention-grabbing transfer market is not La Liga, but the financially robust English Premier League. After Chelsea acquired Deco and Bosingwa, Arsenal got Nasri and Ramsey, and Tottenham signed Modric and Bentley, the new rich Manchester City finally began to make moves.
Although the Abu Dhabi consortium has notpleted all the acquisition procedures, a steady stream of funds has already flowed into the club''s ount, making the newly appointed CEO Gary Cook smile with joy.
They first made a bid of ??35 million to acquire Tottenham striker Berbatov, which was one-third higher than the ??22 million offered by Manchester United, so naturally, Tottenham readily agreed.
But embarrassingly, the club couldn''t contact the yer. After inquiring from various sources, they found out that the Bulgarian had already gone to Manchester, personally received by Ferguson at Carrington training ground.
Furthermore, Berbatov explicitly stated that he would only consider joining top-tier teams. If Tottenham disagreed, he would refuse to train and y. In this deadlock, Manchester United continued to raise their offer to ??30.75 million. Reluctantly, Tottenham had to agree. This "forced marriage" operation also became one of the topics of discussion among Premier League fans.
With money to spare, Manchester City searched everywhere for suitable targets. However, after finishing ninth in the leaguest season and not even qualifying for Europeanpetitions, they naturally couldn''t attract big-name yers. After all, not everyone is swayed by money.
At this time, the English newspaper "Daily Mirror" suddenly revealed that Manchester City had been negotiating with Real Madrid, hoping to bring in the Chinese superstar Wang Feng. For this, they were willing to pay a staggering ??200 million in a lump sum, equivalent to ?250 million!
This news swept across Europe like a hurricane, leaving everyone with one thought in their minds: ??200 million? Did I hear that right? Is Manchester City crazy?
Since Real Madrid signed Wang Feng for a record-breaking transfer fee two years ago, no other yer has entered that realm. Could this Chinese superstar break his own record this time?
Everyone wanted to know if the news was true, and whether Wang Feng was worth it. Upon closer inspection, as a 25-year-old superstar with immense talent and hugemercial value, it didn''t seem entirely unreasonable.
Not long after, Gary Cook suddenly epted an exclusive interview with The Times. Cook admitted Manchester City''s bid for Wang Feng and stated that as long as Real Madrid agreed, the Sky Blues were fully capable of meeting their demands!
At the same time, he also indicated that the club would offer the Chinese superstar treatment far beyond what he currently receives. "Look at his achievements and performance. I believe any cost is worth it," he said.
This news caused a frenzy in the media worldwide. Real Madrid fans in Spain panicked, making banners to protest against this "forced purchase" behavior and urging the club not to waver.
Media outlets, primarily led by "Marca" and "AS," heavily criticized Manchester City''s actions, even calling on UEFA to start discussions on whether policies should be enacted immediately to limit clubs'' endless raising of yer transfer fees.
"Wang, you must believe in the club. We will never sell you, no matter how high the offer is. I hope you can stay at Real Madrid with peace of mind," Florentino personally called Wang Feng and said.
"Of course, sir. Honestly, Manchester City did inform me that they would offer a very generous package, but I feel it''s more important to stay at Real Madrid and continue the team''s glory. Besides, I''m satisfied with my current sry," Wang Feng candidly replied.
Due to winning the doublest season again, ording to the contract, the Chinese superstar''s after-tax annual sry would increase to ?14.5 million, already the highest in the world. Though Manchester City offered much more, Wang Feng didn''t care. The FengYao Group could bring him significant returns, and in the football world, he only wished to continue his honor.
Therefore, he did not inform Florentino of the specific treatment offered by Manchester City. Otherwise, it might seem like he was trying to raise the price. The Spaniard was very pleased with Wang Feng''s attitude. "Real Madrid will continue to consider you as the core, striving for personal honors. After all, we have a say in UEFA that Manchester City can''t match."
With both parties in agreement, they could finally make a statement to the public. This period of turmoil in the transfer market finally came to an end. It''s worth mentioning that Manchester City failed in their pursuit of Wang Feng, but after searching in vain, they finally found a star willing to transfer, Sevi''s Robinho.
The Brazilian joined the Sky Blues, even foregoing Champions League football just for the lucrative offer they made. During the transfer process, there was a ridiculous incident.
Manchester City offered ?42 million, and Sevi dly epted. Robinho was also willing to move. With almost unanimous agreement from all sides, the Brazilian suddenly imed that his value was too low.
If it weren''t for the precedents set by Wang Feng and Zhu Yu, he might not have felt this way. But now, it always gave the impression of a "low-priced recement." Although his abilities and honors were notparable to the Chinese superstar, he couldn''t be sold short!
So Manchester City had to set the transfer price at ?50 million, adding an extra ?8 million for no reason. Sevi was delighted, and Robinho finally became the transfer king of the season.
The opening ceremony of the Olympics took ce on the evening of August 8th, but the men''s football group stage officially began on August 7th. Therefore, after the World Cup qualifiers ended, Wang Feng flew back to Madrid to spend half a month with his family before joining the national team for training.
He was greeted by the team leader and head coach of the national team, Ying Tiesheng. He said with a stern face, "Wang Feng, while it''s no problem for you to spend time with your family, other yers have been training and warming up for a long time. I hope you can integrate into the team as soon as possible."
Wang Feng smiled disdainfully. This was just a show of power and social etiquette. He was familiar with the taste. So he promised, "Coach Ying, you can rest assured. I will intensify my training."
When he arrived at the training ground and saw his national teammates, there were some familiar faces like Gao Lin and Chen Tao, as well as some unfamiliar ones. But every yer looked at the Chinese superstar with admiring eyes.
It''s not an exaggeration to say that many of them grew up watching Wang Feng y football. At only 25 years old, he had already been a star in the football world for seven or eight years.
After exchanging brief greetings with everyone, Wang Feng actively entered the training state, meticulouslypleting the exercises arranged by the coaching staff. Even during breaks, he would continue practicing. Even Ying Tiesheng had to admit that his sess was reasonable.
Chapter 409: Key victory
Chapter 409: Key victory
The match against New Zend was crucial for the national Olympic team, and they had to strive for victory. Therefore, head coach Ying Tiesheng sent Wang Feng to start the game, partnering with 22-year-old striker Gao Lin.
On the day of the match, the Wulihe Stadium was packed to capacity, and lucky fans witnessing the game in person created a fervent atmosphere. Various supporting slogans and giant photos almost covered the entire stands.
Fans who didn''t get tickets gathered around their TV sets at home. This was their first time watching world-ss football matches during prime time, and everyone seemed very excited and eager. Where could Wang Feng lead this group of young yers?
"Beep~" The referee''s whistle echoed through thousands of households as New Zend kicked off the ball, starting the Olympic men''s football group stage!
They attacked into the front court for the first time, but Zheng Zhi, with his extensive experience, sessfully intercepted the ball from the opponent''s forward, initiating a counterattack.
He passed the ball to midfielder Zou Haibing, who then passed it to Chen Tao. The New Zend midfield pressed fiercely, making Wang Feng worried about passing mistakes, so he retreated to provide support.
The ball came to Gao Lin''s feet, and with Wang Feng nearby asking for the ball, he passed it, but the pass was a bit weak. Wang Feng and another New Zend defender then both chased after the ball.
They reached the ball almost simultaneously. The New Zend defender tried to push Wang Feng away but felt a huge force on his shoulder. He was directly pushed aside, stumbling several steps.
"Is this how world-ss starspete? So strong!" Before he could finish his thought, Wang Feng had already dribbled the ball towards the front court. Another nearby defender was surprised, hastily sliding to tackle, but instead of touching the ball, he kicked Wang Feng''s leg, causing him to lose bnce and fall.
The referee promptly blew the whistle, awarding a free kick to the Chinese team in the front court. Since the match had just begun, he chose not to issue a card, only warning the opposing yer to be more careful.
Annoyed, Wang Feng rubbed his calf. These young yers were inferior to European top yers in both skills and physical attributes. In theory, they should be easy to deal with, but their tackles were unpredictable, making them not to be underestimated.
"No wonder, apart from bringing glory to the country, few top professional yers want to participate in Olympic games like this. It''s exhausting and prone to injury."
"Just now, that move could have easily warranted a card. Even a red card wouldn''t have been a problem. The referee was simply too lenient!"
"Yes, we can see that the Chinese team has a chance for a free kick in the thirty-meter area of the front court. Who will take it? Oh, Wang Feng is stepping up, is he going to shoot directly? Gao Lin seems to be asking if he needs cover, but Wang Feng waved him off."
"He has always been confident in free kicks, hardly ever seen teammates faking runs for him. He clearly tells the opponents that he''s going to shoot, whether they can defend against it depends on their luck."
"Haha, you put it that way, and the referee blows the whistle, run-up, shot!! Goal!! What a beautiful goal!! Goal!! The first goal in the history of the Chinese team at the Olympics!!"
"Direct free kick goal from Wang Feng, and the match has just begun for two minutes!"
"This is a standard ''elevator ball''. Let''s take another look at the rey. After entering the penalty area, the ball suddenly dropped, slipping under the hands of the New Zend goalkeeper, into the goal, with a perfect angle!"
As soon as the ball entered the, Wang Feng dashed out of the field, running all the way to the stands, vigorously tapping the crest on his chest towards the fans. This caused waves of exmations and screams from the crowd, with many shedding tears of joy. Chinese football had achieved another historic breakthrough!
His teammates who rushed over swarmed around him. This goal was not only Wang Feng''s glory but also the glory of the entire national Olympic team!
With the lead, the spirited Chinese team continued to put pressure on New Zend, and the thunderous cheers from the home crowd added immense pressure to the Oceania team ying away.
In the 24th minute, another round of consecutive passes started from the Chinese team''s defense. Wang Feng received the ball in the front court and passed it to the wing, Chen Tao, who then made a breakthrough and crossed into the penalty area.
Wang Feng, positioned himself in the penalty area, resisted two defenders, lifted his right leg high and volleyed into the far corner of the goal, leaving the New Zend goalkeeper only to watch it go in.
2-0! The Chinese team expanded their lead!
"The ball went in again! It''s Wang Feng again, and the New Zend defense is like paper in front of him!"
"Before the goal, the Chinese team had a series of passes with great viewing value, without any mistakes, which is rare. Of course, this is also rted to the weak strength of the New Zend national Olympic team."
"Finally, Wang Feng''s pass and shotpletely bullied the opponent! From this shot, you can see that the two young defenders'' faces were red, and they didn''t even disturb Wang Feng."
"Yes, and they didn''t dare tomit fouls easily in the penalty area. After Wang Feng scored the first free-kick goal, they became a bit hesitant in the front court, which is the real intimidation!"
In the 67th minute of the second half, Zheng Zhi''s long pass from the backcourt found Wang Feng on the right nk. The Chinese star, with his back to the goal, stopped the ball with his chest and then flicked it backward, sessfully bypassing the center-backs.
He turned around, caught up with the ball, and crossed it into the penalty area. The ballnded perfectly on the head of Gao Lin, who had inserted himself at the near post, bouncing into the. 3-0!
In the closing stages of the match, New Zend finally seized an opportunity. With a defensive error from the Chinese team, their forward stole the ball and broke into the penalty area, beating Qiu Shengjing''s ten-finger defense. These young men were full of energy butckedposure.
In the end, the Chinese team won 3-1 against New Zend, securing their first victory in the history of the national Olympic team!
After the match, the New Zend head coach couldn''t help butin to the media again: "Wang Feng shouldn''t appear on the Olympic stage. We simply can''t handle him."
"The yers have tried their best to defend, but he still handles it with ease. This was a foreseeable loss, and I hope China can go further."
Chinese team head coach Ying Tiesheng said: "This is a crucial victory. We definitely have the ability to advance to the knockout stage from the group stage, but to go further, the yers need to continue their efforts." He emphasized thete-game mistakes and believed the yers needed to learn from them.
As the hero of the match, contributing two goals and one assist, Wang Feng also epted an interview, "This is a great victory, and we''ve made history!"
"This victory belongs not only to me but also to the entire team, and even to all the people of our country." Wang Feng said excitedly, "Our form is excellent, and as long as we continue, we can go further!"
Regarding his uing appearance as the g bearer at the opening ceremony, he also expressed his honor: "This is everyone''s trust in me, and I will continue to work hard, whether it''s for the club or the national team, to bring back more glory!"
In another group stage match, Brazil drew 1-1 with Belgium, so the Chinese team temporarily topped the group. However, in the next round against Belgium, the opponent would definitely go all out to advance, which would be another tough battle.
Chapter 410: Team clearance
Chapter 410: Team clearance
Compared with Brazil, Belgium is undoubtedly an easier team to deal with, but their overall strength still surpasses that of the Chinese team. Due to their connection with the Genk club, Wang Feng has more or less heard of the names of these Belgian golden generations.
Standard Lige''s Sebastien Pocognoli came from Genk''s youth training. He made his debut in the first team at the age of 16. Marten Martens from Alkmaar represented Anderlecht in the UEFA Cup at the age of 19, not to mention Tom De Mul, who yed for Sevi, and Kevin Miras from Saint-tienne in Ligue 1.
On August 10th, this highly anticipated match kicked off at the Wulihe Stadium.
After the match started, Belgian defenders Delouw and Pocognoli closely marked Wang Feng throughout the game. They knew about the free kick skills of the Chinese superstar, so they tried to disrupt the passing of the ball without fouling.
Without Dong Fangzhuo to share the offensive burden, Wang Feng''s support in the front court was greatly reduced. Depending entirely on his Olympic teammates to urately pass the ball seemed a bit difficult, so the Chinese superstar kept retreating and even actively participated in defense in the backcourt, disrupting the opponent''s attacking n for a while.
In the first half, both sides contributed only four shots, with Belgium having three and China having one, but neither team scored. In the 34th minute, Wang Feng quickly counterattacked with the ball, shaking off three defending yers in session, but his shot slightly missed the post under Vermaelen''s interference.
This attack sent chills down the spine of the entire Belgian team, and the head coach even rushed to the sidelines to shout at the yers, urging them to treat the Chinese superstar with utmost seriousness.
In the 61st minute of the second half, Belgium''s attack finally paid off. Halong passed the ball to the wing, and Martens immediately lobbed the ball into the goal area, where Dembele sessfully shook off the defense and headed the ball into the Chinese team''s goal.
After conceding a goal, the Chinese team decisively elerated the pace of the game. Wang Feng frequently organized attacks from midfield, allowing these young Belgians to witness his energy at its peak.
Just 7 minutester, Wang Feng intercepted the ball near the center line from Verthongen''s feet. The Chinese superstar then rushed into the frontcourt, first dodging Halong with a fried meatball move, then seized the opportunity to pass to the wing, Chen Tao. The ball passed through two defending yers.
Chen Tao, with Wang Feng''s cover, reached the vicinity of the penalty area and immediately passed it back to him. Wang Feng faced the block, dribbled with his right foot, and suddenly changed the rhythm, catching Delouw off guard.
The Chinese superstar caught up with the ball and sted it directly. With a loud bang, the ball pierced through the hands of the goalkeeper Bailey and into the, 1-1!
In the 79th minute, Wang Feng started near the center line again, twisting past two yers with a Marseille spin. James didn''t hesitate to foul him, but the prepared Chinese superstar easily avoided it.
As he approached the frontcourt, he first passed to Gao Lin nearby, then immediately rushed into the penalty area while raising his right hand to signal a pass behind the defensive line. Gao Lin decisively lobbed the ball over, but unfortunately, the force was too strong, and the ball flew towards the bottom line.
This didn''t deter Wang Feng. He used his speed to stop the ball before it went out of bounds, faced Vermaelen''s block, and with a crotch dribble, sessfully cut inside under the Belgian''s legs, caught up with the ball, and took a direct shot from a narrow angle.
The crescent moon scimitar reappeared on the green field! The ball drilled into the from the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper Bailey helpless, 2-1! The Chinese teampleted the reversal!
Once again scoring twice to save the team, Wang Feng was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the fans at the scene, while the Belgian yers were very frustrated, realizing that they seemed unable to contain the Chinese superstar.
What''s going on? We didn''t make any mistakes, everyone showed a bewildered look, only the coach on the sidelines seemed pensive. Wang Feng seemed to be restricted in the first half, but in fact, he wasn''t at all. He actively reduced the threat and confrontation.
As a result, defensive yers would form inertia in their thinking and actions. When he suddenly elerated, he could naturally outmaneuver everyone. These young yers couldn''tpete with Wang Feng, who had rich experience in majorpetitions. It was simply a mismatch!
There wasn''t much time left for Belgium. Everything was within Wang Feng''s expectations, except for the uncontroble teammates.
In the 81st minute, Belgiumunched a quick counterattack. Dembele had already passed the ball, but Chinese full-back Tan Wangsong still made a flying kick.
This was a move he often used during training and matches, and he naturally didn''t think it was a big deal. But referees on the international stage wouldn''t let it slide. Red card! Tan Wangsong stared at the yer with an innocent face. What do you mean innocent? This kind of action would warrant a red card in any match outside of China.
Fortunately, there wasn''t much time left in the game. In the final moments, Belgiumunched a fierce attack against the Chinese team with numerical superiority. Wang Feng''s defense was as good as any world-ss defender, finally helping the team preserve the victory.
The score remained 2-1 until the final whistle. With two wins in two matches, the Chinese team advanced from the group stage ahead of schedule. In another match, Brazil defeated New Zend 5-0, and in the final round, they were likely topete with China for the top spot in the group.
In the mixed interview area after the match, Wang Feng expressed his thoughts on the improper actions of domestic yers, "In fact, many of our yers'' actions are not professional, which requires the clubs to pay enough attention and correct them from the beginning."
"The league is also very important. Sometimes I pay attention to it, but I often find that the judgment standards are inconsistent, sometimes too strict and sometimes too lenient,pletely failing to regte the yers."
"Only under the influence of a subtle environment can the technical abilities of domestic yers gradually improve."
After winning the crucial battle to advance, fans, in addition to rejoicing, began to consider Wang Feng''s suggestions. Many people believed that referees should also undergo strict training to regte the actions of young yers on the field.
On August 13th, in the final round of the group stage, the Chinese team faced Brazil, a team with a gxy of stars and one of the favorites to win the tournament.
They included familiar faces for Wang Feng like Marcelo and Ronaldinho, as well as yers from the top five leagues such as Rafinha, Alex Silva, Anderson, Lucas Leiva, Diego, Pato, and Breno, among others.
The match unfolded with one-sided dominance. Brazil had an absolute advantage, with Ronaldinho and Diego each scoring a goal for the team. However, Wang Feng pulled one back in the 77th minute of the second half.
Chapter 411: Dark horse
Chapter 411: Dark horse
After entering the knockout stage, China''s national team shifted their venue to the Capital Workers Stadium, where they were about to face the tournament favorite, Italy.
"Italy is so strong. Can we beat them?" Young yer Yuan Weiwei asked timidly on the ne. Wang Feng waved his hand confidently in response, saying, "What''s so strong about Italy? We knocked them out two years ago in the World Cup. This time, we''ll defeat them again in the Olympics!"
"Italian football has long declined from its past glory. Most of these young Italian yers developed domestically are not that great. I even dare to assert that in another decade or so, they might not even qualify for the World Cup. Haha."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. As a former star who once dominated Serie A, Wang Feng''s words were quite convincing. So, everyone was motivated and prepared to strive for glory once again.
Seeing them eager and ready for action, Wang Feng nodded in satisfaction. This was the main purpose of his words. For a youth team, technical experience was important but secondary; the key driving force for victoryy in high spirits and fighting spirit.
However, he wasn''t entirely lying. In his eyes, Italy''s national team was indeed a mixed bag of talents, with most yers hailing from clubs like Fiorentina, Genoa, Palermo, Udinese, and Parmahardly top-tier.
On August 16th, the quarter-finals of the Olympic men''s football tournament proceeded as scheduled, with tickets still in high demand at the venue. Meanwhile, outside the stadium, many fans lingered, eager to experience the atmosphere.
As the clock struck the 81st minute of the second half, Wang Feng dropped back to midfield to receive the ball. Facing Italian defender Zingarelli, he first pushed the ball to the left with his left foot, took two steps, then suddenly cut to the right with an eleration.
The Chinese superstar dashed along the sideline, quickly leaving Zingarelli behind. Seeing this, Italian center-back Montolivo and defender Coda hurriedly moved in to intercept.
Wang Feng mmed the brakes, lightly tapped the ball behind with his right heel, then scooped it up with his left foot, swiftly changing direction while evading Montolivo''s stretched leg.
At this point, with Zingarelli and Montolivo on either side, and only Coda obstructing in front, Wang Feng once again shifted the ball to his right foot, tapped it sideways with his toe, and elerated past the three defenders!
Immediately, Wang Feng dribbled swiftly into the penalty area from the wing. Italian defender Criscito attempted to block, but the Chinese superstar feinted with ateral dribble, then fired a left-footed shot directly into the bottom left corner of the goal.
"The ball''s in! In the 81st minute, Wang Feng dribbles past three defenders from midfield, cuts inside the penalty area, gets past one more defender, and fires a shot with his left foot. Though Italian goalkeeper Consigli makes a desperate effort to save, he can''t stop the ball from rolling into the."
After scoring, Wang Feng slid on his knees to the corner g, extending his arms towards the fans in the stands, urging them to cheer. The fans naturally didn''t disappoint the Chinese superstar, as the cheers and apuse grew even louder.
Teammates rushed over to celebrate with him, and Li Weifeng, tears welling up, hugged Wang Feng from behind. "You did it! We''re actually leading!"
"This is Wang Feng''s third goal of the match,pleting a hat-trick! China leads Italy 3-1! A perfect game, a perfect Wang Feng!"
"At the beginning of the match, Italypletely dominated China, and in the 22nd minute, forward Rogi opened the scoring. This yer previously scored a hat-trick against South Korea in the group stage."
"Just as fans began to despair, Wang Feng stepped up and took control of the game. Just before halftime, he sted a shot from outside the penalty area, piercing Italy''s goal, and setting the stage for aeback!"
"In the 59th minute of the second half, Chinese superstar Wang Feng dribbles past three defenders into the penalty area, then calmly slots the ball home to take the lead. And now, hepletes a one-man show, dribbling past four defenders in a row to score. In his eyes, even the defense of European powerhouses seems feeble!"
"So far, Wang Feng has scored 7 goals, firmly leading the tournament''s top scorer list. It''s truly evident that whenever he participates, no other yer stands a chance of being the top scorer."
After Wang Feng''s second goal, the Italian national team was practically on the verge of copsethey couldn''t defend him, yet they also hesitated to foul him recklessly in the frontcourt. It was simply too difficult!
And this third goal was the final nail in the coffin. Wang Feng believed that it would be difficult for these young yers to adjust their mentality in the remaining time.
As expected, despite Coach Casciaro''s sessive substitutions, he couldn''t salvage the demoralized team, and the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
China defeated Italy 3-1, advancing to the Olympic men''s semifinals! This news delighted and filled all Chinese people with pride. The media alsovished praise, dering that with China excelling in various Olympic events, football was no longer a weak spot.
Once again, Wang Feng''s name sent shockwaves throughout the world. No one had anticipated that a yer could have such a significant impact on a team''s performance.
Two years ago, he led the national team to achieve the World Cup semi-finals miracle, and now, he single-handedly led the national team to the Olympic semi-finals, showcasing his underdog nature.
The team leaders were also very pleased. Before the tournament, their goal was to advance from the group stage, and no one dared to think they could reach this far. But since they were here, the next goal was to strive for a medal.
The other three teams in the semifinals were Argentina, Brazil, and Nigeria. Next up for China was the formidable African team Nigeria, while Brazil and Argentina would sh in a South American showdown.
Although Nigeria''s reputation on the World Cup stage might not be as prominent, they were a force to be reckoned with in youthpetitions, having reached the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup multiple times. Simrly, they had performed impressively in the Olympics, even winning the men''s football tournament in 1996. However,pared to the tough South American giants, the African Eagles seemed a bit more manageable.
At the post-match press conference, Coach Ying Tiesheng said, "We will certainly strive towards the goal of reaching the final. Nigeria is strong, so we need all our yers to actively engage in the game."
Wang Feng added, "We''re not thinking too far ahead at the moment. We''ll treat each game as the final showdown and give it our all. Making it to the semifinals has already created history, and every step we take from now on will set new records."
The semifinals were no longer held at the Capital Workers Stadium but at the Magic City Stadium. So, after the interview, the team immediately rushed to the airport and arrived at the hotelte at night. The head coach briefly emphasized discipline and the training schedule for the next day before letting everyone rest in their rooms.
The next morning, despite feeling tired, Wang Feng still maintained his habit of waking up early. He went to the restaurant to have breakfast and then proceeded to the training base for warm-up exercises.
While eating breakfast and browsing the news, he heard a voice filled with surprise, "Brother Feng!" Looking up, he saw someone standing at the door. If it wasn''t Dong Fangzhuo, who else could it be ?
Chapter 412: I promised you, I did it
Chapter 412: I promised you, I did it
Wang Feng was overjoyed and quickly approached him, carefully examining him. He saw that his legs were steady on the ground without any signs of wrapping, so he quickly asked, "How''s your foot injury?"
Dong Fangzhuo replied, "The doctor said it''s basically recovered, faster than expected. In fact, I started recovery training half a month ago and immediately rushed back as soon as I got permission."
"Brother Feng, you really didn''t deceive me. I really have a chance to y for the national Olympic team!"
Next, Wang Feng led him to meet with the coaching staff and team doctors at the training base. After another examination, it was confirmed that this now second Chinese star had no physical problems.
"Great!" Coach Ying Tiesheng felt more reassured. "Dong Fangzhuo, you''ll start training with the team immediately. The focus is on developing good cooperation with your teammates."
"But the probability of you starting in the next match is still low. I''ll put you on the bench and bring you on when needed. This is both for your physical well-being and for the team''s stability."
"I understand, coach. I''ll fully obey all instructions from the coaching staff," Dong Fangzhuo said.
When the yers saw Dong Fangzhuo for the first time on the training ground, they were all pleasantly surprised. Zheng Zhi was the first to run up and pat his shoulder. "Kid, you''re finally back with the team. A Bundesliga champion, hmm, you''re also considered a world-ss star now!"
Dong Fangzhuo pretended to be bitter and said, "Unfortunately, I got injured before even stepping onto the podium. It''s really unlucky. I didn''t even get to experience what it''s like to lift the first European top league championship trophy of my career."
"That''s nothing. There''s still the medal and prize money, right? Besides, I see Bayern''s momentum is strong. Winning another league title next season shouldn''t be too difficult."
"Yeah, that''s true, haha."
Other young teammates also looked at Dong Fangzhuo with envy and admiration. Wang Feng had umted more honors than them and was considered an overage yer, but Dong Fangzhuo was different. Despite being around the same age, he had be a mainstay for a Bundesliga powerhouse and helped the team win the league title!
So, during training breaks, everyone would gather around Dong Fangzhuo to ask about his experiences of sess. He didn''t hold back and shared his struggle history from the lower German leagues, full of both spirited determination and bitter moments.
On August 19th, in the Olympic men''s football semi-finals, China faced Nigeria, a direct confrontation between the host dark horse and the old powerhouse of the Olympics.
In the 21st minute of the match, Nigeria got a corner kick opportunity. Odimwanki sent the ball into the penalty area, and Victor Anichebe, the Everton striker, pushed aside defender Yuan Weiwei and headed the ball into the, breaking the deadlock for the African Eagles.
Yuan Weiwei looked frustrated as he rubbed his sore shoulder. This was purely a physical dominance. He had clearly reached the ball''snding position first, but the opponent managed to exert enough force to push him aside.
Zheng Zhi walked up to him and patted his back. "Young Yuan, don''t me yourself. That goal wasn''t your fault." Then he called other defensive yers over. "Nigeria''s physicality is strong, so we need to be fully focused and support our teammates in defense."
"We''ve only conceded one goal. Think about our captain''s miraculous performance, think about Dong Fangzhuo sitting on the bench. We have the ability to turn this around. Come on, let''s give each other a hand."
"Alright!"
While Zheng Zhi motivated the defensive yers, Wang Feng encouraged the midfield and forward yers. "Don''t rush, we still have plenty of time. Let''s reorganize our attack. Chen Tao, Gao Lin, we need you guys to lead the attackter, y decisively, and put enough defensive pressure on the opponent."
Seeing the team trailing, Dong Fangzhuo on the bench couldn''t sit still. He kept looking towards the head coach, hoping to be sent on to contribute. But Ying Tiesheng just looked expressionless at the field, showing no intention of making adjustments.
After the game resumed, China yed even more aggressively. Wang Feng and Gao Lin directly pressed into Nigeria''s half, while midfielders also crossed the midfield line topress the opponent''s passing space.
The change in the rhythm of the game made it difficult for Nigeria to adapt. They wanted to counter quickly but couldn''t find the speed, and although China pressed high up the pitch, their defensive focus was very concentrated.
Both sides were deadlocked, and time was passing by. Until the end of the first half was approaching, the high-intensity pressing was quite a burden for these young yers. Gao Lin and Chen Tao were already panting.
Wang Feng knew that if they went into halftime trailing, the team''s condition would only deteriorate in the second half. They needed toe up with a solution quickly.
At this moment, Nigeria''s central defender Okonkwo received the ball but didn''t pass it out immediately like before. Instead, he took a few steps sideways to observe his teammates'' positions.
This was an opportunity. Wang Feng immediately rushed up when he saw it. The renowned Chinese superstar approached him, seemingly in the blink of an eye, and got in front of him. His speed was astonishing!
Okonkwo was startled and decided to slide tackle, even if it meant fouling and getting booked, he had to stop him, because behind him was an open field.
But the Chinese superstar didn''t give him a chance. Wang Feng forcefully pushed the ball forward, and at the same time, he leaped over Okonkwo''s sliding tackle effortlessly, then elerated to chase after the ball.
"Wang Feng steals the ball! Chinaunches a fast counterattack!" All the fans in the stands stood up excitedly, watching the sprinting yer on the field intently.
"He dribbles into the penalty area. Defenders Adfeimi and Apan both close in. What will he do? A pass to the back post, Gao Lin shoots! It''s in! Gao Lin scores for China! This time, he doesn''t waste the opportunity!"
"1-1! China stubbornly equalizes just before halftime!"
"This goal was first initiated by Wang Feng''s active pressing. After sessfully stealing the ball and entering the penalty area, he attracted Nigeria''s defensive attention, and then Gao Lin, who followed up, calmly scored."
"Whether it''s Wang Feng or other Chinese yers, they have shown their tenacious fighting spirit and desire for victory in that period of time, and it''s this spirit that led to the goal!"
After scoring, Gao Lin initially wanted to celebrate along the sidelines, but he was too exhausted to run, so he stayed in ce and waited for his teammates toe and hug him to celebrate.
"Well done, that pressure you applied just now was really good," Wang Feng said with a smile. Gao Lin felt a bit shaky. If he hadn''t been tired, he might have scored a long shot just now, thus truly living up to his nickname "Flying High".
"Luckily, my reputation is saved this time. I''ll practice my finishing more when we get back." The young Chinese yer thought to himself silently.
Chapter 413: Battle of destiny
Chapter 413: Battle of destiny
Back in the locker room, the yers were all sweating profusely, breathing heavily after continuous pressing on the field, which had already depleted a lot of their energy. But everyone''s face showed a relieved and rxed expression.
Their efforts were not in vain, as they finally equalized the score just before halftime, which meant they still had the strength to fight another battle!
Since scoring the goal, Gao Lin''s face had been filled with a smile that didn''t stop. Other teammates looked at him with envy. This was the highly anticipated Olympic semifinal, and his name would surely be known to every household after today.
But this glory was well-deserved. Until thest moment, Gao Lin had been running at full speed. Even if he didn''t know whether Wang Feng would pass the ball to him, he resolutely positioned himself in the right ce.
Thinking of this, Chen Tao felt a hint of regret. He realized that he had better physical fitness and a more advanced position. During the fast break, he subconsciously thought that Wang Feng would take the shot himself, so his steps hesitated a bit, and he ended up behind Gao Lin.
"If I had been a bit more aggressive, would the goal have been mine?" he asked himself, and this regret in his heart sparked a fierce fighting spirit in the young man. Chen Tao silently vowed not to give up halfway through the second half!
Head coach Ying Tiesheng rarely showed a smile. He was pleased to see the yers fighting hard on the field. "The goal just before halftime was crucial. It will be the key to opening the door to victory for us!"
"But our physical strength is limited, and trying to press high like in the first half may be beyond our capabilities. So, we must focus on defense and not allow the opponent to score again."
"We need to stay solid defensively and seize the opportunity tounch counterattacks. Wang Feng, you should feelfortable ying in this style. In the second half, I hope your range of movement continues to expand, and you can contribute both offensively and defensively."
The Chinese superstar nodded. ying as a free yer across the field was not the first time for him, although it was tiring, the effect was outstanding.
As the second half began, the Chinese team did not press high like in the first half but actively gave up possession andpressed their defensive line, waiting in a tight formation. Nigeria, although having the attacking initiative, found it difficult to break through the defensive line resembling a parked bus.
Not to mention, there was Wang Feng asionally sprinting forward to stimte their defense. The speed of the Chinese superstar was too fast, taking only a dozen seconds from the backcourt to the frontcourt at full speed.
Continuous attacks without results made the Nigerian Olympic yers increasingly impatient, and the more anxious they became, the worse their uracy became. In the 77th minute, forward Odimwanki''s shot from inside the penalty area flew straight to the top of the stadium, ridiculously high.
The Chinese team won a goal kick, Qiu Shenghong kicked it to the midfield, Cui Peng headed it to the nk for Gao Lin, who then passed it to Wang Feng.
At this time, most of the Nigerian yers were still in the opponent''s half, so the Chinese superstar quickly started a counterattack towards the frontcourt. The horn of the counterattack sounded!
Defender Adeleye stood in front of him. Wang Feng pushed the ball to the left with his left foot, pretending to break through this way, but suddenly hooked the ball back with his right foot, a skillful move.
How could the young Nigerian defender stop Wang Feng? He even tripped over his left foot due to the Chinese superstar''s feint, losing his bnce and falling down, only able to watch him dribble away.
The despairing Adeleye lying on the ground and the receding figure formed a sharply contrasting image. The moment was captured keenly by the photographers on the sidelines, making it one of the ssic scenes in football.
Sprinting along the nk to near the penalty area, Wang Feng intended to dribble forcefully to the byline but suddenly stopped and turned with the ball midway. This left the defender Apan, who had been closely following him on the side, sliding to the ground due to inertia, and then he shook him off!
Then the Chinese superstar chipped the ball to the back post. Chen Tao, who had been charging forward, leaped to head the ball. At this moment, most of the Nigerian defenders were focused on Wang Feng, neglecting other yers.
The powerful header left goalkeeper Van Zeeveld with no time to react. "Goal! Chen Tao! The Chinese team sessfully overtakes the score!"
"Coming from Wang Feng''s cross, the Chinese team seized this precious counterattack opportunity!"
"After the goalkeeper kicked the ball out, it was passed to Wang Feng''s feet through several passes, and the Chinese superstar quickly sprinted nearly 40 meters to near the penalty area, even causing a Nigerian center-back to fall during the run."
"Then he used a quick stop to shake off the defender''s entanglement. From this, we can see Wang Feng''s exceptional control over his body. It''s hard to imagine another yerpleting this difficult move while dribbling."
"Wang Feng delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Chen Tao, who surged forward from the back, jumped up, heading the ball forcefully. This diving header can be described as full of power."
After scoring, Chen Tao immediately ran towards Wang Feng, jumping onto him. "I scored! I scored too!" His voice choked as he shouted.
"Yes, you scored!" Wang Feng patted his head affectionately. "It was a wonderful header. I think it will definitely be one of the top five goals of the tournament."
Other teammates also rushed over to surround the two, with Gao Lin rubbing Chen Tao''s head vigorously. "You ran so fast, I couldn''t catch up with you."
Consecutive equalization and turnaround made the Nigerian yers very frustrated. They had the advantage on the field but failed to get the reward. The huge gap made it difficult for them to ept, and their mentality became somewhat imbnced.
To preserve the fruits of victory, head coach Ying Tiesheng made three consecutive substitutions. Goal scorer Gao Lin was reced to rest, and Dong Fangzhuo was destined not to have a chance to y in this match.
Relying on all the yers, including Wang Feng, retreating to defend, Nigeria failed to break through the Chinese team''s goal until the end of the game. They maintained the score at 2-1, narrowly defeating the African Eagles and advancing to the Olympic final!
When the referee blew the final whistle, many yers were exhausted and copsed on the ground, while the substitutes and staff couldn''t hold back their excitement and quickly rushed into the field to celebrate. The Chinese team had at least secured a medal!
The cheers resounded throughout the whole Magic City Stadium, national gs fluttered in the wind in the stands, and countless fans were in tears, spontaneously singing familiar melodies.
Wang Feng stood quietly with his hands on his hips, a huge sense of satisfaction and pride surging into his heart. This feeling was something that club achievements could never give him.
He suddenly understood why well-known Brazilian superstars like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and others continued to join the national Olympic team as overage yers to participate in the Olympics. It was because they wanted to help their country win a championship that had never been touched before.
For this, Ronaldinho even shed with AC Mn''s top management. The club did not agree to his participation in such events because the timing shed with the club''s summer training, and yers were likely to get injured in high-intensity matches.
Real Madrid was more understanding. They fully respected Wang Feng''s choice, even if it meant missing some early matches.
Fate is often cruel. In another semifinal, relying on Aguero''s brace and Messi''s brilliance, the Pampas Eagles defeated the Samba Army 3-0, shattering the Brazilians'' Olympic dream once again.
And the top-tier Wang Feng, challenging Messi, would have the final showdown of fate.
Chapter 414: The decisive battle is imminent
Chapter 414: The decisive battle is imminent
When the Chinese Olympic team reached the final and met the Argentine team led by Messi, all the media outlets in the world provided detailed coverage.
Originally, the Olympics were not considered a mainstream football event, and in the past, they would not have caused much of a stir. Most fans only paid attention to club summer transfers and warm-up matches.
But as the world''s number one yer, Wang Feng naturally attracted attention wherever he went. Moreover, the fact that the Chinese team could reach the final, eliminating Italy and Nigeria one after another, made this underdog miracle impossible to ignore.
Of course, the most eye-catching aspect was the showdown between Wang Feng and Messi. At the club level, the Chinese superstar currently outshone Messi, but it remained to be seen if Messi could turn the tables at the national team level.
Apart from a few extreme "Wang fans," such as Marca, which believed that Wang Feng had never lost a final and therefore would definitely continue the miracle and win the final medal, most media outlets did not favor the Chinese team.
The Italian newspaper Mn Sports Daily bluntly stated that although Gao Lin and Chen Tao had performed impressively in this Olympics, they still couldn''tpare to Riquelme and Aguero. With Dong Fangzhuo''s injury status unclear, there was no one in the Chinese team who could assist Wang Feng.
Not to mention the defensive end, where the Argentine team boasted rising stars while the Chinese team had only a few rtively well-known yers, with the rest still struggling in the domestic league.
"Being able to lead the team to the final already demonstrates Wang''s ability. Argentina is highly likely to win the uing match, but Wang will definitely give them a hard time," wrote Germany''s Kicker.
The publication detailed China''s football development history in recent years, emphasizing that until Wang Feng emerged, their results had been very poor. They had made no impact in the Asian Cup, only reached the World Cup finals in 2002, where they were eliminated without scoring a goal or earning a point. They had only one Olympic experience, in the 1998 Seoul Olympics, where they also failed to score a goal, only managing to draw with Tunisia and earn a single point.
At that time, the Chinese team could only be considered a second-rate or even third-rate Asian team. It was only when Wang Feng joined that everything changedpletely. They won the Asian Cup, reached the World Cup semi-finals, and now made it to the Olympic final.
Such earth-shaking changes were brought about by the Chinese superstar. "At the national team level, Wang Feng''s tactical achievements have already surpassed Maradona and Pel. After all, Argentina and Brazil are both traditional football powers."
"What hecks is only the World Cup, and if he can really achieve this goal, he will be the only god in the football world, without any dispute."
The final match was scheduled to take ce at the National Stadium, the "Bird''s Nest," a venue built for the Olympics that could amodate 91,000 people. However, this was still far from enough, as it was estimated that on the day of the match, there would be over five hundred thousand people wanting to attend the event, and this number was still rising.
To ensure safety, all security forces in the city were mobilized, even drawing personnel from across the country. Moreover, such arge crowd absolutely could not be too concentrated, so the Olympic Committee decided to divide the capital into tens of thousands of areas, with giant screens set up in each area, limiting the number of attendees.
Other provinces and cities also followed suit, setting up screens in open squares to allow fans to watch the game in a safe environment.
Security, medical care, and construction were all carried out nervously. With four days left until the match, everyone could only work overtime, but they felt extremely satisfied. Having the opportunity to work hard these few days was truly worthwhile!
When the Olympic team returned to the capital, they were shocked by the scene. Looking out from the bus, they saw fans with happy smiles everywhere and construction scenes.
"This is so exaggerated," Yuan Weiwei couldn''t help but exim, "Everyone''s expectations are all ced on us. I''m so nervous!"
"What''s there to be nervous about? If the sky falls, tall people will hold it up," Dong Fangzhuoforted. His eyes were full of fighting spirit and eagerness. Just now, the head coach told him that he would start in the final. This moment had been awaited for too long!
Wang Feng stood up from his seat and showed a confident smile to all his teammates: "Everyone, the final is nothing special. Think about our achievements so far. Belgium, Italy, and Nigeria have all fallen before us, haven''t they?"
"As long as we put in 100% effort as before, defend well in every attack, leave the rest to me and Dong Fangzhuo. We will lead everyone to victory!"
Dong Fangzhuo also stood up and said, "Yes, don''t be intimidated by Argentina''s reputation. They are just a group of young boys, and we still have the captain to rely on!"
Looking at these two stars who dominated the European football scene, the fearful and uneasy mentality of the young teammates gradually calmed down, and a desire for victory emerged in their minds.
To minimize external interference and pressure, the coaching staff decided to conduct closed-door training and refused all media visits and interviews before the match.
On August 22nd, the third-ce match, Brazil defeated Nigeria 1-0 with Ronaldinho''s goal, winning the bronze medal in men''s football at this Olympics. Ronaldinho''s trip was finally not in vain.
"The bronze medal looks pretty good," he called Messi to encourage him, "but it''s still not as dazzling as the gold medal. Leo, although Wang Feng has the home advantage, the overall strength of the team is much weaker than Argentina''s."
"Since you were able to eliminate Brazil and reach the final, continue to defeat China and win the final championship. Take it as the peak of your career, and then gradually defeat Wang Feng in all aspects!"
Messi nodded, "We will work as hard as you guys do, and bring glory back to South America!"
Wang Feng also received encouragement from many European friends, including Makelele, Ribery, and others, as well as teammates from the Gcticos like Raul and Guti.
Real Madrid began training and ying warm-up matches in mid-July. Except for the Chinese superstar, all other main yers had returned, and on the 18th, they yed their first match of the new season, the first leg of the European Super Cup against Valencia.
ying away from home, the Gcticos showed tenacious spirit after conceding a goal, with goals from Raul and the newly joined Van der Vaart, securing a 2-1eback victory.
"Good luck in the Olympics! We''re waiting for you toe back and lift the first trophy of the new season for Real Madrid!" Raul sent a text message to Wang Feng.
Before the final, Wang Feng called his family in Madrid. Lu Yao had already entered a private hospital and was waiting to give birth. Her condition was normal, but she still felt regretful that she couldn''t watch the game live.
"Fortunately, you didn''te back. Now the scene is so crowded that it''s impossible for you to watch the game here," Wang Fengforted her. Lu Yao still yearned, saying, "I really want to see such a grand asion. It''s probably the grandest event in the country in recent years."
"Both I and the child will cheer for you. Go and win the final crown, Brother Feng, we believe in you!"
Chapter 415: This is the first person in the world!
Chapter 415: This is the first person in the world!
On August 23, 2008, at 11:40 a.m., the National Stadium in the capital was buzzing with excitement. Although the weather was hot, it couldn''t dampen the enthusiasm of the fans, who had been cheering for the Chinese Olympic team since they entered the stadium.
Under the lead of the Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai, both the Chinese and Argentine teams slowly walked onto the field. Looking up, the stands of the "Bird''s Nest," towering over 60 meters high, were densely packed with people, surpassing the scenes of the Bernabu and Camp Nou in their prime.
Such a spectacr sight naturally stunned the yers from both sides. Even Wang Feng showed a hint of surprise on his face, but he quickly regained hisposure, bing calm as a stillke once again.
Seeing Wang Feng so calm and confident, his teammates gradually suppressed their anxiety and fear. After all, this was their home turf, and it should be the opponents who felt intimidated.
Although most of the young Argentine yers were indeed intimidated, the experienced captain Riquelme quickly reassured everyone. Messi, on the other hand, kept his eyes fixed on Wang Feng. In this showdown with Wang Feng, he was determined to win!
"Good afternoon, dear audience. This is the sports channel. The uing match is the men''s football final of the Olympics, with China facing Argentina."
"This is a highly anticipated showdown. Wherever you are watching the live broadcast of the game, you can raise your hands to cheer for our Chinese Olympic athletes!"
"Yes, this is the first time in history that the Chinese Olympic team has reached the Olympic final, also marking the first time in Asian football history. Before this, the best performance by an Asian team on the Olympic stage was achieved by Japan in 1968, when they won the bronze medal."
"In other words, we have surpassed the best result and set a new record. Regardless of the final oue, the efforts and achievements of these yers on the field will be forever remembered."
"So I hope that in the final match, the Chinese Olympic yers can exert their full strength,pete with the opponents without regrets, and give it their all!"
At this point, the yers from both sides had lined up, and then the Chinese national anthem began to y. The entire stadium of 91,000 people sang in unison, their voices soaring to the sky, even the twomentators in the broadcasting room were deeply moved, their eyes turning red.
As the song ended, it was Argentina''s turn to y their national anthem. Perhaps influenced by the momentum just now, many Argentine yers also sang loudly to boost their morale.
"We can see that in this match, the Chinese team has deployed a conventional 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Qiu Shengjing.
The defenders are Li Weifeng, Yuan Weiwei, Feng Xiaoting, and Tan Wangsong.
The midfielders are Zheng Zhi, Dong Fangzhuo, Hao Junzhe, and Chen Tao.
The forwards are Wang Feng and Gao Lin."
"Compared to the previous starting lineup, there is one change, which is Dong Fangzhuo recing Zou Haibing to y. He is the second strongest yer in China after Wang Feng."
"In the Bundesliga season that ended in the summer, Dong Fangzhuo helped Bayern Munich win the league title, but unfortunately, he was injured at thest moment, so he has been absent from the previous matches of the Olympic team. Today, he can finally make aeback!"
"Yes, with his help, the Chinese team will pose a greater threat in attack. We just don''t know how well he has recovered. Since the head coach dares to let him start, I believe there should be no problem."
"On the Argentine side, they have deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Romero as the goalkeeper.
The defenders are Zabaleta, Burdisso, Milito, and Zti.
The two defensive midfielders are Mascherano and Gago, and the attackers are Aguero, Messi, and Di Maria.
The forward at the front is Higuain."
"There are many teammates and opponents of Wang Feng in this team, such as Zti, Gago, Aguero, Messi, and Higuain, which indicates the luxurious lineup of Argentina. Moreover, these people are very familiar with the Chinese superstar and will definitely do everything to stop him."
"Regardless of whether it''s Wang Feng or other yers from the Chinese team, this match is a tough challenge."
In the first half, Argentina kicked off, and when the time reached exactly 12 o''clock, the referee Kassai blew the whistle to start the battle, officially kicking off this game that touched the hearts of hundreds of millions of people.
The Pampas Eaglesunched a fierce attack as soon as they came up, which was also one of the tactics set by their head coach. By aggressively attacking and pressuring the opponent, they made them tired of defending and hesitant to attack, thus reducing the threat of Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo''s offense.
The Chinese team could only choose to retreat to their own half for defense. Their defensive ability was not outstanding, as they had conceded 6 goals in the previous 5 matches.
In the 2nd minute, Argentina passed the ball to the edge of the penalty area, Messi took the ball and suddenly shot, but the ball missed the goal.
"Argentina made the first shot of the game. Messi seemed a bit impatient this time. If he cooperated with Aguero and Higuain nearby, the threat might be greater."
"But every shot they take indeed makes people nervous. Our yers need to guard their respective areas well and try to avoid letting the opponent shoot easily."
The Chinese team kicked off, but the pass between Hao Junzhe and Chen Tao was quickly intercepted by Argentina. Through tight pressing control in the midfield, Argentina could be said to have the majority of possession, and the Chinese team could not form effective cooperation.
In the 6th minute, Aguero dribbled the ball to the sideline, feinted to go down but suddenly cut inside, then passed horizontally to Higuain inside the penalty area.
Higuain stopped the ball facing the direction of the attack, and Yuan Weiwei immediately rushed up to defend. He saw Higuain lift his right foot to shoot, and the Chinese defender immediately leaned sideways to block.
But instead of shooting, the Argentine forward didn''t shoot with his right foot but gently pushed the ball to the left side. "Dangerous! There''s a gap! Beautiful! The ball was intercepted by Wang Feng, who retreated to the penalty area. It was really a critical moment!"
Higuain was a little frustrated as he kicked the turf, then ran outside the penalty area. Just now, if he had shot with his left foot, it would have been certain, but he didn''t expect Wang Feng to suddenly rush out from the side and intercept the ball.
"We can see that the Chinese superstar is defending very deep, it seems that he also knows that Argentina''s attacking firepower is strong, so he intends to run more."
"The Chinese team started to counterattack. Zheng Zhi dribbled forward, passed to Hao Junzhe, oh, this pass is a bit too big, Dong Fangzhuo and Di Maria are chasing, Dong Fangzhuo! Beautiful! He used his speed to snatch the ball and continued to attack the frontcourt!"
Dong Fangzhuo dribbled into the Argentine half, facing the block from Mascherano, he flicked the ball to change direction with his left foot, then ranterally for two steps and passed the ball to the edge of the penalty area.
At this moment, Wang Feng had already moved forward into the penalty area, but Dong Fangzhuo''s pass was a bit low, and he had his back to the goal with two defenders pressing tightly, making it difficult to turn around. So he stretched out his left hand to block Burdisso and then chested the ball, lifting his right foot to pass to the wing.
At this time, Chen Tao had no defenders near him, so he could calmly control the ball, adjust, and then send a high cross to the penalty area. When the ball came to Wang Feng''s head, he seized the opportunity, leaped high, pushed away Burdisso, and while lying back, he lifted his right foot and struck the ball.
"Bicycle kick! Goal! Wang Feng!! He opens the scoring for the Chinese team with a spectacr bicycle kick! He''s truly the world''s number one!"
Chapter 416: Passive
Chapter 416: Passive
"In the first half of the game, just seven minutes in, Wang Feng helped China break through the Argentine defense! This is our first offensive and first shot of the game."
"A powerful backheel, as seen in the slow-motion rey, the ball''s speed was very fast, and goalkeeper Romero made no reaction until the ball hit the, showing a surprised expression."
"It''s fantastic! Wang Feng''s performance in this game is on fire. When the team was struggling against Argentina''s relentless attacks, the Chinese superstar stepped up to save the team."
"This attack originated from Wang Feng''s defensive interception in our own penalty area, followed by Dong Fangzhuo''s disy of extreme speed and textbook ball control. When the Chinese superstar advanced into the opponent''s penalty area, he used himself as a pivot to shift the ball extensively from left to right."
"It''s evident that there was a w in the Argentine defense, as they paid more attention to Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo, neglecting to mark Chen Tao on the other side, allowing him to easily receive the ball, adjust, and cross."
"The final touch is crucial, and even when heavily marked, the Chinese superstar managed to create space with his strength, then executed a high-quality bicycle kick,pleting the goal-scoring process."
"We can see Wang Feng''s excitement after scoring. He rushed to the sideline and kissed the ring in his hand, showing affection to his wife in front of the television at home."
"Yes, many fans know that Wang Feng''s wife is about to give birth, and this goal is undoubtedly a gift for both mother and child. Here, on behalf of all the fans nationwide, I wish his wife a safe delivery!"
Messi, tapping his own head, feels quite frustrated. It''s too early in the game to concede a goal within ten minutes.
In any team, Wang Feng ys the most crucial role. Just like in the previous attack, from interception to counterattack, it was all orchestrated by the Chinese superstar.
Not to mention the looming threat of Dong Fangzhuo. The Argentineans also understand him. Starting from the French Ligue 2, he has grown rapidly through the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga, utilizing rich on-field experiences to improve swiftly.
"It''s really tricky! Our strength is clearly superior to China''s, but Wang Feng has be the biggest variable. However, he won''t give up easily. He won''t stop fighting until thest moment."
After the kickoff, Argentinaunched a frantic onught, with all four top-ss yers in the midfield and forward positions joining the attack. The pressure on the Chinese defensive line intensified, making it difficult for them to even counterattack.
In the 11th minute, Di Maria dribbled to the edge of the penalty area, bypassed Feng Xiaoting, and then sent a lob pass to the near post. Higuain, who followed up, shot but hit the post and bounced out.
Four minutester, Messi dribbled through the middle, evading two defenders, and then passed to Aguero on the right. Aguero took a direct powerful shot without stopping the ball, luckily, Tan Wangsong blocked it, and the ball rebounded out for a corner.
Five minutester, Messi once again toyed with the Chinese defense in midfield. Hao Junzhe fouled him, and the referee showed him a yellow card, awarding Argentina a free-kick in the attacking half.
"How about it, shall I take this free kick or you?" Aguero helped Messi up and asked, "I''ll take it. I''ve been practicing free kicks these days."
"To be honest, sometimes I feel my dribbling is a bit like Wang Feng''s, but his sess rate is much higher than mine, mainly because the defenders in front of him dare not foul him easily, otherwise, they''ll face an unstoppable free kick."
"So I need to develop this skill too." Messi said with determination, as he stood at the penalty spot, imagining the feeling of practicing, the run-up, the shot!
"Oh, a fantastic direct free kick attempt! It was so close to equalizing the score, very dangerous!"
"Yes, from my angle, I thought it went in. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. This free kick was of very high quality, a typical curved shot."
"It''s just that the angle wasn''t controlled enough, the ball went past the wall and directly out of bounds, hitting the outside of the goal, not hitting the frame of the goal."
"I didn''t expect Messi to have such excellent free-kick skills. From now on, the Chinese team''s defense in the backcourt might be a bit wary, defending against Argentine stars will be even more challenging."
The Pampas Eagles'' continuous fierce attacks finally broke through the defense of their prey. In the 29th minute, Di Maria passed the ball to Messi in the frontcourt. He dribbled past three defenders and shot low into the far corner, 1-1! Argentina equalized!
"With just five minutes left until halftime, Iguain, Messi, and Agueropleted a brilliant pration attack in the frontcourt. The Chinese defense showed a slightpse in concentration, failing topress the space to the utmost."
"Finally, Aguerounched the decisive blow, a chip shot into the far corner from the 8-meter position in front of the goal, 1-2! China suffered a cruel reversal."
The score remained unchanged at halftime. Despite taking an early lead, failing to hold onto it left the Olympic team yers feeling somewhat disheartened. Once in the locker room, they all hung their heads in silence.
The gap in strength is still quite significant. Apart from the opening goal, Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo found it challenging to make an impact in the attack because China rarely managed to break out and was continuously defending.
Seeing everyone somewhat downcast, Wang Feng pped his hands to draw everyone''s attention. ''What''s wrong, everyone? We''re just behind by one goal, don''t act like we''ve already lost.''
"I admit Argentina is indeed strong, but they are not unbeatable. Remember how we scored in the first half? We only need a short time to tear apart their defense."
"I have confidence. In the second half, we will definitely get another chance!" Hearing this, everyone looked up at Wang Feng, who remained confident. His confidence gradually infected his teammates, just as it does in the club and national team.
"I agree. In the second half, I will fully support you." Dong Fangzhuo was the first to speak out, followed by Li Weifeng, who said, "I believe in you. What we need to do next is defend, defend, and defend!"
Gao Lin, Chen Tao, Hao Junzhe, and others also responded. The Chinese team''s locker room regained its fighting spirit, with even head coach Ying Tiesheng admitting that sometimes Wang Feng''s words are more effective than his own.
The following events were much simpler. While everyone''s confidence was reignited, Coach Ying Tiesheng exined the tactical strategy for the second half to each yer in detail. The focus was still on defense, describing how to mark yers and provide cover.
"Mark Messi tightly, don''t be afraid to foul him. His free kicks from the frontcourt are definitely not as urate as Wang Feng''s!" The coach said decisively, recognizing that Messi is not as physically imposing as Wang Feng, making him vulnerable to challenges.
Wang Feng also offered his thoughts: ''Coach, I think we can take advantage of Argentina''s psychological inertia caused by their current advantage andunch an aggressive attack at the beginning of the second half.''
"The sess rate may not be high, but as long as Dong Fangzhuo and I charge forward together, it won''t have much impact on the overall defensive line, and it''s worth a try." Wang Feng exined. After consideration, the head coach agreed to his proposal and began urgently discussing the specific implementation n.
Chapter 417: Great goal !
Chapter 417: Great goal !
After switching sides, it''s China''s kickoff this time. Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo stand in the center circle, looking towards Chen Tao outside the circle. The three nod at each other, ready to execute the newly formted attacking n.
As the main referee''s whistle blows, Wang Feng quickly passes the ball to Dong Fangzhuo in front of him, then proceeds to run towards the front court at a steady pace. Dong Fangzhuo, on the other hand, turns smoothly and dribbles sideways without passing back to the defensive line.
Seeing the Argentine forwards pressing forward, they hold absolute superiority in the midfield area. It''s believed that they will soon snatch the ball back.
Seeing an obvious space on the right nk, Chen Tao quickly starts running towards that area, while Dong Fangzhuo doesn''t disappoint his teammates'' trust and sessfully passes the ball out of a three-yer siege.
As long as there''s space, Chen Tao can easily control the ball. After receiving the ball, he adjusts himself and sends a through pass to the front court before the Argentine defenders can react.
The final step is crucial. When Dong Fangzhuo sessfully passes the ball, Wang Feng suddenly elerates towards the left nk, drawing the attention of his markers, Milito and Savi, who follow suit.
After just a couple of steps, he switches direction and runs towards the right. At 35 years old, Savi''s age is apparent, having juste on and not fully entered his best form, he quickly falls behind.
Just as the Chinese superstar reaches the right nk, Chen Tao''s through pass arrives. With only Milito to contend with on his side, Wang Feng easily bypasses him.
He lightly taps the ball with his right foot to the right, then catches up, stepping on the edge of the penalty area and unleashing a powerful shot. Romero, the Argentine goalkeeper, originally intended toe out and block Wang Feng, but he didn''t expect him to shoot directly from outside the box!
The ball soars into the air, reaching its highest point before sharply descending. Despite Romero''s desperate backtracking and raised hands, he still couldn''t touch the ball, letting it drop into the top left corner of the goal.
"Goal! Less than 1 minute into the second half, Wang Feng equalizes the score for China! The current score on the field is 2-2."
"A clean and swift start to the second half''s counterattack. The coordination between Dong Fangzhuo, Chen Tao, and Wang Feng caught Argentina off guard."
"ording to the just-recorded data, from kickoff toting the ball, China only took 23 seconds. It''s incredible, the fastest goal of this Olympics!"
"In both the first and second halves, Argentina conceded early goals. During this period, yers tend to be rxed, not yet reaching their peak performance. It seems to be their significant weakness."
"This goal dealt a heavy blow to Argentina, quickly transforming them from a leisurely pace to urgency, and their attacks became more ferocious."
In the 49th minute, seeing the defenders tightly marking, Di Maria suddenly took a long shot from outside the penalty area, sending shivers down the spines of all Chinese yers. Fortunately, the ball narrowly missed the post.
While actively retreating to defend, Wang Feng continuously encourages his teammates. With his diligent running and positioning, Argentina''s threats are repeatedly thwarted.
Messi attempted to dribble past two yers and was about to prate the penalty area but was suddenly intercepted by the charging Chinese superstar, disrupting their attack. Aguero attempted to overtake and cross from the baseline, but he couldn''t get past Wang Feng''s pressure, passing the ball directly to Yuan Weiwei.
This scene frequently urs in the Chinese team''s defensive area. Wherever there''s danger, there''s Wang Feng. Nearly twenty minutes into the second half, the Chinese superstar hasn''t rested for a moment.
He hasn''t felt tired for a long time, but now he feels like his lungs are on fire. Just a little more effort, I can do it! Wang Feng silently encourages himself. Supporting him in his mind is no longer the honors he has won but the winter when he was sixteen, the days when there was no future without hard work!
The effect of this desperate attitude is evident. For a full twenty minutes, the Argentine team only managed three shots, all of which missed the goal frame. The domestic fans in the stands feel that the opponents are constantly attacking the Chinese team''s frontcourt, only to be blocked time and time again.
I don''t know who started singing the national anthem, gradually more and more people joined in, the impassioned melody echoing throughout the National Sports Stadium, continuously inspiring the yers on the field.
As the game approaches the 75th minute, Wang Feng once again slides to intercept the ball from Aguero, nearby Tan Wangsong quickly rushes over to secure the ball.
In the past few tens of minutes, these young yers have made passing mistakes under the pressure of Argentina''s strong defense, which is also one of the important reasons why the Chinese team cannot counterattack effectively, unable to connect the midfield with the frontcourt.
But diligence makes up for clumsiness! Their highly concentrated attention and diligent running prevent them from falling intoplete passivity even after conceding a goal. After all, they have a superstar like Wang Feng leading by example.
This time, Tan Wangsong sends a long diagonal pass to the area where Chen Tao is on the other side of the field. Fortunately, the Chinese midfielder sessfully grabs the ball and heads it to the middle.
Dong Fangzhuo quickly takes the ball and rushes towards the frontcourt, while Tan Wangsong is surprised to find that Wang Feng, who was lying in front of him, has already rushed dozens of meters away, taking a lead of one body length ahead of Dong Fangzhuo, this is too fast!
Seeing the Chinese superstar running ahead of him, Dong Fangzhuo forcefully pushes the ball to the right, avoiding the Argentine defenders who are retreating to the middle, and advances along the sideline.
When he reaches near the penalty area, he seizes the opportunity to send a lobbed pass. The ball draws a rainbow arc in the air and drops straight into the penalty area. At this moment, with central defender Mascherano behind him, full-back Burdisso beside him, and goalkeeper Romeroing out, there''s no time to hesitate, not even letting the ball touch the ground. Wang Feng lifts his right foot and gently taps the ball.
The feeling on the instep is so wonderful, the angle and power are controlled just right ording to his senses. The ball once again soars over Romero''s outstretched hands, brushing the underside of the crossbar and nestling into the goal, hitting the inside of the.
As Romero fails to stop, he directly collides with Wang Feng''s ankle, causing him to lose bnce and fall, with both him and the ball tumbling into the goal.
"Beep~" The main referee blows the whistle while pointing to the center circle, the goal is valid!
"Goal!! Wang Feng!! Wang Feng scores a hat-trick!! China leads Argentina 3-2!"
"A magnificent counterattack, a magnificent goal! Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng work together to open the path to victory for the Olympic team!"
"Let''s review the entire goal process. China only took three passes toplete this attack: Tan Wangsong''s horizontal pass, Chen Tao''s header, and finally Dong Fangzhuo''s cross."
"Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng are the biggest contributors to this goal. The former sprinted more than forty meters to send the ball into the penalty area, while thetter, even more incredible, started with a sliding tackle in the backcourt, quickly got up and ran more than seventy meters to insert into the penalty area, even faster than Dong Fangzhuo."
"And he seized the opportunity to shoot under heavy defense. Another momentter, the ball might have been caught by the goalkeeper or blocked by the defender. It''s truly breathtaking."
Chapter 418: Sparkling gold inlaid with jade
Chapter 418: Sparkling gold iid with jade
When Wang Feng scored the goal to put China ahead, the entire ''Bird''s Nest'' erupted in deafening cheers, almost lifting the roof of the stadium. If one listened carefully, one could hear the shouts of joy echoing across the entire capital and even throughout the country.
In the midst of excitement, the fans on-site quickly noticed something amiss - Wang Feng was still lying in the opponent''s goal without getting up! His teammates hurried over to check, and the team doctor rushed onto the field to provide assistance.
Restlessness filled the hearts of all fans andmentators: "What''s going on? Is he injured? How could this happen?"
The rey of the shot was timely yed again by the broadcast director, "Oh! Argentina goalkeeper Romero''s hands didn''t stop the ball, but instead hit Wang Feng''s ankle heavily, this is dangerous!"
"Don''t be fooled by the goalkeeper''s gloves just being made oftex, which is a soft material, but in fact, it has many hard particles added to it, plus the inertia can also cause significant damage. I hope Wang Feng isn''t injured badly!"
After a simple examination, the team doctor said, "It might be a sprain, fortunately, there''s no swelling. I suggest you still get a detailed examination aftering off the field."
Wang Feng gasped for breath and waved his hand, "No, I can''t leave the field now!" He felt very painful but didn''t feel any warmth spreading, indicating that the injury wasn''t too severe. He gritted his teeth and could still persevere.
Even though the team had just taken the lead, if he were to get injured and leave the field, his teammates'' morale might copse instantly, and the situation would be unstoppable like an avnche.
"But..." The team doctor wanted to say something, but Wang Feng shook his head and, using his hands to support himself, gritted his teeth and stood up.
"Wang Feng is up!!" Thementator''s roar apanied by thunderous apuse echoed throughout the stadium. At this moment, his towering figure seemed like an unwavering pir, as long as he''s there, everything will be fine!
Back in the game again, the Chinese superstar continued to run tirelessly. What''s a little pain for the championship? At the same time, he kept encouraging his teammates, "Just hold on for another ten minutes, and victory will be ours!"
This was a painful time. During this period, yers kept cramping up, head coach Ying Tiesheng had already used up all three substitutions, and almost every yer in the Chinese team''s defense had received a yellow card to stop Messi.
Of course, Argentina also had their chances. Messi attempted a direct free kick again, but his physical exhaustion was significant, resulting in a deviation in the kicking angle, and the ball went far wide of the goal.
The long seven minutes of stoppage time finally came to an end, and the referee''s whistle sounded in the ears of the Chinese Olympic yers, as beautiful as heavenly music.
"We won!! We are the champions!! We''ve won the Olympic gold medal!"
"Congrattions to the Chinese Olympic team! They helped China secure its 52nd gold medal at this Olympics, and since winning the footballpetition counts as two gold medals, our total gold medal count has reached 53!"
"Congrattions to Wang Feng! He scored 10 goals in this Olympics, undoubtedly winning the Golden Boot award for the tournament. He is the biggest contributor to the team''s ultimate victory!"
"Although an Olympic gold medal doesn''t hold high status in the world of football, this is our first time winning a football world championship, and it happened right at our doorstep. What could be more fulfilling than this?"
At the moment the referee''s whistle blew, over 90,000 people almost simultaneously stood up to cheer for victory. Some embraced their friends and family nearby tightly, some shed tears of joy, and others kept shouting through megaphones, releasing their joy and madnesspletely.
Substitute yers and staff, who had been eagerly waiting, quickly rushed onto the field, dancing with abandon. Strangely, the calmest ones were the heroes who had fought for over 90 minutes.
They were simply too tired, leaving all their strength on the field. Now they only felt sore all over, unable to run or jump.
But young people recover quickly. After resting for a moment, they also joined in the celebration. Dong Fangzhuo came to Wang Feng''s side, "Brother Feng, how''s your injury?"
Wang Feng waved his hand to indicate that it''s fine. Dong Fangzhuo sighed in relief and said, "I can''t believe we actually won. This time, we can finally step onto the champion''s podium ourselves!"
The Chinese superstar couldn''t help but smile wryly. It seemed that Dong Fangzhuo was still worried about the injury before winning the championship. "There will be many more opportunities in the future, whether it''s in the club or the national team."
At that moment, yers like Zti, Aguero, and Messi came to Wang Feng. Zti, the former Inter Mn captain, hugged Wang Feng and said, "Congrattions, Wang, being your opponent is truly despairing."
After exchanging a few words, Zti patted Wang Feng on the shoulder and left the field. Then Messi came forward, shook hands with Wang Feng generously, and congratted him, "Lost to you again, feeling a bit unwilling."
"But I''ll make aeback soon. Barcelona will definitely surprise you in the new season." He said so, and Wang Feng responded with a smile, "I look forward to it, Real Madrid won''t fall behind either."
Finally, it was the turn of the younger brother, Higuain. He respectfully said, "Big brother, you yed so well, I was thinking about how topensate you when I return to the club after losing to you."
Wang Feng rolled his eyes, "Am I such a petty person? Besides, it''s too early for you to think about winning against me, try harder."
Soon, three rectangr podiums were set up on the field, just like the regr Olympic podiums but longer so that all participating yers could go up and receive their awards.
Brazil, the third-ce team, went up first, followed by Argentina, the second-ce team. When it was China''s turn to receive the gold medal, the entire audience once again erupted into thunderous apuse.
No one chose to leave but instead witnessed the moment of the award ceremony and the raising of the g representing the champions, which would be an eternal monument in the history of Chinese football.
When the gleaming gold medal was hung around Wang Feng''s neck, he felt its weight, a medal with profound Chinese cultural significance.
The front of the gold medal depicts the standing Greek goddess of victory and the Panathinaikos Stadium in Greece. On the back, it is iid with a ring-shaped jade, the design of which is derived from ancient Chinese dragon-patterned jade discs. The medal hook also has traditional characteristics, evolved from ancient jade double dragons and ruyi.
The types of jade used for the gold, silver, and bronze medals are also different. Although they are all Kunlun jade, the gold medal is made of white jade, the silver medal is made of Qingbai jade, and the bronze medal is made of Qing jade.
Kunlun jade is produced from the eastern edge of the Kunlun Mountains, and it is in the same ore belt as Hetian jade. It has fine texture, elegant and refreshing, good oiliness, and high transparency.
The raw materials used to make the medals are carefully selected, without any impurities or cracks. Wang Feng really liked this hard-earned, beautifully designed gold medal.
After all yers received their awards, with the stirring national anthem, the national g slowly rose and fluttered in the National Stadium, marking the perfect conclusion of this Olympics.
Chapter 419: New life
Chapter 419: New life
After the awards ceremony, Wang Feng epted interviews from reporters. He said, "I''m truly very happy to have won this gold medal. Our efforts and hard work over these many days have not been in vain."
"This honor belongs to everyone. Without their hard work, there wouldn''t have been this final victory. Everyone performed exceptionally well."
"To be honest, I''m eager to continue expressing my excitement to you all and answering rted questions, but I must leave now. I need to rush back to my wife''s side. As you know, our first child is about to be born."
With that said, Wang Feng left the interview area without looking back. He had already booked a flight straight to Madridter tonight and wouldn''t be attending any further celebrations with the national team.
Though it was regrettable, both the team leader and teammates expressed understanding. "This medal is the best gift you could give to your child," Dong Fangzhuo said with a smile. "When I return to Europe, I''ll definitely visit to see the lovely little baby."
Li Weifeng was concerned about his injury, but Wang Feng insisted it was nothing serious. He would get it checked out after returning to Madrid, and with his super recovery ability, he would probably bepletely healed by the time they reached Spain.
Both head coaches gave interviews to the media. China''s head coach, Ying Tiesheng, said the gold medal was the best exnation to the national fans, and they had sessfullypleted their mission.
"Wang Feng deserves the most credit. Although I''ve heard of his miraculous performances many times, I was still amazed when coaching him firsthand."
"Both technically and physically, he''s at the top level. What''s even more important is his leadership role. Both on the field and during training, Wang Feng is the hardest-working yer, constantly influencing others."
Argentine head coach Sergio Batista felt it was a great pity that the team lost. They had absolute superiority during the match, but the presence of a super superstar changed everything.
"Wang Feng has been dominating European football for a long time. His magic lies in his ability topletely change a team''spetitiveness, which reminds me of the scene when Maradona joined Napoli."
"Obviously, what Wang Feng did was even more exaggerated. Frankly, without him, even if the Chinese team could pass the group stage, they wouldn''t have been able to ovee Italy."
"Of course, our yers could have performed better. Messi, Aguero, and Icardi are all very promising talents. I look forward to their growth."
The Chinese national team won the Olympic gold medal, achieving the best historical result for Chinese and even Asian football! This news was widely reported by media outlets worldwide, and everyone was amazed by this dark horse miracle.
Even though two years ago, China made it to the semifinals of the World Cup, with world-ss stars like Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo in the team, no one could have imagined they would eventually be champions.
They were the hosts, yet they didn''t receive any special treatment. The most direct evidence was that throughout the tournament, the Chinese team didn''t receive a single penalty kick. Therefore, they solely relied on their strength to progress step by step to the end.
European powerhouses like Belgium, Italy, Nigeria, and almost an all-star Argentina team were defeated by the Chinese team on their way to the top, showing that their opponents were far from ordinary.
The Associated Pressmented that this victory belonged to the Chinese people. This Olympic Games showcased the monumental development of the country to the world, and ending it with a football gold medal made it even more perfect.
"Wang Feng was the brightest star of the event. Through the Olympic Games tform, his global influence has further increased, reaching an immeasurable level of both athletic andmercial value."
Agence France-Presse congratted the Chinese team on winning the Olympic gold medal in men''s football, achieving a breakthrough for Asian countries in this field. Wang Feng was their guarantee of sess.
Reuters also expressed its opinion, stating that this Olympic Games was one of the most sessful events in recent years, attracting the attention of the majority of people worldwide.
And Wang Feng leading the Chinese team to create miracles time and time again elevated the attention on men''s football to an unprecedented level. It would probably be difficult to surpass in the future.
In Europe, the Spanish newspaper "Marca" was hailed as the "divine newspaper" by everyone because before the final, they were the only ones steadfastly iming that Wang Feng would win the gold medal.
"It''s not miraculous at all, just trust Wang Feng!" said the editor-in-chief of "Marca," Eljiss. Regarding the situation in the new season of La Liga and the Champions League, he bluntly said, "Real Madrid will definitely achieve the three consecutive championships!"
Most rational people still didn''t believe it. They could cite many examples to show that this was impossible. Barcelona strengthened with new signings in the league, and Premier League teams were also eyeing the Champions League.
Eljiss sat in his office, disdainfully looking at various media analyses and reports. "They can''t even copy homework properly. Well, this is good. Let them analyze peacefully. Let me achieve financial freedom alone!"
Back in Madrid, Wang Feng couldn''t afford to rest. He immediately rushed to the private hospital where Lu Yao was. The environment here was top-notch in the whole of Europe, with suite rooms,panion rooms, and dedicated doctors.
Looking at the dusty Wang Feng, Lu Yao felt sorry and said, "Why are you rushing back like this? The family is all here with me, and you''re both in a match and injured. Hurry up and rest for a while."
Wang Feng gently stroked Lu Yao''s delicate face and said, "For such an important matter, of course, I have to be by your side. It''s okay; you know my body well. A little injury has long been healed."
As the two exchanged sweet words, Lu Yao suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. She cried andughed, saying, "It seems like the baby really likes you and can''t wait toe out as soon as you''re back!"
Wang Feng suddenly felt at a loss, hurriedly calling for the doctor. Watching Lu Yao being pushed into the delivery room, he paced back and forth at the door.
His sisterforted him softly, "Brother, don''t be nervous. Yao Yao and the baby will be fine. Sit down and rest for a while; you can''t afford to copse at this time."
Wang Feng nodded, sitting back on the chair, taking deep breaths continuously. At this moment, his mood was even more nervous than when he was waiting for the announcement of the FIFA World yer award for the first time.
After a long time, the doctor finally came out, took off his mask, and smiled, "Everything went smoothly. It''s a healthy baby girl, and the mother is also fine. You can go see them now!"
Wang Feng rushed to Lu Yao''s bedside, wiping away her sweat gently. Then he looked at the baby, who still had wrinkled skin and hadn''t fully opened her eyes.
Lu Yao, with a bitter smile, said, "Feng ge, it''s a girl. She won''t be able to inherit your football talent!"
Wang Fengughed heartily, "I like girls anyway. Not ying football is fine too. If she''s really interested, she can y women''s football." Seeing Lu Yao pouting, heforted her again, "Let''s continue to work hard in the future. Having both sons and daughters is the beauty of life." Lu Yao nodded vigorously.
"Have you named the child?" Lu Yao asked, "Since it''s a girl, let''s name her Wang Siyao, what do you think?"
"Yeah, it''s a very nice name. Let''s call her Xiao Lizhi as her nickname. Since both of us like eating lychee," replied Wang Feng.
Chapter 420: Awards, draws, winning cups
Chapter 420: Awards, draws, winning cups
Just became a father, Wang Feng immersed himself in happiness, spending all his time with his wife and daughter. To the point where he requested leave from the club and coaching staff again, not attending the Real Madrid Spanish Super Cup match.
"Is this okay?" Lu Yao asked with a worried expression as she looked at Wang Feng, who was ying with their baby, "Of course, it''s fine. The Spanish Super Cup is a rtively trivial match, and besides, Real Madrid won the first leg away."
"I''ve been with Real Madrid for only two years, and my attendance rate is consistently at the top among club yers in history. asionally wanting to take a break is very normal, so don''t worry."
"Besides, I won''t be able to apany you for a few days again. At the end of the month, I have to go to Monaco, sigh." Wang Feng sighed and said, these days of running around would probably continue as long as he didn''t retire from the top five leagues.
Lu Yao walked up and touched Wang Feng''s head, putting his face on her chest, "It''s okay, Feng ge. Both I and the child are your strong support."
In the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid hosted Valencia at home. Sneijder opened the scoring for the Gcticos, and although Valencia equalized in the second half, due to the victory in the first leg, the Gcticos ultimately lifted the first trophy of the new season with a total score of 3:2.
After the match, head coach Schuster answered the media''s questions about Wang Feng''s absence, "Wang just received a little angel, and familypanionship is crucial at this time."
"Injury? I''m sorry, we''ve conducted a detailed examination of his body, and Wang Feng is very healthy, in excellent condition. And you''ll be able to see him again very soon."
Returning to the familiar Real Madrid Sports City and greeting his teammates one by one, Wang Feng quickly immersed himself in training. Soon, they headed to Monaco topete for the UEFA Super Cup againstst season''s UEFA Champions League winners, Zenit Saint Petersburg from the Russian Premier League.
This is a football club located in Saint Petersburg. Originally just a mid-table team in the league, with Gazprom''s acquisition of the club''s controlling rights, a steady stream of funds has been injected into the team.
They finished as runners-up in the Russian Premier League in 2002, won the Russian Cup in 2003, and by 2007, the team reached its peak. The lineup built by Dutch coach Advocaat was invincible in the UEFA Cup, defeating strong opponents such as Marseille, Virreal, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Even in the semi-finals, they thrashed Bayern Munich 5:1 over two legs. At that time, Dong Fangzhuo hadined to Wang Feng over the phone. Despite Bayern being somewhatcent, Zenit''s formidable strength was equally formidable.
Their eventual victory over sgow Rangers in the final was a matter of course. Now the entire team is regarded as national heroes, and with such momentum, they naturally want to create history again and win the first UEFA Super Cup for the Russian Premier League.
Head coach Schuster dared not be careless. After winning the Spanish Super Cup, he only gave the yers a day off before gathering for training again, until Wang Feng returned to the team and they went to Monaco together.
Of course, there was an important event before the match, which was the UEFA Annual Awards Ceremony and the UEFA Champions League group stage draw. Wang Feng, dressed in a suit, sat rxedly in the audience. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Fernando Torres also attended the ceremony.
The result was not unexpected. Wang Feng sessfully won his fifth UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award. Originally, the European Championship year would consider yers'' performances in cup matches, but the biggest winners were from Spain.
At the same time, the only yers to win both the Champions League and the European Championship were Real Madrid''s Casis and Ramos. Other yers with outstanding cup performances, such as Torres at Liverpool, Vi at Valencia, and Xavi at Barcelona, all had mediocre club results.
So the media spected that this year''s annual award was most likely to belong to the Chinese superstar, and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award, which UEFA presented first, was just the prelude. Of course, everything still depends on Wang Feng''s performance in the second half of the year.
As for the draw for the Champions League group stage. The teams in the same group as Real Madrid were BATE Borisov from the Brusian Premier League, Zenit Saint Petersburg from the Russian Premier League, and Juventus from Serie A. The situation for advancing was very optimistic.
BATE finally secured a ce in the group stage after several qualification rounds, Zenit Saint Petersburg could test the waters through the UEFA Super Cup match. And Juventus, after the Phonegate scandal, finally eased back into the top Europeanpetition, but they probably couldn''t maintain their past dominance.
As for the other three Spanish teams, Barcelona was grouped with Lisbon''s Sporting, Shakhtar Dsk, and Basel, which was overall considered a decent draw.
Virreal was grouped with Manchester United, Aalborg, and Celtic, apart from the mountain that is Manchester United, the other two opponents were rtively easy to deal with, and securing second ce in the group was the Yellow Submarine''s main goal.
Sevi was in a rather miserable situation, grouped with Liverpool, Marseille, and Eintracht Frankfurt, their chances seemed slim.
The night after the awards ceremony, the UEFA Super Cup officially kicked off at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. The two teams were Real Madrid and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Real Madrid''s lineup remainedrgely unchanged fromst season, with Casis in goal.
The defense consisted of Marcelo, Ashley Cole, Pepe, and Ramos.
The midfieldprised Sneijder, Gago, Diarra, and Robben.
The forwards were Raul and Wang Feng.
Due to his poor performance, Heinze gradually faded out of the starting lineup, and Guti was gradually reced by the younger Gago, but he himself was very open-minded, "I want to retire at Real Madrid, even if I eventually lose my ce in the starting lineup, it doesn''t matter."
On the other side, Zenit Saint Petersburg had their core yers fromst season, Arshavin, Timoshyuk, and Bugaevnyak, all of whom were favored by top European clubs, but for various reasons, they didn''t leave in the summer transfer window.
After the start of the match, Zenit immediatelyunched an attack against the Gcticos. Arshavin suddenly shot from outside the penalty area, almost piercing Casis'' fingers.
In the following ten minutes, the Russian Premier League neers continued tounch attacks, pressing high up the field, which made Wang Feng unable to help but feel angry. Did they really not take Real Madrid seriously and openly started attacking?
In the 17th minute, after Cole stole the ball in the backcourt and passed it to Sneijder, thetter immediately lofted a ball to the front court. Wang Feng instantly elerated to shake off the defensive entanglement and arrived near the dropping point. He raised his right foot to flick the ball, which flew over the head of Aniukov, who was rushing to intercept.
Subsequently, the Chinese superstar dribbled the ball straight into the opponent''s penalty area, swerving past thest defender, and facing the onrushing goalkeeper, he calmly chipped the ball into the, 1:0!
Just 7 minutester, Real Madrid won the ball in the backcourt again. Robben quickly brought the ball past the midfield line and passed it to the Chinese superstar once more. He then powerfully dribbled past the opposing defender, entered the penalty area, and shot to the far corner, 2:0!
It''s too easypared to ying for the national team! Because Real Madrid''s midfield and defense are not weak, Wang Feng can often stay in the frontcourt waiting for opportunities, and his teammates can pass the ball to him.
Plus, Zenit''s lineup was pressing high, so as long as he ran, he would inevitably create one-on-one opportunities, and scoring goals would be a breeze.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, Zenit immediately adjusted their strategy, withdrawing widely to stabilize their defense while waiting for a counterattack. This was their ace in the hole that led to sessst season.
Head coach Advocaat pped his head in frustration. It seemed he shouldn''t have believed too much in the exaggerated reports. Just moments before the match, he actually thought his team couldpete with the Gcticos, which was simply too arrogant. It''s better to y honestly like a weaker team.
This adjustment worked well. Although Real Madrid regained control of the ball and had the upper hand on the field, they failed to score again. Instead, Zenit managed to pull one back through a counterattack by Mfeev, reigniting hopes of aeback.
However, in the 56th minute of the second half, Wang Feng unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area once again, sting open the gate of the Russian powerhouse, and extending the score to 3:1. The Chinese superstar returned with a hat-trick in his first game back, his fiery form visibly evident.
Subsequently, Robben and Timoshyuk each scored a goal, locking the final score at 4:2, and the Gcticos sessfully defended their UEFA Super Cup title, clinching their second trophy of the season!
Chapter 421: The two heroes of La Liga each show off their prestige
Chapter 421: The two heroes of La Liga each show off their prestige
On the first day of September, the 2008-2009 La Liga season kicked off. With all 20 teams ying 10 rounds simultaneously, Real Madrid visited Riazor Stadium to challenge Deportivo La Coru?a.
The game waspletely dominated by the Gcticos. In the 21st minute, Sneijder, in midfield, yed a through pass to Robben, who swiftly dribbled along the nk before cutting inside and delivering a diagonal pass into the penalty area.
Wang Feng, despite the pressure from defender Ruy, managed to volley the ball into the, opening the scoring for the away team. Just before halftime, the Chinese superstar engaged in a series of passes with Robben on the wing and then struck from a tight angle inside the box, making it 2-0!
The second half saw no change in momentum. In the 59th minute, Robben''s shot inside the box was blocked by Agero, but Wang Feng seized the opportunity to follow up with a goal.
Hat-trick hero! The Chinese superstar''s performance was outstanding; at 25, he felt an endless surge of energy in his body!
As the game approached its end, Wang Feng assisted Ral in scoring another goal, sealing a 4-0 victory for the Gcticos away at Deportivo La Coru?a.
However, this match wasn''t the biggest point difference of the round, as Barcelona thrashed newly promoted Numancia 7-0 away, with Messi scoring a hat-trick, while Eto''o and Henry each scored twice.
At this point, both the media and fans realized how formidable Barcelona''s attack was, with their attacking trio in their prime and midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta providing top-tier support. Their strength had already been validated in the European Championship earlier in the summer.
"It seems this season''s La Liga will once again be dominated by the sharp Real Madrid and the emerging force of Barcelona. Who will have thestugh between them?"mented the Spanish newspaper, "The National Gazette."
After the first round of matches, Wang Feng embarked on a journey back to his home country. He was set to represent the national team in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the Asian zone, with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Australia, and Japan being the other teams in China''s group.
The top two teams in the group would directly qualify for the World Cup, while the third-ced team would enter a two-legged yoff. With Wang Feng and other overseas-based yers in the lineup, fans believed that China securing a spot in the finals was quite achievable.
However, on September 6th, in a home game against Uzbekistan, the continuous traveling took a toll on many overseas-based yers, resulting in ackluster performance. The visitors took advantage and scored two goals in the first half.
Coach Ali Han''s forehead furrowed into a frown on the sidelines. While he understood the yers'' fatigue, he couldn''t tolerate basic mistakes like conceding two goals.
Fortunately, they had Wang Feng. The Chinese superstar maintained a high level throughout the game. Just before halftime, he cleverly feigned past the opposition defender near the penalty area and calmly slotted home, pulling one back for China.
In the second half, under pressure from two defenders, Wang Feng received a long pass from Zheng Zhi, skillfully evaded them, and then shot into the far corner to level the score. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
After the game, Ali Han severely criticized the yers, "It''s okay to have a bad form, but if the attitude is not right, I''ll substitute. No one in this team is irreceable!"
On September 10th, in a home game against Bahrain, the teammates didn''t disappoint. In the 17th minute, Wang Feng broke through on the right and crossed for Dong Fangzhuo to score the opener. In the 37th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Chen Tao on the wing, skillfully dribbled past the opposition full-back, and scored into the near corner. It was 2-0!
In the second half, in the 66th minute, China earned a corner. Wang Feng''s delivery found Li Weifeng, who headed it across for Dong Fangzhuo to volley home,pleting his brace. China won 3-0.
Back to the league, on September 14th, in the second round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Numancia. In the first half, Real Madrid''s front trio of Sneijder, Robben, and Wang Feng tore apart the visitors'' defense, with the Chinese superstar providing the final touch inside the box.
In the second half, Wang Feng dribbled into the area near the sideline, then unexpectedly unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot. Numancia''s goalkeeper made a positioning error, watching helplessly as the ball sailed over him into the.
In the 79th minute, Robben''s swift run down the wing ended with a cross, with Wang Feng cleverly allowing the ball to pass through to Ral, who easily slotted it home. Numancia managed a constion goalte in the game, ending with a 3-1 scoreline.
For Barcelona, their first-round opponent Sporting Lisbon had a much stronger overall strength than Real Madrid''s opponent. Messi faced considerable defensive pressure and couldn''t continue his streak of consecutive goals. However, stopping Messi alone couldn''t halt Barcelona''s momentum, as Henry scored twice, and Eto''o added another goal, securing a 3-0 victory.
The league continued, with both La Liga giants marching forward.
On September 22nd, in the third round of La Liga, Real Madrid came from behind to beat Santander 2-1 away, with Wang Feng scoring twice.
On September 25th, in the fourth round of La Liga, Real Madrid defeated Huesca 5-1 at home, with Wang Fengting a hat-trick, and Robben and Sneijder each scoring a goal.
On September 28th, in the fifth round of La Liga, Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory away at Real Betis, with Wang Feng contributing two goals and an assist.
Barcelona''s performances in these three rounds were even more impressive, with a 6-1 win against Huesca, followed by a 5-0 thrashing of Real Betis, and a 4-1 victory over Espanyol.
Chapter 422: External move
Chapter 422: External move
La Liga''s giants have gone on a rampage! This is the first feeling in the hearts of all fans. They have both achieved five consecutive victories in the league, with Real Madrid scoring 17 goals, while Barcelona''s performance is even more impressive, with 26 goals scored. Therefore, they sit atop the points table, with Barcelona edging ahead due to superior goal difference.
In the top scorers'' list, Wang Feng stillfortably leads with 12 goals, followed by Messi with 7, Eto''o with 6, and Henry with 4. From the stats, it''s evident that Real Madrid relies heavily on Wang Feng''s prowess, while Barcelona shows a more distributed attacking strategy.
The Spanish newspaper "Abesai"mented that the two teams are like "express trains" speeding ahead. Real Madrid sets its sights on the target of a third consecutive championship, while Barcelona, after a period of rebuilding and integration, has reached its peak once again. It''s time to regain past glory.
"The Chinese superstar and Catalonia''s attacking trio are the best fuel for the train. Logically, one against three is definitely unfavorable, but Wang Feng doesn''t follow the norm. He''s an unpredictable miracle yer."
The "World Newspaper" believes that the strength of Real Madrid and Barcelona not only stands out in La Liga but is also unparalleled in the entire European football scene. "The Premier League has many outstanding teams backed by strong finances, but to clinch the top spot, they probably need to pass the test posed by the Spanish giants."
In the midweek of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid faced Zenit St. Petersburg away.
"Let''s see Real Madrid''s attack this time. Sneijder advances in the frontcourt, Robben on the nk is asking for the ball, a pass goes over, he''s running, Robben''s speed is impressive, crosses from the bottom."
"What about inside the penalty area? Zenit first gets to the ball and clears it away. But there''s still a chance for the Gxy battleship. Sneijder controls the ball again, sends it in from the middle."
"Wang Feng receives the ball with his back to the goal, shoots! Goal! Goooooooooooooooooal!"
"After a wonderful feint left and right, suddenly turning around to shoot, the home defenders arepletely deceived by the Chinese superstar''s feint, moving in the opposite direction, giving him space to turn and shoot."
"In the 82nd minute, Wang Feng seals the victory for the Gxy battleship. Zenit''s performance in this match ismendable. They defended stoutly in the first half and created several threatening attacks. The score remained deadlocked at 0-0."
"Unfortunately, at the beginning of the second half, Real Madrid broke the deadlock with Wang Feng assisting Iguan, after which the home team remained calm andposed until now. The Chinese superstarpletely killed the game!"
After scoring, Wang Feng ran to the sidelines and made a celebration gesture of rocking a baby in his arms, followed by Robben and Iguan who imitated him, and this unique celebration was faithfully captured by the cameras.
In Madrid, Lu Yao was watching the live broadcast of the match. She smiled knowingly when she saw this scene and whispered softly to the sleeping baby in her arms, "My dear little Lychee, Daddy is sending you greetings. Look how proud he is."
"You have to grow up quickly, and then we''ll go to the stadium together to cheer for Daddy, okay?"
With Wang Feng''s assist and goal, the Gxy battleship defeated Zenit St. Petersburg 2-0 away, continuing their winning streak.
In the weekend''s La Liga sixth round, Real Madrid hosted Espanyol at home. Although coach Schuster rotated the lineup, the red-hot Wang Feng still scored twice with assists from Guti and Van der Vaart, plus a goal from the Dutch Golden Boy himself, leading to a 3-0 victory for the Gxy battleship.
However, this round saw Barcelona encountering trouble against Atletico Madrid. Despite their absolute dominance, they couldn''t find a goal even after nearly 90 minutes of fierce battle.
In the dying moments, Eto''o saved the team, as the Cameroonian striker''s close-range shot helped the away team maintain their winning streak and top position in the league.
After the match, Catn fans and media became increasingly worried. Though fluctuations in form during the long league season were normal, the looming presence of Real Madrid behind them made it hard for them to feel at ease.
They dreaded the days of being suppressed by their arch-rivals in recent years and couldn''t let history repeat itself! The editor-in-chief of "Daily Sports" roared at his subordinates, "Dig deep into the personal lives of Real Madrid yers. Anything goes as long as it affects their form!"
"For example, has Wang Feng''s wife been pregnant for so long and still going to nightclubs? And does Raul, whose position as a regr yer is gradually bing unstable,in openly?"
A journalist said cautiously, "Wang Feng leads a very disciplined life. Apart from matches, it''s all training for him. Sometimes he''s shuttling between the national team and the club, and he rarely even attends victory banquets, let alone appearing in nightclubs or simr entertainment venues."
"Raul has always been the spiritual leader of Real Madrid. It''s highly unlikely for him to openlyin about the club now."
"Shut up!" Steve interrupted his words abruptly. "I don''t want exnations. Just find a way quickly." Another reporter raised his hand and said, "There was a Spanish tabloid that once captured Real Madrid midfielder Sneijder suspected of dating a pornographic actress named Jnte, but it didn''t cause much of a stir. I don''t know if this piece of news would be useful."
"The Dutchman Sneijder? Hasn''t he been married for years? Of course, it''s useful. He''s frequently assisting Wang Feng on the field. Dig deeper and find substantial evidence, then expose it!"
The power of the media is formidable. In just one day, "Daily Sports" uncovered Sneijder''s affair and, in conjunction with "World Sports," "Pioneer News," and others, strongly condemned the Dutchman''s infidelity, hinting that he had gone astray only after arriving in Madrid.
Although Europe is open-minded, when ites to marriage and protecting women''s rights, it''s still quite strict. Moreover, Sneijder and his wife, Romana, have been in love for many years since their youth, making this affair absolutely uneptable to her.
In an interview, Romana explicitly stated that their marriage hade to an end, and it''s very likely they would settle property division and child custody issues in court.
So, the day after the scandal broke, the Dutchman appeared listless during training, and he needed to take a leave of absence from the club to deal with his family troubles.
Though the club management hadn''t made any punitive decisions, they also subtly expressed dissatisfaction, stating that personal lives should not affect the team''s overall performance.
"Sorry, Wang, for letting my personal issues interfere with the game," Sneijder said to Wang Feng after training. He had already apologized to the coaching staff and captain Raul. As the true core of the team, Wang Feng naturally couldn''t be left out.
Wang Feng patted his shoulder, "Deal with it peacefully. We''ll be waiting for your return." The Chinese superstar didn''t say much more. After all, it''s difficult for an outsider to intervene in family matters. He just hoped the team wouldn''t be affected.
The whole world knew the purpose behind the Catn media''s sensationalizing of this private matter. They indeed had some tricks up their sleeves. Fortunately, Real Madrid had just brought in Van der Vaart in the summer, who could to some extent rece Sneijder''s role.
But trouble followed trouble. The Catn media dug up an old news article from the "Dutch Telegraph," where Van der Vaart was interviewed and asked who between him and Sneijder was better. The Dutch Golden Boy confidently replied, "Of course, it''s me!"
"Real Madrid''s dressing room is now facing a crisis of discord,"mented the "World Sports Report."
Chapter 423: Slobber
Chapter 423: Slobber
"These journalists are just trying to stir up trouble." Wang Feng sighed lightly as he put down the newspaper, then walked over to his daughter and lifted her up, ying with her. His daughter, Si Yao, giggled, instantly easing his mood.
Lu Yao smiled watching the interaction between father and daughter andforted, "They just want to shake the team''s morale. If you get angry, you''ll fall into their trap."
"But Sneijder did go too far this time. Fortunately, my husband isn''t like that." Wang Feng walked over to Lu Yao with the child in his arms, teasing her by touching her nose. "Of course not, I am an exceptional man, haha."
The two exchanged some private words. With family members and professional caregivers looking after them, Lu Yao''s recovery was very fast. She snuggled into Wang Feng''s arms curiously and asked, "Can''t Sneijder and Van der Vaart coexist?"
"From my experience of working with them, they do have differences. Sneijder is more versatile and feels like he can rece Van der Vaart, but not vice versa."
"In terms of the team''s strength, I prefer Sneijder to y. The other one can only be a substitute and probably won''t stay at the club for long." Wang Feng said.
In fact, he still had another worry in his heart, that Van der Vaart''s excessive concern aboutpeting with Sneijder would affect his performance on the field.
His worry proved to be valid. In the seventh round of La Liga, the Gxy battleship faced a tough challenge away against Atletico Madrid, who showed fierce determination.
In contrast, Real Madrid, with the Dutch midfielder who had secured a starting position, tried to prove himself by frequently pushing forward, deviating from the tactics set by the head coach. This made Robben and Wang Feng feel ufortable, and they struggled to pose a substantial threat.
In the first half, Atletico Madrid seized a counterattack opportunity, with Aguero sessfully breaking the deadlock. It wasn''t until the 79th minute of the second half that the Gxy battleship managed to equalize.
It was when Wang Feng dropped back to the midfield to receive the ball, dribbled past two defenders along the right nk, and then made a back pass to the edge of the small penalty area. Raul, who was advancing, sent a low shot towards the lower right corner of the goal.
Unfortunately, despite the goalkeeper''s extraordinary efforts, he couldn''t stop the shot, and the ball found the. 1-1! Real Madrid struggled to equalize!
This score remained until the end of the match. Although Atletico Madrid failed to stop Barcelona''s winning streak, they sessfully snatched a draw against their city rivals Real Madrid. Additionally, with Barcelona''s continued strong performance this round, defeating Athletic Bilbao 2-0, the gap between the Gxy battleship and the top widened to 2 points.
After the match, Schuster pulled Van der Vaart aside with a grim face. He still gave the Dutchman face and didn''t scold him in front of all the yers but chose tomunicate with him privately.
The media''s response to this match was mixed. Naturally, Catalonia was delighted, and even though Van der Vaart had the lowest score in the match, they still instigated that the Dutchman waspletely fine and should seize the opportunity to rece Sneijder.
Madrid media, led by Marca, expressed that the yers'' mentality imbnce led to unfavorable results in the match. The club should arrange for counseling work as soon as possible, while also criticizing the behavior of media outlets such as Marca for inciting trouble.
"Barcelona''s dressing room isn''t all smooth sailing either. Henry doesn''t like ying on the wings, and Eto''o has been wanting recognition and a raise from the club but hasn''t received a response."
Indeed, that was the case, and Eto''o''s problem was more severe. He had no sense of belonging in Catalonia, feeling like a mercenary, and, more importantly, he felt he wasn''t being paid enough.
Barcelona''s top management naturally knew this, and President Laporta personally came forward to appease the Cameroonian, saying his demands were negotiable. At the same time, in the media, he strongly refuted Marca''s ims: "Samuel is an important partner of the team. We''re not as ruthless as Real Madrid. Catalonia is the home of all yers."
Marca, of course, was very dissatisfied, bringing up examples of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to counter, sparking a media war between the two sides, attracting the attention of the entire European footballmunity.
Amidst the noise, Wang Feng boarded the ne back to his country. It was again time for the national team matches in two weeks, and the AFC World Cup qualifiers reignited. China would challenge Australia away.
In the first half, the Chinese team seized the opportunity tounch a quick counterattack. Wang Feng dribbled the ball into the frontcourt, drawing defensive attention, and then made a diagonal pass to Dong Fangzhuo''s feet, who shot low before the defenders arrived.
The ball passed between the goalkeeper''s legs and went straight into the bottom left corner of the goal, 1-0!
At the beginning of the second half, Australiaunched a wave of attacks, catching the Chinese team off guard and equalizing the score.
In the 86th minute, Wang Feng received a pass on the nk and chose to cut inside. He sessfully dribbled past the home team defender, but was brought down by him in the penalty area. The referee didn''t hesitate to award a penalty and a red card.
The Chinese superstar took the penalty himself and scored, helping the team secure a crucial victory with a final score of 2-1.
After this match, with 2 wins and 1 draw, they umted 7 points, temporarily ranking second in the standings. The top spot was held by Japan, who won all three matches, with 9 points. Australia, with 2 wins and 1 loss, had 6 points, ranking third. Uzbekistan and Bahrain almost lost their chances of qualifying.
As the yers gradually returned from the national team, they were greeted with the UEFA Champions League group stage third-round match, away against Juventus.
Returning to the Alpine Stadium after nearly three years, Wang Feng''s mood was veryplicated. He had created glory here but also suffered setbacks. Until today, he still remembered that inexplicable red card and the missed championship.
The home fans clearly remembered him too, with many disying banners expressing unwee sentiments towards Wang Feng. Even though written in Italian, they believed the Chinese superstar could understand.
It took Juventus only two years to return from Serie B to the UEFA Champions League. On the one hand, it was due to ample funds and timely replenishment of fresh blood, while on the other hand, veterans like Buffon, Nedved, and Trezeguet chose not to leave. Their perseverance allowed the team to quickly rebuild sessfully.
The overall fatigue of the Real Madrid yers made them appear somewhat out of form during the match. After Aquni opened the scoring for the home team, Trezeguet quickly extended the lead.
In the 78th minute of the second half, Wang Feng dropped back to midfield to defend. He suddenly pressed forward and snatched the ball from Camoranesi''s feet, then started a rapid counterattack.
Although Nedved was desperately chasing beside him, the distance between them kept increasing. Facing Zebina blocking his path, the Chinese superstar made another lom with his right foot, swerving past and advancing towards the front.
After catching up to the ball, Wang Feng smoothly cut inside, forming a one-on-one situation against Buffon who came out of the goal. He easily dodged the goalkeeper''s charge and then shot into the empty, pulling one back for the away team.
When the final whistle blew, the score remained at 1-2. Juventus won this match, and Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season.
Chapter 424: Wang Feng is the key
Chapter 424: Wang Feng is the key
Real Madrid suffered a surprise defeat to Juventus. Before the match, many media and fans didn''t expect this result, especially considering the return of the Bianconeri to the Champions League.
After the game, the head coach Schuster appeared rtively rxed when facing the media: "Yes, perhaps recent turmoil has affected the yers'' mentality, and they have been shuttling between the national team and the club, which has made them physically tired, so it''s regrettable to lose."
"But we don''t need to feel anxious about this, because it''s just a temporary phenomenon. This match will not be the reason for Real Madrid''s elimination. I believe the yers will quickly get back on track."
The reason Schuster was so confident is that after nearly three years of coaching, he deeply understands one thing: the Gxy battleship will ultimately achieve what kind of results, and Wang Feng is the key!
Although the match against Juventus ended in defeat, the performance of the Chinese superstar on the field was excellent, and he even scored a goal, showing that he was not affected by external interference at all.
As long as Wang Feng can maintain his good form, the Germans believe that the Gxy battleship is still the strongest contender for the league title and the Champions League.
On October 27th, in the eighth round of La Liga, the Gxy battleship hosted Athletic Bilbao at home.
Although the connection between the midfield and the frontcourt of the home team was still not smooth enough, Wang Feng''s active retreat and running to some extent made up for this deficiency. In the 14th minute, the Chinese superstar cooperated with Robben on the wing, then cut into the penalty area and passed to the back post.
Ral, who was following up, shot and scored from 8 meters in front of the goal, opening the scoring for the home team. After conceding, Athletic Bilbao strengthened their defense, especially against Wang Feng, but the Chinese superstar, in his peak state, was difficult to contain.
In the 39th minute, Robben received a pass from Van der Vaart on the wing, used his speed to force his way to the baseline, then made a triangle pass back to the penalty area. Wang Feng, on the right, took the ball and shot powerfully into the left side of the goal, making it 2-0!
Although the away team scored a goal in the second half through a counterattack, in the 82nd minute, the Chinese superstar faced two defenders on the wing. He first feinted past one with a dummy, then dribbled horizontally to cut inside, using his speed and strength to ovee the other defender.
After creating space, he decisively aimed at the far corner of the goal and fired a shot. The ball flew in an arc, bypassing the goalkeeper''s save and heading straight for the top right corner, entering the from inside the post, sealing a 3-1 victory!
Barcelona, ??like Real Madrid, sessfully defeated their opponents, continuing their winning streak. However, this kind of record actually brought greater pressure to the yers. Due to fatigue from consecutive matches, Alves and Puyol both suffered muscle injuries to varying degrees.
In fact, Barcelona coach Guardi doesn''t like to overuse his main yers. Scientifically rotating the lineup to maintain freshness is the right approach. However, the pressure from Real Madrid and Wang Feng is too great. They seem to be chasing Barcelona relentlessly, leaving no room for rest.
On October 31st, in the fourth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid challenged Real Unin away. This is a Segunda Divisin team, so it wasn''t much of a problem for Real Madrid. Therefore, the head coach decisively used a full rotation to face them.
There were no surprises during the match, with the Gxy battleship winning 3-0.
It''s worth mentioning that after the game, Sneijder finished handling his personal affairs and returned to the club. His affairs had been widely publicized, with media reports suggesting that the Dutchman divorced his wife and was left with almost nothing.
With his return to the team, the atmosphere became somewhat delicate. Under continuous media hype, both Sneijder and Van der Vaart probably had some thoughts in their hearts: who would be the main yer in the end?
Fortunately, the two arepatriots, and there is also Robben, the peacemaker, mediating between them, so the situation did not develop into discord. However, from the current situation, Van der Vaart''s chances of recing Sneijder are probably slim. He has not gained the trust of the coaching staff, and even Wang Feng feels that Sneijder has a greater impact.
On November 3rd, in the ninth round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Almera away. As Wang Feng predicted, the head coach reinstated Sneijder as a starter.
His performance was indeed impable. Just 8 minutes into the game, the Dutchman sent a precise through pass into the opponent''s territory, and Wang Feng, near the edge of the small penalty area, volleyed and scored into the near corner, making it 1-0!
Before the end of the first half, Wang Feng retreated to the midfield to receive the ball, then sprinted all the way to the edge of the penalty area and passed it to the rushing Higuan. The Argentine striker, with a direct run, shot powerfully, sending the ball into Juventus''.
In the second half, the away team strengthened their defense and counterattack, while the home team already had a lead. Therefore, head coach Schuster decided to substitute some key yers.
In the 70th minute, Wang Feng was also substituted. The home fans stood up and apuded his wonderful performance. It''s hard to imagine if the team didn''t have him, how far could the Gxy battleship go this season, facing the strong Barcelona and the rising Juventus.
With the referee''s final whistle, the game ended 2-0. With this victory, Real Madrid, with 3 wins and 1 loss, umted 9 points and reimed the top spot on the standings.
Chapter 425: Wave of goals
Chapter 425: Wave of goals
November 9th, La Liga''s 10th round, the Gctic Battleship hosted Mga at home. Thest time the visiting team won against Real Madrid was way back in 1983. Head coach Schuster decided to rotate some key yers for rest. Pepe, Sneijder, and Robben were ced on the bench, with De Red, Guti, and Higuain starting.
But no one expected the visiting team to take the lead. In the 6th minute, Mga defender Eliseu dribbled past Marcelo and Ramos, then cut in from the right side and passed back. Although Gago barely cleared the ball in the box, it rebounded off the post back into y. Eliseu followed up before Casis, tapping the ball into the, 0-1!
Real Madrid''s misery didn''t end there. In the 11th minute, Duda''s cross hit Ramos'' hand unintentionally during a duel for the ball in the air. The referee promptly stopped the game and awarded a penalty to the away team, also showing Ramos a yellow card. "It''s simply an unfortunate incident," thementator remarked, "From the rey, Ramos didn''t extend his arm intentionally, but the team did benefit, and the penalty call is justifiable."
"Now, who will take the penalty for Mga? Oh, it''s number 12, forward Adrian. This 20-year-old talent, loaned from Deportivo La Coruna, has contributed 2 goals this season, showing great efficiency."
"The referee blows his whistle, and it''s a shot! The ball''s in! It goes past Casis under his body into the, although Saint Iker guessed the direction correctly, he couldn''t stop the goal."
"So, the score on the field is now 0-2, with the Gctic Battleship trailing by two goals at home, which is quite rare. What will be the next development in this game?"
Real Madrid was indeed thrown into some chaos after conceding two goals in the opening minutes. However, they quickly adjusted their mentality to control the situation, as their key yers had yet to make an impact.
In the 16th minute, Guti sent a direct pass into the box, and Wang Feng received the ball with his back against the goal. This showed that the young Spanish defender Gmez had put in a lot of effort to prevent the Chinese superstar from turning and threatening the goal. With other Mga defenders closing in, Wang Feng cleverly used his right heel to knock the ball, with an upward force.
The ball soared into the air, passing through Gmez''s legs, heading straight towards the goal from below the crossbar. Mga goalkeeper Arnau couldn''t make any save as he watched it enter the from beneath the crossbar.
"Goaaaaaaaaaaaaal! The ball''s in! A fantastic backheel shot by Wang Feng!"
"Wang Feng pulls one back for the Gctic Battleship, proving that any part of his body can be a weapon for shooting, even with his back to the goal!"
This goalpletely sounded the horn of the home team''s attack. In the 20th minute, Guti''s long shot from outside the box was saved by Arnau. Three minutester, Marcelo passed diagonally, and Wang Feng picked out Higuain in the box, whose header was cleared for a corner.
In the 26th minute, De Red''s left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area slid wide. Two minutester, Gago lofted the ball into the box from outside the area, and Wang Feng''s right-footed volley narrowly missed the crossbar.
Then, in the 40th minute, the Gctic Battleship''s pressure paid off again. Guti crossed from the nk, and while Mga defender Rosario could have cleared the ball first, he made a mistake. Wang Feng followed up at the far post to push the ball into the, 2-2! Real Madrid finally leveled the score!
In the second half, the home team continued their relentless attacks. In the 55th minute, the Gctic Battleship tore open Mga''s defense through sessive passes. Wang Feng dribbled into the box, and Wellington from the side collided with great force.
The Chinese superstar lost his bnce and fell to the ground, but before falling, he swept the ball to the right with his right foot. The ball quickly rolled towards the goal, hitting the inside of the post and bouncing into the, 3-2! Even fouls couldn''t stop Wang Feng''s goal-scoring pace!
In the 71st minute, Wang Feng received Guti''s pass at the top of the penalty area, then sidestepped with his left foot and unleashed a powerful shot. The ball flew past Arnau''s outstretched hand into the, 4-2! Wang Fengpleted a fantastic quadruple!
This goal helped Real Madrid secure victory decisively. When the referee blew the final whistle, the score remained unchanged.
The Gctic Battleship suffered defeat and then rose with a wave of goals. Next door, Barcelona was equally unstoppable, sweeping Real Vadolid 6-0. Forward Eto''o also scored four goals, and he did so in just 35 minutes.
This victory was attributed to Vadolid''s "active cooperation," as they adopted an attacking strategy at Camp Nou, leaving ample space for Barcelona''s forwards to counter-attack. Messi also performed exceptionally well, orchestrating numerous attacks with his gifted ball control. While he didn''t directly score, his 17 sessful dribbles led to three goals.
Another core yer upfront, Henry, contributed with a goal and an assist, showing his integration into Barcelona''s overall atmosphere and style of y after continuous coaching adjustments by head coach Guardi.
At the same time, Guardi learned from Rijkaard andst season''s failures, managing the team more strictly, even somewhat ruthlessly.
In a post-match interview, he stated that the team''s big win didn''t mean anything and was rather "deceptive." "We still have many areas that are not perfect. More importantly, our biggest enemy has been trailing us and hasn''t fallen behind. Before facing them in a century-long confrontation, the team must adjust to its best state."
The goal wave wasn''t limited to the two giants but swept across the entire La Liga. In the background of attacking football prevailing, the total number of goals in thest two La Liga rounds reached 69, with an average of 2.76 goals per game, making it the highest-scoring league in Europe.
This number indicates the high excitement level of La Liga, attracting more fans to watch games live, providing the most goals for the least money. Why not?
ording to authoritative media statistics, La Liga''s overall attendance rate has exceeded 80%. Now, amidst the raging financial crisis, they have sessfully surpassed the Premier League to be the most popr league in Europe.
Although TV broadcast revenues are not as high as the Premier League, the La Liga alliance is actively seeking reform, mainly by expanding broadcasting markets.
Three days after the Mga match, the Gctic Battleship weed the Royal Federation for the second leg of the fourth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, ying at home. As they had won the first leg easily, all key yers, including Wang Feng, rested.
During the game, Casanovas and Garca scored one goal each for the home team, and the final score settled at 2-0. With a total score of 5-0 over two legs, Real Madrid sessfully eliminated their opponents and advanced to the next round. Their next opponent in the cup will be Real Betis.
Chapter 426: Up and coming
Chapter 426: Up anding
On November 16th, at the Jos Zorri Stadium in Vadolid, the bright red letters on the big screen disyed the names of the two teams and the score: Real Vadolid 1-0 Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, at the bottom right corner, the clock quietly reached 87 minutes and 34 seconds. For fans who just turned on their TVs to watch the game, it was unbelievable that Real Madrid was about to lose to a relegation-threatened team.
How did all of this happen? Justst round, Vadolid suffered a devastating 0-6 loss to Barcelona. How did they suddenly push Real Madrid to this extent?
No one could provide a definitive answer, not even Wang Feng. All he knew was that the entire team had attacked relentlessly for nearly 90 minutes, with a possession rate of up to 79%, yet they still struggled to score.
It seemed like they had learned from their mistakes in the previous round. Vadolid adopted aprehensive defensive strategy. This was their home ground; they couldn''t afford another humiliating defeat.
In the 48th minute, the home team seized the only opportunity of the game and capitalized on a mistake by Real Madrid''s defense, breaking the deadlock. This unexpected turn of events delighted them, and they became even more determined to defend. Nearly all eleven yers formed a defensive wall around the penalty area.
As the game neared its end, the Gxy Team (Real Madrid) earned a free-kick opportunity thirty meters from the goal. Wang Feng decided to take it himself.
The Chinese superstar quietly picked up the ball. It wasn''t the best chance, but time waits for no one. He had to seize it. In the distance, Vadolid''s defensive yers were nervously forming a wall. The dawn of victory was right in front of them; how could they give up easily?
The whistle blew. Wang Feng ran up and took the shot directly. The ball soared into the air like a mortar shell, reaching its peak and then suddenly dropping after passing over the wall. With a swift dive, the Vadolid goalkeeper, Arsenjo, was a half-beat too slow to save it.
1-1! The Gxy Team secured their second draw of the season.
For Real Madrid, the news of Barcelona''s 3-0 victory over Almeria only added insult to injury. With 11 consecutive wins and 33 points, Barcelona continued to lead the league standings, while Real Madrid, with 9 wins, 2 draws, and 29 points, remained in second ce.
Barcelona also set a new record for the best start in club history. "They are showing signs of champions," said Mundo Deportivo.
On the other hand, Real Madrid, unexpectedly held to a draw, faced widespread criticism. "Schuster''s tactics are rigid, relying only on Wang Feng." "A team that lost 0-5 to Barcelona managed only a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid; does this mean Real Madrid would suffer a 1-6 defeat against Barcelona?"
In the face of thesements, the German coach chose to remain silent. However, Wang Feng stepped up to support the head coach. "We have achieved a record of 9 wins and 2 draws without defeat. This is Real Madrid''s best start in recent years."
"Mr. Schuster has done well enough. Vadolid employed a different strategy against uspared to Barcelona. They relied on their strong determination to help the team earn points."
As for the gap with Barcelona, the Chinese superstar believed that the performance of their arch-rivals this season was indeed excellent. However, the league is still long, and they still have a chance. "We will fight until thest moment, unless Barcelona wins all 38 games!"
On the day the match ended, Wang Feng flew to Japan, where the national team faced Japan in the fourth round of the Ten-Nation Tournament, challenging the top team in the group.
This was a match squeezed in the middle of the schedule, so many European-based yers were not called up. Only Wang Feng rushed back as the spearhead but didn''t make it to the starting lineup; he sat on the bench. Japan faced a simr problem, opting to field domestic yers.
Once again, the facts proved that Alihan''s choice was correct. Relying solely on domestically trained yers couldn''t stop the opponent; they conceded two goals in the first half.
In the second half, Wang Feng took to the field. In the 52nd minute, he dribbled past two defenders at the edge of the penalty area and suddenly took a shot, catching the opponent off guard and scoring a goal for the team.
In the 78th minute, the Chinese superstar dribbled the ball in the opponent''s half, evaded the defense, and shot into the top right corner of the goal.
2-2, the two sides eventually shook hands and drew.
Although they didn''t suffer a defeat, head coach Alihan continued to shake his head. He was thoroughly disappointed with domestically trained yers. The impatient mentality, coupled with the fric atmosphere, simply couldn''t produce good yers.
"The World Cup still depends on overseas yers!" The Dutchman found Wang Feng and asked, "Wang, I know you''ve sponsored many Chinese kids to participate in youth training in Belgium. Can you give me detailed information? I want to investigate."
Wang Feng looked somewhat surprised. "Of course, Mr. Alihan. But the oldest among those kids is only 17 years old." Alihan joked, "What''s wrong with being 17? Weren''t you already dominating the Union Cup stage at 17?"
The Chinese superstar scratched his head awkwardly and added, "I think there''s a kid named Huang Hu who''s quite good. He''s already starting to shine in the Genk team." The Dutchman nodded, indicating he would pay special attention.
On a chilly morning in early winter, the temperature in Belgium was less than 10 degrees Celsius, quite cold. The streets were originally deserted, but two running boys broke the silence.
One of them, with ck hair, suddenly sneezed. The other, with yellow hair, asked with concern, "Huang, are you catching a cold?"
"No, Kevin, I think I just stayed up toote celebratingst night, so I''m a bit tired," Huang Hu rubbed his nose and said. De Bruyne shook his head helplessly, "You guys went crazy until the early hours, just because you scored a goal in love."
"Come on, this is the first goal of my professional career. Of course, it''s worth celebrating. By the way, do you think I can earn a starting position based on my performance in this game?"
"I think it''s a bit doubtful. Gorak, our team''s forward, still has a stable position." De Bruyne didn''t seem optimistic. "You look tired. How about skipping extra training today and resting?"
Huang Hu was somewhat tempted, but after thinking for a moment, he firmly refused, "My idol Wang Feng has never missed a day of training since he came to Belgium. He once said that taking a day off is very easy, but once you set that precedent, there will be many excuses for rest in the future!"
"Don''t worry, my body can handle it. I''ll just do some simple recovery training today."
De Bruyne could only nod. He and Huang Hu trained and grew together, forging a deep friendship. De Bruyne had already be a regr starter himself, so naturally, he hoped his friend could also work hard to improve and stay in the team.
This season, Genk promoted Huang Hu to the first team as a substitute. In the past 10 league rounds, he only came off the bench in 6 rounds and didn''t score any goals, delivering average performances.
However, in thest match against Club Brugge, the Chinese youngster got another chance to y. This time, he capitalized on De Bruyne''s assist and scored the only goal, helping Genk win 1-0.
So Huang Hu was exceptionally excited to treat his teammates to a meal afterward. Most of them went back to rest after the meal, but a few yers who loved to party continued their revelry.
Chapter 427: "Gemini" training
Chapter 427: "Gemini" training
"Chinese Youngster Shines in Belgian Pro League, Will the Miracle of Wang Feng be Replicated?"
Although just a routine goal in a Belgian Pro League match, most of the Belgian media outlets havee forward to report it, with "The Latest News" making it their front-page headline.
Wang Feng''s name carries significant weight; he is arguably one of the greatest yers in the history of the Belgian Pro League, and it''s been less than a decade since he emerged. All fans remember vividly his dominating performances in the league when he was only sixteen or seventeen.
Therefore, whenever a young yer shows promise on the pitch, the media and fans oftenpare them to the Chinese superstar, and Huang Hu is no exception this time.
What''s even more intriguing is that he also ys for Genk, is also Chinese, and is also 17 years old! Although his performances are far from as dazzling as Wang Feng''s, and he''s still only a substitute so far, the sight of him stepping up in crucial moments to rescue the team is enough to spark imagination.
"Standard Report" believes Huang Hu has a good sense of seizing opportunities on the field and can see shades of the young Wang Feng in him. Moreover, within the Genk team, there is also a highly promising young midfielder, De Bruyne, and the understanding between the two seems very intuitive.
"Since the departure of the Chinese superstar, this once glorious team has experienced a long period of decline, hovering around mid-table in the Belgian Pro League. Now, can the emergence of these twin stars bring new development to the team?"
"Twin stars," murmured Bill Albert, the general manager of Genk Club, as he looked at the newspaper in his office. Beside him was Wang Feng''s former teammate, former team captain Abigail, who officially retired a few years ago and is now in the club''s management as an assistant general manager.
"Do you think these two can really grow into top-ss stars?" Albert suddenly asked. Abigail pondered for a moment before saying, "De Bruyne is definitely a talented kid. With focused training, he''s sure to seed. As for Huang Hu..."
"Perhaps it''s my preconceived notion, but I''m afraid he''s simply iparable to Wang Feng. However, there''s still room for growth and value, although the risk of nurturing him is a bit high."
"In recent years, our cooperation with Wang Feng has been very pleasant. There are already sixty or seventy Chinese kids trained in the youth academy, but none of them have outstanding qualifications. Huang Hu belongs to the top tier among them, which is why he''s been promoted to the first team as a substitute."
After listening to Abigail''s analysis, Albert fell into contemtion again, before finally making a decision: "The club''s performance has been inconsistent, and the current economic situation simply cannot support us in bringing in strong reinforcements to contend for the title. We can only rely on the profits from yer sales."
"Since there are outstanding talents and topics of discussion, let''s do our best to cultivate and explore them. I believe teams from the top five leagues will be interested in these two."
Abigail nodded in understanding, realizing that he needed to have a chat with the coaching staff and tilt a bit towards the "twin stars" in terms of tactics and game attendance in the future.
After rushing back to Madrid from Japan, Wang Feng''s Gxy Battleship faced Weivaa in the 12th round of the league. Sitting on the bench and watching the game was quite torturous for the Chinese superstar, especially when the home team couldn''t break the deadlock. So, at halftime, he took the initiative to approach the head coach to request to y.
"Mr. Schuster, my physical condition can fully support 45 minutes. Let me try in the second half," Wang Feng said somewhat insistently. The German nodded somewhat helplessly.
Originally, he wanted Wang Feng to rest and prepare for the midweek Champions League match, but the Gxy Battleship''s forward line was in a slump, and another draw or loss would likely be detrimental to the entire title race.
So, in the second half, the head coach reced the underperforming Raul with Wang Feng, who continued the match partnering with Iguan. This substitution quickly paid off. In the 51st minute, Wang Feng broke through to the left nk and delivered a lofted pass. Iguain controlled the ball with his chest inside the penalty area, and volleyed it into the, finally breaking the deadlock.
Ten minutester, Mezut ?zil cleared the ball from the back, Garcia in midfield won the ball, and immediately sent a direct pass to Wang Feng in the frontcourt. The Chinese superstar, with his back to the goal,terally chipped the ball to Iguan in the penalty area.
The Argentine forward controlled the ball, feigned a long shot, but instead, skillfully evaded the defender with a feint, then slotted the ball into the penalty area. By this time, Wang Feng had already advanced into the box and smoothly hit the far corner of the goal.
2-0! With these two goals, Real Madrid secured all three points at home. Meanwhile, on the other side, Barcelona finally ended their winning streak with a 1-1 draw against Hetafe, and what''s even more worrying for the Catns is that Messi had to leave the match due to injury.
Several consecutive intense matches and the pressure from Real Madrid left the Argentine exhausted. Although he''s not injury-prone, he''s not as durable as Wang Feng.
Fortunately, Barcelonater announced that Messi''s injury was not serious, and he would only need to rest for one or two weeks. He would definitely not miss the century battle with Real Madrid in the 15th round, a match considered crucial for the La Liga title race.
Barcelona''s "Godfather" Cruyff wrote in an article after the team''s draw that it wasn''t necessarily a bad thing. He generously admitted in the article that the criticism of Guardist year was indeed somewhat biased. Spanish coaches need time to integrate yers with different characteristics into the team, and the stunning start to this season is a testament to that.
"Winning streaks are both glory and burden for all teams. Stopping at this point allows Barcelona more time for adjustments and reflections. We still hold the advantage in the championship race."
However, he still had significant grievances with the club''s president, Laporta. The phenomenon of favoritism towards certain individuals hadn''t improved at all, and there had been no progress on renewing contracts for core yers like Eto''o.
In the fifth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid traveled to Brus to challenge BATE Borisov. There was a significant gap in strength between the two teams, and in the first round of the group stage, the Gxy Battleship had already won 5-0 at home.
From the beginning of the match, the away team took the initiative tounch attacks, hoping to end the battle quickly. In the 11th minute, Sneijder''s pass from the front found its way into the penalty area, deflecting off the opposing defender and changing direction slightly. Wang Feng seized the opportunity and fired a powerful shot from 14 meters out, breaking the deadlock for Real Madrid.
Just six minutester, inside the penalty area, Iguan received a lob pass from Marcelo and headed it back to the far post. Wang Feng shook off the defender and coolly slotted the ball into the from the edge of the small penalty area, leaving the BATE goalkeeper with no chance to react.
And when the match reached the 33rd minute, the Gxy Battleship quickly counterattacked after winning the ball in their own half. Sneijder passed directly into the heart of the penalty area, where Wang Feng''s timing was excellent. He beat the offside trap to find himself in a one-on-one situation, and with a feint to deceive the goalkeeper, he slotted the ball into the empty.
3-0! The Chinese superstarpleted a first-half hat-trick! In the second half, the away team sounded the final whistle, substituting off Wang Feng and other key yers. Dralere helped Real Madrid extend their lead once again before the end of the match, and just before the final whistle, BATE finally pulled one back through forward Nulewa, with the final score fixed at 4-1.
With Juventus drawing 1-1 against Zenit St. Petersburg in the other group match, Real Madrid topped the table with 12 points from 4 wins and 1 loss, while the Bianconeri had 8 points from 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, securing second ce.
With one round of matches remaining, the Gxy Battleship had already secured the top spot in the group, which was undoubtedly good news for them given their busy schedule.
Chapter 428: Only you
Chapter 428: Only you
Wang Feng once again scores a hat-trick. Since the start of the new season in August, he has scored 41 goals: 25 in 12 league matches, 8 in the Champions League, 3 in cup matches, and 5 in national team games.
And these goals have made undeniable contributions to the team: 10 wins and 2 draws in the league, topping Barcelona; first ce in the Champions League group stage; winning the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup; and a promising outlook for China in the World Cup qualifiers.
Coupled with the double crown honor fromst season, "Abaisai Report" admits that the European Ballon d''Or can only be awarded to the Chinese superstar.
"Although many people wish for a Spanish yer to win the Ballon d''Or, it is Wang Feng''s era now. No one can steal this honor from him under his glory."
As the voice of Real Madrid, "Marca" continues to build up Wang Feng, stating that as long as he is on the Gxy Battleship, the club will always consider him the biggest core and promote him ordingly.
"From any perspective, Wang Feng has been the best-performing yer over the past year. He deserves the Ballon d''Or."
Real Madrid legend and former captain Hierro said in an interview that Wang Feng is leading Real Madrid to achieve glory beyond imagination. "Three consecutive championships or even more? Oh my God, I wish I were born a few yearster, then I could have left an immortal legend with them!"
"Wang Feng is definitely worthy of the Ballon d''Or. He is the biggest favorite and the only choice."
Otherpetitors, such as Torres from Liverpool, only have one Champions League honor and nothing in the club aspect, while Ronaldo waspletely defeated by Wang Feng, and Messicks strong credentials.
"Once we pursued the gorgeous style of y and superb skills, but the Chinese superstar tells everyone that these are not in conflict with victory. He wins matches with each splendid goal."
Although Wang Feng appears calm on the surface, he is very concerned about whether he can win the award, as it is a recognition in the world of football.
But "France Football" has not contacted him or the club until now, which is strange. ording to official sources, they will officially announce the winners on December 2nd and publish the magazine of that period.
ording to the usual practice, photo shoots and interviews arepleted two weeks in advance, but the time has already passed. Could it be that he didn''t win? The Chinese superstar starts to feel anxious, but even if someone else wins, the media has not captured the figure of Editor-in-Chief Puffenasti and his team.
So, on the rare rest day after the match, Wang Feng felt restless at home. He spent some time exercising in the gym, yed with his daughter Xiao Siyao for a while, and then wanted to go outside for a run.
Lu Yao noticed his anxiety, so she stopped him and pulled him to the bar counter in the dining room: "I''ve been researching a newposite juice recently. Can you try it?"
Saying so, she skillfully peeled and cut bananas into small pieces, peeled oranges into wedges, and cut passion fruit to scoop out the flesh, then added them to the juicer one by one.
Wang Feng watched his wife''s graceful figure shuttle in the kitchen with his hands supporting his chin, and somehow his mood gradually improved. Perhaps this is happiness. He already has everything, so why be anxious and dissatisfied?
Soon, a thick ss of juice was ced in front of Wang Feng. He jokingly tapped the ss and said, "Can I drink this? Will it be hard to swallow?" Lu Yao retorted yfully, "I''ve tried it several times, and it''s actually very delicious."
Picking up the ss and savoring it quietly, Wang Feng''s eyes lit up: "It''s amazing. This taste is unexpectedly refreshing."
"Yeah, it also has a calming effect. On days when I can''t sleep at night, I drink a ss, and it works pretty well." Hearing this, Wang Feng pulled Lu Yao''s right hand and gently massaged it: "Thank you, Yao Yao, for silently supporting me all this time."
Lu Yao reached out her other hand and gently flicked Wang Feng''s forehead: "Of course, in my heart, you are always the best."
Then the two talked about the selection of the Ballon d''Or. Wang Feng said somewhat angrily, "If they don''t award it to me this year, I will refuse to attend the award ceremony!"
He couldn''tin like this to the outside world and the media, but he could vent to Lu Yao: "Many people think it''s shameful for an Asian to dominate the highest honor in world football, but I am indeed the best performer. Unless they vote blindly."
Lu Yaoforted him: "These are just the narrow-minded thoughts of a small part of arrogant Europeans. I believe most judges are very rational, and they should understand how controversial it would be to choose other yers."
"And ''France Football'' hasn''t taken any action yet, so let''s wait and see."
Indeed, Lu Yao''s thoughts proved to be correct. When Wang Feng went to the club for training the next day, he had just changed his clothes when he received a call from Editor-in-Chief Puffenasti: "Wang, I''m very sorry. Due to internal work arrangements, we have postponed your interview for a few days. Oh, congrattions on winning the 2008 European Ballon d''Or!"
The Chinese superstar was delighted to hear this, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He jokingly said, "Is it because you guys are so familiar with the process of interviewing and photographing me that youpressed the time? Haha, I thought I hadn''t won."
Puffenasti was a little embarrassed on the other end of the phone. In fact, the arrangements for the European Ballon d''Or in the past two years have be somewhat chaotic, and many people have repeatedly mentioned merging it with the FIFA Best yer award.
This decision is inevitable, but some people want to merge it next year, while others want to wait another year. In short, the arguments are fierce, which led to this work mistake.
However, Puffenasti would definitely not tell Wang Feng about these details. He just said, "This award can only be yours. Although I can''t reveal the specific number of votes, you have definitely set a new record."
In addition, the French editor also requested that Wang Fengplete the photo shoot and interview work when he goes to the Hetafe match at the end of November, as the time is indeed very tight.
Naturally, the club had no objections. Wang Feng, who was overjoyed after winning the award, suggested treating all his teammates to dinner. Van der Vaart was a bit puzzled: "Why suddenly invite everyone to dinner?"
Ral exined with a smile, "Of course, it''s to celebrate our newly crowned European Ballon d''Or winner, right, Wang?" The Chinese superstar nodded. After winning the award, treating everyone to dinner has be a tradition for the team, a way to thank his teammates for their support.
Van der Vaart couldn''t help but be amazed. Although various media outlets and the public are still specting that Wang Feng is the hottest candidate for the Ballon d''Or, it''s still somewhat unbelievable when it''s finally confirmed. The Chinese superstar has won five in total!
Is he really in the same team with such a great yer? No wonder the atmosphere in Real Madrid''s locker room is so harmonious despite the many factions and cliques. It''s because there is a big Buddha sitting there.
And he''s only 25 years old, at the peak of his career. No one can take away his influence in the dressing room.
In the 13th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Hetafe away. In the first half, Wang Feng started and scored 1 goal. He was reced at halftime and interviewed by "France Football" during the break.
In the second half, Iguain scored again to help the away team secure victory. Although Hetafe pulled one back in the final moments, they couldn''t reverse the result.
Chapter 429: 5 !
Chapter 429: 5 !
Wang Feng wins the European Ballon d''Or again! At midnight on December 2nd, the homepage news of "France Football" official website was updated, and the result was consistent with the spection of most people outside.
This is the fifth time the Chinese superstar has won this honor! Among all 96 judges, 76 voted for Wang Feng in the first ce, and his total score reached 446 points.
Therefore, in terms of point difference, Wang Feng has a huge advantage just likest year''s winner. The second ce, Cristiano Ronaldo, only received 281 points, and the third is Torres from Liverpool, who got 179 points. Messi dropped out of the top three and ranked fourth, with Casis fifth.
In the interview with the winner, the chief editor Puffenasti said: "Wang Feng''s election is well-deserved. He is still the best yer in Europe and even in the world."
Having dealt with the Chinese superstar for so many years, the French always feel that he has a mature temperament different from ordinary yers, whether he is twenty or twenty-five years old. "There is a Chinese saying, ''The child of a poor family bes early independent,'' as Wang Feng said."
"But I have seen too many genius football stars from poor backgrounds. After they became rich overnight, they fell into the temptation of wealth and gradually lost their talents. So Wang Feng is unique!"
At the same time, Puffenasti believes that self-discipline is one of the important reasons why Wang Feng has always maintained his peak state. "Even now, he still maintains the habit of extra training. I have visited his vi, and theplex fitness facilities and frequent usage have made me deeply respectful."
In contrast, some yers quickly decline after reaching their peak. The most representative example is Ronaldinho, the former world footballer three years ago, who can''t even enter the top thirty of the Ballon d''Or now, and he''s only 28 years old!
Puffenasti hopes that Wang Feng can continue to maintain his original intention and continue his outstanding performance to bring more exciting matches to football fans around the world.
The announcement of the European Ballon d''Or has caused media discussions. Not only Wang Feng, but each yer on the list will be introduced in detail. They belong to a group of yers at the highest level in the world of football.
Among them are retiring veterans and emerging young talents, and Spain has the most yers on the list thanks to the energy of winning the European Championship.
It is worth mentioning that Chinese yer Dong Fangzhuo has entered the list of the top thirty Ballon d''Or for the first time. Although he is only ranked 26th and did not receive any votes in the voting, this is already excellent.
After all, besides him, Bayern Munich has only one yer on the list, which is Klose ranked 16th. The fact that Dong Fangzhuo is seen as one of the team''s core yers by both the club and the outside world.
Domestic fans are spreading the news one after another, and their enthusiasm is not inferior to the scene when Wang Feng won the Ballon d''Or for the first time. Who would have thought that two Chinese names would appear in the list representing the pinnacle of football?
"Going abroad is the only way!" A fan wrote passionately on the inte: "The fact proves that we neverck excellent football genes and talents. What weck is just a tform for growth and high-levelpetitive training."
"The development of domestic leagues and youth training is by no means the only requirement. Look at the neighboring Japanese and South Korean leagues, look at the two giants in South America, and even look at Ligue 1. They are not well-known, but they have produced one excellent yer after another."
On December 8th, in the 14th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Sevi at home. Just one day before, Wang Feng had just brought back the Ballon d''Or trophy from France, so ording to the usual practice, he showed it to all the home fans before the match, winning cheers from them. However, the Chinese superstar, who had been traveling back and forth, did not appear on the starting lineup.
It was a match yed in the snow. In the past four or five days, most parts of Spain have experienced rare heavy snowfall, and the slippery pitch brought a lot of uncertainty to the game.
Just 5 minutes into the game, Sevi took the lead. Navas crossed from the right, Casis made a mistake ining out to catch the ball, and Kanoute pushed the ball between Ramos'' legs into the. The Gxy Battleship trailed 0-1!
After conceding a goal, Saint Casis shook his gloves irritably. The wetness of the melted snow far exceeded his imagination, indicating that he couldn''t continue to rely on conventional goalkeeping experience.
In the 17th minute, Guti dribbled the ball down the right and crossed from the bottom after forcefully shaking off the defense. Due to the excessive movement, he fell out of the field after kicking the ball.
Fortunately, the efforts of the Spanish center-back were not in vain. Ral scored with a header in front of the goal, breaking through Sevi''s goalkeeper Palop''s ten fingers and equalizing for the home team.
Both sides then fell into a stalemate for a period of time. The unfavorable pitch conditions led to a sharp increase in passing errors and failed to form effective threats until the end of the first half.
Navas broke into the penalty area and was fouled by Marcelo, who was originally just going towards the ball but misjudged the angle, resulting in a foul.
The referee decisively awarded a yellow card and awarded Sevi a penalty kick. Navas personally took the penalty, deceived Casis and scored, giving the away team the lead again.
This can''t go on! ording to the received match report, Barcelona has already led Valencia by two goals, and they are likely to win again. If Real Madrid loses this round, the gap with them will further widen.
So at the beginning of the second half, the head coach Schuster reced Wang Feng. The Chinese superstar has never let him and the fans down.
In the 51st minute, Diarra made a long pass from the back, Wang Feng, with his back to the attacking direction, fiercely headed the ball to Guti before Navarro, and then turned and ran forward.
The Spaniard sent a straight pass very cooperatively, and Wang Feng and Navarro chased the ball to the edge of the penalty area. The Chinese superstar stretched out his right foot to hook the ball back first, then made ateral move with his left foot, shaking off Navarro with speed and rhythm changes.
Then he made anotherteral move before Escud could catch up, making the French defender''s defense fall short. He caught up and sent out a shot with his left foot, the ball flew in an arc in the air, and there was also a leaf-like trend in the vertical direction.
Goalkeeper Palop couldn''t defend against it at all, his save couldn''t touch this strange shot, he could only watch the ball go into the, 2-2! The home team equalized again!
"What an extremely brilliant shot! I think no goalkeeper in the world can keep it out of the goal!"
"The slippery pitch, Wang Feng''s unique touch angle and strength, the high-speed rotation of the ball, and the wind speed all contributed to this shot. Looking from the perspective facing the goal, the ball ispletely advancing in three-dimensional space, with no regr trajectory, it''s really unbeatable!"
Seven minutes after this goal, Real Madridunched another attack. Higuain received the ball outside the penalty area, then pushed it diagonally backward, and Wang Feng, who was running, directly volleyed a powerful shot at the goal from 25 meters away. The ball grazed the left post and went into the goal., 3-2!
In the 79th minute, the Gxy Battleship won a corner kick. Guti crossed it into the penalty area, and Wang Feng outjumped Squici and Konko to head the ball into the goal, 4-2,pletely securing the victory. Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick in the second half.
Chapter 430: Everyone is expecting
Chapter 430: Everyone is expecting
Not unexpectedly, Barcelona easily defeated Valencia 4-0, continuing to lead the league standings, and the hero of their victory was Henry, who scored a hat-trick.
''The Devil''s Team,'' this is how the Spanish newspaper ''El Pas'' described Barcelona. With 13 wins and 1 draw in 14 league matches, they have continuously defeated their opponents byrge margins. ''Although Real Madrid''s performance is outstanding, they still can only follow behind this cosmic Barcelona.''
''For Barcelona''s opponents, the most desperate thing is that they never seem to be able to limit their attacks. There is always someone leading the charge: Messi with a hat-trick, Eto''o with four goals, and now it''s Henry''s turn.''
Since joining Barcelonast season, the French giant has endured tremendous pressure. The Camp Nou fans hoped to see the unstoppable No. 14, but apparently they were somewhat disappointed.
But now, even the most critical fans can''tin. Henry has shown the most positive attitude, attacking from the least favorite side to better integrate into the team and improve itspetitive strength, and his efforts have paid off.
''In this game, two of the three goals were scored by him after his teammates attracted the opponents'' attention. The Frenchman has be more cunning, learning to hide behind Messi and act as the second killer.''
''Talent, attitude, passion, and speed, all of this makes Barcelona different. Everyone is looking forward to the next century derby, which will definitely be a shocking scene.''
In an interview, Guardi said, ''The only advantage of defeating Valencia is that we have widened the gap with the third-ced team, but we still haven''t shaken off Real Madrid. The league is long, and everyone needs to be cautious.''
''The century derby, that will be our most important game. We must be extremely careful.'' To prepare for Real Madrid''s visit, he will rotate eight main yers in the midweek Champions League group match. Fortunately, Barcelona, like the Gxy Battleship, has already secured their spot in the next round.
So far, Barcelona''s attacking trio has scored a total of 30 goals, and Wang Feng''s league goals are 29!
''Yes, Wang is a great yer, and the just-announced European Ballon d''Or proves it,'' Guardi praised. ''I think it''s difficult to find a defense line in the world that canpletely stop him.''
''But we will do our best and present a stronger offensive firepower than him. I believe Barcelona can do this. We will win this game and pave the way to the championship!''
Compared to Guardi''s confidence, Schuster seems a bit less assured. Although he led the team to the best start in history, they are still at a disadvantage in the cosmic levelpetition. Perhaps the strongest card in his hand is only Wang Feng.
However, in an interview with the media, the German still said, ''Since I took over, Real Madrid has never suffered at the Camp Nou, and this time will be no exception.''
''Of course, this will be an extremely difficult game. The opponents have performed very well this season and are ying at their home ground. We don''t have much advantage.''
''But this match may greatly affect the final direction of the league. The whole team will do our best.''
''Schuster is just bluffing. He doesn''t really have the confidence to win the century derby,'' mocked ''Marca.'' ''This season belongs to Barcelona. Although Real Madrid is chasing hard, they will ultimately end up empty-handed.''
''Sport'' went even further, publishing a damningmentary: ''The Germans have led Real Madrid to win the league and Champions League for two consecutive years, so even if they fail this season, it doesn''t really matter.''
In response to thesements, ''AS'' wrote a harsh rebuttal: ''Schuster just wants to lower the pressure on the yers. From the management, coaching staff to the yers, the Gxy Battleship has never feared Barcelona, because they have climbed to the top many times at their expense.''
The article admits that this season, the overall strength of the Catn team has made a qualitative leap, obviously stronger than Real Madrid, but Wang Feng''s presence will make everything different. ''He is Barcelona''s nemesis. Don''t forget who caused the downfall of Ronaldinho''s dream dynasty.''
At the Real Madrid training base, members of the coaching staff are intensively studying the starting lineup and tactics for the next two matches. Naturally, they will give up the Champions League group match against Zenit St. Petersburg.
The most important thing is how to arrange the lineup at the Camp Nou and what strategy to choose. An assistant coach hesitantly expressed his opinion: ''I think we should be more conservative and aim for a draw.''
''Although the team is behind Barcelona now, it''s only by two points. Continuing to maintain this gap, I don''t believe they will keep winning in the second half of the season.''
''Wait until we return to the Bernabu and then decide the oue with them!''
Although this approach can temporarily avoid Barcelona''s sharpness, Schuster shook his head and said, ''If we adopt a too conservative strategy to deal with them, I''m afraid we won''t be able to hold on.''
''Barcelona will y possession football to the extreme, gradually prating our defense, and our midfield and defense have no advantage. No one can guaranteepletely neutralizing their attacking trio.''
''So, while focusing on defense, we must also counterattack resolutely. Sending Wang Feng and the young Higuan to attack the defense would be a more appropriate approach.''
''More importantly, instill in the yers the belief that victory is certain. We must not passively wait for the opponent to make mistakes. The brutal second half of the league will not only affect Barcelona but also us. If we let them easily win this game, I''m afraid the gap will widen further.''
''On the contrary, if we face difficulties and defeat them, we can reverse the situation and take the lead. Then it will be a major blow to Barcelona, and the probability of mistakes in the second half of the season will increase significantly.''
''The outside world is talking about Barcelona being the devil''s team this season, let them see who the real devil is!''
On December 11th, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Zenit St. Petersburg.
Wang Feng and other key yers watched as young substitute yers poured out their passion and sweat on the field. For Zenit, this game was crucial for securing second ce in the group, so they naturally gave it their all.
''Wang, do you think the team can win at the Camp Nou?'' Robben asked quietly beside the Chinese superstar, ''Barcelona is too abnormal this season, many media outlets don''t fancy us.''
Wang Feng shrugged, ''I can''t say for sure, but I just feel hot-blooded all over, eager topete with them. The stronger the opponent, the more worth challenging, right?''
The Dutchman smiled bitterly, ''Indeed, it''s you. I just want to win the league as smoothly asst season. The rebuilding Barcelona is the good Barcelona.''
''Haha, in my opinion, unless they trade Messi away, no matter how they rebuild, they will remainpetitive.''
In the end, the Gxy Battleship lost 1-2 to their opponents, but the fans at the scene were still enthusiastic, shouting at them as they left the field, ''Beat Barcelona!''
And with Juventus defeating BATE, Zenit''s Champions League journey came to an end, only to return to the Europa League stage once again.
Chapter 431: Reborn team
Chapter 431: Reborn team
On the evening of December 14th, the highly anticipated century derby is about to unfold at the Camp Nou Stadium. For Barcelona fans, this day has been long-awaited. Nearly a hundred thousand seats were filled in the stadium, despite the light rain, which failed to dampen their fervor.
Looking back at the past two seasons, feelings of dismay, pain, and confusion lingered. Not only did the team''s performance plummet, but they also witnessed their arch-rivals ascend to the throne, which was an uneptable oue no matter how you looked at it.
Fortunately, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Barcelona fans keenly felt the vitality and strength of this team in the new season. This time, they are determined to strike down Real Madrid and reim their glory!
As the yers of the Gxy Battleship stepped onto the Camp Nou field, they were still greeted by boos. But this time, the boos carried a strong sense of confidence, as if telling the visiting team yers, ''You are about to face a big defeat, so tuck your tails and roll back to Madrid.''
At this moment, both head coaches stood on the sidelines, with Guardi appearing indifferent while Schuster showed signs of worry. For Barcelona, with their best lineup, in their best form, and with home advantage, everything seemed perfect. Even Guardi, no matter how cautious he was, had to admit, they were destined to win!
However, the German felt somewhat uneasy. Perhaps it was indeed wise to listen to the assistant coach''s suggestion and strive for a draw or a narrow loss? The home team''s momentum was too strong; from yers to fans, everyone wanted to redeem themselves, and this collective momentum would converge into a sharp de, fiercely breaking through all obstacles in its path.
Barcelona lined up in their favored 4-3-3 formation, with Valds in goal.
In defense: Alves, Piqu, Puyol, and Abidal.
In midfield: Xavi, Yaya Tour, and Iniesta.
In attack: Messi, Eto''o, and Henry.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Casis in goal.
In defense: Ramos, Ashley Cole, Marcelo, and Pepe.
In midfield: Diarra, Sneijder, Robben, and Gago.
In the forward line: Wang Feng, ying slightly withdrawn as a free man, and Higuan acting as the focal point up front.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! We are about to bring you a spotlight battle in La Liga, also known as the century derby, with Barcelona hosting Real Madrid at home."
"In the previous 233 century duels, Barcelona has had a slight advantage, with 93 wins, 50 draws, and 90 losses. However, in the 156 league matches, Real Madrid''s 69 wins, 30 draws, and 57 losses have put them in a better position."
"Yes, but it''s clear that the home team has the advantage at the Camp Nou. In 78 league matches, Barcelona has won 44 of them."
"In the past two years, Real Madrid has been very sessful in building the Galcticos around Wang Feng, while Barcelona has experienced a series of storms, such as core departures and changes in management, leading to a decline. Therefore, in their encounters, Real Madrid has remained undefeated."
"With the emergence of the new core, Messi, and the rebuilding and integration of the Barcelona squad, they have shown tremendous strength at the start of the new season, shocking La Liga and even European football."
"So, this match will be their revenge, and Real Madrid will definitely not sit back and wait. We believe both sides will bring you a splendid and exciting game."
"Barcelona has won the kickoff for the first half, Messi and Eto''o are standing at the center circle, the referee''s whistle blows, and the game officially begins!"
"Beep~" Both sides started the game with a lot of intensity. Just 1 minute into the game, Ramos fouled Messi in midfield as he was about to break through, prompting the referee to blow the whistle promptly to stop the game.
"Keep your actions in check, otherwise, I don''t mind showing cards or even sending you off the field to cool down," warned the Spanish referee, indicating his experience and understanding of the importance of controlling the game.
In the 2nd minute, the home team had their first shot on goal, with Abidal unleashing a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, narrowly missing the post. This attack ignited the passion of the fans, who stood up and cheered.
One minuteter, Messi dribbled past Ramos on the right side of the penalty area and attempted a shot into the far corner. But Casis stretched his body to make a brilliant save, barely tipping the ball out for a corner.
"Oh, a very threatening attack! Thanks to Saint Iker''s brave save, Messi is unstoppable in one-on-one situations with the defense, reminiscent of Wang Feng."
"Look at this corner kick from Barcelona, Iniesta sends it to the far post, and goooooooooooal! The ball is in! Eto''o scores!"
"Just 2 minutes into the game, Barcelona takes the lead through a corner kick! Piqu heads the ball to the far post, and Eto''o follows up with a volley into the."
"A fantastic corner kick tactic, the home team''s high point in the penalty area causes chaos, and the Cameroonian forward takes advantage of the opportunity. Barcelona gets off to a dream start!"
After taking the lead, the home team continued to organize attacks steadily. Henry''s long-range shot from the left went wide of the near post. Messi and Eto''obined with quick passes to prate into the penalty area, but Messi''s shot was blocked by Diarra, and Xavi''s header from Iniesta''s cross was saved by Casis.
In the blink of an eye, Barcelona had nned several threatening shots, while Real Madrid had yet to create a single meaningful attack. Possession was firmly in the hands of the opponents, and the crisis in the backline made it difficult to break through.
This situation was dangerous, they had to push forward to force Barcelona to retreat, otherwise, their aggressive pressing would be unsustainable. So, Wang Feng found several midfielders and defenders, hoping they would be more decisive and resolute in their passing, sending the ball forward, and he believed in them!
In the 11th minute, Cole blocked Eto''o''s shot inside the penalty area, and the ball rebounded to Diarra, who immediatelyunched a long pass to the midfield. The Chinese superstar swiftly ran to the drop point and yed it back to Robben.
Real Madridunched a quick counterattack, and the Dutchman passed it forward to Wang Feng. Wang Feng then passed it to Higuan, who advanced to the edge of the penalty area, only to see his final shot blocked by Puyol''s sliding tackle.
Higuan got up from the ground and looked apologetically at the Chinese superstar, only to see him nodding his head, indicating with his eyes. It turned out that after Puyol''s interception, he didn''t choose to pass forward but instead passed back to goalkeeper Valds.
Counter-pressing! The Argentine youngster instinctively approached the edge of the penalty area, and Robben, who had also run the entire way, understood and quietly moved between Puyol and Valds to block.
At this moment, Barcelona''s goalkeeper had no choice but to pass the ball to Piqu nearby, who then passed it to Alves under Wang Feng''s pressure. Barcelona''s possession mentality was ingrained no matter the circumstances.
However, they overlooked Real Madrid''s determination to press and the changing conditions of the wet midfield. Seeing Sneijder also closing in, Alves turned and took a couple of steps before passing back to goalkeeper Valds.
The Spaniard stopped the ball and assessed the situation before deciding to pass it to Piqu. Unexpectedly, just as he was about to exert force, he saw Wang Feng swiftly rushing out to block between him and Piqu. Would passing it over cause it to be intercepted?
A moment of hesitation made him change his mind about passing to the sideline to Puyol. However, the inertia of his muscle exertion made this low, t pass very awkward, coupled with the damp field conditions, resulting in the ball deviating from its optimal trajectory.
Puyol, seeing this, quickly moved forward to receive, but there was someone faster than him, it was "The Little Wizard" Robben! The Dutchman sessfully intercepted ahead of the Barcelona defenders and then, without hesitation, assisted Wang Feng with a back-heeled pass.
The ball immediately returned to the center, surprising Valds, who sprinted towards the ball, but it was toote. Wang Feng took the ball first, deftly flicked it past, and easily sent it into the home team''s!
"Gooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!! Real Madrid equalizes!!"
"Oh my God, Barcelona''s defense made a fatal mistake! Goalkeeper Valds'' pass deviated, and Robben''s quick interception and back-heeled assist helped Wang Feng score."
"Having dominated, pressing the Gxy Battleship with all their might, the home team never expected to see all their efforts go to waste due to a single mistake in the backline. It must be said that Real Madrid and Wang Feng''s ability to seize opportunities is too strong. This was only their first shot of the game!"
Chapter 432: War
Chapter 432: War
Upon seeing the goal easily breached, Barcelona''s coach Guardi had an incredulous expression. Initially, he clutched his head with both hands, crouching on the ground. Then, he swiftly rushed towards their half, roaring, "What are you all doing? Pull yourselves together!"
This kind of passing wasn''t the possession y Barcelona prided itself on. It was simply a low-level mistake caused by pressing, utterly unreasonable. Could it be that leading too early allowed the yers to lose focus?
The Spaniards forced themselves to calm down. Seizing the moment while Real Madrid celebrated, they loudly directed tactical maneuvers on the field, emphasizing increased vignce, mindful of the opponents and changing field conditions.
As the game resumed, Barcelona''s yers, although shaken to some extent, quickly regained theirposure amidst the urging of their coach and the cheers from the home fans. Yes, they had the advantage now, why rush?
In the 21st minute, Abidal sprinted along the wing, finally finding space near the baseline and decisively delivering a triangle pass into the penalty area.
Eto''o, closely marked by the Real Madrid defense, pretended to aim for a header but instead cleverly guarded the passingne and let the ball slip through.
Messi, making a run from the back post to the 14-meter mark, aimed for the bottom left corner with a powerful shot. The ball''s speed and angle were tricky, leaving Casis helpless as it slid past his fingertips into the. 2-1! Barcelona once again took the lead.
"Messi is on fire too! This season''s Barcelona frontline is just like this, scoring goals continuously. It''s hard to defend against," remarked Zhang Jun, the domesticmentator.
"Yeah, if Messi is unstoppable, then Barcelona''s frontline is imprable," agreed the othermentator Wang Ping.
"It''s because the Chinese superstar possesses a fighting spirit equivalent to the entire Barcelona frontline, enabling Real Madrid to tightly hold onto them in the league. Many fans are curious about which team is stronger; it seems today''s match will determine that," observed another.
"This feels like the Battle of Guandu against Lu Bu, haha."
"Hey, although your analogy isn''t quite apt, it does make some sense. Throughout the football world, Wang Feng is an unparalleled figure. It seems only by joining forces with several strong yers could anyone challenge him."
Wang Feng didn''t disappoint the fans eager for excitement. In the 27th minute, just six minutes after the away team conceded, the Gcticosunched a counterattack.
After a midfield interception by Cole, the ball was passed to the front. This time, the Chinese superstar couldn''t reach the first touch, but Iniesta''s header sent it back, luckily controlled by Sneijder in time.
Barcelona''s defense was fast, but Wang Feng and Iguan''s forward runs were equally formidable. Opting for a ground pass wouldn''t work against the Catalonia team, so the Dutchman smartly chose to chip it forward again.
The 1.84-meter Argentine striker yed a crucial role, leaping in the penalty area to head the ball towards Wang Feng outside the arc.
At this moment, Barcelona''s defensive line of four was aligned, ready to pounce on the Real Madrid attack, with both spacing and coordination between them.
It was difficult to break through! Wang Feng decisively chested the ball forward, aiming for the gap between the two defenders!
With a step forward, he volleyed the falling ball with his left foot directly into the air. As it sailed with an inward curve, the ball hung in the air, hitting the top left corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Valds helpless.
"Goal! Real Madrid equalize once again! The Chinese superstar''s powerful volley seals another achievement!"
"This handling was very skillful. In an instant, he chose the best attacking method, easily breaking through Barcelona''s defense."
"Of course, to score such a difficult shot requires extremely strong fundamentals. We can see that the ball seemed to be flying towards the center of the goal but then curved towards the left corner midway, with a hint of a leaf-like trajectory. No wonder Valds couldn''t reach it."
Leading twice but being pegged back twice, even theposed Barcelona started to feel anxious. Except for Messi''s injury-induced draw against Getafe, they hadn''t faced such pressure this season, usually taking an early lead and overwhelming opponents.
Truly worthy of Wang Feng, truly worthy of the two-time champions Real Madrid!
Just in their somewhat dazed moment, the situation on the field stirred again. In the 35th minute, Real Madrid attacked into the Barcelona half, Sneijder sending the ball into the penalty area.
Despite Piqu''s efforts to defend the Chinese superstar, Wang Feng seemed to have eyes behind his head, positioning himself perfectly. The ball flew over his head, dropping in front of his left foot.
How could he miss this opportunity? He lifted his left foot and volleyed it into the air. "Bang!" The ball hit the inside of the crossbar heavily, then bounced onto the grass inside the goal line before rebounding off the inner side of the, a testament to the power of the shot. The sessive rebounds left goalkeeper Valds with no chance.
2-3! Real Madrid, the away team, took the lead again! Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick!
After scoring, Wang Feng slid on his knees to the corner g, pointing to the sky in celebration, paying no attention to the insults and jeers from the home fans in the stands. That was their best praise for him!
Teammates rushed to pile on him, and Iguan muttered, "How can you be so amazing! How can you be so amazing!"
Messi was about to grind his mrs to dust. He would never give up, and neither would Barcelona!
In the 42nd minute, it was Barcelona''s turn to attack the Real Madrid penalty area. Eto''o''s close-range shot was saved by Diarra on the goal line, with Pepe clearing it with a big kick.
The ball didn''t go far, as Iniesta outside the penalty area blocked it and passed it to Messi ahead. The Argentine star, after shaking off Ramos, passed it to the wing to Henry.
The Frenchman didn''t opt for a cross but instead dribbled past, then volleyed the ball with the outside of his foot. The ball soared over the goal, evading Ramos and Cole in front of the goal, hitting the inside of the post and bouncing into the.
3-3! Barcelona''s attacking trio all scored,peting with Wang Feng''s hat-trick!
"Beep, beep, beep," referee Selca blew the halftime whistle. Whether it was the yers on the field or the fans in the stands, they all breathed a sigh of relief involuntarily.
It was too tense, too thrilling! Who could have thought that in just forty-five minutes, both teams would score six goals, and the lead would keep changing?
Barcelona coach Guardi was the first to lead his yers back to the locker room. He needed to carefully consider the tactical adjustments for the second half. The current score waspletely uneptable for the home team, almost all of their pre-match arrangements had been disrupted by Real Madrid''s onught.
Schuster was rtively satisfied with the overall performance of the first half. However, he also noticed that Barcelona''s attacking trio were in excellent form today and had scored goals. This was not good news. The focus of the next game would be to contain their sudden outbreaks.
The atmosphere in the Real Madrid locker room was very harmonious. Everyone rxed their bodies while discussing Wang Feng''s hat-trick in the first half. "You seem particrly excited every time you y against Barcelona," Ral joked with the Chinese superstar.
"That''s because the Camp Nou fans get so excited every time they insult me. I can''t disappoint their ''expectations''," Wang Feng shrugged.
Chapter 433: Do everything possible ?
Chapter 433: Do everything possible ?
The halftime break was very brief, and soon both sides returned to the field. Real Madrid did not make any personnel changes, while Barcelona substituted Yaya Tour with the young Busquets.
As the starting defensive midfielder, Tour''s performance in this match was off, failing to y a crucial role in defensive interceptions. Busquets, a product of Barcelona''s youth academy, had just been promoted to the first team this season, but his level was something Guardi could rely on.
After the second half began, Real Madrid yers noticed a noticeable change in Barcelona''s tactics. Alves'' positioning was closer to the midfield than before, and he coborated with the energetic Busquets to build a new defensive system together.
This effectively suppressed the quick counterattacks of the Gcticos and further strengthened control over the midfield. Therefore, the home team quickly saw the dawn of victory again.
In the 54th minute, after several consecutive passes, Barcelona broke into the Real Madrid penalty area. Henry passed the ball into the penalty area, and Messi volleyed from the left side of the goal, 10 meters away. Cole made a desperate save but only hit the ball onto the post.
4-3! Barcelona took the lead again, with Messi scoring his second goal!
Adding insult to injury for Real Madrid, English defender Cole was injured and unable to continue ying. In desperation, coach Schuster had to substitute Heinze onto the field.
Afterward, the home team still firmly controlled possession of the ball. Moreover, being in the lead, they yed even more calmly, passing and controlling the ball as time went on. As the minutes passed, the mood of the Gcticos'' yers gradually became restless, as no one wanted their efforts to be in vain.
In the 64th minute, Messi was fouled by Ramos after a pass, and the referee showed him a yellow card, sparking dissatisfaction from Barcelona yers and fans. "He should have been sent off for that kind of tackle!"
Soon after, Real Madrid prepared to make a quick counterattack from midfield, but Wang Feng was tackled by Iniesta just as he started moving forward. This led to another fierce confrontation between the two sides, with Pepe immediately rushing to confront the Spanish defender, pushing him hard. "Touch Wang again and see what happens!"
Barcelona yers naturally stood their ground, but the experienced referee quickly intervened between the two sides, calming the situation and issuing a yellow card to Iniesta and Pepe each.
"The atmosphere on the field is gradually bing tense!"
"Yes, the El sico is always fiery every year, and this year''s evenly matched situation will only exacerbate it. But I still want to say that both sides should try to stay rational because any irrational behavior now will have irreversible consequences."
"You''re right, but Iniesta''s tackle just now was too dangerous. Luckily, Wang Feng wasn''t injured. Okay, let''s get back to the game."
"Barcelona steals the ball and pushes into the frontcourt. Messi receives the ball, this time defended by Diarra. Let''s see how the Argentine star handles it. He dribbles past, crosses!"
"In the penalty area, Heinze and Henry are both challenging for the ball. Heinze gets to it first and clears it away! Huh? The referee blows the whistle, what''s going on? He points to the penalty spot, a penalty! Real Madrid have been penalized with a penalty!"
"This is unbelievable, what happened? Let''s see the rey. Oh, I see, Heinze clearly shoved Henry while contesting for the ball, causing the Frenchman to fall."
"But he was already in a great position, he could have easily won the header without resorting to that action. s! Heinze, oh Heinze, in the 70th minute, Barcelona gets a great opportunity!"
When the referee awarded Barcelona a penalty and showed a yellow card to the Argentine defender, Schuster on the sidelines covered his face in disappointment. He then slowly walked back to the coaching bench and copsed as if he had lost all his strength.
When Cole was injured, he had hesitated between Metzelder and Heinze, not knowing who to send on, and ultimately chose Heinze because he had more substitutions left.
It turned out to be a wrong choice, as if Barcelona scored the penalty, it would basically mean the game was decided, and the German had no other way to turn the tide.
"This time it should be Messi taking the penalty, right? If he scores, it will be a hat-trick."
"But we see Messi pointing to Eto''o, he''s ready to give the opportunity to the Cameroonian. Eto''o is a reliable penalty taker for Barcelona, it seems like this is done for a more secure victory."
"Although the Argentine star is still young, he has gradually developed the leadership qualities of the team!"
"Eto''o runs up, shoots! Goal! Eto''o didn''t let his teammates down, he helps secure the victory with a calm penalty, and now the score is 5-3!"
"After this blow, I wonder if Real Madrid can still bounce back. They haven''t had many good opportunities in the second half."
Wang Feng quietly ran into the Barcelona goal to retrieve the ball after scoring, and at the same time directed his teammates to return to their positions. He knew that words were very pale in this situation, only actual results could boost morale!
In the 75th minute, Barcelona nned another attack. Eto''o broke into the penalty area and shot, but Casis saved it, quickly throwing the ball to Ramos, who passed it to Diarra.
After several passes, the ball came to Sneijder''s feet, who passed it to Robben in the frontcourt. Robben then passed to Wang Feng and quickly made a run forward. However, Barcelona''s defense was very tight at this point, making it difficult for them to break through or make direct passes.
Wang Feng took a deep breath, received the ball while slightly adjusting his body, intentionally deceiving Busquets, who didn''t press him closely due to the distance from the goal. Instead, he silently blocked his passing and breakthrough routes.
But Wang Feng unexpectedly took two steps to the ball, stopped it with his left foot, lifted his right foot high, and then fiercely struck a long-range shot.
The ball drew a perfect rainbow in the air, grazing the left post before entering the, leaving goalkeeper Valds dumbfounded.
"Goal! Wang Feng once again sts through Barcelona''s goal!"
"A thunderous long-range shot from nearly forty meters out, my god, just how powerful is the Chinese superstar''s explosiveness!!"
"I believe that neither Barcelona''s defensive yers nor the goalkeeper expected this goal to happen. Their faces are full of confusion and incredulity."
"A stunning long-range strike, Wang Feng only took two steps to make the shot, it''s simply unstoppable! They thought Barcelona had secured the victory, but unexpectedly, the situation changed dramatically. Real Madrid still has a chance to equalize or even take the lead. As long as Wang Feng is still on the field, as long as he can fight!"
4-5! After scoring, Wang Feng quickly rushed into the Barcelona goal to retrieve the ball, while instructing his teammates to return to their starting positions. He used irond facts to tell them that Real Madrid had not lost yet!
Chapter 434: God at Camp Nou
Chapter 434: God at Camp Nou
Guardi''s worst fear hase true once again: Wang Feng has erupted with unimaginable energy, ready to step up and save the team.
In fact, from the emergence of the Chinese superstar to the present, numerous renowned coaches and analysts have meticulously studied him, leading to a startling conclusion: Wang Feng''s potential is nearly untouchable! In other words, while any yer on the field can be targeted and restricted with tailored defensive tactics, constantly marked throughout the game, even superstars like Zidane and Ronaldo are not exceptions.
Under normal circumstances, Wang Feng conforms to this pattern. Even if he''s incredibly strong, he''s still just one person. However, experts gradually discovered that sometimes the Chinese superstar can be as unstoppable as a god descending to earth. At such times, his performance knows no bounds, and no amount of restriction can contain him.
There are countless examples of this phenomenon. It''s because of this that Wang Feng is known as the "Key Man," helping his team win one trophy after another. It''s no wonder many media outlets believe that time is his only enemy.
Guardi keenly senses that the Chinese superstar is currently in an unstoppable state. His super long-range world-ss shot from over forty meters is just unbelievable!
With gritted teeth, Guardi absolutely refuses to let victory slip through his fingers. He prepares to continue adjusting the lineup, substituting Henry with Keita, bolstering the midfield and defense to the fullest.
At the same time, he instructs the newly substituted Keita to ry messages to other yers. He advises them to adopt a time-wasting tactic, ensuring that they safely y out the remaining ten-plus minutes while sparing no effort to limit Wang Feng, even if it means fouling!
yers like Puyol find it somewhat unbelievable that the head coach would adopt such a negative tactic, but seeing Guardi''s serious expression on the sidelines, they choose to strictly adhere to his instructions.
The game gradually approaches its conclusion.
"Boom!" Wang Feng once again falls heavily on the pitch. This isn''t the first time he''s had intimate contact with the wet turf. Rainwater and mud cover his jersey.
In the past ten minutes, Barcelona has adopted a maniacal defensive strategy, even earning five yellow cards despite being at home. The intensity is evident.
In the 87th minute, the referee shows a yellow card to the just-substituted Keita, awarding Real Madrid a free kick near the midfield, unable to directly threaten the goal.
Sneijder sends the free kick to Robben, the Dutch winger moves up the wing and passes to Wang Feng, who is facing away from the goal in front. At this moment, Busquets rushes from behind to intercept.
The Chinese superstar seems to have eyes in the back of his head, gently guiding the ball to the left with his left foot, smoothly turning to evade Busquets'' pressure. His timing is impable C a moment earlier and he''d be blocked; a momentter and he''d be tackled.
Seeing that Busquets failed to stop him, nearby yers like Xavi and Abidal converge from both sides, attempting to trap Wang Feng outside the penalty area like a closing gate.
However, Wang Feng''s ball control is as swift as the wind, his rhythm changes making it difficult for the two defenders. Abidal loses his bnce and falls trying to tackle, and the encirclement copses instantly.
Entering the penalty area, Wang Feng cuts inside, pushing past Puyol who retreats while defending, with Marcos providing cover on the left. Wang Feng flicks the ball to the left, attempting the same move to break through between the two defenders.
Puyol hastily extends his foot to intercept, but falls victim to a trick. Wang Feng uses his left foot to feint again, breaking through from the right side toward the goal line, reaching near the edge of the small penalty area. He takes a shot with his left foot.
Puyol desperately chases back, while thest defender, Alves, slides to block the ball. The goalkeeper also dives to the near post for the save, but the ball is too fast. It flies past the defensive line, kissing the inside of the left post and entering the.
"Goooooal!!" The ball is in! My God, I can''t believe my eyes!"
"Wang Feng once again performs a miracle, breaking through the entire Barcelona defense for the third time and scoring an important goal! The score is now 5-5, and both sides are back to level!"
"This game is truly full of twists and turns. We''ll never know the oue until the final whistle. I wonder if there will be any changes in the next few minutes."
In the dying moments, Wang Feng is still not satisfied! In the 89th minute, he once again sets off from the front, ready to charge into the penalty area, but is pulled down from behind by Busquets.
As a result, the Spanish youngster, who came on as a substitute, receives his second yellow card, directly leading to a red card! Whether it''s Yaya Toure or Busquets, both of them werepletely overwhelmed by Wang Feng''s performance today.
Real Madrid earns a free kick in the attacking half, about twenty-five meters from the goal. "In this position, Wang Feng can easily take a shot on goal. Could the away team be about to stage a dramaticeback?"
The home fans in the stands obviously know the danger of Wang Feng''s free kicks. Their shouts and boos grow louder, attempting to disrupt the Chinese superstar''s penalty kick.
Wang Feng wipes the sweat from his forehead, takes a deep breath, runs up, and shoots!
The ball flies towards the top left corner of the goal. Everyone seems to hold their breath, staring at the trajectory of the ball. "Boom!" It hits the post heavily and bounces out of bounds.
"Ah, what a pity! The angle of that shot was perfect. If it had just been a bit more to the inside, it would have been a goal! It seems that this century derby will ultimately end in a draw."
"After experiencing the high-intensitypetition throughout the game, even Wang Feng couldn''t maintain his remarkable free-kick uracy. He''s scored five goals on his own in this game, equivalent to the firepower of Barcelona''s front three!"
As regr time ends, the fourth official raises the board indicating five minutes of injury time, a reasonable number due to the numerous fouls in the second half.
But Barcelona fans are very dissatisfied with this. Deafening boos echo through the Camp Nou; they''re afraid, afraid in their own home! At this moment, everyone hopes that the damn time would hurry up, as a draw would be enough for Barcelona!
In the 94th minute, Real Madrid is still on the attack. Wang Feng''s performance inspires everyone on the team. Robben holds off Alves on the wing and forcefully cuts inside. Suddenly stopping, he turns and sends a back-heel pass.
The Chinese superstar bursts into the penalty area, volleying with his left foot. A stunning low shot pierces through the legs of the Barcelona goalkeeper Valdes, skimming the inside of the left post and entering the!
"Goooooal!! Ast-minute winner! Thest-minute winner of the game!"
"Tonight, a god has appeared at the Camp Nou! Wang Feng, with six brilliant and unparalleled goals, tells everyone that he''s the only god at the Camp Nou !"
"We can see that at this moment, the Chinese superstar is tilting his head up and spreading his arms, as if epting the adoration of the Barcelona fans!"
"Ironically, the home fans, who have been noisy throughout the game, are now silent. No one dares to insult the Chinese superstar anymore. His performance deserves everyone''s respect!"
The broadcast then shows various Barcelona yers. Puyol shakes his head incessantly, Iniesta looks bewildered, and Messi lies on the pitch, burying his head deep in his hands, his shoulders asionally trembling as if crying.
On the sideline, Guardi angrily smashes the water bottle in his hand on the ground, while Schuster opens his mouth wide, looking very shocked, then showing a delighted and excited expression afterward.
Chapter 435: Best Cinematography of the Year
Chapter 435: Best Cinematography of the Year
As the referee''s whistle sounded, the exciting century derby finally came to an end, and the ultimate winner was the Gcticos. They defeated Barcelona 6-5 at the Camp Nou, securing three valuable points.
After this match, Real Madrid became the only undefeated team in La Liga and surged to the top of the league standings, surpassing Barcelona.
Wang Feng staged a miraculous performance, scoring six goals in a single game! After 15 rounds of the league, his goal tally reached an astonishing 35, averaging two goals per game, which is unmatched across Europe.
More importantly, at crucial moments, the Chinese superstar proved that he alone could defeat Barcelona''s attacking trio, casting an indelible shadow over the Catn team''s title ambitions.
In the post-match press conference, Barcelona coach Guardi appeared extremely despondent. He sighed deeply into the microphone, saying, "I''m sorry for everything that happened. The past forty-five minutes have been a disaster for Barcelona."
"Perhaps we could have performed better. If Yaya had been more resolute, if Sergio had been more rational. But frankly, Barcelona has already expended all its energy in this phase. Otherwise, the situation wouldn''t have been so dire."
"But ultimately, we were one move short. This means the team still needs to improve topete for the league title and even the Champions League. We will continue to strive and act in the winter transfer window. Real Madrid is a hurdle we must ovee."
Regarding Wang Feng, the Spanish coach didn''t have much to say: "I think there''s no need to talk about him anymore. Anyone who watched the game or knows the score can understand what kind of yer he is."
Real Madrid coach Schuster, with a red face, said enthusiastically, "Was I dumbfounded in the final moments? Yes, absolutely, I admit it. Thatst-minute winner exceeded my imagination. Wang always gives me unparalleled surprises."
"The strength of Barcelona is undeniable, but we are fully capable of conquering them, especially at the devil''s home ground, the Camp Nou. So, tonight marks the beginning of the Gcticos'' great journey. We will achieve unprecedented trebles in the league and the Champions League!"
The German''s confident deration naturally stirred whispers among the media present, as Real Madrid was dering war on all the top clubs in Europe. Tomorrow''s headlines will have a hard time letting go of this news.
However, many people murmured in their hearts that given the Chinese superstar''s performance tonight, he could probably win even if he were coaching the away team!
As the focal point yer, Wang Feng naturally appeared at the press conference. He didn''t emphasize his own merits, as his style has always been low-key off the field despite being high-profile on it.
"This victory belongs to the Real Madrid coaching staff and all the yers. It''s the result of everyone''s collective effort to ovee strong opponents."
"The destructive power of Barcelona''s attacking trio is impressive. Whether it''s Messi, Eto''o, or Henry, they can all be the focal point of the attack. When the three of them work together, they are enough to make opponents despair."
"Fortunately, my teammates never thought of giving up. They have been supporting me all along, and with a bit of luck, we achieved this great victory."
Regarding future goals, Wang Feng''s views align with those of the head coach: "Of course, we will strive for the greatest achievements. This is not an empty promise because we are a great team!"
After the century derby, the Gcticos rested overnight in Barcelona and flew to Japan the next morning to participate in the Club World Cup.
On the ne, Ral approached Wang Feng with a smile, holding thetest issue of "Marca" and saying, "Your celebration after the winning goalst night was too cool. That scene will definitely be a ssic in football."
Wang Feng took the newspaper, and on the cover was his posture receiving adoration from the stands, contrasting sharply with the home fans covering their faces and crying. It looked particrly stunning under unique lighting and filters.
This photo waster selected as the best photography of the year and appeared on the cover of "Time" magazine. This was the Chinese superstar''s third appearance in the magazine, the first being when he won the Ballon d''Or, and the second when he equaled the historical record for Ballon d''Or wins.
Of course, these are stories forter. At this moment, Wang Feng looked at the photo with amazement, "Who took this photo? I can guarantee that at that moment, I just wanted to respond to the radical fans a bit, definitely not to provoke."
"Haha, we all know. But there''s probably only you who can be so domineering at the Camp Nou!"
This game sparked widespread discussion in Europe. Media from Spain, Italy, Germany, and other countries highlighted the miraculous performance of the Chinese superstar, overshadowing everyone else.
Catn mediapletely stopped their rhetoric, even "The Godfather" Cruyff didn''t update his column anymore because they had nothing to say. At this moment, all they could do was pray that Wang Feng''s form wouldn''t remain this good forever, so they could have a chance to regain the initiative.
When the Gcticos arrived at Yokohama International Airport, the teammates once again felt how popr Wang Feng was in Asian countries. Almost all the fans who came to greet them held up banners with the Chinese superstar''s name, some even made life-size cardboard cutouts, and there were even anime-style two-dimensional standees.
Real Madrid, already having a decent fan base, experienced a surge in poprity after Wang Feng joined, especially in Asia. ording to thetest official team merchandise sales data, Madrid ranked first in the Madrid region and second in China, mainly due to the prevalence of pirated products domestically.
However, with the poprization of genuine awareness and the improvement of people''s living standards, it is believed that many people will choose to support the Chinese superstar, making it no problem to rank first in the future.
Surprisingly, sales in Japan also ranked in the top five. Considering they also have many European yers ying there, their attention was clearly not as high as Wang Feng''s.
This trip of the Gcticos to Japan will further drive official merchandise sales. Just by seeing countless fans wearing Wang Feng jerseys on the streets, one can glimpse the huge market in Japan.
The club doesn''t have too many expectations for match results. Being able to defend the title is good, but more importantly, it''s about rxing during the dense schedule to better prepare for the cruel tests of the second half of the season.
Therefore, before the semi-finals, the coaching staff decided to train for only one day, giving the rest of the time off, a full two days! This made all the yers ecstatic, but Schuster gave them three rules: no messing around, no staying out all night, and no breaking localws. Otherwise, they will be suspended.
Other teammates nned to go out and have fun, but Wang Feng found it difficult to do so because his poprity in Japan was too high. Coupled with the enhanced recognition of fellow East Asians, even if he disguised himself, he might still be recognized.
If he encountered a group of "crazy fans," he would probably be devoured entirely. The handsome face and robust physique of the Chinese superstar were not only beloved by European and American women but also highly sought after in China, Japan, and South Korea. Some joked that he could be an idol without being a football star.
"You just stay at the hotel and behave yourself. I''m going to meet some Japanese girls," Guti said with jealousy itching him.
Chapter 436: Win the Club World Cup again
Chapter 436: Win the Club World Cup again
Real Madrid''s opponent in the Club World Cup semifinals is the same asst year''s, also from the J League. This time it''s Gamba Osaka instead of Urawa Red Diamonds, a football club established by the famous Japanesepany Panasonic in Osaka Prefecture.
Although they have performed well in the J League, there is still a significant gap between them and the world-ss club Gcticos. Head coach Schuster took the opportunity to rest the main lineup.
On the field, Real Madrid had absolute dominance, but the opponent''s fighting spirit was indeed touching. In the first half, Cassano broke Gamba Osaka''s goal first, but soon forward Matsuno Sei seized a mistake by substitute goalkeeper Codina to equalize the score.
The Nissan Stadium erupted with joy. It was such an honorable thing to breach the gates of Real Madrid! The biggest contributor, Matsuno Sei, even ran around the field, receiving praise and apuse from his fellow countrymen.
On the sidelines, Schuster shook his head helplessly. It seemed that Codina was still not up to the task. They would need to recruit a more valuable substitute goalkeeper in the transfer market in the future.
This goal also momentarily made Gamba Osaka believe that they could defeat the Gcticos and advance to the final. However, Guti''s long shot from the edge of the penalty area shattered their hopes. In the second half, Savi scored another goal, making it 3-1, and Real Madridpletely secured the victory!
As the match entered garbage time, neither side seemed intent on continuing seriously, but the Japanese fans in the stands were very enthusiastic, continuously chanting Wang Feng''s name.
In the 75th minute, the Chinese superstar finally took to the field amidst the fervent calls. After a brief warm-up, he performed a series of consecutive dribbles in the frontcourt, dribbling past two defenders and then suddenly shooting from outside the penalty area, once again piercing Gamba Osaka''s goal.
The final score settled at 4-1, and the Gcticos smoothly advanced to the Club World Cup final. Their opponents would be from the Ecuadorian Serie A, Universidad Catolica.
Universidad Catolica is Ecuador''s most sessful football club, having won the domestic league title nine times. Last season, they won the Copa Libertadores for the first time, bing the first team in Ecuadorian history to achieve South America''s highest honor.
In the semifinals, they defeated the North American champions Pachuca 2-0 to advance to the final, marking the fourth consecutive year that the UEFA Champions League winners and the Copa Libertadores winners met in the Club World Cup final.
In this match, coach Schuster led Wang Feng, Sneijder, and Ramos to lead the substitute yers. With the trio leading, the Gcticos dominated in all areas of the field.
After all, not all the main yers were deployed, so Universidad Catolica did not lose their ability to fight back. While maintaining a stable defense, they also nned many high-quality counterattack opportunities.
In the 17th minute, Real Madrid midfielder Sneijder diagonally passed to Wang Feng on the nk. Thetter forcefully dribbled to the baseline, evaded defensive blocks, and lifted the ball into the penalty area. Cassano turned and scored past goalkeeper Cevallos''s fingertips.
Seven minutester, Sneijder sent a direct pass to Universidad Catolica''s defensive line, and Wang Feng, like lightning, quickly started. He sneaked to the ball before the defending yers, then dribbled into the penalty area, and calmly shot from 8 meters in front of the goal.
The first half ended with a score of 2-0. In the second half, in the 59th minute, Real Madrid defender Garca took a powerful long shot from outside the penalty area. Although Cevallos barely saved the ball, he failed to keep it out of the danger zone.
The Chinese superstar seized the opportunity to rush out and score into the empty, making it 3-0! The Gcticospletely secured the victory, with Wang Feng scoring twice.
After this goal, Universidad Catolica lost their will to counterattack, and the clean and neat finish made them concede defeat. Real Madrid sessfully defended their Club World Cup title!
At the end of the match, during the awards ceremony, Wang Feng was once again selected as the best yer of the tournament. In an interview, a reporter asked about the January FIFA annual awards ceremony, especially the most anticipated selection of the FIFA Best Men''s yer.
The Chinese superstar happily replied, "FIFA has officially invited me, and of course, I will attend. In the past year, many outstanding yers have emerged in the world of football, which puts pressure on me, but it also motivates me. I am not afraid of any challenges."
Basically, no one thinks this major award will go to anyone else, especially seeing Wang Feng''s dominance against Barcelona. "No yer can rece his position now," as stated by the French "L''Equipe."
Back in Madrid, after the exhausting journey, the Gcticos faced their 16th round match in La Liga, also thest match before the New Year.
Although they fielded their main lineup in this match, the yers were generally in poor form, including Wang Feng. In the 17th minute, Valencia forward Morentes opened the scoring for the away team.
Later, Real Madrid''s forward line got several good chances, but they couldn''t capitalize on them. It wasn''t until the 67th minute of the second half when Robben and Wang Feng engaged in a series of wall-passbinations on the wing. The Chinese superstar made a quick run into the penalty area and shot into the far corner from a tight angle.
The ball went straight under goalkeeper Hildebrand''s body and into the, making it 1-1, and the home team leveled the score.
Unfortunately, this result did not hold until the final whistle. In the 85th minute, Viera took advantage of ax moment in Real Madrid''s defense, stole the ball, and then scored with a one-on-one, sessfully breaking the Gcticos'' undefeated record this season.
At the final whistle, the Real Madrid yers were extremely disappointed. They had fought hard to grab the top position in the league, but unexpectedly, they would return to Barcelona''s hands in just two weeks.
Unexpectedly, Barcelona also lost their match. They were reversed tragically by Virreal with a score of 1-2, with the main turning point being defender Pique''s expulsion after receiving two yellow cards.
After the decisive battle with Real Madrid, they felt somewhat physically and mentally exhausted. The subsequent loss was a heavy blow, so much so that they werepletely out of sorts in this round of matches, making frequent mistakes, and losing their sharpness in attackpared to before.
After the match, Guardi admitted that the team was in a difficult situation, but fortunately, the winter break wasing up. They had enough time to adjust and restart. "I believe in my yers. They are not the kind of fragile people. We have endured the most difficult times together, and the next season should be a season of harvest!"
Thanks to this "ident," Real Madrid still won the first half championship in the league. This undoubtedly boosted the yers'' morale, and in recent years, the team that won the first half championship ultimately had thestugh.
After the match ended that night, the club had a dinner gathering and then disbanded. Everyone could go home and enjoy the Christmas and New Year holidays without the stress of preparing for the Christmas Eve battle likest year.
Since Lu Yao gave birth, Wang Feng''s family and Lu Yao''s mother hade to live in Madrid for a long time. The spacious vi was filled withughter and the atmosphere of home. Lu Yao''s father would alsoe over for the New Year.
Little Si Yao was about six months old now, able to crawl on the floor by herself, making babbling sounds with her grape-like eyes and chubby round face, appearing very cute.
"Our little baby will definitely grow up to be a beauty." Wang Feng held the little one and refused to let go. Usually, he was busy running around and didn''t have a chance to spend quality time with his daughter, but fortunately, she was very well-behaved, not crying or fussing often. Looking at Wang Feng, she would even show a healing smile, as if she knew that the man in front of her was her father.
Chapter 437: Start again in the new year
Chapter 437: Start again in the new year
During the short holiday, Wang Feng had a rtively leisurely time. Since the children were still young, they didn''t choose to go out for a trip. The space at home wasrge enough for everyone to rx, and asionally they could enjoy outdoor sunbathing and barbecue. The winter in Spain didn''t feel too cold.
During this time, Wang Feng received a call from his agent, Balmond: "The Real Madrid club has been contacting me all this time, wanting to discuss your contract renewal. What do you think?"
Wang Feng closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Francisco, even if I renew my contract now and be the highest-paid yer in the world, I''m afraid it won''t be muchpared to the fee I receive for endorsing apany."
"I want to discuss this matterter. There are still two and a half years left on the contract. You can reassure the club''s senior management that I won''t suddenly want to leave."
"There are currently many top clubs contacting me, wanting to discuss the issue of your transfer. How should I handle it?" Balmond asked. "Reject them for now. It''s not the right time."
Regarding the career nning of the Chinese superstar, he had full decision-making power, while Balmond was only responsible for execution. This was the foundation of their many years of cooperation.
"Oh, by the way, hasn''t Belgium''s Genk recently produced two somewhat famous new stars? I hope you can sign them and operate them well, they might be tomorrow''s superstars."
Balmond also had some understanding of this matter. The genius midfielder De Bruyne and the forward Huang Hu, both of Chinese descent, had been showing signs of promise in the Belgian league recently.
To be honest, he greatly admired the vision of the Chinese superstar. Whether it was Ribry before or Balotelli, they were extremely talented prospects. Unfortunately, thetter seemed a bit erratic and needed to experience the trials of society.
The winter transfer window was destined to have no major movements. Real Madrid''s stable performance meant they didn''t need any personnel reinforcements, while Barcelona secured a deal.
They acquired defensive midfielder Na Diarra from Portsmouth in the Premier League, further strengthening the team''s midfield and defense. The transfer fee reached 20 million euros.
This 23-year-old Frenchman had been dubbed the "second Makll". At his unveiling at Barcelona, he said, "It''s undoubtedly an honor for me, but right now, I''m focused on ying football at Barcelona."
"This is the focus of attention for the world media and fans, with the best yers and squad in the world. I feel extremely proud to step onto such a stage."
When asked about Real Madrid and Wang Feng, the young yer seemed a bit at a loss. "Um, he is a great yer, oh, no, he is a strong opponent, but we always find a way, I think that''s it."
Fortunately, Barcelona''s spokesperson promptly defused the situation, avoiding an embarrassing scene. Apart from him, the Catn team also bought defender Carletto from Santos in Brazil and brought back Rodrigue from Smanca, making significant reinforcements.
On the second day of the new year, Real Madrid yers gradually returned to the club. After a simple physical examination and adaptation training, they flew to Virreal to prepare for the first game of 2009.
On January 4th, at the Ceramic Stadium, the 17th round of La Liga officially began. Apart from Pepe, who injured his knee in training, and Diarra, who had inmed tonsils, both absent, the rest of Real Madrid''s main lineup started.
In the first half, the away team scored first. In the 29th minute, Ramos started a pass from the back to find Robben on the right. Robben cut inside after receiving the ball and shot from the left side of the 22-meter position.
Virreal''s goalkeeper Lopez made a diving save, but the ball bounced to Wang Feng on the left, who easily slotted it in, 1-0!
Before the end of the first half, the away team created another opportunity. Sneijder sent a through ball from the front, and Wang Feng broke into the left side of the penalty area, shooting into the far corner again, 2-0! Another brace!
"The Chinese superstar seems to be steadily raising his standard for goals. Before, it was about how many games he went without scoring. Now it''s about how many games he hasn''t scored two or more goals."
"He has scored in all 17 league games so far, with only five games where he scored just once. It''s really hard to imagine a forward reaching these numbers one day."
In the second half, neither side changed the scoreline, and Real Madrid eventually won the game.
Meanwhile, their directpetitors, Barcelona, continued theirckluster performance from before the new year. Messi was absent due to an old injury, and they fell behind 0-2 to Mallorca in the first 20 minutes at the Camp Nou!
Luckily, Eto''o and Iniesta stepped up to score a goal each for the home team, leveling the score at 2-2. Otherwise, they would have faced strong criticism from the home fans.
During the match, Barcelona had a possession rate of over 70%, but the number of times they actually prated the opponent''s penalty area was few. After the match, Mundo Deportivo criticized the team: "Without Messi, Barcelona struggles to dominate, not just against Real Madrid, but against other teams in La Liga as well."
Thanks to the result of this round, Real Madrid gradually secured their position at the top of the table, making it difficult for them to be overtaken.
On January 8th, the Spanish King''s Cup resumed, with Real Madrid traveling to face Real Betis.
In the 13th minute of the match, Real Betis took the lead using a corner kick opportunity, with defender Rivera opening the scoring. Mer held apse in defense, recing Pepe.
Before the end of the first half, Rivera broke through to the penalty area with the ball, then passed to forward Pavoni for a close-range shot, expanding the home team''s lead.
Wang Feng''s performance this season had been exceptionally hot, so both the coaching staff and the club management hoped that the team could make a breakthrough in the cuppetitions as well. Therefore, in the second half, the Chinese superstar decisively came on as a substitute.
Just two minutes after the restart, he intercepted a pass from Juanito in the opponent''s half, then broke into the penalty area and scored with a one-on-one, helping the Gcticos pull one back.
"Wang Feng looks very excited and energetic, not at all like someone who just went through a big battle and travel fatigue four days ago."
In the 66th minute, the Chinese superstar received a pass from Guti on the wing, then slotted the ball diagonally into the penalty area for Cassano, who calmly equalized the score.
After that, the away team yed more smoothly. In the 74th minute, Garca passed to Wang Feng in the frontcourt. He feigned a shot, then dribbled past a defender before taking a shot from outside the penalty area. The ball curled into the top left corner of the goal, leaving the Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo cursing his short arms for not reaching the ball.
In the final moments, Guti and Van der Vaart once againbined brilliantly, breaking into Real Betis'' penalty area, with the "Golden Wolf" lobbing the ball into the for the fourth time.
4-2! The performance of the Gcticos in the first and second halves of the match could be said to be like two different teams.
Chapter 438: Predictable results
Chapter 438: Predictable results
La Liga''s 18th round saw Real Madrid facing the challenge of Mallorca, a team that had given Barcelona a hard time butpletely lost their way under Wang Feng''s devastating attacks.
In this match, the Chinese superstar achieved an impressive feat by scoring four goals, along with a goal from Ral, leading the Gcticos to a 5-0 victory over their opponents.
After two consecutive disappointing rounds, Barcelona finally had a breakthrough with Messi''s return. They defeated Osasuna 3-0, preventing Real Madrid from further widening their lead in points.
After the game, Wang Feng, Ramos, Casis, and others formed a team and traveled to Zurich, Switzend, to attend the 2008 FIFA Awards Ceremony.
Earlier, FIFA announced the top five candidates for the FIFA World yer of the Year award, namely Wang Feng, Cristiano Ronaldo, Torres, Messi, and Xavi. The Chinese superstar was naturally the hot favorite to win the award, having already received the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and France Football''s European Golden Ball.
The legendary Pel, who was a guest atst year''s awards, said in an interview, "I told Wang that I would give him the award next year. It''s obvious."
Marca stated that Wang Feng''s dominance in football was unshakable. "When he repeatedly scores goals, leads Real Madrid to victory, and outperforms Barcelona''s front trio, this viewpoint has deeply prated into everyone''s hearts."
Other media outlets also agreed that the FIFA World yer of the Year award had long lost its suspense. Even Catalonia''s Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers concurred, stating, "The award became clear after the end of the European Championship, as Cristiano led Portugal to a disastrous performance."
Another thing that made the Chinese people extremely proud at this event was that, following Dong Fangzhuo''s nomination for the Ballon d''Or top thirty. He also sessfully made it to the top thirty for the FIFA World yer of the Year. He was invited to attend the awards ceremony, with two Chinese faces appearing on the global live broadcast red carpet stage!
Dong Fangzhuo attended the event with his family, wearing a Prada custom-made suit. Backed by the domestic market, he had gradually be a favorite of sponsors, but unfortunately, his exposure in the Bundesliga was somewhat insufficient.
Wang Feng, on the other hand, remained the center of attention throughout the event. Lu Yao was worried about their little one at home and didn''t enjoy such high-exposure scenes, so the Chinese superstar had to bear it alone.
After entering the theater, Wang Feng met up with Dong Fangzhuo and greeted other stars like Kak, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi. From Ronaldo guiding him to now guiding Ribry, and now guiding Dong Fangzhuo, the legacy continued.
"Keep up the good work and strive to stand on the final award stage one day!" Wang Feng patted Dong Fangzhuo on the back encouragingly before entering the main hall, where he sat in the middle of the first row, next to Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.
The ceremony began with the presentation of special awards by FIFA. The Palestinian Football Association received this honor, while Turkey and Armenia were awarded the Fair y prize.
The Chairman''s Special Award went to the US Women''s National Team, and Brazilian forward Marta was named FIFA Women''s World yer of the Year for the third consecutive year. If Wang Feng dominated men''s football, then she ruled women''s football.
When the final award was announced, the cameras focused on the top three candidates in the front row, all of whom remained unusually calm because the answer was self-evident, and there was no need for nervousness or anxiety.
FIFA President tter took the stage and straightforwardly announced that the award belonged to the Chinese superstar - Wang Feng! This was his fifth time standing on the highest podium. Although he remainedposed on the surface, he was very excited inside. This meant that the distance between him and other yers had further widened, and his future status in history would be even higher.
"Thank you to every judge, thank you to FIFA. Your affirmation is the best recognition of my performancest year!" After receiving the trophy from tter, Wang Feng said slowly.
"I can receive this trophy today, thanks to the help of all Real Madrid yers, the efforts of the club staff, and the support of the management. Esto es para ti, Madrid! (This is for you, Madrid!)"
Warm apuse erupted in the audience, and Ramos, Casis, and others responded excitedly to the Chinese superstar.
"I also want to thank the national team''s coaches and teammates. I am delighted to see the booming development of domestic football in recent years, and to see mypatriot Dong Fangzhuo appearing at the highest level of world football''s awards ceremony."
"I hope he can continue to work hard and stand on this award stage one day. At that time, I can proudly say that China is no longer a small football country but a football powerhouse that matches its size!"
"Of course, various talented yers continue to emerge in the world of football. I want to say to them, keep going, I will be here waiting for you to challenge! May football prosper!"
Thunderous apuse once again echoed throughout the theater, and everyone felt emotional. When Wang Feng emerged like a superhero, football''s influence worldwide continued to grow.
Whether a fan or not, no one could resist Wang Feng''s charm. They involuntarily wanted to follow rted news because their hearts were filled with curiosity: how far could the Chinese superstar go, and who could ultimately defeat him?
ording to the announced votes, Wang Feng received 935 points, while Cristiano Ronaldo came second with 678 points. Messi was third with 203 points, followed by Torres with 183 points, and Kak with 155 points.
The FIFA World yer of the Year is voted on by the national team coaches and captains of FIFA member countries. Each person has three choices, with the first, second, and third choices receiving 5, 3, and 1 point(s) respectively.
The Chinese superstar received 136 first-ce votes, 77 second-ce votes, and 24 third-ce votes. Cristiano Ronaldo received 76 first-ce votes, 83 second-ce votes, and 49 third-ce votes.
FIFA rules stipte that national team coaches and captains cannot vote for yers from their own country. Argentina''s coach Maradona said in an interview that he gave his three votes to Wang Feng, Ibrahimovi?, and Adebayor.
Although the Chinese superstar was Messi''s biggestpetitor, the former Argentine football king disyed infinite magnanimity, stating, "Wang Feng was the best yerst year, so I could only vote for him. There was no other choice."
Regarding thepetition between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the new generation, he showed a rather optimistic attitude, "There''s no doubt Messi has greater potential. He will be the number one in the football world after the Wang Feng era."
Portugal''s coach Queiroz, on the other hand, was more "cunning." They couldn''t directly vote for Cristiano Ronaldo but didn''t choose Wang Feng or Messi either. Instead, they voted for Kak, Xavi, and Ibrahimovi?. Nevertheless, Wang Feng''s votes remained high.
China''s coach Ali Han and captain Li Weifeng voted for Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Torres, being very sincere and confident. "In our opinion, apart from Wang Feng, these are the best yers in the world of football. If we exclude Wang Feng, there''s no other choice."
"Too confident? No, no, no. I believe that most coaches and team captains around the world are professionals. They all understand that Wang Feng is the undisputed number one, and he will definitely be elected by a huge margin."
Chapter 439: Keep singing
Chapter 439: Keep singing
Therge newspaper cover is printed in bright red with the Arabic numeral "5", which is the headline of the German "Kicker" newspaper. It marks the fifth time Wang Feng, the world''s footballer, has personally set the record for the most awards won by a yer.
The magazine''s editor-in-chief wrote a special report, stating that Wang Feng had established the foundation for his award early on. He had helped Real Madrid defend their league and Champions League titlesst season, winning the European Golden Boot and Champions League top scorer titles.
Further cementing his victory was perhaps credited to Ronaldo''s poor performance in the European Championship and Wang''s ster performance in the Olympics. As well as his crazy goal-scoring disy in the first half of this season, especially his god-like performance against Barcelona, which left everyone stunned.
Having defeated Ronaldo inst season''s Champions League final and Messi this season, the Chinese superstar remains the ruler of the football world, with the rising stars unable to shake his position.
"He is only two years older than Ronaldo and four years older than Messi. Given the current situation, these two stunning young yers may have to live in Wang Feng''s shadow for a long time. This is their misfortune, but it is fortunate for football and fans, because we can always see high-level contests."
The French magazine L''Equipe congratted Wang Feng on his award, with their cover featuring a photo of the Chinese superstar holding the trophy. Four trophies were added in post-production, implying that he had won a total of five Ballon d''Or awards.
The report pointed out that Wang Feng''s award was well-deserved. As one of the most authoritative awards in world football, it should be given to the best yer of the year, regardless of who they are or how many honors they have already received.
"L''Equipe" alsopiled all the honors Wang Feng received in 2008, including 19 individual awards and 4 collective awards, achieving a full year of glory.
The BBC believed that Wang Feng''s eptance speech was full of meaning. The emergence of a superstar has a huge impact on the country''s football level, and Chinese football is gradually moving towards glory.
"Although their domestic league is still chaotic, many people are on the right path, such as Dong Fangzhuo, Zheng Zhi, Gao Lin, Chen Tao, and even a group of young talents from Belgium."
The article detailed the Chinese superstar''s phnthropic efforts and ns. Perhaps these people do not have extraordinary talents, but with arge base and systematic training, someone will eventually stand out.
Spain''s "Marca" stated that Wang Feng''s award was not only an honor for Real Madrid but also for La Liga. "When he shouted ''This is for you, Madrid!'' I think many fans would be moved to tears."
"The 25-year-old Chinese superstar has won five European Ballon d''Or awards and FIFA World yer of the Year trophies, a legendary record that no predecessor in football has ever achieved."
The article asserted that Wang Feng would be the most valuable signing for Real Madrid, and Florentino, who led it all, would be mentioned in the same breath as the club''s legendary president, Bernabeu. Therefore, the most important thing for the team is to renew his contract and keep him.
Italy''s "Mn Sports News" said that Serie A had missed an era, and Inter Mn was the biggest loser. "With 327 goals scored in five years, Wang Feng is the greatest yer in Inter Mn''s history."
"But he left the Nerazzurri because of the foolish environment. Serie A will forever lose this king of stars, and will never be able to have him again, which is truly sad and ironic."
Returning from Zurich to the club, Real Madrid faced Real Betis in the fifth round of the Spanish King''s Cup.
Since they defeated their opponents in the first round, head coach Schuster did not let Wang Feng y to avoid unnecessary risks. He insisted on sitting on the bench just in case, as the Chinese superstar had long coveted this honor.
His teammates did not give him a chance to y. With goals from Iguan and Cassano, they cleanly defeated the opponents, advancing to the King''s Cup quarterfinals with a total score of 6-2.
On January 18th, in the 19th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Osasuna away.
To cope with the cruel schedule of double matches in the following week, head coach Schuster divided the main lineup into two, pairing them with outstanding substitute yers to form two systems, avoiding fatigue and injuries as much as possible.
However, Wang Feng''s name appeared in both lineups. He reassured the coaching staff, "Don''t worry, everyone, I can handle it. If there are any problems, I willmunicate with you in time."
So it''s really hard to be the number one in football, and the prerequisite is to have a "trained" body.
The away team quickly scored in this match. When Wang Feng broke through in the frontcourt and was tripped by the opponent''s midfielder, the Gcticos also got a free-kick opportunity. The Chinese superstar once again pierced the opponent''s goal with a stunning free-kick.
In the first half, there was another chance. Wang Feng received a diagonal pass from Guti on the left, pretending to break through and then passed it back to the oing Iguan. The Argentine forward immediately chose to pass, forming a two-on-one situation.
After entering the penalty area, the Chinese superstar feigned to move sideways, followed by two steps and a powerful shot to the far corner, making it 2-0!
After halftime, Osasuna quickly pulled one back with a counter-attack, but soon Van der Vaart sent a through ball from the front. Wang Feng pushed it into the near corner from 8 meters on the right side of the penalty area, once again widening the lead.
In the 85th minute, Wang Feng broke through from the nk and crossed, the home team''s defender made a mistake in clearing, and Iguan in front of the goal lobbed it into the, setting the final score at 4-1.
On January 23rd, in the first leg of the Spanish King''s Cup quarterfinals, the Gcticos hosted Mallorca at home.
Wang Feng scored two goals in the first half, one with a long shot and the other with a run behind the defense, sealing the victory for his team. Raul added another goal, helping the team expand their lead in the qualification.
On January 26th, in the 20th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Deportivo La Coru?a.
They struggled in this match, with Deportivo''s central defender Sergio and forward Tochbining skillfully to score first. The Gcticos'' continuous attacks failed to break through the away team''s defense until the 84th minute of the second half when Wang Feng broke into the penalty area from the left rib, dribbled past a defender, and decisively equalized the score.
Two minutester, the Chinese superstar struck again. This time, the reckless Deportivo defender Filipe harshly tackled him, receiving a direct red card from the referee.
Wang Feng rubbed his ankle. The Brazilian''s action was too brutal, but he could bear it! He then personally took the penalty andpletely shattered the guest team''s hope, making it 2-1! The Gcticos reversed the game and won.
On January 29th, in the second leg of the Spanish King''s Cup quarterfinals, the Gcticos faced Mallorca away.
With the whole team performing poorly, the Chinese superstar still led the attack, scoring two goals, but Mallorca''s forward, Webo, also scored twice, twice equalizing the score.
In the end, the two sides drew 2-2, with a total score of 5-2 over two legs. The Gcticos once again advanced to the King''s Cup semifinals, where they will face Sevi.
The other two teams that advanced to the semifinals are Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona, leading many media and fans to specte that the two giants of La Liga will eventually meet in the final.
Chapter 440: Thread a needle
Chapter 440: Thread a needle
Just as Wang Feng continued to y brilliantly and lead Real Madrid to great sess, he received a message from domestic asking for help to arrange for a young yer to join his training program in Belgium.
In fact, this n had been quietly ongoing for many years, but it had not made much waves in China. Many people were unaware that the Chinese superstar, besides regr charity work, also had such a special act of promoting football development.
This was mainly because the managers didn''t want others to emte it; training yers could be a big pie, and they didn''t like things beyond their control.
But Wang Feng''s influence was so great that it was hard topletely restrain. Coupled with the fact that those he trained were from poor families with little value, as without Wang Feng, these people would not y football either. So everyone tacitly epted this behavior and downyed its effects. The Chinese superstar had never "crossed the line" to recruit children who paid for training.
Not long ago, the BBC''s report brought hope to many discerning individuals. Unable to stop the trend of quick money-making in the current environment, young men who truly loved football could choose a more suitable path.
So, people started asking Wang Feng to help them get into the Genk Academy in Belgium. However, he rejected them one by one. His principle would never change; as long as the families couldn''t afford it, and he also mentioned that if they really wanted to take this path, they had every opportunity to try it themselves.
This time was no exception, but the person on the phone still insisted, pleading, "He''s really a very good seedling. There are too many difficulties for him to go on his own. Please take care of him, at least take a look at his game videos!"
"When he was 13, he scored six goals for the U14 youth football team, helping China beat Japan to win the championship. At 14, he yed for a professional team in the Chinese League Two. At 16, he scored his first goal in the Chinese League One. Such achievements are considered top-notch in China."
"Now this kid is only 17 years old. Without your care, he will probably have a hard time getting the chance to develop his talents to the level of you and Dong Fangzhuo. He clearly has extremely high talent!"
Hearing this, Wang Feng was somewhat moved. He knew that ording to the normal development trajectory in China, if this young talent were to grow to the level of signing with a top-five league club. It would probably take until he was in his twenties or even his early thirties.
People like Sun Jihai and Zheng Zhi went abroad when they were 26 or 27 and could never reach the level of world-ss stars. Gao Lin and Chen Tao were in their twenties and still had a chance, while Dong Fangzhuo had the best luck, encountering opportunities at 19 and sessfully grasping them to reach his current status.
"Send me his game videos. If he really has the ability, he definitely won''t be able to enter the Genk Academy, but I can help him connect with other European clubs."
On February 1st, in the 21st round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Numancia away.
The day before the match, Wang Feng watched the highlights of a young man named Wu Lei in the hotel and found that he was indeed very outstanding. He was agile and elegant on the field, and his football IQ was also very high. However, due to poor training, his basic skills were somewhatcking, especially in the crucial final touch, which was quite regrettable.
But there was still time! This kind of deficiency could be corrected with a little guidance, and then his attacking firepower would be even stronger!
Wang Feng was somewhat excited, pacing around the room. It seemed that he couldn''t avoid helping with this task, so he immediately called his agent, Balmond: "Francisco, I have an excellent young Chinese yer on hand. He''s only 17 years old. Use all your connections to help him find a good European club academy."
Although Balmond was a bit puzzled on the other end of the phone, he still agreed, "By the way, it''s better not to be a super powerhouse club. I hope he can y as soon as possible and establish himself in the first team!"
"Alright, boss, leave it to me!" So Wang Feng gave Balmond the contact information and let themmunicate directly.
In the match the next day, Wang Feng was even more spirited, thinking about the excellent rising star. Less than five minutes into the game, he received a diagonal pass from Sneijder on the left.
Stopping the ball steadily at his feet, the Chinese superstar moved towards the bottom while cutting inside, forcing the defenders toe forward to block. But suddenly, with a quick stop and feint, he left the defenders behind, Cruyff turn! Shaking off the defense, he easily crossed into the penalty area, where Higua??n nodded it in from the front, 1-0!
In the 29th minute, Sneijder sent a direct pass, and at the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng flicked and dribbled the ball, catching the Numancia goalkeeper off guard. Despite his desperate retreat, he was helpless, and the ball slowly crossed the penalty area, brushing the crossbar and dropping into the.
At the beginning of the second half, the Chinese superstar plotted another attack, dribbling past two defenders and shooting into the far corner of the goal, extending the score to 3-0, sealing the victory.
Balmond''s efficiency was very high, and soon came the news. There were both good and bad news. The good news was that several European clubs were very interested in Wu Lei, including stars from the Portuguese Primeira Liga and Dutch Eredivisie, such as Amadora and NEC Nijmegen, which were mid to lower table teams.
"To be honest, Wu''s biggest disadvantage is that he didn''te from a European youth academy, and almost no team recognizes the training level of the Chinese league. Even the Armenian league, which is at the bottom of the UEFA rankings, is no exception. These two interested clubs believe that he should start from scratch."
"Do you mean that if he joins them, Wu Lei won''t get any ying opportunities at all? That doesn''t sound like good news!"
"I knew you highly value opportunities for real match experience, so I used almost all my energy to make it happen. Finally, I found a suitable club, the Young Boys Club in the Swiss Super League."
"They are a traditional powerhouse in the Swiss league, having won the league title 11 times and the cup 6 times. Their performance this year is also very good, currently ranked second, and even have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Europa League."
"And more importantly, the main striker of the team, Landis, has fallen out with the club, and he is sure to leave this summer. They don''t have better options, so they promised to let Wu Lei have a trial."
Balmond joked on the phone, "This is thanks to your early fame. Now many small clubs in European football are more willing to try young yers, as hitting the jackpot is very exciting."
"This is really good news. What''s the bad news?" Wang Feng asked. "The bad news is that the club Wu Lei is currently signed with in the Chinese League One refuses to release him and even demands a ?10 million termination fee."
?10 million, which is more than 100 million yuan. Wang Feng seriously doubted whether this club was worth so much money. This is how the environment is now; as long as there''s a little benefit, everyone rushes in like wolves, and young yers in domestic youth training programs have no chance to stand out.
"It definitely shouldn''t be that much. So, let me try to negotiate." Wang Feng then took action, contacting many people in charge and finally managed to reduce the price to ?3 million. If it was any lower, the other party wouldn''t agree.
But the Young Boys Club was only willing to pay ?300,000. Although Wu Lei''s family conditions were good, they couldn''te up with the remaining ?2.7 million, so Wang Feng stepped in to cover this part.
"I believe that one day you will be able to repay me with interest, and it won''t be too long." Encouraged by the call from the football king, Wu Lei''s eyes were already brimming with tears. This was support from the football king!
Chapter 441: Records are made to be broken
Chapter 441: Records are made to be broken
On February 5, 2009, in the first leg of the Spanish King''s Cup quarter-finals, Real Madrid challenged Sevi away.
The home team started with a full-on attitude, taking advantage of Real Madrid''s semi-substitute lineup tounch a fierce attack and scored the first goal.
However, after conceding a goal, the Gcticos quickly adjusted and stabilized their formation. In the 17th minute, Guti sent a long pass over the top, Wang Feng headed the ball back into the penalty area, and Cassano followed up with a header to equalize the score.
Twelve minutester, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack from the back, with Metzelder sending a long pass. Wang Feng received the ball in midfield, dribbled straight into the penalty area, and scored with a low shot with his right foot, the ball slipping between the goalkeeper''s legs into the, 2-1! The Gcticos reversed the score.
In the second half, Real Madrid continued to dominate, and in the 72nd minute, Wang Feng forced his way down the wing and crossed to the far post. Cassano''s volley was saved by the Sevi goalkeeper, but the Chinese superstar, who had already entered the penalty area, seized the opportunity to score with a follow-up shot into the empty.
His sense of positioning in front of the goal remains as sharp as ever! Many stars only watch the trajectory of the ball and their teammates after passing, but Wang Feng never does; he''s always moving into position.
Unfortunately, Sevi seized a counterattacking opportunity in the final moments and scored again. When the final whistle blew, the score was fixed at 2-3, with the home team ahead and the away team behind, giving Real Madrid the advantage for advancement.
"We can see that both teams are very nervous. This free kick in the frontcourt is crucial. Three Real Madrid yers are standing on the left, middle, and right sides of the ball, which is different from Wang Feng taking it alone as usual. Obviously, they want to do some coordination."
"And the yers from the visiting team, Santander, are still arranging the wall, with tall yers blocking the shooting path and even the center-back Serrano lying on the ground. It seems they want to defend against the Gcticosprehensively."
"The referee blows the whistle, how will Real Madrid y? Raul takes the run-up first, passes to Sneijder, Wang Feng also starts running, shoots! Goal! Gooooooooooooooal!"
"Wang Feng uses a straight and high-speed cannon to st open the Santander gate, changing the score on the field to 2-1, and the Gcticos take the lead again at home."
"The exquisite coordination plus superb shooting created this wonderful goal. Let''s watch the slow-motion rey. Raul''s run-up made everyone think he would take the free kick."
"But that''s not the case. He passed the ball to Sneijder on the other side, the Dutchman stopped the ball, which had already rolled out of the wall''s blocking range, leaving space to shoot."
"The one who finally made the crucial shot at the doorstep was the Chinese superstar. You can always trust his powerful shooting!"
"The match is approaching its end, and the situation is very unfavorable for the visiting team. When Wang Feng scored first, they seized the only attacking opportunity to equalize the score, and then defended desperately until now. But all efforts have turned into nothing at this moment."
"The Bernabeu is roaring at this moment, fans are disying banners expressing their love for the team and Wang Feng. Since he arrived here, Real Madrid fans have be the happiest group in the world."
"Some attentive fans have already prepared banners with ''Congrattions on Wang''s new record!'' written on them. In thementary room, thementator also reacted: ''Oh, yes! This goal is Wang Feng''s 51st league goal, breaking his own record!''"
"Oh my God, please forgive my surprise. After all, it''s only the 22nd round of the league, and the Chinese superstar has already scored 51 goals. If I hadn''t seen it with my own eyes, I would have thought I was hallucinating!"
"Judging by his current form, I have no idea what terrifying number of goals he will reach by the end of the season. Will it be a level that can never be reached by anyone else?"
The match ended with a victory for the Gcticos, but the shock caused by Wang Feng was far from over. After the game, all the reporters focused their attention on him during the interview.
"Oh, is that so? Thank you for telling me the news." The Chinese man said calmly, "It''s very honored to break the goal record again, but the happiest thing is that the team was able to win. Santander yed very stubbornly tonight, and we almost couldn''t get the three points."
"Of course, as I said before, the support of my teammates is the secret to my goals. It seems that tonight I need to treat them to dinner, haha."
When asked what kind of energy drove him to keep scoring, he shrugged, "Of course, it''s the desire for victory, obviously. We still haven''t pulled away from Barcelona on the points table, and thepetition for the championship is heating up. We can''t rx at this time."
Head coach Schuster praised Wang Feng: "The team relies on him, and he always responds to the team''s expectations." He believed that the achievements contributed by the Chinese superstar were astonishing but not unbelievable.
After all, since his debut, he has been constantly breaking goal records, from the Belgian Pro League, Serie A to La Liga. As he ages, Wang Feng''s physical condition will gradually peak, and a stronger Chinese superstar facing the attacking football of La Liga will surely create terrifying statistics.
"Not only in Real Madrid, but the entire La Liga will leave a brilliant mark because of him. This is the influence of a world-ss superstar, and he is capable of achieving this."
The next day, major Spanish and even European media reported the news of Wang Feng''s new goal record in prominent positions. "Abesai Report" bluntly stated, "Records are meant to be broken," especially by the record holder himself.
"Last season, Wang Feng already equaled his own record of 50 goals, and many people asserted at that time that he could not maintain such firepower in every season, and that 50 was surely the limit."
"But the Chinese superstar harshly pped those people in just 22 games. This is only the limit for ordinary people, not the limit for gods. He can achieve what you cannot imagine."
"National Newspaper" wrote that Wang Feng''s efficiency is even more terrifyingpared to Barcelona''s attacking trio, truly single-handedly suppressing the Catn team.
"This season, Messi, Eto''o, and Henry have contributed 59 goals together, but Wang Feng has scored 51 goals and provided 6 assists, achievingparable results."
"Barcelona''s performance is terrifying enough. Without Wang Feng, the 08-09 season would surely belong to them, but now everything has be more exciting and unpredictable. Who wille out on top in the end?"
A weekter, in the 23rd round of La Liga, the Gcticos challenged Sporting Gijon away, and in this game, Wang Feng contributed another goal. Together with Higuain''s goal, they ultimately defeated their opponents 2-0.
After the Chinese superstar''s goal tally exceeded 50, the official website of Real Madrid specially created a dynamic page to disy his current total league goals and highlights of his spectacr goals, with the number increasing to 52.
On February 22, in the 24th round of La Liga, Real Madrid drew 0-0 against Real Betis at home, and neither side was able to break the deadlock.
Thus, Wang Feng''s consecutive 23-round league goal record came to an end, which was somewhat regrettable. However, the good news is that although Barcelona defeated Espanyol, they were still behind the Gcticos on the points table due to two previous draws.
Chapter 442: Heartbroken Liverpool fans
Chapter 442: Heartbroken Liverpool fans
Anders Rockich is an ordinary designer living in Liverpool, Merseyside, a port city in northwest Ennd. Although he is called a designer, he actually works for a very small architectural firm, and his work is usually very chaotic.
Like many other Liverpudlians, he is also a loyal fan of the city''s football team. Today is a big day as Liverpool is about to embark on their Champions League knockout journey, with their opponent being the damn Real Madrid and the damn Wang Feng!
"Peter is so lucky. He actually got tickets to go to Madrid at the original price, while I can only watch the game on TV," Rockich muttered enviously. "If I could be there, I would definitely curse Wang Feng fiercely, regardless of whether I would get beaten. Peter definitely wouldn''t dare; he''s such a coward."
Every Liverpool fan harbors a deep resentment towards Wang Feng. They have been unable to clinch their fifth Champions League trophy, and the culprit is the Chinese superstar!
To be honest, when the draw for the Round of 16 came out, all Liverpool fans felt a chill in their hearts. Their first reaction was pessimism, but then they thought, if they were to win the championship, they would have to ovee Real Madrid anyway. So why not get it over with sooner?
Moreover, with the midfield trio of Mascherano, Gerrard, and Alonso bing more mature this season, and the peak of the newly crowned European Cup champion striker Torres, there is no better time than now to fight.
Just as Rockich anxiously awaited the start of the match, his hurried phone ringtone brought him back to reality. Pressing the answer button, he heard his boss''s roar: "Where are you guys? We agreed to work overtime tonight and deliver the drawings to the client tomorrow. Get back to the office now!"
Rockich reluctantly said, "Boss, let Kevin and Spica go. I have something to deal with at home." Although there''s overtime pay, how could he miss such an important Liverpool match?
"They''re using the same excuse. Don''t think I don''t know what you''re all up to. Get back here, all of you, or never show your faces in thepany again!"
Since that''s the case, Rockich could only sigh helplessly, adjust his clothes, and return to the office building. Kevin and Spica, wearing the same gloomy expression, almost arrived at the same time. They were also Liverpool fans who wanted to watch the game at home.
The three looked at each other sympathetically, and suddenly Kevin whispered, "Maybe we can listen to the game broadcast on our phones. I happen to have earphones with me. You guys cover for me."
The other two nodded, so they huddled together pretending to discuss while secretly paying attention to the game.
Just as they plugged in the earphones and tuned in, a cry of surprise came from Kevin, and the boss rushed over: "What''s going on?" Rockich waved his hand repeatedly, "It''s nothing, it''s nothing. Kevin made a mistake in this area. We''ll double-check."
The boss looked at them suspiciously, "Be more careful and hurry up with the work for me to review." With that, he returned to his office.
Rockich breathed a sigh of relief, patted Kevin on the shoulder, and said, "Why are you making such a fuss? If Boss finds out, we''re all finished!"
Kevin was almost in tears, "The game has only been going on for 10 minutes, and Real Madrid has already scored!" Rockich and Spica were shocked and hurriedly asked for details.
It turned out that Wang Feng received Sneijder''s through pass from the left and suddenly shot from outside the penalty area while moving horizontally, scoring directly into the far corner of the goal.
"I knew it was him again. If I could y, I would tackle him hard, even if I got banned for life," Spica gritted his teeth. "Forget it. Have you ever seen him get injured? This guy is like iron. Even when Marcos strangled him from behind in the Champions League final, he was fine."
"We still have a chance, don''t panic. After all, Real Madrid is ying at home. If we score one goal, we''ve already seeded halfway," Rockich reassured.
Before he could finish his sentence, Kevin eximed again, and this time the boss came directly to them. Fortunately, he quickly hid the earphones before he could be caught.
"What''s wrong now?" After the boss returned to his office again, Rockich asked, "Damn it, Wang Feng scored again. This time he broke through from the front court to the penalty area and scored from 12 meters in front of the goal."
"Damn it! Damn it! We should smash his leg bones with cleats and see if he breaks!" Rockich couldn''t maintain hisposure this time. "Who was it again? Right, Hyypia, be a hero for Liverpool and defy the whole world!"
Of course, the Finnish defender in Madrid couldn''t hear the extreme fan''s thoughts, and he couldn''t do such a thing anyway. But all the visiting team yers, including him, felt despair.
They say fear can lead to anger, but why is there no anger and fighting spirit now, only fear of the gctic battleship, fear of Wang Feng?
When the Chinese superstar scored a hat-trick in the first half and Raul scored the fourth goal in the second half, the little trick of the overtime trio was still discovered by the boss, because angry Kevin smashed his phone.
So they not only had to face the devastating defeat of their supporting team, the loss of their phone, but also endure the boss''s wrath. It''s really heartbreaking to be a Liverpool fan!
For Real Madrid, the 4-0 sweep of Liverpool was unexpected. Originally, they were still expecting a tough battle, after all, there were several scores to settle between them and the Reds.
They didn''t expect to win so easily. Wang Feng felt that this team seemed to have "fear of the king" syndrome. Although their strength on paper is strong enough topete with the dominant Manchester United in the league, they falter when facing the gctic battleship.
On the first day of March, Real Madrid went to the Martinez Stadium toplete the 25th round of La Liga, challenging Espanyol away.
In the 23rd minute of the match, Wang Feng received a lob pass from Garcia on the right, chested the ball forward under the interference of the defending yer, and then shook off the entanglement while moving sideways.
At this moment, Gago ran from the middle to the right, forming a crossing with Wang Feng. The Chinese superstar pushed the ball to him with his left foot, and he passed it back,pleting the one-two sessfully and entering the penalty area.
After attracting the defense, Wang Feng slotted the ball to the left of the penalty area, and Cassano, who followed up, sted the ball into the from 8 meters in front of the goal.
The Italian forward celebrated wildly around the field. He has almost rejuvenated this season, with plenty of ying time in the club''s multi-line operations and has contributed 6 goals so far.
"Wang, I feel like I''ve found my old self again. Maybe it''s time to start over!" Looking at the excitement in his eyes, Wang Feng nodded without saying anything. Everything was understood without words.
Since his decision toe to Madrid, it was destined not to stay for long. Either continue to sink into irreversible decline, or rise again as he is doing now, and then move on to be the core of an ordinary club. That''s what a 26-year-old genius should do.
The match continued, and in the 66th minute of the second half, the Chinese superstar nned a quick counterattack, rushing to the edge of the penalty area before passing to Cassano. Casano then passed it to the advancing Van der Vaart, who scored easily without any defense from the Nethends.
With these two goals, Real Madrid won 2-0 away against Espanyol.
On March 5th, in the second leg of the Spanish King''s Cup quarterfinals, the gctic battleship hosted Sevi at home.
Although Sevi was behind in the first leg, they were well aware of Real Madrid''s attacking ability, so they yed cautiously and battled with the opponent in midfield.
With the score still 0-0 in the 80th minute, Real Madrid''s defense intercepted the ball, and Diarra quickly kicked it to the midfield, where Wang Feng started quickly to seize the loose ball.
He sped forward and skillfully dodged thest defender in front of him, sessfully entering the penalty area alone, and then calmly beat the goalkeeper with a side-footed shot.
With this goal, the home team won 4-2 on aggregate against Sevi, advancing to the King''s Cup final, where their opponent was undoubtedly Barcelona.
Chapter 443: Derby is not far away
Chapter 443: Derby is not far away
The duel of the La Liga giants in the King''s Cup final! Since the start of the season, thepetition between the two teams in various fields has not stopped, whether it''s the league, cup matches, or the Champions League, they seem evenly matched.
For this reason, the media is divided into two camps. Some people believe that one of the teams will inevitably overpower the other, thus reaping all the honors. At present, it seems that Real Madrid has the advantage.
However, another group of people disagrees. They feel that even gods cannot do everything, and the two teams should make choices and selectively give up certainpetitions.
But Real Madrid and Barcelona obviously do not want to give up the achievements within reach. Both teams are exerting their efforts on multiple fronts. In the 26th round of La Liga, the gctic battleship faced Atletico Madrid at home.
Due to the battle with Sevi three days ago, most of Real Madrid''s main yers were rotated in this match. In the 23rd minute of the first half, the city rival took advantage of a loophole and forward Aguero broke the deadlock.
Before the start of the second half, head coach Schuster decisively sent Wang Feng and Sneijder onto the field, intending to go all out for victory! At such a critical moment, every game cannot afford to make mistakes.
And the two did not disappoint the coaching staff''s trust. In the 64th minute, Sneijder dribbled the ball into the frontcourt from the center, then sent a precise lob pass into the heart of Atletico Madrid''s defense. Wang Feng resisted the defenders and volleyed to equalize.
In the 79th minute, the Chinese superstar dribbled on the right, swayed past the defender Perea, attracted the defense to focus on himself, and then passed the ball back to Sneijder outside the penalty area. Sneijder volleyed it powerfully into the, piercing the goalkeeper Coupet''s fingers.
Ultimately, with the mutual assistance of the two, Real Madrid won 2-1 at home against Atletico Madrid. In another match, Barcelona also defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-1, intensifying the race for the league title between the two teams.
On March 11th, Anfield Stadium weed the imposing gctic battleship. The Reds suffered a disastrous defeat in the first leg of the knockout stage, but returning to home turf, many fans still believed that miracles could happen.
However, Real Madrid, with a firm grasp of the situation,unched a fierce attack as soon as they arrived, turning the tables. The warning "This is Anfield" seemed to have no pressure on the visiting team yers. So what if it''s Anfield? The gctic battleship will only turn it into its own territory!
In the 13th minute, Diarra advanced to the midfield and passed the ball to Robben on the right front. The Dutchman intended to attack along the sideline, but Wang Feng had already withdrawn and asked for the ball, so he passed it.
Receiving the ball, Wang Feng turned to face Mascherano. The Chinese superstar made a big flick with his right foot and leaned heavily to the right. Mascherano''s first reaction was to block with his foot.
But unexpectedly, Wang Feng suddenly pulled the ball back to the front from the right side. Even under such arge inertia, the ball still stuck tightly to his foot.
Then he lightly poked with his left foot, just breaking through Mascherano''s other side. Fans in the stands and in front of the TV felt that the Chinese superstar had escaped from the defense in an instant, and Mascherano seemed as clumsy as a pole.
Approaching the edge of the penalty area and facing the defender Carragher, Wang Feng quickly flicked the ball, easily changed direction during high-speed movement to avoid interception, and then charged into Liverpool''s territory.
Facing the goalkeeper and several defenders, he seized the opportunity to send a low shot just before the final siege, the ball slipping through Reina''s diving hands and rolling into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The goal is in! Wang Feng strikes Liverpool again!"
"A wonderful breakthrough and shot, and the attacking speed is very fast, from receiving the ball in the front court to the final shot and scoring, it took only a dozen seconds."
"Now the total score between the two teams has been widened to 5-0! I think Liverpool should bid farewell to this season''s Champions League."
"Let''s review the whole process of the goal again. Wang Feng actively asked for the ball in the front court, Mascherano looked too silly, Wang Feng passed him like crossing a road in the morning."
"Carra''s defense was in ce, but unfortunately too close. A slight change of direction was enough to shake him off. But this is also inevitable because the edge of the penalty area is within Wang Feng''s optimal shooting range. If he doesn''t block in time and let him shootfortably, it will probably result in a goal."
"This is the most tricky part of the Chinese superstar. His shooting range can reach 25 meters or even farther, and if you defend up close, you''ll get dribbled past; if you don''t, he''ll shoot directly. It''s simply unsolvable!"
After scoring this goal, the melody of "You''ll Never Walk Alone" sounded at Anfield Stadium, but at this moment it seemed extremely bleak and deste. Many rational fans had already left early, leaving only a few die-hard fans to witness thest moment.
But they did not see Liverpool rise again, even if it was just a beautiful counterattack or a trivial goal.
In the 69th minute of the second half, Robben crossed from the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng sessfully bypassed the offside trap and shot from inside the penalty area, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Reina. Before the home fans could breathe a sigh of relief, Raul suddenly rushed in for a follow-up shot, making it 2-0!
This was also the final score of the match. With a total score of 6-0 over two legs, Real Madrid swept Liverpool aside and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals.
This result caught most people by surprise. They generally believed that the gctic battleship could cross the hurdle of the Reds, but it wouldn''t be easy, at least it would require two tough battles.
Sky Sports UK stated that Liverpool has been kicked out of the shadow by Real Madrid, and facing their yers is like sleepwalking and clueless. It may take several years to ovee this unfavorable situation.
The Times believed that Liverpool''s dismal defeat was due to theck of a solid backbone in the team. Torres was overestimated, not to mentionparing with Wang Feng, evenpared with the new generation of Ronaldo and Messi, he falls far short.
"In today''s world football, Merro has be the epitome of a standard superstar, while Wang Feng stands above everyone else, and the pyramid structure of strength is gradually taking shape."
After all the matches in the round of 16 of the Champions League ended, a new lineup for the quarter-finals emerged. This time, La Liga did not fall behind, with a total of three teams entering: Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Virreal.
Simrly, three Premier League teams also advanced, namely Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, while the other two teams were Porto from the Portuguese Primeira Liga and Bayern Munich from the Bundesliga.
Yes, Bayern Munich has returned to the top eight of the European stage, and the credit can be attributed to the Oriental Genius who participated in the Champions League group stage for the first time. In the six rounds of the group stage, he contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 3 starts and 2 substitutions, helping the team top the group.
And in the series against Lisbon Athletic in the round of 16, the Chinese star scored twice at home, making his name resound throughout the Allianz Arena.
After both teams advanced, domestic media reports poured in, with many people looking forward to the urrence of the Chinese derby. This is an absolute showdown between the main forces!
Unfortunately, the situation left them somewhat disappointed. Real Madrid''s opponent is Arsenal, and Bayern Munich needs to face Barcelona head-on. "Encountering the cosmic Barcelona this time, it seems that our chances are slim," Dong Zhuo said somewhat frustrated over the phone.
"This is not necessarily the case. Bayern Munich has never been afraid of Barcelona in history. How can we be timid before the battle?" Wang Fengforted, "Besides, I''m still looking forward to our derby."
Chapter 444: World Cup tickets
Chapter 444: World Cup tickets
After the Champions League match, the entire Real Madrid team rushed to Bilbao to participate in the 27th round of La Liga, challenging Athletic Bilbao away.
Just 4 minutes into the game, there was a major setback in the Gxy Battleship''s defense line. Ramos fell to the ground injured in a tussle with the opposing forward, Be?at. It was initially judged as a muscle strain, forcing coach Schuster to substitute Mezelder in.
The injuries to the Spanish defenders cast a shadow over everyone. They were unsure who would be the next to fall during consecutive high-intensity multi-line battles.
The home team capitalized on this psychological advantage, forcing an error from the Gxy Battleship, with Be?at seizing the opportunity to score the opening goal.
However, the tide turned swiftly. Just 6 minutester, Wang Feng dribbled the ball into the frontcourt and passed it to the wing to Robben. As he moved into the penalty area, Robben returned the ball to the nearby Van der Vaart.
Van der Vaart then sent a through ball into the penalty area. The Chinese superstar received it, skillfully evaded the defense, and immediately took a shot. The ball swiftly pierced through the defense, finding the far corner of the, equalizing the score at 1-1.
In the 41st minute, Van der Vaart distributed the ball upfront, Robben quickly made a run and crossed into the penalty area. Wang Feng volleyed near the edge of the small box, hitting the left post and bouncing into the, putting Real Madrid ahead.
However, just before halftime, Athletic Bilbao earned a corner kick. After the ball entered the penalty area, Ashley Cole was the first to reach it but failed to clear it in time. Loren, who followed up from behind, poked it in, leveling the score again.
As the second halfmenced, both sides were relentless in attack and defense, but as energy levels dropped, efficiency decreased. This was where the role of superstars became especially evident.
In the 82nd minute, Guti sent a long ball over the top. Wang Feng controlled it near the edge of the penalty area, chested it down, and unleashed a shot. The ball struck the turf heavily, bouncing unpredictably, leaving the goalkeeper scrambling and ultimately unable to stop it from finding the.
Another hat-trick! Real Madrid''s official website could now update the count to 56. With the extraordinary performance of the Chinese superstar, the away team secured a 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
A weekter, in the 28th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Almera at the Bernabu. Almera currently ranked 12th in the league, with no immediate relegation concerns but limited room for improvement.
In the first half, Sneijder delivered a lob towards the left nk. Wang Feng controlled it, made his way to the byline, and crossed. Iguain, positioned 8 meters from the goal, headed it in, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Diarra assisted Robben for another goal, making it 2-0, which remained the final score.
The journey from Madrid to Uzbekistan was certainly not an easy one. Although Wang Feng chose to fly back to the national team on a private jet, he still needed to make a brief stopover in Istanbul to refuel. The entire journey took nearly 17 hours.
With two weeks until the national team matches, the Chinese team faced two crucial World Cup qualifiers, the 5th round against Uzbekistan and the 6th round against Bahrain.
These matches directly determined whether they could sessfully advance to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Therefore, coach Alihan dared not be negligent, recalling all overseas yers and having domestic yers head to Tashkent for training two weeks in advance.
As everyone gradually arrived at the national team''s hotel, each person bore heavy dark circles under their eyes. Therefore, the coaching staff specially allowed them a day to rest and adjust to the jetg before participating in training.
Once they had fully integrated, Alihan began the final tactical drills, confirming the lineup. While the team mainly consisted of overseas yers, their actual form still had to be assessed.
However, Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo were undoubtedly the mainstays, surpassing other yers both in terms of fitness and technique.
"How do you feel about Bayern? I see your game data hasn''t increased much, but your tactical position is stable, already considered a starter," Wang Feng asked Dongfang Zhuo while stretching his legs.
He confidently lifted his muscr thigh and said, "I feel great. The atmosphere and environment in the Bundesliga are fantastic. Data isn''t a priority right now. Klinsmann is still leading the charge, but he''s much older than me. The head coach prefers me to take over. When the timees, I won''tck opportunities to score."
"That''s good to hear. I was worried you couldn''t bear the loneliness of the Bundesliga. Honestly, their overall atmosphere is too low-key, and the sry gap between Bayern and other powerhouses is quite significant."
"Yeah, the 50+1 policy restricts the development of nouveau riche clubs. But football is pure, and my off-field endorsement contracts surpass Schweinsteiger''s. He once joked that he wished he were born in China, missing out on many earning opportunities."
"Haha, if he were in China, he might not even have the chance to y football. Since that''s the case, you should stay at Bayern. Changing environments rashly might not be beneficial."
"Yeah, I don''t n on making any changes in the next few years. The club definitely won''t easily sell me either."
On March 28th, the Chinese team faced Uzbekistan.
Led by Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo, the forward line made the home team extremely wary. Therefore, they adopted a strategy of full retreat from the start, forming a defensive shell and allowing the Chinese team to control the game, waiting for opportunities to counterattack.
Coach Alihan had anticipated this situation. He instructed the yers to remain steady and not to rush, especially not to leave the defense exposed. The Dutchman firmly believed that no matter how sturdy a turtle''s shell was, the two forwards would definitely break through.
Time passed slowly. After 45 minutes, after 60 minutes, the Chinese team kept creating opportunities in the opponent''s half. It wasn''t until the 79th minute when Wang Feng, on the right, received a diagonal pass from Zheng Zhi, dribbled towards the goal line, and crossed from the right side of the penalty area.
The home team''s defender, Hafas, headed the ball away from the penalty spot but couldn''t clear it properly. The ball flew towards the penalty spot, where Dongfang Zhuo swiftly rushed into the penalty area. With a leap, he outmuscled the defenders and headed the ball into Uzbekistan''s.
1-0! The Chinese fans who had traveled from afar erupted into deafening cheers in the stands, matching the momentum of the home team''s supporters.
With this precious goal, the Chinese team ultimately won the game against their opponents.
On April 1st, the national team moved on to Bahrain. This match presented even more advantages for them. In the first half, Wang Feng scored the opening goal with a long shot, followed by Dongfang Zhuo''s spectacr goal.
The second half ended in a friendly atmosphere, with the home team already out of contention for qualification and the away team not wanting to be overly aggressive. Therefore, the final score remained 2-0.
After this match, the Chinese team topped the group with 4 wins and 2 draws, umting 14 points. Japan, in second ce, also had 4 wins and 2 draws but with fewer goal differences.
More importantly, third-ced Australia copsed. They had lost to China once, been defeated twice by Japan, and even drawn against Uzbekistan. Their current record stood at 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, totaling 7 points. Even if they were to win their remaining two group matches, they could only reach 13 points.
China and Japan secured their spots in the top two of the group, sessfully qualifying for the World Cup! Australia could onlypete with Uzbekistan for a yoff spot.
Chapter 445: Temperature difference
Chapter 445: Temperature difference
The national team''s ce in the World Cup finals has been secured, and the big burden in Wang Feng''s heart has finally been lifted. He returned to the club to focus on preparing for the uing crucial battles.
Due to the Champions League quarter-final first leg midweek, coupled with the general fatigue of yers returning from the national team, Real Madrid''s head coach Schuster rotated almost all the main yers for the 29th round of La Liga when they challenged Mga away.
Mga finished third in the Spanish second divisionst season, but they have performed exceptionally well after promotion to the top flight this season, currently sitting 8th in the standings, ahead of many traditional mid-table teams.
Therefore, they caused a lot of trouble for Real Madrid, not only limiting the performance of attacking yers through tight defense but also scoring the only goal of the game through a quick counterattack, resulting in a 0-1 defeat for the away team.
In another league match, Barcelona also drew 1-1 with the relegation-threatened team Real Vadolid due to poor yer form, resulting in both La Liga giants encountering setbacks.
At this stage of the league, Real Madrid ranked first with 24 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, and 75 points, while Barcelona ranked second with 23 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses, and 73 points.
Both teams have achieved historical highs in terms of performance and points, far ahead of third-ced Sevi, who have only 16 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses, and 54 points.
"No matter which team wins the final victory, the other team should be the highest-scoring runner-up in La Liga history," Spain''s "Marca"mented.
Arsenal is a football club located in the Islingtonmunity in north London. It is also one of the oldest clubs in the Premier League. In the Emirates Stadium, which can amodate 60,000 people, the Real Madrid team felt the passion of the Gunners fans.
They unfolded huge team gs, waved team scarves and banners, and continuously cheered from the warm-up of both sides.
Head coach Wenger has been coaching Arsenal since 1996. His style can be summed up as emphasizing ball control and rhythm, focusing on collective cooperation while not strictly limiting yers'' space for expression. Whether it''s short passes, long passes, or wing breakthroughs, as long as the game is kept smooth, it''s all good.
Therefore, under the guidance of the Frenchman, Arsenal''s games are always very watchable, and it''s easy to y artistic offensive cooperation, posing a threat to opponents.
There is a very interesting joke about Wenger, which is that he always almost signs world-renowned top yers, jokingly referred to as the "Wenger sign", such as Drogba, Buffon, Ibrahimovic, Yaya Toure, and even Ronaldo and Messi have had the opportunity to join the Gunners.
Wenger once said in an interview that Drogba caught his eye when he yed for Le Mans, but unfortunately, Chelsea beat them to it. Buffon, during his time at Parma, even had dinner with him, but Juventus intercepted and signed the Italian goalkeeper for an astonishing fee.
He also took Ronaldo to visit Arsenal''s training ground and gave him a Gunners jersey with his name on it, but unfortunately, the club did not reach an agreement on the transfer fee. When discussing Fabregas''s transfer with Barcelona, he also inquired about Messi, but at that time, the Argentine preferred to stay in Spain.
In fact, these incidents indirectly show the Frenchman''s keen insight. Unfortunately, Arsenal is not a club that splurges money. They always budget carefully, so they often find themselves at a disadvantage in yer acquisition battles.
In this game, Wenger, as always, adhered to his cooperative style and fielded a 4-5-1 starting lineup with goalkeeper Almunia.
Defenders Sagna, Gas, Silvestre, and Clichy.
Midfielders Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Diaby, and Nasri.
Forward Bendtner.
After the start of the game, Arsenal, ying at home, quickly gained more possession of the ball, while Real Madrid solidified their defense as instructed before the game and sought opportunities for quick counterattacks.
In the first ten minutes, the home team contributed several high-quality attacks. Fabregas was the most active yer for the Gunners. Although he yed in midfield, he often posed a threat by prating into the Gxy Battleship''s penalty area.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, relied on Wang Feng to n counterattacks into Arsenal''s penalty area. Unfortunately, the Chinese superstar''s shot was saved by goalkeeper Almunia, marking their first shot opportunity of the game.
In the 31st minute, Fabregas once again broke into the frontcourt. His passingbination with Bendtner was intercepted midway by Diarra, who immediately passed the ball to Gago, who then gave it to Sneijder.
The Dutchman swiftly dribbled the ball through the midfield, with Robben and Wang Feng respectively running up the wings. Arsenal''s defense also moved quickly, especially the offender Fabregas.
Sneijder seized the opportunity to send a low pass, and the ball seemed to curve to the right as it rolled forward, almost as if it deliberately bypassed Walcott and reached Robben''s feet from the perspective of the stands.
Seeing the Dutch center-back pass the ball to the right, Wang Feng immediately moved diagonally towards the center of the field, while Robben did not hesitate at all and immediately sent a cross.
The Chinese superstar performed a back header in the penalty area, forcefully directing the ball towards the bottom left corner of the goal. Although Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia made a save, the ball still bounced into the, breaking the deadlock!
"Goooooooooooooal! The Gxy Battleship opens the home team''s goal with a rapid counterattack! Wang Feng scores the first goal for the team!"
"This goal fully demonstrates the efficient cooperation of Real Madrid''s forward line. Whether it''s Sneijder, Robben, or Wang Feng, their number of touches is very few, and they make instant decisions to run to the best positions."
"Sneijder''s diagonal pass is truly never tiring to watch, it''s just so exquisite, Robben''s cross wastes no time, and finally, Wang Feng''s header is incredibly precise. Although Arsenal defended quickly, Real Madrid still produced an attackbination that caught them off guard."
Arsenal, who lost the away goal, immediatelyunched a wave of attacks like a tide. Fabregas made amends by equalizing for the home team in the 44th minute. His continuousbination with Bendtner allowed him to enter the penalty area, and thetter''s shot was blocked by Mezelder, allowing the Spanish midfielder to score on the rebound.
At the start of the second half, in the 64th minute, Real Madridunched an attack from the back. Marcelo made a run along the right nk, then passed to Sneijder nearby, who sent a straight pass to the edge of the penalty area.
Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal and couldn''t turn around, so he immediately passed it back to Sneijder, then engaged in a physical duel to push past Silvestre into the penalty area.
Sneijder passed to the left nk again, where Gago and him performed a wall pass, sessfully breaking through near the bottom line of the penalty area. The Dutch center-back managed to send a low cross just before Arsenal defenders blocked him.
Wang Feng, under the tight interference of two defensive yers, lost bnce and fell, but he stretched his leg to reach the ball. With his impressive leg length, he managed to touch the ball, slightly changing its path forward, deflecting it towards the goal, hitting the inside of the right post, and bouncing into the.
1-2! The away team took the lead again! Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia hammered the grass in frustration, as he was inches away from reaching the ball, but the Chinese superstar beat him to it.
Forced into desperation, the home team had to bring on Toure to strengthen their attack. Before the final whistle, Bendtner scored again for Arsenal to equalize the score once more, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw for both sides.
Chapter 446: Another old rival
Chapter 446: Another old rival
Post-match press conference, Arsenal coach Wenger expressed helplessness that the team couldn''t contain the Real Madrid frontline led by Wang Feng. "Everything happened too fast; the attack led by the Chinese superstar didn''t give us much time to react," he said.
But he also mentioned that the Gunners were not sitting ducks; the team also yed to their tactical strengths and scored goals. He acknowledged that the second leg at the Bernabu would likely be a tough game, but they would give it their all, and there''s still hope.
Finally, the Frenchman talked about the connection between Wang Feng and Arsenal. "In fact, the team has been following him from very early on, probably tracing back to his first season with Genk," he said.
"At that time, both me and assistant coach Henk were very surprised. The impression the Chinese superstar gave us was of youth, vitality, and almost overflowing talent."
"I said to Henk, ''Oh my God, we can get him.'' The club even contacted his agent, Balmond, to discuss the details."
"Unfortunately, everyone knows what happened next. The inexplicable work permit system prevented everything, and Wang Feng eventually joined Inter Mn, bringing them five league titles and three Champions Leagues."
"The Premier League lost a super superstar, and that''s also one of the reasons why Sir Alex Ferguson, myself, and other coaches jointly pushed for the special talent use. Now, this system has helped many teams bring in extremely talented young yers."
On April 12th, Real Madrid returned to Madrid for the 30th round of La Liga, hosting Vadolid at home.
Despite using a backup lineup, the home team opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Van der Vaart assisting Wang Feng. Before halftime, the Chinese superstar once again attracted defenders with continuous breakthroughs, then passed to Cassano, who easily extended the lead.
In the second half, Wang Feng was substituted to rest, and Garcia, along with Van der Vaart, extended the lead for the Gxy Battleship. The away team scored a goal to salvage their pride, and the final score was 3-1.
On April 15th, the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals took ce as scheduled, with Real Madrid facing Arsenal''s challenge.
In this game, Wenger paired Adebayor with Bendtner in the frontline to further enhance the team''s attacking power and strive for victory to advance at away.
But the Gxy Battleship was determined not to let them have their way. With tens of thousands of fans cheering, and countless figures from the business, entertainment, and political worlds watching, their morale soared.
In the 17th minute, Real Madrid attacked with the ball, Wang Feng retreated outside the penalty area to receive, and Diarra sent a straight pass to his feet. The Chinese superstar stopped the ball with his back to the goal and flicked it to the left, directly to the right nk.
Robben quickly started running with the ball, instantly rushing towards the vicinity of the penalty area, and then crossed in front of the goal. Arsenal''s defense was very tight, and defender Silvestre blocked it, but the ball failed to reach the waiting Raul.
Wang Feng had nned to loiter in the penalty area and immediately reacted to the situation by rushing towards the ball''snding point, while the away team''s defenders also naturally came to contest.
Klich was closer! Seeing that the ball was about to be cleared by him, the resourceful Chinese superstar stretched out his left leg to touch the ball first, hooking it towards himself, sessfully avoiding the French defender.
The ball came to him with his left foot, and Wang Feng used his knee to adjust the force and angle, allowing it to fall smoothly to his feet,pleting the whole action seamlessly, and the ball lingered at his feet like an obedient child.
Seeing the situation, Klich immediately fell to the ground to tackle, both to steal the ball and block Wang Feng''s shooting angle, but Wang Feng flicked the ball to the right with the inside of his left foot, avoiding his defense again.
Before Arsenal''s other defenders could converge, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to shoot with the outside of his right foot, and the ball flew in a curve towards the goal, sneaking into the top right corner of the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng scored!"
"Real Madrid didn''t disappoint their home fans'' cheers. In the 17th minute of the first half, they opened the away team''s goal and also opened the door to reaching the semifinals!"
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly rushed out of the field, jumped over the advertising boards, and went straight to the stands to ept the cheers and worship from the fans. Many people excitedly shouted his name, and there were slogans like "Three consecutive championships" among others.
On the sidelines, Wenger stood with his hands in his pockets, his brow furrowed, watching the game. It seemed that the team''s formation didn''t have much effect, and in the face of the blocked attack, they couldn''t stop the big gun, Wang Feng, Arsenal had gradually fallen into a disadvantage.
Soon, the away team suffered another serious blow. In the 39th minute, Wang Feng continued to act as a fulcrum in the frontcourt, and after two consecutive passes with teammates, there was a trend of tearing open the defense. Arsenal defender Walcott had no choice but to trip him.
Real Madrid won a free kick in the frontcourt, about 25 meters away from the goal. This was within Wang Feng''s shooting range! The away team didn''t dare to ck off and hastily put in many personnel to build a wall, and goalkeeper Almunia kept a close eye on the Chinese superstar.
At this moment, Raul ran to Wang Feng''s side: "Wang, how are we going to y this ball? Do you need me to pretend to run to cover?" After thinking for a moment, Wang Feng smiled and said, "I see Arsenal almost assume that I''ll shoot directly, how about we cooperate, you go to the back post, and I''ll pass to you."
The Spanish forward was somewhat surprised but still nodded. Wang Feng''s passing uracy was not low, and this kind of cooperation might catch the opponents off guard, achieving unexpected effects.
"Looking at this free kick from Real Madrid, taken by Wang Feng, I wonder if he can continue his high shooting uracy record? Run-up, shoot! No, it''s a pass! This is a pass! Raul at the back post shoots, and it''s in! Raul extends the lead for the Gxy Battleship!"
"It''s unbelievable, Wang Feng didn''t choose to shoot directly. His momentum at the start deceived everyone, but this was indeed a pass, the ball bypassed the wall and flew towards the back post."
"Arsenal''s defense line, even the goalkeeper, didn''t react, and with no one marking him, Raul easily volleyed into the, too easy!"
"As the game has progressed, Real Madrid has gained a two-goal lead, plus they hold two away goals, the Gunners are truly forced into a desperate situation!"
In the second half, Arsenal almost went all out to attack in an attempt to reverse the situation, but theycked a breakthrough expert, only scoring a goal in the 88th minute by Adebayor, but it was ultimately not enough.
The Gxy Battleship won 2-1, advancing to the Champions League semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate score!
In the other three Champions League quarter-final matches, Barcelona defeated Bayern 5-1 on aggregate, also advancing to the semifinals. While Eastern Zoro suffered a 1-1 draw at home, they suffered a 0-4 defeat at Camp Nou.
Chelsea eliminated Porto 2-0, and Manchester United defeated Virreal 3-1, with two seats upied by Premier League and La Liga teams each.
Next, Real Madrid will face Chelsea, their old rivals, while Barcelona will need topete with Manchester United for a ce in the final.
Chapter 447: The Controversy Between the King and the Wind
Chapter 447: The Controversy Between the King and the Wind
When the match between Barcelona and Bayern ended half an hourter, as the referee blew the final whistle, Bayern yers left the Camp Nou, their expressions filled with disappointment, departing from this "City of Hell."
Dong Fangzhuo''s eyes were filled with loss. Even though he knew the hope was slim, there was a fleeting fantasy in his heart that he could help Bayern lift the highest honor in Europe, just like Wang Feng.
But reality was cruel. Barcelona''s strength far exceeded his imagination, not to mention the home advantage at Camp Nou. At this moment, deep in his heart, he couldn''t help but admire Wang Feng even more. The Chinese superstar had managed to stand out here, single-handedly snatching victory from their home team in front of ny thousand people!
Just then, he suddenly heard someone call his name. The strange pronunciation left Dong Fangzhuo somewhat stunned, but he quickly realized it was calling for him. So he turned around and found it was none other than Barcelona''s core, Messi, who had just scored twice on the field.
The Argentine came to him and initiated a conversation: "Dong Fangzhuo, your performance in the game was really good. Would you be interested in exchanging jerseys?" Naturally, Dong Fangzhuo had no objection. The two had met briefly at the FIFA Congress earlier in the year, but they didn''t have a deep connection.
Although Messi was two years younger, in terms of both skill and fame, the two were iparable. Therefore, when he took the initiative to show goodwill, Dong Fangzhuo felt honored.
However, he understood in his heart that Messi''s main focus should still be on hispatriot Wang Feng. Sure enough, after a brief chat, the conversation inevitably turned towards the direction of the Chinese superstar.
"So he''s also sopetitive in the national team. No wonder he''s achieved what he has now. Although talent can determine a yer''s floor, it''s effort that continuously breaks through the ceiling."
The sidelines were not a ce for long conversations. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two exchanged contact information. For Dong Fangzhuo, making connections with top world-ss yers would also help expand hiswork.
When Messi returned to the dressing room, he found that head coach Guardi and the yers were all there, their faces unusually serious. Captain Puyol even looked displeased.
"What''s wrong?" Messi asked curiously. "Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all smoothly entered the semifinals, and we''re going to y against Manchester United next."
"Yeah, that''s not surprising. We knew at halftime that Real Madrid was already leading by two goals. I think they''ll definitely make it to the final. It would be most fitting to repay Camp Nou with an arrow when the timees!" Puyol added.
"Of course, but Manchester United obviously doesn''t think so. Cristiano Ronaldopletely ignored us in an interview just now. He said his only opponent is Real Madrid." Puyol added.
Messi took the smartphone from the captain to watch Ronaldo''s interview video. In the video, he confidently said, "Is Barcelona strong? Maybe, but we fought in the Champions League semifinalsst year, and the result was clear."
"Manchester United''s focus has always been on Real Madrid from start to finish. We will definitely defeat them and lift the St. Breid''s Cup that rightfully belongs to the Red Devils!"
Talking about Messi, Ronaldo said, "He is undoubtedly a talented young yer, with limitless potential in the future." Although not explicitly stated, there was a sense of superiority in his words, both overtly and implicitly.
At this moment, Guardi stepped forward and said, "Leo, everyone, since Manchester United and Ronaldo are so dismissive of us, we must respond to them. We are no longer the same asst year!"
"And only by crossing them can we possibly avenge ourselves against Real Madrid, personally defeating our archrivals to ascend to the top of Europe. What could be more satisfying than this?"
The Barcelona yers were filled with excitement upon hearing this, immediately deciding to have additional training to prepare for the uing battle.
Ronaldo''s interview video also sparked heated discussions across the inte the next day. The debate over who is the best yer below Wang Feng, the so-called "Double Jewel," stirred up arguments among fans and media. Naturally, the media in the Catalonia region of Spain and Argentina sided with Messi, while the English and Portuguese media were staunch supporters of Ronaldo.
The peak showdown between Barcelona and Manchester United was much hotter than the match between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
On April 19th, in the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Vadolid away. The home team had only won 5 league matches so far, ranking at the bottom of the points table, and relegation was almost inevitable.
Despite most of the main yers sitting on the bench, the Gxy Battleship still controlled the game. In the 15th minute, Van der Vaart''s cross from the side found Savio in front of the goal, who headed it in to open the scoring for the away team.
In the 37th minute, Garcia struck from outside the penalty area, once again breaking Vadolid''s goal, extending the score to 2-0, which remained until the end of the match.
On April 22nd, in the 32nd round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Getafe at home. The visiting team currently ranked fourth from the bottom in the league, facing considerable pressure to avoid relegation. Therefore, they fought fiercely during the match, and the Gxy Battleship dared not ck off, especially since Barcelona was still closely trailing behind.
In the 24th minute, Real Madrid intercepted the ball in the backcourt, and Ashley Cole quickly sent a long pass to the front. Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal, flicked it backward, and the ball flew over the head of the center-back Gavn.
The Chinese superstar used his speed to reach the ball before him, then further dribbled to shake off the chase when he reached the edge of the penalty area, with defender Caballero blocking his path.
So, as he approached, Wang Feng suddenly stepped on the ball with his right foot, rotating his body 180 degrees while continuously flicking the ball with his feet, narrowly passing through the Turkish defender''s side. Marseille turn!
After breaking into the penalty area, the Chinese superstar immediately shot with his right foot. The ball soared towards the top right corner of the goal, and Getafe goalkeeper Abandonacias Lefini dived to save, but unfortunately couldn''t reach the ball.
1-0! Real Madrid took the lead! However, their advantage didn''tst long. Just 5 minutester, the visiting team seized an opportunity for a quick counterattack, and Soldado equalized the score.
This young yer from Real Madrid''s youth academy didn''t have many opportunities in the Gxy Battleship, but after transferring to Getafe this season, he secured a regr starting position and performed very well.
After scoring, he chose not to celebrate. Although they were on opposing sides, the Real Madrid fans in the stands still gave him apuse and encouragement, as many had watched him grow up.
In the second half, in the 68th minute, Robben forcefully broke through along the sideline, then passed back to Wang Feng at the near post. He stopped the ball, facing defender Caballero, then suddenly flicked the ball with his right foot over the head of the Spanish defender.
The Chinese superstar then pushed aside Caballero and caught up to the ball first. Due to the cautious defending of the defenders in the penalty area, they couldn''t make big moves, so they were at a disadvantage in the confrontation.
Facing the falling ball, Wang Feng suddenly swung his head sideways, passing it to the other side of the goal. At this moment, the Getafe goalkeeper had already moved to the near post, always guarding against his shot, but didn''t expect a sudden pass.
Ral at the far post rose up, chested the ball with force, and managed to push it into the visitor''s. 2-1! Real Madrid once again took the lead!
In the end, with a pass and a goal from the Chinese superstar, the Gxy Battleship sessfully won the game. Theirpetitors Barcelona also achieved victory, so the two teams were still only two points apart in the standings.
Chapter 448: Rare leisure
Chapter 448: Rare leisure
After experiencing consecutive battles, Real Madrid yers were physically and mentally exhausted. Seizing the opportunity with a week''s break before the next round of league matches, the club quickly gave everyone a three-day vacation, which should also be thest leisurely days of this season.
"After these few days, I don''t want to have anything to do with football anymore. I just want to enjoy my vacation,"ined Guti.
Inside the locker room, everyone was packing up their belongings to go home. Many yers nned to take a short trip to relieve stress. Wang Feng was no exception. Perhaps he could leave his child in the care of his parents and nanny and go on a trip alone with Lu Yao. They indeed needed to escape from the heavy burdens for a while.
Back at the vi, Wang Feng discussed their travel ns with Lu Yao, who seemed exceptionally excited and thrilled. After all, it had been a long time since they had been out. "Feng, will it be inappropriate for us to go on a trip alone like this?" Lu Yao asked with excitement, followed by some concerns.
"What''s inappropriate about it? It''s just a few days, and everyone will take good care of Little Si Yao," Wang Feng reassured her. "Quickly think about where we should go. I haven''t traveled in a long time. I''m really looking forward to it."
The two discussed for a long time. There were countless European tourist destinations they had visited before, making it difficult to choose. However, when it came to a ce they both liked, Sardinia in the Mediterranean was the obvious choice.
Although it didn''t have the loud reputation of Sicily and Tuscany, its serene environment attracted many European celebrities and royals for vacation, making it a ce Wang Feng particrly liked.
Lu Yao, on the other hand, loved the magnificent beaches and clear sea here, where they could take a yacht to dive near the coast. The weather conditions in mid-April were particrly suitable.
"Let''s go there then. It''s been a long time since I''ve been back to Italy. It''s a good opportunity to revisit the past scenery," Lu Yao suggested, and Wang Feng nodded in agreement.
They informed their families of their travel ns, and everyone agreed that they should take a break. Wang Feng''s sister encouraged them, saying, "Go ahead, I won''t disturb your private world this time."
Wang Feng patted his sister''s head. "Xiao Tian has grown up." This time, she didn''t open her brother''s hand but just rolled her eyes. "You still think I''m a little girl?"
Before they left, Wang Feng and Lu Yao still couldn''tpletely let go. One was stuffing a ser ball into the suitcase, and the other was holding onto Little Si Yao, unwilling to let go. "This is the first time I''ve been so far away from my child. She''s still so young," Lu Yao almost cried.
Fortunately, with the carefulfort from her mother, her mood gradually calmed down. After kissing the baby''s little cheek, the two finally set off on their long-awaited and short vacation.
The warm sun shone on the yacht, and the sea breeze gently blew. Lying on the beach bed on the deck at this moment was simply the ultimate enjoyment. Lu Yao listened to music while grilling steaks, enjoying herself.
Soon, the fragrant dishes were served in front of Wang Feng. "This is my masterpiece. Taste it," Lu Yao said confidently. As he cut into it, juice flowed out, and he couldn''t help but exim, "Yao Yao, your cooking skills could definitely make you a chef."
"I don''t want to be a chef. I just want to cook for you alone," Lu Yao stretched. "But it''s been a long time since we rested. There are many things to deal with in thepany."
"Don''t push yourself. Everything is going smoothly now," Feng Yao Group''s investments in domestic and international inte were quite sessful, reaping huge profits and expanding its scale. It had be a world-renowned investmentpany.
They were particrly optimistic about and invested in Apple''s development, which had seen rapid growth. Two years ago, theunch of the new iPhone smartphone had shocked the world, gradually eating into the market share of other smartphones. They heard that they nned tounch a groundbreaking product next year, which Wang Feng was eagerly looking forward to.
After lunch and a short rest, the two decided to go diving near the coast. Lu Yao had obtained a diving certificate, so they didn''t hire a diving instructor this time. Of course, they wouldn''t take risks in areas that were too deep or dangerous.
When the mysterious and quiet underwater world appeared before their eyes, with colorful schools of fish, bizarre corals, and soft sandy seabeds, everything made them feel extremely rxed.
For the next two days, Wang Feng and Lu Yao enjoyed the beautiful scenery and delicious food. On thest day, they detoured to Mn to visit the small vi by Lake Como where they had once lived.
Entering the incredibly familiar home, the first thing that caught their eyes was therge floor-to-ceiling windows and the distant mountain views. They had spent five years here, and Lu Yao looked around with nostalgia in her eyes.
Since they hired someone to clean regrly, everything here was very clean and remained the same as when they left. The two cuddled on the sofa, recalling the old stories, feeling particrly peaceful andfortable.
Since they were back in Mn, they naturally had to meet up with friends. At noon, Wang Feng hosted a lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant for oldrades such as Zti, Ribry, who happened to be on vacation too.
"Without the Champions League to y, we have more leisure time than you, boss," Ribry said, half teasing and half helpless. "At least you''re about to win your eighth consecutive title. That''s not easy, especially with Juventus showing signs of resurgence."
"Europeanpetitions have always been the expectation of club presidents and fans, but the overall environment in Serie A is very bleak. In recent years, it''s been rare to see a team make it to the Champions League quarterfinals," Ribry sighed, then suddenly looked determined. "Since Mr. Mourinho took over Inter Mnst year, I have a feeling that he can definitely lead the team back to the highest stage of the Champions League. By then, I hope to face you, boss."
Seeing the Frenchman''s determined expression, Wang Feng nodded with a light smile. "Hmm, I hope you guys seed. I won''t go easy on you then."
The group chatted for a long time until the time to return was very short before reluctantly parting ways. Afterwards, Wang Feng and Lu Yao ended their short vacation and returned to Madrid.
The vacation was to set off for better things. On April 27th, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Sevi away.
Despite facing the third-ranked team in the league now, the Gxy Battleship, who had been conserving their strength, still showed their strong dominance. In the 12th minute, Wang Feng''s cross from the left found Iguan in front of the goal, who stunningly volleyed to open the scoring for the away team.
Just seven minutester, the Chinese superstar moved to the right, continuously dribbling past two defensive yers into the penalty area from outside, then passed it across the penalty spot.
The Argentine forward in the middle received the ball sideways, and with a backheel flick, the ball went through the defenders'' legs and reached Gago at the far post, who volleyed it fiercely. Real Madrid extended their lead.
Before halftime, Van der Vaart yed a through ball into the penalty area. Wang Feng, with his back to the goal, received the ball andid it off, and Iguan, who followed up, shot to score again,pleting his brace!
Although Sevi pulled one back in the second half through Fabin, Van der Vaart soon scored a decisive goal with a world-ss strike from outside the penalty area.
4-1! Real Madrid achieved a resounding victory away from home, sounding the horn of attack for the next three tough matches.
Chapter 449: Smother
Chapter 449: Smother
Real Madrid and Chelsea shed in the Champions League quarter-finalsst year, and perhaps the biggest change for the Blues is the arrival of their new coach, Scri.
Simr to Mourinho, who achieved great sess, Scri also emphasizes pragmatism, so their tactics still prioritize solid defense before considering offense.
Moreover, the Brazilian coach even specializes in training yers in foul tactics. He believes that when unable to stop the opponent, fouling is an effective defensive method, a strategy likely to be used specifically against the Chinese superstar.
The first-leg encounter between the two sides took ce at Chelsea''s home ground, Stamford Bridge. The home team deployed a defensive counter-attacking formation, a 4-5-1 setup, with Cech in goal.
The defenders were Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, and Bosingwa.
In midfield, there were Mikel, Back, Lampard, Essien, and Malouda.
Upfront, the lone striker was "The Beast" Drogba.
Chelsea kicked off the first half, while Real Madrid opted to press high early on to force mistakes from their opponents. However, Scri''s tutored Blues had a n, sessfully neutralizing the threat of the Gcticos.
Seeing their initial efforts thwarted, the visiting team quickly retreated to prevent Chelsea fromunching a counterattack. Drogba''s physicality left a deep impression on the Real Madrid defenders. Soon after, Chelsea advanced into Real Madrid''s half, but the ball was intercepted by Diarra.
Subsequently, he delivered a straight pass to Wang Feng in midfield. The Chinese superstar swiftly surged forward, with Mikel and Bosingwa chasing closely behind. However, his speed was simply too much, and the distance between both sides grew wider and wider until they approached the penalty area without a proper interception.
Seeing Wang Feng closing in on the penalty area, Ivanovic had only one thought in mind: not to let him prate further. So, he decided to make a decisive tackle.
The Chinese superstar wanted him toe closer! Wang Feng lightly tapped the ball to the right, seemingly aiming to moveterally to find space for a shot. Ivanovic was taken aback; if Wang Feng managed to shoot from this distance, it would be dangerous.
At that moment, a Chelsea defender immediately stretched out his left leg to interfere. But just then, Wang Feng suddenly flicked the ball back with his right foot, bypassing Ivanovic and shifting to the left.
A trick like a fried meatball! A simple footwork move made Ivanovic easily lose his defensive position, all due to Wang Feng''s intimidating presence and lightning-fast agility.
At this point, a gap appeared in front of the Chinese superstar from the left to the penalty area. So, with a light touch, he split from the defender and charged into the penalty area. Faced with goalkeeper Cech''s block, he directly passed the ball to the right.
Arriving, Iguan almost faced an empty goal, but his shot was too powerful, grazing the crossbar and flying out of the.
Wang Feng helplessly shrugged at Iguan, his expression seemingly saying, "What are you doing, buddy? How did you manage to miss such an easy shot?" The Argentinean gestured apologetically, admitting it was his fault, and ran back to the midfield shaking his head.
Almost conceding an attack to Real Madrid, Scri on the sidelines urged his yers, shouting, "Defend! Stop Wang Feng at all costs!"
If Mikel or Bosingwa had made a decisive foul tactic just now, the Chinese superstar wouldn''t have had a chance to threaten the frontcourt. The Brazilian coach was very unhappy with their performance.
Time slowly passed, and both sides gradually became deadlocked. Chelsea frequently used unconventional tactics to stop Real Madrid''s attacks, leading the referee to repeatedly stop the game.
In the 25th minute, Wang Feng dropped back to midfield to receive the ball and immediately turned to advance. At this moment, three defenders closed in on him. He wanted to attempt to dribble past them but was immediately held back by Essien from behind.
Naturally, the referee awarded a foul against the home team, but this position was obviously unable to pose a threat to Chelsea''s goal, and Real Madrid''s attack was once again defused.
The first half of the game finally ended intermittently. After the break, the home team continued to implement foul tactics, constantly using minor actions to intercept Wang Feng and the Gcticos'' attacks, causing considerable annoyance.
Their actions weren''t significant, coupled with the home advantage, the referee often only penalized fouls without issuing cards, making Chelsea even more reckless.
The Gcticos yers gradually became frustrated, while the Blues sessfully seized fleeting opportunities. In the 76th minute, Terry intercepted Sneijder''s pass, then immediatelyunched a long ball to the front. Nearby, Pepe and Coentrao failed to clear the ball in time.
Drogba pounced on the loose ball like a beast unleashed, waiting for such an opportunity throughout the game. Pepe, realizing the situation, hurriedly chased after the ball, but was still half a step slower than the Ivorian.
He reached the ball first, flicking it over the Portuguese defender''s head. Then Drogba continued to dribble into the penalty area, forming a one-on-one against Casis.
Facing Casis, the Chelsea forward calmly feinted, causing the Spanish goalkeeper to dive to the ground before easily slotting the ball into the empty. 1-0! The Blues broke the deadlock!
This goal delighted Scri even more, as he became more determined to execute his tactics, substituting with the fresher Anelka and Belletti to contain the visiting team.
This scoreline remained until the end of the game, as Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
After the game, Real Madrid coach Schuster harshly criticized Scri, calling it a "disgusting match." He said, "Chelseamitted an astonishing number of fouls throughout the game, disrupting the rhythm and continuity of the match. I believe no viewer would want to see such a contest."
"Football is about passion, filled with a visual feast of technique, not a tasteless affair," the German added. He also stated that when they return to the Bernabeu, he will show the Blues what a real victory means.
Scri, however, dismissed Schuster''sments, saying, "We are the winners, there''s no issue with this tactic, the yers did not vite the rules of footballpetition."
He emphasized everyone''s fighting spirit and believed it was this spirit that could stop the terrifying attacks of the Gcticos. "In the Champions League matches before this season, Real Madrid scored in every game, with a total of 25 goals in 10 matches, averaging 2.5 goals per game. This is a terrifying figure."
"But under Chelsea''s irond defense, they interrupted this goal-scoring streak. I firmly believe that even when we go to the Bernabeu, the yers will still be able to limit Real Madrid''s performance and ultimately eliminate them to reach the Champions League final!"
The process of this game also sparked heated debate in the media. Spanish media led by Marca strongly criticized Chelsea''s approach, suggesting that referees should impose heavier penalties after multiple foul judgments, to prevent the game from bing ugly.
On the other hand, British media led by The Sun believed it was just a tactical characteristic. Although not worth promoting, asional use against strong opponents was eptable.
While the public discussion was lively, UEFA officials did not provide a clear stance. Apparently, they are still observing the situation, as such dull games would indeed lose many viewers, but whether to restrict them requires further observation.
Chapter 450: Ultimate Control VS Ultimate Counterattack
Chapter 450: Ultimate Control VS Ultimate Counterattack
Unable to immerse in the sorrow of the first round defeat in the Champions League, the return to Madrid''s Gcticos will soon witness a focal match, the 34th round of La Liga, the century derby against Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
Looking at the current state of both teams, it is not an exaggeration to say that the oue of this game will likely determine the league champions.
Barcelona is currently two points behind Real Madrid, and they must win this game to ensure a turnaround. Moreover, all the yers still remember the shameful night at the Camp Noust year, a tragic night where even scoring five goals couldn''t secure a victory. It''s time to fight back against the people of Madrid!
As the yers from both sides stand on the field, the confrontational atmosphere reaches its peak. With the sound of the main referee''s whistle, the game officially begins.
Barcelona takes the initiative to attack. The ball is passed to Alves, who promptly distributes it to Xavi. Thetter then advances with the ball, with Messi, Eto''o, and Henry pressing forward simultaneously, not hiding their attacking intent.
Gago quickly moves to intercept Xavi, but the Argentine center-back easily deceives him with a feint, causing him to lose his defensive position, and continues to charge forward.
"Barcelona''s attack reaches Real Madrid''s half, watch this opportunity, passed to Messi, beautiful! A silky smooth dribble past the defender, how will he handle it in front of the penalty area? A diagonal pass to Eto''o, shot! The ball narrowly misses the post."
"The away teampletes the first attack of the game, it can be seen that they have entered the state very quickly, while the Real Madrid yers are slightly behind,e on,ds, let''s pick up our spirits!"
As the game progresses to the 3rd minute, Robben dribbles along the sideline, with Busquets and Alves forming an encirclement. So, he passes back to the nearby Wang Feng.
But Iniesta suddenly makes a tackle, initiating a counterattack for Barcelona. After several passes, they sessfully prate into the vicinity of the penalty area. Henry sends a back pass to Messi from the byline, who shoots with the outside of his foot from outside the box, just grazing the crossbar and flying out of bounds.
"Oh!" A gasp emanates from the stands behind the goal, all home fans are holding their breaths, that shot just now was too dangerous.
Tonight, Barcelona is more desperate than ever, not only focusing on extreme ball possession, but also immediately pressing to regain possession after losing the ball. Even the pace of the game has been elerated. Every time the yers handle the ball, they are more decisive and efficient. It seems that Guardi has upgraded and strengthened his possession-based system again to deal with Real Madrid.
In the 17th minute, Iniesta once again intercepts Real Madrid''s attack, swiftly passing the ball to Eto''o. The Cameroonian runs with the ball through the midfield, then passes to Henry on the wing.
Henry and Messi advance whilepleting a one-two on the side and in the middle, their low passes to each other are extremely urate, making Marcelo, the retreating defender, unsure of whom to mark.
After advancing to the vicinity of the penalty area, Henry makes a sudden stop and crosses, Messi, near the penalty spot, shoots with his right foot and breaks through Casis''s fingertips, 0:1! Barcelona takes the lead!
After taking the lead, Barcelona did not rx but instead yed more smoothly. In the 26th minute, they once again prated into Real Madrid''s territory through quick passes.
Messi receives a through ball from Xavi in front of the penalty area, dodges Coentrao''s pressure, then passes sideways to Eto''o. Although the Cameroonian is tightly marked in front of the goal, he still manages to push aside Mertesacker with his body and pass the ball to the other side.
Henry, making a run, once again breaches the Gcticos'' defense, 0:2! The away team increases their lead!
On the sidelines, Schuster crosses his arms, the current situation is giving him a headache. The opponent, after a Champions League battle, still has such good physical and technical reserves. It''s truly surprising.
To deal with such a strong possession-based y, extreme counterattacking tactics are probably needed. Wang Feng is the best executor, but the midfield and defense are exhausted, and theck of effective support up front is also a problem.
To address this, the German quickly makes adjustments, substituting Higuain for Raul in the 35th minute to further strengthen defensive stability. Although the Argentine veteran''s form has declined, his coordination with the existing defensive lineup can still provide decent reinforcement.
The first half ends without any change in score. Barcelona''s possession rate once reached 75%, firmly suppressing the Gcticos, and the home team only managed one shot, courtesy of Wang Feng.
As the second half begins, Schuster reces the more youthful Higuain with Raul, hoping he can make an impact on the counterattack.
However, Barcelona''s yers cannot maintain high-intensity y for the full 90 minutes, and the pace of the second half inevitably slows down, presenting Barcelona with an opportunity.
In the 67th minute, Iniesta and Xavi advance the ball through consecutive passes to the frontcourt. Thetter sends a diagonal pass to Messi on the right nk.
At this time, the Real Madrid defense line is very deep, making it difficult for the Argentine star to pass to Eto''o in the penalty area. Consequently, he chooses to pass back to Iniesta.
But with a moment of hesitation, Wang Feng seizes the opportunity. The Chinese superstar suddenly slides in to intercept the ball on its inevitable path, sessfully winning possession and passing it to Diarra.
After the sessful interception, he quickly gets up and sprints forward, while Diarra sends a lob pass to the area near the advancing Higuain. The Argentine striker, ahead of Puyol, wins the first touch with a header andys it off to Wang Feng.
Like flying swords, the two of them speed down the field, forming a two-on-three against Barcelona''s defense. Most of the defensive focus is on the Chinese superstar at this moment. No matter when, he naturally draws attention.
Wang Feng''s performance is also worth noting. Faced with the advancing Pique, he slightly decelerates, finds the right moment, lightly flicks the ball, letting it pass through the Spaniard''s legs, a nutmeg!
After easily shaking off one defender, Puyol and Yaya Toure also involuntarily converge towards him, almostpletely leaving Higuain empty on the other side. Seeing this situation, Wang Feng naturally seizes the opportunity, sending a curved lob pass from the edge of the penalty area.
The ball, not too fast but just right, hits the head of the rushing Argentine forward, rebounds towards the goal, although Barcelona''s goalkeeper Valdes reacts quickly to make a diving save, the angle of the shot is too tricky for him to reach.
"Goal!" The ball is in! Real Madrid finally pulls one back, a header from Higuain!
"The Gcticosplete an efficient and fast counterattack, from Wang Feng''s interception to assisting Higuain''s goal, the entire process did not exceed 1 minute, and the number of passes is also countable on one hand."
"When Barcelona is waving the g of extreme possession, dominating absolute ball possession and game advantage, Real Madrid responds with an extreme counterattack, showing them that they don''t need too many opportunities to attack and score. One chance is enough to strike a deadly blow!"
"What will they do next? Can Real Madrid continue to seize opportunities to equalize or even take the lead again? Let''s continue watching this exciting century-old showdown."
Chapter 451: The league championship is ours!
Chapter 451: The league championship is ours!
This goalpletely ignites the passion of the Bernabeu. Countless home fans stand up and chant the names of Higuain and Wang Feng. The frustration they felt previously is swept away.
Although they firmly believed that the team still had a chance, and that Wang Feng could work miracles, it was very ufortable to watch the obvious suppression, especially when the opponents celebrated recklessly after scoring two goals.
"The real battle is just beginning, the league title belongs to us!" Countless Real Madrid fans are convinced, they sing the team''s anthem to cheer on the home team, inspiring the yers on the field with the most passionate posture.
Wang Feng did not disappoint their enthusiasm. In the 83rd minute, Sneijder sent a ground pass directly behind Barcelona''s defense. The Chinese superstar,gging behind Marcos by two steps, surprisingly managed to use his speed to overtake the opponent and snatch the ball first.
The two tangled towards the penalty area, the Mexican defender dared not make a big move to foul, only continuously pulling Wang Feng''s shirt slightly from behind, trying to stop him from advancing.
This level of interference was simply unable to stop the Chinese superstar. He pushed the ball forward, then suddenly twisted his body to shake off Marcos and elerated, catching up with the ball near the goal line.
Facing Valdes blocking the near post and Puyol defending the middle, Wang Feng used the tip of his right foot to forcefully touch the bottom of the ball, immediately making it soar over the goalkeeper''s head, grazing the left post and flying towards the back post.
"Wang Feng''s cross near the goal line, Iguan, who''s waiting at the far post, is blocked by Puyol. Let''s see if he can get to this ball. It''s in! The ball actually hit the inside of the right post and bounced into the!"
"This is an almost zero-angle goal! Oh my God, the strange trajectory of the shot, both a pass and a shot, deceived everyone!"
"The score on the field has been changed to 2:2. Real Madrid sessfully caught up with the opponents. The game is also approaching its end. I believe this result is eptable for the Gcticos, but it''s a heavy blow to Barcelona."
"For the Catalonia team, who aregging behind on the points table, a draw is very bad. They must ensure that they don''t make mistakes themselves, and pray for the Gcticos to make mistakes in order to win the championship. It''s like handing their fate over to their arch-enemy."
"Hey, what''s going on? Oh, it''s a goal! Real Madrid scored again, and Wang Feng made it happen! He''s scored twice!"
"This is a fatal mistake made by Barcelona''s goalkeeper, Valdes. After receiving Puyol''s back pass, he stopped the ball not far in front of him and directed his teammates to press forward."
"But he failed to notice the nearby Wang Feng getting closer and closer, then suddenly started to advance towards him. In a hurry, the Spanish goalkeeper tried to clear the ball, but it hit Wang Feng''s leg and bounced towards the goal."
"Finally, Valdes tried his best to chase the ball and make up for it, but he still couldn''t reach it."
"3:2, Real Madrid sessfully turned the score around, in a very dramatic way. Let''s see the slow-motion rey. Oh, Wang Feng''s eyes focused on the ball are like those of a bloodthirsty shark. Even at a far distance, once he smells blood, he can quickly pounce and tear the opponent to pieces!"
"I remember he scored a simr goal in the Champions League, the victim was Liverpool''s goalkeeper Reina at that time, and now Valdes has also fallen victim. This serves as a wake-up call for all goalkeepers. When facing top yers like Wang Feng, they must be fully focused!"
Real Madrid won 3-2 against Barcelona at home, widening the gap between the two teams to 5 points, almost securing the league championship this season, achieving the great feat of three consecutive championships!
Almost all Spanish media expressed this opinion the next day, except for newspapers in the Catalonia region, which still insisted on the possibility of Barcelona winning the championship, but they obviouslycked confidence.
"Marca"mented that Barcelona fully demonstrated their strength in the game, dominating the field with absolute advantage, whether it was ball possession or number of attacks, they were far superior to their opponents, but still lost the game.
"Real Madrid is an incredible team, and Wang Feng is an incredible yer. They always manage to create miracles in adversity, perhaps this is the charm of football."
Regarding the drastically different tactical systems adopted by the two teams, "Marca" believes that there is no absolute superiority or inferiority in itself, whether it is possession or fast counterattack, each has its pros and cons, and theyplement each other.
However, the execution greatly enhances the actual effect. Barcelona yed the world''s strongest possession game, but Wang Feng obviously transcends them by a dimension, not wasting even a single opportunity.
"El Pais" titled their report "One Man Destroys the Entire Team", pointing out that Wang Feng created all five attacks of Real Madrid and scored two goals and one assist, he destroyed the powerful Barcelona once again.
More importantly, after this match, the total league goals scored by the Chinese superstar reached an astonishing 60, while the trio of Barcelona''s strikers scored only 59 league goals in total, he surpassed the Trident for the first time, truly interpreting what "one against three" means.
"Marca" stated that Wang Feng led the Gcticos at the Bernabeu to reverse Barcelona, aiming for the great goal of three consecutive championships!
"It is undeniable that Barcelona is very strong this season. They have no obvious weaknesses in the front, middle, or back, and their technical level and coordination are very high, achieving remarkable results on all fronts."
"But unfortunately, their opponent is Wang Feng, the Gcticos! No one can stop this team from defending the league title. Next, they will lift the Copa del Rey and defend the Champions League title, which is entirely possible!"
They counted the total number of goals scored by the Chinese superstar in variouspetitions, and the result shocked everyone, 96, such an unprecedented number.
"If a yer can score more than a hundred goals in a single season, he will be a permanent legend in football, and Wang Feng is walking on the path to bing a legend!"
The Catalonia-based "Mundo Deportivo" med goalkeeper Valdes for the defeat, stating that hisst "war criminal" level performance buried the team''s hopes of winning the championship.
They even radicaly suggested that in the crucial uing Champions League semi-finals and Copa del Rey final, substitute goalkeeper Holk should start instead. Of course, if Guardi''s head hasn''t been squeezed by the door, he wouldn''t adopt such absurd suggestions.
Valdes has always been very stable in his performance, and he shouldn''t bepletely denied just because of a single mistake in a game. Moreover, facing Wang Feng, there is no goalkeeper in the world who can say they have confidence, each goal scored is a tearfulint from a goalkeeper.
Chapter 452: The same loss will not be eaten twice
Chapter 452: The same loss will not be eaten twice
On the evening of May 6th, three days after the battle with Barcelona, the Bernabu Stadium once again erupted into celebrations. After nearly 95 minutes of fiercepetition, when the referee blew the final whistle, over eighty thousand home fans erupted into thunderous cheers.
Staff from the Real Madrid coaching staff and substitute yers rushed onto the field in excitement to celebrate with the victorious yers. While Schuster tried to maintainposure, he couldn''t hide the smile at the corner of his mouth.
In stark contrast, Chelsea yers remained seated on the ground, struggling toe to terms with their defeat. In the previous leg, they had been confident of their advantage, only to be swiftly brought back to reality and eliminated.
Before leaving the field, Chelsea''s head coach, Scri, approached Schuster and shook his hand. "Congrattions," he said, "Honestly, I envy you for having a yer like Wang Feng on your team. It would be a wonderful thing to coach him."
Schuster replied with a smile, "Yes, I have always felt the same way."
On the big screen at the Bernabu, the final score was disyed: 3-0 in favor of the home team. Combined with the result of the previous leg, the Galcticos defeated the Blues 3-1, advancing to the Champions League final for the third consecutive year!
In fact, Chelsea''s tactical strategy remained unchanged from their home game; they opted to defend deeply, disrupt with fouls, and counterattack opportunistically, aiming for a narrow victory.
Typically, such a strategy would cause headaches for the opponents, but it had two drawbacks: firstly, their own yers were constantly under pressure and unable to rx, and secondly, if the opponent had strong attacking yers, it could lead to copse.
And Wang Feng was precisely that kind of yerable to outshine all others in the world.
The situation in the first leg led Scri to misjudge the actual effectiveness of his tactics. He even entertained the thought: if all teams adopted this "park the bus" strategy against Wang Feng, would the universally acknowledged uncontainable world number one have no chance?
Wang Feng educated him thoroughly at the Bernabu. At the start of the match, both teams seemed to be stuck in a deadlock like the previous encounter. Chelsea disrupted Real Madrid''s rhythm through tight marking and fouls. Despite the home team''s referee bias, their actions were clean, making it difficult to issue warnings.
This status quo persisted until the 26th minute when Wang Feng dropped back in the midfield to receive ateral pass from Sneijder. At this point, about forty meters from the goal, Chelsea defenders Mikl and Alex closed in, ready to intercept him.
The Chinese superstar nonchntly flicked the ball up as it descended and then, with the momentum of its descent, powered a shot with his thigh. "Bang!" The sound echoed throughout the stadium as the ball, like an arrow leaving the bowstring, sped towards the goal.
The shot took everyone by surprise, especially the visiting goalkeeper ?ech. But he quicklyposed himself, thinking that from such a distance, it shouldn''t pose much of a threat.
However, the ball''s speed was extraordinary. The Czech could only dive desperately, but as it came within reach, ?ech finally showed a look of horrorit was a knuckleball!
The ball slipped under his hands and crashed into the behind him. 1-0, Real Madrid took the lead, leveling the ying field!
After all the effort and the ugly disy of the match, easily erased by the Chinese superstar, it was a significant blow to the Chelsea yers, especially since they didn''t know if they would be stabbed again suddenly.
Because just seven minutester, Wang Feng fired another shot from over forty meters out. Though this one hit the right post and bounced out of bounds, it still struck fear into the hearts of all the visiting yers.
They became somewhat frantic, unsure whether to draw the danger zone further out; that would be too risky, and everyone''s nerves were on the verge of snapping.
By the 41st minute, when Wang Feng prepared for another shot, Chelsea defender Mikl couldn''t resist charging forward to block it.
But this time, the Chinese superstar didn''t shoot. Instead, he casually sidestepped the sliding tackle, then delivered a surgical through pass. Ivn Iguan, who had already been lurking, swiftly surged past the Chelsea defense line.
Sessful offside trap! After that, everything became simple. The Argentine forward burst into the penalty area, leaving the goalkeeper behind before effortlessly slotting the ball into the empty. 2-0, Real Madridpletely turned the game around!
The second half became even easier to y. Trailing Chelsea had to reorganize their attack, but in a short time, they couldn''t fully unleash their strength, resulting in a lot of open space.
Moreover, the yers'' mentality had already been thrown off bnce by Wang Feng and Real Madrid, causing confusion. Finally, in the 72nd minute, Sneijder assisted Robben in scoring the goal that sealed the victory.
In the mixed zone after the match, Wang Feng, as one of Real Madrid''s heroes, received enthusiastic attention from the media. Many wanted to know about the crucial first goal.
"To be honest, I had this idea after losing the first leg. I wanted to defeat the opponent from a greater distance since Chelsea''s defense was too tight in the back. We had toe up with stronger attacking methods," he exined.
"For this, I trained specifically for a while. I am very grateful for the support of the head coach and the yers. Without them, this brilliant goal wouldn''t have happened."
When asked about his shooting sess rate, Wang Feng shrugged. "Sess rate? Oh, dear, how do you calcte that? You saw it too. I tried four times during the match, and only one was sessful."
"And even in the same position, under the same circumstances, there''s no guarantee of hitting the target every time. Everything is full of chance," Wang Feng said. "There''s simply no stable probability."
Some reporters also mentioned the feint-pass before the second goal. Wang Feng nodded proudly. "Yes, we practiced this tactic specifically. When the long shot seeded in creating a deterrent effect, we could attempt this tactic."
"Gonzalo is an extremely talented shooter, and his sense in front of the goal is not inferior to mine. Our passing and cooperation are highly sessful, so scoring was a natural oue."
Real Madrid''s head coach Schustervished praise on Wang Feng, saying, "Chelsea is a tough opponent, and we had to find other solutions. We couldn''t make the same mistakes twice, and Wang''s method was indeed very effective."
"More importantly, it''s the execution. Honestly, I was shocked by the first goal because, in my imagination, even if it missed the target or hit the crossbar, it would still be the best result, with a chance to draw Chelsea''s defense line apart."
"But Wang did it perfectly, and everything that followed was within our expectations, leading to the final victory."
Chelsea''s head coach Scri smiled bitterly, saying, "This failure was unexpected but also unsurprising. Wang Feng''s attacks were somewhat unreasonable."
At the same time, he admitted that after conceding the first goal, their tactical ns fell short, and the team''s y became chaotic. "In fact, luck yed a part. If we could quickly adjust our mindset, we still had the strength to fight."
"But the yers aren''t machines. In that situation, frustration and doubt easily invaded all their thoughts, leading to aplete copse in the end."
Chapter 453: The Copa del Rey is also ours
Chapter 453: The Copa del Rey is also ours
In the other two Champions League semi-final matches, Barcelona won 2-1 at home against Manchester United in the first leg, and then secured a 1-1 draw away, thus advancing to the final with a total score of 3-2, eliminating the Red Devils.
The showdown between the two giants of La Liga at the peak of Europe! This result did note as a surprise to most people because both teams demonstrated significant differences in strengthpared to other European teams.
The only ones probably dissatisfied were the Red Devils'' fans and Manchester United yers. Cristiano Ronaldo scored both of the team''s goals in the two matches but still couldn''t match Barcelona''s multiple-goal scoring.
After the match, he declined all interviews and plunged into the gym to train hard, intending to seek revenge against Wang Feng, but unexpectedly lost to the "junior" who was two years younger than himself.
The Portuguese star did not admit the emergence of any "new generation dual pearls." The only one he acknowledged asparable was the Chinese superstar. Everyone else was just challengers who cameter.
Especially when he fell behind Messi in the 2007 Ballon d''Or voting, it was a deep shame for him, but fortunately, he reimed it inst year''s voting.
Now being eliminated by Messi, doesn''t it mean he will be overshadowed again this year? Thinking of this, Cristiano Ronaldo felt as if he had been pierced by ten thousand arrows, unbearable. The biggest lesson he learned from this Barcelona team was that he neededpanions, more and stronger assistants!
"It seems that it''s time to have a good talk with Sir Ferguson and the club management." Cristiano Ronaldo thought firmly in his heart.
For the two giants of La Liga, they still have two heavyweight confrontations this season. The first is the Copa del Rey final, followed by the Champions League final.
For this reason, Barcelona issued a strict order internally: they must win. The Champions League is the most important, followed by the Copa del Rey. With almost no hope in the league, they can''t bear any more setbacks!
Before the decisive battle, both sides will also go through a La Liga match. In the 35th round, Real Madrid will face Valencia away, while Barcelona will host Virreal at home.
The Gxy Battleship, with some key yers rested, was ultimately assisted by Wang Feng to score the only goal of the game through Cassano. Meanwhile, Barcelona, who never gave up until thest moment, saw Henry score twice and Iniesta''s long-range shot find the, defeating Virreal 3-1, maintaining a 5-point difference between the two sides.
On May 14th, at the Mesta Stadium in Valencia, the Copa del Rey final was held as scheduled.
Perhaps affected by psychological shadows, despite Guardi deploying the strongest lineup, the yers'' performance wasckluster,pletely different from the fierce disy in the previous two derbies.
As long as Wang Feng maintains his high level as always, there is almost no pressure on the entire team of Real Madrid, and everyone can perform at their best.
Just 7 minutes into the game, Wang Feng received a pass from Sneijder on the wing, then dribbled past Alves and prepared to cut inside, but after taking two steps, he suddenly sent a cross to the far post.
Ral dashed out from the defensive crowd, effortlessly pushing the ball into Barcelona''s goal with a simple shot. 1-0! The Gxy Battleship got off to a dream start.
In the 26th minute, Real Madrid''s Diarra intercepted Messi''s diagonal pass, then passed to Sneijder, whounched a rapid counter-attack with the ball.
The Dutchman nced at the situation in the penalty area, immediately took a shot to chip the ball in, and Wang Feng, on the right, outmuscled Puyol to seed in controlling the ball, but there was no space for shooting or passing.
So, the Chinese superstar had a brilliant idea. Before the ballpletelynded, he flicked it with his heel in a diagonal direction. It passed through Puyol''s legs andnded on the grass, bouncing behind him.
At this moment, there was empty space behind the Spanish defender, and Puyol couldn''t turn around in time to make up for it. Wang Feng had already volleyed with his left foot before the ball touched the ground, and Valds had no chance at such close range. The ball soared into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in! Wang Feng expands Real Madrid''s lead!"
"A wonderful touch through the legs, the Chinese superstar creates space even in such tight defense, and in such a short time, it''s really beautiful!"
"Barcelona''s state today seems a bit off, especially on the attacking end,pletelycking the sharpness of the past. Could it be that they are afraid of Real Madrid?"
"In the two league matches this season, the two sides have shown what it means to be evenly matched, back and forth, with the Gxy Battleship relying on Wang Feng''s extraordinary performance to win, but Barcelona is not without hope."
"But today''s game ispletely different in trend and state. Catalonia has lost their extreme control and their multiple-goal scoring. Even possession is on par with Real Madrid."
"Adjust quickly, guys! If you go to the Champions League final with this kind of state, the odds may not be in our favor."
Trailing by two goals in the first half, after the break, Barcelona''s yers finally regained some fighting spirit, but they were still far from their peak, making frequent mistakes.
In the 72nd minute, substitute Iguan seized the opportunity to intercept passes from Xavi and Alves in the frontcourt, then stormed into the penalty area, faced the goalkeeper without hesitation, dodged the dive with a nted step, and then slotted the ball into the empty from a narrow angle.
3-0! Real Madridpletely secured the victory! And this score remained until the end of the game.
The Gxy Battleship won its 18th Copa del Rey in club history, and this was the first time Wang Feng lifted this trophy since joining Real Madrid.
It was a silver trophy with a ck wooden base at the bottom, and a slender cylindrical structure holding up therge body of the cup, convenient for yers to hold. There were also wide handles on both sides of the cup, and the front bore the emblem of the Spanish royal family, presented by King Juan Carlos I himself.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn to receive the medal, the Spanish king warmly embraced him: "I''m d you''re standing in front of me, kid. You will surely be a legend of Real Madrid."
"I hope you can stay with the team and help them achieve glory again, no, maybe surpass glory. I think only you can do it."
"Of course, I will do my best." The Chinese superstar responded with a smile.
Finally, Ral lifted the Copa del Rey trophy on behalf of the team, but he pulled Wang Feng to stand on the other side, and the two raised the cup together.
While Real Madrid yers celebrated their victory, the atmosphere in Barcelona''s locker room was like hell. Guardi stared angrily at each yer: "Do you guys not want to y anymore? If you don''t want to y, then get out! If we continue like this, there''s no need for the Champions League, we might as well withdraw altogether."
In a moment of silence, Eto''o suddenly exploded: "You arranged the personnel and tactics, but we still can''t beat Real Madrid. What more do you want from us?"
He was the top scorer in the team this season, scoring 31 goals, but the contract renewal was still unresolved. Laporta''s promised sry increase was nowhere to be seen, and seeing one honor after another slip away, he finally couldn''t bear this high pressure anymore.
With that, the Cameroonian stormed out of the room, leaving Guardi with a grim expression: "Anyone else want to leave? You can all leave together." Seeing the atmosphere bing increasingly tense, the old captain Puyol stepped forward to ease the situation, apologized to the head coach, and promised to urge everyone to train hard to regain their form, barely maintaining harmony.
With their own thoughts, the two sides finally dispersed in discontent.
Chapter 454: Defending the title !
Chapter 454: Defending the title !
Approaching the decisive battle, there was unrest within the Barcelona team. Despite the team achieving its best-ever league performance in history, they were constantly suppressed by Real Madrid. The cup was lost, league hopes were dim, and was there still a chance to win the Champions League?
If the season ended with nothing, would Guardi and Laporta leave together? By then, the team would surely fall into chaos, and what would be the future for oneself?
Except for a few yers like Messi who remained resolute, others were shrouded in this unsettling thought. Adding insult to injury, the dispute between Eto''o and Guardi was somehow leaked to the media, upying the headlines the day after the Copa del Rey final.
"AS" gleefully reported that the team''s top scorer and the head coach had fallen outpletely, suggesting that Barcelona might surrender without a fight. "After a frustrating defeat, the Cameroonian finally spoke out against Guardi. The two quarreled with no room for reconciliation."
"It''s understandable. They''ve achieved many victories this season, but they''ve always failed to beat the Gxy Battleship. The sense of powerlessness is eroding everyone in the team. With just a little spark, conflicts will continue to arise."
"The Champions League final is approaching, and Barcelona will face their nightmare again. Unable to ovee it even at their peak, how can they talk about winning now? It seems we can congratte Real Madrid on winning the epic third consecutive Champions League in advance."
On the other hand, "Marca" spoke up for Eto''o, "The Cameroonian has done well enough, but the club doesn''t respect him."
"The treatment he receives ispletely disproportionate to his performance, and the core of the team is Messi, not him. Yet, he still needs to work hard. Anyone would be angry."
"Barcelona has never truly faced and respected their own stars, hence conflicts and shes repeatedly ur."
In contrast, Catn media strongly criticized Eto''o for openly defying the coach and escting conflicts, suggesting the club should directly silence him and send him away in the summer.
"Barcelona doesn''t need troublemakers like him. He''s not irreceable, and this season''s achievements are the result of the collective effort of all yers, yet the Cameroonian thinks he''s the most important."
The long-silent "Bar?a father" Cruyff also criticized Eto''o in his column, believing that escting conflicts at this time is extremely foolish and would render the team''s efforts throughout the season futile.
"Yes, we''ve experienced several painful defeats, but there''s still a chance to fight. Don''t forget how many strong opponents we''ve defeated along the way." The Dutch legend tried to motivate the yers with his emotional article.
On May 17th, in the 36th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Virreal. In the 18th minute of the match, Wang Feng received a long pass from Metzelder on the left, dribbled past the defense, cut inside, and scored with a right-footed shot. Real Madrid took the lead 1-0!
Before halftime, Van der Vaart assisted Savi to score another goal, further extending the lead for the Gxy Battleship.
In the second half, coach Schuster substituted Wang Feng, but the yers were evidently overwhelmed by the favorable situation, allowing Virreal to equalize with two goals. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
In the other crucial match of this round, Eto''o did not appear in Barcelona''s squad, but their overall morale was low. They eventually lost 0-1 to Mallorca, widening the gap with Real Madrid to 6 points. However, the difference in goal difference between the two teams was not significant, so only a theoreticaleback was possible.
On May 25th, all theoretical hopes were dashed. In the 37th round of La Liga, Real Madrid defeated Mallorca 3-1 away with a full lineup, and Wang Feng scored another goal.
Although Barcelona won their final match against Osasuna, they stillgged behind Real Madrid by 6 points. Their record was 30 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses, totaling 94 points, setting the highest points record for a La Liga runner-up.
The final round of La Liga ended just before the Champions League final. Real Madrid faced Osasuna at home with a full lineup and won 1-0.
Thus, their final record was 32 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses, totaling 100 points, simr to Wang Feng''s goal tally, also surpassing a hundred, creating the historical spectacle of "Double Hundred".
Spanish newspaper "El Pas"mented that this was the most frustrating record. "No team wants to break this record. This season, the two La Liga giants are on a different level from other teams."
The other two teams qualifying for the Champions League were Sevi and Atletico Madrid, while the unfortunate relegated teams were Real Betis, Numancia, and Getafe.
Chapter 455: Final battle
Chapter 455: Final battle
In the history of La Liga, only Real Madrid and Barcelona have achieved three consecutive league titles. Thest time the Gcticos achieved this feat was in the 1990s, and now the glory has been revived.
But at this moment, the yers cannot rx because they still have one final battle to fight, aiming for the goal of winning the Champions League for the third consecutive time!
Before the restructuring, Real Madrid was the king of the Champions League, achieving a great feat of winning five consecutive titles. Since the restructuring, no team has been able to win the title three times in a row. Naturally, they want to be the first to do so.
To this end, Florentino offered huge bonuses to inspire the team. As long as they win the Champions League, each yer''s share of the money will be no less than seven figures. "This season, we have defeated Barcelona three times already, and considering their internal unrest, victory will surely belong to us!"
Indeed, there is a lot of tension within the Catn team, as if a powder keg is about to explode, affecting not only the yers and coaching staff but also the management.
ording to "AS" reports, the Champions League will be Barcelona''sst chance. If they fail, significant changes will ur. Elections may be called early, and many people will be dismissed, especially Laporta''s various confidants.
After the final round of La Liga matches, Guardi gave an interview to the media. He admitted the team''s loss in the league and considered it very unfortunate. "We won almost every game, except for the most crucial El Clsico."
But he emphasized that Barcelona will give their all in the Champions League final. "The yers are full of fighting spirit, and this is ourst chance for revenge. I believe anyone with courage will want to seize it."
When asked about his conflict with Eto''o and whether he would arrange for him to y in the final, the Spaniard refused to answer the question with a straight face. "Tactical arrangements will not be revealed before the match."
Speaking of their opponents Real Madrid and Wang Feng, Guardi sighed, "Their overall strength is very strong, and more importantly, they have been consistently stable from start to finish, with Wang Feng''s performance being crucial."
"The Chinese superstar has be the backbone of the team, and I rarely see yers maintain such a good form for a long time."
At the same time, he also praised his disciple Messi, "In fact, I believe Messi also has the potential and qualifications. What hecks is only experience and growth."
Both teams arrived in the Italian capital of Rome almost simultaneously. With the arrival of the big game, the city gradually became more lively. Not only did fans of the two La Liga giants flock in, but many Italian fans who used to adore Wang Feng also wanted to witness their idol''s brilliance on the scene again, not to mention the presence of Chinese faces.
The generous Real Madrid club had long rented a whole five-star hotel near the Olympic Stadium as amodation for yers and apanying staff.
Barcelona, on the other hand, chose a more remote but better-equipped resort to stay, not only to avoid the dense media but also to conduct the final training and reinforcement.
Only four days were left for both sides, which seemed like a lot, but was actually very tight. The coaching staff needed to design tactics specifically, yers needed to train together and adapt to the venue, and even the weather conditions on the day of the match had to be predicted and analyzed, not to mention the necessary pre-match media interviews and other tasks.
Guardi even sent someone to coordinate the watering of the pitch because Barcelona''s possession-based style relied heavily on ground passes. The moisture of the grass would directly affect their performance; it shouldn''t be too dry to increase friction nor too wet to be slippery.
Everything that could be thought of and done, the Spanish coach did. At this point, all he could do was pray for a chance for them to defeat Real Madrid and not let their arch-rivals ascend the throne at their expense.
On the day of the final, Guardi and the others boarded the bus to the stadium. Eto''o was still nowhere to be seen among the crowd. Since his public defiance of the coachst time, he had no ce in the first team.
No yer spoke on the way, and the atmosphere was as heavy as if heading to an execution ground. Some closed their eyes to rest, some gazed out the window, only Messi clenched his fists with his head bowed.
He was unwilling! After all the hard work to get here, could they only ept another defeat? He wanted to loudly question his teammates'' fighting spirit and deliver an impassioned speech to inspire them, but in the end, he said nothing.
A little distance away, Puyol looked at the Argentine helplessly shaking his head. Leo was great in everything except for being too introverted; he never showed off.
As the core and best yer of the team, he must shoulder the role of the team''s soul, whether it be calming nerves in victory or boosting morale in defeat, both were indispensable.
In this regard, Wang Feng and even Cristiano Ronaldo did much better than him. The Chinese superstar, needless to say, was disciplined while often wearing a smile, which was very infectious to his teammates. No matter the adversity, just seeing him could bring a sense of calm to everyone.
More importantly, the media revealed that he always promised his teammates during critical moments, "Trust me," "Leave it to me." Such a sense of responsibility, which yer wouldn''t want to cooperate with him?
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he was mboyant and always full of confidence. In interviews, he often stated astonishing goals, but even if he failed to achieve them, the fans wouldn''t me him. Who wouldn''t want to see a yer who was always energetic andpetitive?
"Perhaps failure is also a kind of tempering for Leo; I hope he can step forward for the team in the face of adversity in the future." Puyol silently thought to himself.
After the final warm-up training before the match, both sides submitted their starting line-ups. Real Madrid continued to use the 4-4-2 formation, with Casis in goal.
The defense consisted of Pepe, Ramos, Ashley Cole, and Marcelo. Fortunately, several injured yers had recovered and would not miss the final battle.
The midfield included Diarra, Gago, Robben, and Sneijder.
The forward line was led by Wang Feng and Ral.
Barcelona, on the other hand, changed their style from the usual three-pronged attack to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Valds in goal.
The defense line consisted of Puyol, Yaya Tour, Piqu, and Mrquez.
The two defensive midfielders were Xavi and Alves, while the three attacking midfielders were Iniesta, Busquets, and Messi.
Henry was pushed to the front as the lone striker. With Eto''o gone, Guardi could only have Messi drop back to organize and Henry act as a pivot.
This lineup was somewhat unexpected for Real Madrid coach Schuster. When he learned that the Cameroonian had no room for negotiation with Barcelona at the moment, he thought the Spanish coach would use Pedro or Bojan as substitutes instead.
Unexpectedly, Guardi chose to stick to the midfield, going all out both defensively and offensively, relying on the single forward pir with Messi hidden behind as the killer.
This setup made the attack more concealed and versatile, also in line with Messi''sprehensive technical characteristics. However, such a tactic was rarely seen from Barcelona before.
To be able to change tactics on the stage of the Champions League final, Guardi was taking a desperate gamble, but Schuster was equally confident in his team''s lineup. Making history by defeating Barcelona was happening today.
Chapter 456: Destroy
Chapter 456: Destroy
Marcos felt his heart pounding, his eyes fixed ahead without blinking, his legs spread open to lower his center of gravity as much as possible. Suddenly, he thought of something and slightly brought his knees together, ready to close in at any moment.
No wonder he was so focused, because Wang Feng was swiftly approaching with the ball, they had faced each other several times over the years, but the Mexican defender always came up short.
This was Real Madrid''s rapid counterattack, after Barcelona initiated y and went through several passes, Henry''s long shot from outside the box was collected by Casis.
The Spanish goalkeeper quickly threw the ball out, Diarra''s long pass found the Chinese superstar, who used his speed advantage to breeze past Silvinho and approach the dangerous area.
Seeing his teammates constantly disturbing from behind but still unable to stop Wang Feng, Marcos knew he couldn''t let him advance any further. He had to step up to defend and cooperate with Silvinho to sandwich him from front and back.
The Mexican acted decisively, but Wang Feng seemed to anticipate his move. He lightly lifted his body to the right with his left foot, clearly intending to dribble past the defender towards the sideline.
So Marcos immediately lifted his right foot to block this path, but in the blink of an eye, the Chinese superstar suddenly dropped his raised left foot and forcefully shifted his weight back to the left side, while extending his right foot to dribble the ball past the Mexican defender on the left and cut inside.
A lightning-fast dribble! Marcos was shocked, he wanted to adjust his positioning again, but the panic in his heart caused him to slip and fall to the ground.
In that moment, he instinctively reached out his arms to grab Wang Feng''s legs, forcing him to fall to the ground and preventing him from advancing further.
"Beep~" The sharp whistle immediately sounded, English referee Harris quickly ran up to the two to check their condition. Wang Feng fell backward but was not seriously injured.
So Harris showed Marcos a yellow card and warned, "This is a foul that shouldn''t have happened, sir, I hope you''ll watch your actions."
The Mexican defender shrugged helplessly, receiving the yellow card and giving Real Madrid a free kick near the 30-meter mark, which was much better than letting Wang Feng advance and shoot again.
This free kick was taken by the Chinese superstar, who chose not to shoot but lofted the ball into the penalty area. Due to the opponents'' excessive focus on his direct shots, Marcelo ran out to head the ball, but unfortunately, it went slightly wide of the post.
The Brazilian rubbed his bushy hair, feeling quite frustrated. As he jogged back, shaking his head, Wang Feng still apuded him loudly, "Well done, mate, keep it up."
Marcelo immediately felt encouraged, a confident smile involuntarily spreading across his face, making Marcos, who had received a yellow card, very envious. He subconsciously looked at Messi, but the Argentinean just kept his head down.
Oh, how I miss Ronaldinho''s presence, he would definitely cheer up the team with his witty jokes and encouragement when he was around.
"Looking at this Barcelona attack, eh! Busquets made a passing mistake, the ball was intercepted by Robben, is Real Madrid going for a counterattack now?"
"The Dutchman''s speed is very fast, he has rushed to the front of the penalty area in an instant, now it''s three against three, he passes, Wang Feng passes again, shoots! Goooooooooooooooal! It''s a goal!"
"In the 9th minute, Raul took a powerful shot from the 12-yard position of the penalty area, piercing through Barcelona''s defense!"
"Real Madrid''s counterattack is very fast, Robben on the wing fully disying his characteristics as a little wizard, after rushing to the vicinity of the penalty area, he directly chose to chip the ball to the back."
"In fact, it can be seen that this pass is a bit deep, too close to the goal line, and thending point is too high to handle. But Wang Feng is very clever, after jumping, he lifts his right foot to hook the ball back immediately, forming a triangle pass backward."
"At this moment, three Barcelona defenders are not near Raul, they can''t interfere with him at all. The Spanish forward easily kicks the ball into the with a volley, helping Real Madrid take the lead."
The Olympic Stadium erupted into thunderous cheers, with Real Madrid fans who had traveled from afar continuously chanting Raul and Wang Feng''s names. Bernabeu''s prince ran to the front of the stands to respond to the fans'' support. Even as he aged, he could still contribute his strength whenever the team needed it.
Other teammates also gathered around to celebrate. Raul hugged Wang Feng and said, "I never thought you could make that pass under such difficulty. It scared me. Your shot almost missed at the crucial moment, haha."
"It''s only been 9 minutes, and Barcelona is already trailing. I don''t know why, but they always give me azy feeling, defensive mistakes keep happening. Wake up, everyone, this is the Champions League final!"
"Real Madrid''s tactics are very clear, elerate the pace of attack and defense, immediatelyunch attacks after gaining possession, every yer has put in tremendous effort and passion. I can feel their overwhelming determination even from thementary booth."
Taking the lead in scoring, Real Madrid did not blindly continue to press for more goals, but steadily retreated. This was also a wise choice. After conceding, the Catn team finally showed a bit of aggression and quickly gained control of the midfield.
Moreover, no team can maintain a high level of performance for 90 minutes straight, a fluctuating tempo is the way to sustain development.
Even when Barcelona returned to their familiar possession rhythm, they still couldn''t break through the Gxy Battleship''s defense to create threats. Messi always felt disconnected from his teammates, either due to positioning issues or mistimed passes.
Their best chance came in the 19th minute when Messi, on the right, shook off two defenders with sessive small steps and then slotted a pass into the penalty area, but Henry''s shot from the back post was deflected out by Ashley Cole''s interference.
The English defender''s defense won apuse from the crowd. He was a full head shorter than Henry, but he managed to block the Frenchman with all his might. In the past two years, the solidity of the Real Madrid defense was closely rted to him.
In an organized defense, Real Madrid quietly awaited their chance, not expecting it toe so soon.
In the 26th minute, Barcelonaunched an attack in the frontcourt. Iniesta originally intended to make a run with Messi, but the Argentine suddenly retreated to receive the ball, causing the Spanish center-back to pass directly to Diarra.
The Gxy Battleship''s midfielder immediatelyunched a long ball to the midfield, Raul chested the ball and turned to shake off Xavi as he charged past the midfield line.
His speed was not fast but his experience was rich. He steadily advanced, holding off the opposing defender until Wang Feng rushed up from the other side, then made a sudden stop and passed diagonally, allowing the Chinese superstar with greater explosive power to continue dribbling.
At this moment, Robben was also sprinting along the sideline. The two instantly understood each other''s intentions. Wang Feng pushed the ball to the Dutch winger with his right foot and started to make an off-the-ball run to evade the defense.
The little wizard instantly understood and made a through pass, creating a wall pass situation. Inside the penalty area, the Chinese superstar continued to move horizontally, deceiving both Yaya Toure and Pique with feints, then shot with his left foot from outside.
The ball curved into the top left corner of the goal, goalkeeper Valdes had no chance to save it.
"Gooooooooooooooal! It''s a goal! This time it''s Wang Feng''s goal, helping Real Madrid lead 2-0!"
"Barcelona made another passing mistake, allowing the opponents to seize the opportunity for a quick counterattack. Just four passes and they pierced through the defense!"
"In less than 30 minutes, they scored consecutively, it''s like breaking through dead wood. Barcelona seems to have no counterattack capability at all. Is the result of this match already predetermined?"
Chapter 457: It is completely possible to celebrate in advance
Chapter 457: It ispletely possible to celebrate in advance
Barcelona has been forced into a corner! After losing the second goal, they started a frantic attack,pressing the Real Madrid yers to within thirty meters of the penalty area.
However, the more urgent they became, the more they couldn''t break the deadlock. Their chances were wasted in one mistake after another, failing to pose a threat, with few shots and even fewer shots on target.
In the 39th minute, there was another problem in the cooperation between Busquets and Iniesta in the front court. Iniesta''s awkward reception failed to control the ball properly, allowing Gago nearby to suddenly emerge and make a steal.
Immediately he passed to Wang Feng, who was waiting near the center circle. The Chinese superstar dribbled the ball, evaded the defense, and charged straight towards the front court.
Marcos tried his best to keep up with him, but as the distance grew, he had no choice but to trip Wang Feng from behind.
The referee''s whistle immediately sounded, and the Englishman walked towards Marcos with a serious expression. Seeing the situation wasn''t good, Puyol and Yaya Tour immediately surrounded Harris, constantly arguing, "Sir, it wasn''t intentional, and he''s not thest defender. We were all one position ahead. This foul isn''t serious."
But the main referee didn''t listen to the Barcelona yers'' exnations. Instead, he showed Marcos the second yellow card of the match, two yellows resulting in a red card, and he was sent off directly!
The Mexican defender covered his face in frustration, knowing he had be thest straw that broke the camel''s back. Meanwhile, Wang Feng stood up under Raul''s support, "Are you okay? Damn, his tackle was too heavy. I think he should have been shown a straight red card."
Wang Feng rubbed his calf to signal that he was fine, "Anyway, it''s an expulsion, no difference. This way, our victory will be even more secure!"
At this moment, thementators in the live broadcast were reying the slow-motion footage, "Oh, this is an undisputed foul. Marcos tackled Wang Feng''s calf from behind, a very dangerous move, definitely a malicious foul exceeding a yellow card."
"His options were actually limited. Allowing Wang Feng to break through into the penalty area alone would have been a one-on-one situation, so he had no choice but to do this, but the consequences will further push Barcelona into the abyss."
"This time, Real Madrid has been awarded a free-kick near the 25-meter mark from the goal. How will they y it? It seems Wang Feng will take it, and the Chinese superstar''s physique remains as robust as ever."
"A run-up, a shot! It''s in! Beautiful!"
"A fantastic curling shot pierces through Valds'' fingertips into the, tolling the death knell for Barcelona. The score on the field now is 3-0, with the Gcticos leading by three goals!"
"We can almost dere that Real Madrid will win the 2008-2009 Champions League final. Barcelona''s fans can only pray for a miracle, but that''s too difficult. They were already not ying well, and now they''ve also had a yer sent off."
"Perhaps if Catalonia''s team had Wang Feng, there would still be hope, but now the yer hailed as the god ofebacks stands on the opposite side, scoring a brace."
In the stands, the Real Madrid fans were celebrating recklessly, while the Barcelona area was as cold as Antarctica, with everyone looking at the pitch with nk expressions.
They were filled with confusion. Why had their once dominant team turned into this? Even when they lost to the Gcticos before, it was after a hard-fought 90 minutes, not the current situation where they had no response.
Entering halftime with a huge lead, happy smiles adorned the faces of every yer. Although the head coach, Schuster, was very satisfied, he still maintained a stern expression and said, "We haven''t won yet. It''s too early to celebrate now. Stay focused, everyone, and maintain our stability until thest second of the game."
Wang Feng took the lead, stating, "Don''t worry, sir. We won''t let our current achievements go to waste. Victory belongs to us, and we''ll bring glory back to Madrid!"
"Bring glory back to Madrid!" everyone echoed unanimously.
The head coach nodded in satisfaction, "Then stick to the original tactics. In the second half, we continue to defend steadily, while seizing opportunities to exploit Barcelona''s mistakes and openings. The speed of transition between defense and attack must be fast."
"We don''t need many yers involved in the attack. Mostly, it will be you, Wang, and a couple of others pushing up to create opportunities. We have a significant advantage in personnel and score, so stability is the main theme, but we don''t need to overly retreat."
As the second half began, Barcelona''s coach, Guardi, made personnel adjustments to the depleted lineup, recing Busquets with Pedro to bolster the forward line and bringing on Milito for Alves to shore up the midfield.
But no matter what measures he took, he still couldn''t change the team''s disadvantaged situation. In the 68th minute, Real Madrid organized an attack. Wang Feng dribbled the ball down the left and reached the position thirty meters from the penalty area, finding the right moment to pass towards the center.
Sneijder quickly made a run forward to receive the ball, seeing Barcelona''s defenders concentrated in the penalty area, he pushed the ball with his right foot to the right to pass to Robben.
At this point, both Wang Feng and Ral had already entered the penalty area to receive the ball. Seeing this situation, Barcelona''s defense quickly deployed heavy reinforcements around the two, with only Milito stepping forward to defend the Dutch winger.
Robben feinted to cross to the bottom but instead cut inside, leaving the Argentine defender struggling to keep up with his movements. Then he made another feint to pass,pletely shaking off the defender and prating into the heart of the defense, causing chaos in the Barcelona penalty area.
Immediately, the Dutchman shot towards the far corner, the ball grazing Valds'' fingertips and hitting the goal frame before bouncing out of reach. Amidst a sigh of regret, Wang Feng suddenly darted in and lightly tapped the ball, effortlessly rolling it into the Barcelona goal. 4-0! A hat-trick for the Chinese superstar!
In the luxury box, Real Madrid president Florentino was beaming as he watched the game, "Jorge, I told you there wouldn''t be any problem. Why don''t you let me open the red wine at halftime?"
Baldano shook his head helplessly, "I always feel that being too jubnt halfway through the game is somewhat ominous, especially considering Liverpool''s past."
"Well, you should also see who caused the turnaround. It''s us!" Florentino said, "With Wang Feng leading the charge, I dare say no team cane back from this situation. We can start celebrating early."
"Alright, you''re right about that. Then we should consider nning for the team''s future." Florentino said, his expression turning serious, "Yes, we must think about that."
"In the past three years, Real Madrid has achieved great sess, but you know, what I want is not just this. I hope that one day the home stadium of the team will bear my name."
"Once, I thought even if I struggled for a lifetime, it would still require some luck to have the chance to achieve it. But now, apletely different path lies before me. I fully support Wang Feng to continue winning!"
"It''s very difficult. Any yer will have inertia. When they have achieved great glory, there will inevitably be a sense of rxation." Baldano said.
"I know that very well. That''s why the team needs fresh blood, and the Chinese superstar is the key to everything. I will find the opportunity to personallymunicate with him. I believe he is also very interested in creating his own legend."
Chapter 458: 6 !
Chapter 458: 6 !
Sweat soaked Messi''s eyes, and he felt he had never run as actively as he did today, but it seemed futile. Barcelona had lost their fighting spirit.
When morale is lost, the team bes difficult to lead. At this moment, the Argentine star truly understood that as the core of the team, what was needed was not just strength. He was still young, with plenty of time to grow, but this year was destined not to belong to him.
In the final moments of the game, Real Madrid coach Schuster reced Wang Feng with Cassano, allowing him to ept the cheers and apuse of the entire stadium. The Chinese superstar raised his hands and pped in response.
Entering thest five minutes, the Gcticosunched another swift counterattack. Vander Vaart, who also came off the bench, received a long pass from Pepe and quickly dribbled into the area near the top of the Barcelona penalty area.
He then passed to Robben, who suddenly elerated and shook off the defense to enter the penalty area, then calmly curled a shot into the far corner. Valds stretched out his arms to save, but the ball grazed under his palm, hitting the inside of the post and into the.
5-0! Real Madrid crushed Barcelona!
"The game is no longer suspenseful. Congrattions to Real Madrid for winning their 12th Champions League trophy in club history. This is their third consecutive title, setting a new record since the restructuring of the Champions League!"
"Barcelona showed no ability to fight back in the game. It seems that the previous loss in the El sico and some off-field controversies severely affected the yers'' mood and form."
"It must be said that they are very unlucky this season. They finished as runners-up in the league, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, achieving an unprecedented triple-second in La Liga history."
"On the other hand, Real Madrid has won all the trophies of the season, including the league, the cup, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the European Super Cup, and the Club World Cup, achieving the grand feat of winning six titles!"
"It is worth mentioning that in history, the clubs that have won the league, the cup, and the Champions League in a single season are few and far between. Only Celtic in 1967, Ajax in 1972, PSV Eindhoven in 1988, Manchester United in 1999, Inter Mn in 2003, and now, Real Madrid in 2009."
"Recent clubs that have achieved this honor have all been greatly contributed by a yer, and that yer is the Chinese superstar Wang Feng! He has conquered all opponents with his incredible performance."
When the English referee Harris blew the final whistle of the game, the Barcelona yers seemed to be drained of all their strength. Somey on the ground, some covered their faces and cried, some squatted in silence, while the victorious Real Madrid yers celebrated exuberantly.
Wang Feng stood up from the bench, hugged andforted Messi, who was still very depressed, as they walked towards the yer tunnel. Messi forced a smile and said, "Congrattions, Wang. Barcelona wille back next season, I believe in that."
"Of course, I also believe it. Looking forward to facing you guys again."
Soon, a simple award podium was set up. As usual, UEFA President tini personally presented the champions and runners-up trophies. When the Real Madrid yers received the trophy from him, the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico reached its peak.
Three consecutive titles! Six crowns! For Real Madrid''s achievements, no amount of praise is too much! After the game, major media websites immediately issued reports andments.
In the increasingly powerful era of the Inte, traditional print media can no longer meet the timeliness of news, as people can simply browse web pages to see real-time events.
Spain''s "Marca" newspaper stated that Real Madrid has reached a new height. As modern football tactics and skills continue to improve, andpetition intensifies, they still dominate all opponents and achieve a grand m, demonstrating their immense strength.
"Perhaps the only team that can defeat this team is themselves. But the core Wang Feng is not yet 26 years old this year, which is the peak age. What kind of glory will the Gcticos achieve next?"
Germany''s "Kicker" magazine believes that Wang Feng has once again proven to be the best yer in Europe, and Real Madrid is the strongest team in Europe.
"No one expected that three years ago, thebination of the Chinese superstar and the Gcticos would erupt with such intense energy. They have dominated La Liga and the European stage together."
"During this period, their opponents included Barcelona led by Ronaldinho, Manchester United led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool led by Torres and Gerrard, and the cosmic Barcelonaposed of Messi, Eto''o, and Henry."
"But Real Madrid defeated them one by one, creating a new chapter in Spanish and European football history, bing the first club to win three consecutive titles since the restructuring of the Champions League in 1992, and also the first team in La Liga history to win three trebles."
"In this process, Wang Feng''s role is absolutely crucial. He continues his performance as the European Golden Boot and the Champions League Golden Boot winner, and this season, he has scored a record of 100 goals. Counting the hat-trick in the Champions League final, the Chinese superstar has set this number at 103."
"It is these goals that have forged these trophies!"
Ennd''s "Sky Sports"mented that Real Madrid''s total number of Champions League titles has reached an astonishing 12 times, far exceeding the second-ce AC Mn and Inter Mn''s 5 times record, and their Champions League dynasty is still continuing.
"Premier League teams have been growing rapidly, especially in recent years, upying many Champions League quarter-final and even semi-final spots, but they have always been unable to touch the UEFA Champions League trophy, which is quite regrettable."
They believe that the biggest reason is still the excessive internalpetition in the Premier League. Clubs not only have to deal with theplex and changing domestic league situation but also participate in a series ofpetitions such as the FA Cup and the League Cup, which consumes too much of the team''s energy.
Therefore, "Sky Sports" suggested that the FA should fully consider the needs of Europeanpetitions when arranging match schedules, and clubs also need to make detailed assessments and arrangements for the schedule. "Ennd needs a Champions League champion, which is the best response to the level of the league and the clubs."
The Catn media "Sport" and "Mundo Deportivo" also congratted Real Madrid and Wang Feng on their historic achievements, while they also believed that the club made a major mistake in its decision-making a few years ago.
"Originally, Wang Feng was closer to Barcelona, but due to management issues, we let go of this world superstar, and watched him join our arch-rivals and be the most difficult opponent for the team."
Chapter 459: Celebration and reorganization
Chapter 459: Celebration and reorganization
After the final ended the next day, the whole world was immersed in the great victory of Real Madrid. The Gcticos returned to Madrid from Rome by ne.
The fervent fans had been waiting at the airport. When they saw familiar figures disembarking from the ne, the deafening cheers made everyone feel proud and satisfied.
"They''re a lovely bunch," Ra??l''s eyes were a little moist. Since 1994, he had been ying for this club for 15 years. Perhaps it was time to start a new journey.
Under tight security, they boarded the open-top bus prepared by the club to start the championship parade. The six glittering trophies almost blinded the eyes of Real Madrid fans.
The destination was still za de Cibeles in the eastern part of Madrid city, where the symbolism of the Goddess of Harvest matched the achievement of Real Madrid.
First to speak was the head coach, Schuster. He thanked the club, the fans, and the yers for their support and efforts, emphasizing that this achievement wouldn''t be possible without any missing piece.
Next was Ra??l, who talked about the club''s past glory and lows, his emotions choking up at times. He was deeply grateful for the opportunity fate had given him to contribute to the club''s new dynasty.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he hadn''t spoken yet, but he was already drowned out by the cheers. It took a long time for the cheers to subside, and everyone could feel his high position in the hearts of the fans, perhaps unparalleled by anyone else.
"Thank you, everyone. Thank you to the club, thank you to my teammates. The glory belongs to Real Madrid, to all of you!" As soon as he finished speaking, apuse and cheers erupted once again.
"Many fans, many media outlets are very concerned about my ns for the future. Here, I make a promise to everyone. I won''t go anywhere! Next year, the year after, we will all celebrate here again!"
This was a carefully considered decision by Wang Feng. He decided to postpone renewing his contract with the club, but he had no intention of leaving. Therefore, this was also a guarantee to the higher-ups.
With this statement, the fans became even more excited. They screamed for the Chinese superstar as if they were going crazy, shaking the signs with his name on them even more vigorously. Even the most reserved fans couldn''t help but show their joy. Everyone could see who the club relied on!
After the celebration, Real Madrid President Florentino organized a grand victory banquet. They booked an entire five-star hotel and invited Michelin-starred chefs to carefully prepare various delicacies.
However, Wang Feng was destined not to have the opportunity to taste them one by one. Shortly after the banquet began, he was summoned to an office by the Spaniards. General Manager Valdano, first-team manager S??nchez, and other top executives were all present.
"I''m sorry, Wang. We originally nned to discuss the club''s ns for the new season with you in a few days, but I couldn''t wait and had to disturb you enjoying the banquet," Florentino said apologetically as he handed a ss of red wine to the Chinese superstar.
"It''s okay, sir. To be honest, I also want to have a good chat with you," Wang Feng said with a smile as he took the ss.
Their goals were very consistent. In the new season, they would not ck off and continue to challenge for the championship, whether it was in the league or the Champions League!
"It''s very difficult. I may be fine, but others are inevitably going to feelzy, and there''s a lot of luck involved," the Chinese superstar said somewhat worriedly.
"Yes, that''s why we need fresh blood, or you can say a restructuring. But the problem thates with it is adjustment. By the way, new arrivals will inevitably mean old friends leaving."
"I''ll tell you here in advance, Head Coach Schuster has decided not to renew his contract, and Ra??l and Cassano have submitted transfer requests."
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised. Although he had a vague premonition, he didn''t expect it to actually happen. "So, who does the club favor to take over the team?"
"Benitez from Liverpool," Florentino said. "Although Liverpool had a good record this season, they still missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester United. The Spaniard wants greater sess, and you are his most hopeful reliance."
"He has also coached Valencia, so he is not unfamiliar with La Liga."
The Chinese superstar nodded. Although Real Madrid had defeated Liverpool several times, they were indeed a tough opponent. He didn''t know what sparks Benitez would bring.
"As for Ra??l, he has done enough for the club. It''s time for him to look for his own opportunities."
Wang Feng didn''tment on this. Afterwards, the group discussed the direction and ns for the next signings in detail, mainly focusing on strengthening the midfield and defense and discovering new talents.
Compared to the joyous and orderly atmosphere in Real Madrid, there was much more chaos within Barcelona. When the majority of the team returned to Barcelona, they found themselves stranded at the airport without transportation.
It wasn''t that the club deliberately embarrassed them, but the executives led by Rosell had begun to challenge Laporta. The two sides fought fiercely, and for a while, they couldn''t spare any attention to the team''s schedule.
Although remedial arrangements were made soon, the yers returned to La Masia training base smoothly. But everyone was nervous, not knowing what fate awaited them next.
Fortunately, the chaos didn''tst long. Rosell eventually gained overwhelming control of Barcelona, and there were frequent changes in the upper echelons. Surprisingly, Guardi did not leave with Laporta.
"At the moment, finding a top coach to take over the team is not easy. Josep did wellst season. He is from the Barcelona lineage, and I am willing to give him another chance," Rosell said to his confidant.
Guardi staying meant that Eto''o would leave, and soon the club sent him to Inter Mn for ?20 million and sought Ibrahimovic''s arrival.
He had never gotten along with Ribery, so soon Inter made a decision, selling Ibrahimovic for ?48 million.
During the negotiations, there was a very interesting insider story. When Ibrahimovic learned that he was going to Barcelona to deal with Wang Feng, he strongly resisted, but he didn''t have the right to veto, so he could only reluctantly ept.
In addition to this signing, Barcelona also set its sights on Kaka from AC Mn. The Brazilian not only had superb individual skills but also had highmercial value.
Moreover, instead of spending time nurturing potential young yers, it was better to introduce already well-known stars. They urgently needed to counteract the rising momentum of the Gcticos.
As for why the Rossoneri had to sell their leading star, the main reason was still their poor finances. Since the phone scandal in 2006, the Italian Football Federation had to check the ounts of various clubs every three years, and they might not pass the financial inspection.
In the end, Barcelona paid ?65 million to bring Kaka back to the San Siro Prince''s Park. Kaka bid farewell with tears to the club he had dedicated himself to for many years, embarking on his new adventure.
The Catn team spent a total of ?110 million just on bringing in Ibrahimovic and Kaka, and the newly appointed Rosell aimed to prove to the fans his determination to strengthen the team.
In addition to these acquisitions, they also bought Maxwell for ?4.5 million and Zigic for ?25 million to strengthen the defense. With these expenditures, they became the mostvish club in the summer transfer window.
Chapter 460: New pattern
Chapter 460: New pattern
Compared to the turmoil andvish spending in the transfer market by Barcelona, Real Madrid appeared rtively calm. However, the world''s attention still focused on this club, wondering what destiny awaited the Gcticos after reaching the pinnacle of history.
Soon, a major announcement followed. Firstly, the three-time consecutive champion coach, Schuster, departed, and the current manager of Liverpool, Benitez, took over. Real Madrid held farewell and wee ceremonies respectively.
"It''s a difficult decision to leave a great club, leaving behind the bits and pieces of our shared efforts," Schuster said. "But it''s time to embark on a new journey. Next, I will take some time off and spend more time with my family."
People understood the German coach''s decision. After all, winning three consecutive championships was a remarkable achievement, and retiring at this moment was a wise choice. However, they were surprised that Benitez dared to take on the job.
"It''s not surprising," the Spaniard responded to reporters expressionlessly. "I want to coach Real Madrid, to work with the greatest yers in history. I believe we can create different sparks and add new honors to this legendary team."
Represented by Wang Feng, the Real Madrid yers expressed their gratitude to Schuster and weed the new coach, Benitez. Sharp-eyed media soon noticed something unusual. Although Wang Feng had represented the team in recent years, who was the most important captain at this moment?
They soon got the answer. The current captain, Ra??l, was about to leave the club to join Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, and Real Madrid would hold a grand farewell ceremony for him.
Ra??l was highly respected among the fans. Although he had somewhat faded out of the absolute main lineup in the past two years, whenever he wore the Real Madrid jersey, many people felt satisfied.
For a while, there was a lot ofmotion and disrespectfulments about the club''s attitude towards the veteran yers, but both sides imed it was an amicable parting. "Thank you for everything, Real Madrid. I have fought for her for 15 years, and there are new adventures ahead," said Prince Bernab??u, shedding tears at the farewell ceremony.
All Real Madrid yers and club executives attended the ceremony. Florentino personally delivered a speech and hugged the Spanish forward at the end. "Wee to return to the Bernab??u in the future," he said. The past conflicts disappeared at this moment.
After Ra??l left, the media quickly revealed that, ording to an internal vote, Wang Feng would take over his captaincy, with Casis as vice-captain. The Gcticos weed their first non-European captain in club history!
This news excited domestic media and fans. "The best way to defeat prejudice is through strength!" oneizenmented.
In addition to the aforementioned changes, Real Madrid soon made a slew of yer transfers. Cassano went to Sampdoria, Savio and Garc??a to Benfica, Heinze to Marseille, Cannavaro to Juventus, and so on.
The club executives did not rush to renew contracts with Sneijder and Robben. Instead, they followed Benitez''s suggestion to bring in Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa from Liverpool for ?35 million and ?4 million respectively.
At the same time, they brought in Albelda from Valencia for ?15 million and Granero from Getafe for ?4 million. The infusion of this fresh blood was bound to bring about new changes.
The two giants of La Liga were vigorously rebuilding their teams, while the top four of the Premier League seemed rtively low-key. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea made no big moves, while Manchester United spent ??30 million to bring back their star striker, Benzema, from Lyon.
It was rumored that originally Ferguson didn''t think it was a good time to invest in yers in the summer, but under Cristiano Ronaldo''s strong rmendation, he still decided to sign the Frenchman, who had scored 20+ goals in Ligue 1 for two consecutive years, making him a good helper.
The most high-profile club in the Premier League was undoubtedly Manchester City. After failing to sign Wang Fengst year, they brought in Robinho, but the Brazilian did not perform as expected. This summer, they originally targeted Kak?? but were intercepted by Barcelona. After that, the club adjusted its strategy and set its sights on better-operating quasi-superstars.
Adebayor, Tevez, Tour??, and others sessively joined. In a sense, this move by the Sky Blues posed a greater challenge to mid-to-low-ranking teams in the Premier League. In the face of unreachable giants, Manchester City''s rise in strength would further squeeze the survival space of other teams.
In Serie A, Inter Mn continued to invest to maintain their position as league champions. They had achieved an unprecedented eight consecutive titles and naturally wanted to further rewrite history.
However, Juventus'' strong rise also required attention. After experiencing a low point in "Calciopoli," the Bianconeri never gave up on regaining glory and spared no effort in introducing star yers.
Although Czech legendary defender Nedv??d retired, the Bianconeri sessively introduced Diego, Melo, and Almir??n as midfield reinforcements, as well as C??ceres from Barcelona, Grosso from Lyon, and others.
Bayern Munich had a poor overall performancest season, ultimately narrowly losing the league title to Wolfsburg by two points. Dong Fangzhuo failed to personally lift the championship trophy, but they quickly regrouped and nned to continue their assault on this honor.
For this purpose, they spent ?30 million to bring back the German forward G??mez from Stuttgart and ?11 million to bring in Timo??uk from Zenit Saint Petersburg, bing the Bundesliga''s undisputed "big spender."
In Ligue 1, there was ample funding injected. Starting fromst season, their broadcasting contracts increased to ?668 million.
Even thest-ranked club, Le Havre, had ?13.14 million in broadcasting revenue, let alone traditional powerhouses like Lyon and Marseille. Therefore, each team was stepping up efforts to scout for star yers.
Regardless of the changing tides of European football, Wang Feng seized a rare rest period and flew back to China with his family on a private ne for vacation.
It was Xiao Siyao''s first time traveling by ne, and she was excitedly eximing and peering out the window at the scenery, which couldn''t help but bring a smile to people''s faces.
While the Chinese superstar enjoyed his vacation with his family in China, the national team yed theirst two matches of the World Cup qualifiers against Australia and Japan at home.
Since they had already qualified in advance, most overseas yers were not called up. Relying on domestic yers, the team achieved one draw and one loss in the two rounds of matches.
The teams directly qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup from Asia were China, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea. Australia, as the third-ced team in Group A, needed topete with Saudi Arabia, the third-ced team in Group B, for an intercontinental yoff spot.
In the end, Australia sessfully won, and Saudi Arabia and their West Asian friends Iran failed to qualify for the World Cup, which undoubtedly surprised most Asian media.
"The World Cup Asian qualifiers are gradually bing more intense,"mented the Arab Network Television. "As we invest heavily in football clubs around the world, should we pay more attention to the cultivation of our own yers?"
A few monthster, Australia faced their intercontinental yoff opponent, New Zend from Oceania, which was a significant advantage for them. The yers did not let the opportunity slip away and sessfully secured a spot in the World Cup finals. Once again, Asian teams secured five spots.
Chapter 461: Consecutive defeats and good draws
Chapter 461: Consecutive defeats and good draws
As time entered July, the transfer work was in full swing, and the various teams in La Liga began to gather and prepare.
The opening match of the new season for Real Madrid is scheduled for the first day of September, against Deportivo La Coru?a. But before that, they need toplete two matches of the Spanish Super Cup against their old rivals Barcelona, as well aspete for the European Super Cup againstst season''s UEFA Champions League winners, Shakhtar Dsk.
Due to the uing World Cup in South Africa next summer, the schedule for the uing season is very tight, which is also a huge test for Real Madrid, who are eager to continue their glory.
When the yers first met the new coach Benitez, they felt uneasy. Benitez, with his serious demeanor, gave the impression from head to toe that he was not someone to be trifled with.
After the holidays, many yers were not in good physical condition. So on the first day, Benitez showed his authority by subjecting everyone to high-intensity recovery training and additional sessions, causing everyone to groan inint. "If you don''t meet my standards, no one will get a starting position!"
Although the Chinese superstar was in good physical condition, he still meticulously followed the arrangements of the new coach. He was somewhat fortunate that he had such a strict coach, which happened to help remedy thex atmosphere within the team.
During the training camp, in addition to ying two friendly matches in Europe, Real Madrid also specially flew to China for training andmercial activities, attracting widespread attention from the public.
Other top teams like Inter Mn and Bayern Munich also chose to visit China, so they didn''tck opponents. Benitez continuously tried out new lineupbinations, and Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo even had a showdown in their hometown, attracting numerous domestic fans to watch.
This event not only allowed the yers to get exercise but also earned the club a lot of money. European teams couldn''t help but feel envious, expressing their admiration, "Are there still Chinese yers with excellent skills and a huge market? We need to get them quickly."
On August 17th, the Gcticos faced their first official test, the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, challenging Barcelona away. Benitez deployed his familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Casis in goal, Albiol, Pepe, Ramos, and Ashley Cole in defense, Diarra and Alonso as defensive midfielders, Sneijder, Robben, and Wang Feng as attacking midfielders, and Higuain as the lone striker.
The game didn''t go smoothly for the Gcticos; everyone seemed off their game, while Barcelona, eager for revenge, was very active. They pressed them into their own half and quickly scored twice through Messi and new signing Kaka. In the final moments, the Chinese superstar managed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, skimming past the right post and into the, but the final score remained 3-1.
On August 24th, in the second leg, Benitez reced Pepe with Arbeloa and Sneijder with Guti, but the result didn''t improve. Henry opened the scoring for Barcelona, and to make matters worse, Robben collided with Mn''s defender Milito and fell injured.
The Dutchman grimaced in pain, which made Wang Feng''s heart skip a beat. It was the first time he had seen Robben in such agony, so he quickly called for the team doctor. After a brief assessment, the doctor immediately signaled to Benitez to make a substitution. The Spaniard reced him with Granero, and Robben was swiftly taken to the hospital for treatment.
This injury cast a shadow over the hearts of the Real Madrid yers. With Iniesta adding another goal, Barcelona secured victory, sweeping aside the Gcticos 5-1 on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup.
After the game, everyone returned to the locker room to inquire about Robben''s condition, only to be informed that he had a broken leg and would be out for the entire season. Everyone showed expressions of shock and disappointment.
Suffering two consecutive defeats, the European media began to doubt the prospects of the new season for the Gcticos. Spain''s "As" newspaper wrote that Real Madrid had "lost resilience." The article pointed out that they showed almost no desire to win in the game, with everyone except Wang Feng performing below par,mitting a total of 42 mistakes throughout the match.
The Chinese superstar,pared to the previous season, was also clearly out of form, failing to score from six attempts.
"The decline after the peak is often very fatal. Let''s hope the Gcticos can adjust their mentality quickly; otherwise, they won''t be able to achieve more brilliant results."
Catn media didn''t mince words in mocking Real Madrid. "Marca" believed that the Gcticos'' failure to spend big money in the summer was arrogant. "Barcelona spent over 200 million euros strengthening their squad, while Real Madrid spent less than a quarter of that amount, which is clearly insufficient to ensure thepetitiveness of the club."
They also believed that the signings of Kaka and Ibrahimovic had greatly improved the team''s strength, fullypensating for Eto''o''s departure. "The Brazilian waspletely underestimated; in fact, he absolutely has the ability to be the World Footballer!"
"Sport"mented that Benitez was no match for Schuster. The "tactical master" was just a joke; during the game, he failed to fully unleash Wang Feng''s abilities and instead caused the Chinese superstar to perform poorly due to his stubborn tactics.
In contrast, Guardi easily bnced the rtionships between the various frontline yers, bringing out the best in Messi, Kaka, Henry, and Ibrahimovic.
This opinion undoubtedly struck a nerve with the Spaniard, who least liked beingpared to his predecessor, especially in a situation where he had no advantage. Although he was mentally prepared before taking over Real Madrid, he didn''t expect the criticism toe so quickly and fiercely.
So Benitez chose to continue focusing on studying tactics. During this period, Wang Feng took the initiative tomunicate with him, but unfortunately, the conversation didn''t go smoothly. Benitez was not good atmunicating, so the match strategy was often his unteral decision.
At the end of August, the UEFA annual awards ceremony and the draw for the Champions League group stage were held as scheduled. Wang Feng, with his record-breaking hundred goals, unquestionably won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year for the 2008-2009 season.
This was his sixth time winning the award. Many people believed that the dual awards at the end of the year were already predictable, and the only suspense was what score Wang Feng would win with. After all, his historic achievements were too explosive.
In the subsequent Champions League draw, the defending champions Real Madrid unexpectedly drew a very favorable situation. They were ced in the same group as AC Mn, Marseille, and Zurich.
The Rossoneri were no longer as formidable as before, with even their top star Kaka being forced to leave. Marseille couldn''t dominate Ligue 1, and Zurich from the Swiss Super League had little Champions League experience, barely making it through several qualifying rounds.
"Even after winning three consecutive championships, the luck of the Gcticos seems to be far from exhausted. Can they achieve a breakthrough?" So questioned the British "Sky Sports."
Barcelona,pared to Real Madrid, had slightly worse luck in the draw but still fairly decent. They were grouped with Inter Mn, Russia''s Rubin Kazan, and Ukraine''s Dynamo Kyiv.
The other two Spanish teams, Sevi and Stuttgart, along with Romania''s Unirea Urziceni and Scond''s sgow Rangers, formed another group.
Atletico Madrid was grouped with Chelsea, Porto, and Greece''s AEK Athens.
Chapter 462: Stumbling
Chapter 462: Stumbling
"Oh, the French referee Raims blew the final whistle of the game. It''s a pity that Real Madrid, led by our Chinese superstar, fought for 90 minutes but ultimately lost 2-3 to Shakhtar Dsk, missing out on defending the UEFA Super Cup."
"This isn''t a good sign because just a few days ago, they suffered two defeats in the Spanish Super Cup and now they''ve lost to a Ukrainian team that''s not as strong as them. It''s adding insult to injury."
"Yes, most of the Real Madrid yers were off their game in this match, especially in the midfield and defense. Ashley Cole, Pepe, and Diarra, three veterans, need to take the main responsibility, conceding three goals consecutively."
"The only constion is that Wang Feng scored twice in this game. His form seems to be improving, but it wasn''t enough to save the team."
"Now we''re seeing the rey of all five goals. Shakhtar Dsk forward Agahowa received a through pass from Kobin in the penalty area and scored to give his team the lead."
"Soon after, theybined again, with Kobin sending a reverse pass from the baseline, and Agahowa scored his second at the far post. This goal was a result of a marking error in Real Madrid''s defense. Pepe should have shifted towards the right, not crowded the middle with Cole."
"Then Wang Feng took control of the game. This was his first goal, dribbling past center-back Serna on the right, then lofting a ball that looked like a cross or shot, and although Higuain didn''t touch it, the ball grazed the left post and went into the."
"The second goal was even more spectacr. Granero passed, and the Chinese superstar positioned himself near the edge of the penalty area in the middle, holding off two defenders with his back to the goal, executed a bicycle kick to sweep the ball, fast and sharp into the bottom right corner, leaving the Shakhtar Dsk goalkeeper helpless."
"The most regrettable was thest goal of the game. Everyone thought it would go to extra time, but Diarra lost concentration and passed the ball directly to Louis at the back, who didn''t miss the chance, rushing into the penalty area and scoring the winning goal for Shakhtar Dsk."
"Shakhtar Dsk, thest champion before the restructuring of the UEFA Super Cup, sessfully won the European Super Cup, drawing a conclusion to thispetition."
"Since the expansion of the Champions League, thepetitiveness of the UEFA Super Cup has greatly declined. Therefore, UEFA has decided to make changes. The biggest change in the new season is that the champions can now secure a ce in the next season''s Champions League, which I believe is quite attractive to mid-to-low-tier teams in the five major leagues."
"For Real Madrid, they need to think about how to adjust their tactics and mentality to face the uing league, cup matches, and Champions League journey."
Through therge French windows, Florentino stared at the pitch in silence for a long time. What he feared most had happened: Real Madrid''s overall performance had inevitably declined.
Beside him, Zidane suddenly spoke: "Sir, you don''t have to worry so much. From what I see, things haven''t gotten extremely bad yet."
"Oh? Why do you say that?" the former French star continued, "It''s evident that the yers are mentallyx, but the most important person, Wang Feng, is still performing at a high level, which serves as a bottom line."
"That''s an interesting perspective. Are you suggesting that in critical moments, we can rely on Wang Feng to perform, and even if the results are poor, they won''t be that bad?"
"That''s the feeling he gives me," the Frenchman said confidently. "The only problem is probably the overall tactical changes made by the head coach. I can feel that the Chinese superstar is ying a bit awkwardly on the field, and his autonomy has been greatly diminished."
Florentino pondered for a moment before saying, "It seems that Benitez is not suitable for coaching Real Madrid. How about you? Are you interested in taking over now? It''s been considered for several years."
Zidane rubbed his bald head. "Let''s wait a bit longer. How about I go to coach Real Madrid Casti first?" Florentino nodded at the suggestion; it would be good for him to umte experience from the bottom up. He had high hopes for the Frenchman.
After the official start of La Liga in September, the situation was not much different from what Zidane had said. Real Madrid struggled through the early stages, securing 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in the first 10 rounds, earning 22 points and ranking second in the standings.
It wasn''tparable to the previous season, but it wasn''t too bad either. Drawing against Deportivo La Coru?a at home, losing to Sevi and Atletico Madrid away, was also not unexpected.
Wang Feng contributed 10 goals in 10 matches, still topping the goal-scoring charts with an average of one goal per game, and he also had 5 assists.
Their old rivals Barcelona led the standings with 8 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 25 points, showing less dominance than the previous season.
Messi was on fire with 8 goals, while Ibrahimovic also performed well, often acting as a pivot in the attack, forming a good chemistry with the Argentine star.
However, the highly anticipated Kaka had some ups and downs. He scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist at the start of the season, then went through several rounds of goal drought.
The Brazilian knew that his old injury seriously affected his performance, especially his explosive power and speed. When he was young, he could keep up with Wang Feng, but now he might be left two steps behind.
But he didn''t want the public or the club to know about this, as Kaka was eager to participate in next year''s World Cup. If he were to miss league matches for treatment at this time, it would be difficult for him to be selected for the national team.
On the Champions League stage, the performance of the Gcticos was also inconsistent. After 4 rounds of group stage matches, they had 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 7 points, ranking second. AC Mn topped the group with 3 wins, 1 loss, and 9 points, surprising many people.
After a 3-0 victory over Zurich, they were forced to a 0-0 draw by Marseille, then won 2-1 against AC Mn at home. But they couldn''t gain any advantage at the San Siro Stadium, losing 0-1 to the Rossoneri.
In four matches, the Chinese superstar contributed 3 goals and 1 assist. The attacking firepower relied entirely on him, as Higuain continued to struggle.
In the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid started from the fourth round, and Benitez rotated the starting lineup. Their opponent was Alcorcon from the Spanish Segunda Division B. In the first leg away, they were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Domingo Municipal Stadium, making the whole city seem festive as if celebrating a holiday.
Back at home, Van der Vaart scored for the team in the final moments, and with a 1-0 aggregate, they managed to advance to the next round.
On November 22nd, in the 11th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Santander. In the 22nd minute of the game, Wang Feng dribbled along the right side, performed a quick stop and cut inside, deceiving two defenders with consecutive feints, then suddenly shot with his left foot, sending the ball into the top left corner of the goal, 1-0!
In the 71st minute of the second half, receiving a straight pass from Sneijder inside the penalty area, Wang Feng didn''t stop the ball but shot directly, piercing through the Santander defense again, helping the team to a 2-0 victory in the end.
After this match, Real Madrid was about to face the century-old derby in the league, trailing Barcelona by just three points in the standings, very simr tost season!
Chapter 463: It is not easy to become a world superstar
Chapter 463: It is not easy to be a world superstar
In the training base of the Young Men''s Club in Bern, Switzend, a sweaty young man with ck eyes and yellow skin waved his hand repeatedly to his personal coach in front of him: "I can''t go on anymore. Let me rest for a while."
With that, he slumped to the ground, causing the German coach, Mr. Mohareis, to frown deeply. "Wu, you can''t sit on the ground immediately after high-intensity training. Get up and move around."
But no matter how he persuaded, Wu Lei refused to get up. Helpless, Mohareis had to resort to his trump card: "If that''s the case, I''ll tell Mr. Wang Feng that I can''t continue to be your coach!"
Upon hearing this, Wu Lei, despite his exhaustion, quickly got up. "Please, Mr. Mohareis, please don''t tell Wang ge."
Wu Lei was fearless of anything but disappointing Wang Feng''s expectations. At the beginning of the season, when he arrived in Europe full of enthusiasm, he found that his proud strength was nothing. Whether it was physical fitness or technique, he was far behind the club''s main yers.
In a couple of league matches, Wu Lei''s ratings were the lowest in the team each time. As a result, the coach gradually lost trust in him and demoted him to the second team, which left the young Chinese man feeling down for a long time.
After learning about this situation, Wang Feng didn''t just offer himforting words. Instead, he asked his personal trainer, Le Goff, to find an excellent coach for him to receive guidance and extra training, which led to Mohareis.
However, not every yer is ustomed to rigorous training. Wu Lei, who had decent talent and family background, had never experienced such hardship before, and he really couldn''t persevere.
Mohareis naturally understood this. Besides maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, the most important thing was the yer''s own willpower. After pondering for a while, he came up with a good idea.
"The Swiss Super League doesn''t just have you as a Chinese yer. There''s a young man named Feng Miao who is about the same age as you and serves as the main substitute at Neuchatel."
Wu Lei immediately became interested. Learning that Feng Miao was a product of Genk''s youth training program made him realize that Feng was part of Wang Feng''s development n, the n that he desperately wanted to join but couldn''t at the time.
Now that the first batch of more than a dozen young yers had all turned 18, they had all chosen to continue their professional football careers. Except for a few, like Huang Hu, who remained at Genk, the rest went their separate ways.
Some went to the Swiss Super League, some to the Czech League, some to the Croatian League, some to the Norwegian League, etc., depending on their talents and opportunities.
"To think that he''s performing so much better than me. Mr. Mohareis, I want to watch his game." Wu Lei said, "Well, there''s a round of matches this weekend, and since you don''t have many opportunities to y, why don''t youe with me to watch it live?"
The match Wu Lei was interested in took ce at noon local time. The two teams were Neuchatel and Lucerne. Although it was a small football city, Neuchatel''s home stadium could amodate 13,300 people, and the attendance rate was around 80%.
Feng Miao didn''t start the game, and after nearly 60 minutes of y, the score was still 0-0. However, the game was not dull. Even at European mid-table clubs, they could still y exciting matches.
At this time, Neuchatel''s head coach made a substitution in midfield, bringing on a Chinese yer. In the stands, Wu Lei immediately focused on the Asian face on the field. He wanted to know where the difference between themy.
Soon, he noticed something. Feng Miao could control the ball well and didn''t shy away from physical confrontations with European yers. His basic skills were also solid. Especially in the 81st minute, under defensive pressure, he made a diagonal pass to assist his team''s forward in scoring the only goal of the game, helping the team secure all three points!
Wu Lei watched with excitement. This was the difference, the key! Could he be another Chinese rising star after Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo? But Mohareis, beside him, said, "Your talent is a hundred times higher than his."
Seeing Wu Lei''s stunned expression, the German coach didn''t hide his words: "Feng Miao''s greatest achievement might only be ying as a regr for mid-table clubs in Eredivisie or Primeira Liga. His understanding of football determines his ceiling, and sometimes reality can be cruel."
"But he''s better than you now. Do you know why?" Wu Lei shook his head nkly. "Come with me, I''ll show you."
After the match, the two drove to Neuchatel''s training base. By now, night had fallen. Mohareis had already arranged everything and, after greeting the gatekeeper, went straight to the training ground.
Under the lights, the sweaty teenager was practicing passing over and over again. There was no hint ofcency on his face after winning, only seriousness and dedication.
Hearing someone approaching, Feng Miao thought it was a club staff member. Without turning back, he loudly said, "Uncle Mohareis, as usual, I''ll practice for another hour and then leave. Please."
Not hearing a response, he turned around and saw two strangers looking at him. One of them was also Asian, and at this moment, there was something indescribable shing in his eyes.
Though somewhat surprised, Feng Miao stepped forward to greet them. Learning that the young man was a fellow countryman and also yed for the Young Men''s Club, he finally remembered: "You''re Wu Lei. I watched your games at the beginning of the season. Why haven''t you yed much since then?"
Wu Lei''s face showed a hint of embarrassment, and Feng Miao realized he had said something wrong and quickly apologized. Waving his hand, Wu Lei indicated it was okay, and the two soon struck up a conversation. Feng Miao even invited Wu Lei to train with him.
"Weren''t you just in a match? Can you handle additional training at this time?" Wu Lei asked with concern. "No problem!" Feng Miao patted his chest. "I''ve been training at this intensity since early on. The team doctor checked, and there are no hidden injuries."
They talked about their performances in the match and their future ns. Feng Miao''s goals weren''t lofty; a weekly sry of 10,000 euros after taxes would already surpass most ordinary blue-cor workers in China.
"You don''t know how poor I used to be. It was Wang ge who opened up a whole new path for me. I mustn''t let him down, and I genuinely love football!"
Soon, it was time to part ways, but they agreed to meet again on their day off. After Wu Lei and Mohareis left, Feng Miao stayed behind at the training ground to continue his training. It had already been over an hour, but it seemed that he often did this in the past.
Watching his figure dripping with sweat under the lights, Wu Lei suddenly asked, "Mr. Mohareis, you actually prefer to coach Feng Miao, don''t you?" The German didn''t hesitate to nod. "Yes, but unfortunately, you are more valuable."
Wu Lei gritted his teeth silently. What right did he have to squander time and waste his talent?
From that moment on, Wu Lei seemed like a changed person. He no longer cked off or made excuses, diligentlypleting the training tasks assigned by Mohareis with meticulous care. And his football skills were rapidly improving.
In the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, when Real Madrid yed away against Zurich, two Chinese young talents also found time to watch the game live. Wang Feng let them witness what a top-tier giant was like, what world-ss superstars were like.
He scored a hat-trick with headers and assisted Higuain in scoring another goal. In the final moments, Sneijder added another goal, locking the score at 5-0.
After the game, instead of meeting them personally, Wang Feng asked the stadium staff for two signed footballs with his name on them and had them delivered to the two young talents as encouragement. The two young yers were instantly thrilled.
Bing a world-ss superstar was definitely not easy!
Chapter 464: Camp Nou excites me
Chapter 464: Camp Nou excites me
"Good evening, everyone. This is Barcelona Television. Wee to watch this round of La Liga''s focus match, the Spanish National Derby, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid."
On the central live broadcast tform of the stadium, the host is passionatelymentating, and the camera turns to the fans. ''We can see that the home team fans are excitedly cheering for Bar?a, and the game is about to begin!''
"After a somewhat painful season, Barcelona has undergone a rebirth. Before the season, they won the Spanish Super Cup by defeating their arch-rivals twice. We have every reason to believe that this team is stronger than ever, and they will surely defeat their opponents, expanding their lead at the top of the table!"
The cheers and jeers of the home fans against Real Madrid fill the entire Camp Nou. The defeatst season made them feel like wilted eggnts, but now they can finally hold their heads high. The rain has stopped, the sky has cleared, and Bar?a feels like they can conquer again!
However, Wang Feng on the field showed no signs of displeasure; instead, he revealed a mysterious smile. This is more like it; he''s getting excited!
Not long ago, the Super Cuppetition failed to ignite his passion, andter he realized that part of the reason was theck of boos from the Camp Nou fans, which deprived him of the conquest pleasure.
As Wang Feng''s smile gradually turned sinister, Iguain shivered slightly and moved away. It seems that tonight''s game will be another fierce battle, and we can only hope that everything goes smoothly.
Guardi lined up with the most familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Valdes in goal.
In defense, Alves, Pique, Abidal, Maxwell.
In midfield, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta.
In attack, Messi, Ibrahimovic, and Kaka.
"Alright, the referee has blown the whistle to start the game. In the first half, Bar?a takes the kick-off. Theyunch an attack right away. The ball is passed to Messi in the frontcourt. Look at this!"
"Messi dribbles past, no problem if he can''t get past, he continues to control the ball at his feet. Beautiful! A sudden chip pass, Ibrahimovic fights for a header in the penalty area but heads it wide."
"Less than a minute into the game, Bar?apletes a brilliant attack and gets the first shot. I believe they will definitely defeat their opponents and take all three points!"
Like previous matches, as the game progresses, Bar?a gradually gains control of possession, while Real Madrid defends steadily and looks for opportunities to counterattack. Whether it''s because the El Clsico is too important, the mistakes from the away team yers have noticeably decreased.
In the 17th minute, after the home team''s attack failed, Casis collected the ball. The Spanish goalkeeper quickly threw it to Ramos, who then passed it to Wang Feng to carry the ball forward."
The Chinese superstar swiftly changed directions with his left and right feet, immediately elerating towards the opponent''s half. He pushed his speed to the limit, leaving the Spanish defenders trailing in his wake.
In an instant, Wang Feng arrived at the area outside the penalty box on the right nk. At this moment, Bar?a defenders Alves and Pique approached to tackle him. So, he made a quick stop, dribbled past them, and then passed the ball back to Sneijder who had caught up, while he himself charged into the penalty area.
The Dutch midfielder wasted no time, sending a through pass that pierced through the Bar?a defense. Itnded perfectly at the feet of the Chinese superstar. After controlling the ball sideways without adjusting, he struck with his left foot towards the near post, and the ball went into the with a bang! 0-1!
"Damn it, Alves should have stopped him, and Pique, were you sleepwalking? Did you forget to slide tackle and block the ball?" The Barcelona TVmentator scolded.
"I have to admit, Wang Feng''s ability to score in front of goal is truly unparalleled in Europe. After receiving the through pass, he didn''t hesitate for a second to take the shot, giving the goalkeeper and defenders no chance to react."
"Now we are one goal behind, but there''s no need to panic, there''s still plenty of time. The Chinese superstar looks to be in excellent form. We must adopt a tight marking strategy to defend against him!"
For Barcelona, time is still ample, but it''s the same for Real Madrid. In the 29th minute, Pepe intercepted Xavi''s pass in the backcourt and immediately passed it to Alonso near the center circle.
Although the Spanish midfielder just joined the team this season, his understanding of Wang Feng is quite deep. He started his run quickly, timely intercepting the ball. At this moment, he must have surged forward!
So he didn''t hesitate to unleash a powerful shot with his right foot, and the ball, like a mortar, fell towards the Bar?a half. The home team was desperately retreating to defend, but it was evident that a white lightning bolt was darting among the red and blue jerseys.
"Danger! Stop him!" Desperate shouts echoed through the Camp Nou, but they couldn''t stop Wang Feng''s strides. He was the first to reach the dropping ball in the arc of the penalty area. Lifting his foot effortlessly to control the ball, he entered the penalty area, forming a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper!
The goalkeeper Valdes decisively rushed out towards him, but the Chinese superstar shook him off with his iconic wide swing, then pushed the ball into the empty. 0-2!
This time, even thementator doesn''t know what else to say, he can only keep repeating that there are still chances, there is still hope, but the Barcelona fans on-site clearly don''t buy it. They boo incessantly, not only at the opponents but also at their own team, their performance is too poor.
At a crucial moment, it''s still Messi who saves Barcelona. Just before the end of the first half, after dribbling past three defenders in the frontcourt, he sent the ball into the penalty area. Ibrahimovic''s shot was saved by Casis, but the Argentine followed up with a rebound to score. The score became 1-2.
This goal is crucial for Barcelona! After the break, they quicklyunched a high press and sessfully caused a midfield turnover by Real Madrid.
Iniesta rushed to the edge of the penalty area, then lofted a ball into the box. Ibrahimovic, at the far post, pushed away Albiol and used his right foot to poke the ball into the.
Although Real Madrid yers vigorously protested that the Swede fouled first, the referee still pointed to the center circle to signal that the goal was valid. 2-2, Barcelona leveled the score.
"That''s it, don''t give the Madridistas any chance! Great Iniesta, great Ibrahimovic! Let''s seize the momentum and win a resounding victory!"
The passion at the Camp Nou hasn''t subsided yet, but Wang Feng poured cold water on them once again. In the 77th minute, Iguain received Sneijder''s lofted pass near the top of the penalty area.
The Argentine forward headed the ball sideways to the nearby Chinese superstar. Wang Feng steadied himself with his right foot, leaning his body weight to the right while raising his left foot, then fiercely kicked the falling ball.
''Swoosh!'' Like a missile, it shot off, Abidal''s block and Valdes'' save were both a step too slow. The ball crashed into the fiercely, 2-3! The away team took the lead again!
In the final moments of the game, Barcelonaunched a fierce attack. When they won a corner kick, even the goalkeeper rushed into the Real Madrid penalty area to assist in the attack. But Ramos cleared the ball in time, and Wang Feng quickly took it away.
Before the home team''s defense could reorganize, the Chinese superstar unleashed a powerful shot, sending the ball into the Barcelona goal from a distance of seventy meters, 2-4! The Gcticos sealed the victory, and Wang Feng scored four goals!
After scoring, he once again made the gesture of eptance and adoration towards the Camp Nou fans. The louder the boos from the opponents, the greater his motivation!
After the game, when a reporter asked Wang Feng why he always seems to shine at the Camp Nou, he smiled and said, ''The Camp Nou excites me a lot, you know, the fans here always "motivate" me, so I won''t disappoint their expectations.''
Chapter 465: The much-anticipated annual double award
Chapter 465: The much-anticipated annual double award
After the highly anticipated century derby, football fans around the world were eagerly awaiting another event - the draw for the group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
On December 5th, fate was decided for the thirty-two teams in South Africa. The hosts were grouped with France, Uruguay, and Mexico, and their future looked bleak.
China''s team, in Group D, faced the previous World Cup''s eliminator Germany, as well as European powerhouse Serbia and Africa''s star Ghana. Overall, they were rtively fortunate, and advancing to the next stage should not be a problem.
In Group B, South Korea faced Argentina, Nigeria, and Greece. Japan, in Group E, was paired with the Nethends, Denmark, and Cameroon. Australia, in Group F, encountered Italy, Paraguay, and Slovakia.
Thest Asian team, North Korea, was in Group G with Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Portugal, which was considered the "group of death."
As people eagerly analyzed the strength and potential advancement of each team, the next day, the official website of "France Football" magazine announced the winner of the 2009 Ballon d''Or - Wang Feng! This was his sixth Ballon d''Or!
Considering the astonishing performance of the Chinese superstar in the previous season, this result wasn''t surprising. However, two aspects still attracted considerable attention from many fans.
Firstly, all 96 judges gave their first-ce votes to Wang Feng, resulting in him achieving the first-ever unanimous decision in the history of the Ballon d''Or.
"We cannot ignore his incredible achievement of scoring a hundred goals in a season. Apart from him, no other yer deserves to be the first choice!" one of the judges told "France Football" magazine during an interview.
Lionel Messi ranked second, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo. The worries of the Portuguese finally materialized, as despite helping Manchester United win three consecutive league titlesst season, he couldn''t surpass Messi''s dominance.
Wesley Sneijder ranked fourth, followed by Ral. After that, it was Xavi, Andrs Iniesta, Samuel Eto''o, Kak, and tan Ibrahimovi?.
Except for Cristiano Ronaldo, all the top ten yers either yed in La Ligast season or were currently ying there. This fact couldn''t help but make people marvel. Despite the English Premier League''s efforts topete for the top league title, they couldn''t hide La Liga''s brilliance. This was the best league in European football!
Another significant piece of news was that after several rounds of discussions, the Ballon d''Or decided to merge with the FIFA World yer of the Year award next year, creating a new award - the FIFA Ballon d''Or!
The editor-in-chief of "France Football" magazine wrote a column reviewing the history of the award. Since its inception in 1956, a total of 38 outstanding football yers have received this honor.
From the first winner, English yer Stanley Matthews, to thest winner, Chinese yer Wang Feng, he briefly introduced each of them.
Some yers have won it twice, some three times, but only Wang Feng has won it six times, standing out in history. "The Chinese superstar has left the most indelible mark in the history of the Ballon d''Or."
At the same time, the editor-in-chief also recounted the two most important reforms in the history of the Ballon d''Or. In 1995, the selection criteria were expanded to include yers from football clubs belonging to the member countries of the European Football Association. George Weah, Ronaldo, and Wang Feng were beneficiaries of this reform.
In 2007, there was another innovation, expanding the Ballon d''Or selection criteria to include all professional football yers worldwide, increasing the number of judges from 52 to 96, and updating the scoring system.
"The scoring system became moreprehensive and scientific, but the fact remains that the best yers still emerge from European leagues. This is enough to show that both technically and operationally, European leagues are at the top level, and other continents should actively learn from their advanced aspects."
Starting next year, the Ballon d''Or will enter a new era, and both the upper and lower parts of "France Football" are full of expectations for this cooperation.
Just as Wang Feng was about to go to France to receive the Ballon d''Or trophy, in the 13th round of La Liga, Real Madrid almost had a mishap at home against Almeria.
When Granero opened the scoring, the home team gradually rxed, only to be overtaken by two goals from their opponents. If it weren''t for Sneijder''s thrilling rescue at thest moment, a shocking upset might have urred. The match ended 2-2, and the Gcticos only got one point, so their top spot wasn''t secured before Barcelona snatched it back.
Three dayster, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, they faced Marseille away, which was a crucial match for Real Madrid, directly affecting the situation in the knockout stage draw.
The timely return of the Chinese superstar provided strong firepower and confidence. In the 32nd minute, he forcefully broke through the side, causing chaos and then sending a low cross into the penalty area, where Higuan seized the opportunity to score.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng caused a foul through a quick counterattack, giving Real Madrid a free kick from twenty meters in front of the goal. He personally took the kick and curved it like a scythe from hell, harvesting Marseille''s hopes. It was 2-0!
In the second half, Marseille pressed aggressively soon after kickoff, causing chaos in the Real Madrid defense and resulting in a goal.
However, such sustained pressure couldn''tst forever. After enduring the first twenty minutes, victory gradually tilted towards the Gcticos. In the 81st minute, they seized the opportunity for a quick counterattack, and Higuan scored the goal to seal the victory.
The final score was set at 3-1. Real Madrid won four out of six group matches, drew one, lost one, and umted 13 points. Theirpetitors, AC Mn, won four, lost two, and had 12 points. The Gcticos secured the top position by a narrow one-point margin.
Next, in the 14th round of La Liga, they faced Valencia away. With Wang Feng''sst-minute goal, they reversed the score to win 2-1.
After the match, the Real Madrid team flew to Yokohama, Japan, to participate in the Club World Cup. In the semifinals, they faced Ante, the champions of the North American and Caribbean Football Confederation.
This team was hailed as the Barcelona of Mexico, but now the Gcticos outssed Bar?a, easily defeating them 3-0, with Wang Feng scoring twice and providing an assist.
The final opponent was still a South American team, the University of La ta Football Club from Argentina. Although not as famous as Boca Juniors, they were still a strong team in the Argentine league.
After a fierce battlesting nearly 90 minutes, Wang Feng assisted Granero in scoring the winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory. This was also the first trophy Real Madrid won this season.
After lifting the trophy, Wang Feng bid farewell to the team and headed to Zurich, Switzend. On December 22nd, the FIFA Annual Awards Ceremony was officially held.
The first award announced was the newly created "Pusks Award," given to the best goal of the year, which went to Wang Feng for his three consecutive breakthroughs and goal against Barcelona in the century showdown, shocking the world.
Poor Barcelona once again became the background, with the camera focusing on Messi. It was evident that the Argentine''s face was twitching, but he still maintained a formic smile.
Subsequently, FIFA jointly introduced the annual best team with the International Association of Professional Football yers for the first time, led by Wang Feng and Messi, with multiple yers from Real Madrid and Barcelona included.
The FIFA President''s Award was given to Queen Rania of Jordan, the Fair y Award was given to the English coach Bobby, China won the Football Development Award, and Brazilian star Marta was named FIFA Women''s World yer for the fourth consecutive year.
Finally, the top award, FIFA World yer of the Year, was unsurprisingly awarded to Wang Feng, who scored 1,173 points, once again breaking the historical scoring record. The second-ce candidate, Messi, only received 252 points.
Chapter 466: Dynasty continues !
Chapter 466: Dynasty continues !
The major events of 2009 have settled, and La Liga is proceeding in an orderly manner. Real Madrid and Barcelona are fiercelypeting with each other, often with Barcelona leading in one round, and Real Madrid snatching the top spot back in the next round.
As of April 19, 2010, after 33 rounds of the league, the Gcticos had a record of 26 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses, umting 81 points, while Barcelona had a record of 26 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses, umting 82 points.
One important reason the two teams couldn''t pull away was the century derby at the Bernabeu in the 31st round. In this match, Messi disyed his might with a hat-trick, while Wang Feng also contributed with two goals and an assist, resulting in a 3-3 draw.
On the league''s top scorers list, the Chinese superstar ranked first with 38 goals, while Messi closely followed with 32 goals. The Argentine''s performance this season had improved yet another level.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid faced Lyon in the round of 16, eventually defeating them 5-1 on aggregate. In the quarter-finals, they met another French team, Bordeaux, winning 5-3 on aggregate to advance.
After smoothly reaching the semi-finals, their opponents were the Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, setting up a genuine Chinese derby on the Champions League stage.
Simrly, arch-rivals Barcelona also smoothly entered the semi-finals, set to face Wang Feng''s former club, Inter Mn. Under Mourinho''s guidance and the efforts of Ribery, Eto''o, and others, the Nerazzurri finally made it back to the Champions League top four.
It''s worth mentioning that in the quarter-finals, Manchester United fell to Bayern Munich''s feet. Apart from Dong Fangzhuo''s unexpected winning goal, the missed opportunity of the newly joined Red Devils'' Benzema also sparked discussions.
"The me is all on Benzema" gradually became popr on the inte, but Cristiano Ronaldo still chose to support his new teammate, saying, "He is a very talented and capable yer, just too young."
In the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid faced Santander Athletic in the fifth round. With a substitute lineup, they lost to their opponents 1-2 on aggregate, exiting the championship race early.
On April 22nd, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, countless Chinese people stayed in front of their TVs just to witness a historic moment in Chinese football. Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo, as absolute core yers of European powerhouses, met on the Champions League knockout stage!
ording toter statistics, the viewership of this match in China exceeded 100 million, even surpassing the level of the Champions League final. Thousands of Chinese fans flocked to the scene, forming a significant force.
In the first half, Bayern Munich took the lead. With continuous cooperation between Schweinsteiger and Dong Fangzhuo in the frontcourt, thetter broke through near the bottom line, sent a precise cross, and Mller scored with a header.
In the second half, Real Madrid gradually gained the upper hand. In the 69th minute, Wang Feng received a through pass from Sneijder, facing the goal with defenders beside and behind him. A sh of inspiration, he flicked the ball up with his right foot and shot it over the defenders'' heads.
The Chinese superstar quickly caught up and volleyed the ball into the with a flying kick. It was 1-1! Both sides returned to the same starting line.
In the 81st minute, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack after a midfield interception. Higuan and Wang Feng formed a two-on-three situation. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Feng passed to the Argentine forward in the back, who easily scored, helping the Gcticosplete the turnaround.
A weekter, the two sides yed the second leg, taking advantage of the away game back to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid yers were more calm. In the first half, Alonso assisted Wang Feng for a solo goal inside the penalty area.
Bayern equalized before halftime, this time Van Buyten lofted the ball into the penalty area, and the Chinese star volleyed with his left foot to score.
It was a great honor to break through the Gcticos'' defense at the Bernabeu, but Dong Fangzhuo didn''t choose to celebrate. Instead, he quickly rushed into the, grabbed the ball, and ran towards the center line. His eyes were full of the desire for victory!
Wang Feng felt very pleased. He witnessed Dong Fangzhuo''s growth all the way, until now, he had be one of the top European football stars. But he wouldn''t let up because of this.
In the second half, Real Madrid seized a chance of a backcourt steal tounch a quick counterattack. The Chinese superstar dribbled past three defenders at high speed and entered the penalty area, then bypassed Bayern''s goalkeeper Butt and lightly pushed the ball into the empty,pletely sealing the victory.
Old habits die hard. With a 4-2 aggregate score over two legs, the Gcticos eliminated Bayern Munich and once again advanced to the Champions League final.
In the other Champions League semi-final, Barcelona waspletely baffled by Mourinho''s iron-d defense. They attacked fiercely but to no avail, and instead, Eto''o seized the opportunity to score a goal, losing 0-1 on aggregate.
So, the Gcticos and the Nerazzurri met in the Champions League final. This was Wang Feng''s first encounter with his former club after leaving Inter Mn, and it happened on the ultimate stage, which was quite dramatic.
Back in La Liga, the two giants had different fates. Barcelona clearly lost their bnce, coupled with Kaka''sckluster performance, unexpectedly losing to Athletic Bilbao and Sevi. They only won 3 out of theirst 5 matches.
On the other hand, the Gcticos were more stable. Apart from a draw against Mallorca away, they won the other four matches, resulting in a final record of 30 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses, umting 94 points.
Barcelona had 29 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses, umting 91 points, once again tragically failing to win the championship, only able to watch their arch-rivals Real Madrid im their fourth consecutive title, continuing their dynasty!
In this season, Wang Feng contributed 43 goals and 14 assists in the league, winning the La Liga Golden Boot and European Golden Boot again. Although Messi also scored 37 goals, he still fell slightly shortpared to the Chinese superstar.
On May 22nd, the Champions League final was held at the Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid. Countless Gcticos fans hoped to see their team lift the trophy once again at home.
Inter Mn, led by Mourinho, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Julio Cesar in goal, Zti, Samuel, Maicon, and Santon in defense, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Pandev, and Lucio in midfield, and Ribery and Eto''o upfront.
After the match started, the Nerazzurri adopted their usual strategy of defending and counterattacking. They relied on this tactic to eliminate the newly crowned English Premier League champions Chelsea, the newly crowned Russian Premier League champions CSKA Moscow, and the strong Barcelona.
If they could win against the La Liga champions Real Madrid, it would be one of the most prestigious Champions League titles.
Both sides yed very cautiously, and after a thrilling 90 minutes, the score remained 0-0. It wasn''t until the second half of extra time, at the 110th minute, when Wang Feng received a lob pass from Granero outside the arc, he volleyed a shot into the with a spectacr shot, piercing Inter Mn''s defense.
A celestial strike graced the earthly realm!
After scoring, the Chinese superstar didn''t choose to celebrate, just quietly looked up at the starry sky. The visiting Nerazzurri fans shed tears in the stands, with many of them even putting on Wang Feng''s old jersey from his Inter days, continuously chanting his name.
Perhaps they would resent any other yer for interrupting Inter Mn''s quest for a treble this season, but they would never resent Wang Feng because the Chinese yer had already given them enough.
Five league titles, three Champions League titles, the heroic feat of keeping the St. Bride''s Cup in Meazza forever, and the legendary reign of the quintuple and sextuple kings.
Wang Feng had never owed Inter Mn anything!
In the luxurious box, the 65-year-old Moratti''s eyes were somewhat trance-like. He seemed to see Wang Feng at 18, the one who was always full of passion and fighting spirit, the one who led Inter Mn through the "Mini World Cup".
"You haven''t changed at all," the Italian murmured to himself, "and I''m already old. Fortunately, Inter Mn once had you, and I have no regrets in this life!"
As the referee blew the final whistle, the Gcticos eventually won 1-0, defeating the Nerazzurri in the Champions League final, winning their fourth consecutive Champions League title, and their 13th European Champions Cup trophy in history.
Wang Feng went to each of them,forting them one by one. The former Inter Mn captain''s eyes were filled with tears of warmth as he said, "I won''t forgive you, kid, for making all our efforts in vain!"
Although saying so, he still hugged Wang Feng tightly. "Keep going, Wang, make the whole world kneel at your feet. We will always support you."
Ribery choked with tears, tears and snot streaming down his face. But no one would mock him. "Boss, I still can''t beat you after all."
Wang Feng patted his shaved head. "You''ve done well enough. Inter Mn has won nine consecutive league titles. Next year, I want to see a shocking ten in a row!"
The Frenchman nodded heavily. That was his goal too!
Real Madrid won both the league and the Champions League for the fourth consecutive time! This result was both unexpected and expected. The stable performance of their top star, Wang Feng, was their biggest guarantee.
Throughout the Champions League campaign, the Chinese superstar contributed 18 goals and 4 assists, bringing his total Champions League goals to an astonishing 149. With 7 Champions League titles in 8 appearances, he achieved an epic miracle.
Of course, luck yed a part too. In the league, Barcelona stumbled in thest few rounds and handed the crown to Real Madrid. In the Champions League, from the group stage to the semifinals, they didn''t encounter strong opponents.
On the other hand, their final opponents, Inter Mn, had expended a lot of energy against tough opponents one after another, giving Real Madrid an advantage.
Regardless, victory is the mark of the strong. The legendary dynasty of Real Madrid continues.
Chapter 467: Assemble
Chapter 467: Assemble
Real Madrid held a grand parade after winning the championship. Although the number of championships was slightly lesspared tost year, the two most prestigious trophies still drove the entire city''s fans crazy.
Wang Feng fulfilled his promise with practical actions. After everything was over, the family returned to their vi in Lafinka to pack their bags. This time, they nned to return to their home country and then apany Wang Feng to South Africa to watch the game.
Therge group of rtives and friends not only cheered during the matches but also ensured each other''s safety. After all, due to the impact of the global financial crisis, South Africa, once a developed country, suffered severe setbacks, and the social order wasn''t as good as it used to be.
Earlier, the Chinese team announced the 30-man squad for the World Cup, and the final 23 would be selected based on actual training conditions:
Goalkeepers: 3 yers - Qiu Shengheng (Shenhua), Zeng Cheng (Jianye), Yang Zhi (Capital)
Defenders: 10 yers - Sun Xiang (Ajax), Zheng Zhi (Celtic), Sun Jihai (Manchester City), Feng Xiaoting (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Li Weifeng (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Wang Qiang (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Zhang Fanlin (Dongya), Zhao Peng (Jianye), He Yang (Kangshifu), Rong Hao (Shuntian)
Midfielders: 10 yers - Zhao Xuri (Shide), Deng Zhuoxiang (Lorient), Shao Jiayi (Kaiserutern), Hao Junzhe (Schalke 04), Li Chunyu (Gangwon FC), Yan Feng (Yatai), Jiang Ning (Zhongneng), Huang Baiwen (Capital), Yang Hao (Shide), Zhao Xuri (Shide)
Forwards: 7 yers - Wang Feng (Real Madrid), Dongfang Zhuo (Bayern Munich), Wu Lei (Young people), Gao Lin (Aston Vi), Chen Tao (Mainz), Wang Yang (Seraing), Qu Bo (Zhongneng)
Coach Alirhan defied opposition and included many overseas yers, and it was with Wang Feng''s support that the final squad was established. However, this move caused strong dissatisfaction among the team leaders and other responsible personnel, who felt they weren''t profiting.
Actually, what the Dutch coach wanted the most was to include Feng Miao from Nasatail and Huang Hu from Genk, but they firmly refused.
Especially Huang Hu, in the just-concluded 09-10 season, he and De Bruyne formed a dynamic duo in the Belgian Pro League. Not only did they secure their positions as regr starters, but they also contributed 14 goals together, helping the team achieve a good result of second ce in the league.
ording to "Football Kickers" report, several Bundesliga and Premier League teams are currently interested in both of them, and their market value has risen to about 10 million euros.
But like former Chinese superstars, Feng Miao and Huang Hu are considered outside the system. To be selected, they must sign contracts, which could be considered an entrance fee.
After several days of painful contemtion, the two made a decisionpletely different from Wang Feng''s and even called a Chinese superstar for advice.
"Of course, I support your decision," Wang Fengforted. "You guys are different from me back then. You have morepanions and more choices. Go and do what you want. No one can confine you."
"I''ll always stand by your side."
When Wang Feng arrived at the capital airport, countless media and fans had been waiting at the exit for a long time. He didn''t want his family to be exposed too much, so he decided to go out first, and the family would quietly leaveter.
He signed autographs with nearby lucky fans, dealt with various media squeezing in, and only half an hourter did the Chinese superstar walk out of the airport under the escort of security guards.
This was the price of his fame, but sometimes, looking at the fans'' happy faces, he felt very satisfied.
Back in the familiar yet unfamiliar home country, two-year-old Sihao''s eyes rolled around, seeming to have little impression ofst year''s events, so she was very curious and looked around.
Lu Yao let her y by herself and poured a ss of orange juice for Wang Feng. "Brother Feng, when do you n to report to the national team?"
"Tomorrow, I suppose. I guess the others will have returned one by one. We still have to train in the country for a while. You guys can take this opportunity to rest, and we''ll go to South Africa before the World Cup starts, by private jet."
Lu Yao nodded, while Wang Feng''s mother still felt a bit reluctant. "Why don''t we buy regr ne tickets? It''s too extravagant to always take a private jet." The elderly were always frugal no matter when.
"Don''t worry, Mom. With so many of us going, chartered flights are not cheap, and private jets are more convenient."
The next morning, Wang Feng went to the training base in Xianghe. As he expected, all the yers on the roster had reported. There were old friends like Dongfang Zhuo and Shao Jiayi, as well as some unfamiliar faces, but everyone showed respect towards him.
After counting the yers, the coaching staff arranged physical tests for everyone. Since the season had just ended, everyone was in good shape, which pleased Alirhan. So, they only arranged simple warm-up exercises for everyone.
Later in the day, the national team officially held a press conference, with the head coach and the captain present. Obviously, everyone was particrly interested in the Chinese superstar and wanted to ask him questions.
"Congrattions on helping Real Madrid win two important championships again. We want to know if you can perform as well in the national team?"
"Oh, the national team and the club are certainly different. In the club, teammates fight together for a year, and there is a lot of time for mutual understanding and building chemistry."
"But the national team has short training periods, so the teamwork might be weaker. However, I will do my best to bring out my best in every game. I am confident that we are not afraid of any opponent."
Regarding the prospects for the World Cup, Wang Feng said, "It''s difficult to think about abstract things now. I think the most important thing is to take one step at a time. In thest World Cup, who could have predicted that we would reach the semifinals?"
"Adjusting one''s mindset and body, facing all opponents with a positive attitude, that''s the key to going further in the World Cup."
When asked about his national teammates, he said, "They are a group of excellent partners. I also asionally follow their matches."
"Like Dongfang Zhuo, we just faced each other in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals not long ago. His strength has greatly improvedpared to two years ago. Everyone is making progress."
Of course, some reporters were concerned about the Chinese superstar''s future career ns. "You are not even 27 years old yet, and up to now, you haven''t renewed your contract with Real Madrid. Do you have other ns?"
"Isn''t this question unrted to the national team?" Wang Feng smiled. "But I can answer you. I''m very happy at Real Madrid, and I get along very well with both the club and my teammates."
As early as the beginning of this year, Balmond had initiated contract renewal negotiations with the top management of Gcticos. Both sides intended to continue working together, but the interests involved were too great, and there were many details to be perfected, so the negotiations hadn''t beenpleted yet.
Chapter 468: Warm up
Chapter 468: Warm up
The entire press conference revolved almost entirely around Wang Feng. The head coach had very few opportunities to speak, so much so that he apologized to the Dutchman afterwards.
"It''s okay. Wherever you go, you should always be the center of attention. No one can steal the spotlight from you," Alirhan patted Wang Feng''s shoulder and continued, "Keep it up. This should be the best era, and no one knows what will happen next."
Having dealt with the national team for so many years, Alirhan keenly felt that their patience with him had reached its limit. But he was a pure football man, unwilling and unable topromise, so leaving was the best choice.
During the training camp, in addition to the daily tactical drills, the national team also yed friendly matches against the top three teams in the Chinese Super League: Taishan, Tianhu, and Green City.
All three matches ended in victory. In the first match against Taishan, Wang Feng appeared on the field and scored five goals within 10 minutes, leaving two defenders unable to stop him, much to the surprise of the Taishan coach on the sidelines.
Alirhan could only smile bitterly and shake his head. There was no point in such a warm-up. So, he decisively substituted the Chinese superstar, and Wang Feng didn''t y in the remaining two matches.
However, the national team''s easy victories over the Chinese Super League powerhouses delighted the domestic media and fans, indicating that their level was now the strongest in the country. Many were looking forward to what miracles would unfold at the World Cup in South Africa.
To limate to the summer environment in South Africa, the national team decided to depart for the tournament venue on June 1st, and the final 23-man squad was announced.
Seven yers - Zhaopeng, Heyang, Ronghao, Huangbaiwen, Yanghao, Zhaoxuri, and Qubo - failed to make the cut. It was rumored that the team leader smashed a teacup directly. These yers and their clubs had put in a lot of effort, so what could the overseas yers bring?
"Indeed, we can''t let Alirhan stay any longer!"
As the longest-serving foreign coach of the national team so far, Alirhan led the team to win the Asian Cup in 2004, reach the semifinals of the World Cup in 2006, and win the Asian Cup again in 2007, boasting impressive achievements. But not understanding human rtions would be troublesome.
Like the Chinese team, the other 31 participating teams arrived in South Africa half a month early to adapt to the venues. This World Cup would be held in 10 stadiums across 9 cities.
The match venues for Group D, where the Chinese team was located, were Durban''s Durban Stadium, Rustenburg''s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, and Nelspruit''s Mbomb Stadium.
Durban was a city in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, known as the "Best Managed City in Africa," with the busiest port in all of Africa, serving as the gateway to the African continent and other countries in the Indian Ocean.
Rustenburg, founded in 1850, means "resting town" in Dutch and is a city in the North West Province of South Africa, near the Magaliesberg mountains.
Nelspruit is the capital of the Mpumnga Province, located in the easternmost part of South Africa. It is a gateway to one of Africa''s top attractions, Kruger National Park, with beautiful scenery and one of the safest cities.
Before the World Cup officially began, teams often arranged friendly matches to train yers, maintain theirpetitive state, and of course, to adjust tactics and study opponents. The Chinese team scheduled friendlies against Ivory Coast, Denmark, and France.
In the first match against Ivory Coast, Alirhan deliberately tested the team''s defensive resilience and kept Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo, two heavyweight attackers, on the bench.
Under the African powerhouse''s relentless attacks and physical pressure, veteran Li Weifeng led the team to withstand until thest minute, ending the match in a 0-0 draw.
Many yers suffered cramps near the end of the match, making it perhaps the most intense warm-up match.
In the second match against Denmark, the head coach wanted to see the team''s attacking prowess, and both the Real Madrid and Bayern Munich cores did not disappoint, frequently tearing apart the opponent''s defense with long balls and through passes from midfield.
An intense offensive disy made the match very entertaining, ending in a 4-4 draw, with Wang Feng scoring twice, Dongfang Zhuo scoring once, and Gao Lin scoring the equalizer in the final moments.
In the final match against France, Alirhan once again made extensive lineup changes, without any obvious bias this time, likely considering the final starting lineup.
Wang Feng assisted Chen Tao in scoring a goal after ying for 30 minutes before being substituted. The match remained deadlocked throughout, leaving Jiang Ning on the bench very excited, "We can actually go back and forth with the powerful French team. Everyone is so amazing!"
The Chinese superstar rolled his eyes, "You''re overthinking it. It''s just that the Gallic Rooster is too shaky. I doubt they can even advance past the group stage."
Jiang Ning was surprised, "How could that be? Aren''t they in the top ten in terms of squad strength?" But even with his understanding of football, he couldn''t see it.
In the second half, France equalized with a goal from Anelka, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Chinese team ended all three warm-up matches in draws, whether against the rtively unknown Ivory Coast or the seemingly powerful France, leaving domestic fans somewhat uncertain about the team''s future results.
However, many firmly believed that under Alirhan and Wang Feng''s leadership, the team would definitely achieve better results than in the previous World Cup.
The three teams that the Chinese team will face in the group stage each have their own characteristics. Germany is undoubtedly the strongest, with an 8-2 record in the European qualifiers and 26 goals scored, showcasing their formidablebat power.
However, upon closer inspection of the detailed match records, excluding the 10 goals scored against Liechtenstein and 6 against minnows Azerbaijan, Germany only scored 10 goals in the remaining matches.
Top scorer Klose has yet to find his scoring touch, and the form of attacking midfielder Back cannotpare to his performances in the previous two World Cups. Overall attacking power deficiency is Germany''s biggest problem at the moment, hence their fifth-ranked odds to win the title.
The other two teams, Serbia and Ghana, are the main opponents China will vie for victory against. Serbia performed very well in the European qualifiers, topping the group ahead of France.
Their core yer, Vidic, ys for Manchester United and is considered one of the best center-backs in the world. Inter Mn midfielder Stankovic has long been famous and is Wang Feng''s old teammate, currently serving as the captain of the Serbian team, while Pantelic and Jovanovic are also excellent attackers.
African powerhouse Ghana is a youth powerhouse, having won the FIFA U17 World Cup twice and being the first African team to win a medal in men''s football at the Olympics.
In October 2009, after defeating Brazil on penalties, Ghana became the first African team to win the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Today, this team boasts heavyweight yers like Essien from Chelsea, Montari from Inter Mn, Muntari from Serie A, and Pantsil from the English Premier League.
Four years ago at the Germany World Cup, the Ghanaian team was the youngest team on average. After a long period of umtion, the yers'' experience and skills have developed well. They are eager to show their skills at the South Africa World Cup.
Chapter 469: Opener
Chapter 469: Opener
On June 11th, at 2 p.m. local time in South Africa, a brief World Cup opening ceremony was held at the Johannesburg ssic Ser City Stadium.
A total of 1581 performers contributed to a program consisting of six sections. It''s worth mentioning that three girls from China appeared on the stage.
Of course, the performances were just decorations. The real importancey in the uing 64 matches, as the World Cup unfolded slowly with Colombian singer Shakira''s "Waka Waka."
At exactly 4 p.m., the opening match between the host country and Mexico kicked off as scheduled. South Africa''s head coach is a 67-year-old Brazilian named Pereira. This was his sixth World Cup journey, making him the coach with the most appearances in World Cup history.
In the 2002 World Cup, South Africa had three forwards with different styles: Mashego, Zuma, and McCarthy. However, the first two had faded out of the national team due to age.
McCarthy, as the team''s all-time top scorer, was expelled from the national team due to being overweight. Without McCarthy, South Africa was left with only a mediocre front line, and the only returnee, Parker, was just a substitute for the Eredivisie champion, Twente.
Therefore, Pereira deployed a conservative 4-5-1 formation for this match, while Mexico adopted a 4-4-2 formation. The match started with both sides in a stalemate, and the score remained 0-0 until the end of the first half.
In the 54th minute of the second half, Digaorgel sent a through ball to the defense, and Chabla quickly inserted from the left to the penalty area, taking a powerful left-footed shot without adjusting from 15 meters out on the left side.
The ball flew straight like a cannonball towards the upper right corner, hitting the junction of the right goalpost and crossbar and bouncing into the, 1-0! The host took the lead!
Mexico equalized in the 79th minute when Guardado crossed from the left, delivering the ball to Marquez, who had infiltrated near the far post from the defensive midfielder position. The Barcelona midfielder calmly pushed the ball into the near corner facing the goalkeeper.
Marquez, a defensive midfielder by trade, is versatile in multiple positions within the Barcelona team. In this national team match, his performance was equally outstanding, with 72 passes, 61 of which were urate, 3 tackles, and 1 interception, ying an important defensive role.
Before the final whistle, South Africa still had a chance to take the lead, with the lone striker almost facing an open goal, but he hit the post. No wonder the post-match evaluation by Sky Sports in the UK described him as "knows only how to stand around, nothing else."
1-1, the first match of the World Cup ended in a draw. Chabla, the 26-year-old midfielder who scored first for South Africa, was named the best yer of the match not only for his goal but also for his significant role in midfield organization and passing.
The Chinese team did not choose to watch the opening match but continued with their final training. However, in the information age, the results would soon be received by everyone.
"I didn''t expect the hosts to be so strong, able to draw with Mexico in the first round," said 21-year-old neer Zhang Fanlin, who was selected for the national team for the first time, feeling excited throughout.
Taking this opportunity, Wang Feng addressed everyone, saying, "We absolutely cannot underestimate any team that has made it to the round of 32. The actual strength on paper can be very misleading, so we must approach every game with full spirit and attention."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Such cautionary wordsing from a Chinese superstar were particrly impactful. If even he was so cautious, how could others ck off?
On the first matchday, there was another match in Group A, France vs. Uruguay. As Wang Feng had predicted, despite Uruguay receiving the World Cup''s first red card, France still failed to win the game, ending in a goalless draw.
The performance of midfield core Ribery was controversial, with 36 sessful passes out of 29, but only 3 sessful crosses, failing to create good scoring opportunities for teammates.
Of course, in Wang Feng''s view, it''s not entirely Ribery''s fault. France, whether in tactical system or personnel configuration, is quite awkward, so it''s no wonder Ribery and Anelka have some disagreements and conflicts in their ying styles. Coach Domenech''s handling of the situation is inadequate.
Uruguayan forward Fon was named the best yer of the match, contributing 5 shots with 2 on target, putting considerable pressure on the French team.
In the first match of Group B, Asian team South Korea made their debut, defeating European powerhouse Greece 2-0 with goals from Lee Chung-yong and Park Ji-sung, securing a winning start to this World Cup.
yers such as Cha Du-ri from Freiburg, Park Ji-sung from Manchester United, Lee Chung-yong from Bolton, Ki Sung-yueng from Charlton, Kim Ki-hee from West Bromwich Albion, and Park Chu-young from AS Monaco were the six overseas yers who guaranteed South Korea''s victory.
Park Ji-sung was named the best yer of the match. Although he didn''t have many chances on the ball, he was still the most threatening yer for South Korea, creating a decisive scoring opportunity and scoring a brilliant goal.
In the other match of Group B, Argentina narrowly defeated Nigeria 1-0, with Heinze scoring a header. However, the front line of the Albiceleste still showed signs of weakness.
Messi ended a 209-day goal drought for the national team, but Aguero missed three clear chances, and Tevez was invisible throughout the game. Therefore, Heinze, a defender, took the only goal of the match and was named the best yer.
In the first match of Group C, Ennd drew 1-1 with the United States. Gerrard opened the scoring for the Three Lions, but Dempsey equalized in the end. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Howard was named the best yer of the match.
In the other match of Group C, Algeria lost 0-1 to Slovenia. These are two teamscking star power, with theirbined market value being approximately 85 million euros. Koren from West Bromwich Albion scored the only goal of the match and was named the best yer.
The matchday for Group D has arrived, marking the beginning of China''s journey.
On the morning of June 13th, head coach Alirhan convened all the yers and announced the lineup for the first group stage match. The formation was 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Qiu Shengjing.
Defenders Li Weifeng, Sun Jihai, Zheng Zhi, and Feng Xiaoting.
Midfielders Shao Jiayi, Hao Junmin, Deng Zhuoxiang, and Zhao Xuri.
Forwards Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo.
"Everyone, Germany is the strongest opponent in this group, but don''t forget, anything is possible on the tournament stage. I don''t demand that you must win, but I demand that you bring out your highest level!"
After the team doctorpleted the final physical examinations, the entire team boarded the bus to Durban Stadium. Along the way, both sides of the road were filled with fans from various countries, with the Chinese faces being the most numerous.
As they saw the national team bus passing by, they waved gs and banners in support. Even though there was ayer of ss separating them, the familiar cheers could still be heard, making it feel like they were ying at home.
Wang Feng quietly touched the badge on his chest. Perhaps this is the meaning of wearing this jersey.
Arriving at the destination, what caught everyone''s eyes was a magnificent stadium. Its exterior design was very novel, especially the overhead bridge spanning east and west, resembling a rainbow hanging in the sky.
Thisprehensive stadium can amodate 70,000 spectators. The attendance for this match was bound to set the highest record since the start of the World Cup because of the passionate domestic fans who traveled from afar.
Chapter 470: Bogey
Chapter 470: Bogey
Stepping onto thewn of Durban Stadium, Wang Feng clearly felt that all the facilities were exceptionally new. This stadium waspleted in November 2009 and has only hosted two official matches so farone was a South African league match, and the other was a national team friendly.
This type of pitch has its pros and cons. The advantage lies in its good sticity, allowing for perfect bouncing performance in football. However, the downside is that the grass tends to be hard and slippery, making it difficult to control low passes, and it hurts when yers fall.
Judging from the warm-up condition of the Chinese team yers, they indeed need time to adapt to this venue. The previous three friendly matches were not arranged at this stadium but at another renowned venue in Durban, the Kings Park Stadium. One could say it was a small mistake.
"Good evening, friends in front of the TV. Wee to watch the World Cup match on the national TV sports channel. I''m your old friend, Zhang Jun, and I will be bringing you the exciting World Cup match along with my partner, Huang Lu, at the scene."
"Yes, I am Huang Lu. The uing group stage match is the first match for our Chinese team in this World Cup, and their opponent is the strongest team in the group, Germany."
"Coach Zhang, how do you think we should set the goal for this match?"
"It''s hard to say. It still depends on the yers'' condition. In thest World Cup, the Chinese team miraculously made it to the semi-finals but ultimately fell to the Germans. Unexpectedly, in this World Cup, they meet again in the first match."
"Unlike the knockout round, where it''s a do-or-die situation, the group stage consists of three matches, so the yers'' consistent and stable performance is crucial."
"Now, we can see yers from both sides led by the coaching staffing to the center of the field. The referee for this match is Rodriguez from Mexico."
"Next, we will y the national anthems of both teams. It''s the third consecutive time our country''s anthem has been yed on the World Cup stage!"
Germany''s head coach L?w has lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Neuer as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders are Mertesacker, Friedrich, Badstuber, and Lahm.
The double pivot consists of Khedira and Schweinsteiger, with three midfielders including Thomas Mller, ?zil, and Podolski.
The natural choice for the striker position is none other than Klose.
Leaving Kroos, who has fluctuating form due to his youth, on the bench and deploying a more conservative attackingbination also shows how much the German coach values the Chinese team.
"The whistle blows!" Referee Rodriguez signals the start of the match, and Germany kicks off the first half!
The German teamunches a strong attack right from the start. Klose passes the ball to the back and runs towards the Chinese team''s penalty area. Lahm and Schweinsteiger pass consecutively and suddenly lob the ball forward.
"Dangerous! Klose''s header! Fortunately, Sun Ji Hai clears it out of the baseline ahead of time. His focus is very concentrated. Germany wins a corner kick right at the start!"
"As we mentioned before the match, the German team''s characteristics are very distinct. They can ybination football and aerial bombardment. And they rely on the 1.84-meter-tall Klose."
"Yes, in thest World Cup, the German striker scored 5 goals, just behind Wang Feng, winning the Silver Boot. In that same year''s international matches, he scored 13 goals, officially surpassing the legendary yer Gerd Mller''s 12 goals."
"So far, Klose''s total number of goals for the national team has reached 52, surpassing Mller''s 68 goals. It''s not an unrealistic dream!"
"Let''s see this German corner kick attack. Schweinsteiger sends it to the penalty area. Li Weifeng heads it out. Feng Xiaoting grabs it. Oh, quickly pass it out, find Wang Feng!"
After Feng Xiaoting gets the ball, he hesitates for a moment. Podolski intercepts his passing route sharply. Helplessly, Feng barely kicks it, but it''s intercepted by the Germans.
Wang Feng retreats to defend in the backcourt. Hemands the defending yers to mark tightly and shouts loudly, "Pass decisively. If not, kick it forward to the frontcourt. Don''t hesitate."
Next, the German team besieges the Chinese penalty area for nearly five minutes. During this time, including Wang Feng, several yers desperately clear the ball, firmly maintaining their defensive formation, causing all of the opponent''s attacks toe to nothing.
In the 7th minute, Schweinsteiger''s ball is once again punched out of the penalty area by goalkeeper Qiu Shengjing''s fists. After Haung Junzhe gets the ball, he immediately sends a diagonal pass to the right front.
Near the edge of the penalty area, the Chinese superstar sprints towards where the ball is going tond, snatching it before Thomas Mller. Without hesitation, he kicks it forward, squeezing past the German midfielder and continuing to charge forward.
"Beautiful! The Chinese teamunches a quick counterattack, and Wang Feng has a clear path ahead! The German team is a bit too confident. Their attack is too aggressive!"
The two yers run, one after the other. During this time, the 21-year-old German constantly engages in physical duels, using his body to jostle and pulling shirts, trying to force the Chinese superstar to lose the ball.
At this moment, his Bayern senior Lahm is desperately chasing from the other side, shouting frantically, "Foul, foul quickly! It''s tooteter!"
Unfortunately, the distance is too far away. Thomas doesn''t hear it, but seeing the penalty area getting closer, he and Wang Feng''s positions are widening. So, he decisively tackles from behind and trips the Chinese yer.
The referee immediately blows the whistle and runs to Thomas Mller to warn him, "Please watch your actions. This is a very dangerous behavior." He doesn''t want to show a card just at the beginning of the match.
Mller nods. He previously thought his tackling ability was decent, but he didn''t expect to feel timid in front of a world superstar. He wonders why there''s such a big difference even though they''repatriots.
Lahmes to him and says, "You acted toote!" After saying that, he runs back to participate in the defensive wall in the penalty area, while Mller scratches his head in confusion and returns to the backcourt.
"The Chinese team has won a free kick about 30 meters from the frontcourt. Let''s see how they n to take it. A friendly reminder, this distance seems to be within Wang Feng''s shooting range."
"Yes, so with this unstoppable free-kick technique, once the Chinese superstar reaches the frontcourt, the defending side will be cautious and won''t dare to foul easily. Mller is obviously too young. He''s been with Bayern for less than a season."
"Oh, we can see Wang Feng signaling his teammates to spread out. It seems they are preparing to shoot directly. The German team forms a defensive wall. This is also a spectacle. Usually, free kicks from this position don''t have a wall but are contested in the penalty area. Haha."
"Run-up! Shoot! Goal! Beautiful!"
"A super-fast knuckleball sails over the wall and drops into the from the left side of the goal, leaving German goalkeeper Neuer no chance to react!"
"Once again, Wang Feng helps the Chinese team score the first goal of this World Cup. He never disappoints! He clearly tells everyone, ''I''m going to shoot directly,'' but you just can''t stop him!"
"Let''s take another look at the slow-motion rey. The ball rotates obliquely in the air, which should be the main reason for its downward force."
"The camera finally focuses on Mller, who is holding his head in disbelief and regret. Kid, you still need more practice."
Chapter 471: Defensive
Chapter 471: Defensive
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly ran towards the area where his family and friends were seated, waving to them, which caused nearby Chinese fans to cheer and scream.
Liu Yao, holding her baby''s chubby hand, was very excited. "Look, Daddy is waving to us! Isn''t he shining brightly?"
Little Siyao tried to move forward to see but could only see a small figure below. "Is that Daddy? He''s quickly surrounded by other people."
She pouted, not understanding why the adults nearby were so excited. However, she couldn''t help but smile when she felt her mother''s good mood, as a mother''s emotions greatly influence a baby''s feelings.
On the German side, Lahm walked to the disappointed Mller and patted him on the shoulder. "Cheer up, Thomas. It''s not your fault, but now you know how to stop Wang Feng, right? Try to mark him as early as possible in midfield!"
Mller nodded with a bitter smile. "I overestimated myself a bit. Wang''s speed and physicality are beyond my expectations. I won''t make the same mistake again."
The game resumed, and conceding a goal seemed to have poured cold water on the entire German team. They calmed down, and it seemed like the Chinese team was retreating deeply, allowing Germany to easily control the midfield andunch attacks.
However, this might be a strategy to lure the opponent deep into their half and counterattack opportunistically. As long as a slight opening appears, the Chinese superstar can seize the chance.
So, the German team proactively slowed down their attacking rhythm, using their technical and physical superiority to control possession patiently in midfield, constantly making passes and waiting for the opponent to make a move. Being one goal down didn''t faze them much.
The game reached a stalemate, but the initiative remained with the Germans. In the 21st minute, Zheng Zhi tried to intercept but failed, and Schweinsteiger immediately passed the ball behind him.
Podolski sprinted along the sideline, having won the Best Young yer award in the previous World Cup, and his skills had improved over the past four years. Last year, he left the powerhouse Bayern to rejoin his old club Cologne, aiming to maintain his form by getting regr ying time and participate in this year''s World Cup in South Africa.
In an instant, the German midfielder reached the edge of the Chinese team''s penalty area. Feng Xiaoting rushed forward to block, but Podolski stretched his right foot to push the ball forward, elerating while bumping into the defending yer, intending to force his way to the byline.
This move was very effective. Feng Xiaoting was already slower than his opponent in terms of speed, and under the physical confrontation, his bnce became unstable, allowing Podolski to easily shake him off and cross near the goal line.
"Dangerous! Look at Germany''s attack this time. Good! Wang Feng arrived in time and cleared the ball out of bounds with his foot. His defense was timely!"
The Chinese superstar got up from the ground, directing nearby teammates toe and assist. It''s difficult to defend one-on-one, and this kind of wing breakthrough posed a significant threat to the German team, which had aerial dominance.
At the same time, he also noticed that there weren''t many yers participating in this attack, as there were always two defenders in the German backline.
When the corner kick was taken, Klose''s header hit Li Weifeng and bounced to Zhao Xuri''s feet. He immediately found Wang Feng, who tried to use his speed to break through the German defense again but was quickly intercepted.
Helplessly, Wang Feng had to pass back to reorganize, but under the strong pressure from the German midfield, the Chinese team quickly lost possession again.
"It looks a bit tricky. The German team doesn''t seem like a team trailing. They are very patient in their y, with minimal investment in attack and tight defense to block Wang Feng''s counterattacks."
"Yes, we have very few options in midfield. We''re being suppressed by the opponent on both ends. Oh, Germany''s attack again. Is Podolski nning to force his way to the byline again?"
"No! He stops abruptly, turns around, and passes the ball to the middle! Klose, shoots, and it''s a goal! In the 29th minute, Germany equalizes!"
"This time Podolski changed his approach. Facing Feng Xiaoting and Deng Zhuoxiang''s defense, he suddenly feinted a move, catching them off guard. Feng Xiaoting even slipped and fell to the ground."
"He had no pressure and passed the ball into the middle. The ball went past Sun Jihai, who was blocking the near post, and Klose''s right-footed shot found the after hitting the inside of the post."
"This is what we call a German striker with skills both in the air and on the ground. Li Weifeng didn''t make a marking mistake, but he couldn''t prevent him from shooting."
"Coach Arhan should think about how to change tactics next, but we don''t need to despair. As long as Wang Feng is on the field, anything can happen!"
In the following game, the German team created numerous threats to the Chinese goal, with two asions being particrly dangerous. The first was when Schweinsteiger suddenly sent a through ball from midfield.
Mller seeded in his run and was about to shoot, but luckily Wang Feng intervened in time to block the ball out of bounds. This attack from the German team scared everyone, as they were very flexible in their y, capable of attacking from both wings and the center.
The second asion was again a threat from Klose, with Mller crossing from the wing after dribbling down. The German striker''s header hit the defending yer and then hit the post before bouncing out of bounds.
At the start of the second half in the 49th minute, Germany''s efforts paid off. Khedira and ?zilpleted a wall-passbination on the wing, with the former breaking into the penalty area and suddenly shooting towards the far corner.
The ball rolled swiftly and sharply on the brand new turf, catching Chinese goalkeeper Qiu Shengjing off guard. He dove but was a fraction too slow, and the ball crept into the off the inside of the post, making it 1-2, Germany had turned the game around!
"Sigh!" At this moment, there were countless heavy sighs both at the stadium and in front of the television. Some fans said, "I knew it would be bad. Germany kept swarming around the goal, it was only a matter of time before they scored."
"What about China''s attack? Give the ball to Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhu, let them charge like they did in the first half."
Others said, "But they need the ball to do that. Germany almostpletely blocked the counterattack route. Every time Wang Feng gets the ball, there are several defensive yers around him."
"Dongfang Zhu is also tightly marked. He''s almost invisible throughout the game, especially with several club teammates in the German team. They know each other very well."
"What should we do? We can''t win."
"I think a small loss is eptable, after all, the opponent is Germany. In the next two group stage matches, we should focus on not conceding and aim for victory."
"You see, Coach Arhan seems to have the same idea. He''s ready to make substitutions, with Sun Xiang recing Shao Jia, indicating that he intends to stick with the iron bucket formation."
In addition to this substitution, Arhan also reced Hao Junzhe with Li Chunyu, whose fitness had significantly declined. However, this didn''t mean they were giving up on the game. The newly substituted midfielder conveyed the coach''s message to all his teammates.
"Defend resolutely, wait for the chance to counterattack, and believe in Wang Feng!"
The German team also made substitutions, with Kroos recing the out-of-form ?zil. This move was not only to give the former a chance to adapt to the game but also to strengthen the attack further. They were not nning to give up just yet.
Chapter 472: Absolutely flat
Chapter 472: Absolutely t
As time passed by, Wang Feng wiped the sweat off his forehead. The German team was indeed incredibly strong, especially when they operated methodically, leaving almost no openings.
For the past twenty minutes or so, he had been actively involved in defense, barely keeping the team from conceding, and had organized one or two counterattacks, but they were always disrupted as they advanced into midfield.
Learning from his mistakes, Mller didn''t hold back, earning himself a yellow card, but it was still better than conceding a goal.
"It''s really a fierce game. We''ve been on the back foot the whole time, but the yers'' fighting spirit on the field is moving. This Chinese national team led by Wang Feng can be said to be glorious even in defeat," Zhang Jun said.
"Indeed, as long as we continue with this attitude, we still have a good chance in the next two matches. Hey? Look at this, Zheng Zhi intercepted the ball and passed it to Wang Feng. It''s a counterattack by the Chinese team!"
The Chinese superstar immediately elerated after receiving the ball, abruptly changing direction to shake off Podolski who was attempting to tackle him, then charged forward along the wing.
Still blocking his path was Thomas Mller, but Wang Feng easily dribbled past him again. The German gritted his teeth, attempting to trip the Chinese superstar even if it meantmitting a foul!
As Wang Feng lost his bnce and leaned forward, he realized that if he fell, the referee would surely blow the whistle for a foul, and there might even be a second yellow card for Mller, but that would mean the end of this attack and the game was almost over!
So, he exerted force with his right foot in the air, pushing down fiercely to gain more forward momentum with the help of the turf''s sticity, giving himself a brief moment to adjust his posture and avoid falling immediately.
The watching fans could only see Wang Feng staggering forward for two steps to steady himself, then catching up with the ball to continue advancing, which surprised the German defense, but this dy gave them a chance to track back.
Mertesacker and Khedira blocked the Chinese superstar near the sideline, almost squeezing his space with a double-team, forcing him to use his right hand to push off the defensive yers while avoiding their interference with the ball under his feet.
He could only hold on for two or three seconds at most, and the ball would surely be kicked out of bounds! Anxious, Wang Feng used his left foot to kick the ball towards Mertesacker, hitting him and winning a throw-in.
The rebound wasn''t too strong, and as the ball passed by Wang Feng, his left foot, which hadn''t touched the ground, instinctively lifted backward, and his heel happened to hit the ball, sending it flying over Wang Feng and Mertesacker''s heads like a rainbow.
The Chinese superstar reacted quickly, immediately squeezing between two defenders to cut inside, surprising Friedrich inside the penalty area, who never expected the heavily surrounded forward to break free.
Without much hesitation, he rushed forward to defend, knowing that they were already within Wang Feng''s shooting range, but the Chinese yer didn''t choose to shoot, instead making a triangr pass back to the penalty spot.
Unmarked, Dongfang Zhu stood firm with his left foot and calmly kicked the ball towards the bottom right corner of the goal, the ball piercing through the German defense like a cannonball.
"Goal!! Goal!! Dongfang Zhu''s equalizer!!"
"The match is about to enter injury time, and the Chinese team miraculously ties the score, 2-2!"
After scoring, Dongfang Zhu looked up and howled to the sky, dispelling the gloomy atmosphere of the entire match. He had been tightly marked, and if it weren''t for Wang Feng pulling away the defense this time, he probably wouldn''t have had a good opportunity to shoot.
The Chinese superstar who arrived shortly after wore a big smile on his face. "That shot was amazing!" Dongfang Zhu rubbed his head. "It was your pass, Wang Ge, haha."
Compared to the excited Chinese team, the German yers were very frustrated. Goalkeeper Neuer shook his head and couldn''t helpining to his teammates, "Why didn''t anyone mark Dongfang when he had such a big space just now?"
The defenders were also helpless. Who knew Wang Feng could suddenly break out? Their focus was all on the Chinese superstar at that moment.
"This time it was Wang Feng who initiated a quick counterattack. Let''s take another look. Mller wanted to foul to stop him, but Wang Feng didn''t fall. Instead, he persisted in carrying the ball forward."
"The main referee indicated that the attack was advantageous. If this was called a foul, Mller would have been sent off. But there''s not much time left in the game, so it wouldn''t have made sense for the Chinese team."
"The most exciting part was this breakthrough. I didn''t even see how he did it. Oh, he kicked the ball towards the opponent, and with the rebound''s force, he used his heel to rainbow the ball over Mller and Mertesacker."
"To be able to make such an extreme move in the narrow space of a double-team, is there anything Wang Feng can''t do?"
"Both the final pass and the shot were excellent. Dongfang Zhu didn''t disappoint his teammates'' trust. This is also the result of his experience honed in numerous major tournaments. I dare say that few domestic league forwards could score with such precision in one go."
The Mexican referee Rodriguez soon blew the final whistle of the match. After a hard-fought battle, the Chinese team finally drew with the mighty Germans, securing their first point in the South Africa World Cup.
Wang Feng, who contributed with one assist and one goal, was awarded the Man of the Match. He not only yed a crucial role in the attack but also showed remarkable performance on the defensive end.
The Man of the Match award came with a separate trophy and interview. Wang Feng said, "I''m honored to receive this award, but it doesn''t belong to me, it belongs to all the Chinese team members."
"We held off the fierce attacks from the German team time and time again with tenacity and determination, which gave us the chance to draw. I believe that with everyone''s unity, we can take the team further on the World Cup stage!"
Chinese coach Arhan expressed satisfaction with the draw in the interview, "Germany is very strong, but I see an unprecedented cohesion from the yers, which is the biggest gain of this match."
"Wang Feng is the captain, as well as the core and spiritual pir. I often see him constantly encouraging his teammates on the field and helping everyone with his actions, which makes my job easier."
"In the next two matches, of course, we will strive for victory with all our strength. We have the ability and conditions to advance from the group stage!"
German coach L?w said the team perfectly executed the pre-match tactical arrangements and securing a draw was beyond his expectations. "Wang Feng is such a yer who can create surprises."
"Whether it''s the first long-range free-kick goal or the second fast counter-attack goal, they were both scored by the Chinese superstar''s hard work."
"He always seizes the unexpected opportunities. When facing him, we need to tighten our nerves and avoid any mistakes, which is very difficult!"
As for predicting the situation for advancing from the group stage, L?w believed that it would most likely be them and the Chinese team. "I''m confident in leading Germany smoothly into the round of 16. Judging from the form of the Chinese team today, their advancement shouldn''t be a problem either."
As for whether they would control the game to avoid encountering Ennd and Argentina in the upper half early, L?w confidently said, "Our goal is the championship, and that requires defeating all the opponents in front of us, it''s the same for everyone."
Chapter 473: Situation
Chapter 473: Situation
The Chinese team fought hard to draw with Germany, with Wang Feng contributing one goal and one assist!
After the match, major domestic portals reported on the game, while authoritative media invited footballmentators to provide detailed analysis of the game process and results.
A sports media outlet interviewed former national team yer Gong Lei for his views on the game. He believed that the energy of the German team was even greater than expected before the match. The starting lineup was currently the youngest among all teams, with an average age of less than 25.
"Youth represents vitality and aggression. During the game, they brought great pressure to the Chinese defense, but we persisted until thest moment, finally weing the dawn of an equalizer."
"In fact, the German team has always performed very well in the opening matches of the World Cup, thanks to their rigorous style and thorough preparation."
"On the Chinese side, Wang Feng''s performance did not disappoint domestic fans, especially the opening free kick directly into the, which to some extent disrupted the opponent''s rhythm and bought valuable time for the team. This is one of the main reasons we were able to hold on until the end."
At the same time, he expressed that if the Chinese team wants to go further in this World Cup, this defensive attitude needs to be further maintained, and the tactical strategy of resolutely executing defensive counterattacks needs to be implemented.
Finally, Gong Lei said: "I see a Latin American style of y in this German team, which is a very scary thing. Their ying style can be more diverse, and when they truly grow, they will be a world powerhouse."
Another sports media outlet interviewedmentator He Wei. He felt that the German team that faced the Chinese team four years ago waspletely different from the current German team.
Back then, under Klinsmann''s leadership, "speed" was the main rhythm, with a group of young yers charging forward with enthusiasm, ying thrilling matches, just like their tradition, simple and direct, with high balls.
After taking over as coach, L?w originally inherited this approach, but in the 2008 European Championship final, he witnessed the powerful strength of Spanish-style possession football firsthand, and the sense of powerlessness deeply ingrained in his mind.
So, for the past two years, Germany has been seeking change. For this, L?w spared no controversy, refusing experienced veterans like Frings and Friedrich, and opting for young yers like Khedira and Mller. Even Klose and Podolski, who were not in good form at club level, stably made the squad as long as they fit into his tactical system.
"From Germany''s current performance, they are at least not inferior to four years ago, and we are also improving. Core yer Wang Feng is bing more refined, more young overseas yers are joining, and better cohesion, ultimately resulting in a evenly matched draw."
In the other match of Group D, Ghana scored a penalty in injury time, and Gyan scored to defeat Serbia 1-0.
The star-studded Serbia team waspletely lost, with Udinese defender Lukovi? showingck ofposure twice, resulting in a second yellow card and a red card.
And substitute Kuzmanovi? was the direct culprit for the team''s defeat, unnecessarily handballing in the penalty area to give the opponent a chance to win.
Ghanaian center-back Mensah''s performance in sessfully neutralizing the Serbian frontline earned him the title of the best yer of the match.
At the end of the first round, in Group D, Ghana topped with 3 points, while Germany and China ranked second and third with 1 point each, and Serbia was at the bottom with 0 points.
In Group C, Slovenia topped with 3 points, while Ennd and the USA had 1 point each, and Algeria had 0 points.
Based on the schedule, if the Chinese team can sessfully advance to the round of 16, they will face the Group C qualifiers.
"Do not touch Ennd! They are highly likely to win the group, so should we aim for second ce and face the USA or Slovenia?"
"It''s not time for us to choose opponents yet. Our focus should be on ying well in the next two matches to ensure advancement from the group stage. The coaching staff and yers must not be distracted at this time."
"Ennd is not that strong anyway. They are called the Three Lions, but in reality, they are the Three Meows. They always perform poorly in major tournaments, so why fear them?"
The lively discussions are filling every corner of China, with the World Cup already being a hot topic, and now with their own national team, it''s even more exciting. Whether or not one follows football, anyone can say a few words about it.
In Group E''s first round, the Nethends defeated Denmark 2-0, with Danish defender Simon scoring an own goal and Kuyt scoring the winning goal in the second half. Real Madrid teammate Sneijder was awarded the best yer of the match.
In another match, Japan defeated Cameroon 1-0, with 24-year-old Honda scoring for the team. He was also selected as the best yer of the match.
In the Japanese team, Honda has always had a solitary image, with his golden hair, quirky dressing, and aloof demeanor, all of which have led to him not having many close friends.
But on the field, everything speaks with strength. Honda''s exquisite shot brought Japan their first World Cup victory outside their homnd. After scoring, senior yers like Nakamura and Endo came forward to celebrate with him.
In Group F''s first round, Italy drew 1-1 with Paraguay, with Paraguayan defender Alcaraz scoring his first goal for the national team, and De Rossi equalizing for the Azzurri. Alcaraz was awarded the best yer of the match.
In another match, Australia drew 1-1 with Slovakia, with forward Vittek scoring a header in the first half, creating Slovakia''s first-ever World Cup goal. He naturally became the best yer of the match.
Australia equalized in injury time through forward Cahill, but this match also caused some controversy because some Australian media believed that Vittek was in an offside position before scoring. Slow motion reys indeed showed some suspicion, but it was toote to say anything as the match had already ended.
In Group G''s first round, Portugal drew 0-0 with Ivory Coast, with Cristiano Ronaldo being warned with a yellow card for swearing during the match, and he also missed a great goal-scoring opportunity near the edge of the penalty area, hitting the goalpost. However, he was still selected as the best yer of the match by FIFA.
After the match, the Portuguese newspaper "Competition" revealed that there was another conflict between veteran Sim?o and core yer Ronaldo. The steady veteran still couldn''t tolerate the young man''s mboyant style, so the head coach, Queiroz, put Sim?o on the bench to bnce the team atmosphere.
It turned out that substitute Dani was ineffective, so just 10 minutes into the second half, the head coach made a substitution adjustment, and Sim?o returned to the field.
With a draw and internal rumors of discord, Portugal''s journey in this World Cup was overshadowed.
In another match of Group G, Brazil defeated North Korea 2-1, with Asian yers showing tenacious fighting spirit, almost creating a miracle. Goal scorer Ji So-yun copsed with fatigue after the match, while Brazil''s goals were scored by Maicon and no.
The best yer of the match was eventually awarded to Maicon for his spectacr goal that equalized the score.
In Group H''s first round, Chile narrowly defeated Honduras 1-0, earning their first World Cup victory outside their homnd, with goalscorer Beausejour being awarded the best yer of the match.
In another match of Group H, Spain surprisingly lost 0-1 to Switzend. As the reigning European champions, Spain''s strength is unquestionable, but during the match, the Swiss yers were in better form, with Fernandes scoring the winning goal and being named the best yer of the match.
Chapter 474: Fight again
Chapter 474: Fight again
During the World Cup group stage, there are four matches each day, so there are only a few days between the two rounds of the group stage. The Chinese team adopted a fully enclosed training regimen. Although many yers'' families came to the venue, they couldn''t meet.
This move was also to keep everyone focused. In fact, many European national teams are managed this way, so Wang Feng could only call his family to chat during the gaps in the evening, just to hear Xiao Siyao''s soft voice, which was enough to motivate him.
In the second round of the group stage, the Chinese team faced the African star Ghana, who had just gained three points and was in high spirits, hoping to win again to secure an early spot in the knockout stage. Therefore, everyone was prepared for a tough battle.
The match between the two teams was scheduled at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, a city about 650 kilometers from Durban. The day before the match, the Chinese team flew to their destination.
In Group A''s second round, Uruguay defeated South Africa 3-0, while defending champions France surprisingly lost 0-2 to Mexico. With one draw and one loss in the two group stage matches, their chance of advancing is only theoretically possible.
In the 2002 World Cup, the defending champions France were also eliminated in the group stage. Now, history seems to be repeating itself, making people wonder if France has been cursed with winning the championship and then getting eliminated in the group stage.
In Group B''s second round, Greece came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1, while Argentina defeated South Korea 4-1, with Higuain scoring a hat-trick, which silenced those who called him weak.
Messi still couldn''t break his drought with the national team, as he created an own goal for the South Korean team.
In Group C, the United States drew 2-2 with Slovenia, while Ennd shook hands with Algeria with a 0-0 draw, making the four teams look "especially friendly".
In Group D, the match between Germany and Serbia produced another major upset. After Klose was sent off by Klinsmann and Podolski missed a penalty, they lost 0-1 to their opponents.
This made many people who favored Germany greatly disappointed, and they couldn''t help but ask, "Where is the momentum you showed against China? Where are your high-altitude bombardment and possession pration?"
But this is the World Cup, where upsets happen at any moment, just like four years ago when no one believed the Chinese team could make it to the quarter-finals.
At 4:00 PM local time on June 19th, the match between China and Ghana officially began.
Ghana''s head coach Rajevac arranged a 4-3-2-1 "Christmas Tree" formation, with goalkeeper Kingston.
The four defenders are Andy, H?nefoss, Salpingidis, and Pantxi.
The three midfielders are Tago, Anan, and Asamoah, with the two forwards being Ayew and P-Boateng.
Gyan is the lone striker.
Compared to the first match, the Chinese team''s head coach Ar?kan made a slight adjustment to the starting lineup, with Gao Lin recing Shao Jiayi, while the rest of the yers remained the same.
After the kickoff, the Ghana team first created threats through long passes, and they earned a corner kick, but Gyan''s header missed the goal slightly.
The Chinese team gradually realized thatpared to Germany, Ghana was obviously less pressing. Their physical confrontation and speed were first-ss, but their ball-handling was rough, and they often made mistakes in passing, which made it easier to create counter-attack opportunities.
In the past ten minutes, Wang Feng broke through the defense twice, creating threats, but unfortunately, one shot was saved by Kingston, and one assist to Gao Lin resulted in a high shot.
Although they were in a passive situation on the field, the sessfulpletion of the attacks boosted everyone''s morale. They became more determined to stabilize their defense, and for a while, Ghana couldn''t easily form truly threatening attacks.
In the 21st minute, Zheng Zhi made a tackle in the backcourt to intercept the opponent''s pass, quickly passed it to Dong Fangzhuo, who then flicked it forward with his outer foot after rushing past the midfield.
The ball formed a beautiful arc on thewn, just crossing over Ghana''s midfielder Anan to reach Wang Feng''s feet. The Chinese superstar continued to dribble forward into the opponent''s half.
Anan and another defender H?nefoss desperately chased back, trying to form a closing-down situation to stop Wang Feng, but he suddenly stopped the ball with his right foot, immediately followed by a left-footed flick to start.
This stop-and-start movement made the two defending yers lose their rhythm, allowing Wang Feng to easily shake them off and face Salpingidis near the edge of the penalty area. In the blink of an eye, Wang Fengpleted a feinting move that looked like cutting inside but actually went to the byline. Even though Salpingidis was fooled and adjusted his position in time, he could only closely follow behind him.
Entering the penalty area and seeing that his teammates had not caught up yet, Wang Feng simply took a shot at a tight angle. The ball flew past Kingston''s outstretched hand and into the goal.
"The ball is in! The Chinese team scored! It''s a quick counterattack from Wang Feng, and now we lead 1-0!"
"A very high-quality shot from a tight angle. Wang Feng''s ability to seize scoring opportunities in front of the goal is simply unparalleled in the football world!"
"Zheng Zhi''s tackle in the backcourt, followed by Dong Fangzhuo passing it to Wang Feng, his speed is just too fast, shaking off three defending yers and entering the penalty area."
"You can see that at this moment, his teammates are a bit slow to follow up, the two Ghanaian defenders are tightly guarding, and Salpingidis is also closely following behind after being tricked by him. So the Chinese superstar didn''t hesitate to shoot directly, creating this high-quality goal."
"This is his second goal of this World Cup, and his total goals have reached 12, surpassing Ronaldo''s record of 15 goals, which is within reach!"
After scoring, Wang Feng once again came to the stands to interact with the domestic fans, pounding his chest with the g in his hand, and the fans responded by waving the red color vigorously. This was a moment belonging to China!
The trailing Ghana team yed even more aggressively, immediately pressing for a counterattack whenever they lost the ball, and even resorting to fouls, causing the Chinese team to be knocked around, and the referee''s whistle sounded incessantly.
The Hungarian referee Kassai showed three yellow cards in a row, and the veteran Li Weifeng also fell to the ground injured during the confrontation with the opponent, forcing Ar?kan to rece him with Wang Qiang.
But this also sparked the blood of the Chinese yers. "Come at me, who''s afraid of who?"
In the 39th minute, Gyan''s attack was unsessful, and the ball was caught by goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong, who immediately threw it to Feng Xiaoting, who passed it to Zheng Zhi without any dy, and then passed it to Deng Zhuoxiang.
During this time, Zheng Zhi was tripped by Asamoah after the ball was passed, but the referee signaled to continue the attack because it was advantageous, and he endured the pain to quickly get up and receive the ball to cooperate.
A series of rapid and precise passes allowed the ball to quickly pass through the midfield to the edge of the penalty area, where Ghana had no chance to counter-press!
Finally, Gao Lin''s through ball sessfully tore open the opponent''s defense, Wang Feng sessfully avoided the offside trap, and after receiving the ball, he shot directly without adjusting, sending the ball over Kingston''s hand into the.
2-0! The Chinese team expanded their lead! Wang Feng once again scored twice on the World Cup stage!
Whether it was the fans at the scene or the audience in front of the TV, they were all stunned by the Chinese team''s cooperation this time. Such a smooth passing game, I''m afraid it''s not inferior to Barcelona.
Not only them, even the yers on the field felt unbelievable, and the head coach Ar?kan on the sidelines was contemtive. The reason why they were able toplete this perfect attack had two essential elements.
One was Wang Feng''s guiding role, from the backcourt to the frontcourt, he always appeared in key positions to guide the yers, and the other was concentration and shes of inspiration, the yers did not want to be entangled by the opponents, and their ball-handling was very efficient.
But such a situation is hard toe by, and if they really go for possession y, it would be a dead end for the Chinese team.
Chapter 475: Big win
Chapter 475: Big win
In the first half, the match ended with the Chinese team leading by two goals, and as they resumed y, the Ghanaian team still hadn''t given up hope of equalizing.
In the 56th minute, Ghana''s midfielder, Gyan, made a solo run, elerating past H?konsen and Wang Qiang, then entering the penalty area. Despite interference from Sun Jihai, his shot missed the post.
This y showcased Gyan''s powerful physical attributes and abundant stamina, serving as a warning to the Chinese defense. As time passed, their energy consumption would certainly be greater than that of the African yers.
Under the coach''smand, the Chinese team further tightened their defense,pressing the space and denying Ghana any chance to advance, thereby reducing the threat posed by Ghana''s shots.
This high-level irond defense caused headaches for Rajevac. He had to substitute Adiyiah, a forward who currently ys for AC Mn but is mainly a substitute.
In the 64th minute, P-Boateng dribbled down the sideline and made a precise cross. Gyan, drawing the attention of the Chinese defense, deliberately let the ball pass to Adiyiah at the far post.
Adiyiah, lurking there, pushed past Feng Xiaoting and scored with his left foot, the ball slipping under goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong''s arms into the. 2-1, Ghana pulled one back!
Ar?kan immediately made substitutions, recing Feng Xiaoting with Sun Xiang and H?konsen with Li Chunyu. He used all three substitutions to bring fresh energy to the Chinese defense.
From then on, they managed to hold their ground, consuming time and asionally organizing counterattacks. In the 71st minute, Wang Feng intercepted the ball from Ayew and swiftly dribbled into the opponent''s half.
As Ghana''s defenders rushed back, four of them formed a defensive line when Wang Feng reached the edge of the penalty area.
Dong Fangzhuo arrived on the other side, and Wang Feng deftly passed the ball between H?nefoss and Salpingidis to Dong Fangzhuo, who was unmarked. Without hesitation, he shot towards the far corner, the ball''s spin and his power creating a tricky arc.
At that moment, Kingston, the Ghanaian goalkeeper, must have been despairing, for the shots were indeed cunning! 3-1! China scored again!
This goal proved to be thest straw that broke the opponent''s back. African teams indeedcked the resilience of European teams and were more prone to copse after consecutive setbacks.
As Ghana''s attacking momentum waned, China had opportunities to counterattack. In the 82nd minute, Gao Lin broke down the nk and crossed the ball into the box, but Kingston punched it out.
Wang Feng rushed to the ball and, with a sudden idea, attempted a lob shot. With Kingston positioned near the penalty spot, the ball sailed over his outstretched hand and into the.
"The ball''s in! I can''t believe my eyes! Wang Feng scores China''s fourth goal with an audacious long-range lob!"
"Absolutely magnificent! This is one of the most spectacr goals of this World Cup. Coach Zhang, I remember Wang Feng scoring a simr wonder goal before, didn''t he?"
"Yes, it was when he was ying for Inter Mn a few years ago. He always manages to reproduce miracles that others can only dream of, like the bicycle kick in the recent Champions League final, showcasing his extraordinary skills when he yed for Genk."
"Let''s admire this superb goal again in slow motion. The perfect arc of the lob shot is usually difficult to achieve because it generates both forward and downward force, especially with the ball spinning upwards."
"Ghana''s goalkeeper Kingston bears primary responsibility for conceding the goal. Why was he positioned so far forward? But today, he''s had too much to handle, with China''s four goals being more cunning than thest."
"The game has lost all suspense. China secures a big victory, and Wang Feng gets a hat-trick!"
The slow-motion footage then focuses on Kingston, lying on the ground in despair, pounding his fists against the turf to vent his frustration.
With a 4-1 victory over Ghana, Wang Feng was once again named the best yer of the match. China topped Group D with 1 win and 1 draw, umting 4 points. Serbia, with 1 win and 1 loss, had 3 points, cing second on goal difference.
Ghana, also with 1 win and 1 loss, had 3 points, ranking third. The favorites, Germany, with 1 draw and 1 loss, had 1 point and were at the bottom.
The situation became interesting. In the final round, Germany must defeat Ghana and win to have a chance of advancing, but their fate partly depends on China.
Assuming Germany wins, if China also wins, both teams will advance together. If China draws, they will still advance, and Germany will need topare goal difference and goals scored with Serbia, even fair y points.
If China loses, Serbia will top the group, and Germany willpare goal difference with China to advance.
Overall, China has the biggest advantage, and the most secure option is to lock in first ce in the group.
"You must give it your all! Absolutely no intentionally losing to Serbia, or else we''ll deal with you when you return to the club." After the second round of matches, Schweinsteiger joked with Dong Fangzhuo over the phone.
This also indirectly indicates the uncertainty within the German team. Theyck confidence in defeating Ghana convincingly. If China intentionally aims for second ce, they might lose narrowly and rely on goal difference to eliminate Germany.
"You should focus on yourselves. Can you handle Ghana? They''re better than Serbia, and yet you lost." Dong Fangzhuo teased, showing ack of confidence. Coach L?w''s change in tactics was made in a short time, and everyone believed it was the right path, but it still required adjustment.
If Germany fails to advance from the group stage, L?w''s position will undoubtedly be unstable. Can they still make the transition?
Chapter 476: Endgame
Chapter 476: Endgame
Draw and advance! With Wang Feng joining the national team, this seemingly cursed phrase is no longer a nightmare for Chinese fans. At most, they asionally bring it up for augh.
The Chinese team faced Serbia in the final match of the group stage, with the game taking ce in Nelspruit, 460 kilometers away from Rustenburg, so they had to travel by ne again.
Before that, in Group A, Uruguay narrowly defeated Mexico 1-0, while France lost 2-1 to the host nation South Africa, failing to win a single game and finishingst in the group.
This result caused a sensation in the international footballmunity, and everyone couldn''t help but ask, what happened to the defending champions?
Coach Domenech became the biggest culprit, unable to provide favorable tactical support or even manage the team well, leading to frequent internal conflicts.
After winning the World Cup in 2006, the French suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2008 European Championship, leading to many questioning the coach''s ability. However, the French Football Association continued to support Domenech.
When the squad for the South Africa World Cup was finalized, it angered the fans even more. Veteran yer Vieira was excluded from the squad, and the captain''s armband was given to the younger Evra, indicating ack of leadership when conflicts arise within the team.
With consecutive setbacks in matches, many yers lost trust in the coach''s lineup, with Anelka even openly criticizing Domenech, leading to his expulsion from the team.
At this point, Evra also caused trouble, not only conflicting with the fitness coach but also calling on teammates to boycott the team bus. This even rmed the French president Sarkozy, who ordered an emergency meeting to resolve the issue, with legends like Zidane and Dugarrying forward to mediate.
In the end, the French team still appeared at Free State Stadium, but with apletely changed lineup and morale in tatters, they ended their World Cup journey with a loss.
Ribery and Cisse should be among the hardest working yers in the team, but they still couldn''t turn the tide. Ribery, feeling disheartened, said to Wang Feng over the phone, "Boss, why do I always encounter such terrible things? Everything is a mess!"
"Things don''t always go as nned," Wang Fengforted, "But I don''t think you''re in a hopeless situation. Most of the key yers, including you, are very young. It''s just that the coach''s ipetence has ruined the morale of the team."
"When someone with more prestige like nc takes over the team, things will definitely get better. You still have many opportunities to contribute." After chatting for a long time, Ribery''s mood finally calmed down. He said, "Boss, it''s up to you next. I believe you will shock the world!"
Group A final standings: Uruguay first, with 3 matches, 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 7 points, 4 goals scored, 0 goals conceded, and a goal difference of 4. Mexico second, with 3 matches, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 3 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, and a goal difference of 1. South Africa third, with 3 matches, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 3 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, and a goal difference of -2. France fourth, with 3 matches, 0 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 1 point, 1 goal scored, 4 goals conceded, and a goal difference of -3. Uruguay and Mexico advance, while South Africa unfortunately misses out due to inferior goal difference, bing the first host nation in World Cup history to be eliminated in the group stage.
In Group B, the South Korean team drew 2-2 with Nigeria, with Park Chu-young and Lee Jung-soo helping the team equalize after being two goals down. Park Ji-sung, who orchestrated two attacks, was once again named the best yer of the match.
Argentina defeated Greece 2-0, with Messi serving as captain for the first time. However, during the match, he felt very ufortable and was closely marked by the Greek defenders throughout the game.
Looking at the entire match, he created 5 shooting opportunities, hitting the target 3 times, and even hit the post once, showing a disappointing performance.
Group B final standings: Argentina first, with 3 matches, 3 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, 9 points, 7 goals scored, 1 goal conceded, and a goal difference of 6. South Korea second, with 3 matches, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 5 goals scored, 6 goals conceded, and a goal difference of -1. Greece third, with 3 matches, 1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses, 3 points, 2 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, and a goal difference of -3. Nigeria fourth, with 3 matches, 0 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 1 point, 3 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, and a goal difference of -2. Argentina bes the first team in this World Cup to win all three matches. They will face Mexico in the round of 16, while South Korea advances once again, facing Uruguay in the next round,pared to 2002, they are "cleaner" this time, and their next opponent will be Uruguay.
In Group C, Ennd narrowly defeated Slovenia 1-0 in a do-or-die match, with Defoe bing the hero who saved the team by scoring the golden goal, while the United States secured a 1-0 victory over Algeria.
Group C final standings: The United States first, with 3 matches, 1 win, 2 draws, 0 losses, 5 points, 4 goals scored, 3 goals conceded, and a goal difference of 1. Ennd second, with 3 matches, 1 win, 2 draws, 0 losses, 5 points, 2 goals scored, 1 goal conceded, and a goal difference of 1. Slovenia third, with 3 matches, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 3 goals scored, 3 goals conceded, and a goal difference of 0. Algeria fourth, with 3 matches, 0 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 1 point, 0 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, and a goal difference of -2. Ennd, despite finishing second due to fewer goals scored overall, surprised many fans. However, some old-timers were not surprised, believing that it was already good enough for the Three Lions to advance.
In order to ensure fair y, the final round of matches in each group kicked off simultaneously. On the evening of June 23, at 8:30 p.m., South African referee Gomez blew the whistle for the match between China and Serbia.
Serbia, known as the "European Brazil," lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with goalkeeper Stojkovic, defenders Vidic, Lukovic, Ivanovic, and Krov, defensive midfielders Stankovic and Kuzmanovic, attacking midfielders Jovanovic, Ninkovic, and Kralj, and lone striker Jekic.
On the Chinese side, Li Weifeng was absent due to injury, and head coach Ar?kan made some adjustments to the starting lineup. The formation remained 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong, defenders Sun Xiang, Zheng Zhi, Sun Jihai, and Wang Qiang, midfielders Zhao Xuri, Li Chunyu, Chen Tao, and Gao Lin, and forwards Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng.
The Dutchman sent an attacking midfielder with only one goal in mind: to win!
After the start of the match, both sides fought fiercely, with Chen Tao making a nting pass into the penalty area in the 3rd minute, and Dong Fangzhuo''s volley was caught by the Serbian goalkeeper.
Serbia responded in the 7th minute, with Stankovic breaking into the frontcourt and sending a direct cross into the penalty area from a forty-five-degree angle. Jekic outmuscled the defense to reach the ball, but unfortunately, his header missed the target, flying over the crossbar.
"Serbian yers are very robust, indeed. The striker Jekic stands at an impressive height of 2 meters 2, currently ying for Santander in La Liga."
"Yes, the Chinese team is still quite wary of teams with tall strikers who excel in aerial duels. No matter how you arrange or shrink your defense, if you put a tall and burly striker in the penalty area and let him head the ball, sooner orter, he''ll break through your defense."
"Look, another cross from Serbia into the penalty area. What''s happening there? A penalty! The referee points to the penalty spot!"
"South African referee Gomez has called a foul by the Chinese team in the penalty area. It was chaos just now. Let''s take a look at the rey."
"Oh, Wang Qiang was pulling Jekic''s shirt whilepeting for a header. He significantly reduced the opponent''s height by a whole head and tried to jump with the help of his hands. The experienced Serbian striker fell to the ground."
Chapter 477: Promotion
Chapter 477: Promotion
"This foul was unnecessary. Wang Qiang still seems a bit immature, and the Chinese team is facing an unfavorable situation right from the start."
"Serbia sends Jovanovic to take the penalty kick. The midfielder, who just transferred to Liverpool, takes a deep breath, withstands the pressure, and slots the ball into the, with Qiu Shengjiong diving the wrong way."
"All right, so after 10 minutes of y, Serbia breaks the deadlock with a penalty opportunity. However, the yers on the field don''t need to be too discouraged. We still have plenty of time to equalize or even take the lead. ying steadily is the right approach."
On the other side, the score between Germany and Ghana is still 0-0. So, the real-time standings now have Serbia in first ce, with China ranked second based on goal difference, and we can still advance from the group.
The game gradually enters a stalemate phase, with Serbia''s Jovanovic and Kralj continuously delivering crosses into the penalty area from both wings, not even seeking to reach the byline but instead shooting near the penalty area.
Despite facing tight defense, Jekic manages to head the ball several times. At one point, the Chinese defense line is under immense pressure.
But they also have counterattack opportunities. In the 22nd minute, Wang Feng initiates a run from midfield, dribbling past two yers, and thenbines with Dong Fangzhuo, whose shot inside the penalty area is blocked by the goalkeeper.
Dong Fangzhuo scratches his head in frustration, signaling to Wang Feng that it''s his fault. The Chinese superstar then gives him a thumbs-up gesture as encouragement.
It wasn''t until the 35th minute that thementator Zhang Jun brought some bad news: ''In the other group match, Ghana has surprisingly scored first. They now lead Germany 1-0!''
"So, now Serbia and Ghana each have 6 points, ranking first and second respectively in the group. Come on, China!"
At this moment, Ar?kan couldn''t sit still anymore. What''s going on with Germany? It seems we can''t rely on others. So, he shouts loudly, urging the yers to attack more decisively.
As the first half draws to a close, Li Chunyu makes a fierce sliding tackle in the backfield, winning the ball for Chen Tao nearby. He quickly passes through the midfield, seeing Wang Feng making a rapid run forward, and immediately sends a precise through ball.
Faced with Vidic''s defense, the Chinese superstar stops and feints, causing the Manchester United defender to lose bnce due to inertia and fall to the ground, leaving arge gap behind him. Wang Feng then decisively cuts inside into the penalty area.
Before others cane to defend, he curls a shot with his right foot, sending the ball straight into the near corner of the goal. With great speed and spin, the Serbian goalkeeper Stojkovic is helpless.
"Goal! Goal! Wang Feng! Our hero!"
"In the 45th minute of the match, the Chinese team finally equalizes with a counterattack opportunity!"
"This time, it was Li Chunyu and Chen Tao, who made their first starts, contributing. One made a crucial tackle in the backfield, and the other provided an urate assist!"
"Wang Feng''s handling is as graceful as ever, effortlessly outying Manchester United''s core defender Vidic, leaving him in a state of panic and frustration even after falling down."
"It''s much simpler for the Chinese superstar to break into the penalty area. He has done this countless times - putting the ball into the!"
"The fate is once again in the hands of the Chinese team. Now, Ghana still leads the group with 6 points, while China closely follows with 5 points. We''re back in the qualification zone!"
"Yes, thest round of the group stage is really intense and exciting. The four teams could change positions at any time based on the real-time situation. Everyone has hopes of advancing!"
As the second half begins, the deadlock between China and Serbia continues, while in the other match, Germany scores two goals in a row to overturn Ghana. So, the situation changes again. China regains the top spot, and Germany climbs to second ce based on goal difference.
The group standings have almost beenpletely reshuffled, and the fans in the stands are closely following the situation on the field while constantly refreshing the results of the other match on their phones.
The yers'' emotions may also be somewhat affected, but it doesn''t affect Wang Feng. He has only one goal in mind: to win!
In the 77th minute, China''s attack. Wang Feng receives a pass from Chen Tao outside the penalty area, first using a backward hook to turn and shake off Kuzmanovic, then feints a shot with his right foot, actually flicking it forward with his left foot.
Entering the penalty area from the arc, facing Lukovic who ising to press, the Chinese superstar repeats his trick, feinting a shot and then dribbling past him. With the defender falling to the ground without blocking, arge space is exposed.
Continuing to charge towards the goal! As the ball progresses, Wang Feng''s continuous left and right movements make Ivanovic extremely ufortable, forcing him to constantly adjust his body position to block.
Arriving at a position 8 meters in front of the goal, goalkeeper Stojkovic can''t help bute out to meet him. The Chinese superstar lifts his right foot again to shoot, and both Ivanovic and Stojkovic fall to block.
But this is another feint! When Wang Feng''s right footnds, he changes from kicking to flicking, quickly flicking the ball to the left, and then shoots with his left foot. The ball passes through the defensive gap and goes straight into the!
"Goal! Goal! In the 77th minute, the Chinese team reverses the score. Now we lead 2-1!"
"Wang Feng scores twice, this is his 6th goal in this World Cup, which means he has scored an amazing total of 16 goals."
"The Chinese superstar officially surpasses Ronaldo, bing the yer with the most goals in World Cup history, and he did it in less than two tournaments!"
"Fans, please always remember this great moment, it is the eternal glory of our countrymen!"
"Let''s review this great goal again. Look, even the cameramen on the sidelines were fooled by his feints, changing positions wrongly three times."
"The first time outside the penalty area, the second time after entering the penalty area, and the third time in front of the goal, the cameramen chose to follow the ball, but didn''t expect the Chinese superstar wasn''t actually shooting!"
"Such realistic feints made the Serbian defenders fall for it. Or we can say it wasn''t a feint at all. Once the opponent doesn''t react, it can directly turn into a shot!"
As the referee blows the final whistle, the Mbomb Stadium turns into a sea of ??red. Countless domestic fans dance with excitement, and the Chinese team once again advances to the World Cup round of 16!
"The score of 2-1 is maintained until the end of the match, and in the other match, Germany ultimately defeats Ghana 3-1, also controlling their fate, advancing alongside China."
Final standings of Group D: China first, with 3 matches yed, 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 7 points, 8 goals scored, 4 goals conceded, goal difference 4.
Germany second, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 5 goals scored, 4 goals conceded, goal difference 1.
Serbia third, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses, 3 points, 2 goals scored, 3 goals conceded, goal difference -1.
Ghana fourth, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses, 3 points, 3 goals scored, 7 goals conceded, goal difference -4.
Chapter 478: Fearless
Chapter 478: Fearless
The Chinese team advances as the group winner! This is another Asian team to advance after South Korea in this World Cup, and it''s also the first time in Asian history that a team from the continent has topped the group in a World Cup hosted outside of Asia.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) specially congratted this achievement, stating that under the leadership and inspiration of the world-ss superstar Wang Feng, Asian football is entering a period of vigorous development.
However, for domestic fans, there is a mixture of joy and worry because China''s next opponent is Ennd, while Germany will face the United States.
Ennd''s football reputation is renowned worldwide. ording to thetest FIFA national rankings, they are ranked 8th. Moreover, Ennd has emerged from the shadow of missing the Euro 2008. Under Capello''s leadership, they have entered a new era.
In the World Cup qualifiers, the Three Lions won all 8 of their first-round matches and secured their ce in the final round two rounds early, including two 4-1 and 5-1 away wins against their old rival Croatia.
Manchester United striker Rooney leads the attack, with a gathering of midfield stars like Gerrard and Lampard, who are pirs of their clubs. The defense also boasts enviablebinations, with Terry, Ferdinand, and Ashley Cole all world-ss stars.
"It''s really difficult to get past Ennd!"mented one domesticizen. "In thest World Cup, we had rtively good luck, facing only Switzend in the Round of 16. But now, not only do we have to face the Three Lions head-on, but even if we sessfully advance, we''ll likely have to encounter Argentina. It''s simply a devilish schedule."
Someone consoled, "In the Round of 16 of the World Cup, we can''t rely on luck anymore. If we want to go further, we have to fight regardless of who the opponent is. Showing fear against tough opponents will only result in morale loss."
The Chinese team, from the coach to the yers, also thinks the same. They held a brief mobilization meeting after the group stage, with Ar?kan saying, "Everyone, we topped Germany to advance. Ennd couldn''t even beat the United States. This clearly indicates many things."
"Sometimes, it''s not just about the strength and reputation on paper, but more importantly, it''s about performance on the field."
Wang Feng also stepped forward to inspire everyone: "Yes, the past three matches have proven that we have the ability topete with the world''s top teams. So everyone can hold their heads high and aim for the highest honor. We don''t need to fear any opponent!"
For a moment, the yers'' spirits soared, all expressing their determination to go head-to-head with Ennd!
In the final round of Group E, Japan defeated Denmark 3-1. Honda Keisuke and Endo Yasuhito broke through the Nordic powerhouse''s defense with free kicks. Denmark goalkeeper Sorensen performed poorly, receiving a poor rating of only 3 points after the match.
Denmark''s head coach Olsen expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that they had absolute dominance in both possession and attacking statistics, attributing their loss solely to bad luck.
Japan''s head coach Okada Takeshi, on the other hand, stated that victory is the ultimate goal. He praised the yers'' performance on the field, considering the scoreline as the best reward for their efforts.
"Our goal in this World Cup is the quarter-finals. If China and South Korea can do it, Japan can definitely do it too!"
In another group match, the Nethends defeated Cameroon 2-1. Robben, who missed the entire season due to injury, can finally return to the field. He came on as a substitute in the 70th minute and scored the winning goal for the team.
Wang Feng is also pleased because this means he can return to the starting lineup for Real Madrid in the new season.
Cameroon''s legendary striker Eto''o scored the team''s only goal, but ultimately couldn''t save them. He left the field with tears of regret after the match.
The final standings of Group E are:
Nethends first, with 3 matches yed, 3 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, 9 points, 5 goals scored, 1 goal conceded, goal difference 4.
Japan second, with 3 matches yed, 2 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 6 points, 4 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, goal difference 2.
Denmark third, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses, 3 points, 3 goals scored, 6 goals conceded, goal difference -3.
Cameroon fourth, with 3 matches yed, 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses, 0 points, 2 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, goal difference -3.
The Nethends and Japan advance to the Round of 16, while Cameroon bes the first team with 0 points in this World Cup. However, historically, they are not weak. In 1990, they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but unfortunately, their performance in this tournament was too poor.
In the final round of Group F, Paraguay drew 0-0 with Australia, while Slovakia defeated Italy 3-2. The Blue Team finished bottom of the group and was eliminated, marking another shocking news in the world of football after France''s elimination.
Coach Lippi''s constant changes in tactics failed three times, personally contributing to the disaster of the Blue Team, reflecting the gradual decline of Italian football talent.
In the first round, they adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Marchisio pushed to the advanced midfield position after Totti''s retirement. However, his characteristics were too mediocre,cking the talent to organize attacks, which led to stagnation in the team''s attacking y.
In addition, Grdino was deployed as a center forward, while the 1.90-meter tall Aquni acted as a winger. Neither of them wasfortable in their positions, naturally unable to fully demonstrate their strengths.
In the second round, the Italian coach adjusted the formation to a 4-4-2, but still failed to bring victory to the team, mainly because there was no chemistry between the wings and the midfield.
Lippi relied on Montolivo but did not give him enough space and status. Hecked possession time, leading to a vacuum in the midfield and being vigorously targeted by the Australians.
In the final do-or-die match, the "Silver Fox" changed to a 4-3-3 formation, but Italy no longer had orthodox wingers. Although Di Natale often ran to the sidelines to seek opportunities, his crosses were disastrous, more suitable for a shadow striker role.
Of course, they were not without a way out. Quagliare, who came on as a substitute, yed an important role on the wing. His crosses were equally poor, but he had a superb skill of cutting inside and shooting from distance, scoring twice against Slovakia. Unfortunately, he was given too little time.
The final standings of Group F are:
Paraguay first, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 2 draws, 0 losses, 5 points, 3 goals scored, 1 goal conceded, goal difference 2.
Slovakia second, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 4 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, goal difference -1.
Australia third, with 3 matches yed, 0 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses, 3 points, 2 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, goal difference 0.
Italy fourth, with 3 matches yed, 0 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, 2 points, 4 goals scored, 5 goals conceded, goal difference -1.
In the final round of Group G, North Korea was defeated 0-3 by Ivory Coast with no fighting spirit, while Brazil drew 0-0 with Portugal. The final standings are:
Brazil first, with 3 matches yed, 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 7 points, 5 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, goal difference 3.
Portugal second, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 2 draws, 0 losses, 5 points, 7 goals scored, 0 goals conceded, goal difference 7.
Ivory Coast third, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 4 goals scored, 3 goals conceded, goal difference 1.
North Korea fourth, with 3 matches yed, 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses, 0 points, 1 goal scored, 12 goals conceded, goal difference -11.
In the final round of Group H, Chile was defeated 1-2 by Spain, while Switzend drew 0-0 with Honduras. The final standings are:
Spain first, with 3 matches yed, 2 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 6 points, 4 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, goal difference 2.
Chile second, with 3 matches yed, 2 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 6 points, 3 goals scored, 2 goals conceded, goal difference 1.
Switzend third, with 3 matches yed, 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss, 4 points, 1 goal scored, 1 goal conceded, goal difference 0.
Honduras fourth, with 3 matches yed, 0 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, 1 point, 0 goals scored, 3 goals conceded, goal difference -3.
Chapter 479: Strong
Chapter 479: Strong
The matchups for the Round of 16 are finalized: Uruguay vs South Korea, USA vs Germany, China vs Ennd, Argentina vs Mexico, Nethends vs Slovakia, Brazil vs Chile, Paraguay vs Japan, Spain vs Portugal.
Looking at the distribution of seats among the continents, Asia has secured 3 seats, with China, Japan, and South Korea representing the East Asian trio. Europe has secured 6 seats, a significant decreasepared to previous World Cups, with the elimination of France and Italy being the main culprits.
South America has secured 5 seats, a significant increase in quantity. Apart from traditional powerhouses Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, the performances of other teams have also been outstanding.
North America has secured 2 seats, with the United States and Mexico. It''s extremely embarrassing that despite the World Cup being held in Africa, not a single African team has made it to the knockout stage.
For a moment, local fans were furious, some even suggested terminating the tournament prematurely and letting the organizers find another venue, but of course, this was just a joke among the people.
Before the start of the knockout stage, each team has a few days to rest and prepare. The Chinese team''s coaching staff specially gave the yers half a day off to reunite with their families before entering closed-door training.
Seeing Wang Feng''s sister, someone couldn''t help butin, "The South African World Cup organizers are really outrageous. They arranged three different locations for the group stage matches, with hundreds of kilometers of distance."
"Even we, the audience, feel a bit overwhelmed, let alone the yers!"
Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile, "Hosting the World Cup is meant to boost the local economy by utilizing various venues. How else can they make a profit without using multiple locations?"
Upon further thought, everyone found it reasonable. If China were to host the World Cup, it would certainly be spread across many cities, making the distances even greater.
During the uing free time, everyone had no ns to go out and y. Instead, they chose to stay in their hotel suites and spend time chatting. Xiao Siyao kept clinging to Wang Feng and refused to get up, muttering iprehensible words.
This stage is a crucial period for the explosion of a child''snguage ability, but often their words don''t make sense. Wang Feng patiently taught her, enjoying the rare warm father-daughter time.
On June 26th at 4 PM local time, the first round of the knockout stage was held at the Nelson Mand Bay Stadium, where Uruguay eventually defeated South Korea 2-1, marking their first entry into the quarter-finals since 1970.
The biggest hero of Uruguay''s victory was the 23-year-old forward Suarez, who scored twice in the match, almost single-handedly eliminating their opponents.
In the just-concluded Eredivisie season, Suarez helped Ajax win the league runner-up and crowned the Golden Boot and Dutch Footballer of the Year with 35 goals.
Thanks to his splendid performance in the World Cup, many clubs are believed to be interested in this young talent.
Although the South Korean team showed tenacious fighting spirit, they can be said to have lost with dignity. Lee Chung-yong scored the equalizing goal, and they held on until the 80th minute before being broken.
On the same evening at 8:30 PM, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg hosted the 1/8 final between Germany and the USA.
When Donovan opened the scoring for the USA, the German team was pushed to the brink. In a critical moment, Podolski scored the equalizing goal, sending the game into extra time.
Thomas Mller became the hero of extra time. In the 117th minute, he received a through ball from Schweinsteiger, shot inside the penalty area, and the ball deflected off the thigh of the American goalkeeper and into the.
At that moment, the entire stadium fell silent for a moment, then erupted into thunderous cheers. Countless German fans were ecstatic, as the game''s situation was incredibly tumultuous for them.
With Mller''s decisive goal, Germany eventually defeated the USA 2-1, securing a valuable spot in the quarter-finals.
"The Chinese team is here again! Look at this attack, Wang Feng dribbles the ball down the left side, beautiful! Suddenly a quick stop and a turn to shake off Ashley Cole, calmly moving towards the inside."
"Pass to the center to Shao Jia Yi, then run into the penalty area himself, Shao Jia Yi doesn''t hesitate to lob the defense line, and it''s in! It''s in!"
"Johnson blocked it, Wang Feng crosses from the bottom, at the far post! At the far post! Dongfang Zhuo shoots! It''s in! It''s in!"
"The match has reached the 26th minute, and Dongfang Zhuo has scored the second goal for China. Now we lead Ennd 2-0!"
"Perhaps some of the viewers who have just tuned into the live broadcast can''t believe their eyes. You didn''t see it wrong. The team leading by two goals is us! Less than thirty minutes into the first half!"
"At this moment, even we ourselves are a bit dazed. Is this dream-like start really brought about by the Chinese team? And is our opponent really the renowned Ennd?"
"From the beginning of the match until now, except for possession being slightly in favor of the Three Lions, all other statistics are in favor of China!"
"Up to now, the Chinese team has had 6 shots, 4 of which hit the target, resulting in two goals, while Ennd has only had 3 shots, 1 of which hit the target. Their possession has all turned into ineffective dys!"
On June 27th at 4 PM, the 1/8 final between China and Ennd was held at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Before the match, no one would have thought that the situation would be so one-sided, especially towards the Chinese team. After all, Ennd''s starting lineup shines brightly, with yers like Terry, Upson, Ashley Cole, and Johnson forming their defense line, all ying for top clubs in the Premier League.
Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, and Milner are also among the world''s few midfield stalwarts, not to mention the striking duo of Rooney and Defoe in their prime, unmatched in both skill and impact.
On the other hand, looking at the Chinese team, they have the same starting lineup as the first group stage match. Although most of them are overseas yers, apart from Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo, most yers are rtively unknown, ying for smaller clubs.
Even with the presence of superstar Wang Feng, public opinion generally believed that the Chinese team would face a tough battle, and the chance of advancing seemed very slim. But now, the situation in the match has pped them in the face with a one-sided dominance.
The slow start was the main reason for Ennd''s copse. Even before the match started, Wang Feng discussed tactics with head coach Ar?kan: "Sir, I think we can y more aggressively in the first thirty minutes."
"Ennd has a history of slow starts in major tournaments, mainly because they take time to get into their rhythm. We can take advantage of their slow start tounch a wave of aggressive attacks and take the lead. It will be easier to y in the following matches."
Ar?kan hesitated a bit; this kind of aggressive tactic might backfire. If the opponent takes advantage of their vulnerabilities and counters, it would be disastrous. However, Wang Feng assured him that the number of yers involved in the attack doesn''t need to be many, and the others can focus on stabilizing the defense. Based on his trust in the Chinese superstar, the Dutchman reluctantly agreed to this tactic.
As a result, the Chinese teampletely dominated the game, even scoring the first goal in the 10th minute. Hao Junzhe dribbled the ball into the frontcourt and then made a diagonal pass into the penalty area.
Wang Feng, at the near post, outmuscled the defending yer, and the ball flew over the head of Upson. The Chinese superstar turned around, and in a small space, volleyed the ball into the as it descended, like a missile piercing through a crowded group of people, straight into James''s goal.
This goalpletely changed the dynamics of the game, and the Chinese team grew more confident, eventually scoring a second goal.
Chapter 480: Top 8 !
Chapter 480: Top 8 !
The aggressive strategy brought unprecedented sess, and the sidelines presentedpletely different states for both coaches.
Ar?kan, with a smile on his face, directed the yers to defend. Since they had already achieved results, the next step was to consolidate the process. The Chinese team didn''t have the physical or technical ability to maintain high-pressure attacks continuously, so switching to a defensive stance was the correct move.
He didn''t actually agree with weak teams showing a strong attacking posture from the beginning of the match. While it could create many opportunities, whether they could capitalize on them was a question, and it also created another problem of leaving the defense vulnerable.
Compared to Ennd, China was undoubtedly the weaker team, but Wang Feng''s presence erased the two fatal ws mentioned above. As for seizing opportunities? As long as he found space within thirty meters of the goal, he dared to score!
At the same time, with the presence of the Chinese superstar creating intimidation, the number of troopsmitted to attack could be appropriately reduced, significantly reducing the threat of counterattacks from the opponent.
Ennd''s head coach Capello looked nkly at the field. This coach, renowned for his defensive coaching, never imagined that the team''s defense would be so poor. It shouldn''t be like this at all. They only conceded one goal in the three group stage matches!
No, it''s not that the team''s defense is poor, but rather they have all fallen into the rhythm set by the Chinese team. Conceding a goal so early is extremely fatal, especially in a single-elimination match like this. The yers are bound to experience intense psychological fluctuations.
"Wang Feng!" The Italian clenched his fists in silence, but then released them helplessly. He admitted that he had no solution to the Chinese superstar. It had been the same since his time at Juventus in Serie A. After being repeatedly defeated by Wang Feng, he could only choose to leave the Old Lady in embarrassment.
Afterward, Capello rested for more than a year, during which there were rumors of Real Madrid''s interest in him. Having the opportunity to personally coach this legendary superstar, the Italian was still quite looking forward to it.
Unfortunately, in the end, Florentino chose Schuster, which led to the legendary three consecutive championships for the Germans. Capello epted the invitation from the Ennd national team.
If possible, the Italian never wanted to be enemies with Wang Feng again!
The match gradually entered a tense state, with Ennd pressing forward aggressively. In the 36th minute, Rooney received the ball outside the penalty area, movedterally, and suddenly unleashed a high-quality long-range shot, only to be vigorously palmed away by goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong.
In the 41st minute, Lampard sent a straight pass from midfield, and Defoe, at the back post of the penalty area, pushed aside the defending yer and lifted the ball with his leg. Seeing that the goalkeeper in front of the near post was helpless, Li Weifeng stepped forward at the critical moment and blocked the ball in front of the goal line.
The efforts of the Three Lions finally paid off under the bombardment. Just as the first half entered injury time, Gerrard, outside the penalty area, suddenly fired a long-range shot, a powerful shot hitting the inside of the crossbar and rebounding into the, 2-1, Ennd pulled one back.
This is the power of superstars! The Chinese team''s defense had been good enough, but sometimes a sh of brilliance from a superstar could indeed change the course of the game.
At halftime, the yers looked somewhat frustrated. Wang Feng pped his hands and said, "Hey, why are you all looking so glum? We''re the ones leading now!"
Feng Xiaoting smiled bitterly and said, "Brother Wang, Ennd''s attack is too fierce after they''ve settled down. I''m worried we won''t be able to hold them off." Wang Feng patted his shoulder and said, "We defended well in the first half. They can''t keep pulling off those miraculous shots all the time."
"Besides, after halftime, Ennd will probably be disheartened again. This is our chance. Let''s rally ourselves. We have no psychological burden of being behind. Let''s keep pushing forward in the second half!"
"Okay!" Everyone shouted in unison.
In the second half, both sides returned to the field. The Chinese teamunched their first attack, with Wang Feng breaking through on the nk and passing back to Dongfang Zhuo with a backheel, but Dongfang Zhuo''s shot from near the penalty spot went over the crossbar.
This attack served as a wake-up call for the Three Lions. Capello kept shouting on the sidelines, asking everyone to tighten up and remain vignt, pressing the opponent with all their might.
However, they always seemed to be a step behind, like an old car that needed some time to reach its top speed. The coordination between variousponents needed time to reach its peak.
In the 54th minute, Barry lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Sun Jihai won the first header to clear the danger. In a duel outside the penalty area, Hao Junzhe lost his bnce after being bumped by Milner.
But before falling, he managed to kick the ball with his leg, sending it to Dongfang Zhuo near the center line. Thetter then turned and advanced into the opponent''s half along the sideline.
A quick counterattack by the Chinese team! Wang Feng raced alongside Dongfang Zhuo, forming a two-on-three situation in the opponent''s half, with one defender marking Dongfang Zhuo and two yers closing in on the Chinese superstar.
As the penalty area drew closer, Dongfang Zhuo suddenly pretended to cut inside horizontally. The English defenders had no choice but to converge on him, as his threat was significant.
After diverting the defensive attention, Dongfang Zhuo suddenly stopped and dribbled the ball, exploiting a momentary gap in the defense to send a diagonal pass behind him. Wang Feng elerated to receive the ball and charged into the penalty area.
At this moment, Terry chased closely behind him. The Chelsea defender was very experienced and tried to block the passingne to force Wang Feng towards the goal line, even if it meant conceding a corner kick to stop the counterattack.
Wang Feng couldn''t help but admire Terry as a formidable defender in his heart, but he wasn''t the kind of forward who would back down in a one-on-one situation.
Seeing Terry stumbling under his pressure, Wang Feng forcefully pushed to the left with his right shoulder. At the same time, he raised his left foot and immediately took a shot towards the far corner of the goal, exerting force both in his upper and lower body. Wang Feng believed that very few attacking yers in the world could do this.
Under Terry''s pressure, Wang Feng''s shot slipped between his legs. Ennd goalkeeper James, caught off guard, dived but was a half-beat slow, and the ball slipped into the inside the right goal post.
"It''s in!! The Chinese team''s counterattack seeded!! We''ve expanded our lead again!"
"Wang Feng has scored a second goal with a high-quality shot from a tight angle. The ball almost went into the corner of the goal! He''s got a brace!"
"So thrilling! Just now, Zhang and I were discussing that we didn''t have anyone in the middle to support, but unexpectedly, Wang Feng didn''t choose to cross but directly took a shot!"
"Yes, we can see that Ennd has already retreated to defend in the middle. At this point, there aren''t many options. Either dribble to the goal line and cut back to organize the attack again, or forcefully pass to the back post and see if anyone follows up."
"But Wang Feng dared to take the shot, resisting Terry''s pressure to score. We have to admit that his physical fitness and lower body strength surpass most yers in the world. I really don''t know how he trains in normal times."
Defeated as if a mountain copsed! This ancient saying is particrly appropriate for Ennd at this moment. Impatient and reckless, each fighting for themselves, being two goals behind in the second half has thrown their morale into chaos. Capello''s consecutive personnel adjustments had no effect. Rooney even had a quarrel with Defoe during one attack.
In the final moments, while Enndunched a full-scale attack, the Chinese team seized another counterattack opportunity, with Wang Feng assisting Shao Jia to score the fourth goal, securing the victory decisively.
When Argentine referee Baldas blew the final whistle, the score stood at 4-1, and the Chinese team advanced to the quarterfinals with a resounding victory!
Chapter 481: Joy
Chapter 481: Joy
At midnight, the capital time, the normally quiet streets across the country surged with crowds of people. Fans took to the streets to celebrate the Chinese team''s second entry into the World Cup quarterfinals, especially the 4-1 victory over Ennd!
For this team, it seems like it''s really possible! The long-repressed hopes of many Chinese people, which they dared not speak aloud, seem to be graduallying true!
From drawing against Germany in the group stage, to a big win over Ghana, and aeback victory against Serbia, the Chinese team continuously surprised supporters, achieving an unprecedented first-round result.
Although the "consequences" of this first ce were somewhat troublesome, forcing them to face traditional powerhouses like Ennd, a big victory finally made everyone understand that our team is not afraid of any opponent!
This game not only received extensive coverage in the domestic media but also sparked intense reactions in European football. Germany''s "Kicker" magazine believes that under Wang Feng''s leadership, the Chinese team has undergone a transformation, bing a truly world-ss team.
"We can no longer look at them with old eyes. Reaching the quarterfinals once is a surprise, but doing so twice shows true strength!"
"The contribution and role of the Chinese superstar to the entire team are extraordinary. In addition to his dazzling eight goals, his presence always inspires other teammates'' fighting spirit and potential."
"This is based on facts. In the World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup matches where Wang Feng was absent, the performance of the Chinese team was only at an Asian level. They struggled against opponents like Australia and Japan, not to mention traditional powerhouses like Ennd."
"Once Wang Feng joins the team, both their strength and morale will greatly improve. It''s hard to imagine a yer reaching such a level. Looking at the history of modern football, it''s extremely rare."
Ennd''s "Sky Sports" believes that Capello''s coaching was not effective and he should resign. "When the Chinese team started aggressively and achieved results, he should have made timely lineup adjustments to reassure the yers."
"But the Italian''s reaction was slow by several beats, and it was the same in the second half. He let the team gradually slip into the abyss without doing anything. His performance was extremely unsatisfactory."
Under tremendous public pressure, Capello announced shortly after the match that he had officially submitted his resignation to the English Football Association. "The Chinese team performed very well, especially Wang Feng. Although we made many tactical arrangements against him before the match, we failed to limit the performance of the Chinese superstar, which was my mistake."
"After pulling back one goal, Ennd actually had many good opportunities, but the yers failed to seize them. The opponent also adjusted their strategy in time to focus on defense and counterattacks, while we showed more weaknesses."
Regarding the on-field quarrel between Rooney and Defoe, Capello refused toment, only saying that everyone wanted to turn the tide for Ennd, and no one would intentionally hold back.
Compared to the deste Capello, Ar?kan was much more spirited. Shortly after the match, he expressed his joy at the victory: "Yes, I am very satisfied. This was an unparalleled game."
"Especially against a team like Ennd, a traditional powerhouse in the World Cup, experienced and star-studded, I can imagine this game bringing immense joy and hope to Chinese fans."
"Next, we will work even harder to face strong opponents and respond to everyone''s support. You know, the Chinese team has thergest fan base in the world."
As for causing Ennd to suffer the biggest defeat in World Cup history, Ar?kan believed that the primary contributor was Wang Feng. "Not only did he perform well on the field, but in fact, we often discuss match tactics off the field, and his suggestions are always very effective."
"There''s no need to hide it. I dare to assert that if Wang chooses to be a coach in a dozen years, I wouldn''t be surprised at all. He will definitely be a top coach in world football."
The confrontation between Argentina and Mexico, the two old rivals in South America, ended with Argentina winning 3-1, but the process of the match sparked controversy.
The most talked-about incident was Tevez''s offside goal. In the 25th minute, Messi sent a direct pass to Tevez, who headed the ball into the to help the team take a 1-0 lead, but reys showed that he was clearly in an offside position when he took the shot.
Arge number of Mexican yers surrounded the assistant referee hoping to change the decision, but to no avail. Marcos also received a yellow card for his unbing behavior.
After that, the Mexican yers seemed visibly upset, and their actions on the field became more aggressive. Just before the end of the first half, Heintze was maliciously pushed down by a Mexican defender, almost causing arge-scale conflict.
The situation, which had just been calmed down, quickly exploded again a few minutester. As both teams walked into the yer tunnel, a substitute yer from Argentina and a substitute yer from Mexico had a dispute and began shoving each other. In the chaos, Argentine defender Clemente was inexplicably punched.
Seeing this scene, Argentine main yers rushed to support, and Heintze and Romario threw punches at a member of the Mexican coaching staff, only to be captured by on-site photographers.
International Football Federation officials said that if the referee''s report mentioned the two yers'' irrational behavior, they were likely to be banned from the next match and miss the quarterfinal match against China.
This is indeed a good thing for China. Heintze is Argentina''s main full-back, and Romario is an irreceable goalkeeper.
The round of 16 match between the Nethends and Slovakia did not produce an upset, with the Dutch winning 2-1. "Little Flying Man" made his first start of the World Cup and contributed andmark goal to secure the victory.
It was in the 33rd minute when Robben initiated a quick break from halfway along the sideline, cutting inside after four moves and then unleashing a cold arrow shot. The ball pierced through the flying tackles of two Slovakian defenders and rolled into the corner of the goal, just past the fingertips of the goalkeeper.
Of course, due to his recent recovery from injury, he did not y the full 90 minutes and was substituted shortly into the second half by coach Van Marwijk. Otherwise, the Nethends would not have won so narrowly.
Brazil and Chile also yed a South American derby, with the Samba Army winning 3-0. The two teams'' strength levels differed significantly.
Juan, Fabiano, and Robinho formed the attacking trio and each contributed a goal, although the overall performance of the team was mediocre.
The speed of the "Son of the Wind" is no longer stunning, and his dribbling and offensive threat have greatly decreased. Coupled with the club''s poor form over the past year, people can''t help but wonder what happened to him.
The round of 16 sh between Japan and Paraguay was rather dull, with both sides battling for 120 minutes without a winner. In the end, Paraguay advanced 5-3 on penalties.
This is the first time in history that a South American team has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals, while Japan has fallen at the doorstep of advancement for the second time. After the match, everyone had tears in their eyes.
The Iberian Penins derby between Spain and Portugal ended with a victory for the Matadors, winning 1-0.
The only goal was scored by Vi. Simrly, this goal was also controversially offside, and there have been several misjudgments in the South African World Cup so far. For a while, there was an outpouring of public anger, and everyone eagerly hoped to introduce more advanced technology to assist referees.
Honestly, I don''t know what the author was trying to say here...
Chapter 482: Unpopular
Chapter 482: Unpopr
The matchups for the quarterfinals have been finalized: Nethends vs. Brazil, Uruguay vs. Germany, China vs. Argentina, Paraguay vs. Spain.
In a series of showdowns between Europe and South America, the Chinese team stands out as the only exception, leaving the eliminated Japanese and Korean media extremely envious.
The Japanese sports newspaper "Sports Wisdom" believes that currently only the Chinese team in Asia has the potential topete for the World Cup. "We have to admit that Wang Feng''s contribution to the overall strength of the team is crucial, not only at the club level but also at the national team level."
"He is about to turn 27 years old, entering the golden age for athletes, with his physical condition and technique at the top level. Numerous experiments have proven that he is the key figure who can determine the oue of the game!"
However, "Sports Wisdom" also pointed out that the world-sspetitiveness of the Chinese team is likely just a sh in the pan. Overall, Japan''s football and youth training development are far superior to China''s and are healthier.
As the Chinese superstar ages, his technical and tactical level will inevitably decline gradually. By then, a team without a systematic reserve of talent will inevitably decline, and relying on one or two superstars alone will be unsustainable. "Wang Feng is unique."
"Japan is already eyeing the future! In a few decades, European countries will be filled with Japanese yers, and a strong reserve force will help the national team win the World Cup!"
The South Korean media is even more envious of the emergence of a global superstar like Wang Feng in China, as they care deeply about their "face" on the world stage.
The "Seoul Sports Report" believes that South Korea also needs to actively cultivate local superstars. Park Ji-sung is the most sessful example, but in the future, the quantity and quality of such yers must surpass him.
The first quarterfinal battle will kick off at 4:00 PM local time in South Africa on July 2nd, with the Nethends facing Brazil.
The Samba Army took the lead in the 10th minute when Melo made a direct pass, exploiting a fatal gap in the Dutch defense. Robinho scored with a solitary shot from the edge of the penalty area.
It wasn''t until the 53rd minute of the second half that the Nethends equalized. Sneijder crossed from the right side, and a collision between Brazil''s goalkeeper Cesar and his teammate Melo resulted in an own goal.
Fifteen minutester, Robben took a corner from the right side, and Kuyt''s header was nodded on by Sneijder from 4 yards out, helping the Oranje reverse the situation. Wang Feng''s two Real Madrid teammates were key to the Dutch victory.
The trailing Brazilian team became increasingly frustrated. In the 74th minute, Melo was shown a straight red card by referee Yuichi Nishimura after repeatedly fouling Robben and then maliciously stomping on him.
After that, both sides intensified their confrontations, on and off the field, with conflicts erupting continuously and the whistle blowing incessantly. The most interesting moment came in the 76th minute when Dutch defender Ooijer interfered with a quick throw-in from the Brazilians off the field. Yuichi Nishimura initially showed a red card but then corrected himself by showing a yellow card.
The score remained unchanged until the end of the match. The ten-man Samba Army suffered a shocking elimination, creating the biggest upset in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Brazil was the top favorite to win the championship in this World Cup, followed by Argentina and Spain. Among all eight teams, China''s chances of winning the championship ranked seventh, just above Paraguay.
Before the match, the famous "jinx" Pele said, "Brazil will definitely win. They are the most stable among all teams. I think the future of other teams is unpredictable. Only Brazil reaching the final is without any suspense."
Unexpectedly, the result turned out to be quite the opposite. In fact, this was not the first time Pele had "jinxed" in this World Cup. Previously, he had stated that African teams would perform well, but they were all defeated in the group stage.
Brazil''s head coach Dunga stated after the match that he might not continue as the head coach of the Brazilian team. "This is a sad and unexpected result. We yed well in the first half, but couldn''t maintain the same rhythm in the second half."
"It''s a sign ofck of concentration. World Cup matchesst for 90 minutes, and the details determine the final result. Unfortunately, when we were behind, everyone was anxious."
Although Dunga did not me anyone specifically, the media still considered Melo, who received a red card, as the biggest culprit for the team. Not only did he score an own goal that equalized the score, but he alsomitted a malicious foul resulting in a red card, leaving the Samba Army with one man down and no chance of aeback.
In fact, this Brazilian midfielder has a checkered past even in his club career. During the 08-09 season with Fiorentina, he got into a conflict with Lopez, the captain of Cagliari, in the yer tunnel, resulting in a fractured wrist for the opponent and a five-game suspension for himself.
After transferring to Juventus, Melo received the most yellow cards in the team, and even had face-to-face arguments with coach Zheroni. Therefore, the club is nning to sell him at a low price.
Many Brazilian legends expressed dissatisfaction with Melo after the match. Ronaldo even wrote on Twitter, "Honestly, Felipe shouldn''te back to Brazil for vacation at this time." It is unclear whether he was concerned about Melo''s safety or felt that he did not deserve to return to the country.
Of course, apart from this culprit, Dunga''s national team roster also sparked controversy. Ronaldinho, Adriano, Pato, and Marcelo were all left out.
There are rumors that Dunga will select some unknown yers from the Brazilian domestic league to enter the national team. These yers will use the national team as a means to increase their value and sry, in return giving the coach tribute.
This is also why there are always some strange figures in Dunga''s national team selections, and even if some yers perform exceptionally well, they often find themselves on the bench.
Compared to the tumultuous and chaotic Samba Army, the Nethends showed lofty ambitions. Head coach Van Marwijk stated that the team yed a magnificent game, leaving those who mocked them speechless.
"Trailing 0-1 in the first half, I believe everyone would be worried, but I wasn''t. I told the yers at halftime that they could do better, and they did in the second half. To be honest, if we were more efficient in seizing opportunities, maybe the Nethends could have won by four or five against Brazil!"
"Next, needless to say, our goal is the World Cup!"
Wesley Sneijder, who was named the best yer of the match, said in an interview that all yers performed excellently, and together they worked hard to eliminate a strong opponent. They are not afraid of any opponent.
Although the Oranje are full of confidence, and their chances of winning the championship have greatly increased, some media pointed out that historically, teams that eliminate the biggest favorites in the World Cup mostly end up as runners-up.
For example, in 1986, France was widely regarded as the favorite, but they were defeated 0-2 by Germany in the semifinals, and in the final, the German team lost 2-3 to Argentina.
Simrly, in 1990, the host Italy was the biggest favorite, but they lost on penalties to Argentina. Then in the final, they were defeated 0-1 by Germany.
Chapter 483: Dispute
Chapter 483: Dispute
On the evening of July 2nd at 8:30 PM, the quarter-final battle between Uruguay and Germany unfolded at the Ser City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Unexpectedly, the South American powerhouse yed more aggressively after the opening, and they also had more dominance on the field. They had several opportunities for set pieces in the opponent''s half, but unfortunately, their finishing ability was weak.
Both sides were deadlocked for nearly 40 minutes. Taking advantage of Uruguay''s slowing attack, Germany seized the opportunity to break the deadlock. Schweinsteiger passed the ball, and Podolski shot powerfully from 12 meters in front of the goal, piercing through Muslera''s fingertips.
Despite being in a trailing position, the Charras did not sumb. They fought fiercely against the German tank. In the 55th minute, Forln lofted the ball into the box, and Surez volleyed it into the, equalizing the score for Uruguay!
This was his fourth goal of the tournament, currently ranking him fifth in the top scorers'' list, which was a tremendous honor for a 23-year-old.
After that, both teams continued to fight without scoring in extra time. However, a dramatic moment urred in the 119th minute when Germany was awarded a corner kick.
Schweinsteiger delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Podolski''s header was blocked by Surez with his body. Friedrich followed up with a shot, and as the ball was about to cross the line, Surez reluctantly chose to block it with his hand.
Undoubtedly, this was a serious foul. The referee promptly showed a red card to Surez, sending the Uruguayan forward off the field and awarding a penalty to Germany. They had a chance to win the game!
Youngster Mller stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot missed, hitting the crossbar and bouncing out of y. At that moment, Surez, who was still in the yer tunnel, couldn''t help but be overjoyed.
In the end, the match had to go into the cruel penalty shootout. Uruguay defeated Germany 4-2, advancing to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 40 years.
After the match, Uruguay''s surprising victory and Surez''s handball naturally sparked considerable controversy. Some believed that such behavior went against sports ethics and was not worthy of promotion, while others argued that it was a yer''s instinctive reaction in that situation.
Moreover, both Surez and Uruguay received severe punishment. It was Germany''s failure to capitalize on the chance to score the winning goal that ultimately led to their elimination.
It''s hard to justify Surez''s actions positively, but his behavior is at least more likely to win the understanding of fans than Maradona''s "Hand of God" or Henry''s consecutive handballs followed by an assist.
After the game, a poll wasunched on Facebook to letizens evaluate Surez''s actions. The results showed that more than half of the people considered his actions to be "legally exploiting the rules without controversy."
German coach L?w congratted Uruguay after the game, believing that the South American team''s performance deserved the victory, while his own team missed many opportunities, leading to their elimination.
He didn''tment much on Surez''s handball, only saying that the Uruguayan''s actions were a normal reaction on the field, and the German team could ept it.
32-year-old German striker Klose looked very disappointed, perhaps because this might be hisst World Cup. "I''m disappointed to return empty-handed once again. The German team is a young and vibrant team, and defeat is part of the maturation process."
"Today, Uruguay''s performance was obviously more proactive and spirited than ours. They once had the initiative on the field, and when we woke up, it was already toote."
Podolski, who scored the only goal for the German team, was more optimistic. "We have many yers born in the 1980s and 1990s, all of whom are excellent partners. Some of them have even won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship representing Germany."
"So it can be said that the German team is a very outstanding team. We have a bright future, which other teams cannotpare with."
Thomas Mller, who missed the crucial penalty at thest moment, was in tears, while captain Lahm wasforting him, "This cannot be med on you. In the end, anyone could have cold feet."
"Moreover, in the penalty shootout, you resisted the pressure and scored a goal, which has already offset your previous mistakes."
Coach L?w insisted on letting Mller take the penalty kicks during the shootout to allow the 21-year-old to redeem himself. He did not let down the Germans'' goodwill.
Mller''s experience this time was almost identical to the tragedy of Brazil''s superstar Zico in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals against France. With the score tied 1-1 in the second half, Brazil was awarded a penalty. Zico, who had juste on as a substitute, stepped up to take it but was saved by French goalkeeper Bats, missing the chance to win with one shot. The game eventually went to a penalty shootout, and Zico stepped up again, this time scoring, but unfortunately, Brazil was still eliminated by France in the penalty shootout.
The quarter-final match between Spain and Paraguay unfolded at the Ellis Park Stadium.
The Matadors had reached the quarter-finals four times before, finishing fourth in 1950, their best result in history, while Paraguay made it to the quarter-finals for the first time. The two teams had met three times in history, with Spain winning once and drawing twice.
In the 41st minute, Paraguay created a great threat. Barreto''s long diagonal pass from the right was met by Valdez, who swept the ball into the lower left corner of the goal with his right foot. However, the assistant referee raised the g, indicating offside.
Upon slow-motion rey, it was evident that at the moment Barreto passed the ball, Cardozo, who was contesting the header at the near post, was in an offside position, and Valdez''s lifted left arm was beyond Piqu''s position.
In the 57th minute, Barreto took a corner kick from the left, and Cardozo was pulled by Piqu''s arm in the penalty area, causing him to fall. The referee, Batres, immediately pointed to the penalty spot and cautioned Piqu with a yellow card.
Paraguay had another chance to take the lead, but Cardozo''s left-footed shot to the bottom right corner was not precise enough and was saved by Casis.
Even more dramatic was Spain''s counterattack immediately after saving the penalty. Iniesta was fouled by Cceres on the left side, and Alonso''s precise straight pass from the center line found Vi, who was fouled by Alcaraz from behind in the penalty area. Another penalty!
This happened just 39 seconds after Casis saved the penalty!
Alonso stepped up to take the penalty kick, aiming for the bottom right corner, but Vir, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, blocked it. He immediately smothered the ball under his body, and Spain also missed the opportunity to break the deadlock!
It wasn''t until the 83rd minute that the only goal of the game was scored. Iniesta broke through the middle and passed with the outside of his right foot. Pedro, from the right side, pushed a shot from 11 meters out that hit the inside of the left goalpost and bounced back into y.
Forward Vi immediately followed up, controlled the ball, and sent a curved shot that hit the inside of the right goalpost and then bounced into the on the other side.
With this brilliant goal, Spain ultimately defeated Paraguay 1-0, securing a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
During the game, Paraguay''s performance against the European champions amazed everyone. They came close to toppling the Matadors, but two consecutive penalty awards and two consecutive misses became a topic of discussion among fans.
Chapter 484: Conflict
Chapter 484: Conflict
On the evening of July 3rd at 10:00 PM local time, numerous domestic audiences had long been waiting anxiously in front of their televisions, eagerly anticipating the start of the World Cup quarter-final match between China and Argentina.
Gong Hong, a seasoned football fan, had a wife who wasn''t interested in football. If the match was at night, it would be fine, but if it was during prime time, they would often argue over control of the television.
Just like tonight, it was Saturday evening, and it seemed there was an entertainment program that caught his wife''s interest. So Gong Hong held onto the remote tightly while sneakily ncing at his wife, who was applying a face mask on the other end of the couch.
His wife couldn''t help but chuckle at his protective stance and gave him a side-eye. "Look at you, being all defensive. Alright, I won''t argue with you tonight."
Seeing that Gong Hong was still somewhat surprised, his wife continued, "I might not understand this sport, but I know what it means to support the home team. Tonight, it''s our Chinese team, so of course, we should support them."
Just then, the voice of thementator came from the television, "Tonight''s match is being held at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. It''s still 4:00 PM local time, and we can see that the sun is shining brightly."
"Of course, the surface temperature won''t be low either. ording to the meteorological report, the afternoon''s highest temperature can reach 32C, which is a severe test for both sets of yers."
"The camera pans to the stands, where we can see many Chinese fans organizing cheer squads toe to the venue to watch and support the team. Their enthusiasm is no less than that of foreign fans!"
"Alright, with the whistle of Belgian referee De Bleeckere, the game officially begins! In the first half, Argentina kicks off first. They are wearing blue and white striped jerseys, attacking from the left side of the screen to the right."
"China, on the other hand, is wearing red jerseys, attacking from the right side of the screen to the left."
"Argentina''s starting lineup is very luxurious, with a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Romero as the goalkeeper."
"The four defenders are Otamendi, Burdisso, Demichelis, and Heinze; the three midfielders are Maxi Rodrguez, Mascherano, and Di Mara."
"Messi is ying as a shadow striker, with Higuan and Tvez up front."
"It''s worth mentioning that many young yers in Argentina''s lineup shed with our national team at the Olympic Games two years ago, and I''m sure everyone still has a vivid impression of that."
"At that time, we defeated them and won the gold medal in the end. I hope this match will also have a good result."
"It was rumored before the match that Romero and Heinze might be suspended due to a post-match altercation with Mexico, but FIFA did not impose additional penalties on them, which is not good news for the Chinese team."
"China''s starting lineup still follows the 4-4-2 formation, with the goalkeeper..."
China and Argentina are the two teams with the most goals scored in this World Cup so far, with China scoring a total of 12 goals and Argentina 10.
At the beginning of the match, Argentinaunched a fierce attack, almost pouring forward in droves, wanting to establish a lead as soon as possible. In the 3rd minute, Di Mara was warned by the referee for a tackle from behind on Zheng Zhi during a press in the opponent''s half.
In the 10th minute, the most controversial moment of the entire match urred. Mascherano made a wide transfer from the side, and Di Mara received the ball on the other side and immediately crossed into the penalty area.
Both Tvez and Li Weifeng were contesting for the header, and the Chinese defender, relying on his experience, blocked the favorable position. In desperation, the Argentine forward used his head to reach the ball while swinging his arm upward, causing the ball to bounce off his hand and into the goal.
Nearby defending yers immediately raised their hands to signal a handball, but the referee still ruled the goal valid. At that moment, everyone crowded around him, including Wang Feng, who stepped forward to argue logically, but De Bleeckere remained steadfast in his judgment.
"From the slow-motion rey, this is a very obvious handball action, and the goal should not have been allowed!" Zhang Jun eximed indignantly.
"I don''t know why, but Argentina seems to have been extremely lucky in this World Cup. In thest round of the knockout stage against Mexico, not only was an offside goal counted, but even a yer altercation caught on camera did not result in suspension penalties."
"This kind of goal conceded is a huge blow to the yers on the field. Mexico copsed because of this, and I hope the Chinese team can face it more tenaciously. There''s still a long time left, and we still have a chance!"
In fact, since the start of this World Cup, people have felt that FIFA seems to have some bias towards Argentina, especially their head coach, Maradona.
This former football legend has gone from being an outcast to FIFA''s favorite, enjoying many privileges, such as not having to follow regtions during press conferences, with relevant officials turning a blind eye.
Maradona often jumps out of the coaching area to direct during every match, but the fourth official on the sidelines has always turned a blind eye.
Combined with the offside goal against Mexico and now the handball goal, it''s hard not to think too much about it.
Wang Feng rested his hand on his knee, wearing a worried expression as he looked ahead. He had seen this scene many times before, especially when he was still ying for the Blue and ck Legion. He had to withstand referee pressure almost all year round.
So, the Chinese superstar couldpletely rx and perform, as long as he didn''t dare to send him off, everything would be fine. But in such an important tournament, he was very worried that the yers'' mentality imbnce would cause some low-level mistakes.
Wang Feng certainly knew what was most uplifting at this moment, but Argentina was indeed ying very well, and until now, the Chinese team had not created many good opportunities.
So he kept shuttling around his teammates,forting and encouraging them, "Just hold on a little longer, the opponent can''t maintain high pressure forever, as long as they ease up, it''s our chance!"
The game resumed, and the Chinese yers were burning with fire in their hearts, and their movements became more aggressive in defense. In the 19th minute, Feng Xiaoting tackled Messi from the side.
Before the referee''s whistle fell, nearby Argentine defender Rodrguez quickly stepped forward to demand an exnation. Both sides pushed and shoved, and other yers from both teams also joined in, and a conflict was about to break out.
At this critical moment, Wang Feng squeezed in to separate the two teams and shouted in Spanish, "Gabriel, help me!" Heinze had partnered with Wang Feng at Real Madrid for several years, and he greatly admired the Chinese superstar. He didn''t want to escte the conflict, so he helped to calm down his own teammates.
Soon, both sides calmed down, and Feng Xiaoting and Rodrguez each received a yellow card. Wang Feng spoke solemnly, "Everyone, please believe me, we still have a chance! If we get into a conflict and get a red card now, then everything will be over!"
Li Weifeng''s temper was usually fiery, but at this time, he stood up to support the Chinese superstar. "Yes, we must not let anger cloud our judgment. Stay calm and rational, just like in the previous few games, hold on firmly."
"The rest, let Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo handle it. They have never let us down, have they?" Everyone nodded in agreement, putting aside their discontent and turning it into determination, not to rx until thest moment!
Chapter 485: Stalemate
Chapter 485: Stalemate
After a brief conflict, the game resumed and the situation became deadlocked again. The Chinese team did have the ability to break through the Argentine defense, but due to the opponent''s fierce attack, they could only defend their penalty area and hold on tenaciously.
After surviving the first thirty minutes, the situation finally began to turn. Argentina''s attacking momentum decreased sharply, allowing the Chinese team to open up their formation slightly. After all, they were the ones trailing and needed to seek counterattack opportunities.
In the 32nd minute, Shao Jia intercepted the ball in midfield and quickly passed it to Wang Feng nearby. Wang Feng turned and shook off Mascherano, intending to advance to the frontcourt. However, Heinze came from the side and tackled the Chinese superstar, prompting the referee to blow his whistle.
Wang Feng shook his head slightly in frustration, and Heinze walked over and extended his hand. "I couldn''t catch up with you. This is the most effective way of defense, isn''t it?" Wang Feng grabbed his hand and got up. "That''s not necessarily true!"
The Chinese team won a free kick near the midfield. After discussing among themselves, they decided to directly loft the ball into the penalty area. Li Weifeng, Sun Ji Hai, and Wang Feng all went into the penalty area topete for the header.
Zheng Zhi delivered the ball to the front post. The Argentine defense in the penalty area was tight, but the Chinese superstar deliberately moved backward to attract defenders and create chaos. Li Weifeng seized the opportunity to win the first header.
In the chaos, Feng Xiaoting made a "screen and roll" move with Wang Feng. He blocked the Argentine defender, while the Chinese superstar quickly moved to snatch the ball and headed for the goal.
"Wang Feng''s header!! Oh, the ball is just slightly off and flies out of the bottom line."
"The Chinese team haspleted their first threatening attack of the match. It shows that they still have some ideas. Free kicks can be a weapon for our offense!"
Both sides continued to attack and defend for the rest of the time, but the score remained unchanged until the 43rd minute. After Argentina''s attack was thwarted, Feng Xiaoting quickly lifted the ball to Wang Feng outside the penalty area.
The Chinese superstar controlled the ball with his chest and turned sideways, creating space. Despite being tightly marked by Di Mara and Rodrguez, he managed to use his heel to flick the ball and turn around before the ball hit the groundpletely.
Immediately, Wang Feng dribbled the ball towards the frontcourt. Di Mara tried to stop him but failed. After reaching the frontcourt, Wang Feng quickly passed to the ovepping Hao Jun Zhe on the wing.
Hao Jun Zhe ran all the way to the near the goal line. Under the pressure from Otamendi, he managed to cross the ball, but it was not a perfect delivery, falling short of the intended target.
However, at this moment, the Chinese superstar had already charged into the box. The Argentine goalkeeper Romero and defenders Burdisso and Demichelis were all there, trying to disrupt him.
Wang Feng nced at the situation and made a decision in an instant. He pushed against Demichelis, and with a left-footed push, he didn''t shoot but instead added more power to the ball to send it towards the back post, where almost no one was defending!
A red figure dashed out and shot with his leg raised, and the ball unquestionably found the!
"The ball is in! The ball is in! The Chinese team scored! In the 43rd minute, Dong Fangzhuo equalized for the Chinese team!"
"A brilliant fast counterattack pierced through the Argentine defense, nned and assisted by Wang Feng. His positioning and movement were textbook-perfect and worthy of study by all domestic yers!"
"Let''s take another look. After a quick turnover in the backcourt, the Chinese team quickly found Wang Feng. This is a very clear tactical n, and initiating a counterattack by him achieves the highest efficiency."
"With a chest control, Wang Feng created space despite being tightly marked by two defenders. He sessfully turned and started the attack, passing the ball to the winger Hao Jun Zhe, while he himself charged into the penalty area."
"Hao Jun Zhe''s cross was not of high quality and was off target, but Wang Feng urately judged and won the first ball, managing to deliver the ball from the crowd, like a magician on the field!"
"Dong Fangzhuo rushed in from the back post. He only needed a gentle push to send the ball into the huge. However, we shouldn''t underestimate the technical difficulty of this shot. yers often struggle to control their power and shoot high during high-speed advances, but obviously, Dong Fangzhuo doesn''t have this problem, after all, he is a regr yer for Bayern Munich!"
"Both teams are back on the same starting line again. The impact of Argentina''s handball goal should have worn off a bit. The Chinese team should seize the momentum and break the Pampas Eagles like they did with Ennd!"
However, Argentina was not the Three Lions that could be easily ovee. They had strong beliefs and their own aces! Just when countless domestic fans were still immersed in joy, thementator was passionate, and the yers on the field were still rejoicing, the Pampas Eagles raised their arms again.
After the kickoff, they immediatelyunched an attack. Messi dribbled the ball forward while shaking off two defenders, then cut to the left side. Di Mara was speeding up on the left, Tvez was waiting for a chance to sprint behind, and Higuan was also joining from the right.
The Argentine stars seemed to have eyes behind their heads. Without hesitation, Messi hooked the ball with his right foot to the right, and itnded right in front of Higuan. This choice caught the Chinese defense off guard, and Higuan quickly ran out to receive the ball and entered the penalty area one-on-one.
Goalkeeper Qiu Sheng Jiong had no choice but toe out, but as he dived to the ground, Higuan used the tip of his foot to chip the ball over him, and the ball dropped into the goal.
"Oh no! Higuan has given Argentina the lead again, less than a minute after the Chinese team equalized!"
"There''s really nothing we can do about this. Our yers were still excited from scoring, and they suddenly elerated. Especially Messi''s prating pass this time was really amazing."
"Let''s take another look at the whole process of conceding the goal. Messi first broke through with his individual skill. You can clearly see that he was cutting inside from the right, at which point both Di Mara on the left and Tvez in the middle had space, and even his own long shot was threatening."
"So naturally, our defensive yers focused on these two. Sun Ji Hai and Zhao Xu Ri both moved towards Di Mara."
"But Messi deliberately didn''t pass to the empty space. Instead, he hooked the ball to the front, anticipating the overall situation on the field while breaking through, knowing where all the yers were standing and where to pass to catch the Chinese team off guard."
"Yes, the coordination between Higuan and Messi is also very close. He immediately reacted and sprinted into the penalty area for a one-on-one opportunity. He scored a hat-trick in the group stage, with Messi assisting."
"Although it''s unfortunate to fall behind again, the Chinese team doesn''t need to panic. It has been proven that our offense can threaten Argentina and score goals. There''s still a chance in the second half!"
There were five minutes of injury time in the first half, but neither team created any good chances. Soon, the referee blew the halftime whistle, and the score stood at 1-2, with the Chinese team trailing by one goal.
Back in the dressing room, the mood among the Chinese team yers was still good. Although they were behind, they had shown their strength. Coach Ali Han once again emphasized defense and counterattacks.
"They will definitelyunch another wave of attacks at the beginning of the second half. Hold on during this period and don''t concede. We need to y more patiently."
"Don''tmit too many yers to counterattacks, make sure the defensive line stays in position. Argentina is slightly better in terms of fitness, so we can''t let speed overwhelm us."
Chapter 486: Reverse
Chapter 486: Reverse
After changing sides, as expected by head coach Ali Han, Argentina was not satisfied with just a one-goal lead. They continued to put pressure on the Chinese team''s defense, aiming to extend their lead and prevent the opponents from turning the game around.
The Chinese team was well-prepared and experienced for this. They tried topress the attacking space, focusing on partial containment of core yers like Messi. Wang Feng also worked tirelessly on defense, using his instincts to timely stop prations and patiently wait for opportunities.
As a result, Argentina''s attack became very ufortable. They couldn''t truly prate the Chinese team''s penalty area to pose a threat. Di Mara and Messi attempted long shots from outside the penalty area, but none hit the target.
"That''s right! The Chinese team''s defense has been really solid during this period. It''s worth noting that Argentina is the most attacking team in this World Cup. Facing our irond defense, they seem a bit helpless."
"Achieving this level of defense is not just about technique; it''s also about attitude and mentality. Our team is gradually showing the demeanor of champions!"
"Look at Argentina''s attack this time. Mascherano sends a through ball to Messi, who then runs along the nk after turning around. Feng Xiaotinges over."
"Dangerous! Messi uses a clever feint to shake off the defense and prepares to cut inside. His individual ability is still very outstanding. Beautiful! Wang Fenges over for defense and clears the ball out of bounds!"
"It''s so clean and efficient! He took the ball away from Messi before the Argentine yer could pick up speed. The defensive awareness of the Chinese superstar is top-notch!"
Simr to the first half, Argentina''s offensive gradually weakened over time. The Chinese team finally survived the most dangerous moment and began nning how to break through.
In the 71st minute, Heinze passed the ball to Di Mara, who then distributed it to Higuan at the top of the penalty area. Thetter paused for a moment to adjust his position. Having been teammates with him for several years, Wang Feng instantly understood that Higuan was going to take a direct shot.
With his understanding of the Argentine forward, the Chinese superstar knew exactly how he would adjust and where he would shoot. So he decisively rushed over and managed to take the ball away from him.
"Damn it!" Higuan cursed softly and quickly turned around to chase and try to steal the ball back. If unsessful, he would foul Wang Feng to stop him.
But at this moment, the Chinese superstar didn''t choose to rush forward himself. Instead, he quickly passed the ball to Shao Jia Yi in the center, while Dong Fang Zhuo on the other side had already started elerating. So Shao Jia Yi lifted his right foot and sent a diagonal pass.
"China''s counterattack is on! Shao Jia Yi passes the ball to Dong Fang Zhuo. He turns sideways to control the ball with his chest and skillfully dribbles past Rodrguez."
"No wonder he''s a mainstay for Bayern Munich! Such ball control and dribbling are simply delightful. He continues to move forward along the nk. Is there a chance with a two-on-four situation in the frontcourt? Learning from the lesson in the first half, Argentina''s defensive speed is also very fast."
"There''s no chance to turn back to the baseline. He passes back to Deng Zhuo Xiang. Wang Feng also runs out from the penalty area to provide support. Deng Zhuo Xiang passes to him, but this counterattack didn''t materialize, and the speed of advancement is still a bit slow."
"Wow! A shot! It''s in! My goodness, it''s in! Wang Feng suddenly takes a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, piercing through Romero''s fingers!"
"This shot caught everyone by surprise. Let''s take another look. He retreated to the outside of the penalty area, received Deng Zhuo Xiang''s pass with his back, flicked the ball to the left with his left foot, turned around, and shot without even looking at the goal!"
"The ball flew straight through the crowd of defenders, with a rising trajectory in the air. It passed over the outstretched arms of the Argentine goalkeeper Romero and went into the at an almost impossible angle!"
"Such superb shooting skills are truly breathtaking. We thought this counterattack would be fruitless, but Wang Feng seized the opportunity. Argentina''s defense focused too much on defending inside the penalty area. When the Chinese superstar came out to support, they didn''t follow up in time, probably thinking that the threat was not significant as the attacking rhythm slowed down."
"The score on the field is now rewritten as 2-2. There are less than 20 minutes left in the game. Can either side determine the oue within regr time?"
After equalizing, both Maradona and Ali Han made substitutions almost simultaneously, but they both left one substitution slot open, seemingly preparing for the possibility of extra time and penalty shootouts.
This is where Wang Feng''s role is fully highlighted. Although he frequently exerted himself on both ends of the field, his superhuman physical fitness supported him to continue running, helping the Chinese teamunch several quick counterattacks. Unfortunately, some other teammates couldn''t keep up and wasted many opportunities.
Messi, four years younger than Wang Feng, covered less distance than him, only about two-thirds. At this moment, he was panting with his hands in his pockets, thinking fiercely, "Is this guy made of iron?"
It was already difficult to deal with him at the club level, but returning to the national team was even more challenging. He recalled the defeat in the Olympic final two years ago and the constant losses to Real Madrid in recent years. For a moment, clouds of worry gathered, and ominous premonitions lingered in his mind.
In the 80th minute, Deng Zhuo Xiang intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it horizontally to Wang Feng. Once again, he quickly advanced to the frontcourt alone, facing the entire defensive line.
Seeing no way to break through, he simply pushed the ball to the right, took two steps, and took a powerful shot. The ball flew towards the left post of the goal, and this time, the Argentine goalkeeper Romero was very focused. He punched the ball out for a corner.
The Chinese team won a corner kick, and Wang Feng and his teammates discussed tactics. "We don''t need so many people rushing near the penalty area. Leave a few in midfield to prevent the opponent''s counterattacks."
Sun Ji Hai and Feng Xiao Ting nodded and ran back. "Zheng Zhi and Shao Jia Yi, let''s have a tactical corner kick. Spread out the defensive line and then cross. Make the pass strong and as far back as possible. I''ll go to that area to receive."
The two naturally agreed. As the main referee blew the whistle, Zheng Zhi passed the ball to nearby Shao Jia Yi, who immediately cut inside towards the penalty area. Seeing the Argentine defenders being drawn out, he immediately sent a cross.
The ball urately reached the back post position, but the angle was slightly off. At this moment, if Wang Feng wanted to receive the ball and adjust, he would fall into a double team. Without hesitation, the Chinese superstar leaned back and lifted his right foot to perform a back-heel shot!
Romero''s eyes had been following the ball. Seeing it pass through the penalty area without posing a threat, he was about to rx. However, he never expected Wang Feng to execute a back-heel shot while facing a semi-high ball. By the time he attempted to save it, he was already half a beat slow, and the ball flew into the!
3-2! The Chinese team took the lead again!
After scoring, the Chinese superstar slid all the way to the corner g area, pointing to the sky in celebration. Soon, he was overwhelmed by his teammates who rushed to celebrate with him.
The deafening cheers and roars erupted from the stands, and households across the country, apanied by thementator''s ecstatic shouts, boiled with excitement. "As the game approaches its end, the Chinese team has finallypleted aeback! This confirms an old saying of ours: one can onlyugh best whoughsst!"
"Wang Feng used his individual abilities to win this crucial corner kick opportunity for the Chinese team and then scored an incredible back-heel goal into the Argentine. This spectacr goal will surely be one of the top ten goals of this World Cup!"
Chapter 487: Top 4
Chapter 487: Top 4
In the final moments of the match, Argentina, unwilling to ept defeat,unched a frenzied attack. Their tactics became very simple: loft the ball into the penalty area for aerial duels, and if unsessful, press for the second ball immediately after losing possession.
For a moment, the Chinese team''s defense was under immense pressure, but everyone gritted their teeth and persevered through muscle soreness, knowing that victory was within reach and they couldn''t afford to let it slip away easily!
Sun Xiang, Li Weifeng, and others suffered cramps and fell in the penalty area several times. If it weren''t for the referee''s whistle signaling the end, Argentina would have continued to attack recklessly.
In the 90th minute, Messi received the ball on the wing and was about to cross, but Feng Xiaoting quickly slid to block. However, this time Messi changed tactics, feinting to dribble past the defender and cutting inside the penalty area.
Li Chunyu and Sun Ji Hai rushed to defend, but the Argentine star suddenly took a shot at a tight angle. The ball curved in the air, heading straight for the far corner of the goal.
"Dangerous!" Zhang Jun almost eximed. The shot was extremely tricky, and goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong made a miraculous dive, barely touching the ball to alter its trajectory. It hit the post and bounced back into y, where Li Weifeng quickly cleared it to midfield.
"Ah!" Countless Argentine fans in the stands sighed, and Messi, kneeling on the ground in agony with his hands covering his head, wondered why breaking his national team''s goal drought was so difficult!
In this World Cup, he had yed 5 games for the national team, attempted 29 shots, with 12 on target, yet failed to score a single goal. Now, in such a critical moment of life and death, they needed him to step up!
"Let''s take another look at the slow-motion rey of this shot. It was a deceptive feint followed by a precise shot after cutting inside."
"If Qiu Shengjiong hadn''t made that touch, it would have been a goal. He''s been incredible tonight! Our goalkeeper''s performance has been outstanding!"
"Hey! What''s going on? How did Wang Feng suddenly dribble into Argentina''s half during the rey? Anyway, let''s focus on this attack. Only Heinze and goalkeeper Romero are blocking his path!"
"Dribble and elerate! Heinze can''t catch up at all, and Romeroes out, chip shot! It''s in!! It''s in!!"
"4-2!! Chinapletely secures the victory!! Wang Feng scores another hat-trick!!"
"While other yers are struggling to score in the World Cup knockout stage, the Chinese superstar haspleted a hat-trick! I''m talking about you, Lionel Messi!"
"This is so thrilling! One second, we were worried that Argentina would equalize, and the next second, we scored again to secure victory. What just happened?"
"Let''s watch the rey of that goal. Li Weifeng''s clearance was fine, and Mascherano picked up the loose ball in the attacking half, passing it to Di Mara."
"Oh! Mascherano''s pass was too light! He and Di Mara weren''t on the same page, and thetter was making a fast run. By the time he turned back, Wang Feng had already intercepted the ball."
"The Chinese superstar then sprinted forward, and Argentina''s defense was wide open. Most of their yers were pushing up, leaving only Heinze behind."
"The 32-year-old defender had trouble running even during his time at Real Madrid, let alone now. As we just saw, Wang Feng dribbled past Heinze and chipped it in!"
Due to several cramping incidents in the Chinese team''s defense, the referee added an extra-long stoppage time of 7 minutes. However, it was almost impossible for Argentina to score two goals during this time.
When the Belgian referee De Bleeckere blew the final whistle, the score remained 4-2, with no changes. China eliminated Argentina, advancing to the World Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive time!
yers and staff on the Chinese team''s bench couldn''t contain their excitement as they rushed onto the field to celebrate. Meanwhile, Argentine yers copsed on the ground, some crying while others buried their heads in the grass.
Seeing this, Wang Feng walked up to Higuan and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "You''ve done well enough. You can leave with your head held high. This Argentina team has infinite potential!"
Higuan wiped away his tears and smiled bitterly, "Boss, it''s incredibly painful topete against you. I finally understand how Ribery feels. Let''s go back to Real Madrid and let you lead us to victory."
"You little rascal," the Chinese superstar chuckled. Then he went tofort Heinze and other acquaintances. On the field, they were enemies, but off the field, they could be friends.
Messi approached Wang Feng, "Wang, I want to exchange jerseys with you." The Chinese superstar nodded, and they exchanged their jerseys. "No matter how many times you defeat me, I will always stand up and continue to challenge," Messi said earnestly.
Looking at this young face, Wang Feng smiled and agreed to his words. In his heart, he couldn''t help but feel that time was passing, and perhaps he was truly getting old.
Argentine head coach Maradona, in the post-match press conference, congratted Wang Feng, "You are walking on the path of legends, leaving others far behind."
"Go and win the World Cup. That''s your proof of bing a deity, and it''s also your official surpassing of me. For me, this is not something hard to ept, especially if it''s you."
"Participating firsthand in the birth of a legendary superstar is a great experience."
Later, at the press conference, Maradona revealed his intention to resign from the position of head coach of the Argentine national team, shocking the public.
This was a painful news for the yers. Although Maradona was usually very strict, his aura and personal charm always inspired the team. His departure left everyone feeling empty inside.
The Argentine Football Association expressed its intention to retain Maradona, but how sincere they were remained unknown. While openly supporting Maradona''s work, some higher-ups were secretly trying to undermine him.
This was normal; no one wanted to be constantly overshadowed by someone with high prestige. So, Wang Feng had many ns for retirement, but following Maradona''s path was definitely not one of them.
As for the Argentine team, the Football Association knew that Maradona''s assistant, Mancuso, disliked Ruggeri, yet they still firmly arranged for him to join the national team coaching staff in South Africa. The implication was clear: they didn''t want the national team to be Maradona''s dictatorship.
Apart from the impending departure, Maradona also expressed his dissatisfaction with the match result, saying, "Wecked a bit of luck. In fact, until the end, Argentina had a chance to equalize."
"So I''m proud of the yers'' performance. I want to thank the team, the coaching staff, and everyone who worked hard for the World Cup!"
Comparing Wang Feng, who was the best yer on the field, with his protg Messi, Maradona said, "It''s not fair. They are several years apart in age, but I believe Leo will reach Wang''s heights one day."
Chinese head coach Ali Han, in the post-match press conference, said he couldn''t be more satisfied with the team''s performance. "After inexplicably conceding the first goal, everyone didn''t falter but faced the game with a more positive attitude. That''s the way to win!"
"Wang Feng, as always, yed the role of the key man, not only performing on the field but alsoforting and encouraging his teammates off the field. He''s an excellent captain."
Chapter 488: Lectra
Chapter 488: Lectra
The Chinese team defeated the powerful Argentina team, once again advancing to the World Cup semi-finals!
At this moment, countless domestic fans are chanting Wang Feng''s name. Without him, we would either struggle in the qualifiers or, even if we make it to the main tournament, merely serve as cannon fodder.
Wang Feng is the god of Chinese football! His presence has changed everything. In thest World Cup, he scored 10 goals to help China reach the semi-finals, but ultimately, injuries and strong opponents led to disappointment.
Now, with 11 goals, he has brought the team back, and this time, both their physical condition and team spirit are even better. The goals that we used to dare not think about are now within reach!
"People often think football is a sport yed by eleven individuals, but Wang Feng''s role in the national team has surpassed himself. He is a g bearer. As long as he is on the field running, all other yers are filled with hope and contribute beyond their capabilities," said authoritative domestic media about the Chinese superstar.
"In fact, our opponent Argentina in this match is quite simr. They rely on the talented Messi as their g bearer. He had the opportunity to equalize in thest moments, but unfortunately, missed the chance."
Next up for the Chinese team is Spain, a team consisting of a luxurious lineup from Real Madrid and Barcelona, ??also considered the team with the highest probability of winning the championship among the semi-finalists.
Two years ago, Spain convincingly won the European Championship. In the World Cup qualifiers this time, they won all ten matches, bing the only team in the European qualifiers to maintain a perfect record.
The team is built around yers like goalkeeper Casis, midfielder Xavi, forward Vi, and maintains a strong defense simr to the European Championship lineup, with Barcelona''s young star Pique gradually recing Marchena in the starting lineup.
In midfield, Xavi and Iniesta still dominate, with Virreal''s main yer Senna and Real Madrid''s midfielder Alonso upying key positions. Even Fabregas can only be a substitute, showing the team''s strong personnel configuration.
The frontline is led by Valencia''s striker Vi and Liverpool''s forward Torres, with former Real Madrid captain Raul unfortunately not selected, bing a spectator of the World Cup like Ronaldo.
Spain scored only 6 goals and conceded 2 in the first 5 World Cup matches,cking dominant power, but inexplicably stable. Whether it was the round of 16 or quarter-finals, they won 1-0 against their opponents.
Fighting such opponents is actually much more difficult than Ennd or Argentina, because they are always so elegant and calm, and you never know where their limit lies.
However, the Chinese team is not without its strengths. They have more experience in World Cup semi-final matches than Spain. Yes, you read that right. The once-renowned bullfighters made their first appearance in the World Cup semi-finals only this year.
In the distant 1950s, when the World Cup still had a round-robin points system, Spain finished fourth, their best result in history.
In 1986, 1994, and 2002, the bullfighters reached the quarter-finals three times, but were defeated with regret. In the past twenty years, they have always been kings of the qualifiers, never missing a World Cup, but never making it to the semi-finals.
On July 6, at 8:30 p.m. local time in South Africa, the World Cup semi-final between the Nethends and Uruguay kicked off at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
So far, the Nethends is the only team in this tournament with a perfect record, while Uruguay has remained undefeated with 5 wins and 2 draws. Both sides have performed exceptionally well, and the match was full of twists and turns.
The Dutch team took the lead with a goal from Van Bronckhorst''s long shot from 30 meters in front of the goal. However, before the end of the first half, Uruguay equalized with a stunning long-range shot from Fon from 25 meters.
Then the two sides gradually became deadlocked until the 70th minute when Robben assisted Sneijder to score a goal, with the two Real Madrid teammates performing perfectly for the national team.
However, this goal sparked much controversy. At the time, Sneijder took a shot at the edge of the penalty area, and the ball was deflected by a defender''s leg, bouncing towards the center. Van Persie and the Uruguayan defender both went for it.
From the slow-motion rey, Van Persie was in an offside position, but he did not touch the ball, and the ball bounced into the goal on its own. The Uruguayan yers believed that although Van Persie did not directly participate in the attack, he gained an advantage from the offside position and interfered with the goalkeeper.
However, the referee team from Uzbekistan ultimately ruled the goal valid because the ball was first deflected by the Uruguayan defender''s leg, which in itself was deceptive and could not be entirely attributed to Van Persie causing the goalkeeper to make a mistake.
Just three minutester, the Nethends extended their lead. Kuyt crossed from the left, and Robben''s header bounced into the bottom left corner of the goal, making it 3-1!
However, Uruguay did not give up until the end. In the second minute of injury time in the second half, Gargano took a free kick and Pereira''s left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area broke into the goal, pulling one back for the team.
Unfortunately, they were left with too little time. Two minutester, the referee blew the final whistle, and the Uruguayan yers surrounded the referee team demanding an exnation. They were very dissatisfied with the opponent''s second goal and several controversial decisions.
But everything was beyond redemption. The Nethends won 3-2 against Uruguay, securing the first spot in the final!
This is the third time in the history of the Dutch team to reach the World Cup final. After the match, Sneijder was named the best yer of the match. He scored his fifth goal of this World Cup, tying with Spain''s Vi for second ce in the top scorers'' list.
In an interview, he said, "It was a tough match, and tonight we will celebrate properly. No matter what, we won."
"Next, the team will focus on preparing for the final. Besides victory, we will not have any other thoughts. We will bring the World Cup trophy back to the Nethends!"
Regarding the results of the match between Spain and China, he said frankly, "It''s hard to say. Overall, Spain is stronger, but China has Wang Feng. I know him well. He is a yer who can create miracles."
"If I had to choose, I might prefer to face the bullfighters. Haha, of course, I''m not kidding. I know Wang too well. His energy scares me."
For Uruguayan striker Diego Fon, tonight was destined to be a night of sadness. He did not y the full match and was substituted in the 84th minute. Although the yer himself was unwilling, the head coach had to make this decision.
He had yed until he was injured, and due to Suarez''s suspension, Fon had to run back and forth throughout the game, ying as both a forward and an attacking midfielder. After the Dutch team took the lead, he saved the team with a stunning long shot.
In addition to four shots throughout the game, three of which posed a significant threat, and two threatening assists, Uruguay''s attacking system was almost entirely supported by him alone. Fon deserves to be one of the greatest geniuses in the team''s fifty-year history.
Chapter 489: Sigh
Chapter 489: Sigh
On July 7th, at 8:30 p.m. local time in South Africa, which is 2:30 a.m. in the capital for many domestic football fans, this was destined to be a sleepless night. Whether they were office workers or students, theypletely disregarded their work and study tasks for the next day, with only one n in mind: watching the Chinese team''s match!
The match was scheduled at the Durban Stadium, where the journey of the Chinese team in the World Cup began.
Before the match, the Spanish dressing room was filled with high spirits. Just as the head coach, Bosque, announced the starting lineup, adopting a 4-2-3-1 formation with goalkeeper Casis.
Defenders Ramos, Pique, Puyol, and Capdev.
Double defensive midfielders Busquets and Alonso, three midfielders Iniesta, Xavi, and Pedro.
Single forward Vi.
These yers, based on the Barcelona possession system, were all eager to give Wang Feng a hard time. "That guy Sneijder would rather challenge us than face Wang Feng? It''s ridiculous! I will make him understand the terror of Spain, starting with defeating the Chinese team!" Harveyined angrily.
Ramos interjected weakly, "But Wang is indeed very good. You guys have suffered losses before." This touched on their sore spot, and Iniesta widened his eyes, saying, "That was at Real Madrid. I don''t believe the Chinese team has that level. When else will we get revenge if not now with the national team?"
Seeing the yers in high spirits, Bosque had nothing more to say, just reminding everyone to be patient during the match. Apart from Wang Feng''s sharp attacks, the Chinese team''s defense was also very good.
On the Chinese team''s side, head coach Alhan deployed a 5-4-1 defensive counterattack formation, surprisingly cing Dong Fangzhuo on the bench and leaving only Wang Feng up front.
"Our main goal in the first half is to defend, and in the second half, we''ll send fresh troops to attack. Spain''s possession and pration are very strong. Everyone must be extra vignt when defending."
Once the match started, as most people expected, Spain quickly gained possession of the ball, with ball possession reaching 80% at one point, while the Chinese team retreated entirely to defend.
In the 3rd minute, Pedro suddenly sent a through ball from the right, Vi seized the opportunity to prate, but his shot from 9 meters in front of the goal was blocked by goalkeeper Qiu Shengjing, followed by Feng Xiaoting clearing the ball.
In the 7th minute, Vi received a pass from Busquets and broke into the penalty area, but the linesman raised his g for offside. From the slow-motion rey, it was indeed obvious, and Vi himself knew it, giving a thumbs-up to Busquets in appreciation.
In the 10th minute, Xavi took the first corner of the match, and after Ramos'' header at the near post, Puyol''s header from the back post went over the crossbar.
From the opening until the end of the first half, Spain continued to attack, creating threatening opportunities every few minutes, like an unending wave.
There were about 5,000 Chinese fans in the stands of the Durban Stadium, continuously cheering for the team. However, every Spanish attack made them nervous.
Fortunately, the team held on, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
At the start of the second half, Alhan, following the pre-match arrangements, substituted one defender with Dong Fangzhuo to strengthen the counterattack. This did reduce the defensive strength to some extent, but after 45 minutes of battle, Spain''s attacks were not as sharp as in the beginning.
With the addition of fresh troops, the Chinese teamunched several good attacks. In the 52nd minute, Wang Feng passed to Dong Fangzhuo in the penalty area, but Casis blocked his shot from close range. In the 59th minute, Zheng Zhi''s cross found Dong Fangzhuo''s header, and Wang Feng''s volley narrowly missed the crossbar.
Defensively, there weren''t many issues, but at a critical moment, Feng Xiaoting made a fatal mistake, leaving a defensive gap.
In the 70th minute, Spain got a corner kick, Xavi crossed into the penalty area, Pique failed to reach the ball with his head, but the defenders'' attention was drawn to him. When the ball arrived at the far post, everyone was horrified to find that no one was marking Puyol! The Barcelona captain headed in from 9 meters in front of the goal, to make it 0-1! The Chinese team was now trailing!
"Ah! Sometimes it''s like this. The coach''s tactics were good, but the yers are not machines; mistakes are inevitable. There''s about 20 minutes left in the game, I hope the yers can bounce back soon."
After taking the lead, Spain yed even more smoothly, but their attacking desire diminished. Facing the tough opponent, the yers were already ustomed to the rhythm of winning by one goal.
The Chinese team became a bit anxious, gradually pressing forward to pressurize, but they repeatedly failed under Spain''s smooth possession system. If the opponent had increased their pace, they would have easily been caught on the counterattack.
At this time, Wang Feng elerated and ran across the field at full speed. He no longer cared which position he was ying; wherever the team needed him, he would go.
In the 74th minute, Harvey dribbled through the middle, but the Chinese superstar seized the opportunity to tackle and passed it to Zhao Xuri, who then immediately gestured for a pass.
After receiving the ball, Zhao Xuri was immediately pressed by Iniesta. In a rush, his pass was a bit weak, and Wang Feng had to retreat to win the ball, colliding with Xiao Bai who was chasing the ball.
Using his strong lower body strength, the Chinese superstar stabilized himself, while Iniesta was knocked down. Wang Feng was about to continue his attack when the referee blew the whistle, penalizing him for a foul. He shook his hand in anger. How could this be considered a foul in a fair challenge?
"Ah, we finally got the ball back, but now it''s back to Spain''s possession. This time Zhao Xuri''s handling was problematic; he should have passed the ball earlier."
Seeing time running out, Alhan went all out and sessively substituted Chen Tao and Gao Lin to strengthen the attack. In the 80th minute, under the joint pressure from Deng Zhuoxiang and Chen Taode, Busquets lost the ball, which was then passed to Dong Fangzhuo.
Dong Fangzhuo passed to Wang Feng, and the two executed a two-on-onebination in the frontcourt, with thest shot aimed at the penalty area.
"Look at this attack by the Chinese team. Wang Feng has reached the penalty area, beautiful! He bypassed thest defender and shoots!!"
"Oh no! Casis is incredibly brave tonight! He managed to block the ball from such a tricky angle. Four years of being teammates at Real Madrid have made him very familiar with Wang Feng''s attacking style."
"Is there a second chance? Ramos grabbed it, but unfortunately, our attack ended in failure this time!"
In the 86th minute, the Chinese team regained possession of the ball, and this time, Wang Feng was fouled by Capdev when he reached the frontcourt, winning a free kick.
"Eh? Here it is! A free kick from about 25 meters from the goal! This is within Wang Feng''s range, and he has almost never missed in major tournaments. This is the Chinese team''s excellent hope!"
"Run-up! Direct shot! Oh my god!" Commentator Zhang Jun couldn''t help but curse, "Casis, like a god descending to earth, blocked the ball from almost a dead angle. He''s truly a gatekeeper of sighs!"
Chapter 490: Miracle
Chapter 490: Miracle
When Wang Feng took the free kick, countless Chinese fans couldn''t help but celebrate in advance. The ball''s trajectory was mysterious, the force perfect, easily bypassing the wall and almost reaching the dead corner.
But at this moment, Casis'' palm appeared in the field of view, firmly blocking the ball, like the palm of the Buddha that couldn''t be surpassed, making people sigh with frustration.
Seeing the excellent shot fail, Wang Feng fell to his knees in pain, pounding the ground with his fist. A sense of powerlessness gradually rose in his heart. Was this their limit? Would they fall again before the finals?
Clearly, both his form and strength had improved. He was unwilling. How many years did one have in their life? By the time he participated in the World Cup again, he would be 31 years old. It was unknown if the Chinese team could maintain this level.
Cruyff, Van Basten, Zico, tini, Roberto Baggio, countless football superstars had exhausted their careers and still couldn''t win this supreme trophy, indicating its preciousness and rarity.
The Chinese superstar slowly stood up, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Fight until thest second, even if it meant death, they would stand tall!
"The game has entered injury time, and the score on the field is still 0-1, with China trailing. The fourth referee just announced that there will be 4 minutes of injury time."
"The Spanish yers have started to frequently pass the ball in the midfield and backfield. They don''t have the desire to further expand the score. We can see that China hasn''t given up. Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo keep pressing, I... I..." Zhang Jun''s voice choked with emotion.
At this moment, the entire Chinese midfield pressed forward, almost being pierced through by Spain. If Pedro hadn''t been a bitzy in his thinking, not carrying the ball forward immediately, they would have sealed the victory by now.
In the 92nd minute, with the help of several teammates, Zheng Zhi sessfully intercepted the ball. He immediately found Wang Feng nearby. At this moment, all the yers had only one thought in their hearts: fight for the ball and then pass it to Wang Feng!
Naturally, Spain understood this truth. Three defensive yers surrounded the Chinese superstar. As he turned his back to control the ball, Alonso immediately rushed forward.
Wang Feng flicked the ball with his right foot and, at the same time, raised his arm to block Alonso, facing another defender, Pique. He lightly pushed the ball through Pique''s legs with the sole of his foot and explosively burst past him to chase the ball.
In the blink of an eye, the Chinese superstar broke through the encirclement and entered the penalty area. At this moment, Ramos and Puyol rushed to defend. Wang Feng moved sideways, looking for an opportunity to shoot.
In front of the goal, Casis stared intently ahead. The Spaniards were very familiar with Wang Feng''s various shooting techniques. If they could block this attack, the Chinese team would be done for!
Puyol failed to keep up with Wang Feng''s elusive footwork. There was an opening, he should shoot now. It should be a shot with his left foot to the far post, yes, definitely!
A look of horror appeared in Casis'' eyes because the Chinese superstar, after slightly lifting his left foot and then suddenly dropping it, used the tip of his right foot. After circling around the left foot to hit the ball, shooting a delicate shot towards the near post! The ball grazed the inside of the post and entered the goal, and Casis'' block was slightlyte.
"Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! A miracle has happened! Wang Feng has summoned a miracle!"
After scoring, the Chinese superstar looked up to the sky and roared, while Ramos shook his head continuously and Casisy on the ground with empty eyes.
"The relentless efforts of the Chinese team before the end of the game, Wang Feng''s never-give-up attitude, have brought this golden goal! Now we have equalized the score!"
"Let''s review the moment of life and death. The Chinese superstar received a long pass, controlled the ball, turned, and dribbled through smoothly, breaking through the encirclement before Spain couldpletely lock it down."
"Sideways movement to find a shooting opportunity, seizing the fleeting chance, Wang Feng used an imaginative shot with his right foot, catching Casis off guard."
"In this game, the Spanish goalkeeper seemed to anticipate all of Wang Feng''s shots, but couldn''t anticipate this one because it was too sudden and too tricky!"
"The game is about to enter extra time. This is the first extra time match encountered by the Chinese team in this World Cup. It will be a big test for both the yers'' physical fitness and mentality."
"At present, Alhan has used all the substitutions, while Bosque has one left. This is also a disadvantageous situation for us. Keep fighting, heroes!"
Of course, Wang Feng knew that entering extra time was very dangerous. Many teammates had reached their limits in terms of physical fitness. Once Spain increased their intensity, mistakes were inevitable.
He nced silently at the electronic scoreboard. They had celebrated for almost 1 minute just now. After the kick-off, the referee would probably give at most 1 minute before blowing the final whistle, which meant both sides had onest chance to attack.
So the Chinese superstar found Chen Tao, Gao Lin, and Dong Fangzhuo, who had better physical fitness. "After the kickoff, Spain will most likely pass back to their defenders, they won''t organize an attack but will waste time instead."
"What you need to do is to press forward with all your strength, intercept their passingnes, and create chaos. Even if they pass back to the goalkeeper, you must press forward."
"Only leave Iniesta as the pivot to guide the ball, I will deal with him personally. Sess or failure lies in this move!" The teammates looked at each other, surprised that the Chinese superstar still wanted to attack at this moment. Trusting him, they nodded and decided to give it one more try.
As expected, after Spain''s kick-off, they didn''t immediately organize an attack but passed the ball back to waste time. Seeing four Chinese yers pressing forward, they subconsciously believed in their passing skills even more. Therefore, instead of clearing the ball with a long kick, they engaged in some passing y.
Sure enough, after experiencing several passes back, the ball smoothly reached Iniesta''s feet, who was free. As he was about to control it, Wang Feng suddenly approached. Memories of past failures in club matches flooded Iniesta''s mind, and he suddenly panicked.
"I''ll take the ball from you!" Wang Feng suddenly shouted, making Iniesta uneasy and wanting to quickly get rid of the "trouble" at his feet. The Chinese superstar kept his eyes on his movements, preemptively predicting the direction of the pass.
Stretched out his leg, intercepted! At this moment, Zhang Jun, who had been talking endlessly analyzing the situation in extra time, suddenly widened his eyes: "Hey hey, the Chinese team has intercepted the ball in the opponent''s half! Wang Feng intercepted Iniesta and is charging towards the penalty area. Look at this!"
"Spain is quickly retreating to defend. What will he do? Shoot directly! It''s a goal! I saw it, it''s a goal! In thest minute of injury time, the Chinese team has scored again!"
The Chinese superstar quickly ran to the corner g area, roaring towards the stands, tightly holding the red g in front of his chest with his right hand. Countless fans went crazy, responding with even more intense cheers, almost wishing they could lift Wang Feng up on the spot.
The fans couldn''t do that, but the substitute teammates and staff on the sidelines couldn''t help themselves. They surrounded Wang Feng, tossing him up and catching him.
No one urged them to stop their extravagant celebration because the time on the field had reached 94 minutes. This was a truly decisive goal!
Iniestay on the ground in despair, crying, Casis squatted dumbfounded on the goal line, Puyol simplyy on his back looking up at the sky. The night sky in South Africa was really beautiful, but unfortunately, it no longer belonged to the matadors tonight. For them, this was probably a game they would never want to remember again!
Chapter 491: Engraved
Chapter 491: Engraved
Until the final moment, the main referee couldn''t help but remind the Chinese team yers to return to the field. He still needed to wait for Spain to kick off again before blowing the final whistle.
Zhang Jun''s voice continued to roar: "Two goals in 0.3 minutes, Wang Feng led the Chinese team to stage ast-minute counterattack, an astonishing turnaround to eliminate Spain!"
"This was a shot from outside the penalty area. He didn''t choose to break into the densely defended penalty area, as that would easily waste time."
"Perfect arc, absolute dead angle, the ball bypassed the crowd and went straight to the top right corner of the goal, grazing the crossbar and post before entering the. Even if Casis had three heads and six arms, he couldn''t save it."
"This is Wang Feng''s 13th goal in this World Cup. He equals the record set by the French legendary yer, Fontaine, in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden with 13 goals in a single season!"
"Such terrifying statistics were once considered a myth that could never be reproduced in the history of the World Cup. But now, our superstar Wang Feng has equalled it! With one more game to go for the Chinese team, he will surely break this record and be the true number one in the World Cup!"
As Vi listlessly pushed the ball in the center circle, the referee''s whistle sounded as expected, ending the game! China defeated Spain 2-1 and advanced to the World Cup final! Wang Feng seemed to have lost all his strength and copsed on the ground. Although the other yers were also exhausted, they still had a bit of spirit to celebrate. The Chinese superstar was truly drained.
With a total distance of 19.5 kilometers run throughout the match, far surpassing the highest recorded distance of 16.1 kilometers set by Beckham in 2001, Wang Feng ran the equivalent of one and a half marathons!
Whether it was in the attacking frontline, midfield organization, or defensive line, his presence was everywhere. Sometimes even the opponents were surprised, wondering how they kept encountering him on the field.
As the defeated Spanish yers covered their faces and left the field, Ramos walked to Wang Feng and helped him up. "Captain, I''ve always known you''re strong, but this is just insane."
The Chinese superstar rolled his eyes. "Clearly, you guys were too careless. What, did you really think you had the game in the bag just because you were one goal ahead of me?"
Ramos shrugged. He also felt unsure, but he couldn''t control the overall atmosphere and tactical arrangements of the team. At this moment, as Casis passed by them, he looked at Wang Feng with a somewhat resentful look, then shook his head and walked toward the yer tunnel.
"Looks like San Iker is having some existential doubts. You kicked him into self-doubt!" Ramos chuckled. The two exchanged a few more words. Although the Spaniards were disappointed, losing to Wang Feng was not shameful.
"Next up is the Nethends, Captain. It won''t be easy, but I believe you can beat them." Wang Feng smiled confidently. "Of course!"
Then Wang Feng called his teammates together and thanked the Chinese fans who had been cheering them on throughout the game. Even in the most desperate moments, their voices never ceased.
At this moment, everyone shed tears of excitement. They had never imagined that one day, the Chinese national anthem would be heard on the World Cup final stage.
After thanking the fans, everyone slowly walked into the yer tunnel. They understood that now was not the time to rxpletely. There was only one step away from the World Cup trophy, and they absolutely could not afford to fail!
FIFA announced the best yer of the match, once again awarded to Wang Feng for his two goals in three minutes and excellent defensive performance. Wang Feng was the best yer in all six matches of the Chinese team, setting an unbelievable new record in the World Cup.
Everyone felt it was well-deserved. With a total of 18 goals scored by the Chinese team, 17 were directly rted to Wang Feng. With 13 goals and 4 assists, not to mention his active involvement in defense, he yed a crucial role.
During an interview, the Chinese superstar expressed his gratitude to his teammates as always. "It''s through the team''s unremitting efforts that we were able to withstand Spain''s overwhelming attacks and have the opportunity for ast-minute counterattack. So this trophy belongs to everyone on the Chinese team!"
When asked about the goal for the final, he smiled and said, "Do I even need to say it? The name of a new country will be engraved on the World Cupthe name of China!"
Since the introduction of the World Cup in 1974, each reigning champion has been able to keep the trophy for four years and have the champion country and year engraved on the base, with a capacity for 17 names, which means it will be used until 2038.
The World Cup final between the Nethends and China will inevitably produce the eighth champion, as neither team has won before. The previous champions were Uruguay, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Ennd, Argentina, and France.
Spain''s head coach Bosque expressed helplessness after the match. From various data and the flow of the game, his team dominated China in all aspects, and thest-minute turnaround left him dizzy.
"I don''t know how all this happened, why Andrius lost possession. I can only describe it as a miracle. Unfortunately, the one who created these miracles was Wang Feng, who stood against us."
At the same time, he stated that Spain''s World Cup journey was not over, and the uing third-ce yoff was still very important. "This is also our chance to achieve our best historical result."
As for whether he would resign after the World Cup, Bosque denied it. "I love this team very much, and if possible, I hope to continue to serve."
Although he believed that Spain''s loss was not entirely his fault, many Spanish media outlets disagreed. "Marca" believed that Bosque "cannot escape me." "Spain showed a kind of arrogance after taking the lead. The yers seemed unwilling to do the dirty work and just wanted a small victory, which ultimately ruined them."
"Bosque didn''t correct it in time, or maybe he himself shared this mindset, thinking it was enough to control the situation. But Wang Feng is not someone anyone can easily handle."
"He obviously didn''t anticipate this. If it were Rijkaard or Guardi, they would never choose to let the situation develop smoothly. Aggressive pursuit is the right path."
"AS" admitted that both sides contributed to a roller-coaster match that left fans very anxious. "Spain had passing, ss, and understanding. They could make the ball obey them, but they couldn''t bring the final victory."
"All of this was caused by the Chinese superstar Wang Feng. In just 3 minutes, he made the Matadors fall from heaven to hell. I think many fans are both sad and relieved."
"They are sad that Spain ultimately missed the World Cup trophy, but relieved that the person who defeated them is a legendary superstar of La Liga clubs, not someone else. This confirms the saying, the best yers y in the Spanish league!"
"Marca" said that Spain contributed to an unforgettable match, ying very well throughout, but unfortunately, they werepletely overshadowed by Wang Feng and the Chinese team in the end.
"It can only be med on theirck of initiative, the frustration of facing a tight defense, and the temptation of a lead. The Spanish yers were a bit toocent."
Chapter 492: Ignore
Chapter 492: Ignore
The World Cup final will be held in Johannesburg!
South Africa is the only country in the world with three capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legitive), and Bloemfontein (judicial). Unlike previous World Cup finals, which were mostly held in the capital cities, this time the host chose to hold it in the "City of Gold."
The day after the semi-finals ended, the Chinese team and their entourage flew to Johannesburg, apanied by the yers'' families and friends.
Excited, thrilled, and nervous emotions intertwined in their minds. From boarding the ne tonding and taking the bus to the hotel, everyone chattered incessantly without a moment''s pause.
The coaching staff and team leaders were also anxious at this time. Theycked experience, although Alihan had yed in two World Cup finals during his yer career with the Nethends, both times ending in failure.
The calmest person was Wang Feng. Apart from inspiring the team as usual, he didn''t say much. Most of the time, he just smiled and listened to the yers'' chatter.
After experiencing countless finals in majorpetitions, the heart of the Chinese superstar was as firm as a rock. At this moment, he was even interested in admiring the scenery outside the bus window.
In this "City of Gold," skyscrapers stood tall, the streets were wide and clean, parks and grasnds were visible everywhere, and people of different colors walked leisurely on the roads, their faces glowing with health.
No wonder FIFA and the South African Football Association chose this ce as the venue for the final. It should be one of the best-developed cities in Africa and the center of South Africa''s economy, culture, and tourism.
The only thing that might not be satisfactory is that Johannesburg''s altitude is 1754 meters, rtively high, which is a burden for athletes, especially for the Dutch whoe from londs.
After arriving at the hotel, the coaching staff arranged lunch and a brief rest for the yers. Training would officially begin in the afternoon. Wang Feng took the time to call home, and they had also safely arrived.
"Little Siyao can only babble a few words now, but there''s one word she pronounces particrly well, and that''s your nameWang Feng." Lu Yao teased, "It''s all thanks to the Chinese fans in the stands who kept shouting next to her for six consecutive matches, and she learned it by rote."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile. He also talked to his mom, sister, and uncle, and everyone cheered him on. His uncle said, "Xiaofeng, win the World Cup for China and bring glory to our ancestors!"
On the evening of July 10th, the day before the final, the World Cup third-ce yoff was held at the Nelson Mand Bay Stadium, with Spain and Uruguay facing off.
Before the match, FIFA President tter shook hands warmly with the yers of both teams. When it was Uruguay''s turn, he exchanged friendly greetings with Forln and even patted his shoulder.
Who would have thought that when it was the turn of the young star Surez, who had shone brightly in this World Cup, tter immediately became expressionless. After a perfunctory handshake, he didn''t even look at him and walked straight past.
Surez turned around and looked at tter, looking very surprised. This scene was recorded by many media outlets. Normally, as the helm of FIFA, he wouldn''t be so indifferent when facing young stars. Who knows if this young yer will transform into a dragon in the future, like Wang Feng, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Messi.
Many people spected that the reason tter ignored Surez was probably because of the handball incident against Germany in the quarter-finals. Although from apetitive perspective, it was understandable, it did cause a lot of controversy and negative impact.
So they believed that the road ahead might not be easy for this Uruguayan neer, at least he wouldn''t have much chance with international awards.
After the match started, Spain, learning from their painful lesson, yed more actively. Despite the light rain, their passing was smoother. In the 10th minute, Xavi took a corner from the right, and Torres headed the ball into the from the edge of the small penalty area, 1-0!
Just 8 minutester, Busquets suddenly took a long shot from 25 meters in front of the Uruguayan goal, causing Muslera to fumble, and Pedro slotted home with his right foot from 8 meters out to the right of the goal, widening the lead for the Matadors.
The more confident Spain became, the more they seemed to break through the opponents'' defense effortlessly. Although Uruguay had Forln and Surez supporting them, they still couldn''t escape defeat.
Just before halftime, Diego Prez was dispossessed by Iniesta in the middle, who then passed to Pedro in the middle, and after Torres made his way into the penalty area, he chipped the ball into the again, 3-0!
After the break, Uruguay pulled one back in the 53rd minute. lvaro Pereira and Surez broke through the defense with a wall-passbination on the right, and then Pereira crossed to Forln, who volleyed home from 14 meters out in front of the goal.
This goal ignited the hope of the Uruguayan fans in the stands momentarily, but Spain quickly extinguished their enthusiasm. In the 71st minute, Xavi crossed from the side, and Puyol headed home from before the goalkeeper into the bottom right corner.
4-1! The Matadors secured third ce with a thrilling victory and achieved Spain''s best result in World Cup history.
After the match, everyone marveled at Spain''s formidable strength but also felt sorry for them. If they had shown such fighting spirit in the semi-finals, would they have suffered the sudden death of conceding two goals in three minutes?
Regarding this, Spain''s head coach Bosque said, "I don''t think we should make suchparisons. We yed very smoothly in today''s game, but in the previous round, it was very difficult to break down the defensive shell of the Chinese team."
"Moreover, they have Wang Feng, the big weapon. I''m not saying Forln and Surez are not good; they are both top strikers in football, butpared to the Chinese superstar, they are much inferior. The most intuitive data is that the two of them together have fewer goals than Wang Feng."
"So the yers need to focus more on Wang Feng. On the attacking end, they face setbacks, and on the defensive end, they face extreme threats. In some ways, the Chinese team is much more difficult to deal with than Uruguay."
Uruguay''s coach Tabrez did not refute this point. He said, "The Chinese team has made it to the final, while we only got fourth ce. There is indeed a gap between the two."
At the same time, he highly praised his country''s hero, Forln. "Diego is truly an outstanding yer. I think anyone who watched this game would agree with this sentiment, especially that volley."
Forln scored five goals in this World Cup. Except for a penalty against South Africa, the other four were all stunning long-range shots from outside the penalty area, a performance that only he achieved!
In recent years, he has been ying in La Liga, winning the Pichichi Trophy in the 2004-2005 season at Virreal, surpassing Eto''o. After joining Atltico Madrid, he helped the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 10 years and won the UEFA Europa League.
With 120 goals in 208 La Liga appearances, although he can''tpare to Messi or even Wang Feng in terms of scoring, he is still among the top strikers in European football.
Now, his outstanding performance in the World Cup is bound to attract the attention of some top clubs. However, age has be a bottleneck for Forln''s development. After all, 31 years old is a bit too much for any striker.
Chapter 493: Beyond
Chapter 493: Beyond
The highly anticipated World Cup final is about toe! On the evening of July 11, 2010, at 8:30 p.m. local time, or 2:30 a.m. on July 12, the 19th World Cup final kicked off at Ser City Stadium.
Before the match, Chinese head coach Alihan looked solemnly at a stack of yer injury reports, which were the results given by the team doctors after detailed examinations not long ago.
The situation was not optimistic. After sessive battles with Argentina and Spain, almost all the yers were carrying injuries, especially in the crucial midfield and defense positions. Rotation was necessary, but it couldn''tpromise the overall strength.
Fortunately, Wang Feng remained in top form. As long as he could y, it would reassure everyone. After a long discussion, the Dutch finally settled on the final starting lineup, sticking with the 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong.
The four defenders were Wang Qiang, Sun Jihai, Zheng Zhi, and Feng Xiaoting.
In midfield were Deng Zhuoxiang, Li Chunyu, Zhao Xuri, and Chen Tao.
The forwards were Dong Fangzhuo and Wang Feng.
Sun Xiang, Li Weifeng, Shao Jiayi, Hao Junzhe, and others were unable to start due to injuries of varying degrees, which was regrettable.
On the Dutch side, the lineup was moreplete. Van der Vaart and De Jong returned from suspension, so they fielded their best eleven, a situation unseen in a World Cup final since squad numbers were introduced in 1954.
They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, just like Spain, China''s semifinal opponent, with goalkeeper Stekelenburg.
The four defenders were Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, and Van Bronckhorst.
The two defensive midfielders were Van Bommel and De Jong, the three attacking midfielders were Robben, Sneijder, and Kuyt.
The lone forward was Van Persie.
Before the start of the match, former French legendary star Zinedine Zidane brought the World Cup trophy onto the field and handed it over to FIFA President tter. The trophy would be ced on a high tform in front of the yer tunnel to inspire all participating yers to strive for victory.
The main referee for this match was Howard Webb from Ennd, with Darren Cann and Michael Murkey as assistant referees, whom Wang Feng had met not long ago, as they officiated the 2010 UEFA Champions League final together.
Led by Webb, the two teams walked onto the field with the World Cup trophy. South African President Zuma shook hands with the yers one by one, and then came the exciting ying of the national anthems.
About 40,000 Chinese fans flooded into the Ser City Stadium, forming a vast red ocean. Their resounding cheers soared into the sky, a scene unmatched by the Dutch, who had fewer than 20 million people.
The Chinese team wore dark blue jerseys, while the Dutch wore orange. Referee Webb called Wang Feng and Dutch captain Van Bronckhorst for the coin toss, and the Orange Legion kicked off the first half.
"With the referee''s whistle, the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa officially begins! Today, it is still me, Zhang Jun, and my old partner, Huang Lu, bringing you thementary of this exciting match."
"Yes, dear viewers in front of the TV, can you hear the thunderous cheers? That''s ourpatriotsing from afar to cheer for the Chinese team!"
"No matter where we are, at this moment, ourmon wish is to see the national team win the final victory. Let us witness this historic moment together!"
After the kickoff, both sides yed cautiously. The Dutch controlled possession, but due to the tight defense of the Chinese team, they couldn''t find good opportunities and didn''t dare to venture deep, so they kept passing in midfield.
In the 11th minute, Kuyt passed in the middle, Sneijder broke through Zhao Xuri on the nk, threatening with a shot or a pass, but Sun Jihai cleared the ball in time.
This was the first threatening attack of both teams in this match. Later, Sneijder took a corner, and Van Persie headed the ball over the crossbar from the back post.
Perhaps because it was the final match, the defensive intensity of both teams'' yers increased. In the 16th minute, Kuyt tackled Wang Feng, who wanted to counterattack quickly, earning the first yellow card of the match.
Three minutester, Wang Qiang received a yellow card for a flying tackle on Robben. The most controversial scene urred in the 28th minute when De Jong high kicked Dong Fangzhuo in the chest while contesting for a loose ball, causing him to fall in pain.
"This is a reckless move and should be punished with a straight red card! Is the referee blind?" Zhang Jun said indignantly, "We can see clearly that De Jong kicked Dong Fangzhuo directly. This kind of force could cause a fractured rib cage! Webb only gave a yellow card."
Huang Lu added, "After all, it''s the final, and it''s still early in the game. Maybe the referee doesn''t want to face controversy after the match. But we will definitely file aint to impose stricter penalties on De Jong for this action!"
"So far, the Dutch team has received 9 yellow cards in World Cup finals, surpassing Argentina and Germany''s record of 8. This really affects their sportsmanship, no wonder they can''t win the championship."
After simple treatment, Dong Fangzhuo still felt ufortable. Although he wanted to persist, Alihan had to consider a substitution. Finally, he decided to send 19-year-old neer Wu Lei onto the field!
When Wu Lei heard this decision, he was overwhelmed. He had never imagined making his World Cup debut, let alone in such an important final!
But the coach''s decision was final. In the 30th minute, Wu Lei reced Dong Fangzhuo, who would then be sent to the hospital for further examination.
Wang Feng was very angry! Were these Dutchmen ying football or ying rough? Since they wanted to foul so badly, he wouldn''t let them touch him.
In the 37th minute, he retreated to the back to receive the ball, and Van Bommel came over to defend. The Chinese superstar suddenly elerated forward, then swerved around from outside the sideline, leaving Van Bommel no chance to catch him.
Seeing his defense being breached, Heitinga immediately came sliding in, but Wang Feng flicked the ball forward while jumping to avoid the Dutch defender''s studs, then continued his advance into the field.
During his lightning-fast attack, no one could stop him. In a sh, he reached the edge of the penalty area. With Mathijsen chasing closely, Wang Feng cut inside and pushed the ball to the near corner of the goal, threading it between Stekelenburg''s legs into the.
"Beautiful!! Goal!! The Chinese team opens the scoring to break the deadlock with Wang Feng!!"
"This is a lightning-fast counterattack. Since you like fouling so much, catch me if you can!"
"This is Wang Feng''s 14th goal in this World Cup, officially surpassing Fontaine, bing the record holder for the most goals in a single World Cup, breaking the record that was considered impossible to surpass!"
"And now, we are one step closer to the World Cup!"
"Let''s watch the slow-motion rey again. No fancy footwork, just two feints to bypass the defense, a turn with the ball, and a smooth finish into the penalty area. A great goal, a great Wang Feng!"
Chapter 494: Inherited
Chapter 494: Inherited
After taking the lead in scoring, the entire Chinese team was in high spirits. Although they were in a weak position on the field, their solid lead could not be ignored.
The Dutch team seemed a bit flustered. Theyunched a fierce attack in the following minutes. In the 40th minute, Robben crossed from the right to the penalty area. Van Bommel shot from the near post, but Mathijsen at the far post failed to make contact, and the ball rolled out of bounds.
In the 43rd minute, Sneijder''s long-range shot from outside the penalty area missed the left post. One minuteter, Van Persie intercepted the ball from Li Chunyu and passed it to Robben on the right. Robben immediately took a shot, but Chinese goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong blocked it and Sun Jihai cleared the rebound.
Such aggressive attacks naturally left openings. In injury time of the first half, Feng Xiaoting intercepted Kuyt and quickly passed the ball to Wang Feng, the Chinese superstar, who then initiated a counterattack.
Racing forward with lightning speed, he was surrounded by four defensive yers near the opposing penalty area. However, there was a gap near the far side where Wu Lei was positioned. It must be said that this young yer was exceptionally fast, with excellent instincts in the forward line.
Seizing the opportunity, Wang Feng made a diagonal pass, piercing through the defense. Wu Lei immediately broke the offside trap and received the ball in a one-on-one situation!
"Look at this, the Dutch defense has been breached, Wu Lei is one-on-one! He shoots! Oh, he''s a bit slow, and Heitinga catches up from behind, disrupting his shot, which goes wide of the post."
"If that were Dong Fangzhuo, it would have been a goal for sure! But it''s okay, he''s still young after all."
Wang Feng also gave a thumbs up to Wu Lei for his timely run. However, as Heitinga passed by the Chinese youngster, he deliberately bumped into him and said in broken English, "You little kid, trying to shoot in front of me? You''re a hundred years too early."
Wu Lei''s face flushed with anger. Although he knew that Heitinga was deliberately trying to disturb his concentration, such insults were too much to bear!
Shortly after, the referee blew the halftime whistle. The score remained 1-0, with the Chinese team in the lead. The yers joyfully entered the locker room, except for Wu Lei, who was feeling down.
"What''s wrong?" Concerned, Wang Feng approached him and asked. Seeing Wu Lei''s hesitant expression, Wang Feng patted his shoulder and said, "If there''s anything, just tell me. I''m your captain."
So Wu Lei told Wang Feng about Heitinga''s insult. After hearing this, Wang Feng patted Wu Lei''s shoulder and said, "Do you know? When I first started, people called me a ''yellow monkey.''"
Wu Lei widened his eyes, finding it hard to imagine that the yer before him, who had reached the pinnacle of his career, loved and respected by people worldwide, had also experienced such insults.
"Guess what I did back then? Yes, I fought back fiercely!" Wang Feng said, "Isn''t this a good opportunity now? Stepping on them to reach the top of the world, what could be more satisfying than this kind of retaliation?"
Wu Lei nodded heavily. The unease in his heart was gradually suppressed, leaving only endless determination!
As they returned to the field, the Dutch team intensified their attacks, but their level of y was clearly not as refined as Spain''s. While pressing the Chinese team, they also left significant openings.
In the 61st minute, Zhao Xuri intercepted Kuyt''s pass and quickly passed to the nearby Wu Lei, who dribbled past the midfield. At this moment, Heitinga once again came rushing in.
Wu Lei calmly controlled the ball and elerated, using rhythm changes and feints to easily evade the defense. The Dutch defenders were careless, not taking this kid seriously at all.
Heitinga became furious and charged at him from behind. Regardless of whether it was in physical confrontation or speed, Wu Lei couldn''t match up. However, just before Heitinga reached him, the Chinese youngster had already passed the ball to Wang Feng.
The powerful collision made him fall to the ground, but the referee signaled to continue y as the attacking opportunity was advantageous. So Wu Lei gritted his teeth and got up to continue his run forward.
Wang Feng received the ball and skillfully dribbled past De Jong and Mathijsen, entering the penalty area. These two defenders both had yellow cards and dared not make significant moves, so they could only tug at his shirt. Unfortunately for them, it was ineffective against the Chinese superstar.
Inside the penalty area, Van Bronckhorst and Van der Wiel had already retreated into position. They, along with the goalkeeper, tightly blocked Wang Feng''s shooting angle and forced him towards the goal line.
Seeing that the ball was about to go out of bounds, the Chinese superstar suddenly pushed Van der Wiel, causing him to stagger. Seizing this opportunity, Wang Feng sent a low cross between the Dutch defenders'' legs.
Wu Lei, who had arrived promptly, attempted another shot. Although the shot was powerful, it was too central. Stekelenburg dived to save it but couldn''t hold onto the ball, and as he scrambled to retrieve it, he saw the Chinese superstar react faster than him!
As the Dutch goalkeeper''s palm was about to touch the ball, Wang Feng stretched out his leg and lightly tapped the ball with the tip of his toe. Stekelenburg could only watch as the ball slipped past him and into the behind him!
"Goal! Goal! The Chinese team scored their second goal, again by Wang Feng! Hepletes a brace and further extends his record for goals in a single World Cup season to 15!"
"Incredible achievement, unexpected turn of events. Before the match, no one expected the Chinese team to lead by two goals! Especially after Dong Fangzhuo was injured and had to leave the field in the first half, many domestic fans felt a chill in their hearts. At least I broke out in a cold sweat!"
"But there are no wrong names, only wrong nicknames. Wang Feng truly deserves the title of the king of finals. In ten years of the football world''s storms, he has never lost in a final!"
"Now, let''s wait quietly for time to pass. There are still 30 minutes left, and we will witness the birth of a new king in the world of football, witnessing the night of victory for all Chinese people!"
After scoring, Wang Feng continued to run towards the Chinese fans in the stands, directing them to wave the triumphal red gs. Soon, other teammates joined him. Seeing Wu Lei with a smile on his face, Wang Feng pretended to be angry and rubbed his head, saying, "What''s wrong with you? You couldn''t even score in such a good opportunity!"
Wu Lei stuck out his tongue. He had never imagined scoring in the World Cup, let alone in such an important final. Seeing the disappointed look on his face, the Chinese superstar didn''t say much. He still had much to experience.
The Dutch team was going crazy! They were two goals behind after just a few counterattacks. Throughout the match, they had far surpassed their opponents in ball possession and attacking threat statistics. Why was it so hard to score?
At this moment, head coach Van Marwijk made consecutive substitutions, bringing on Van der Vaart and Elia to strengthen the attack, but it only made their tactics more chaotic.
As time passed, in the 80th minute, the Chinese teamunched another quick counterattack. Chen Tao dribbled into the opponent''s half and passed to Wang Feng, who then surged into the penalty area. Van der Wiel couldn''t resist sliding in, but instead of getting the ball, he brought down the Chinese superstar.
"Penalty! Penalty, referee Webb points to the penalty spot!"
"This is the first penalty awarded to the Chinese team in this World Cup, and it''s the crucial penalty to seal the victory!"
"From the rey, there''s no doubt. Wang Feng had already pushed the ball forward, and Van der Wiel''s sliding tacklended heavily on his shin, it looks really painful!"
"But the Chinese superstar is not injured, he just rubbed his shin lightly. He should be able to continue and take the penalty kick."
"Huh? He''s pointing to Wu Lei. Is he going to let Wu Lei take the penalty?"
Chapter 495: World Cup
Chapter 495: World Cup
Suddenly being pointed to, Wu Lei felt very surprised and nervous. Wasn''t Wang Ge just one goal away from a hat-trick? Why hand the penalty to me to kick at this moment?
"I''ve already scored 15 goals. It doesn''t matter if I miss one or two. Don''t you want to score a goal to secure victory on the final stage of the final?" Wang Feng said with a smile. He felt it was a kind of inheritance, as he would eventually grow old and young people needed to step up.
Wu Lei waved his hand repeatedly, feeling a lot of pressure. But the Chinese superstar patted his shoulder and gestured for him to look at the big screen. "We''re leading 2-0, there are only 10 minutes left in the game. You don''t need to feel too much pressure. Scoring will secure the victory, and missing isn''t a big deal."
"Your penalty conversion rate is one of the best in the entire Chinese team. I saw you practicing secretly that day. Was it for this moment?"
"Besides, I''m standing not far behind you, ready to remedy at any time. Come on, use a goal to fiercely retaliate against those who look down on you!"
Wu Lei nodded heavily. Although his journey in this World Cup had not seen much ying time, what he had seen and learned would benefit him a lot. If he could end his journey with a goal, it would be the best result.
Taking a deep breath, he slowly retreated to face the Dutch goalkeeper, Stekelenburg.
"It really looks like Wu Lei is going to take it. This 19-year-old youngster ys for the Swiss Super League''s Young People''s Club, and this is his first appearance for the national team."
"Run-up, shot, beautiful!" Zhang Jun shouted excitedly. "Wu Lei deceived the Dutch goalkeeper and sent a powerful shot straight to the middle. It seems that although he''s young, he''s quite a leader."
"China leads 3-0 against the Nethends! Unless a miracle happens, we will definitely win! Let''s silently count down to the final moment together!"
The Dutch team refused to give up until thest moment. In the 86th minute, De Jong''s long pass found Van Persie''s header at the edge of the penalty area. Robben elerated past Li Chunyu and broke into the penalty area.
Seeing the Chinese goalkeeper rushing out, "The Flying Dutchman" chipped the ball over Qiu Shengjiong''s head into the behind him, finally opening the scoring for the Orange Legion.
After that, they continued to use high-altitude bombardment to try to turn the tide. Both the fans at the scene and those watching on TV were extremely nervous,ining about how slow time was passing.
When the four-minute injury stoppage time came to an end and referee Webb blew the final whistle, the score did not change. 3-1, China defeated the Nethends, crowned the 8th World Cup champion!
The Football City Stadium was now boiling like water about to boil over, with thunderous cheers and apuse celebrating the birth of the new king.
The coaching staff, substitute yers, and staff rushed into the field, surrounding Wang Feng in the middle, embracing and thanking this greatest contributor. Many people''s eyes were red, showing that they had just held back tears.
At this moment, the Chinese team reached the pinnacle! This was the supreme glory for all the yers on the squad.
Dong Fangzhuo was also there in the crowd. After being sent to the hospital for a detailed examination, he was diagnosed with minor injuries. Originally, he should have stayed in the hospital for observation, but he didn''t want to miss such a crucial moment for the Chinese team, so he returned to the scene.
At this moment, Dong Fangzhuo choked back tears and said, "Fortunately, fortunately, my leaving didn''t affect the overall situation, otherwise I would regret it for the rest of my life."
Wang Fengforted him by patting his back, "You''ve already done brilliantly. Now we''ve reached the top of the world, and everyone has made great contributions!"
Gradually, the yers formed a circle. Regardless of how many years passed, regardless of how the future developed, this group of people was destined to leave a profound mark on the history of Chinese football.
Wang Feng''s club teammates Sneijder and Robben found him to express their congrattions. "I didn''t expect you to reallye this far. I said it before, I''d rather face Spain than be your enemy."
The Chinese superstar smiled and patted Sneijder''s shoulder, then rubbed Robben''s bald head,forting them, "When we return to the club, you guys better continue to perform magically."
A stage was quickly set up on the field, and the final highlight of the World Cup, the award ceremony, officially began!
First announced was the Golden Ball Award of the World Cup, which Wang Feng unquestionably won again. Originally, it had a certain constion element, usually awarded to the runner-up or yers from the semifinal teams who performed well.
But because of the dazzling performance of the Chinese superstar in this World Cup, ording to the subsequently disclosed specific support rate, Wang Feng received 43.1% of the votes, with the second-ced Fran at only 13.4%, and Sneijder at third with 11.1%.
"We cannot overlook Wang''s great achievements. This entire World Cup belongs to him entirely, and no other yer canpare to him," one judge said in an interview.
Naturally, Wang Feng also won the Golden Boot Award, scoring 15 goals in a single tournament, a record that would be the most difficult to surpass in World Cup history. Spain''s Vi won the Silver Boot, and the Nethends'' Sneijder won the Bronze Boot.
The Best Young yer Award went to Germany''s Thomas Mller, who scored four goals. His performance amazed everyone, especially now that he''s only 21 years old, with plenty of peak time ahead of him. It is believed that after the World Cup, he will be sought after by major clubs.
The Best Goalkeeper Award, the "Golden Glove," was won by Casis. China''s goalkeeper Qiu Shengjiong missed out on the award by a slight disadvantage, because Spain conceded only five goals in all seven matches, the fewest among the semifinalists.
After the individual honors were announced, the Dutch yers were the first to take the stage to receive their silver medals. Most of them looked very disappointed, unable to wash away the title of the uncrowned king, having reached the final three times but only able to get the runner-up each time.
Finally, it was China''s turn to take the stage to receive the awards!
FIFA President tter personally hung the gold medal around the necks of the yers. When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he hugged the Chinese superstar warmly for a long time.
"I am honored to witness the birth of such a legendary superstar during my tenure. I believe that no matter how many years pass, your deeds and achievements will continue to be praised by people," said tter.
"Thank you, Mr. tter. I think there will be many challenges waiting for me next. I can do better," Wang Feng said firmly. "Of course, you''re still so young."
After everyone stood on the podium, tter handed the World Cup trophy to the Chinese superstar. He smiled and took over the trophy, the symbol of the highest honor in the world football, and then lifted it high above his head.
For a moment, confetti and fireworks erupted, and all the Chinese fans at the scene cheered wildly, singing triumphant songs.
After the awards ceremony, the families and friends of the Chinese team were allowed to enter the field to celebrate with the yers. Everyone took photos with the World Cup trophy, and Wang Feng also took pictures with Xiao Siyao and Lu Yao, capturing precious moments together.
Chapter 496: Ball king
Chapter 496: Ball king
The Chinese team became the eighth champion in the history of the World Cup. Wang Feng scored 15 goals in a single tournament and won both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot!
After the game, this explosive news quickly swept the entire world, and everyone was amazed at how they truly dominated, creating a dark horse miracle.
Since the Chinese team made it to the semi-finals four years ago, many media outlets believed they were just a sh in the pan, relying on superstars to perform above their usual level to reach that point. It was widely believed that they couldn''t replicate their glory in this World Cup.
But Wang Feng''s performance turned out to be explosive! Coupled with the team''s overall resilience, they managed to consecutively defeat Ennd, Argentina, Spain, and the Nethends to lift the trophy.
FIFA congratted the Chinese team on their victory immediately, stating, "Wang Feng is the greatest yer of our time, this victory belongs to him, belongs to all Chinese people!"
The Asian Football Confederation also published an article praising the Asian team for winning the World Cup, saying, "This is a new chapter in Asian football. With the inspiration of the Chinese team winning the World Cup, we believe that Asian football as a whole will develop even better."
Reuters reported that Wang Feng''s dominant performance helped the Chinese team lift the World Cup trophy. "After this game, he has be a football king on par with or even surpassing Pel and Maradona."
"After all, whether it''s Brazil or Argentina, they are both top-ss teams in the world, but China is not. Without Wang Feng, they are just second-rate in Asia. They only qualified for the World Cup finals in 2002 and were eliminated without scoring a single point."
"Since the Chinese superstar joined the national team, he has scored 25 goals in two World Cup tournaments, and the team has consecutively achieved fourth ce and the championship. It can be said that he single-handedly brought the national team to its peak!"
"It''s hard to imagine that a yer''s influence on a team could be so great, but that''s the reality. So it''s not an exaggeration to consider him the greatest football yer."
Agence France-Presse wrote that Wang Feng has achieved the grand m of his career, "League champions, Champions League, Asian Cup champions, and now World Cup champions, he has achieved more than almost any other yer."
"Moreover, with six Ballon d''Or awards and FIFA World yer titles, six UEFA Club Footballer of the Year awards, nine consecutive European Golden Shoes, two World Cup Golden Balls, and two World Cup Golden Boots, Wang Feng''s personal honors are enough to make him stand out among the best."
"More importantly, the Chinese superstar is only 27 years old. He still has plenty of time to set new records. It''s hard to imagine how high he will reach when he eventually stops."
The Associated Press alsomented on China''s victory, saying, "With Wang Feng''s record-breaking 15 goals, China has lifted its first-ever World Cup trophy."
"This yer, who calls for miracles, is not only widely supported in Asia and Europe but also has arge number of fans in North America. His image seems to fit the ideal of a superhero in people''s minds."
"Setting aside thepetitive aspect, Wang Feng''smercial value is immeasurable. ording to the annual financial report released by Real Madrid, their financial ie reached a staggering 9.31 billion euros in the 2009-2010 season, with over 80%ing from the Chinese superstar."
"It''s worth noting that before his joining in the 2005-2006 season, Real Madrid''s financial ie was only 360 million euros. In just four years, it increased more than twenty-five times, making Real Madrid the most profitable club in the world."
The news of China''s victory spread to Europe, where major media outlets gave their ownments and opinions. Spain''s ABC newspaper believes "China''s victory, Wang Feng''s reign!"
"As early as the semi-finals when they reversed Spain, the signs of champions were already evident. A resilient team coupled with an unstoppable superstar has created the eighth champion in World Cup history."
"Wang Feng is undoubtedly the reigning king of football. His achievements are even greater than those of Pel and Maradona. What''s even more valuable is that he is far from being concluded. What heights will the Chinese superstar lead Real Madrid to next? It remains to be seen."
Germany''s Kicker believes that the Chinese team is an "unconventional world champion." Besides the well-known Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo, there are no yers from the top five leagues in their squad.
But the Chinese superstar managed to lift the World Cup with such a group of "ordinary soldiers," his energy has surpassed the expectations of most professionals.
"At the moment, it''s difficult to define how strong he really is or where his limit lies, but it can be certain that Wang Feng will be the greatest football yer."
Sky Sports in the UK stated that losing to the world champions is not shameful for Ennd.
"Perhaps the yers should be vindicated. After their humiliating 4-1 defeat, fans angrily criticized the national team for losing to a team whose value is far below theirs, which is indeed embarrassing."
"But China has proven its strength and value. It can only be said that Ennd''s possession control strategy failed, thinking they could avoid trouble by avoiding Germany, only to meet another formidable opponent."
Italy''s Tuttosport wrote that "Wang Feng represents the highest level of world football!"
"When a yer integrates into a team of eleven, how much impact can he have? The Chinese superstar has demonstrated this to us very well. When his technical, physical, and mental states reach their peak, he can bring victories to the team."
"Wang Feng''s sess sets a benchmark for all football stars. Only those who can truly support the team can be called soul figures and kings of football."
In addition to traditional media, the inte is also enthusiastic about discussing Wang Feng''s historical status. Almost everyone believes he can be ranked as the third football king after Pel and Maradona.
Many radical fans even think that the achievements of the Chinese superstarpletely surpass the two, and he should be ranked first in history, which has sparked heated discussions.
"It''s too early toe to a conclusion now, after all, Wang Feng is still very young, and his career still has a long way to go. He will definitely achieve more in the future, so it''s inappropriate to talk about being the first now." Rational fans said.
Of course, there are many detractors who continuously mock Wang Feng, believing that this World Cup is a scam, and FIFA deliberately arranged for the Chinese team to win the championship for market and idol-making purposes.
Such groundless ims naturally went unnoticed, and detractors found other points to criticize. "The level of football skills is getting worse and worse, to the point where Wang Feng is invincible. If he were put in previous leagues, he would probably bepletely defeated."
Soon, someone retorted, "Please, take the time to understand when Wang Feng became famous. He was dominating the Italian Serie A at the age of 18, helping Inter Mn win the title."
"Who were his opponents back then? Rui Costa, Shevchenko, Nedved, Tresor, and Crespo."
"He was having fun with Zidane and Ronaldo,peting for the Ballon d''Or when Kaka was still at Sao Paulo, Cristiano Ronaldo was a substitute at Sporting Lisbon, and Messi was still growing."
"So, all you old-timers, can you please calm down? He came from that era and has remained evergreen until now."
Chapter 497: Sky-high contract
Chapter 497: Sky-high contract
When the Chinese team returned home with the World Cup trophy, tens of thousands of fans gathered at the airport and along the streets to wee the heroes'' triumphant return, and the entire capital was boiling with excitement.
Authoritative media provided live coverage of the event. Wang Feng, holding the trophy, was the first to step out of the cabin, followed by the yers, coaching staff, and apanying personnel. Thunderous apuse and cheers erupted the moment they appeared, and it didn''t stop.
They then boarded double-decker buses prepared in advance for a citywide parade, circling the Fourth Ring Road and passing through the central axis road before reaching the National Museum. Arge exhibition hall was set up here to disy the highlights of both the previous and current World Cups, includingmemorative match balls,s, photos, and more, all collected with great effort.
Most importantly, a disy case was set up in the center to showcase the World Cup trophy. Even though the original trophy would be returned to FIFA after four years, China would permanently keep a replica for everyone to visit andmemorate. This is our great glory!
The Fourth Ring Road is approximately 65 kilometers long, but as the buses traveled, enthusiastic crowds lined the roadsides everywhere they went, surprising even Wang Feng with the turnout.
After delivering the World Cup trophy to the museum, everyone headed to the State Guesthouse for a grand celebration banquet. Senior officials attended to congratte the yers and announced substantial bonuses.
After the festivities, everyone returned home contentedly. Wang Feng didn''t stay in China for long. A few dayster, he returned to Madrid with his family and officially signed a contract extension with the club.
The new contract is still for five years, but this time, it''s a fixed after-tax sry of ?30 million, with bonuses calcted separately, effective from the 2011-2012 season.
To be honest, even Wang Feng didn''t expect such a lucrative contract. The top sry in his previous contract was only ?24 million, and he couldn''t reach that figure due to missing several King''s Cups.
"You''re definitely worth it," said Balmond, "Real Madrid has earned far more money from you, not to mention the numerous trophies you''ve brought."
"To be honest, I don''t think ?30 million is their limit. Florentino didn''t even think twice before agreeing to the offer."
Wang Feng shrugged, "From now on, it''s mutual achievement between me and Real Madrid. Their sincerity is enough, and this annual sry is more than triple Cristiano Ronaldo''s."
ording to senior media reports, Manchester United''s Cristiano Ronaldo currently earns an after-tax annual sry of ??9 million, which is roughly just over ?10 million.
Just as the Chinese superstar signed his new contract, Real Madrid eagerly announced the renewal news on their official website, instantly relieving the tension of all Gcticos fans.
Although Wang Feng has always emphasized that he won''t leave, and the club has expressed a positive attitude, until everything is finalized, everyone''s emotions cannot rx.
The Gcticos have already been firmly imprinted with Wang Feng''s mark, relying not on any tricks but simply on solid strength and brilliant achievements.
In addition to finalizing the renewal of the Chinese superstar, Real Madrid didn''t make many moves in the transfer market. They focused on some young talents, first spending ?25 million to bring back 22-year-old Argentine midfielder Di Mar??a from Benfica.
Whether in the Olympics or the World Cup, he has shown remarkable performance. In the just-concluded club season, he contributed 10 goals and 19 assists in allpetitions, making him a promising attacking midfielder.
Then, the Gcticos spent ?14 million to bring in German defender H?wedes from Stuttgart, who is also only 23 years old.
Originally, the club nned to sign Valencia midfielder David Silva, but just before the signing, they suddenly backed out. The reason was that the Spaniard had a habit of drinking and partying.
After experiencing Ronaldo, Florentino has always disliked talented butzy and yful yers. In his eyes, Wang Feng is the perfect representative.
As for their arch-rivals Barcelona, they once again lost to their opponents in the league and Champions Leaguest season, putting tremendous pressure on newly appointed Rosell.
Unexpectedly, he didn''t go after Guardi, a product of Laporta''s era, for settlement but instead continued to increase the club''s signings.
First, they spent ?40 million to bring in Spanish striker Vi from Valencia, making this deal the record-breaking transfer in the summer transfer window.
Then, they targeted Liverpool''s Mascherano. For this, Liverpool demanded ??20 million, but Barcelona only wanted to pay ??15 million.
Negotiations stalled, and Barcelona''s management found Messi, hoping he could "help" hispatriot. As a result, when Liverpool was preparing for the new Premier League season, the Argentine midfielder refused to attend training sessions for various reasons, and eventually, the teampromised, allowing him to transfer as he wished.
With many options in the attacking line-up, including Messi, Pedro, Vi, Kak??, and others, the Catn team decided to clear out some old yers, starting with Henry.
The former Arsenal king left his old club in pursuit of the Champions League title but unexpectedly encountered the peak Wang Feng, only to ept the tragedy of never winning a title in his lifetime.
Disheartened, the Frenchman decided to join the New York Red Bulls in Major League Ser, where everything revolves around "money."
Swedish forward Ibrahimovi? repeatedly applied to leave the club, as he was never happy abouting to La Liga in the first ce.
So Barcelona sent him to AC Mn in the form of a loan with an option to buy, returning to familiar Serie A after a year, feeling like a fish back in water.
While the personnel changes at the top La Liga clubs were eye-catching, AC Mn in Serie A also made some headlines.
First, they epted Ibrahimovi? from Barcelona and then brought back the once-unsessful Robinho, who had returned to Brazil''s Santos from Manchester City.
From Ronaldo to Ronaldinho and now to Robinho, the Rossoneri seemed to have developed a tradition of reusing over-the-hill Brazilian stars.
Chapter 498: New impetus
Chapter 498: New impetus
The World Cup, with all its grandeur, hase to a close, and the transfer market is once again in full swing. Meanwhile, for some Real Madrid yers, this year''s summer break is particrly short.
yers like Pepe, Casemiro, Higuan, and Di Mara are okay because their national teams were eliminated early, so they began their vacation as soon as the team disbanded.
However, yers like Ramos, Casis, Alonso, and Wang Feng are having a tough time. Not only did they y all the matches until mid-July, but they also had to participate in celebratory events, keeping them busy until they finally realized that the club''s assembly was less than a week away.
"I feel like hitting you when I hear that," Di Mara gritted his teeth. By now, he had fully integrated into the atmosphere of the Gcticos. Listening to Ramos'' endlessints, he felt some resentment. "I didn''t want an early break either, but unfortunately, I wasn''t given the chance."
At this moment, everyone was undergoing recovery training at Real Madrid City''s Valdebebas training base. As usual, they would y several friendly matches in Europe and then kick off their activities in China.
In recent years, Real Madrid''s training camp in China has be a fixed pattern, carrying immeasurablemercial value.
Wang Feng and the other yers reported at the same time. He only took a few days to rest in Madrid, during which he had toplete signings, interviews, andmercial activities, making him extremely busy.
Fortunately, he had the support andpanionship of his family all the way. Now that his fame and career had reached new peaks, it was an excellent time for him to exert himself to the fullest.
Coach Bentez, as usual, looked sternly at everyone. Deep down, he was quite satisfied with the yers'' physical condition, but to earn his praise, they needed to do more.
After winning four consecutive league and Champions League titles, no one wanted to stop because one more step forward would equal the team''s legendary history.
The club''s senior management also tried to maintain the existing lineup system without daring to make major changes. They brought in young yers like Di Mara and Hctor, while letting go of substitutes like Van der Vaart, Guti, and Metzelder.
The departure of old friend Guti made the Chinese superstar feel a bit sad, but he soon felt relieved. It was also a good choice for the Spaniard.
Staying at Real Madrid, Guti''s ying time would only decrease, and both his technical ability and sry would decline significantly. It was better to take this opportunity to y elsewhere.
Moreover, his choice to join Schalke 04, where Raul currently ys, meant that the two would not be lonely in Germany.
Bentez''s training intensity still made the yersin, but everyone executed it meticulously under the leadership of the Chinese superstar, which gave great motivation to the newly added yers.
"Wang is truly an incredible leader," Di Mara said in his first interview after joining Real Madrid, talking about his feelings after joining the team. "He always restrains himself and influences others with his actions, which is much better than preaching."
"To be honest, I now understand why he can lead the team to victory wherever he goes."
At the same time, the Argentine midfielder added, "What is even more incredible is that the atmosphere within the Real Madrid team is not surprising at all but rather very rxed and harmonious."
"This ispletely different from my impression of big clubs. There is almost no estrangement ormunication barriers between the yers. Speaking frankly is the principle that everyone adheres to, and I think this should also be influenced and inspired by Wang."
After a period of internal adaptation, Bentez arranged a training match between the first team and the B team. Currently, Real Madrid Casti is stillpeting in the Spanish Segunda Divisin B, unlike Barcelona B, which is sailing smoothly in the Spanish Segunda Divisin.
However, this season, Zidane will take over their coaching affairs. The Frenchman''s coaching ability still needs time to be tested.
There''s nothing much to say about the whole game. Wang Feng didn''t even get a chance to y, as the coach said his condition didn''t need any further adaptation.
In the end, with goals from Sneijder and Higuan, the first team defeated the B team 2-0. After the match, Zidane and Bentez greeted each other beforeing to Wang Feng''s side.
"Congrattions on winning the World Cup, Wang. I didn''t have a chance to congratte you properly back in South Africa," Zidane joked. "Will you feel less motivated to y football now? After all, you''ve won all the honors in your career, and there are still many other yers who long for the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year awards. Honestly, I envy you."
Wang Feng shrugged. "Who doesn''t want to achieve more honors? I''m very greedy. Moreover, for me, there is a new motivation, which is to help Real Madrid establish an unprecedented dynasty, surpassing the past, present, and future!"
Looking at the confident expression of the Chinese superstar, Zidane felt that all of this was very likely to be realized, and he eagerly hoped to achieve legendary status with Wang Feng.
It seems that I also need to work harder and enrich my coaching experience as soon as possible, improve my level, and strive to take over Real Madrid soon.
On the side, Bentez was still seriously considering the tactical arrangements for the new season, paying no attention to the fact that someone had already set their sights on his position.
After training at Valdebebas for a week, the Gcticos flew to Andalusia and yed a friendly match with Real Betis.
Wang Feng still sat on the bench, while Di Mara and Hctor put on the Real Madrid jersey for the first time. Due to somepetition with Robben, the Argentine midfielder was exceptionally active.
Although he didn''t score, he assisted Granero to help the team break the deadlock. In the second half, the coach reced Di Mara with "Little Arrow".
Although Robben was absent due to injury for the entire season, his performance in the World Cup was still very outstanding. Therefore, Bentez still tended to give him a chance, and he didn''t disappoint, contributing a goal and an assist in session, finally securing a 3-0 victory.
After the match, Spanish media analyzed that as the reigning champions, it was not easy for Real Madrid to maintain such impressivepetitiveness and vitality, especially since they hadn''t deployed their biggest weapon yet.
In the following days, they also yed against Sevi and Real Sociedad. Wang Feng only yed 45 minutes and scored one goal. His attacking ability was still excellent, and the Gcticos remained undefeated, with one draw and one win.
After the European warm-up matches, Real Madrid and others flew to China to start theirmercialpetition tour. A domestic sponsor spared no expense to hold an invitational tournament. In addition to Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Mn, Ajax, andst year''s Chinese Super League champions, Capital Team, were also invited to participate.
The format was a round-robin, with each team ying against the other five teams once. The team with the highest points would be the champion.
Due to the recent World Cup wave, domestic fans were enthusiastic, and the matches were almost full. The atmosphere briefly surpassed that of the domestic league matches, which made the sponsors very satisfied. Real Madrid also gave Wang Feng face by letting him y in every match.
In the end, with a record of 3 wins and 2 draws, the Gcticos smoothly won the trophy, and Wang Feng was named the best yer of the tournament with 3 goals and 4 assists.
Chapter 499: Emperor of the Bernab茅u
Chapter 499: Emperor of the Bernabu
Real Madrid''s new season started earlier than other teams. On August 15, 2010, at the Spanish Pisuerga Stadium, the Gcticos began their campaign in the Spanish Super Cup against Sevi, the champions of the previous season''s Copa del Rey.
In this match, Benitez opted for the most stable 4-4-2 formation, with Casis in goal.
The defenders were Ramos, Pepe, Ashley Cole, and Marcelo.
The midfield consisted of Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Sneijder, and Di Maria.
Up front were Wang Feng and Higuain.
This was the best-performing lineup in the past month. Robben missed out due to a minor injury, while new signings like Khedira and Carvalho needed further integration.
For Sevi fans, their team was like Lady Gaga, ambitious and eager to conquer the world, but never knowing what to expect.
The Legionnaires were currently one of the mostpetitive teams in La Liga apart from the big two. However, despite their loud slogans, their spending in the transfer window was discreet. They only bought three rtively unknown yers, with a total investment not exceeding 10 million euros. However, they managed to earn 17 million euros through yer sales. As a result, the team''s strength not only did not improve but actually declined, leading to dissatisfaction among fans with the club''s operations.
The game began with Real Madrid taking the initiative,unching a wave of attacks. Wang Feng roamed the nks, waiting for the opportune moment, while Sneijder disyed great understanding, delivering precise passes.
The Chinese superstar received the ball with his back to the goal, made ateral move, suddenly changed direction to surpass Sevi''s center-back, Zokora. Another center-back, Caceres, attempted to block his advance from the far end, but Wang Feng immediately took a shot, the ball flying past the legs of the two defenders, hitting Palop''s hands, deflecting, and entering the.
"Gooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! The Chinese superstar opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"I think the Gcticos'' fans should be relieved now. Wang Feng is still Wang Feng. As long as he''s on the field, he can provide a consistent sense of security!"
Inspired by Wang Feng''s lightning goal, Real Madrid yers continued to press forward, showing a sense of reversing the roles. Higuain''s header and Di Maria''s long-range shot both narrowly missed widening the lead.
In the 39th minute, Real Madrid gained a set-piece opportunity in the opposition''s half. Sneijder lofted the ball into the box. Sevi goalkeeper Palop chose toe out, colliding heavily with defender Navarro, resulting in both yers falling and leaving the ball at the far post.
Seizing the opportunity, Wang Feng swiftly moved out, sweeping the ball into the, making it 2-0! Afortable lead!
From this point on, the game was no longer in suspense. In the second half, Marcelo scored another header for Real Madrid, while Sevi managed to pull one back through Brazilian forward Fabiano. The final score settled at 3-1, with the home team ahead and the away team trailing.
Real Madrid''s victory over Sevi wasn''t surprising, but the almost powerless response from the Legionnaires was unexpected by most.
Throughout the match, Real Madrid had a possession rate of 69%, with 19 shots, 9 of which were on target, while Sevi had only 4 shots, with 1 on target.
"The level of the top two teams in La Liga has far surpassed that of other league opponents," wrote Spain''s National Newspaper. "As a perennial top-four team, despite criticism of their summer signings, Sevi''s overall framework has not changed."
"But the full-strength Real Madrid can effortlessly defeat them. The huge gap between them is evident to anyone."
"Now we look forward to what surprises Barcelona will bring to the fans. With yers like Vi and the growing Messi, can they really overthrow the dominance of the Gcticos?"
Seven dayster, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup took ce as scheduled.
In this match, Benitez ced Wang Feng on the bench, attempting a 4-2-3-1 formation with Iguan leading the line alone. It turned out that without the Chinese superstar''s orchestration and organization in attack, the team''s offense wasckluster.
Although the home team had the advantage in possession, they struggled to break the deadlock. The Argentine forward became a spokesperson for wasteful "happy football" shots.
The increasingly restless fans in the stands began to chant his name, many of theming specifically for him. Even though victory seemed assured, they still wanted to see the team secure their first home win of the new season.
"Wang Feng is truly the emperor of the Bernabeu," remarked veteran fan Valderrs. "Since I became a fan of Real Madrid, I have never seen such a prestigious yer. Neither Hierro nor Ral, let alone Ronaldo, Zidane, and others."
"Perhaps one day his name will appear in the stadium''s suffix," joked his friend beside him. Valderrs was momentarily stunned, then chuckled, "Impossible, that''s Florentino''s lifelong dream, not the yer''s."
Amidst the mor, Wang Feng took to the field in the 70th minute. Just three minutester, he scored for the team. Receiving a lofted pass from Alonso in midfield, he retreated while observing his teammates'' movements.
The ball quickly descended to his feet, with two defenders closing in. The Chinese superstar lifted his leg backward, skillfully tapping the ball with his heel. It then found its way to Iguan''s run, and the Argentine forward simply pushed it into the. 1-0! Real Madrid finally broke the deadlock!
After the goal, the yers celebrated excitedly. Sneijder, amidst his joy, was somewhat puzzled. Why did Iguan always waste opportunities when receiving his passes, whereas Wang Feng''s passes were always spot on?
In fact, making a perfect pass also requires skill. Truth be told, Iguan''s shooting technique was a bit rough. Therefore, during regr training and warm-up matches, Wang Feng would pay special attention to his habits and characteristics.
This allowed him to make targeted passes during the game, making Iguan feel extremelyfortable when receiving the ball, as if he could score with just a little effort.
In the 88th minute, Real Madrid continued their relentless passing andbination y in the opposition''s half, with Wang Feng once again finding the. 2-0! With an aggregate score of 5-1, the Gcticos defeated Sevi to lift the Spanish Super Cup.
This was the ninth time in the club''s history that they had won the trophy, and the second time since Wang Feng joined Real Madrid.
When the Chinese superstar first won the Spanish Super Cup, the team achieved the legendary feat of winning six trophies in that season. Therefore, winning the trophy again brought good symbolism.
"Our goal for the new season? Do I even need to say it? We will always aim for the championship," said Wang Feng with a smile during a post-match interview. "Of course, it''s very difficult. All good thingse to an end. The team has won the league and Champions League for four consecutive years. Continuing to do so presents many challenges. But I like challenges, and I am very suitable for them!"
Chapter 500: All goes well
Chapter 500: All goes well
The day after winning the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid regrouped and flew to Monaco to prepare for the European Super Cup match. Their opponent was Atletico Madrid, the champions ofst season''s UEFA Europa League.
The day before the match, core yers like Wang Feng were invited to attend the Champions League draw and UEFA awards ceremony. At a time when the Ballon d''Or and FIFA Best awards were about to merge, UEFA was also seeking reforms for the Club Footballer of the Year award. At the same time, there were significant changes to the previously cumbersome individual awards.
However, everything remained the same this year, with Wang Feng once again being named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, based on his double crown honors fromst season. This award was considered by the media to be the most predictable.
Sneijder won the Best Midfielder award, while Casis received the Best Goalkeeper award. Real Madrid remained the most rewarded team at the ceremony.
The draw for the group stage of the Champions League also favored the Gcticos, as they were drawn with AC Mn, French side Auxerre, and Ajax.
Last season, they were in the same group as AC Mn, and it was unexpected that the two teams would be drawn together again. Furthermore, Marseille, a French team, was also in their group at that time, so it was generally believed that Real Madrid''s advancement to the next stage was almost certain.
However, they didn''t have as much luck as Barcelona this year. Barcelona''s three opponents were Copenhagen from the Danish league, Rubin Kazan from the Russian league, and Panathinaikos from the Greek league, none of which were from the top five European leagues.
Valencia was grouped with Manchester United, sgow Rangers, and Bursaspor from the Turkish league, and their goal was to qualify for the next stage as the runner-up in their group.
As for Sevi, they were very disappointed to lose to Braga from the Portuguese league 3-5 on aggregate in the yoffs, failing to qualify for the group stage. Therefore, only three La Liga teams qualified topete in the Champions League this season.
On the evening of August 27th, at 8:30 pm, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco, the Madrid derby began in the European Super Cup.
Last season was a rollercoaster journey for Atletico Madrid. They struggled in the first half of the season, continuously losing games and finding themselves deep in the relegation zone. However, after the New Year, they suddenly rose to prominence, not only securing safety but also winning the UEFA Europa League and reaching the final of the Copa del Rey.
However, they were somewhat unfortunate. The much-discussed policy of the UEFA Europa League winners automatically qualifying for the UEFA Champions League had not yet been fully implemented. Therefore, they missed out on any Europeanpetition this season.
For the team, the most important thing this summer was retaining Fran and Aguero. Fran, the Uruguayan forward, had received many offers after his outstanding performance in the World Cup. However, considering his age and the club''s support, he chose not to leave.
As for Aguero, Atletico Madrid knew they couldn''t keep him. After all, the Argentine was only 22 years old, immensely talented, and had a bright future ahead of him, with the opportunity to y for a top club. They were open to a transfer but required a sufficient offer.
Real Madrid has always had a superior record against Atletico Madrid, so the yers were very rxed in their mindset for the match. After the kick-off, they systematically dominated possession and organized their attacks.
In the 23rd minute, Sneijder passed to Di Maria in midfield, who quickly dribbled down the nk and passed into the penalty area. Iguan nodded the ball into the at the near post, making it 1-0!
In the 66th minute of the second half, Alonso advanced into the attacking third, and Wang Feng made a run down the wing, signaling for the ball. The Spanish midfielder didn''t hesitate to send it over.
After receiving the ball, the Chinese superstar ran with it, choosing to pass it back to Di Maria, who then yed a through ball, which found Wang Feng again inside the box. It was a ssic give-and-go y.
Taking a couple of steps, Wang Feng didn''t adjust his position much, still shooting despite Dominguez''s interference. The ball flew straight into the top left corner of the goal, with Lucas unable to save it. 2-0!
In the end, with these two goals, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-0, iming the honor of the European Super Cup!
On August 30th, the new La Liga season began, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona unusually starting their league campaign away from home. The Gcticos would challenge Mallorca.
Last season, Mallorca finished fifth in La Liga and secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League, but UEFA ruthlessly expelled them due to the club''s debt of 70 million euros, exceeding the UEFA limit.
Their European qualification spot was given to Virreal instead. Mallorca''s former owner, Mansano, had dreamed of entering the Europa League to improve the club''s financial situation, but now all those dreams had been shattered. Therefore, they had to sell the team.
As a result, the team inevitably experienced a mass exodus of yers, no longer living up to their past glory. More importantly, they didn''t even have aplete squad list, with only five midfielders and defenders each, and only four forwards.
Mallorca had often performed as dark horses in the past, having reached the UEFA Champions League twice in their history. However, the unique demographic changes on the Spanish inds had posed challenges to the team''s development.
With many immigrants from other European countries settling in Mallorca, the proportion of local Spaniards gradually decreased. Moreover, immigrants didn''t support the local team, leading to a significant decrease in attendance.
The Real Madrid yers who came from afar could clearly perceive the slump in the football market here. Although the attendance for matches against Real Madrid was good, most of the spectators came for the Gcticos. Only a small portion were die-hard Mallorca fans, so for a while, they didn''t know whose home ground it was.
Just five minutes into the game, Wang Feng opened the scoring with a long-range shot. After Di Maria broke through on the nk and passed back, Iguan failed to get the ball at the near post. As it rolled to the far post, the Chinese superstar met it with a powerful shot, straight into the top right corner of the goal.
This goal seemed to sound the horn for the team''s attack. The away team began to press heavily, forcing Mallorca to retreat. In the 16th minute, Iguan''s header was saved by goalkeeper Lux, and Real Madrid won a corner kick.
Shortly after, Wang Feng took the corner kick, and Iguan sessfully headed the ball into the home team''s, making it 2-0!
In the 24th minute, the Chinese superstar received a pass on the wing from Di Maria, skillfully dribbling past two defenders with his footwork.
Just as he was about to cut inside to score, full-back Ramis directly elbowed him down, and the referee promptly awarded a yellow card and a free kick.
Rubbing his back somewhat resentfully, Wang Feng decided to take the free kick from the right side of the penalty area himself.
As he floated the ball into the penalty area with the outside of his foot, it flew a bit high, with neither Mallorca nor Real Madrid yers touching it.
Watching the ball about to go out of y, it suddenly curved back, flying straight into the top left corner of the goal, despite Lux''s diving save attempt. 3-0!
"Beautiful! This lofted ball, which seems like a cross and a shot, is so cunning. We can see from Wang Feng''s happy expression mixed with surprise that he probably didn''t expect it to go straight in either."
To be honest, the Chinese superstar didn''t intend to shoot directly. He just wanted to deliver a high-speed spinning cross, but the force slightly deviated from his teammates'' jumping height. He didn''t expect the spin to bring the ball back and turn it into a shot.
With a lead of three goals in less than 25 minutes, Mallorcapletely copsed! In the second half, Wang Feng scored another goal toplete his hat-trick before being substituted by Benitez. Then, Robben helped the team score the fifth goal, securing a 5-0 victory for the Gcticos.
Chapter 501: The new generation
Chapter 501: The new generation
In the early morning, the warm sunlight filtered through the curtains into the bedroom, warm but not scorching. Wang Fengzily stretched his body and then closed his eyes, holding the beautiful Lu Yao next to him.
He enjoyed the tranquility of this moment, breaking the habit of getting up early for exercise. Although he already had new and greater goals in mind, his increasing age made him cherish the time spent with his family more and more. Bncing work and leisure was necessary.
After the first round of La Liga ended and September began, the yers weed two weeks of international break, allowing Wang Feng to steal a few days of leisure.
Lu Yao, who seemed to sense something, opened her eyes and saw her beloved lying beside her. She then snuggled up to him, feeling filled with happiness.
After cuddling for a while, the two got up and went downstairs for breakfast. Except for their younger sister, the rest of the family had already finished getting ready. Their mother was ying games with little Si Yao.
Seeing Wang Feng and Lu Yaoing downstairs, Si Yao excitedly ran over, calling for Mom and Dad. Wang Feng quickly stepped forward to catch her and hugged her in his arms. He rubbed her smooth cheek, making his daughter burst intoughter.
"She runs so fast at such a young age. It seems that she has indeed inherited your football genes. What should we do? I''m a little hesitant about our precious daughter pursuing a career in football," Lu Yao shook her head helplessly.
"We can treat football as a hobby. I also hope our daughter can be more gentle," Wang Feng gently touched Si Yao''s head. "We can also have another son in the future, and I''ll teach him to y football."
After breakfast, the two yed games with their children. For Wang Feng, providing a good upbringing for his daughter was necessary. Now, Si Yao had her own game room, filled with all kinds of toys, decorated like a fairy tale world.
When their daughter got tired of ying, they handed her over to the nanny, and Lu Yao went to the study to handle group affairs. She rarely went to thepany nowadays, but she could manage everything efficiently through remote work.
The global economy was still declining, undoubtedly affecting the Feng Yao Group, but after years of development, it had grown into a giantpany. Combined with reasonable management and investment, thepany''s revenue now approached that of its partner, Kerry Group, which was quite considerable.
Wang Feng then went to the gym for some light maintenance training. He could easily perceive how much exercise was needed to maintain his current physical condition and what kind of exercise was needed, all umted from years of experience.
Sometimes even his personal trainer couldn''t help but marvel at the professionalism of the Chinese superstar. "You don''t really need a dedicated trainer," Le Goff said.
After adjusting to the optimal state, Wang Feng stopped and then went to the swimming pool for some rxing exercises. This way, his muscles wouldn''t endure too much strain and be stiff.
In the afternoon, the Chinese superstar would rx even more, ying video games, surfing the inte for entertainment, and sometimes searching for news about himself. Whether praised or criticized, he would take a look, finding these articles quite interesting from his perspective.
The World Cup had just ended not long ago, so the Chinese team and Wang Feng were still the hottest topics. Articles discussing them could be found in abundance on Twitter, Facebook, and domestic forums.
Apart from the perennial issue of his status, surprisingly, the most attention-grabbing topic was who was qualified to seed Wang Feng as the next football king. This made the Chinese superstar mutter to himself that he hadn''t nned to retire yet but was already being arranged byizens.
The top contenders were none other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two shining stars of the new generation. Although they often found themselves at a disadvantage against Wang Feng, they always rose to the challenge.
But someizens believed that their age gap with Wang Feng was rtively small, and their peak periods would coincide. Therefore, they couldn''t be considered the next generation''s kings, and attention should be focused on younger yers.
The Chinese superstar became interested and continued to read on. The answer given byizens was Brazilian 18-year-old talent Neymar, currently ying for Santos in the S?o Paulo State Football League.
"Subtle technique, ultimate samba steps. Despite his young age, he has already won the state league championship and been named the league''s best yer, with the potential tond in Europe at any time!"
Wang Feng had heard a little about this young yer. He heard that Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Juventus had all officially made offers to him, and Real Madrid was also preparing to scout him.
Opening the video link, Wang Feng saw a dry-looking teenager using fancy dribbling to evade defenders and scored with excellent technique. However, in Wang Feng''s view, the ir was a bit excessive and not efficient enough.
Well, that''s understandable. Who doesn''t want to show off when they''re young? Wasn''t he also incapable of shooting when he was young, dribbling past the goalkeeper but failing to score?
His body was a bit thin, but he could train aftering to Europe. High-intensity match rhythms were the best ces to cultivate talents, and Wang Feng was confident that Neymar would definitely move to a top-five league powerhouse in the next few years.
Unknowingly, the rare rest day passed like this. Next, Wang Feng and Real Madrid would embark on their new challenges.
On September 11th, at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, the second round of La Liga saw Real Madrid facing Osasuna.
This team was known for its ferocity, pragmatism, and toughness in La Liga. Their historical achievements were not outstanding, but in difficult times, the yers always showed the most united performance together.
As the game started, amidst the cheers of the home fans, the Gcticosunched a fierce attack. The visiting team seemed like a small boat in the sea, teetering but not sinking.
It wasn''t until the 41st minute when Wang Feng and Robben cooperated with a wall pass on the right side, breaking into the penalty area. Wang Feng then passed the ball across the goalmouth, and Iguan poked it into the before defender Sol.
This became the only goal of the match, as the Gcticos won 1-0 against Osasuna.
On the other hand, Barcelona also secured two consecutive victories. The forward lineposed of Kak, Vi, and Messi remained strong, but the Brazilian seemed to be declining. His position was gradually threatened by Pedro.
Three dayster, in the midweek Champions League matches, the Gcticos continued to y at home against Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax.
Although the Ajax team was not as strong as it used to be, they always had excellent young yers. In the summer, they narrowly lost to China and won the World Cup runner-up. yers like Van der Wiel and De Jong were ying for Ajax.
In the 16th minute, they took the lead and scored a goal. Sulemani lofted the ball into the penalty area from the front, and Hamdawi headed it in before Casis could reach it, sliding past the goalkeeper and into the.
Saint Iker''s decision toe out wasn''t quite reasonable this time, and he covered his face in embarrassment after conceding, expressing his apology to his defensive teammates.
But this goal did not deter Real Madrid; instead, it ignited the team''s fighting spirit. Soon, the home team responded, and just six minutester, Sneijder passed the ball to Di Mara on the wing. Thetter feigned a cut inside, tricking the opposing defender, and then passed across the goalmouth. The Chinese superstar once again sessfully tapped in at the near post to put Real Madrid ahead.
With two goals almost in the same spot, Ajax goalkeeper Stekelenburg was feeling extremely frustrated.
Relying on Wang Feng''s brace, Real Madrid won 2-1 at home against Ajax, securing a victorious start to their Champions League campaign.
Chapter 502: Worry
Chapter 502: Worry
In the new season, Real Madrid consecutively won two cup championships, and their performance in the league and Champions League seemed smooth. It appeared to be flourishing, but in reality, there were unstable undercurrents.
First and foremost was the contract renewal issue with Sneijder and Robben. Both of them, now 26 years old, had been with Real Madrid for three years and were seeking a substantial contract extension for security.
However, Florentino had different calctions. Robben''s injuryst season made the higher-ups uneasy, and the sry demands they put forward were too high, resulting in a deadlock in negotiations.
The stagnation in contract renewal naturally affected the yers'' morale, and Wang Feng didn''t have a good solution to this. He could onlyfort them more often, inviting them to dinner and chatting to ease their mood.
Another issue was Wang Feng himself. He always felt awkward in Benitez''s tactical system,cking sufficient space and freedom to y.
From his debut to the present, whether under Genk, Inter Mn, or the Schuster era at Real Madrid, Wang Feng had a unique tactical position, being very flexible and versatile on the field.
However, the Spanish coach was too fixated on tactics themselves, almostpletely restricting Wang Feng. His flexible movements and sudden shes of insight couldn''t be utilized effectively.
Last season, the Chinese superstar wanted to have a good chat with Benitez, but he simply didn''t understand or listen. Although he admired Wang Feng, he believed that on the field, strategies should be entirely determined by himself.
In the end, Wang Feng felt quite helpless, and for the first time, he harbored dissatisfaction with the head coach. Perhaps Benitez was very capable, but he wasn''t suitable for himself nor for Real Madrid at this time.
On September 18th, in the third round of La Liga, the Gcticos challenged Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium.
Due to Iguan''s minor injury sustained in the Ajax match, Benitez chose to let 18-year-old talent Morata rece him.
This Spanish forward was discovered two years ago from the He?rcules youth team and had since represented Real Madrid youth teams and the C team, performing very well.
So this summer, Benitez appointed him to apany the team to China for training and gave him a chance to y in the friendly matches. Being able to rece Iguan in the starting lineup proved that the head coach had high hopes for him.
Real Sociedad had experienced three turbulent years in the Segunda Divisin before finally returning to the top flight. However, due to ack of attacking power, although they won the Segunda Divisin championshipst season, they only scored 53 goals in 42 matches.
In the summer, they meticulously brought back experienced strikers Tmudo and Loren, who had been in La Liga for many years, in order to improve their attacking capabilities within their limited budget. However, their efforts couldn''t crack the Gcticos'' defense.
"The attack by Real Sociedad, Sutil passes to Mutuo, he tries to push forward forcefully, oh, it doesn''t work, the ball is intercepted by Pepe."
"This method of relying on speed breakthroughs really doesn''t suit a 33-year-old veteran. Real Madrid''s counterattack, Pepe passes to Di Mara, the Argentine dribbles through the midfield, passes to Wang Feng!"
"He''s speeding up, a beautifulbination of man and ball! The Chinese superstar catches up from being two steps behind in defense and enters the penalty area! He shoots! Goal!"
"In the 27th minute, the Gcticos broke the deadlock on the field. Real Madrid''s number 10, Wang Feng, scored with his outstanding performance, showing Real Sociedad what speed attack means."
"To be honest, it''s surprising that the home team managed to hold out until now without conceding. Real Madrid''s performance in this match is not exciting enough. The situation was evenly matched at one point, and if it weren''t for Real Sociedad''s attacking issues, perhaps they could have scored first."
After breaking the deadlock, the Gcticos'' spirits noticeably rose, and the yers became more active in their running and fighting. The situation on the field gradually tilted towards the visiting team.
Seven minutester, Wang Fengunched a powerful long-range shot from outside the penalty area, forcing Real Sociedad goalkeeper Bravo to fully extend his body, miraculously blocking the ball with his left foot and sending it out for a corner.
Real Madrid then had a corner kick opportunity, which Sneijder lofted into the goal. The Chinese superstar seized the opportunity, rising up to head the ball against the 6''2" Spanish defender Ansotegi, and the ball went into the.
This time, Bravo couldn''t create another miracle, and the ball brushed past him and into the goal.
"Wang! He scored his second goal of the match, a splendid header! It''s like he''s flying in the air, he''s half a body taller than Ansotegi!"
"After breaking the deadlock, Real Madrid''s y became smoother. It seems that the match is unfolding as many predicted before. It''s no problem for the away team to take all three points."
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly ran to the sidelines to celebrate, with Sneijder following and tackling him: "Wow, you''re taking off!"
Morata, Di Mara, and others also rushed over to celebrate, and even the Real Sociedad fans in the stands had to admit that this goal was very eye-catching. A yer nearly two meters tall was easily suppressed like this. Why doesn''t the Chinese superstar join the high jumppetition?
With a two-goal lead, Real Madrid predictably slowed down their pace. They didn''t have any grudges with Real Sociedad, on the contrary, they were quite friendly. They all bore the name of Real Madrid, so they were naturally on the same side.
Moreover, historically, many Real Madrid youth yers had been loaned to Real Sociedad for training and improvement, so the rtionship became even closer.
Although La Liga didn''t have the clear factions like Serie A, both Real Madrid and Barcelona still had their own tendency teams. In the Gcticos'' camp, there were He?rcules, Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Maga, Real Vadolid, Granada, and Celta Vigo, among others.
In the Barcelona camp, there were Sevi, Valencia, Levante, Virreal, Atle?tico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, Getafe, and Santander, among others.
It wasn''t until the 87th minute that the Gcticos scored their third goal, assisted by Sneijder and scored by Di Mara, ultimately winning 3-0 against Real Sociedad.
It wasn''t surprising that Real Madrid won, but it was shocking that Barcelona encountered a draw against a mid-table team like Zaragoza.
Kak was substituted due to injury in the 53rd minute, which to some extent affected the team''s overall morale.
But after the match, there was a bombshell news from within Barcelona: the Brazilian had actually concealed his injury from the club and forcibly participated in the World Cup in South Africa!
This incident angered all the top management, and some even threatened to ban him and hold him ountable for breach of contract.
Soon, there were rumors that Kak''s groin injury had not healed all along, and his left knee had also developed problems. He concealed this from the club and yed in the World Cup without informing the team doctor.
Even if the facts were like this, it was enough to infuriate Barcelona. Knowing that the Brazilian forward was already injured, they still silently continued to send him out to y. After the World Cup, he didn''t even contact the club doctor for treatment. How could there be such behavior?
Anyway, Kak''s days at Barcelona in the future might not be easy. Not only would he need to undergo major knee surgery, but he might also lose the trust of the club.
Chapter 503: Continue !
Chapter 503: Continue !
Wang Feng approached the penalty area with the ball, attracting arge amount of defensive pressure. At this moment, beside him was the Spanish number 16 central defender, Havi Lpez, with number 15 defender, Mattioni, in front of him, and number 22 central defender, Dushell, behind him.
ncing at his teammates, their positions weren''t favorable. Passing wouldn''t pose a significant threat, so the Chinese superstar lifted his right foot and lightly flicked the ball with the outside of his foot, pretending to move towards the sideline.
Naturally, Mattioni wouldn''t let him off easily. He shifted his weight to the left, taking a step to the left side, swiftly moving his body, like a gate blocking the breakthrough path.
But Wang Feng just feinted, indeed flicking the ball to the right, but then, with the outside of his foot, he swept the ball from the inside to the outside along the bottom, hooking the ball in the opposite direction, while shifting his body weight in the opposite direction.
The ball pierced through Mattioni''s legs like a sharp sword, threading the needle!
Before the other two defending yers could react, the Chinese superstar had already quickly broken through into the penalty area. At this moment, nearly eighty thousand fans in the Bernabu Stadium stands cheered in unison, eagerly anticipating Wang Feng''s skillful goal-scoring performance.
"So agile and nimble! Poor Mattioni hasn''t even reacted yet, and Wang has already passed him with the ball. The Spanish defense is in jeopardy. Let''s see how he handles the attack."
Facing the oing goalkeeper, Wang Feng decisively chose to chip the ball with the tip of his foot. The ball sailed over the hands of the diving goalkeeper, Casemiro, and then dipped into the far corner of the goal, grazing the left post as it entered the.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! It''s in! Wang Feng helps Real Madrid further extend the lead!"
Thunderous apuse echoed throughout the entire stadium, and the scoreboard disyed a change from 1-0 to 2-0, with the home team leading by two goals.
"That goal was simply beautiful! From the swift nutmeg move to the final chipped shot, it flowed smoothly and delicately like running water. Every move by the Chinese superstar was just right, as if it were a demonstration."
"When facing heavy defensive pressure, Wang Feng always manages to find clever ways to handle the ball within limited space, and the results often favor him."
The fourth round of La Liga saw Real Madrid hosting Espanyol, and the oue was never in doubt. Despite steady improvement under Pochettino''s management, Espanyol had consistently finished between 10th and 12th in the league for four consecutive years.
Just five minutes into the game, Wang Feng assisted the returning Iguain with a diagonal pass from the front forty-five-degree angle to open the scoring. Now, he scored the second goal himself, which meant there would be hardly any unexpected events.
The Espanyol yers were also helpless in this regard. None of them wanted to face genius yers like Messi or Wang Feng, who were already very difficult to contain by themselves, and asionally unleashed some unstoppable attacks, easily rendering all defensive efforts futile.
With a two-goal lead, Real Madrid, as usual, slowed down their attack, focusing on controlling the yers and the pace of the game. Wang Feng was substituted in the 65th minute, having fulfilled his mission.
Subsequently, Robben scored the third goal to secure victory for the team. The only downside was that in the final moments, Espanyol managed to pull one back through a quick counterattack by forward Callejn, ending the match at 3-1.
The Gcticos secured their fourth consecutive league victory, extending their winning streak in the new season to eight games.
Compared to Real Madrid''s rather tepid victory over Espanyol, Barcelona''s 8-0 thrashing of Osasuna at the Camp Nou shocked the entire Spanish football scene. The resilient Pamplona team waspletely dismantled.
Messi scored a hat-trick, Vited twice, Xavi added one, Fabregas scored a spectacr volley, and an own goal by an Osasuna defender contributed to this exaggerated scoreline.
"The unstoppable Barcelona!" The World Sports Report wrote, stating that despite Kak''s absence due to injury, the team''s overall strength had not declined but rather significantly improved due to finding the bestbination.
"Although Real Madrid has been winning, they have lost their dominance in recent years. They could only manage a narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna, while we won 8-0, showing strength from the inside out."
They also believed that this year would surely be the key year for Barcelona''s rise, and they looked forward to the arrival of the century derby, delivering a disaster to the Gcticos!
In response, the Real Madrid media naturally sneered at this. Marca even mocked, saying that every year Barcelona ims to be the dynasty team, the universal team, and always vows to defeat Real Madrid. However, they always sneakily get eliminated from the Champions League and only manage to secure second ce in the league, watching enviously as the Gcticos clinch the double.
"This year is no exception. Real Madrid will definitely step on Barcelona to revive the glory of the past!"
On September 25th, in the fifth round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Levante away. This club had almost disappeared from the Spanish football scene two seasons ago due to financial crisis.
After receiving new funding injectionsst season, they managed to promote to La Liga with a third-ce finish in the Segunda Division. Undoubtedly, the team''s goal was to avoid relegation.
For Real Madrid, in order to preserve energy for the midweek Champions League, head coach Benitez rotated some of the main yers, but one person wouldn''t rest, and that was Wang Feng!
In the 27th minute of the match, the Chinese superstar broke through the defense from the nk, cut inside into the penalty area, shifted his angle, and curled a shot with his left foot from outside the penalty area. The ball flew past the goalkeeper''s outstretched hand, then curved downwards from the crossbar, and into the goal, 1-0! Real Madrid took the lead!
Before halftime, Gago assisted Hctor in scoring the second goal.
In the 69th minute, facing away from the goal, Wang Feng received a long pass from Gago, immediately yed it back to Granero, then turned forward. The Spanish defender also understood and sent a straight pass through the Levante defense.
After receiving the ball inside the penalty area and forming a one-on-one situation, the Chinese superstar took a sidestep to evade the charging goalkeeper, then pushed the ball into the empty, 3-0!
This scoreline remained until the end of the match.
On September 28th, in the second round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid traveled to face French powerhouse Auxerre at the Stade Abb-Deschamps.
Auxerre had a poption of only 40,000, making it the smallest city among the major football clubs in Europe, but they had won the French Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Wang Feng, fighting here, felt the enthusiasm of the home team''s fans and the team''s passion. Perhaps they didn''t have big-name stars, but their overall performance was very united.
Real Madrid won a tough match 2-1, with Di Mara opening the scoring for the away team, but Auxerre equalized before halftime.
It wasn''t until the 79th minute when Wang Feng received a lob pass from Sneijder, turned his body in the air, and volleyed from inside the penalty area, scoring a crucial goal to secure three points for the Gcticos.
On October 3rd, in the sixth round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Deportivo La Coru?a at home. This team was like the Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, achieving great sess from thete 20th century to the early 21st century, but now they werepletely silent.
The club didn''t have financial problems, but they also didn''t have enough funds to build a teamparable to the super Depor of the past, so glory was destined to leave them.
Ultimately, the Gcticos easily defeated their opponents 3-0, continuing their winning streak, with Wang Feng contributing a goal and an assist.
Chapter 504: No warmth
Chapter 504: No warmth
After six rounds of matches, La Liga ushered in the two-week international break in October, with the league temporarily paused. The media and fans focused their attention on the early performances of various teams.
Real Madrid led the standings with a perfect record of 18 points, followed by Barcelona with 16 points from 5 wins and 1 draw. They were the only two unbeaten teams in La Liga. Valencia ranked third with 11 points from 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
History always repeats itself. It seems that no other team can participate in the race for the La Liga title alongside the two giants this season.
In terms of the top scorer list, Wang Feng led with 9 goals, followed by Messi with 6 goals, and Sevi striker Negredo in third ce with 4 goals.
Although the Chinese superstar remained strong in goal scoring, his numbers had declinedpared to the first three seasons before joining Real Madrid. This was due to the disadvantage of not being in sync with head coach Benitez''s tactics.
Many times, he couldn''t move freely to seize opportunities and was easily targeted by opposing defenses. Fortunately, Wang Feng''s technical ability was good, often allowing him to break through defenses.
However, scoring goals was evidently not as easy as before. Therefore, his league goal tallyst season dropped to 43, falling below 50 for the first time.
But most people couldn''t discern the difference. They thought it was normal for Wang Feng''s scoring ability to slightly decline, as it would be terrifying if he maintained over 50 goals every season.
As for whether Real Madrid or Barcelona had the best chance of winning the league title, the media had differing opinions and couldn''t reach a consensus. However, based on past experience, regardless of who led the process, the oneughing in the end would be the Gcticos.
However, the Catn team always seemed capable of overturning opponents at thest moment. So, who could say this year wouldn''t be different?
The Daily Sports News stated thatst season, Barcelona''s league performance was an unexpected failure. After being eliminated from the Champions League, the yers'' morale fluctuated greatly, leading to losses in two crucial matches. Otherwise, they could have ended Real Madrid''s winning streak.
"When Wang Feng couldn''t replicate his magical hundred-goal season, Barcelona''s front three became even stronger."
External opinions didn''t affect Wang Feng. He only knew that the game needed to be yed one match at a time, and whether he could win trophies depended on the umtion during the process.
During the holiday period with no matches scheduled, he took his wife and children to the Alhambra Pce, an hour''s drive from Madrid.
The pce stood on the banks of the Tagus and Jamara rivers, was built in the 16th century, and served as a summer retreat for the Habsburg dynasty. It had a beautifulrge garden where his daughter could y to her heart''s content.
When his daughter got tired, Wang Feng would gently hold her and yfully entertain her, asionally turning back to tell Lu yao about European history. Despite not attending university, he often found time to read and enrich himself, especially in various aspects of Eastern and Western history, which greatly interested him.
As the holiday approached its end, the Chinese superstar received some unfavorable news: Robben was injured again! This time, it was his left knee and he would be sidelined for at least three months.
Seeing the worried "Little Flying Dutchman" in the hospital, Wang Fengforted him, "At least you got injured after ying seven World Cup matches. Kaka suffered much worse. After ying only four matches due to being forced onto the field during the World Cup, he couldn''t save the team. Now, he''s injured again for five months and even Barcelona is ignoring him. Thest time I called him, he was about to cry."
Robben forced a smile, "I''ll be fine, but renewing my contract is definitely off the table." Wang Feng didn''t have a solution for this. He really hoped the Dutchman would stay, even more so than Sneijder. Because Robben loved football more purely, without so many off-field issues. He remembered when he first arrived at Real Madrid, in order to integrate into the team quickly, Robben even enrolled in Spanish sses. It could be said that he was very dedicated.
However, Real Madrid was like this, never sentimental. When a yer was no longer valuable, they could only part ways. Perhaps this season would be thest season for both of them.
On October 16th, La Liga reignited, and in the seventh round, the Gcticos faced Mga away. This was a club that wasn''t shy but always managed to hold its ground.
Since rising to the first division and finishing eighth in the season, Mga had been hovering on the brink of relegation but always managed to survive in the end.
This summer, they poached coach Ferreira from Porto. He outlined a gradual team-building n, first ensuring the team''s first division status, then steadily improving, and finally aiming for European qualification. Therefore, their goal this season remained to avoid relegation, with not much overall investment.
On Real Madrid''s side, Benitez rested the national team yers who had been traveling, and Robben''s injury indeed left the wing positions short-staffed. But if necessary, Di Maria could still step up.
The game started with both sides ying tepidly, and the deadlock persisted until the 77th minute of the second half when Wang Feng broke the deadlock with a long shot. Afterwards, the Gcticos seemed to wake up and yed more smoothly.
Four minutester, Leon passed diagonally to the right rib of the penalty area, and the Chinese superstar received the ball, dribbled forcefully to the byline, and crossed. Morata, at the 8-meter mark in front of the goal, headed the ball into the, 2-0!
This was the first goal scored by the 18-year-old Spanish youth team yer for the first team! Therefore, he kept thanking Wang Feng for passing the ball to him, and the pass was so good. "No, this is your own merit. You were able to get to the spot and head the ball perfectly. You are really talented, and I have high hopes for you."
Morata''s face turned red with excitement. He received recognition from his idol! It was not an exaggeration to say that he grew up watching Wang Feng y. Since he was very young, he had hoped to y football with the greatest yer, which was why he chose to transfer from Getafe topete at Real Madrid.
With these two goals, the Gcticos took all three points away from home, extending their winning streak this season to 12 matches.
Next, they would return to the Bernabeu Stadium to face the challenge of AC Mn. Regarding this, head coach Benitez was very cautious in an interview, saying, "Based onst year''s experience, this will be a very difficult match."
"Whether it''s the experienced defenders like Nesta and Thiago Silva at the back or midfielders like Gattuso and Seedorf, they are all world-ss yers with rich experience and excellent skills. Moreover, with the addition of Ibrahimovic as a forward this season, they have be even stronger."
"However, ying at home, we will strive for victory with all our strength. If our goal is to top the group, AC Mn is a team we must surpass. It''s better to grasp the advantage of ying at home than to struggle away."
When interviewed, Wang Feng stated that this AC Mn had undergone significant changespared to several years ago when they faced each other many times. Many people had left, but some were still holding on.
"Their pursuit of victory hasn''t changed, whether it''s in the league or the Champions League, it''s evident. I''m really looking forward to facing them again."
Chapter 505: Seedorf鈥檚 Awe
Chapter 505: Seedorf''s Awe
rence Seedorf stood in the center of AC Mn''s lineup, with a serious expression as he looked at Wang Feng in the center circle, involuntarily recalling scenes from years past.
The first encounter with the Chinese superstar was in the 01-02 season when he himself was still wearing the blue and ck jersey, a marginal figure in the Inter Mn team.
However, the 18-year-old Wang Feng quickly stabilized his position as a key yer, bing one of the team''s core members, helping them win both the Serie A and Champions League titles that year. In contrast, Seedorf was already 25 years old at the time, which was quite embarrassing to think about.
The youthful yet powerful figure brought him a lot of shock. After the season ended, the Dutchman was exchanged with AC Mn''s Co and went to the blue and ck army''s cross-town rivals, the red and ck army.
Finally, he managed to establish himself as an indispensable part of the team, with his performance improving year by year. However, AC Mn always found itself suppressed by Inter Mn due to Wang Feng''s influence, and Seedorf believed that all the yers who came from that era would feel this sense of powerlessness.
Then came the "Calciopoli" scandal, with Wang Feng leaving Inter Mn, Juventus being relegated, and AC Mn suffering heavy losses. But like Kaka and other veterans, Seedorf chose to stay. He liked the atmosphere of the club and was grateful for the many opportunities and patience it had given him.
The two sides had no intersection untilst year''s Champions League group stage. Although they won one game and lost one against Real Madrid in the two rounds of matches, the Dutchman could keenly feel the immense power contained within the Chinese superstar.
It was a kind of power far beyond that of the past, and Seedorf even felt that facing Wang Feng was like facing a bottomless sea, calm at times but capable of erupting like towering waves.
This was not an illusion! Just look at this year''s World Cup. Each European and South American powerhouse was swept away under the monstrous waves. It could be said that this was theplete manifestation of Wang Feng''s power.
So, regardless of how the game unfolded and the final oue, these veterans would always maintain the greatest vignce and respect for the Chinese superstar.
The referee''s whistle interrupted Seedorf''s thoughts, and the game officially began. Real Madrid''s first attack came as they pushed into the penalty area from the left side. Sneijder failed to break through and suddenly switched y to the right side, where Wang Feng lifted the ball and dribbled past Van Bommel.
Then he immediately carried the ball forward, encountering Nesta at the edge of the penalty area. The Italian lowered his center of gravity and prepared to defend with all his might, knowing full well how dangerous Wang Feng was. Once the Chinese superstar got inside, it would be trouble!
Seeing Wang Feng cut inside with his left foot, Nesta immediately stretched out his foot to intercept, but the Chinese superstar''s toe turned the ball half a circle and hooked it to the right side. Nesta fell for it!
With his positionpromised, Nesta could only forcibly twist his body to keep pace with Wang Feng. But the Chinese superstar opened his left arm to create space, while using his right foot to fiercely shoot.
"Bang!" The ball flew like a cannonball straight into the far corner of the goal, hitting the on the left side, and Abbiati''s save was a bit slow. 1-0! The Gcticos took the lead!
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!" The stadium DJ shouted passionately, but his voice couldn''t cover up the equally crazy cheers of the fans celebrating.
Wang Feng quickly ran towards the sidelines, waving his right arm as he ran. Behind him were Nesta, who was holding his face with both hands and kneeling on the ground, Abbiati, who was helping him up, and the helpless Seedorf, forming a vivid contrast between cold and hot scenes, also indicating the contrasting emotions of the yers.
Nesta''s defense was wless. In fact, if he hadn''t gone for the feint, the situation would have been equally dangerous when Wang Feng cut inside. At that time, the Chinese superstar would have elerated, lifted his right arm to create space, and then shot with his left foot.
Using both feet was simply terrifying, so many people said that facing Wang Feng one-on-one in the penalty area was like serving him a meal. This goal was already determined when the y was switched to the wide area.
After conceding the first goal, AC Mn promptly adjusted their strategy. They no longer focused on stifling Real Madrid''s attacks but instead concentrated on limiting and marking Wang Feng.
The effect was immediate. Under head coach Benitez''s tactical system, Wang Feng''s area of ??activity was very fixed. When he was heavily targeted, it required more effort to pose a threat.
Although it seemed that Real Madrid''s attacks were more frequent and they had more shots, the absence of Wang Feng''s involvement and a lower sess rate in key moments gave the Rossoneri some breathing room.
Before the end of the first half, both sides failed to create any significant chances. In the second half, in the 49th minute, AC Mnunched a quick counterattack. Robinho broke into the frontcourt and forced a cross from the bottom.
The ball flew through the penalty area quickly, Ramos missed the header at the near post, and Ibrahimovic, at the far post, slid to clear the ball. However, the ball was a bit high, so he lifted his right leg and forcefully swept downward. The heel of his foot struck the ball, mming it into the ground and bouncing it into the Real Madrid goal. 1-1! AC Mn equalized!
At a critical moment, they still had to rely on Wang Feng!
In the 79th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the right side, faced with defensive pressure, made a quick stop, elerated past the defenders towards the byline, and then made a back pass to Di Maria, while he himself charged into the penalty area.
Di Maria understood instantly and made a short pass. The two of them executed a wall pass sessfully to break through the outnumbered situation in the penalty area. Faced with Thiago Silvaing straight at him, the Chinese superstar quickly stepped on the ball to turn around, performing a Marseille turn!
He went from having his right side facing the goal to having his left side facing it, giving Thiago Silva no time to react. Wang Feng lifted his right foot and shot, the ball flying straight into the bottom right corner of the goal, grazing the fingertips of goalkeeper Abbiati and entering the. 2-1!
This score held until the end of the game. Real Madrid defeated AC Mn, securing their third consecutive victory in the Champions League, and qualification for the knockout stages was within reach.
Although the game ended in victory, the Chinese superstar still felt a sense of helplessness. The overall advantage of the Gcticos was quite obvious throughout the match, with a possession rate of 60% and a remarkable 24 shots, but only two goals were scored.
Ultimately, it was because of his low number of shots, only five. If he could create more opportunities, perhaps the goal tally would be more than just two.
As he pondered this, Seedorf took the initiative to approach him and start a conversation. The Dutchman was already thirty-four years old this year and was likely to retire soon. Wang Feng''s old friends and opponents were gradually fading out of the football world.
Chapter 506: Group qualifying
Chapter 506: Group qualifying
Next, Real Madrid continued their journey of matches. On October 23rd, in the 8th round of La Liga, they weed Santander Athletic at home. The development of this team always goes against the expectations of the fans. When they don''t have hope, the club always surprises, but when they are full of expectations, they are ruthlessly pped in the face.
Just like now, after a difficult season avoiding relegation, everyone hoped that they wouldn''t look so bad when facing the Gcticos, but unexpectedly, the away team took the lead first.
It wasn''t until the end of the game that Real Madrid equalized the score through Wang Feng, 1-1, ending the Gcticos'' winning streak at 13 games.
Benitez didn''t think this was a bad thing. ying two games a week already made the yers exhausted, and winning streaks added another burden. Now, they could rx and let go of the pressure.
Three dayster, the Spanish King''s Cup ignited the battle. Real Madrid challenged Murcia away, still having a significant advantage even with a semi-regr lineup, ultimately winning 2-0.
Wang Feng scored a goal in the 37th minute and was able to sit on the bench for the entire second half, watching the game. It''s worth mentioning that the young yer Morata scored the second goal, showing significant improvement.
On October 30th, in the 9th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Elche away. This club, also known as Hercules Football Club, has only sporadically participated in La Liga since its establishment in 1922, with its best result being fifth ce.
As a small club from Alicante, they couldn''t provide enough funds for personnel reinforcements, so they were considered the top favorite for relegation at the beginning of the season.
Real Madrid took the lead shortly after the start of the game. In the 6th minute, Di Maria sent a clever pass from the front court, and Wang Feng shot forcefully from the edge of the penalty area, scoring a goal.
Just six minutester, the Gcticos lost the ball in the frontcourt, and Sneijder immediately won it back. He then passed it to Di Maria on the wing, who took advantage of Elche''s unstable defense to make a precise pass.
Wang Feng sessfully avoided the offside trap and faced the oing goalkeeper, shooting with his right foot, making it 2-0!
In the 27th minute, Real Madrid found a loophole in the opponent''s defense through continuous passing among the frontcourt yers. Wang Feng, after receiving the ball, elerated past the defense and made a low cross from the bottom, allowing Higuain to shoot from 8 meters in front of the goal, making it 3-0!
Their attack didn''t stop there. In the 39th minute, Di Maria and Wang Feng formed a wall pass on the right, with thetter cutting inside the penalty area and passing it back in a triangle. Higuain took another shot, but unfortunately hit the post. Pepe, quick to react, headed in the rebound from close range, piercing the home team''s defense again, making it 4-0!
The fast-paced attack and exhrating goalspletely overwhelmed the Gcticos'' yers. In the second half, in the 48th minute, Wang Feng took a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, the ball flying like a meteor into the top corner.
5-0! Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick!
In the 64th and 79th minutes, Granero and Diarra respectively assisted Marcelo and Ramos to score a goal, ultimately securing a 7-0 victory!
Before Barcelona''s 8-0 thrashing of Osasuna, now Real Madrid''s 7-0 victory over Elche, major Spanish media outlets couldn''t help but marvel. It''s not that other teams aren''t trying, but the Spanish giants are just too dominant.
In the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid visited Mn to challenge the Rossoneri. As they passed through Wang Feng Avenue outside the San Siro Stadium on the team bus, there were still many Chinese superstar fans expressing their love and support.
Sneijder looked out the window with envy. Di Maria was curious and asked, "Is this road named Wang Feng Avenue after you, captain?"
He only made his debut in 2005 and went from Argentina to Benfica in Portugal in 2007. Although he knew about Wang Feng''s achievements and reputation, he wasn''t clear about many specific details, hence the question.
"Of course, this was specially built by Inter Mn tomemorate Wang''s outstanding contributions to the club. At the end of the road, there will be a life-size bronze statue of him."
Di Maria couldn''t help but be amazed. "How outstanding do you have to be to receive such treatment?"
Wang Feng jokingly replied, "It''s just being the top scorer in the club''s history. They are exaggerating too much, let''s keep it low-key."
Once on the field, Di Maria once again felt the love of Mn for the Chinese superstar. In addition to the normal fans of both teams, a considerable number of people came specifically for Wang Feng.
They could never forget the glory of those times that shook the whole city, which belonged to all Mnese.
As for the match, when the time came to the 37th minute, Di Maria and Wang Feng formed abination on the right, forcing Abbiati to choose to tackle the Chinese superstar to prevent him from breaking through further.
"Real Madrid got a set-piece on the right side of the frontcourt, it''s difficult to directly threaten the goal from this angle, they should y it short."
"Oh, I guessed it right. We can see Sneijder stepping up to take the free kick, while Wang Feng enters the penalty area waiting for an opportunity."
"The ball is lifted into the penalty area, AC Mn goalkeeper Abbiati punches it out with one fist, but it didn''t go far, dangerous! Headed shot!"
"Goooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! A beautiful header, from the Chinese superstar Wang Feng, and he opens the scoring for the Gcticos again."
"Abbiati''s handling of the ball was a bit too far, after Sneijder sent it into the penalty area, thending point was too close to the goalkeeper, he could have easily sent the ball out for a corner."
"Perhaps he originally intended to catch the ball, but his jumping height was not enough, so he changed his mind to punch it, but the ball wasn''t sent far. Wang Feng urately judged thending point, elerated his jump, and headed it in."
"The score on the field is now 0-1, Real Madrid temporarily takes the lead, which is extremely disadvantageous for AC Mn, as they lost to the opponents at the Bernabeu in thest round and have only one win and one draw so far."
Subsequent games saw attacks and defenses from both sides, but neither managed to score a second goal, and ultimately the Gcticos won by a single goal.
After four rounds, Real Madrid ranked first in the group with 12 points from 4 wins. Ajax, with 5 points from 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss, ranked second, while AC Mn, with 4 points from 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, ranked third, and Osservatore, with 1 point from 1 draw and 3 losses, rankedst.
With only two rounds left in the group stage, the Gcticos secured their top spot in advance, while AC Mn needed to fight Ajax for second ce, and Osservatore had almost no chance of aeback.
Two other clubs also secured their ces in the group with perfect records: Barcelona and Manchester United. Barcelona, with Messi and Vi''sbination, was unstoppable.
The Red Devils were exceptionally strong, being the top-scoring team so far, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring 5 goals, second only to Wang Feng''s 6 on the Champions League goal-scoring chart.
Benzema no longer made blunders but instead served as a stable point in the penalty area, allowing the Portuguese star to output steadily. Rooney also had some brilliant performances, and the CBLbination showed formidable strength.
For this, Cristiano Ronaldo has repeatedly praised his two teammates in public, and vowed that this year Manchester United''s goal is to win the Champions League. They have been waiting for this award for too long!
Chapter 507: Exploding contradiction
Chapter 507: Exploding contradiction
Back to the league, on November 7th, in the 10th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Atletico Madrid at home.
Although many yers were not in form due to the team ying two matches a week, there was still a considerable gap between the two sides. It should have been easy for the Gcticos to defeat their opponents, but unexpectedly, a huge upset urred.
Fran and Aguero scored a goal each for Atletico, while Real Madrid only managed to pull one back in the 86th minute with Wang Feng assisting Granero. The final score was 1-2, with the home team losing the game, breaking their unbeaten record for the season.
In the dressing room after the match, head coach Benitez harshly criticized the yers for their performance on the field. Wang Feng remained silent with his head covered by his clothes; he didn''t know what else to say.
With the team trailing behind, the Chinese superstar tried several times to expand his range of activity and seek opportunities, but each time he was stopped by Benitez on the sidelines. At the same time, the coach never adjusted the positioning of the yers to create more space for Wang Feng.
However, the reality was that the right nk where he operated was firmly held by Atletico, making it difficult tounch threatening attacks. No matter how the personnel or formation was adjusted, it didn''t work well. Only when the Chinese superstar roamed freely did they have a chance.
But this contradicted Benitez''s principles; he preferred to win through tactical deployment rather than relying entirely on star yers. Absolute rationality led to this failure. When the lineup reached its limit, the stars should be the variable.
Three dayster, in the second leg of the fourth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid hosted Murcia at home, ying with apletely substitute lineup. They eventually won 1-0, with the winning goal scored by the Spanish youngster Canales.
With a total score of 3-0 over two legs, the Gcticos eliminated their opponents and advanced to the next round.
On November 14th, in the 11th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced a tough challenge away against Gijon. This team had unexpectedly performed wellst season, and this match was equally tough. Despite falling behind twice, they managed to equalize the score twice, ending in a 2-2 draw with the Gcticos.
Wang Feng contributed both goals, but ultimately couldn''t help the team secure three points. With only one point from two rounds, they were overtaken by Barcelona and dropped to second ce in the league.
On November 20th, in the 12th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Athletic Bilbao at home. This match was also very difficult, with Wang Feng assisting Higuain to open the scoring with a nk breakthrough.
However, Athletic Bilbao quickly equalized with a goal from forward Inaki, and the two sides remained deadlocked until the 88th minute. Wang Feng forcefully broke through after receiving the ball, then performed a Cruyff turn to evade the defense and cut into the penalty area.
Facing the oing goalkeeper, he lifted his left foot and shot, the ball passing through the goalkeeper''s legs and into the behind him, making it 2-1! Real Madrid scored a crucialte goal and secured three vital points, preventing the gap from widening further with Barcelona.
After the match, Wang Feng declined interviews and press conferences. Next, they would face the derby of the century, a key battle that would determine the sess or failure of the Gcticos in the league. But how could they win under the current circumstances?
Before the derby, they had one more Champions League group stage match, the fifth round away against Ajax. The Gcticos, having already advanced, naturally rested their main yers.
The home team broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, and Wang Feng came on as a substitute to maintain his form in the 65th minute. He scored a goal in the 79th minute, securing a 1-1 draw.
After the match, everyone flew overnight from Amsterdam to Barcelona, preparing for the heavyweight sh three dayster.
Wang Feng had never felt so depressed. The mocking and insults from the Camp Nou fans echoed in his ears. Did they forget who made them bow their heads in silence in the past years?
And now, the struggling Real Madrid allowed these people to be arrogant again. The scoreboard on one side of the stands showed the scores of both teams, 3-0, with the home team leading and the away team trailing, and the time had already reached 75 minutes.
No one had expected the game to be so one-sided. Except for the Chinese superstar, Guardi had indeed thoroughly studied Benitez and found his weakness.
From the beginning of the match, Real Madrid''s key attacking right nk was heavily restricted. For this reason, Barcelona even gave up attacking on the right to avoid being countered by the opponents. At the same time, the connection between the midfield and the frontcourt of the Gcticos was also controlled by the home team.
When defensive counterattacks only had defense but no counterattack, they would be a living target for opponents to ravage. Messi, Vi, and Iniesta sessively sted through Casis''s goal, expanding the score to 3-0.
Facing the dilemma, Benitez did take action. He made significant adjustments to the lineup, even moving Wang Feng from the right to the left, but the result remained the same. Barcelona could easily shift their defensive focus and set up new restrictions.
After ying for so long without breaking through, the Chinese superstar decided to use his own way to break through the deadlock.
In the 81st minute, he suddenly retreated to the right side of the midfield to receive the ball, then quickly yed a wall pass with Sneijder, and rushed forward along the right nk.
This move caught both sets of yers off guard. Barcelona, of course, and the unprepared Mascherano and Busquets hurried forward to intercept, but Wang Feng quickly dribbled past them with a skillful feint.
In an instant, he arrived at the edge of the penalty area. At this moment, his teammate Di Maria was also a little panicked. From his current position, he could not only fail to support Wang Feng but also block his attacking route.
Get out of the way! But what to do when the space is too small? Before the Argentine coulde up with a solution, the Chinese superstar had already dribbled past him, even if it was a teammate, he could still get past them.
We saw him suddenly change direction while moving at high speed, threading the needle between Di Maria and Puyol, sessfully piercing through Barcelona''s defense and entering the penalty area!
Without waiting for Pique toe over from the side to defend, Wang Feng immediately shot, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper''s reach and into the far corner of the goal, 3-1! Real Madrid pulled one back!
Five minutester, the Chinese superstar organized another attack. This time, he returned to the left nk to receive the ball, feigned going to the baseline but suddenly cut inside. Iguan understood his intention immediately and ran to the side to form a cross-position.
The two yers had a good understanding, passing the ball back and forth between them, sessfully breaking through Barcelona''s defense. Inside the penalty area, Wang Feng took a left-footed shot and pulled one back again, making it 3-2!
The final minutes of the game left the Camp Nou fans on the edge of their seats. Real Madrid almost equalized, but unfortunately, there wasn''t enough time left. As Wang Feng''s shot sailed over the crossbar, the referee finally blew the final whistle.
Barcelona won the ultimate victory! This was the most dominant performance by the home team in the derby in recent years. The home fans were all smiles, believing that Barcelona would definitely win the league championship this season, reiming the long-lost title!
As Wang Feng walked off the field, he took the bottle of water prepared by the assistant coach, ignoring Benitez, and headed straight for the yer tunnel.
The Barcelona fans on either side of the tunnel were celebrating wildly, mocking the Chinese superstar. This only fueled his growing anger. Once inside the tunnel, he couldn''t help but smash the water bottle hard against the wall.
This scene happened to be spotted by reporters, who continuously took photos, as if they had discovered a big news story. The usually calm Chinese superstar had rare outbursts!
When the head coach returned to the dressing room, Wang Feng finally couldn''t help but step forward to argue with him: "You should trust me more. Thest two goals clearly demonstrate this."
"I need more freedom and space, not being restricted to one ce and waiting for opportunities in vain!"
Benitez retorted, "I need the entire team''s tactics to work together, not letting you run around aimlessly in the frontcourt, I never believe in such probability events."
"But your tactics couldn''t unfold against Barcelona! Isn''t it good to seek some changes at this time?"
"That''s something I should consider. Wang, remember, I''m the head coach. On the field, you need to listen to me!"
Neither side could convince the other. After a big argument, they could only leave on bad terms.
Chapter 508: Real knowledge comes from practice
Chapter 508: Real knowledgees from practice
Barcelona 3:2 Real Madrid, Locking in the League Championship Ahead of Time?
After the match, Wang Feng was rarely seen in a state of impatience and anger, smashing mineral water bottles!
A quarrel erupted in the Real Madrid locker room, with the generals'' discord likely bing a settled matter, and the four-time champions'' dynasty copsing with a bang!
Immediately after the end of the derby of the century, the overwhelming news swept across Europe. This is the first time since Wang Feng joined that Real Madrid has lost to Barcelona in the league, and the result holds significant meaning.
The most obvious oue is the further widening of the gap on the points table between the two sides. In the past, the Gcticos relied on the century derby to close the gap or even overtake, ultimately winning the league championship.
After 13 rounds this year, Real Madrid has 9 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, umting 29 points, while Barcelona has 11 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, umting 34 points. Although the league still has a long way to go, a 5-point difference may seem small, but it''s extremely difficult for the opponent to make consecutive mistakes. It''s very likely that even until the end of the league, there may be no way to narrow the gap between the two sides.
No wonder some media outlets are calling for Barcelona to clinch the title early. The "Abesai Report"mented that it''s still too early to lock in the league championship, but the Catalonia team indeed has taken the initiative.
"The entire game saw Barcelona''sprehensive suppression of Real Madrid''s performance, with a front line led by Messi and Vi, a midfield led by Iniesta and Xavi, and a defense led by Puyol and Piqu, all of world-ss caliber."
"With European Cup champions and World Cup third-ce finishers as the backbone, plus the blessing of Argentine superstar, this Barcelona team should have the strength topete for the league championship."
However, the "Abesai Report" also admitted that Real Madrid has notpletely lost the chance to defend their title. In fact, Wang Feng''s performance in thest 20 minutes of the game made all Catn fans sweat, and if he had erupted earlier, the result might still be uncertain.
The Chinese superstar has repeatedly targeted Barcelona, making all Catn fans tremble with fear, and his performance next will also be a crucial factor in determining the championship.
The "World Sports News" focuses on describing the disputes within the Real Madrid team, even escting into a locker room brawl. Led by Wang Feng, the high-profile team shed with the Benitez coaching staff, using exaggerated words to further incite emotions and disrupt harmony within Real Madrid, thus reducing the pressure on Barcelona''s title contention.
The "Daily Sports News" follows the same pattern, continuously adding fuel to the fire to the few angry photos of Wang Feng after the game, making uninformed masses feel as if the Gcticos are on the verge of copse at first sight.
Naturally, Real Madrid cannot sit idly by. Media outlets such as "Marca" and "As" havee out to defend, iming that differences of opinion and even arguments within the team are normal, but there has never been discord.
At one point, there were rumors flying around, and the world''s attention was focused on the Gcticos, eager to see how they would handle the situation next.
Florentino is very troubled; he leans towards supporting Wang Feng, but he also has to consider the authority of the head coach. After an emergency meeting of the top management, it was unanimously decided to let the twomunicate again, with the club mediating.
So the next day after returning to Madrid, everyone gathered in the conference room. Benitez still looked unweing. Wang Feng took the initiative to speak first: "Mr. Benitez, I have no intention of challenging your authority, and I am willing to ept tactical arrangements. It''s just that the situation on the field is constantly changing. I hope to y more flexibly."
Benitez also expressed his thoughts. The team''s tactical system is determined based on the characteristics of each opponent discussed by the coaching staff, and it will continue to evolve during the game ording to the situation, but he doesn''t like behaviors beyond his control.
The debate then revolved around how to define behaviors beyond control and whether Wang Feng''s autonomous expansion of activity area was beyond the scope of tactics. At this moment, Balzano came out to ease the situation: "From what I see, there''s no personal grudge between you. It''s all for the good of the team''s performance. Why get angry to this extent?"
"In my opinion, we might as well try Wang Feng''s method. After all, we have had sessful experiences in the past few seasons, plus practice makes perfect." Other high-level officials nodded one after another, almost everyone supported Wang Feng, and even some radicals suggested letting Benitez step down.
But Florentino didn''t want to make a big fuss about changing coaches in the middle of the season, so the matter was dropped. After everyone''s persuasion, Benitez finally agreed to give Wang Feng more autonomy and decided to let him y two games first to see the effect.
On December 4th, the 14th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Valencia at home. This was another strong opponent, so reporters from all walks of life flocked to the scene. They wanted to wait for big news, preferably the open confrontation between Wang Feng and Benitez, which would surely be a global sensation.
Reality was destined to disappoint them because there was no abnormality when the Gcticos came out. Wang Feng even shook hands with the head coach and then actively encouraged his teammates.
After the game started, Wang Feng, like a fish in water, ran freely, releasing his recent frustration. This also made Valencia''s coach Emery quite ufortable. The defensive formation he had arranged couldn''t be used anymore. He couldn''t let a few marking yers follow Wang Feng all over the field.
In the 11th minute, the Chinese superstar dribbled to the left, attracted defensive attention, and suddenly passed back. Sneijder made a clever through pass to tear open Valencia''s defense.
Alonso rushed into the penalty area, shot before the opponents reacted, and scored with a single shot, 1-0! The Gcticos took the lead!
Seven minutester, Di Maria broke through on the right and crossed. Higuain''s header was saved by the goalkeeper, but in the center of the penalty area, Wang Feng suddenly rushed out to follow up and scored, 2-0!
Valencia was not without the ability to fight back. In the 31st minute, they pulled one back through striker Aduriz.
After the break, in the 56th minute, Diarra dribbled into the frontcourt and lofted a pass to the edge of the penalty area. The Chinese superstar deftly controlled the ball with his chest and lifted it over the defense behind him.
Immediately, he elerated to catch up and volleyed with his left foot, once again piercing Valencia''s goal, 3-1!
In the 78th minute, Wang Feng again assisted from the nk, turned and elerated to the bottom line, and Ramos, who had joined the backline, easily extended the Gcticos'' lead.
In the final moments of the game, Valencia scored a goal through Fernandes assisting Soldado, with the final score locked at 4-2.
Real Madrid proved to the outside world with a big victory that there were no problems with the team, and Wang Feng contributed two goals and one assist, showing exceptional activity throughout the game.
A weekter, in the 15th round of La Liga, Real Madrid yed away against Zaragoza. The Chinese superstar continued his agile performance, scoring two goals again to help the team win 3-0.
Even Benitez had to admit that with Wang Feng''s running and connection in the frontcourt, Real Madrid''s attacking ability was smoother than before and not easily thwarted by opponents. This should also be why for so many years, no opponent has found a way to restrict him.
He had fallen into a vicious circle himself, thinking that the head coach must y a role, and couldn''t win games like before when outsiders said he could even win with a tied dog on the coach''s bench, only to end up dragging the team down.
"You''re right to support Wang Feng, Mr. Florentino. All the rumors about you not understanding football are just hearsay." Benitez said to the Real Madrid president in private conversation, "I even think you could coach a team."
"Haha, of course not, but I understand one thing. When our paper strength is far inferior to Barcelona''s, we have repeatedly defeated them. There must be a key secret among themWang Feng''s performance on the field."
"So the club adjusted its transfer strategy very early on. We have the absolute strength to build a stronger lineup than ever before, but that''s unnecessary."
"What suits us is the most important thing. As long as we maximize and utilize Wang Feng''s abilities and keep other yers firmly united around him, we can achieve results."
"Have you ever thought that once Wang Feng leaves or his strength declines with age, Real Madrid will immediately losepetitiveness?"
Florentino smiled and said, "Of course, that''s inevitable. At that time, the club will immediately enter a rebuilding phase, and we are prepared for that."
Chapter 509: FIFA Confederation Ballon d鈥橭r
Chapter 509: FIFA Confederation Ballon d''Or
The internal debate within Real Madrid gradually came to an end, as people turned their attention to the new hot topic: the FIFA Annual Awards Ceremony scheduled for January next year.
The biggest differencepared to previous years is naturally the new award created by the merger of the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year, known as the FIFA Ballon d''Or.
With the merger of the awards, the selection rules naturally merged as well. Earlier, FIFA announced the selection rules for the 2010 Ballon d''Or, with 208 world-renowned media outlets and 208 national team coaches and captains participating in the voting.
At the same time, the candidate pool was further narrowed down. Instead of the traditional 30 candidates for the Ballon d''Or, a shortlist of 23 yers was announced, including China''s Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo.
In addition to them, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were also present, along with a group of yers who performed exceptionally well in the World Cup, such as Sneijder, Robben, Iniesta, and Vi.
The voting choices for each judge were also reduced. Previously, judges could select five individuals to receive 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 point(s) respectively. Now, they can only select three individuals to receive 5, 3, or 1 point(s).
In terms of predicting the eventual winner, everyone felt there was no suspense. This new annual award was undoubtedly going to be given to Wang Feng! Just kidding. A Chinese superstar holding league, Champions League, and World Cup titles, as well as European and World Golden Boots, if such an ultimate achievement couldn''t win an award, then the FIFA Ballon d''Or would be the biggest joke in history.
After the match against Real Zaragoza, Real Madrid formed a team and headed to Japan to participate in the Club World Cup. Their semifinal opponent was South Korea''s Jeonnam Dragons from the K League.
The result was an easy 3-0 victory for the Gcticos, with Wang Feng contributing two goals.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid''s opponents in the final unexpectedly came from the CAF Champions League winners, AS Mazembe from Congo. In the semifinals, this team caused an upset by eliminating the South American Copa Libertadores champions, Internacional from Brazil.
However, the underdog ultimately couldn''t sustain its momentum. With a goal and an assist from the Chinese superstar, the Gcticos won 2-0 against AS Mazembe to im the championship.
This was Real Madrid''s fourth consecutive Club World Cup title, further establishing their dominance in thispetition and asserting their position as the best club in the world at the moment.
After rushing back to Madrid, the team yed two league matches, winning both. In the 16th round against Sevi and the 17th round against Getafe, the Gcticos secured victories with scores of 2-1 and 3-0 respectively. Wang Feng also contributed with two goals and one assist.
Unfortunately, Barcelona, who were at the top of the table, didn''t make any mistakes either, maintaining a five-point lead. On the top scorer list, the Chinese superstar was way ahead with 25 goals, while Messi ranked second with 18 goals.
The fifth round of the Copa del Rey took ce during the league break, with Real Madrid facing Levante. After winning the first leg 2-1 at home, they drew 1-1 away thanks to Wang Feng''s goal, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 aggregate score.
In the 18th round of La Liga, the match between the Gcticos and Virreal at home was unusually tough, as key yers like Wang Feng had already flown to Zurich, Switzend, to prepare for the FIFA Annual Awards.
Fortunately, young striker Morata yed a decisive role as a substitute, scoring the winning goal to secure a 1-0 victory and three valuable points for the team.
This year''s award ceremony saw Wang Feng and Lu Yao attending together. It was Lu Yao''s first public appearance under the spotlight after giving birth. People were surprised to find that she was still as beautiful and dignified as before, with a hint of maturity, exuding charm.
Wang Feng was dressed in a tailored slim-fit suit, with a slightly curled hairstyle,plementing his exquisite and lively appearance. Together, they looked like a perfect couple.
Even Sneijder, who attended the ceremony with them, couldn''t help but smile wryly and say, "Why are you guys dressed so stylishly? It makes me look like a country bumpkin."
Wang Feng lightly patted his shoulder and said jokingly, "Come on, nobody cares about your image. But that bald head does look a bit out of ce." He couldn''t help butugh, earning a series of eye rolls from Sneijder.
As they settled into their seats in the opera house, after a brief performance, the main event finally began. The first announcement was for the Team of the Year, with Real Madrid and Barcelona emerging as the biggest winners, taking almost 90% of the spots.
The Fair y Award was won by the Haitian Football Association, while the Best Female Coach went to a German coach. The Best Male Coach was awarded to Ali Han, who led the Chinese team to be the new champions of the World Cup, a well-deserved honor.
The FIFA President''s Award was received by former Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who actively supported the sessful hosting of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and promoted football to improvemunity life.
Wang Feng once again won the Pusks Award for his extraordinary goal in the Champions League final. "This goal should have been considered one of the greatest in history, but unfortunately, there was no award for it at the time. Now it''s being made up for," said the presenter Zidane with a smile.
The FIFA Women''s World yer of the Year remained Brazil''s Marta, winning it for the fifth time.
Finally, the climax of the ceremony arrived with the FIFA Ballon d''Or. As Ali Han walked onto the stage with a golden envelope, the audience erupted into enthusiastic apuse. Everyone knew what this meant; the award belonged to none other than Wang Feng! The three nominees, Wang Feng, Messi, and Sneijder, stared intently at the Dutchman on stage. Ali Han didn''t keep them waiting and quickly opened the envelope, taking out the card. "I announce that the winner of the 2010 FIFA Ballon d''Or isWang Feng!"
The faces of Messi and Sneijder visibly darkened, but they quickly adjusted their emotions and congratted Wang Feng. This year, they truly epted defeat to the Chinese superstar.
After exchanging smiles with them, Wang Feng walked straight to Lu Yao and tightly embraced her. "Thank you, Yao Yao, thank you for always being by my side, supporting and taking care of me."
Lu Yao was somewhat moved as she hugged him back, and once again, thunderous apuse filled the venue as everyone sent their blessings to this exemry couple.
After a moment, the two separated, and Wang Feng walked up to the stage to receive the Ballon d''Or trophy from Ali Han. This was his seventh time lifting this highest honor in the world of football, reaffirming the dominance of the Chinese superstar.
The World Cup was supposed to be the weakest link in Wang Feng''s award evaluation, but he single-handedly won the World Cup, turning it into the biggest plus point, one that no one could ignore.
Messi, sitting in the audience, felt a mix of emotions. He longed to relive the glory of his predecessor Maradona and lead Argentina to its third World Cup title, but it seemed he still had a long way to go.
Gently stroking the trophy, Wang Feng said, "Last year was the happiest and most rewarding year for me. Although it''s not surprising to stand here, I''m still very happy."
"Thank you to everyone who has been with me along the way, whether at the club or the national team, whether teammates, coaches, or staff. I remember your hard work, which has supported me to this day."
"Thanks to my parents, my family, who form arge circle of rtives and friends, for their encouragement and support during the World Cup."
"My goals for the future remain unchanged: to continue bringing exciting matches to everyone, to fight for glory for the club, and to strive to stand on this award podium again next year!"
Chapter 510: Recognized worldwide
Chapter 510: Recognized worldwide
As the FIFA Annual Awards Ceremony came to a close, the news of Wang Feng once again winning the Ballon d''Or spread worldwide, sparking enthusiastic discussions among people.
Since the Chinese superstar first won the annual double awards in 2003, he has dominated the football world with seven out of eight wins in the past eight years.
The only miss urred in 2005, and everyone knows what happened. It was the year of Serie A''s biggest scandal, and Shevchenko and Ronaldinho respectively won the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year, but it was just a sh in the pan.
ording to the voting announced by FIFA this year, Wang Feng, as the world champion, received an astonishing 62.3% of the votes, while Messi, ranked second, received only 8.67%, and Sneijder, ranked third, received 6.51%.
Whether it was world-renowned media or national team coaches and captains, the Chinese superstar undoubtedly ranked first, which means that even if the European Golden Ball and FIFA World yer of the Year were not merged, Wang Feng would still easily win both awards.
French newspaper "L''Equipe"mented that each of Wang Feng''s awards has not caused any controversy, which is enough to show that his strength is recognized worldwide.
"Eight years is a very long period for a football yer. Some yers cannot even guarantee such a long career, let alone their peak."
"But Wang Feng did it. As one generation of stars rises and falls, he has always remained at the top, watching the cloudse and go."
German magazine "Kicker" wrote that ording to previous selection criteria, the European Golden Ball focuses more on yer performance, while the FIFA World yer of the Year tends to favor fame.
"The cooperation between the two was not favored by the outside world, but Wang Feng perfectly solved this problem, because no matter from which perspective, the vote had to go to him."
British sports channel "Sky Sports" titled their article "Wang Feng''s Reign Continues!", mentioning that the Chinese superstar is the most dominant yer in the world of football in the past decade, and it seems that he will continue to do so.
"So far, Real Madrid has maintained strongpetitiveness in the league and the Champions League under his outstanding contributions!"
After the awards ceremony, Messi and Sneijder both epted media interviews. Messi congratted Wang Feng on his award and fully recognized the results of the selection.
"It''s well deserved. My performance is far from as outstanding as Wang''s, whether at the club or the national team."
However, Messi didn''t feel ashamed, "Wang is my goal. He has been since the first day I entered my professional football career. Although I am still far from him now, I am already on the path of catching up."
Sneijder said, "We are good friends and teammates. Being around him, you can understand why he has achieved so much."
"The duel in the World Cup final is still fresh in my memory. To be honest, I would rather always be Wang''s teammate and fight side by side with him, rather than being an opponent facing him."
Returning triumphantly, the Real Madrid team received a warm wee from Madrid fans. On January 13th, in the first leg of the Spanish Copa del Rey quarter-finals held at the Bernabu, before the match, Wang Feng showed the FIFA Ballon d''Or trophy to the fans.
This trophy is almost identical to the previous European Golden Ball trophy, with a huge football on top and the base made of irregrly stacked cubes.
The only difference is that the globe no longer reads "Ballon d''Or", but "FIFA Ballon d''Or", and the winner''s name will still be engraved on the trophy.
The opponents of the Gcticos were their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, and coach Benitez did not deploy the main lineup but instead sent out a lineup of substitutes.
Atletico Madrid showed strong determination to win. When there was no hope in the league and Europeanpetition, the Copa del Rey was their only goal.
In the 35th minute, Fran received a through pass from Asensio near the edge of the penalty area, lifted his foot and shot vigorously, and the ball rolled and bounced on thewn to avoid Casis'' save and entered the goal, giving Atletico the lead!
In the second half, Wang Feng came on as a substitute. In the 71st minute, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack, and after a series of passes, Wang Feng received the ball and scored an equalizer with a quick shot, tying the score 1-1! The result remained until the end of the match.
On January 16th, in the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Almeria away. This rtively unknown Andalusian team has sessfully avoided relegation for four consecutive seasons, surprising many people.
Their strategy is very simple and effective, which is to secure the points they should get, and everything else depends on fate. Therefore, they faced little pressure when facing the Gcticos in this round.
The match was very exciting. Just 6 minutes into the game, Real Madrid got a great opportunity. Sneijder sent a diagonal pass, Di Maria crossed to Wang Feng, who skillfully dribbled into the penalty area and scored with a left-footed shot, opening the scoring for Real Madrid!
"A beautiful series of steps to cut inside. We can see that Almeria''s defense is in chaos, and the defenders are falling over themselves trying to block, but they are continuously fooled by the Chinese superstar."
"This rhythmic change of tight and loose is one of his best ying styles. If the defenders don''t choose to block the shot, he will shoot directly, and if they close in, it means losing position and initiative, then he can change the shot to a dribble."
"The initiative has always been in Wang Feng''s hands!"
After taking the lead, the Gcticos continued to create attacking firepower. In the 29th minute, Di Maria crossed from the right, and the ball deflected off a defender to the near post. Wang Feng quickly followed up and scored with a sweeping shot, making it 2-0!
Just before halftime, Wang Feng dribbled quickly on the left and crossed from a 45-degree angle, and Iguan, who was quickly advancing into the penalty area, leaped to head the ball into the, making it 3-0!
After the break, Benitez quickly substituted Wang Feng and other main yers, and the score did not change. Real Madrid easily won the match.
On January 20th, Real Madrid yed against Atletico Madrid away at the Calderon Stadium in the second leg of the Spanish Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The coaching staff did not have too much expectation for this domestic cuppetition. They hoped that the team could continue to shine in the league and the Champions League, so the lineup of yers deployed was very limited.
In the end, the home team lost 1-2 to Atletico Madrid, with Wang Feng contributing the only goal. Aguero and Simao each scored for the home team, and with a total score of 2-3 over two legs, the Gcticos were eliminated.
Chapter 511: Lawrence Award
Chapter 511: Lawrence Award
For Wang Feng, it was a great disappointment to be eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. Since joining Real Madrid, he has continuously won championships in the league and the Champions League, but has only won one cup championship.
But with every losses a gain. Ending the Copa del Rey campaign early allows the yers to focus more and be undistracted. Following this, they achieved victories in the next three league matches against Mallorca, Osasuna, and Real Sociedad.
With this, Real Madridpleted a nine-game winning streak. After 22 rounds, they had 18 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 56 points, ranking second. Barcelona continued to top the table with 19 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, totaling 59 points. The point difference between the two teams narrowed from 5 points to 3 points, reigniting Real Madrid''s hopes for the title.
As for the top scorer, Wang Feng contributed 33 goals, firmly holding the top spot, while Messi ranked second with 26 goals.
After the match against Real Sociedad, the Chinese superstar asked for leave from the club and went to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 2010 Lawrence World Sports Awards ceremony.
Soon, this news was exposed by Real Madrid''s apanying reporters and quickly spread across Europe. Many people were very puzzled as to why the Chinese superstar would specially attend the awards ceremony.
The Lawrence Awards were established in 2000 by Daimler and Richemont and have been supported by global partners Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen. It is one of the most influential awards in the world of sports and a global sports awards ceremony.
However, it has always been unrted to football and focuses more on individual athlete performance. Therefore, rarely are nominated footballers present. For example, Wang Feng himself has been a nominee for the Sportsman of the Year award since 2002, but has never attended the ceremony or won the award.
This time, the Chinese superstar specifically asked for leave from the club to attend. Could it be that he had a great chance of bing the first footballer to win this prestigious award?
For a while, the media spected, and everyone''s attention was focused on the uing awards ceremony.
When Wang Feng appeared at Abu Dhabi International Airport, there were already hundreds of die-hard fans surrounding the exit to greet him. Many locals in West Asia are very fond of the Chinese superstar. Discrimination melted away at this moment, and everyone was Asian.
After signing autographs for the few fans at the forefront, Wang Feng, escorted by bodyguards, left the scene and headed to the hotel where he would do some styling and rest briefly, awaiting the evening awards ceremony.
He did receive a strong invitation from the Lawrence jury to attend. In fact, this time, not only him but also Barcelona''s Messi and Iniesta were nominated for the Sportsman of the Year award. However, thetter two knew they had no chance of winning and did not attend.
Usually, those who attend the FIFA awards ceremony are football stars or rted professionals. However, Lawrence is evidently more inclusive. On the red carpet, Wang Feng saw top athletes from various fields, such as the American basketball yer Kobe Bryant, the Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal, and the German racing driver Sebastian Vettel.
Of course, there were also famous singers and celebrities from around the world. Although many people were unfamiliar with the Chinese superstar, there were still some rtively well-known figures like Christina Aguilera and Scarlett Johansson.
But as football is the world''s number one sport, and Wang Feng is the most popr star in football, his appearance quickly became the focus of the entire event.
A group of people surrounded him, asking for autographs and photos. Nadal, taking full advantage of his athleticism, was the first to rush to him, smiling widely and showing his white teeth.
"I finally see the idol!" the Spaniard eximed excitedly. "Wang, I am your loyal fan of you and Real Madrid. You have made me more passionate about football!"
Wang Feng smiled as he took the clothes and pen handed to him, signing while saying, "Thank you. It''s my honor to be the idol of someone who has won so many Grand m championships. I think you could try football after retiring. Maybe you''ll perform excellently as well."
Nadal became even more excited. "I do have that idea. One day, when I stop ying tennis, I''ll y football on the pitch, haha."
There were also some small episodes when interacting with other people. Scarlett, wearing a shoulderless gown, directly pulled down her strap and hoped that Wang Feng would sign on the inside.
This move causedughter all around, and the Chinese superstar did not expect Western celebrities to be so open. He could only sign it briefly with a forced smile.
At eight o''clock in the evening, the awards ceremony officially began. The hosts were the famous actors Matthew Fox and Olivia Williams.
The first award announced was the Best Team award. Both Real Madrid, the four-time consecutive champions, and the Chinese national football team, which won its first championship, were nominated. In the end, the Chinese team unsurprisingly won the award.
The second award was the Best Neer, and German young talent Thomas Mueller, who performed well in the World Cup, was nominated. Hepeted against several golf and athletics neers without any doubt and lost. The eventual winner was golfing legend Martin Kaymer.
After a brief song and dance performance, the awards ceremony continued. The Best Comeback award went to Italian motorcyclist Valentino Rossi, the Disabled Athlete award went to German skier Verena Bentele, and the Best Action Sports Athlete award went to American surfer Kelly ter.
With all five individual awards announced, Fox announced that there would be three additional awards at this year''s Lawrence. The first was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to the French football king, Zinedine Zidane.
The Best Sporting Lifestyle award went to the European Ryder Cup team, and the Sports for Good award went to the founder of the Beirut Marathon, May El-Khalil from Lebanon.
Finally, the Best Female Athlete award, for the third consecutive time, was won by the skiing star Lindsey Vonn, who won both the World Cup and the Winter Olympics downhill gold medals. She defeated three tennis stars, Williams, Clijsters, and Wozniacki, as well as two athletics stars, sic and Ennis, bing the second ice and snow sports athlete to win the Lawrence after Kostelic.
As for the final and most anticipated award, the Best Male Athlete, there were five candidatespeting with Wang Feng: Kobe Bryant, Messi, Iniesta, Nadal, and Vettel.
Among them, Nadal was the mostpetitive. He won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open championshipsst year,pleting a Grand m, and ranked first in the ATP rankings.
When Edwin Moses, the chairman of the Lawrence Foundation, appeared with an envelope, everyone''s hearts tightened. Who would win the award? Could the morous Wang Feng break the norm and be the first team sportsman to win this honor?
Moses intriguingly introduced the achievements of each candidate in 2010. When it came to Wang Feng, he naturally mentioned leading the Chinese team to win the first World Cup championship and his remarkable tally of 15 goals in a single tournament.
Seeing the whispers in the audience gradually growing louder, the American finally tore open the envelope and pulled out the card with the name of the winner written on it. After scanning the scene, he said firmly, "The winner of the 2010 Lawrence Sportsman of the Year is... the Chinese footballer Wang Feng!"
Chapter 512: Unprecedented
Chapter 512: Unprecedented
When Moses called out Wang Feng''s name, all eyes in the audience focused on him, with a mix of surprise and understanding emotions. The Chinese superstar had actually created a new history, surpassing Nadal to be the first footballer to win the Lawrence!
Wang Feng stood up calmly from his seat, turned to bow and express his gratitude to the guests who apuded and congratted him, then waved and walked towards the stage to receive the award.
Lawrence has always been very cautious about team sports, especially events like football that require teamwork, so all the previous Best Athlete awards had been given to individual athletes.
But they still broke tradition for the Chinese superstar because his performance was too outstanding. For nearly 8 years, he had consistently been at the top of the football world, leading the previously unknown national team to lift the World Cup, which was unprecedented.
An athlete as outstanding as him not receiving the Lawrence award wouldn''t be a loss for Wang Feng but a disgrace for Lawrence, so almost all the judges voted for the Chinese superstar.
Taking the heavy trophy from Moses, Wang Feng was embraced warmly by the former American hurdling king, who congratted him on receiving this honor. Wang Feng then thanked the chairman of the Lawrence Foundation for presenting him with the award.
The base of the trophy consists of threeyers of disks for easy grip by the recipient, with the Lawrence statue and an approximately three-quarters circle engraved on the base, symbolizing people from all five continentsing together to promote the true essence of sports.
The statue is about 30 cm high and weighs about 2.5 kg. Each statue contains 670 grams of pure silver and 650 grams of gold, all handcrafted.
Holding the trophy in his hand, Wang Feng stood in front of the microphone and took a deep breath, saying to all the guests below, "Thank you for the affirmation of the jury. To be honest, I am also very surprised to receive this trophy."
"Lawrence is one of the most authoritative awards in the sports world. Over the years, I have been nominated many times. Although I haven''t won the award, I am still very happy and proud because it is a recognition of my performance."
"To be awarded the Best Athlete this year is even more surprising to me. This trophy not only belongs to me but also to the national team and club teammates who fought alongside me, and to those football yers who have also performed exceptionally!"
"I believe that in the future, there will be more and more football yers appearing at the awards ceremony, receiving recognition and approval from Laureus!"
As soon as he finished speaking, there was sustained apuse in the venue. Everyone understood the significance of Wang Feng''s award at this moment, as he further promoted football''s presence in the Lawrence.
As the award ceremony ended, major media outlets around the world immediately reported on Wang Feng''s unprecedented win of the Lawrence Best Male Athlete award. Inadvertently, he had greatly increased the influence of this sports award.
Reutersmented that Wang Feng''s win was well-deserved. He had finally conquered Lawrence and set a new record for football yers.
"After years of being runners-up, the Chinese superstar has won everyone over with his magical performance in the World Cup. At this moment, he is the best athlete in the sports world, without any dispute."
The reports also pointed out that Lawrence'' selection process was indeed more demanding for team sports, but Wang Feng''s sess proved that outstanding individuals always stand out.
"This is a milestone event. Wang Feng has set an example for all football yers. From now on, they all have the possibility ofpeting for major awards."
AFP wrote that the Chinese superstar had once again made history, bing the first football yer to win the Lawrence Best Male Athlete award.
"His win is well-deserved. In fact, Wang Feng had the qualifications to win this individual award several years ago, because his performance is truly outstanding and unparalleled in the football world."
AP also believed that China emerged as the biggest winner at Lawrence, not only winning the Best Team award but also clinching the Best Athlete award.
"This is a major event in Chinese sports. Their prestige in the world of sports has further increased."
In addition to the three major agencies, major European media outlets also reprinted the reports, congratting and praising Wang Feng''s win. They generally believed that this was a major event in the world of football, as the Chinese superstar had opened up a new path for all football yers.
Official organizations such as FIFA, UEFA, and the AFC also issued statements celebrating Wang Feng''s win, which was of great significance to them as well. The influence of football in the world of sports would further increase.
As for the Real Madrid club, they had already changed the homepage image of their official website, cing a prominent photo of the Chinese superstar holding the Lawrence trophy.
The widespread praise from the outside world did not affect Wang Feng. He calmly returned to the team to prepare for the uing league and Champions League knockout matches.
On February 13th, in the 23rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Espanyol away.
In the opening attack, Real Madrid created a threat. Sneijder received a pass from Diarra and sent a through ball that prated the Espanyol defense.
Wang Feng quickly ran offside, shot from a small angle on the right side of the penalty area, aiming at the near corner of the goal. Espanyol''s goalkeeper, Kameni, reacted quickly and pushed the ball out for a corner.
In the subsequent corner kick, Sneijder''s delivery was met by Higuan''s header flick at the near post. Wang Feng shot again from 8 meters in front of the goal, but Ddac cleared it off the goal line from the goalkeeper.
Although the consecutive threatening attacks were unsessful, they put the home team''s defense on edge, while the Gcticos took firm control of the game.
After more than ten minutes of effort, their attempts finally paid off. In the 17th minute, Sneijder quickly dribbled the ball through the middle and passed it to Di Mara on the right after shaking off the defense.
The Argentine and Wang Feng formed a series of wall passes. The Chinese superstar cut into the penalty area, stepped into the corner of the small penalty area, and shot. This time, he aimed for the far post. The ball hit Kameni''s right hand and deflected into the, 1-0! The away team took the lead!
This goalpletely shattered Espanyol''s hopes of defending. If they wanted to get points, they could only choose to attack, but that would also give their opponents more opportunities.
In the 29th minute, Di Mara forcefully broke through the sideline and crossed. Pepe''s header hit the post and bounced back into y. Quick-witted Wang Feng immediately ran to the secondnding point and pushed it into the goal, 2-0! The Chinese superstar extended Real Madrid''s lead!
At the start of the second half, in the 57th minute, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack. Diarra''s long pass from the back found Wang Feng, who was brought down by Espanyol defender Galn when he reached the edge of the penalty area, winning a free kick.
The Chinese superstar took the free kick himself, and the fast ball pierced through the wall and went straight into the top right corner of the goal. Kameni couldn''t make any save, 3-0! Wang Feng scored another hat-trick!
Havingpleted his mission satisfactorily, he was substituted three minutester by the head coach. Later in the game, Marcelo and Oswaldo each scored a goal for their respective teams, and the score was locked at 4-1, with Real Madrid winning convincingly against Espanyol.
On February 19th, in the 24th round of La Liga, the Gcticos hosted Levante.
The away team unexpectedly took the lead, but Wang Feng turned the tide with a goal and an assist, and finally, Di Mara''s wonder goal sealed the victory, with Real Madrid winning 3-1.
Chapter 513: Rich and willful
Chapter 513: Rich and willful
Lu Yao is pregnant again! When Xiao Siyao is about to turn three years old, Wang Feng weed his second child, which is extremely important for the whole family.
Although there has been one experience before, the mother still seems very concerned, urging Wang Feng to make an appointment with the doctor for a detailed examination from very early on.
Naturally, he wouldn''t be careless about this matter, hiring the top obstetrician and gynecologist in Europe. Meanwhile, as long as he''s still in Madrid, Wang Feng spends time with Lu Yao every day.
The two, along with their young daughter, strolled together in thekeside park behind their vi. With the weather gradually warming up in February in Spain, it''s more suitable for outdoor activities.
Since knowing that she will have a younger brother or sister, Xiao Siyao has been very happy. She keeps mumbling about wanting a ymate, and she can already speakplete sentences fluently. This delights the family, and they praise her as a little genius.
After ying with mom and dad for a while, she seems to be attracted by something in the nearby grass, and she hops and skips over. To ensure her safety, Wang Feng specifically brings two housekeepers to watch over her, while he chats with Lu Yao during their walk, keeping an eye on their daughter.
"Maybe it''s time to find a kindergarten for Xiao Siyao. It doesn''t matter what she learns, the most important thing is to have same-age ymates," Luyao said.
"Don''t worry, I''ve already prepared everything. When our daughter turns three, she can go to school at colegio, just like our preschool ss," Wang Feng replied.
"As for the school, it''s arranged too. It''s a private noble school called Santa Maria de los Rosales, located in the suburbs of Madrid. It offers all courses from kindergarten to high school. Even the Spanish princesses and princes study there, and the current Crown Prince Felipe graduated from there."
"Studying with princes and princesses," Lu Yao chuckled. "Why didn''t you tell me earlier? You made me search for information at home for so long, struggling to decide which school to choose."
"It''s just a coincidence. After Real Madrid won the championshipst season, the King of Spain came to the celebration banquet, remember? He specifically asked about our daughter''s situation and strongly rmended the school when he found out we hadn''t chosen one yet."
"Iter inquired, and this school is top-notch in terms of quality, service, and security. It''s very suitable for our Xiao Siyao. Without the King''s rmendation, it would be difficult to enroll."
Lu Yao nodded in satisfaction. They sat back on the bench, and she leaned her head on Wang Feng''s shoulder, chatting about daily life and sweet nothings. At this moment, Siyao ran over, holding two flowers, and shouted, "For mommy, for daddy."
Wang Feng happily picked up his daughter and rubbed her tender little cheeks, making Siyao giggle, and the family was very happy and harmonious.
In December ofst year, FIFA President tter announced to the world that Qatar had won the hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup. At the same time, there were rumors that the Qatari royal family was interested in taking over European football.
Following the sessful example of Manchester City in the Premier League, their initial target was Manchester United. However, the zer family demanded an exorbitant price and showed no sincerity, so they had to settle for a lower-tier club, Mga in La Liga, as a trial.
However, Qatar soon realized that these clubs were too small to attract superstars and didn''t serve their publicity purposes. Therefore, mid-level clubs in secondary leagues naturally became the second choice.
Although Ligue 1 has consistently ranked at the bottom among the top five leagues, the size of the French economy ensures that their league remainspetitive. Coupled with the backing of the capital, Paris Saint-Germain is the most suitable choice at present.
ording to multiple media reports, Qatar will entrust its sports investmentpany to invest in Paris Saint-Germain, and they will make big moves in the summer transfer window this year.
Simr to when the UAE tycoons took over Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain also set their sights on Wang Feng. The most important reason, of course, is that he is from Asia and is undoubtedly the king of Asian football!
Through a series of rtionship operations, Nasser, who is about to be the owner of Paris, personally contacted Wang Feng''s agent and himself, promising a huge sry, "You have no problem with the termination fee with Real Madrid, it''s just 500 million, as long as you agree, we will immediately pay."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but silentlyin in his heart about how rich and willful they were. Manchester City at least discussed the transfer with the club, but here they were, just paying the termination fee upfront to poach yers. It''s too straightforward.
He still expressed a polite refusal using officialnguage, thanking them for their affection while stating that he currently has no intention of leaving the Gcticos. He mentioned that if the club intends to sell, they could talk about itter.
This made Nasser very anxious. He had tried to contact Real Madrid, but they tly refused to even discuss it, which is why he tried every means tomunicate directly with the yers. He didn''t expect Wang Feng''s attitude to be so firm.
But that''s the situation. Wang Feng is not the kind of person who is swayed by money. In his opinion, thepetitiveness of Ligue 1 is limited, and it would be "very embarrassing" to go there in his prime. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to cooperate in the twilight of his career.
The transfer rumors surrounding Wang Feng were just a sh in the pan. Even the media were unwilling to spend too much ink on it. After all, anyone would understand that only a fool would hand over a reigning football king. Florentino Perez would not have a brain short circuit.
Coincidentally, the Gcticos'' next opponent in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 is Lyon from Ligue 1. On February 22nd, the first leg of the match will be held at the Stade de Lumieres.
With the kickoff whistle blown by the Croatian referee, the French powerhouse, ying at home, took the lead.
Real Madrid aggressively pressed high to implement a counterattack strategy. They wanted to take the lead quickly. Lyon soon lost the ball in midfield, and Alonso quickly sent a through pass to prate the defense.
Wang Feng instantly activated his offside trap to catch up with the ball. At this moment, Lyon''s goalkeeper Lloris chose to rush out and dive to tackle, but the Chinese superstar had already dodged to the right before he slid.
"Beautiful! With the goalkeeper bypassed, there''s an open goal ahead! Shoot! The ball''s in! Just two minutes into the game, the Gcticos have taken the lead!"
"Real Madrid quickly got into the game. Their pressing made Lyon somewhat at a loss. Here it must be mentioned that although Lyon has won the Ligue 1 championship for seven consecutive seasons, they have always been unable to go further in the Champions League."
"One of the important reasons is theck of sufficientpetitiveness within Ligue 1, which inadvertently makes the yers rx mentally. Once they encounter strong opponents, they are prone to disadvantages."
With a goal lead, the away team appropriately slowed down the pace. Lyon yers also quickly regained theirposure and returned to form. Both sides engaged in attacks and defenses, entering a period of stalemate for some time.
However, in the 53rd minute of the second half, Real Madridunched another rapid counterattack. This time, after Ramos intercepted the ball, he made a long pass to find Di Maria, who then passed it short to Wang Feng. He swiftly advanced with the ball.
Shaking off two defending yers with rapid changes of direction, the Chinese superstar dashed to the edge of the penalty area in the blink of an eye. At this moment, four Lyon yers who had rushed back to defend surrounded him, demonstrating the attention he received.
But Wang Feng still found a gap and passed the ball out. Iguan, who rushed in, easily lifted the ball and shot, piercing Lloris'' ten-fingered defense once again.
With these two goals, Real Madrid won 2-0 away against their opponents, securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with one foot in.
Chapter 514: Suffocating stability
Chapter 514: Suffocating stability
During the midweek UEFA Champions League match, Real Madrid weed the 25th round of La Liga games on the weekend, facing Deportivo La Coru?a away.
In this match, Benitez rotated some key yers, with Wang Feng partnering Morata in the starting lineup, while Granero and Khedira got the chance to y.
The Chinese superstar maintained his high level of excitement, actively roaming in various areas of the field from the beginning of the game, putting great pressure on the home team''s defense.
In the 13th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the left side of the front court, suddenly made a long-range pass to the right, finding Cavaleiro in space. After Cavaleiro controlled the ball easily and cut into the penalty area, he passed to Wang Feng lurking in the penalty area, who scored easily into the empty, making it 1-0!
Cavaleiro''s excellent ball control and pass contributed significantly to the goal, with about 70% of the credit going to him. Therefore, the Chinese superstar celebrated with him, gesturing to the Real Madrid fans who had traveled a long way.
Later, Real Madrid continued to exert pressure on the home team. In the 36th minute, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal at the edge of the penalty area, and the La Coru?a defenders did not immediately close him down.
So, the Chinese superstar pushed the ball to the left with his left foot, took two steps to catch up, and then shot forcefully with his left foot. The ball flew into the top right corner of the goal, just grazing the underside of the crossbar, making it 2-0!
At this moment, La Coru?a goalkeeper Aranzubia was still in a state of preparation for a dive with his legs apart and his center of gravity lowered. He turned his head to look at the ball behind him, wearing a dumbfounded and bewildered expression.
Is this a goal? Oh God, please take away his magical powers. How can a goalkeeper defend against such an attack?
In the second half, Real Madrid further extended their lead to 3-0 through a corner kick opportunity, which was the final score of the game.
With this victory, the Gcticos extended their winning streak to 12 matches, approaching their own record of 15 consecutive wins set in 1961. Their arch-rivals Barcelona, on the other hand, remained undefeated but failed to continue their winning streak, being held to a 2-2 draw by Virreal, reducing the points difference between the two teams to just 3.
Entering March, in the 26th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Mga at home.
Just 12 minutes into the game, the Gcticos suffered a heavy blow as Pepe was sent off with a straight red card for excessive behavior in a subsequent defensive y after being provoked by an opponent.
Despite the efforts of Wang Feng and others to defend him, the referee''s decision remained unchanged. The home team had to face the embarrassment of ying with one less yer, making the situation on the field even more confusing.
At a critical moment, Wang Feng once again stepped up. In the 79th minute of the second half, he was fouled by the opponent''s center-back while attacking in the frontcourt, earning a free kick from about 25 meters out.
This was a hard-won attacking opportunity! The Chinese superstar paced around the ball, ced it on the ground, took a few steps back, and fixed his gaze on the goal ahead.
Taking a deep breath, he ran up and took the shot directly! The ball flew like a meteor across the field, flying over the defensive wall and diving down, with the goalkeeper powerless to stop it.
With this precious goal, Real Madrid defeated Mga 1-0 at home.
In the 27th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Santander away. Due to Pepe''s suspension, the away team''s defense line remained unstable, and the home team took advantage of the opportunity to break the deadlock first.
After that, Santander fiercely defended to protect their goal, and Real Madrid''s multiple attacks were futile.
It wasn''t until the 82nd minute that the Gcticos, with a free kick opportunity on the left side of the penalty area, cooperated between Wang Feng and Sneijder. The Chinese superstar passed the ball to the Dutchman, who controlled it and then passed it back to Wang Feng. Wang Feng then took a shot with his right foot, sending the ball into the far corner despite the goalkeeper''s desperate dive, finally equalizing the score.
Just as the home team''s spirits were wavering, the Gcticos seized the opportunity tounch another attack. In the 84th minute, Diarra pushed forward with the ball from the back, suddenly lobbing a long pass into the penalty area.
Wang Feng leaned against the defender to receive the ball, then deftly dodged the block with a back-heel flick, and immediately volleyed with his left foot, piercing the home team''s goal once again,pleting the turnaround for Real Madrid.
The final score of 2-1 was maintained until the end of the game, with the Gcticos securing another hard-fought victory.
In the 28th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted newly promoted Elche at home, which should have been one of their easiest matches in recent games.
Wang Feng assisted Higuain in opening the scoring, and then Di Maria expanded the lead with an inside shot. After the break, the Chinese superstar assisted Marcelo in scoring the third goal, and he himself added another goal.
4-0! A thrilling victory extended the Gcticos'' winning streak to 15 matches, equaling the club''s best record!
During Real Madrid''s triumphant march, Barcelona''s performance was equally impressive as they remained undefeated. However, they failed to continue their winning streak under immense pressure, being forced to a 2-2 draw by Virreal. As a result, the points difference between the two teams further narrowed to just 1 point!
Such a situation inevitably reminds people of the frequent asions in recent years when Catn teams have been overtaken by the Gcticos, resulting in them losing their dominance. The entire Barcelona team is currently under extreme pressure.
Guardi is almost being driven crazy, as he simply cannot understand how Real Madrid managed to win against Mga and Santander in thest two games. In his opinion, the Gcticos should have been in an absolute disadvantageous situation at that time, a situation beyond salvation.
But they still managed to turn the tide,pletely changing their fate since the rumors of discord between the coach and the club surfaced. Benitezpletely changed his approach, giving Wang Feng a high degree of freedom, and the Chinese superstar did not disappoint, alwaysing through in crucial moments.
Betting on the oue of the derby of the century? Guardi doesn''t dare. Nowadays, Real Madrid is no longer the same as they were in their first encounter. He can only silently pray for the opponent to lose quickly, so that his side can widen the points gap as much as possible.
The head coach himselfcks confidence, and naturally the yers are also immersed in a tense atmosphere. Iniesta has privatelyined that Real Madrid''s consistent performance makes him feel suffocated.
"Before every game, it feels like going to the gallows. I''m afraid that if I don''t perform well and drag the team down, we''ll lose. If this continues, I might lose my love for football and start to resent this sport!"
Originally just a privateint, but somehow it was leaked to the media by someone. For a while, Real Madrid''s mouthpiece, led by Marca, extensively publicized it, iming that Barcelona yers were being forced into self-closure by Wang Feng and might retire from football early at any time!
"Has the Chinese superstar ever scared away a Barcelona coach and club president? Will he break the record of forcing opponents'' yers to retire early?" joked AS.
Such arrogant remarks naturally aroused strong dissatisfaction from Barcelona-rted media. Mundo Deportivo came forward to state that coaching changes or changes in club management are normal and have nothing to do with Wang Feng.
And now Barcelona is still leading the points table, so Real Madrid has no qualifications to be so arrogant.
At the same time, Barcelona strictly forbade any mention of such depressing words within the team. However, just because the yers didn''t say it doesn''t mean they didn''t think about it. Real Madrid''s recent winning streak performance is indeed too shocking and disturbing.
Chapter 515: Break the record
Chapter 515: Break the record
On March 16th, at the Bernabu Stadium, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid hosted Lyon at home.
In the first leg, Real Madrid had a significant advantage, with a possession rate of up to 62% and nearly 20 shots, resulting in two goals.
More importantly, they almostpletely shut down Lyon''s attack, leaving the visiting team with severely diminished confidence. A miraculouseback? They wouldn''t even dare to dream of it.
The Gcticos fielded most of their main lineup, with Ramos and Alonso absent due to minor injuries sustained in training. However, there was good news as Robben, who had been sidelined for several days, finally joined the team for training and the match. Nevertheless, Benitez opted to keep him on the bench for precautionary reasons.
Despite being in a leading position, Real Madrid didn''t y conservatively. They pressed Lyon high up the pitch from the start, forcing the away team to retreat into their own half.
In the 21st minute, a mistake in passing by Lovren in Lyon''s half was intercepted, leading to a quick counterattack by Real Madrid. Di Maria dribbled the ball along the nk, with several Lyon defendersing to block him.
Seeing this, Wang Feng quickly arrived to provide support. Instead of stopping the ball, the Argentine delicately passed it with his toes behind him. Without hesitating, the Chinese superstar swiftly turned around and volleyed with his left foot as the ball descended. At the same time, Lyon goalkeeper Lloris chose to abandon his goal, but Wang Feng''s shot easily evaded him, finding the effortlessly. 1-0!
The entire Bernabu Stadium erupted in cheers. With wave after wave of attacks from Real Madrid, the home fans'' emotions gradually soared, with the moment of scoring being the best time for them to release their excitement.
The televisionmentators eximed hoarsely, "So imaginative, so graceful, this is the epitome of football art! The ball moves under Wang Feng''s feet like a beautiful dance."
After expanding their lead, Wang Feng continued his performance. In the 42nd minute, Sneijder intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it to the Chinese superstar, who slowly dribbled forward.
Approaching the 35-meter mark, he suddenly elerated, leaving center-back Fernandes behind with a change of direction, then skillfully evaded defender Max with a feint, entering the penalty area and lifting his right foot to unleash a powerful shot.
The unstoppable shot pierced through Lyon''s defense like a flying sword, grazing Lloris''s fingertips and hitting the inside of the left post before nestling into the. 2-0!
In the 51st minute of the second half, Wang Feng received a cross from Di Maria on the nk and volleyed sideways to score the third goal, sealing Lyon''s defeat.
Shortly after, the Chinese superstar was substituted, receiving warm apuse from the entire stadium, and his teammates on the bench also stood up to greet him.
"How''s it going on Barcelona''s side?" Wang Feng asked while wiping his sweat with a towel. In the first leg against Arsenal, they lost 1-2, so their qualification situation wasn''t so good.
"Barcelona leads 2-1," the assistant coach replied, refreshing his phone. "Oh, wait, Messi won another penalty and scored it himself. Now it''s 3-1."
"It seems they will advance to the quarterfinals. Our wish to have one less strong opponent is dashed!" Wang Feng shrugged. "But there''s nothing we can do. To win consecutive titles and lift the trophy, we must fearlessly face any opponent."
With the referee blowing the final whistle, Real Madrid defeated Lyon 3-0 at home, advancing to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with a 5-0 aggregate score.
Meanwhile, Barcelona defeated Arsenal 3-1, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory.
In La Liga, only the two giants remain in contention. In addition to Manchester United and Chelsea, who have been performing steadily in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as a dark horse.
They defeated AC Mn to reach the quarterfinals, causing a genuine upset. This young team has many impressive yers, such as midfielder Modric and forward Gareth Bale.
The remaining three spots were imed by Inter Mn from Serie A, Schalke 04 from the Bundesliga, and Shakhtar Dsk from the Ukrainian Premier League. Real Madrid''s next opponent will be the dark horse Tottenham.
Three dayster, on the weekend, in the 29th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Atletico Madrid away.
For Real Madrid, this was not just an ordinary league match because they had already equalled the club''s record of 15 consecutive wins. Just one more win and they could surpass this legendary feat!
However, Atletico Madrid was Real Madrid''s cross-town arch-rival, and they would definitely not want their opponents to set a mythical record at their home ground, which would forever shame the team in history.
So, after the match began, the home team yed extremely aggressively, frequently using fierce pressing and fouling tactics to block the visitors'' attacks. Soon, the white jerseys of yers like Wang Feng were covered in mud.
Instead of being deterred by this approach, it only fueled the Chinese superstar''s ferocity. The more opponents disliked something, the more he wanted to aplish it. The sense of achievement from forcefully suppressing the opponent''s pride was unparalleled.
The deadlock continued until the injury time of the first half. Real Madrid won the ball in their own half andunched a swift counterattack. Wang Feng, who had dropped back, stretched out his hand to request the ball and carried it into the opponent''s half himself.
He was fast, advancing to the 35-meter mark in the blink of an eye. Seeing this, Atletico Madrid defender Juanito slid in for a tackle without hesitation. The Chinese superstar dexterously lifted the ball as he jumped, preparing to evade the defender''s legs.
The ball sessfully moved forward, but Juanito''s raised foot identally scraped Wang Feng''s shin, causing him pain and losing his bnce.
The main referee had already put the whistle in his mouth to blow for a foul, but when he saw Wang Fengnd and forcibly stabilize himself to continue chasing the ball, he signaled to y on, as the attack was advantageous.
Rushing into the penalty area and facing goalkeeper Asenjo, Wang Feng easily tricked him with a wide swing and then pushed the ball into the empty. 1-0!
After scoring, Wang Feng didn''t run to celebrate but instead signaled for the team doctor toe on. Everyone then noticed that his socks were soaked with blood. He had just attacked while injured.
Fortunately, after assessment, it wasn''t serious. After a simple treatment to stop the bleeding and bandaging, he could still continue ying. The referee also gave Juanito a yellow card; indeed, his defensive action was too dangerous.
The rest of the match was much easier for the Gcticos. They only needed to control the situation and maintain their lead, while Atletico Madrid had to push forward.
In the 72nd minute, Wang Feng''s urate 45-degree cross from the left found Sneijder, who had made a run into the box. Thetter then lifted his foot to slot home from 10 meters out, sealing the victory for the visitors!
"We can see that the main referee has blown the final whistle, and the match ends. Congrattions to Real Madrid! They have achieved 16 consecutive wins in the league, breaking the La Liga record for consecutive wins!"
"Previously, the longest winning streak record in the league was also set by the Gcticos, dating back to the distant 1961-1962 season when they had justpleted five consecutive European Cup titles and went on to win five consecutive league titles."
"The simrity with history is striking. Now Real Madrid has reached this point again, and they are even more glorious than before, facing the prospect of winning five consecutive titles in both the league and the Champions League."
"In breaking this historical record, it carries profound significance. It means that the Gcticos are even better than before, and the yers will surely achieve even more glorious results than in the past!"
Chapter 516: The way is different
Chapter 516: The way is different
After the match against Atletico Madrid, European football ushered in two weeks of international break, and the Chinese team also had several friendly matches to y. However, Wang Feng did not respond to the call-up; he decided to withdraw.
Ever since Alihan led the team to win the World Cup, they had been subtly marginalizing him, while vigorously promoting local coaches, ultimately forcing the Dutchman to resign before the Qatar Asia Cup.
At the same time, except for a few absolute key yers like Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo, the rest of the lineup underwent aplete overhaul, with various unknown yers being rmended and endorsed by the clubs, with single spots fetching up to eight digits.
Naturally, they epted anyone who came, and results and such were all clouds; only stuffing money into their pockets was the right way to go.
Feeling unwilling, Wang Feng tried tomunicate but ended up choosing to withdraw when it proved fruitless. When paths diverge, there''s no sense in staying together. This was also the advantage of being a contracted yer - one could call it quits at any time, and as a Chinese superstar at present, there was no possibility of being smeared again.
Dong Fangzhuo had it worse. Within the system, he could only return to lead a squad of misfits topete in the Asia Cup, where various ridiculous incidents urred, such as people scoring before the ball entered the, idental own goals, and the like.
In the end, they barely made it out of the group stage but were then eliminated by Jordan. Watching this, Wang Feng shook his head in frustration, and Lu Yao couldn''t help butfort him, "Brother Feng, since you''ve decided to withdraw, don''t let it bother you."
"Moreover, you''ve already won the Asian Cup and the World Cup; there shouldn''t be any regrets." Wang Feng nodded with a sense of loss, "You''re right, it''s just a bit hard to ept. The situation was so good, but it''s all ruined now. s, I can''t confront the enemy at the crucial moment anymore."
"But they won''tst long either. With this level of y, they''ll probably struggle to make it through the World Cup qualifiers. The defending champions won''t make it to the World Cup finals, and that''ll be quite a show!"
At this time, domestic fans were still immersed in the joy of winning the World Cup, and they were quite tolerant of the team''s failure in the Asia Cup; they obviously didn''t realize the seriousness of the problem.
Having leisurely spent the holiday, La Liga reignited on the first day of April, with the 30th round seeing Real Madrid hosting Huesca at home.
Benitez rotated the key yers who returned from the national team, giving opportunities to substitutes like Albiol, Mateos, and Leon, and of course, Wang Feng naturally made the starting lineup.
Although the substitute yers worked very hard, their abilities were limited, and the Chinese superstar was somewhat distracted, resulting in the opponent breaking the deadlock first.
Fortunately, in the 85th minute, when Wang Feng elerated down the right nk, he suddenly stopped and turned sharply, dribbling past the defending yer and cutting into the penalty area from a narrow angle, equalizing the score with a shot.
1-1, Real Madrid''s winning streak was ended, and what''s more frustrating was that in this round, Barcelona defeated Deportivo La Coruna, which meant that the gap between the two teams on the points table widened to 3 points again.
On April 5th, in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, the Gcticos hosted Tottenham Hotspur at home.
Coach Harry Redknapp, who led the team back to the Champions League stage after 48 years, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Friedel in goal.
The back four consisted of Assou-Ekotto, Dawson, Ledley King, and Kyle Walker.
The double pivot in midfield was upied by Parker and Lennon, while the attacking trioprised of Bale, Modric, and Van der Vaart.
Adebayor led the line as the lone striker.
Real Madrid obviously had more Champions League experience than their opponents, so they started the game very aggressively, while Tottenham Hotspur seemed a bit cautious and unable to let loose.
In the 3rd minute, Sneijder sent a through ball, and Wang Feng made a run into the penalty area, but his left-footed shot missed slightly wide of the post. Just a minuteter, he tried a long-range shot from outside the box, which was blocked by the goalkeeper.
Continuous threats in front of goal always paid off. In the 9th minute, Robben, who had just returned from injury, forced his way down the nk and crossed into the penalty area. The Chinese superstar rose high at the near post, nodding the ball into the past Dawson. 1-0!
After taking the lead, the Gcticos continued to press on rather than sit back, putting pressure on Tottenham Hotspur. They even struggled tounch their attacks and were mostly on the receiving end.
"...Looking at this attack from Real Madrid, Sneijder intercepted Modric''s ball in midfield and passed it to Robben. The Dutchman is sprinting along the wing at great speed."
"It''s hard to imagine that he''s just returned from injury. It seems Di Maria''s high level of y has put a lot of pressure on Robben; he has to prove himself."
"What should they do next in attack? A diagonal through ball into the penalty area! Wang Feng follows up, receives it, and heads towards the byline. Brilliant! It''s not towards the byline but a fake move to cut back, and he''s dribbling horizontally in the penalty area. Does he have a chance?"
"Shot! Goal! Goooooooooooooooooal!"
"It''s another ssic inside cut and shot from the Chinese superstar. This move is really tried and tested; the opposition defenders simply have no solution, they can''t block him and are too afraid to foul him."
"Of course, this move relies on exquisite ball control and finishing ability, but for a football king, it''s a piece of cake."
"Now Real Madrid leads Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, with Wang Feng scoring twice to im all the goals!"
The first-half attacking disy by the Gcticos was not over yet. In the 41st minute, the Chinese superstar attacked down the right nk, using a clever step-over move to deceive Parker before crossing from the byline.
In the penalty area, Marcelo nodded in the ball, which went through Friedel''s legs and into the behind him. 3-0!
"A wonderful cross and a headed goal! Real Madrid is ying really high today; Wang Feng even used a step-over to toy with Tottenham Hotspur''s midfielder. If I remember correctly, it''s been a long time since he''s used such a mboyant move."
"Let''s watch the slow-motion rey. The fluid three-step movepletely confused Parker, forcing him to block the inside cutting line. But he didn''t expect the Chinese superstar to easily pass him on the right with a flick of his right foot."
"Of course, Marcelo''s headed goal is also very impressive. This young defender possesses the quality of joining the attack, which is very rare."
Leading by three goals at halftime naturally made the Real Madrid yers more rxed andfortable. There was no change in the situation after the break, with the home team still firmly controlling the game.
In the 67th minute, Sneijder delivered a wonderful pass, and Wang Feng suddenly took a powerful shot from near the edge of the penalty area. The ball hit the right post and rebounded back into y, where Higuain seized the opportunity to score, breaching Friedel''s goal for the fourth time.
In the end, the Gcticos won 4-0 at home against Tottenham Hotspur, essentially securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.
The 25-year-old Croatian midfielder Modric looked up at the sky, gasping for breath, with a mixture of feelings in his heart. This is the Bernabeu, the devil''s home ground; this is the number one powerhouse in Europe, Real Madrid?
The relentless onught of attacks had left their teampletely breathless, and the pride of being a dark horse was long gone. Throughout the game, Tottenham Hotspur had only managed three sessful attacks and one shot on target.
Modric used to disdain the pursuit of big clubs, only wanting to lead a young team to create miracles. But now it seemed that he had limits; he needed a bigger tform and better teammates to grow together.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, or other choices, it was time to n his career path carefully.
Chapter 517: Compete directly against each other!
Chapter 517: Compete directly against each other!
Back to the league, in the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Athletic Bilbao away.
Although they had just experienced a Champions League battle, the yers of the Gcticos did not expend too much energy. They continued their hot streak at the San Mames Stadium.
In the first half, Wang Feng broke the deadlock, and in the second half, he assisted Di Maria in scoring, eventually securing a 2-0 victory with ease.
In theter game between Barcelona and Almeria, Messi scored twice to help the teame from behind and win 3-1. The gap between the two teams continued to be 3 points.
The battle for points between the two La Liga giants stirred the hearts of all Spanish fans, and the uing El sico would once again be the key match for determining the winner between the two teams!
However, before that, they each had a Champions League quarter-final match to y. Real Madrid challenged Tottenham Hotspur away, while Barcelona faced Shakhtar Dsk away.
Coincidentally, both teams had achieved a big victory in the first leg, so they both sent out rotated lineups to y, while the main yers watched from the sidelines to preserve their strength.
At White Hart Lane, the Gcticos and Tottenham yed a tough game. With the advantage of ying at home and personnel, Tottenham had the initiative on the field but still couldn''t break through the visitor''s defense.
In the 60th minute of the second half, Benitez decisively substituted Wang Feng to deliver a fatal blow to the opponent. As expected, six minutester, he received a diagonal pass from Granero in the right rib area, then dribbled to the left to create space before shooting fiercely.
Tottenham goalkeeper Friedel made a flying save, but the powerful ball hit his gloves, and despite losing some momentum, it deflected into the goal, making it 1-0!
This was the only goal of the match, and in the end, Real Madrid swept Tottenham 5-0 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
Barcelona also did not disappoint their fans, easily defeating Shakhtar Dsk to advance to the semi-finals. The two La Liga giants would meet in the semi-finals, and only one team would secure a ticket to the final.
Such dramatic scenes naturally attracted great attention and discussion in European football, especially at such a critical juncture when the Gcticos achieved historic results.
Some fans joked that the scheduling seemed to imply that if Real Madrid wanted to recreate legendary achievements, they would have to step over Barcelona''s corpse!
The implication was deeper than just a sports match; both clubs attached great importance to the uing showdown, and the eyes of the King of Spain and the leaders of Catalonia were also closely watching.
Since the establishment of La Liga in 1928, Real Madrid and Barcelona have yed countless national derbies, with many ups and downs and unforgettable stories. The three uing matches would be no exception.
Although Barcelona won the first encounter of the season, everyone felt it was difficult to determine Barcelona''s superiority based solely on that result. Since Benitez changed his approach, the shackles on Wang Feng no longer existed, making the situation unpredictable.
Some "rational" fans believed that the Gcticos should prioritize the Champions League at this time. Although winning five consecutive league titles seemed tempting, achieving total victory would be too difficult.
"The league title race is not favorable for us. I think we should focus on the Champions League. Winning five consecutive Champions Leagues is more important than anything else. This is the most important achievement to showcase Real Madrid''s unparalleled influence in European football," a fan said online.
This view resonated with many people, but Real Madrid legend Hierro vehemently refuted it in an interview: "Every victory is achieved through hard work. How can we be afraid before we even fight?"
"I admit that Barcelona''s performance this season can be described as brilliant, but Real Madrid is no less impressive. From the beginning, trailing by arge margin to now being just 3 points behind, as long as we win one game, we can reverse the situation."
"At this time, it is very irrational to talk about giving up. Moreover, Barcelona faces greater pressure than us. They still have to prepare for the Copa del Rey final, and a slight oversight could lead to a disastrous oue of getting nothing."
Ronaldo, who retired in February, also came out to support Real Madrid, saying, "I will go to the scene to cheer for the Gcticos. They will definitely win all the games."
"Why am I so confident? Of course, it''s because of Wang Feng. Don''t forget that we fought side by side. I know his strength very well." Apart from him, Carlos, Raul, and others also expressed their confidence in Real Madrid.
Legendary superstar Stefano, who led Real Madrid to win five consecutive Champions League titles, also epted an interview, as he had not appeared in public view much in recent years due to poor health.
"I am very happy to see the team dominate La Liga and European football again in my lifetime, equaling or even surpassing the glorious achievements of the past," the Argentine said slowly.
"Wang Feng''s abilities have far surpassed mine back then, so I believe he can bring victory, and I believe he will be the greatest yer in the history of Real Madrid."
Barcelona legends naturally also came out to support the Catn team. Cruyff was the first to say that it was ridiculous for Real Madrid to think they could win everything.
"We have precedents of defeating them. We have a dream lineup. The uing showdown will definitely end with a victory for Barcelona!"
At the same time, he also said that this was the best time for the team to create historic achievements, just like the past Real Madrid, first securing the league title, then winning the Copa del Rey, and finally winning the Champions League to achieve the triple crown.
"What Real Madrid can do, Barcelona can certainly do too!"
Former Barcelona yer Stoichkov, who contributed more than 100 goals for the club in four years, said in an interview, "Now Barcelona has the ability to win all games."
"Messi''s talent and ability make all coaches envious. The midfield led by Xavi and Iniesta is the best in the world. Our strength far exceeds that of Real Madrid."
"In recent years, consecutive defeats to them were purely due to psychological blows. Real Madrid, or rather Wang Feng, knows exactly how to unbnce opponents."
"But he is just a yer after all, not a superhuman. As long as we stick to our rhythm, maintain a calm mentality and y as a team, there will be no chance of failure!"
Ronaldinho, currently ying for mengo in the Brazilian league, also expressed his support for Barcelona and Messi on social media, with a hint of deep resentment towards Wang Feng.
It''s no wonder; the rivalry between the two goes back to 2001 when he first arrived in European football. At that time, he was brought to Paris Saint-Germain as an alternative to Wang Feng and had been living under the shadow of the Chinese superstar ever since.
Having experienced a brief peak and then returning to calmness, he looked back and found that his former opponent had always been sitting on the cloud, unreachable by anyone, making it difficult for anyone to ept.
Those who shared the same feelings as him included Kaka, Adriano, and a group of contemporaries. They had long sunk into the river of history, while the Chinese superstar continued to shine brightly.
However, these people were all old friends and teammates of Wang Feng, naturally without anyints. They only asionally recalled the past and sighed with emotion, while also looking forward to seeing how far Wang Feng could go.
Chapter 518: Head start
Chapter 518: Head start
On the afternoon of April 16th, Madrid, usually bustling, became even more noisy. The streets were packed with pedestrians and vehicles, and the roads leading to the northeast of the city center werepletely blocked, extending from the Bernabeu Stadium all the way to the Soro Museum.
Countless anxious drivers honked their horns incessantly, but the traffic remained unmoved, which caused disdain and scorn from the bystanders passing by.
As a fan of Real Madrid for twenty years, Desantys took his two children on the subway to the Bernabeu to watch the derby. He said to his younger son as they walked, "Sunny, I told you we shouldn''t drive. Look at these fools; they might not even make it to the stadium after the match."
His son rolled his eyes, saying, "You''re right, but why did we leave so early? Taking the subway to the stadium only takes a little over an hour, and the game doesn''t start until the evening."
Desantys replied, "Many fools have the same idea as you. As a result, the subway in the evening gets so crowded that you can''t even get on, and it''s prone to breakdowns and stops. I suffered losses a few years ago and missed the match because of it, wasting tickets worth thousands of euros."
"It''s never wrong to leave early. Later, we''ll go to the club''s surrounding shops near the stadium." Sunny was speechless. He had experienced too few derbiespared to his experienced father.
"Although past national derbies were intense, they didn''t reach this level," Desantys sighed. "It''s Wang''s arrival that has driven Madrid fans crazy, coupled with Barcelona''s outstanding performance in recent years. The sh between the two teams is one of the highest-level matches in the world of football, and everyone is eagerly anticipating it."
"Powerful teams and yers always need a backdrop. Come on, let''s go witness this strongest Barcelona be the best backdrop for the Real Madrid dynasty!"
There were many smart fans like Desantys, all rushing to the stadium in advance. Meanwhile, the yers of Real Madrid and Barcelona had already arrived at the Bernabeu, starting their final adaptation training.
The starting lineups for both sides were also announced. Real Madrid, with Benitez at the helm, deployed his favorite 4-2-3-1 formation, with Casis as the goalkeeper.
The back four consisted of Pepe, Ramos, Ashley Cole, and Marcelo.
The double pivot featured Khedira and Diarra, while the trio in front of them were Sneijder, Di Maria, and Wang Feng.
Up front, Iguan led the line.
The selection of the holding midfielder for the Gcticos had always been unsatisfactory. Logically, Gago was the orthodox choice, but the Argentine''s performance had been somewhat disappointing, so Benitez had to keep him on the bench.
After the Champions League match against Tottenham, the club management found that Modric was very capable, so they nned to join the pursuit of the Croatian this summer.
As for Di Maria starting instead of Robben in such an important match, this was also the result of Benitez''s careful consideration. After all, the Argentine winger''s excellent performance was obvious to all, while the Dutchman had suffered from multiple injuries. Although his form was not a big problem, he was still a ticking time bomb.
On the Barcelona side, Guardi''s steadfast 4-3-3 formation was as expected, with Valdes in goal.
The backline consisted of Alves, Mascherano, Piqu, and Abidal.
The midfield trio featured Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta.
Up front, it was Vi, Messi, and Pedro.
This was their strongest lineup, with former captain Puyol only able to sit on the bench due to his advancing age and declining form.
Both teams were well aware of each other''s strengths and weaknesses, and with the outside world constantly hyping up the importance of this match, both sides yed very cautiously after kick-off, probing each other and waiting for openings.
Barcelona controlled the majority of possession, while Real Madrid maintained apact formation, not allowing the opponents easy ess to the dangerous areas in the penalty box. Therefore, the away team could only repeatedly resort to corner kicks from the periphery.
It wasn''t until the 10th minute that the first shot of the game urred. Iniesta''s diagonal pass found Messi, who swiftly shook off the defense and unleashed a long-range shot, but the ball veered off significantly wide.
Five minutester, theyunched another attack. Xavi''s lofted pass found Messi, who deftly controlled the ball past Diarra''s press and then swiftly entered the penalty area, releasing a chip shot before other defending yers could close in, only to be caught by the vignt Casis.
Although no goal was conceded, Messi''s breakthrough still caused a wave of exmations from the home fans in the stands. Sunny, feeling frustrated, said, "Damn it, why are we being dominated by Barcelona? Their possession rate must be close to 80% by now. Where''s our counterattack? Let''s get it going!"
Although Desantys was also surprised, he tried to reassure his son, saying, "You''re still inexperienced; don''t be so rmed."
Before he could finish his words, he suddenly widened his eyes, jumped up from his seat, and no longer maintained his previous calm demeanor. He started bouncing up and down, waving his hands while shouting, "Vamos!"
At this moment, his younger son had no time to ridicule his father''s "overreaction" and was instead caught up in the jubtion like the surrounding crowd because Real Madrid had scored the opening goal!
Casis quickly threw the ball to Khedira after blocking Messi''s shot. The German midfielder then passed to Di Maria, who in turn found Wang Feng. With a few quick passes, the ball arrived near the halfway line.
The Chinese superstar, originally near his own penalty area to assist in defense, sprinted forward to join the attack. His speed had already been increased, so he dribbled the ball towards the opposition''s half for a quick counterattack.
He first rapidly changed direction to shake off Busquets, then elerated again to surpass Alves, advancing rapidly towards the edge of the penalty area along the nk.
At this point, the other attacking yers of Real Madrid hadn''t arrived yet, so Mascherano from the center quickly came over to block him, with Alves chasing closely behind. Wang Feng had to make a decision immediately.
The Chinese superstar calmly pushed the ball sideways with the inside of his right foot. The ball slipped perfectly between Mascherano''s legs, catching the Argentine defender off guard. He hastily tried to stop and turn around, but his rush made it difficult to twist his body in time. He could only watch as Wang Feng cut inside into the penalty area.
The subsequent goal was a natural consequence. Faced with Valdes rushing out and Piqu sliding tackle, Wang Feng aimed at the far corner and calmly chipped the ball over the two, as it soared over them and nestled into the at the intersection of the crossbar and post.
"Everything happened too fast! One moment, Barcelona threatened the Real Madrid goal, and the next moment, the momentum shifted. Wang Feng''s speed left Iguan trailing behind in the attack; he hadn''t even reached the penalty area yet."
"I believe many fans didn''t understand how he managed to get past Mascherano. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. Oh, he actually nutmegged him."
"This is a bit unbearable to watch. Under the sharp speed of the Chinese superstar, the Argentine defender appeared exceptionally clumsy, and his turn was as slow as an aircraft carrier."
Chapter 519: Destroy the classic
Chapter 519: Destroy the ssic
After taking the lead, the situation on the field seemed unchanged, with Barcelona still attacking while Real Madrid defended. However, the yers'' mentality inevitably felt the impact.
The confidence of the home team''s yers grew stronger. This goal gave them a glimpse of victory and hope for aeback, while the away team gradually became restless, with memories of past failures haunting their minds.
The direct result was an increase in long-range shots from outside the Barcelona penalty area. When unable to prate the opponent''s defense, yers like Messi and Vi frequently attempted long shots.
However, this approach obviously didn''t work and only wasted attacking opportunities. On the sidelines, Guardi anxiously urged his yers to stay calm while contemting the changes toe, especially in the second half.
As the first half neared its end, just when everyone thought the score wouldn''t change, a new twist urred.
In the first minute of injury time, Real Madrid won the ball in their own half andunched a quick counterattack down the left nk. Alonso delivered a long diagonal pass to Di Maria on the right.
The Argentine winger forced his way to the byline and crossed, with the ball hitting Abidal''s right leg and going out for a corner kick, giving Real Madrid a chance.
Sneijder stepped up to take the corner, lofting it to the near post. Under pressure from defenders, Higuan could only head the ball forward, but with too much force.
The ball floated slowly towards the penalty spot, where Wang Feng, lurking behind the defense, rushed out to meet it. At the same time, Busquets also moved to clear the ball with a header.
There was no time for any adjustments or hesitation! The Chinese superstar immediately leaned back, lifted his right leg, and used the back of his heel to strike the ball before Busquets could reach it.
"Bang!" The powerful backheel shot headed towards the left side of the goal. Although Valdes reacted quickly, spreading his legs and arms to make a sprawling save, the ball still slipped past him into the.
"Goal!" The ball went in! Just before the end of the first half, Wang Feng extended Real Madrid''s lead with an incredible backheel goal!
"This is unbelievable! ording to statistics, the home team''s possession rate dropped to 35% at one point, with only four shot opportunities, yet they managed to score two goals."
"In contrast, Barcelona had a lot of possession, with 17 shots but only eight on target. Their attacking quality was poor, and if they continue like this, they will surely lose."
"Could the Catn team really repeat the mistakes of recent years and once again watch their arch-rivals climb to the top over their corpses?"
Absolutely disastrous! Guardi felt that if he still had any hair, it would have all fallen out by now. Being one goal down was already precarious enough, but nobody expected to concede a goal in injury time.
He could adjust tactics, but did they have the confidence to execute them? Looking at the despondent yers in front of him, the Spanish coach felt truly exhausted. Perhaps he should leave Barcelona after the end of the season, this heart-wrenching ce.
Just then, Messi stood up. He walked to the front of his teammates and said firmly amidst skeptical looks, "Guys, it''s not time to give up yet. We still have time."
"Don''t forget how Real Madrid fights. They never give up halfway through a game. It''s this belief that allows them to turn defeat into victory time and time again, and what Real Madrid can do, we can definitely do too!"
"Believe in yourselves, believe in me!" The Argentine star encouraged his teammates passionately, showing this side of leadership for the first time,bined with his superb skills, it was very inspiring.
Iniesta responded first, "Yes, we''re just two goals down. We''re still three points ahead of them. A draw is a victory for us. I believe in you, Leo, you''re no less than Wang Feng!"
Others also chimed in, dispelling the despondent atmosphere in the dressing room. Even Guardi looked at Messi in astonishment, as if seeing him in a new light.
Puyol was very pleased. He could finally put down the burden on his shoulders and entrust the team to the Argentine, thinking that Messi would need several more years to grow, but he didn''t expect him to progress so rapidly under the pressure from Wang Feng.
Next, the coach began to arrange tactics for the second half, with two key points: use possession and immediate pressing to stop Real Madrid''s counterattacks, and on the attacking end, find opportunities for Messi to create chances.
The Argentine wasn''t just talking big; after the start of the second half, he frequently relied on his individual abilities to break through. Usually, it was difficult for Khedira, Ashley Cole, and Ramos to stop him, which increased the pressure on Real Madrid''s defense.
In the 68th minute, Iniesta passed the ball to Messi in the frontcourt. The Argentine broke through, evading multiple attempted tackles and distractions from Sneijder and Diarra.
Seeing the defensive attention focused on himself, Messi suddenly used the back of his heel to lift the ball into the penalty area, where Vi, who had pushed up from the back, volleyed it in as it fell, piercing Casis''s fingers. 2-1, Barcelona pulled one back!
After that, the away team continued their momentum, making the fans in the Bernabeu nervous. Even veteran fans like Desantys couldn''t pretend to be calm anymore, holding onto his jersey tightly and loudly urging the team to hold on.
In the 81st minute, as Real Madrid prepared to counterattack, Di Maria was dribbling past the halfway line but was dispossessed by Busquets.
He immediately passed to Messi, who quickly dribbled forward, evading Sneijder and Diarra with consecutive small steps and maneuvers.
With all defensive attention on himself, he suddenly used his heel to lift the ball into the penalty area, where Vi volleyed it in as it fell, piercing Casis''s fingers. 2-1, Barcelona pulled one back!
The Argentine''s smile froze instantly, and even the roaringmentator was momentarily stunned, then continued shouting, "It didn''t go in! It didn''t go in! Oh my God, Wang Feng, who was tracking back, blocked the ball from going over the goal line at thest moment!"
"Messi just pulled off a miraculous solo run, reminiscent of Maradona. If it had resulted in a goal, it would have been a ssic to rival his predecessors!"
"But everything was disrupted by Wang Feng. Where did hee from? Let''s take a look at the rey."
"Oh, the close-up camera was following Messi the whole time and didn''t capture the presence of the Chinese superstar. Looking at it from a wider angle, it bes clearer. When Messi started his run, Wang Feng was still involved in the attack in the opponent''s half. Seeing the danger, he immediately tracked back."
"And his approach was very clever. Instead of getting close for a tackle like other defenders, he positioned himself on the potential shooting path of Messi, ready to block at any moment."
"Because in the process of rapid retreat defense, it''s easy to be bypassed by attackers using rhythm changes and dribbling skills, and Wang Feng understands this well. He has once performed an ultimate show of breaking through seven defenders and scoring a goal."
Chapter 520: Reverse to the top!
Chapter 520: Reverse to the top!
When Wang Feng sessfully disrupted Messi''s sure goal after dribbling past five defenders, the game was effectively over. Including the injury time that followed, Barcelona failed to organize any effective attacks.
"Beep, beep, beep~" With the referee blowing the final whistle, over eighty thousand Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu stadium went absolutely wild. Everyone cheered and danced with joy, releasing their pent-up excitement.
They had defeated Barcelona! After this match, the point difference between the two teams waspletely erased. Moreover, with the advantage of goal difference, the Gcticos managed to climb to the top, marking their first time at the summit this season!
In the luxury box, Florentino, who had been standing and watching the game since the second half, finally rxed and sat back in his seat, taking a sip of fine wine.
Messi''s attacking performance had shocked him greatly. He had almost given up hope for the team until Wang Feng suddenly emerged to block the shot. His heart was still pounding even now.
Alongside him, Baldano and others shared the same feeling. Without realizing it, they were sweating profusely. The entire second half had been too nerve-wracking for Real Madrid.
"Wang Feng always brings unexpected surprises," Florentino eximed. "I never thought I''d be so eager for a yer''s performance. He deserves all the praise."
Baldano nodded. "Messi is outstanding enough, but in the second half, under his leadership, Barcelona''s attacks became even more terrifying. With our current defense, we can only barely resist. Conceding was just a matter of time."
"But Wang Feng unexpectedly has this trick up his sleeve. His ability to read the game is truly unmatched, appearing in crucial positions at crucial moments."
"Yes, if the Argentine had really scored that goal, I think our chances of winning the league would have been dashed. And that goal would have be a permanent scar for Real Madrid, mentioned repeatedly."
"But now it''s be a wound for Barcelona instead. Haha, failing to score even after dribbling past five defenders, ssic, it''s just too ssic!"
Florentino closed his eyes gently, enjoying the joy of victory. At this moment, he was extremely grateful for the decision to bring in Wang Feng, even if it meant waiting for a year.
Without the Chinese superstar, Real Madrid would never have been able to win the league and Champions League titles for four consecutive years. He was one of the people who understood the Catn team the most, knowing exactly how strong their opponents had been in recent years.
As the Real Madrid yers celebrated, the Barcelona team walked off the field with dejected expressions. Among them, Messi was the most frustrated. He kept asking himself why he didn''t take another step forward to shoot or aim for the corner instead of making a light push.
He had to admit that he had been careless. The repeated dribbles and breakthroughs made him feel invincible, and the goal seemed like a foregone conclusion. Hepletely failed to notice Wang Feng sprinting back for defense.
What''s more, because of missing this chance, they lost to Real Madrid, allowing them to overtake Barcelona and possibly win the league title.
The team''s efforts throughout the season had turned into nothing. What face and qualifications did he have to encourage the team in the midfield?
Puyol, who didn''t get a chance to y, still fulfilled his duty as the former captain,forting every disappointed yer. He walked up to Messi and hugged the young man.
"Leo, you''re a hero for Barcelona. There''s no need to hang your head." Messi, with red eyes, asked, "Really? Do I still have that qualification?"
"Of course you do. Anyone who has watched the game wouldn''t me you. Your encouragement boosted the morale of your teammates. Compared to before, you''ve grown a lot. I firmly believe that one day you will lead Barcelona to rise again and defeat Real Madrid!"
Messi gritted his teeth and nodded. Yes, he had vowed not to be the weak yer who bowed his head in adversity. He wanted to stand at the forefront of the team like Wang Feng and lead them.
On the sidelines, Guardi sighed helplessly. The team still lost, who could he me, and who should he me? me Messi for missing the chance? The entire second half was supported by the Argentine, and there was no reason to me him.
me the team''s passing and defense? To be honest, even he felt that everyone had done their best, and there was very little room for improvement and enhancement.
In the end, they lost to Wang Feng. It was the same in the past, and it was the same now. The Chinese superstar seemed like a towering mountain in front of the Catn team, attempting to climb over him many times but failing every time.
If Barcelona had insisted on bringing Wang Feng under their wings back then, the road to the league title would not have been so difficult. Thebination of Messi and Wang Feng''s strengths was simply unimaginable.
Seeing Benitez smiling and extending his hand towards him, Guardi could only shake hands in response out of courtesy. However, he couldn''t help but mock, "Being the Real Madrid coach is easy, huh? Just enjoy winning."
Benitez''s face darkened slightly, but he quickly smiled brightly again. "Isn''t that good? It''s much luckier than wracking your brains but still unable to win." The two of them exchanged a few barbed words but didn''t escte into a conflict, simply exchanged a few words before returning to their respective teams.
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1, winning the crucial league title race. The news quickly spread throughout Spain and even across European football circles.
Many media outlets focused on the showdown between Wang Feng and Messi, iming that the Chinese superstar once again outperformed his counterpart. It was not just about scoring twice; more importantly, he disrupted Messi''s excellent scoring opportunity.
This move was significant. The Spanish newspaper "El Pais" believed that Wang Feng''s control of the overall situation and his active role in both attack and defense were worth learning for Messi.
"This was a wonderful textbook-style disy of attacking and defending. The Argentine star showed us the ultimate football talent and dribbling skills, while the Chinese superstar showed us how to actively run and defend correctly."
"Marca" deliberately published a photo of the moment Wang Feng disrupted the goal, capturing Messi''s face from joy to surprise.
Theymented, "The Argentine was on the verge of creating a miraculous goal, but in the end, it was only the Chinese superstar who could summon miracles. Real Madrid will once again climb to the top under his influence!"
"Of course, all of this is inseparable from Wang Feng''s diligence and positive attitude. Everyone only sees his superb defensive skills, but they don''t notice his serious attitude."
"As Messi started his breakthrough, the Chinese superstar was still in the opponent''s half. It was his long-distance sprint back to defense that created this ssic defensive move."
"AS" believed that Real Madrid''s reversal of the points table at this time was significant. Although it couldn''t be said to have secured the championship early, they had indeed taken the lead.
With six rounds left in the league, judging from the performance of the two Spanish giants in the past, the remaining opponents could not stop them. The most important thing was to avoid making mistakes themselves.
"The Gcticos are more reassuring. In recent years, they have always been stable in crucial moments, while Barcelona, who have lost the initiative, are prone to psychological issues."
The Catn newspaper "Sport" also admitted this but believed that the team could regain the initiative as long as they gave their all in the remaining matches and won convincingly. After all, the difference in goal difference between the two sides was only eight goals.
Chapter 521: How arrogant are you?
Chapter 521: How arrogant are you?
After the El Clsico, both Real Madrid and Barcelona chose to conduct closed-door training sessions in preparation for the uing league and Champions League matches. They declined almost all interview requests to ensure their mental focus remained undisturbed.
Of course, Barcelona still had a Copa del Rey final to y against Sevi. The Gcticos watched this match together at their training base.
After a goalless regr time and extra time, the Copa del Rey final was decided by a penalty shootout. In the end, Barcelona''s goalkeeper Valds made a crucial save, denying the opposition''s penalty shot and helping the team lift the Copa del Rey trophy!
This result left the Real Madrid yers somewhat frustrated. Barcelona unexpectedly won a trophy before them. However, Wang Feng pped his hands to draw everyone''s attention and said, "Guys, I think we''ve got the upper hand in the uing battles!"
Seeing his teammates'' puzzled expressions, he continued, "From this match, we can see many issues. Barcelona lost their sharpness, otherwise they wouldn''t have struggled for 120 minutes."
"They had absolute dominance throughout the game, but the threat they posed wasn''t proportional. Most of the time, they were just aimlessly passing around in midfield."
Benitez nodded in satisfaction. The Chinese superstar indeed had excellent observation and football intelligence. He added, "Wang is right. This team has major problems, and we have more opportunities!"
What followed confirmed their views. On April 23rd, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Valencia away. Although Wang Feng didn''t score, he provided assists for Sneijder and Di Mara, helping the team win 2-0.
Barcelona faced Espanyol at home, but the match ended in a goalless draw. They couldn''t secure a victory, widening the points gap with Real Madrid to 2 points.
"Havi''s pass was intercepted by midfielder Khedira, and Real Madrid quickly counterattacked!"
"Di Mara received the ball on the right side, dribbling forward. Alves and Piqu rushed to defend, but he''s too fast."
"He makes a quick stop, beautiful! Changes pace and forces his way down the nk, crosses, shoots! Goal! Goooooooooooooooooal!"
"Too easy! Wang Feng met the ball near the penalty spot, received it and fiercely shot towards the goal. The ball flew fast and hit the inside of the crossbar before entering the beyond goalkeeper Valds''s hands."
"This is the Chinese superstar''s third goal of the match,pleting a hat-trick. The score is now 4-1, and it''s hard to imagine Barcelona being ughtered so ruthlessly at Camp Nou!"
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly ran to the stands, opening his arms in a gesture of worship, which naturally angered Barcelona fans, but the Chinese superstar felt refreshed. How arrogant could they still be?
Last time at Camp Nou, after the match, there were continuous insults and derogatory remarks from the home fans towards him, and it was the same before the start of this Champions League semi-final first leg.
Wang Feng disdained engaging in verbal battles. The best way to retaliate against them was to crush the team they supported. So, he was very active right from the start of the match.
As predicted by the head coach, Barcelona did indeed have some issues, making it easy for the Chinese superstar to seize opportunities. In the 7th minute, as he advanced into the opponent''s half, he suddenly attempted a long shot.
The ball pierced through the defense and went straight to the bottom left corner. Valds managed to touch it with his right hand, but it deflected off the post and into the, giving Real Madrid a dream start.
Before the home team could react, just 5 minutester, Di Mara crossed from the edge of the penalty area, and Wang Feng, positioned at the back post, volleyed it in with his right foot, piercing Barcelona''s goal again, 2-0!
Subsequently, Real Madrid continued to press, causing Barcelona to retreat. Before the end of the first half, they extended their lead to three goals through a corner kick opportunity, with Sneijder assisting Higuan.
At the start of the second half, in the 51st minute, Barcelona seized an opportunity from a mistake in Real Madrid''s defense, with Messi pulling one back. This reignited hope among the home fans.
But in less than ten minutes, Wang Feng pushed them back into despair again. This man was terrifying; no matter how many years passed, he remained the eternal nightmare in the hearts of Barcelona fans.
In the 81st minute, Wang Feng dropped back to the midfield to receive a pass from Diarra, then quickly turned and sprinted towards the opponent''s half. Seeing the Barcelona defense approaching, two defenders came to mark him.
When they got close, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to pass sideways to Sneijder, who didn''t stop the ball but immediately yed it forward, forming a ssic wall pass to break through Barcelona''s defense.
At the edge of the penalty area, the Chinese superstar received the return pass, then feigned to the right with his right foot and cut inside with his left, dribbling past defenders into Barcelona''s territory!
Facing the onrushing Valds, Wang Feng calmly shot, the ball passing between the goalkeeper''s legs and rolling urately into the behind him.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! Oh my God, Wang Feng scored again! He''s scored four goals in this match! Real Madrid is on a rampage!"
"5-1! The match is already decided, the Gcticos are about to enter the Champions League final for the fifth consecutive time!"
"What? There''s still a second leg? Don''t joke around, Barcelona lost so miserably at Camp Nou, can they still hope for a miraculouseback at the Bernabeu?"
"These people obviously haven''t gotten over the shadow of losing to Real Madridst time. Both the yers and the coach seem to be sleepwalking. Guardi hasn''t even made any substitutions until now!"
It''s not that he didn''t want to make substitutions, but he simply didn''t know how to adjust. From the moment they conceded the first goal, Barcelona had copsed!
The home fans in the stands fell into silence, only watching the Real Madrid yers celebrate, their eyes almost spewing fire.
It''s unclear who started booing first, but soon it grew louder and louder, until the entire stadium was enveloped in boos, directed at both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Momentster, the situation became more serious. Angry fans shouted together, "Rosell, resign! Guardi, get out!" Such words made the already low-spirited Barcelona even more disheartened, and they could only waste time continuously.
Finally enduring until the referee blew the final whistle, the insults became even more intense. Countless projectiles were thrown from the stands by fans, expressing their strong dissatisfaction.
Originally, for safety reasons, the El Clsico didn''t allow fans to bring hard objects like mineral water bottles or glow sticks. However, angry fans found other ways. Belts, emptied wallets wrapped in clothes, could also cause considerable damage when thrown.
Guardi sat in the coaching area, listening to the constant banging on the canopy above his head, feeling a deep sense of destion. He slowly took out his phone andposed a message to Barcelona''s president, "Mr. Rosell, I would like to talk to you tomorrow morning."
At the luxurious box at the top of the Camp Nou, Rosell was also hesitating as heposed a message. After seeing Guardi''s message, he sighed deeply and replied, "Okay,e to my office."
Chapter 522: Falling apart
Chapter 522: Falling apart
Of course, Rosell knew what Guardi wanted to discuss at this time. The rumors circting in the public domain about his dislike for Spanish coaches who rose to prominence during Laporta''s tenure werepletely unfounded.
In fact, he greatly admired Guardi, a Catn native, whose tactical arrangements and coaching abilities were perfectly suited to Barcelona''s current situation, and the team''s achievements were remarkable.
If it weren''t for the formidable Real Madrid and Wang Feng, Barcelona would surely have reached its peak under his guidance. This is also why, after several disappointing seasons, Rosell always staunchly supported Guardi.
But no one expected the Gcticos to be so dominant, without making any mistakes for five whole years. All their problems erupted at once and were heading in an uncontroble direction. Guardi couldn''t hold on any longer, and he himself might be on thin ice.
pping his cheeks to shake himself out of his reverie, Rosell knew he had to pull himself together as long as he was in his position. There were many things to do next. It seemed unlikely for them to win the league and the Champions League, but they still had the Copa del Rey at least.
First, he needed to promote the significance of the Copa del Rey in the media. The Catalonia region had inherent conflicts with the monarchy, so winning the Copa del Rey would be a form of defiance and a boost to morale.
Secondly, they needed to organize a grand celebration for winning the cup. It would not only rally the fans but also boost the team''s morale. Barcelona desperately needed a celebration at this time.
Lastly, the most important thing was to find a sessor to the head coach. There probably wouldn''t be any top coaches willing toe to Catalonia to clean up the mess. They could only consider promoting the assistant coach Vnova for now and then gradually look for a recement.
Of course, significant signings in the summer transfer window were essential. This directly affected whether Rosell could continue to lead the club. He had to give the fans and members enough confidence.
Thinking about this, he immediately notified the senior management to hold a meeting to formte a restructuring n for the team. If necessary, relevant information could be leaked to the media in advance to stabilize the situation.
Barcelona''s 1-5 defeat to Real Madrid at Camp Nou quickly swept through the entire European football scene, leaving everyone in shock. What happened to the cosmic Barcelona, which was on par with the Gcticos?
Sky Sports Ennd described it as a "brutal massacre," stating that the Catn team showed no fighting spirit or desire to win from start to finish.
"It''s Wang Feng who is full of fighting spirit. He led the Gcticos to y an exhrating game, contributing four goals alone, making this seriespletely devoid of suspense."
"From the course of the game, Real Madrid''s advancement to the next round is already set in stone. Barcelona has no foundation or possibility of aeback."
"A 5-1 scoreline is the most disparate margin in a Champions League semi-final since the restructuring, and it''s hard to imagine it happening between Real Madrid and Barcelona, especially at Camp Nou."
Kicker, a German publication, analyzed the match data in detail. They pointed out that despite Barcelona''s proud possession rate of 62%, much of it was ineffective, frequently involving cornering at midfield without pration.
"It''s easy to deduce from this that throughout the game, Real Madrid created 19 shots, 10 of which were on target, scoring five goals, while Barcelona only had six shots, three of which were on target, resulting in one goal."
"High possession rates don''t necessarily trante into scoring opportunities. The failure of the Catn team reveals to us that possession-based football is not about keeping the ball at your feet but decisively sending it forward, into the danger zone."
In addition, they alsopared the performances of the two teams'' key yers, Wang Feng and Messi. It goes without saying for the Chinese superstar, who had nine shots and scored four goals, while the Argentine only managed three shots and one goal.
"Messi seems to still be immersed in the shadow of defeat from a few days ago,cking the agile dribbling and breakthroughs, and making frequent mistakes when facing defenders."
This was an old problem for the Argentine star. Whenever he faced unfavorable situations, he easily became despondent. Although he had matured a lot through the beatings in recent years,pared to Wang Feng, he was still very immature.
L''quipe, a French newspaper, believed that the Gcticos currently seemed unstoppable, with an epic fifth consecutive Champions League achievement within reach.
In the other Champions League semi-final, Manchester United defeated Schalke 04 2-0. It was expected that the Red Devils would be Real Madrid''s opponents in the Champions League final.
"This season, Ronaldo''s performance has been explosive. He has scored 34 goals in the league so far, second only to Wang Feng''s 48. He has also contributed nine goals in the Champions League, ranking third in the top scorer list."
"However, in recent years, the encounters between the two sides have always ended in Real Madrid''s victory. Moreover, Manchester United has hardly shown any outstanding performances along the way, narrowly defeating Marseille and Chelsea, and facing a rtively weak Schalke 04 in the semi-finals."
Therefore, L''quipe believed that it would be very difficult for the Red Devils to defeat the Gcticos, and Ronaldo''s Champions League dream might once again be shattered, while Wang Feng would continue to dominate European football.
Spain''s domestic media presented a stark contrast. The Real Madrid-affiliated Marca and AS naturallyvished praise and congrattions, while Catalonia newspapers expressed strong disappointment with the team''s performance.
Sport Daily believed that experiencing such a shameful defeat, Barcelona once againpletely lost to Real Madrid, and all their efforts throughout the season amounted to nothing.
"Head coach Guardi must take responsibility for this. He couldn''t even make effective tactical adjustments. Since he took over, the team has never truly defeated the Gcticos."
They believed that allowing Guardi to continue coaching the team would be extremely unwise, and the club''s senior management must find a more famous and capable head coach as soon as possible.
Mundo Deportivo revealed that the day after the humiliating defeat, Guardi had a long discussion with Rosell in his office. Although the specific content was unknown, Guardi did not attend the club''s meeting held afterward, and instead, assistant coach Vnova was present.
This caused a stir, and everyone spected about Guardi''s future. The club quickly issued a statement, stating that Guardi would no longer continue as Barcelona''s head coach after the end of the season.
At the same time, they also expressed that they would invest hundreds of millions of euros in the club''s signings and restructuring in the summer, stating that the team would definitely learn from past failures and deliver satisfactory results in the next season.
Just like during the Rijkaard era, Guardi''s Barcelona once again fell apart, and they both crumbled at the hands of the same person, the Chinese superstar Wang Feng!
Cruyff, in his column, no longer blindly criticized Guardi but objectively assessed his coaching. "Although still young, Guardi''s coaching of the team is very sophisticated, establishing a rtivelyplete possession system."
He believed that Barcelona being able to keep up with and even lead against Real Madrid under the strong pressure was a remarkable achievement, but not being able to win the championship was the biggest shoring.
"I don''t think Vnova can do better than him. We need someone with more coaching experience, especially someone who can deal with Wang Feng."
Chapter 523: 5 consecutive championships in the league
Chapter 523: 5 consecutive championships in the league
After the great victory against Barcelona, there was a jubnt atmosphere within the Real Madrid team, but Wang Feng remainedposed. He reminded his teammates that it wasn''t time to celebrate yet since they hadn''t secured the league title.
Soon, they faced Real Zaragoza at home in the 34th round of La Liga. In the 34th minute of the match, Wang Feng forcefully dribbled down the left nk and passed the ball back with a reverse triangle to Alonso, who slotted home from the 14-meter position, opening the scoring for the home team.
In the 72nd minute of the second half, the active Chinese superstar, with his characteristic ball control, evaded the opposition''s central defender in the middle and suddenly chose to shoot horizontally, unleashing a world-ss shot from over twenty meters that pierced through Zaragoza''s defense.
The final score remained 2-0, with the Gcticos securing afortable victory.
As warned by Wang Feng, despite the chaos within Barcelona, many yers still hadn''t given up hope of winning the league title. The two-point gap wasn''t an insurmountable barrier.
In this round, the Catalonia team narrowly defeated Real Sociedad 2-1,ing from behind after conceding the first goal to achieve aeback through Messi and Vi.
In the subsequent Champions League semi-final second-leg match, Guardi simply gave up hope, resting all key yers to focus on the league. Simrly, Benitez also fielded only partial starters.
Wang Feng scored a goal in the 24th minute, and in the second half, Morata came on for him. Albiol and Granero each scored for the home team, resulting in a final score of 3-0.
An aggregate score of 8-1! The Gcticos ughtered Barcelona, entering the Champions League final for the fifth consecutive year!
This gap also became thergest in the history of Champions League semi-finals. Everyone knew Barcelona would fail, but they didn''t expect the defeat to be soplete.
As expected, Real Madrid''s Champions League final opponent was Manchester United, led by Ronaldo. In an interview, the Portuguese expressed confidence in their ability to settle old scores with the Gcticos.
On May 7th, in the 35th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Sevi away. Despite Di Maria assisting Higuain to open the scoring, the home team quickly equalized through Navas''s long-range shot.
The Spanish forward was exceptionally active in this match, threatening Casis''s goal with consecutive shots after halftime.
At a critical moment, Wang Feng stepped up to stabilize the situation. In the 69th minute, the Chinese superstar intercepted Quagliare''s pass in midfield, dribbled past two defenders, and unleashed a shot from the edge of the penalty area, catching the goalkeeper off guard and scoring a crucial goal.
With this key goal, Real Madrid won 2-1 against Sevi, securing all three points.
After the match, they received news of another match. Barcelona defeated Espanyol 2-0 at home. Sneijder wiped the sweat from his forehead in the locker room: "Fortunately, we won the game. Otherwise, we would have lost the top spot again. Barcelona seems to be crumbling. Why are they still so resilient?"
Wang Feng timely encouraged everyone: "As you can see, we are always on the edge of danger. We need to fight for each game that follows and not rely on our opponents for hope!"
Everyone agreed that they held the initiative now and losing in this situation would be too unjust.
Next, they faced Getafe at home. The entire Real Madrid team erupted, with Di Maria, Sneijder, Ramos, and Wang Feng each contributing a goal, leading the team to a 4-0 victory over the opponents.
This goal also pushed the total number of goals scored by the Chinese superstar past the 50 mark again, reaching 51 goals. Since joining the Gcticos, except forst season, his single-season goal tally has consistently been 50 or more.
In the away match against Virreal, Wang Feng scored twice to help the team win 2-0, but Barcelona kept winning, so the suspense for the league title dragged on to the final round.
On May 21st, in the 38th round of La Liga, the Gcticos hosted Almeria at the Bernabeu.
The visitors were far inferior in overall strength, and coupled with the yers'' full concentration, the situation quickly became one-sided.
In the 17th minute, Wang Feng broke through the middle, attracted defenders, and passed to Marcelo, who scored with his left foot from the left post, opening the scoring for the home team.
Before halftime, Wang Feng once again capitalized on a corner opportunity, heading in a goal that bounced off the turf, eluding the goalkeeper''s save and finding the from the bottom left corner.
With Di Maria''s goal in the second half securing the victory, Real Madrid won 3-0, once again lifting the La Liga trophy, achieving a fifth consecutive league title!
After the match, an interesting scene urred. While celebrating, Di Maria, still excited, reminded the staff to bring the trophy quickly.
However, the staff member helplessly exined that there was no trophy and it would be awarded before the opening match of the next season. The Argentine''s joyful expression instantly froze, turning into bewilderment. Not awarding the trophy was quite puzzling.
This amusing scene was captured by a nearby cameraman and became one of the ssics that Real Madrid fans would talk about. At that moment, Di Maria was filled with question marks, thinking the staff was deliberately being difficult.
Fortunately, Wang Feng appeared in time to resolve the "crisis." He exined to the Argentine that this was how La Liga rules worked. If they won the league early, the league could prepare to award the trophy either in thest round or thest home game.
But this season, both Real Madrid and Barcelona had the chance to win the title in the final round. The trophy couldn''t be in two ces at the same time, and there was no replica to substitute, so they had to wait until the next season for the award ceremony.
"Okay, this system is really bizarre," Di Maria shrugged. "La Liga is too stingy. They don''t even want to make a replica. This is my first championship, and I don''t feel anything real about it."
Wang Feng patted his shoulder and said, "Then let''s strive to win the championship early next season. How about lifting the trophy on the spot?" The Argentine nodded, showing a longing expression.
With joy, there was also sadness. At the Rose Garden Stadium in Mga, when the referee blew the final whistle, almost all Barcelona yers copsed on the ground in tears.
They defeated Mga 3-1, but still faced failure. All their efforts and glory were scattered.
In fact, during halftime, when they found out Real Madrid was leading by two goals, everyone had already despaired. But they still fought until thest second, praying for a miracle, but ultimately, there was no miracle. It seemed that the only person who could summon a miracle was that Chinese man.
Messi had cried himself into a tearful mess and only managed to leave the field with the help andfort of Puyol.
In the final standings of La Liga, Real Madrid secured the championship with 33 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, and 102 points, winning the title after a year with a hundred points.
Barcelona finished second with 32 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses, and 100 points, once again breaking the record for the second-highest points in the league, a scene of great tragedy.
The other two teams to secure Champions League spots were Valencia and Virreal, while the three teams relegated were Deportivo La Coruna, Elche, and Almeria.
Chapter 524: The 10th Golden Boot
Chapter 524: The 10th Golden Boot
As the La Liga season came to a close, Real Madrid once again clinched the title, achieving the feat of winning the league for five consecutive times, which quickly became the focus of attention for media worldwide.
Looking back at the history of Spanish football, the longest streak of consecutive titles is also five times, held by the Gcticos. This feat urred twice: from 1961 to 1965 and from 1986 to 1990.
Each urrence signaled the peak period of the Gcticos'' dynasty, but their achievements now clearly surpassed that, as they had also won the Champions League four times in a row and reached the final for the fifth time, with the epic feat of five consecutive Champions League titles within reach.
The Gcticos were destined for this! As soon as the league ended, they headed to London, Ennd, and a weekter, the showdown would take ce at Wembley Stadium.
Real Madrid president Florentino expressed strong confidence in the team during an interview, saying, "We have just created a monumental lead in history, both in morale and form are at the highest level. I believe the yers will not let the club down, and reliving the past glory is within reach!"
"Prize money for winning? Of course, the club will naturally not disappoint the hardworking yers. I cannot disclose the specific figure, but it will definitely satisfy everyone."
Compared to the slightly rushed Real Madrid, Manchester United was in afortable position, having secured their position as champions of the English Premier League early on, even leading second-ced Chelsea by more than 9 points at one stage.
Furthermore, with the final taking ce in Ennd, the yers started preparations early, with more time to adapt to the venuepared to the Gcticos.
Manager Ferguson stated that the team was fully prepared for the Champions League final. He admitted that the Gcticos'' overwhelming victory over Barcelona in the semifinals surprised him but would not make them timid.
"It''s just a coincidence because the Barcelona yers were in poor form. Obviously, their matches in the league affected them, but it won''t bother us."
"In recent years, losing to them in the Champions League matchups? Yes, but these defeats will serve as motivation for Manchester United to seek revenge and valuable experience."
"Many yers, including Cristiano and Wayne, are eager to defeat Real Madrid. They are all very talented kids, and I am proud of them."
Manchester United, having won four Premier League titles in five years, had also reached the pinnacle. Therefore, star yer Ronaldo bluntly revealed his ambitions during an interview, saying, "Real Madrid won''t get their fifth title, mark my words!"
In reality, Ronaldo''s mood was actually very gloomy because he missed out on the European Golden Boot once again, despite this season being his most hardworking and prolific period, scoring 40 goals in 38 league matches, setting a new record in the Premier League.
But Wang Feng left him no room to maneuver, scoring 54 league goals, surpassing him by a staggering 14 goals, a gap that he couldn''t bridge no matter what.
Thus, the European Golden Boot award undoubtedly went to the Chinese superstar again. Moreover, since this was his tenth consecutive time winning the award, the organizingmittee consisting of European sports magazine groups and "World Ser" decided to hold a grand ceremony to celebrate.
In fact, Wang Feng had disyed an attitude of winning the award since February because the European Golden Boot only focused on the actual league category and number of goals scored, making it easy to predict who would win.
Therefore, the organizers, led by the editorial department of "World Ser" magazine, began preparations for the event. They nned to emte the Super Ballon d''Or system previously used for the Ballon d''Or award, creating a Super Golden Boot award.
However, unlike the Ballon d''Or, this super award didn''t require past Golden Boot winners to vote; it was directly awarded. They believed that as long as someone could win the European Golden Boot for ten consecutive years, they would be eligible to receive the Super Golden Boot award.
This news indeed attracted worldwide attention, with other sports media giving thumbs up in admiration. What used to be an uninteresting award and winner suddenly became so intriguing.
French newspaper "L''Equipe" believed that this selection method touched on the realm of the divine. "Winning the European Golden Boot for ten consecutive years? Come on, we can''t think of anyone other than Wang Feng who can do it. Just call it the Wang Feng Award."
"Change it to receiving a total of 10 Golden Boots in one''s career to be eligible for the award. Even then, it''s difficult to achieve. It has never happened in history."
However, "World Ser" still insisted on the ten consecutive years selection system for the award. "The Golden Boot award is based on data; we must be rigorous enough."
"If no yer in the future can achieve this feat, then the Super Golden Boot award will never be awarded again!"
Wang Feng, actively preparing for the Champions League final, received an invitation to the ceremony. Unlike in the past, where he was directly approached for the award, this time "World Ser" specially organized an awards ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London.
Although the team was in a critical preparation period, the Chinese superstar had to take half a day off to attend because he was the absolute protagonist of this show, and if he didn''t go, it wouldn''t be possible.
"Go, go, this is a historic moment that seals your fate. In the future, no matter how many years pass, people will mention tonight''s awards and the Super Golden Boot award. The glory belongs to you and to Real Madrid as a whole," said Benitez.
Due to the first-time organization of such arge-scale event, everything seemed somewhat rushed and simple, with no red carpet or banquet. However, there were quite a few invited guests, most of whom were past Golden Boot award winners, including Portuguese legend Eusebio, German bomber Gerd Muller, Dutch legend Marco van Basten, and the alien Ronaldo, among others.
The ceremony not only awarded the Golden Boot-rted awards but also included the World''s Best yer, World''s Best Coach, World''s Best Team, World''s Best Young yer, and World''s Best Referee, as voted by readers.
First, the World''s Best Young yer was announced, with 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Neymar winning with 40.3% support. He had just helped Santos defend their state league title, won the individual award for the best yer in the state league, and was selected in the Brazilian Serie A season''s best lineup.
Moreover, Santos reached the Copa Libertadores final again after 48 years, and his contribution was outstanding, likely to be crowned the best yer and top scorer of the tournament.
Therefore, Neymar now had considerable poprity in Europe, with many top clubs frequently contacting him to try to recruit him, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The World''s Best Referee was won by Kassai, and the World''s Best Team was Real Madrid. The World''s Best Coach, Ferguson, narrowly defeated Benitez, and the World''s Best yer was naturally Wang Feng.
His support rate reached an astonishing 81.2%, once again breaking the record for the highest percentage of votes in history, with only a small portion of die-hard fans voting for Ronaldo and Messi.
After a series of awards were announced, it was the European Golden Boot award. As the presenter, Muller handed the familiar golden football boot to Wang Feng.
Finally, the long-awaited Super Golden Boot award was unveiled. The crystal base stood tall like a mountain, with a giant golden boot on top, and ten small golden boots arranged below it. The base que was intricately engraved with the names of the winners, their clubs over the ten years, and the number of goals scored each season.
The entire trophy weighed an impressive 15 kilograms, with about 10 kilograms of gold in it. Due to its size and weight, the presenter van Basten had to hand it over to Wang Feng with both hands, and the Chinese superstar could only ept it with both hands.
Chapter 525: The road to greatness
Chapter 525: The road to greatness
The day before the final, both Real Madrid and Manchester United arrived at Wembley Stadium for their final routine training sessions. Hundreds of media outlets from around the world gathered inside the stadium, continuously capturing and searching for news.
In this situation, neither side naturally revealed their tactical intentions. Coaches only arranged some simple warm-up exercises, while Wang Feng stretched his limbs and looked around this magnificent city.
It is the home ground of the Ennd national team, having hosted the World Cup final, the European Championship final, the Champions League final, and the annual English League Cup final, known as the temple of world football, never belonging to any club.
Arsenal once rented it as their home ground for Champions League matches from 1998 to 2000. The stadium then underwent a seven-year reconstruction, increasing its height by 133 meters. The world''srgest single arch, surrounding the entire stadium, became its distinctivendmark.
After the expansion, Wembley can now amodate 90,000 spectators simultaneously, making it thergest professional football stadium in Europe.
Seeing Wang Feng looking around curiously, the team supervisor, Sande, approached and chatted, "What''s up, Wang? Are you very interested in this stadium?"
The Chinese superstar smiled and said, "Yes, this stadium is really spectacr. Although I have experienced countless big asions, I am still slightly awed by it."
Sande nodded, "Indeed, this is Real Madrid''s first time participating in the Champions League final at Wembley, but there''s no need to be too surprised, because the next Bernabeu will also surprise you."
He deliberately lowered his voice and said, "Mr. Florentino is pushing forward the renovation n for the Bernabeu. I believe it will soon be approved at the members'' meeting."
"By then, both inside and outside the stadium will bepletely renovated. Many of the most advanced high-tech facilities will be used in every corner, not only in the field itself but also in the construction ofmercial areas, entertainment areas, dining areas, and hotels with underground parking."
"In short, this is a huge project. After it''s allpleted, it won''t be inferior to Wembley as it is now!"
Hearing this, Wang Feng showed a longing expression. Judging from the achievements the team has made so far, upgrading the home stadiumprehensively is not excessive, and the club has sufficient financial support.
After training, ording to UEFA''s arrangement, both head coaches and core yers of the final teams were interviewed by the media, and Wang Feng was no exception.
He first expressed his gratitude to the European Golden Boot judgingmittee, "For me, this is a very big surprise and honor."
Regarding the requirements for winning the award, he said it was something the organizers considered, and he had no opinion on it. "The idea that only I can win the award is inurate. With the continuous development of football technology, I believe there will be many rising stars."
When asked about Manchester United, he considered them a strong opponent. Their performance in the Premier League has been outstanding, and their results in the Champions League in recent years have also been excellent.
"But there can only be one champion. Real Madrid has reached the most crucial moment, and we will definitely not hand over this historic moment to others!"
On the evening of May 28, 2011, under the leadership of Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai, Real Madrid and Manchester United''s starting yers slowly walked into Wembley Stadium.
The stands, with a total height of 52 meters, were densely packed with fans from both sides, who were shouting cheers to support their teams, unwilling to be outdone by the other.
Tonight, Manchester United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Van der Sar in goal.
The back four were Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evra.
The midfield trio consisted of Valencia, Carrick, and Giggs.
The front three consisted of Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Benzema.
Real Madrid maintained their 4-2-3-1 formation, with the starting lineup unchanged from their sh with Barcelona.
"Good evening, everyone. This is Wembley Stadium, thergest stadium in London, Ennd. The live broadcast for you is the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League final, Real Madrid against Manchester United."
"The yers from both sides are now in ce, waiting for the referee to start the match. Manchester United will kick off the first half."
"We can see that the camera is now focusing on the number ten of Real Madrid, our Chinese football superstar, Wang Feng. Today, he still wears the captain''s armband and is undoubtedly the spiritual leader of the entire team!"
"So far, Wang Feng has won all the finals he has participated in, truly the king of finals. I hope that this year he can continue his magical performance and lead the Gcticos toplete this great journey, winning the Champions League for the fifth consecutive year!"
"All right, with the whistle of Hungarian referee Kassai, the match officially begins!"
"Manchester United''s offensive rhythm is very fast. They press forward as soon as the match starts. Valencia passes to Cristiano Ronaldo on the wing. The Portuguese speedster quickly dribbles down the nk and forcefully crosses. Dangerous!"
"In the penalty area, Benzema shoots directly! The ball flies over the crossbar. Manchester United haspleted their first shot of the match. Although the quality is not very good, it still poses a threat."
"The 24-year-old Frenchman had a fluctuating performance when he first joined the Red Devils, often inconsistent, but after adaptation, his growth has been rapid. Now, whether it''s cooperating with Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo, it has be more tacit."
Casis kicks the ball out of the goal, Sneijder and Carrick vie for the header, but the ball falls back to Manchester United''s feet. This time, they still choose to give it to Cristiano Ronaldo to handle, indicating that the Portuguese is the absolute attacking core of the Red Devils.
Moreover, under Ferguson''s arrangement, the Red Devils are ying very aggressively, even if they lose the ball in the forward line, the front three will immediately organize a high press, not allowing Real Madrid to easily counterattack.
Just like in the 3rd minute, when Cristiano Ronaldo''s pass was intercepted by Diarra, he immediately joined forces with Rooney to press, causing Mali''s defensive midfielder to hurriedly clear the ball without finding a teammate, and then being intercepted by the Portuguese again.
Immediately, he attempted a threatening long shot from outside the penalty area, but luckily Real Madrid''s goalkeeper, Saint Iker, was very focused and collected the ball.
Manchester United, having gained an advantage, became even more active on the field. Cristiano Ronaldo even threatened to reach the goal with his speed, forcing Casis, who received the back pass, to choose to clear the ball to the sideline, handing over the possession.
In the 6th minute, Valencia''s long pass hung into the penalty area, and the Portuguese superstar quickly ran forward to chase the ball, but the pass was a bit too strong, and he failed to touch the ball, causing it to fly directly out of bounds.
In the 9th minute, Giggs passed directly to Benzema, who then passed it back to Cristiano Ronaldo without stopping the ball. Under Khedira''s interference, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to control it immediately.
So, the German defensive midfielder firmly held his position to let the ball roll out of bounds by itself, returning possession to Real Madrid. The frustrated Portuguese directly pushed him from behind.
Hungarian referee Kassai decisively stopped the game, calling Cristiano Ronaldo over to warn him not to make any more gestures with his hands.
"Cristiano Ronaldo''s performance has been exceptionally active since the start of the game."
"Yes, several consecutive high presses and the foul just now all show his strong fighting spirit. The Portuguese star should be extremely eager to defeat Real Madrid and prove himself."
"But on the field, one must still maintain sufficient calmness. Let''s see how the situation develops next."
Chapter 526: Come and go
Chapter 526: Come and go
Manchester United has been dominating the game with continuous pressing, but Real Madrid is not without countermeasures. In fact, they are consciously retreating slowly, luring their opponents to press forward and expose space behind them.
This tactical approach soon pays off. In the 11th minute, the Gcticos quickly intercepted the ball in their own half and passed it to Alonso. Facing the pressing Manchester United yers, he skillfully evaded them and thenunched a long pass to the front.
Although Wang Feng tends to drop deep to help defend, he always tries to push forward after his team wins the ball back. This time is no exception. Despite being surrounded by Carrick and Vidic, he manages to poke the ball forward.
After receiving the pass, the Chinese superstar elerates again to shake off the defense. Before Ferdinand can stop him, he takes a powerful shot towards the bottom right corner of the goal, but unfortunately, Van der Sar stretches to block it out for a corner.
Real Madrid earns a corner kick from this opportunity, but after Sneijder takes it, Iglesias''s header misses the target.
Although the Gcticos'' attack doesn''t seed, it still makes Ferguson on the sidelines anxious. He shouts loudly for his yers to calm down and not to leave themselves exposed at the back.
However, yers on the field are easily influenced by their teammates and opponents'' emotions. For example, when Manchester United yers see Cristiano Ronaldo actively pressing forward while Real Madrid retreats, some may naturally want to help, which is a legitimate strategy and an important means of controlling the game''s tempo.
Five minutester, the Gcticos find space again. After two passes to Sneijder in midfield, the Dutchman sends a clever through ball. Wang Feng attempts a long shot from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the post.
Manchester United has significant problems protecting the edge of their penalty area. Except for Carrick, the other two midfielders are not up to par defensively,pounded by the vulnerability created by the three forwards.
Soon, they pay the price. In the 27th minute, Real Madrid quickly advances into the final third. The ball reaches Iglesias in the box, who initially tries to control it but is forced toy it off due to tight defense.
Outside the box, Wang Feng receives the ball, feints to the left, then quickly cuts to his right foot, causing Giggs to slip and fall. This creates a clear path for the Chinese superstar, who unleashes a powerful shot that flies into the top right corner of the, despite Van der Sar''s attempt to save it.
"Goal! Wang Feng, the great king of finals!"
"Once again, he opens the scoring for Real Madrid! He is undoubtedly the king of big asions. All the achievements the Gcticos have made so far have been apanied by the dazzling performance of the Chinese superstar!"
After scoring, Wang Feng rushes to the corner g, sliding to his knees and pointing to the sky in celebration. Soon, his teammates join him, engulfing him in joy and congrattions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United yers look dejected. Cristiano Ronaldo even kicks the turf fiercely, unable to understand why they conceded first despite dominating the game.
In fact, it''s just his perception that Manchester United had the upper hand. Since the start of the game, the 70-year-old Ferguson has been standing on the sidelines, issuing instructions. With his vast experience, he has already realized that his team is in trouble.
Taking advantage of the celebration after the goal, Ferguson quickly calls over captain Vidic to convey his instructions. Being a goal down is not severe; what''s more important is to get back on track promptly.
Upon resuming y, the yers, following the coach''s instructions, y more methodically, no longer blindly pressing forward but increasing their threat significantly.
In the 35th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo dribbles directly to the edge of the box from the wing, feints past Pepe with a skillful move, then elerates inside.
In his early career, the Portuguese was criticized for his shy dribbling, but as he matured, he became more efficient. However, this doesn''t mean he''spletely abandoned his dribbling skills, which can still be effective when defenders are caught off guard, as seen now with Pepe.
Entering the box, Cristiano Ronaldo immediately attracts the attention of the entire Real Madrid defense. Instead of forcing a shot, he passes the ball to Benzema, who is unmarked at the far post.
Unfortunately, Benzema misses a close-range shot, and Cristiano Ronaldo looks on with surprise and frustration, while Benzema can only apologize repeatedly.
Manchester United''s continuous efforts pay off just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Giggs and Rooneyplete a one-twobination, with thetter breaking into the box and sending a pass to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite being half a step behind Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo quickly reacts and takes a shot under defensive pressure. Although Casis gets a hand to it, he can''t stop it from finding the.
1-1! The Red Devils equalize!
At this moment, the Portuguese star''s physical qualities are at their peak, matching Wang Feng''s. Whether in terms of speed or strength, Cristiano Ronaldo is exceptionally formidable.
Excited, Cristiano Ronaldo rushes to the sidelines to celebrate his goal. Suddenly, he remembers a cool celebration gesture and performs it without hesitation.
He jumps near the corner g, turns around, opens his arms downward, and makes a "siu~" sound as hends.
This powerful celebration ignites the passion of Manchester United fans in the stands, and even his teammates are surprised by it. Rooney looks on with envy at the Portuguese, who seems to be the focal point wherever he goes.
The first half ends with both teams showing signs of exhaustion. At halftime, the yers seem somewhat breathless, as the first forty-five minutes of the game have been intense and mentally draining.
Real Madrid took an early lead exploiting Manchester United''s momentum, but Ferguson has been alert and timely with his reminders. Coupled with the never-say-die attitude he instilled in Manchester United, equalizing was within expectations.
Both teams'' possession and threatening attacks are rtively close, making it likely to turn into a game of attrition. Whoever''s form drops first and exposes weaknesses will likely lose the game.
At this moment, the core and captain, Wang Feng, stands up to encourage his teammates: "Guys, there are still forty-five minutes left. Keep fighting! We can recreate legends and carve our names in Real Madrid''s history and European football history!"
After firing them up, coach Benitez calmly analyzes the problems that urred in the first half and the tactics to be implemented in the second half. He mentions that the protection at the back and the containment of Cristiano Ronaldo have not met expectations, and defensive yers need to improve.
At the same time, he believes that Manchester United''s high pressing will inevitably consume a lot of energy and cannot be maintained throughout the game. Surviving the initial stage without conceding will eventually tilt the game in Real Madrid''s favor.
In the second half, the focus remains on counterattacks, relying on Wang Feng''s speed to break through the defense, with the vulnerable edge of the penalty area being a key breakthrough point.
Chapter 527: Most desired script
Chapter 527: Most desired script
After halftime, Manchester United still showed great positivity, while Ferguson made personnel adjustments in response to the issues in the first half.
Benzema, who was not in good form, was substituted, and Korean star Park Ji-sung came on. He wasn''t limited to just connecting in attack but also actively withdrew to defend.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his ster performance from the end of the first half, with two consecutive high-quality long shots in the front, one saved by Ramos and the other just missing the crossbar.
"Manchester United''s attack during this period looks quite dangerous, while Real Madrid seems to struggle to get things going. Ferguson deserves credit as a renowned coach; he quickly patched up the team''s weaknesses."
"Yes, but Gctic fans need not worry too much. We can see that Bentez remains calm and collected on the sidelines; he must have had ns in ce."
"Sustained high-intensity pressing surely can''t be sustained throughout the game. Just endure this period, then send fresh reinforcements to make a breakthrough. It''s very likely to secure victory in one fell swoop!"
"Look at this counterattack by Real Madrid! Diarra passes to Higuan, who heads it to Wang Feng, the Chinese superstar, speeding ahead."
"Pass and move! Vidic is left trailing, only seeing Wang Feng''s taillights, into the penalty area, shot!"
"Oh, this shot from a tight angle hits the near post, just a bit more inside, and it would''ve been in. What a pity."
"A sudden shot while dribbling at high speed really tests a yer''s body and technique. Wang Feng''s shot was very tricky, but unfortunately, the post acted as a goalkeeper this time; hecked a bit of luck."
Sixty-five minutes into the game, Bentez made his first substitution, recing Di Mara with Robben. At this point, Manchester United''s pressing intensity had dropped due to physical limitations.
The Dutchman, utilizing his abundant energy and explosiveness, frequently created opportunities from the wings aftering on. Due to frequent injuries and Di Mara''s excellent performances since joining this season, Robben''s starting position was gradually in jeopardy, and contract negotiations had stalled.
Perhaps he would leave at the end of the season, so he didn''t want to leave any regrets and wanted to give his all in this final game.
Five minutester, Real Madrid''s midfield intercepted andunched an attack through the middle. Sneijder quickly dribbled forward, with other attacking yers also running to support, suddenly increasing the pace of the game.
Entering the thirty-meter area of the penalty box, Manchester United formed a fan-shaped encirclement in their half, but Robben and Sneijder on the wings had already formed a high level of cooperation. Seeing the opportunity, they continued to advance towards the defensive line.
Sneijder flicked the ball to the left, feinting to cut inside to draw defensive attention, but in an instant when the chasing yer reached the ball, he used the inside of his foot to send a diagonal pass to the right.
Just as he passed, Robben had just surpassed thest Manchester United defender, sessfully avoiding the offside trap! He received the ball and charged into the penalty area, creating a one-on-one situation!
Efran, by his side, immediately raised his hand to signal offside, but the linesman saw very clearly. The French defender had all his attention on Sneijder and hadn''t noticed Robben''s movement behind him.
With no choice, Manchester United goalkeeper Van der Sar could only choose to rush out, but the Dutch winger, before he reached him, chipped the ball, perfectly evading the reaching hand andnding it into the goal.
2-1! Real Madrid once again took the lead!
Wang Feng, who had been waiting for his chance on the other side, quickly rushed towards Robben and hugged him in celebration. The Dutchman, with a choked voice, said, "I''m not finished yet; I can still score!"
Wang Feng smiled and patted his head. "Of course, you''re one of the best wingers in the world; injuries can''t defeat you!"
On the sidelines, Ferguson scratched his head vigorously, his age already quite advanced. He probably nned to retire in a year or two and really wanted to help Manchester United win another Champions League trophy before leaving.
But reality is often cruel. He once had high hopes for Wang Feng but missed out on signing the legendary superstar. He also favored Robben greatly, even causing a scene at the board meeting, but ultimately couldn''t secure the Dutchman''s signature. Now, these two had be formidable opponents that repeatedly hindered Manchester United''s ascent.
Time was running out for Manchester United. The English elder looked at C. Ronaldo angrily waving his arms, as if looking at his own child. Luckily, he didn''t miss him; now, the only one who could step up to save the team was the Portuguese.
As time slowly ticked to 80 minutes, Manchester United''s yers became increasingly anxious. They had tried numerous attacking opportunities but still couldn''t break through the opponent''s defense.
At this moment, Real Madrid''s defense inexplicably showed a loophole. Diarra failed to receive a pass from Ramos.
Seeing this, C. Ronaldo immediately rushed up to snatch the ball. The Malian midfielder could only choose to foul the Portuguese.
The referee didn''t hesitate to blow the whistle, signaling a foul by Diarra, showing him a yellow card, and awarding Manchester United a free kick in the opponent''s half.
The Portuguese star took the free kick himself. He gently ced the ball on the turf, took a few steps around it, then slowly stepped back, his eyes fixed on the direction of the Real Madrid goal.
At this moment, all the Red Devils'' fans at Wembley Stadium had their eyes on him, and countless live broadcast cameras from around the world focused on the Portuguese star.
Manchester United coach Ferguson put his hands in his pockets, silently chewing gum, a faint smile ying on his lips. "This is the stage you''ve been longing for, the script you desire the most. Go, Cristiano, I believe you can seed!"
With the Hungarian referee''s whistle, C. Ronaldo took a deep breath and quickly ran forward. Each step he took was firm and resolute. When he reached the ball, he stood with his left foot behind it, leaning slightly to the left, then swiftly kicked it with his right foot.
Like a drawn bow releasing an arrow! The Chinese superstar nearby couldn''t help but recall this verse. The ball flew like a sharp arrow, rapidly ascending over the wall and then quickly descending, forming a beautiful rainbow in the air.
The focused Casis immediately judged the direction of the shot and dived sideways to save. His hands stretched to the maximum, ready to block even the most cunning angle.
But he soon froze in horror as he realized the ball was descending too sharply!
Thus, he watched helplessly as the ball grazed his arm, passing under his armpit and into the behind him, hitting the for a moment before dropping down.
"Beep!" Apanied by the referee''s whistle indicating a valid goal, the Red Devils'' fans erupted into cheers. They spontaneously sang C. Ronaldo''s song, while the protagonist made his signature "siu~" celebration for the second time.
He did it! Cristiano Ronaldo was now Manchester United''s hero and savior!
A god descending to earth, helping the team out of a desperate situation. What could be more exhrating than this?
Chapter 528: Now is still the era of Wang Feng!
Chapter 528: Now is still the era of Wang Feng!
Manchester United equalized the score again! With less than ten crucial minutes left in the game, Ronaldo scored his second goal to save the team.
Head coach Ferguson immediately made personnel adjustments, substituting Rooney for Scholes. The appearance of this veteran who has always served the Red Devils meant that theypletely entered a stable rhythm, even if it dragged into extra time or penalty shootouts, they were willing to take the risk.
This was not very favorable for Real Madrid because they hadn''t experienced penalty shootouts for many years. As the defending champions aiming to continue their glory, they were also easily prone to increased psychological pressure.
They wanted to settle the battle in regr time, but the opponent''s defense had already reached its limit. In the 84th minute, Ramos tackled the ball from the back and passed it to Khedira. The German midfielder turned and dribbled forward, diagonally passing to Robben near the midfield line.
The Dutchman quickly sprinted along the wing, while Wang Feng also surged forward at the fastest speed. However, Scholes, who was tightly marking him, directly grabbed the Chinese superstar''s jersey, and both fell to the ground.
The referee saw the advantage of the attack but didn''t blow the whistle. However, Robben quickly entered the defensive encirclement and was tackled by Fabio without support.
As Wang Feng retreated to defend, heined to the referee, "Sir, the foul just now was obviously too much." The Hungarian nodded, "Yes, but the ball wasn''t at your feet. I will warn the opposing yer."
Next, Manchester United dealt with Real Madrid''s attack in the same way, sending a defensive yer to foul Wang Feng without the ball, even if it meant receiving consecutive yellow cards.
Without Wang Feng''s support, the Gctic battleship''s counterattacks were greatly discounted, and time quickly passed between back and forth.
Wang Feng''s jersey was already stained with dirt. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and felt a sense of dissatisfaction in his heart. The more the opponent tried to stop him with all their might, the more determined he became to defeat them head-on!
So he kept withdrawing to receive the ball, further expanding his range of activity. As injury time approached, this time Wang Feng received the ball on the right side of the midfield.
Seeing that Sneijder was even further forward than him, he didn''t hesitate to send a back pass. As long as the Chinese superstar raised his hand, no matter where he was on the field, his teammates would choose to pass to him. This was the result of his outstanding performances that had impressed everyone over the years.
Wang Feng took a short step forward to control the ball, instantly shaking off Carrick who was tightly marking him, and quickly moved forward to the frontcourt. Seeing the imminent danger, Scholes rushed towards him aggressively. It seemed like he was preparing to foul.
Gritting his teeth fiercely, at this moment, Wang Feng also burst out with an unstoppable momentum. As the two approached each other until they were about to collide, Wang Feng nted his left foot, and with the momentum, fiercely kicked the ball with his right foot.
"Bang~" This sound was both the sound of kicking the ball and the sound of the two colliding. Scholes originally thought that Wang Feng would dodge him by dribbling or using his footwork before continuing forward, so that he could rely on inertia to pull him down andmit a foul. Even if his lower body was stable, he couldn''t resist apletely opposite force.
However, he didn''t expect that Wang Feng would wait for him to collide with him, and even before the collision, he would shoot. The huge force made both of them fall to the ground in pain, but the ball flew like an arrow towards the goal.
However, in an instant, it flew to the left side of the goal. Manchester United goalkeeper Van der Sar performed extremely bravely. In such a sudden situation, he still managed to make a diving save, but unfortunately, he was still a beat slower than the ball.
".Goooooooooooooooooooal!!" After a moment of silence, the livementator shouted with all his strength, "Goal! Unbelievable, Wang Feng kicked a stunning world-ss long shot from about 35 meters out, piercing through the Manchester United goal!"
"Oh my God, what kind of shot is this? ording to the camera estimate, the highest speed of this goal reached an astonishing 230 kilometers per hour, breaking the current record for the highest ball speed in football."
"Well, let me check. The previous record was set in the 2006 Portuguese Super League match between Lisbon Athletic and Navarra. Brazilian yer Ronnie Hebersen scored a world-ss long shot with a speed of up to 211 kilometers per hour."
"I didn''t expect that Wang Feng would increase this record by a full 19 kilometers per hour, and it''s still from such a distance from the goal! It must be said that it''s not easy for Van der Sar to make a save in such a sudden situation; he did his best."
"3-2! In the final moments of regr time, Wang Feng sounded the horn of victory for Real Madrid. They are getting closer and closer to their historic achievement!"
"Oh, we can see that Scholes and Wang Feng are still lying on the ground. Both sets of yers are surrounding the referee, demanding an exnation. Everyone was shocked by the stunning long shot just now and didn''t pay attention to what happened. Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey."
"Oh, it hurts, it''s too dangerous! The English midfielder rushed straight into him like this, he''s too impulsive."
"The moment Wang Feng took the shot, he was pushed over. His supporting foot must have suffered a severe impact; this is definitely a malicious foul!"
"The referee also thinks so. He showed the second yellow card to the fallen Scholes, two yellows be one red, and the Englishman who had juste on less than ten minutes ago was directly sent off!"
"But judging from his painful expression, he probably can''t continue by himself. The team doctor is urgently entering the field to treat him. Oh! Wang Feng stood up! My God, he really is an iron man!"
"For Manchester United, this is simply adding insult to injury. They wanted to maliciously foul Wang Feng to stop him, but unexpectedly, they ended up being carried off themselves!"
Wang Feng''s left foot still throbbed faintly, but he knew he wouldn''t be seriously injured. Instead, it was Scholes who was destined to fail to steal the chicken and lose the rice.
Although the referee gave more than five minutes of injury time, Manchester United, ying with one man less, had already lost their fighting spirit long ago. Ronaldo persisted until the very end, but the script quietly changed. Now, it was still Wang Feng''s era!
"Beep~ Beep~ Beep!"
The piercing whistle sounded so melodious to the Real Madrid yers and fans. Fifty-one yearster, the Gctic battleship finally reproduced the miracle of winning five consecutive Champions Leagues!
All kinds of dignitaries in the stands, including Real Madrid President Florentino, UEFA President tini, Spanish King Juan Carlos, and others, all stood up, apuding vigorously for this great team, for Wang Feng!
They all understood what this trophy meant. In the early days of the European Champions Cup, there were only 16 clubs participating, and both thepetitiveness and intensity were inferior to the present.
So, back then, Real Madrid''s five consecutive championships had an element of luck, but now it''s different. They had truly defeated all the European powerhouses standing in their way, establishing an immortal dynasty that shocked the world.
"One man, one era," tini couldn''t help but sigh, "Never has a team and a period of history been so strongly marked by a single yer. Wang Feng did it."
He was excited but also felt very distressed because Wang Feng was not yet 28 years old, and ording to the current situation, it seemed like he had no sign of declining form at all. Would the next step still be his solo show?
Countless conspiracy thoughts rushed into his mind for a moment, but they were quickly denied by tini. One must know that Wang Feng had experienced the dark ages of Serie A. Such excessive actions could not stop him, especially in today''s information world.
Chapter 529: Champions League 5 consecutive championships
Chapter 529: Champions League 5 consecutive championships
"Never mind, let him do as he pleases. Let the whole world see what he can ultimately achieve and what kind of deity he truly is in the football world," tini thought to himself, feeling honored to witness the birth of a legend in his lifetime. This would surely go down in history.
Although Real Madrid wins the championship every year, the attention on the Champions League is increasing day by day. Besides the growing Asian region, Africa and North America are also showing significant growth, all thanks to Wang Feng.
It''s incredible that the influence of the Champions League in the European region is also increasing rather than decreasing. People are not experiencing fatigue but instead eagerly discussing how far Real Madrid will go and who will be the next generation of football king to challenge the Gctic battleship and defeat the Chinese superstar.
Under these circumstances, any forced interference would surely be a target of public criticism. If not careful, UEFA''s reputation would be tarnished, and no one wants to deal with such thankless tasks.
The King of Spain was also quite distressed. Heined to his wife beside him, "Why isn''t Wang one of us Spaniards? Then I could easily bestow honors upon him. Now, there''s not much I can offer him!"
The consecutive victories of Real Madrid held extraordinary significance for the royal family. They were eager to make their presence felt.
"Don''t worry, dear. We can maintain a low profile for now. When he retires, we can then award him a medal, which will continuously help the royal family as a symbol of his achievements and influence."
Juan Carlos nodded repeatedly, "Why didn''t I think of that? At that time, we canpletely award him a first-ss medal in the name of lifetime achievement. That would be fantastic!"
The queen added with a smile, "Well, that''s not necessarily the case. Perhaps by then, his achievements would warrant a special-grade medal."
Wang Feng naturally had no idea about the thoughts swirling in these people''s minds. He just felt incredibly exhausted, as if a long journey hade to an end, and he was uncertain about whaty ahead.
Amidst the various joyful sounds, the Chinese superstar focused his attention on his opponents, who were now the losers. Proudly, Ronaldo had already left the field for the locker room as soon as the final whistle blew.
Carrick and Valencia were lying on the ground, crying in pain. Captain Vidicforted them and helped them up, rallying teammates to thank the fans who hade from afar.
Benzema nced over several times, probably wanting to exchange jerseys, but hesitated for a long time and ultimately didn''te over. It was understandable; everyone was feeling frustrated after such a defeat, and it wasn''t the right time for casual interactions with opponents.
Watching all this, Wang Feng finally realized that he truly didn''t like the feeling of losing. Although he could feel his physical abilities declining with age, he refused to ept it. He would keep running until he couldn''t run anymore, keep winning until he couldn''t win anymore!
With these thoughts in mind, he felt a surge of determination. The trophy room in his mind would soon add many new items. It was truly something to look forward to.
As Wang Feng was lost in his thoughts, almost all the yers on the Real Madrid side were caught up in a frenzy. They were packing up the match ball, cutting down pieces of the, and some even wanted to move the entire metal goalpost. Some were trying to dig up the Wembley pitch with small shovels. Everyone wanted to take something home as a memento.
The staff had to intervene to stop them. While taking down thes was eptable, moving the goalposts and digging up the pitch were not. The bemused Chinese superstar quickly organized everyone to acknowledge the fans and celebrate together by singing the anthem of Madrid.
Soon, the makeshift awards podium was set up. Under the cheers of the Real Madrid fans, the Manchester United yers first stepped forward to receive their runner-up medals. They looked dejected as they grabbed their medals and left.
During this time, there was an unpleasant incident. Rooney was walking a bit slowly in front, and Ronaldo, behind him, impatiently pushed him. Although it wasn''t a strong push, Rooney''s surprised and annoyed expression was evident.
The championship award ceremony was naturally more harmonious. Wang Feng received the Champions League trophy from tini and walked slowly towards the stage''s center. He then lifted it high above his head, with the yers'' cheers and fireworks in the background.
After the match, in the press conference, head coach Benitez and Wang Feng appeared together. Facing hundreds of media outlets worldwide, Benitez expressed his respect for Manchester United, "They were very tough opponents. We barely managed to win until thest moment."
Regarding his astonishing long-range shot just before the final whistle, the Chinese superstar said that Manchester United defended him very tightly in thest moments, so he had to find an attacking opportunity, hence the attempt, which surprisingly worked out well.
"This was a pleasant surprise, but it wasn''t the key to victory because we were leading Manchester United twice before this. Throughout the match, the efforts of all my teammatesid a solid foundation for our victory."
Equaling the club''s historic achievement of five consecutive Champions League titles, Wang Feng considered it a great honor. "Real Madrid is an immensely great club, whether in the past, present, or future, and I feel very lucky to have been personally involved in building this greatness."
Benitez praised the Chinese superstar during the interview and publicly stated for the first time that there was no conflict between him and Wang Feng. "I don''t think any coach in the world would have conflicts with Wang. He is a perfect yer."
Compared to the enthusiastic atmosphere on the Real Madrid side, the Manchester United press conference was very quiet. Manager Ferguson faced various hostile questions alone.
"Is Ronaldo much inferior to Wang Feng? I don''t think so. Cristiano''s growth is obvious to all, and he also scored two goals to turn the tide. There is some difference between the two, but I believe the Portuguese can catch up."
"Was Scholes'' foul intentional? He was just doing his best to stop the opponent. I admit it was a foul, but he has been punished enough. Not only was he shown a red card, but he also needs about half a month to recover."
"Real Madrid''s five consecutive Champions League titles? Yes, it''s a miracle. I never thought I would witness such a legendary moment at my age."
"Evaluation of Wang Feng? I think you''ve heard enough already. I don''t need to praise him anymore. The Chinese star can be described as great."
"When will I retire? I''m d you''re concerned about my health. I have no problems and can continue to fight for the Red Devils for a few more years."
Dreamlike Real Madrid, dreamlike dynasty! No matter where you are, people have to admit that the achievements of the Gctic battleship at this moment are unprecedented. Five consecutive league titles and five consecutive Champions League titles have made them the greatest club of all time.
Led by media outlets like Marca, Florentino is already being hailed as the greatest club president of Real Madrid after Bernabeu. They credit him for his foresight in orchestrating Wang Feng''s transfer.
On the other hand, media outlets like Diario AS have to admit that at this moment, the Gctic battleshippletely outshines the Catn team. However, they still have a future, and Messi is that future! What they didn''t know was that there was once significant internal disagreement within Barcelona. Some believed Messi should be sold since they couldn''t defeat Real Madrid anyway, so they might as well cash in. After all, Juventus was willing to pay a transfer fee of ?100 million, and Paris Saint-Germain even offered a staggering ?150 million.
"Wang Feng is already 28 years old, with only a few years left in his prime. After this wave passes, we''ll seek young and excellent yers to rebuild the team, like Neymar. He''s exactly five years younger than Messi and nine years younger than the Chinese superstar. That''s the future," they said.
Chapter 530: Declining a lifetime contract
Chapter 530: Declining a lifetime contract
On the day of winning the championship, the entire Real Madrid team stayed overnight in London. The next morning, they boarded a special ne back to Madrid. By then, Barajas Airport was already crowded with enthusiastic fans. Many of them had stayed up all night just to catch a glimpse of the team''s heroes.
As Wang Feng stepped out of the ne with the UEFA Champions League trophy, deafening cheers echoed throughout the city. Countless people shouted the name of the Chinese superstar, and his prestige in Spain reached its peak.
Next came the familiar championship parade and grand celebration banquet. The royal family and the prime minister eagerly inquired about Wang Feng''s recent life, expressing their willingness to help resolve any issues.
Winning the European title for five consecutive years was not just the glory of Real Madrid but also the glory of Spain. The huge wealth generated by the team also benefited the entire country.
The banquetsted until midnight. When Wang Feng returned to his vi, his wife and sister, along with other family members, congratted him.
As he held his sleepy daughter in his arms, she fell asleep with a sweet smile on her face. Wang Feng, feeling joyful yet slightly annoyed, said, "Yao Yao, how could you stay up sote while pregnant? Was it Tian Tian who persuaded you?"
His sister retorted, "No way! Everyone wanted to congratte you as soon as you got home." Yao Yao nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, it''s a great honor. It would have been a pity if we couldn''t witness it firsthand."
Wang Fengforted them, saying, "It''s okay, there will be many more opportunities." After chatting for a while, the family dispersed to rest.
The morning sunlight shone through the curtains onto the bed. Wang Feng, already awake due to his body clock, had no intention of getting up. Instead, he gently hugged his wife beside him and continued to enjoy this peaceful moment with his eyes closed.
With their energetic daughter rushing into their bedroom, another lively day began. In the morning, Wang Feng yed with his daughter in the garden, and in the afternoon, he had to go to the training ground.
However, it wasn''t because he was eager to train but because Florentino and other club executives wanted to discuss ns for the next season with him.
Florentino, with a radiant smile, weed Wang Feng into his office. He looked at least twenty years younger, full of energy.
"Benitez officially submitted his resignation yesterday," Florentino said as they settled down, bringing up the first topic. "The club has decided to ept his resignation, so now we need to hire a new coach."
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised. Although he and the Spaniard had some conflicts before, they had been getting along fairly well in thetter half of the season. Why did he suddenly decide to leave?
Seeing the expression on the Chinese superstar''s face, Florentino reassured him, "This has nothing to do with you, Wang. Benitez''s tactics have never quite matched the Gctic battleship, and he has made new ns for his career, so he decided to leave."
"We are currently inclined to appoint Italian coach Ancelotti to take charge of the Gctic battleship. He knows you very well. What do you think?"
Wang Feng immediately recalled the days of the Mn Derby. Although AC Mn often suffered under Inter Mn in those years, Ancelotti''s coaching level was indeedmendable.
Later, he went to Chelsea after missing out on Real Madrid, but he never quite got along with the dominant club owner Abramovich, leading to poor results and his eventual dismissal at the end of this season.
Respecting the club''s decision had always been the principle that the Chinese superstar adhered to regarding the choice of head coach. This time was no exception. So Florentino smiled and said, "Let''s decide on that for now. Ancelotti is eager tomunicate with you."
Florentino then sincerely expressed that the club was seeking a new model and hoped that Wang Feng could understand and support it. "Maintaining the team''s peak state requires personnel mobility. The current lineup may need to be reorganized."
However, he assured Wang Feng that the club would continue to build the team around him as the absolute core. They were even willing to offer a contract unprecedented in the club''s history, ensuring that Wang Feng would serve Real Madrid until retirement on a hefty sry.
"This is the treatment you deserve. To be honest, your achievements have surpassed all predecessors."
Wang Feng smiled and declined, "My second contract will not take effect until next season. We can dy the renewal for a while."
"As for the team rebuilding, I believe all the executives and coaching staff will discuss and formte detailed ns. I will fully respect the club''s decision."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They had started researching roster updates early on, but they were very concerned that Wang Feng might have other thoughts. Hence, they were considering providing him with a stable heart.
They didn''t expect the Chinese superstar to be so generous and confident. Upon careful consideration, it was true. Now it wasn''t Real Madrid needing the club, but the club needing Wang Feng.
Having Wang Feng serve Real Madrid until retirement was also the vision of the executives. After all, his influence andmercial value were simply astonishing. Even though his athletic abilities would decline with age, these two aspects would not diminish.
Finally, Florentino mentioned the renovation n for the team''s home, the Santiago Bernabu Stadium. The proposal had already been approved by the members'' assembly. Although the club had sufficient liquid funds, they wouldplete it in the form of cash plus loans.
"The total budget is 1.05 billion euros, with ns to borrow half of the amount. By then, the Santiago Bernabu will be the best stadium in Europe, without question!"
Aftermunicating with Wang Feng, the Gctic battleship quickly began their summer transfer actions. Firstly, the main yers left the team. Robben joined Bayern Munich for 20 million euros, while Sneijder transferred to Inter Mn for 12 million euros.
The departure of the Dutch duo was expected by Wang Feng. Their contracts had been stalled for the past two years, and even their outstanding performances at the World Cup couldn''t persuade the club executives to offer bigger contracts.
Main defender Ashley Cole''s departure came as a surprise to the Chinese superstar. He joined AS Roma for 13 million euros, and the club ultimately chose to renew the contract with Pepe instead.
After this battle, Pepe''s after-tax annual sry reached 4 million euros, making him the fifth-highest-paid center-back in the world, behind Ferdinand, Puyol, Nesta, and Heinze.
As for the long-serving starting defensive midfielder Diarra, his contract expired, making him a free agent. He then joined French powerhouse AS Monaco.
With four out of eleven starting yers leaving the team, along with veteran Gago being loaned to Roma and backup goalkeeper Dudek retiring, Wang Feng found himself with fewer oldrades.
Before leaving, the Chinese superstar specially held a banquet for them, wishing them a smooth journey.
"I have no regrets abouting to Real Madrid. Wang, this period should be the highlight of my career!" Robben finished the wine in his cup in one gulp and continued, "You also need to continue to shine and create an unprecedented achievement!"
Wang Feng nodded vigorously. He rarely drank a few more sses, until he and everyone else fell asleep together, and eventually, they were all led home by their respective family members.
Chapter 531: Respective recombination
Chapter 531: Respective rbination
Real Madrid saw several key yers and even the head coach leaving sessively, which made fans and media outside the club extremely worried. Some even believed that the foundation of the dynasty had been destroyed and that the team might not be able to maintain its dominance in the uing season.
However, the spokesperson for the Gctic battleship stated during a routine press conference that this was just normal personnel changes, and the recruitment work was proceeding orderly. "Every season, there are voices of doubt about us, but in the end, Real Madrid always has thestugh."
Alongside this strong statement, the club also took practical actions. Firstly, they announced that former Chelsea coach Ancelotti would take over as the head coach of the Gctic battleship. The Italian considered this to be a wonderful experience.
"I am very honored to take charge of this great club. Wang Feng and I are old acquaintances, and he has left a deep impression on me. I believe we will have excellent chemistry," Ancelotti said.
Following this, the Gctic battleship announced the signing of 23-year-old Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao from Benfica for 30 million euros to fill in Ashley Cole''s position.
In addition to this, they also brought in 18-year-old French center-back Raphael Varane from Lens for 10 million euros, and 23-year-old Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin from Borussia Dortmund for the same amount.
After multiple negotiations with Tottenham, Real Madrid finally secured the transfer of 26-year-old Croatian midfielder Modric. The Gctic battleship needed to pay 30 million euros plus 5 million euros in variable uses.
"If Real Madrid wins the league and the Champions League in Modric''s first season with us, then we are happy to pay the variable uses," the person in charge of transfers said with a smile. Meanwhile, Tottenham''s staff looked at each other, thinking, "Six consecutive championships? Don''t joke about it."
When Modric learned that he was transferring to the best club in the world, he was stunned. His agent joked, "Didn''t you say you wanted to join a top club? There''s no club more top than the Gctic battleship, right?"
"That''s true," Modric said with a bitter smile. "But the pressure is also immense. They''ve just reached the peak, and if there''s a significant drop in performance next, I''m afraid I''ll be torn apart by angry fans and the media."
After packing his bags, Modric decided to head to Madrid as soon as possible to adapt to the club environment in advance.
In addition to the new arrivals mentioned above, Real Madrid had been negotiating with South American star Neymar about his transfer. This year, he sessfully helped Santos lift the Copa Libertadores after 48 years, making him highly sought after.
Facing Neymar and Santos''s reluctance to part ways, the Gctic battleship put forward their highest offer: 35 million euros transfer fee and 10 million euros signing bonus.
This was definitely a sincere offer. If sessful, the 19-year-old would set a new record for transfer fees for a youth yer. As a result, both sides reached a basic agreement, awaiting the final signing.
However, just as the relevant personnel were nning to fly to Brazil, they suddenly received a call from Neymar''s father, who hinted that Barcelona had offered a higher signing bonus. He wondered if Real Madrid should show more sincerity as well.
The situation was immediately reported to Florentino. "Who does he think he is, setting the price like that? Tell them we won''t raise a single penny anymore!" the Spaniard said urgently yet with augh.
Ultimately, the deal fell through, and Neymar was snatched up by Barcelona for a transfer fee of 35 million euros and a signing bonus of 12 million euros. "Rejecting the greatest club for just 2 million? He''ll regret it," some remarked.
While signing Neymar, Barcelona also had heated discussions, not about Neymar himself, but about whether they should sell Messi.
Led by Rosell, the executives firmly believed that they must not do so. "He''s both ready to y and still young. We should continue to strengthen the team around him, rather than gambling on an uncertain future."
"Moreover, losing him would mean we give up on the next several seasons. If Real Madrid continues to win consecutively, it will be irreversible."
Though Laporta had already lost power, he still held significant influence among the executives. Their faction believed they should focus on nurturing Neymar. "After exhausting Wang Feng, Barcelona will reign supreme. Messi is no longer useful."
The deadlock between the two sides made Messi very uneasy. He didn''t even dare to bring up the issue of sry raise and contract renewal. After all, Messi''s current sry is only 8.5 million euros, ranking eighth in the world. It didn''t match his top-three abilities.
Messi had lived in Barcelona since he was 13, for 11 years now. He didn''t want to leave the team he had been fighting for for years, but the current situation of the club was beyond his control.
It wasn''t until weekster that his father, as his agent, contacted him: "Barcelona has made a decision. You can stay here, and the next step is contract negotiations. This time, we must mention sry properly."
Messi hurriedly reminded his father that he could make concessions if necessary. He felt ashamed for not bringing honor to the club yet. "I understand, but we can also be more assertive. Many clubs offer much higher sries, and even if you are eager to continue ying for Barcelona, they must show sincerity and respect!"
Apart from signing Neymar and renewing Messi''s contract, Barcelona also dealt with Kak. After the controversy surrounding his participation in the World Cup with concealed injuries, the Brazilianpletely lost the trust of the club.
At this point, his former club AC Mn extended a helping hand, offering to buy back the former Prince of San Siro for 8 million euros. In just two years, his value had plummeted by 57 million euros, and the Catn club naturally refused.
In the end, both sides agreed to his return on a loan basis first. Barcelona hoped that Kak could regain his form through games and then be sold at a good price.
Other reinforcements were also targeted. They spent 29 million euros to bring in Fabregas from Arsenal, hoping he would gradually rece Xavi in midfield.
They also spent 26 million euros to bring back Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez from Udinese, topensate for Pedro''sck of threat in the front line.
Overall, the summer transfer market in 2011 was still dominated by the clubs backed by Middle Eastern funds. PSG splurged 42 million euros to sign Pastore from Palermo, bing the star of the season.
Manchester City, unwilling to be outdone, first spent 35 million pounds to bring in Aguero from Atletico Madrid, and then 27 million pounds to sign Dzeko from Wolfsburg, as well as 24.75 million pounds to sign Nasri from Arsenal.
After several years of rapid development, people suddenly realized that the lineup of the Citizens was no less than that of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and many other powerhouses. They would definitely be the dark horse of the next season.
As for the English Premier League champions Manchester United, despite Ronaldo repeatedly proposing vigorous signings to the club''s high-level executives, their tight finances prevented them from doing so. They could only focus on young yers, re-signing yers like Phil Jones, Ashley Young, and David De Gea.
This approach naturally displeased the Portuguese, and to make matters worse, his rtionship with Rooney deteriorated rapidly. The Englishman even publicly criticized him as "ambitious, unrealistic, and selfish."
Ferguson intervened to suppress the conflict, but Manchester United at this time was like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.
Chapter 532: The home of the twin stars
Chapter 532: The home of the twin stars
When the European football scene was in turmoil, a group of ordinary people were celebrating their hard-won league championship.
After a full decade, Genk finally lifted the Belgian Pro League trophy again. The small town with only 60,000 people was plunged into madness.
"Damn it, Kevin, get your stinky feet off, and give me back the championship trophy!" A ck-haired teenager was disdainfully pushing aside a blonde youth, trying to take the silver trophy from his arms.
But even after a hangover, the blonde youth still tightly held onto the object in his arms and refused to let go, muttering, "This is mine, I am the real hero."
The two were none other than the "twin stars" of Genk, Yellow Tiger and De Bruyne. At this moment, they were at the club''s training base, surrounded by many teammates who had fallen asleep in various positions after drinking all night until dawn.
Yellow Tiger sighed as he gently rubbed his forehead, unwilling to give up and continued to strive while cursing, "I am still the top scorer in the team, you scoundrel."
But he still couldn''t get it out in the end. At this moment, the phone rang, and Yellow Tiger had to turn around to dig out his phone from a pile of clutter and answer it.
"Yellow, congrattions on winning the Belgian League championship, and please congratte De Bruyne for me too. I believe it''s time to discuss your career ns. I''lle to your apartment this afternoon."
Yellow Tiger said helplessly, "Okay, Balmond, but it might be a bitte. We celebrated too much yesterday."
"Haha, no problem at all. After all, winning your first league championship is worth celebrating big time."
In the evening, when Balmond visited the vi-style apartment located north of Genk''s training base, a tired-looking Yellow Tiger opened the door for him.
The 1.80-meter-tall Asian guy weighed 76 kilograms, a bit thin, but he thought to himself, afternding in one of the top five leagues and honing his skills, this well-known European agent pondered silently.
"What about De Bruyne? Hasn''t hee back yet? I''ve been trying to call him, but his phone has been off."
"He''s still sleeping in his bedroom. Someone stepped on his phone and broke it during the celebration yesterday, and he hasn''t had a chance to buy a new one."
"Well, wake him up quickly. I have something very important to discuss!"
Soon, the two new stars sat on the sofa waiting for the agent to deliver the news. Balmond cleared his throat and said, "Uh, your performancest season was outstanding, not only helping Genk win the league championship but also having good individual stats."
"Yellow scored 14 goals, bing the top scorer in the team, while De Bruyne, you had 5 goals and 16 assists, making aprehensive contribution."
"So now many top clubs are throwing olive branches. I think it''s time for you to move to a higher tform, especially De Bruyne. You''re only 20 years old and in the prime of your development. Yellow, you can take it easy for now."
Before the Belgian could respond, Yellow Tiger immediately protested, "I also want to move to a higher tform. I''m already over 18!" He always remembered Wang Feng''s teachings from years ago, always chasing after his teammates without a moment of rxation.
De Bruyne rolled his eyes, "Let''s hear what clubs we can choose from first. I can''t wait to join a top club."
"Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League have shown strong interest. Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga has submitted a formal offer to Genk. AC Mn and Juventus in Serie A have also contacted me."
Seeing the Belgian''s eyes light up, Balmond quickly poured cold water on him, "Specific transfer situations also depend on the clubs'' willingness. Genk''s management is open to offers, but they need to meet their valuation."
De Bruyne frowned and said, "Balmond, these clubs are all top-notch. I do feel restricted by my current tform. Can you try to negotiate for me?"
Balmond nodded. It was time to test his skills as a top agent. Over the years, he had umted enough resources thanks to Wang Feng''s guidance.
Yellow Tiger wasn''t as eager for top clubs. Given his age and performance, even if he joined, he would likely be on the bench. He believed in improving himself through games, so mid-table teamscking yers in the top five leagues were more suitable for him.
"You''re dreaming in broad daylight," the agent patted his head. "These clubs won''t spend big money on a greenhorn like you. They''d rather invest in experienced stars. There are plenty of talents like you in their academies."
"So what should I do? If I want stable ying time, should I just stay in the Belgian league?" Yellow Tiger asked unwillingly.
"There''s still a way. If you''re bought by a top club but can''t secure a starting position, you can seek a loan to other teams. This way, both parties are rtively satisfied. The lending club can develop yers, and the borrowing club doesn''t have to spend too much money."
"If there''s no other way, I''ll choose this method. Anyway, Kevin, if you''re going, I''m going too!"
Balmond nodded. "Just be patient for now." He got up and left. He was so focused on these two youngsters because they had shown good performances and had the potential to be stars of tomorrow, plus Wang Feng had specifically instructed him about them.
In the following days, both De Bruyne and Yellow Tiger felt like time was dragging on. They watched as Real Madrid and Barcelona restructured, as PSG and Manchester City splurged money, and as various clubs made frequent moves. Their hearts grew more restless and anxious, silently praying that a club would notice them.
By the end of July, with still no news, both of them had be desperate. They could only focus on helping Genk secure a ce in the Champions League group stage, which was some constion.
Just then, Balmond finally contacted them. "It''s finally settled. Damn it, almost all of the summer window was wasted on you two."
"Finally, Chelsea came up with an offer that satisfied Genk. The twin stars are going to the Premier League!"
Before he could finish, Yellow Tiger immediately asked excitedly, "What''s our transfer fee?"
"The Blues are willing to pay a total of 15 million. ording to them, De Bruyne is valued at 9 million, and you are valued at 6 million. De Bruyne will receive a weekly sry of 15,000, while you will get 10,000."
"Ah, I''m worth so much less than Kevin, and the club agreed to it. They''re underestimating me too much!"
De Bruyne wasn''t as naive as Yellow Tiger. Amidst his excitement, he suddenly thought of a problem. "But doesn''t the Premier League have work permit regtions? I''m okay, but what about Yellow, who isn''t from Europe?"
After being reminded by him, Yellow Tiger remembered his identity, and Barmont continued, "It''s good that you''re so attentive. This is also what I''m going to discuss next."
"You have two options. The first is to naturalize in Belgium, which I mentioned before. Both the Belgian Football Association and the government are very willing."
"The second is to seek Chelsea''s special talent use, which allows each Premier League club to have one non-European slot per year."
Upon hearing this, Yellow Tiger hesitated. He had grown up in Belgium, his only close rtive, his grandmother, had passed away a few years ago, and he had been rejected by the national team. It seemed like there was no reason to stay.
But he felt a sense of disgust at the idea of changing his nationality just for himself. "Let''s see how things go in the future. There''s no rush for this matter."
Chapter 533: Here is not a good way
Chapter 533: Here is not a good way
Under the guidance of their agent, Yellow Tiger and De Bruynepleted a series of final tasks with Genk, apanied by the admiration and blessings of their teammates, setting off on a new journey.
They needed to take a train to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, and then fly directly to London, Ennd. Stepping foot on thisnd for the first time, it left Yellow Tiger with a vibrant impression.
Unlike the atmosphere of a small town, the streets of London were bustling, with a constant flow of traffic. Various ssical and fashionable buildings mixed together, dazzling the eyes.
The Chelsea staff who came to meet them smiled and introduced themselves, "Hello, I''m Abimon Smith. I''ll take you to the Cobham training base next. You''ll have a medical examination first, then sign the contract. You probably haven''t found amodation yet. You can choose to stay at the training base."
Both of them were not very proficient in English and could only roughly understand. In a daze, they got into the car with the staff and set off. Yellow Tiger whispered, "I''m a little nervous. I don''t know if we''ll meet Chelsea''s new coach, Mourinho, today."
De Bruyne felt the same way, but he pretended to be calm and replied, "I hope he can witness our signing. At least it shows that the coach values us enough to give us a tactical position."
"But I saw some rumors online saying that Mourinho originally intended to apply for the position of head coach at Real Madrid, but was intercepted by Ancelotti, so he had to return to Chelsea. So, his mood might not be good. We''d better not upset him."
As they chatted, the group passed by Stamford Bridge Stadium by the Thames, and Smith said with pride, "This will be your home stadium from now on. It''s the thirdrgest stadium in all of London."
Curious, the two leaned closer to the car window and looked out. A huge rectangr building came into view, with the stadium reinforced by buttresses. The Chelsea lion crest was engraved on the pir base, presenting a Gothic architectural style overall.
This stadium can amodate over 41,000 people at most, which is advantageouspared to the home stadium of Belgian Pro League clubs, and due to the booming English football market, almost every game is close to full attendance.
After passing Stamford Bridge, it took another 50 minutes to reach the Cobham training base. This was apletely closed base, almost never open to the public, so it was shrouded in mystery.
Since Abramovich took over Chelsea, he has invested arge amount of money to build a luxurious team base, which amazed Yellow Tiger and De Bruyne. Not only were there plenty of indoor and outdoor football fields, but there was also a rehabilitation center for injured yers, an entertainment center, luxury single-person dormitories, and a series of other facilities.
"This is one of the reasons why I aspire to join a top club. Besides ying football, I don''t have to worry about anything else." De Bruyne murmured.
The signings of the two were rather hasty. There was no ceremony, no coach present,pletely different from the lively scene when Mata joined a few days ago. This made them feel a bit disappointed.
But they eventually met Mourinho because today was the day for the first-team training, and the two were taken to the training ground to greet their new teammates.
There, Yellow Tiger and De Bruyne saw Terry, Lampard, Drogba, and other top stars in world football. Their attitude towards the two was rtively friendly. Drogba even patted Yellow Tiger on the shoulder, "You''re from China? I hope you can be as brave as Wang Feng. To be honest, he''s the yer I admire the most."
Of course, there were also new yers in the team, such as Lukaku from Anderlecht and Courtois from Genk, who were quite familiar.
Just when they were feeling slightly relieved, Mourinho stood up again to discourage them, "You guys settle in today. Next, follow the youth team for training."
"What does the coach mean? Does he just want to send us directly to the youth team without giving us any chance?" Yellow Tigerined indignantly in the dormitory.
De Bruyne bit his nails, "I''m also surprised. At least he should let us train with the team for a few days to assess our level before deciding on arrangements."
"Should we go find the director or manager to ask for an exnation?" Yellow Tiger, full of youthful vigor, was eager to try, but De Bruyne waved his hand repeatedly, "You''d better not act recklessly. The authority of the coach in the team is much higher than that of the yers. No one will support us. It''s better to ask Balmond to find out subtly."
The reason why Mourinho didn''t give them a chance was mainly because he didn''t see much potential in the two. The transfers of Yellow Tiger and De Bruyne werepletely orchestrated by club chairman Abramovich, which reminded him of the days when he was meddling in affairs, intensifying his disgust.
As for the reasons for not seeing potential, De Bruyne yed too freely and often made unexpected passes and assists, while Mourinho believed that only strict adherence to his tactical instructions could guarantee victory.
As for Yellow Tiger, his rough technical skills would only result in turnovers. Abramovich even attempted to groom him into another Wang Feng. Besides being from China and having the same background as Genk, what else could hepare to the current world number one? It should be noted that at his age, the Chinese superstar had already lifted the Champions League trophy as the top scorer.
In the days that followed, Yellow Tiger and De Bruyne could only follow the youth team for some basic training, including dribbling around poles, passing and receiving, and some group confrontations. After all,ing from the Belgian Pro League champions, the two were still quitefortablepared to others.
On the other hand, Chelsea''s first team had already gone to the United States for preseason training under Mourinho''s leadership, indicating that the Portuguese coach was determined not to include the two in his ns for the new season.
Bored, they could only train while keeping an eye on European football news events, besides the usual transfer news, various super cups in different countries quietly kicked off.
The most eye-catching was naturally the Spanish Super Cup sh between league champions Real Madrid and Copa del Rey champions Barcelona, which staged two century-old derbies before the start of the season, enough to excite all fans.
The process of the match did not disappoint. In the first leg at the Bernabeu, the two sides fought fiercely, with Wang Feng providing two exquisite assists. Messi also scored twice, and the final score was 2-2.
In Camp Nou, the Chinese superstar continued his dominance by scoring two goals as usual, but Messi continued his brilliant performance by also scoring twice to level the score.
In the final penalty shootout, a miss from Iguan led to the defeat of the Gcticos, failing to secure the Spanish Super Cup.
"Messi''s performance is too crazy." After watching the live broadcast of the series, Yellow Tiger couldn''t help but exim, "It seems that the defeats in recent seasons havepletely stimted the Argentine. He looks unstoppable with the ball at his feet."
"Yeah, but I don''t see any signs of decline in Wang Feng''s form either. This season''s La Liga is estimated to be another fiercepetition. I really want to participate." De Bruyne said with a hint of longing, at this moment, he desperately wanted to be on the field rather than wasting time with the youth team.
Chelsea is not on a smooth path!
Chapter 534: Brand new prize
Chapter 534: Brand new prize
In the first direct encounter of the new season, Real Madrid lost to Barcelona, ??although it was on penalties, although it was the somewhat redundant Spanish Super Cup, but a loss is a loss, and there is no excuse.
On the flight back from Barcelona, everyone on the Gcticos seemed very discouraged, especially Iguan, who missed the penalty, and Modric, who was heavily criticized after the game.
The Croatian started in all the matches of this series, but his performance can only be described as disastrous, with the lowest invisible rating throughout the game. Many people online have begun to call him the "biggest flop" in La Liga.
"This is the cost of arrogance!" Many mediamented that the transfer work of the Gcticos this summer could only be described as a failure.
But Wang Feng didn''t think so. He believed that the team''s level had not dropped muchpared tost season. Di Mara and Khedira could fully support both offense and defense. Although Modric had not found his best form yet, his attitude was very positive.
The biggest reason for losing to Barcelona is still Messi. The Argentine seems to be unstoppable, like his goal in the 78th minute, continuously shaking and disrupting the entire defensive line in the frontcourt, even dodging past the Chinese superstar who came forward to defend.
His elegant dribbling even deceived Wang Feng''s sharp senses! This situation was the first time it had happened to Wang Feng, so afterwards, he kept thinking back to the scene and borrowed videotapes to study it specifically, finally discovering the traces of the fake movement.
Wang Feng didn''t know how long Messi could maintain this state, but thepetition in the uing league matches was bound to be very intense.
The new head coach, Ancelotti, was also pondering the reasons for the defeat. Unlike Bentez''s stubborn character, he was more willing tomunicate with the yers.
After returning to Madrid, he needed to focus onforting Iguan and Modric, and also discuss with Wang Feng how to maximize his threat to counter Messi at this time. The only one who couldpete with Messi at this time was the Chinese superstar.
After adjusting their mood, the Real Madrid team took another ne to Monaco to prepare for the UEFA Super Cup match. Their opponent was Porto from the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
The day before the match, UEFA held the annual awards ceremony as usual and drew the matchups for the UEFA Champions League group stage of the new season.
This year, the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and the individual awards for the four positions were officially canceled and merged into a brand new awardthe European Best yer Award! This approach undoubtedly greatly increased the value of this newly released trophy. Some even asserted that it could rival the FIFA Ballon d''Or, or even be more professional than the Ballon d''Or because it would focus more on the yer''s performance in the current season rather than their fame.
However, these were all stories forter, because for now, in terms of performance or reputation, it seemed that only one person was eligible for the award, that is, the giant who led his team to achieve five consecutive achievements and won the European Golden Boot ten times in a row.
The clues from the first round of voting results announced by UEFA also showed that Wang Feng was far ahead of Ronaldo and Messi, the top three candidates.
The new European Best yer selection method ispletely different from before. Fifty-three sports journalists from fifty-three countries and regions in Europe form the jury, and there are two rounds of voting in total.
First, three on-site candidates are selected before the award ceremony. The first choice gets 5 points, the second choice gets 3 points, and the third choice gets 1 point.
In this round of voting, Wang Feng received 259 points, which means that almost all the judges listed him as their first choice.
Next, there will be a second round of on-site voting at the award ceremony, and judging by this trend, there is no suspense.
When the Chinese superstar appeared at the Pce of Westminster, countless fans and media were agitated, screams apanied by continuous shes of light, and the organizers had to reinforce the surrounding security and remind him to enter quickly, otherwise it would be uncontroble!
After entering the hall, the stars all greeted Wang Feng one after another, faintly implying that they were clustering around him in the center. This was not surprising, after all, his achievements so far were enough to make people look up to him.
UEFA President tini briefly reviewed the highlights of the past season, naturally mentioning the historic achievements of Real Madrid, as well as the performances of the three candidates.
Soon, the voting results were delivered to the hands of the Frenchman, and he opened the envelope with a smile under the gaze of the audience. "Indeed, it is the expected choice. I believe the final result should not be unexpected."
As soon as he finished speaking, the whole audience showed a knowing smile, and tini no longer kept them in suspense: "The winner of the 2010-2011 European Best yer isWang Feng!"
Thunderous apuse resounded through the entire hall in an instant, and under the congrattions of everyone, the Chinese superstar walked up to the stage to receive the award, receiving the heavy trophy from the hands of the UEFA President.
Its shape was quite peculiar, with a ck base supporting a silver athlete''s torso structure. The arms were raised in a gesture of lifting, but only a small section was shown, looking like two forks.
Manyizensmented that the shape of this trophy was very much like "big underpants," heavy in weight but ugly in design.
"I am honored to be the first yer to receive this award. Thanks to all the judges for their recognition, thanks to all my teammates for their support, thanks to all the fans for their love. This honor also belongs to you."
Wang Feng continued his usual style, gracefully receiving this brand new award.
Next, the draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage was conducted in order of pots one to four. Real Madrid, as the top seed, was ced in Group D, while in Pot 2, AC Mn and Valencia were both strongpetitors.
As for Pot 3, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, and Manchester City were also formidable. In Pot 4, Borussia Dortmund and Dinamo Zagreb from the Croatian league seemed to have the potential to be dark horses.
As the ceremony went on, Real Madrid seemed to have a somewhat mixed feeling about the draw. They avoided tough opponents like Lyon in Pot 2, but encountered Ajax, a strong team from the Eredivisie, in Pot 3, and in Pot 4, they faced Dinamo Zagreb from the Croatian league.
Overall, it was a rtively upper-middle draw. Barcelona was in Group H with AC Mn, Viktoria Plze from the Czech league, and BATE Borisov from the Brusian league.
Valencia was paired with Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, and Genk in Group E. Virreal was the most unlucky, as their three opponents were Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Manchester City, making it almost impossible for them to advance to the knockout stage.
On the evening of August 26th, at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, Real Madrid officially started their sh with Porto.
Ancelotti continued with the 4-4-2 formation from the Spanish Super Cup, with Casis in goal.
The back four consisted of Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, and Carvajal.
In midfield were Khedira, Alonso, Modric, and Di Mara.
The forward line was still led by Wang Feng partnering with Iguan.
Compared to the century derby against Barcelona, the Gcticos were much more rxed in this game. They smoothly controlled the situation on the field andpletely dominated Porto.
In the first half, after Alonso broke through to the front and passed directly behind, Wang Feng sessfully avoided the offside trap and scored with a clever shot inside the penalty area, opening the scoring for Real Madrid.
In the second half, after Di Mara forcefully dribbled down the wing and crossed, the Chinese superstar cleverly left the ball, and Marcelo, who had joined from the back, shot from 8 meters in front of the goal, sealing the victory.
In the end, the Gcticos defeated the strong Portuguese team 2:0 and lifted the first trophy of the new season.
Chapter 535: Choice
Chapter 535: Choice
As the summer transfer window deadline approached, Huang Hu faced a situation that was both awkward and fortunate: he couldn''t obtain a work permit for the Premier League, so the club had to choose to loan him out.
yers without work permits cannot participate in official matches, including league games, cuppetitions, and European tournaments; they can only train with the team and participate in some friendly matches.
If he couldpete for a starting position at Chelsea, this situation would be very disadvantageous. However, the reality was that he was relegated to the youth team with no ying opportunities, so a loan move seemed more appropriate.
Huang Hu had not expected such benefits from not transferring. Under the operation of his agent, Balmond, Chelsea reached a loan agreement with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for a period of one year. Considering the yer''s development, both Chelsea and Werder Bremen would share half of the Chinese young talent''s sry.
Werder Bremen was naturally very happy about this arrangement, as they were getting a yer who could contribute immediately at almost no cost. Although they had declined in recent years, they had won the league title four times in history and had participated in the Champions League several times. Last season, they barely avoided relegation, finishing in 13th ce.
In a situation where the club''s finances were tight and they had to continue selling yers in the summer transfer window, they could only afford to loan ready-made yers from other teams. It just so happened that Huang Hu''s situation matched their needs perfectly.
So, the Chinese young talent happily packed his bags and prepared to head to Werder Bremen again. His departure made his teammate De Bruyne quite envious. "You''re really lucky. When you go to the Bundesliga, make sure to perform well and don''t sit on the bench," said De Bruyne.
Huang Hu nodded and patted De Bruyne on the shoulder, saying, "Kevin, you also need to continue working hard. You must strive for what you deserve. If you still don''t get ying time, consider going on loan like me, otherwise, you''ll waste away."
De Bruyne understood this principle very well. He nned to give himself three months, and if he couldn''t get an opportunity by then, he would have to "rescue" himself.
Despite his usually easygoing demeanor, Huang Hu took his future career nning very seriously. Choosing the Bundesliga and Werder Bremen was the result of careful consideration among his few options.
Firstly, he considered the position in the team. Currently, the club''s main striker was 32-year-old Peruvian udio Pizarro. Another main striker was 28-year-old Swede Markus Rosenberg. The main backup forwards were 22-year-old Austrian Marco Arnautovic, 20-year-old German Felix Kroos, 21-year-old Turk Muhammet Ak?nc?, and 18-year-old German talent Levent Aycicek.
Although the club had seven forwards in total, only Pizarro could secure a starting position. The other attacking positions were up forpetition.
Huang Hu''s goal was not too high; he just wanted to ensure a rtively stable amount of ying time as a substitute. There were still many areas where he needed to improve and strengthen.
The second consideration was the head coach, Thomas Schaaf. Since taking over the reins of the team in 1999, the German had been in charge for 12 years. He had led the team to win league and cup titles, earning high prestige. Schaaf greatly admired attacking football and had once said in an interview, "It''s easier to organize defense with all eleven yers focused on it than to attack, but in that case, football would be no fun at all."
Therefore, under his leadership, attacking yers would have many opportunities to grow, which Huang Hu was looking forward to.
Finally, he considered the friendliness of the Bundesliga towards Chinese yers. From the early 2000s, with Yang Chen ying for Eintracht Frankfurt and Shao Jiayi ying for TSV 1860 Munich, there had been a constant influx of Chinese yers to Germany.
Until Dong Fangzuo became the core of Bayern Munich, this trend reached its peak, benefiting many other clubs as well. Although Huang Hu was just a small fish, his poprity in China, thanks to Wang Feng''s support, meant that many Genk fans were still following the club and knew about him. So, he had umted some fans and received some media coverage back home.
He was much luckier than his peers who were trained in the same year but could only go to leagues in Switzend, Estonia, or Lithuania. These yers were hardly noticed, and their sries were not high. Some couldn''t bear the loneliness and chose to return to China for development. Although there were many opportunities for money there, their football skills declined, and they could no longer establish themselves in Europe.
In the Werder Bremen team manager''s office, representatives from Chelsea, agent Balmond, and Werder Bremen manager Allofs were verifying the final details of the contract.
ording to the tranted summary, Huang Hu knew that he would not only receive a basic sry, approximately 410,000 euros after tax for a year, but also bonuses for goals, wins, and more.
This treatment was better than when he was at Genk, so he was quite satisfied. After all, it tranted to an annual ie close to four million. If he wasn''t ying football, he wondered where he would end up earning such an amount. Even earning one hundred thousand a year would be a blessing.
He didn''t have much autonomy in choosing his jersey number; he could only choose from what was avable. Fortunately, the number 30 was vacant, which was Wang Feng''s number when he made his debut. So, he chose it without hesitation.
He took a simple photo holding the jersey. The club wouldter update Huang Hu''s information on their official website and Twitter. Although few people paid attention to this news, Huang Hu felt very satisfied.
After everything was settled, the Chinese youngster was brought to head coach Schaaf. He nodded slightly and said, "Your spirit is good, but there are two things you need to do quickly."
"Learn German, and enhance your physical fitness. You look too thin. Schmidt, take a look at Huang''s reportter and develop a special meal n."
The team''s fitness coach and nutritionist, Schmidt, nodded. Although Werder Bremen was not a powerhouse, they had a lot of experience in developing yers.
There were yer dormitories in the club''s training base, each housing two yers. Huang Hu was assigned to share a room with substitute central defender, Frenchman Sylvester.
He had been a key yer for Manchester United but made a fatal mistake while representing France in the 2004 European Championship. This not only caused him to lose the trust of the national team coach but also led to a decline in his performance at the club, eventually making him a substitute at Werder Bremen after unsessful stints at Arsenal and other clubs.
Chapter 536: Don鈥檛 want to miss every performance opportunity
Chapter 536: Don''t want to miss every performance opportunity
After joining Werder Bremen, Huang Hu has been training with the first team all along, indicating that he is part of Coach Schaaf''s ns.
The Bundesliga started in early August, and so far, after four rounds of matches, Bremen has won three and lost one, currently ranking third on the points table, just behind Dortmund and Bayern, making a dreamy start.
The next round, the fifth match, will be held on September 10th, with them hosting Hamburg at home.
As early as July 30th, in the first round of the German Cup, Bremen was upset 1-2 by the second division team Heidenheim, so they only have one task left this season: to return to Europeanpetition!
Under Schmidt''s close attention, in addition to regr low-fat foods such as beef, chicken, and fish, Huang Hu also needs to consume more starch to gain weight than others, such as bread, potatoes, pasta, etc.
Of course, he also needs toplete the corresponding training n to improve his understanding of his body. Otherwise, he may easily get injured due to not adapting to the changes.
Although the process is very tough, Huang Hu has always persevered, exercising during the day and taking time to learn German at night, even his roommate Silvestre feels admiration for him.
"Among all the yers I''ve seen, you are one of the most hardworking ones. Being young is great," the Frenchman often gets lost in his own world, but they get along quite well.
All of this is also seen by Coach Schaaf. The German coach nods repeatedly. Regardless of his football skills, this perseverance is also outstanding in the club.
So, for the next round of matches, he ns to put the Chinese youngster on the bench, but whether he can y depends on the situation.
Bremen''s first-team squad consists of 31 yers, which is above average in the Bundesliga. Naturally, not all of them can make it into the matchday squad. Huang Hu will naturally rece someone, and the one reced is the Turkish yer Ayik, who looks somewhat pale when he learns of the result.
The other two yers in the substitute trio are dissatisfied with him. "Why can this weakling make it to the bench? I don''t think he can handle the physicality of the Bundesliga. He''ll fall down as soon as he''s pushed by the opponent''s defenders," F. Cross said.
"Don''t worry, Ayik. He''ll definitely show his weakness in the scrimmageter, and then the coach should reconsider the personnel issue," F. Cross said.
The afternoon training session before the match day usually includes a scrimmage between the first team and the substitutes, with each side wearing red and yellow jerseys respectively to practice the tactics arranged by the coach. This not only helps to identify and rectify deficiencies but also tests the yers'' form.
Assistant coach Sachs acts as the temporary referee. Before the start of the scrimmage, Ayik finds the starting left-back Bonisch and says, "Sebastian, can you focus on number 30ter? He''s very arrogant just because he won the Belgian championship recently."
The Pole twisted his neck. "Is that so? I think he''s not very noticeable. But it doesn''t matter. No one can get the upper hand under my watch!"
The substitute lineup is led by the 31-year-old veteran Borowski, who is highly respected within the Bremen team as a club legend and intends to retire after the season, so all the yers in the team respect him.
He also appreciates Huang Hu, who joined the teamst summer. So he said to his teammates, "We''ll mainlyunch attacks from the right sideter. Baggefred, try to lean towards the right as much as possible."
"As for Huang, I believe you won''t be too nervous. After all, you alsoe from a championship team. Show your best performance to the coaching staff."
Huang Hu nodded heavily. He didn''t want to miss any chance to prove himself. Now that Borowski intends to take care of him, he cannot miss this opportunity.
"As for the defensive end, we need to focus on marking Pizarro, especially when he rushes into the penalty area. Hazes and Leon, you both need to be high points and must double-team to prevent him from easily touching the ball."
"Beep~" The scrimmage officially began, and the substitute team took the lead in attacking. Baggefred, in the front waist position, although small in stature at only 5 feet 8 inches, is very agile in dribbling and quickly moves to the frontcourt.
Seeing Huang Hu advancing rapidly on the right, he lightly curves the ball with his left foot, finding the Chinese youngster just beyond Bonisch. But the Pole was somewhat surprised by Huang Hu''s speed. Indeed, he has some skills.
However, Bonisch is not easy to deal with. He quickly catches up from behind, blocking the passingne while secretly challenging Huang Hu. As a result, his steps became a bit awkward, and the quality of his forced cross was very poor, with the ball going out of bounds during its flight.
Despite the attack being thwarted, Huang Hu was not afraid. On the contrary, he grinned at Bonisch and praised him in German, "Guter Schuss" (Good shot).
At the same time, he also actively approached Baggefred, gesturing his thoughts on forming cooperation, as the best way to integrate quickly into the team is throughmunication.
Next, the substitute team didn''t have too many good opportunities. Instead, it was Pizarro who shone brightly. He showed no signs of being a forward in his thirties. He could even forcibly fight off two defending yers to attempt a shot.
As the gap widened on both sides, Coach Schaaf looked at the clock and nned to stop the match at any time. At this moment, Huang Hu finally got another chance.
Simrly, cooperating with Baggefred on the right side, this time he suddenly cut the ball back while advancing to the bottom, then passed it back to his teammate before moving horizontally.
Baggefred immediately understood and sent a short pass. The two formed a sessful two-on-one cooperation, tearing open Bonisch''s defense, but the other defender Pledel rushed to defend.
If he had the ability to shoot with his left foot, he could choose to shoot from outside the foot to a farther point. Unfortunately, he stillcks the skill now. Does this attack have to end without sess again?
At the critical moment, a sh of inspiration came to him. Without dodging, he went straight towards Pledel, who was about to easily intercept the ball with his right foot.
But at this moment, Huang Hu seized the opportunity and suddenly exerted force with his hidden leg, sending a pass through Pledel''s legs. Borowski then tapped the ball lightly into the from the near post!
On the sidelines, Schaaf''s eyes lit up. "The timing of this pass is really good. If it was a bit earlier, it wouldn''t have been passed, and a bitter, it would have been intercepted. This kind of cleverness is a necessary condition to be a star yer."
And the previously proud Ayik showed an expression of disbelief. Such a fleeting opportunity, if it were him, he wouldn''t have been able to grasp it at all.
After the goal, Borowski and Huang Hu hugged to celebrate. Several substitute yers also came over one after another. Although they were still far behind in score, breaking through the first-team defense was rare, and everyone felt excited.
After this goal, the scrimmage came to an end, and the head coach began toment on the yers'' performances one by one. Naturally, Pizarro received the most praise among the yers.
"udio, your only problem isck of concentration. Often, you perform very well in one round, but in the next game, you seem a bit listless. I hope you can focus on delivering stable performances. You are the key to achieving our season goals."
As for the Chinese youngster, Schaaf also expressed affirmation. His positive attitude in integrating into the team and agile performance are significant bonuses. He definitely has the ability to make it into the matchday squad.
Chapter 537: Change is imperative
Chapter 537: Change is imperative
As Huang Hu gradually moved towards the right track, the La Liga alsopleted the first round ofpetition. Real Madrid thrashed Zaragoza 6-0, while Barcelona ughtered Virreal 5-0. The opening victories of the two giants remained extremely ruthless.
From the data perspective, Wang Feng stood out, with 10 shots, 8 of which were on target, achieving a fantastic four goals and providing one assist.
In this round, Messi also scored twice, while Sordado, who was once a product of Real Madrid''s youth academy and now ys for Valencia, contributed a hat-trick, closely following the Chinese superstar in the scorer''s list.
However, the Valencia team only narrowly won 4-3 against Santander Athletics. Due to the debt crisis this summer, Valencia was forced to sell key yers such as Mata and Joaquin, causing a significant decline in strength. They can only rely on Spanish forwards.
ording to thementary of Sky Sports UK, La Liga has been divided into "two leagues": one is the "super league" participated by Real Madrid and Barcelona, and the other is the "first league" participated by the remaining eighteen teams.
"La Liga is seriouslyckingpetitiveness and resembles a game between Real Madrid and Barcelona. In contrast, the results of the Premier League matches are harder to predict, and smaller teams are more daring to challenge bigger ones. Thepetition for the Premier League title is fiercer than La Liga."
However, this view was quickly refuted by the Spanish newspaper "El Pais", which counted the champions of the two leagues in the past decade and found that only three teams had won the title, indicating that the Premier League is not necessarily morepetitive than La Liga.
"On the side of La Liga, there are Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, while on the side of the Premier League, there are Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Other teams find it difficult to shake their positions."
The only debatable point is that the gap between the third and second in La Liga is muchrger than that in the Premier League, mainly because the top two often score ny or even over a hundred points.
"But in terms ofpeting for Champions League spots, La Liga''spetition is obviously more intense. Since the 2000-2001 season, Spain has had 12 teams enter the Champions League, including not only Real Madrid and Barcelona but also Valencia, Sevi, Deportivo La Coru?a, Virreal, Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, Mallorca, and Osasuna."
"During this period, only 8 teams from the Premier League have entered the Champions League group stage, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Everton, and Manchester City."
"Since the 2004-2005 season, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool have monopolized the Champions League positions for a long time, with only Tottenham Hotspur recing Liverpoolst season."
"So, although the Premier League seems more intense, it is still dominated by the big clubs, but they have not produced a team with absolute dominance."
The battle between La Liga and the Premier League has a long history, and the media from both sides argue for their own reasons. However, it cannot be denied that the Premier League is more "healthy" than La Liga.
This "health" does not refer to thepetition for the league title but to the benign development of each club, especially in terms of television broadcasting rights distribution. La Liga is alreadypletely imbnced.
Currently, in the Spanish league''s television broadcasting system, the broadcasting rights of Barcelona and Real Madrid are sold separately, while those of other teams are sold in packages. This also results in the two giants earning significantly more, upying the vast majority, while other teams earn rtively little, especially small clubs.
The same is true for Serie A, so their mid-to-low table clubs often face financial crises due to insufficient ie, just like La Liga.
But it''s different for the Premier League and the Bundesliga. They bundle the broadcasting rightspletely and then distribute them ording to certain rules, so even if the top clubs receive a lot of attention, other teams can still benefit.
Therefore, change is imperative. Currently, the La Liga alliance is discussing the distribution of television broadcasting rights contracts ording to the Premier League''s n, with 50% evenly distributed among the 20 teams, 25% allocated based on league ranking, and 25% allocated based on the number of club matches broadcasted.
With this distribution, it is estimated that there will be only about 1.6 times difference between the teams with the highest and lowest ies, unlike the current difference of dozens of times.
Returning to their home ground, Real Madrid weed the second round of La Ligapetition against Hetafe.
They continued their hot performance from the previous game, scoring just under a minute into the match.
Di Maria passed from the right side, and Wang Feng rushed in to make a beautiful shot from outside the penalty area, the ball curling into the top right corner, 1-0!
This goal boosted the morale of the Gcticos, and they dominated Hetafe''s yers, who struggled to get out of their own half.
In the 17th minute, Wang Feng received a diagonal pass from Modric on the right side of the penalty area, under the tight marking of two defenders, he reached near the sideline. As it seemed the ball was going out, he used his foot to hook it back between the legs of the defenders, then turned and pushed it to Alonso, who slotted it in with his left foot to increase Real Madrid''s lead.
Twelve minutester, Wang Feng and Di Maria broke through Hetafe''s defense with a series of quick passes on the right side, and the Chinese superstar finished with a low shot into the near post, leaving the visiting goalkeeper helpless.
After dominating the opponent in the first half, Ancelotti quickly made changes to the lineup. In the second half, Granero and Miku each scored a goal for their team, sealing a 4-1 victory.
In another crucial battle, Barcelona surprisingly drew 2-2 with Real Sociedad, with Messi unable to continue his goal-scoring spree. This led the media and fans to acknowledge that Wang Feng is the only one who can consistently deliver outstanding performances.
Sordado, on the other hand, continued to impress, scoring the only goal of the match to help Valencia beat Atletico Madrid 1-0.
As a result, Wang Feng led the top scorer list with 6 goals, followed closely by Sordado with 4 goals, while Messi''s 2 goals only ced him in 10th position.
On September 15th, the UEFA Champions League group stage officially kicked off. Real Madrid flew to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, to challenge Dinamo Zagreb.
This team is Modric''s former club, and since the establishment of the Croatian league, they have won 12 league titles and 8 cup titles, undoubtedly dominating domestically.
However, they evidentlyckpetitiveness in the Champions League. In the early stages, Wang Feng made a shot from outside the 20-meter area, slightly off target, causing anxiety among all home fans.
In the 16th minute, after Modric failed to break through in the frontcourt, he passed to Wang Feng nearby, who swiftly dribbled with his left foot to evade the defender and entered the penalty area. Without waiting for the home team''s defense to react, he sent a low shot past the goalkeeper into the bottom left corner, making it 1-0!
Simr to the previous game, Real Madrid, with their momentum, continued to score relentlessly, with Di Maria and Hediara adding to the tally.
Before being substituted in the second half, Wang Feng seized another opportunity to score,pleting a brace and expanding the lead to 4-0.
Chapter 538: Family gathering
Chapter 538: Family gathering
The momentum-filled Real Madrid returned to the league but encountered a setback. In the third round of La Liga, they faced Levante away. Ancelotti, perhaps too confident, only sent a substitute lineup, and before halftime, they conceded two goals from Levante''s Spanish midfielder Ivi and Uruguayan forward Stuani.
Although Wang Feng, who came on in the second half, scored in the 79th minute after receiving a through ball from Arteta and shooting past the goalkeeper, it wasn''t enough to turn the tide. The final score was 1-2, marking the first defeat of the new season for the Gcticos.
After the match, coach Ancelotti admitted to his tactical mistakes in the interview, saying, "Everything is still in the early stages of adjustment, including myself and the team."
"In fact, I''m somewhat relieved that this loss came early, which allows us to see the team more clearly. We won''t make such rash mistakes in the future."
Barcelona, on the other hand, had a stunning performance in this round, thrashing Osasuna 8-0 at Camp Nou. Messi scored a hat-trick, bringing his total goals to 5, narrowing the gap with Wang Feng''s 7.
Meanwhile, the Valencia and Soldado, who have been performing exceptionally well in the league so far, once again created a miracle by defeating Huesca 1-0 away, bing the only two teams in La Liga to achieve three consecutive wins.
Another team with three consecutive wins, surprisingly, is the newly promoted Real Betis. Despite their glory in the early 2000s, they gradually declined and were relegated before returning to the top flight after several years in the Segunda Division.
Soldado''s goal tally also reached 5, disrupting the dominance of Wang Feng and Messi in the top scorer race in recent years, establishing himself as a rising star yer.
Another popr yer is the Colombian tiger Falcao, who scored a hat-trick in this round, helping Atletico Madrid to a 4-0 victory over Santander Athletic, proving his worth of ?40 million.
Marcamented that Falcao''s main task at Atletico is to score goals, and he has perfectly fulfilled this task with 4 goals in 3 matches, proving himself to be a true striker, a tiger in the penalty area.
As imed by AS, Falcao has proven himself when the team needed him the most, as Atletico drew one and lost one in the first two rounds, falling into the relegation zone. With this victory, the club management can breathe a little easier.
Mundo Deportivomented, "Atletico''s investment in Falcao has paid off. Although his transfer may seem expensive, Atletico has made a bargain."
As described by El Pais, if Wang Feng and Messi arepared to a magnificent symphony, yers like Soldado and Falcao are like violin solos,plementing each other and contributing to the exciting La Liga.
Apart from the traditional powerhouses, one of the most eye-catching teams in La Liga so far is probably Mga on the Sunshine Coast. Backed by Qatari tycoons, they were once dubbed the "Manchester City of La Liga."
This summer, Mga spent ?60 million to bring in a group of stars including Van Nistelrooy, Cazo, Joaquin, Tolan, and Mathijsen. After two consecutive wins following the first round of adaptation, they climbed to fifth ce in the standings.
Coach Pellegrini also did not hide his ambition. He stated that the team''s goal this season is to secure a European spot. Therefore, they will continue to strengthen their squad during the winter transfer window, targeting yers like Albiol and Granero from Real Madrid, and Torres from Chelsea.
Back in Madrid, to encourage team cohesion, Wang Feng decided to invite everyone and their families to his vi for a family gathering on their day off, as part of his responsibilities as team captain.
Everyone dly epted the invitation, including coach Ancelotti with his girlfriend Berena. When newly joined yers like Coentrao, Sahin, and Modric arrived at the Chinese superstar''s mansion, they were all very surprised.
"This can be called a manor, right?" the Croatian couldn''t help but exim. He brought his wife Bosnjak and son Ivan. The little guy was very excited to see the vast y area and yed with other kids, while Wang Feng arranged for someone to take care of them.
Coentrao shrugged, "After all, it''s the mansion of the world''s number one. But Wang is quite low-key. If it were me, I would definitely take a lot of photos and post them on Instagram to attract fans."
Instagram is a photo-sharing social appunchedst year. Of course, the Chinese superstar also has an official certified ount, but he rarely posts about his personal life, not only on this app but also on all other domestic and foreign social apps.
Everyone enjoyed themselves, some chatting and drinking wine in groups, some ying billiards and table tennis. Wang Feng mingled among them and chatted.
18-year-old Varane pretended to exercise on the luxurious fitness equipment, but was exposed by the Chinese superstar, "Forget it, I haven''t seen you so active in training at the club."
"I see Granero ying ''Killzone 3'', you''d better go y with him. Although the games in my house are not asprehensive as those in the club, I''m sure you''ll like some of them."
Vne stuck out his tongue and ttered, "So, boss, you also y games?"
"Of course, when I was ying games, you were still wearing diapers."
Alonso, on the other hand, was very curious about the professional training equipment, especially the WATER WALKER, a water treadmill. "This equipment looks too cool. Why have I never seen it before?"
Wang Feng exined with a smile, "This is a water treadmill mainly used to exercise while protecting the legs from additional wear and tear and injuries. It''s not yet mass-produced; I had it custom-made."
After trying it out, Alonso found it very effective, especially for athletes of their age, so the Chinese superstar decided to customize two more for the training base in Valdebebas.
During a conversation with coach Ancelotti, the Italian humorously remarked that Wang Feng''s mansion is very simr to his ideal retirement home, except for those fitness equipment, he almost wanted to copy it verbatim.
"When Florentino invited me to the Gcticos, he said there were no hard requirements for results this season, but I don''t see it that way."
"Wang, I suppose you''re not here just for a high sry, right?" the Chinese superstar nodded. "Matching the legends must not make me stop. My peak is not over yet."
"That''s good. The form this year seems to be more intense than before. I hope you can take on more responsibilities. We can discuss the arrangements on the field at any time. To be honest, your tactical insight is indeed very sharp. Many times, even I am inspired by you."
Wang Feng was naturally very willing. The difficulties inmunicating with Benitez in the past two years had made him feel exhausted. Now, finally, there is an open-minded coach.
Chapter 539: Tit for tat
Chapter 539: Tit for tat
After a period of rest, Real Madrid faced a challenge in the 4th round of La Liga, hosting Santander Athletic at the Bernabeu.
This is a team located in Santander, Cantabria Autonomous Community, in the northernmost part of Spain, adjacent to the Bay of Biscay and facing France across the sea.
After thest round''s disastrous defeat to Atletico Madrid, head coach Juanjo made significant adjustments, focusing on defensive strategies to avoid another humiliating loss in Madrid.
As a result, the entire game wasckluster. Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid struggled against the opposition''s defensive setup, especially facing the aggressive interceptions in the midfield and defense from the away team, who received several yellow cards.
Wang Feng had two chances from set pieces just outside the box, but one hit the post slightly and the other was saved by the goalkeeper Ivan.
Just when everyone thought the Gcticos were heading for two winless rounds, in the 87th minute, the Chinese superstar received the ball with his back to the goal about 26 meters out from the penalty area. He immediatelyid it off to Alonso nearby and then spun away from the defenders behind him.
At this moment, a short pass from the Spanish midfielder arrived at his feet. With two defenders closing in, Wang Feng didn''t hesitate and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot.
"Boom!" The ball flew like a cannonball towards the left side of the goal. Although Ivan got a touch, the ball''s speed was too much, and it grazed the inside of the post into the, making it 1-0!
The fans, who had been somewhat lethargic, erupted in excitement. Their patience was rewarded, and Wang Feng rushed to the sidelines, gesturing and shouting towards the stands, igniting everyone''s passion.
With this goal, the Gcticos defeated their opponents and took all three points.
Simrly, Barcelona faced trouble in this round. They were held to a 2-2 draw by Valencia away, and if not for Soldado missing a chance to tap in from 2 meters out, the Catn team might have tasted their first defeat of the season.
Bnowa''s level was clearly not up to Guardi''s. When Messi was off-form, he didn''t know how to adjust tactically.
Adding insult to injury, the newly acquired star Neymar was controversial. He exhibited a somewhat arrogant attitude on the field, often making shy moves that seemed offensive to the opponents andcked practicality.
As a result, the Brazilian was fouled heavily multiple times, forcing Bnova to strictly control his ying time to prevent injuries, leading him toin, "I don''t quite understand how the referees judge the game. But Neymar often faces some very dangerous defensive actions."
However, the media didn''t buy this argument. ASmented that his frivolous actions were provocative, sometimes not even for attacking purposes, but merely to toy with the opponent.
"Perhaps this 19-year-old is just eager to show off, but the stage he''s on is the mostpetitive league in Europe, not some circus."
"Samba football is not like this. Learn from predecessors Ronaldo and Ronaldinho; they earned respect from their opponents on the field."
Although the Catn media defended Neymar, Mundo Deportivo believed that the Brazilian might havended in Europe too early. He should continue to hone his skills in Brazil for one or two more seasons; it would be better for him to temper his impulsive nature.
Currently, La Liga seems to have a tit-for-tat dynamic. While the top two teams secured big wins in the first round, both the media and fans expected the situation to develop as it had in previous seasons, with continuous victories establishing their lead.
However, reality proved otherwise. Valencia''s consecutive victories followed by a draw against Barcelona, and newly promoted Real Betis winning all four matches and leading the table with 12 points, overshadowed the top two. It''s worth noting that thest time Betis topped La Liga was a decade ago.
Head coach Pepe Mel advocates enjoying football. The yers y rtively rxed on the field, even when facing adversity, they maintain an optimistic attitude.
Last season, Betis, still in the Segunda Division, faced Barcelona in the Copa del Rey knockout stage. After beingpletely dominated with a 0-5 loss in the first leg, they resisted the pressure and won 3-1 at home in the second leg, defeating the Catn team unexpectedly.
This victory boosted the morale of all yers and indirectly led to their promotion.
From the past two matches, it can be seen that Real Betis yers have a big heart. Facing Athletic Bilbao, they came from behind to win 3-2 after trailing by two goals, and against Zaragoza, they alternately led, ultimately winning 4-3.
Of course, they also have many problems, such as an unstable defense and insufficient depth in the bench lineup. These issues will be exposed in theter stages of the league. Leading the points table now seems to be only temporary.
Pepe Mel joked in an interview, "We are still 30 points away from relegation. Well, it feels good to achieve the goal ahead of schedule."
On September 25th, in the 5th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Bcano away. Since there was a Champions League match midweek, head coach Ancelotti did not field all the main yers. However, learning from the previous lesson, Wang Feng still led the lineup.
As it turned out, his decision was very wise. Just 5 minutes into the game, the home team capitalized on a defensive mistake from the Gcticos'' backline, with Guinean forward Bangura opening the scoring. The defense of Nacho and Varane is still too young.
However, three minutester, Wang Feng broke through from the right and stopped abruptly, using his dribble rhythm to shake off Galves and cut inside the penalty area. Then, he passed to Morata for a powerful shot to equalize.
Later, Wang Feng scored twice more, first with a back-heel finish after a through ball, and then with a header from inside the penalty area, securing the victory. After he was substituted, Callejon, Granero, and Alten Top scored again,pletely overwhelming the opponents.
Before the final whistle, Terass pulled one back for the home team, bringing the score to 6-2, a resounding victory for the Gcticos over Bcano.
Barcelona, on the other hand, seemed to be in sync with Real Madrid. In a match that ended slightlyter, they thrashed Atletico Madrid 5-0 at home, with Messi scoring a hat-trick, expanding his league goal tally to 8, still closely following behind Wang Feng.
Currently, the performance of the Catn team relies entirely on the Argentine superstar, while the underestimated Vi was even snatched of his starting position by Fabregas, and Sanchez failed to live up to his talent.
Atletico Madrid''s heavy defeat was within the expectations of head coach Manzano. In preparation for the Europa League showdown with Rennes, they fielded mostly substitute yers, with stars like Falcao watching from the sidelines.
Apart from that, they also adopted a 4-3-1-2 formation at thest minute, fielding three defensive midfielders and the injured Diego. As expected, the defense didn''t show any promising performance.
"The yers'' performance was not bad. In the second half, Salvio yed with his characteristics on the wing. The team''s morale will not be affected by any means."
"Except for Real Madrid, there aren''t many La Liga teams that can gain much benefit from ying at the Camp Nou. I think this game isn''t significant. What''s more important is to look forward."
"Next weekend''s match against Sevi is the top priority. They are our main rivals for the Champions League spot, and in that game, we will strive for all three points."
Chapter 540: No name lef unscathed
Chapter 540: No name lef unscathed
Returning to the Bernabeu Stadium once again, 22-year-old Alderweireld felt a mix of emotions. Last season, Ajax returned to the Champions League group stage after five years, only to encounter strong opponents like Real Madrid and AC Mn.
It was here that they fell to the Gcticos, ultimately failing to advance from the group stage and settling for third ce, relegating them to the Europa League.
Looking at Wang Feng, who was active not far away, it seemed as though time hadn''t left a mark on him. Generations of top defenders fell at his feet, yet he remained incredibly agile.
The Belgian recalled his bold deration when he first entered the field, "I will be the one to stop Wang Feng!" This statement was the dream of countless young defenders, but now, reflecting on it, it felt somewhat naive.
However, he didn''t entertain thoughts of cowardice or avoidance. Whether it be a football king or a deity on the pitch, if onecks the courage to face them, how can they hope to improve and grow?
A whistle interrupted Alderweireld''s thoughts, prompting him to focus his attention on Wang Feng. His task in this game was to do everything possible to restrict him.
The Chinese superstar keenly felt the pressure from the young defenders around him. He had two shooting opportunities early in the game, one slightly off target due to interference and the other blocked out for a corner by the Belgian defenders.
However, he felt it wasn''t a major issue. In this game, Real Madrid held a significant advantage, both in possession and attacking efficiency.
In the 17th minute, Di Maria dribbled down the nk, then sent a precise through pass into the Ajax defense, where Wang Feng swiftly received it, darting into the penalty area.
Alderweireld was extremely focused, positioning himself ahead of the Chinese superstar. With the goal behind him, he couldn''t afford to let Wang Feng pass.
Wang Feng lightly flicked the ball with his left foot to the left, leaning his body in that direction, making it appear as though he would cut inside for a shot. The Belgian defender cautiously extended his right foot to interfere, but he didn''t dare tomit too much, knowing Wang Feng''s skill in using both feet.
However, you can''t have it both ways. Seeing that Alderweireld wasn''t significantly out of position, Wang Feng found a way. He hooked the ball back with his left foot, then poked it forward, slipping it through Alderweireld''s legs.
In his urgency, the Belgian defender chose to retract his leg to block the ball, but his body couldn''t keep up with Wang Feng''s movement, losing bnce and falling to the ground.
Having outwitted his opponent, Wang Feng faced the Ajax goalkeeper rushing towards him. With a delicate touch of his toe, the ball sailed over the goalkeeper''s head and into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! A fantastic dribble followed by a delicate chip shot, Wang Feng opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"Alderweireld was toyed with by Wang Feng like a spinning top, falling to the ground in a spin. It''s tragic; this will surely haunt the Belgian for life!"
"This young yer came up through the Ajax youth academy, with the club and Dutch media cing high hopes on him. Now, he''s lying there looking dejected, while his teammate, Vertonghen, is consoling him."
"There''s nothing to be ashamed of,d. Wang Feng doesn''t spare even the unknowns. Countless tough defenders have fallen at his feet. You still have a long way to go."
Taking the lead allowed the Real Madrid yers to y with even more ease. If not for some unlucky breaks, shots from Higuain and Di Maria hitting the woodwork, the home team would have extended their lead much earlier.
In the 69th minute of the second half, Alonso lofted a ball into the area, finding Wang Feng waiting perfectly.
Alderweireld couldn''t reach the optimal position, and despite his attempts to pull and push, he couldn''t prevent the Chinese superstar from rising to head the ball into the, securing his second goal of the match. With these two goals, the Gcticos defeated Ajax 2-0, securing their second consecutive victory in the Champions League group stage.
After the match, rather than feeling disheartened for allowing Wang Feng to score twice, Belgian defender Alderweireld appeared extremely frustrated. However, surprisingly, the Chinese superstar took the initiative to approach him and exchange jerseys.
"The game was yed well, and I felt significant defensive pressure," Wang Feng encouraged with a smile. "Experience will teach you more. Keep working hard, and I look forward to seeing your growth next time."
Alderweireld was somewhat ttered by this gesture. He quickly took off his own jersey and handed it to Wang Feng. His teammates around him looked on with admiring eyes. This was affirmation from the world''s number one!
In the mixed interview area, the Belgian spoke about his emotions when he was dribbled past, no longer sounding despondent but instead full of fighting spirit. "Yes, there''s still a big gap between me and Wang, losing to him isn''t shameful; it''s rather motivating, urging me to continue striving and growing."
"Wang is a great yer, and I respect and admire him a lot. Real Madrid is a strong team. This defeat won''t discourage us. Next, we need to fight for the qualification spot."
Entering October, as Real Madrid continued their dominance at home in the 6th round of La Liga, their opponents were Espanyol from the Catalonia region.
Although this team is based in Barcelona, it was founded to counter FC Barcelona. Therefore, they were granted the royal title by the Spanish king, making them closer to the Madrid side. The Catns don''t particrly like them.
In the first half, Wang Feng broke the deadlock for the home team by prating the penalty area from an offside position, followed by Sahin''s breakthrough on the wing assisting Morata''s goal.
In the second half, the Chinese superstar scored another direct free kick, and in the 74th minute, he received a diagonal pass from Granero andpleted a hat-trick with a side volley, sealing the score at 4-0.
Compared to Real Madrid''sfortable victory, Barcelona struggled more. Despite dominating away against Huesca, they still found it difficult to score. It wasn''t until the 89th minute that Fabregas scored the winning goal with an assist from Messi.
After this round of matches, La Liga saw its first sacked head coach. He was none other than former Danish star Michael Laudrup, who, in the new season, led Mallorca to a record of 2 wins and 4 losses, ranking 14th in the standings.
A week ago, his assistant coach had criticized the club''s vice president, Fernndez, saying, "He wants to control everything, but he can''t manage anything properly." After failed attempts atmunication, the Danish man had no choice but to step down as head coach.
This news came as a surprise to many, especially to the fans of bottom-ranked Santander, who believed their own head coach should have been the one to go.
However, the poor performance of the team cannot be solely attributed to the head coach; it''s more about the overall chaos in club management. After the Indian scammer owner, Sayeed, disappeared with the funds, Santander slid into an irreversible abyss.
They not only faced bankruptcy protection but also experienced a mass exodus of personnel. In the summer, they lost nine key yers in one go, forcing them to rely on loaned yers from various ces to barely fill their starting lineup.
This situation deeply saddened 36-year-old veteran Munitis. He began his career at Santander, then went on to y for Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coru?a. Despite still having somepetitive spirit left, he resolutely chose to return to where he started, considering the team as his true home.
Unfortunately, the power of one person is limited. After struggling for nine years, Santander may ultimately be unable to escape the fate of relegation.
Chapter 541: Palace intrigue
Chapter 541: Pce intrigue
After six rounds of La Liga matches, the league temporarily paused as yers entered a two-week international break. However, discussions about the recently concluded exciting matches were far from over.
If one were to pick the most thrilling match of this round, it wasn''t the dominant victory of Real Madrid or Barcelona''sst-minute win. Instead, it was the epic battle between Mga and Huesca, where world-ss goals, controversial decisions, red cards, and ate winner all unfolded. Mga ultimately triumphed 3-2 over Huesca.
Baptistao''s bicycle kick just before the final whistle provided the perfect ending to the battle. This goal easily brought to mind Rivaldo''s bicycle kick that saved Barcelona in the final round of La Liga in the millennium.
It was also Baptistao''s birthday that day, and he felt that the goal was a gift from God. "Through it, I broke my goal drought for the new season, and I believe my performances will only get better in the uing matches."
After the match, Mga''s head coach Pellegrini stated that his yers performed better than Huesca, anding back to win was a normal urrence. "I don''t want to talk about how luxurious our squad is. All I know is that the yers on the field gave their all to fulfill my demands."
"After conceding a controversial goal, the yers didn''t lose confidence in the game. They fought until thest moment, and I believe they deserved this victory."
Despite this, many media outlets still believed that money changed this team, which should have been fighting relegation. With yers like Van Nistelrooy, Cazo, Joaquin, and Baptistao, among others, in their squad, it was clear that they were once renowned stars in European football.
"Mga has a beastly attack, unstoppable once they find their form. Combined with the summer''svish spending on transfers, aiming for a Champions League spot is not out of the question," remarked the Spanish newspaper "El Pais."
The British newspaper "The Times" reported that Mga was following in the footsteps of Manchester City. They had now be the third richest team in La Liga, but shaking the positions of Real Madrid and Barcelona would likely take a long time.
"Even though they have the backing of the city of Manchester, it took over three years for the Citizens to rise. This season, they currently top the standings ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea," the report said.
The person least happy with Manchester City leading the Premier League was Cristiano Ronaldo. He couldn''t understand why the football world, which he once knew so well, was changing so rapidly.
Everyone''s attention was on the 13 goals scored by Wang Feng, the 8 goals by Messi, and the continuous emergence of new stars and dark horses. The spotlight on him was dwindling.
But now he had to expend a lot of energy dealing with various conflicts within Manchester United, which greatly reduced his on-field efficiency. Four goals in seven league matches - this was Ronaldo''s current report card, which he deemedpletely unsatisfactory.
"I can''t waste my peak years like this anymore!" The 26-year-old Portuguese star decisively called his agent, Mendes. "Jorge, I think it''s time to make some changes."
When heid out his entire n, even Mendes was taken aback. "You can''t do this; the risk is too great. One small misstep could ruin all your reputation."
"Do you think I care about that, Jorge? I just want to stand at the pinnacle of football, nothing else matters."
"Alright, I hope your gamble pays off."
Shortly after, Sky Sports UK broke the earth-shattering news: Mendes visited Manchester City''s facilities! Initially, this wasn''t considered explosive news because he represented more than just Ronaldo, and it was reasonable for him to promote other yers to Manchester City.
However, Sky Sports emphasized that Mendes was negotiating with Manchester City on behalf of Ronaldo, inquiring whether they were interested in signing the Portuguese superstar. Both coach Mancini and club owner Mansour were open to the idea.
This caused a huge uproar among Manchester United fans, who entered a state of anger and panic. Their number one star transferring to their city rivals? What could be more shameful than this?
They continuously left messages online questioning the situation and gathered in groups outside Carrington Training Ground, hoping the club would provide an exnation soon.
Coach Ferguson and Manchester United CEO David Gill were both extremely annoyed. They didn''t know the truth of the matter because Ronaldo had never mentioned it, so they immediately contacted the Portuguese.
After a short silence, a helpless sigh came from the other end of the phone. "Boss, Mr. Gill, it''s true. I asked Jorge to do this on my behalf. I can''t see a future at Manchester United."
"You can''t go to Manchester City, Cristiano!" Before Ronaldo could finish, Ferguson angrily interrupted him. "I''d rather banish you forever than see you go this far. Do you remember, I brought you back to Old Trafford?"
"Of course, I remember. Please calm down, Boss. You''re the person I respect most in this world. If it wasn''t absolutely necessary, I wouldn''t even think about taking this step."
"You know, there''s no turning back between me and Wayne now. The team''s dressing room has long been divided, with no cohesion left."
Ronaldo poured out his grievances about Rooney''s insults and exclusion, even mentioning the incident in 2009 publicly. This approachpletely severed any possibility of future coboration.
At the same time, he also hinted that he didn''t really want to leave Manchester United. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have chosen to hype up the least likely option, Manchester City. But at least three or four other teams were willing to pay a huge buyout fee for him.
"Boss, you know what kind of yer I am. The whole world expects great things from me. I should receive more attention and greater glory, not step aside and give up the stage."
Ferguson sat back on the couch, looking even older. Rooney and Ronaldo - choose one? Both were at the peak of their careers, and the thought of giving up either one was extremely painful for the club.
"Cristiano, let''s think about this again. We understand your demands, but the season has just begun. You don''t want to cause chaos so soon, do you?" David Gill said.
"Alright, I''lle out soon to quell the unrest, and I hope you can make a decision soon."
After hanging up the phone, the CEO of Manchester United said with a grim face, "This is tant pce intrigue! Alex, he really is your good disciple!"
Ferguson rubbed his temples. "I was wrong, starting from 2006, I was wrong. The conflict between Cristiano and Wayne has only deepened over the years, and I shouldn''t have treated it as a childish fight. Timely intervention and handling might have saved us."
"It''s toote now. What do you think we should do, keep Ronaldo or Rooney?" David Gill said with bitterness, "I prefer Wayne, I don''t like troublemakers!"
There was another silence. "David, put aside your prejudices and anger, think rationally, what do you think?" They didn''t discuss it further because the answer was self-evident.
Later that evening, Ronaldo posted a photo on Instagram of himself appearing at Old Trafford for the first time, with the caption: "I will always love you, Manchester United!" This move effectively crushed the rumors of his transfer to Manchester City, and all the Red Devils fans breathed a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, in the winter transfer window, Manchester United announced that their former star forward Rooney would be loaned to Newcastle. This move also sparked controversy and discussion, the twists and turns of which were unknown to outsiders.
A situation in which powerful individuals within an organization are working against each other.
Chapter 542: Are you really going to play football ?
Chapter 542: Are you really going to y football ?
While enjoying his vacation, Wang Feng kept an eye on the drama between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United, which had be the hottest news of the moment, overshadowing all other news.
Various analyses andments emerged incessantly. ording to the media, the Portuguese had transferred clubs dozens of times, with different clubs as potential destinations. There were even reports suggesting that Florentino Perez was interested in bringing him in to partner with Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar couldn''t help butugh at this, as it was fundamentally impossible. There was no way he, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi could ever be on the same team.
Amidst the joy, there was something that made Wang Feng feel lessfortable, and that was the situation of the Chinese national team in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The preliminary round had started in early September, with many "millionaire teams" contributing to a series of funny scenes, ultimately resulting in a narrow 2-1 win over Singapore and a 1-2 loss to Jordan.
The world champions lost to Jordan.
The situation exploded instantly, and the relentless questioning and actions from fans put immense pressure on them. Responsible figures tried to contact Wang Feng multiple times, with the level of contact getting higher each time, but he rejected them all.
Let them stew in their own juice for a while; Wang Feng knew that if one was already in a trough, falling further wouldn''t hurt much, but climbing to the top and then suddenly falling to the bottom was something no one could bear responsibility for.
This time, they had to be caught in one fell swoop!
It was also on this day that China lost 0-1 to Iraq.
During the break, Wang Feng received a message from Rafael Nadal, apanied by a photo of him wearing the No. 10 jersey of Manacor International Club. Since they met at the Lawrence Awardsst year, they had exchanged contact information.
"So, the rumors are true? Are you really joining a football club and nning to start ying?" the Chinese superstar curiously asked.
"It''s not that exaggerated. You know, I''ve always loved football, and the team from my hometown supports me, so they allow me to join on a casual basis, just to y matches whenever I can," Nadal replied.
Manacor International Club was only a second-tier team in the Spanish regional league, and it couldn''t even be considered professional, with many yers having part-time jobs.
At the just-concluded Shanghai Masters, Nadal was unexpectedly defeated by the rtively unknown Florian, so there were rumors that he wanted to withdraw from tennis and even retire to y football.
"That''s fake news. I''m just a little tired. Participating in various intensive schedules frequently can really drive people crazy. So, I''m very curious, how do you ovee this mentality and maintain your best form?" Nadal inquired.
"Of course, it''s because when I''m in poor form, you can''t tell," Wang Feng joked with a smile. "But actually, the main thing is always maintaining the desire for victory and honor."
"Alright, I prefer to believe your previous statement. Maybe even when you''re not in top form, you can still outperform all the other yers."
The conversation then turned to football investments. It was well known that Nadal was a fan of Real Madrid and Mallorca, and he even bought a portion of Mallorca Club''s shares.
"I disagree with Coach Michel resigning at this time, but unfortunately, I have little say. Mallorca has not been performing well this season. Do you think they will be relegated?" Nadal asked.
"It''s hard to say, but there are a few bankrupt-protected teams at the bottom, so Mallorca shouldn''t be in the relegation zone," Wang Feng replied.
Nadal then suggested that Wang Feng could also buy a club to y with, given his immense wealth as a Chinese superstar.
This idea intrigued Wang Feng quite a bit. After retirement, he didn''t want to work as a coach, nor did he want to leave the football world. Perhaps bing a boss and managing a team would be very interesting.
On October 15th, La Liga resumed fully, with Real Madrid facing Real Betis away in the 7th round.
Coach Ancelotti made adjustments to the lineup, rotating some key yers who had been shuttling between the national team and the club, with Wang Feng leading the charge.
Although Betis had been hyped as a dark horse, other La Liga teams would inherently feel a bit timid when facing the two giants, especially when conceding early goals.
In the 6th minute of the match, Wang Feng received a diagonal pass from Granero on the right, turned after controlling the ball, and suddenly shot with his right foot, sending the ball bouncing towards the goal.
The Betis goalkeeper misjudged, and his save inadvertently let the ball slip past, watching in despair as it entered the, 1-0!
After that, the Gcticos yed more and more smoothly. In the 19th minute, Granero made another diagonal pass into the penalty area, and Wang Feng rushed forward to snatch the ball at high speed. As he dribbled towards the baseline, he stretched out his left hand to block the opponent''s defender who was pressing him.
As the goal line approached, the Chinese superstar suddenly sent a low shot with the tip of his foot, and the ball just passed between the legs of defender Amaya and goalkeeper Goitia, rolling into the goal from a close angle.
Two goals in one go! The home fans in the stands were all stunned. Even under such tight defense, Wang Feng could still shoot and score, who could stop the Chinese superstar?
However, the yers of Real Betis did not choose to give up. Their efforts paid off when Santa Cruz headed the ball into the inside the penalty area just before halftime, helping the home team pull one back.
At the beginning of the second half, in the 64th minute, Sahin made a long pass into the penalty area from the front court. Wang Feng raised his left leg at the near post and used the outside of his foot to cushion the ball, which flew over the charging Goitia from a distance and fell into the of Real Betis, 3-1!
The Chinese superstar scored a hat-trick in two consecutive matches, and he was on fire!
Before the end of the game, Wang Feng also assisted substitute Iglesias in scoring a goal. On the home side, Hona San broke through Casis''s ten fingers. So, the final score was set at 4-2.
On another battlefield, Messibored to score twice, helping Barcelona beat Santander Athletic 3-0. "So now his goal tally is getting closer and closer to Wang Feng''s, right?" the Argentinean thought silently.
But when he learned that the Chinese superstar had scored another hat-trick, he was stunned. "Is he a devil? How can he score so easily?" Iniesta couldn''t help butment.
Others no longer felt the joy of victory, but Neymar remained oblivious, still humming and thinking about which nightclub to celebrate in tonight. It must be said that Barcelona was truly a dazzling metropolis, far more prosperous than Brazil by countless times.
This round also featured a very interesting match, namely "the poorest in La Liga" Levante against "the richest in La Liga" Mga. The former had no star yers and had the lowest team value in the league, while thetter was known for itsvish spending.
The two teams were originally brothers in the struggle for survival, but since the start of this season, they had been in excellent form, ranking high on the points table, with Levante even winning against Real Madrid.
The highly anticipated showdown ended with Levante defeating Mga 3-0. Their stable defense sessfully thwarted Mga''s all-star attack.
After this match, Levante secured their fifth consecutive victory, tied with Barcelona with five wins and two draws, totaling 17 points. However, due to an inferior goal difference, they were third on the points table. At the top of the table was Real Madrid, with 6 wins, 1 loss, and 18 points.
Chapter 543: Blame and questioning
Chapter 543: me and questioning
On October 19th, Real Madrid hosted Lyon at the Bernabeu Stadium for the third round of the Champions League group stage.
The two teams had met several times on the European stage in recent years. Perhaps before Wang Feng joined the Gcticos, there was some fear of their opponents, but since the Chinese superstar became the captain, their dominance over Lyon was very evident.
This game was no exception. Right from the start, the home team pressed forward relentlessly amidst the cheers of the fans, leaving no space for the visitors.
"Lyon seemspletely powerless to fight back," assistant coach Saniorughed, and Ancelotti''s lips curled up, "Yes, home advantage is one thing, and the pressure from the frontline led by Wang Feng is too much for the opponents."
"He''s just turned 28, right?" Sanior nodded, "It''s unbelievable. The more we interact with the Chinese superstar, the more we feel that he contains boundless energy within him. People oftenment that he''s a football king, but I think he has surpassed that title."
"If he can maintain his peak for a few more years, I believe Real Madrid will definitely shock the world!"
As they were talking, there was a change on the field. In the 12th minute, Di Maria received a diagonal pass from Alonso on the right, dribbled past two defenders, and then entered the penalty area, shooting with his left foot.
The powerful shot hit the post and rebounded into the field. In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng, like a god of war, was the first to react, volleying the ball into the, hitting the top corner of the.
"Goooooooooooooooal! The goal is in! I said Real Madrid would score sooner orter!"
"They''ve been attacking Lyon fiercely since the start of the match. After missing several chances in a row, they finally got results. Di Maria''s breakthrough shot hit the post, and Wang Feng followed up in time to score."
"It has to be said that the Argentine''s technique is good, but his ability to score at crucial moments needs more practice. The reason why the Chinese superstar scores so many goals is that he hardly ever misses good opportunities in front of the goal."
"This not only means superb technique but also signifies strong confidence. As long as I have the chance to kick, I can score, and no one can stop me!"
Although Real Madrid dominated the game, luck seemed to be against them. First, Alonso twisted his ankle in a header duel with the opponent and was substituted. Then, Sahin, who reced him and yed for less than 3 minutes, also got injured.
Two consecutive forced substitutions dealt a blow to the team''s morale. Wang Feng could only shuttle among his teammates, encouraging them loudly, "It''s okay, cheer up, we''re still in the lead!"
During this chaotic period, Lyon organized several attacking opportunities, but the likes of Gomez, leading the front line,cked the ability to seize chances, and Casis kept the goal safe.
It wasn''t until the 35th minute that the Gcticos expanded their lead. The away team''s counterattacks werepletely halted, with the Chinese superstar dropping back to midfield to defend, seizing the opportunity to intercept the opponent''s cross.
Then, he dribbled all the way, dribbling past two defenders and teasing the goalkeeper before shooting into the empty, 2-0!
This goal, like a divine intervention, shattered the dreams of the French team and brought the Gcticos back on track.
At the moment of the goal, Ancelotti leisurely sat back on the coach''s seat and took a sip of tea. He knew everything was settled!
As expected, in the second half, Pepe scored the third goal from a corner opportunity, and in the 71st minute, Wang Feng scored his third goal from outside the penalty area, piercing Lyon''s goal for the third time, 4-0!
Two minutester, Ancelotti made his final substitution, recing the Chinese superstar with Morata.
All the home fans stood up and apuded him, with shouts of "Dios" echoing in the stadium, the highest tribute to the god of football.
On October 23rd, still at the Bernabeu Stadium, in the 8th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Mga as scheduled.
As expected, shortly after the start, Wang Feng opened the scoring for the team. However, conceding early would put great pressure on the opponents.
Then, Khedira, Granero, and Morata sessively contributed brilliant goals to widen the lead. During this process, the Chinese superstar also harvested two assists.
4-0! The "Spanish Manchester City" waspletely torn apart by the Gcticos.
As a Barcelona fan, the most heartbreaking thing wasn''t that Real Madrid won, but that while Real Madrid won, Barcelona didn''t. In front of more than 70,000 fans at the Nou Camp, the Catn team was held to a 0-0 draw by Sevi.
"Valverde, get out!" While the Bernabeu was filled with sighs of admiration, the Camp Nou was cursing their team''s coach with all kinds of words.
What''s wrong with Barcelona? Everyone wanted to ask this question. Although they haven''t lost a game in 8 rounds, they have had 3 draws, allowing Real Madrid to open up a 3-point lead. With Levante''s 3-0 victory over Virreal, they were overtaken by the poorest team in La Liga and dropped to third on the points table.
No one would deny that the Catn team would definitely regain the second ce in the following matches, but what about the title? A 3-point gap is like a chasm, and they''ve stumbled here many times.
Moreover, being suppressed by Levante is also a great humiliation for Barcelona. The opponent''s budget this season is only 22 million euros, one twentieth of Barcelona''s, and the total team sry is only 6.5 million euros, not even one yer''s sry in Barcelona.
After ming Ronaldinho, Rijkaard, Eto''o, Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Guardi, and now Valverde for several years, fans finally turned their attention to Messi.
Why can''t he score in every game? Why can''t he step up in crucial moments to save the team?
It''s quite a coincidence that in three draws this season, Messi didn''t score, but in other winning games, he scored in all of them. So, it''s easy to associate that it''s because the Argentine cannot score that the team cannot win.
ABC used an exaggerated headline to attack him, "Messi is Barcelona''s Biggest Cancer!"
The article stated that since the Argentine won the La Liga title in the 04-05 and 05-06 seasons like a leg-hugging man, he hasn''t led the team to any honors in the league and Champions League.
"He upies absolute control over the ball, seemingly omnipotent, with beautiful on-field performances and post-match ratings, but the team loses the game."
"People oftenpare him with Wang Feng, but in the author''s opinion, it''s like heaven and earth. If he''s really so powerful, he should at least win crucial games and lead the team to win three consecutive league titles or three consecutive Champions League titles."
With someone taking the lead, the overwhelming questioning towards Messi swept in, even Mundo Deportivo and Sport did not defend him anymore, but instead, faintly expressed reproach.
Cruyff wrote in his column, "Messi is already 24 years old this year. As the core, he needs to bear the responsibility for the team''s results. Whether it''s winning or losing, he''s the first person to bear the brunt."
Faced with public pressure, the Argentine felt overwhelmed, and even considered fleeing Barcelona. Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, and other good friends have beenforting him.
"This is too extreme. It''s everyone''s responsibility that the team didn''t win the game. Why me it all on one person?" Iniesta said indignantly.
Chapter 544: Unstoppable firepower
Chapter 544: Unstoppable firepower
After the resounding victory over Mga, the Spanish newspaper "El Pas" evaluated the Gcticos and Wang Feng in such a way that they reced the photo of the Chinese superstar''s back as the headline of the front page, apanied by the word "Dios."
Using the term originally used to describe Maradona on Wang Feng didn''t seem out of ce at all, and some even felt that it wasn''t strong enough; he deserved a better and more unique title.
El Pas believed that apart from the inexplicable loss to Levante, Real Madrid''s start to the season was wless. They scored 40 goals in 8 league rounds and 3 Champions League group stage matches, averaging 3.6 goals per game.
What''s more valuable is their control over the game situation, as the team''s ball possession and chance creation are far superior to their opponents.
"The departure of several key yers in the summer made many people very pessimistic about the development of the Gcticos. However, there is no doubt that Florentino''s choice was wise. The new lineup has brought new aspirations, and everyone is eager to continue the glory, rather than witness the end of a dynasty."
"Wang Feng always maintains his passion. No one knows where his limit is. Season after season, he never stops pursuing victory and honor. He is the most powerful guarantee for the team''spetitive cohesion."
However, El Pas also pointed out the problems in the current Real Madrid lineup. Although Di Maria reced Robben''s impact on the wing, hecks the ability to seize opportunities in front of goal.
Then there''s Modric; the Croatian seems to havepletely failed to live up to his talent. Whether he couldn''t adapt to the La Liga environment or he''s simply not good enough, he hasn''t been able to y the role that Sneijder once did.
"If we were to choose the worst signings of the season, he would definitely be on the list, along with Barcelona''s Neymar, who seems even more unreliablepared to Modric."
The consecutive injuries to Alonso and Sahin are also a small hidden danger, but fortunately, they are not serious and will only miss one to two weeks at most.
Continuing this momentum, maintaining the advantage over Barcelona in the league, and winning another game in the Champions League to advance, Real Madrid might really surpass history and set new immortal records.
"The 28-year-old Chinese superstar can continue to lead the Gcticos and dominate European football!"
In addition to El Pas, Real Madrid-affiliated media such as Marca and AS naturally praised the Gcticos and Wang Feng''s performance, believing that Wang Feng''s stable performance is the key to the team''s victory in many matches.
"In 11 games, he scored 24 goals, including 17 league goals and 7 Champions League goals. It seems that he is going to win the La Liga and Champions League Golden Boots again."
"More importantly, his goals can break through the opponents'' defenses and bring victory to the team." Here, the media sarcastically hinted at Messi again, saying that he only scores braces and hat-tricks when the team wins, but disappears when he needs to make a decisive impact.
They also stated that this Gcticos team can do without anyone except Wang Feng, so Florentino has the confidence to carry out a thorough overhaul and support new young yers.
German magazine "Kicker"piled Wang Feng''s data for each season since joining Real Madrid, and they were surprised to find that the Chinese superstar''s attacking efficiency is astonishingly high and consistent.
"Looking at the data of shots on target, Wang has consistently been around 70% for 5 seasons,pared to Messi''s 42.4% and Ronaldo''s even lower at 31.7%."
"They are the most popr stars in today''s football, but the two young men are clearly far behind. The situation of one surpassing the other still hasn''t changed."
French newspaper "L''Equipe" published the 2011 FIFA Ballon d''Or prediction survey results, which showed that the Chinese superstar still has an overwhelming advantage.
"From the perspective of respecting football itself, besides Wang, we have no other choice."
On October 27th, Real Madrid traveled to the Valencia Autonomous Community to challenge Virreal in the 9th round of La Liga.
In the 11th minute of the game, Wang Feng received a through ball from Khedira inside the penalty area, controlled the ball, switched feet to create space, and then shot forcefully to open the scoring for the team.
In the first half, he and Di Maria continuously cooperated on the right side to tear open the home team''s defense. Near the baseline, he made a triangle pass to Cavaleiro, who pushed the ball into the to extend the lead.
Contributing with one goal and one assist, the Chinese superstar clocked out of work. Marcelo scored another goal before halftime to seal the score at 3-0. The Gcticos secured anotherprehensive victory, disying unstoppable firepower.
During this round, Messi still failed to score, and Iniesta''s long shot at a crucial moment saved Barcelona as they won 1-0 against their opponents.
After the game, the Spanish hero defended his teammate in front of the media, saying, "Leo''s contribution on the field is iparable. Whether it''s passing sess rate or assists, he is the best in the team. Many people maliciously nder him."
He stated that the team''s inability to win the game is not the responsibility of any individual, and it''s too early to underestimate Barcelona now, "We are still undefeated, and new yers like Neymar and Sanchez are still in the process of adaptation. The team will only get better from here on."
On October 30th, Real Madrid returned to Madrid to face Real Sociedad in the 10th round of La Liga.
Once again, Wang Feng took the lead in breaking the deadlock for the Gcticos. He received a direct pass from Granero and shot from the center of the penalty area.
Before the end of the first half, Modric passed diagonally to the wing, Di Maria received the ball, turned to shake off the defense, and then delivered a precise through ball.
The Chinese superstar started his run from behind the defense line with his speed, entered the penalty area, and scored with a chip shot,pleting his brace.
2-0! The Gcticos extended their winning streak in the league to 7 matches.
On the other hand, Barcelona achieved a 5-0 victory over Mga, with Messi scoring a hat-trick. Although the Argentine reached 13 league goals, he dared not rx because the gap between him and Wang Feng seemed to be widening.
Next, in the midweek Champions League group stage match, Wang Feng assisted Ramos to open the scoring with a set-piece, and then scored directly from a set-piece, helping the team win 2-0 and advance to the next round as group winners.
To cater to the Asian, especially Chinese market, the proportion of Real Madrid''s matches kicking off at noon has been increasing year by year. On November 6th, in the 11th round of La Liga, the Gcticos challenged Osasuna away, with a kickoff time of 12 p.m. local time and 6 p.m. local time in Beijing.
The head of La Liga, Astiazaran, said in an interview, "Asia is one of our most important markets. We hope to bring more attractive matches to the audience, and Real Madrid and Barcelona are the best choices."
"Besides, we also want to make it easier for thepatriots of the world''s number one to watch and support him. This is La Liga''s respect and tribute to Wang Feng."
Astiazaran''s friendly attitude was very well-received by domestic fans. Everyone enjoyed a feast while watching the game, and Real Madrid also gave face by delivering a splendid performance for everyone.
In the first half, Wang Feng scored three goals with headers and shots, and also provided an assist to Di Maria with a diagonal pass. Osasuna waspletely lost, and in the second half, Wang Feng scored another goal toplete his poker, followed by goals from Altintop and Cavaleiro.
The home team only managed to pull one back through Armenteros. 7-1! The Gcticos once again created a catastrophe.
Chapter 545: The greatest reckoning
Chapter 545: The greatest reckoning
As November''s national team match day arrived, despite any reluctance, the day inevitably came.
In the fourth round of the Asian Zone World Cup qualifiers, China lost 2-3 to Iraq. After this match, Iraq and Jordan both had 3 wins, 1 draw, and 10 points, upying the top two spots. Meanwhile, China had only 1 win, 3 losses, and 3 points, leading to their elimination.
The defending champions didn''t even make it past the second round of qualifiers!
This shameful result attracted worldwide attention. Everyone was discussing it, filled with doubt, indignation, and ridicule. Many considered it the biggest scandal in world football, bar none.
The BBCmented that China''s elimination from the qualifiers seemed inevitable because they had given up their championship lineup and opted for many "unexinable" neers.
"It''s just a pity for Wang Feng, wasting four years of his peak age."
Under turmoil and immense pressure, everything was handled strictly and swiftly. Tens of thousands of them were dealt with, and the numbers kept rising, with the hierarchy continually improving.
The entire sports world was reshuffled. The new leaders only mentioned two principles: first, national team members would only be selected from European league starters or main rotation yers. yers like Huang Hu and Feng Miao could be called up unconditionally, without any additional contracts or restrictions.
If you want toe in and get a gold ting, go y overseas, work hard to be a starter. What? You say there aren''t that many people?
Wang Feng had already paved the way. His n had helped at least thirty to forty young yers, scattered across various lower leagues. Even the worst among them, at the level of the Faroe Inds league, were better than the current bunch.
Second, the league would implement self-regtion, canceling all unnecessary interventions. Market behavior would be determined by the market itself, without any constraints from either the central or local authorities.
Although corruption would still exist, at least it couldn''t be disyed openly. It might not yield much even after much effort, leading everyone to adopt a mindset of earning money legitimately and expanding the cake.
The domestic scale could support at least a dozen Chinese Super Leagues. From now on, going abroad to y and then traveling to Europe would be the consensus for all yers, giving rise to many professional scouts and agents.
On the evening of November 20th, at the Bernabeu Stadium, when the referee blew the final whistle, home fans rose to their feet apuding, sending the yers their sincerest respects.
Real Madrid had barely ovee Valencia, extending their winning streak in the league to 9 matches this season, and continued to lead the standings with 11 wins, 1 loss, and 33 points.
The game was extremely perilous. In the 17th minute of the first half, Di Maria dribbled down the nk and passed back into the box, where Wang Feng, following up, passed it across the goal for Iguan to slot in the opening goal for the Gcticos.
But Valencia was no pushover. While stabilizing their defense, they also looked for attacking opportunities, and finally, just before the end of the first half and in the 64th minute of the second half, Soldado scored twice to overturn the scoreline.
In the 86th minute, Real Madrid won a corner. Granero took it, and Wang Feng, at the back post, outjumped Diehlbert to head the ball into the, making it 2-2!
Just when everyone thought the match would end in a draw, in the second minute of stoppage time, Di Maria broke through on the nk and crossed. Near the penalty spot, the Chinese superstar stretched out his left foot to control the ball.
At this moment, Valencia defender Miguel and goalkeeper Alves rushed to surround him. Wang Feng quickly lifted his right leg, feinted a shot, causing both defenders to fall to the ground, and then suddenly rxed his leg, using the outside of his foot to flick the ball to the right.
Caught off guard, the two defenders lost their defensive initiative, while the Chinese superstar unleashed another shot, effortlessly sending the ball into the Valencia goal.
"Beautiful! It''s in! 3-2!"
"Real Madrid scores ast-minute winner against Valencia! It''s a shot by Wang Feng!"
"So amazing, let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey. When the Chinese superstar lifted his foot for the first time, his body was clearly stretched to the limit, you can clearly feel that all his muscles were exerting force."
"I think any defender would have judged that he was preparing to shoot, so Miguel and Alves rushed to block the shootingne."
"But at the moment his leg dropped, the thunderous force disappeared without a trace, as if a gale had turned into a drizzle. With just a light flick, he could create space effortlessly, and then another shot followed naturally."
"The whole set of movements may seem ordinary, but the control over the body is extremely demanding. The timing of exerting and rxing force is crucial, and in this regard, Wang Feng is truly a master."
"I''m d to help the team continue to win. Is it Wang Feng''s moment? Maybe, but it''s also based on the foundation of all the yers'' hard work throughout the game," said the Chinese superstar in the mixed interview area when facing the reporters.
"Valencia performed very well in this match, maintaining a stable defense while also disying excellent attacking y, which put us in a disadvantaged position for a while."
"What''s reassuring is that my teammates are full of passion and fighting spirit. Their desire for victory is no less than mine, just like thest-minute goal. If it weren''t for Di Maria''s cross on the nk, I wouldn''t have been able to score the winner, right?"
A reporter from the "National Newspaper" asked, "Mr. Wang Feng, you have scored 26 goals in the first 12 rounds of La Liga so far, setting a new historical record. At this rate, it''s highly likely that you will surpass your own record of 62 league goals. How do you feel about this?"
"Records are meant to be broken. I won''t deliberately pursue numbers, I just want to help the team win."
"Many people evaluate you as single-handedly leading Real Madrid to victory, while Messi is seen as a system yer who can''t turn the tide. What do you think?" asked a reporter from ABC.
"There''s absolutely no single-handed effort. All yers are part of the system, not only on the field working with the yers but also the collective efforts of the coaching staff and management. Real Madrid''s current achievements and glory are the result of the club''s collective contribution."
The ABC reporter persisted, "How do you view a yer like Messi, especially considering that he and Barcelona have been losing to Real Madrid for many years?"
"Messi is an outstanding yer, which is a universally recognized fact worldwide. I believe he will be even greater in the future."
"As for winning or losing, that''smon on the football field. I think it''s unreasonable to judge yers based solely on match results, so I can''tment on that."
Wang Feng answered without giving anything away because he knew that anyments from him at this time could potentially stir up a storm.
In the brief interview, he was also asked about his views on the current turmoil in Chinese football. The Chinese superstar expressed that everything was moving in the right direction, and he believed there would be more improvement in the future.
As for whether he would return to the national team, he said, "Of course, I am willing to y for the country. Even if we can''t participate in the 2014 World Cup, we can still participate in the Copa America."
Currently, the national team has beenpletely reorganized, with the head coach nning to appoint "Silver Fox" Lippi. The team members are either Wang Feng''s acquaintances or juniors, making the lineup very reasonable.
When he participated in the Copa America twice as the Asian Cup champion, Wang Feng chose not to go. In order to rebuild the team spirit, this time he was determined to lead everyone on the journey, no matter what.
Chapter 546: Heartwarming
Chapter 546: Heartwarming
During the midweek UEFA Champions League group stage matches, as Real Madrid had secured the top spot with four consecutive wins in the previous rounds, they decided to rest their main squad for the home game against Dinamo Zagreb.
Naturally, Wang Feng was no exception. He chose to spend more time with his family, especially since Lu Yao was about to give birth and needed hispany. When his young daughter came back from school in the afternoon and saw her father still at home, she was very happy.
She bounced into Wang Feng''s arms and said with a smile, "Daddy, I miss you so much. Every time you disappear with a swoosh, I feel sad."
Feeling a bit guilty, Wang Feng hugged her tightly. His schedule was packed with games, and even when he came home, it was just a brief visit. The next morning, he had to return to the club before Lu Sijiao woke up. "Then Daddy will spend more time with you these days, okay?"
The little girl nodded vigorously and pulled Wang Feng to y games. It was just some pretend y, but Wang Feng patiently followed her lead. He was amazed to see how organized his daughter was when she set things up, clearly inheriting her mother''s cleverness.
"Are you still happy at school? Have you made any friends?" he asked while ying games and chatting with his daughter. "Yes, I have! Many ssmates are curious about me being Wang Feng''s daughter. No, they''re happy? Anyway, they all gather around me and ask this and that."
"Leonore said she wants toe to my house to y. She''s the big sister at school, always giving me delicious treats. And Sofia, they''re sisters, they get to y together at home. I''m so jealous!"
"But I''m going to have a little brother soon, right? Hmm, I hope he grows up quickly so we can y together."
Wang Feng rubbed his chin. The sisters she mentioned should be the daughters of the Spanish heir apparent, Prince Felipe, right? It was said that King Carlos I''s health hadn''t been great in recent years, so his session was only a matter of time.
Listening to his daughter talk about the interesting things at school, Wang Feng felt warm inside. He teased her from time to time, and time passed unnoticed.
"It''s time for dinner." Lu Yao smiled and walked over to them, holding her belly. Their daughter ran over and hugged her mother''s legs, pleading, "Mommy, let me listen to the baby''s voice again, please? Did he kick today?"
It seemed she was really obsessed with having ymates. Wang Feng smiled, picked up his daughter, and brought her close to Lu Yao''s belly, listening to the rhythm of life.
Luka Modric had been feeling quite troubledtely. Joining the Gcticos, this globally renowned powerhouse, was initially very exciting, but he soon found out that being constantly in the spotlight wasn''t all that great.
At first, there was an online poll for the worst signing of the season in La Liga, and Modric narrowly beat Neymar to win the top spot.
What started as entertainment and post-dinner talk escted under the instigation of Catn media. Some irrational Real Madrid fans even attacked him on his social media.
This severely affected Modric''s mood and performance on the field. At times, he felt lost on the pitch. Wang Feng silently observed this and nned to offer him some guidance.
Taking advantage of the rest period, the Chinese superstar invited Modric and his family to their vi again and brought him to his own football field for practice.
"Your skills are totally fine," Wang Feng said to Modric after passing him the ball. "The main reason why your performance hasn''t shown up in matches is because you''re putting too much pressure on yourself."
"I still remember our showdown at Tottenhamst season. Your confident and decisive presence left a deep impression on me. You were absolutely radiant."
Modric smiled bitterly. "ying for Real Madrid is apletely different experience from ying for Tottenham."
"In essence, it''s no different. No matter where you are, you''re ying to help the team win. Understanding this might make things easier for you."
"You can alsomunicate more with Coach Ancelotti. In my opinion, he already sees you as an indispensable key yer. Under his guidance, you can grow faster." Modric nodded, and the two of them continued to discuss their on-field coordination as they practiced.
Before they finished, Wang Feng deliberately took a selfie with Modric and posted it on Instagram with the caption, "Can''t ck off even on vacation, training with good buddies."
Although the Chinese superstar rarely posted personal updates, he was still one of the most watched individuals in the world. Soon, millions of people liked his post, and major news websites and social media ounts reposted it immediately.
He just wanted to tell the world that Modric was a yer he supported. This way, Modric could endure less public pressure, and many fans would support him instead.
The Real Madrid management also faced an awkward question: should they repurchase Soldado? This former Real Madrid academy yer had recently gained a lot of attention, especially after almost ending their winning streak with two goals at the Bernabeu.
In his first season with Valencia, the Spaniard contributed 24 goals to be the top-scoring Spanish yer, and this season he had already scored 8 goals, second only to Wang Feng and Messi.
More importantly, Soldado had also performed well in the Champions League, just like when Real Madrid defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 with a rotated squad, Valencia also celebrated a victory, winning 7-0 against Genk, with the Spanish forward scoring a hat-trick.
Such outstanding performances earned him a well-deserved call-up to the national team. Torres and Vi, who werepeting with him, had mediocre performances this season, forcing Coach Bosque to consider other options.
"The main rotations in the forward line now include Morata, Callejon, and Jose," analyzed Ancelotti. "Their form is good, but they don''t get many opportunities to y. Jose is already thinking about leaving. At this point, repurchasing Soldado won''t guarantee him a starting position."
Florentino nodded slightly. "We''ve never worried about our attack, even yers like Higuain, who aren''t in top form, are sufficient. It seems unnecessary to focus too much on this aspect at the moment."
"Let''s focus on reinforcing the midfield and defense. As for Soldado, I believe when the club needs him, he''ll be willing toe back."
On November 27th, in the 13th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid away at the Calderon Stadium, where their winning streak was unfortunately ended.
Falcao opened the scoring for the home team, and then Wang Feng broke through on the wing and crossed for Pepe to head in the equalizer.
In the 69th minute of the second half, Wang Feng elerated from 35 meters out, dribbled past two defenders, and sent a chip shot with the tip of his toe. The ball grazed the intersection of the post and the crossbar, finding the at apletely dead angle!
Unfortunately, the lead couldn''t be maintained until the end of the match. Adrian equalized for the opposition in thest moments of the game, ending it with a 2-2 draw!
Just when everyone thought Barcelona would catch up with their rivals, they unexpectedly lost 0-1 to Getafe, further widening the gap between them on the league table.
The Catn media felt like the sky was falling. The unexpected draw was one thing, but now even their unbeaten record was broken. Would theypletely withdraw from the title race next? Coach Vinova, facing questions from the media, still insisted that the derby of the century hadn''t happened yet, and the team still had a chance to turn things around. But these words sounded all too familiar.
Chapter 547: Dimming fame
Chapter 547: Dimming fame
The most important match of each La Liga season, the Derby of the Century, is about to unfold! Before that, Real Madrid has one more league match and the final round of the Champions League group stage to y.
At home against Sporting Gijon, Wang Feng scored a goal, and the Gcticos effortlessly secured a 3-0 victory. Away against Ajax, with no particr ambition, they ultimately shook hands with a 0-0 draw.
After this match, the lineup for the Champions League round of 16 waspletely determined. In Group A, Bayern Munich and Napoli advanced together, with Manchester City narrowly ranking third and only able topete in the Europa League.
This result was uneptable to many Sky Blue fans, who criticized coach Mancini for squandering a good hand. Over the past three years, the club had invested hundreds of millions of pounds in the transfer market, yet the Italian could only promise to do his best to bring back the club''s first Premier League title since restructuring.
In Group B, it was undoubtedly Inter Mn and CSKA Moscow who broke through. Group C was even more explosive, with Benfica taking first ce, Swiss Basel narrowly beating Manchester United to take second ce, leaving the Red Devils in third and unable to advance, while Romanian side CFR Cluj finished bottom.
When the draw results were announced initially, many people thought this matchup was simply handing Manchester United a ticket to the knockout stages, but they unexpectedly squandered their future for no reason.
A deluge of criticism and condemnation poured in, engulfing the entire city of Manchester inmentation. Ferguson and the Manchester United executives became even more determined to separate Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
In Group D, Real Madrid and Ajax advanced together. Group E saw Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen securing spots, while Valencia ultimately failed to turn the tide. Their poor performance in the early rounds, although they made aebackter, was futile against consistent opponents.
Genk, who had lost De Bruyne and Huang Hu, couldn''t gain any advantage in the Champions League, struggling to secure even a single victory in six matches.
Group F saw Arsenal and Marseille advance, with Borussia Dortmund finishing bottom, surprising many by not even securing a ce in the Europa League.
Group G also saw upsets, with Zenit St. Petersburg and Olympiacos taking the top two spots, while Porto and Shakhtar Dsk finished third and fourth respectively.
The final Group H was quite normal, with Barcelona and AC Mn advancing to the knockout stages, BIF securing a Europa League spot, and BATE bidding farewell to Europeanpetition.
Although Ancelotti didn''t field his main lineup when traveling to the Nethends this time, he still brought all the first-team yers along for training. The day after the match, they boarded a ne and headed to Barcelona.
On the ne, the Italian reminded everyone, "Although we have had the upper hand in league matches against Barcelona in recent years, they are still one of the most powerful teams in the world. Don''t forget our defeat in the Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the season."
"Of course, there''s no need to be too nervous or anxious. After all, we still have the initiative in our hands, and the Catn team seems to be in a somewhat unstable state."
"Yeah," Pepe interjected, "I really can''t understand Barcelona''s performance. They lost to Getafe in thest match, but then they swept Levante 5-0. And in previous league matches, they''ve been forced to draw immediately after big wins. The fluctuations are too great."
"It''s mainly a problem of integrating old and new yers," calmly analyzed Wang Feng. "Vi''s decline in level has been too rapid, Neymar can''t keep up with the overall team, and Fabregas can''t rece Iniesta''s role."
"Speaking of which, Wang, you''ve dismantled their three lineups at least, right? It seems like Barcelona fans would shudder even dreaming of you," Alonso teased.
The Chinese superstar shrugged. "Regardless, I don''t want to lose at Camp Nou. It''s up to you guys. Let''s rely on you topletely dete those arrogant fans."
Everyone echoed their agreement, and a sense of determination filled the air.
Meanwhile, at La Masia training base, Vnova was also encouraging his yers. "Real Madrid is not invincible. Don''t forget that we snatched the Spanish Super Cup from them, and even Levante and Atletico Madrid have put them under great pressure."
"The biggest problem guing the team is mentality, it''s the winning belief in the heart of each of you yers. Leo, tell us about your recent feelings."
Messi took a deep breath and slowly stood up. His gaze met with each yer one by one, and then he spoke slowly, "Nowadays, whether it''s online or traditional media, there are voices criticizing me, questioning me."
"So I feel lost, indecisive, sometimes even losing confidence during matches. But doing so will only make things worse."
"Therefore, starting from this match, I''ve decided not to think about anything outside, to work hard in every game. Come with me, everyone. You know what the real Barcelona is like. It will never submit to Madrid!"
"Barcelona never surrenders!"
On the evening of December 11th, at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, the 15th round of La Liga, the Derby of the Century was about to begin.
The two teams had already lined up under the guidance of the referee team, and the team captains, Xavi and Wang Feng, stood at the forefront of the teams. Since the former captain Puyol gradually faded out of the starting lineup, Xavi had taken up the g of Catalonia.
The yers were silently warming up their bodies, without speaking to each other. The air was filled with seriousness and tension, even the referee team was slightly intimidated, involuntarily lowering their voices.
Vnova still employed Guardi''s tactics, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation. In goal was Valdes.
The backline consisted of Alves, Pique, Abidal, and Adriano, with all but the Brazilian being familiar faces.
This Adriano was not Wang Feng''s former Inter Mn teammate but a defender who debuted at Sevi. Due to consecutive injuries among teammates, he had be a frequent key defensive yer.
The midfield wasposed of Busquets, Iniesta, and Xavi.
The front line consisted of Fabregas, Messi, and Neymar.
It had to be said that at this time, Barcelona''s lineup had strong depth, including yers like Puyol, Mascherano, Keita, Vi, Sanchez, and Pedro, who were all sitting on the bench ready to y.
Real Madrid''s starting lineup chose a 4-4-2 formation, with Casis in goal.
The backline consisted of Ramos, Pepe, Varane, and Marcelo.
In midfield were Alonso, Khedira, Di Maria, and Modric.
Up front, Wang Feng partnered with young Morata, as Iguan had injured himself during training. Although not very serious, he could only reluctantly miss this important match.
The long wait finally came to an end. After receiving the signal, the main referee, Lahoz, slightly breathed a sigh of relief and signaled both teams to walk out from the yer tunnel, stepping onto the turf of the Camp Nou.
Looking around, the formidable reputation of the devil''s home seemed somewhat dimmed. Although the attendance rate was still high, the proportion of Barcelona fans visibly decreased, while the number of Real Madrid fans and some neutral spectators increased.
Many Catalonian fans of the team didn''t want to see their arch-rivals rampage at the Camp Nou, so they chose to sell their tickets at high prices. This approach undoubtedly made Barcelona even more resentful.
They were one of the biggest and oldest giants of La Liga! Even the fans were gradually losing confidence in them, and the situation was on the verge of copse.
Chapter 548: I like this feeling !
Chapter 548: I like this feeling !
In the first half, Real Madrid kicked off first. Wang Feng and Morata stood inside the center circle, both making their first appearance in such an important sh. The 18-year-old Morata appeared extremely nervous.
"Rx, it''s no big deal. Tonight''s Camp Nou is far worse than before," Morata said with a bitter smile, although he didn''t feel the opponent''s strong momentum at all.
With the sound of the referee''s whistle, Wang Feng quickly passed the ball to Morata, then turned and passed it back to the backfield. Alonso received the ball, while Barcelona''s front yers pressed forward to implement their high pressing.
The ball was passed back again, Ramos dribbled the ball along the penalty area line, then passed it to Khedira when Messi approached. Khedira then made a direct long pass to the midfield.
Morata and Adriano rushed to upy thending spot, with the Spaniard heading the ball sideways to the oing Wang Feng, who immediately elerated with the ball.
At a critical moment, Pique rushed out of nowhere and decisively slid to disrupt the ball, preventing Wang Feng fromunching an attack.
Morata quickly ran to the sideline to retrieve the ball and threw it back to Khedira. Seeing that the defense ahead was tight, Khedira chose to pass it back to Khedira.
Real Madrid made two consecutive backward passes in the backfield. After Ramos sent another long pass towards the Barcelona defense line, Alves won the header and returned it to the midfield, where Modric controlled the ball.
The Croatian midfielder dribbled forward, caught sight of Wang Feng making a run on the right, and immediately understood, sending a low curved pass.
The ball bypassed Abidal and met Wang Feng, who was rushing forward. Taking advantage of the situation, he dribbled to the bottom line and made a back-heel pass into the penalty area in a triangr shape, where Morata had already positioned himself on the right side of the penalty spot.
The Spanish youngster took the ball in stride and shot angrily, but either due to nervousness or the defensive interference from Pique on the left, he sted the ball directly into the stands.
Due to the dangerous situation, the home fans let out a sigh of relief when they saw the absurd shot, then immediately mocked Morata with boos.
Morata himself was also very frustrated, apologizing to Wang Feng as he ran back. "Sorry, Wang, I wasted your excellent pass."
"It''s normal, Alvaro, don''t worry about it. Being able to get into position to take a shot proves that you''re better than most forwards. Stay calm, there''s still a long time left in the game."
After Real Madridpleted their first attack, Barcelona quickly responded. Neymar broke through from the side and crossed, but Messi''s shot from the left side of the penalty area missed the target, hitting the post.
Just as the Brazilian was about to attempt another fancy move, Pepe decisively tackled him, resulting in the expected whistle from the referee.
The Portuguese defender didn''t care and twisted his neck, smiling as he said in Portuguese, "Kid, I suggest you be careful. If your leg breakster, you''ll only cry for your mommy when you go home."
Seeing the "cruel" smile on the opponent''s face, Neymar felt a chill, his calf trembling involuntarily. The somewhat inexperienced yer seemed intimidated by the experienced veteran.
With a set-piece opportunity for Barcelona, Messi lofted the ball into the penalty area, but Alves''s header went over the bar, wasting another scoring chance.
The two teams continued to vie back and forth until the 29th minute, when Real Madrid won the ball in their own half and quicklyunched a counterattack. Wang Feng dribbled all the way to the opponent''s 30-meter area and then passed it to Di Maria on the wing.
The Argentine elerated with the ball as if to dribble to the bottom line, but unexpectedly, after catching up with the ball, he suddenly cut back inward, catching the defending yer off guard, then passed the ball to the center before the opponent could react.
Wang Feng was there to receive it, receiving the ball while facing the goal, closely marked by Pique, with Abidal quickly closing in as well.
Seeing the space ahead gradually closing, the Chinese superstar had a sudden inspiration. He made a big swing with his right foot as if to shoot, but instead, he hooked the ball behind with his outer foot and quickly turned around.
Cruyff turn! Pique was caught off guard, and by the time he tried to turn around to defend, it was toote. The Chinese superstar shot angrily, and the ball pierced the goalkeeper''s gloves, heading straight for the goal.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng once again breaches the Camp Nou! The ball is in!"
"As the match approaches the 30-minute mark, Real Madrid breaks the deadlock first with a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, piercing Valdes''s goal."
"The preceding move was also very brilliant, Wang Feng received the pass from Di Maria and cleverly turned to shake off the defense,pletely ying Pique in the palm of his hand."
"Combined with his own powerful explosive force, the shot he took was fast and urgent, leaving the Barcelona goalkeeper with no chance of making a save."
The sudden goal caught the Barcelona yers off guard, but Real Madrid had no intention of stopping there. They suddenly elerated the pace of the game, pressing high and causing confusion for the opponents.
Just 6 minutester, under pressure from Morata, Adriano in Barcelona''s defense had to clear the ball with a long kick, returning possession to the Gcticos. Modric quickly passed to Di Maria.
He advanced along the wing, then cooperated with Wang Feng with a wall pass before breaking through to the baseline. Then, he crossed the ball into the penalty area. Alves jumped to clear it, and outside the penalty area, Alonso controlled the ball and passed it to Wang Feng again.
Wang Feng continued to dribble in a small space, avoiding the defensive entanglement and entering the heart of the defense. Lifting his left foot as if to shoot, he actually used the outside of his foot to push the ball behind him. Morata rushed in and shot the ball into the goal.
2:0! After scoring, the Spanish youngster ran around the field, enjoying the boos from the home fans. Scoring at the Camp Nou was something he had never dared to dream of!
At this moment, Morata finally understood Wang Feng''s joy. What could be more satisfying than defeating their arch-rivals at their home ground? He then embraced the arriving Chinese superstar in celebration.
"I like this feeling!" Morata said excitedly.
"Haha, then let''s keep going and make the opponentspletely desperate!"
After conceding the second goal, Vnova finally couldn''t sit still and made early substitutions, making two changes at once. He reced Adriano with Puyol and Neymar with Vi.
The Brazilian defender had performed exceptionally poorly in this match, far below his usual standard, so the coach had to resort to the experience of the veteran. Under Pepe''s intimidation, Neymar had almost no outstanding performance left, so the Spanish coach could only hope that "El Guaje" could recreate his past magic and save the team from disaster.
But their nightmare was far from over. As the time reached the 44th minute, Real Madrid won the ball in their own half, and Modric sent a long pass straight into the Barcelona defense.
Wang Feng fought for the ball with Pique and Puyol, forcing the ball forward ahead of them. Pique was shocked and was about tomit a foul by pulling him back.
But the Chinese superstar was too fast. In an instant, he had already rushed three meters ahead, catching up with the ball to break into the penalty area!
Seeing Valdes rushing out of the goal and blocking his path, Wang Feng nted his right foot to easily avoid him, then calmly pushed the ball into the empty at a small angle.
3:0! Before halftime, Real Madrid took a three-goal lead at the Camp Nou!
Chapter 549: Conqueror of Camp Nou
Chapter 549: Conqueror of Camp Nou
"I don''t think anyone expected Real Madrid to take a 3-goal lead so easily before the match started," the twomentators in the sports channel studio were reviewing the first half of the game during halftime.
"Yes, because the situation they showed before the match seemed evenly matched, with Barcelona possibly slightly at a disadvantage, but after all, it''s at the Camp Nou, and they can rely on the home field advantage."
"In fact, from the data, it''s hard to see that this is a one-sided match. In terms of ball possession, Barcelona has 62%, while Real Madrid has 38%, indicating that Barcelona has the upper hand."
"And in terms of the number of shots and shot uracy, Real Madrid has 10/6, while Barcelona has 12/5. In fact, both sides have had simr opportunities, but the Gcticos'' ability to capitalize on chances is simply remarkable, with 3 goals from 6 shots on target."
"The most focusedparison of key yers, Wang Feng contributed two shots and one assist, being involved in all of the team''s goals. As for Messi, he is the organizer of most of Barcelona''s attacks."
"In fact, we can feel that the Argentine superstar has been very active in this game. His running has reached the highest level of the season, single-handedly driving the attack while not neglecting the defense."
"Unfortunately, Messi hasn''t had the decisive impact yet, and other teammates have clearlygged behind. Neymar, under Pepe''s marking, has been ineffective, so it''s no wonder the Barcelona coach quickly substituted him."
"The mystery surrounding Vi''s performance aftering on as a substitute is puzzling. Barcelona now needs a breakthrough."
"Do you think Barcelona has any chance of staging a miraculouseback in the second half? Like what Wang Feng did before?"
"I think it''s almost impossible. Although Messi is not as fragile as when he debuted, his performance in adversity is nowhere near Wang Feng''s, and he can''t evenpare to Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Well, will the second half see Real Madrid continue to dominate, or will Barcelonaunch a desperate counterattack? After a brief advertisement, let''s return to the match."
After a brief halftime break, returning to the field, there were no significant changes from either side. Despite Messi''s efforts and attempts to boost morale, there was still no improvement.
He seemed like a lone hero facing vast challenges. In the 63rd minute, Messi dribbled on the left side, avoiding Khedira''s tackle, cutting inside to shake off Alonso''s entanglement, and ran all the way to the right along the edge of the penalty area.
After drawing the entire Real Madrid defense, Messi suddenly sent a diagonal pass. This time, Vi didn''t disappoint him, decisively moving forward to receive the ball in the penalty area, and with no one marking him, he pushed the ball into the to help the home team reduce the deficit.
Messi quickly rushed to retrieve the ball from the, urging everyone to quickly return to their own half to prepare for kickoff. He still harbored hopes of aeback victory!
But reality dealt him a heavy blow. In the 78th minute, as Real Madrid attacked in the frontcourt, Wang Feng passed the ball to Morata in the arc area, under Puyol''s defensive interference, the Spaniard chose to pass back to the Chinese superstar.
Wang Feng received the ball with his left foot and pushed it sideways to Di Maria on the right, while he himself moved into the penalty area. Di Maria sent a diagonal pass without stopping, and the Chinese superstar sessfully timed his run to stay onside and found himself in a one-on-one situation.
Valdes and Messi, not far away, were almost on the verge of copse. Why had Barcelona''s defense be so poor, allowing the opponent to prate so easily with just a few passes?
This time, facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Wang Feng decisively chose to chip the ball, which sailed over Valdes''s head and into the behind him. 4:1! He once againpleted a hat-trick at the Camp Nou!
On the sidelines, Vnova felt dizzy, as if he could hear demons whispering in his ear, telling him that his fate of being sacked was getting closer.
Wang Feng''s goal became thest goal of the match, but for Barcelona fans, everything was already irrelevant. Many of them had started to leave the stadium around the 78th minute, with only a few loyal supporters remaining, shouting grievances like "Coach out!"
Barcelona had lost the qualification topete with Real Madrid! The El Clsico had just ended, and various major news media began to report on the process of the match and express their opinions.
"Marca" believed that the Gcticos hadpletely dominated the Camp Nou, almost ending the battle by halftime. Currently, it''s difficult for Barcelona to threaten Real Madrid. They are likely to break the streak of league titles and achieve a new legendary record.
"As" stated that although the Catn team seemed evenly matched with Real Madrid on the field, the difference in the ability to seize key opportunities was significant, with many chances wasted, which was also theirmon problem this season.
"The stability of the Gcticos is enough to make all opponents feel despair, which is also their biggest weapon for maintaining good results in the league and Champions League."
Wang Feng, who contributed a hat-trick, was selected as the best yer of the match. In the past 6 years, in 11 El Clsico matches, he had been named the best yer 8 times, a unique protagonist.
Even because of the Chinese superstar''s frequent extraordinary performances at the Camp Nou, many media jokingly referred to him as the "Conqueror of Camp Nou."
"We did well in the first half of the game, being able to break the deadlock first was the key turning point. Next, everyone needs to work together to build on the momentum to secure victory. I only took on the role of the finisher, the real heroes who won the game are all the yers on the field," Wang Feng said in an interview.
At the post-match press conference, faced with questions from the media, Barcelona coach Vnova said that the team did not perform ideally in the first half, conceding goals sessively made everyone a bit panicked.
"But from the data, it can be seen that there is not much difference between us and Real Madrid. The game is notpletely one-sided, and the score does not represent everything."
"What''s the use of data? It''s very important. It shows that we still have strongpetitiveness. What I want to say is that the league is still long, yes, still long, and we have the strength and opportunity to catch up with Real Madrid."
Even the Catn media were reluctant to believe Vnova''s words. "Sport" bluntly stated that Barcelona was in its darkest hour. After a dismal defeat at home to their biggest league rivals, their hopes of winning the championship were slim, and they might face another tragic defeat for the sixth consecutive year.
"The biggest culprit for the team''s defeat on the defensive end, Adriano''s war criminal-level performance, Puyol and Pique''s partnership also failed to restrict Wang Feng."
"On the offensive end, Neymar was very dismal, even worse than before. Perhaps he was intimidated by the atmosphere of the El Clsico, but the game is a battlefield, and we don''t have much time for him to adapt."
"It is undeniable that Messi worked very hard, once again bing the highest-rated yer on the team, but this effort ultimately did not pay off."
"El Mundo Deportivo" believed that Vnova''s coaching career at Barcelona hade to an end. He was originally brought in to put out fires, and now that the team''s performance was poor, he would naturally be the scapegoat.
Many Barcelona fans chose to focus on their own affairs after the match started, only nervously checking the results at the end, but they were still stung by the cruel reality.
No one knows how many people smashed their phones, broke their TVs. They decided to temporarily stop paying attention to Barcelona matches, unless that man leaves Real Madrid and La Liga.
Even some pessimistic fans gave up their faith and turned to support Espanyol, another Catn team, causing their fan base to skyrocket.
Chapter 550: Best of the 21st century
Chapter 550: Best of the 21st century
After experiencing the century derby, Real Madrid''s journey in the Spanish King''s Cup also began, with the first round of the fourth round challenging the Ponferradina Club from the Spanish Segunda Division.
This is a small club located in the city of Ponferrada in the northern province of Len, Spain. Ponferrada is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, with a river flowing through the city.
The team''s home ground, Ponferradina Stadium, is notrge, amodating only about 8,000 spectators, but the proportion of die-hard fans is quite considerable.
In this game, Wang Feng did not get a chance to y. With goals from Jose and Carleto, the Gcticos defeated their opponents 2-0.
Originally, Ancelotti didn''t even n to bring on the main yers, but due to the tight schedule, the whole team had to take a ne to Japan immediately after the match to participate in the Club World Cup.
Although this was the Gcticos'' fifth consecutive year participating in the tournament, they were still warmly weed by Japanese fans in Yokohama, and Wang Feng continued to enjoy his immense poprity.
Starting from the semifinals, Real Madrid''s first opponent was the newly crowned AFC Champions League champion, Al-Sadd Club from the Qatar Stars League.
In the 9th minute of the match, Wang Feng received a through ball from Granero inside the penalty area and calmly slotted it home near the penalty spot.
Just 7 minutester, Altintop broke through near the baseline and passed the ball back in a triangle to Wang Feng near the front of the penalty area. Without adjusting, he struck the ball directly, piercing the opponent''s goal once again.
After that, Morata and Albiol each contributed brilliant goals, helping the Gcticos take amanding 4-0 lead in the first half.
At this point, the oue of the match was already beyond doubt. The game simply continued until the referee blew the final whistle, sending Real Madrid into the Club World Cup final, where their opponents would be the newly crowned Copa Libertadores champion, Santos.
With the departure of Neymar, this team''s strength had greatly declined. The Gcticos easily maintained their dominance in the match,unching attacks almost effortlessly.
In the 19th minute, Di Maria dribbled past the edge of the penalty area to attract defenders before passing to Wang Feng, who struck the ball powerfully with his right foot, directly scoring against Santos, giving Real Madrid the lead.
In the 38th minute, it was Wang Feng''s turn to dribble the ball, shaking off two defending yers before passing to Alonso, who finished calmly to extend the lead.
In the second half, Di Maria unleashed a spectacr long-range shot, sealing the game at 3-0, as the Gcticos continued to reign as Club World Cup champions!
Just as the world marveled at Real Madrid''s dominance on a global scale, another explosive piece of news swept through the football world: the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) recently selected the best yers and top scorers of the 21st century, with Wang Feng winning both prestigious awards.
The Best Scorer award mainly counted goals scored, including goals for the national team, Olympic team, club in the Club World Cup, continental cuppetitions, and domestic league and cuppetitions.
Between 2001 and 2010, Wang Feng scored a total of 270 goals, including 79 for the national team and 191 for Inter Mn and Real Madrid. This data was overwhelming, as the second-ranked yer, van Nistelrooy, only had 86 goals, less than a third of Wang Feng''s total.
This didn''t even include goals scored in domestic league and cuppetitions, making Wang Feng''s data even more astonishing.
The Best yer award was determined by calcting scores based on over thirty different statistical categories over the span of ten years, and Wang Feng still maintained a significant lead.
In fact, since 2003, Wang Feng had monopolized the title of annual Best yer ording to the IFFHS, and this summary of the past decade naturally produced no other result.
"Any voting award is prone to debate, only data is irrefutable," the head of the association wrote in an article on the IFFHS website. "Through detailed and precise data analysis, we were surprised to find that awarding Wang Feng the title of the best yer of the 21st century is by no means exaggerated."
In fact, they were being conservative. Looking at the history of modern football, with the same weight adjustments, Wang Feng''s data scored far higher than anyone else''s, including legends like Pel, Maradona, and Beckenbauer.
Considering the significant impact early-era yers had in other aspects, the IFFHS omitted this information, simply stating that Wang Feng was the best yer of the 21st century, and asserting that no one would be able to challenge his status for the entire century.
Once this selection result spread, all fans and media alike were amazed.
"The 21st century belongs to Wang Feng!" wrote Flix Daz, editor-in-chief of Marca, in a personal article, stating that over the past decade, Wang Feng''s achievements and statistics had far surpassed those of any other yer.
Moreover, these achievements seemed unlikely to be replicated by any other yer. Messi and Ronaldo couldn''t match up, and the rising star Neymar was even further behind.
"There is no doubt that Wang Feng will be the greatest yer of the 21st century. As time passes, when people look back at this wonderful history at the end of the century, they will surely express such sentiments."
As the protagonist, the Chinese superstarter shared on social media tforms like Instagram the two Century''s Bestmemorative trophies he received from the IFFHS, and thanked the staff for their hard work inpiling and analyzing the data.
"To be honest, I''m also surprised to achieve such beautiful data on the field, but all of this wouldn''t have been possible without the help of the coaches and teammates, whether in the national team or the club. I feel very lucky to have everyone''s support," he said.
"I will continue to work hard in the future, striving not to let down the expectations of the team and the fans."
Three days after returning from Japan to Madrid, Real Madrid weed Sevi at home for the 16th round of La Liga.
The yers'' fatigue and jetg seriously affected their condition, and Wang Feng was not as excited as before. In the end, the match ended in a dull 0-0 draw with both sides shaking hands.
The fans who came to the Bernabu to watch the game expressed their understanding one after another. Before the match, the club disyed the Club World Cup trophy to everyone, which made the trip worthwhile.
In another match, Barcelona defeated Barakaldo 4-0, slightly narrowing the gap with Real Madrid. Messi still failed to score; although he initiated many attacks, he consistently fell short of finding the.
Valencia, on the other hand, defeated Mga 2-0 at home, securing their third position in the standings. Soldado once again scored twice, increasing his total goals this season to 11.
Next up was the second leg of the King''s Cup against Ponferradina. Wang Feng yed for 45 minutes, contributing one goal and one assist, and in the end, Real Madrid won 4-0, advancing to the fifth round with a total score of 6-0 over two legs.
Apart from Real Madrid and Barcelona smoothly advancing to the next round, several La Liga teams were upset. Atletico Madrid lost 1-3 to ves, while Real Betis suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Cordoba after a goalless draw.
Virreal also lost 1-3 to Mirands, prompting the club to announce the dismissal of coach Gallejo, making him the second coach to lose his job this season in La Liga.
Chapter 551: The Simeone era at Atletico Madrid
Chapter 551: The Simeone era at Atletico Madrid
As the King''s Cup concluded in 2011, Spanish football entered a brief winter break, which would be unforgettable for Wang Feng.
On Christmas Eve, in a top private hospital in Madrid, Wang Feng and his family anxiously waited outside the operating room for good news toe.
Although he had experienced this before, he still couldn''t contain his nervousness. After all, every childbirth had its risks. Little Siyao stood by her father''s side, very sensible, holding his big hand with her small one. Her round eyes blinked as ifforting him.
His sister alsoforted him, saying, "You look just as lost now as you did three years ago. Don''t worry, both mother and son will be healthy."
After a while, the door of the operating room finally opened, and a nurse came out with good news, saying, "Congrattions, it''s a healthy baby boy. Mother and son are safe!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Feng couldn''t wait to rush into the room. He quickly went to Lu Yao''s side and held her hand. Although she was tired, she forced herself to say, "Why are you so nervous? We have a baby boy now. He can y football with you in the future."
"Thank you, Yao Yao," Wang Feng said softly, gently brushing aside her sweat-drenched hair. Lu Yao just smiled and shook her head slowly.
"Daddy, Daddy, I want to see my little brother!" Little Siyao by the side couldn''t wait to say. Her height couldn''t reach the edge of the bed, and despite several attempts to tiptoe, she couldn''t see her future ymate.
Wang Feng picked her up and ced her by the bed. Siyao looked at the newborn in front of her with curiosity, gently poking him with her hand, then pouted, "He''s so ugly. Is this my little brother? Sofia willugh at him."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile, "You were born like this too. He will be as cute as you in a few months when he grows up."
Hearing her father''s words, Siyao finally rxed, showing a relieved and smiling expression. She then began to discuss with her brother what games to y and how to divide toys in the future. Of course, the baby could only respond with crying, which made the whole family couldn''t help but chuckle at her serious demeanor.
Lu Yao rested in the hospital for two days before returning to the vi. Just like three years ago, Wang Feng hired professionals to scientifically take care of them, and he naturally apanied his family, spending a warm New Year together.
This winter was not peaceful for La Liga teams, especially for Atletico Madrid, who suffered a humiliating defeat to ves in the King''s Cup, being eliminated in both home and away matches.
"Atletico is finished, and Manzano is finished too!" Spanish media eximed as soon as the game ended.
The Calderon Stadium was furious, and Manzano faced ruthless insults from the fans. The management was destined to sacrifice Manzano to appease the fans. Moreover, many yers in the dressing room were dissatisfied with the coach. Manzano definitely couldn''t stay at Atletico Madrid.
However, the Spanish media generally believed that Atletico''s problems were not solely the fault of the head coach. Julian, amentator for "Reason Report," said that Manzano was just a scapegoat. The root of Atletico''s contradictions lies not in tactical aspects but in internal chaos within the team.
"Manzano has never had the authority to build the team. Whether it''s transfers or yer clearances, it''s all decided by the club''s top management. Because they don''t consider the coach''s opinions, Atletico''s transfers sometimes seem quite strange. Spaniards shouldn''t me all the team''s mistakes on the coach. The club''s direction is confused, and poor team performance is inevitable."
As for the departure of the coach and the sessor, there were reports as early as early December. "Manzano''s dismissal has entered the countdown, and Simeone is about to be the new coach of Atletico Madrid," said "ABC News."
The club was dragging on not firing Manzano, hoping that he would resign, so they wouldn''t have to paypensation.
On the other hand, Simeone had long hoped to coach Atletico Madrid. After winning the championship with River te in 2008, he said, "I am a coach, and I know that I will coach Atletico Madrid in the future."
On the day of the King''s Cup loss, Simeone held a press conference and officially resigned as the head coach of an Argentine domestic team, indicating that he was ready to take over as the head coach of Atletico Madrid from Manzano.
This situation naturally made Manzano very unhappy. "The fact that I was fired was known to the media before the coach himself. Is this ethical?" he said.
Although club president Cerezo continued to throw smoke bombs, saying that Simeone''s arrival at the team was entirely fabricated by the media, he even imed that he didn''t even know that Simeone had resigned as the head coach of a domesticpetition team.
But the truth would inevitablye out. Soon, someone photographed Simeone appearing in Madrid. And on the eve of Christmas, the Bed Sheet Legion officially announced the dismissal of Manzano, congratting him ceremoniously on his future endeavors.
By the end of the winter break, the legendary former Bed Sheet Legion yer Simeone would team up with his former teammate Burgos to officially take over as the head coach of Atletico Madrid, ushering in his own era at Atletico!
Apart from Atletico, Sevi also grabbed headlines during the winter break, mainly because their current coach, Del Nido, was imprisoned.
Of course, his crimes had nothing to do with football but were rted to moreplex economic cases. Therefore, he stated that he would not resign from his position as the head of the Sevi club.
Del Nido currently only owned 35% of Sevi''s shares, but he was undoubtedly the spiritual leader of the team for the past 10 years, and many fans immediately expressed their appreciation to this man who had brought Sevi its best results in history.
There was a great division within the Sevi management on whether to support Del Nido to continue leading the team. The faction led by former president Carion believed that he must leave, as it would otherwise affect the club''s reputation.
The faction led by deputy Castro believed that Del Nido''s case waspletely groundless, and it was premature toe to conclusions. In such a situation, his sudden resignation would inevitably cause turmoil in the club.
Both sides were deadlocked, but Del Nido himself was very optimistic. After being released on bail, he even had a Christmas dinner with members of the first team.
As for the transfer market, La Liga didn''t cause much of a stir. Neither of the top two made any moves, and the other clubs only made symbolic reinforcements.
In fact, Barcelona had considered continuing to invest in the winter to prepare for the second half of the season. However, heavy investments in recent years had depleted their coffers. They even had to sell the chest advertising space to the Qatar Foundation, which angered many Catn fans.
In addition to this, the renewal of Iniesta and Alves also caused headaches for Rosell. For a traditional powerhouse like them, Manchester City was like a fly buzzing annoyingly in their ears.
City first offered a staggering ?100 million for Alves, and also made contact with Alves'' agent. Both yers had shown signs of frustration due to frequent losses in recent years and were likely to choose to chase after euros and leave the team.
Rosell knew their importance, so he was doing everything in his power to appease them. If they couldn''t even keep the foundation of Barcelona, he might not be too far from being shown the door himself.
Chapter 552: The Eighth Ballon d鈥橭r
Chapter 552: The Eighth Ballon d''Or
The first match of 2012 was the first leg of the fifth round of the King''s Cup. On the evening of January 4th, Real Madrid hosted Mga at the Bernabeu.
In the first half, neither side disyed exceptional form, and the game was rather dull. It wasn''t until the 32nd minute when Wang Feng dribbled into space at the top of the penalty area and fired a powerful shot with his right foot to break the deadlock.
After the break, in the 64th minute, Di Mara swiftly dribbled down the wing and then passed back into the penalty area with a triangle pass. With no one pressuring him, Higuan took a shot that hit the inside of the crossbar and bounced into the, making it 2-0!
Mga then pulled one back with a long shot from Van Nistelrooy. However, with only 10 minutes left in the game, Wang Feng received a diagonal pass from Modric on the right side, faked a move to cut inside the defender, and then curled a left-footed shot into the far corner.
The ball flew in a huge arc in the air, evading the diving Martinez''s fingertips and almost scraping the inside of the post before nestling into the, making it 3-1! Real Madrid gained a significant advantage in the first leg.
Four dayster, in the 17th round of La Liga, the Gcticos traveled to the Carmenes Stadium to face newly promoted Granada.
This team had some connection with Real Madrid. Since its founding in 1931, they had long been in the Spanish second division. Even during their most dominant periods, they could only maintain a ce in La Liga.
However, after relegation from La Liga in 1976, Granada experienced multiple debt crises. At one point, they were even relegated to the fourth tier of Spanish football due to unpaid wages.
At this critical moment, former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz and his son Francisco Sanz took over the club. They gradually turned the tide and were promoted until finally securing a La Liga spotst year.
Less than 7 minutes into the game, Wang Feng received a through ball from Alonso, rushed into the penalty area, and was brought down by the Mga defender Minzer, resulting in a penalty. The Chinese superstar coolly converted it to open the scoring.
Ten minutester, Di Mara forcefully dribbled down the wing, passed through the legs into the penalty area, and Wang Feng, surrounded by two defenders, cleverly flicked the ball with his toe to Ramos, who nodded it into the empty.
Before the end of the first half, Hlder Herrera''s long-range shot from outside the penalty area was blocked by the goalkeeper, but he fumbled the ball. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Higuan pounced on the loose ball and tapped it into the, further extending Real Madrid''s lead.
In the second half, Pepe and substitute Carleone scored another goal each for the visitors, while Granada''s striker, Gezu, scored a constion goal, making the final score 5-1.
Compared to the Gcticos, this Andalusian team was far inferior in strength. They needed to continue working hard on their relegation battle this season.
In another Barcelona derby, Espanyol stubbornly drew 1-1 with Barcelona, making their cross-city rivals increasingly distant from the league title.
More media outlets expressed disappointment with Barcelona''s performance this season, especially in the attacking department. Although they had many big wins, they always seemed to stumble when it mattered most.
Apart from Messi, there were no other yers in the front line to rely on. Vi''s decline was significant, Neymar seemed very immature, and the Argentine star repeatedly proved that he couldn''t dominate games like Wang Feng; he needed help.
"Wang, long time no see!" In a five-star hotel in Zurich, when Wang Feng heard the doorbell open, a slightly round figure appeared at the door and gave the Chinese a bear hug.
It was none other than "R9" Ronaldo. Seeing Ronnie, Wang Feng was also very happy and quickly invited him and his wife Maria Antonia into the room.
"Why are you here in Zurich this time?" Wang Feng asked curiously. Ronaldo held a retirement press conference in Februaryst year at the Corinthians club news hall. At that time, the Chinese superstar had sent him a message expressing his regret.
Ronaldo said he was invited to serve as a guest at the FIFA annual awards ceremony. "In the past few years, I attended as a yer, but this time, experiencing it as a guest ispletely different."
Wang Feng chuckled, "So you don''t care about your figure at all? It''s only been half a year since retirement, but you look like you''ve gained two rounds."
Ronaldo shrugged, self-deprecatingly saying that retired life was too leisurely, and he couldn''t control his appetite. Compared to other Brazilian football stars, Ronaldo''s post-retirement life was considered "restrained."
Apart from daily enjoyment, he didn''t waste much, and entrusted professionals to manage his assets, adhering to the principle of not putting all his eggs in one basket, thus living veryfortably.
It was actually Ronaldinho, who returned to South America to y, seemed to be struggling. With his departure from the mainstream European football scene, his earning ability plummeted,pletely unable to match his high consumption. Moreover, Ronaldinho''s financial management skills were disastrous, far from being as flexible as on the field.
"Moreira is simply throwing money away. I advised him, but he didn''t listen. In recent years, the world economy has been in a slump, and there are few beneficial investment projects. He acts like a fool with a lot of money, allowing himself to be deceived."
Ronaldo admired Wang Feng''s investment vision. The Chinese had established a professional investment group, Fengyao Corporation, many years ago, and in recent years, ventures into real estate, the inte, and high-techpanies had brought huge profits, even more than his own earnings from ying and endorsements.
This was an extremely rare sess story in the entire football world. In fact, most yers'' investments were very blind. They were very wealthy butcked the knowledge and time to study, so they were easily losing money as they managed finances more.
The most famous example was King Pel. At the end of his career, he jointly invested in a construction materials business with an entrepreneur, entrusting him to manage it. As a result, there were huge losses over ten years, leading to his old age spent struggling for money.
"Perhaps in the future, we can coborate in themercial sector." Ronaldo said, "I heard you n to buy a football club for management? It coincides with my thoughts. I also want to continue to be involved with football in this aspect."
The two chatted happily until Antonia reminded Ronaldo that he needed to prepare to go to the opera house first, so they had to stop. "See youter, Wang. I look forward to seeing you shine again and win the Ballon d''Or this year."
"Thank you for your kind words, Ronnie."
This year, Wang Feng attended the awards ceremony alone again. He took the special car prepared by FIFA to the Zurich Opera House. Lu Yao needed to take care of their newborn, Wang Haoxin, their son, who was very healthy.
Following the normal routine, he would enter school in a few years like his sister Si Yao. The path ahead would depend on the child''s own decisions. If he could inherit a good sense of football, Wang Feng was also looking forward to him bing a professional yer.
Lost in thought, the driver quietly reminded him that they had arrived at their destination. As he got out of the car, the screams of fans and the shing lights of journalists were incessant.
Wang Feng, who has long been at the pinnacle of his career, smiled as he stepped onto the red carpet, waving amiably to the crowd on both sides as he made his way towards the venue.
The final three candidates vying for the Ballon d''Or were still Wang Feng, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier, they had attended a media briefing organized by FIFA.
There was no doubt that Wang Feng was the most anticipated yer to win the award, to the extent that the other twopetitors admitted they couldn''tpare to the Chinese superstar.
However, there was some suspense regarding who should rank second. Both Messi and Ronaldo had experiences of overshadowing each other. Last season, Ronaldo was notably outstanding, helping Manchester United reach the Champions League final.
But since the second half of the year, Messi''s performance had also been remarkable, whether in terms of goals or assists, surpassing the Portuguese yer''s statistics. Therefore, predictions for the second ce were much more heated than for the winner.
Entering the opera house, Wang Feng saw many familiar faces, with yers from Real Madrid and Barcelona making up the majority. This indirectly indicated the significant influence the two La Liga giants held in the world of football today.
In addition, he also saw Rafa Benitez, who was currently idle at home. This was the first time the Spaniard had appeared in public since leaving the Gcticos.
The Chinese superstar took the initiative to greet Benitez. Although they had some disagreements in the past, they had also achieved great sess together, and now meeting again, they remained friends.
"How have you beentely?" Wang Feng asked with concern. Benitez smiled rarely, "Feeling quite good. Watching games from the perspective of an ordinary fan has deepened my understanding of football."
Apparently, Benitez currently had no ns to return to the football scene, perhaps waiting for a better opportunity.
After brief pleasantries, the ceremony officially began. Serving as the emcees were the Dutch football legend and one of the "Three Musketeers," Gullit, and the presenter Murray.
The first award presented was the Best XI of 2011, with football legend Pele as the presenter.
The Best XI lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Real Madrid''s Casis as the goalkeeper. The defenders included Real Madrid''s Ramos and Pepe, Barcelona''s Alves, and Manchester United''s Vidic.
In midfield, the trio consisted of Real Madrid''s Alonso and Sneijder, and Barcelona''s Xavi.
Leading the forward line was Real Madrid''s Wang Feng, apanied by Barcelona''s Messi and Manchester United''s Ronaldo.
This dream team wasposed of yers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United. Although Sneijder had since left, he had provided strong support for Real Madrid''s five consecutive championshipsst season and was currently performing decently at Inter Mn.
In terms of the proportion of personnel, La Liga was undoubtedly the mostpetitive league in today''s football world. Even many judges admitted in post-ceremony interviews that there were many outstanding yers in the Spanish league who unfortunately did not make the list, such as Hlder Herrera, Di Mara, Iniesta, Soldado, and many more.
After the Best XI was announced, FIFA President tter took the stage to deliver a speech, expressing his admiration for the past year''s splendid performances in football, which had produced many new records and legends.
He then announced that Manchester United coach Ferguson was the recipient of the FIFA President''s Award for 2011, highly praising the contributions Ferguson had made to the prestigious club over his 25 years as manager.
Ferguson, when receiving the award, teared up. He expressed deep gratitude to Manchester United for their support, stating that the team was his home and his life.
Next was the presentation of the Best Women''s Coach award by German football legend Matth?us. The recipient was the Japanese women''s national team coach, Sasaki, who led the team to victory in the Women''s World Cupst year.
Following the Women''s Best Coach award, the FIFA Best Men''s Coach award was announced. Former Real Madrid coach Benitez received the award, defeating Ferguson and former Barcelona coach Guardi for the ultimate victory.
Although Benitez left Real Madrid afterst season, it was undeniable that he had continued the team''s glory.
Subsequently, the Fair y Award was presented by French football legend Karembeu, with the Japan Football Association winning the award.
After the massive earthquake in Japan, football had provided the people with the courage to rebuild after the disaster. The Japanese women''s national team also won the Women''s World Cup, and at this moment, the significance of football transcended, leading to the Japanese Football Association receiving this honor.
Next, the Puskas Award was announced, with three candidates: Wang Feng''s long-range world-ss goal in the Champions League final, Rooney''s spectacr bicycle kick against Manchester City, and Neymar''s long run against mengo.
Mexican football legend Sanchez presented the award, which ultimately went to Neymar for his outstanding goal, serving as encouragement for the young Brazilian talent.
In terms of excitement, Wang Feng and Rooney''s goals were more thrilling, but since the Chinese superstar had won the Puskas Award for two consecutive years, and Rooneycked favorable support after leaving Manchester United, Neymar was the bnced choice.
As the various major awards were gradually announced, the ceremony finally reached its climax. Prior to this, FIFA had specially invited the famous British singer James Blunt to take the stage and perform "Stay the Night."
This lively song brought the atmosphere in the venue to a climax, with many attendees unconsciously tapping their feet along with the beat.
As the song ended, the FIFA Women''s Best yer award for 2011 was announced. tter took the stage with the Latin diva Shakira to present the award.
As Shakira announced the winner''s name, the Japanese women''s national team''s Sawa won the award, defeating Brazilian superstar Marta and American star Wambach with her status as a Women''s World Cup champion.
Finally, the long-awaited FIFA Ballon d''Or for 2011 was presented, with Ronaldo unexpectedly appearing as the final presenter, leaving Wang Feng surprised. "This guy didn''t even tell me about this."
Ronaldo opened the envelope and nced at it, then revealed a meaningful smile. At this moment, all attention was focused on him, and many people felt surprised. Could there still be any unexpected changes?
"I announce that the winner of the 2011 FIFA Ballon d''Or is... Wang Feng!"
It was still Wang Feng! Almost everyone in the audience wore expressions of confirmation, as only he truly deserved it!
"Come on stage, my good brother. This is your eighth time winning the Ballon d''Or, creating an unprecedented and tremendous achievement. You are the legend itself!"
"Let''s apud Wang Feng and offer him our sincerest congrattions!"
Wang Feng stood up from his seat, embracing both Ronaldo and Messi on either side, and exchanging high fives with his Real Madrid teammates in the back row. Everyone''s faces showed expressions of admiration and envy, as if they were witnessing the god of football.
It was hard to imagine a yer maintaining such a peak performance for such a long time, whether at the club or international level, he had established immortal merits. This could only mean that the legend continued.
Amidst thunderous apuse, the Chinese superstar ascended the stage to receive his award, taking the FIFA Ballon d''Or trophy from Ronaldo''s hands. The Brazilian blinked and said, "Congrattions, Wang. Time flies, and I''m honored to present the award to my former teammate."
"Thank you, Ronnie. I''m also very happy."
In his eptance speech, Wang Feng, as usual, thanked all his family, club, fellow yers, and fans who supported him. "To win this award for the eighth time, to be honest, my heart is very excited."
Although nearing 30, the Chinese superstar expressed his ambitions in front of everyone, stating that this was by no means the end, nor his limit!
Chapter 553: Phenomenal Superstar
Chapter 553: Phenomenal Superstar
Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi looked at the confident man on stage withplex expressions. Since they entered the football world, Wang Feng has been the ultimate yer. However, despite their efforts, they still felt far behind the Chinese superstar.
"Someday I will rece him as the new king of football!" They both turned to look at each other, their faces still smiling, but the sense ofpetition in their eyes was evident.
The voting results for the Ballon d''Or showed Wang Feng leading by a wide margin with 53.88%, Messi in second ce with 12.60%, Ronaldo in third ce with 12.23%, and Alonso in fourth with 6.01%.
The intensepetition between Messi and Ronaldo was beyond everyone''s expectations, with the Portuguese losing by only a slight margin of 0.37%.
Ronaldo expressed his dissatisfaction to the reporters, saying, "It was predictable that Wang would win. Whether it''s personal stats or team honors, he has performed extremely well."
"I am fortunate to witness the football legend in person. The image of him lifting his eighth Ballon d''Or will forever be etched in my mind, urging me to strive towards his direction."
"To lose to Messi and rank only third? Oh, I don''t know what to say, but it''s a bit disappointing. You know, in the first half of the year, I led Manchester United to the Champions League final and set a new Premier League goal record. That''s not bad, is it? Maybe he (Messi) is luckier and more favored than me, as it''s not the first time."
Messi, when interviewed, did not respond to Ronaldo''spetition and controversial remarks. Instead, he expressed congrattions and admiration for Wang Feng, saying, "Ronaldo is right, he is a legend himself."
The media spected that Manchester United''s early elimination from the Champions League group stage in the new season was the main reason why Ronaldo lost to Messi. Following this trend, he might be surpassed by the Argentinean again next year, unless he leads his team to win the European Championship.
Thesements struck a chord with the Portuguese star, who vowed to perform well. If he led his team to win their first European Championship, he believed that he could even surpass Wang Feng and lift the Ballon d''Or!
With eight Ballon d''Or awards in his career, Wang Feng''s legend continued to captivate the world.
French newspaper "L''Equipe"mented that the Chinese superstar was undoubtedly the greatest yer in history. "If Pel could win seven Ballon d''Or awards, then Wang Feng has surpassed him."
Before 1995, only European yers were eligible for the Ballon d''Or. However, "France Football" magazine conducted a re-evaluation, concluding that Pel could have won the award seven times, in 1958-1961, 1963-1964, and 1970, while Maradona could have won it in 1986 and 1990.
"Any honor Wang Feng receives in the future will further elevate his historical status. Even though he is already so far ahead, leaving many legendary stars far behind."
"Unfortunately for yers of his generation, such as Ronaldinho and Kaka, they have their own characteristics and skills but can only fade away in the shadow of the sun."
"Now Messi and Ronaldo are the same. They should be grateful to have been bornter and still have a chance to catch up with Wang Feng''s footsteps. However, who knows where the Chinese superstar''s limit lies."
German magazine "Kicker" also stated that Wang Feng deservedly holds the title of the greatest yer in history, and even elevated this title to an exaggerated level, suggesting that there may never be a sessor.
"Such a dominant force can make everyone retreat. From the current situation, his only enemy is time."
But "Kicker" asserted that it would be difficult for time topletely defeat the Chinese superstar, as various data indicate that his peak period still has a long way to go.
The British "BBC"mented that Wang Feng was the "world''s greatest yer," helping Real Madrid achieve unprecedented sess, which was partly mutual but mostly due to Wang Feng''s achievements.
"It''s incredible for a yer to reach such a level. Without Wang Feng, there would be no five consecutive league titles and Champions League titles for the Gcticos."
"With his talent and skills dominating the field, his responsibility and dedication turning the tide, and his unparalleled performance and stats, as long as the Chinese superstar is on the field, he is the unique protagonist!"
Domestic authoritative media also reported on the award news, with headlines like "Wang Feng conquers the world." It was the boldest statement they had ever made, considering their usually cautious wording.
But this statement was not an exaggeration. Wherever there are people in the world, there will be mention of Wang Feng''s name, from the poorest tribes in Africa to the football deserts of North America.
"Wang Feng is not just a great football star, but also a representative of the Chinese spirit. More and more foreign people are getting to know China through him, which is very beneficial for eliminating barriers."
"His glory is also the glory of China and even the whole of Asia!"
In addition to media evaluations, many football figures also expressed their views. FIFA President tter believed that Wang Feng''s eight awards were well-deserved.
"Perhaps some people think it''s always him ying solo, but what I want to say is that both the Ballon d''Or and the previous FIFA World yer of the Year awards are authoritative. We can only award the best yers."
"If you find it boring, then keep working hard. All yers, the trophy is on the mountaintop. When you perform better than Wang, you can naturally touch it."
UEFA President tini said that Wang Feng was "incredible." He always desired honors and achievements, and it was these desires that made him demand the best from himself, constantly pushing his limits and achieving legendary feats.
"As a perfect footballer, we see pure football from Wang. So, I think other yers should look up to him if they want to be even better."
French football legend Zidane said he couldn''t wait to work with Wang Feng. After the end of this season, he would resign from his position as coach of Real Madrid Casti and join Ancelotti''s coaching staff.
"From a yer''s perspective, the Chinese superstar has long surpassed me. His skills are veryprehensive, and his physical fitness is very strong. He can maintain his peak level for a long time, bringing high-quality matches to all fans."
As an award presenter, Ronaldo, in an interview, said: "I have long known about Wang''s ability. He helped me fulfill my dream of winning the Serie A championship. In fact, he surpassed me from that time."
"I still vividly remember the first time I saw Wang performing a pendulum dribble from the stands. My God, he will surely do better than me. That was my true feeling at that time."
Benitez, who won the Best Coach award, said that Wang Feng is a phenomenal yer from whom he has learned a lot. "Yes, it''s not surprising at all. Coaches can bring improvement to yers, and yers can also promote the progress of coaches."
Regarding the recent controversy with the Chinese superstar, the Spaniard believed it was no big deal, as both sides were striving for the good of the team. He also admitted his poormunication skills, "My assistant criticizes me like this too. He tells me, ''Rafael, express your thoughts.''"
On the second day of the FIFA awards ceremony attended by Wang Feng and other key yers, Real Madrid faced Mga in the fifth round second leg of the Copa del Rey, away from home.
Naturally, they couldn''t y in the match, and coach Ancelotti had to field a full backup lineup. However, Mga, desperate for aeback, gave the Gcticos a tough time, resulting in a 1-2 defeat for Real Madrid.
Fortunately, Real Madrid had a significant lead from the first leg, so they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a narrow 4-3 aggregate score.
Next, the Gcticos would face Barcelona, who also advanced smoothly, in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The meeting of the two Spanish giants ahead of schedule added much excitement to the cuppetition, with many media outlets even considering it a preview of the final. Whoever crosses the other is highly likely to win the Copa del Rey this season.
On January 15th, in La Liga''s 18th round, Real Madrid hosted Mallorca. Wang Feng, who came on as a substitute, contributed two brilliant assists to help the team overturn a 1-2 deficit and win 2-1.
Three dayster, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, the Gcticos hosted Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
The Catns clearly valued this honor more. With little hope in the league and uncertain prospects in the Champions League, if they couldn''t win the cup, it would be hard to exin to both the club and the fans.
So, after the start of the game, they quickly seized the initiative on the field. In the 29th minute, they broke the deadlock, with Messi''s precise through pass finding Neymar, who then entered the penalty area and scored with a low shot past Casis.
It must be said that the cooperation between the two South American-born stars has be increasingly tacit, and despite multiple setbacks, Neymar has not sumbed to despair but rather significantly improved his technical level.
"Barcelona''s performance on the field has been really goodtely, and there even seems to be a trend of them suppressing Real Madrid."
"Yes, after the painful defeat at the Camp Nou, they have obviously made a lot of adjustments. To stop Wang Feng''s rapid counterattacks, Vnova deployed two defensive yers nearby to assist, and also intensified the offside trap."
"So far, the effect seems good. The other Real Madrid yers are in rtively poor form. Even if the Chinese superstar creates space, it''s difficult for his teammates to capitalize, and he himself has been caught offside several times."
"On the offensive end, the Messi-Neymarbination is gradually showing its power. Actually, the external criticism of Neymar mainly focuses on his careless and indifferent personality, rather than his technique itself. After all, he is also considered the sessor of Brazilian samba football."
"Hey, look at this, Alonso steals the ball from Neymar''s pass. This kid is really inconsistent. I just said his technique was good, and immediately he makes a careless mistake."
"Real Madrid on the counterattack! The Spanish midfielder sends a long pass over the top, Wang Feng runs in from behind, his speed is fast, clearly not offside!"
"Beautiful! Pique is no match at all, even falling half a step behind, Wang Feng enters the penalty area with the ball, shoots!! Goal!!"
"A ground-level shot pierces through the legs of goalkeeper Valds and into Barcelona''s goal, 1-1, Real Madrid equalizes!"
"The biggest culprit for Barcelona conceding this goal is Neymar. He was too casual with the ball in midfield and was seized by Alonso. When will the Brazilian mature?"
"Pique also has a big problem. Why didn''t he clear the ball early when he ran back to the ball''s position? Instead, he turned around to watch Wang Feng, dying just for a moment, and the Chinese superstar could catch up and poke the ball away."
The first half ended in a draw, and in the second half, both sides continued to struggle. Perhaps considering a draw was more favorable, Barcelona gradually reduced their attacking frequency, controlling the ball more in midfield.
Although Real Madrid wanted to press high, they also had to guard against Messi''s pration. After several close calls, they dared not push forward with full force.
As time went on, in the 84th minute, Ramos intercepted the ball at the back and quickly passed it to Di Maria, who then passed it to Wang Feng. To break the deadlock, the Gcticos had to rely on the Chinese superstar.
We saw him quickly start to sprint towards the frontcourt, near the center line, rapidly change direction to shake off Busquets, face Pique with another dribble, and as the Spanish defender tried to trip him.
Wang Feng staggered a few steps as if he were about to fall, and the referee had already blown the whistle, but he forcefully stabilized himself and chased after the ball again.
Alves and Adriano came to double-team defensively, but the Chinese superstar raced to position, stretched his body, lifted his right foot, and shot like a fully drawn bow.
"Boom!" Northwest, shot like a sky wolf!
The ball swiftly flew towards the left side of the goal, and goalkeeper Valds''s save was noticeably dyed, sneaking past the goal line and hitting the inside, only falling down after a moment.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng scores with another long-range shot!"
"A powerful shot from about 35 meters away from the goal, he shot before the Barcelona defense closed in. Everything happened too suddenly."
"2-1! Real Madridpletes theeback as the game nears its end! Despite beingrgely out of form and at a disadvantage for almost the entire match, the superstar is just unreasonable."
This score remained until the end of the game, with the Gcticos winning 2-1 at home against Barcelona, leaving the oue of the tie to the second leg.
On January 23rd, in the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited Athletic Bilbao.
Wang Feng broke the deadlock in the first half and then assisted Morata to expand the lead, putting the team on the path to victory. Finally, Carvajal scored the third goal, sealing the score at 3-0.
Three dayster, on January 26th, the Gcticos visited Camp Nou to face Barcelona,peting for a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The match was yed in heavy rain, and the muddy pitch made it difficult for both sides to y, especially the home team. "Damn it, is the heavens against us?" Vnova cursed angrily.
However, the situation developed dramatically. In the 29th minute of the first half, Barcelonaunched an attack from the nk. Busquets'' cross found Messi unmarked in the box, who headed in.
This was a rare headed goal for the Argentine!
But before he could celebrate for long, Wang Feng immediately responded. In the 35th minute, Real Madrid advanced to the frontcourt, and Di Maria passed diagonally into the penalty area.
Wang Feng flicked the ball over the block from Pique''s side, then turned around and shrugged off the defender. Before the ball hit the ground, he volleyed with his right foot, equalizing for the Gcticos.
Later, as the rain intensified, neither side could create good opportunities. The match ended in a draw.
With a total aggregate score of 3-2 over two legs, Real Madrid narrowly eliminated Barcelona and advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals!
Chapter 554: I Seem to Have Been Inspired by Wang Feng
Chapter 554: I Seem to Have Been Inspired by Wang Feng
When the attention of the Spanish King''s Cup surged due to the early encounter between Real Madrid and Barcelona, another rtively unknown team emerged and captured a considerable amount of attention.
They are none other than Mirandes from Segunda B. In the quarter-finals, they faced off against a Spanish team. After a narrow 3-2 defeat in the first leg as the away team, they unexpectedly defeated their opponents 2-1 in the home leg, tying the aggregate score at 4-4. They advanced by virtue of away goals, eliminating the La Liga powerhouse.
This marks the second time since the miracle of Figueirense in 2002 that a Segunda B team has reached the semi-finals of the King''s Cup. The Anduva Municipal Stadium, with only 6,000 spectators, waspletely exhrated. Throughout their journey, they consecutively eliminated Virreal, Santander, and the Spanish team, with each match being considered a miracle.
Mirandes is an inconspicuous Segunda B team from Miranda del Ebro, beside the Ebro River in northern Spain. Their annual budget is only 1.23 million euros, which is one-fortieth of their opponent, the Spanish team, and negligiblepared to powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
What''s even more incredible is that this team can only be considered amateur, as all yers have full-time jobs. For example, Ivantet, who scored six goals and tied for the top spot in the cup''s goal-scoring chart with Wang Feng, is a bank employee who has to go to work at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
They cannot solely rely on football to support themselves, so they work during the day, train and y matches at night, with only Tuesday nights for rest. Ivantet, 31, has been with Mirandes for seven years and has recently felt a bit sleep-deprived.
Facing invitations from several professional teams, he stated that he has no intention of changing careers, "I like my current life. I am highly valued in the bank and can demonstrate my worth, while ying for the club allows me to fully enjoy the fun of football."
In the uing King''s Cup semi-finals, Mirandes will face the rtively weaker Athletic Bilbao, while Real Madrid will sh with Valencia, meaning this amateur team is likely to further create miracles by historically reaching the King''s Cup final!
On January 29, in the 20th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Zaragoza at home.
Less than 5 minutes into the game, Sahin threw a long throw from the sideline directly into the penalty area. Morata headed the ball, and Wang Feng, near the penalty spot, volleyed sideways to break the opponent''s goal, putting the Gcticos ahead!
Even after experiencing a difficult rainy battle at Camp Nou, the Chinese superstar still maintained a high level, leading the substitute lineup to strive for victory to maintain the team''s lead in the points table.
More than half of the first half passed, Granero sent a through ball from midfield, Wang Feng dribbled past the defenders on the edge of the penalty area, then lomed past the goalkeeper Roberto, and then shot into the empty, making it 2-0!
In the 43rd minute, Real Madridunched a counterattack from midfield, Altintop forcefully dribbled the ball to the bottom line, and passed it back to the edge of the penalty area in a triangle, where the Chinese superstar followed up with a right-footed shot into the far corner.
Wang Feng scored a hat-trick!
In the second half, Zaragoza pulled one back through Loewens in midfield. Real Madrid''s substitute goalkeeper Adan, who came on reluctantly, missed the clean sheet bonus, and the final score was set at 3-1, with the Gcticosfortably taking three points.
Seeing Adan feeling down when leaving the field, Wang Feng smiled and hugged him, "Come on, Antonio, don''t look so gloomy. Tonight, I''ll treat you all to a dinner to celebrate our victory."
Upon hearing this, the teammates showed excited expressions. Every time the Chinese superstar treated them, they could enjoy a hearty meal, which was also a small part of the reason why he was so influential in the dressing room. After all, people have short memories when ites to food.
As for the main reason, of course, it''s the addition of strength. Who wouldn''t like a leader who can handle things and is generous?
In another key league match, Barcelona was held to a 0-0 draw away by Virreal, thus widening the gap in points between them and Real Madrid.
This is something that hasn''t happened in the past few seasons. Although Barcelona has always lost to Real Madrid in recent years, it has always been in the final moments. Now, they are showing signs of decline in the middle of the season, almost dropping out of the title race.
It''s only at this moment that some Catn fans feel that Guardi seems to have something after all, while his sessor Vnova is a mess. But would it really be better to change personnel? No one dares to say such a thing.
More and more people are pinning their hopes on time and the future. Some fans left messages on social media: "Admit it, Real Madrid can now firmly suppress us, relying on the power of the legendary superstar Wang Feng."
"But they can''t be dominant forever. Wang is already 29 years old and is about to enter the decline stage. Just wait quietly for another year or two, and Barcelona will definitely regain Catn glory!"
For a while, countless Barcelona fans became like clocks, silently counting the days and looking forward to the day of resurgence.
In February, the King''s Cup semi-finals were held as scheduled, with Real Madrid ying away to Valencia at the Mesta Stadium.
As one of the mostpetitive teams this season outside the Spanish giants, the Bat Legion has lived up to the words in their team anthem: "Don''t disappoint me, Valencia!"
The British "Sky Sports" once praised the Mesta Stadium as one of the twenty greatest stadiums in Europe, "Entering here, you will find a visually stunning steep stands, providing a visual feast beyond the football itself."
More importantly, this stadium is also the oldest in La Liga, even older than the Bernabeu and Camp Nou, having been officiallypleted in 1923.
The strong historical atmosphere and the passionate fansplement each other, and the match slowly began under such an environment.
In the first half, the home team kicked off first, Pablo passed the ball to Soldado, who quickly passed it back to control the rhythm in the backcourt. Faced with such a powerful opponent as the Gcticos, it was not surprising that Valencia chose to defend and counterattack, and their starting lineup was a defensive 4-5-1 formation.
Wang Feng and Iguan quickly rushed to the front court to press, and the Chinese superstar recalled the characteristics of the opponent''s starting double defensive midfielders, Albelda and Banega.
Albelda, with his tough style in the somewhat soft Spanish midfield, can be considered unique. His fierce and ruthless fouls make him look like a Premier League yer.
His defensive level is unquestionable, with excellent awareness and strong interception ability. When it''s time to make a tackle, he won''t hesitate. In recent years, he has gradually grown into the core leader of the Bat Legion.
Banega, on the other hand, is slightly inferior. He has excellent ball control and passing ability, but his speed disadvantage is quite obvious, perhaps he can be seen as a breakthrough point.
Seeing Wang Feng approaching Albelda without sticking to the ball at all, he immediately chose to pass back. Alba, who received the ball, immediately pushed it to the nearby Lami. They all knew the danger of Wang Feng; if they weren''t careful, they could be the culprits for the team.
"After the start, both sides quickly entered the rhythm of the game. It seems that Real Madrid wants to establish a lead as soon as possible, so they pressed quite aggressively in the front court."
"In the league sh earlier this season, the Gcticos narrowly won 3-2 at home. Wang Feng and Soldado both had outstanding performances in that match. I wonder if they can continue their form."
After several consecutive corners, Miguel suddenly kicked off from the back and sent a long pass straight into the heart of Real Madrid''s defense. Soldado rushed to stop the ball before Hctor, but unfortunately, the touch was a bit heavy, and the ball was taken away by Ramos who came after.
"This touch wasn''t good. If it were Wang Feng, he could definitely control it and make a run into the penalty area."
"You''re right, but after all, he''s not the Chinese superstar. It''s already very good to win thending point under Hctor''s interference. This straight pass also sounded the rm for Real Madrid''s defense. If they press too high, they might easily be caught behind."
Ramos passed the ball to Alonso, who pushed forward to near the center line and diagonally passed to Wang Feng''s feet. With his back to Albelda, the Chinese superstar unexpectedly flicked the ball past him, and the Spanish defensive midfielder, seeing the danger, directly tripped him.
"Whistle!" The referee''s whistle immediately sounded, but such a level of foul could only be considered fiercepetition. Albelda is very experienced, he won''t eat cards and won''t give the opponents too much threat of a free kick too far forward.
So both sides fought back and forth for more than 10 minutes, and they hadn''t even had a shot on goal.
It wasn''t until the 13th minute that the Chinese superstar wandered to the left rib to ask for the ball. Marcelo seized the opportunity toplete a wide-range shift, and while Wang Feng elerated to snatch the spot, he lifted his right foot smoothly, and the ball seemed to stick to his feet.
Pablo Banega rushed forward urgently to block, and Wang Feng immediately dribbled forward and once again burst past the Argentine, demonstrating his exceptional speed. He sessfully evaded the defense and charged into the edge of the penalty area!
Ruz and Miguel, the two defenders, nervously converged, feeling the overwhelming aura of the world''s number one yering at them, as if he could break through them and score at any moment.
Reality soon confirmed their concerns. The Chinese superstar moved swiftly, shifting the ball sideways with his right foot after a couple of steps of eleration.
The ball sailed through the narrow gap between the two defenders, whizzing towards the goal. In the air, it even had an upward trajectory, surprising the goalkeeper Guaita, who could only watch helplessly as it slipped through his arms and into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid scores with their first shot, 1-0!"
"A brilliantbination tearing through the opponent''s defense, the speed of the Chinese superstar remains sharp as ever,pletely outpacing Albelda, who''s five years his junior!"
"His decision to shoot just before Valencia''s defense closed in was also very timely. The ball had a rising trajectory in the air, catching Guaita off guard!"
After the restart, Valencia became even more urgent. They had to win at their home ground to have a chance at triumphing at the Bernabu.
The more frantic they became, the more vulnerable they were to Real Madrid''s advances. In the 26th minute, after Alonso intercepted the ball in midfield, he initiated a counterattack with a direct pass. Wang Feng didn''t stop the ball, instead swiftly passing it to Di Mara, who broke through along the sideline and then made a triangle pass back to the Chinese superstar.
Faced with the converging defense, Wang Feng cleverly flicked the ball to the left, feigning a forceful turn. This move drew in Alba behind him, who tried to block his path. However, Wang Feng skillfully turned the ball around his foot in a half-circle, then quickly tapped it with his heel.
The ball smoothly passed through the gap into the penalty area, where a charging Higuan unleashed a fierce shot, piercing through Valencia''s defenses once again.
The Argentine forward roared in celebration as he ran towards the sidelines, with Wang Feng following closely behind. When they reached the touchline, Higuan stopped and excitedly shouted to the Chinese superstar, "I knew you could do it! You always find a way!"
"Haha, but you still have to be in the right position, great shot!"
Valencia''s goalkeeper Guaita stood with his hands on his hips, looking resigned as he watched his jubnt opponents. What could he say about such a divine shot?
Alba, who was yed, dropped to his knees weakly. This La Masia-trained Spanish youngster was currently in a period of technical improvement, and there were rumors that Barcelona was interested in bringing him in to bolster their defense.
The first half ended with Real Madrid leading by two goals. At halftime, a guest on Spanish Radio Cuatro, former Real Madrid legend Ral,mented, "Just as I predicted, Valencia can''t hold back the full force of the Gcticos."
"They have indeed been a bit inconsistent in recent games, but the biggest characteristic of this team is that they never falter in crucial moments, and of course, that''s closely tied to their leader, Wang Feng."
"I increasingly feel that bringing in the Chinese superstar was the wisest decision Florentino has ever made in his life. He''s like an engine that never tires, providing endless drive to everyone."
As the second half began, the bnce of victory gradually tilted towards Real Madrid. In the 61st minute, Wang Feng once again received the ball on the left, using his dribbling skills to get past Banega and elerate away from him.
After breaking into the penalty area, he dodged the pressing defenders with consecutive feints, then leaned against Ruiz and slotted the ball into the top right corner with the outside of his right foot. The ball curved in the air, evading Rami''s attempted clearance and finding the from an acute angle, making it 3-0!
This time, Soldado couldn''t rescue his team. In the 67th minute, he scored a long-range shot that beat Casis''s outstretched arms, but in the 79th minute, Di Mara''s cross from the wing was met by Higuan''s close-range shot, further widening the visitor''s lead.
Real Madrid won 4-1 against Valencia, with the Gcticos virtually securing a ce in the King''s Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate score.
On the other side of the semifinals, there was a dramatic turn of events. Athletic Bilbao took the lead against Mirands in the first leg, defeating them 2-1.
Returning to the San Mams Stadium with a 1-0 lead, they seemed poised to advance. However, in the final 10 minutes, Mirands staged a stunningeback with three consecutive goals from Ivantet, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The dark horse triumphed once again! What''s even more incredible is that the amateur yer Ivantet, with 9 cup goals, surpassed Wang Feng''s 8 to top the scoring chart!
Excitedly speaking to the media, he said, "I''ve always looked up to Wang Feng as an idol. I never thought I could replicate his miracles in an official match. In that moment, I felt inspired by him, believing that never giving up will eventually lead to sess!"
Looking at the world of football today, the Chinese superstar almost embodies words like miracle andeback.
Chapter 555: Deadly with Just One Chance!
Chapter 555: Deadly with Just One Chance!
"Mirandes has made history by reaching the King''s Cup final. Can the dark horse continue its magic and overturn the Gcticos?"
"The cup''s top scorer ims to be inspired by Wang Feng. Who will ultimately win this miracle showdown?"
Various Spanish media outlets are hyping up the exciting battle for the King''s Cup, jokingly referred to as the "super league" showdown between Real Madrid and the third-tier-born Mirandes. The contrast between the two adds a lot of excitement to thepetition.
However, this excitement might have to wait a while. Due to the European Championship being held this summer, the schedules of major leagues are very tight, with all matches needing to bepleted by mid-May. So, the King''s Cup final can only be scheduled for the end of the season.
During this time, there has been a strange incident in La Liga. Despite theirvish spending, Mga has been taken to court by the Spanish Football Federation for non-payment, which is quite puzzling.
Despite their hefty spending on transfers, they have had a habit of dying transfer payments sincest summer.
Other clubs may tolerate this, but Osasuna cannot afford to wait. They are located in the northwest of Spain, and they have always been weak and poor, even facing debt crises multiple times.
After trying hard to raise funds by selling yers, now the outstanding transfer fee owed to Isco has been dyed for 45 days. So, the club''s management decisively chose to sue, resulting in the Spanish Football Federation ruling to prohibit Mga''s winter transfer operations until they clear all debts.
This move instantly worried fans because the team is currently in a crucial period ofpeting for a historic European spot. But the reinforcements signed in the winter, like Cameni, cannot represent Mga in matches.
The reason the Spanish Football Federation took such a tough stance is that they not only have disputes with Osasuna but also with Virreal, who sold Cazo.
"In theory, the Al-Thani family is one of the richest in Qatar, worth billions of euros. Why would they dy such a small amount of 2 million?" Lu Yao said in confusion during a chat.
Wang Feng smiled sarcastically, "It''s because they regret it. Mga is not like Manchester or Paris, the regional size is too small. Al-Thani needs to invest more money to lift the team, but the returns are far lower than big cities."
"Well, I thought those Middle Eastern tycoons were really rich and foolish. It''s quite surprising to see them splurge money like Paris did. Didn''t they spend heavily to poach you before?"
"Haha, yes, their main goal is still to promote the local World Cup. But it''s indeed quite blind. What do you think about me making some money in the future end of my career?"
Lu Yao nodded, "Of course, it''s possible. France is Spain''s neighbor, so the child won''t have to change environments. You can just focus on earning more milk money, haha."
On February 12th, in the 22nd round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Levante at home.
This "poorest" team, after experiencing the brilliance of the early season, has somewhat declined but still maintains apetitive position for European spots.
In the 9th minute, after stealing the ball in the back, Hctor Herrera quickly passed to Di Mara, who drove straight to the edge of the penalty area. Taking advantage of the defense''s focus on Wang Feng, he suddenly took a long shot, a powerful world-ss goal that pierced through goalkeeper Munua''s fingertips.
Just 7 minutester, Wang Feng actively pressed forward, causing defender Ballesteros to make a mistake. The ball was intercepted by Higuan, who then rushed into the penalty area, passed the goalkeeper, and scored into the empty.
2-0! Before Wang Feng even started scoring, the opponent fell first!
Just when everyone thought another ughter was about to happen, in the 34th minute, Iborra seized apse in Real Madrid''s defense and made a through pass. Forward Kon scored, pulling one back for Levante.
In the second half, in the 51st minute, Juanlu, the 20th midfielder of Levante, also made a wonderful long shot from outside the penalty area, the ball going straight to the bottom left corner, leaving Casis sighing.
With the score tied, all Real Madrid yers immediately rallied. They didn''t want to be eyed by the fans like Barcelona, needlessly losing the victory.
With full effort, the home team basically controlled the game. In the 65th minute, Alonso, with the cooperation of Modri?, intercepted the ball, then urately sent a long pass through the defense.
Wang Feng, like a lightning bolt, burst through the crowd, tore apart the Levante defense, dribbled into the penalty area, and then dodged the goalkeeper Munua to score. The Chinese superstar scored his first goal of the match and helped the team take the lead again.
After that, the Gcticos didn''t give the opponent any more chances. Seeing the game approaching its end, when Di Mara broke through on the wing, he suddenly turned back, shaking off the defenders and passing to the middle.
Amidst the chaos in the penalty area, before Levante midfielder Barkdo could clear the ball, Wang Feng suddenly appeared and poked the ball with his left foot. It came to Higuan''s feet.
The Argentine striker didn''t miss this rare opportunity and immediately kicked a low shot into the corner of the goal.
4-2! Real Madrid finally secured the victory.
After this game, the total number of goals scored by the Chinese superstar in the league reached 41, leading Messi, who has scored 23 goals, by a wide margin.
What''s even more upsetting for the Argentine star is that the team unexpectedly lost 2-3 away to Osasuna, even though they had just won 5-1 at home against Valenciast round.
These two game results also reflect Barcelona''s performance this season, which is extremely unstable. They can easily defeat strong teams but inexplicably lose to weak teams.
"If Barcelona were to reach the King''s Cup final, Mirandes might really have a chance to win the championship," joked Marca.
At this point, the point gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona on the league table has widened to 11 points. Although there are 15 games left, it would be very difficult to make up for 4 wins.
On February 19th, the Gcticos challenged Santander away, preparing for the uing Champions League knockout stage. Coach Ancelotti did not send out the strongest lineup, but theckluster opponents made their victory quite easy.
Wang Feng contributed two goals in the first half, and Jose and Altintop each scored, leading them to a 4-0 victory.
The weather in Moscow in February was still very cold, with an average temperature even dropping to minus 6 degrees Celsius. As Real Madrid adjusted to the field, Alonso shivered while rubbing his palms: "Damn, do we really have to y in this weather?"
Wang Feng kept jumping to keep his body active: "Quickly adapt to it. This ce is a devil''s home field in winter."
In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid traveled to Russia to challenge CSKA Moscow. However, the strong cold wind from Siberia made the yers suffer. Hctor Herrera caught a cold shortly after getting off the ne, and Pepe also showed symptoms of diarrhea. Both are highly likely to miss the game.
The Chinese superstar couldn''t help but sigh; this time, they had to defeat not only the opponent but also the harsh weather.
"Sports channel, sports channel, good evening to all viewers. We are about to bring you the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, with Real Madrid ying away against CSKA Moscow."
"From the temperate oceanic climate of Spain, the Gcticos havee to the cold temperate continental climate of Moscow. Do they still have the ability to run rampant?"
"ording to pre-match media reports, Real Madrid has lost two key yers even before the battle. Hctor Herrera and Pepe are both absent from the starting lineup due to environmental difort. The head coach had to use Granero and Varane instead."
"On the other hand, CSKA Moscow haspletely adopted a defensive posture. The head coach has deployed a 5-3-2 formation, with Ignashevich, Berezutski, Sembrs, Odiah, and Nababkin forming a steel defense line."
"The midfield is manned by Mamayev, Dzagoev, and Oli?, while the forwards are Niasse and Dumbia."
"It is worth mentioning that the Japanese 26-year-old star Honda, who has just recovered from injury, did not appear in the starting lineup. Just when he was getting better, he encountered a major injury, which is really unlucky."
"Alright, as the main referee blows the start whistle, Real Madrid kicks off in the first half."
The Gcticos quickly gained possession of the ball, but the low temperature and howling cold wind made the yers'' bodies stiff, and Wang Feng was no exception. In the 3rd minute, he attempted to dribble past but almost lost the ball due to stiff feet. Fortunately, he managed to control the ball and passed it back to Granero.
They could only raise their body temperature by running continuously. During this time, Real Madrid could hardly pose any threat, frequently passing the ball ineffectively, while Moscow yers tightly defended their territory, not allowing easy pration by the opponents.
In the 13th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Alonso with his back to the goal, lightly turned past Dzagoev, but was directly bumped into by Sembrs who came to defend.
The referee awarded Real Madrid a free kick from about 26 meters, within the shooting range of the Chinese superstar, so he attempted a direct shot. The ball soared over the wall but instead of descending as usual, it continued to fly high into the stands.
"Ah, the quality of this free kick is a bit poor,pletely below the usual standard. It seems that Wang Feng is also affected by the bad weather."
"Yes, it seems that the rotation imparted to the ball at the moment of kicking was not enough, resulting in theck of a downward effect. It''s okay, as we said earlier, they can still win back at the Bernabu. Let''s aim for a draw in this game."
The game process was very dull, with neither side able to create good opportunities. The twomentators couldn''t help but find some other topics to chat about, and they began discussing the trend of yers from China, Japan, and South Korea ying abroad.
"I actually really admire Wang Feng. He started nning to y abroad very early on and, with his influence, helped nurture many talented yers at Genk and Inter Mn."
"And it''s all his personal investment, which is much more practical than charity work. Nowadays, the domestic football scene is clear, and many things can be said openly. These young yers have chosen to return to China for a living, but there are still many who insist on staying in high-level European leagues, and there are quite a few of them."
"So we no longer need to envy how South Korean and Japanese yers thrive in Europe. Interested viewers in front of the TV can check it out. Although most of them are in secondary leagues, they are very young and have great potential for improvement. Perhaps in a few years, we will see an explosion of Chinese yers in the top five European leagues."
"You''re right. Look at this counterattack from Moscow! Mamayev dribbles forward, passes to the middle, oh, Varane has left his man, and Dumbia, unmarked, receives the ball and shoots! Goal!"
"In the 56th minute of the second half, Moscow Army broke the deadlock! Varane is still too young, his eyes only on the ball, not the man!"
"Let''s look at the slow-motion rey. The home team quickly counterattacks, Mamayev is very experienced, pushing forward to the front without hurrying to pass. At this time, Niasse is on his left, and Dumbia is in the middle."
"There are actually Real Madrid defenders on both sides, but he suddenly feints to the side, seemingly going to set up Niasse, at this time Varane is attracted to the side andpletely ignores Dumbia''s forward run behind him."
"Yes, if it were someone like Pepe, a cautious veteran, he would definitely scan around, but unfortunately, he''s absent."
"Now the Gcticos are in a trailing situation. They have to think about how to break through the opponent''s iron shell even if they return to the Bernabu."
Although Wang Feng felt very frustrated, he still forced himself tofort the young yers who made mistakes and encouraged the team to continue their efforts. This was his necessary duty.
As the game progressed, due to the Chinese superstar''s free kicks being off-target, several consecutive shots missed the goal frame, allowing the opponents to foul him to block his breakthrough with impunity.
Stomping his foot, when has he ever been so aggrieved? "Just wait, as long as I seize one opportunity, it will be fatal!" Wang Feng thought fiercely in his heart.
As time passed to the 85th minute, Real Madrid once again attempted tounch an attack. Di Mara''s attempt to break through on the wing failed, so he chose to pass back to Alonso, who then passed to Wang Feng.
Before the Chinese superstar could start, Dzagoev stretched his leg to hook the ball and also tripped him forcefully. The referee decisively blew the whistle for a free kick, in a position simr to the first half, around 26 meters from the goal!
"Do you want to make abination y, you go into the penalty area and fight for a header?" Alonso ran over and asked, "No need, let me try again." Wang Feng took a deep breath, his eyes seeming to ignite a zing fire.
This was the arrogance of the world''s number one!
The Spanish midfielder nodded, without saying a word, he ran to the front of the penalty area to coordinate everyone''s positions, giving the stage to the Chinese superstar. He had unparalleled prestige in the team, and no one would question his decision.
Slowly retreating, silently feeling the fierce wind on the field, he gathered momentum! Shot!
"Goal!! Goal!! Finally!! Wang Feng''s direct free kick scores!!"
"A standard elevator shot, the ball soars over the wall and quickly descends, CSKA Moscow''s goalkeeper Gabulov has no way to stop it!"
"Wang Feng has once again surpassed himself! The harsh environment caused him to waste several scoring opportunities, but the Chinese superstar tells us that only the best deserves to be called the greatest in history!"
"No difficulty can defeat him. Now Real Madrid is tied 1-1 with the opponent, and has obtained a precious away goal. Moscow Army can no longer use a defensive strategy."
After scoring, Wang Feng looked up and howled, feeling that all his frustrations had disappeared. Soon, he was surrounded by his teammates who rushed over.
"This is you! Your frozen legs and feet are finally moving!" Iguain said with a smile.
"You never disappoint us. God, is there anything you can''t do?" Alonso couldn''t help but marvel.
The noisy home fans, who had been taunting just a moment ago, seemed frozen at this moment. They had just shouted provocatively, "Where is Wang Feng? Where is the world''s number one?" Now they faced retribution.
Of course, they should be thankful that Wang Feng couldn''t understand Russian, otherwise, they would have suffered even worse.
Chapter 556: Isn鈥檛 This a Free Pass to the Top Four?
Chapter 556: Isn''t This a Free Pass to the Top Four?
After returning to Madrid from Moscow, Real Madrid, the new movement of La Liga, Sevi announced the dismissal of head coach Marcelino after experiencing 8 winless rounds, to be honest, it''s somewhat unexpected that he could hold on until now.
The Seville team is currently only ranked 11th on the points table. The club''s top management urgently hopes to make a quick impact like Atletico Madrid did by changing the coach, sprinting for the Europeanpetition in the final stage.
Former Real Madrid "Five Eagles" member Gonzalez, took over as the head coach. He was a core striker for the team from 1984 to 1996, scoring a total of 96 goals. After retiring, he also served as the coach of Real Madrid B team.
His excellent coaching experience with Huesca made him a target for mid-table teams in La Liga, and he was also considered by Real Madrid when they were selecting a coach at the beginning of the season.
However, he had conflicts with the top management of the Gcticos before, which made cooperation between the two sides difficult. Afterprehensive evaluation, they chose the Italian Carlo Ancelotti.
Sevi has high expectations for the new head coach. The club''s president, Del Nido, said, "I believe he can lead the team to fourth ce."
In their first match after the coaching change against Osasuna, Gonzalez had a good start. With goals from Medel and Trochowski, they defeated their opponents 2-0, achieving their first victory in nearly 9 rounds.
Sevi is in high spirits, while Valencia''s top management is somewhat helpless because their key midfielder Banega had a bizarre car ident.
The incident urred when the Argentine was driving to the team''s training base. He stopped for gas midway, but forgot to pull the handbrake, resulting in the car slipping forward and injuring his leg.
After a doctor''s diagnosis, Banega''s ankle was fractured and he would need at least 6 months of rest. In other words, his season ispletely over. Such a strange and unlucky incident casts a shadow over the club''s hopes for a top-three finish.
This ident also serves as a warning to all yers, including Wang Feng. Nobody knows when idents will happen, so everyone needs to be careful.
The schedule for the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League started earlier than the UEFA Champions League, so they have already determined the 16 teams that advanced, with all three La Liga teams making it through.
Atletico Madrid thrashed Lazio, Valencia narrowly defeated Stoke City from the English Premier League, and Athletic Bilbao overturned Lokomotiv Moscow. But unfortunately, they will face Manchester United in the round of 16.
A fiery Cristiano Ronaldo, in an interview, stated that the Europa League is already in the bag for the Red Devils; they are clearly a level above all other participating teams.
Such a contemptuous tone immediately drew the ire of the media and opponents. If Manchester United is so strong, how did they end up being eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League? Athletic Bilbao forward Muniain retorted, "Cristiano Ronaldo? Sorry, is he not that famous? I know the football king Wang Feng and the superstar Messi, they are the widely known outstanding yers."
He knows how to provoke Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese promptly smashed his own phone and vowed to give the other party a lesson.
On February 26th, in the 24th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Rayo Vallecano at home.
Obviously, the home team had notpletely "thawed" from the cold of Moscow, but with a clever through pass from Wang Feng on the edge of the penalty area, Morata broke into the heart of the defense and scored the only goal of the game, helping the team to a 1-0 victory.
Seven dayster, in the 25th round of La Liga, the Gcticos traveled to Barcelona to challenge Espanyol.
Just 5 minutes into the game, Wang Feng passed the ball to Iguan on the wing, who shot but was saved by the goalkeeper. Real Madrid won a corner kick.
Alonso lofted the ball into the penalty area, and the Chinese superstar leaped like a god and headed the ball into the, helping the away team open the scoring.
This goal seemed to sound the horn for Real Madrid''s attack. Di Mara soon cut inside from the wing and scored, expanding the lead for the team. Modric and Alonso also scored, leading them to a 4-0 halftime lead.
The Croatian scored his first goal since joining the Gcticos, showing his excitement and surprise. From now on, his journey with Real Madrid will surely be smoother.
In the second half, just before Wang Feng was substituted, he quickly increased his goal tally to two with a long-range shot. Then the game entered garbage time, and when the final whistle blew, the score remained 5-0.
On March 11th, back at the Bernabu, the Gcticos weed Real Betis in the 26th round of La Liga.
In the 17th minute of the game, Khedira sent a precise through pass during a counterattack, and Wang Feng, at the 12-yard position on the right side of the penalty area, shot and scored.
Six minutester, Khedira distributed the ball again, Di Mara broke through and crossed, and the Chinese superstar, stationed at the corner of the small penalty area, scored with a sideways volley, expanding the team''s lead.
What was originally thought to be a situation easily controlled suddenly changed dramatically in the second half. Castro and Santa Cruz each scored for the away team to equalize.
The final result was fixed at 2-2, and the Gcticos'' winning streak of 9 league games came to an end.
Although they still lead Barcelona by a considerable margin in points, after the match, in the dressing room, Ancelotti reminded everyone not to get carried away, "Conceding two goals in the second half ispletely uneptable. Even if we have a slight advantage, if anyone drops the ball on the field, I will not hesitate to bench him!"
As the unique leader in the team, if Wang Feng stands with the head coach, then he will have supreme power. This is the case with Ancelotti now, so everyone remains silent, expressing their positive attitude.
"In thest encounter between the two teams, it was a pity for Lokomotiv Moscow. To be honest, Real Madrid''s performance throughout the game was not outstanding, but Wang Feng relied on his individual ability to score a precious away goal."
"Yes, now they areing to the Bernabu at aprehensive disadvantage. Simply defending means elimination. Moscow must find a way to attack and score goals, which will inevitably lead to an unstable defense."
"Both teams'' yers walked out of the tunnel onto the field, and it can be seen that they all look very serious. I believe the Gcticos will not make the mistake of underestimating the opponent again."
"As for the starting lineup, for Real Madrid, Khedira and Pepe can y, while for Moscow, it is basically the same lineup as thest match, with Honda recing Iniesta. His recent performances have gradually gained the trust of the head coach."
In the first half, the away team kicked off. Honda passed to Dumbia, who then passed back to organize the defense. The Gcticos'' midfield and frontcourt yers pressed aggressively, as this is the Bernabu!
After several passes back, Moscow couldn''t advance to the frontcourt. Helpless, Honda retreated to receive the ball, and Sembrs passed it to him. Just as he was about to control the ball, Wang Feng suddenly darted out from the side and skillfully took the ball away.
The Japanese forward was taken aback and hurriedly chased after him, but the Chinese superstar''s speed was too fast. In just a few moves, he shook off Honda and dribbled past a defender, then rushed into the vicinity of the penalty area and made a cross.
Iguan''s header from the far post was slightly wide of the post. "A beautiful steal and counterattack, but Iguan''s shot at the end was a bitcking."
"Yes, it''s a pity. Wang Feng''s interception and breakthrough just now were truly seamless. From this perspective, Honda Keisuke''s movements appeared stiff and slow."
"Haha, but he is indeed a very outstanding Asian yer. You can''tpare him to Wang Feng. Apart from a few like Dong Fangzhuo domestically, there really isn''t anyone who can match him entirely in terms of technique."
"That''s the significance of ying in Europe. As the Most Valuable yer ofst year''s Asian Cup, Honda has made significant progress. Even ying in a secondary league like Moscow, he has gained a lot. I believe he definitely has the ability tond in one of the top five leagues next. Even joining a top club is not impossible."
Sixteen minutes into the game, Moscowunched their first attack into the opposition''s penalty area, but it was intercepted by Ramos. He immediately passed it to Khedira.
The German dribbled past the midfield and passed it to Wang Feng. After taking two slow steps, Wang Feng suddenly elerated. Beside him, the defender Bereszynski hurriedly extended his leg to poke the ball away, but the Chinese superstar swiftly changed direction with a backheel, causing him to lose bnce and fall to the ground.
Pushing all the way to the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng saw the opposing goalkeeper positioned forward. He lifted his toe and sent a lob towards the far corner. Munua was shocked, retreating while jumping, stretching his arm to its fullest to save.
However, the ball still slipped past his fingertips, swerving past the inside of the post and into the goal. 1-0! Real Madrid takes the lead!
Boom! This goalpletely ignited the passion at the Bernabu. Fans waved cards with Wang Feng''s name, chanting "Dios" continuously. At this moment, he was the god of the Bernabu!
All the Moscow yers were stunned by this scene. What could they use to defeat such a strong opponent?
Real Madrid, growing more confident, quicklyunched another attack. Di Mara passed the ball to Wang Feng on the wing, who took two steps before passing it to Iguan.
The Argentine received the ball with his back to the goal, pressed closely by a defender. Seeing the Chinese superstar making a forward run, he cleverly passed it back to him with his right foot.
But Wang Feng didn''t receive the ball, instead, he cleverly let it pass through, knowing there was another defender marking him closely. On the other side, Di Mara found space to easily receive the ball.
At this moment, the defender marking Wang Feng had to shift to defend Di Mara''s side, leaving space behind him. Wang Feng leaped and volleyed with his left foot, the ball sneaking under the crossbar and hitting the.
"The ball''s in! Real Madrid''s second goales so quickly!"
"Iguan, Wang Feng, and Di Mara formed a triangr passingbination in the forward area, and Wang Feng is the most agile among them!"
"Let''s slow down and appreciate the entire attacking process. When Di Mara passed the ball, he and Iguan were positioned on either side, while Wang Feng was slightly behind, forming an inverted triangle."
"The Chinese superstar passed the ball to Iguan and then made a forward run, drawing defenders. When the three formed a straight line, he intentionally let the ball pass to Di Mara, knowing that there was no one marking the Argentine midfielder nearby, which would surely draw high attention from the Moscow defense."
"At this moment, Wang Feng continued his run into the penalty area, turning the formation into a regr triangle. Di Mara''s timing for the pass was also very clever, just bypassing the defender''s head to find the advancing Chinese superstar."
"If he had chosen to control the ball at this moment, he would have been closed down by Ignashevich and the goalkeeper, blocking his shooting path. But a king is a king. Wang Feng jumped directly and volleyed."
"This kind of shot requires precise power and angle control. But for Wang Feng, it seems like child''s y. Perfect teamworkbined with a brilliant finish, together creating a great goal!"
After this, Moscowpletely lost their resistance. In the 63rd minute of the second half, the Chinese superstar sealed the victory with a long shot from outside the penalty area, securing his second hat-trick of the season in the Champions League.
3-0, with an aggregate score of 4-1 over two legs, Real Madrid eliminated their opponents and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals!
The remaining seven teams also determined their cester. Lyon drew 1-1 with Greek side Olympiacos, eventually advancing through a penalty shootout, causing countless media to look at each other in surprise. It was practically handing a spot in the semi-finals to the Gctic Battleship.
Five consecutive titles are not the limit. Could Real Madrid challenge for six? It''s beyond everyone''s imagination.
UEFA President tini couldn''t help but feel helpless. He didn''t intervene, but he definitely didn''t want Real Madrid to break through history so easily. "Getting past this round is good, but the semi-finals and finals will be tough." That''s how heforted himself.
Another La Liga super team, Barcelona, also easily progressed. They thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 10-2 over two legs, seemingly venting all their frustrations and leaving the Germans bewildered.
AC Mn narrowly eliminated Arsenal with a score of 4-3, setting up a sh with Barcelona in the quarter-finals. One of the focal points of this series will be whether Kak, who has shown signs of returning to form at San Siro, can prove his worth against his former club.
Zenit St. Petersburg lost 3-4 to Benfica, while Chelsea edged out Napoli in a penalty shootout. Mourinho will lead the Blues to face his former team from the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Inter Mn drew 2-2 with Marseille but was eliminated due to an away goals disadvantage. Ribery shed tears on the field. Since helping the Nerazzurri win ten consecutive league titles, they have gradually declined. Looking back, the rising Juventus and steadily developing AC Mn have surpassed them. Everything seems to have returned to how it was over a decade ago, when the Inter dynasty seemed like a dream.
Ribery was no longer the young man who constantlyined to his seniors. At the age of 29, he had be a pir of the team, second only to Zti in terms of seniority and importance.
When Wang Feng called to console him, the Frenchman calmly said, "I''m fine, captain. Actually, I''vee to terms with it. I''ve already achieved too much glory, and I''ve even had the chance to challenge you. My career is already fulfilled."
"I once thought about leaving Inter for a better tform, but I couldn''t bear to leave everything here. I''ll continue the journey with everyone, like Zti. So I''m really grateful that you brought me to Italy."
Although Wang Feng disliked the corrupt andpetitive environment of Serie A, he still admired the camaraderie among the top clubs. Many old yers could retire at their clubs.
Returning to the Champions League, Marseille''s opponent in the quarter-finals was Bayern Munich, who eliminated Basel from the Swiss Super League with an 8-0 aggregate score. Dong Zhuo scored four Champions League goals in the process.
Chapter 557: Spanish Storm Sweeps Europe
Chapter 557: Spanish Storm Sweeps Europe
Among the UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists, La Liga upies two spots, while the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A, Primeira Liga, and Cypriot First Division each have one, presenting a diversified scenario with Spain slightly in advantage.
Meanwhile, on the Europa League stage, La Liga also stirs up a storm, sweeping through the Europeanpetition with a fast, dominant, and technically proficient style of y.
The most astonishing performance undoubtedly belongs to Athletic Bilbao. They secured a 3-2 victory overst season''s Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up, Manchester United, at Old Trafford, where no team has ever caused such embarrassment to the Red Devils.
The Basque Lionspletely lived up to their pre-match statements of not fearing any opponent. They maintained a strong attacking presence throughout the game. While Manchester United had a higher efficiency, they struggled to withstand the storm unleashed by their opponents.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the Red Devils, but the recent Spanish sensation forward, Lorente, equalized with a header. Subsequently, Demarcos and Muniain added two more goals to extend the lead.
During injury time, the Portuguese managed to pull one back with a free kick, but it was too little toote.
As soon as the game ended, Ronaldo stormed off the field without even acknowledging the fans, not even participating in the customary thanks. He wasn''t the culprit for the team''s loss; in fact, he had arguably the best performance of the match, yet he became the subject of mockery by the media and fans, all because of his earlier remarks.
The British newspaper "The Times" remarked that the trophies Ronaldo looks down upon are getting farther and farther away from him, stating, "Athletic Bilbao performed more impressively, and the Red Devils paid the price for their arrogance."
They emphasized that the current atmosphere within Manchester United''s squad is overly restless, with Ferguson seemingly losing control of the dressing room, especially after the Wayne Rooney incident.
"It''s evident that the Red Devils need Rooney, not just topete against their cross-city rivals Manchester City in the league but also to go further on the European stage."
"The Sun" directly pointed fingers at Cristiano Ronaldo for creating controversies,beling him as a team dictator who used transfer threats to force the club to choose between him and the Englishman, ultimately aiming to secure his own supremacy.
"Such disregard for the team''s performance, solely focusing on oneself, is simply outrageous, and the fact is, he couldn''t bring victories to Manchester United."
These remarks naturally sparked strong discontent from Ronaldo and his family. His sister vented her anger on social media: "Cristiano has given his all, scoring two goals. What more do you want from him? Should he y as a defender or even go into the penalty area to save goals?"
"Wayne Rooney is a jerk, he doesn''t even deserve to be my (brother''s) teammate." Since the original text uses "My," many readers felt that Ronaldo himself wrote this dynamic on his sister''s ount.
For a while, various discussions and controversies flooded the inte. In fact, thesements inadvertently hurt the feelings of other Manchester United yers as well, making them feel as if Ronaldo was implying that only he contributed while others were useless.
While Manchester United faced mockery and criticism, Athletic Bilbao received heaps of praise, especially their head coach, Bielsa.
Recalling the 2002 World Cup, he almost had his reputation shattered due to Argentina''s failure to advance from the group stage. Three current Manchester United yers, Owen, Ferdinand, and Scholes, were part of that team.
Exactly ten yearster, the Argentine coach achieved his little revenge, although it was on the Europa League stage.
Argentine media was ecstatic about Bielsa''s triumph at Old Trafford. "El Nacional"mented that he taught Ferguson a lesson at Old Trafford, constantly pacing on the sidelines, passionately shouting at the yers, enabling them to firmly execute their tactics.
"This victory helps Bielsa emerge from the shadow of ten years ago. Athletic Bilbao outperformed Manchester United, creating numerous opportunities."
Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" praised that through this game, all of Europe witnessed the power of the Basque Lions, as they conquered the "Theater of Dreams" with superior football skills.
"If it weren''t for De Gea''s consecutive saves, Manchester United''s defeat would have been even more disastrous. Athletic Bilbaopletely controlled the game, regardless of whose home ground it was."
"Passing, movement, breaking through defenses; the away team exemplified the coach''s football philosophy. Despite some defensive mistakes in the game, Athletic Bilbao achieved the best bnce between efficiency and talent, between fixed positions and improvisation, between physicality and football skills."
Despite the overwhelming praise, Athletic Bilbao did not lose theirposure. They returned to the San Mames Stadium to continue their steady progress, while Cristiano Ronaldo''s remarks affected the mood of many yers.
After a 90-minute battle, the score settled at 2-1, with the home team in the lead. The Basque Lionspleted a double over the Red Devils, advancing to the Europa League quarter-finals with a 5-3 aggregate score!
Apart from them, Valencia and Atletico Madrid also defeated their respective opponents to advance. La Liga surprisingly upies three spots in the Europa League quarter-finals!
"La Liga Rules Europe!" proimed the Spanish newspaper "Abc", expressing pride. With 16 teams in the Champions League and Europa League quarter-finalsbined, La Liga has 5 teams, ounting for nearly one-third, the highest proportion among the remaining 9 leagues.
"Not only does Real Madrid dominate the Champions League, but other clubs in Spain are also progressing. They continuously seize territory on the European stage."
This result is a boon for La Liga, as it helps ensure future participation in Europeanpetitions and consolidates its position as the top league.
After the third-ced teams from the Champions League group stage moved to the Europa League, only Valencia persisted until now, with strong teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, Porto, and Ajax all eliminated.
With Real Madrid continuing to dominate European club football and the national team holding the top position in European football, Spanish football has entered its heyday.
The Spanish newspaper "El Pais" believes that managing a top club brand will attract talented individuals from all over the world to join La Liga, thus continuing to improve its level.
"Real Madrid has done exceptionally well. They have always imed that the best yers y for the best clubs, and the fact proves it."
On March 19th, in the 27th round of La Liga, the Gcticos challenged Mga away.
The match was yed at noon, with warm weather on the Costa del Sol making the yers feel somewhat fatigued, and a slightpse in concentration led to the opponents scoring first.
In the 77th minute of the second half, Granero crossed into the penalty area, and Wang Feng swiftly moved forward from the back post, stretching his leg to score with a low-angle shot, equalizing the score for Real Madrid.
In the end, both sides shook hands with a 1-1 draw.
On March 22nd, in the 28th round of La Liga, Real Madrid returned to the Bernabeu to face Virreal.
After thest round of league matches, the Yellow Submarine announced the dismissal of their head coach Molina. This is the second time they have sacked a head coach this season. The 41-year-old Molina led the team in 11 La Liga matches, with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, failing to satisfy the club''s management.
Furthermore, the team is currently ranked fourth from the bottom, with only a 3-point gap from the relegation zone. They can no longer afford any mistakes.
Former Deportivo La Coru?a coach Lotina took over this mess, and his debut was facing the league leaders, Real Madrid.
In an interview, he said, "I am happy toe to such an important team in the Spanish league. Although the current situation is not very optimistic, everyone still has passion."
"Before the official training, I talked to each yer. They are eager for victory in their eyes, which is enough. Football relies heavily on the emotions and confidence of the yers. Only in this way can everyone''s talents be unleashed."
"It is undeniable that Real Madrid is the most difficult opponent, especially Wang Feng. No team dares toe out and say they can stop him."
"But they are not unbeatable, otherwise there wouldn''t be draws and defeats. We just need to do our best and enjoy football on the field."
In the match against Virreal, Real Madridpletely implemented the new coach''s arrangements. They indeed put up a good fight, at one point suppressing the home team, and Camunas opened the scoring in the 27th minute.
But how could Wang Feng allow the opponents to rampage on his turf?
In the 59th minute of the second half, Real Madrid attacked into the opponent''s half. Alonso passed the ball to the Chinese superstar on the right, who skillfully dribbled and deceived four defenders with rhythm changes and feints.
Running along the edge of the left small penalty area, Wang Feng unexpectedly sent a low shot, and although the goalkeeper dived to save, the shot was too tricky. The ball grazed the inside of the right post and went into the, 1-1! The home team equalized the score!
Twelve minutester, the Gcticos intercepted in midfield andunched a counterattack. Khedira quickly passed the ball to Wang Feng, who then turned and pushed forward.
The Yellow Submarine defender Sena directly slid to the ground, but the Chinese superstar managed to get the ball first while also trying to maintain bnce and break free from the opponent''s entanglement.
Then he drove straight into the penalty area, facing the oing goalkeeper and Borja on the right, Wang Feng aimed and shot with his left foot, the ball passing through the gap between Borja''s legs and going straight into the corner of the goal.
2-1! The Chinese superstar scored twice to reverse Virreal and help Real Madrid take all three points!
At the post-match press conference, Lotina expressed helplessness, saying that the team had done well enough. They had once dominated the Gcticos in the first half, but unfortunately couldn''t stop Wang Feng''s momentum.
"To be honest, even Barcelona couldn''t do what we couldn''t. The team will ept this defeat with respect."
However, he believed that if Virreal could maintain their current level of attitude to face the remaining matches, the club would definitely avoid relegation.
On March 25th, in the 29th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Real Sociedad away. Due to the rekindling of the Champions League midweek, head coach Ancelotti rotated some of the main lineup.
The first half ended in a 0-0 draw, with neither side able to break through the opponent''s defense. In the second half, after Wang Feng came on as a substitute, the situation gradually tilted towards the Gcticos.
In the 67th minute, Granero crossed near the baseline, and the Chinese superstar headed the ball near the penalty spot into the goal, finally breaking the deadlock for the away team.
In the 82nd minute, Real Madrid won a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half, and Wang Feng directly shot, the ball drawing arge arc in the air, bypassing the wall and curving into the goal.
In the end, they won 2-0 against the home team.
With the two goals scored in this game, Wang Feng once again raised his league goal tally to 50. The media no longer made a fuss, waiting for the day when his goal tally plummeted would be the real big news.
Meanwhile, in this round, Messi scored four goals to help Barcelona beat Granada 5-3, bing the focal point. Messi''s goal tally quietly reached 35 for the season, although not as many as the Chinese superstar, but far ahead of the third-ced scorer Falcao with 19 goals.
The Argentine newspaper "Ol" published a headline: "35 goals in 29 rounds, Leo grows proudly in the mud!"
The article pointed out that Messi''s performance this season had improved dramatically, both on the field and in terms of goals, making him the most outstanding yer alongside Wang Feng, except that due to Barcelona''s overall suppression by Real Madrid, European mainstream media maliciously criticized him, with no words of encouragement or praise, but instead questioning and criticizing him.
"This is to destroy the future pir of Argentina! We must not sit idly by. Leo is already strong and hardworking enough. The team''s defeat cannot be entirely med on him!"
After this report came out, other Argentine media such as "Nacin", "Crnica", "La Voz del Interior", "rn", and "Pgina/12" responded one after another, with South American public opinion moring to demand an exnation from Europe.
European media generally acknowledged Messi''s excellent performance, but losing is losing, and no matter how well he performs, it cannot bring results for the team.
Cyprus is an ind country located in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is the thirdrgest ind in the Mediterranean, adjacent to Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, very close to the Asian region.
Prior to this, Wang Feng had never been there, and most of the Real Madrid yers were the same. Therefore, when everyone took a ne to its capital, Nicosia, they kept looking around with curious eyes.
"It''s also a developed country here. If it weren''t for the tight schedule, I really want to go around nearby and experience the local customs." Ramos seemed eager, but soon gave in under Ancelotti''s stern gaze.
"Everyone, I don''t want to say anything pessimistic. The outside world thinks that Greek Athletic is our gift, and now what we have to do is turn it into reality!"
"For this, everyone must do their best and not be distracted. After we win, I will apply to the club to give you half a day off."
With these words, everyone was delighted, and Ramos was the first to speak up: "You can rest assured, we will definitely not let you down!"
The Cypriot First Division has a total of 14 teams, and Greek Athletic is the most sessful club among them. They have won the league title 21 times, the cup 19 times, and the super cup 12 times.
So the team itself is quite strong, otherwise they wouldn''t have historically reached the Champions League quarter-finals, but this strength is not enough against Real Madrid.
Chapter 558: Slapping Across the Face from Afar
Chapter 558: pping Across the Face from Afar
Before every Real Madrid match, there''s a lively atmosphere on domestic forums and social media tforms, where fans eagerly discuss various news about the game.
"Why did Olympiakos reach the Champions League quarter-finals? I saw some media saying their entire squad''s total value is only around 15 million euros."
"The Gcticos'' squad is almost reaching 800 million, and that''s underestimating Wang Feng; it''s already more than fifty times!"
This topic immediately sparked heated discussions, with various opinions being expressed.
Some believe it''s their style of y that created miracles. "Just watch their previous games, and you''ll see that Olympiakos has strong overall discipline."
Every yer gives their all, especially in the game against Lyon. Even when they were down to ten men in extra time, they remained calm and eventually defeated their opponent in a penalty shootout.
"The biggest reliance for beating the stronger opponent is teamwork. As long as all strengths are united, the power unleashed will be astonishing."
Apart from this viewpoint, many believe it''s UEFA''s restructuring of the Champions League qualifiers that deserves credit, a move initiated during tini''s tenure.
"Many European second and third-tier league teams, including Olympiakos, managed to avoid facing powerful qualifiers and smoothly entered the Champions League group stage."
The fact that a Cypriot powerhouse enters the Champions League twice in three years is the best proof, and many unknown small clubs also made it to the group stage.
Although Olympiakos'' first Champions League journey wasn''t sessful, finishing bottom of the group, the fact that they had a spot in Europeanpetitions attracted arge number of high-quality talents.
These individuals, who have long been in mid-to-lower-tier European clubs, have rich technical experience but low transfer values. They aspire to move to higher European stages to realize their own value.
For example, yers like Yashic, who yed for Aris in the Greek Super League, and former Real Betis forward Olivera.
Some data enthusiasts believe that Olympiakos'' attacking efficiency is exceptionally high, allowing them to reach their current stage.
"From the official data provided by UEFA, the Cypriot powerhouse has a very low possession rate in all matches, but their sess rate in attack is exceptionally outstanding, scoring a goal for every four shots on average."
"On the other hand, Lyon had 22 shots but in vain, no wonder they were eliminated."
"But what if they encounter a yer with extremely high attacking efficiency, like Wang Feng? Will they stand a chance?"
"It''s very unlikely, so everyone thinks Olympiakos is a gift for Real Madrid. As for the game itself, let''s see in detail after the kickoff."
Ancelotti thoroughly studied Olympiakos'' tactical style before the match, which isn''t actually mysterious, simplifying it into three points.
Let the opponent have possession and counterattack,press the activity space, and seize opportunities on the offensive end.
So Real Madrid''s approach is simple and direct: press forward from midfield and use their powerful attack to directly break through the opponent''s defense. As long as they can score, they will firmly hold the initiative.
As soon as the referee blew the starting whistle, Wang Feng led the front line to constantly pressure the opponent. Olympiakos finally witnessed how top European giants y,pletely iparable to Lyon.
Creating several significant threats in session, in the 11th minute, Di Maria broke through from the wing and crossed into the penalty area, where Olympiakos headed the ball clear.
The ball was intercepted by Alonso outside the penalty area, and he directly flicked it back to Di Maria, who continued to send the ball into the penalty area from the bottom.
In the small penalty area, Higuain received the ball with his back to the goal, blocking the goalkeeper''s view, and instead of shooting directly, he flicked the ball to Wang Feng, who was facing the goal.
The Chinese superstar controlled the ball with his chest and then, with his left foot, shot into the while in mid-air. "Bang!" A goal! Real Madrid took the lead!
"Beautiful!" Thements on social media tforms shed continuously at the moment of the goal, with countless fans who stayed upte expressing their opinions.
"The Gcticos'' attack cooperation this time was so smooth, from the unsessful first cross, several consecutive moves sessfully opened the opponent''s goal."
"I have to say Di Maria is definitely underestimated; his threat from the wing is very significant, both in delivering crosses and cutting inside for shots. Bought for 25 million euros, he should be worth at least 60 million euros now!"
"Alonso''s support outside the penalty area was also excellent; he intercepted the ball and directly sent a flick pass behind the defensive line. I think the Olympiakos yers were a bit confused."
"And Higuain''s back pass was timely; instead of sticking to the ball and getting trapped by the opponent''s encirclement, his pass was precise."
"So the easiest job is Wang Feng''s, right? One touch, one shot, and the goal is easily scored."
Some very meticulous fansmented that the Chinese superstar''s contribution was equally outstanding, using excellent positioning to disturb the defending yers and ultimately making a perfect shot.
"Ohe on, of course, we know all that. Wang Feng''s divine goals are not few, and this time, his cooperation with the team was the most indispensable."
Some people stepped forward to exin that the reason they were so meticulous is that there will always be some unknown critics who insist that the Chinese superstar is a system yer, achieving his current results solely relying on the excellent tform and teammates provided by Real Madrid.
Simrments were soon brought up, with many people arguing, "Do you even understand? Wang Feng had three Champions League titles before joining Real Madrid; when he was rising in Serie A, you were probably still in diapers!"
While debates continued on the inte, the situation changed on the field. In the 29th minute, Wang Feng received a long pass from Khedira in the middle and quicklyunched a counterattack.
He pretended to dribble inside but instead cut the ball sideways, bypassing the defending yer in front along the sideline.
Rushing into the frontcourt, at this moment, three defending yers swarmed over, blocking him in the corner.
The Chinese superstar made a sudden stop, then used his right foot to fake left and avoid the tackling defender beside him, then swiftly approached the forward defender.
At the critical moment, he gently pushed the ball through the defender''s legs with his left foot, then sprinted past him.
In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng broke through the encirclement!
Continuing to dribble into the penalty area, at this moment, only one defender from Olympiakos managed to return to defend. The Chinese superstar feigned a cross to the right foot, attracting the opponent''s shift of weight to block.
But in reality, he hooked the ball back to his left foot, creating space, and then directly shot with a curling shot. The ball flew into the far corner from the upper left of the goal, entering the.
"Ha ha, a beautiful solo goal! This is simply a p across the face from afar. Who said Wang Feng can only rely on his teammates to score? Come out and take the beating."
"Don''t you know his specialty is a solo run? Have you forgotten the seven-man miracle in the World Cup?"
"I have to say, his eleration is too fast; not only were the defending yers not in position, but the other attacking yers from Real Madrid were also slow."
"I''m sure they''ll make it to the semi-finals; then it''s the continuous championship! Just the thought of the world''s greatest club''s greatest yer being Chinese makes me so excited!"
Taking a two-goal lead in the first half almost left the home team in despair. Their proud defense and "steal a goal" strategy had no market against absolute strength.
After the break, Di Maria capitalized on an inside cut shot from the wing topletely seal the victory. 3-0, Real Madrid secured aplete victory away.
Chapter 559: Football Matches Aren鈥檛 XXX Phone Calls
Chapter 559: Football Matches Aren''t XXX Phone Calls
After the match, coach Ancelotti indeed gave everyone half a day off as agreed, and they only took a special ne back to Madrid the next afternoon.
So Wang Feng led everyone to a tavern-style restaurant in the northern part of Nicosia city to celebrate their victory.
The ind''s cuisine is different from typical seaside cities; besides delicious grilled trout, there are various types of bean products.
Cypriots seem to have a special liking for bean products, developing various methods such as soups, grilling, sauces, and sds.
In addition to this, halloumi cheese, stewedmb, and meatballs are also exquisite, but the Chinese superstar strictly controls his diet, so he couldn''t indulge himself.
"Wang, isn''t it boring for you to avoid certain foods like this?" Khedira said with a mouthful of cheese, mumbling unclearly.
"You should eat less of these high-calorie foods." Wang Feng patted his back impatiently, while the German seemed a little embarrassed. "I rarely eat them either; it''s just for the asion."
The Chinese superstar has been very disciplined since he was young, asionally indulging but making up for it by increasing his exercise intensity.
But as he aged and his physical abilities declined, he realized more and more that if he wanted to prolong his peak, he had to haveplete control over himself.
As for enjoying food and drink, he could still do that after retiring, which would be even more rxed andfortable.
After everyone finished their meal, Ramos and a few teammates prepared to find some entertainment, but Wang Feng warned them, "You should know the rules; don''t cause trouble, and don''t stay out all night."
The Spaniards nodded. "Of course, Wang, don''t worry, we''re just going to rx a bit more."
The night passed without incident, and in the morning, Wang Feng was awakened by the warm sunlight. It has to be said that the climate in Cyprus is very pleasant; he couldn''t help but want to buy a vacation vi here.
Encountering Alonso, who was also up early, in the hotel restaurant, the two decided to go for a stroll on the beach, which was the best time for sunbathing.
When they arrived, there were already many handsome men and beautiful women enjoying the gifts of nature. Wang Feng couldn''t help but joke, "Ramos should like it here."
Alonso shrugged. "Too bad he''s still sleeping; I bet he won''t recover by the time we leave."
As expected, in the afternoon when the yers boarded the ne one by one, Ramos and the others, looking downcast, received severe criticism from Ancelotti and were told they would have extra training when they got back.
Real Madrid''s victory over Olympiakos was not surprising, but Barcelona''s away game against AC Mn ended in a 0-0 draw.
During the match, many Mn fans protested against the Catn team, using them of not showing enough respect to Kaka, the prince of San Siro who still has many fans in Italy.
The other three La Liga teams had mixed results in Europeanpetitions, with Atletico Madrid beating Hannover 96 2-1, but Valencia losing 1-2 to Alkmaar.
The most heartening result was Athletic Bilbao continuing their miraculous performance, winning 4-2 away against Schalke 04.
Although the former Real Madrid captain Raul scored twice, it was still difficult to save his team. "Has La Liga be like this now?" he couldn''t help but sigh when talking to Wang Feng.
"I really don''t know how you guys managed to monopolize the league championship continuously."
Despite losing the match, Schalke 04''s fans still enthusiastically wanted to continue supporting their team away, but unexpectedly, Athletic Bilbao decided to hike up the ticket prices, temporarily raising them to 90 euros.
Considering that the average ticket price in the Bundesliga this season is only around 30 euros, they protested online: "90 euros for a 90-minute match? Is a football match an adult hotline!"
It turns out that many German TV stations offer such services, with prices around 1 euro per minute, and even discounts as time goes on.
Athletic Bilbao exined that the new prices were in line with the average level of La Liga, so don''t bring their issues with Bundesliga''s low prices to them.
In fact, this wasn''t the first time they had done this; during the league match against Real Madrid at home, seeing the ticket market booming, the club urgently doubled the prices, with the average ticket price even reaching 300 euros, making a hefty profit.
On the first day of April, in the 30th round of La Liga, Real Madrid yed at home against Osasuna.
Just 45 seconds into the game, Wang Feng intercepted the ball in the front court, then broke into the penalty area, passed the goalkeeper, and scored an empty goal.
He then used a corner kick opportunity to head the ball into the to further extend their lead.
With thisbination of attacks, they secured victory, and in the second half, Sahin scored the third goal to seal the win at 3-0.
On April 5th, in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, the Gcticos yed against Olympiakos at home.
Due to their significant loss in the first leg, the Cypriot powerhouse had almost no hope of aeback, so before the match, coach Yovanovich said, "You have already made history, now just enjoy the game itself and gallop freely at the Bernabeu!"
As a result, the Greek team didn''t retreat defensively after the kickoff but insteadunched a fierce attack against the Gcticos.
However, their limited strength soon showed, and after a short period of chaos, Real Madrid quickly stabilized and began to y at their own pace.
In the 14th minute, Ramos made a steal in the backfield and sent a long pass. Wang Feng, in an offside position, broke through and scored the opening goal after shaking off the goalkeeper in the penalty area.
Just six minutester, Khedira made another steal and sent a long pass behind the Greek defense. Despite being half a body behind the defending yer, the Chinese superstar still quickly started and surpassed everyone, going one-on-one with the goalkeeper!
It was still a one-on-one situation. Olympiakos'' goalkeeper Albas, 28 years old this year and from Turkey, had only yed for mid-table Turkish Super Lig teams.
Silently swallowing his saliva, Albas stared at the movement of the world''s number one yer in front of him. It seemed like it wasn''t a football yer running towards him, but a fierce tiger!
He tilted to the right, was it a feint? No, if he continued like this, he would be bypassed. The Turkish goalkeeper immediately fell to block.
At that moment, Wang Feng''s left foot suddenly shifted and stomped on the ground, using the support to bounce his center of gravity to the other side, while his right foot took away the ball, skimming past Albas'' left side.
Another shake-off!
With despair in his eyes, the Turk watched the Chinese superstar gently push the ball into the empty goal. The ball seemed to roll over his heart and then slowly entered the.
2-0!
Olympiakos pressing forward meant that there were gaps behind them, and with Wang Feng''s ability and speed to advance, it meant there were always opportunities.
With a two-goal lead, Real Madrid gradually slowed down their attack. Just before the end of the first half, the Chinese superstar couldn''t resist kicking a high-quality long shot from the top of the penalty area, piercing through Albas'' ten fingers for the third time.
At halftime, Ancelotti reced Wang Feng and other key yers. The two sides then engaged in a back-and-forth attacking performance.
Jose scored first to extend the lead to 4-0, but Olympiakos'' Oliveira and Machirgil scored one each to pull back two goals.
After scoring, they ran around the field celebrating, venting their excitement, perhaps this was the only chance in their lives to score at the Bernabeu.
The home fans didn''t hesitate to give them apuse; these people were respectable opponents.
Morata scored thest goal of the match, and the score remained 5-2.
With abined score of 8-2 over the two legs, Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League semi-finals.
Chapter 560: Returning to the Summit of Europe
Chapter 560: Returning to the Summit of Europe
The situation of the Champions League semi-finals is Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich, Barcelona vs Chelsea.
History always has its coincidences. Two years ago, the Gcticos also met a Bundesliga powerhouse in the Champions League semi-finals. They fought and won, eventually lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy.
Now, it''s uncertain who will emerge victorious. "Honestly, we don''t have any assurance," Dong Fangzhuo said with a bitter smile over the phone.
Wang Feng understood their predicament. In the past two seasons, under Klopp''s leadership, Borussia Dortmund had stirred up a youthful storm, not only causing Bayern to miss out on the league titlest season but also putting them in a precarious position this season.
So the Champions League was their only redemption. The "Southern Kings" of the Bundesliga would rather face Barcelona or Chelsea than confront the Gcticos.
"Our head coach, Heynckes, is very aware of your strength and that of Real Madrid. He says everything can be calcted except for Wang Feng," Dong Fangzhuo said.
The veteran coach had spent 33 years in coaching, gaining rich experience at clubs like Monchendbach, Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid, and had even taken charge of Bayern three times.
In his memory, there had never been a yer who could dominate the football field like Wang Feng, downying all tactics against him. That''s why he felt Wang Feng was "unpredictable".
"Anyway, we will do our best next. We''ll try to avoid a repeat ofst time''s tragedy."
The conversation then turned to Huang Hu, who joined Werder Bremen this year. "He''s a very energetic and positive young man," Dong Fangzhuo said.
Dong Fangzhuo had faced him in Bundesliga matches. At that time, Huang Hu had already be a stable substitute for the team, often getting thirty to forty minutes of ying time.
"Seeing him easily reminds me of my younger self," Dong Fangzhuo said. "And he''s luckier than me; he can receive systematic European training from a young age, with greater potential for future development."
"Yes, I hope he can be a new leader of Chinese football in the future. After all, we are no longer young," Wang Feng expressed his hope.
As for the Europa League, Athletic Bilbao drew 2-2 against Schalke 04 at home and advanced with a total score of 6-4.
Valencia swept Alkmaar 4-0 at the Mesta Stadium, overturning the score from losing in the first leg to winning 5-2 overall.
Atletico Madrid maintained their strong performance from the first leg, defeating Hannover 96 2-1 again, with an aggregate score of 4-2.
All three Spanish teams advanced to the Europa League semi-finals! Unprecedented! Among the remaining eight teams in Europeanpetitions, La Liga unexpectedly upies five spots!
Dubbed as "El Super," Real Madrid and Barcelona are unparalleled in strength, being the two strongest clubs in today''s football world. This season, they remain unbeaten in the Champions League and are positioned in different halves, guaranteeing the possibility of at least one team making it to the final.
With the other three Spanish powerhouses converging in the Europa League, the Madrid derby and a Basque derby are possible matchups, making it highly likely for Spanish teams to sweep both titles.
In the UEFA coefficient rankings, points are calcted based on the performances of the clubs in the two major Europeanpetitions over the past five seasons.
Each win earns two points, a draw earns one point, and qualification for the Champions League group stage and round of 16 earns three points and one point respectively.
Qualification for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals earns an additional point each. The total points are then divided by the number of participating teams to get the season''s total score.
This score, along with the scores from the previous four seasons, determines the total score for the country. Since the allocation of Europeanpetition slots to each country''s leagues is decided before the start of the season, the current season''s points will determine the situation for the following season.
Although Real Madrid and Barcelona have brought in many points for La Liga in recent years, the strong performances of several Premier League teams have barely pushed them ahead of La Liga by 0.675 points over the past five years.
But after this season ends, the situation couldpletely reverse. Even if Chelsea ultimately wins the Champions League, La Liga will surpass the Premier League. Spain will once again reim the top spot in Europe!
After this year, there will be significant changes in thendscape of other European leagues. The Bundesliga''s performance in Europeanpetitions will surpass Serie A, rising to the third position.
This means that the Bundesliga will have four Champions League slots in the following season, while Serie A will only have three.
What''s even morementable is that due to the failures of teams like Marseille and Lyon, and the negligence of other Ligue 1 teams towards the Europa League, their points have been caught up by the Portuguese Primeira Liga, leading to aplete copse to the sixth position.
This means that the third-ce team in Ligue 1 will have to start from the Champions League qualifiers, a situation that has not urred in 22 years.
On April 9th, in the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Valencia away.
The recently qualified Gcticos were in high spirits. Less than a minute into the game, Wang Feng threatened the Bat Legion''s goal with a long shot from outside the penalty area.
In the 9th minute, Real Madrid organized an attack. Modric nted the ball to Di Maria, who directly volleyed it into the penalty area.
Wang Feng held off the defending team and headed the ball to an open space. Iglesias followed up with an easy shot, making it 1-0!
With five minutes left in the first half, Di Maria cut inside from the nk and passed the ball. Iglesias flicked it with his heel, catching everyone off guard near the penalty spot.
Just when everyone thought it was a mistake, the Chinese superstar appeared like a ghost and volleyed the ball into the, increasing the Gcticos'' lead.
After scoring, the Real Madrid yers hugged each other in celebration. Alonsoughed and said, "Gonzalo, I didn''t expect you to have such a mysterious passing technique!"
Iglesias rubbed his head shyly. "Actually, I ran a bit deep, and the ball just happened to hit my heel."
"Haha!" Everyoneughed, "But Wang Feng''s ability to snatch the ball is amazing, he even managed to make a mistake!"
Little did they know, in the future, countless fans would carefully study and analyze this passingbination through videos, considering it one of the greatest in history.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Valencia 2-0.
On April 12th, in the 32nd round of La Liga, the Gcticos weed the Madrid derby at home.
Since Simeone took over as head coach, Atletico Madrid''s results have seen a strong rebound, rising from near the relegation zone to the Europa League zone, now just one step away from Europeanpetition.
"The yers must understand the team''s history and the significance of ying for Atletico!" said Simeone, who had won two league titles before taking office, emphasizing responsibility and a sense of mission, which had always been his style.
During the period of former coach Manzano, Atletico Madrid pursued ball possession butcked efficiency in attack. After Simeone took over, he drastically strengthened the defense, transforming the team''s tactics into a counter-attacking style.
Juanfran, the right winger, was moved to right-back, to contain opponent''s wing attacks while actively contributing to the offense.
Miranda and Godin were fixed in the center-back positions, while Felipe Luis, who was also good at assisting, was deployed as the left-back. Gabi and Tiago, the two defensive midfielders, also dropped back to protect the penalty area.
On the offensive side, the core front line was established, with Falcao leading the line, Turan breaking through on the wings, and Adrian supporting from behind.
Adrian, who won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot in the European Under-21 Championship, surprisingly did not gain the trust of the former head coach, but Simeonepletely revitalized him. Not only could he support Falcao on the wings, but he could also y as a forward.
So despite Atletico Madrid''s deteriorating financial situation, their results were theirst line of defense.
"Returning to the Champions League can greatly solve our debt problem. I believe Simeone can do it," said Hill, one of the club''s top executives, in an interview.
Chapter 561: Indeed, There Are Changes, with a Promising Future
Chapter 561: Indeed, There Are Changes, with a Promising Future
"Today''s Madrid Derby will be the best opportunity to test the limits of the team led by Simeone."
"That''s right. Although it''s not quite fair to the Bed Linen Legion since they''ve only just started to improve, at least we can see if the team is as ambitious as Simeone says."
With the referee''s whistle, Atletico Madrid kicked off first. Real Madrid, ying at home, showed a very proactive attitude, constantly pressing and pressing.
Soon, Diego made a mistake and was intercepted by Hdi, and the Gxy Battleship''s rapid counter-attack tactics were fully operational.
Through several passes from Hdi to Alonso to Di Mara to Wang Feng, the ball sessfully entered the penalty area, and finally, the Chinese superstar''s sweeping shot went wide of the post.
"Come on, guys! Wake up!" Simeone shouted angrily from the sidelines. If they continued to make mistakes like this, they would probably face another defeat.
"From the current perspective, it seems that Atletico Madrid hasn''t changed much, and the game is still firmly in Real Madrid''s control."
"Yes, Simeone wouldn''t just be all talk, right? It''s difficult for a team like the Bed Linen Legion to make breakthroughs in the league and the Champions League."
As soon as the livementary ended, Hdi once again intercepted from the back, this time opting for a long pass to the front.
Iglesias fought hard to get to the first point and passed it back to Wang Feng, who elerated with the ball, changed direction to shake off Thiago, and rushed into the penalty area.
Facing Miranda''s block, the Chinese superstar calmly lowered his right shoulder, feinting to go to the bottom, and when he saw the opponent didn''t move, he smoothly sidestepped past him.
Raising his left arm to block Miranda, Wang Feng''s powerful shot at a tight angle just grazed the fingertips of goalkeeper Courtois, hit the inside of the post, and bounced into the, with perfect uracy.
"Goal! The ball is in! Five minutes into the game, Wang Feng gives Real Madrid the lead."
"The home team relies on sharp interceptions and precise passing to quickly tear apart the opponent''s defense."
"Miranda seemed like a wooden stake in the penalty area, and Wang Feng passed him as easily as crossing a morning street."
"Did he really think he could block the Chinese superstar''s feint with his stillness?"
"Let''s watch the slow-motion rey again. Oh my God, is Miranda acting for Atletico? He really didn''t make any blocking moves!"
Miranda felt extremely frustrated and helpless, and all La Liga defenders, including him, had carefully studied Wang Feng''s ying style characteristics.
Personally, he felt that the Chinese superstar was very good at feinting and then shooting, so it was better to stay still and wait for the opponent to show their intentions before blocking.
But he didn''t expect Wang Feng to react and move so quickly. Once he showed his intentions, he could immediately turn them into reality.
Moreover, this shot from a tight angle was incredibly urate. Courtois''s block was very solid, but he still found a way to the goal.
The Brazilian defender was a bit afraid to look at the coach''s bench because he knew Simeone''s face must be very bad right now.
Every Atletico Madrid yer deeply felt the iron-handed methods of this new coach, and some even felt like they were in a military camp.
Real Madrid yers could clearly feel that Atletico Madrid was indeed a bit different from thest time they faced them. Conceding early did not confuse them. They conducted their offense and defense in an orderly manner, and even the number of mistakes gradually decreased significantly.
So the situation on the field became a stalemate, until the 38th minute, when Wang Feng retreated to the vicinity of the center line to receive a pass from Hdi. Seeing no good opportunity, he passed it back.
Hdi brought the ball over the center line and directly passed it to Di Mara, who then smoothly passed it to the fast-inserting Chinese superstar.
As Wang Feng dribbled the ball along the sideline, he observed the movement of his teammates, noticing that Iglesias wasing closer from the back to send a cross, while he himself made an inward run.
The twopleted a wall-pass-style cooperation to tear open the Atletico defense, and when the ball returned to the Chinese superstar''s feet, he had already prated into the penalty area from the side, and behind him, Pereira''s attempts to grab and pull couldn''t stop him.
Courtois decisively rushed out of the goal, but Wang Feng used a lob to tell the young Belgian goalkeeper that he was still too green! 2-0! Real Madrid extended their lead!
At the end of the first half, the score remained unchanged. As the teams returned to the field, Atletico took advantage of Real Madrid''s rxed vignce and Falcao scored one back.
And in the 69th minute, Reyes sent a cross from the side, and Adrian volleyed it in, piercing Casis''s ten fingers once again.
"A fantastic shot! Unbelievable, the Bed Linen Legion actually equalized the score!"
"It cannot be denied that Real Madrid has been a bitx on the field recently, but the spirit of Atletico Madrid has indeed changed a lot. Even in a disadvantageous situation, the yers are still clear about their roles and responsibilities, ultimately achieving the fruitful result of two consecutive goals."
"In fact, the team is afraid of chaos when they fall behind. Many of the matches won by the Gxy Battleship this season were against opponents who conceded early, and beingpletely suppressed mentally eventually led to copse."
Real Madrid quickly made adjustments, sending Sahin on to strengthen midfield control, and also reminding the yers to focus more.
In the 77th minute, Alonso orchestrated an attack from midfield, passing diagonally to Di Mara on the wing, who then passed to Wang Feng nearby after a failed breakthrough.
The Chinese superstar dribbled horizontally, with Thiago and Gabi, two defensive yers,ing forward to press him, trying to drive him out of the dangerous area.
But he gradually reduced the vignce of the two by dribbling backwards towards his own half, and suddenly turned with a feint and a right-footed shot, the ball passing perfectly between Gabi''s legs, sessfully breaking through the double-team!
Immediately, Wang Feng chased after the ball, and Gabi, caught off guard, tried to turn his body, but still lost his bnce and fell to the ground due to the suddenness.
In his panic, he reached forward with both hands and happened to grab the Chinese superstar''s jersey, bringing him down as well.
"Beep!" The referee''s whistle immediately sounded, yellow card + free kick in the frontcourt! This is a free kick from about twenty meters in the middle area near the goal. All the Atletico yers and Simeone on the sidelines felt a sinking feeling in their hearts, as shooting directly at the goal would be too easy for Wang Feng!
As expected, the Chinese superstar personally took the free kick, and the ball flew in a beautiful arc in the air, bypassing the wall and heading straight for the dead corner, like a round moon scimitar cutting off the throat of the Bed Linen Legion.
Real Madrid once again took the lead!
With three minutes left in the game, Di Mara and Wang Feng exchanged passes after a wall-pass style cooperation on the wing, and then Di Mara entered the penalty area and passed to Iglesias at the back post, who finished calmly, setting the final score of the match at 4-2.
"Real Madrid wins the Madrid Derby, but we see the potential of the Bed Linen Legion from the game process."
"Yes, after the initial adaptation period, Atletico quickly found their rhythm. The whole team is disciplined, and the yers execute tactics very seriously. They even showed a stance of evenly matched strength with the Gxy Battleship for a while."
"The final defeat was also due to the overall strength being inferior to the opponent. I believe that if they make some reinforcements at the end of the season, they can be even more outstanding."
"Simeone has handed in a satisfactory answer to all the fans and club executives. We seem to have seen the Bed Linen Legion reborn from the ashes."
Chapter 562: It鈥檚 Necessary to Keep Him
Chapter 562: It''s Necessary to Keep Him
On the afternoon of April 15th, at the Molineux Stadium, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Athletic Bilbao away.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Alonso intercepted the ball in midfield and quickly passed it to Di Mara, who dribbled towards the baseline and then crossed.
At the right moment, Wang Feng, who was timely in position about six meters in front of the goal, pushed the ball into the, giving Real Madrid the lead.
In the 70th minute of the second half, Ramosunched a fast counter-attack from the back and sent a through ball that pierced through the Athletic Bilbao defense.
The Chinese superstar sessfully beat the offside trap and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.
In the end, Real Madrid won 2-0.
Currently, on the league table, Real Madrid leads with 28 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss, and 88 points, while Barcelona is in second ce with 23 wins, 8 draws, 2 losses, and 77 points.
With only 6 rounds left in the league, the two teams are still 11 points apart, meaning Barcelona has almost lost the possibility of winning the championship.
Even Catn media had to admit that Real Madrid was likely to win their sixth La Liga title, creating a new historical record.
"Barcelona''s situation, in terms of wins, losses, and points, would be favorable for winning the championship in any other major European league, but unfortunately, in La Liga, they suffered defeats,"mented Marca.
This has been the case in recent years, and the most unfortunate champions belong to the Catn teams, showing that the peak Barcelona has encountered the peak Real Madrid.
Media outlets in Madrid, such as Marca and AS, were jubnt, stating that the Gxy Battleship is the greatest club in La Liga, and breaking the consecutive championship record further confirms this.
"The 29-year-old Chinese superstar has scored 58 league goals and assisted 19 times, he is truly Dios!"
Amidst all the praise, some expressed their concerns, noting that Real Madrid''s attack almost entirely relied on Wang Feng.
While he''s performing exceptionally well now, once he ages and his form declines, the Gxy Battleship could be in trouble.
Many fans have gradually be more epting, realizing that if they could experience an unprecedented peak, then a few years of rebuilding after a decline is understandable.
Since the establishment of the Real Madrid club, only a few yers have spent the end of their careers here and retired, besides Zidane and Snchez, there are hardly any other world-ss stars.
ording to thetest online survey, over 90% of Real Madrid fans hope that Wang Feng will stay at the club until retirement.
"He is definitely the number one in the club''s history. Even if he can''t maintain his current level in the future, the club should still treat him well."
At the Allianz Arena, Real Madrid yers who have traveled from afar are doing adaptation training, preparing for the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Not far away, club executives such as Florentino and Baldano discuss future ns.
"To be honest, many executives did not expect us to be so sessful this season. Wang Feng''s ability has exceeded their expectations," Baldano said.
"So, there are two voices within the club. One hopes to keep him until retirement with a super high sry, which is entirely worth it in terms ofmercial value alone."
"But this way, his career decline may drag down the team, and it may even be difficult to cultivate a new sessor."
"The other voice suggests signing a lifelong contract with a reduced sry, allowing Wang to gradually transition into a leadership role without guaranteeing his core status on the field."
Florentino rubbed his chin, "Wang did not agree to that lifelong contract before, which means he has other ns."
"Regardless, we should reach a consensus, and that is to keep him! If the club and the greatest yer in history sh and part ways, I believe many enemies would be happy to see that scenario."
"Jorge, you''re in charge of contacting Wang''s agent, Balmond, and finding out what they''re thinking. Although there are still more than four years left on the contract, we are fully open to contract renewal negotiations."
Baldano nodded, "I understand. Actually, the most important thing should still be Wang''s own willingness. If he''s willing to stay with the Gxy Battleship, then the renewal is mostly sessful."
In this match, Bayern Munich sent out a starting lineup of 4-2-3-1, with Neuer as the goalkeeper.
The defenders were Lahm, Boateng, Badstuber, and ba.
The two defensive midfielders were Gustavo and Schweinsteiger, while the three midfielders were Robben, Mller, and Tymoshchuk.
The lone striker was Gomez.
Before the match, Wang Feng greeted familiar faces such as Tymoshchuk and Robben warmly, but this didn''t affect their fiercepetition during the game.
In the 26th minute, Wang Feng retreated to the vicinity of the center line to receive Modric''s pass and quickly turned to advance forward.
At this moment, three Bayern defenders surrounded him from different directions, trying to force him out of bounds.
But the Chinese superstar showed no fear and directly charged towards Gustavo in front. As the distance between them grew closer, the Brazilian''s forehead began to sweat, fully focused and ready to defend.
However, just as Wang Feng was about to enter his defensive zone where Gustavo could potentially intercept the ball, the Chinese superstar suddenly changed direction, shifting from directly facing Gustavo to a diagonal cut inside, just between him and Boateng.
Breaking through the defense and heading towards the penalty area! Boateng, who was easily bypassed, closely followed behind Wang Feng. He had heard of the power of the world''s number one yer and had to use all his tricks to block him.
But the Chinese superstar remained unfazed, taking one step forward to steal the ball and then unleashing a powerful shot. "Bang!" Like an arrow, the ball flew straight into Bayern''s goal.
Despite Neuer''s full attention, his diving save was still half a second too slow. Before his hand could reach the ball, it had already flown past the goal line and hit the hard.
1-0! Real Madrid took the lead away from home!
As the German Bundesliga giants found themselves trailing, their coach, Heynckes, remained on the sidelines, directing the team.
Finally, in the 78th minute, the home team equalized. Tymoshchuk initiated the attack,bining with Mller to break through the Real Madrid defense on the wing, before delivering a chip pass into the penalty area.
Gomez and Pepe battled for the ball at the near post, with Pepe falling to the ground, but the referee ignored it, and the ball was cleared out of the penalty area.
The Allianz Arena erupted in boos, but Bayern hadn''t given up on this attack. Robben quickly followed up and controlled the ball, then used his left foot to cut inside and shoot.
The ball curved straight into the top left corner of the goal, and although Casis managed to touch it with his fingertips, he couldn''t prevent it from entering the.
Just when everyone thought the match would end in a draw, Real Madrid scored again. In the 92nd minute, Di Mara forcefully dribbled down the wing and crossed into the penalty area.
Lahm attempted to clear the ball at the near post, but it deflected off him, catching goalkeeper Neuer off guard, who could only watch helplessly as it slipped through his fingertips.
At the far post, Wang Feng, who was originally positioned to attack, was also caught off guard by this deflection, but in almost an empty goal situation, he managed to intercept the ball''s trajectory with his toes, redirecting it into the.
2-1! Real Madrid secured a crucial away victory, getting closer and closer to making history!
Chapter 563: Stepping on the Dead Enemy to Defend the Title!
Chapter 563: Stepping on the Dead Enemy to Defend the Title!
Real Madrid gained an advantage in Munich, while Barcelona''s dream shattered at Stamford Bridge. It was a showdown between irond defense and ultimate offense.
With Lampard assisting Drogba to score the only goal of the match, the Blues defeated the Catn team 1-0.
Barcelona fans were once again disappointed. If it weren''t for the second leg, Rosell almost wanted to fire the head coach, Vnova, on the spot.
It''s worth noting that Chelsea''s form hasn''t been good. With an aging main lineup, frequent losses in the league, and instability in the coaching staff.
Even against such opponents, Barcelona couldn''t guarantee a stable win. So how could they talk about winning the Champions League?
Back to the 34th round of La Liga, the Santiago Bernabu Stadium witnessed another century-old derby.
In order to ensure a positive result in the uing match against Bayern, head coach Ancelotti had to rotate the lineup, with even Wang Feng sitting on the bench.
In a desperate situation, Vnova made a bold decision, which was to give up the league and focus on the Champions League, thus he also benched key yers.
Fans who were eager to watch the century-old battle were bound to be disappointed because both sides yed very dull after the game started.
Real Madridcked sharp speed, and Barcelona lost their proud rhythm control, making them look more like they were ying a friendly match.
"This can also be understood. After all, for the Gxy Battleship, leading in the league is significant, and there''s no need to exhaust themselves. It''s wise to save energy for the Champions League," exined Asensio, amentator on the Spanish TV sports channel.
"Barcelona has a simr mindset. Since winning the league championship is hopeless and they''ve lost the Copa del Rey, they absolutely cannot afford to lose the Champions League."
As the first half was about to end, during injury time, Muniesa initiated a quick counter-attack from the back, sending a direct pass forward. Pedro, avoiding offside, broke through the defense and scored a goal, giving the away team the lead.
The Bernabu fans were somewhat unhappy. Even though this was an inconsequential match, how could Real Madrid be suppressed by Barcelona? They mored for Wang Feng toe on and teach their opponents a lesson.
So, in the 60th minute of the second half, the Chinese superstar eagerly took to the field. Soon after, he aggressively broke through on the wing, threatening with a cross.
Since his appearance, the home team''s temperament changed drastically. The yers seemed to have found their backbone, ying more boldly and passionately.
"As long as Wang Feng is on the field, I feel a sense of security," said Hierro on the sidelines, beside Ancelotti.
Zidane on the other side felt a simr sentiment. Both of them were currently Ancelotti''s assistant coaches, indicating Florentino''s intention to groom a coach from within the ranks of Real Madrid.
The Italian nodded, "He brings more encouragement to his teammates'' mentality and emotions, as well as pulling the defense."
"With Wang Feng, we can arrange tactics more flexibly, but we must not think that everything will be fine as long as we throw him onto the field. It''s necessary to allocate reasonably."
Ancelotti instructed the two neers without reservation, and there were new changes on the field.
In the 79th minute, Wang Feng attacked with the ball in the midfield, first elerating past Mascherano with a diagonal dribble, then facing Adriano, he feinted sideways.
Facing Adriano''s attempt to block him, the Chinese superstar changed direction again, using consecutive left and right feints to dribble past three defenders and break into the penalty area.
After taking two steps into the penalty area, Wang Feng used the outside of his left foot to shoot, the ball grazed the upper arm of Valds and narrowly entered the goal.
"Goooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid equalizes!"
"Coming from Wang Feng''s consecutive dribbles and shot, this attacking ability is unparalleled!"
"We can hear that when Real Madrid is behind, the entire Bernabu crowd is calling for their emperor, calling for the one who never disappoints them."
"And the emperor who leads by example never returns empty-handed. He shows the world what it means to be the strongest!"
After equalizing the score, the increasingly brave Real Madrid continued to pressure Barcelona at home amidst cheers from the fans, causing a tense atmosphere in front of the visitors'' goal.
Six minutester, Di Mara and Wang Feng conducted a wall-pass stylebination on the wing, attracting a lot of defensive attention, and thetter cut back to the middle near the goal line.
Morata, unmarked at the penalty spot, easily tapped the ball into the. 2-1! The Gxy Battleship staged aeback!
This score held until the end of the game, and Real Madrid once again won the century-old derby.
This 3 points also secured Real Madrid''s sessful defense of the title, widening the gap with Barcelona to 14 points with 4 rounds left in the league, making the championship a foregone conclusion.
Creating a historic sixth consecutive championship! An unprecedented sixth consecutive championship! A dominating sixth consecutive championship!
As La Liga clubs sweep across Europe and establish themselves as number one, their championships have always belonged to one team, demonstrating their strong control.
The world''s attention is focused on Real Madrid, and their performance has received unanimous praise, with Wang Feng naturally being the central figure.
At 29 years old, scoring 59 league goals, he still maintains such a strong dominance, making him a truly unique presence in the world of football.
Praise from countless media outlets flooded in, "We don''t know how long Wang Feng can dominate football, but we know that at this moment, Real Madrid and him are invincible." This was how the Spanish newspaper, "El Pas," evaluated.
Having secured the championship in advance, Real Madrid stated that they would hold a grand celebration after the end of the season, "We will hold a grand parade celebration with five championship trophies." Florentino said in an interview.
The trophies he mentioned, in addition to the already won UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and league championship, also include the Copa del Rey and the Champions League trophies.
Three dayster, they faced Bayern at home, and Real Madrid perfectly fulfilled this goal.
In the 21st minute of the match, Di Mara broke through on the wing and crossed into the penalty area. Neuer, the Bayern goalkeeper, came out but made a fatal mistake, allowing the ball to slip past his hands.
Reacting the fastest in the scramble, Wang Feng leaped and headed the ball into the opponent''s goal, giving the Gxy Battleship a 1-0 lead!
In the 64th minute of the second half, Bayern, eager to attack and equalize, encountered another problem. Midfielder Gustavo unexpectedly passed the ball directly to Alonso.
The Spaniard took advantage of this to initiate a quick counterattack, reaching the edge of the penalty area and sending a diagonal pass behind the Bayern defense.
Although the pass was a bit too strong, the Chinese superstar relentlessly chased after it and caught up near the goal line.
Instead of stopping to control the ball, he almost kicked out a shot that seemed to be both a pass and a shot, with a tiny arc.
The ball flew almost parallel to the goal line from the front post to the back post and hit the inside of thetter, bouncing into the.
Apletely zero-angle shot! Even though the home fans and thementators on-site were fully aware of the Chinese superstar''s abilities, this goal still exceeded their expectations.
After a moment of silence, cheers erupted like a storm throughout the entire Santiago Bernabu Stadium.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich 2-0, advancing to the Champions League final with a 4-1 aggregate score over two legs!
Chapter 564: A Different Ending for the Two Giants
Chapter 564: A Different Ending for the Two Giants
As the main referee blew the final whistle, Bayern yers remained kneeling on the field, unwilling to rise. They once again lost due to two small mistakes.
Wang Feng walked to Dong Fangzhuo''s side, patted his shoulder, and helped him up. "You did your best. I believe all the fans in China would apud you at this moment."
In the two series, Dong Fangzhuo''s performance could definitely be described as the core strategy, as he became Bayern''s main attacking option.
Dong Fangzhuo showed a wry smile. "Wang, even though I said it two years ago, I have to say it again now. You have to take me along with you, win the St. By Cup, and set a new record!"
The Chinese superstar nodded heavily, and the two embraced each other, a scene that became the headline photo for many domestic media outlets.
Yearster, looking back, everyone realized that this was one of the peak moments of Chinese football, with the two major powerhouse yers meeting in the Champions League semi-finals.
Although Chinese football experienced a long period of benign development in the following years, it couldn''t replicate this glory until muchter when new talent matured in a new environment.
Compared to Dong Fangzhuo''s decline, Robben remained much calmer. He knew better than anyone else about the Chinese superstar''s strength, and losing to him was not shameful.
"Congrattions, Wang. I believe you can surpass history. Although I couldn''t follow you to that step," the Dutchman said with regret and resignation.
The honors he achieved at Real Madrid were enough to make him a legendary star in his own right, and that was satisfying enough for him.
A dayter, the battle between Barcelona and Chelsea at Camp Nou also concluded. This do-or-die battle for the Catn team ended in a 2-2 draw.
Just 11 minutes into the game, Chelsea''s key central defender Cahill was injured in a tackle and had to leave the field,pletely disrupting the coach''s ns.
Subsequently, Barcelona took advantage of this, scoring two goals in quick session. Adding insult to injury, Chelsea''s soul, Terry, had physical contact with Sanchez during a confrontation, and the referee directly showed him a red card, sending him off.
Trailing and down to ten men, Chelsea seemed resigned to being eliminated.
But the team''s tenacious character was disyed vividly at this moment. Not only did they withstand wave after wave of Barcelona''s attacks, but they alsounched strong counterattacks.
Just before halftime, Ramirez''s long-range shot from outside the penalty area reversed the momentum once again, as Chelsea regained the advantage with an away goal!
This goal made the Barcelona yers increasingly anxious, especially facing the opponent''s stubborn defense, which seemed unbreakable.
In the 65th minute, Fabregas broke into the penalty area and won a precious penalty for the Catn team.
As the designated penalty taker, Messi stood at the penalty spot, his legs somewhat weak. The damned memories of failure gradually flooded his mind, the countless efforts that never yielded good results.
Considering his age, he was already 25 this year with nothing to show for it, while Wang Feng won his first Ballon d''Or at the age of 20, the gap between them was like a chasm.
Sometimes he felt like he was born for football, invincible on the field, always full of energy and confidence.
But why did God send someone like Wang Feng to crush him? The criticisms from the outside world were not wrong; he was indeed not as good as the Chinese superstar, a fact Messi himself had to admit. No matter how much effort he put in, he couldn''t reach Wang Feng''s level.
Family and friends advised him to wait, and the club''s higher-ups reassured him not to rush, but now he was wasting away his peak years of his career, and he was getting more and more afraid of waiting.
Lost in his thoughts, the referee blew the whistle for the penalty kick. Messi took a deep breath, ran up, and shot!
The shot deceived the goalkeeper Cech, but the ball hit the crossbar hard, much like hitting the hearts of the Camp Nou fans.
Messi ultimately missed the chance to be the savior; he wasn''t a football god, just a star.
In stoppage time, as the Chelsea team''s spirits waned, Fernando Torres, the once golden boy of Spain, scored the winning goal, sealing Barcelona''s fate.
A season with nothing to show for! Everyone could anticipate the torrent of criticism that would follow for the Catn team.
Vnova announced his resignation as head coach immediately, and the club quickly epted it. There were also voices within the club calling for Rosell to step down as well.
This situation was reminiscent of Laporta stepping down years ago. Obviously, some people were quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes, taking advantage of the team''s poor performance. The situation was murky and confusing.
Apart from ming the club''s management for poor transfers, the biggest responsibility for the team''s failure undoubtedly fell on Messi, who missed the crucial penalty.
"He felt extremely guilty. After that game, he cried in the locker room for a long time," Sanchezter said in an interview.
At this moment, countless Catn fans and media outlets were harshly criticizing Messi. "He is the most ipetent core,"mented Mundo Deportivo, while Sport stated, "Barcelona has no way out relying on Messi!"
It was the media led by Marca and AS that began to defend him, pointing out that Messi''s ratings were always among the top of the team throughout the series. His performance was impable.
"In the end, it was just Barcelona beingpletely overwhelmed by Real Madrid. ming Messi''s mistakes in this situation is just scapegoating."
Some extreme fans vented their frustrations online, mocking Messi as the "rating-type king" who never scored a win.
The different endings of the two giants in La Liga also brought about twopletely opposite public opinions.
For Real Madrid, they now had over 20 days to prepare for the Champions League final, an unprecedented luxury.
On April 29th, in the 35th round of La Liga, Ancelotti decisively rested his yers and suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Sevi.
On May 3rd, in the 36th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Athletic Bilbao at home. In the 36th minute of the match, Wang Feng broke the deadlock with a long shot from outside the penalty area.
Unfortunately, the away team equalized in the second half, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
On May 6th, in the 37th round of La Liga, the Gxy Battleship challenged Granada away.
Carvajal opened the scoring for the team, andter, substitute Wang Feng scored another goal under Granada''s assist, leading them to a 2-0 victory.
In these three matches, the coaching staff tried many different tactical arrangements. Zidane and Hierro also put their ideas into action. It could be said that these were practice matches with no pressure for results.
The final round of the league was scheduled for May 14th, with Real Madrid hosting Mallorca.
The two sides eventually drew 1-1 and shook hands. After the game, an awards ceremony was held, and when Wang Feng lifted the championship trophy, the Bernabu instantly turned into a boiling sea.
The yers didn''t have time to celebrate as they rushed non-stop to Munich, Germany. This year''s Champions League final would be held at the Allianz Arena.
Chelsea, their opponent, was in the same situation. With no hope in the league, they focused all their energy on the Champions League.
Chapter 565: Conclusion of the League
Chapter 565: Conclusion of the League
In the final standings of La Liga, Real Madrid won the championship with 30 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses, and 96 points, while Barcelona finished second with 26 wins, 9 draws, 3 losses, and 87 points.
The other two Champions League spots were secured by Valencia and Mga, with Atletico Madrid making ate push to earn a ce in the Europa League.
Virreal, Eibar, and Santander were relegated, while Deportivo La Coruna, Celta Vigo, and Real Vadolid sessfully returned to La Liga.
This season, Wang Feng scored an astonishing 61 league goals, although he fell just short of his own La Liga record of 62 goals, he still far exceeded Messi, who ranked second.
The Argentine''s goal tally also reached a new height, with a hat-trick in the final round''s 4-0 victory over Espanyol, bringing his league goal total to 50. However, all this seemed pale in the face of the club''s failure to win any trophies.
In addition, Wang Feng contributed 20 assists, surpassing Messi''s 16 assists and earning him the title of assist king.
"A fruitful harvest!" Abesai Reportmented on Real Madrid''s achievements in the just-concluded league, "Whether it''s the Gcticos or the Chinese superstar, they are the biggest winners, almost sweeping all the honors, leaving only a few seats in the best lineup for Barcelona."
The cover of the report featured the moment when Wang Feng lifted the championship trophy, with teammates and tens of thousands of Bernabeu fans celebrating with them.
"When Wang Feng joined Real Madrid six years ago, almost everyone was convinced that he would achieve great sess, butpared to the glory of the club itself, it seemed insignificant," the report continued.
"But now the Chinese superstar has shown us with practical actions that past achievements will eventually be surpassed by new records! Under his leadership, the Gcticos can achieve even greater glory!"
At the age of just 29 this July, ording to his disciplined character and current performance, Abesai Report boldly predicted that he could maintain his good form until the age of 35. What heights would Real Madrid reach by then?
National Report believes that Wang Feng is "almost unstoppable" and "once again enters the realm of football gods." Being able to achieve over 60 goals in a single season, he is the only one in the history of the top five leagues, and even more frighteningly, he has done it twice.
"Messi''s performance is also outstanding, but he pales inparison to the Chinese superstar. Especially with Barcelona losing all their championships, it gives a feeling of squeezing soft persimmons before," the report added.
Especially being defeated twice by Real Madrid in the league and being overturned by Chelsea in the Champions League, losing crucial penalties, these mistakes at key moments were fatal blows not only to the Catn team but also to the Argentine star.
Marca praised Real Madrid for creating a six-peat and sarcastically stated that Barcelona''s head coach Vnova is just a scapegoat. In fact, no one standing in that position could stop the Gcticos.
"Catalonia had the opportunity to obtain the football god, but their overly arrogant attitude ultimately led to the greatest yer in history joining Real Madrid. This period will be the darkest period in their team''s history," the report concluded.
In contrast to Real Madrid''s six consecutive championships, the achievements of other La Liga teams also have strong topics.
First and foremost is Mga''s historic best result, securing Champions League qualification ahead of Atletico Madrid.
For head coach Pellegrini, coaching Mga is not his best in La Liga. In fact, the first half of this season was turbulent for Mga, and the Chilean had his worst half-season points in La Liga.
Taking over Mga midway throughst season, he helped the team avoid relegation andunched an assault on Europeanpetitions this season. Traditional strong teams such as Atletico Madrid, Sevi, and Athletic Bilbao were generally weak in the league this season. The second group of La Liga teams had generally lower points this season, which also contributed to Mga''s opportunity.
After securing a spot in the Champions League, club CEO Sans expressed full support for the coach''s signings, aiming to build "the Manchester City of La Liga."
It is worth mentioning that this season, Manchester City won their first league title they had longed for, edging out Manchester United with goal difference. Several years of effort and investment finally paid off.
This also served as a model for many Middle Eastern bosses. It turns out that as long as they are willing to invest, they will definitely reap rewards.
While some are happy, others are sad. The relegation of Virreal, known as the "Yellow Submarine," to the Segunda Division left many old fans sighing.
Known as the "Little Zhuge Liang," Lotina has led two traditional Spanish powerhouses to relegation for two consecutive seasons. Last season it was Deportivo La Coruna, and this season it''s Virreal, leading many media to question his abilities.
In interviews after the game, Virreal fans expressed their helplessness, saying that the Yellow Submarine was "tricked" by their opponents. Also, in the relegation vortex, Real Vadolid and Granada, who were also fighting for survival, unexpectedly yed a tacit goalless draw. "It''s hard to exin everything that happened today. The game result is very unfair to Virreal," they said.
But many fans pointed out that Virreal only needed to draw to secure safety, and in the end, Granada failed to steal the chicken and ended up harming themselves. It was their own failure to seize the opportunity, and they were ultimately killed by Atletico Madrid in the final moments.
The Estadio de Cermica was flooded with tears, and President Roig kept waving to the fans, unwilling to leave for a long time. He admitted that this was the "grayest day" since he took over Virreal 15 years ago.
In the past decade, the team has already created a great miracle. This town with a poption of less than 50,000, with a very limited fan base, has be one of the most stable clubs in La Liga.
When Real Madrid and Barcelona continued to dominate the league, Virreal was the only team that broke through the barrier. They won second ce ahead of Barcelona in the 2007-2008 season, the only time in the past decade.
Virreal once had Riquelme, Fon, Nilmar, and Cazo. After the departure of the Argentine core, Pellegrini once again led the team to glory.
Even after the departure of the "Chilean Engineer," Virreal did not sink. Under the leadership of Calleja, they won fourth ce in La Liga.
All these achievements are thanks to Roig''s start of youth training in 1999. Until now, they have one of the best youth academy constructions in La Liga.
"The club will continue to adhere to the youth training route as always," Roig emphasized in an interview.
In the past two years, Virreal B''s performance in the Segunda Division has also been good. In the new season, due to the rule that the same club cannot have two teamspeting in the same level league, the B team was relegated. However, they can still call up some yers with Segunda Division experience to join the first team, as they are like treasures of the club.
It is certain that many star yers will leave, such as Brazilian international Nilmar, Italian forward Giuseppe Rossi, and even the meritorious captain Senna, etc.
After many efforts, Senna eventually stayed. He said he would help the club return to La Liga, "I have been with this club for 10 years, and I have had a lot of happiness during this time. Now that we have been relegated, the situation of the team is not good."
"But now I just want to say, I will not leave when the team is relegated to the Segunda Division. Everyone will work together, and we will definitely return to the top league!"
Chapter 566: Attack
Chapter 566: Attack
Although Real Madrid only entered the Champions League final by eliminating Bayern Munich, the rtionship between the two teams was good,rgely due to both teams having Chinese stars as their core and frequently engaging in exchanges and training camps in China before the summer.
Therefore, they readily lent out their training base for the Gcticos to make their final adjustments, thisprehensive building located on S?bener Strasse includes training grounds, rehabilitation centers, dormitories, restaurants, administrative buildings, and service centers.
"How do you like it? It''s almostparable to Valdebebas," Dong Zhuo, acting as the guide, said with a smile. "Bayern''s training facilities are among the best in the Bundesliga. Training here gives you even more advantages over Chelsea."
"Very professional," the Real Madrid yers gave positive feedback, with Ramos looking around, "Just a littlecking in entertainment facilities. It would be even better if we could have some games to y."
"You''re thinking too much. Bayern has always been serious and cautious, with very few entertainment options. Sometimes, they even collect and manage cell phones during training," the Spaniard said, sticking out his tongue, secretly relieved that Real Madrid wasn''t that strict.
The Blues arrived in Germany a day earlier than Real Madrid, with Abramovich renting a vacation vi in the suburbs for them to stay and train in. The facilities there naturally couldn''tpare to those of a football club''s base in terms of professionalism.
Jose Mourinho''s second tenure at Chelsea didn''t have outstanding performance in the league, only securing sixth ce andpletely missing out on Europeanpetition next season, so winning the uing Saint-ede Cup was imperative for Chelsea.
"Yes, Chelsea has been defeated by Real Madrid several times before, but don''t forget, we are the only team that has beaten Wang Feng''s team in the Champions League knockout stage. It was that season that the Blues lifted their first Champions League trophy," Mourinho said at the pre-match press conference. "This symbolism is excellent, isn''t it? Wang Feng may seem unbeatable, but Chelsea has achieved this feat. I believe my yers can rise to the asion."
"Of course, apart from Wang Feng, other Real Madrid yers also pose a threat, such as Di Maria, Alonso, and others. Before the match, I will think carefully about how to limit their performance. It''s an interesting task," he added.
"Chelsea is more eager for this title than ever before. Let us be the team that ends Real Madrid''s myth!"
In response to Mourinho''s words, Ancelotti appeared more modest: "Chelsea is a tough opponent. They have faced many strong teams and consecutive matches. Their strength is beyond doubt."
"We need to set aside unprecedented history, mythical glory, and all other distractions, and just focus on ying well in the uing matches. Our experience is richer than Chelsea''s," Ancelotti added.
In terms of paper strength, Chelsea was slightly inferior to Real Madrid. None of their yers were selected for the annual best lineup. Lampard and Drogba were gradually aging, while Torres'' form had declined significantly.
But Mourinho molded them into a united force, with everyone possessing great resilience. This was why they managed to eliminate Barcelona and reach the Champions League final.
On the evening of May 19th, the highly anticipated football feast began. Approximately 70,000 fans filled the Allianz Arena in Munich to watch the game, packing the stands to capacity.
Around 900 million people worldwide watched the match via television and online live streaming, showing an increasepared to the previous season, with the proportion of domestic fans rising year by year.
Mourinho deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, seemingly aiming to defend deeply, with Cech in goal.
The back four consisted of Bosnian, Cahill, David Luiz, and Azpilicueta.
The midfieldprised Lampard, Mikel, Kalou, Mata, and Bertrand.
Eto''o was the lone striker.
Real Madrid stuck to their usual 4-4-2 formation, with Casis in goal.
The backline consisted of Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, and Arbeloa.
The midfield included Alonso, Khedira, Modric, and Di Maria.
Up front were Higuain and Wang Feng.
As the referee blew the whistle, Real Madrid kicked off first. They naturally spread out their formation, thanks to the quick retreat of the Chelsea yers, allowing the Gcticos to maintain possession.
Both teams yed extremely cautiously in the initial stages, allowing their bodies to warm up while familiarizing themselves with the rhythm of the game and the opponent''s tactics. Their styles were somewhat simr, prioritizing defense and counter-attacks over ball possession.
Chelsea appeared to be more conservative, mainly relying on counter-attacks, while the control of possession and territorial battles fell to the Gcticos'' side, requiring them to possess strong attacking capabilities.
After more than ten minutes of probing, Real Madrid took the initiative. Di Maria, on the wing,bined with Wang Feng to quickly advance and cross from the bottom, but Cahill managed to clear the header from Higuain.
Just two minutester, the Argentine winger once again delivered the ball to the front post, where the Chinese superstar''s shot narrowly missed the post.
The lively performance on the nks by Real Madrid caught Mourinho off guard, especially Di Maria''s speed and frequent breakthroughs through Chelsea''s defense. He shouted loudly from the sidelines, urging his yers to pay attention to double-marking and blocking.
In the 16th minute, Wang Feng received a through pass from Alonso in the center and attempted to break through. After dribbling past Mikel, he was brought down by Kalou from the side.
There was an immediate gasp from the stands, as the Ivorian midfielder''s challenge was indeed quite heavy, resulting in him receiving the first yellow card of the match.
"This foul was the right choice. Allowing Wang Feng to continue would have been too dangerous. However, the challenge was a bit too aggressive."
"Real Madrid gets a free-kick opportunity in the attacking third, and it should be taken by the Chinese superstar himself. From the game so far, we can see that Chelsea''s defense is quite resolute."
"You''re right. Mourinho himself is an excellent master of defense and counter-attacks. In the initial stages, Chelsea was pushed back a bit by Di Maria, but then he directed the yers to form a partial containment to restrict the Argentine''s performance."
"So now the task of breaking through still falls to Wang Feng himself. Look at this, he''s going for the shot! The ball just slightly high over the crossbar, a very high-quality direct shot, but unfortunately, the power was a bit too much."
"If Real Madrid wants to break through the opponent''s bus, they need to pay more attention to their free-kick execution, because they will definitely faceyers of obstruction from Chelsea in the attacking third, especially since Wang Feng is their main target of attention."
Facing the irond defense, even Wang Feng felt quite pressured, reminiscent of the situation when he lost to them during his Inter Mn days many years ago. Although the Blues'' lineup had changed significantly, Mourinho still maintained his familiar style.
In the 31st minute, Modric sent a direct pass from midfield, but the Chinese superstar couldn''t advance due to being sandwiched between two defensive yers, so he promptly retreated to support.
He passed the ball back to Alonso, who then passed it to Di Maria, but the Argentine quickly got bogged down and chose to pass sideways to the other side of the field.
Khedira stopped the ball, but the Chelsea defense immediately closed in on him, and the German midfielder couldn''t break through either.
The attack eventually ended with a long-range shot from Alonso outside the penalty area, a reflection of Real Madrid''s offensive struggles. They could only attempt to crack Chelsea''s defense from the outside, finding it difficult to prate into the heart of their defense.
The first half ended with both sides locked in a 0-0 draw.
Chapter 567: The Confrontation between Negativity and Positivity
Chapter 567: The Confrontation between Negativity and Positivity
As soon as the second half began, Chelsea, contrary to their usual style,unched a massive offensive, catching Real Madrid, who were ustomed to a defensive rhythm, off guard.
In the 49th minute, Lampard slotted a pass to Drogba near the penalty area. "The Beast" still possessed his power, skillfully maneuvering past defenders with a side step before unleashing a powerful shot.
This thunderous strike surprised everyone in the stadium. The entire Allianz Arena echoed with fans'' cheers and screams as the ball pierced through Real Madrid''s defensive line, heading straight for the top right corner of the goal.
The Spanish goalkeeper reacted swiftly, concentrating and diving to save the shot. He got a touch on the ball! Casis''s face was about to break into a smile, but it froze immediately. The ball was too fast! Although he managed to block it, he couldn''t stop its momentum, and the ball deflected into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal!!" The blue ocean surged in the stands as Chelsea took the lead!
The hero Drogba excitedly rushed to the sidelines, crossing the advertising boards to reach the area where the Blues'' fans were, continuously cheering and roaring, as if dering to everyone that the Beast was not yet retired!
His teammates quickly surrounded him, celebrating together this hard-earned goal. The head coach Mourinho was also on the sidelines, raising his arms and shouting loudly. His tactical strategy had worked wonders.
"Real Madrid was caught off guard. They failed to adjust their on-field response quickly enough and paid a heavy price for sticking to their first-half tactics."
"Yes, who would have expected Chelsea to suddenly elerate their offensive rhythm, breaking into the frontcourt in one fell swoop? Drogba''s long-range shot was also of high quality. So far, the Blues have only had two shots, but one of them hit the frame of the goal and resulted in a goal."
"After conceding a goal, Chelsea''s defense, already a tough nut to crack, will be even harder to break. What will happen next? Let''s continue watching."
In Mourinho''s philosophy, a narrow victory and a resounding triumph made no difference. A win was a win, so he never cared if the game became dull and boring.
After taking the lead, Chelsea''s retreat became more apparent, vowing to maintain their advantage until the end of the game, even repeatedly passing the ball around their own penalty area to waste time.
This negative approach to the game infuriated Real Madrid fans, who booed and protested loudly. However, the yers on the field continued to y their own game, constantly passing the ball back to goalkeeper Cech.
The Gcticos could only press forward aggressively. In addition to Higuain and Wang Feng, yers like Alonso, Di Maria, and Modric also ventured deep into enemy territory.
As time passed, their mentality became more and more anxious. Modric and Di Maria were both cautioned by the referee for their overly aggressive pressing.
Mourinho then made consecutive substitutions, bringing on Ferreira and Malouda to strengthen the defense while using personnel changes to waste time.
"What a sight! Chelsea seems to be ying a game of keep-away with Real Madrid, trying everything to waste time. It seems unprecedented in the history of Champions League finals."
"This kind of passive y is not uneptable. After all, winning is the most important thing. But you can''t just keep stalling."
"Like just now, Lampard clearly had space to carry the ball forward, but he chose to pass it back. Instead of trying to create an attack, they prefer to keep possession and waste time, greatly reducing the excitement of the game."
"In the second half, Chelsea''s possession rate reached 72%, but it was all meaningless passing in their own half, with no desire to attack."
"Real Madrid hasn''t given up, especially Wang Feng. We can see him initiating sudden sprints several times, almost breaking through. This repeated sprinting is a huge test of endurance."
The Chinese superstar felt a burning sensation in his chest, his sweat soaking his clothes and blurring his vision. But he knew he couldn''t stop. As long as he was charging forward, he wouldn''t give up.
He needed to be more careful, observe the opponent''s movements when they made tackles, make judgments in advance, and intercept the ball! After being tricked by a pass a few times, Wang Feng wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought fiercely.
In the 81st minute, his long-awaited opportunity finally arrived. When Luis passed the ball back to goalkeeper Cech, the Chinese superstar dashed towards him like a speeding cheetah, forcing the Czech to clear the ball with a long kick, sending it out of bounds and giving Real Madrid possession in the opponent''s half.
Khedira went to take the throw-in, and Wang Feng ran nearby, signaling for the ball. The German promptly threw it to him. With a chest control, the ball fell steadily to his feet, with Mikel and Mata immediately marking him.
The Chinese superstar opened his arms to protect the ball, continuously flicking it with his right foot to avoid tackles. Seizing the opportunity, he suddenly tapped the ball with his heel, threading it through Mata''s legs, and swiftly turned to evade them and chase after the ball.
Seeing Wang Feng sessfully break through the double team, Essien, who came to defend, was shocked, but he reacted quickly and directly slid in with a tackle, clipping the Chinese superstar''s legs and bringing him down.
"Beep~" Another yellow card! The Real Madrid fans in the stands cursed andined incessantly: "Damn it, that should have been a red card!" "Despicable Chelsea, only know how to foul and y negatively, no sportsmanship at all!"
Real Madrid won a set-piece opportunity in the left nk of the opponent''s half. Wang Feng got up from the ground, panting heavily as he nced at the opponent''s goal, then signaled Alonso and others toe over and discuss tactics.
"This is a free-kick opportunity that can directly threaten the goal. Real Madrid failed to capitalize on several previous asions. Let''s see how they y this time."
"Oh? Alonso is standing at the penalty spot, and Wang Feng is moving forward. Are they nning to execute abination?"
"Run-up, cross! Modric with another pass, Wang Feng with a shot! Goal! The Gcticos have finally equalized!"
"An outstanding set-piecebination! Alonso pretended to take a long run-up, deliberately staying far from the ball as if to curl it into the penalty area. In fact, he lightly tapped the ball with his left foot, pushing it to Modric in the middle."
"At this moment, Wang Feng quickly started his run, moving backward from the edge of the penalty area, quickly shaking off defenders, receiving Modric''s cross, controlling the ball, and shooting. The ball sessfully pierced through Chelsea''s dense defense, entering the from the bottom right corner of the goal!"
At the moment of the goal, Ancelotti couldn''t contain his excitement any longer, running around the field with his yers. This game was too frustrating for them, and they couldn''t ept losing in such a baffling manner.
Luckily, they had Wang Feng! When several direct free-kick attempts missed the target, he came up with this clever tactic to bypass the dense blockade in the penalty area. It was truly ingenious!
On the other side, Mourinho stood with his hands in his pockets, his brow furrowed. It was Wang Feng again. His mentality and skills had grown too muchpared to thest defeat. There was a feeling that he couldn''t be contained no matter what.
But soon, the Portuguese''s expression rxed. Equalizing the score didn''t matter much. In fact, his tactical arrangement was to drag the game to a penalty shootout. Stealing a goal was just a bonus.
"Both sides are back to square one again. After Chelsea restarts the game, they continue to pass the ball around in their own half, seemingly determined to y negatively and drag the game into extra time or even penalties."
"And Real Madrid still maintains their aggressive pressing. This is a sh of two different game attitudes. Who will have thestugh?"
Chapter 568: A New Legendary Record
Chapter 568: A New Legendary Record
As regr time in Chelsea''s deliberate dying tactics came to an end, the match entered extra time, where they became even more reckless in adopting a stalling strategy, all aiming for the final penalty shootout to decide the winner.
In response, Wang Feng''s answer was to run, never giving up until thest moment. Inspired by him, his teammates kept seeking opportunities to intercept and counterattack.
Once again, it proved that heaven favored those who worked hard. In the 118th minute, just when everyone thought the match would end in a draw, the situation on the field quietly changed again.
Chelsea defender Bosinwa, under thebined pressure of Wang Feng and Di Maria, had no choice but to choose a long clearance to relieve the pressure, returning the ball possession to Real Madrid. Wang Feng immediately flew back to the field, signaling everyone not to panic and to slow down the pace, considering that there weren''t many attacking opportunities left.
After several exchanges of possession, the Chinese superstar reached the midfield to receive the ball. Near the right touchline, he received a pass from Ramos. At this moment, Bertrand approached to block, while Lampard was ready to defend in tandem.
Wang Feng used his left foot to flick the ball to the left, intending to break through to the frontcourt from the inside. Bertrand naturally moved sideways to closely mark him. After taking a couple of steps, realizing he couldn''t shake off the defender, the Chinese superstar quickly made a diagonal flick, changing his running route back to the sideline.
With a quick change of direction, one inside and one outside, he swiftly passed Bertrand. Thetter could only hurriedly turn to chase Wang Feng from the side, while Lampard, sensing the danger, quickly rushed from a deeper position to provide defensive support, and Cech also rushed from the backfield to block.
In an instant, the three formed a siege on the sideline, with Wang Feng less than three meters away from each of them. It was as if there was a wall built on the Chinese superstar''s path.
Seeing this situation, Di Maria quickly signaled to pass the ball back, but Wang Feng didn''t do so. Instead, he chose to break through. He made a quick stop to avoid Bertrand''s tackle, then immediately made a left feint to get past Lampard, and finally received the ball through the gap between the two yers and headed straight for the penalty area.
The entire process took less than two seconds, and the Chinese superstar had already broken through the encirclement! Even the three Chelsea defenders couldn''t turn around in time to chase back and defend. Only Lampard''s reaction was slightly faster, but he fell behind.
Approaching the edge of the penalty area, sensing the chasing footsteps of the opposing yers, Wang Feng slowed down again while using his left foot to feint inward, catching the English midfielder off guard, easily shaking him off.
With only one defender, Luis, standing in front of him in the penalty area, and Higuain advancing quickly through the middle, passing seemed to be the best choice, but the Chinese superstar was confident.
Approaching the Brazilian defender, Wang Feng took less than a second to feint and change direction while simultaneously preparing for a shot. It seemed that Luis had a chance to tackle, but in reality, it was like there was a gap between them, and he couldn''t react in time.
The ball sped towards the bottom right corner of the goal. Although goalkeeper Cech threw himself to save it, he was still half a beat too slow, allowing the ball to brush against the post and roll into the.
"Goal! Goal! Goooooooooooooooooooal! In the dying moments of the second half of extra time, Real Madrid has breached Chelsea''s defense! Oh my God, this is the biggest turnaround in this match!"
"They forced the opponent to surrender possession through intense pressing in the frontcourt, and Wang Feng personally returned to the midfield to organize. He evaded four defensive yers consecutively and shot into the corner of the goal, adding another brilliant goal to the Champions League final by the Chinese superstar!"
A goal thatpletely killed the game! When Wang Feng returned to the midfield, Mourinho already had a sense of foreboding. Heforted himself that his defense was so tight that it shouldn''t have been easy for the opponent to break through.
Unexpectedly, the Chinese superstar broke through the encirclement in two seconds and took only one second to set up a shooting angle. It was just too swift!
When the ball crossed the goal line, the Portuguese felt dizzy. Fortunately, the assistant coach beside him quickly stepped forward to support him. Otherwise, he might have fallen directly to the ground.
With Real Madrid scoring their second goal, there was no turning back for Chelsea. Even though they made ast-minute effort to attack, with goalkeeper Cech even attempting to carry the ball forward, what was the use?
"Beep, beep, beep~!" With the German referee Felix Brych blowing the final whistle, the match ended, and the Gcticos sessfully defended their Champions League title!
They broke their own record of five consecutive Champions League titles and turned that number into six! Six consecutive Champions League titles!
This was simply unbelievable in the eyes of the world, especially since thepetitiveness and unpredictability of the Champions League had greatly increased after the restructuring, yet there emerged a team that dominated.
"Let us congratte Real Madrid. They have created a new legendary history!"
"This Champions League final is full of drama and reversals. Perhaps some moments weren''t as intense, but it was ssic enough. I believe countless people will mention this final many times in the future."
"Victory belongs to Wang Feng! He tirelessly ran throughout the game, inspiring his teammates and scoring two brilliant goals."
"Victory also belongs to all the Real Madrid yers! Until thest moment, all the yers never gave up hope of winning. They are the most united team!"
"Of course, Chelsea deserves respect too. Although their football wasn''t as dazzling, and even somewhat sluggish, their effort for victory should not be overlooked."
The victorious yers jubntly circled the field to celebrate, sharing the joy with the fans. Wang Feng came to the area where his family was sitting, waving frantically to them.
This final was of extraordinary significance to Wang Feng. Therefore, except for his mother staying at home to take care of his younger brother, all his other family members came to the scene to cheer for him.
Listening to the constant praise from the fans around her for her father, Little Siyao felt a sense of pride in her heart. She asked her mother in a childish voice, "Mom, is Dad really amazing? So many people are praising him."
Lu Yao tightened her grip on her daughter''s arm. "Of course, darling. Dad is the greatest athlete in the world!" Little Siyao''s eyes lit up instantly, and a magnificent figure was established in her heart from this day forward. In the days toe, no matter what she encountered, she would recall today, knowing that her father would be her strongest support.
The defeated team left the field dejectedly, their 120 minutes of effort turning into nothingness. Many yers needed time to calm down.
At 34 years old, Drogba looked somewhat despondent. This should be hisst season ying for Chelsea, after a full eight years, he had left the pinnacle of his career with the Blues.
Fortunately, he was luckier than many other yers. He witnessed the club''s rise to glory and had won league and Champions League titles, so there would be no regrets.
The Ivorian approached Wang Feng to express his heartfelt congrattions, and he was likely to join a Chinese Super League team next. It was natural to be on good terms with the Chinese superstar.
After a simple arrangement of the award ceremony stage, the familiar award ceremony of Real Madrid officially began. The champions were steadfast, and the runners-up were changeable. Every year, witnessing different losing teams made them deeply aware, in an intangible way, of the aura of a super club.
Chapter 569: Perfect Ending, Incredible Data Recurrence
Chapter 569: Perfect Ending, Incredible Data Recurrence
After the match, in the post-match press conference, Real Madrid coach Ancelotti stated that the yers didn''t focus on taking the game to penalties but instead put in effort from start to finish, and they deserved to win.
"Except for the unexpected goal we conceded early in the second half, everyone''s performance can be considered perfect. It was precisely this goal against us that made me see more possibilities for the team. Their effort and persistence moved me."
"This is by no means the end, but a new beginning!" the Italian said confidently.
Regarding Wang Feng, Ancelotti naturally praised him, saying, "I think there''s no need to emphasize further; he is the best core and spiritual pir of the Gcticos."
Six dayster, in the final of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid would face Mn Des, and the Italian believed the team would have a perfect ending, winning the league, cup, and Champions League.
On the other hand, Chelsea coach Mourinho sighed deeply, then said listlessly, "We were close to victory, but sometimes reality ys jokes on us."
"In the final moments, the defending yers didn''t make any mistakes. Their interception of Wang Feng was very tight and organized, but even so, they couldn''t stop his goal, which is very frustrating and helpless."
Regarding the passive attacking attitude of the yers on the field, the Portuguese coach candidly admitted that it was his instruction. "It''s also a kind of tactic, and I don''t think there''s any problem with it."
"In fact, due to the opponent''s aggressive pressing, we needed to expend more energy to keep possession of the ball. The yers'' effort was no less than Real Madrid''s."
However, the Spanish national team coach Bosque, who watched the entire match, didn''t agree with this view. "(Chelsea''s style of y) is a nder against possession football, and it even harms the sport of football itself."
"You can''t always think of keeping the ball at your feet and then go to penalties. The pursuit of goals and victory is thepetitiveness of football."
"Chelsea is undoubtedly passive, while Real Madrid''s active y to win the final victory is more reasonable."
As for Wang Feng, the Spanish coach expressed his deep impression of him, especially losing to him in the World Cup semi-finals two years ago.
"Wang is a yer who can create miracles. If you fight against him, you must not rx your vignce until thest moment."
When the match result was determined, major media outlets around the world urgently took action to publish news andments.
Spain''s "AS" newspaper was the first to publish an article on its official website: "Real Madrid defeats history, surpasses legend, Wang Feng!"
They believed that the Real Madrid club was already the greatest club in the world, and the only opponent that could match it was probably its own history.
But now, even this enemy has been surpassed. At this moment, the Gcticos can be said to be an invincible army.
And the leader of the team, Wang Feng, officially surpassed all the stars in the history of the team and became the undisputed number one in practical terms.
The greatest star of the greatest club!
Ennd''s "The Times" mentioned Mourinho''s feud with Wang Feng, "Chinese superstar sessfully avenges."
"The loss to Chelsea in the 2004/05 Champions League semi-finals must have left a deep impression on Wang Feng because it was one of his few painful defeats. That year, he also lost the chance for a third consecutive Champions League title and the annual double awards in football."
"Faced with Mourinho''s irond defense again, this time the Chinese superstar''s mentality was more mature and positive, and his skills were moreprehensive. He fiercely retaliated against the Portuguese with free kicks and a solo attack."
The article also pointed out that Mourinho, who lost the Champions League, might not have a good time because Chelsea''s performance in the Premier League this season was also very poor, "Abramovich is not an easy club chairman to get along with."
Germany''s "Focus" newspaper focused on the different approaches of the two teams during the match and Wang Feng''s two-goaleback.
"Wang once again proved to us that pure defense against Real Madrid is ineffective because they have the best attackers in the world."
France''s "L''Equipe" praised Real Madrid and Wang Feng without reservation, calling them the "legendary club and legendary yer."
The 2012 UEFA European Championship is about to kick off in Pnd and Ukraine. Unless a superstar contributes an explosive performance in the tournament, it will be difficult to shake Wang Feng''s position in the Ballon d''Or rankings.
On the evening of May 25th, at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium in Madrid, the final battle of the Copa del Rey against Mn Des began.
The Gcticos have never been strongpetitors in the Copa del Rey. In their history, they have won the title 18 times, far less than Barcelona''s 25 times, and even inferior to Athletic Bilbao''s 23 times.
However, their opponents, Mn Des, are a dark horse from Segunda Divisin B, reaching the final for the first time. Their strength is much inferior to Real Madrid''s, and with the schedule greatly disadvantaging them, several months passed between the semi-finals and the final, causing their momentum to almostpletely dissipate.
After the match started, the Gcticos quickly gained the upper hand on the field, firmly controlling possession of the ball and continuously organizing attacks to threaten the opponent''s goal.
In the 21st minute, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack after stealing the ball from the back, with Hctor Herrera quickly passing to Wang Feng. The opponent''s central defender arrived to tackle at the same time, hitting him hard.
The Chinese superstar endured the pain without falling, jumped with both legs while trapping the ball forward, sessfully evading the danger and continuing to charge forward into the opponent''s half.
Sparks flew as he rushed into the penalty area like lightning. Faced with the Mn Des defenders blocking his path, Wang Feng used a deceleration feint followed by a change of pace to shake off the opponent, closing in on the edge of the small penalty area before slotting the ball into the far corner with a low shot.
1-0! Real Madrid took the lead!
With the first goal, the second goal followed naturally. In the 41st minute, Di Mara cut inside into the penalty area after a wall pass with the Chinese superstar on the nk.
His shot was saved by the opponent''s goalkeeper, but Ramos arrived perfectly to slot home the rebound, 2-0!
Everything was going smoothly, so coach Ancelotti nned to substitute Wang Feng in the 50th minute, but Zidane stopped him.
"Mr. Carlo, I just calcted that Wang has scored 99 goals this season. Another one and he''ll achieve the incredible feat of scoring a hundred goals in a season!"
The Italian was surprised because Wang Feng didn''t y for the national team this season, so how could he reach a hundred goals in a season?
After a simple check, the coaching staff found that it was indeed the case. To fulfill the Chinese superstar''s wish, Ancelotti decisively substituted Morata for Higuan, instructing the Spaniard to inform the other yers and help Wang Feng score one more!
Soon, Mn Des also got wind of the news. Their goal changed from winning to stopping Wang Feng from achieving the milestone of a hundred goals in a season.
Originally, the Chinese superstar didn''t care much about this data, but the more nervous the opponents were to prevent him from achieving it, the more he wanted to aplish it!
After several threatening attacks, his efforts finally paid off in the 79th minute.
Receiving a pass from Alonso in the arc at the front, Wang Feng chased down the ball horizontally and then sted a powerful shot.
"Bang!" The ball went past the dense defensive line, heading straight into the corner of the goal. Although the Mn Des goalkeeper made an effort to save it, he couldn''t even touch the ball!
The Santiago Bernabu Stadium fell into a brief silence, but soon it was overwhelmed by deafening cheers. All the fans were extremely excited as they witnessed Wang Feng''s hundredth goal of the season being born!
Chapter 570: Thoughts from the Heart
Chapter 570: Thoughts from the Heart
Real Madrid defeated Mn Des 3-0, lifting the Copa del Rey trophy for the 2011-12 season,pleting the grand m of league, cup, and Champions League.
Except for the penalty shootout loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the season, the Gcticos won the remaining five major trophies, presenting a perfect report card under the new head coach, Ancelotti.
And once again, the data contributed by Wang Feng shocked the world. Even without goals for the national team, he still reached the milestone of a hundred goals in a season.
He scored 61 goals in the league, 23 in the Champions League, and 16 in the cup, adding up to exactly 100!
As early as the 2008-09 season, the Chinese superstar had aplished this epic achievement. At that time, he scored 62 goals in the league, 19 in the Champions League, 16 in the cup, and 6 for the national team, totaling 103 goals.
At that time, almost all authoritative football analysts and media believed that even for Wang Feng, it would be difficult to reproduce such glory because it was simply too difficult to achieve. It required yers to maintain a high level for a whole year, and the team had to excel in variouspetitions.
But once again, reality left everyone in awe. "The greatest yers in history are like this; their performance always exceeds your imagination," praised Pel in an interview with the media.
The two instances of scoring a hundred goals shook the fans deeply, to the extent that when Argentine media boasted of Messi''s impressive record of contributing 91 goals in 2012, it didn''t cause much of a stir in Europe.
"This is unfair. Leo has been growing and improving rapidly. Besides Wang Feng, his contribution is also much higher than that of other active yers,"ined Argentina''s "National Newspaper."
"Messi''s goals are harming the team," mocked "Marca": "Apart from beautiful statistics, Barcelona hasn''t won any honors. On the other hand, the Chinese superstar, with his two hundred-goal seasons, helped Real Madrid win six championships and five championships. This is the correct way for a football king to shine."
The club held a grand celebration parade the day after winning the Copa del Rey, and the za de Diosa de Cosecha (Harvest Goddess Square) once again weed the bountiful harvest. When the Chinese superstar stood in the center of the stage, the whole city seemed to worship him!
It is no exaggeration to say that Wang Feng is the superhero of this city. His prestige is even higher than that of ordinary parliamentarians. After thanking the entire team, he passionately dered, "Everyone wants to know where our limits are, but what I want to say is that we have no limits! As long as we have your support, we will continue to celebrate here next year and the year after!"
"Boom!" The densely packed crowd below seemed to be ignited like a powder keg, with everyone shouting loudly: "H Madrid! Dios Wang!"
After the celebration, the whole team went to the club''s exclusive hotel for a party, whichsted untilte. During the party, Florentino tentatively asked Wang Feng about the possibility of a lifetime contract again, but he still evaded the question.
The next day, when the Chinese superstar woke up from hisfortable bed in the vi, it was alreadyte morning. He looked at his beautiful wife beside him and felt exceptionally rxed.
Enjoy the vacation while itsts. Wang Feng smiled and gently kissed Lu Yao before pulling her into his arms. Lu Yao also naturally snuggled up and found the mostfortable position. A happy arc appeared at the corners of her mouth.
The twoy like this for a while, not speaking, but their hearts were tightly intertwined. The bedroom door was slowly pushed open at some point, and a little head quietly peeked in, with grape-like big eyes rolling around.
"Little Siyao, what are you doing?" Wang Feng couldn''t help smiling. Seeing his daughter Siyao excitedly rushing in when he called her, she jumped onto the bed, "Daddy, the sun is already shining. It''s time to get up and y games with me and my brother."
"Alright, Daddy is on vacation starting today. I can y with you guys all the time during this period." Wang Feng sat up and hugged his little daughter, saying as he did so, while Lu Yao chuckled and touched her daughter''s hair.
In the afternoon, Wang Feng''s agent, Balmond, called: "Wang, Nike hopes to sign a lifetime endorsement contract with you, estimated to be no less than 500 million euros. This will be theirrgest contract in history. Are you interested?"
"Of course, no problem. This doesn''t conflict with the WIND series, right?" WIND was originally tailored by Nike for Wang Feng. Later, due to its overwhelming poprity, especially with massive support from the domestic market, they spun it off as a brand operation.
The Chinese superstar naturally became the soul figure, with his FengYao Group bing thergest partner, not only designing professional football shoes but also many sports shoe styles, greatly increasing the audience base.
At the same time, manymemorative versions will also beunched, such as consecutive Champions League titles, Ten-Year Golden Boot, World Champions, and so on, each one more popr than thest, with tremendous money-making potential.
It can be said that the money Wang Feng earns from this brand every year has already surpassed the sry Real Madrid pays him. Not to mention other business ie of FengYao Group, considering all of this, he is undoubtedly the world''s richest athlete.
"No impact at all. WIND is also a money tree for Nike, and they will increase their investment in it in the future." Balmond exined. "By the way, can you give me a hint about how you view the matter of signing a lifetime contract with Real Madrid?"
"Recently, the club has been pestering me to discuss it. Since I don''t know your thoughts, I''ve been procrastinating. Although you may not care about football ie, it''s still a symbol of status."
After hesitating for a moment, the Chinese superstar slowly said, "Francisco, when my second contract with Real Madrid expires, I''ll be 33. To be honest, I don''t want to retire here. I just want to leave after leaving behind the most brilliant record, instead of gradually losing my starting position and sitting on the bench like Guti."
He made this decision in his heart when he arrived in Madrid at the age of 23. As the saying goes, a famous general should not be seen in old age. Creating a legend and quietly leaving is the perfect ending.
This was the first time Wang Feng had voiced his inner thoughts. On the other end of the phone, Balmond was shaken to the core. He was well aware that if this news were leaked to the outside world, it would cause a huge sensation.
The incalcblemercial value would be enough to make European, Asian, and North American teams scramble for him, not to mention the role he would y on the athletic front.
Despite his increasing age, Wang Feng''s performance level had not diminished in the slightest so far. More importantly, he had never experienced a major injury and was recognized as the football world''s "Iron Man."
Almost all professionals and media predicted that Wang Feng could y until he was at least forty years old. Even without explosive speed and physical confrontation, his excellent organizational ability and technical skills alone could still maintain an average level in the top five leagues. Not to mention moving to Major League Ser in the United States or the Middle East League, which would be like lowering the difficulty level.
So once he chose to leave the Gcticos, the next team eager to take over would be swarmed with offers, and there would be no need to worry about not finding one.
After calming his emotions, Balmond said, "I understand. For now, only the two of us know about this news. After all, there are still four years left on the contract. I will continue to negotiate with Real Madrid, and maybe reveal it to Florentino in a couple of years."
"I have the same idea. The fewer people know about it now, the better. Otherwise, it will plunge the entire club into a severe crisis."
Chapter 571: The Curtain Falls on History
Chapter 571: The Curtain Falls on History
In addition to discussing the issue of his future, Balmond also brought Wang Feng a new opportunity, saying, "Domestic television stations hope to invite you to do livementary for the European Championship. It won''t be many games, just one or two, and the price is reasonable. Are you interested?"
The Chinese superstar originally wanted to refuse, but he thought that it would also be an opportunity to take his family out for a stroll and have some fun. So, he eventually agreed.
In order to prepare for the European Championship in June, the five major leagues basicallypleted all their matches by mid-May. In the Bundesliga, Dortmund set a new record with 81 points, edging out Bayern Munich to win the league title, thanks to the outstanding performances of Lewandowski and Brashchikovsky.
Klopp turned this team into a youthful storm that swept across Germany. Their entertaining style of y and solid defense were key to their sess.
In the subsequent German Cup final, the Bumblebees once again defeated Bayern 5-2 to win their first-ever double. Bayern, in just a few days, lost two titles and ended up empty-handed.
To the regret of Chinese fans, Dong Fangzhuo failed to save the team. Instead, 23-year-old Japanese youngster Shinji Kagawa, who ys for Dortmund, shone brightly, opening the door to victory for the Bumblebees just three minutes into the game.
This incident sparked heated discussions online, with many questioning whether Dong Fangzhuo was already past his prime. After all, he was also 27 years old, and his career had been gued by numerous injuries. It was inevitable that his performance would decline as he aged.
Wang Feng stood up for hispatriot, saying, "Bayern''s defeat was determined by various factors and had little to do with Dong Fangzhuo himself. There was nothing wrong with his performance, and both the coach and his teammates trust him."
Even if Dong Fangzhuo''s level declines in the future, he will still be the ceiling for Chinese yers ying abroad, having won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups as a key yer!
After experiencing two seasons of dismal failure, Bayern''s management will undoubtedly take action. They will use their expertise in poaching yers to deal with their opponents.
In the Premier League, Manchester City won the first league title after the restructuring, surpassing Manchester United. The high investment from UAE tycoons in recent years finally paid off, with countless fans iming to have been Manchester City supporters for twenty years, seeing the team''s boundless future.
Mourinho led Chelsea to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool to lift the FA Cup, which can be considered as an exnation to the club''s chairman.
In Serie A, Juventuspletely emerged from the shadow of Calciopoli and lifted the league title again after many years. However, they unexpectedly lost to Napoli in the Italian Cup final, missing out on the double.
The Lightning Army''sst Italian Cup victory dates back to the distant Maradona era, so this victory has been the talk of the town for fans for a long time.
In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain, backed by Qatari tycoon owners, still couldn''t beat Montpellier and finished as runners-up. They were also eliminated early in the cup, achieving nothing throughout the season.
However, with Manchester City''s sess as an example, oil capital is very patient. They are itching to continue their heavy investment in the transfer market this summer, believing that they will achieve results.
This summer, farewells became a theme as many of Wang Feng''s former opponents and teammates announced their retirement and departure from the football world. Dutch legendary striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was the first to announce his decision.
He had informed Mga Club de Futbol of his decision to end his professional career after the end of the season even before La Liga ended. As a star yer in the ns of oil capital giants, Van Nistelrooy was considered a symbolic figure for strengthening the team.
It was because of his joining that the process of turning Mga into a powerhouse had just begun, attracting stars like Tolan and Cazo to join and establishing the club''s image of striving for sess.
However, the Dutchman''s rapid decline surprised even himself. With only four goals in 27 matchesst season, Van Nistelrooy could no longer make crucial contributions to the team. In his twilight years, he chose to hang up his boots.
At the end of hisst game, at the Mga Rosaleda Stadium, all the yers gathered together to throw Van Nistelrooy into the air, expressing their respect for him.
The Dutch forward was undoubtedly lucky because he could retire on the field. His former teammate at Real Madrid, Guti, was more deste. He had been a free agent since terminating his contract with Besiktas in Novemberst year.
After watching Real Madrid defend their Champions League title, the 35-year-old Spaniard officially announced his retirement on social media.
The Chinese superstar naturally paid attention to his old friend. He invited Guti to join the championship celebration. The "Golden Wolf" let loose, chatting about past adventures with younger yers like Ramos and boasting with new Real Madrid signings like Modric until he got himself drunk.
"Are you resentful towards the club?" Wang Feng suddenly asked. Guti, who seemed drunk, had bright eyes, "Never," his loyalty to Bernabeu was touching.
Guti had spent 15 seasons with the club, rejecting numerous lucrative offers from top clubs. He quietly left when the team no longer needed him, leaving behind a deep bond that would be remembered by all Real Madrid fans.
After them, Shevchenko announced that he would retire after ying in the European Championship. "I''m ready to finish my career with my hometown team in thest European Championship. If luck is on our side, I believe we can challenge the favorites and create new historical achievements."
The former Ballon d''Or winner, who oncepeted with Wang Feng for the Golden Ball award, returned to his hometown team, Dynamo Kiev, in thest few years of his career and retired there.
"We have many passionate fans who have always supported me to continue, and we also have top teams. Shakhtar Dsk and Dynamo Kiev are both powerhouses on the European stage."
Crespo also announced his retirement this summer. He was the Golden Boot winner before Wang Fengnded in Serie A, and the two had faced each other multiple times.
After his contract with Parma expiredst season, he once wanted to find a new team to continue his career, but at 37 years old, major clubs were reluctant to sign him.
In February, the Argentine went to India to participate in the inaugural Indian Super League Draft, where he was picked up by the Ker sters Football Club, with an annual sry of $840,000.
However, since the Indian Super League is not organized by the All India Football Federation, clubs cannot register with FIFA or use football stadiums. As a result, the first edition of the league was cancelled, and Crespo once again found himself in a situation where he had no team to y for.
After much thought, he decided to end it all, "Putting an end to a 20-year career is not an easy thing, but I can no longer find the motivation to continue."
"At a certain age, you realize that football has changed, the rules in the locker room have changed, and the way training and matches are conducted has also changed, and I can no longer adapt to these changes."
Apart from these, stars like Zagi, Barak, Bellon, and Yonbert, who apanied a generation, also announced their retirement one after another, making Wang Feng deeply feel the traces of time.
The curtain has fallen on the history that once was, and a new era will alwayse.
Chapter 572: Fun Stories of the European Championship
Chapter 572: Fun Stories of the European Championship
The 2012 European Championship began on June 8th and ended on July 2nd. Soon, Wang Feng had his debut as amentator, covering the Italy vs. Spain match in Group C.
The match took ce at the Gdansk Stadium in Pnd, the thirdrgest stadium in Pnd, only surpassed by the Warsaw National Stadium and the Silesian Stadium, with a capacity of about 43,000 people.
Sitting in thementary area on the stands, enjoying the match while providingmentary was a different feeling for Wang Fengpared to other times. His partner inmentary was the professionalmentator Zhang Lu.
"I used to watch youmanding the field, never thought that one day you would sit beside me to providementary for the audience and friends," Zhang Lu said somewhat excitedly. As someone working in Chinese football, there wasn''t anyone who didn''t admire the Chinese superstar.
"Haha, I findmentary very interesting. Being able to bring excitement to the fans like yers on the field do, maybe I''ll try it out more in the future," Wang Feng replied.
"That''s great to hear. Speaking of the game itself, Wang Feng, you should be particrly familiar with Spain, right? How do you predict the oue of the match between the two sides?" Zhang Lu asked.
"I can say I''m quite familiar. It''s basically a new lineup formed by Spanish yers who used to y for Real Madrid and Barcelona. Each yer''s characteristics are etched in my mind," Wang Feng replied.
"As for who will win or lose, it''s hard to predict. I think Spain will have a slight advantage," Wang Feng added.
"Okay, we can see that today Spain''s coach, Del Bosque, has set up a 4-3-3 formation, but the frontline isposed of Silva, Fabregas, and Iniesta, three midfielders. What do you think about this?" Zhang Lu inquired.
"Rather than calling it a 4-3-3, it''s more like a 4-6-0," Wang Feng chuckled and continued, "He''s ced forwards Torres and Vi on the bench, with midfielders operating in the forward area to create threats."
"This approach is bold yet full of delicate thinking because the foundation of the Matadors is possession and short passing pration. They focus more on positional y and mutual support, rarely needing traditional forwards to stay up front," Wang Feng exined.
Zhang Lu nodded, "But the team not having a recognized forward is quite subversive to people''s understanding of football. It''s unprecedented that Del Bosque would directly use this in a major tournament."
"In fact, he''s borrowing from Barcelona''s possession experience. Fabregas and Iniesta often ventured into the forward area to y when they were at the club. As for the effectiveness, we''ll have to see how the situation develops in this match," Wang Feng concluded.
The match itself was rtively dull, ending 0-0 in the first half. In the second half, Di Natale broke the deadlock with an assist from Pirlo, but less than five minutester, Fabregas scored an equalizer with a long shot.
A dramatic scene urred in the 53rd minute. Italy pressed high in the opponent''s half, and Balotelli intercepted Ramos, dribbled into the penalty area, but just as he was about to shoot, he suddenly slowed down, as if entering a frozen state, allowing Spanish defenders to clear the ball.
"What''s this kid doing, contemting life?" Zhang Lu couldn''t help butugh, "While yers from both sides are giving their all, he''s taking a leisurely stroll at the doorstep. I really don''t understand."
Wang Feng sighed helplessly, "Who knows, honestly Balotelli''s talent is really good, but his football IQ seems unstable." As he spoke, he seemed to see that awkward young man at the Pina base, looking up to him with admiration. "What a pity."
During his time at Inter Mn, Ribery and his agent Balmond tried to change him, but all attempts ended in failure. Perhaps God gave him ample football talent but closed the window on his football intelligence.
The "Special One" Mourinho, who once coached Inter Mn, also couldn''t handle Balotelli. "The story between me and Balotelli could fill 200 pages of a book. It won''t be a novel, but aedy, because this kid is too much trouble!"
He specifically mentioned the "red card incident," a Champions League match where Inter Mn''s attacking options were depleted, and Mourinho could only rely on Balotelli. However, he received a second yellow card shortly after the second half began, intentionally stamping on Novoa.
"My heart was breaking. Perhaps those instructions, once they reached his ears, changed? Denials turned into affirmations? I don''t know, this little rascal."
And after this group stage match, another legend was added to Balotelli''s story. What was he thinking when he entered the Spanish penalty area, causing him to stop and not shoot?
"Perhaps he was contemting advanced philosophical questions like ''Who am I, where do Ie from, and where am I going?''" someone joked.
Wang Feng''smentary unexpectedly received a lot of praise from fans. He analyzed the game from a professional perspective while maintaining an entertaining style, and many hoped he wouldmentate on more matches.
So, the Chinese superstar went on tomentate on the quarter-finals between Germany and Greece and Ennd and Italy. After that, he called it quits, taking a stroll around Pnd with Lu Yao before returning to Madrid to start pre-season training.
During this time, many amusing incidents urred, such as before the final match of Group A between Russia and Greece, unexpected scenes were captured on the big screen.
Sitting on the bench, Arshavin was actually enjoying reading a book, Haruki Murakami''s "War Chronicles of the Wind-Up Bird," a book about urban life and psychology.
No one expected the dominant Russian "Tsar" on the field to be reading such a book, all while seated in the midst of the roaring crowds of the European Championship. His reputation as a "literary youth" spread far and wide.
Not just Arshavin, but Balotelli also worked overtime to finish reading the seventh installment of "Harry Potter" during the European Championship. Iniesta also bought a copy of "Parenting Guide" in Pnd, adding a touch of "schrly atmosphere" to the intense matches.
The incident of the German team "catching spies" also caused quite a stir, as head coach L?w discovered that his starting lineup had appeared in the German media several hours before the match.
"I don''t know how the starting lineup leaked to the media. Perhaps some yers knew and leaked it to the media, and then the whole world knew!" L?w said.
"This kind of pre-match leak seriously affects the team''s stability and unity. Whoever it is, I must find them out!" For a while, there was a tense atmosphere within the German team, reminiscent of a spy thriller.
Portugal''s leader, Cristiano Ronaldo, was undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of this European Championship. He was also the darling of the media and cameras. During the life-and-death battle with the Nethends, sharp-eyed reporters were surprised to find that Ronaldo''s hair was tousled in the first half, resembling David Beckham''s "mohawk" hairstyle that once captivated the audience.
But when he returned for the second half, Ronaldo had changed to another hairstyle. He neatlybed the hair on his forehead back, instantly transforming into a literary youth with striking hair gel.
With just fifteen minutes of rest, the Portuguese not only had to listen to the coach''s tactical arrangements but also arranged a full hairdressing service for himself, really going all out for his image.
Chapter 573: Meticulous Calculation of the Titans
Chapter 573: Meticulous Calction of the Titans
The European Championship final ended with Spain''s stunning 4-0 victory over Italy. Iniesta was named the best yer of the tournament, and the Matadors became the first team in the history of the European Football Championship to sessfully defend their title.
This result not only demonstrated Spain''s football reaching an unprecedented peak but also made the individual awards for yers this year unusually suspenseful.
Whether the data-explosive Wang Feng would continue to dominate or the rising star Iniesta, propelled by the national team''s performance, would be more favored remained to be seen, depending on the decision of the judges.
Based on the yers'' performances in the European Championship, major clubs began to take action to strengthen their squads.
Real Madrid''s main focus this summer was on renewing contracts for their core yers, with less desire for new signings. They attempted to inquire about David Silva, the Spanish midfielder who was a key figure in Manchester City''s league triumph and the yer with the most direct involvement in goals in the European Championship.
However, the deep-pocketed Mansour directly offered ?99.99 million, showing no intention of selling at all. Thus, the matter came to nothing.
In the end, the entire transfer window saw the Gcticos only bring in Ghanaian midfielder Essien on loan from Chelsea, with a fee of ?3 million, creating a historic low in expenditure.
Furthermore, head coach Ancelotti optimized the squad by streamlining it. Veteran Gago was sold to Valencia for ?3.5 million, while forward Canales, who had been lingering in the reserves, was sold to the same club for ?7.5 million.
Several other substitutes such as Albiol, Sahin, Granero, and Diarra all found new homes, and when all was said and done, the club made a profit of ?25 million through transfers.
"The Gcticos are clearly the most profitable club in the world, yet they manage to earn even more in personnel investment and the transfer market. Such meticulous calction is enough to make all other clubs envy and resentful,"mented the Spanish newspaper Vanguardia.
In response to the controversy over signings, club president Florentino exined to the public that Real Madrid was simply channeling more funds into consolidating their championship core and youth development.
"Our squad is perfectly fine, which is an acknowledged fact. Therefore, the renewal of several key yers, including Wang Feng, is currently the top priority for the club," he stated.
Almost all fans expressed understanding for this, as they were on the side of continuous victory, and everyone''s tolerance seemed to have increased.
On the other hand, the top management of Barcelona couldn''t enjoy such ease. They first needed to find someone to rece Vnova.
Rumors had it that the Catalonia team was considering appointing former champion hero Luis Enrique as the head coach, sparking widespread discussion.
Enrique was originally a core yer for Real Madrid, helping the team win La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup championships before falling out with the management and switching to Barcelona, causing a great sensation and controversy at the time.
After retiring, the Spaniard coached Barcelona B before moving to Roma and now serving as the head coach of Celta Vigo. Would he be the one to save the team?
Before fans coulde to a conclusion, Enrique publicly denied the rumors: "I am very happy at Celta Vigo, and I have no ns to leave at the moment. Barcelona is a great club, and I love it there, but unfortunately, the timing is not right."
So, who would it be? Various rumors continued to emerge, including bizarre choices such as Van Gaal and even Cruyff.
"At this moment, Barcelona is like a hot potato, and nobody wants it," mocked Marca.
With no other options, assistant coach Jordi Roura took over the team, as if it were a nesting doll scenario: after Guardi was sacked, his assistant Vnova took over, and now, with Vnova unable to carry on, another assistant coach was thrust into the limelight.
Everyone understood that this coach was simply a scapegoat, likely tost only one season at most.
But club president Rosell had no other choice. Most of the rumors were not groundless, but many top coaches had sessively turned down Barcelona''s invitations.
Currently, there was turmoil within the club''s top management. Although it had not reached the level of Laporta''s forced resignation years ago, the pressure was immense.
On one side was the reality that needed to be strengthened, on the other was the mounting debt. Rosell operated like walking a tightrope.
They first urgently needed to dispose of Kaka''s contract to raise funds. After loaning him back to AC Mn and seeing the Brazilian''s form improve, after more than a year of relentless negotiation efforts, the Rossoneri agreed to repurchase him for ?18 million, leaving the Catn club with a ?47 million loss.
Apart from him, Roura managed to sell three fringe yers, Afey, Paul, and Cuenca, to other clubs, raising ?12 million.
Subsequently, Barcelona announced the high-profile signing of Valencia defender Alba for ?14 million to shore up the team''s weak spot at left-back, as neither Abidal nor Adriano''s form was stable.
At the same time, Arsenal midfielder Song arrived at Camp Nou for ?19 million, capable of ying both defensive midfield and center-back roles, fitting into Barcelona''s system as a defensive talent.
With this, Barcelona''s transfer operations wereplete. The club''s expenditure in the transfer market was only ?3 million, giving the impression that they had strengthened their squad.
Regarding theck of a forward in the signings, Rosell stated that Spain''s forwardless formation was still capable of defending the European Championship, especially with yers like Messi, Neymar, and Sanchez in their attack.
"We need to give them a bit more patience and time to gel. Neymar is our hope for the future. His outstanding performance at the just-concluded London Olympics, scoring three goals to help Brazil win the silver medal, was evident to all," he said.
This statement raised many suspicions. Did Barcelona, after experiencing several years of failure, decide to dethrone Messi from his core position and elevate Neymar?
Compared to the meticulous calctions of the Spanish giants, the English Premier League appeared bold and extravagant, with a total transfer expenditure of ??590 million by all 20 clubs this summer, unsurprisingly bing the league with the highest expenditure.
Chelsea''s investment of nearly ??100 million was second only to Paris Saint-Germain''s, indicating Abramovich''s determination to revive the Blues'' past glory. They spent ??30 million to acquire Hazard from Lille, ??25 million to bring Oscar from Internacional in Brazil, and made other scattered reinforcements.
Manchester City''s signings after winning the title were not substantial, mainly focused on plugging holes, but they still brought in seven yers for a total of ??45 million.
Manchester United, disappointed by their goal difference lossst season, repeatedly brought in yers like Van Persie and Kagawa, spending close to ??70 million.
In the Bundesliga, the total transfer expenditure of all 18 clubs reached a record high of ?244 million, with Bayern Munich taking the lion''s share. Serie A spent less than its ie, achieving a profit in the transfer market, indirectly indicating the loss of their stars.
The main protagonist of this summer''s transfer window was undoubtedly Paris Saint-Germain, sshing out ?146 million to build a dream team, echoing Manchester City''s extravagant spending of ?153 million in 2010.
Stars like Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura, and Lavezzi all joined, and they even approached Real Madrid''s Di Maria, offering up to ?50 million, only to be rejected by the Gcticos.
Another team that stole some limelight from the oil-rich clubs was Zenit Saint Petersburg from Russia and North Korea. They spent ?50 million to bring Hulk from Porto, bing the transfer market king of the season, and ?40 million to bring Witsel from Benfica.
"Zenit has been blinded by their purchases. The fees for these two yers alone are equivalent to several top clubs'' entire transfer budgets. I bet they will regret it in less than half a season,"mentedizens.
Chapter 574: Rise of Youth Training
Chapter 574: Rise of Youth Training
As July drew to a close, teams in La Liga began to gather one after another, and the schedule for the new season was announced. Unlike previous seasons, the first round of matches would kick off on August 19th, earlier than the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup matches.
This was extremely unfavorable for Real Madrid, as they would need to y five matches in just 11 days, a schedule that could be described as devilish.
However, this could also be considered a happy problem. Without winning so many championshipsst season, how would the Gcticos have the opportunity topete in two super cups?
After discussions between head coach Ancelotti and the club''s top management, it was decided to rotate the squad appropriately, without deliberately pursuing somewhat trivial honors, but rather preserving strength for more important matters.
Real Madrid''s summer ns mainly included European warm-up matches and a tour of North America. This time, they did not choose to go to China. Firstly, because they had visited China in the previous few years, which could lead to aesthetic fatigue, and secondly, because North America also had a hugemercial market.
Before the training camp began, the yers gradually returned to Valdebebas in groups of two or three. Simr to the Santiago Bernab??u, Valdebebas was also undergoing extensive construction and renovation. Florentino invested a huge amount of money to improve all aspects of the hardware facilities, aiming to make Real Madrid the most magnificent club in the world.
yers like Alonso and Ramos, who had participated in the European Championship, maintained good physical condition. However, yers like Di Maria, who had enjoyed a vacation of over a month, looked somewhat pitiful, visibly gaining a bit of weight.
"Wang Feng, you''re truly amazing. Even during the break without matches, why is your body always able to stay in such perfect condition?" After being "tortured" by Ancelotti, the Argentine couldn''t help but ask in admiration.
The Chinese superstar shrugged, "I make sure to find time every day to exercise and keep my body in the same state. Actually, you can try it too. By monitoring some indicators, you can understand your own changes."
Ordinary yers could only vaguely sense the changes happening in their bodies, so they needed to measure specific values. Wang Feng was different; his control over his body was extremely precise, so the efficiency of his training could reach its highest level.
Hearing this, Di Maria couldn''t help but show a embarrassed smile. Perhaps he could persist for a while, but consistently maintaining the same routine every day was indeed impossible for him, or perhaps, besides the Chinese superstar, no one else in the world could do it.
"Your efforts deserve all the honors you receive."
After a series of intensive high-intensity training sessions, the main yers of Real Madrid finally returned to their normal match level. Although everyoneined endlessly, with a superstar like Wang Feng leading the way and young yers from the youth academy eager to prove themselves, no one wanted to fall behind.
Real Madrid boasted one of the best youth academies in world football. Although it didn''t have the prestigious reputation of Barcelona''s La Masia, it had produced legendary yers like the "Five Eagles" series.
Moreover, due to the presence of many big names in the first team, it was difficult for young yers from Real Madrid''s youth academy to stand out in their own club, but they were considered cost-effective gems for other teams.
ording to authoritative media statistics, in the past ten years, Real Madrid had earned over ?100 million in revenue by selling yers from their youth academy.
yers like Carvajal, Jos?? Lu, Negredo, Soldado, and Rodr??guez left because they couldn''t find opportunities at the Bernab??u, but they quickly became core yers for other teams.
Therefore, Florentino had the confidence not topete for other strong signings in the summer, and Ancelotti had the confidence not to guarantee anyone a starting position. Whoever was in poor form would be benched!
For example,st season, due to injuries and poor form, Higua??n gradually lost ying time to Morata. He told the media that he would perform better in the new season and prove his worth to the head coach.
"I hope to get more ying time and surpass my statistics fromst season. Of course, this depends on my performance in the future. Everything depends on myself."
The Argentine had once wanted to leave Real Madrid, but now he dispelled that thought. "I want to continue to follow the team and create history together. We are the best club."
Real Madrid''s first warm-up match was scheduled at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere Stadium against Real Oviedo from the Segunda Division.
With Di Maria scoring twice, Real Madrid thrashed their opponents 5-0. Wang Feng, the Chinese superstar, watched from the bench, while Ancelotti continuously rotated 15 youth yers during the match, proving that they could also perform well.
Among them, the young yer Denis Cheryshev, born in the 1990s, scored in his first appearance, performing remarkably well. He became the first Russian yer to make an appearance for Real Madrid in the club''s 110-year history.
At the same time, Barcelona also yed a warm-up match, winning 2-1 against Cordoba.
Careful media observation revealed that in the two matches, Real Madrid fielded a total of 11 yers from their own youth academy, who showed excellent form, while Barcelona only fielded 5 La Masia yers.
"European Sports"mented, "Real Madrid''s youth academy has overwhelmed Barcelona''s youth academy for the first time." They stated that Real Madrid''s youth academy was healthy, energetic, and talented, gradually gaining trust from the outside world.
Barcelona''s results had already been overshadowed, and if they couldn''t even surpass their arch-rivals in youth training, then they would truly lose all hope of turning things around in the future.
The second warm-up match took ce at the Estadio da Luz, where Di Maria and Coentr?o led Real Madrid to face their former club Benfica, marking the 5th edition of the Eus??bio Cup.
Eus??bio was a legendary figure in Portugal who had led the national team to win third ce in the World Cup. During his time at Benfica, he had a close rtionship with Real Madrid.
At that time, Eus??bio led Benfica to the UEFA Champions League final, facing Real Madrid, who had won five consecutive championships. In the first half, despite conceding two goals, Eus??bio''s team frequently counterattacked and scored, eventually winning 5-3.
Therefore, many people believed that in order to end Real Madrid''s streak of consecutive championships, another legendary star needed to emerge, and Cristiano Ronaldo, also a Portuguese, was once favored for this role.
It turned out that he was far behind his predecessors, both at club and international level, and Cristiano Ronaldo needed to continue working hard.
The warm-up match ended with Real Madrid losing 3-4, and Ancelotti once again fielded several young yers, with Wang Feng still not getting any ying time.
Both within the team and in the public opinion, this was considered an eptable defeat, as the performance of the young yers was surprising.
After two European tours, the entire Real Madrid team boarded a ne to the United States, with their first destination being Los Angeles, California, to challenge LA Gxy of the MLS.
Ancelotti fielded a starting lineup consisting of the main yers. Just 51 seconds into the game, Wang Feng scored the opening goal assisted by Di Maria, shocking the fans in attendance.
Everyone could feel his eagerness for goals!
Then, the Chinese superstar scored three more goals within 30 minutes, achieving a fantastic four-goal haul. Callej??n, Morata, and Jes?? each scored a goal as well, securing a 7-1 victory.
LA Gxy''s only goal came from Beckham''s trademark free-kick. After the match, he approached Wang Feng with a wry smile and said, "You really don''t give us any face."
The Chinese superstar apologized repeatedly, as his excitement from scoring goals after nearly two months without a match got the better of him today.
Next, they defeated Santos Laguna 2-1, AC Mn 3-2, and Celtic 2-0, achieving a perfect record in the pre-season warm-up matches in the United States.
Chapter 575: No Comparison
Chapter 575: No Comparison
Real Madrid received unanimous praise from all media outlets for their pre-season matches in the United States. The entire team was in excellent form, with Wang Fengpleting a fantastic four-goal haul in his first appearance alone, proving himself to still be the unstoppable super striker.
Even more surprising was that in Wang Feng''s absence in other matches, the other yers were equallypetitive, even defeating the full-strength AC Mn.
Apart from the footballing sess, Real Madrid also reaped significantmercial benefits. ording toter statistics, the four matches in the United States collectively attracted nearly 250,000 fans to the stadiums, and even with an average ticket price of $200, they couldn''t resist supporting Real Madrid.
Furthermore, major North American media actively reported on Real Madrid''s matches, and head coach Ancelotti and Wang Feng both gave interviews to several important media outlets.
The Chinese superstar was even invited to appear on the highest-rated American TV show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Although this program had officially ended in 2011, given the rare opportunity, including Oprah herself, all the staff were willing to produce a special episode.
In the show, Wang Feng''s witty and humorous responses captivated all the audience, even causing the queen of talk shows to marvel, "You''re the smartest athlete I''ve ever met."
After this episode aired, his poprity in North America skyrocketed, almost reaching a level of universal recognition. The club continuously produced special edition jerseys for the US tour, which sold out rapidly and required continuous restocking.
In contrast to Wang Feng''s flourishing career, Messi found himself in a public rtions crisis. When Barcelona yed a friendly match against Manchester United in Sweden, a local newspaper published a photo showing the Argentine looking intoxicated, with a bewildered expression, being supported by his teammate Xavi as he walked.
The report pointed out that the day after the friendly match, coach Roura gave the entire team a day off, and Messi, Xavi, Valds, Busquets, Puyol, and other key yers went to a local nightclub to party.
ording to insiders, they invited up to 30 women to the party. To prevent any leaks, the Barcelona yers demanded that these women leave all their phones at the nightclub entrance and cover all the windows.
"Everything was free, including food, drinks, and entertainment. It was the most wonderful day of my life," one of the attendees revealed. Another person said, "They drank quite a lot and did some crazy things. But what exactly happened must stay inside and not be leaked."
After this incident was exposed, Messi suffered the most damage. His image as the well-behaved boy who avoided smoking and drinking contrasted sharply with the candid photos, especially whenpared to the disciplined Wang Feng.
"The Chinese superstar has never had a scandal since his debut. Messi may excel on the field, but off the field, does he just want to have more fun than anyone else?"
Of course, most rational fans, although feeling uneasy, could understand human nature. After all, across town, Ronaldo of Manchester United had his own issues, yet it didn''t hinder his performance on the field.
On August 13th, a week before the start of La Liga, the entire Real Madrid team returned to their Valdebebas base in Madrid for final preparations for the uing season opener.
At 10 a.m. sharp, UEFA announced the candidates for the 2011-2012 European Footballer of the Year award. The top three were Wang Feng, Iniesta, and Messi.
Having won the award for six consecutive years (including its predecessor, the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year), Wang Feng, with his century of goals and the glory of winning five titles, was still the strongest contender for the award, leading the first round of voting.
The fact that "Little White" managed to secure second ce ahead of his teammates was unexpected, and UEFA even hinted that the difference in points between him and Wang Feng was not significant.
This was mainly due to the efforts of some members of the judging panel who were tired of the European dominance and didn''t want the Chinese superstar to continue monopolizing the award. In previous years, Wang Feng''s dominance was overwhelming, whether in individual statistics or honors,pletely overshadowing hispetitors.
Finally, after Spain''s unprecedented Euro Cup defense this year, there was naturally an attempt to challenge the core of the team for the award.
This approach might not necessarily defeat Wang Feng, but it inadvertently "injured" Barcelona teammates, as Messi had contributed 50 league goals and 14 Champions League goalsst season, second only to the Chinese superstar, yet he could only settle for third ce.
Moreover, most football legends scoffed at UEFA''s suggestion that the difference was insignificant. When interviewed, Beckenbauer said, "Wang Feng''s contributionsst season were evident to all. His data significantly helped Real Madrid achieve their best-ever results."
"The Spanish Euro Cup defense was more of a team effort, and there were no exceptionally outstanding yers. Andrs was excellent, but he couldn''t stand out from the collective."
Zidane added, "There''s no possibility of directpetition between the two. In my opinion, Wang has already secured the award with his 100 league and cup goals."
"Unless this award wants to lose its authority and fairness, then feel free to do as you please."
There was no doubt that in the new season, La Liga would still be dominated by the two giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but thendscape for other teams would likely bepletely different from the previous season.
Leading the charge was Mga, a team that rose with capital and naturally fell with capital. There were rumors in May that their Qatari boss, Al Thani, had begun to withdraw his investment.
"They''ve cost me a lot of money, and I can''t keep ying like this endlessly. Mga will never be Manchester City." Al Thani said in an interview with local media.
The club simultaneously began clearing out yers, with core yers like Cazo and Rondon moving to Arsenal and Rubin Kazan respectively. The general manager also announced his resignation, and unlike the previous season''svish spending, they didn''t bring in a single yer during the summer transfer window.
Despite still having a Champions League berth, coach Pellegrini had to make choices. Now, the coastal team''s squad was no longer able to support dualpetition.
Simr to them were the newly promoted Levante, who, despite their glorious history, had vastly different finances and squad strength from the past. Their primary goal remained avoiding relegation.
Chapter 576: Opening Defeat, Is It the End of Real Madrid?
Chapter 576: Opening Defeat, Is It the End of Real Madrid?
On the night of August 19th, at 9:00 p.m., at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium in Madrid, the first round of the 2012-2013 La Liga season between Real Madrid and Valencia began on time.
After over a month of preparation, coach Ancelotti lined up the usual 4-4-2 formation, with Casis as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, and Arbeloa.
In midfield, Modric, Alonso, Khedira, and Di Mara were stationed.
Upfront, Wang Feng partnered with Morata.
Higuan had not yet won the coach''s trust and could only sit on the bench, but he was working hard to earn it.
After the start of the match, the Gcticos yed smoothly as usual,unching a fierce attack against the Bats under the cheers of the Bernabu crowd.
In the 9th minute, Wang Feng received a through pass from Modric near the edge of the penalty area on the left side, with his back to the defense. He quickly turned and dribbled past the defender with a swift move.
Catching up with the ball in two steps, he immediately shot with his left foot, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the. Valencia''s goalkeeper Diego Alves made a desperate save, but the angle of the shot was too tricky, almost skimming the corner of the.
"Goooooooooooooal! It''s in!" Apanied by the goal, the deafening cheers from the crowd and the heart-rending shouts from thementators echoed in the stadium.
"It''s the familiar taste again. Real Madrid has taken firm control of the game from the beginning,unching a fierce attack against Valencia and taking the lead in less than ten minutes."
"Wang Feng''s anticipation of the defenders behind him is very urate. He still maintains his sharp attacking awareness and excellent skills, showing no signs of decline."
"It can be foreseen that the Gcticos will continue to press on and secure victory in the match, setting a good start for the new journey!"
If the situation develops normally, it should be simr to thementator''s description, but it seems that even the heavens couldn''t bear Real Madrid''s dominance of football, as bad news soon followed one after another.
In the 27th minute, while defending a cross from Valencia, Pepe and Casis shed violently, with Casis''s massive fist knocking down the Portuguese defender.
Even the tough defender couldn''t withstand such a blow. ording to Pepe''ster recollection, in that instant, he seemed to see heaven, and now hey unconscious on the ground.
The field immediately fell into chaos. Real Madrid yers rushed forward to check on Pepe''s condition, and the medical staff urgently entered to take him to the hospital for treatment. Ancelotti had to substitute Pepe with Varane.
Before the home team could recover from the blow, just six minutester, during a midfield battle, Valencia''s defender Banega tackled Khedira, and his studs hammered into the German''s ankle, causing his foot to bend inward at a 90-degree angle!
Khedira immediately fell to the ground in agony, and the referee''s whistle sounded promptly. He showed Banega a yellow card.
"This is definitely a red card offense, too dangerous!" Wang Fengined to the referee, Morsata, after seeing the seriousness of his teammate''s injury, but the referee, reluctant to issue a red card in the first match, insisted on his decision and only issued a yellow card warning.
After the game, Spanish referees admitted that this was a questionable judgment, but it was toote. Khedira could only be carried out of the field on a stretcher, bing the second Real Madrid yer to be sent to the hospital after Pepe.
Ancelotti scanned the substitutes'' bench and had no choice but to let the newly signed Isco take his ce.
Even so, the misfortune of the Gcticos was far from over. Towards the end of the first half, Di Mara dribbled down the nk unopposed, suddenly falling to the ground in pain, clutching his shin.
The Italian coach on the sidelines was dumbfounded. What happened? The season had just begun, why were the key yers falling one after another?
Reluctantly, he had to rece Di Mara with Carvajal. At this point, from the back to the front, the Gcticos had someone injured in every line. The yers were greatly affected, and the home fans were bewildered.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Valencia scored two goals in the second half through Soldado and Albelda, turning the game around.
1-2! The Gcticos suffered an opening defeat!
Since Wang Feng joined, this was the first time Real Madrid had lost in the first round of La Liga! For a moment, all the media were reporting extensively, many of them believed that this season might mark the historic moment of the end of the Gcticos'' dynasty!
ording to thetest news from the hospital, Pepe, Khedira, and Di Mara were all severely injured and were likely to miss the entire season, which was a huge blow to Real Madrid.
"I don''t know what happened at that moment. It''s all my fault. I shouldn''t have focused all my attention on the ball," Casis said in frustration when facing the media.
"When I saw the rey, I realized how terrible I was. God, please bless Pepe to recover quickly."
Wang Feng, interviewed by reporters, looked very serious. "They are the backbone of the team. It''s a great pity that all three of them are injured. I hope they can recover soon."
Regarding the defeat in the first round, the Chinese superstar believed it was within reason. "Everyone feels lost. We can''t y well under such circumstances."
However, he insisted that the league was still long, and it was too early to assert that their hopes ofpeting for the title were lost. The team would make adjustments as soon as possible.
Most of the media believed that Wang Feng was being stubborn. With three key yers, who were in the most important positions, out for the entire season, it could almost be concluded that the strength of the Gcticos had greatly declined, making it impossible for them topete with the mighty Barcelona.
Especially in the other match of the day, where Barcelona thrashed Real Sociedad 5-1, with Vi making a perfecteback with two goals, while Messi and Iniesta also scored each, the Catn team was in excellent form.
"The six consecutive titles have drained all of Real Madrid''s luck. It''s time for Barcelona to shine." This sentence filled the cover of many newspapers, with a sense of triumph.
The plot seemed to be developing as expected. Three dayster, in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, the Gcticos faced Mn Deportes away.
In the 13th minute, Modric kicked the ball into the penalty area from the front, and Wang Feng stopped the ball near the penalty spot, immediately taking a low shot.
The home goalkeeper quickly dived to save, but the Chinese superstar, anticipating it, got to the rebound and scored again. At this point, the opponent had no way to stop it. 1-0, Real Madrid took the lead.
Before the away team could celebrate for long, Mn Deportes sessfully prated the defense in the middle, with Morivis equalizing the score.
In the second half, Wang Feng scored again with a long shot, but the opponent broke through the middle to score, and the entire defense of the Gcticos was almost torn apart.
Fortunately, Casis made several heroic saves, securing the final score at 2-2.
On August 26th, the second round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Hetafe away, and the situation did not improve at all. After Wang Feng scored first, the home team quickly scored two goals to reverse the situation.
If it weren''t for the Chinese superstar''sst-minute direct free-kick goal to equalize the score, they would have experienced two consecutive defeats at the start of the season!
After two rounds of matches, Barcelona topped the table with 6 points and a goal difference advantage, while Real Madrid, with 1 loss and 1 draw, was only in 14th ce. Such a dismal start was rare indeed.
Chapter 577: Hellish Death Group, Is the Champions League Also Lost?
Chapter 577: Hellish Death Group, Is the Champions League Also Lost?
"Real Madrid falls 5 points behind Barcelona after two rounds, their chances of winning the title drop to zero!" Unknowingly, this season''s La Liga started in an unexpected way. From the media to the fans, everyone was fiercely discussing one topic: Have the Gcticos lost the La Liga championship in August?
Looking at historical data, they have never won the league after only getting 1 point in the first two rounds, especially with strong opponents like Barcelona lurking.
"Daily Sports" pointed out that the root cause of Real Madrid''s problem was very obvious. The absence of two main defenders made their defense extremely unstable, especially without Khedira. The midfieldcked effective protection, leaving the defenders exposed directly to opponents'' attacks.
Moreover, with Carvajal and Varane, the defense was too weak to withstand strong attacks. Even Mn Deportes could easily prate their front, let alone other La Liga teams.
Furthermore, the absence of Di Mara made it even more difficult for Real Madrid to attack. Even though Wang Feng was sharp, the disconnection between the midfield and the frontcourt, coupled with opponents'' double-marking defense, made it very tricky for him. What''s most worrying is that while they may score one in the front, they may concede two in the back.
"Vanguard" wrote an article predicting the copse of the Gcticos'' dynasty, with the me squarely on coach Ancelotti and Florentino.
"They are too arrogant! Sending away yers like Granero, Altintop, Sahin, and Diarra in the summer, leading to the current predicament of having no one avable."
"Ancelotti may think that as long as Wang Feng is in Real Madrid, they are an invincible perfect machine. This is simply a big mistake. Besides discussing the Chinese superstar nearing thirty, can this sieve-like defense stop any opponent?"
"Out-of-ce Essien, mediocre Carvalho, and Carvajal, these people are not at fault themselves, but they are likely to be nailed to the pir of shame in the club''s history because they destroyed a great era!"
It was toote to remedy the situation. Even though there were still a few days left before the summer transfer window closed, there were no midfielders on the market who could carry the team. Six consecutive titles would be the limit for La Liga.
In the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, returning to the Bernabu, the Gcticos still struggled. Wang Feng seemed to be back in the world of the World Cup two years ago. Just like then, he frequently moved between offense and defense, having to manage both attack and defense.
Tired, really tired! He was young and full of faith back then, what about now? Only an aging body.
To outsiders, the Chinese superstar remained strong, showing no signs of decline. However, he himself keenly felt the traces left by the years.
His speed was still fast, but running throughout the game became increasingly difficult. His physical confrontations remained strong, but the forceful collisions gradually decreased, leaving only his technical skills untouched.
In the 27th minute of the match, Wang Feng intercepted the ball in midfield and dashed along the sideline. Evading two defenders with consecutive feints, he stormed into the penalty area.
Facing the defender trying to intercept him, he suddenly stopped and dribbled, catching the opponent off guard, then cut inside and shot with his right foot from the far corner to open the scoring.
In the 42nd minute, it was Wang Feng again, dropping back to receive a pass from Alonso, then turning and sprinting forward into the attacking half.
Modric immediately understood and chipped the ball forward. Wang Feng, speeding into the penalty area, leaped to head the ball into the once again, 2-0!
The situation seemed to be improving, and although he was extremely exhausted, Wang Feng felt satisfied. At least his efforts were paying off.
In the 63rd minute of the second half, as Alonso pushed forward with the ball, the opposing center-back slid in for a tackle and identally brought down the Spaniard. Seeing him rolling several times without getting up, everyone''s heart sank.
Another injury! Could it be that Real Madrid was really cursed?
Although Mn Deportes only managed to pull one goal back in the end, with the Gcticos winning the Spanish Super Cup 4-3 on aggregate, there were no smiles on anyone''s faces. After hastily ending the award ceremony, everyone waited for Alonso''s injury report.
The constion was that Alonso''s injury was not as serious as the previous three. He "only" needed two months of rest, so at least he wouldn''t miss the crucial second half of the season.
With heavy hearts, the Real Madrid squad flew to Monaco to participate in the UEFA annual awards ceremony, the draw, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Regardless, due to their excellent performancest season, they would be the absolute protagonists at the ceremony. To boost their morale, Wang Feng deliberately booked a Michelin-starred restaurant to invite everyone for a hearty meal.
In times of difficulty, as the team leader, he had to encourage everyone and boost their morale.
In the award ceremony, both Real Madrid and Barcelona had multiple yers selected for the season''s best lineup, and the question of who would be the best yer in Europe was full of suspense.
As soon as the three candidates were announced, Barcelona began to lobby for Iniesta. They should have a unified voice within the team, even Messi publicly supported his teammate in interviews: "Andrs has performed excellently both in the national team and the club. Many of my goals are nned by him."
The Argentine star knew that if he also stood up topete, it would definitely split the votes for Iniesta, allowing Wang Feng to benefit, and he could easily win the award without pressure.
Although he felt somewhat ufortable, Messi''s overall perspective prompted him to do so, but he didn''t notice the eager look in the young Neymar''s eyes beside him.
After a tense and exciting live vote, UEFA President tini took the stage to open the envelope containing the final result. His face showed surprise as he announced the winner.
The strong curiosity of the audience was aroused. Who could make him so surprised?
"I announce that the UEFA Best yer of the 2011-2012 season is Wang Feng!"
As soon as his words fell, the entire venue fell silent, and then erupted into deafening apuse.
It''s still Wang Feng! Iniesta''s straightened waist suddenly softened, then he forced himself to congratte the Chinese superstar. Messi''s expression was also deste. Even at this stage, he couldn''t break the monopoly.
Although there was suspense before the announcement, Wang Feng definitely deserved this honor. A hundred goals in a season, five-time champion, six consecutive La Liga and Champions League titles, who else could im to be the best in the world?
It can only be said that Iniesta was unlucky. At the peak of his career, he encountered opponents who were ascending. Missing out this time might be the closest he has ever been to the European Best yer award.
As for the surprise on tini''s face, he exined afterward that it was because the votes for Wang Feng and Iniesta were really close, with only a difference of three votes.
After the awards ceremony, the highly anticipated Champions League group stage draw followed. As the top-seeded team, Real Madrid was drawn into Group D, and the strongest team in the second tier was undoubtedly the newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City, and surprisingly, they were also ced in Group D!
Everyone couldn''t help but gasp in shock. When it came to the third tier, Ajax, a familiar opponent of the Gcticos, was drawn. This result was neither good nor bad. At least they avoided Juventus.
When it came to the fourth tier, teams like Celtic and Club Brugge were eptable opponents, but they ended up drawing the formidable Borussia Dortmund!
Truly a hellish death group: the champions of La Liga, Premier League, Eredivisie, and Bundesliga gathered together.
Chapter 578: Defensive Midfielder Wang Feng Applies to Play!
Chapter 578: Defensive Midfielder Wang Feng Applies to y!
After all the Champions League teams were drawn into their respective groups, there was a strange atmosphere lingering in the venue. Everyone''s attention was focused on UEFA President tini, with expressions ranging from doubt to deep meaning, or even anger.
Among them, one particrly fierce and sharp gaze came from Real Madrid''s president, Florentino. He stared fixedly at the Frenchman, his chest rising and falling rapidly, indicating his inner turmoil at this moment.
tini felt somewhat ufortable, feeling as if he were sitting on pins and needles. He couldn''t exin the situation clearly even if he swore on oath that there was absolutely no interference in the draw within UEFA. The Gcticos were just unlucky, in and simple.
Didn''t they recently suffer injuries to four key yers? Perhaps this was the will of the heavens! Achieving an unprecedented six consecutive titles was already impressive enough. It was time to give other clubs a chance to shine.
Barcelona was drawn into Group G along with Celtic, Benfica, and Spartak Moscow, presenting a promising chance to advance.
Valencia, on the other hand, found themselves in Group F with Bayern Munich, Bastia, and Lille. Performing well and vying for second ce in the group seemed reasonable.
Another La Liga team, Mga,nded in Group C. Their opponents included AC Mn, Zenit St. Petersburg, and Anderlecht. It didn''t look too favorable, but it was still much better than Real Madrid''s situation.
The draw results quickly appeared on major news media websites, portals, and social media tforms, sparking heated discussions.
Some believed that Real Madrid was constantly unlucky, while others suspected UEFA of shady dealings. However, everyone seemed to reach a consensus: given the current state of the Gcticos, their Champions League journey was doomed.
No matter how dire the situation was, the team had to continue forward. On thest day of August, Real Madrid would face Atletico Madrid at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco topete in the UEFA Super Cup.
Before the match, Ancelotti, Hierro, and Zidane discussed tactics together, feeling extremely troubled because no matter how they looked at it, there were significant ws.
"Atletico Madrid is in great form. Although we want to give up this insignificant trophy, if we suffer a heavy defeat, I''m afraid the team will really copse, never to recover," Ancelotti remarked.
"But we really have no one left in midfield!" Zidane said, "I suggest we field all the youth academy yers and bench all the main yers. This way, the impact of failure will be minimized."
"We can do that for this match, but what about the future?" Hierro raised a critical question. No one wanted to waste a year prematurely, especially since the situation for the next season was even more unpredictable.
At this moment, Wang Feng, who had been silent, spoke up. He was often invited to participate in tactical discussions with the coaching staff, and this time was no exception.
"Let me try. Let''s use this match as an experiment," he said.
"What do you want to try?" Ancelotti asked.
Instead of answering directly, Wang Feng walked to the tactical board, took the piece representing himself, and forcefully ced it in the defensive midfield area. The three behind him were immediately stunned!
"Good evening,dies and gentlemen, this is the sports channel. We are about to broadcast the 2012 UEFA Super Cup match between the Champions League winners Real Madrid and the Europa League winners Atletico Madrid."
"This event has a history of forty years. Initially, it was a match between the Champions League winners and the winners of the European Cup Winners'' Cup. Due to the cancetion of the Cup Winners'' Cup after the millennium, it was changed to include the Europa League champions."
The UEFA Super Cup match leans more towards being a performance event for fans and top executives, simr to an all-starpetition in basketball or esports. In recent years, due to Real Madrid''s participation every year, it has also been broadcast domestically.
"The yers of both sides are entering the field under the lead of the main referee. Let''s take a look at their starting lineups. Real Madrid is using a 4-2-3-1 formation, no longer the usual 4-4-2. Huh?"
Even though he was in the middle of a live broadcast, Zhang Jun couldn''t help but exim, "How could Ancelotti field such a lineup? He has ced Wang Feng in the backline! My goodness, does Real Madrid reallyck yers to this extent?"
"The goalkeeper is Casis, with Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, and Varane in defense, which is rtively standard."
"But what''s with Wang Feng and Essien in the defensive midfield positions? Although the Chinese superstar often actively participates in defense by dropping back, he''s still a forward after all. Pulling him back like this will significantly reduce the attacking threat."
"In the front three, there''s Modric, Khedira, and Morata, with Higuain leading the attack."
"With four key yers all injured, the Italian is somewhat at a loss. He seems to have resorted to desperate measures by deploying Wang Feng as a defensive midfielder. But can he really handle it?"
Not only were the televisionmentators from various countries surprised, but the Atletico Madrid yers on the field and their coach Simeone on the sidelines were also puzzled. Falcao, who was preparing to kick off at the center circle, looked down at the ball at his feet, then nced at Wang Feng in the distance, confirming that he wasn''t dreaming.
Simeone, with his hands crossed in front of his chest, furrowed his brows. Ancelotti wasn''t insane, was he? Could Wang Feng really pick up the pieces for Real Madrid''s broken midfield? He had never shown any talent in this area before!
Simeone admitted that Wang Feng was unrivaled in organizing attacks and taking shots, asionally showing some highlights in defensive interceptions. But this waspletely different from the concept of assuming defensive responsibilities throughout the entire game!
Perhaps it was true, as the media reported, that the Gcticos were overly superstitious about Wang Feng from top to bottom. That''s why they didn''t pay attention to summer signings and wanted the Chinese superstar to plug the leaks. This was ridiculous.
Thinking of this, the Argentine''s brow gradually rxed. He realized that this was an opportunity topletely crush their city rivals and dere the rise of Atletico Madrid!
As the main referee''s whistle sounded, Atletico Madrid kicked off first. Falcao passed to Adrian, who immediately yed the ball back to organize the y from the back. On the Real Madrid side, Higuain and Morata quickly moved forward to press.
Wang Feng forcefully stopped the rapid forward movement, slowly moving forward with the defensive line. One of the main requirements for a defensive midfielder was not to lose defensive position easily.
In fact, his understanding of defense was higher than anyone imagined. After all, he had broken through countless excellent defenses over the years and had seen numerous brilliant defensive yers.
The only obstacle was perhaps his strong desire to participate in the attack, but for the sake of the team''s performance, the Chinese superstar could endure.
Soon, Atletico Madridunched their first attack. Diaz sent a diagonal pass to Garcia in the forward line. Wang Feng immediately closed down, and the Spaniard protected the ball, attempting to break through forward.
But the Chinese superstar stood firm, and in the gap between his opponent''s exertion, he reached out his left foot and poked the ball away, causing Garcia to lose control of it and forcing him to retreat.
Behind him, Wang Feng was faster than the Spaniard, pushing him aside to take the ball. Seeing this, two Atletico yers immediately surrounded him. As long as they could steal the ball behind Wang Feng, there would be arge open space to directly attack the defense!
But unexpectedly, Wang Feng didn''t entangle with them as usual, trying to break through. Instead, he quickly passed the ball diagonally back to Essien, who was under no pressure.
Another taboo for a defensive midfielder was mindlessly sticking to the ball, which could lead to being dispossessed. Once the opponent broke through this barrier, it was very likely that they would directly attack the penalty area.
Chapter 579: Are You Guys Pretending to Be Me?
Chapter 579: Are You Guys Pretending to Be Me?
"Beautiful! Wang Feng''s defense this time was well-executed. When Garcia received the ball in the front, he quickly moved forward to intercept, like a wall preventing him from prating smoothly."
"Then he directly stole the ball through confrontation. The most wonderful step was immediately passing the ball out. He looks like a true defensive midfielder!"
Countless viewers in front of the TV couldn''t help butin in their hearts. Wasn''t the Chinese superstar supposed to be ying as a defensive midfielder? Was there still a distinction between real and fake?
Many fans who wanted to see Wang Feng''s performance on the attacking end couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed. However, they were patient and believed that there would be opportunities throughout the entire match.
Without the Chinese superstar directly organizing and attacking the defense, Real Madrid''s offense was like constipation. Morata and Khedira tried several times but failed to create a final shot.
On the contrary, Atletico Madrid also failed to break through Real Madrid''s defense. Simeone had targeted the weak defensive midfield of the opponent before the match, but unexpectedly, it was like hitting a wall.
Once again, the Gcticos'' attack was fruitless. The ball was intercepted by Koke, and the Bed Sheet Army quickly counterattacked. After several passes, the ball came to Rodriguez on the wing after crossing the midfield.
Facing Essien''s interception, the Uruguayan made a Marseille turn to evade and then turned inward.
Wang Feng, who was back defending, had observed Rodriguez receiving the ball in a dangerous area in advance. So, he preemptively upied the central space to block and intercepted the route for him to pass sideways to the other side.
Helpless, the Uruguayan could only slow down his progress and try to bypass the Chinese superstar in front of him. Wang Feng immediately moved up close, blocking one route with his left foot and reaching out with his right foot to grab the ball.
He almost stole the ball again. At the critical moment, Rodriguez could only choose to pass the ball back, then pass it back to the backcourt. Atletico Madrid''s quick counterattack came to naught.
Adrian and Falcao, who had already rushed to the edge of the penalty area to receive the ball, could only stomp in anger. In today''s game, the two of them yed very frustrated, feeling as if they were exiled. The ball rarely reached their feet through the midfield.
Even more frustrated than the two of them were Garcia and Rodriguez. Their poor performance and frequent mistakes made them almost unable to watch it themselves. They could almost hear Simeone''s angry roar in their ears, and they could imagine how strict the Argentine head coach would arrange the training after the match.
This was the current atmosphere within Atletico Madrid. Whoever performed poorly would be punished. It was precisely this devilish method that could deter yers and build a tough team.
The devil coach in their eyes couldn''t sit still at this moment. Simeone stood on the sidelines constantly directing the forwards to retreat and support, while also demanding to open up the side channels. The path through the middle seemed impassable.
This is unbelievable! Could this precise interception and steal really be done by the same Wang Feng who scored goals like a flood? The Argentine coach even saw the shadow of Makelele in him.
The solidity on the defensive end allowed Real Madrid to invest more energy in the attack. However, both Morata and Higuain were far inferior to Wang Feng in their ability to seize opportunities in front of the goal.
In the 41st minute, Wang Feng cooperated with Ramos to sessfully steal the ball from the back. He looked up at the situation in front of him, then kicked a long pass with his right foot, piercing through the defense.
Iguan started a run as soon as he saw the ball! The ball fell perfectly in front of him, and with a gentle lift of his foot, he calmly unloaded the ball and rushed into the penalty area facing the goalkeeper.
"One-on-one! Iguan! Shoot!! My god, is his foot covered in soap? How could he slip it out like that?"
"This is outrageous! The Argentine forward missed an excellent one-on-one opportunity. His form is deteriorating, no wonder he is gradually losing his starting position."
"If Wang Feng had taken that shot, it would definitely have gone in. Unfortunately, the precise long pass was created by the Chinese superstar, but he''s not a god after all. He can''t pass the ball to himself from the back to the front."
"The director gave us a slow-motion rey, let''s take a look again. Ramos intercepted and retreated to pass the ball to Falcao, Wang Feng protected the inside, suddenly rushed forward to cooperate with teammates to form a closing-off posture, and took the ball from the confused Colombian forward."
"The Chinese superstar only nced at the front and immediately kicked a long pass without hesitation. The timing, angle, strength, andnding point were all just right, and even the margin he gave was reasonable, allowing Iguan to easily meet the ball."
"It''s a pity that the final shot went off target. If it had gone in, it would have been a brilliant counterattack goal."
"So far, Wang Feng has delivered a perfect performance in the defensive midfielder position. Why is he so skilled? Could it be that deep in the heart of the striker who terrifies all defenders, there is still a dream of being a defensive gatekeeper, so he practices constantly in private?"
The first half ended in a draw, and Atletico Madrid''s dream of a big win failed to materialize. Instead, they werepletely at a disadvantage. If Morata or Iguan had been a little more urate, they would have conceded goals long ago.
As the second half was about to end, a showcase match would have to go into extra time and penalty shootout, making both teams'' yers a little impatient, and the rhythm on the field suddenly elerated.
In the 85th minute, Real Madrid advanced to the frontcourt, and Khedira''s long shot was blocked by defender Miranda. The ball was quickly passed to Thiago, who pushed forward, with Marcelo intercepting and defending beside him.
Seeing that he couldn''t elerate, Thiago decisively passed to Rodriguez on the side, who had a rtivelyrge space in front of him, with Wang Feng eight meters away from him.
But the experienced Chinese superstar had already begun to approach and block before he passed the ball. Plus, Rodriguez rushed a bit too fast, perfectly missing the ball. When he turned back to receive it, Wang Feng had already overtaken him and sessfully stole the ball.
In an instant transition from defense to offense, the Chinese superstar immediately dribbled diagonally past Silvio, rushing to the edge of the penalty area. At this moment, Morata on his left was also advancing rapidly.
The Spanish defender Silvio, who was blocking in front, did not choose to directly close the distance. Instead, he stood between the two, so that he could cover both sides after entering the penalty area.
However, the Spanish defender seemed to have forgotten that Wang Feng didn''t need to enter the penalty area at all. Only to see him stabilize his left foot and draw the bow to shoot with his right foot directly into the sky!
"Swish!" The ball flew into the!
Chapter 580: The Template for All Players
Chapter 580: The Temte for All yers
Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0, lifting the 2012 UEFA Super Cup!
While the oue may not seem significant, the message conveyed by the match left many unable to forget. Hence, after the game, numerous media outlets rushed to intercept Wang Feng in the mixed interview area.
Their questions revolved around why he yed as a defensive midfielder, whether it was just for this game or a strategy for all future matches, and how he managed to perform so exceptionally.
"This was the result of discussions with the coaching staff," the Chinese superstar replied with a smile. "As everyone knows, the team has been gued by injuries, with many key yers absent, making the situation challenging. Therefore, we had to seek change."
"As for future tactics, I will fullyply with the arrangements of the coaching staff."
"Thank you for praising my performance. Perhaps it''s because I''ve seen many outstanding defensive yers, and I''ve learned a lot from them."
During the press conference, Diego Simeone seemed somewhat impatient. He still had to deal with "punishing" those yers who had underperformed during the game.
"Yes, Real Madrid''s lineup arrangement exceeded my expectations. Only a genius or a madman would deploy a striker like Wang Feng in the defensive midfield."
"Performed well? Perhaps. It''s more likely that everyone is not ustomed to Wang Feng''s defensive role yet. We need to see more games before making a judgment."
On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti couldn''t hide his joy. "It''s regrettable that those who wanted to see a joke were disappointed. The Gcticos will never give up the pursuit of victory."
Regarding Wang Feng''s drastically changed position and role on the field, he eximed, "Honestly, doesn''t he have the talent for this? Look at the match statistics: a passing sess rate of 96% throughout the game, 7 interceptions, 5 tackles. He nearly shut down Atletico Madrid''s prating attacks entirely."
"Not to mention 8 key passes and 1 goal. He can even score as a defensive midfielder. Ha ha."
Ancelotti admitted to several wasted opportunities in the forward line, but he had a new calction. Stabilizing the team''s defense was the top priority. As for the attack, they would continue to rely on Wang Feng to feed them. He couldn''t believe they would still spit out the cake after it had been served to them!
For Real Madrid, Wang Feng''s performance was a super surprise, worthy of the title "football god" and not just empty praise.
It was a pleasant surprise for Real Madrid''s club and fans, but for other teams, it was more of a shock. ording to reports, after watching the UEFA Super Cup game videos all night, Barcelona''s head coach R walked out of his office covering his mouth, whether it was because he was scared to vomit or actually vomited, no one knew.
Other opponents weren''t faring any better. Coaches from various La Liga teams and the coaching staff of Champions League group opponents Manchester City, Ajax, and Borussia Dortmund were all scrambling to revise their strategies. It was already troublesome enough to study Wang Feng, but now they had to expand both the scope and difficulty.
The more they watched, the more rmed they became. An enhanced version of Makelele, an epic Vieira? There was no longer any temte in the world that could describe Wang Feng; instead, he became the temte for all other football stars.
People used to say someone''s dribbling, someone''s shooting, someone''s passing resembled Wang Feng''s. Now, they added someone''s interceptions and tackles.
"Give me 11 Wang Fengs, and I could conquer the whole," joked Dortmund coach Klopp.
Regarding Wang Feng''s performance, there was also lively discussion on the inte. Chineseizens joked, "A forward who doesn''t want to be a defensive midfielder isn''t a good goalkeeper!"
This was because many years ago, Wang Feng had once yed as a goalkeeper in a crucial UEFA Champions League penalty shootout. At that time, he made 5 correct saves out of 5, blocking two shots and helping Inter Mn ultimately defeat Barcelona!
"Perhaps his talent as a defensive midfielder or goalkeeper is even higher than as a forward. It''s just that he initially chose the role of an attacking yer,"mented aizen.
"I still prefer him as a forward. Otherwise, how many wonderful goals and miraculous records will we miss? After all, football is more enjoyable to watch in attack."
"For Real Madrid, putting Wang Feng in the defensive midfield position is just a stopgap measure. Their midfield is almost depleted. Once the main yers return, the Chinese superstar will naturally return to the front line, leaving Iguain and Morata speechless."
"Maybe this attempt at transformation will be valuable for Wang Feng as he ages. He really could strive to y until he''s forty."
Real Madrid''s consecutive acquisition of two trophies gave them a breather, which was extremely disadvantageous for Barcelona.
They seemed to be sitting at the top of the standings with two consecutive victories, but there were actually many unstable factors within the team, especially the performance of Fabregas.
In the second round, away game against Osasuna, they nearly stumbled. Less than 20 minutes into the first half, the home team seized the opportunity to open the scoring, and then they got caught in the opponent''s rhythm while rushing to equalize.
If it weren''t for Pique''s crucial block at a critical moment and Loren''s interception after stealing from Busquets, resulting in a missed shot, the Catn team would have been 0-3 behind.
At this point, Barcelona needed to change the pace, using fluent passing and attacking to break down the opponent''s defense. Head coach R boldly reced Fabregas with Pedro. At the same time, Iniesta was substituted for Xavi, and Vi reced Neymar.
This change quickly paid off. With Pedro positioned higher up, Messi was able to retreat appropriately and prepare to strike. With Xavi in midfield, the ball could be passed more steadily, and the attack became more organized and smooth.
In the end, Pedro and Vi respectively assisted Messi in scoring two goals to overturn the score and secure this crucial victory.
After the match, Catn media turned their criticism towards Fabregas. The Daily Sport believed that Fabregas was ineffective, stating, "The team encountered serious problems in attack organization, and the root cause is Fabregas!"
With Iniesta active in the attacking midfield position and lurking behind the forward line, Fabregas was supposed to be the best alternative under rotation conditions. However, his performance fell far short of expectations and even dragged down the team. In this game, the team''s average passing rate was close to 90%, but his passing sess rate was only 80.3%.
Seeing Wang Feng''s passing sess rate reach 96% in the defensive midfield position, more intense mockery and abuse were directed at Fabregas.
Mundo Deportivo was more straightforward, saying, "Pedro reced the ineffective Fabregas."
The article stated that Pedro''s return to form and his efforts weremendable, especially in the first goal for Barcelona. Faced with two defending yers pressing him, the Spanish forward calmly controlled the ball at his feet and forcibly turned around to pass it to Messi for a goal.
Not only did he take away two defenders in the penalty area, but he also delivered a precise pass, assisting Messi in scoring.
"The offensive lineup of Barcelona needs to be rearranged. Apart from Messi, everyone else can be rotated. Pedro, Fabregas, Vi, Neymar, Sanchez, and Tellothey all need topete for ying time!"
Their frontline was indeed crowded, and thepetition was fierce.
However, after the match, head coach R publicly defended Fabregas: "His performance is much better than when he first joined. Everyone understands that ying at the Camp Nou is not easy. I believe he can continue to improve and keep up with the team''s pace."
This defense also reflected the club''s top management''s intention. After all, they couldn''t cold-shoulder a yer who they had spent money to acquire. Whether he can be a regr starter still depends on his actual performance.
Chapter 581: Not So Eager for Goals
Chapter 581: Not So Eager for Goals
On September 3rd, at noon, in the third round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Granada at home, with Wang Feng still starting as the defensive midfielder.
During the game, his defensive interception was still very prominent, especially in the 33rd minute when Granada''s forward Irini faced Carvajal on the left side of the penalty area.
He first feinted to the right with his right foot, causing Carvajal''s center of gravity to shift, and then immediately dribbled the ball to the left, using his speed to forcefully surpass the home team''s defender.
The 34-year-old Portuguese''s speed and agility had greatly declined, and he couldn''t keep up with the opponent after being swayed like this. Irini took the opportunity to dribble into the heart of the penalty area and then made a triangle pass back to the center.
Forward Flores was waiting there, ready to shoot directly once he received the ball, but at the critical moment, Wang Feng suddenly rushed out and stretched his leg to block the passingne, clearing the ball out of the baseline.
Sessful interception! He always stood inside Carvajal to provide protection, so even if the opponent broke through the first line of defense, he could promptly follow up with supplementary defense.
In the 42nd minute, Wang Feng received a short pass from Essien at the back and then dribbled forward between Granada''s forward line and midfield line, making it difficult for the opponents to mark him.
Then he sent a lob pass with his left foot to Carvajal on the wing, while he himself moved forward. After receiving the ball, Carvajal dodged a tackle with his right foot and then made a through pass with his left foot to Morata at the edge of the penalty area.
Morata received the ball with his back to the goal and couldn''t turn around, so he passed it back to Carvajal. The two formed a wall-like cooperation to pull apart the defense, and the Spanish midfielder then passed the ball to Wang Feng, who was making a run forward.
The Chinese superstar received the ball with a direct right-footed pass into the penalty area, and Gonzalo Higuain, who had been waiting for it, quickly started and scored for Real Madrid this time.
In the second half, Wang Feng orchestrated another attack, assisted by Modric to help Ramos extend the lead, 2-0, and the Gcticos secured their first victory of the league season.
In this game, the Chinese superstar contributed 6 interceptions and 3 tackles. Granada didn''t organize many attacks to begin with, and almost all of them were snuffed out by him.
This resulted in the away team having a pitiful 3 shots, two of which were from corner kicks.
In addition, his passing sess rate reached 97%, with 7 key passes and 1 assist. This data wasparable to Busquets, making him one of the top defensive midfielders in La Liga!
"Wang continues to shock the world with his magical performances. This time, it''s not about fancy dribbles or passionate scoring but calm and solid defense," praised Marca.
"Ancelotti is probably the luckiest coach in the world. Anyone would be at a loss when faced with a shortage of troops, but he has Wang Feng, the Chinese superstar who sessfully revitalizes the team in a difficult situation."
On the other hand, with Messi''s goal, Barcelona defeated Valencia 1-0 to secure their third consecutive victory, leading Real Madrid by as much as 5 points.
Therefore, many Catn media believed that the Gcticos were just barely holding on, and Wang Feng''s "part-time job" wouldn''tst long. "Wang''s current outstanding performance is only because the opponents haven''t adapted to his new position yet. Once they do, he will fade away," they said.
"He''d better return to his original position as soon as possible. Leo has already scored 4 goals, while he has only scored 3. Continuing like this might make him lose the monopoly on the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Boot that he has held for many years," warned Amodes from Diario Sport.
In response to this, Wang Feng responded to the media during an interview: "I have only one goal in ying football, which is to help the team win! In the original position, I need to score continuously, but in the current position, I need to intercept and defend. It''s just different roles."
He expressed his satisfaction with his current achievements, stating that his desire for the Golden Boot was far less intense than his desire for the championship.
The Chinese superstar had enough capital to say this. With one Belgian Golden Boot, five Serie A Golden Boots, six La Liga Golden Boots, eleven European Golden Boots, and an unprecedented Super Golden Boot, he indeed didn''t need to be so eager for goals anymore.
After three rounds of league matches, the national team match day in September arrived, and La Liga temporarily halted. With no tasks at hand, Wang Feng could spend quality time at home with his wife and children.
As he leisurelyy on the recliner in the vi''s courtyard, enjoying sweet grapes while scrolling through his phone, he found that almost all news websites were flooded with one piece of news.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy! He has decided to leave Manchester United!" In the English Premier League''s third round match between Manchester United and Everton, the Portuguese scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute. However, he did not celebrate in any form, with a serious expression and pursed lips.
Teammate Vidic, who rushed to hug him, was obviously taken aback and could only awkwardly pat Ronaldo''s shoulder.
And in the 71st minute of the second half, he scored again toplete a brace, but the situation was the same, no "siu~", no enthusiastic response to the fans in the stands, just a stern face walking back.
At that time, everyone understood that Cristiano was not happy, and he was very angry. They believed that the earlier-than-expected end to the UEFA Best yer award had affected the Portuguese star''s mood, as he hadn''t even made it to the top three, ranking only fourth.
But after the game, in the mixed interview area, what Cristiano Ronaldo said was shocking: "European Best? No, I won''t be disappointed because of this, because I am one of the best, and I will always strive for the trophy."
"I am indeed not happy, and some people at the club know why. I don''t want to reveal more. This is not a personal problem but a professional one."
Immediately, a reporter asked him if he was dissatisfied with Manchester United, and the Portuguese did not deny it. "I don''t want to say anything more. You know," he said. At the same time, he hinted that his poor start was due to the club''s "fault".
This interview caused a sensation in Ennd and quickly spread throughout Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo had a high influence worldwide, second only to Wang Feng but higher than Messi, thanks to his attention to and marketing in the online world.
Several hourster, as the situation gradually escted, British Sky Sports columnist Smith revealed that as early as the beginning of the season, the Portuguese had approached the club''s CEO, David Gill, asking for a pay raise, but was ruthlessly rejected.
After forcing out Rooneyst year, Ronaldo had publicly stated that he hoped to retire at Manchester United, calling it his home, with mentors and family-like figures there.
But subsequent contract negotiations did not go smoothly. The Portuguese star''sst signing was in 2010, with a contract duration of 5 years and a buyout use of 1 billion euros.
This meant that as long as Manchester United didn''t let him go, no other team could poach Ronaldo, so the club didn''t want to discuss sry increases and contract renewals at this time.
Entering the new season, Ferguson had already indicated that he would gradually fade away and was likely to retire after the season. The worries about the future and dissatisfaction with the treatment finally made him erupt.
Simrly, in the mixed interview area, Manchester United captain Vidic looked puzzled: "I don''t know anything. I just found out from you guys. In the dressing room, both I and other teammates felt he was normal, without any anger."
As for the sry dispute between the yers and the club, Vidic said it was their own business. "I will focus on the game and fully cooperate with Cristiano to win," he said.
Chapter 582: Tugging and Compromise
Chapter 582: Tugging and Compromise
Lu Yao handed Wang Feng a cup of freshly squeezed healthy fruit juice she made herself and said, "Feng Ge, taste my newly developed recipe."
Wang Feng chuckled speechlessly, "After all these years, yourbinations could fill a book." With that, he took a sip. It had the fragrance of apples, along with lemon and other fruity vors, quite refreshing.
Sitting beside her husband, Lu Yao''s graceful figure and slender waist gave no hint that she was the mother of two children.
Seeing Wang Feng browsing news about Cristiano Ronaldo, Lu Yao curiously asked, "Feng Ge, I heard rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo mighte to Real Madrid. Is it true?"
This was also the hottest rumor in the media, and it seemed very usible. With the Chinese superstar ying in a withdrawn position and the Gxy Battleshipcking a strong front line, they indeed needed a super striker.
"No, this is just a strategy by the Portuguese, simr tost year''s publicity about joining Manchester City, to achieve his desired oue."
If Cristiano Ronaldo had to leave, he should have confronted the club in August, not wait until after the transfer window officially closed.
The timing was just right, the club couldn''t take a tough stance against him, and due to national team matches, when he flew back to Portugal, there was no crisis public rtions.
If Manchester United mishandled this, they would be troubled by this matter for the next half of the season, likely affecting their performance in the league and Champions League once again.
Deep down, Cristiano Ronaldo yearned to join Real Madrid, but not now, because this team was already deeply associated with Wang Feng''s image. No matter how well he performed, fans, the club, and even the media would only see the Chinese superstar.
The Portuguese star wanted to be the supreme figure in the team, otherwise, they wouldn''t have driven out Rooney.
The incident continued to ferment, with some media iming that Cristiano Ronaldo''s statement hadn''t gone through Mendes, so the agent was very surprised. However, Mendester issued a statement on thepany''s website, fully supporting the Portuguese.
"I''m not surprised at all. He chose to speak out at this time because he has his own considerations. As everyone knows, I will always support all his decisions."
ording to The Sun, Cristiano Ronaldo''s agent team believed he should get the best contract in the world, at least not less than Drogba and Anelka.
Currently, the two of them respectively received ??10 million and ??9.5 million in the Chinese Super League, while the Portuguese''s after-tax annual sry was only ??8.5 million.
"Continuing to give Ronaldo a raise willpletely destroy the sry structure within Manchester United."
In fact, this wasn''t Mendes'' first "threat" to the club. As early as 2005, in his second season with the Red Devils, the Portuguese encouraged him to ask for a raise.
After being rejected by the club, he immediately spread rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo might be snatched away by Real Madrid, forcing Manchester United to sign a contract extension with a quadrupled weekly sry.
So "sry disputes" became a routine for the Portuguese star every season. Whenever the summer transfer window approached, rumors of his departure would emerge, ultimately ending with Manchester Unitedpromising and Ronaldo expressing loyalty.
Therefore, even though the contract duration was five years, there were changes every year in reality. He also received more and more boos from Manchester United fans. Last year was the peak, everyone originally thought it would calm down for a while this year, but unexpectedly, it happened again.
Sir Ferguson, as the team leader, had nevermented on the farce from start to finish, but those close to him revealed to reporters, "The Knight feels frustrated and disappointed. He never thought that hisst season at Manchester United would be so difficult."
Although the insiders didn''t mention Cristiano Ronaldo''s name, it was obvious to everyone that what saddened Sir Ferguson the most was probably his beloved disciple.
Manchester United CEO David Gill said, "Go ask Cristiano Ronaldo what he really means. What else can we say?"
"Heined a bit, but that''s it. What else can we do?"
The storm of controversy seemingly didn''t affect the Portuguese''s form in the national team. In the World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg, Moutinho made a second pass, and Cristiano Ronaldo broke into the penalty area and scored with a low shot.
After scoring, he made his iconic "siu~" celebration, and teammates came to congratte him one after another. This was Cristiano Ronaldo''s fifth goal for the national team this year.
With the national team matchdays shortening, both yers and clubs had to talk to solve problems. The Times revealed that the Portuguese star quietly left the team and returned to Ennd, and had detailed discussions with the management and Sir Ferguson. The two sides basically reached an agreement.
Manchester Unitedpromised, agreeing to give Cristiano Ronaldo a 20% raise within the existing contract period, so his after-tax annual sry could reach ??10 million, surpassing Messi''s ?10.5 million.
As expected, when the national team gradually returned to their clubs, Cristiano Ronaldo posted a message on his personal page on social media: "I am very happy to help Portugal get 6 points. Now it''s time for the club."
"With the support of fans and teammates, I will focus all my attention on winning games and trophies. This season, Manchester United will definitely not miss out on the league and Champions League!"
On September 16th, in the fourth round of La Liga at the Pizju??n Stadium, Real Madrid challenged Sevi away.
The home teamunched a fierce attack with the advantage of their home ground, maintaining a ball possession rate of 58.9% throughout the game, surpassing Real Madrid. This was rare in recent years, putting a lot of defensive pressure on the away team.
In the 13th minute, the home teamunched an attack, Negredo dribbled the ball forward, but was blocked by Wang Feng, who continuously pushed him towards the sideline, finally intercepting him in the thirty-meter area of ??the opponent''s half.
The Spanish forward tried to push the ball backward with force, but the Chinese superstar remained unmoved, stabilizing his lower body while reaching out his right foot to try to push the ball out of bounds.
Negredo cleverly tapped the ball with his heel, letting it pass between Wang Feng''s legs, and then turned around to chase the ball.
This move by the Chinese superstar could be said to be skillful. Could he even make an eagle drop its eyes?
So he forcibly held the Spaniard to prevent him from starting, and at the same time, with a sweep of his left foot backward, he skillfully controlled the ball under his feet. Although Negredo wanted to fall to the ground to deceive for a foul, the main referee remained unmoved.
However, high-intensity offense and defense inevitably led to collisions. In the 29th minute, Sevi quickly pushed forward with a break in the middle, and Del Moral and Navas faced Wang Feng in a two-on-one situation.
Seeing that they were about to break through, the Chinese superstar had no choice but to foul Del Moral and received a yellow card.
In his more than six years with the Gxy Battleship, Wang Feng had rarelymitted fouls, let alone received two yellow cards. Now, as a defensive midfielder, he was likely to receive more cards.
The only goal of the match urred in the 78th minute of the second half. The Chinese superstar made a precise long pass from the back, tearing open the Sevi defense, and Morata received the ball and scored with a chip shot in the penalty area.
The Gxy Battleship won 1-0 against the home team!
In this match, Wang Feng''s data exploded even more: 94% passing sess rate, 9 interceptions, and 6 steals, topping the top 20 in La Liga, as well as 6 key passes and 1 assist.
Because Barcelona beat Getafe 4-1, achieving four consecutive victories, Real Madrid''s victory in this match was crucial. Currently, they have 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 7 points, climbing to fifth ce in the standings.
Chapter 583: Let Me Tell You What a Big Club Is!
Chapter 583: Let Me Tell You What a Big Club Is!
Despite Real Madrid taking all three points and Wang Feng''s impressive performance, the difficulties during the game were evident. With the midweek Champions League group stage approaching, how would they face the formidable Manchester City?
Alfredo, the editor-in-chief of AS, wrote in his column, "When four main yers fall consecutively, everyone feels despair, and the Gxy Battleship haspletely lost hope of contending for the championship."
"Wang''s presence once made fans happy, but the team''s problems are systemic. He can only struggle to move forward with everyone, and where they can go is still uncertain."
On September 18th, the first leg of the Champions League group stage kicked off at the Bernabeu, with Real Madrid facing the in-form Manchester City.
The Sky Blues lined up with the same 4-2-3-1 formation as Real Madrid, with Joe Hart as the goalkeeper.
The back four consisted of Maicon, Kompany, Nastasic, and Krov.
The double pivot midfielders were Barry and Javi Garcia, with Nasri, Yaya Toure, and Silva in front of them.
Tevez was the lone striker.
As the proud champions of the Premier League, Manchester City yers were full of arrogance, or more positively, they were full of fighting spirit. However, their attitude could also be seen as looking down on their opponents.
Moreover, with some recent struggles with injuries in the Gxy Battleship, they looked even less concerned about their opponents. Before the match in the yer tunnel, Maicon loudly said to Nastasic in English, "I don''t see anything special about the Bernabeu. We''re the defending champions. Let''s win the game quickly and go to the nightclubs in Madrid."
There were also many yers in the Real Madrid team who could speak English. Upon hearing this, they were immediately furious. Who gave this nouveau riche the right toment on traditional powerhouses?
Naturally, Wang Feng understood as well. He looked at the Brazilian defender with a smile that was not a smile, making him feel uneasy. It was clear that the aura surrounding the Chinese superstar was too strong, to some extent, it could intimidate opponents.
Immediately, he also said in English, "Guys, let''s show our distant friends what a real big club is!"
Stepping onto the Bernabeu pitch, Maicon and others understood what a real big club was like. Nearly 80,000 home fans in the stands shouted "H Madrid" in unison, and the white sea surged and rolled, all disying the culture and energy of this hellish home ground.
After the game started, the inspired Real Madrid yers appeared particrly determined. In the first ten minutes, Modric assisted Morata twice to attack the heart of the penalty area, eventually leading to a valid shot.
In the 13th minute, Wang Feng dribbled the ball near the center circle and calmly passed it to Khedira in front of him when facing Yaya Toure. Thetter then passed diagonally to the front for the oing Chinese superstar.
From there, he advanced all the way forward. First, he dodged Silva''s pressing with ateral shift, then faced the joint defense of Javi Garcia and Maicon, and sent a surgical pass with his left foot straight into the heart of the penalty area.
Higuain took one touch in the penalty area and then unleashed a powerful shot with his far foot, piercing through Manchester City''s goal.
1:0! The Gxy Battleship took the lead!
The Sky Blues, asst season''s winners who battled with Manchester United until thest moment, also found that Real Madrid was not as weak as rumored. So, they put away their contempt and went all out.
After failing to break through Wang Feng''s defense several times in a row, the away team quickly changed their approach. Firstly, they avoided the Chinese superstar through rapidteral shifts, focusing their attack on that area, and secondly, they attempted to breach the Gxy Battleship''s defense through wing y and long passes behind the defense.
This approach proved effective. In the 39th minute, Krovunched a rapid attack from the wing to the front court, then delivered a diagonal cross into the penalty area. Tevez, pressing against Varane, headed the ball into Real Madrid''s goal, equalizing the score.
At the start of the second half in the 56th minute, Barry sent a long pass from midfield, which Cavani failed to keep up with Silva''s pace. Thetter managed to snatch the ball ahead of him and, without waiting for a tackle, volleyed it into Casis''s goal.
From leading to falling behind, it was a huge blow to any team. But they were Real Madrid, the kings of the field who remained unmoved no matter how fierce the storms were!
Wang Feng continuously interjected between his teammates tofort and encourage them. Coach Ancelotti made timely personnel adjustments, recing the exhausted Cavani with the young Varane.
The fans in the stands continued to passionately cheer for the home team, even more vigorously than at the start of the match.
With multiple advantages, the Gxy Battleship once again unleashed their power. In the 79th minute, Wang Feng dribbled the ball into the opponent''s half, facing Yaya Toure. He feigned a dribble inside to shift the defender''s focus, then actually pushed the ball to the right along the sideline.
Yaya Toure was thrown off bnce by his feint, but with excellent physical qualities, he stabilized himself and chased after the Chinese superstar from behind.
Seeing that the sprint distance ahead was not enough to shake off the defender, Wang Feng imaginatively tapped the ball horizontally with the heel of his left foot. The ball instantly passed Yaya Toure, creating a one-two with the Chinese superstar, who then elerated past the Ivorian midfielder to chase the ball.
He reached the ball ahead of the protected Maicon, sending it into the penalty area again. Joe Hart quickly abandoned the goal and rushed towards Wang Feng, but the Chinese superstar cleverly poked the ball sideways to the far post.
With no one marking him, Higuain easily tapped the ball into the empty, making it even easier than in training!
After that, although both sides organized some attacks, they failed to score again, and time gradually ran out.
"We can see the referee constantly raising his wrist to check the time. The 3-minute injury time is about toe to an end, and I believe this will be Real Madrid''sst chance to attack."
"Carvajal dribbles the ball down the wing and forcefully crosses it into the box. The quality of this cross is not very good. Varane and Kompany are contesting for the header at the near post!"
"Varane falls in the penalty area! Kompany has some slight movements with his hands, but the referee ignores it!"
"The Belgian defender''s clearance didn''t fly out of the danger area. Is there a second point? Nastasic and Morata collide and fall to the ground, both sides are fighting very fiercely."
"The balles to the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng follows up from outside the box, and he shoots!!"
"Goal! Goal! In the final moments of the game, the Chinese superstar scores the winning goal!"
"A powerful long-range shot from thirty meters away, piercing through Manchester City''s defenses!"
After scoring, Wang Feng quickly ran to the stands area and roared. Countless Real Madrid fans were ignited by his passion and winning goal, responding enthusiastically to him. The entire Bernabeu seemed to be trembling.
"Until thest attack, Real Madrid never gave up hope of victory. They definitely have the ability to advance from the Group of Death in the Champions League. Those who underestimate them are destined to be disappointed!"
"Let''s admire this fantastic goal again. Varane failed to win the header in the contest, Morata risked his own safety to go for the ball, causing Nastasic to not fully clear the ball."
"Wang Feng suddenly takes a shot as the ball drops, without any stopping or adjusting movements. It''s thrilling to watch, the ball flies like a shooting star straight into the top left corner of the goal."
"Although goalkeeper Joe Hart made a flying save, the rapid shot beat him."
"Alright, the referee has blown the final whistle for the end of the game. After an intense battle between old and new, the traditional powerhouse Real Madrid defeats the nouveau riche Manchester City 3:2. They prove that experience counts!"
Chapter 584: Everything for the Championship
Chapter 584: Everything for the Championship
Real Madrid''s home victory over Manchester City gave them the upper hand in the group of death. Especially the team''s positive attitude in the final moments was touching, making everyone realize that they shouldn''t underestimate this injured defending champion. A wounded tiger is still a formidable beast in the jungle!
In this match, Wang Feng had a passing sess rate of 93%, with 7 interceptions, 4 tackles, 6 key passes, and 2 assists, including a game-winning goal.
Comparatively, Essien, who also started as a defensive midfielder, had an 89% passing sess rate, with 4 interceptions, 2 tackles, and 2 key passes. The difference was clear; the Chinese superstar outperformed the orthodox midfielder by a significant margin.
The 29-year-old "Ghanaian Buffalo" had suffered two ACL tears in the past, and after finally recovering from injury, he found it difficult to secure a ce in Chelsea''s lineup. It was at this time that Real Madrid extended an olive branch to him.
However, at that time, Essien''s presence was only seen as a means topensate for the departures of Diarra and others in midfield, bing a rotational regr at best. No one expected the sudden turn of events, with continuous injuries forcing him to carry the burden.
Around 10:45 PM on the night of the match, after bidding farewell to many VIPs who came to the Bernabeu to watch the game, Florentino immediately went to the dressing room to pay his respects to head coach Ancelotti and the Real Madrid yers.
Visiting the dressing room after each match had be a habit for the Real Madrid president. "Excellent, excellent! Wang, and all of you, yed exceptionally well. We deserve this victory!"
"We are still invincible! Guys, a handsome bonus is waiting for you!"
His words elicited enthusiastic cheers. At the moment, the team needed uplifting morale. Besides glory, what else could move everyone more than practical benefits?
Florentino looked around with a satisfied smile, then shook hands and embraced the yers one by one. When he came to Wang Feng, he whispered, "Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the club. We will never forget."
"Everything for the championship!" The Chinese superstar said so, even though he might not take it seriously, but the team couldn''t ignore it. His most important contributions hade at their expense.
Then the Real Madrid president made a brief speech: "This is how Real Madrid people should be, to promote the spirit of Real Madrid. Guys, even now, there are still fans cheering for you on the streets. You are the heroes of this city!"
Finally, he exchanged a few words with the coaching staff, expressing that he would carefully listen to Ancelotti''s opinions on strengthening the team in the winter transfer window, and encouraged Zidane to learn more from the Italian.
On the Manchester City side, the defeat in this match served as a wake-up call for the team. Despite reigning supreme in the Premier League, they were still neers to the Champions League. If they couldn''t maintain a calm mindset and consistent performance, they might drown in the group of death, repeating the tragedy ofst season.
Aguero, who returned from injury on the bench, did not get any ying time. He expressed regret about this, saying, "The team was leading at one point but ended up losing. It''s most torturous to watch such a situation from the sidelines."
Before joining Manchester City, there were rumors that Real Madrid was interested in him, but his former club Atletico Madrid would never allow him to join their city rivals.
"That''s fake news. In fact, Real Madrid has never shown any sincerity towards me. Maybe I''m not in their ns."
"I''m very happy at the Sky Blues now and won''t think about anything else."
In the La Liga, Barcelona narrowly defeated Spartak Moscow 3-2 at home. The match was equally tumultuous, with Neymar opening the scoring, but Spartak Moscow scored two goals in session to take the lead. In a crucial moment, Messi''s header and volley helped the team toe back.
Facing opponents far inferior to themselves, Barcelona still found it very difficult to y. The Catn team''s performance was not good, and at one point, Argentine star Messi even got into a heated argument with his teammates on the field. He was really impatient!
At that time, Barcelonaunched an attack from the left, and Vctor Valds dribbled into the penalty area after receiving the ball, then crossed horizontally. The ball was blocked by the opponent''s defender and bounced up. Messi rushed up for the ball, but his control was wed, and the ball went out of bounds.
Immediately, Messi gestured and yelled at Vctor Valds toin, and Vctor Valds immediately responded to Messi. The two argued back and forth.
From the TV broadcast, both Messi and Vctor Valds looked displeased, and their words were very intense. Even after returning from halftime, the two did not reconcile.
The team''s consecutive attacks were obstructed, and the situation of being overtaken by the opponent also made Barcelona yers anxious. They couldn''t y their own football in the first half.
Messi was the most anxious one. Not only did he argue with Vctor Valds, but he also gave instructions to Snchez and Thiago earlier. In the 60th minute, Vctor Valds and Neymar were reced by Xavi and Pedro.
ording to the interpretation of lip-reading experts on Spanish Economic TV after the match, Messi shouted to Vctor Valds, "Pass the ball! Pass the ball!"
He was obviouslyining that Vctor Valds didn''t pass the ball to him properly, and Vctor Valds replied, "I couldn''t control the ball! If I could, I would definitely pass it to you, but I really couldn''t do it!"
Spanish Economic TV pointed out that Messi and Vctor Valds didn''t have a good rtionship. Because of Messi''s presence, Vctor Valds could only y in an ufortable position, and Messi didn''t have much fondness for Vctor Valds either.
They also mentioned names like Bojan, Ibrahimovi?, Eto''o, saying that these forwards failed to establish friendships with Messi and eventually left Barcelona with regret.
On September 24th, in the 5th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Vadolid.
In the 19th minute, Wang Feng, Modric, and Carvajal passed consecutively, Carvajal dribbled into the penalty area and crossed to the center, where Iguan headed the ball into the.
In the 64th minute of the second half, the Chinese superstar made a straight pass from the front, and Morata easily pushed the ball into the far corner, helping the Gxy Battleship secure another victory with a score of 2-0.
On September 30th, in the 6th round of La Liga, Real Madrid yed away against Deportivo La Coru?a.
The former "Super Depor" had long since faded away. Now, they had struggled to win in the first five matches and were only at the bottom of the standings, deeply mired in the relegation zone.
However, their fans still loved their team very much. Approximately 20,000 home fans filled the Riazor Stadium, which could amodate 34,000 people.
Speaking of which, Wang Feng had some connections with Deportivo La Coru?a. If it weren''t for Inter Mn''s intervention, this world-ss king of football would havended in Galicia.
Whenever this was mentioned, former Deportivo La Coru?a club president Augusto Csar Lendoiro wouldment, "We had reached an agreement with Wang''s agent, and even the deal with Genk waspletely settled."
"Who would have thought that Moratti would suddenly show up, offering a price we couldn''t afford, and sessfully convinced Wang. That''s how the great Inter Mn dynasty started."
This match was one of the easier ones Real Madrid yed recently. Marcelo, Albiol, and Modric each scored for the team, helping the Gxy Battleship win 3-0.
Although the Chinese superstar did not score, he contributed 2 assists and received a post-match rating of 9.1, ranking first in the team.
So far, Wang Feng had an average passing sess rate of 95%, averaged 7.25 interceptions, 4.5 tackles, and 6.75 key passes per game, ranking ahead of all La Liga defensive yers.
At the same time, although his 3 goals were fewer than Messi''s 7, his 5 assists ranked first on the assist leaderboard.
Chapter 585: The Long-Awaited Golden Boot Ripple
Chapter 585: The Long-Awaited Golden Boot Ripple
As Wang Feng leads Real Madrid through challenges and obstacles, Wembley Stadium proudly disys a wax figure of him in proportion, indicating it will be permanently preserved in the stadium museum.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the English Football Association andmemorate the tremendous sess of the 2011 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley, UEFA has decided to host next year''s Champions League final here again. Thus, it bes the first ce to host the final showdown twice in three years.
That year, with the unparalleled brilliance of the Chinese superstar scoring twice, Real Madrid ultimately defeated defending champions Manchester United 3-2, equaling the club''s historical achievement of five consecutive titles.
The wax figure depicts him pointing to the sky after scoring a goal, and William Adams, the stadium manager, told the media, "Legendary records need legendary figures to epitomize them. The tremendous sess at Wembley that year was brought about by yers from both sides, and Wang Feng was the brightest gem among them, worthy of eternal remembrance."
In response, the Chinese superstar expressed his honor in an interview, saying, "Every yer who stepped onto the Wembley pitch contributed to the great history of this stadium. I look forward to Real Madrid going there again next year!"
In fact, it''s not just one stadium that has a wax figure of Wang Feng. Besides Belgium''s Veltins Arena and Genk, Inter Mn''s Meazza Stadium, and even the Bernabeu, there are many differently shaped wax figures.
Especially at the Meazza Stadium, they almost want to carve out all the exciting key moments with wax figures. They even specially built a Wang Feng wax figure memorial hall to disy them.
No matter when you be a fan of the Nerazzurri, you can quickly learn about such a king of stars who once helped the team establish an immortal legacy.
Wembley''s move has also sparked enthusiasm from other stadiums, with more and more managers wanting to associate themselves with legends. They have all contacted the agent Balmond in the hope of obtaining authorization.
Wang Feng''s team is also very cautious in assessing the impact and qualifications and does not grant permits indiscriminately.
The Chinese superstar switching to the defensive midfield position this season almost signaled his withdrawal from this year''s Golden Boot contention. Therefore, the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Boot have rarely stirred up such intense waves.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is eager to go, has noticeably increased his solo attempts in Manchester United''s recent league matches, often taking unreasonable shots that sometimes even affect the team''s overall attack, much to Ferguson''s annoyance, who often scolds him.
Messi is also eager topete, but although La Liga no longer has Wang Feng''s insane goal-scoring performance, Atletico Madrid''s "Tiger" Falcao has emerged, scoring nine goals in six rounds, surpassing the Argentine to top the scoring chart.
With his divine performance, the Mattress Makers are closely behind Barcelona with 16 points from 5 wins and 1 draw, showing signs of breaking the duopoly and causing a sensation by unexpectedly winning the league titlest season.
The Colombian star''s biggest feature this season is his diligence. ording to AS, despite not being in his best physical condition, Falcao never gives up any chance.
Like in the match against Real Betis, when his teammate Garcia''s shot went wide of the post from the right side of the penalty area, most people would choose to let it go, but the "Tiger" ignored the danger and threw himself in to poke the ball into the, scoring a brace.
He almost had an intimate encounter with the post! It is this "reckless" desire for goals that has enabled Falcao to constantly achieve results and surpass the superstar Messi.
European Sports gave the headline "The Biggest Competitor for the Golden Boot in the Post-Wang Feng Era," believing that after winning the European Golden Boot for eleven consecutive years, Wang Feng has finally withdrawn from thepetition due to the team''s needs, and the most probable sessors are Falcao and Messi, with Ronaldo having a smaller chance.
"The title of top scorer is not out of reach for me. Besides Wang Feng, I am confident that I can beat anyone," the Colombian "Tiger" confidently said in an interview. "I hope to bring the fans an excellent season, and with my goals and those of my teammates, the fans will definitely feel very happy."
In fact, Falcao had already explodedst season, but at that time, Atletico Madrid was still in the transition between old and new coaches, and the team was rtively chaotic. In theter stage, Simeone''s reuse of him saw him score 24 goals in the Europa League, bing the biggest contributor to the Mattress Makers'' cup victory.
"I suffered a minor injury during the game, now I need to see the specific situation, but I am eager to continue ying and score goals," the Colombian did not hide his ambition: "Helping the team win andpeting for the top scorer is my goal for the next stage."
Falcao''s outstanding performance has also attracted the attention of major European powerhouses. ording to The Sun, Chelsea are willing to pay 56 million euros to sign him this winter.
After letting go of Drogba, the Blues currently only have Torres avable, so the team must strengthen the front line, and Falcao is one of the best choices.
In the midweek Champions League group stage second round, Real Madrid challenged Ajax away. This match was very important for the Gxy Battleship, as they needed to snatch points from the Eredivisie powerhouse.
But there is also the century-old derby against Barcelona over the weekend, which is also a match where they cannot afford to lose, as they must rely on the two direct confrontations to narrow the points gap with the Catn team for the league.
After repeated deliberation and rehearsal, the coaching staff decided to rotate Ramos, Arbeloa, Modric, and Morata, and sent in Coentrao, Varane, and brought up Lucas and Denis from the youth team to fill the lineup.
After the start of the match, the young lineup dominated the field unexpectedly and, with Wang Feng guarding the rear, quickly took control of the game.
In the 3rd minute, Marcelo inserted a cross from the side, and Denis''s header was blocked by Blind. Just two minutester, Callejon sent a through pass from the front, and Iguan''s shot from 12 meters in front of the goal was saved by Ajax goalkeeper Vermeer.
In the 8th minute, Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area from outside the box, and Varane''s side volley hit the body of Poulsen and went out of bounds, giving Real Madrid a corner opportunity. The Chinese superstar took the corner, but Lucas''s header went over the bar.
In less than 10 minutes into the game, the away team had alreadypleted 4 shots and got a corner opportunity, showing the pressure they were putting on Ajax.
They soon broke the deadlock. In the 17th minute, Wang Feng sent a through pass, Lucas broke into the left side of the penalty area and crossed from the bottom, and the unmarked Iguan easily poked the ball into the with the outside of his foot.
Just 7 minutester, the Gxy Battleship extended their lead. Marcelo''s breakthrough on the side failed, and he passed back to the Chinese superstar, who sent a through pass to the back post, where Varane fell to the ground and scored with a sideways shot.
Just before halftime, it was Wang Feng again who lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Iguan, with his back to the goal, scored with a bicycle kick through Vermeer''s fingertips!
Leading by three goals at halftime was not enough. Starting the second half, in the 51st minute, Wang Feng received a cross from Coentrao and sted a powerful shot from 25 meters in front of the goal. The ball bounced twice on the turf, causing a deflection, slipping past Vermeer''s hands and rolling into the.
Real Madridpletely unleashed their frenzy! After securing the victory, Ancelotti decisively substituted Wang Feng and other main yers to conserve their strength.
Ajax scored a face-saving goal in the 82nd minute. Eriksen took a corner to the far post, and Essien made a marking error. Moisander tapped in the rebound from a tight angle, breaking through Casis''s fingertips.
The final score was 4-1, and the Gxy Battleship secured their second consecutive victory in the Champions League.
Chapter 586: Watch Me Crush Him!
Chapter 586: Watch Me Crush Him!
The Century Derby is About to Begin! After the Champions League match, Spain immediately enters the time for the national derby, which is one of the most important events in La Liga.
After a slow start to the season, Real Madrid gradually found their form, while Barcelona is currently the only undefeated team in the league, with a lead of more than 5 points. In this match, if the Gxy Battleship wins, they can return to the title race, while a victory for the Catn team will essentially secure their advantage in the championship.
Therefore,pared to the past Century Derbies, both teams will adopt a more aggressive and desperate attitude.
A day before the match, Spanish TV channel 6 began a pre-match live broadcast, not only covering yer warm-ups and coach speeches but also inviting various experts to analyze the situation.
"No one would have predicted before the season that Barcelona, ??which changed coaches continuously, could achieve six consecutive victories at the beginning of the season," said Andres, a special editor invited by the National Newspaper. "The same goes for Real Madrid''s extensive injuries."
"The biggest highlight of this match is whether the Gxy Battleship can at least maintain the gap and keep hope alive for the league title."
"Of course, the direct confrontation between Wang Feng and Messi is also very intriguing. In the past few seasons, they have indirectlypared in attack, and the result has always been the victory of the Chinese superstar."
"And this time, with Wang Feng taking on more defensive responsibilities in a crisis, we rarely get to see the world''s best yers facing each other head-on."
"Based on their previous performances, they have both performed exceptionally well in their respective positions, perfectly executing the tasks assigned by the coach."
The host Mottas asked, "So, what tactics do you think the two sides will adopt?"
Andres smiled and said, "I think Barcelona will definitely stick to their possession-based and aggressive style of y, which has been inherited since the Guardi era."
"Real Madrid, on the other hand, needs to make a choice, whether to attack or stabilize and counterattack. The reason they can choose a more aggressive tactic is mainly because Barcelona''s defense also has difficulties."
"Pique has been ying hot with Shakirately, and his on-field performance has been like sleepwalking. Abidal is likely to miss the national derby due to a knee injury, so there are significant defensive gaps in the Catn team."
Mottas nodded and said to the live camera, "Alright, let''s stop the analysis here for now and turn our attention to the Bernabeu."
"The yers of both teams are currently undergoing adaptation training, while the two head coaches are attending the pre-match routine press conference. Let''s hear what they have to say."
Neither Ancelotti nor R revealed their starting lineups, but the Italian expressed the team''s determination and confidence in winning.
"In addition to the first two games of the season, we have won the next four league matches and two Champions League matches. The team''s performance is getting better, and the yers are constantly improving."
"In the past seasons, we have defeated countless enemies, and even defeated ourselves. Why can''t we ovee injuries further? I believe the yers have the perseverance and determination."
R said that Barcelona and Real Madrid are archenemies, and the team is tired of being suppressed. It''s time to sound the horn of counterattack. "In any case, we will try to establish an 8-point lead after the game to release the pressure."
"Real Madrid is a great club and has one of the best yers in the world, but they cannot always be unbeatable. Six consecutive victories are a good sign, and we are confident to continue."
On the evening of October 7, 2012, at 8 o''clock, at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, the main referee Robert blew the whistle to start this highly anticipated match.
As expected, Barcelona lined up with their strongest 4-3-3 attacking formation, with Valdes as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders are Alves, Mascherano, Adriano, and Alba. Pique was ultimately ced on the bench by the coach because of his recent poor performances.
The three midfielders are Xavi, Busquets, and Iniesta. Facing the Gxy Battleship, R dared not let Xavi rotate at the beginning and showed absolute strength from the start.
The three forwards are Messi, Neymar, and Pedro.
Barcelona took control of the ball first, quickly advancing to the frontcourt. Messi used his small steps to change the rhythm and shake off Essien before passing diagonally into the penalty area. Pedro''s shot was blocked by Saint Casis.
"In less than a minute into the game, Barcelona haspleted a very threatening shot and won a corner opportunity. It seems that Real Madrid is in a bit of a precarious situation."
"Yes, although Wang Feng''s role as a defensive midfielder has made the home team''s defense much more stable, they have not yet faced a severe test. Now, facing Barcelona led by Messi, it is the biggest challenge."
Iniesta took the corner, Ramos cleared the ball forcefully in the penalty area, and then Morata followed up with a big kick to send the ball out of the danger zone.
The away team reorganized their attack, and Essien, with a somewhat depressed expression, lowered his head. That sense of powerlessness appeared again. He was a defensive liability against Manchester City, and now facing Barcelona, it was the same.
Wang Feng noticed and walked to his side, patting his shoulder. "Mate, don''t be so discouraged. You just faced Messi, that genius yer whom even the gods admire."
"I have no confidence in stopping him at all," Essien said with a bitter smile. "I don''t even have the ability. I just feel like he brushed past me whenever he approached."
"Then you go mark Iniesta and Pedro tightly. Leave Messi to me. Watch me crush him!" The Chinese superstar made a bold promise, and the Ghanaian nodded gratefully, nodding heavily.
Next, Barcelona continued to organize their attack. Messi withdrew to the left side of the frontcourt to receive the ball. Wang Feng quickly approached him to form a one-on-one situation. "Here ites, the most exciting moment! The Chinese superstar one-on-one against the Argentine superstar!"
Wang Feng made the first move, pressing forward with his right foot, while Messi dodged with his left foot. At the same time, he nned to break through sideways after taking a step forward. Usually, other defending yers would subconsciously move to the right, that is, Messi''s side, to chase after him. However, they would lose the initiative this way and could only watch the opponent run further away.
But the Chinese superstar did the opposite. Instead of staying in ce, he quickly stepped aside while turning left and made a sweeping leg with his left foot, instantly sweeping the ball out of Messi''s reach, forcing him to give up the breakthrough and seek control again.
A sessful interception!
When Messi regained control of the ball, Wang Feng blocked him again. This time, the Argentine took a deep breath, took a step forward, and suddenly moved sideways.
He usually relied on this sudden change of pace to shake off countless defending yers, but this time it failed because when he approached, the Chinese superstar did not stay in ce but quickly stepped aside.
Don''t underestimate this move. It''s not about creating space but about being a step ahead. Whether the opposing attacking yer is breaking through in a straight line or elerating sideways, there is enough reaction time left.
And it was the same at this moment. Wang Feng, who made the preemptive move, was not shaken off by Messi but seized the opportunity to slide and tackle, knocking down the Argentine before kicking the ball to Essien.
A sessful tackle!
Messi was somewhat skeptical of life, and as the game went on, he became more and more frustrated, constantly being blocked and intercepted. His once proud breakthroughs were useless against Wang Feng.
Until the 23rd minute, he finally managed to break into the penalty area, but because the Chinese superstar was half a beat faster than him, once again, he slid to the ground and disrupted the ball out of the bottom line. The frustrated Argentine angrily pounded the Bernabeu turf.
Chapter 587: Hat-trick of Assists
Chapter 587: Hat-trick of Assists
"It''s too brutal. It''s rare to see Messi lose hisposure on the field like this. He''spletely blocked by Wang Feng, and so far, he hasn''t shown any performance, instead making continuous mistakes."
"Yes, in less than thirty minutes, the Argentine has made five mistakes, helping the opponentsplete five steals. It''s no wonder he''s pounding the turf in anger."
"Now we can confirm that Wang Feng''s defensive ability is world-ss. In a one-on-one situation, no star can break through him head-on, except for himself, haha."
"It''s hard to imagine that the sharpest spear and the strongest shield are concentrated in the same yer. People call him the God of Football. I think after today, there''s no more room for doubt, right?"
After frequent setbacks in their attacks, Barcelona had to change their strategy, focusing more on Neymar and Pedro, but without Messi in the center to support them, their threat was greatly reduced.
Unconsciously, Real Madrid gradually stabilized their formation and sounded the horn of counterattack.
In the 39th minute, Wang Feng dribbled the ball forward from the left, and Barcelona umted four defensive yers in that area to deal with it. The Chinese superstar saw the situation and passed to Carvajal on the wing, while he quickly moved forward.
Carvajal feigned to go down the baseline to disrupt the defense, but in reality, he took a few steps and then sent a straight pass to the center. Wang Feng elerated and caught up, sending a left-footed cross to the middle before Mascherano.
Gonzalo Higuain, lurking on the edge of the small penalty area, volleyed the ball into the, breaking Victor Valdes''s grasp!
"Goal! Beautiful! In the first half, Real Madrid takes the lead! The Argentine forward makes a contribution!"
"Wang Feng and Carvajal formed a passingbination on the wing. The former broke into the bottom line of the penalty area and crossed, and Higuain directly volleyed into the far corner. Barcelona''s goalkeeper Valdes was positioned too close to block the Chinese superstar, so he could only watch the ball enter the."
"Let''s follow the slow-motion rey to appreciate this wonderful goal again. Wang Feng attracted the attention of at least three defensive yers in the frontcourt after receiving the ball."
"After passing to the wing, he moved into the penalty area to wait for the direct pass from his teammate. Carvajal didn''t disappoint him and sessfully delivered the ball. The Chinese superstar then surpassed Mascherano by half a body length and seized the opportunity to make a cross."
"Higuain''s positioning and shot were also excellent, using his body to hold off the defenders from the side and gain an advantage for the shot."
"The current situation is very favorable for the home team. Can they really defeat Barcelona and further approach the top spot in the league?"
Just 3 minutes after opening the scoring, the aggressive Gxy Battleship struck again. This time, Wang Feng became active on the right, receiving a direct pass from Ramos near the center line.
At this moment, Barcelona''s midfield and defense were well positioned, with no obvious loopholes, and Busquets quickly moved forward to mark him closely.
But the Chinese superstar controlled the ball, turned, and elerated in one go, quickly shaking off Busquets and advancing to the frontcourt. His fierce posture made the away team''s defense tremble, and they involuntarily moved towards Wang Feng.
At least 6 defensive yers were focused on him in the middle, meaning almost half of Barcelona''s team was paying attention to Wang Feng. None of them noticed Luka Modric quietly advancing on the left.
Seeing the defensive line quicklypressing at the thirty-meter mark, with Busquets closely following behind Wang Feng and Xavi and Iniesta forming a triangr encirclement, and Pedro retreating to protect on the outer side.
With Mascherano and Adriano intercepting in the arc area, it seemed like there was nowhere to escape. But Wang Feng''s excellent vision allowed him to notice Modric on the left.
Moreover, Adriano''s inward-facing posture, ready to block the Chinese superstar, exposed arge area of vacuum behind him. So when the Croatian midfielder quickly inserted, Wang Feng timely sent a diagonal pass to assist.
The Brazilian defender, reacting, tried to turn and chase back, but it was toote when Modric, rushing forward, saw two defenders forming a closing situation in front of him. So he abandoned the forward run, stopped the ball, and passed it back to Wang Feng.
The two''s wall-pass style cooperation attracted the attention of 7 defensive yers but didn''t notice the other end where a Real Madrid yer was. Another vacant space behind! Wang Feng sent out a lightning-like diagonal pass straight into Barcelona''s territory.
Modric, who was behind, sessfully avoided offside, received the ball, broke into the penalty area, faced Valdes''s charge, calmly aimed at the far end, and shot. The ball hit the inside of the post and bounced into the, 2:1!
At halftime, with Real Madrid leading 2-0, the atmosphere in the Barcelona dressing room was gloomy. Once again, Wang Feng and Real Madrid''s performance exceeded their expectations.
The Chinese superstar''s outstanding defensive ability almostpletely restricted Messi''s performance, and due to his position, he indeed reduced the threat in the penalty area to a certain extent. But he also assisted, cleverly seizing the timing and urately tearing apart their defensive line with each pass.
"We can''t let the opponents rampage anymore!" R mmed the table heavily. "In the second half, we need to change our attacking strategy. Neymar, I need you to take on the main attacking task, and Leo, you are responsible for keeping Wang Feng close."
Neymar''s eyes lit up when he heard this. He nodded and said, "I''m on it, Mr. R." Messi''s expression was somewhatplicated, but he still nodded silently. He couldn''t break through Wang Feng''s defense, so he could only give the attacking opportunities to his teammates.
As the second half began, although the away team focused their attacks on Neymar, his gorgeous dribbling skills repeatedly posed threats. However, as R predicted, Wang Feng didn''t dare to leave Messi empty and always stayed close to the Argentine.
Objectively speaking, the Brazilian did have two brushes. In the 61st minute, he used a rainbow feint to shake off Essien, thenpleted a wall-pass with Pedro to enter the penalty area, and then shot into the far corner, helping Barcelona pull one back.
The infuriated Ghanaian midfielder, who had been yed, aggressively brought down Neymar in defense, receiving a yellow card, and almost sparked a violent conflict between the two sides.
"Stay calm, guys, we''re leading now!" Wang Feng separated everyone. "This victory is extremely important for the team, we must not lose our footing!" His prestige was enough to deter all yers, so the situation did not escte further.
Ancelotti made urgent adjustments to counter Barcelona''s changes in the second half, substituting Higuain for Coentrao to assist Essien in containing the opponent''s attack.
The situation gradually became tense, and a draw would be more eptable for the away team, so they kept pressing forward. Unfortunately, Neymar was ultimately no match for Messi. He couldn''t break through theyers of defense woven by the Gxy Battleship.
At this moment, Wang Feng appeared particrly patient, fully expelling Messi while observing and waiting for opportunities. In the 76th minute, he received the ball at the center circle, with Busquets and Xaviing to mark him.
In the previous few times, the Chinese superstar chose to pass to Essien, but this time, he suddenly elerated towards the frontcourt, dodging Busquets'' tackle with a feint and pushing the ball through Xavi''s legs to create a gap between them.
Then he caught up with the ball and diagonally passed it forward. Morata, who was running at high speed, saw two defenders forming a closing situation in front of him, so he gave up his forward run, stopped the ball, and passed it back to Wang Feng.
The two''s wall-pass style cooperation attracted the attention of 7 defensive yers but didn''t notice the other end where a Real Madrid yer was. Another vacant space behind! Wang Feng sent out a lightning-like diagonal pass straight into Barcelona''s territory.
Modric, who was behind, sessfully avoided offside, received the ball, broke into the penalty area, faced Valdes''s charge, calmly aimed at the far end, and shot. The ball hit the inside of the post and bounced into the, 3:1!
The Gxy Battleship secured victory! Wang Fengpletes a hat-trick of assists!
Chapter 588: The Great Derby
Chapter 588: The Great Derby
As the referee Roberto blew the final whistle, this highly anticipated century derby came to an end, and under the night sky, the Bernabu had already turned into a sea of ??celebration.
Real Madrid once again defeated Barcelona, ??ending their opponent''s winning streak and narrowing the points gap between the two sides to 2 points, reigniting their hopes for the title!
The biggest contributor in this match was undoubtedly Wang Feng. With a 92% pass sess rate, 14 interceptions, and 9 tackles, along with 12 key passes and 3 assists leading to goals, he showcased aprehensive performance that overshadowed Modric''s brace, earning him the title of the best yer of the match.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Chinese superstar said, "All my teammates performed excellently, and we deserved this victory."
"Everyone knows how tough the game was, and the score doesn''t represent everything. Barcelona is an extremely tough opponent, and although we are still two points behind them in the standings, the league is long, but it won''t be easy to surpass them."
"But winning this game signifies a good start for us. We have the opportunity topete for the ultimate championship, which is the eternal pursuit of the team."
Regarding his one-on-one containment of Messi during the game, Wang Feng didn''t want to boast, saying, "I''m just doing what a defensive yer should do. In that position, I must give my all."
"Messi is a talented young superstar, and I enjoy every duel with him."
The Chinese superstar also expressed that the gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona is very small, and the oue of the match is just a momentary thing, which is why the derby was so intense and exciting.
As another key figure in the national derby, Messi was also surrounded by the media after the match. He said somewhat helplessly, "Yes, my performance was poor, constantly losing the ball, wasting opportunities. I didn''t y the football I wanted."
"Wang was like a wall in front of me, no matter how many feints or dribbles I made, he stood firm, and I couldn''t get past him."
However, the Argentine star believed that Barcelona still had a chance to win the game, but their ability to seize opportunities wascking. "Juni and Pedro are both good teammates, and I trust them fully."
"As for the next n? Of course, it''s to fully focus on training and preparation. It may be a difficult time ahead, but we must not waste the hard-earned lead of the team!"
Real Madrid coach Ancelotti praised Wang Feng endlessly when facing the reporters. "He always brings unexpected surprises. Mortals cannot predict the limits of a god, isn''t it?"
"This was an extremely wonderful game. The yers performed excellently both in attack and defense. Besides Wang, Modric was also in great form, contributing two goals consecutively."
Remembering the season when Modric just joined Real Madridst year, he received waves of criticism, and many people even thought he was incapable of adapting to a Spanish powerhouse like Real Madrid.
But the fact proved that the Croatian midfielder is an indispensable force for the Gxy Battleship. "Modric still has a lot of room for improvement, and I firmly believe that he will be a pir of the team in the future!"
Barcelona coach R believed that the team had major defensive problems, leading to their defeat in the match. "Our defensive line is also gued by injuries and inconsistent form. It''s just a pity that we don''t have a defensive stalwart like Wang Feng."
"Conceding two very simple through balls that pierced the entire defensive line is very abnormal. The coaching staff will work on solving this problem next."
Regarding Messi beingpletely contained by the Chinese superstar, R thought it was not Messi''s fault; instead, he credited him for it. "Leo diverted Wang Feng''s attention, forcing him to focus solely on himself, which led to our goals in the second half."
Real Madrid''s former captain Ral, invited toment on this century derby by a television station in the Arabian Penins, said that both teams gave their all, with Barcelona having the upper hand in terms of field presence, but Real Madrid had stronger control over the timing.
"I never knew Wang had such strong defensive ability. When he contained Messi, my jaw almost dropped!"
"Real Madrid''s victory is well-deserved. I am d to see them narrowing the points gap with Barcelona and maintaining a strongpetition for the title. It would be best if they could defend their title again, which would make me proud as someone who once participated in the construction of the dynasty."
"The pinnacle showdown, the birth of the strongest shield!" The "AS" newspapermented that Real Madrid and Barcelona staged a dazzling national derby at the Bernabu, with both brilliant attacks and ultimate defense, and Wang Feng and Messi''s showdown ended with the Chinese superstar winning again.
"When the team needed him most, Wang Feng did not evade but confronted head-on. His confrontation with the Argentine superstar can be described as a textbook-level demonstration, allowing all fans to see it clearly."
"Besides him, Essien showed courage, and Modric showed a desire for goals. All Real Madrid yers who took the field went all out to win the game."
Exciting showdowns require outstanding opponents, and Barcelona yed this role well. Their proactive attitude is also worthy of respect.
"AS" praised this great derby as the best advertisement for La Liga, with both sides ying aggressively but also disying delicate techniques, where the world''s greatest stars shed with their sessors.
"At the beginning of the century derby, the whole world will stop to watch!"
"With 31 rounds remaining in La Liga, the points difference between the two super teams is only two points. Everything has just begun."
"Marca"mented that the stars illuminated the national derby, and the showdown between Wang Feng and Messi was the highlight of the match. They did not disappoint the fans, fighting fiercely time and time again.
For most of the first half, Barcelona had the upper hand, but Messi''s attacks were repeatedly thwarted, allowing Real Madrid to seize the opportunity and score two goals to push Barcelona into desperation.
At a critical moment, coach R made decisive tactical adjustments, making Neymar the focal point of the attack. The Brazilian''s performance wasmendable, no wonder both Spanish giants were eager to sign him to their contracts in the past.
"Until thest moment, Barcelona still had a chance, but the Chinese superstar''s ability to read the gamepletely killed the match."
The "Marca" pointed out the three key factors of this match. Firstly, Wang Fengpletely contained Messi, which is the most headache-inducing problem for other teams facing Barcelona. Messi is like a "flea" on the field, agile and difficult to catch, and so far, only the Chinese superstar can restrict him.
Secondly, Barcelona''s unstable defense, with yers like Piqu and Puyol absent, exposed significant ws, allowing Modric to easily find space and score twice.
Finally, the entire Real Madrid team was in excellent mental state. After experiencing injuries and a poor start to the season, they gradually regained their confidence in winning the championship, and under the influence of Wang Feng, they fought hard.
The Catn newspaper "El Mundo Deportivo" expressed regret over the defeat, as Barcelona ended their winning streak and also narrowed the points gap with Real Madrid.
"Through this game, we can clearly see how far Messi is from being a superstar. He needs to continue working hard."
"Neymar''s performance is pleasing, and perhaps in the future, he can grow into a core force of the team."
Chapter 589: Spanish Super Cup Comes to the Homeland
Chapter 589: Spanish Super Cup Comes to the Homnd
While the two giants of La Liga fought to the death, nobody expected Atletico Madrid to quietly benefit from it. Later that night, they narrowly defeated Mga 2-1 at home, climbing to the top of the league standings with 6 wins and 1 draw, remaining unbeaten!
In this match, Falcao once again scored twice to save the Red and Whites. He was precise in his shots, scoring a goal with every three shots, showing terrifying efficiency.
ording to media reports, Falcao spent a whole week before the match in a gym in the suburbs of Madrid called Mahadahonda. Coach Simeone often went there to check on the Colombian''s physical recovery.
Although Simeone liked to be fully prepared, he had already considered in advance that Falcao would be able to return for the match against Mga, as they were the team''s most formidablepetitors for a Champions League spot.
And the Colombian striker did not disappoint the coach''s trust, almost single-handedly bringing back the crucial victory for the team.
His teammate Fran praised Falcao, saying, "He has something that many forwards don''t have. He is fully focused on the game, and it is this spirit that allows him to explode with great energy in the penalty area."
Falcao''s former mentor, Merlo, who once coached him at River te, said in an interview, "Radamel is always improving. Now he ispletely different from when he yed under me, or even when he yed at Porto."
"Simeone has brought him a whole new tactical approach and intensity. Now he can threaten the goal more decisively."
Falcao''s father was also a professional footballer, and under his guidance, the Colombian striker had a solid foundation. Even now, his actions in the penalty area and his decisiveness in front of goal are reminiscent of the training he received as a child.
As the national team matches approached in October, various national team yers left their clubs to participate in the World Cup qualifiers. Wang Feng, who had nothing to do, was pulled by Real Madrid to shoot promotional photos for the fourth set of team jerseys.
Unlike the first three kits used for official matches, this kit was more involved behind the scenes, helping injured yers recover quickly. Its design was simr to the appearance of a mech suit, with a ck bodysuit and blue sleeves, selling for up to 1000 euros.
The designer was from the UK, who had contacted the Real Madrid medical team four years ago and proposed the use of this equipment, which was eventually adopted. It would be widely used not only by the first team but also by the youth team and even the Real Madrid basketball team.
This set of equipment was actually a diving suit. yers could put it on the day after getting injured and do recovery training in the pool without feeling any pain, whether the injury was in muscles, bones, or tendons.
At the same time, it also provided significant buoyancy, allowing yers to float in the water without touching the bottom of the pool, reducing the weight burden and speeding up the recovery process.
After trying it out, Wang Feng said, "The whole set of equipment can keep the body warm well, and it is convenient to make various movements."
Starting from Junest year, the Heli Group from China actively promoted the Spanish Super Cup to be held at the Bird''s Nest Stadium in the capital. They had rich experience, having sessfully brought in the Italian Super Cup three times, allowing the Mn Derby to be yed in China.
The Spanish Football Association was also very sincere. Not only did they decide to change the historic two-leg cup format to a single match with a definite result, but they also signed a 7-year contract with the Heli Group, guaranteeing that the tournament would be held domestically for at least 5 years, starting from the first edition in 2013.
Vi, the head of the Football Association, said that hosting the Super Cup in China would enhance the international image of Spanish football. This strategy had received support from many high-level officials, and this cooperation could bring indispensable influence to the development of the sports industry.
Taking advantage of the national team match days in October, the Spanish Football Association held a meeting of representatives of the top clubs to listen to various opinions. Barcelona president Rosell expressed strong opposition.
His main reasons were twofold: first, to consider the rights and interests of domestic fans, who would have to cross the ocean to support the home team; second, the exhaustion of travel would disrupt the team''s preparation rhythm.
Real Madrid president Florentino neither supported nor opposed it. The two clubs most likely to participate in the Super Cup were not optimistic, casting a shadow over the matter.
After the meeting, Atletico Madrid president Cerezo said, "Most clubs are very interested in this proposal, mainly for economic reasons. Participating clubs can get more money."
"But Real Madrid and Barcelona are not short of money. They are more concerned about thepetition itself. I''m afraid this cooperation may eventuallye to nothing, after all, the two giants have a transcendent status in La Liga."
The media also frowned upon this cooperation. Mundo Deportivo revealed that the Football Association had reached an agreement with the Heli Group unterally, without obtaining support from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"Although the organizers have the right to decide the final venue, if the participating yers are unwilling, the situation will be veryplicated."
The struggling Heli Group had to seek help, and they contacted Wang Feng''s agent, informing him of the ins and outs of the matter, hoping he could lend a hand.
The Chinese superstar learned that many fans in China hoped to see the El Clsico in their own backyard, so he readily agreed to the request. He personally approached Real Madrid president and persuaded him,
"Mr. Florentino, Real Madrid has a huge fan base in China. The bustling scenes of the summer tours in China in recent years are the best proof. I believe that hosting the Super Cup in the capital will be very beneficial to the clubs."
Seeing Wang Fenging forward, the Spaniards naturally could not remain indifferent. Florentino promised to mobilize all resources and spare no effort to facilitate the matter.
Soon, good news came. With the support of the Gcticos, the Spanish Football Association became more determined. Although Rosell continued to oppose it, the trend was irreversible. The inaugural Spanish Super Cup Capital Battle would be held at the Bird''s Nest on August 22, 2013!
The voting process for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d''Or officially began in October. Like the European awards, this grand prize also faced fiercepetition, and it was still uncertain whether Wang Feng or Iniesta would ultimately win.
"Wang is the most qualified yer to win this award," Ancelotti openly supported his beloved yer. "If anyone else is selected, it would be a tant crime!"
"The Ballon d''Or is awarded to the best yer of the year, the one who performs the best throughout the season. Wang scored 100 goalsst season, helping the club achieve a grand m."
"From the summer until now, his miraculous performances have been evident, continuously leading the Gcticos forward."
As for Wang Feng''s mainpetitor, Ancelottimented, "Iniesta has only won one European Championship. Perhaps defending the title is great, but what does it have to do with him? I don''t think his importance in the series is outstanding."
"As for Messi, he is even worse. His goal statistics are very impressive, but he failed to bring back the Champions League trophy or the La Liga trophy for the team, and he has been defeated by Wang Feng several times in direct confrontations. I don''t think he deserves the award."
Real Madrid continued to boost Wang Feng''s image, and Barcelona was equally unwilling to fall behind, especially when Spain defeated Georgia 4-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, topping the group ahead of France. Countless Catn media outlets continued to promote the importance of national team matches, hoping to weaken thepetitiveness of the Chinese superstar.
Chapter 590: The Mighty Youth Storm
Chapter 590: The Mighty Youth Storm
On October 20th at noon, La Liga resumed with the eighth round as Real Madrid faced Celta Vigo away.
Due to the consecutive matches of the national team, head coach Ancelotti rotated many key yers such as Arbeloa, Marcelo, Modric, and Iguan.
In the 11th minute, the away team took the lead. Kallon sent a through ball, Wang Feng broke through from the left and kicked a strange curved shot that seemed like a pass and a shot, the ball looped over the goalkeeper Alvarez and nestled into the, 1-0!
At the start of the second half in the 71st minute, Real Madrid expanded their lead. The Chinese superstar delivered a pass to the penalty area, Morata controlled the ball with his chest, turned past the defense, and then sted a shot into the Celta Vigo''s goal, making it 2-0, a score that remained until the end of the match.
There was a thrilling moment in the match when, in thest five minutes, Wang Feng was fighting for the ball with a Celta Vigo yer in midfield, and his shin identally got cut by the opponent''s studs, leaving a nearly four-centimeter gash, causing blood to flow profusely.
The Real Madrid team doctor rushed onto the field to stop the bleeding. Although the Chinese superstar said he could hold on until the end of the match, Ancelotti still used thest substitution to rece him.
"You must not have any problems. Go to the hospital for a detailed examinationter," said the Italian with concern. Wang Feng was moved but also helpless. The care from the coaching staff was sincere, but this minor injury would probably be almost healed by the time he got to the hospital.
A dayter, the showdown between Barcelona and Deportivo La Coru?a was the most exciting performance of this round of La Liga, with a total of 9 goals scored, and thanks to Messi''s hat-trick, the Catn team narrowly defeated their opponents 5-4.
In the final moments, Barcelona''s defense was in chaos, with Mascherano receiving two yellow cards and being sent off, Alba hastily clearing the ball into his own, fooling the goalkeeper Valds from a tight angle, making it look like a cleverly ced shot.
At the top of the standings, Atletico Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 this round, extending their winning streak to 7 games. Despite facing tight marking away from home, Falcao seized the opportunity of a direct free kick in the 90th minute to score the winning goal.
Midweek in the third round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid traveled to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion.
Klopp deployed a 4-5-1 defensive counter-attacking formation, with Weidenfeller in goal.
The backline consisted of Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, and Schmelzer.
In midfield were Kehl, Bender, G?tze, Reus, and Grosskreutz.
The forward was Lewandowski.
As the team''s strongest core yers, G?tze was 20 years old, Reus 23, and Lewandowski 24. These young yers propped up Dortmund''s miracle, making Wang Feng couldn''t help but admire the emergence of talent in the football world.
After the start of the match, both teams fiercely contested in midfield, with the Gcticos having a slight upper hand, gaining more possession, but the Yellow and cks yers seemed extremely excited, showing exceptional activity in their running and pressing.
Real Madrid organized their first attack, Wang Feng pushed forward and sent a through pass to the front, Morata''s shot from the right side of the penalty area was blocked out for a corner by Weidenfeller, but Dortmund quickly responded, Reus forced his way down the nk and crossed, Lewandowski headed the ball over Casis but it missed the target.
Then both teams had their chances in attack and defense, but every time the home team pressed and attacked, it put immense pressure on the Gcticos'' defense, and even Wang Feng could clearly feel that he needed to be more focused and exert more effort.
For example, in the 18th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Essien, and G?tze quickly approached to press, he felt a strong collision, and then a foot came to try to steal the ball.
The Chinese superstar immediately stabilized his body, lightly flicked the ball with his right foot while simultaneously rotating his position, using his back to push away G?tze and sessfully protected the ball at his feet.
Three minutester, when he received a back pass in the back, Lewandowski quickly rushed from behind, but Wang Feng seemed to have eyes behind his head, he dribbled the ball and turned to avoid the Pole, even causing him to slip and fall.
This is the benefit of being aware of all directions. Every time before receiving the ball, the Chinese superstar subconsciously scanned the surroundings to observe the nearby situation, avoiding fatal mistakes.
But not everyone has such excellent defensive qualities. In the 37th minute, the deadlock was broken, due to a passing mistake by Casis.
In a sudden situation where Reus burst out, Casis hurriedly came out but failed to exert enough force with his foot, causing Lewandowski to sessfully intercept and break into the penalty area, and he pushed a shot into the from 14 meters in front of the goal.
Before the Real Madrid yers could feel disappointed, Wang Feng quickly led them tounch an offensive. In the 40th minute, the Chinese superstar stole the ball from G?tze in the back, dribbled to near the midfield line, and then made a clever long pass.
The ball flew over the heads of two Dortmund defenders and fell directly in front of the advancing Iguan, who met the ball at the edge of the penalty area, and the Argentine forward volleyed directly into the as the ball was dropping.
Weidenfeller, who rushed out urgently, was shocked, he never expected Iguan to shoot so quickly, if he took one more step, wouldn''t he be one-on-one into the penalty area?
Caught off guard, he could only desperately stop his momentum and dive to save, but the trajectory of the ball was too high, it flew over him before slowly falling and almost brushing the underside of the crossbar into the, making it 1-1!
At the start of the second half, the home team still maintained a high-intensity press, while the Gcticos gradually showed signs of decline. In the 71st minute, Dortmund won a corner, G?tze took it and Casis came out risky but could only push the ball out to the edge of the small area.
But it didn''t fly far, Schmelzer, on the edge of the penalty area, turned sideways and volleyed with his left foot, the ball bounced on the ground and into the bottom right corner of the goal, giving Dortmund the lead again.
After that, although Real Madrid still had chances to equalize, they failed to capitalize on them. In the 84th minute, Wang Feng broke through from the nk and crossed, Ramos''s header hit the post from close range, narrowly missing the goal.
2-1, with the home team leading and the away team trailing, the Gcticos suffered their first defeat of the new Champions League season, conceding the top spot in the group.
"This was a evenly matched game, neither team had a clear advantage," Wang Feng gasped as he faced the media in the mixed zone, "Whoever scored the second goal had a higher chance of winning. It''s a pity that our opponents were faster than us."
"Perhaps this is the strength of the Group of Death, but I''m not worried about our chances of advancing from the group, because the team has already won two rounds, and we will continue to fight one game at a time."
Coach Ancelotti angrily criticized the unfairness of the group draw, "It''s simply ridiculous, super strong teams could also face the embarrassment of ying in the Europa League, while some European mid-table teams can easily advance to the Champions League knockout stage, or even the quarter-finals."
He believed that the main reason for Real Madrid''s loss was ack of offensive intensity, "The team failed to score the second goal before Dortmund, at times like this, I miss Wang Feng''s versatility in attack, but he can only be pinned down in defense."
However, the Italian encouraged the yers that the defeat was within the expectations of the coaching staff, "The situation is not bad, at least we are notpletely inferior on the field, we still have the strength to fight back at the Bernabu."
Chapter 591: The People Advancing with Determination
Chapter 591: The People Advancing with Determination
The defeat in the Champions League group stage did not affect the mood of the Real Madrid yers too much. They quickly adjusted their state and returned to Madrid to actively prepare for the new league matches.
During this period, the Real Madrid youth training camp weed a group of young visitors, aged around eleven or twelve. They were selected from around the world to join the football school established by the club, all of them promising talents.
"Wang, sorry to disturb your training, but there''s a young fan who wants to meet you. We hope to fulfill his wish," said the head of the football school, Hals.
The Chinese superstar dly went over, and in the training camp, he met this special guest, Monica from Brazil. Despite having some deformity in his steps, upon seeing his idol, he ran over excitedly and eagerly wanted to hug Wang Feng.
Hals exined softly on the side, "Monica was born with a leg condition and has lived in darkness since he can remember, until he saw your football."
"It was you who gave him strength, enabling him to ovee his injuries and start practicing football, until now, fully meeting our school''s admission requirements."
Wang Feng respectfully nodded his head, noticing the thick calluses on Monica''s feet. How much pain had this child endured to continue training until today?
His gaze gradually softened, and the Chinese superstar fulfilled the young fan''s wish for a photo and autograph. Encouraged by him, Monica even demonstrated his juggling skills, astonishing everyone present with his superb abilities.
In the subsequent group matches, the Brazilian boy showcased excellent technical abilities. His running, passing, and receiving showed no ws, actively cooperating with teammates and even executing consecutive dribbles and difficult moves, with his powerful shots posing a threat.
"This is truly a miracle of football," eximed Hals. "His presence once again proves that football knows no boundaries, the key is whether you are willing to work hard."
Wang Feng nodded in agreement, feeling suddenly inspired. He decided to personally join in the training with everyone, eliciting cheers from the young visitors.
When Monica faced his idol with the ball, he even attempted some feints, and the Chinese superstar let him off easily, amusing everyone and filling the training ground with joy.
Many yearster, these children still vividly remembered this day when they yed andughed with the football giant revered worldwide, giving them the strength to move forward.
But it wasn''t just Monica who advanced with determination; Mga was also fighting fiercely. Before the start of the new season, the Middle Eastern owner withdrew investment and put the club up for sale at half price, causing anxiety among the club''s staff.
Not to mention being warned by UEFA and having their prize money temporarily withheld, losing absolute core yers like Cazo, Van Nistelrooy, and Mathijsen, with even head coach Pellegrini considering leaving.
No one expected this almost disbanded team to erupt with such strong energy. Juanmi, who held the fort, became a pir of strength, while Isco, dubbed the "new Fabregas" and a Spanish U21 international, perfectly filled Cazo''s vacancy.
Together, they ensured Mga''s early-season victories in both the league and the Champions League. Apart from losing to Falcao''s Atletico Madrid, the team remained unbeaten in 11 games in both majorpetitions.
Especially notable were their two 3-0 victories against Zenit St. Petersburg and Anderlecht and a 1-0 win over AC Mn, securing the top spot in the Champions League group stage with a perfect record, stunning many.
Currently, in the La Liga standings, Atletico Madrid topped with 7 wins and 1 draw, umting 22 points. Following closely behind were Barcelona with 7 wins and 1 loss, totaling 21 points, and Real Madrid in third with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, earning 19 points. Mga, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, stood in fourth ce with 17 points, still ensuring their spot in the Champions League qualification.
The 20-year-old Isco became another extremely hot star in La Liga, following Wang Feng, Messi, and Falcao, and what''s more, he was a Mga native.
Coming through the ranks of Valencia''s youth academy, he was not given much attention by the Valencia team. Earlyst season, Mga brought him back to his hometown for ?6 million, and now his value has soared to over ?20 million, making him a strong contender for this year''s European Golden Boy award.
From attacking midfielder to forward and then to left winger, the Spanish youngster excelled in all positions, with his passing, assisting, and shooting statistics ranking among the top in La Liga.
Isco''s outstanding performances were not only noticed at the club level but also in the national U21 team, helping the Spanish U21s qualify for next year''s European U21 Championship in Israel, bing the brightest local hope for the future.
Currently, many top clubs have expressed strong interest in him, including Real Madrid, both Manchester clubs, Juventus, AC Mn, Arsenal, and Tottenham, with Manchester City being particrly enthusiastic. They are likely to pay his ?21 million release use in the winter transfer window.
On October 28th, in the 9th round of La Liga, Barcelona challenged Real Vadolid away. In this match, Messi scored twice to help the team win 5-0.
With this, the Argentine star''s career goals reached 301, and with 182 goals, he equaled the former Sevi and Atletico Madrid yer, Asuero, entering the top ten in La Liga''s all-time goal scorers list.
Catn media celebrated this achievement, but Madrid-based media, led by Marca, dismissed it, "Before joining Real Madrid, Wang Feng scored 327 goals in Serie A, taking only five seasons. We don''t know what they''re so happy about."
"And the Chinese superstar''s total goals in La Liga have already reached 324, surpassing the legendary striker Sara''s 251, ranking first in the historical goal scorers list."
"What''s even more terrifying is that Wang Feng''s total career goals have reached 969 (including league, cup, Champions League, and national team in all official matches), a number that perhaps even Argentinean Messi will find hard to reach in his lifetime!"
"Topare Messi with Wang Feng is not quite fair," said Pele. "Wang is a unique presence, superior to all yers, and Messi is the best yer beneath him."
The next day, Real Madrid hosted Mallorca at home. The match progressed very smoothly, with the home team quickly taking control of the game.
In the 11th minute, Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass from the front court, Anderson failed to intercept, and Iguain shot from 10 meters behind, opening the scoring.
Just seven minutester, the Gcticos extended their lead, Wang Feng, Modric, and Morata passed consecutively to tear apart the Mallorca defense. The Chinese superstar crossed to the penalty area, where Aveloa headed in.
With only 6 minutes left in the first half, Carlejon''s cross from the left was met by Modric''s side-footed shot at the near post, once again breaking the opponent''s goal, 3-0, Real Madrid locked in the victorypletely!
After the teamfortably secured the win, the Chinese superstar consciously moved forward to create few more attacking opportunities.
In the 48th minute, Morata passed back in the penalty area, Wang Feng''s low shot from the top of the arc found the.
Ten minutester, Marcelo''s rapid advance down the nk caused chaos in the Mallorca penalty area. Gromel got the first touch and cleared it out of the penalty area, where the lurking Chinese superstar decisively rushed in.
He met the ball directly with a volley as it fell, the ball streaked across the sky like a meteor, and then smashed into the top right corner of the goal, an otherworldly strike!
After this goal, head coach Ancelotti quickly substituted Wang Feng and other key yers. The final score remained 5-0, with the Chinese superstar scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists!
Chapter 592: Another Year for the Ballon d鈥橭R
Chapter 592: Another Year for the Ballon d''OR
The day after Real Madrid''s big victory over Mallorca, "France Football" magazine announced the 23-man shortlist for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d''Or, led by Wang Feng and Iniesta, closely followed by Messi, making them the strongest candidates for the award.
Among the listed names, there are a total of six Real Madrid yers, including the Chinese superstar, as well as Casis, Di Mara, Ramos, Alonso, and Iguan, making it the club with the most selected yers.
Barcelona has five yers nominated, namely Iniesta, Messi, Busquets, Piqu, and Xavi. From the national team perspective, Spain, the defending European Championship winner, emerges as the biggest winner.
Due to Bayern Munich narrowly missing out on the league title to Dortmundst season, Zhuo ultimately missed out on the 23-man shortlist despite a strong performance butckingpetitive honors. There are several other outstanding yers like him.
Therefore, "France Football" specifically released a list of 11 yers who missed out. They believed these yers deserved a ce in the world football stage. Zhuo ranked first, with Uruguay''s Cavani and Wang Feng''s teammate Marcelo from Real Madrid, and Manchester City''s Silva also among them.
At the end of November, FIFA announced the shortlist of three candidates, and the winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony on January 7th next year.
Regarding the prediction for the eventual winners, Wang Feng, who has already won 8 Ballon d''Or awards, is still considered the top favorite, followed by Iniesta and Messi. It''s noteworthy that Cristiano Ronaldo ranks fifth, his worst ranking since 2009, trailing behind Manchester City''s Aguero.
After the Ballon d''Or shortlist was announced, Wang Feng once again became the focus of attention, bing the subject of reports and interviews by major media outlets. "France Football," "National Paper," "Marca," and even Catalonia''s "Daily Sports Report" all invited him for interviews.
Most of the time, the Chinese superstar adhered to an official stance of neither humble nor haughty, but also revealed a unique thoughtful and emotional side in some details.
For example, when asked by the columnist of "Daily Sports Report" about the sharp question of whether there is only one dazzling figure in the team, Wang Feng confidently exined, "When you achieve outstanding results, people tend to focus on you habitually. This is an unavoidable situation." He continued, "But the brilliance of other teammates won''t be permanently overshadowed. Just like this time, five teammates from Real Madrid were also nominated for the Ballon d''Or, and their performances impressed the judges."
"Regardless of how many years have passed, people always evaluate the current Gcticos as a dream team. Wang Feng has made some outstanding contributions, but he also needs the help of his teammates."
Regarding the atmosphere in the team dressing room, the Chinese superstar stated that it is very harmonious, with everyone getting along well, helping each other, ying and growing together. "Although it may sound exaggerated, but we are actually like one big family."
Wang Feng also expressed his feelings for Madrid and the Real Madrid club: "Both of my children were born in this city and have experienced many wonderful things."
"I have yed for four clubs in total, and the Gcticos is the longest one, and together with my teammates, we have created new history. This period of my career will be the most important part."
Talking about Barcelona, the Chinese superstar said it is a great club, and he harbors no resentment towards the team itself. On the contrary, he greatly enjoys high-level confrontations, which are some of the most wonderful games.
Regarding Messi and Iniesta, Wang Feng gave high praise, saying, "Leo is a genius yer. Every year you can see him growing rapidly, and he will surely have a ce in the future world football."
"Since 2008, we have been in contact privately, and our rtionship is quite good, so the hostility andpetition hyped by the media simply do not exist."
"Iniesta is also a midfielder whom I admire very much. He has excellent ball control, bnced skills with both feet, and is the most favorable leader for advancing the frontcourt."
"What''s even more valuable is his outstanding team awareness, he rarely dys in passing, and he canplement Messi well."
Wang Feng deeply regrets China''s absence from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but he believes that the national team is gradually improving, and there will be a continuous stream of talents emerging even after retirement.
As for whether he can win his ninth Ballon d''Or and continue his legend, the Chinese superstar reveals his desire, "This award is very important, no footballer would refuse it. Even though I already have several at home, I still look forward to it."
"I am someone who refuses to lose and hates losing, as can be seen from my past experiences in matches."
As the captain of the national team, Wang Feng holds a precious vote, and he frankly stated that he would vote for the most popr candidate in his heart besides himself, without deliberately casting his vote for the sake of winning.
"This is a sacred and serious matter, and as such, we must treat it seriously."
Finally, when asked about his two children, the Chinese superstar''s face was filled with a happy smile, "Having a son and a daughter is the greatest blessing of my life. My eldest daughter is very clever and has already be a littledy."
"Although my son, who is not yet one year old, is quite lively, he is healthy and energetic, which is what all family members hope for."
When asked if he would let his children pursue a professional football career in the future, Wang Feng said he would respect their own choices, "This is their life, isn''t it."
Florentino once promised him that if he wished, the doors of Real Madrid''s youth academy would always be open for the children of the Chinese superstar.
At the end of the interview, Canros, on behalf of "Daily Sports Report," presented Wang Feng with a very special gift: two miniature golden ball trophies, for his two children.
"Thank you, they should be very happy because I usually don''t allow them to enter my trophy room, haha," Wang Feng said joyfully.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to be praised and admired by the whole world, has been having a tough timetely. He never expected that he would drop out of the top three candidates for the Ballon d''Or, let alone be ranked behind Aguero, which is simply humiliating.
What''s even more frustrating is that there are constantly scandals surrounding him, with people gradually no longer discussing his football skills or achievements on the field, but rather endless tabloid rumors.
For example, a few months ago, the Portuguese star was rumored to be getting too close to the model Rita Pereira, which led to a big argument with his girlfriend Irina.
And now, another wild model ims to have fallen in love with Cristiano Ronaldo, and even took some explosive photos for "Roma Sports Report," expressing support for him and the Portuguese team, which is really inexplicable.
These are all groundless rumors, but Cristiano Ronaldo did have an affair with the Portuguese actress Pa Labaredas, which was caught by a "Daily Mail" reporter, leading to the cancetion of his wedding ns with his girlfriend this summer.
Regarding this, "Sky Sports"mented, "Athletes'' emotional lives don''t need to be too chaotic. A happy family is more conducive to growth."
They pointed out that many football stars in the world have enviable family lives. Simple interpersonal rtionships will make these yers more focused on their football careers, which is of great benefit to their future development and reputation.
Chapter 593: Double Setback
Chapter 593: Double Setback
At the end of October, Real Madrid''s journey in the Copa del Rey officially began. Although they were the defending champions from the previous season, due to the continuous injuries, the coaching staff and the club decided strategically to abandon the somewhat redundant domestic cuppetition and focus on developing young yers.
As a result, key yers such as Wang Feng, Casis, Ramos, Modric, and Arbeloa did not appear in the squad list. However, since the Copa del Rey regtions require more than 7 first-team yers to be included, some key yers still had to make the effort to travel to challenge Segunda B side Ejea.
With goals from Denis and Nacho, the Gcticos eventually defeated their opponents 2-1. Regardless, it was still challenging for third-tier league teams to pose a threat to them.
On November 4th, in the 10th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Zaragoza away.
In historical shes, the Gcticos had an absolute advantage, and after the start of the match, the away team quickly found their rhythm, frequentlyunching rapid attacks to threaten the home team''s goal.
In less than 15 minutes, they had already earned three corner kick opportunities. As the saying goes, third time''s the charm. In the 18th minute, when Real Madrid won their fourth corner kick, Wang Feng delivered it into the penalty area. From a distance of 10 meters, Albiol''s header shot was blocked by Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto but the ball''s momentum remained and deflected into the, making it 1-0!
Just five minutester, the away team extended their lead. Callejn''s shot from a narrow angle in the penalty area was saved by the goalkeeper, but he quickly followed up to score from the rebound.
As the game reached the 43rd minute, Wang Feng made a steal in the backfield and then initiated a quick counter-attack with a solo run. Spotting Morata in a more advanced and threatening position, he promptly delivered a through ball.
The Spanish forward swiftlyunched into the penalty area, evaded Roberto''s tackle, and slotted the ball into the empty to score, securing victory before halftime.
In the second half, the Chinese superstar attempted several long-range shots from outside the penalty area. Fortunately, one of them rebounded off the pitch and deflected past the Zaragoza goalkeeper''s outstretched hand into the goal.
This was Wang Feng''s seventh league goal of the season, making him the midfielder with the most goals in La Liga. Soon after, Ancelotti began rotating the lineup in preparation for the uing Champions League group stage matches.
The score remained 4-0 until the end of the game, with Real Madrid continuing to closely pursue the leading group.
On November 6th, without stopping, the Gcticos returned to the Bernabu Stadium to face the challenge of Borussia Dortmund.
The German side continued their aggressive tactical approach, causing chaos in the Real Madrid defense, forcing Wang Feng to constantly intervene to extinguish fires.
In the 7th minute, Gundogan intercepted the ball in the midfield and sent a through pass to Reus on the edge of the penalty area. The Chinese superstar seized the opportunity, sliding in to intercept the ball before it reached Reus''s feet, and then passed it to nearby Arbeloa.
Five minutester, Dortmund''s midfieldunched an attack. Lewandowski sprinted towards the frontcourt, with Wang Feng initially trailing him by half a body length but gradually closing the distance due to his explosive speed.
Just as the two were about to make contact, the Chinese superstar swiftly extended his leg to hook the ball away from the Polish forward. The rapid change in pace caused both yers to lose their bnce and fall to the ground.
Ignoring the pain in his body, Wang Feng quickly got up, controlled the ball, and timely passed it to the supporting Isco, leaving Lewandowski sitting on the ground shaking his head in frustration.
With the game deadlocked for nearly 30 minutes, Dortmund eventually broke the deadlock. It was a corner kick opportunity, and after the ball was floated into the penalty area, Lewandowski''s header flicked the ball to Reus at the far post, who volleyed it into the.
In the 40th minute, Real Madridunched an attack into the opponent''s half. Wang Feng and Callejn formed a wall-passbination on the wing, then forcefully entered the penalty area near the goal line. Suddenly, Wang Feng made a quick stop and cut back to evade the defensive entanglement, before sending a square pass with his right foot.
Near the penalty spot, Higuan volleyed the ball fiercely past goalkeeper Weidenfeller''s fingertips, making it 1-1, and the Gcticos leveled the score!
But fate sometimes ys jokes. In the 62nd minute of the second half, Grosskreutzunched a counterattack down the wing, then passed the ball into the penalty area.
After receiving the ball, G?tze intended to shoot, but Arbeloa slid to clear the ball, resulting in an unintentional own goal. The ball''s trajectorypletely caught Casis by surprise, as it snuck into the from an almost impossible angle.
"Own goal! Oh my God, Arbeloa made a serious mistake and gifted Dortmund a big opportunity!"
"In fact, if he hadn''t intervened, G?tze might not have scored. At that moment, the Real Madrid goalkeeper''s attention was highly focused, always vignt against the opponent''s shooting trajectory."
"Yes, but this clearance was also instinctive and part of a defender''s duty. We don''t need to be too harsh, but he should pay more attention to the angle of the clearance in the future."
"History is always surprisingly simr. In thest sh, Real Madrid lost the second goal, leading to a defeat against Wolfsburg. At that time, Ancelotti admitted that whoever scored the second goal would win the game. Are they going to repeat the same mistakes?"
Time passed slowly, and the restless Bernabu once again prayed for their emperor to descend, but Wang Feng was still unable to be everywhere, almost exhausting all his mental energy on defense.
It wasn''t until the 88th minute that an opportunity finally arrived. Ramos intercepted the ball in the backfield and passed it to the Chinese superstar, who then carried the ball towards the opponent''s half. Using quick steps, he dribbled past Kehl and changed direction to shake off Schmelzer, before teasing Hummels.
He dribbled past three yers over a distance of more than 40 meters! The stands erupted into cheers. As long as he entered the penalty area, there was no doubt about Wang Feng''s ability; he would surely bring a goal!
Of course, the opponents were aware of this too. Subotic made a desperate attempt to defend from the side, his mind nk except for the determination to stop the opponent.
So the Serbian defender decisively tackled Wang Feng, bringing him down, causing an uproar in the stands. A barrage of boos rained down on Subotic, and the referee quickly arrived, brandishing a red card and sending him off because he was thest defender.
Real Madrid missed a great scoring opportunity, but won a free kick from 25 meters out from the opponent''s goal. It was without a doubt that Wang Feng would take it!
The Chinese superstar adjusted his leg guard, stood up under Ramos''s support, and said, "Are you okay? That foul just now was very dangerous." The Spaniard asked with concern.
"No problem, even if the opponent doesn''t want it, I will still put the ball into their goal!"
Taking a deep breath, Wang Feng ced the ball on the penalty spot and slowly stepped back. Each step recalled countless times of free-kick goals, clear and vivid.
Run-up, shot! The ball formed a new moon in the air, bypassing the wall and rapidly curling back. The renowned Weidenfeller finally witnessed the power of the crescent moon scythe. Despite clearly deviating far from the goal frame, the ball miraculously curved back!
"Swish!" The ball brushed past the goalkeeper''s fingertips and thundered into the top left corner of the goal!
With this goal just before the final whistle, Real Madrid ultimately drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund, still ranking second in the group.
Simrly, Barcelona encountered a setback. Despite having won three consecutive matches previously, victory over Celtic would have secured their early qualification. However, they were reversed 1-2.
What''s worse, the Catn team had an overwhelming 84% possession throughout the match, while the opponent only had a pitiful 16%. The discourse of possession being useless resurfaced for a moment; efficiency was the key to victory.
Chapter 594: Non-stop Money Making
Chapter 594: Non-stop Money Making
The setbacks faced by both Real Madrid and Barcelona naturally became the biggest focus of this Champions League matchday. At the post-match press conference, Ancelotti expressed that Borussia Dortmund''s strength was formidable and their ability to defend their Bundesliga title was not by chance.
"This team is good at defensive counterattacks, with high efficiency in transitioning between offense and defense. The yers are proactive, fast, and their defensive quality ismendable," the Italianmented on the Yellow cks.
"They will be one of the strongest opponents for the Gcticos on the road to the championship. But in fact, we also have a chance to win the game. If we meet in the knockout stage next time, we will definitely spark different fireworks."
Ancelotti''s implied words suggested that both teams would secure qualification spots, leaving the media at the scene exchanging nces. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that this was indeed possible given the current standings.
After four rounds of matches, Borussia Dortmund led the group with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 10 points. Real Madrid followed closely with 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 7 points. Ajax ranked third with 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses, and 4 points, while Manchester Citynguished at the bottom with 2 draws, 2 losses, and only 2 points.
The name "Group of Death" was not unfounded. The Bundesliga champions demonstrated their strength, while the Premier League champions encountered continuous setbacks, to the extent that they might not even qualify for the Europa League.
This left many fans of the newly crowned champions dissatisfied, and the slogan calling for the dismissal of head coach Mancini gradually grew louder.
As for Barcelona, their unexpected loss was originally just a minor ident, hardly affecting their advancement prospects. However, subsequent media reports revealed another conflict between Messi and Vi on the field, instantly attracting the attention of countless fans.
"AS" wrote a detailed ount of the incident. When Barcelona was trailing, Vi chose to take a shot himself instead of passing the ball to Messi, which greatly displeased the Argentine superstar.
He made no effort to conceal his anger. After the ball was kicked into the stands, Vi turned his back to the goal and walked towards the midfield, while Messi on the opposite side stared angrily at Vi for a full 20 seconds.
The Spanish forward knew Messi was looking for him, so he deliberately turned his head the other way to avoid eye contact with the Argentine superstar.
"But the two still locked eyes in the end," "AS" described in a very peculiar rhetoric, "Messi immediately gestured toin that the ball should have been passed to him."
"Vi, on the other hand, pointed to the shooting position, indicating that he had a great opportunity, and the two remained at odds until Celtic took a goal kick, ending the conflict."
At the post-match press conference, coach Roura was asked about the dispute between Messi and Vi. He stated that he didn''t see anything, and no one around him told him anything.
This was the third time this season that the media had captured the two yers erupting into conflict. Previously, they had responded positively, stating that it was about the game and not personal issues, and everything was resolved on the field. But it seemed that things were not as simple as they appeared.
Rossi Prez, the director of Barcelona Sports TV, inadvertently revealed on the morning sports news that Roura had long been aware of the conflict between the two yers, and Messi even requested the club to get rid of Vi.
"The Argentine superstar said he didn''t want to see this guy continue to y alongside him," Prez said confidently. "Come on, Leo is not as honest as he appears on the surface. He has a lot of tricks behind the scenes."
"Just like when he sent a text message to Guardi hoping he would get rid of Ibrahimovic. Oh, sorry, you guys didn''t know about this?"
"In short, Vi probably won''t stay for long. He''ll leave at the earliest during the winter break, and at thetest next summer."
The program quickly ignited public opinion, and more and more people believed that Messi was the "little dictator" in the Barcelona locker room. The club had toe forward for public rtions, and the TV station director chose to resignter in the day.
"I don''t wield power in the locker room," the Argentine denied being a bully in an interview, "I don''t care about what the outside world says. As long as my teammates know what kind of person I am, Barcelona cannot afford to be chaotic at this time."
Of course, many media outlets sought Wang Feng''s opinion on the matter. The Chinese superstar shrugged, indicating that he was not aware of the details, so he had noment.
Taking advantage of the rtively calm schedule in the next half month, both Wang Feng and the Real Madrid club began to engage inmercial activities. Making money was something they couldn''t stop.
The Chinese superstar first attended his own exclusive fashion seriesunch event. This personal brand, a coboration between Armani and Feng Yao Group, had already released its fourth generation and was the best-selling exclusive series in the football world.
It''s worth mentioning that the current best-selling exclusive brand in the basketball world is Jordan, while in tennis, it''s Federer.
The fashion series included trench coats, casual hoodies and pants, sportswear, jackets, short-sleeved training suits, and more, with a color scheme leaning towards cool tones, mainly gray, white, and ck, ented with blue, consistent with Wang Feng''s usual character traits.
"I really like the meticulous design style of the Eds (designer) team, and the clothes are veryfortable to wear," Wang Feng said. Prior to this, he had shot many promotional photos for the new styles, which would soon appear in major fashion magazines worldwide.
As for the Real Madrid club, they arranged for the entire team to participate in a promotional event for a popr brand. As a gesture of gratitude, Audi would give everyone a car.
"It''s really generous, so you guys just went for half a day, took a few photos, and walked away with dozens of cars?" Wang Feng''s younger sister looked at the white Audi R8 sports car that Wang Feng had just driven back and sighed.
"Yeah, if you like it, take it. If you don''t, I''ll have someone handle it," as one of the most famous endorsers of the brand, they would send him thetest models of Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti, and other luxury cars every few years.
Not to mention, the best yer of the Club World Cup received a car from Toyota every year, so he usually sold it as soon as possible, otherwise, no matter how big the vi was, it couldn''t amodate them all.
On November 11th, in the 11th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Levante at home. On the day of the match, Madrid was experiencing a torrential rainstorm, and the muddy conditions made it difficult for both sides.
In the 21st minute of the match, the home team opened the scoring. Wang Feng took a free kick in the frontcourt and lofted it into the penalty area. Ramos leaped high and managed to flick the ball before the opposing defenders, ferrying it to Morata at the far post, who stabbed it into the.
But in the second half, Levante equalized in the 61st minute through ngel, and nine minutester, Iguain received a through ball from Carvajal inside the penalty area. He was about to turn and shoot when he was brought down by Navarro.
The Spanish defender had intended to go for the ball, but the slippery field caused him to lose control, and the referee promptly awarded a penalty kick to the Gcticos.
Wang Feng personally stepped up to take the penalty but was denied by the Levante goalkeeper, a very rare urrence, as the heavy rain obscured his vision and affected his performance.
Although his teammates offered constion, the home fans in the stands remained enthusiastic. However, the Chinese superstar was very frustrated; he rallied his spirits and continued to seek opportunities.
Fortune favors the prepared mind. In the 83rd minute, Wang Feng received a through ball from Ramos in midfield and broke through the visiting team''s defense with sessive half-high passes in coboration with Carvajal.
After rushing into the vicinity of the penalty area, he decisively lifted the ball into the box. Iguain leaped forward from the back and headed the ball into Levante''s.
2-1! The Gcticos managed to secure victory in this rain-drenched battle.
Chapter 595: Second in the Group is Not Doomsday
Chapter 595: Second in the Group is Not Doomsday
Alonso Returns from Injury!
This piece of news was like a wee rain for the struggling Real Madrid. Although he visibly circled around, he needed a long recovery training to reach his best condition, but there was finally more hope for the second half of the season.
"Wee back." Wang Feng gave him a big hug on behalf of all his teammates, and the Spaniard joked, "You, my friend, don''t know where the limit is until you''re pushed."
"After being your teammate for so many years, I didn''t even know you had the talent to y as a defensive midfielder. I watch every game of our team, and you''re just toopetent."
The Chinese superstar rolled his eyes. "I''d rather never have this kind of forced feeling."
On November 17th, in the 12th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Athletic Bilbao away.
In the 12th minute of the match, Wang Feng sent a long pass from midfield, and after controlling the ball, Iguain smoothly entered the penalty area and calmly lobbed the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to open the scoring for the Gcticos.
Seven minutester, Marcelo made a quick run down the wing and crossed from the baseline. Ramos, unmarked at the edge of the small penalty area, headed the ball into the. The two defendersbined to contribute a brilliant goal, indicating not only their excellent attacking ability but also Athletic Bilbao''s almostplete inability to threaten the Real Madrid defense.
In the 41st minute, Carvajal passed from the right, and Iguain retreated to the top of the penalty arc, receiving the ball with his back to the goal beforeying it off to Wang Feng, who was making a run. The Chinese superstar, facing the goal, unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot into the top corner, making it 3-0! The Gcticospletely sealed the victory!
At the start of the second half, in the 51st minute, Wang Feng suddenly elerated with the ball, shaking off three defenders with sessive changes of direction as he charged into the penalty area. Faced with the goalkeeper, he calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, and it ricocheted into the off the inside of the post.
With a brace! The Chinese superstar always capitalized on the few chances he got to score. In the 12 rounds of the league, he had scored 9 goals, quietly climbing to fourth ce in the top scorer list.
In the 60th minute, coach Ancelotti substituted him along with Modric and Ramos. In the 79th minute, Athletic Bilbao scored a goal through Gomez to salvage some pride.
But in the final five minutes, Esin made a diagonal pass, and Morata received the ball on the edge of the small penalty area, slotting it home once again. The final score was 5-1.
Three dayster, Real Madrid faced Manchester City away in the fifth round of the Champions League group stage.
In order to secure the top spot in the group, the Gcticos had to fight with all their might. For the Sky Blues, it was even more critical as they needed to fight for a Europa League spot.
So, as soon as the match started, both sides went all out, engaging in a physical battle. Real Madrid''s first attack was cleared by Manchester City from their penalty area.
Krov controlled the ball and immediately passed it to Jovetic ahead,unching a rapid counterattack. By the time the Bosnian forward caught up with the ball, he had already passed the midfield line, with Aguero on his right also sprinting forward.
As the Gcticos pressed high up the pitch, only Wang Feng, who reacted quickly, fell back to defend, leaving a two-on-one situation against the Blue Moon!
The more critical the situation, the calmer one needed to be. Countless possible attacking scenarios shed through the Chinese superstar''s mind as he ran. He observed Jovetic''s every move, putting pressure on him subtly.
Sure enough, Jovetic made a horizontal pass to Aguero, who had more space on the other side. Wang Feng didn''t rush to close down the Argentine forward but ran towards a diagonal position.
Just as Aguero was about to dribble into the penalty area, the Chinese superstar slid in and cleared the ball from his feet, colliding heavily with Aguero in the process.
Ignoring the pain, Wang Feng quickly got up to check the situation of the ball. Fortunately, Awaloha arrived in time to control it. Aguero wanted to appeal for a foul, but the referee saw it clearly: Wang Feng touched the ball first, and then Aguero collided with him.
An excellent goal-scoring opportunity was thwarted. Aguero shook his head in frustration, and Jovetic regretted passing the ball too early. But Wang Feng''s positioning and defensive awareness were just too good.
Taking advantage of the momentum after stopping a certain goal, the away teamunched a series of threatening attacks. In the 9th minute, Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass to the wing, and Carvajal chased after it near the baseline before crossing to the far post.
Manchester City defender Maicon was watching the dropping ball closely, preparing to clear it, but he didn''t notice Morata sneaking up behind him. When the time was right, Morata suddenly surged forward and poked the ball into the from close range, taking the lead 1-0!
Forced into a corner, Manchester Cityunched a desperate attack like a storm, constantly surging towards the Gcticos'' defense, but led by the Chinese superstar, they stood firm.
In the 27th minute, Jovetic suddenly elerated forward and then abruptly stopped to try to shake off Wang Feng, who was closely marking him. However, the Chinese superstar''s turning speed far exceeded his expectations. Before he could stabilize himself, he only saw a blur before him, and a white figure shed past, taking the ball from under his feet.
Six minutester, Silva sprinted down the wing, pretending to force his way to the byline but suddenly decelerating to evade Ramos'' tackle. Just as he was about to cut inside towards the penalty area, Wang Feng, who was covering inside, slid in again and won the ball.
As time passed without yielding any results, the home fans in the stands expressed their dissatisfaction, chanting slogans for Mancini to be sacked. In order to further strengthen their attack, the Sky Blues substituted attacking yers Tevez and Garcia sessively.
Just when everyone thought Real Madrid would win by a narrow margin, a sudden turn of events urred on the field. Awaloha and Aguero had a physical altercation when defending against each other, which escted into a verbal argument. The irrational Awaloha directly pushed Aguero down, and the Argentine fell to the ground in apparent pain.
The referee didn''t hesitate to show a red card to the Spanish defender! With one man down, the pressure on the Gcticos increased significantly, and finally, in the 79th minute, the defense was breached as Jovetic scored from close range inside the penalty area.
1-1, the final score left both sets of yers dissatisfied, especially upon learning the result of the other group match, with Borussia Dortmund winning 4-1 against Ajax.
With a total of 13 points, the German club secured the top spot in the group, while Real Madrid umted 8 points. Although they also secured advancement to the next round, finishing second in the group was the first time in nearly seven years.
Ajax with 4 points and Manchester City with 3 points would fight for a Europa League spot in the final round.
Since the Champions League was revamped, no team had ever won the final as the second-ced team in the group. Therefore, most of the media were very pessimistic about the Gcticos, especially some conspiracy theorists who believed that although UEFA didn''t directly thwart Real Madrid''s wishes, they sessfully prevented them from defending their title.
However, Ancelotti and Wang Feng disagreed with this view, especially the Chinese superstar, who said bluntly, "Second in the group is not doomsday." He stated that the Gcticos had built an immortal legacy throughout their journey, and none of the opponents standing in their way were easy ones.
"The road must be taken step by step, and the matches must be yed one by one. Since we''ve secured qualification, regardless of our ranking or our opponents, we won''t be afraid."
As for Manchester City, Sky Sportsmentator Smith believed that Mansour was too lenient. If it were Abramovich, Mancini would have been sacked hundreds of times by now.
Chapter 596: Real Goal Damage to Teammates!
Chapter 596: Real Goal Damage to Teammates!
After the fierce battle with Manchester City, the Gcticos returned to Madrid and soon faced their opponent in the 13th round of La Liga, Real Betis.
The aftermath of the intense battle clearly affected the home team yers. They were both emotionally and physically low, and the game did not go as expected, with no advantage gained.
Instead, Real Betis seized an opportunity early in the game and broke through the Real Madrid defense in the 6th minute. After that, they defended deep, ensuring they held onto their lead.
Adding insult to injury, Gonzalo Higuain had two goals disallowed by the referee. The first instance was in the 34th minute when Wang Feng sent a through ball, and the Argentine quickly entered the penalty area and scored with a chip shot, only for it to be ruled offside.
ording to slow-motion reys, it was a legitimate goal, as Higuain was behind thest defender when he started his run.
In the 69th minute of the second half, once again, the Chinese superstar sent a long pass, and Higuain shook off the defenders to score with a poke shot, but the referee called a foul for pushing, a decision that was debatable as there were actions from both sides.
In addition to this, in the 74th minute, a long-range shot by Modric from the edge of the arc was blocked by Sano, and slow-motion reys showed the ball hitting his arm. However, the referee did not make any gesture regarding this incident.
With two disallowed goals and a penalty denied, such a situation would be difficult for any team to ept, almost certainly resulting in a defeat.
Fortunately, they had Wang Feng! In the 81st minute, the home team got a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half, and the Chinese superstar astonished everyone with a high-difficulty chip shot directly into the Betis goal, helping the Gcticos equalize.
After the game, an angry Ancelotti directly criticized the referee, Mansano: "He made very serious mistakes. It''s hard to imagine the referee bing the focus of the game."
Due to the controversy, La Liga had to provide an exnation. They stated that the referee, who is only 28 years old, was officiating his first La Liga match of the year, so mistakes were inevitable, hoping for everyone''s understanding.
Regardless, before the formal introduction of VAR, errors were part of the game, but it seemed like fate was constantly making it difficult for Real Madrid.
In this round, both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid won their respective matches, with the Catn team leading with 36 points from 12 wins and 1 loss, and the Rojincos following closely behind with 34 points from 11 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, leaving the Gcticos in third ce with 32 points from 10 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
This situation slightly relieved everyone in the Barcelona camp, as Real Madrid had brought them too much pressure in recent years. They couldn''t afford to miss the opportunity to strike back at such a time.
Coach R said in an interview, "Our main opponent for the title this season is still Madrid, but it''s not Real Madrid, it''s Atletico."
"I think Atletico Madrid is very solid and strong. Surprised? No, this is the inevitable result of their umtion. They were outstanding in the second half ofst season."
The next round would be the city derby, and R admitted that he favored Atletico more, but first, they needed to focus on their own game and secure a victory against Athletic Bilbao to continue leading.
As for the mockery from their rivals, Real Madrid naturally didn''t care. Wang Feng organized a dinner to help everyone rx and relieve stress.
Three dayster, in the second leg of the fourth round of the King''s Cup, the lineup was mainlyposed of substitutes and young yers. In the end, the Gcticos defeated Aigaiol 2-0, with an aggregate score of 4-1, advancing to the fifth round. Their next opponent would be the newly promoted La Liga team, Vigo Celta.
On November 29th, the final three candidates for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d''Or were announced in Sao Paulo, Brazil, without surprise, they were Wang Feng, Iniesta, and Messi.
With Barcelona''s recent strong performances and Spain''s sess in the World Cup qualifiers, there was a high probability that Iniesta would win the award. However, the only obstacle turned out to be his teammate, Messi!
ording to statistics, the Argentine star had scored 82 goals so far in the year, which would have been a joyous asion under normal circumstances. However, it became awkward in the context of the Ballon d''Or.
In terms of honors, Messi fell shortpared to Wang Feng, who won five titles, and Iniesta, who won the European Championship. In terms of statistics, he couldn''t match the Chinese superstar''s hundred goals from the previous season. It was almost certain that he would miss out on the Ballon d''Or this year.
The more goals he scored, the more it seemed to indicate that he was the mainstay of Barcelona. Then, what about Iniesta? In other words, every goal he scored was a blow to Messi and a help to Wang Feng.
So much so that as the voting approached, the Catalonian media, which had previously touted Messi, gradually became quiet. Everyone understood the underlying meaning, and the situation became mysterious and difficult to understand.
The club even considered having a conversation with Messi, hoping he would ease up a bit on scoring goals, but ultimately, it was rejected by Rosell. If this matter were to spread, Barcelona would likely be aughingstock.
Moreover, former president Laporta never gave up the chance to return to the club. He publicly stated in June that he was ready to return to Barcelona, "Rosell has not be a savior, Barcelona stillcks participation in the league and the Champions League."
Regarding the past financial issues, the Spaniard openly admitted to epting privatemissions, but he exined to the executives one by one, emphasizing that the club was the biggest beneficiary at the time, not himself. He would never harm the interests of everyone for his own benefit.
In addition to that, many executives had grown up during Laporta''s era and had close ties to him. It was impossible for Rosell topletely remove him, especially the club''s most valued youth training management. To be blunt, Rosell probably didn''t have the opportunity to intervene at all.
During his idle years, Laporta actively participated in public affairs and became a vanguard of Catalonia, gaining increasing prestige. This was also one of the hidden forces for his return to Barcelona.
In addition to the Ballon d''Or candidate list, FIFA alsopleted the draw for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Both the 2010 World Cup champion, China, and the 2011 Asian Cup champion, Japan, would participate, marking the first time in history.
For this, the AFC specifically congratted, stating that it was a golden age for Asian football, with over 800 guests and 700 journalists witnessing the draw, with Asia ounting for about a quarter.
FIFA President tter delivered the opening speech, followed by the announcement of the match ball, which was the "Samba Glory" to be used in next year''s World Cup. It was the first time the name was directly voted by fans, with over a million participants.
This new type of football was assembled with six identical cross-shaped panels, ensuring the maximum roundness. The primary color was white, with patterns in red, blue, green, orange, and other colors on a ck background, making it very colorful and beautiful.
FIFA Secretary-General Valcke presided over the draw, with Brazil and China selected as the seeded teams in groups A1 and B1, respectively. In the end, Group A consisted of hosts Brazil, European champions Spain, CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico, and Asian champions Japan.
China was grouped with Copa America champions Uruguay, OFC Nations Cup champions Tahiti, and the African Cup of Nations champions to be decided early next year, which was considered a favorable draw.
The Confederations Cup would kick off on June 15, 2013. The top two teams from each group would advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for June 30 at the Maracan? Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Chapter 597: Raised Expectations
Chapter 597: Raised Expectations
On December 1st, at the Madrid Caldern Stadium, the eagerly anticipated local derby unfolded, stirring the entire city, and the oue would directly determine the second-ce position on the league table.
Lakanias, a typical die-hard fan of the Bed Sheet Legion, had experienced the glorious history of Atletico Madrid''s eight-year reign of dominance in the 70s, as well as the continuous descent into darkness.
Through thick and thin, his dedication remained unwavering. However, what troubled him was the fact that his beloved grandson turned out to be a Real Madrid fan, constantly moring not only to defeat Atletico but also to wear a white jersey and cheer for Real Madrid at the stadium.
Back in his day, anyone wearing white among a sea of red and white jerseys would have received a beating at the very least, and could have even caused a riot. After much persuasion, his grandson reluctantly agreed not to wear the Real Madrid jersey, but still insisted on wearing a cap adorned with the Real Madrid crest.
"You little rascal," Lakanias couldn''t help but chuckle. Initially nervous about potentially upsetting the home team fans sitting nearby, he soon realized that Atletico fans nowadays weren''t as radical as before.
Especially among the younger generation, there were those who loved the Bed Sheet Legion but also didn''t mind supporting the Gcticos, considering the numerous glories they had brought to Madrid in recent years.
Lakanias couldn''t help but miss the days of the Iron Blood Legion. He believed that Simeone could surely revive the spirit of Atletico Madrid. Even if they didn''t win championships, that fierce determination and tenacity should never be lost.
As if hearing the sentiments of the old fans, the match started with a bang. In the 7th minute, Koke received the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Modric outside the penalty area.
Shortly after, the away team fought back, with Etxeita receiving a yellow card for a foul on Turan, and Mirandamitting a foul near the goal line against Morata, while Ramos directly pushed down Fbregas during defense.
The match rhythm was frequently interrupted by fouls from both sides. Initially, Wang Feng wanted to stabilize the situation and reassure his teammates, but he found that the opponent''s tactics were like that of a rabid dog, biting fiercely. In that case, there was nothing more to say; they had to fight back.
In the 37th minute, the Chinese superstar dribbled forward with the ball, faced with the double-team of Suarez and Gabi, he used his body and explosive force to forcibly open a path.
Before Turan''s sliding tackle could reach the ball, Wang Feng skillfully lifted the ball forward and jumped vertically to avoid the tackle. Then, he caught up with the ball rebounding from the ground with two steps and unleashed a shot.
A meteor flying at 138 kilometers per hour! The sound of breaking through the air echoed throughout the Caldern Stadium, leaving the home team fans cursing in silence. Atletico''s goalkeeper Courtois could only watch as the ball fiercely hit the.
1-0! Real Madrid took the lead!
The match continued to be filled with confrontations and fouls, with Wang Feng receiving his fourth yellow card of the season. If he received one more, he would be suspended for a match.
In the 79th minute, the Gcticos sealed the victory. The Chinese superstar made a diagonal pass to Marcelo, who then crossed from the bottom line. Inside the penalty area, Iguain volleyed with his left foot, and the ball passed through Courtois'' legs into the.
2-0! Real Madrid sessfully took three points from the Caldern Stadium.
Both Lakanias and his grandson left the stadium quite satisfied. His grandson was surprised; Atletico lost the game, so why was his grandfather so happy?
The evenly matched game and the iron-blooded style were enough to give hope to the fans of the Bed Sheet Legion. However, the media keenly discovered that Falcao seemed to be in a slump. In the past four games, he had only scored one goal.
"Marca" analyzed that the transfer rumors surrounding the Colombian striker had affected him. "His mood is bing restless, and he is bing increasingly confused and longing for the future," the report said.
There were rumors that Chelsea would take away the Colombian forward during the winter transfer window. For this, the Blues prepared at least 100 million. "Daily Telegraph" analyzed the specific expenses.
"The termination use is about 48 million. Falcao''s weekly sry is at least 200,000, totaling about 10.4 million a year. Considering Falcao''s age of 26, signing a 4-5 year contract is not a problem, so the total sry would also need to be prepared for over 50 million, totaling nearly 100 million."
Even the former coach, Eduardo, of the Colombian U17 youth team openly stated that Falcao should consider joining Chelsea. "He can unleash his full potential in the Premier League. Radamel has excellent ball control and coordination, which canplement midfielders like Hazard and Mata and quickly integrate into Mourinho''s tactical system."
But Simeone tly denied the transfer news. "He is an important reliance for us in the league, and (at least) until the end of this season, he will not leave!"
Regarding the reason for the loss, the Argentine coach took the initiative to shoulder the responsibility. "I tried the unfamiliar 4-4-2 formation, which led to the failure to produce effective wing attacks, coupled with the unfavorable situation of conceding the first goal, ultimately leading to a copse."
He said the team was still growing and progressing rapidly, and the present failures would eventually be transformed into experience to enrich everyone.
Many fans also understood a truth from Falcao: how difficult it was to maintain a high level of performance in every game throughout the season, like Wang Feng, or Messi and Ronaldo. They raised their standards and expectations for superstars.
Especially Wang Feng, not only did he have to y beautifully, but the team also had to win for him to be a football god!
After this round of matches, there was another major news: Valencia suffered a humiliating 2-5 defeat at home to Real Sociedad. The club immediately announced the termination of Pellegrino''s contract, making him the second La Liga head coach to be sacked this season after Espanyol''s Pochettino.
For the Bats Legion, this was a shameful defeat. They had never allowed Real Sociedad to score five goals at the Mesta Stadium, ending their unbeaten home record since April. What''s worse, they dropped out of the top four Champions League spots on the league table.
The home fanspletely lost control of their emotions, directing their anger at the club president rather than the head coach. Countless people shouted "Lim go away," and some extremists even threw incendiary devices in the yer tunnel, forcing Valencia to deploy mounted police to maintain order.
The local "Super Sports Report"mented that Pellegrino was just a scapegoat. He was undoubtedly a good coach, but the team and yers failed to meet his requirements, and the locker room was filled with constant factionalism and disputes.
However, Lorenzo, who was at the center of the storm, had no intention of resigning. He said, "I understand the fans''ints, but the most urgent task now is to find a new coach to help the team return to the Champions League spots."
Soon they reached an agreement with Spanish coach Valverde, who would lead the Bats Legion forward. This head coach was most famous for helping an underdog team reach the Europa League final.
That was in the 06-07 season, when the weak Spaniards, under his guidance, made their way to the final, ultimately losing to Sevi.
Three dayster, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid weed Ajax at home. The Chinese superstar contributed assists and scored twice, including a close-range shot in the penalty area, scoring three goals alone to help the Gcticos defeat the strong Dutch team 4-2.
On the same day, Borussia Dortmund showed no mercy, narrowly defeating Manchester City 1-0 at home, sending the Premier League champions packing, and allowing Ajax to secure a spot in the Europa League.
Chapter 598: Assists to Equal a Record
Chapter 598: Assists to Equal a Record
In the 15th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Real Vadolid at home. With goals from Morata, Ceballos, and Modric, the Gcticos ultimately defeated their opponents 3-0, with Wang Feng contributing 1 assist.
In the first leg of the fifth round of the Copa del Rey, they faced Celta Vigo away in a fierce rain battle, but Real Madrid lost 1-2 to the newly promoted team, with 17-year-old prodigy Jesse Rodrguez scoring the only goal for the visitors.
Astute observers could see that the Gcticos were not putting much emphasis on thispetition, but Jesse''s performance stood out. He had just be the youngest yer to represent Real Madrid in a Champions League match. Under the gaze of over eighty thousand fans at the Bernabu, he reced Wang Feng and yed for over 20 minutes.
Previously, this record was held by Ral, who was 18 years and 2 months old at the time, while Casis was 18 years and 3 months old. Therefore, it was widely believed that Jesse was the future star of Spanish football that Real Madrid had high hopes for.
Speaking of his Champions League debut, the Spanish youngster appeared very excited: "At that moment, my mind went nk. I never thought I would get to y. Am I younger than Ral was in his Champions League debut? Well, I''m not yet worthy of beingpared to him. Just being able to y for the greatest club in the world is the ultimate honor."
"I really like Wang Feng and Alonso, especially Wang. He teaches me a lot. He''s patient and knowledgeable, always helping us young yers grow. He doesn''t act like a superstar, and we truly admire him from the bottom of our hearts."
ording to Marca, the Chinese superstar is usually very friendly in his interactions with young yers, offering constructive advice and encouragement when they improve, which creates a harmonious atmosphere within the entire club.
After the Copa del Rey match, the annual Club World Cup was about to begin. Because it was a crucial time in the La Liga title race, the club decided to send Zidane to lead a squad of substitutes and youth academy yers to Japan for the tournament.
Young yers like Jesse, Dennis, and Lucas would get ample opportunities for development, while mainstays like Wang Feng would focus on preparing for the three league matches before the new year.
In the semifinals against Monterrey from the Mexican Liga MX, Real Madrid narrowly won 2-1, and their final opponent was Corinthians, the champions of the Copa Libertadores. They ultimately ended the Gcticos'' streak of consecutive Club World Cup titles with a stubborn defense and a 1-0 victory.
This result was within the expectations of all Real Madrid fans, as they fully understood the club''s priorities.
In the 16th round of La Liga, the Gcticos challenged Espanyol away. In the 26th minute, Wang Feng received a back pass from Carvajal in midfield, dribbled forward while pressuring two defenders, and then delivered a precise through ball.
The ball passed between the two defenders, who were less than 40 centimeters apart, and Morata in the back row quickly surged into the penalty area and scored with a chip shot.
Espanyol''s Sergio then equalized with a header from a corner kick. In the second half, Wang Feng repeated his tactics, continuously shaking off defenders and delivering precise passes. Modric tapped in the second goal, securing a 2-1 victory.
In the 17th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Mga at home. Once again, Wang Feng assisted in opening the scoring for the home team. Facing a double-team on the nk, he remainedposed and then made a back-heel pass to Essein near the penalty spot, who scored with ease.
Isco, who had just won the European Golden Boy award ahead of G?tze and Balotelli, exploited a gap in Real Madrid''s defense to equalize in the 49th minute. Then, in the 76th minute, Wang Feng intercepted a pass from Demichelis to Camacho, and immediately sent a cross with the outside of his foot. Iguain, unmarked in front of the goal, slotted in a shot from 8 meters out.
The score was once again locked at 2-1.
This game was Real Madrid''sst match before the new year. So far, Wang Feng had contributed 11 goals and 20 assists. His number of assists equaled Xavi''s La Liga record set in the 2006-2007 season.
Breaking this record with half of the season remaining was only a matter of time for him, and he was highly likely to elevate this statistic to a terrifying level.
"The versatile master!" said Marca, praising him, "This season, Wang hasn''t shown the passionate goal-scoring performances, but quietly helped the team with tight defense and organized attacks, allowing Real Madrid to remainpetitive in both the league and the Champions League."
"Before him, there was no forward in the world who could achieve such a level. He is the absolute core and leader of the team. As long as he is on the field, the Gcticos will never give up easily."
Marca also wrote an article titled "Wang Feng is about to break another record, reigning supreme in La Liga history," stating that after dominating single-season goal-scoring and offensive efficiency statistics, the Chinese superstar was now aiming for single-season assists, key passes, interceptions, and tackles records.
"When future generations look back on history, they will discover that all the best records in La Liga are held by the same person. They will surely feel both fortunate and unfortunate about this era."
"Lucky for us fans, we can witness the birth of a legend firsthand, but unfortunate that the brilliance of all contemporaneous stars will be overshadowed."
"AS" believes that a part-time yer has managed to give off a full-time vibe, "He might be a defensive warrior dyed by attacking duties."
They selected the top 20 defensive moments of the Chinese superstar this season, each of which could be considered a ssic. "Many unexpected interceptions were not included. So far, Wang Feng has been the best-performing defensive midfielder in La Liga."
Barcelona also secured several consecutive victories in the league, maintaining a 4-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table. Messi continued to perform at a high level, extending his goal tally for the season to 21.
ording to media statistics, the Argentine superstar scored a total of 91 goals in the year, which South American media outlets extensively publicized, believing that he had surpassed Pel to be the new king of South American football.
However, the response in Europe was rather subdued. First, FIFA stated that annual goal tallies were not official records, as they focused more on a yer''s performance throughout the entire season.
"Such data is merely what fans and the media like to see. The so-called annual goal records are obviously collected by the media themselves."
Furthermore, when calcted properly, Wang Feng had already elevated this statistic to 113 goals, not to mention Zambia''s Godfrey Chitalu, who once held the record for 107 goals in a single year.
Meanwhile, "Marca" believes that the Catn team doesn''t seem as formidable as it appears. Apart from Messi''s exuberance, Vi and Iniesta both seem quite awkward.
Vi has only yed twice in thest 6 matches, including in the Copa del Rey against vs from the Segunda Divisin, indicating that he is being sidelined internally and gradually bing a substitute.
However, this season, both at the club and the national team, Vi has performed exceptionally well. "At this rate, he will lose patience to continue squandering his peak career."
Iniesta, on the other hand, feels ufortable in his on-field position, resulting in him barely getting the ball. After the match, he directly approached coach Roura, expressing his refusal to ept the coaching staff''s decision to ce him on the wing.
But Roura is also in a dilemma. Messi''s outstanding contributions ensure results, and if Iniesta also moves to the center, it will inevitably encroach upon the Argentine''s ying space. What if Real Madrid catches up then?
In the end, he found apromise by tailoring a "virtual winger" role for Iniesta, allowing him to operate closer to the penalty area.
Chapter 599: New Year Begins
Chapter 599: New Year Begins
After the match against Mga, Real Madrid officially entered the Christmas and winter break period. The club gave everyone about two weeks off, gathering again on January 3rd to prepare for the first match of the new year.
Comparing to previous years, it''s evident that the schedule is quite rxed. Florentino doesn''t want to put too much pressure on the yers. Even though they are trailing behind Barcelona in the league and facing group leaders Manchester United in the Champions League knockout stage, numerous facts prove that a good atmosphere can be the team''s winning weapon.
A mandatory gathering for a meal before everyone disperses is essential. The president of Real Madrid invited Wang Feng, Casis, Ramos, and coach Ancelotti to take a Christmas photo with a few other top executives, which willter be posted on the official website.
During the Christmas dinner, Florentino thanked everyone for their outstanding contributions over the past year. They achieved six consecutive La Liga and Champions League titles, "Everyone''s name will be forever engraved on the monument. As long as Real Madrid exists, as long as football exists, you will exist!"
In the first half of the new season, the team experienced many setbacks, especially with several key yers suffering major injuries. However, the yers did not give up but instead worked hard to keep up with the leading teams. This pleased the management greatly, so the president of Real Madrid immediately announced that a bonus would be awarded to encourage everyone to continue their efforts.
The cheers erupted instantly after the announcement, as for most people, ying football is mainly for earning money. As the wealthiest club in the world, aside from investing in infrastructure and expanding the youth academy, the Gcticos did not splurge on the transfer market but mainly fulfilled their promises of bonuses.
This year, Wang Feng ns to go on vacation to Madeira Ind in Portugal with his family. It''s a picturesque ce, often referred to by European media as one of the best winter sun destinations. Even the youngest son who is not yet one year old can adapt to it.
It only takes forty minutes by private ne to reach the destination. Little Hao, popping his head out from his father''s arms, curiously surveys the unfamiliar surroundings, while Suyao, sticking close to the adults, appears very obedient. However, her eager nces around also betray her excitement.
"It''s definitely warmer than Madrid here," Lu Yao looks up at the bright sunshine. "So, what''s the n next, our great tour guide?"
"I guarantee you''ll be satisfied!" Wang Feng pats his chest and quickly gathers his family to board a luxurious coach, heading to a vi by the seaside located on the most beautiful side of the ind, surrounded by numerous resorts.
What''s even more precious is that ites with a private beach. Little Suyao quickly bespletely captivated, her eyes constantly turning to Wang Feng and Lu Yao with a longing expression. Good upbringing dictates that she must seek her parents'' permission before ying.
Wang Feng doesn''t tease her and simply says with a smile, "Apply sunscreen and go ahead." His daughter excitedly picks up aplete set of beach toys and begins her own "construction" project.
In the following days, they enjoy the sunshine and seawater to the fullest. The unique air environment of the volcanic region greatly alleviates Mom''s throat inmmation. On Christmas and New Year''s Day, they work together to prepare a rich dinner. At other times, they order services from the five-star hotel.
Real Madrid''s focus in the winter transfer window is on the midfield and defense. Their top priority target is Real Sociedad''s Irramendi, the 22-year-old who not only has great mobility but also has excellent passing and long-range shooting abilities. He has be a key figure in Real Sociedad''s fourth-ce ranking in the league this season.
Because of this, Real Sociedad scoffed at the ?20 million offer from the Gcticos. Subsequently, after three consecutive revisions, the amount rose to ?28 million, but the other party still did not budge.
For Irramendi, Real Madrid is an irresistible team. Even before the Gcticos made an offer, Manchester City had already extended an olive branch to him, promising an annual sry of ?3 million and willing to let him y for Real Sociedad on loan for the entire season. However, he personally only wanted to y for Real Madrid and decisively rejected the Sky Blues.
The yer''s buyout use is only ?30 million, so Real Sociedad couldn''t prevent him from leaving. After several negotiations, they finally reached a verbal agreement on a ?30 million transfer fee.
On the first day of the new year, as the transfer window opened, Real Sociedad President Aperribay suddenly imed to regret it. Florentino wanted to get Irramendi, and they would have to add another ?10 million to make it happen.
This move thoroughly angered the president of Real Madrid. He instructed the acquisition manager to directly buy out Irramendi''s contract and poach him. The club would pay ?30 million to Real Sociedad and also bear ?8 million in taxes.
It''s indeed cheaper than paying a transfer fee, but buying out contracts often means disrespecting the other club and poaching yers at will. In recent years, only wealthy clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have done this.
The two Royal clubs usually have a good rtionship, and many high-level executives havee forward to mediate, suggesting that there is no need to make things so tense. In the end, under the mediation of former president Lorenzo Sanz, a consensus was reached. The Gcticos would pay ?32.1 million to take Irramendi away.
Apart from him, there aren''t many high-quality options in the transfer market. Real Madrid then turned their attention to South America and quickly found 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. This young midfielder has performed outstandingly in the Brazilian league, attracting the attention of many scouts. However, due to his young age, everyone wants to observe and train him for a while longer.
The Gcticos decisively moved to loan him back and obtained the priority to buy him. If he needs training, he can go to the Casti B team.
Inparison, Barcelona remains calm, with their current achievements and financial pressure being the main reasons for their inactivity.
As early as a month or two ago, many media outlets continuously hyped up the winter transfer market this year, saying that it would be full of big fish. Overall, the market is indeed livelier than in previous years after it opened.
Balotelli joined AC Mn for ?20 million plus additional funds, despite his good performance at Manchester City and seamless cooperation with Mourinho. However, as he grew older, his erratic behavior increased, and the Portuguese coach finally couldn''t resist kicking him out.
Wang Feng''s former teammate Sneijder also took action this winter. He transferred to Turkish club Gtasaray for ?7.5 million, thus leaving the top five leagues.
But the Dutchman is only 29 years old, which is the peak age, so ultimately, it''s all for money. Since his time at Real Madrid, Sneijder has sought a raise many times, so renewing his contract was very difficult. In the end, he had to leave for Inter Mn.
His sry at the Nerazzurri also soared, ranking second only to Ribery this season. But the Dutchman was still not satisfied, and the management finally couldn''t bear it and sold him.
Of course, many yers had transfer rumors but ultimately didn''t move. For example, Vi and F??bregas confirmed that they would stay until the summer. Although Fernando Llorentepletely fell out with Athletic Bilbao, the club would rather let his contract expire and leave for free than let him leavefortably, so he still needs to sit on the bench for another 6 months.
Chapter 600: Nine!
Chapter 600: Nine!
At 9:00 AM on January 3, 2013, Spanish time, Real Madrid held their first training session of the new year at the Alfredo Di Stfano Stadium and opened it to the media and the public.
The stadium,pleted in 2006, serves as the home ground for Real Madrid Casti. On that day, approximately 9,000 fans flocked to watch the training, nearly filling the entire stadium, a testament to the poprity of the Gcticos.
The yers'' physical condition was generally good, although some of them had gained a bit of weight during the break, which needed to be addressed through training. Fortunately, Alonso maintained his training regimen during the winter break and was almost ready to return to the pitch.
In addition to regr physical and technical training, in order to reward the fans who came to watch, Ancelotti arranged a scrimmage session, with the first-team regrs facing off against the youth yers divided into two teams for a 60-minute match.
The result saw Wang Feng scoring three goals, eliciting cheers and excitement from the fans in the stands, making it feel like they were watching an intense match.
After the training session, the club organized a meet-and-greet event with the fans, leaving everyone feeling very satisfied and expressing their love for Real Madrid even more.
Three dayster, in the 18th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Real Sociedad away.
Just 87 seconds into the game, Real Madrid took the lead when Wang Feng delivered a through ball to Morata, who was unmarked and slotted home from 10 meters out.
In the 17th minute, Real Madrid won a corner kick, and although the ball was cleared by the home team after being delivered into the box, Khedira pounced on the loose ball and volleyed it into the off of Escudero''s shin.
Real Sociedad pulled one back in the 31st minute when Be was brought down in the box by Ramos, resulting in a penalty which he converted past Casis.
After the break, Wang Feng extended Real Madrid''s lead with a long-range shot from outside the box, followed by goals from Prieto and Griezmann for their respective teams. The final score was 4-2, with the Gcticos starting the new year with a win.
After the match, Wang Feng and others immediately headed to the airport to fly to Zurich, Switzend, to attend the FIFA annual awards ceremony.
As usual, the ceremony began with interviews and interactions with the nominees, followed by the red carpet, and then the awards ceremony. Interestingly, whether it was the Chinese superstar or Messi and Iniesta, they all seemed a bit tired, apparently not fully recovered from the previous night''s match.
Gullit served as the master of ceremonies. The first announcement was for the FIFA FIFPro World XI, presented by Shevchenko and UEFA President tini. The formation was 4-3-3, with Casis in goal.
The back four consisted of Alves, Piqu, Ramos, and Marcelo.
The midfield trio included Alonso, Xavi, and Iniesta.
The front three were Wang Feng, Messi, and Falcao.
All 11 positions were filled by yers from La Liga, with Ronaldo surprisingly left out, highlighting his dominant position in European football.
The Best Women''s Coach award went to Pia Sundhage, coach of the Olympic champion US team. Scri, as the presenter, seemed a bit nervous or lost in thought. He was too focused on congratting the recipient and forgot to hand over the trophy, drawingughter from the audience.
The Best Men''s Coach award, unsurprisingly, went to Spain''s coach Del Bosque, whose achievements in defending the European Championship were enough to earn him worldwide acim.
The FIFA Fair y Award was given to the Uzbekistan Football Association, while the Pusks Award was won by Fenerbah?e star Sow, whose bicycle kick goal from the edge of the penalty area even impressed Wang Feng.
The nominees for the FIFA Ballon d''Or, the most exciting award, were about to be announced. This should be the most suspenseful moment in recent years. ording to tradition, FIFA would first showcase the outstanding performances of the three candidates.
But surprisingly, the video of Messi was yed first, starting from his childhood. The tender photos surprised the Argentine, who then couldn''t help but smile.
Iniesta was simrly moved. The memories of him ying in the Bre tournament at the age of 12 were vivid. He had grown into a world-ss midfielder, standing on the stage as a Ballon d''Or nominee, and tears welled up in his eyes without him realizing.
Finally, it was Wang Feng''s turn. He never expected FIFA to be so serious, even digging out blurry photos of him ying on dirt roads in his hometown at the age of eleven or twelve, representing his school team in junior high. He felt a bit shy and embarrassed for a moment.
It had been almost twenty years, and looking back now felt like a lifetime ago. He finally understood why his mother had been rummaging through boxes at home and insisted on returning to China for a visit, iming it was for some rtive''s wedding, when in reality, she was looking for these precious memories.
After the video ended, Zidane, the presenter, took to the stage, causing many people''s hearts to skip a beat. Could it be?
Sure enough, the former French superstar didn''t keep everyone in suspense. After clearing his throat, he announced the winner of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d''OrWang Feng! It was his 9th Ballon d''Or, and he was elected for the 7th consecutive year! The Chinese superstar celebrated with raised arms, while Iniesta couldn''t hide his disappointment. Messi''s expression wasplex, pping his hands in congrattions. There was envy, resentment, and even a sense of relief in his eyes.
After the three of them embraced and exchanged greetings, Wang Feng stepped forward to ept the award. Taking the trophy from Zidane, the Frenchman offered sincere praise: "You are not only the pride of Real Madrid but also the pride of football!"
"To be honest, I am very excited at this moment, and it''s hard to believe that I can lift my 9th Ballon d''Or. It feels a bit too heavy."
"Iniesta and Messi are both outstanding yers who have achieved remarkable results. The reason I can stand here this year is entirely because of the strong support from my teammates at Real Madrid."
"I want to thank them, the coaching staff, and the staff for their contributions, as well as my family and friends."
Wang Feng''s records for the most Ballon d''Or awards held and the most consecutive awards won have been pushed forward once again! Media and fans around the world went crazy with excitement, while some "Europe-first" supportersmented. They checked the voting results and found that the Chinese superstar''s rare winning advantage was not outstanding.
He received 31.60% of the votes, while the second-ranked Iniesta received 27.68%, with a difference of only 3.92% between them.
The main reason for this was Messi, who ranked third with a vote share of 20.91%. His pool of votes heavily ovepped with Iniesta''s, with many South American judges voting for him.
The Brazilian newspaper Lance admitted, "When Leo is outstanding, Iniesta is farther away from the Ballon d''Or." Their biggest problem is being in the same club. Barcelona had a poor yearst summer, watching Real Madrid win the quintuple, and seeing them achieve six consecutive titles.
"Even if they had won the Copa del Rey, they might have been morepetitive."
The Argentine newspaper Ol believed that it was all due to Barcelona''s poor decisions. They should have promoted the Argentine topete for the Ballon d''Or instead of Iniesta.
"Leo''s outstanding performance is obvious to all. Last year, he scored 91 goals, making him the closest yer to Wang Feng."
"Moreover, in the second half of the year, the Chinese superstar voluntarily withdrew from the spotlight, while Messi scored multiple braces and hat-tricks in a row, helping Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the first-half championship, which could have changed the dynamics of the award selection."
Chapter 601: Discussion from All Sides
Chapter 601: Discussion from All Sides
Wang Feng''s ninth Ballon d''Or victory stirred up discussions worldwide, with countless words of admiration and praise pouring in from all corners. Many football legends, coaches, and yers offered their perspectives from an insider''s point of view.
"How should we evaluate Wang Feng? I believe he surpasses everyone who has ever yed football on this. Pele and Maradona are no match for him. Perhaps the title of Football God is most appropriate." said Lippi, the newly appointed head coach of the Chinese national team.
"Now, many European countries such as Italy, France, Spain, and Germany all consider him the greatest yer in the history of football. Even friends from Brazil and Argentina admit that the former two football kings cannot reach the heights of the Chinese superstar."
"I dare say there will be no sessor. There will never be another yer who can score goal after goal like Wang Feng, exerting a decisive influence on the pitch and helping the team win countless honors."
"It must be said that those who are fortunate enough to witness this era are lucky. In the future, there will be countless longing gazes directed towards him."
Ancelotti also praised Wang Feng''s exceptional talent: "His importance on the pitch is self-evident. Everyone can see his contribution at first nce, whether or not he scores goals."
"The discipline and strong desire for victory disyed by the Chinese superstar move me. In fact, he has won almost all the honors that a footballer can win, but he is still not satisfied, still persisting on the field. It is this spirit that inspires Real Madrid to keep moving forward."
"We need yers like him. Every team desires to have such yers. Wang Feng has long surpassed the sport of football itself and reached a whole new level."
Speaking of the two "gods" in football and basketball, Ancelotti believed that in some ways, the Chinese superstar surpassed them. "People oftenpare young yers to Jordan, such as Kobe or LeBron James, and some believe they will surpass their predecessors one day."
"But no one dares topare Messi or Ronaldo with Wang Feng, and no one believes they can achieve greater heights than the Chinese superstar."
Spanish coach Del Bosque eximed, "Wang Feng seems like an alien. His achievements are unbelievable yet undisputed. It can be said that each trophy he receives is umted from countless glorious achievements."
The Spanish believe that whether it''s fans, media, or football professionals, everyone''s expectations of him continue to grow, but the Chinese superstar always manages to refresh their understanding, which is why he achieved the feat of winning the Ballon d''Or nine times.
As for the failure of his protege Iniesta, Del Bosque expressed his regret, "Andres is very unfortunate. He is one of the best midfielders of our time, but unfortunately, he encountered the greatest yer in history."
"The issue of vote splitting for Messi? This is an inevitable trend in the selection process. The Argentine performed very well and deserved the votes."
Brazil''s national team coach Scri gave his first choice to Messi, but he believed Wang Feng deserved the award. "My vote is just to encourage South American yers to strive harder and keep the World Cup trophy next year. The voting actually carries strong subjective wishes and biases, but despite this, the Chinese superstar still received more support."
"Cold data may perhaps better exin the issue: a hundred goals in a season, winning five titles, six consecutive championships. In any era, these achievements would make him the number one in football."
Argentina coach Sabe made a clever choice by selecting Cristiano Ronaldo. He said, "Messi is the new leader of Argentine football. His strength is undeniable, but the only bad news is that he lives in Wang Feng''s era. If it weren''t for the Chinese superstar, he would probably have won the Ballon d''Or long ago."
UEFA President tini believed that Wang Feng''s victory was well-deserved. "The Chinese superstar''s outstanding achievements, any other winner would have sparked unprecedented controversy."
"To be honest, both FIFA and UEFA haveplex feelings about him. We hope he can continue to maintain a high level and bring more exciting matches to the fans, but we also worry that he willst too long. All we can do is appreciate his performance and his football every day."
German legend Beckenbauermented, "Wang Feng is perfect. He is the true emperor of world football. If we have to point out one w, it''s that he didn''t y for Bayern Munich, haha."
As a presenter, French legend and current Real Madrid assistant Zidane said, "Wang Feng''s diligence is universally recognized. All Real Madrid yers look up to him as a role model. He is the most reassuring person for the coach. No one dislikes him."
Uruguayan legend Francisco praised Wang Feng, saying, "He has surpassed all the stars from ancient times to the present and left them far behind. No one would disagree with this view."
"It''s hard to believe he is Asian, born in China, once considered a football desert. Uruguay has a glorious football history, but now it''s declining. So I think domestic yers should actively look up to Wang Feng for inspiration. Revival is much simpler than building from scratch."
"Alien" Ronaldo joked, "Wang should be called an alien, no, a god from outer space!" He continued, "From the past to the present, Wang''s strength has been growing. When you think you''ve seen it all, it''s not his limit."
"This is a clever way of thinking. He ys with his heart and mind. In fact, many football stars can learn from him. The older he gets, the more extraordinary he bes. Most of us, including myself, have overlooked this."
Wang Feng''s teammate Ramos believed that no one else deserved the Ballon d''Or except him. "Come on, no defender wants to face Wang Feng. That would be an indelible nightmare."
"Oh, by the way, now even attacking yers don''t want to face him, haha. He is our leader and spiritual pir. No one doubts that Wang''s peak will continue, and he can lead us to create miracles again."
Iniesta expressed his eptance of the defeat to Wang Feng, saying, "I have never beaten him on the field, not even once. The most memorable moment was in the 2006 Champions League final, where he saved my penalty, causing Barcelona to lose the game. At that moment, I felt like I saw a god."
Messi also expressed regret for his teammate''spetition failure, getting excited about the issue of vote splitting: "I would be willing to give all my votes to Andres, but that''s impossible. I don''t understand why scoring goals should be criticized. I just want to help the team win and get the long-awaited league title."
Various football legends spoke freely, and the world media naturally rushed to report. The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters all used phrases like "King of All Stars, God of Football, Legend Continues" to describe Wang Feng''s achievements.
The French team newspaper used nine "Wang Fengs!" in a row as the cover headline, expressing his nine Ballon d''Or trophies. The British BBCmented, "You may not know football, but as long as you are an earthling, you have heard of Wang Feng''s legend."
The Spanish newspaper "El Pais" praised "the pinnacle of Spanish football, the pinnacle of Chinese superstar football," while "AS" said, "The god of football is in the Bernabeu!" and "Marca" said, "Nine Ballon d''Or trophies shine on the world, proving Real Madrid''s best signing beyond doubt!"
"Daily Sports" said, "It''s the darkest moment in Barcelona''s history. Not only did they fail to bring in Wang Feng, but they also let him go to their arch-rivals. Laporta will never have a chance to turn things around because of this."
Chapter 602: There Is Still Hope
Chapter 602: There Is Still Hope
The FIFA awards ceremony came to a close, but the ensuing reports and discussions continued unabated. Besides the winner, Wang Feng, two other hot topics drew widespread attention.
The first was the surprising fact that Spain, the two-time European Championship winner, failed to produce a Ballon d''Or winner. In 2008, the favorite Torres lost to the Chinese superstar, and now Iniesta fell to the same fate. Some media jokingly remarked that "Wang Feng creates eternal grievances."
Of course, this is also closely rted to their preference for a team-oriented approach. Every yer has had outstanding performances, but there hasn''t been a standout superstar who clearly outshines their teammates. yers like Xavi, Iniesta, Casis, Vi, Silva, and Puyol have all contributed to the championships, but who had the greatest impact? Even the head coach, Del Bosque, may find it difficult to answer.
When talking about the French champions, Zidane immediatelyes to mind; when talking about Brazil, Ronaldo is immediately remembered. They also had outstanding teammates, but their strong individual personalities and ying styles made them stand out.
This is why every time the best yer is selected, it has a Spanish vor, but when ites to winning the ultimate award, it feelscking.
Another hot topic is Cristiano Ronaldo''s unexpected exclusion from the Best XI lineup. This is the first time since 2007 that he has been left out, and it is widely believed that this is probably due to Manchester United''s poor performancest year, losing the league title to Manchester City and being eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League.
But the Portuguese clearly doesn''t think so. In an interview, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with FIFA, saying, "I don''t know why, everything is biased towards La Liga. They favor Spain too much!"
"No one sees the contributions I''ve made, leading Portugal to the semifinals of the European Championship, our best result since 2004."
Regarding the uing Champions League Round of 16 match against Real Madrid, Ronaldo confidently stated, "I will make everyone understand that the Premier League is no weaker than La Liga, and the best yers don''t juste from there!"
Ronaldo''s passionate and confident words lingered, and some media outlets revealed that as the captain of the national team, he voted for himself for the Ballon d''Or. How did he do it?
It was ast-minute switch before voting. He handed over the captain''s armband to Bruno Alves, who would naturally vote for himself, and he didn''t choose the popr candidates for second and third choices either. Afterpleting the process, Ronaldo took back the captain''s armband.
"I missed thest game of the national team due to injury, so naturally, Bruno inherited the voting rights," Cristiano exined, obviously just making excuses. He yed a little trick.
Even so, the Portuguese star still failed to make it into the top three of the voting, revealing extremeck of confidence. "Perhaps Ronaldo has a strongly performative personality. He likes to show generosity in public, but in fact, he is very sensitive inside," analyzed The Times of Ennd.
On January 9th, in the fifth round of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid yed against Celta Vigo at home.
With a lineup dominated by youth team yers, they yed above their level and eventually defeated their opponents 2-0, reversing the tie with an aggregate score of 3-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. Valencia awaits them next.
On January 12th, in the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid yed against Osasuna at home.
Before the game started, Wang Feng received the Ballon d''Or trophy engraved with his name, and the club specifically asked him to disy it at the Bernabeu.
Unlike before, this time the staff prepared a long table disy stand, on which were ced 8 shining Ballon d''Or trophies, the honors won by the former Chinese superstar.
When he walked out with the 9th trophy and lifted it high, the entire stadium of 90,000 fans shouted "Dios" (God), worshiping the god of football together.
Then Wang Feng ced the new trophy on the long table and stood behind them in a hugging posture, for the media and fans to take pictures with. shlights were constantly shing, capturing this precious moment.
History will always remember this day. Fans, coaches, teammates, and club officials present all apuded him warmly.
The next game unexpectedly became difficult, as Osasuna showed their ultimate defensive strength, exposing the shorings of the forward line led by Iguan and Morata in breaking through.
What''s even more frustrating is that it started raining heavily after about 30 minutes of y, making the pitch suddenly wet and increasing the difficulty for Real Madrid, who dominated possession.
In the 47th minute, Wang Feng and Carvajal passed the ball continuously on the wing, suddenly approaching the penalty area to attract defenders, and then delivered a precise cross. Iguan, almost facing an empty goal at the far post, somehow missed the ball with his shot.
"Damn, the rain blinded my eyes," the Argentineined.
Nine minutester, Osasuna''s Sehudo took a powerful shot from 18 meters on the right side of the penalty area, hitting Ramos and causing a rebound. Although Casis made a save, he couldn''t prevent the ball from entering the, and the away team broke the deadlock!
In the 79th minute, it was the Chinese superstar who saved the team. He took a corner kick into the penalty area, Morata''s header was saved by Fernndez, and then Rubn cleared the ball.
Kroos intercepted the ball outside the penalty area, passed it to Wang Feng on the wing who came to support, and thetter unexpectedly used his left foot to directly shoot with a half-volley. At this moment, the trajectory of his shot was about 45 degrees from the goal line.
"Bang!" The ball shot like an arrow towards the far end of the goal, before Fernndez could make the save, it had already entered the.
The final score was locked at 1-1, and the Gcticos gained 1 league point.
In the Real Madrid locker room, the yers looked gloomy with their heads down. After finishing his hot shower, Wang Feng walked in, feeling surprised at the sight. "Guys, what''s wrong? You look like it''s the end of the world."
Casis smiled bitterly and replied, "Barcelona won again. They defeated Mga 3-1, and now the gap between us has widened to 6 points."
"18 wins and 1 loss, tsk tsk, my God, how did they manage to achieve such a record? They''re even more abnormal than us in the past."
The Chinese superstar was also surprised, but he remained calm as he sat down and said, "We''re not bad either; we just lost one game and drew three."
"Moreover, Barcelona''s only defeat was against us, right? This shows that they only know how to bully weaker teams; when they encounter real obstacles, they lose. We still have hope of aeback."
"What if they keep winning?" Modric asked anxiously, "Then we''ll beat them twice and let Barcelona win the title with 36 wins and 2 losses. Even if they win against all other teams, they''ll still be under our feet!"
At these words, everyone''s spirits lifted. Yes, this was apletely achievable goal. They were no longer depressed but shouting slogans of "Beat Barcelona Twice" enthusiastically.
The outside world was shocked by the Catn team''s creation of the best record in the first 19 rounds of La Liga, especially winning 18 out of 19 games, which was considered terrifying. Cruyff excitedly wrote in his column, "It''s their year!"
The Dutch legend believed that such a strong Barcelona was the best weapon to end the reign of Real Madrid. "Winning one game after another, we are champions of the era!"
Marca organized a public survey, and still, 40.6% of the respondents believed that there was still suspense about the championship. "Barcelona shouldn''t forget the humiliation of being the runner-up," said a fan interviewed.
Chapter 603: Guardiola鈥檚 New Destination
Chapter 603: Guardi''s New Destination
On January 15th, in the first leg of the King''s Cup quarterfinals, Real Madrid hosted Valencia at home.
Despite reaching this stage, Ancelotti still firmly chose to prioritize the league and the Champions League, so the youth team eventually sumbed 0-1 to the bat legion.
Four dayster, in the 20th round of La Liga, facing the same opponent, the Gcticos, fielding their main lineup, staged a goal spree at the Mesta Stadium.
Just 3 minutes into the game, Wang Feng sent a direct pass, Carvajal broke into the left side of the penalty area and delivered a low shot to open the scoring for the away team.
In the 27th minute, the Chinese superstar and the Spanish midfielderbined again. This time, Carvajal chose to pass horizontally in the middle, and Morata, who followed up, pushed the ball into the from 10 meters in front of the goal.
Just after Valencia restarted the game, Wang Feng seized the opportunity to aggressively intercept, dribbled past two defenders into the penalty area, and scored a goal into the far corner with a chip shot, scoring two goals in 3 minutes!
In the 61st minute of the second half, Modric''s through ball prated the defense, and Guardado had no choice but to foul Morata in front of him, resulting in a red card from the referee.
The Chinese superstar personally took the penalty, deceiving Diego Alves and scoring in the bottom right corner,pletely copsing the home team.
In the 85th minute, Iguan scored a header, expanding the score to 5-0, a result thatsted until the end of the match.
"It''s too brutal. The main lineup of Real Madrid is venting their anger against the reserve team," remarked a fan who watched the game.
Before everyone could fully digest this, another bombshell result came unexpectedly, as Barcelona unexpectedly lost 2-3 to Real Sociedad away.
Messi and Pedro scored first, and just when fans thought it would be another massacre, Castro scored twice to equalize, and then Pique was directly red-carded for his unwise behavior.
Agirretxe, who came on as a substitute for Real Sociedad, scored the winning goal in injury time, shocking the giant ship of Barcelona.
The points gap between the two giants of La Liga suddenly narrowed to three points, and the invincible aura surrounding the Catn team was shattered. Fansined about the yers'' carelessness, especially Pique''sck ofposure, while also angrily cursing Real Sociedad.
"They are really good allies of the Gcticos. They were poached by Real Madrid in the winter, and now they are doing their best to obstruct Bar?a and help Real Madrid," some extreme fans expressed.
Of course, this is just the opinion of some extreme fans. Real Sociedad is currentlypeting with Valencia for thest Champions League spot, so they naturally need to win games.
Moreover, since 2007, no matter how dominant the Catn team has been, they have never been able to win at the Anoeta Stadium. No one knows the reason for this curse. Perhaps football itself is full of wonders. In the past 25 years, Barcelona has only failed to win 9 times when leading 2-0, and four of those times were at the Anoeta Stadium.
On January 22nd, in the second leg of the King''s Cup quarterfinals, still at the Mesta Stadium, Real Madrid''s youth team lost 0-2 to Valencia, and were eliminated with a total score of 0-3 over two legs.
On January 27th, in the 21st round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Getafe at home.
In the first half, both sides reached a stalemate, with neither able to break through the opponent''s defense. However, the situation suddenly changed dramatically in the second half. In the 49th minute, Wang Feng passed horizontally in the middle, and Modric stepped on the edge of the penalty area and shot fiercely.
The ball was barely saved by the Getafe goalkeeper Moy, and Marcelo shot from 10 meters in front of the goal, but he miraculously saved it again. Then the Chinese superstar followed up with a poke, and this time Moy was powerless to stop it, 1-0!
Just 9 minutester, the Gcticosunched a quick counterattack. Ramos passed directly to Wang Feng, who, without turning around, back-heeled the ball to Carvajal. Thetter drilled a shot through Getafe''s goal.
Just 3 minutester, Modric distributed the ball, Wang Feng made a strong run down the wing, and sent a diagonal cross into the penalty area. Morata leaped high at the near post and headed the ball into the.
In the 72nd minute, a Getafe defender fouled Modric in the penalty area, and Real Madrid got a penalty. The Chinese superstar calmly seized the opportunity to score his second goal.
4-0! The Gcticos once again won a big victory!
During the game, there was an interesting moment when Wang Feng finally broke the deadlock for Real Madrid. The live broadcast camera cut to the Chinese superstar''s family in the stands. They came to the stadium to watch and cheer for him.
Xio Syo smiled satisfactorily, tilting her head and shrugging her shoulders to celebrate for her father. Her cute appearance melted the hearts of all the audience. "This must be Wang Feng''s eldest daughter. She''s really cute," praised Zhang Jun.
"Yes, I heard that she is now receiving education with the children of the Spanish royal family. She looks like a princess. No, she is the pearl in the hands of all Chinese fans!"
Entering February, with the dust settled on the winter transfer window, Bayern Munich released another heavyweight news: after the end of this season, the veteran coach Heynckes will step down, and Guardi will take over.
ording to "Daily Sports", the annual sry offered by the Bundesliga giants reached a pre-tax 15 million euros, second only to Real Madrid''s Ancelotti, who earns a pre-tax 17 million euros.
During Guardi''s tenure at Barcelona, ??he failed to win a league and Champions League title, but discerning eyes could see that he had the ability, and the failures were mainly due to Wang Feng and Real Madrid being too formidable.
So when he left the Catn team, clubs like Chelsea in the Premier League, Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 sessively chased after him, with Paris even offering a sky-high 25 million euros.
After more than a year of consideration, Guardi finally chose Bayern Munich, which surprised everyone a little. The Times couldn''t help but mock, "It seems that the Spanish coach has been scared off by Real Madrid and dares not step into challenging territories (like the Premier League), so he chose to coach a dominant team."
"Well, this way, he can finally add a league title to his resume."
Compared to the excitement of others, Dong Fangzhuo seemed a little anxious. A new head coach would inevitably bring new changes. "I heard that he is good at possession football. My dribbling skills aren''t that great," he worriedly called Wang Feng to discuss.
"Who said possession football necessarily means keeping the ball at your feet? Passing and positioning are more important. Your overall view in this aspect has always been good," the Chinese superstarforted him. "You are one of the core yers of the team, and your recent performance has been good. He won''t easily disregard you."
"Communicate more with the head coach and teammates, fully understand his tactical intentions. You''ve encountered this situation before when changing coaches. I don''t think there''s anything special about it."
"Of course, if Guardi treats you differently because of his grudge against me, then I''ll have to have a good talk with him," Wang Feng joked.
That''s definitely impossible. Not to mention that the two have a good rtionship in private, but also, a professional coach cannot be so impulsive.
And indeed, Guardi''s first two tasks upon taking office were to control a 200 million euro transfer budget and to have one-on-one conversations with each of the team''s core yers.
Naturally, Dong Fangzhuo was among them, and the Spaniard admired him, believing that the Chinese star had organizational attacking talent, and would specifically arrange tactics for him.
Chapter 604: Synchronized Adjustments
Chapter 604: Synchronized Adjustments
"Who do you think will win today''s game?" Before the start of the 22nd round of La Liga, a heated discussion was initiated on a domestic forum, which has be amon urrence whenever Wang Feng ys, causing a sensation.
The high level of attention made many celebrities feel ashamed of themselves. They originally intended to stir up some hot topics, but they found that they couldn''t generate any buzz at all. In a way, it suppressed the phenomenon of entertainment industry traffic supremacy.
"Granada is just a relegation team, right? I see they''re ranked 15th, only 4 points away from the relegation zone. Real Madrid will definitely win big."
Many people agreed with the above statement, and real-time voting also showed that the majority predicted victory. In the past 7 rounds of league matches, the Gcticos have achieved a clean sweep against Granada. Thest time the home team defeated Real Madrid was back in 1974.
The situation at the beginning of the match was consistent with the fans'' expectations. The Gcticos quickly took the initiative on the field, while Granada retreated and defended seriously.
"I have to say, this relegation team still has some strength. Theypress the attacking space locally and defend man-to-man. It''s not easy for Real Madrid to break through their defense."
"In the end, the problem lies in theck of sharpness in the frontline. We still have to rely on Wang Feng for the breakthrough. Since the opponents are shrinking like this, can''t he push forward a bit more?"
"Absolutely not! Right now, Wang Feng is ying as a defensive midfielder. He must pay attention to intercepting and defending counterattacks. The more a team defends stubbornly, the stronger their counterattack will be. If he recklessly pushes forward and loses position, it will be a big problem."
As if to verify the opinions of theizens, in the 11th minute, Granada''s backcourt intercepted and sent a long pass behind. The most forward arrow, Ighalo, quickly started chasing.
At this moment, the Chinese superstar did not advance deeply into the attack. He was positioned in the frontcourt, more than 40 meters away from the goal. He immediately realized the need to track back defensively, carefully observing thending point of the ball and the movement of the opponent yers, perfectly inserting himself into the attacking line.
When Ighalo received the ball past the midfield, Wang Feng rushed over from the side. Regardless of whether he elerated forward or movedterally, he was blocked, making it very difficult for the Nigerian forward.
If he had the speed of the Chinese superstar, he could easily outpace him, but he didn''t. Doing so now would be equivalent to handing over possession directly.
So Ighalo could only slow down and wait for his teammates'' support. Thus, Granada''s fast counterattack came to an end, and Wang Feng achieved his defensive interception goal.
But the Chinese superstar was not satisfied with just that. He saw that the attention of the opposing striker had shifted slightly, as if observing the movement of his teammates, so he decisively took the risk to step forward and intercept.
It was said to be a risk, but it was actually within Wang Feng''s control. Even if the interception failed and the opponent managed to shake him off, he was confident in his ability to explosively elerate and catch up.
However, Ighalo was taken aback. He hurriedly tried to protect the ball, but his movements were all seen through by the Chinese superstar. With a deft hook of his right foot, Wang Feng scooped the ball out of his control range,pleting a sessful interception!
"A textbook-level counterattack interception and steal! Look, this is why Wang Feng cannot prate deep into Granada''s territory. If he makes a slight mistake and lets this number 25 pass by, it will be smooth sailing straight to the goalkeeper next."
"Too amazing! It''s not as shy as scoring goals, but it quietly stabilizes the team. Without him, considering the situation of injuries and losses at the beginning of the season, the Gcticos might have withdrawn from the championship contention early on."
The rest of the match remained in a deadlock. The best opportunity for the home team came in the 67th minute when Norito took a corner kick, and there was a marking error in the Real Madrid penalty area. Torje headed the ball towards the far corner.
Casis couldn''t save it, and at a critical moment, Wang Feng slid and blocked the ball with the tip of his foot on the goal line!
Actually, he was taking a great risk. If the angle of force was slightly off, he might have scored an own goal. Fortunately, the Chinese superstar was extremely confident in his own control ability. Moreover, at such times, one must take the initiative and not remain indifferent to the opponent''s goal.
Real Madrid''s best chance came in the 84th minute. Wang Feng intercepted in the frontcourt andbined with Carvajal, who shot fiercely from a narrow angle inside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper Toni?o barely managed to save it.
Iguain seized the rebound, and with an empty goal in front of him, the Argentinean sent the ball into the stands with a shot.
"Oh my, even my grandma could have scored that goal. What''s wrong with the little gun?" "Is he aiming at the birds on the stands?"
After finally creating a chance, it was wasted like this. Real-time discussions andments kept popping up like bullets, withizensmenting on how absurdly off-target this shot was.
In the end, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, "It''s over. A game that was almost a sure win turned out to be an upset. Now Real Madrid will once again be overtaken by Barcelona." Many fans expressed feelings of despair.
But their sadness did notst long, because a few hourster, Barcelona also encountered an upset in this round, drawing 1-1 with Valencia.
Banega scored first for the bat legion, and then Messi and Vi missed excellent one-on-one opportunities one after another. If it weren''t for ate penalty kick scored by the Argentine superstar, they might have lost at Mesta.
On February 9th, in the 23rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Sevi at home. The Andalusian team is no longer what it used to be, ranking only 10th in La Liga this season, bing a typical mid-table team.
In the 6th minute of the game, Modric sent a straight pass, Carvajal stretched his leg to intercept, and Pelotti immediately cleared the ball, but it didn''t go very far.
Wang Feng stopped the ball with his chest outside the penalty area, and as it fell, he directly volleyed it into the. The ball flew like a meteor across the field, passing over the Sevi goalkeeper''s outstretched hand and into the.
Ten minutester, the Chinese superstar dribbled past Navas in the frontcourt and made a direct pass into the penalty area. Iguain received the ball with his back to the goal andid it off horizontally. Morata, who was making a run, shot fiercely from 12 meters out and scored.
In the second half, in the 67th minute, the home teampletely sealed the victory. Carvajal used his speed to dribble down the wing and crossed, and Marcelo leaped sideways to volley at the far post, hitting the post and bouncing back into the field.
Wang Feng quickly leaped and headed the ball before the Sevi defenders, heading it into the goal just before Spahic could kick him in the head.
"It was so close! Spahic''s toe was only a few centimeters away from Wang''s head. He vividly interpreted to football fans around the world what it means to fight spirit on the football field!"
This scene was faithfully recorded by the camera and would be mentioned repeatedly in the future. When people talk about the Chinese superstar''s remarkable achievements, they will first think of his fighting spirit.
Ancelotti was so frightened that his heart was pounding. He quickly substituted Wang Feng, and then Ramos and Negredo each scored another goal for their respective teams, ending the game with a score of 4-1.
In this round, Barcelona won 6-1 at home against Getafe, with Messi contributing one assist and one goal, while Sanchez, Vi, Neymar, and Iniesta each scored a goal.
The two giants of La Liga seemed to be in sync, you tie, I tie, you win, I win, but they couldn''t pull away from each other. Whoever can persevere to the end and win in direct confrontations will lift the championship trophy.
It is worth mentioning that Messi''s league goals this season have reached 35, surpassing Falcao''s by 7. Wang Feng has scored 19 goals, and it seems that the Argentine may be the yer to break the Chinese superstar''s monopoly on the Golden Boot award.
Chapter 605: One-sided
Chapter 605: One-sided
The eagerly anticipated first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 came midweek, with Real Madrid hosting Manchester United at the Bernabeu, followed by the second leg at Old Trafford three weekster.
Ferguson, in an interview, stated: "This is a match the whole world is waiting for, a heavyweight will be eliminated, so it''s full of passion and highlights."
For the Gcticos, facing the Red Devils is nothing new. In recent years, Manchester United has fallen to their opponents many times, and Ferguson believes his yers should be more patient. "No one knows better than us how strong the opponents are, especially Wang. I believe his praise could fill a book. Regardless of the situation, he always has the potential to turn the tide."
Karim Benzema, the main striker for Manchester United, who has just turned 25, said Real Madrid would pose a significant threat to the Red Devils, despite their apparentck of lineup. "The Gcticos are a very close-knit team, everyone revolves around the absolute core, we all have amon goal and belief, and the energy we unleash will be very powerful."
The Frenchman seemed to imply something in his words. It is well known that as Ferguson''s intention to leave deepens, he gradually loses control of the Manchester United dressing room, driving away Rooney and factions are emerging. All of this has been exposed as the club''s performance has declined.
Van Nistelrooy, who yed for Manchester United for five years, once said that the current team makes him feel strange. Although their strength on paper may be higher than that of the injury-gued Gcticos, it''s hard to say when ites to actualpetition.
"In the past, in the league, Manchester United would sometimes lead 1-0 and then go on to win convincingly, but when facing a 0-2 deficit, theypletely turn into loose sand and fight individually."
"Every yer on the field seems very anxious, they can''t form a whole anymore. It''s undeniable that Ronaldo is very strong, and he has staged manyebacks from adversity, but now the Portuguese seems to be gradually losing that feeling."
Before the start of the match, both sides announced their starting lineups. Real Madrid used a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Casis as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Ramos, Arbeloa, Coentrao, and Essien.
The two defensive midfielders were Wang Feng and Alonso. After several rounds of substitute warm-ups, the Spaniard finally started in this important match, while Essien was ced in the full-back position.
The three midfielders were Modric, Carvajal, and Morata, with Iguan as the lone striker.
Manchester United also used a 4-2-3-1 formation, with De Gea as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, and Evra.
The two defensive midfielders were Carrick and Phil Jones, the three midfielders were Welbeck, Anderson, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema served as the lone striker.
With the whistle from the Hungarian referee Jig, Manchester United kicked off first, quickly advancing to the frontcourt. Ronaldo broke through on the wing, evading Ramos and sending a cross, but Benzema''s left-footed shot missed the goalpost.
"The Portuguese superstar seems particrly excited today. He probably wants to show some results to the world, proving that he deserves to be selected for the annual best XI and even the Ballon d''Or final candidates."
After noticing this, Wang Feng took the initiative to move over for defensive interception. Ronaldo''s explosive start was astonishing and needed to be restricted.
In the 4th minute, Cristiano received a pass from Welbeck on the wing. The Chinese superstar stood two meters in front of him. Ronaldo attempted to use consecutive stepovers and feints to try to get past his opponent.
But Wang Feng kept his center of gravity low and stood firm, not fooled by the feints in front of him, making the Portuguese superstar look somewhat ridiculous, as if he had been electrocuted.
Helpless, Ronaldo could only choose to forcefully push forward with his left foot, then quickly elerate to try to use his speed to break through, but the Chinese superstar''s reaction was also not slow, immediately sticking to him.
At the same time, seizing the opportunity, he made a sliding tackle to poke the ball away from Ronaldo''s feet. The Portuguese star exaggeratedly fell to the ground, rolling his face in pain and signaling to the referee for a foul.
However, Jig remained unmoved and signaled for the game to continue. Wang Feng was also surprised. Even if he didn''t mention that he touched the ball first, just now, it felt like neither of them made contact, right?
At this moment, the slow-motion rey on TV also revealed everything that happened just now to the global audience. After the Chinese superstar poked the ball away, Ronaldo suddenly stopped and then jumped forward, attempting to dive, but everyone could clearly see that the two were separated by almost three fists.
"This can only be said that Wang Feng''s aura is too strong, scaring Ronaldo into diving repeatedly." Zhang Jun joked.
If failing to deceive the foul doesn''t affect the Portuguese star''s mentality, what happened in the 6th minute really broke his defense.
Morata failed to break through on the wing with the ball and passed it back. Wang Feng didn''t stop the ball and directly knocked it into the penalty area. The two yers cooperated to rush into Manchester United''s penalty area. The Spaniard then shot a sideways volley from a distance of 16 meters from the goal. The powerful shot flew towards the far end, De Gea barely made a save, the ball passed his fingertips and changed direction slightly, but still hit the inside of the post and went into the.
1-0! Real Madrid got off to a dream start!
This goal seemed like a thunderbolt hitting the hearts of everyone in Manchester United. Simr to the past, they began to feel a bit anxious and chaotic, even though there was still a long time left in the game.
Ferguson stood on the sidelines, trying to rally his yers and constantly shouting for them to slow down the pace and y steadily, but it didn''t have much effect because the tactical core, Ronaldo, was eager to attack.
Several consecutive high-speed breakthroughs were intercepted, and Ronaldo could only send out poor quality crosses or directly lose possession. Between these back and forths, Real Madrid began to take control of the game.
In the 22nd minute, Wang Feng dribbled the ball into the frontcourt, passed it to Carvajal on the wing, the Spaniard dribbledterally to pull the defense, and then passed it back to Alonso in the middle.
Alonso volleyed with his left foot as the ball approached, cing it perfectly in the space between three defending yers in the penalty area. The Chinese superstar, who had advanced, used his right foot to volley in mid-air, and the ball flew over De Gea''s head into the goal.
"Gooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Less than half of the first half, Real Madrid is already leading by two goals!"
"Wang Feng, Carvajal, and Alonso formed a continuous triangr pass, and finally the Chinese superstar seized the opportunity to break into the penalty area and score. This goal can only be scored by him."
"The only gap in the densely packed defense, without any stopping or adjustment time, as soon as the chance is there, he has to shoot immediately. After being a defensive midfielder for so long, it seems that Wang Feng hasn''t lost his shooting boots. He''s still the top-notch striker who always scores when given the chance!"
"This mysterious curve has both an upward and downward trend, as well as an outward arc, sessfully deceiving Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea. He was positioned too centrally, so when the ball curved, he was helpless."
"No one expected that what was originally expected to be a fierce battle would turn into a one-sided situation. Manchester United is on the verge of elimination. What''s wrong with them?"
"In terms of the game, all the yers seem very restless, unable to produce effective offensive cooperation."
"Huh? What''s going on? It seems that Ronaldo and Ferdinand are having a dispute. Could it be that the Portuguese star is ming him for not timely blocking Wang Feng''s shooting route just now?"
"But it''s not a good time to provoke conflicts, especially since Ronaldo is the captain on the field. Other teammates hurriedly came to dissuade."
Chapter 606: Ronaldo鈥檚 Three-Step
Chapter 606: Ronaldo''s Three-Step
Cristiano Ronaldo felt extremely frustrated, as if everyone was against him. Why wasn''t Wang Feng staying up front and instead running to the backfield to stop him?
Why weren''t his teammates defending properly, leaving such a huge gap exposed? Why couldn''t they keep up with his rhythm, receive the passes, and put them into the goal?
Once trapped in a cycle of me, everyone around him seemed annoying, and being left out of the best team would be thest straw.
As the game continued, Ronaldo deliberately avoided Wang Feng and attacked from the other side, which obviously contradicted Ferguson''s instructions before the match. However, the English coach just frowned and felt it was eptable. Since the original tactics didn''t work, flexible positioning was also a solution.
Then he made personnel adjustments, recing Giggs with Shinji Kagawa. This was a very flexible yer who could cooperate with the Portuguese superstar to activate the midfield and attack.
With the change in tactics, Manchester United gradually gained a foothold. In the 54th minute, Welbeck took a corner kick, and Ronaldo, who had shaken off Ramos, leaped high for a header.
He was extremely confident, even a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. This was definitely a goal aimed at the corner, and the team could immediately sound the horn for aeback.
But because he pursued the angle too much, the ball hit the goalpost with a "bang" and rebounded back into y. Alonso rushed to clear the ball with a big kick.
"FXX!" The Portuguese angrily waved his arms, finally unable to hold back his foulnguage, feeling that even the heavens were against him!
In the 60th minute, Manchester Unitedunched an attack. Carrick sent a through ball with too much force, but Ronaldo, unwilling to give up, still chased after it. Although Arbeloa wasn''t as fast as him, he used his experience to block Ronaldo''s path and escort the ball to the baseline.
Seeing the imminent exit, the Portuguese star, in frustration, suddenly kicked the Spanish defender''s leg with his right foot, causing him to lose bnce and fall to the ground. Even so, Arbeloa still used his body to protect the ball, and since the referee didn''t blow the whistle, he couldn''t stop defending.
The linesman who witnessed everything immediately waved his g, and the referee Jig also stopped the game. But at this moment, Ronaldo, obviously still angry, kicked the ball in the Spaniard''s arms twice more before walking away as if nothing had happened.
Everyone was stunned, and Wang Feng, who reacted first, rushed to Ronaldo and pushed him hard. Ramos and Alonso followed closely, and seeing the situation turning bad, Manchester United yers also rushed to support, almosting to blows.
"Beep! Beep!" The referee team, coaching staff, and club staff all rushed onto the field to separate the two teams. Without hesitation, Jig showed a red card to Ronaldo and sent him off the field.
After some hesitation, he showed a yellow card to Wang Feng as a warning. Ramos wanted to argue but was stopped by the Chinese superstar. "Forget it, winning the game is the most important. We must definitely eliminate Manchester United!"
The hot-headed "Water Master" nodded heavily.
With one less yer, the morale of the Red Devils hit rock bottom, while the Gcticos were eager to give their opponents a hard time. In the 72nd minute, Ramos passed to Wang Feng at the back, and Wang Feng directly passed to Morata in the frontcourt.
The Spanish forward, facing away from the goal, did not stop the ball but directly sent ateral pass. Wang Feng, who was following up, dodged the defense with a big step and elerated into the penalty area.
At this moment, the attention of the four defending yers was all on him, and De Gea also rushed out to him urgently. Unexpectedly, Wang Feng pushed the ball to the back post, and Modric, who was unmarked, calmly put the ball into the Manchester United goal.
Eight minutester, Arbeloa intercepted the ball at the back andunched a quick counterattack. Under Welbeck''s interference, he passed the ball forward with less force, but the Chinese superstar ran very fast.
Seeing him rushing past thending point, Wang Feng shed a scorpion tail, using his heel to return the ball to Alonso, who was making a run. Alonso then jumped up and headed the ball forward to Modric.
The Croatian controlled the ball with his chest and then sent a diagonal pass through the defensive line. The Chinese superstar caught up with the ball near the baseline and passed it to the penalty area with a back-heel pass. Higuain, 8 meters in front of the goal, slotted the ball into the.
The entire attack flowed smoothly and swiftly, from Arbeloa''s pass to Modric''s goal, taking less than 1 minute!
4-0! Real Madridpletely crushed Manchester United, almost securing their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
In the post-match mixed zone, Wang Feng was surrounded by a crowd of reporters, showing rare signs of anger in this game. He even almost got into a fight. Everyone wanted to know what he was thinking at that moment.
"Yes, I was indeed very angry. If the first kick (by Ronaldo) belonged to a malicious foul during the confrontation, I could reluctantly ept it. But his subsequent actions were a provocation to the entire Real Madrid team. As the captain, I absolutely cannot allow such things to happen."
However, he also admitted that his retaliation was inappropriate, and receiving a yellow card was only right. He apologized to all the fans for this.
The party involved, Arbeloa, also became the focus of media attention. "Honestly, I was even a little scared at the time. If the Portuguese had kicked not the ball in my arms but my chest or head, I might have been seriously injured. Of course, I still feel quite painful now."
"He just walked away as if nothing had happened, until the captain came up to demand an exnation. At that moment, I felt that we were a united team and could defeat any opponent."
Other Real Madrid yers also expressed their frustration and determination to win. Ancelotti sarcastically remarked at the press conference, "Perhaps our football superstar practices kung fu football, but sorry, there are referees on the field."
The club, deeply influenced by Chinese culture, often watches some domestic films and TV series. The Italian apparently associated this incident with some scenes from movies.
"We will submit an appeal to UEFA for additional punishment. This is not something that should happen on the field. An excellent yer needs to learn to manage his emotions."
Ferguson appeared at the press conference with a tired face, seemingly aged ten years. "We didn''t y well. We wasted many opportunities in the first half and fell into a slump after conceding the first goal."
Regarding Ronaldo''s red card, he still defended his beloved disciple. "People always unintentionally magnify his actions. In fact, the situation is very simple. Cristiano didn''t hear the referee''s whistle at that time. He just wanted to continue fighting for the ball."
"A yellow card is the most severe warning, but he is Cristiano Ronaldo, so the referee gave a red card. Sometimes, stars have to bear these things, but we will not give up defending his legitimate rights."
Later, both clubs actively worked behind the scenes. Real Madrid hoped for additional punishment, while Manchester United advocated for the red card to be rescinded to avoid suspension for the next leg.
After a detailed review of the footage, UEFA deemed the nature of the incident quite serious and leaned towards a heavy penalty. Ferguson had to mobilize many connections, and ultimately, the decision remained unchanged: a red card and a one-match suspension.
The public criticism of this incident naturally prevailed. Marca said that Manchester United "loses and makes friends," while As even suggested that it could be ssified as assault.
The Times, Daily Mail, and other media wrote, "Ronaldo''s suspension spells doom for Manchester United." Ending the Champions League journey prematurely for two consecutive years, this Red Devil team has major problems.
Someizens gave Ronaldo the nickname "Ronaldo Three-Step," while some die-hard fans believed that this was a true reflection of the Portuguese star''s character. He was always thinking about how to attack and help the team win, so what''s wrong with that?
Chapter 607: A New Title
Chapter 607: A New Title
As the Gcticos swept aside Manchester United, stepping into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with one foot, fear of domination by European clubs resurfaced. Can neither the Group of Death nor the barriers of the powerhouses stop them anymore?
Wang Feng''s great contribution was once again fully demonstrated,pletely shutting down Ronaldo on the defensive end and orchestrating the offense. Especially noteworthy was his increasing mastery in distributing and transitioning between offense and defense as his experience umted.
The most outstanding feature was the soaring assists and goal-scoring statistics. In this match, the Chinese superstarpleted 2 assists and scored 1 goal, and all four goals were closely rted to him.
"The existing vocabry of humanity can no longer describe his greatness," said Saviole, the director of the Royal Spanish Academy of Language. "So we have created a new title."
"Diwangros," a newly coined term that emerged after careful consideration by multiple schrs, will be included in the new edition of the Spanish dictionary.
It isposed of three native words. First is "dios," representing the god of football, followed by Wang''s surname "wang," and finally "Mgros," implying miracles, surpassing imagination and understanding.
Pronounced "diwan''geros" in Chinese, this new word can express Wang Feng''s unparalleled dominance on the football field and also reflect his numerous miraculous battles.
The Royal Spanish Academy of Language is an official institution responsible for standardizing the Spanishnguage, equivalent to China''s "Xinhua Dictionary." It usually does not pay much attention to popr terms, but this time it has given special consideration.
As early as a few years ago, there were voices calling for the creation of a specific word for the Chinese superstar because his achievements are unprecedented, and there may be sessors in the future. No existing words can describe his football.
Fans, media, and major corporations have all taken action, proposing terms like "Inwangionante" - the talented Wang Feng, "Suwangrupo" - the outstanding Wang Feng, and so on.
When the Chinese superstar led Real Madrid to win the league and six consecutive Champions League titles, the official finally couldn''t help but take action, intending to definitively establish his legacy. It took nearly a year to finalize.
The official website of Real Madrid updated its homepage for the first time,bining Wang Feng''s photo with the new title to create a cool promotional cover.
In the general manager''s office, Florentino and two or three absolute confidants were discussing the club''s future ns. "Wang''s new contract is still in a state of stagnation," reported Baldano.
"I know, Balmond has talked to me about it. They tend not to renew," Florentino said, sitting in the boss''s chair with his eyes closed, his words causing everyone present to be shocked.
"What? How can this be? He''s the leader of the team!" "Is the club treating him badly? Why leave?" "How many years of entanglement have formed, how can it be resolved?"
"Alright!" The Spaniard interrupted the chaotic discussion, "His contract still has more than three years left. The reason it''s revealed to us now is to gradually handle these matters."
"Wang is the smartest yer I''ve ever seen. I understand his thoughts. Although it''s regrettable, we must ept it and do the preliminary work."
After suppressing the initial shock, Baldano quickly organized his thoughts. "Then we have three important tasks toplete."
"First is to sort out and separate sponsorship contracts. Many investments in the club in recent years have been attracted by the Chinese superstar, so his departure will inevitably cause turbulence in this area."
Florentino nodded. "Pay attention to gradually decoupling year by year, don''t let outsiders notice. If this news leaks out, I''m afraid not only will the team''s performance copse, but the club''s economy will also suffer a major blow."
"Alright, the second point is to find his sessor. It seems that we need to focus on the dynamics of some young yers this summer."
"Bale from Tottenham, Isco, the European Golden Boy from Mga, and David Silva from Manchester City. I think these yers are all good options, and we can start negotiations now."
Baldano agreed. "Yes, there''s also one more. Mendes has been contacting us recently, hoping to facilitate Ronaldo''s joining Real Madrid. He thinks that since Wang Feng is retreating, there should be nopetition between the two."
Florentino smiled bitterly. "Cristiano is so eager to leave the club that has been kind to him. He belongs to the kind of yer who is temporarily not considered for immediate use."
"Alright, then I''ll reject it. The most important thing is the third point. Since Wang doesn''t intend to renew, do we need to listen to transfer offers for him?" For a moment, everyone looked at each other, afraid to speak.
This is the first person in team history, the king of the Ballon d''Or, the god of football. A slight mishandling could leave the decision-makers with eternal infamy. Florentino rubbed his temples. "I dare not let anyone know that he wants to leave. How can we entertain offers?"
"We can''t let him leave for free, can we?" Baldano said anxiously, "Wang is willing to sign a new contract with the club for two years before the contract expires in 2014, which means we won''t miss out on selling him until 2016."
"His goal is clear, to fight for the Gcticos for ten years, from 2006 to 2016."
"The terms of the new contract remain unchanged, but the buyout use is set at 100 million. Because even if we don''t sell him at that time, he is confident that there will be clubs willing to pay the buyout use for him, just as the price we paid to bring him in years ago."
"It''s watertight, considering everythingprehensively." Florentino sighed and added, "From the perspective ofmercial value assessment alone, there will be plenty of clubs willing to pay a lot of money. Wang''s contribution to Real Madrid''s revenue over the years is seen by everyone."
"This condition is eptable." Several people nodded in agreement, but Florentino had other thoughts in mind. A mere 100 million euros is less than one-fifth of the benefits the Chinese superstar brings to the club each year. He would prefer to write a beautiful story of maturity.
On the other hand, Ronaldo felt very frustrated after being rejected by Real Madrid again. It''s normal for a defeated general tock convincing power, but he didn''t want to continue wasting his years at Manchester United.
"Contact Manchester City quietly. This time, don''t make a big fuss." Mendes was stunned when he heard this. "Are you really considering joining Manchester City?"
"They have money and potential, why not?"
On February 17th, in the 24th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Vadolid away.
In the 3rd minute, the Gcticos made a dream start. Wang Feng crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and Iguain intentionally let the ball go through, leaving Morata unmarked at the far post to stab it home.
Just 9 minutester, Modric chipped the ball into the penalty area, and Ramos headed it in from the edge of the small penalty area, making it 2-0!
Just as the situation seemed to be going smoothly for the away team, they suddenly suffered a blow. In the 18th minute, Ramos, the hero of the goal, unexpectedly received two yellow cards within 45 seconds and was sent off.
He first fouled Trasci, and then handballed while blocking Casado''s cross on the nk. Real Madrid had to face the adversity of ying with ten men for the next nearly 70 minutes.
Fortunately, the Chinese superstar stood like a solid wall in the backline, and Ancelotti substituted Varane and Albiol to strengthen the defense, sessfully preserving the victory until the end of the match.
Chapter 608: This is His Fort
Chapter 608: This is His Fort
On February 23rd, in the 25th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Deportivo La Coru?a at home.
In the 12th minute of the game, Wang Feng dribbled past Asensio in the middle, diagonally passed to Carvajal, who chose to knock it back after failing to break through, and the Chinese superstar took advantage of the situation, made a run and shot angrily, a world-ss shot from about 25 meters pierced through the fingertips of Aran Surez.
Ten minutester, Modric passed the ball directly to the penalty area, Morata''s shot was blocked by defender Silvio, Wang Feng quickly rushed out and took the ball away, movedterally to feint a shot and dribbled past Marchena''s sliding tackle, then slotted it to the far post, where Iguain followed up with a shot from 8 meters out.
The development that followed was surprisingly simr to thest game. In the 37th minute, Deportivo La Coru?a had a chance from a set-piece, Carvajal went forward to stop the opponent from taking a quick free kick, resulting in a conflict and receiving the first yellow card.
When they took the free kick again, the Spaniard, due to not stepping back far enough, was considered provocative by the main referee and was shown a second yellow card, resulting in a straight red card! The home fans in the stands were in an uproar, expressing their dissatisfaction with loud boos, thinking that the punishment was too harsh!
The Gcticos had to face ying with one man down again. In the 67th minute of the second half, Deportivo La Coru?a seized the opportunity and pulled one back through Ricky.
However, Real Madrid held on with strong determination to their narrow advantage and eventually won 2-1.
In the dressing room after the match, Ancelotti earnestly warned the yers, "Gentlemen, please control your emotions. We are now targets of criticism, and any misconduct on the field will be magnified, not overlooked."
Real Madrid has maintained a 3-point lead over Barcelona on the league table, making the uing El Clsico yet another decisive battle where neither side can afford to lose.
On the second day of March, this highly anticipated match began at Camp Nou.
Barcelona''s coach, Roura, deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with substitute goalkeeper Pinto starting due to a contract dispute between the club and first-choice goalkeeper Valds.
The backline consisted of Alves, Piqu, Puyol, and Alba.
The midfield trio consisted of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.
The front three were Neymar, Messi, and Pedro.
Real Madrid kicked off the first half, but the aggressive Barcelona soon pressed high up the pitch, engaging in intense battles with their opponents in midfield.
After Busquets intercepted Carvajal''s pass and diagonally passed to Iniesta, before he could control and turn, Wang Feng quickly pounced and stretched his foot to poke the ball out of his reach, then swiftly caught up and passed sideways to Modric.
After several exchanges in the midfield and losing possession again in the attacking half, Barcelona stabilized the rhythm and passed the ball continuously, finally delivering it to Messi''s feet. He was about to dribble past the Chinese superstar, but was caught off guard and directly tackled by his opponent.
"Well done! The rhythm changes at Messi''s feet are so difficult to predict, to the point that very few can anticipate his feints and actual direction of breakthrough, but Wang Feng happens to be one of the few."
Thementator''s words were continuously verified. In the 4th minute, Busquets chipped the ball to Messi, who controlled it with his chest against Ramos, but just as he was about to lift his foot to feint and evade the tackle, Wang Feng almost simultaneously lifted his foot and swept the ball''s path, instantly taking it away. Nearby, Iniesta also attempted to tackle back, but the Chinese superstar quickly stopped and dribbled past him, then passed back to Alonso to relieve the pressure.
As Barcelona continued their attack, Messi received a direct pass from Iniesta in the frontcourt. He observed Wang Feng''s position behind him and decided to use a lob to escape backwards, but his opponent was faster in turning, arriving first at thending point to shield the ball, firmly blocking Messi from behind to make a clean tackle.
Messi then attempted to create space for a breakthrough, but before he could elerate after changing direction, Wang Feng aggressively closed in, forcing him to move sideways rather than forward, eventually losing bnce and falling to the ground, a brilliant interception that did not constitute a foul.
"Almost identical to the first round of El Clsico, Barcelona has yet to create a valid scoring threat until now, mainly because Wang Feng haspletely neutralized Messi."
"Yes, to some extent, the performance of these two yers will determine the final oue of the contest. Messi is the attacking soul of this team, having scored a total of 49 goals this season, ounting for 42% of the team''s total goals."
"And the team''s second-highest scorer, Vi, has only scored 12 goals, followed by Neymar with 9 goals and Pedro with 6."
"This situation is very simr to the past few seasons when Wang Feng was in the Gcticos, but at that time, there was no defensive yer capable of containing him, allowing Real Madrid to win game after game."
"Obviously, Messi cannot reach that level. Just look at the recent Champions League knockout match against AC Mn, where Messi was virtually invisible throughout the game due to poor form and being marked by multiple defenders, resulting in Barcelona''s 0-2 defeat."
"Initially, Neymar was expected to be the team''s second attacking threat. He has great potential for improvement, but coach Roura neglected to develop and tactically deploy the Brazilian, resulting in his limited involvement in the attack."
As thementator analyzed the issues facing the Catn team, the Gcticos seized the opportunity tounch a counterattack. In the 37th minute, Xavi passed the ball to Messi in the frontcourt, Wang Feng unexpectedly intercepted and took the ball away, using his body to shield it from Marchena, then back-heeled it to Alonso.
Alonso took two steps and returned the ball to Wang Feng, who then made a powerful run through the midfield between Busquets and Puyol, elerating towards the edge of the arc, before sending a precise low curved pass that bypassed the retreating defenders and found Morata.
The Spanish forward curled a shot with the outside of his right foot, creating a new moon-like arc in the air, grazing past Pinto''s fingertips, but hitting the upright and rebounding back into y. Morata couldn''t help but cover his face in frustration, but Camp Nou didn''t stop cheering, instead getting louder and louder.
What''s going on? The Spaniard looked up and saw that the ball had still entered the goal, while Wang Feng had already rushed to the area near the stands, waving his arms in celebration.
It turned out that he had arrived first at the rebound point, and even though Puyol had tried his best to pull the Chinese superstar down, he still relied on his long legs to calmly sweep the ball into the empty.
1-0! Real Madrid broke the deadlock!
Morata quickly ran towards his teammates to celebrate, and Wang Feng pulled him over, rubbing his head and saying, "That shot was amazing, just a little bit off."
"As long as it goes in, it''s good," the Spanish forward said embarrassedly.
"The Gcticos'' grasp of attacking opportunities is still extremely sharp. Let''s review the entire process of this push forward. Wang Feng made a quick interception and pass forward, forming a wall pass with Alonso."
"Then his dribble through the defense was very imaginative, of course, also due to his strong explosiveness. He then passed to Morata at the perfect moment, but it''s not just about passing the ball over and everything''s fine. Wang Feng is focused every moment, which is why he had the chance for a follow-up shot."
"Since joining Real Madrid, Wang Feng has achieved an impressive record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss at Camp Nou in the league, and has won the championship several times due to direct victories in crucial matches. It can be said that this is one of his lucky ces."
Chapter 609: Source of Power
Chapter 609: Source of Power
After taking the lead, Real Madrid continued to press against Barcelona relentlessly. Wang Feng sent a through ball, but Iguain''s shot from inside the penalty area went over the crossbar. Carvajal''s cross from the side was headed by Alonso but saved by Pinto, while Modric''s long-range shot from outside the penalty area narrowly missed the target.
As injury time approached, the Chinese superstar dribbled the ball to the edge of the penalty area and then passed it to Marcelo, who was making a run down the nk. Facing Alba''s block, Marcelo lifted the ball towards the baseline.
Wang Feng caught up with the ball before it went out of y, passed it back to the middle with a backheel, and Modric lifted his leg to feign a shot, causing Pique to fall to the ground to block, drawing the attention of the goalkeeper as well.
However, the Croatian midfielder, in an instant, changed his shooting stance to a push and passed the ball horizontally to the oing Morata, who easily slotted it into the. 2-0!
After a brief halftime break, Barcelona barely stabilized the situation. However, in the 50th minute, they suffered another blow as Real Madrid earned a corner kick from the left side.
The Chinese superstar ran into the penalty area, raised his right hand high, and Alonso, who took the free kick, lofted it towards the near post. Wang Feng quickly emerged from the crowd and headed the ball from 14 meters out, sending it into the past the outstretched fingertips of the goalkeeper, making it 3-0!
"Gooooooooooooooooal! Wang Feng''s header finds the! He extends the lead to 3-0, and Real Madrid secures the victory!"
"A surprising long-range header! He was almost stepping on the edge of the penalty area, and the power was incredible, flying from the left side of the goal directly to the right side."
After scoring, the Chinese superstar rushed to the corner g area to celebrate with Alonso, embracing him in joy. "It''s unbelievable! Absolutely incredible!" Even Wang Feng himself felt like he was dreaming.
They had brainstormed this tactic during their daily training sessions, realizing that few teams deliberately deployed defensive forces at the far post, but after winning the header, they could only choose to head the ball immediately, or else they would quickly be surrounded.
The Gcticos had tried this tactic many times with low sess rates. Only asionally could Wang Feng execute it sessfully, so the team considered it a bonus to their attacking arsenal.
Next, Neymar assisted Pedro in pulling one back for Barcelona, but the final score settled at 3-1, with Real Madrid securing the victory in the El Clsico and drawing level with the Catn team on the league table, only trailing by goal difference.
"A massive defeat!" After the match, all fans and media had only one thought in mind: Barcelona had suffered aplete defeat. Apart from possession, all other statistics favored Real Madrid.
High possession doesn''t necessarily mean controlling the game. Barcelona only had 5 shots throughout the game, 2 in the first half and 3 in the second half, while the Gcticos had 9 shots in the first half and 8 in the second half, totaling 17 shots.
What''s even more embarrassing is that the team''s core, Messi, didn''t manage a single shot, a situation that has been unprecedented in all matches this season.
After the match, the official La Liga yer ratings gave the Argentine star a score of 4, the lowest for both teams, a rare urrence.
"Messi, Barcelona''s humiliating defeat reflects reality!" This was the summary of the El Clsico by "Daily Sports", stating that the Argentine urgently wanted to prove himself and that his poor performance in the first encounter was purely idental.
In that game, under Wang Feng''s tight marking, he couldn''t score as freely as usual, but at least he had some decent offensive contributions. However, this time, even getting a shot off became a luxury.
"Fans don''t just want Messi to score goals; they want him to step up in crucial moments. Unfortunately, he hasn''t grown to that level yet."
In response to the criticism, Messi, for the first time, spoke out in interviews. In the past, he had remained silent: "I want to take on more responsibility, but my body is struggling. The fatigue from ying multiple games in a row keeps hitting me."
Barcelona coach Roura also defended the team''s defeat: "We yed one more Copa del Rey match than our opponents midweek, and our physical and mental states were not as good as theirs. Losing is normal."
"Everyone subconsciously thought that Real Madrid''s strength had greatly diminished due to injuries, but look at their current performance in the league and Champions League. They are still one of the top teams in Europe," said "World Sports Daily".
However, "Mundo Deportivo" disagreed. "Barcelona has failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 consecutive official matches, the first time since 1962 in the club''s history."
During the past period, people were blinded by the big wins and overlooked the problems in the team''s defense. As the offense gradually weakened, defense became the main culprit for the copse.
"Alves and Pique''s form is declining, and Puyol is showing signs of aging. Barcelona''s peak generation is gradually fading away."
"Absolute protagonist of the El Clsico," "Marca" described Wang Feng, who scored twice, in this way. He has repeatedly contributed ssic moments in direct confrontations with Barcelona, and this game''s clever tap-in and long-range header will be forever remembered.
Due to his high-level performance on both ends of the field, the official La Liga ratings gave him a perfect 10.
Looking back, the Chinese superstar has scored 24 goals in 7 years as a guest at the Camp Nou, with at least two goals each time and even a six-goal haul, bing the yer with the most goals in the history of La Liga at this stadium.
"It was a great game for the team. Everyone performed excellently, and we were fully focused from start to finish, ultimately achieving victory."
When interviewed, Wang Feng admitted that ying at Camp Nou always excited him more than ever: "Beating Barcelona is always a huge source of motivation, not to mention the connection with the championship. After being eliminated from the Copa del Rey, we can focus more on the league and Champions League."
On March 5th, Real Madrid traveled to Manchester to challenge the Red Devils. This UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg match, without Cristiano Ronaldo due to suspension, was almost certain to have no suspense. Coach Ancelotti made some rotations.
However, even without the Portuguese star, Manchester United showed resilience, and they even opened the scoring in the 48th minute, with Rafael passing the ball, and Welbeck and Benzema''s shots from the right side of the penalty area were blocked.
Varane''s clearance was intercepted, and Nani crossed from the left side of the penalty area, with Welbeck poking the ball into the from the edge of the small penalty area.
Despite missing their Portuguese star, Manchester United became more united, and their offensive tactics were no longer one-dimensional. This made David Moyes, the sessor appointed by Ferguson on the coaching bench, nod with approval, suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo was far from being an indispensable presence in the team.
In the 66th minute, Wang Feng made a cross, and Modric received it, took a few steps past Carrick, and then unleashed a powerful shot from 20 meters out, hitting the inside of the right post and deflecting into the. The Croatian midfielder equalized for the Gcticos.
Just four minutester, Modric chipped the ball into the penalty area from midfield, and after a header back by Iguain, Morata volleyed it into the.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Manchester United 2-1, with a total aggregate score of 6-1 over the two legs, advancing to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Chapter 610: Champions League Situation
Chapter 610: Champions League Situation
After Real Madrid smoothly secured their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, Barcelona and Messi finally redeemed themselves at the Camp Nou, with the Argentine star contributing a brace to help the team secure a 4-0 victory over AC Mn.
With a total score of 4-2, the Catn teampleted a turnaround, bing the first club in Champions League history to reverse a 0-2 deficit from the first leg and advance.
Such a miracle on Barcelona''s part didn''t surprise many, as their strength was originally superior to that of other teams. When Messi regains his best form, Barcelona bes the strongest contender for the championship.
However, another La Liga club making it to the Champions League quarter-finals surprised many. That club is the struggling Mga, who also won after losing the first leg, defeating Porto with a total score of 2-1 to advance.
The era of the "Manchester City" of La Liga is gone for good. Last summer, the Arab owner suddenly withdrew investment, leading to the loss of many key yers. The team even struggled to pay yer wages, leading many to believe that the team was on the brink of copse and relegation was unavoidable.
However, the coach, known as the "Chilean Engineer," Pellegrini, was unwilling to let all his previous efforts go to waste. He chose to stay and instilled a strong spirit into the team, stabilizing the defense while actively counterattacking. The yers did not disappoint him.
If we rewind time by ten years, Mga''s lineup could be considered luxurious. With forwards like Savi, Santa Cruz, and Baptista, midfielders like Joaqun, and defenders like Demichelis and Lugano, but now these yers are just aging veterans who are no longer sought after.
Former golden boy Joaqun has rejuvenated himself, running rampant on the wings with unstoppable momentum. His breakthroughs and crosses make it hard to believe he''s 32 years old.
Savi''s situation is even more miraculous. After being released by Benficast season, he joined Mga for a very low price. The result was that he found himself perfectly suited to the coach''s counterattacking tactics, contributing 8 goals as a substitute, bing a surprise weapon for the club.
In fact, this is not the first time Pellegrini has revitalized veteran yers. During his time coaching Virreal, he revived the "Argentine future" Riquelme and developed Fran, who even gave Ferguson a headache, into the team''s top scorer.
Of course, the Chilean is also good at developing young yers. Formerly Cassano, and now Isco, this 21-year-old European golden boy''s style resembles that of Silva''s, able to y on the wing or in the center, making him an absolute organizational core for the team.
With 11 goals scored in 33 appearances, his attacking efficiency is very good, and his value has skyrocketed to over 20 million euros, bing the target of top clubs such as Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Currently, Mga ranks 6th in the league, continuing topete for European qualification for next season. Their ability topete on multiple fronts even puts many traditional powerhouses to shame.
This season, La Liga still dominates with three seats in the Champions League quarter-finals: Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Mga. The Bundesliga has two seats, Dortmund and Bayern, Serie A has one seat, Juventus, and Ligue 1 has Paris Saint-Germain, while the Turkish Super League has Gtasaray.
Theplete failure of the Premier League is rming. Many English media outlets have once again mentioned the need for reform of thepetition system. The high-intensitypetition and constant cup matches in domestic leagues have left the top teams exhausted, resulting in poor performances on the European stage.
"Only by giving up the pursuit of the league title can we possibly go further in the Champions League. No club would willingly take such a risk of ending up empty-handed. In the long run, even if the Premier League is very popr, the overall European stage is getting worse and worse," analyzed Sky Sports.
The English Football Association understands this principle, but every game is about immediate interests, and cutting any one is painful.
Paris Saint-Germain, with theirvish spending in recent years, defeated Valencia with a total score of 3-2 and entered the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 18 years.
Although Ibrahimovic was absent due to injury, PSG still had yers like Lucas, Lavezzi, and Pastore, among others, who were strong in attack. Beckham, who returned to European football from the United States this winter, also received attention, although the Englishman did not get a chance to y.
Next, the draw for the Champions League quarter-finals ispletely open, with no seeded teams and no avoidance of opponents from the same country or group stage. The team drawn first will y at home, and UEFA has designated new drawing rules.
Unlike in previous years, there is now an additional draw for the semi-finals. Before, the quarter-finals would determine the two halves, with two teams from each half facing off in the semi-finals. The final would be yed between the winners of each half.
The new rule eliminates the concept of halves, and the draw for the semi-finals will be made again when the final four teams are decided. The outside world sees this as a signal of UEFA''s further control of the situation, after all, the more draws there are, the more likely there is to be foul y.
However, after experiencing the tests of the Group of Death and the Red Devils, Real Madrid''s luck seems to be bursting. They will face Gtasaray in the quarter-finals.
On March 10th, in the 27th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Celta Vigo at home. The Gcticos had an absolute advantage, having won all five of their recent encounters.
In the 27th minute, the home team broke the deadlock. Alonso''s corner was punched out by the goalkeeper, and Modric''s powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area was blocked by the opponent''s defense.
The ball fell to the feet of Higuain, and the Argentine naturally wouldn''t miss such a great opportunity, scoring the opening goal for Real Madrid.
In the 72nd minute of the second half, Wang Feng sent a precise lob pass from midfield, and Morata received it, dribbled past the defenders, and then scored a powerful shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.
In the end, the Gcticos defeated their opponents 2-0, taking all three points. On the other hand, Barcelona also won 2-0 against Deportivo La Coru?a, with Messiing off the bench to score a goal, increasing his total league goals to 39. Barcelona and Real Madrid remained tied on points.
On March 16th, in the 28th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Mallorca away.
The game started with a warning from the home team. In the 3rd minute, Dos Santos crossed from the left, and Ensu met the ball with a header in front of the goal, breaking the deadlock.
And just 10 minutester, the away team''s defense made another mistake. Once again, Dos Santos took a corner kick, and Bigas headed the ball forward. There was no one marking Alfaro nearby, allowing him to easily control the ball and shoot to further extend the lead.
Conceding two goals early made Mallorca extremely excited, and they continued to press forward. What they didn''t notice was that the Gcticos were not flustered and continued to control the pace of the game.
Their aggressive pressing naturally led to defensive vulnerabilities. In the 23rd minute, Alonso intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it to Wang Feng, who immediately sent a lofted pass. Morata, who had been waiting for the chance, quickly started a solo run, scoring another goal for the away team.
Five minutester, almost the same scene yed out again. Wang Feng lobbed a pass to Morata, who broke through, then dribbled past the goalkeeper and scored into an empty.
This goal woke up the home team, who urgently retreated, but it was toote. Just before halftime, Modric broke through in the frontcourt, was fouled, and Wang Feng scored directly from the free kick, beating the goalkeeper Elliott''s ten fingers,pletely reversing the situation.
In the 67th minute of the second half, the Chinese superstar and Carleone formed a wall pass and broke into the penalty area. Morata tapped the ball into the toplete his hat-trick, also helping Wang Feng achieve a hat-trick of assists.
Marcelo scored a header in the final moments of the game, sealing the score at 5-2, and Real Madrid won a resounding victory over Mallorca.
Chapter 611: Reunion
Chapter 611: Reunion
During the stable period of the Gxy Battleship, which was in a period of steady matches, holidays naturally increased. Wang Feng intentionally reduced high-intensity training. At his age, physical decline was inevitable, so as long as basic training ensured optimal vitality and condition, it was enough.
During other times, he could wholeheartedly take care of his family, take his children to y at the amusement park in Madrid, apany his mother and Lu Yao to go shopping, and he began to look forward to a leisurely life after retirement.
In March, on the national team match day, Wang Feng was invited to a reunion of old friends. The initiator was Ral, who had returned to Madrid. Apart from the two of them, there were also Guti, Figo, Hierro, and Morientes.
As the Chinese superstar just entered the restaurant, Guti''s eye-catching golden hair caught his attention. Ral warmly hugged Wang Feng and invited him to sit down.
"This restaurant feels the same. We used to loveing here to eat," the former captain of Real Madrid asked. This Spanish traditional restaurant, located in the suburbs of Madrid, had a very quiet atmosphere, with faint melodious melodies ying inside, and a strong sense of privacy.
"It''s very ssy. Speaking of which, did you guys really like this style back then? I thought it must have been all about nightclubs, wine, and women."
Morientes smiled and said, "That''s Ronaldo''s style. Except for Guti, everyone else here is a top-notch guy." The Golden Wolf immediately retorted, "I''m a good guy too. I just want to give every girl I meet a warm hug."
At this remark, everyone burst intoughter. Nowadays, among this group of people, only Wang Feng and Ral were still ying football. Ral had also long left the top five leagues to go to Qatar for sports investment.
"Time flies. The days when we fought side by side seem like yesterday. Speaking of which, I always felt like I was in the same era as Wang. I didn''t expect that you would still be at the top of the world until now," Guti sighed.
"Don''t tter yourself. You''re seven years older than him," Morientes rolled his eyes. Figo spoke fairly, "Mainly because you fought side by side for more than four years and achieved unprecedented sess."
"To be honest, the first time I saw Wang at the FIFA Awards Ceremony years ago, he seemed a bit green to me. But the next year, he won a major award. At that time, I began to see him as apetitor of the same generation."
"Don''t, don''t, don''t. Messi and I are thepetitors of the same generation, thank you," Wang Feng waved his hand repeatedly, causing everyone tough heartily.
Then they talked about interesting things from the past. What surprised Wang Feng was that Guti and Ral had a very tense rtionship in the past. The main reason was that Ral came from Atltico Madrid''s youth training system, which made the traditionally Real Madrid-born Golden Wolf somewhat uneptable.
"Go back to Atltico Madrid! Is this what you angrily said to me back then?" Ral said, Guti stuck out his tongue. He used to be a staunch supporter of local yers and couldn''t ept yers trained by the city rivals.
As time went by, the Golden Wolf discovered that Ral possessed superb football skills and a spirit of wholehearted dedication to the club. Gradually, he was impressed by him, and the two became friends.
"Actually, there was a time when I couldn''t even ept Florentino''s superstar strategy, but the continuous trophies hitting me hard made mepromise," Guti shrugged.
"I guess by now the president of Real Madrid must be overjoyed. Just by choosing the right person, he can rival the club''s best managers in history and put his own name in the Bernabu Stadium. This is too easy."
Talking about this, Figo and Hierro were both very regretful, ming Wang Feng for noting to La Liga earlier, and the Chinese superstar also sighed. If it weren''t for the "Phonegate" scandal, he might not have left Serie A.
Talking about the mystery of Guti''s blonde hair - it turned out to be dyed - Wang Feng almost spit out the drink in his mouth. After so many years, he waspletely unaware of this and never deliberately sought to know.
"Haha, it''s normal that you don''t know. This kid has been keeping his hair golden since a very young age," Morientes said. "He was indeed somewhat golden-haired when he was young, but as he grew older, his hair gradually became dark brown. He wanted to keep it that way to look cool."
"So his hair only showed its true color for a very short time, and the media may not even have any information about it. I have some precious photos here, do you want to take a look?"
Curious, Wang Feng leaned over to look at Morientes'' phone. He saw a slender teenager dribbling a ser ball facing the camera. The handsome features of his face as he grew older were faintly visible, but indeed, his dark-colored hair didn''t leave much of an impression.
"You rascal, didn''t you say you deleted it?" Guti shook his head helplessly. After retiring, he gradually stopped caring so much about hair management. If it were five years ago, he would definitely have asked Morientes to delete it.
Nowadays, Hierro is an assistant coach at Real Madrid, Morientes is the coach of Real Madrid''s B team, Figo is inclined to join FIFA, and Guti is a savvy businessman. He not only dabbles in real estate but also has industries such as wineries, restaurants, and musicpanies.
They all knew that Wang Feng was also a businessman, and he was one of the most sessful football businessmen in history. Leveraging the influence of the Fortune 500pany Keiretsu Group, his celebrity brand effect, and multiple sessful investments, Feng Yao Group has be one of the famouspanies in the financial investment industry.
The Chinese superstar and the Golden Wolf immediately reached a cooperation intention for several businesses on the spot, making Figo couldn''t help but quip, "It seems like we''ve entered aplex business field," but this was just a diversion from the main theme of the gathering.
There are too few yers as shrewd as Wang Feng and Guti. Recently, "The Sun" revealed that West Bromwich Albion defender Ritchieville used a stack of 20 notes as toilet paper, causing a sensation. Extravagant behavior like this during the ying years and eventual bankruptcy after retirement is not umon among athletes, but no one can stop this group of people from continuing to be crazy.
On March 30th, the 29th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Zaragoza at home. Facing this team from Aragon, the Gxy Battleship had an absolute advantage in the past decade. Combined with the midweek Champions League fight, head coach Ancelotti used a partially rotated lineup.
However, the opponent''s stubbornness still caught everyone off guard. In front of more than 90,000 home fans roaring like the sea, they remained steadfast in defense.
Throughout the game, Real Madrid''s ball possession rate was as high as 74.1%, and theypleted 24 shots, with 15 on target. However, they only broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Wang Feng''s straight pass prated three defending yers, and Dennis scored with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Zaragoza only had 3 shots, 2 of which were on target. But in the 77th minute, Albior lost the ball in the backcourt, and upon a direct pass from Aponio, the offside trap was sessfully broken by Rodrigo, who scored with a one-on-one shot inside the penalty area.
In the end, the two sides shook hands with a 1-1 draw. This result obviously did not satisfy the club. Unexpectedly, a dayter, Barcelona also unexpectedly drew 2-2 with the relegation team Celta Vigo.
"It seems that they were too dazzling in the early stage, and finally, they are a bitcking in stamina. Now is the perfect time for us to seize the opportunity to surpass them. Everyone, fate is on our side, and we must not allow a situation where opponents that should be defeated cannot be defeated to ur again!" Ancelotti encouraged everyone.
Chapter 612: Smooth and Unsmooth
Chapter 612: Smooth and Unsmooth
On April 3rd, at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium in Madrid, the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals of the 2012-2013 season was about to kick off.
Before the match, in the yers'' tunnel, Wang Feng saw many familiar faces within the Gtasaray team: Sneijder, Alt?ntop, and the Beast Drogba. No wonder this Turkish Super League powerhouse could unexpectedly advance this far.
However, the Gxy Battleship was destined to put an end to their underdog career. Seeing the spirited attitude of the Chinese superstar, the Dutchman couldn''t help but feel bitter. It seemed like he was reminded of his discussion with Robben, where they both agreed not to engage in dialogue with Wang Feng.
After exchanging a few words of greeting, Sneijder told Wang Feng that his influence within Inter Mn was still very strong to this day. He would give his all in this game and leave no regrets.
Drogba nodded to the Chinese superstar. After leaving Chelsea, he never expected to encounter Wang Feng again. At the same time, he felt somewhat surprised. The strength and weakness of yers like Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo formed a sharp contrast with the Super League.
The "abrasion" of the low-level league had severely affected his form, even impacting his performance in the Africa Cup of Nations. So, taking advantage of the sry issue as an excuse, the Beast voluntarily terminated his contract and returned to Europe.
"We can see both teams entering the field. Thest time these two teams met was twelve years ago, when Real Madrid defeated the opponent 3-0 and advanced. I wonder what the result will be this time?"
"It is worth mentioning that in Gtasaray''s history of twelve away games in Spain, they only won against Mallorca in the 2000 UEFA Cup, with 4 draws and 7 losses in the other 11 games. Spain can be said to be their nemesis."
"This team from Istanbul is one of the strongest champions in Turkey. They have never been relegated, hold the national record for league and cup titles, and are the first Turkish team to win the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup."
"Alright, with the start of the match after the referee''s whistle, the first half is kicked off by the away team. They attack from right to left on the screen, while Real Madrid attacks from left to right."
Gtasaray quickly lost possession of the ball at their feet. Alonso passed to Modric, who, after two feints outside the penalty area, shot narrowly wide of the goal, marking the first shot of the home team.
"The confidence of the Croatian is growing day by day. I still remember the first time he stepped onto the Bernabu stage, he was so nervous that he couldn''t even move, let alone dribble past defenders and shoot."
"Yes, the harmonious atmosphere within the Gxy Battleship and the glory of winning championships have nurtured him. I believe Modric will be a world-ss midfielder."
Real Madrid, relying on home advantage and psychological superiority, quickly took control of the game. In the 4th minute, Wang Feng sent a long pass from midfield, Carvajal stopped the ball on the wing and crossed into the penalty area. Morata''s header from 10 meters in front of the goal grazed the crossbar and flew out of bounds.
"Under the consecutive injuries, 21-year-old Morata gradually secured a regr starting position this season. So far, he has scored heavily in both the league and the Champions League. His outstanding performance is evident to all."
"Of course, more importantly, he has the world''s best yers to assist him. Since Wang Feng retreated to a deeper position, his direct goal-scoring statistics have decreased significantly, but his assist numbers have skyrocketed."
"So far, the Chinese superstar has contributed 31 league assists and 11 Champions League assists, ranking first in the assist charts. This shows that his understanding of the attack has reached an extremely proficient level, and every organization he leads can create great threats."
Gtasaray posed their first threat in the 6th minute when Riera intercepted the ball in the backfield and quicklyunched an attack, passing to Drogba who charged towards the penalty area with the ball.
Wang Feng immediately closed in, and as they both chased after the ball, a fierce confrontation ensued. Drogba found himself unable to shake off his opponent, whether it was due to his age or the Chinese superstar''s strength.
The two almost reached the ball at the same time, with Wang Feng slightly gaining the advantage in position. He decisively fell to the ground and poked the ball out of bounds, resolving the defensive crisis.
Drogba shook his head in frustration and pulled the Chinese superstar up, exchanging a fewpliments before returning to the game. After that, Drogba''s multiple attempts were thwarted by Wang Feng''s interference.
In the 17th minute, the home team broke the deadlock. Wang Feng, Modric, and Alonso formed a wall pass in the middle, sessfully prating Gtasaray''s defense and attracting all defensive attention.
Seizing this opportunity, Wang Feng precisely guided a through pass to the other side of the penalty area, where a charging Higuan faced Muslera one-on-one and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
The most exciting moment of the entire game urred in the 40th minute. Alonso passed the ball to Wang Feng, who was facing sideways towards the goal, with Alt?ntop closely marking him.
After assessing the situation, Wang Feng cleverly lifted his right leg, using the back of his foot to lift the falling ball diagonally over the defender''s head, and then quickly elerated to shake off the marking.
Alt?ntop was left bewildered as the ball and Wang Feng surged past him. A sense of foreboding welled up in him. Having been teammates with the Chinese superstar for several years, he understood his threat well.
Alt?ntop tried to turn and catch up, but he was a step too slow. In front of the penalty area, Wang Feng used his left foot to shoot directly, but Gtasaray defender Kaya immediately flew forward to block the shot.
Faced with this situation, the Chinese superstar changed his shot to a chip, using the back of his foot to lift the ball sideways, evading the defender, and then switching to his right foot for a volley. "Bang!" A meteor streaked across the Gtasaray penalty area, piercing through the goal line and hitting the fiercely, leaving goalkeeper Muslera with a face of despair as he failed to save it.
".Goooooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!! Wang Feng''s volley pierces through the Gtasaray goal, expanding the score to 2-0!!"
"Before the goal, he demonstrated an extremely brilliant sequence of chip dribbles. What is absolute ball sense? This is absolute ball sense!"
"The pitch is no longer enough to fully showcase the superb ball skills of the Chinese superstar. So, the sky has be the stage for his performance. The ball seems to be driven by a control system and flies to wherever Wang Feng desires."
In the 75th minute of the second half, Alonso assisted lvaro Arbeloa in scoring the third goal, ultimately locking the score at 3-0.
Inparison to Real Madrid''s victory over their opponents, the match between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain was not so smooth. This match was full of controversy from the start.
The main focus was on the confrontation between Ibrahimovic and his former team, as Piqu inadvertently stabbed the team and Messi during an interview before the match.
The issue originally revolved around Piqu''s wife, Shakira, and their newborn baby. "You wouldn''t believe it, but she is aplete football ignoramus. When recording the World Cup theme song, she had only heard of Wang Feng''s name."
When asked about Messi, Piqu smiled and said his wife didn''t know about him at first, but now she does. "Leo is an absolute protagonist of Barcelona, and he is also one of the representatives of the football world."
The Spaniard admitted that Ibrahimovic is an excellent yer, but his style of y is unique and requires a significant role, which Barcelona evidently couldn''t provide.
"That belongs to Leo, and no one can shake it. So, in the end, he let Ibrahimovic leave."
This statement caused a stir, and Barcelona also experienced a tough battle at the Parc des Princes, ultimately drawing 2-2 with Paris Saint-Germain.
Chapter 613: The Mountain to Be Crossed
Chapter 613: The Mountain to Be Crossed
From the technical statistics after the end of the match, it can be seen that there was not much difference in performance between Paris and Barcelona. Both sides had 14 and 15 shots respectively, with 5 shots on target each, so a draw was a reasonable result, although Paris suffered from being two goals down at home.
Ibrahimovic expressed his courage against Barcelona in an interview, saying, "Barcelona is certainly one of the best teams in the world. Apart from their rich history, they also have an excellent lineup. But we also have a group of outstanding partners who are eager to make history for the team!"
As for the dispute over the forward position with Messi in the past, the Swede did not want to say much, only praising the Argentine star''s outstanding skills, and stating that his departure had little to do with Messi.
"Even now, I am not the number one star of Paris Saint-Germain." Ibrahimovic said, "Beckham? He is the spiritual leader in the locker room, his rich game experience and strong heart always influence his teammates."
Looking forward to the future after advancing, the Swedish star bluntly stated that the opponent he least wanted to encounter was Real Madrid led by Wang Feng. "God, you can never experience the despair on the pitch, he is the most outstanding yer on this."
The imposing Ibrahimovic obviously remembered his past bitter experiences and involuntarily revealed a sense of lingering fear.
"Wang Feng has monopolized the Ballon d''Or for nearly ten years. Perhaps FIFA can consider naming it after him. This would be a mutual honor for both sides."
"I think we don''t have to wait for the Chinese superstar to retire. We can conclusively say now that his greatness surpasses both the past and the future."
Back to the league, in the 30th round of La Liga, the Gxy Battleship challenged Levante away. Ancelotti ced Ramos, Alonso, Modric, and other main yers on the bench, still led by Wang Feng with a rotational lineup.
The away team took the lead in the 11th minute. The Chinese superstar quickly advanced along the sideline, dribbled past the opponent number 18, and crossed into the penalty area. Morata volleyed the ball into the near the penalty spot.
Real Madrid further expanded their lead six minutester. Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass to Coentrao, who feigned a move to the baseline before cutting inside and then passed the ball directly to Denis, the young Russian, who tapped it into the.
In the 39th minute, Wang Feng and Carvajal tore open the Levante defense with consecutive passes. The former unselfishly crossed from the left side of the penalty area, and Morata, who followed up, volleyed the ball into the empty.
A huge 3-0 lead was established by halftime!
As soon as the second half began, Real Madrid stormed into the opponent''s half. Wang Feng sent a lobbed pass into the penalty area, where Diop''s header clearance hit his teammate Lell''s hand.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty kick to the Gxy Battleship, despite Levante''s yers'' repeated exnations. He believed that Lell''s hand was raised too high and, if not for blocking the ball''s path, it could have reached the feet of an opposition yer, posing a threat.
The Real Madrid yers all focused their gaze on Wang Feng. He was the team''s number one penalty taker, with a very impressive conversion rate. However, to everyone''s surprise, the Chinese superstar pointed to Morata, indicating for him to take the penalty.
"You''ve already scored two,e on, embrace your first La Liga hat-trick of your career!"
The young Spanish forward was immediately delighted. Taking a deep breath, he nervously received the ball from Wang Feng''s hand. "Don''t be nervous, you can do it. This is the best opportunity without pressure!"
Morata nodded solemnly, with the entire stadium''s attention focused on this young yer who was about to turn 21. He ran up, took the shot! The ball went in! He deceived the goalkeeper and sent the ball into the bottom right corner!
At the age of 20 years and 168 days, scoring three goals in a row, he became the second youngest hat-trick scorer in La Liga after Messi!
The Real Madrid fans who had traveled from afar stood up to cheer for him, very happy to see talents constantly emerging from the club. Even many home fans also apuded.
As for the yers on the field, they surrounded Morata, celebrating this hard-won record together. "You, kid, you have to treat us today!" Carvajal excitedly rubbed his head.
The young Spanish forward nodded repeatedly, thanking his teammates incessantly, especially captain Wang Feng. Without his two assists and letting penalties, he would never have achieved this feat.
Regardless of how the future develops, today his achievement will be forever engraved in the annals of history.
To secure the victory, head coach Ancelotti substituted Wang Feng and other main yers. In the final moments of the game, Levante''s Michel and Real Madrid''s Varane each scored a goal, making the final score 5-1.
Without time for rest, the entire Gxy Battleship team boarded a charter ne the next day and rushed to Istanbul, preparing for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Gtasaray midweek.
Although they gained a significant advantage in the first leg, football is round, and nothing is certain until the final result is determined.
In order to let the yers rx both physically and mentally, the club specially arranged for them to stay at the most luxurious hotel in the worldthe Ciragan Pce. This hotel was originally a Baroque-style pce built by the Sultan of Turkey in 1863 andter converted into a hotel.
It is located on the European side of Istanbul, next to the Bosphorus Strait, with Asia just across the water. From the rooms, one can see the ck Sea and the Sea of Marmara, making for a very pleasant scenery.
It is also one of the top venues for national events, having hosted organizers of events such as F1, WTA, and the European Basketball League, thus having rich experience.
Even so, the consecutive battles and the fatigue of travel inevitably affected the yers'' condition. They had failed twice in away games in Turkey in their history; it was too far from Spain!
The match started, but the away team failed to get into gear in time, and Gtasaray took advantage of the loopholes to take the lead. In the 4th minute, Sneijder broke through on the side and crossed, with Eboue unmarked at the far post, so he calmly adjusted and shot, piercing through Casis''s fingertips.
Real Madrid equalized in the 30th minute. Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass to the right side of the penalty area, Carvajal crossed, and Higuain headed in from close range to score a crucial away goal.
The second half was even more intense, with both sides constantly strengthening their confrontation and attacks. First, Sneijder dribbled past Ramos and low shot after that, then Wang Feng lofted a pass into the penalty area from forty-five degrees in front of the penalty area, and Modric volleyed sideways to score.
In the end, both sides drew 2-2, with a total score of 5-2 over two legs, and Real Madrid eliminated Gtasaray to advance to the Champions League semi-finals!
In another focus battle, Barcelona drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou, with a total score of 3-3. The Catn team advanced to the next round thanks to one more away goal.
Dortmund and Bayern Munich also won against their respective opponents to advance to the semi-finals, making the Champions League situation seem like a direct confrontation between La Liga and the Bundesliga.
It seemed as if even the heavens had deliberately arranged it this way. In the subsequent draw, Real Madrid met Dortmund, while Barcelona faced Bayern.
"The worst possible oue!" Coach Ancelotti and his coaching staff were very worried. The results ofst year''s group stage shes were still fresh in their minds. The Yellow Submarine seemed like an insurmountable mountain blocking the team''s path forward.
Their tactical approach felt like it restrained the Gxy Battleship, and although the yers were enthusiastic, they must ovee them if they wanted to defend their title!
Chapter 614: The Crisis, A New Star Shines
Chapter 614: The Crisis, A New Star Shines
After 30 rounds of La Liga matches, the title race was heating up, with Real Madrid and Barcelona tied on points. However, Barcelona led the table due to a superior goal difference of 5.
Atletico Madrid, in third ce, was holding steady, while the battle for the final Champions League spot was intense. Real Sociedad, in excellent form since the new year, had taken the lead, leading Valencia by four points.
As Athletic Bilbao''s performance declined, Real Sociedad became the gbearer of Basque football, defeating both Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in sessive matches.
Coach Montanier had fielded a younger and more technically adept squad, making Real Sociedad the La Liga club most reliant on youth development after Barcelona. They even fielded starting lineups directly from their youth academy.
ording to statistics from the British Daily Mail, the top three European clubs with the most local youth talent in their first teams were Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao, while clubs from Ligue 1 upied positions 4 to 8. Real Madrid did not make the list.
This indicates that Real Madrid does have the ability to develop youth talent, but they tend to prefer sending young yers to other clubs for development.
While thepetition at the top of La Liga was fierce, the relegation battle was particrly dismal. Five teams had not umted more than 30 points after 30 rounds, a situation unprecedented in history, leading to a continually decreasing relegation line.
Deportivo La Coruna temporarily secured safety with a four-game winning streak, thanks in part to theirpetitors such as Celta Vigo, Zaragoza, and Granada stagnating.
In the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at home, with goals from Higuain, Morata, and Modric, with Wang Feng contributing an assist.
In the 32nd round of La Liga, the Gxy Battleship challenged Real Betis away. The Chinese superstar opened the scoring with a long-range shot in the 21st minute, and then assisted Alonso in breaking the deadlock of the home team.
With additional goals from Carvajal and Campbell for each side, the final score was 3-1, with Real Madrid again securing all three points.
Meanwhile, Barcelona also defeated their league opponents sessively, with both teams vying for the title neck and neck. Then, almost at the same time, they departed from Spain to prepare for their respective Champions League journeys.
Barcelona yed against Bayern Munich a day earlier, with Muller contributing two goals and an assist, while Robben and Dong Zhuo sessively scored to help the team sweep Catalonia 4-0.
Before Real Madrid fans could revel in schadenfreude, the Gxy Battleship faced Borussia Dortmund in the subsequent match. In the 11th minute, while Wang Feng was contesting with Dortmund midfielder Gundogan, he identally twisted his ankle.
After receiving simple treatment on the sidelines, the team doctor rmended personnel adjustments to the coaching staff. Although the Chinese superstar had strong recovery abilities, as he aged, his recovery time also slowed down.
Considering the uing second leg match and the subsequent leaguepetition, and realizing that he could not y at full strength by staying on the field, Wang Feng agreed to leave the field early for treatment.
Therefore, Ancelotti substituted him with Isco. At that time, no one could have predicted that this action would plunge Real Madrid into utter despair.
Dortmund''s striker Lewandowski, with assists from Gotze and Reus,pletely pierced through the Gxy Battleship''s defense line. Starting from the 21st minute, he scored four goals consecutively, achieving a legendary performance.
Real Madrid''s best chance came in the 71st minute of the second half, when Carvajal''s cross found Higuain at the back post, but Higuain failed to score from close range.
The Chinese superstar witnessed the disaster unfold from the hospital, unable to calm his emotions, watching the team suffer a devastating defeat but powerless to do anything. This was the second time in his career!
The first time dates back to the 2006 World Cup semi-final against the host Germany. In that match, he yed with an injury and scored a goal but could not prevent the opponent from scoring four goals to eliminate the Chinese team.
Would the situation have been better if he had stayed on the field? At this moment, Wang Feng truly felt the troubles caused by aging. Perhaps he was still at the peak of football, but sooner orter, he would gradually exit the stage of history.
He clenched his fists tightly, unwilling to decline at this moment!
"A shocking defeat that shakes the football world! The top two La Liga giants suffer their worst defeats in the Champions League since the restructuring 24 years ago!"
After the match, overwhelming news swept through the entire football world, making people feel as if the world had undergone a drastic change overnight. Was this still the invincible Gxy Battleship and the feared Universe Barcelona?
The German magazine Kicker was quick to publish ament on its official website: "The oue of Real-Barca''s elimination is already set, the Bundesliga''s twin powers will meet in the Champions League final!"
The article pointed out that such a disastrous defeat in the Champions League semi-finals was extremely rare, and aeback victory was impossible.
"Real Madrid and Barcelona undoubtedly y the roles of tragic heroes. Barcelona only managed one shot on target throughout the match, and the highly anticipated Messi once again drowned in the game,mitting six mistakes, equaling his personal record for mistakes in a single season."
"Real Madrid, on the other hand, copsed entirely after Wang Feng left the field prematurely, their defense became leaky, and their attack wasted the opportunities that were hard toe by, especially Higuain''s miss from an open goal."
The Sports Bild provided a detailed analysis of Dortmund''s "magic weapon" in defeating Real Madrid, fully utilizing an overall offensive and defensive strategy, especially the multiple threats posed to Real Madrid from all sides of the attack.
With the absence of the Chinese superstar, the Yellow and cks often gained second or even third attacking opportunities, and this sustained pressure always forced the opponents to make mistakes.
As absolute heroes, Lewandowski and Thomas Muller became the focus of discussion. While everyone always believed that under the football god Wang Feng, Messi and Ronaldo monopolized the ranks of superstars, it now appeared that other yers were not far behind.
Especially Lewandowski, strong in physique and excellent in technical skills, very calm in handling the ball, he was a rare all-around center forward. It was believed that after this match, his value would soar, bing the target of many top clubs.
Returning to Madrid with a devastating defeat, the entire Real Madrid team appeared very despondent and low-spirited. The dreamlike dynasty finally came to an end. Unexpectedly, about 100 fans gathered at Barajas Airport to wait for the team.
They held up various banners with words of support and encouragement, making every yer feel warm. Even the most critical ones would not me too much, because the club had done enough.
"Let''s try harder next year, I believe in you, Wang!" A beautiful female fan squeezed to the front and shouted towards the Chinese superstar. He then looked at her and reluctantly showed a smile, nodding heavily.
Seeing Wang Feng respond, nearby fans also began to shout, gradually rallying everyone around, making it feel not like facing a defeat but like weing a triumph.
This was the prestige and charm of the Chinese superstar!
Barcelona, on the other hand, did not have such a good situation. ording to Mundo Deportivo, extreme fans appeared at the Barcelona El Prat Airport. From coach Roura and core Messi to defenders like Pique and Alves who made mistakes, they all faced insults and curses.
Chapter 615: The Supreme Being
Chapter 615: The Supreme Being
Despite feeling extremely disappointed and dejected, Real Madrid and Barcelona dared not ck off in the uing league matches. In the 33rd round of La Liga, the Gxy Battleship challenged Atletico Madrid at home.
Although Wang Feng still felt some difort in his ankle, he insisted on starting the game. He repeatedly limited Falcao''s performance and assisted Carvajal in breaking the deadlock in the 34th minute with a direct pass into the penalty area.
In the second half, the Chinese superstar cooperated with Modric and Alonso multiple times, and the Croatian midfielder''s long-range shot near the edge of the penalty area widened the lead. In the end, the home team won 2-0 against their city rivals.
Barcelona relied on goals from Messi and Iniesta to defeat Athletic Bilbao 2-1, and thepetition continued.
After the regr training session, Ancelotti found Wang Feng and asked with concern, ''The team doctor told me that your foot is still not in good shape. How about not ying in tomorrow''s second leg against Borussia Dortmund?'' ''Mr. Florentino also fully agrees with this idea. Your health is the most important.''
The staff were rubbing the injured part of the Chinese superstar with a towel. After hesitating for a moment, he firmly said, "No, sir, I don''t want to give up before the battle. I will never surrender until thest moment!"
Ancelotti wanted to persuade him again, but when he saw Wang Feng''s unwavering gaze, the Italian''s heart was lifted. Everyone knew that the Chinese superstar had relied on his determination toe this far, but they didn''t know just how determined he really was!
There was no point in persuading him further. Perhaps there was also a tiny bit of hope deep down in his heart, hoping that "Diwangros" would once again show his prowess.
Of course, such hopes were too extravagant. As the game reached the 80th minute, the scoreboard at the Bernabeu still showed two "0"s.
The home fans in the stands were singing the anthem of Real Madrid passionately. Even facing elimination, they had too many reasons not to be too sad.
Coach Ancelotti felt rtively satisfied. To be honest, the Gxy Battleship yed well in this match. Dortmund still maintained a high level of y, but Real Madrid''s defense was much more stable than in the previous match. As for the attack, it was understandable that it was somewhat weak.
Seeing that the away team was no longer as aggressive, the Italian coach decided to substitute Wang Feng early. He waved to bring Isco to the sidelines for warm-up.
In the Dortmund coaching area, Klopp had been sitting in his chair discussing tactics for the final against Bayern Munich with his assistant coach for a long time. He didn''t even bother to look at the current situation of the match.
It seemed that everyone in the stadium had already epted the final result, except for one person, Wang Feng. He had given his all to block Dortmund''s sharp attacks for the first eighty minutes and had nned several brilliant counterattacks.
But it wasn''t enough! Far from enough! Had they exhausted all their strategies? Was everything beyond redemption?
If that was the case, forget about defense! Why not pick up his best weapon? So the Chinese superstar, in a rare move, abandoned his defensive position and went straight to the front.
This sudden change caught the away team off guard,pletely disrupting their ns tond smoothly. In their panic, Hummels'' passcked power and was intercepted by Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar then dribbled past Subotic and entered the penalty area, calmly shooting into the bottom right corner as Weidenfeller rushed out.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Real Madrid finally breaks the deadlock!"
"This is an attack initiated by Wang Feng himself, still so familiar. When ites to attacking, there is no yer in the world who can match him."
"Oh? I can see the Chinese superstar running with the ball towards the center circle. Until now, he hasn''t given up on the game. It''s really touching."
"Let''s review the whole process of this goal. Hummels made a rookie mistake. His passing route was seen through by the opponent, and it didn''t have enough power. It feels like he directly passed the ball to Wang Feng."
"Then everything that happened was natural. Losing the ball in the backcourt to the world''s top striker. It would have been strange if there were no goals."
"What''s going on? Why is Wang Feng still running with the ball in the live broadcast? My God, the ball is in, no, it''s in again! Wang Feng scored his second goal!"
"Dortmund just kicked off twice, and he''s already sliding the ball to Morata in the frontcourt. Then he quickly got up and raised his hand to signal."
"The Spanish youngster sends a diagonal pass, Wang Feng uses a bicycle kick to deceive Piszczek, breaks into the penalty area, and calmly shoots into the far corner, sting open the away team''s goal again."
"So fast, the cameraman can''t even cut back to the live scene in time!"
Due to these two goals, the Bernabeu seemed like a powder keg that had been ignited. The home team yers, who had lost their fighting spirit, suddenly became extremely excited. The captain had not given up, and the man known as the miracle himself was still working hard!
So when Dortmund kicked off again, the Gxy Battleship rushed forward with all their might. For the Yellow and cks, who had stirred up a storm of youth, they were strong everywhere but had a fatal wck of experience in facing sudden changes.
Soon, Khedira lost the ball under the pressure of Modric and Alonso, and thetter, observing the situation, immediately found the Chinese superstar in a distant position.
His subconscious movement seemed to be carved into his muscles. The Spanish midfielder lifted the ball towards the penalty area, and Wang Feng jumped directly from 14 meters away, volleying it as it fell.
The ball drew a rainbow-like arc under the attention of over ny thousand people, flying past Weidenfeller''s fingertips and mming into the from the inside of the far post, leaving only him and the surrounding defenders with despairing expressions.
Such a swift shot, even if dyed by a second, they would never give the Chinese superstar a chance to shoot, but Wang Feng left no room for any defensive possibilities.
The home team''s frenzy continued. This time, Ramospleted a steal and passed it to Marcelo. The Brazilian ran wildly along the sideline to near the penalty area, forcing a cross from the byline.
Wang Feng jumped high at the near post, outmuscling Hummels to head it towards the near corner. The ball was fast and urgent, slipping into the before goalkeeper Weidenfeller could reach it.
The fourth goal! Real Madrid equalized! Thementators from various countries who were broadcasting live were already out of words, only able to continuously shout "goal!" until they were hoarse.
In the 89th minute, Modric lofted a ball into the area, but when the Chinese superstar managed to shake off his marker and catch up, the ball had already passed the range of the goal and was nearing the touchline.
But he was still a step too slow to get to the optimal position. With the goal behind him and the ball about to go out, Wang Feng, against all odds, jumped up and used a scissor kick with his right leg to hit it.
Apart from applying force backward, he also deliberately swung sideways slightly to apply spin with the outside of his foot. This was the best he could do with his utmost body control!
The ball didn''t disappoint the Chinese superstar''s expectations. Under the gaze of over ny thousand people, it moved in a small arc, flew past the goalmouth, and then hit the inside of the far post, fiercely bouncing into the!
"What did I just see! Real Madrid scored again, and they actually reversed the score! Wang Feng actually scored a zero-angle scissor kick?! What a divine goal! He single-handedly turned the tide of the game with five goals!"
"More importantly, all this happened within 9 minutes. To be precise, 8 minutes and 22 seconds. I can''t calm down anymore. I bet this must be a new Guinness World Record!"
And in the live broadcast room in China, Zhang Jun roared, "Five goals in nine minutes, what do you call that? The Supreme Being?"
Chapter 616: Victory Belonging to the Whole Real Madrid Team
Chapter 616: Victory Belonging to the Whole Real Madrid Team
Wang Feng could finally celebrate his goals without restraint. He sprinted to the sidelines, opening his arms to ept the praise and admiration of the home fans, while his teammates rushed forward to hug him.
"It''s too magical, too unbelievable!" Alonso still hadn''t recovered from his shock, constantly looking up at the electronic scoreboard, wondering if he was dreaming.
He wasn''t the only one with such thoughts. Ancelotti once again contributed to the collection of surprised expressions, while his assistant Zidane stroked his bald head, then repeatedly shook his hands to ease his excitement.
Klopp fell to his knees, hands clutching his head. This had to be a nightmare, there was no way a yer could achieve such a feat, especially on the stage of the Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid yers cheered and ran wild, while Dortmund yers slumped to the ground in despair. Everyone couldn''t ept this result, especially Lewandowski. He had just been pleased with himself for breaking through the Gxy Battleship''s defense four times, but in the blink of an eye, the opponent staged a miraculous 9-minute, 5-goaleback?
The referee finally stepped forward to signal both teams to continue the game, but he could see that neither side had the heart to continue fighting, so when the two-minute injury time was up, he blew the final whistle.
The Real Madrid coaching staff, substitutes, and staff rushed onto the field to surround Wang Feng and throw him high in the air, celebrating with this miracle yer.
The Bernabeu big screen kept reying the highlights of thest ten minutes, and countless home fans were reluctant to leave, chanting "Diwangros" and celebrating as if it were a festival.
In the mixed interview zone after the match, the Chinese superstar was naturally surrounded by reporters. "Yes, I''m also surprised and excited to achieve this feat. But more importantly, I helped the team advance to the Champions League final."
"This credit cannot be solely attributed to me. Without the active efforts of my teammates to create opportunities, there would be no possibility of aeback," he added. "This is a miracle belonging to everyone at Real Madrid!"
Ancelotti praised Wang Feng continuously at the press conference. "He always amazes people. Some say Wang is the miracle itself. I think after today, there should be no more doubts."
Regarding the Chinese superstar''s proactive approach in the final moments, the Italian admitted it wasn''t his arrangement. "At that time, I was nning to substitute him off. You know, he was still injured."
"But Wang''s two sudden attack goalspletely revitalized the whole team. I saw the team regain their passion under his leadership, while the opponents werepletely at a loss."
This view was endorsed by Dortmund head coach Klopp. "The ck Ten Minutes, everything happened too quickly, catching everyone off guard."
He admitted that if there was a timeout like in basketball, the Yellow and cks would never have lost. "Our yers are too young, there is no talisman on the field to remind them to stabilize the situation."
"When we review the footage, we will find that the opponents were also in chaos. The defense copsedpletely, there were plenty of spaces in the backline, just one long pass could immediately break Real Madrid''s defense. Lewandowski could definitely do it."
"But the yers were scared, their eyes werepletely blinded. They could see their teammates nearby but couldn''t see the situation ahead, falling into the Gxy Battleship''s relentless pressing and making mistakes very easily."
The German coach admitted that he made a big mistake in tactical arrangements, using up all three substitution slots too early, just to give up on training for the Champions League final.
"If I could still make substitutions at that time, it could effectively disrupt Real Madrid''s offensive momentum. But I underestimated Wang Feng''s miraculous abilities, his pursuit of victory and determination. He is truly worthy of the titles of King of the Ballon d''Or and God of Football."
Lewandowski, the hero of the first leg with his four goals, told reporters that if Wang Feng hadn''t been absent from the game, he would never have scored so many goals.
"Wang''s defense is very solid and difficult to deal with. I tried many ways to break through but was stopped. Seven turnovers in the whole game taught me a big lesson."
Regarding the 9-minute, 5-goal feat, the Polish striker said he was stunned. He didn''t know anyone besides the Chinese superstar who could pull off such a miraculous performance.
When Lewandowski achieved the same feat two yearster, only 37 seconds slower than Wang Feng, he said it was an honor and tribute, being mentioned alongside the greatest yers in history.
9 minutes dismantling Dortmund, Real Madrid''s sensationaleback to reach the Champions League final, the golden dynasty continued to thrive!
Major news media around the world went crazy publishing news andments, vying for readership.
Even the Guinness officials took the initiative to announce that Wang Feng''s feat set multiple football records: 57 seconds for the fastest brace, 2 minutes and 59 seconds for the fastest hat-trick, 5 minutes and 11 seconds for the fastest quadruple, and 8 minutes and 22 seconds for the fastest five goals in a single match.
Germany''s Kicker magazine mourned for Dortmund, saying, "They could be winners at any other time, but not against Wang Feng."
Adhering to a serious and rigorous attitude, the magazine specifically invited experts in mechanics and aerodynamics to study the parameters of Real Madrid''sst goal, the zero-angle overhead bicycle kick.
"A bicycle kick while upside down simultaneously making the ball spin to form a curved trajectory is too difficult. Even mechanical devices cannot guarantee sess every time, but Wang Feng did it. His control over all aspects of his body is unparalleled."
"This goal can be booked for the Puskas Award next year. It''s astonishing and difficult to replicate!"
As Barcelona, who returned to Camp Nou with almost a forfeited game, rotated many key yers, including Messi, suffered a 0-3 defeat to Bayern Munich, losing 0-7 on aggregate. The Catn team once again became the perpetrator of a tragedy.
Withoutparison, there would be no harm. Faced with overwhelming criticism and abuse, Messi finally couldn''t control his emotions andined loudly in front of the media, "You can''t always expect me to be like Wang!"
"He is the greatest yer, winning 9 Ballon d''Or awards and 11 European Golden Shoes, as well as the World Cup. I have nothing!"
These remarks naturally caused a great controversy. To avoid media misinterpretation, the Argentine starter posted a detailed article on social media.
He first congratted Wang Feng, expressing his surprise at the unprecedented miracle. Then he mentioned that the Chinese superstar was a senior he had always respected and a goal and direction he had been striving for.
The two of them werepetitors at the team level, but not at the personal level.
Wang Feng replied to the message, saying that there would be more toe soon and that he believed in bing the leader of the new era in football.
This refers to the honor of the Golden Boot this season. As of now, the Argentine star has scored 43 goals, far ahead of Falcao''s 27 and Wang Feng''s 24, firmly securing the top spot in the La Liga Golden Boot race.
Looking across Europe, he is also among the best, with only Ronaldo''s 33 goals ahead of him. In the remaining matches, it will be difficult for the Portuguese star to erase the 10-goal gap.
The Chinese superstar''s remarks were generally regarded by the outside world as pointing to a "sessor," but as for when the "inheritance" would take ce, it would be up to Wang Feng himself to decide.
Other football friends and well-known yers also sent messages to congratte him. With the vigorous development of the Inte, everyone gradually shifted from text messages to online tforms. Wang Feng responded to each one with gratitude.
Chapter 617: Exactly One Thousand Goals
Chapter 617: Exactly One Thousand Goals
Real Madrid''s entire team was immersed in the joy of overturning and advancing in the Champions League, but they couldn''t stop because there was still the crucial battle for the league title.
On May 4, 2013, in the 34th round of La Liga, the Gxy Battleship challenged Real Vadolid away.
Before the match, the media and fans found that including all the data of this season, Wang Feng''s official goals inpetitive matches had reached 999, just one step away from a thousand goals! Competitive matches here only include club leagues, domestic cup matches, Europeanpetitions, super cups, and intercontinental matches.
It does not include national team qualifiers, continental championships, and World Cups, excluding friendly matches,mercial matches, and simr tournaments such as the Audi Cup and the UbiSio Cup.
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) affirmed the news, "This is indisputably standard data that can be easily queried and archived. Wang Feng is about to wee his historic moment, which is also a historic moment in modern football."
With these words, the football world boiled. What was originally just an ordinary La Liga match instantly attracted the attention of the whole world. Arge crowd gathered in Vadolid, a small city northwest of Madrid, to witness the legend.
In an interview before the match, Wang Feng said that although this record was tempting, he cared more about winning the league title and would not deliberately pursue it at the expense of the team''s performance.
Vadolid midfielder Rubio said enthusiastically, "It''s hard to imagine that we could attract so much attention, but everyone is destined to be disappointed because we will do our best to stop Wang Feng!"
When the game started, all spectators found that the statements of the two were basically in line with reality. The Chinese superstar spent most of the time stabilizing the defense in the back, intercepting the home team''s fast counterattacks.
On the attacking end, Real Madrid yers would seize limited opportunities to deliver the ball to him, but at this time, Vadolid''s interceptions were exceptionally fierce. They really didn''t want to be mere background characters.
In the 17th minute, Modric passed the ball to Wang Feng on the right nk. He used his eleration to shake off Victor and immediately attracted the attention of two defending yers.
So, without hesitation, the Chinese superstar slotted the ball into the penalty area, finding Morata in a better position. Thetter calmly adjusted and shot from 12 meters out. The ball was deflected by Ruda''s leg but still bounced into the.
"The Gxy Battleship takes the lead! Wang Feng is indeed very visionary. In the face of a historic achievement, he remains calm and makes the most reasonable choice. No wonder he can help the team win one championship after another and earn the respect of all his teammates!"
He could receive such praise without exaggeration. Ten minutester, the Chinese superstar intercepted the ball in midfield and quicklyunched an attack. In a three-on-four situation in the frontcourt, in order to form a threat more quickly and efficiently, he decisively passed the ball directly to Carvajal ahead.
Carvajal seized the opportunity to pass to Iguan, and the three of them cooperated perfectly to tear apart Vadolid''s defense, quickly passing the ball to the forefront of the attack.
The Argentine then dribbled into the penalty area and calmly pushed the ball into the far corner, further expanding the lead.
After the break, in the 64th minute, Omar crossed from the left side of the penalty area. Valverde failed to intercept at the near post, and Gre stabbed in from a distance to pull one back.
But they didn''t have much joy because just four minutester, Alonso''s long pass into the penalty area was swept in by Modric before Rukavina, making it 3-1! Real Madrid basically secured the victory!
Every time at this point, coach Ancelotti would substitute Wang Feng off to rest, but today he didn''t do so. The Italian also hoped that the Chinese superstar would make a breakthrough.
Seeing that the team''s victory was certain, Wang Feng also tried to score more goals, but the home team adopted a strict defensive posture against him, so there were no good opportunities.
As the saying goes, fortune favors the prepared mind. As the game neared its end, the Gxy Battleship won a set-piece opportunity on the wing. Originally, Alonso called Wang Feng to the penalty area topete for a header, but he thought it was unlikely and decided to take the free kick himself.
After the ball was floated into the penalty area, chaos ensued. Ramos''s header was blocked by Barrenziaga, and nearby, Gre hurriedly cleared the ball, but it went slightly off target, falling right in front of the Chinese superstar who was supporting from the outside.
Wang Feng hesitated for a moment and then made a decision. He held his breath, focused his mind, and kicked the ball fiercely as it came, shooting like an arrow!
"Bang!" It was as if a white light pierced through Vadolid''s penalty area, piercing straight into the top right corner of the goal. Although goalkeeper Jmnez made a flying save, it was still a few inches off.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! Beautiful! The goal is in! Wang Feng''s 1000th goal has finally arrived!"
"On the night of May 4, 2013, at 9:52 p.m., this is a moment that all football people deserve to remember forever. The Chinese superstar scored his 1000th goal in official matches!"
"A great record, a legendary number. He achieved such data in less than 14 years, and I believe that when he retires, Wang Feng will leave even more astonishing achievements!"
"At this moment, let us cheer and apud for him together. All the fans who are paying attention to this match have be witnesses to history, how lucky and honored!"
The away team''s fans, who had been patient throughout the match, couldn''t wait to disy the banner with the number 1000 and waved it frantically, while the home team''s fans generously stood up and apuded Wang Feng.
The goal celebrationsted for almost 5 minutes, and the Vadolid yers did not interfere. Although they allowed the opponents to set the record, it was achieved through their own efforts.
The referee also received a greeting from La Liga before the match, and everyone agreed to press the pause button for the game. The Chinese superstar deserved this respect.
When the game restarted, both sides no longer had clear goals. A few minutester, the final whistle blew, and the Gxy Battleship defeated their opponents 4-1.
The IFFHS, which had prepared the manuscript early, immediately provided detailed data on Wang Feng''s career 1000 goals: Half a season at Virton in Belgium, ying 3 games and contributing 5 goals for the team.
A season and a half at Genk in the Belgian Pro League, ying 59 games and contributing 91 goals.
Five seasons at Inter Mn in Serie A, ying 304 games and contributing 327 goals for the team.
Seven seasons at Real Madrid in La Liga, ying 409 games and contributing 498 goals for the team.
Representing the Chinese national team, he yed 49 games and contributed 79 goals.
"In 14 years, Wang Feng yed 824 official matches and scored 1000 goals. Whether it''s the number of goals, goal efficiency, or match attendance rate, he is unparalleled in the football world."
Topare, they also specifically provided Pel''s official data. During his 18 years at Santos, he scored 643 goals, during his 3 years at New York Cosmos, he scored 64 goals, and for the Brazilian national team, he scored 77 goals, totaling 784 goals.
The goal data typically reported for Pel is "1281 goals in 1363 matches," but it includes arge number of friendly match data, especially variousmercial activities. Scoring seven or eight goals in one match wasmon, so it had no statistical significance at all.
"Wang Feng achieved an unreachable height in just 14 years. The more you analyze this number from a data perspective, the more terrifying it bes. It almostcks any possibility of being surpassed."
Tomemorate this historic achievement, the IFFHS decided to award the Chinese superstar with a Gold Cast Trophy, a resolution passed unanimously by the association''s management.
After nearly a month of manufacturing, Wang Feng received his exclusive trophy. The golden base was engraved with the Arabic numeral "1000," with 100 shining gems embedded on it. The bottom recorded the detailed information of the goals.
Chapter 618: Mourning, Seven Consecutive Titles!
Chapter 618: Mourning, Seven Consecutive Titles!
The widespread reports and praises did not change Wang Feng''s daily routine. Training and matches remained the mainstay of his life.
In the 35th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Espanyol at home.
In the 23rd minute, Varane opened the scoring for the Gxy Battleship. Wang Feng took a corner kick, Modric''s header was saved by Casi, Alonso retrieved the ball back to the middle, and Varane shot fiercely from 8 meters.
In the second half, the Chinese superstar and Modric continued their consecutive passing cooperation in the frontcourt. Modric lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Morata headed in from 10 meters.
The home team eventually defeated their opponents 2-0. Although Wang Feng did not score or assist, he maintained the defense while creating several attacking opportunities. He was awarded the highest rating and named the best yer of the match.
In this round, Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1, narrowing the gap in goal difference to just 2 goals.
Messi scored a goal but suffered an injury in the 60th minute and was eventually substituted by Coach Roura.
Countless Catn fans were worried about Messi''s injury, continuously inquiring about the Argentine superstar''s condition on the club''s official tform. At such a crucial moment in the title race, any mishap must be avoided at all costs.
Fortunately, Rourater stated in a press conference that Messi''s injury was not serious, and he would need about three to four days of rest to recover. This news relieved everyone.
However, the Spanish coach''s expression was not sunny because the team doctor rmended that Messi rest for two to three weeks. Neither Messi nor the club could ept this, so they could only choose to y through the injury and hope it wouldn''t worsen.
In the 36th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Mga away.
Just 122 seconds into the game, the away team took the lead. Wang Feng took a corner kick, and Arbeloa headed in from the edge of the small penalty area.
The home team equalized in the 15th minute, also from a corner kick opportunity. Isco floated the ball into the penalty area, Lugano headed it to the far post, and Santa Cruz stabbed it in from close range.
Seven minutester, the Chinese superstar sent a through pass, Iguan sessfully beat the offside trap and found himself in a one-on-one situation. Mga''sst defender, Sergio, had no choice but to bring him down from behind.
The referee immediately showed the red gem card and awarded Real Madrid a free kick in the arc area. Wang Feng took the free kick but missed slightly wide of the post.
ying with one more man made the Gxy Battleship more dominant. In the 26th minute, Carvajal threw the ball in front, Ramos nodded it in from close range, extending the team''s lead.
Nine minutester, they further extended their lead. Wang Feng initiated a quick counterattack, directly passing to Modric, whose shot hit the post and bounced back into y. Marcelo, who was charging forward quickly, scored with a low-angle shot, making it 3-1!
With the encouragement of the fans, Mga showed resilience. In the 36th minute, Portillo sent a through pass, Antunes shot from outside the left edge of the penalty area, finding the top right corner.
In injury time, the Chinese superstar approached the opponent''s penalty area flexibly, causing a mistake, sessfully stealing the ball, and then chipping it into the.
In the 64th minute, Iguan passed back in the penalty area, Modric''s powerful left-footed shot from 20 meters hit the right post and bounced into the. Three minutester, Demichelis tripped Alonso, receiving his second yellow card and being sent off. Mga were left with only 9 yers and lost all hope.
After contributing one assist and one goal, Wang Feng was substituted off. Carvajal further extended the lead with a long shot, and the final score was 6-2.
Although Barcelona fought hard and won 2-1 against Real Vadolid, their goal difference was surpassed by Real Madrid by 1 goal. The Gxy Battleship crowned themselves champions of La Liga for the first time this season!
In the 37th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Real Sociedad at home.
Once again, the Gxy Battleship broke the deadlock first. In the opening moments, Gonzalez made a passing mistake for the away team. Alonso intercepted and passed to Wang Feng, who then yed a through ball to Iguan. The Argentine striker shot into the far corner from 10 meters on the right side of the penalty area.
The game remained evenly matched until the 57th minute of the second half when Carvajal sent in a cross, and the Chinese superstar leaped high to volley the ball into the from a distance.
Seven minutester, Varanemitted a handball foul inside the penalty area while defending a cross from Real Sociedad, gifting them a penalty. Prieto took the penalty kick and scored low to the right corner, pulling one back.
In the 80th minute, Modric''s unsessful breakthrough resulted in a pass back to Wang Feng. The Chinese superstar, from the arc area, lifted the ball over De La Be and then unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, piercing Bravo''s fingertips.
The score settled at 3-1. In this round, Barcelona won 2-0 against Mga, and Real Madrid maintained their lead with just 1 more goal difference.
This brought relief to the Catn fans as Barcelona won the Spanish Cup final 2-1 against Atletico Madrid, ensuring they didn''t end the season empty-handed.
No one expected the title race to be so intense, with both teams tied on points and only a 1-goal difference in goal difference. Therefore, the final showdown was crucial. To avoid controversy, La Liga deliberately scheduled both teams to y at the same time.
Real Madrid challenged Osasuna away, while Barcelona hosted Mga at home.
The Catn team took the lead first, making Real Madrid fans extremely nervous. Even the livementators couldn''t help but exim, "Why does it feel like they can y key moments in cup matches, but these two teams missed so many opportunities before and now face such a cruel situation?"
Finally, the Gxy Battleship broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Wang Feng sent a direct pass, and Iguan turned and shot from 14 meters, finding the bottom right corner.
Just 3 minutester, they extended their lead. Modric received the ball on the wing and crossed it, and Arbeloa headed in from the near post, finding the bottom left corner of the goal.
With the game going on like this, it seemed like Real Madrid was holding onto the trophy. However, Osasuna equalized through Roberto Torres and Joseba Llorente, while on the other side, Mga scored twice through Javi Marquez and Pedro, making the situation very unclear again.
In the 54th minute, Wang Feng started a solo run from midfield, dribbled past three defenders, and then unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the arc, piercing the gloves of the Osasuna goalkeeper.
Six minutester, he repeated his skillful maneuver, dribbling past the defenders. Garcia, the Osasuna defender, had no choice but to bring him down, and the referee awarded Real Madrid a free kick in the attacking half. The Chinese superstar curled the ball over the wall into the top corner.
Two shots and one assist saved the team!
Meanwhile, Mga''s golden boy, Isco, seized a counterattack opportunity and scored a goal, pushing Barcelona to the edge!
Everyone was waiting for Messi to step up and save the day, but what they heard was a heart-wrenching cry echoing through the Camp Nou.
With only 10 minutes left in the game, the Argentine finally ran out of energy. He fell to the ground in pain, clutching his thigh and crying out in agony. Tears streamed down his face. Messi knew, this season, Barcelona was finished!
As expected, after he was substituted, the Catn team failed to score again.
In the end, Real Madrid won 4-2 against Osasuna, while Barcelona won 3-1 against Mga.
The Gxy Battleship dramatically clinched the 2012-2013 La Liga title with a one-goal advantage in goal difference, achieving the magnificent feat of seven consecutive titles!
Chapter 619: The Ultimate Showdown on the Pinnacle Stage
Chapter 619: The Ultimate Showdown on the Pinnacle Stage
As La Liga slowly drew to a close, the final results were presented to everyone. Real Madrid finished first with 32 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss, and 101 points, while Barcelona secured second ce with 33 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses, also with 101 points, but due to goal difference, they fell behind.
Thepetition between the two teams was brutal and tragic!
The Catn team once again settled for the runner-up position by a mere goal, a bitter achievement indeed.
Messi''sst-minute cry of despair was deeply etched in the minds of all Catn fans, bing their eternal scar. Fortunately, the Argentine''s injury was not too severe, and with a month''s rest, he would recover without affecting his participation in the next season.
But could they really make it next season? Every year, everyone would console themselves that next time they would surely seed, and at the beginning of each season, they would lead with various winning streaks, yet all their efforts would turn to nothing in the end.
Barcelona''s head coach, Roura, attributed the failure to win the title mainly to the two losses to Real Madrid in the El Clsico matches, stating, "The advantage and initiative were actually in our hands all along, until the opponent won the two matches, and the bnce gradually tilted in their favor."
Except for the loss to Valencia in the first round of the league, the Gxy Battleship set a record of 37 consecutive unbeaten matches, breaking new historical ground in La Liga, and winning the championship was the best reward for them.
Roura highly praised the yers'' spirit of fighting, taking all the me for the losses himself, and announced his resignation as Barcelona''s head coach on the spot. The club would once again embark on the annual task of finding a new head coach.
Atletico Madrid finished third in the league, with a record of 23 wins, 7 draws, 8 losses, and only 76 points. This made everyone sigh with emotion that the "Spanish Super" was indeed worthy of its name, with Real Madrid and Barcelona ying at a higher level, far ahead of the other 18 teams.
Thest Champions League spot was snatched by Real Sociedad, with a record of 18 wins, 12 draws, 8 losses, and 66 points, just one point higher than Valencia, making the race for the top four equally exciting.
The relegated teams this season were Zaragoza, Deportivo La Coru?a, and Mallorca, while Celta Vigo narrowly avoided relegation by one point.
The three teams promoted from the Segunda Divisin this season were Eibar, Almera, and Virreal, after experiencing a season in the second division, the Yellow Submarine smoothly returned to the top league.
Messi won the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Boot for the first time in his career with 46 goals, which was a somewhatforting constion prize.
Wang Feng scored 30 league goals and provided 39 assists, achieving the rare feat of scoring more than 30 goals and providing more than 30 assists, and his total number of passes was 3087, higher than Barcelona''s Xavi with 2886 and Busquets with 2334.
The Spanish newspaper "El Pas" sighed that the Chinese superstar was the most important guarantee for the Gxy Battleship topete with the Catn team and achieve victory this season.
"Wang Feng has shown apletely new style of y to the world. He is no longer just scoring goals prolifically but also disying fierce defense and excellent attacking organization. The fact proves that he is capable of anything and has the absolute strength to dominate the football world!"
"Marca" detailed the hardships Real Madrid had gone through throughout the season. They suffered injuries one after another at the beginning of the season and even fell behind Barcelona by as much as 7 points at one point.
At this time, the Chinese superstar stepped forward to shoulder the defensive g. With his efforts, the club only conceded 27 goals this season, which was incredible for a defense depleted by injuries.
For this, Wang Feng also paid the price of losing the European Golden Boot award that he had held for 11 consecutive years. "It''s not that he doesn''t have the ability, but he prioritizes tasks that the team needs more," said the report.
"El Mundo Deportivo" wrote an article titled "Tragic Barcelona, Tragic Messi", pointing out that this season was the closest Barcelona had been to the championship trophy.
"Whether it''s head coach Roura or core yer Messi, they have done their best. Perhaps at this moment, we shouldn''t me too much. Let''s admit it, folks, Barcelona just can''t beat Real Madrid led by Wang Feng now."
For a while, the trend of "surrender" was prevailing, but most people said that winning or losing didn''t matter, and when a new showdown arrived, they would be passionate again.
As usual, the trophy for the La Liga champions, which was only decided in the final rounds, would have to wait until the beginning of the next season to be awarded. Real Madrid''s journey was not over yet; they needed to go to Wembley Stadium in Ennd to battle Bayern Munich.
Wang Feng vs. Dong Fangzhuo, the true pinnacle of Europe, the Chinese derby!
This was a sweet trouble for all domestic fans. Which team should they support?
Thergest portal website held arge-scale voting activity, with nearly 200 million fans participating. The results showed a slight advantage for those supporting Dong Fangzhuo.
Their reason was simple: Dong Fangzhuo is currently the only Chinese yer who cane close to Wang Feng, and Bayern had just defeated Dortmund to win the league title. If he helped the team win the double now, could he possibly contend for this year''s Ballon d''Or?
Fans supporting Wang Feng believed that from apetitive perspective, his level was higher and more likely to lead the team to victory.
There was also a considerable number of onlookers who felt that winning or losing didn''t matter; as long as they could witness a thrilling contest on the pinnacle stage, they would have no regrets in this lifetime!
Compared to Real Madrid rushing to London, Bayern had already been here for almost two weeks, which had some connotations of sitting back and waiting. There was no way around it; after all, who made the Bundesliga schedule so easy?
"Real Madrid has never been afraid of Bayern Munich!" On the eve of the final, Ancelotti said at the mobilization meeting, "We have met them twice in the semifinals before, and both times we crossed over them to lift the trophy!"
In the end, both teams'' lineups and tactical arrangements were almostpletely transparent. Momentum and strength yed an important role, so to win the game, they had to concentrate their will to move forward and fully mobilize the individual abilities of the yers.
Facing the coach''s encouragement, everyone was itching to try. They had just won a tough battle and were in a period of high morale. Moreover, with the king of finals, Wang Feng, leading the charge, they inadvertently added a lot of confidence to their teammates.
When there was still an hour before the kickoff, Wembley Stadium was already packed with people. Tens of thousands of fans lined up to enter through various entrances, with Asian faces upying a prominent position among them.
Most of them were international students who hade from all over Europe to support the event, and there were also some fans who had flown all the way from China. Their goal was only one: to witness the historic moment of the Chinese yers'' Champions League showdown!
"Ladies and gentlemen, we see the yers from both sides entering the field to begin their final warm-up," said the reporter from the sidelines sports channel, pointing behind her to introduce.
To warm up, the sports channel started broadcastingprehensively three hours in advance, inviting footballmentators to analyze the situation of the match, connect with reporters on-site to report real-time conditions, and so on.
"The atmosphere between the two teams before the match seems rtively rxed. Just now, Wang Feng found Dong Fangzhuo and Robben from Bayern and exchanged a few words."
"Although we couldn''t hear what they were specifically talking about, all of them had smiles on their faces. They should be congratting each other on winning their respective league titles."
"Since the semi-finals, the Champions League haspletely turned into a collision between La Liga and the Bundesliga. Now that the champions of the two leagues meet at the pinnacle, it is bound to spark a brilliant sh."
Chapter 620: Eating, Sleeping, Defeating Bayern
Chapter 620: Eating, Sleeping, Defeating Bayern
As expected, both sides lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
For Real Madrid, Casis was in goal.
The back four consisted of Ramos, Arbeloa, Coentr?o, and Marcelo.
In midfield, Wang Feng partnered with Alonso, while the three attacking midfielders were Callejn, Modri?, and Morata.
Up front was the lone striker, Higuan.
For Bayern Munich, Neuer was in goal.
The back fourprised Lahm, Boateng, Dante, and ba.
In midfield, Martnez and Schweinsteiger formed the double pivot, while the three attacking midfielders were Dong Fangzhuo, Thomas Mller, and Robben.
Leading the line was Mand?uki?.
"The match is kicked off by Real Madrid. Morata and Higuan are standing inside the center circle, waiting for the whistle. The referee in charge is the Italian referee Gianluca Rhi, who is officiating his seventh Champions League final. It''s worth mentioning that since 2010, every time he has refereed a match involving Bayern, they have lost. Could this be an ominous sign?"
With the sound of the whistle, the game officially began. The Gxy Battleship quickly passed the ball to the back, while Bayern immediately pressed forward, showing their intent to y at a high tempo.
Wang Feng received the ball and passed it to Ramos, who then yed it to Marcelo on the wing. The Brazilian surged forward into the opponent''s half but was quickly closed down.
Under pressure from Schweinsteiger and Mller, Marcelo''s back pass was intercepted, and Mller swiftly controlled the ball and surged forward.
This was where the role of the defensive midfielder came into y. When the wingers made mistakes, the defensive midfielders could quickly shift to cover the nks.
The Chinese superstar intercepted from the side, blocking the passingne while forcing Mller towards the wing. Seizing the opportunity, he made a strong tackle to sweep the ball out of y, disrupting Bayern''s attack.
Mller shook his head in frustration as he watched the ball being cleared. He retrieved it from the sideline and quickly threw it back onto the pitch, and the battle between the two teams continued. In the first ten minutes, the yers fought fiercely, with possession changing hands frequently but no clear chances created.
When Real Madrid had an attacking opportunity, Alonso yed a through ball to Modri?. The Croatian midfielder surged forward but was challenged, managing to control the ball and pass it back into the middle. Wang Feng met it with a powerful shot from outside the box, but it narrowly missed the crossbar.
This shot made both Bayern yers and fans break out in a cold sweat. Coach Heynckes felt his heart pounding. He feared nothing except for the Chinese superstar''s incredible long-range shots, which left no room for error.
In the 14th minute, Dong Fangzhuo received a through ball from ba and started to run towards the center. Wang Feng moved forward to intercept, attempting to dispossess him with his dribbling.
Dong Fangzhuo feinted to the right, pretending to make a breakthrough from that side. The Chinese superstar followed his movement, shifting his weight towards that direction.
Seeing Wang Feng''s reaction, Dong Fangzhuo smiled. He then flicked the ball with his right foot towards the left, fooling Wang Feng and creating space to attack the goal.
Just as he was about to smile, Wang Feng surprised Dong Fangzhuo by not immediately attempting to block him. Instead, he cleverly tilted his body towards Dong Fangzhuo''s direction and slid to the ground, using his long legs to poke the ball away before Dong Fangzhuo could control it!
Caught off guard, Dong Fangzhuo watched as the ball, just two steps away from him, was taken away. He collided with Wang Feng''s leg and fell to the ground, further diminishing his chances of recovering to defend.
Of course, this move required lightning-fast speed to poke the ball away before the opponent could control it, and the raised leg couldn''t be too high, or else it might be deemed a dangerous foul by the referee.
"Beautiful! A clean tackle, and Wang Feng wins in his first direct confrontation with Dong Fangzhuo!"
"However, his dribbling feint just now was also very skillful. From Dong Fangzhuo''s bodynguage, we can see the confidence of a world-ss star, who is confident to perform any move against any opponent."
In the following attacks by Bayern, Wang Feng disrupted their y twice in a row. Once, he slowed down Robben''s rapid advance and eventually forced the Dutchman to y the ball out for a throw-in. Another time, he intervened just as Mller and Dong Fangzhuo werebining to y through Arbeloa, intercepting the ball and knocking Dong Fangzhuo down in the process.
"Come on, be a bit gentler with your tackles. We still have the Confederations Cup to y together next. It''s not good for me if you injure me," Dong Fangzhuo rubbed his sore arm, halfining, half-joking.
"Come on, I''m already a very civilized defensive midfielder. If I were more aggressive, you would have been benched long ago in the Bundesliga. I won''t go easy on you," Wang Feng chuckled and scolded.
Dong Fangzhuo shook his head helplessly and could only continue to battle it out with the Real Madrid defense.
The momentum on the field gradually shifted in favor of Real Madrid. Just as the Gxy Battleship fans were eagerly anticipating an imminent goal, the situation suddenly took a dramatic turn.
In the 34th minute, Robben crossed from the wing, but the tight defense in the box prevented Bayern from finding an opening. Ramos cleared the ball to the edge of the area, where Mller regained possession.
Wang Feng immediately moved forward to press and attempted to dispossess him. In his haste, the German midfielder took a weak shot from a tight angle, seemingly posing no threat, but Casis inexplicably fumbled the ball, allowing it to roll forward uncontrobly.
Just as the nervous Real Madrid yers began to rx, the unexpected happened, catching everyone off guard.
Mand?uki? reacted swiftly, being one of the closest yers to the loose ball. He stretched out his leg and poked it into the back of the, giving Bayern the lead!
Wembley Stadium fell into a moment of silence, followed by cheers from the Bayern fans d in red. The team had unexpectedly taken the lead!
The Real Madrid fans in white jerseys stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what had just happened. Conceding such a goal was simply inexplicable.
"What just happened? Casis made a very basic mistake. He failed to secure the ball and instead gifted it directly to the opposing forward Mand?uki?!"
"I think the Bayern yers were also surprised. Mand?uki?''s quick reaction stems from his sharp instincts as an attacker. This goal has easily breached the defenses of the Gxy Battleship."
"This gift is crucial for Bayern. Their inability to break through has put the Bundesliga giants in a difficult situation. We were just saying that as long as Real Madrid could seize a counterattacking opportunity, they would win easily."
"Unexpectedly, the situation changed drastically. It can be said that our previous predictions have beenpletely overturned. Bayern now has a great chance to maintain their lead and ultimately lift the trophy!"
Heynckes couldn''t hide his excitement. Despite his age, he ran along the sidelines for a couple of steps. This goal was a lifesaver for the team!
On the other hand, Ancelotti furrowed his brows in silence. In a final like this, such a low-level mistake could have a huge impact on the yers'' morale and mentality. Casis was showing signs of aging, and it seemed like it was time to find his sessor.
Casis felt despondent as he picked himself up from the ground and raised his hand in apology to his teammates. When his eyes met Wang Feng''s, instead of finding me or frustration, he felt a warm sense offort and encouragement, which eased his spirits.
At the same time, the Chinese superstar rallied his disappointed teammates, saying, "Everyone, remember how we beat Bayern before, how we dominated just now. Conceding a goal means nothing. To me, ying against Bayern is as routine as eating and sleeping. Let''s give it our all, victory will surely be ours!"
Chapter 621: Victory Belongs to Us!
Chapter 621: Victory Belongs to Us!
After scoring the first goal, Bayern quickly switched to a more conservative pace. Until the end of the first half, the score remained unchanged. As they returned for the second half, Wang Feng cautiously moved forward to increase his involvement in the attack.
In the 51st minute, the Chinese superstar initiated a move near the center circle, dribbled past Schweinsteiger, and delivered a brilliant through ball to Morata. Thetter, inside the penalty area, controlled the ball and took a powerful shot, forcing Neuer to make a spectacr save, deflecting the ball out for a corner.
Just 2 minutester, the Gxy Battleshipunched another attack. Modri? and Wang Feng exchanged passes, with thetter delivering a low cross into the box. Higuan''s close-range shot was once again blocked by the legs of the Bayern goalkeeper.
It must be said that this 27-year-old German goalkeeper truly has a knack for it. It seems that more effort and difficulty are required to break through, Wang Feng thought to himself, panting.
In the 62nd minute, Callejn dribbled along the wing into the penalty area but was tangled up by Boateng. He attempted a feint but allowed the opponent to seize the opportunity and kick the ball out for clearance.
Seeing no immediate threat nearby, Ramos leisurely ran towards the direction of the ball. At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly initiated a rapid sprint from his position 30 meters from the goal, rushing towards the target. The Bayern defenders were taken aback and began to elerate as well.
Originally, the distance between them and the ball was ten meters, but under the Chinese superstar''s incredible eleration, they almost reached it simultaneously. Anxious, Ramos immediately slid to the ground to send it out for a throw-in, but Wang Feng''s timing was even faster. He got to the ball first while still on the ground, pushing it out of the defender''s reach.
Immediately afterward, he quickly got up and cut inside towards the penalty area. Faced with Boateng''s block, he used a change of pace to shake off the opponent, then took a shot, lofting it towards the far post.
This chance created by sheer determination caught the Bayern defense off guard once again. With Higuan left unmarked, he focused and calmly headed the ball, which hit the Argentine''s forehead and deflected into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid has equalized!"
"At this crucial moment, Wang Feng relied on his tenacity to seize an opportunity, and his teammates did not let him down!"
"Simr to Casis in the first half, Bayern defender made a huge mistake. He didn''t rush to the ball to gain control, which led to the subsequent interception and goal."
"From the slow-motion rey, it''s clear that he was initially closer to the ball than Wang Feng. But when they both went for it, Wang Feng, with his superior chess skills, got to the ball first."
"It can be said that without this interception, there wouldn''t have been the subsequent dribble and header goal. Wang Feng attracted all defensive attention, while Higuan quietly lurked as the lethal finisher."
The entire Bayern team felt immense pressure after unexpectedly conceding the equalizer. Dong Fangzhuo and Robben, in particr, knew this feeling well, experiencingpletely different situations when ying alongside or against Wang Feng.
When fighting alongside him, they were always full of hope and fighting spirit because they could rely on him to create miracles. But standing opposite the Chinese superstar, they had to face the fear of him turning the game around at any moment.
In the 69th minute, Real Madrid organized an attack from the back. Ramos dribbled the ball to near the halfway line along the wing, then directly passed to Callejn. Faced with pressure from behind, the Spaniard chose to pass back, but Martnez quickly intercepted the pass,unching a counterattack for Bayern.
Martnez passed it to Schweinsteiger nearby, with Dong Fangzhuo offering support upfront. With only Ramos and Wang Feng in the area, a temporary defensive line of two against three was formed. Martnez quickly moved forward after the pass, knowing he could exploit the space if he received the ball and evaded the defense.
Wang Feng defended alongside Dong Fangzhuo, not blindly retreating with Schweinsteiger''s advance but instead restricting Dong Fangzhuo''s eleration while observing the movements of the ball carrier.
If he had solely focused on defensive positioning, the Chinese superstar''s backward movement would have given Schweinsteiger ample room to develop, allowing him to either dribble forward or distribute the ball calmly.
Since Arbeloa and Coentr?o were marking Thomas Mller on the inner side of the field, Wang Feng deduced that Schweinsteiger would likely choose to develop the y towards the wing.
Sure enough, the German midfielder, finding no space to dribble, decisively passed diagonally to Martnez on the wing, just beyond Ramos'' interception area. He believed that Wang Feng''s defensive attention had been diverted by Dong Fangzhuo.
Unexpectedly, Wang Feng anticipated his intent, abandoning the defense against Dong Fangzhuo to block the pass, sessfully intercepting the ball halfway.
As the game transitioned back to attack, facing Schweinsteiger''s pressure, the Chinese superstar feinted and dribbled past him, then directly passed to Modri?, who received the ball but didn''t stop, instead using the back of his left foot to knock it to Marcelo, who was speeding up on the other side.
With a vast space ahead, the Brazilian full-back surged forward to the frontcourt, then diagonally passed to the onrushing Alonso. Unexpectedly, the Spaniard let the ball go through his legs, allowing it to roll towards the edge of the penalty area while he continued his run.
With Wang Feng quickly arriving, he calmly slotted the ball past the defending yers and into the area just outside the small box, where Alonso was almost at the edge, ready to threaten the goal.
Neuer made a decisive decision toe out, but as he slid to reach the Spanish midfielder''s feet, Alonso calmly chipped the ball sideways, avoiding the opponent''s tackle and sending it towards the goal.
The Chinese superstar, leaping in front, used the tip of his right foot to poke the ball, sending it into the empty.
".goooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid''s swift counterattack pays off, and they''ve taken the lead!"
"The sequence of possession and transition from defense to attack was too rapid, as if fast-forwarding!"
"First, Real Madrid''s attack was intercepted by Martnez, then Schweinsteiger''s pass was intercepted by Wang Feng, and the Gxy Battleship swiftly made several quick passes to enter the penalty area. Alonso selflessly passed to the better-positioned Chinese superstar, who volleyed into the!"
"It must be said that Wang Feng''s interception, Modri?''s backheel pass, and Alonso''s intentional run were all exceptional."
After Real Madrid reversed the scoreline, the tide of victory gradually turned in their favor. Bayern tried various methods to break through but failed to prate the opponent''s defense.
In the 83rd minute, Martnez passed to Mller, who was about to make a run towards the frontcourt, but Wang Feng swiftly stepped up and intercepted the ball.
Schweinsteiger immediately closed in from the side, but the Chinese superstar chipped the ball forward while elerating once again. Mller grabbed his shirt from behind, attempting to foul him to stop the y, but he underestimated Wang Feng''s explosiveness. With abination of strength and pushing, he quickly shook off the German''s grip, then urately nted the pass to find Higuan''s forward run.
The Argentine forward dribbled to the edge of the penalty area, spotted the gap between the two retreating Bayern defenders, and decisively passed to Morata on the other side. The unmarked Spanish youngster charged into the penalty area and scored with aposed chip, extending the lead to 3-1, effectively sealing the victory for the Gxy Battleship!
Nine minutester, the Italian referee Rizzoli blew the final whistle, continuing the coincidence of his winning streak against Bayern. Victory belonged to Real Madrid!
Chapter 622: Monopoly as it Should Be
Chapter 622: Monopoly as it Should Be
Once again, Wembley Stadium turned into a sea of white, with Real Madrid fans singing and dancing in celebration of victory. At this moment, they were the happiest group.
No matter how many times one experiences it, victory always remains captivating. Despite feeling tired, Wang Feng couldn''t wipe the smile off his face.
The final score of the game couldn''t exin everything. Only those who experienced it could understand how dangerous the team had been at times. Fortunately, they had ovee everything. The Chinese superstar continued his perfect record in Champions League finals!
"Hey, what are you thinking?" Dong Fangzhuo popped out from behind and patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "You''re really calm. Truly worthy of being the King of the Champions League. If it were me, I would have been ecstatic long ago."
At this moment, Bayern yers were gradually leaving the field, leaving the celebration stage to the victors. Dong Fangzhuo felt somewhat regretful for not lifting the trophy in the end, but he was genuinely happy that Wang Feng could continue his myth. He owed a lot to Wang Feng''s guidance and help to get to where he was today.
"I''m still enjoying the aftermath of victory. Don''t worry, there will be a time for you to celebrate this summer," Wang Feng said confidently.
Dong Fangzhuo was taken aback. "You mean the Confederations Cup?"
Wang Feng nodded, full of confidence. "A rejuvenated team will surely bring different energy. I''m very optimistic about the future." It''s worth noting that all the yers selected for the national team squad nowe from various major European leagues, and their average age is quite young.
They may not have extensive experience in major tournaments, but they have advanced training systems and a passion for fighting.
The two chatted for a while, agreeing to meet in Brazilter. After that, Dong Fangzhuo followed his Bayern teammates back to the locker room. Since they returnedter than other national team yers, they went straight to their destination for the gathering.
With 13 goals and 13 assists, Wang Feng was awarded the Champions League''s top scorer and assist leader honors. While the official award ceremony was being prepared, many media outlets intercepted him for brief interviews.
"Wembley is our lucky charm. It''s an honor to lift the Champions League trophy here again, continuing Real Madrid''s consecutive title streak," Wang Feng said with a smile. "London is a bustling metropolis. There were many fans who came to watch the game tonight. I''m very satisfied to win the 16th championship trophy in the club''s history in front of them."
"This is the result of the collective efforts of the whole team. Everyone performed exceptionally well, and we deserve this great achievement."
Regarding Casis''s mistake leading to the first goal conceded, the Chinese superstar believed it was a small issue that any yer could encounter. Moving past it and starting afresh was the right path. "No one even discussed it during halftime. Everyone was thinking about how to score and turn the game around. As it turned out, we were right."
Speaking of the aggressive pressing that led to the equalizer, Wang Feng seemed particrly proud. "Yes, I deliberately seized the opportunity to press aggressively. I felt there was a chance from the moment Ramos started chasing the ball. Whether I scored or not was secondary; the key was to fight whenever possible."
Seven years of monopolizing the La Liga and Champions League titles seemed unbelievable to everyone, but Wang Feng felt it was only natural. "We have the best yers and the most glorious history. Such achievements are worthy of such a great club."
"When I visited the Bernabu''s Hall of Trophies for the first time, rows of golden trophies deeply impressed me. Since the introduction of La Liga and the Champions League, the Gxy Battleship has always been at the forefront."
"President Florentino told me that he didn''t want to dwell on past achievements, which is why he invited me here. At that time, I was somewhat nervous, but I''m d I didn''t disappoint him or the entire Real Madrid fan base."
Finally, regarding the opponents Bayern Munich andpatriot Dong Fangzhuo, Wang Feng stated that their performance deserved recognition and praise. "They fought through to the peak showdown, which is not an easy task for any team."
"Dong Fangzhuo is very outstanding. His sess is not idental but the result of years of continuous training."
"I am very happy to experience such a Chinese derby. I believe it will have a profound impact domestically. If someone is inspired to contribute to football development because of it, that would be the happiest scene for us."
Higuan, who scored the equalizing goal, said, "When I saw Wang Feng pressing forward, I felt it would be sessful. It''s really wonderful. He always brings a sense of security and confidence to his teammates."
Morata, who scored the winning goal, still couldn''t calm down his excitement when facing the reporters. "Incredible joy! Scoring in the Champions League final is just magical. Thanks to Wang and Higuan. Without their interceptions and passes, there would be no goal."
After the interview, the award stage was almost set up. Bayern, as the runner-up, took the stage first. The yers had expressions of both regret and resignation, knowing that they were a dominant force in the Bundesliga andcked no honors.
Then it was Real Madrid''s turn. Michel tini, the UEFA president, personally awarded each yer with a championship medal. He didn''t expect the Gxy Battleship to emerge from the Group of Death and sessfully defend their title once again.
Looking at the still vibrant Chinese superstar in front of him, he began to seriously consider how to limit the unstoppable Real Madrid. Suddenly, he felt a headache.
Financial fair y? Real Madrid is one of the top revenue-generating clubs in European football. The benefits brought by Wang Feng alone could feed the entire team.
Increase the difficulty for opponents? They have always faced tough battles before reaching the peak.
Biased refereeing? But Wang Feng once won a season with a biased referee.
Change the format? What else can be changed? Unless they don''t allow the defending champions to participate in the next Champions League.
Thinking about it, only the dirty tricks Italy used back then were effective. Directly send Wang Feng off during the match! But this situation cannot happen again. It would easily cause an uproar, and the Gxy Battleship is not as easy to manipte as Inter Mn.
For a while, the Frenchman was in a dilemma, holding Wang Feng''s hand absentmindedly. "Mr. tini?" Wang Feng called him several times before he came back to his senses, barely managing to congratte him with a smile, and then handed the trophy to Wang Feng himself.
The raised trophy and the rising fireworksplemented each other, and tonight belonged to Real Madrid!
Real Madrid''s "monopoly as it should be" in defending the Champions League title quickly exploded in the world media, sparking countless discussions.
Spain''s "Marca"mented that La Liga''s dominance over the Bundesliga solidified Europe''s top league position, and the Gxy Battleship deepened their reputation as the Champions League''s most prestigious club.
This season was extremely challenging for Real Madrid. At the beginning of the campaign, key yers were gued by injuries, and the unfavorable group stage draw meant they had no favorable conditions whatsoever. Therefore, the public was not optimistic about their chances of defending the title, and breaking the record of six consecutive titles seemed to be the limit.
Yet, they persevered through each challenge andughedst in each match. Wang Feng retreated to consolidate the defense, while other yers showed a resilient spirit. This team feared nothing.
"Marca" stated that the achievements of the Gxy Battleship made all of Europe tremble. Wang Feng was truly worthy of the title "King of the Finals". With one assist and one goal plus a decisive counterattack, the Chinese superstar had thoroughly killed the game. So far, he still maintained a terrifying record of always winning in finals.
"Perhaps the runner-up and the football gods are ipatible. If we were to analyze the deeper reasons, it would be his eternal and unchanging desire and pursuit of victory," they concluded.
Germany''s "Sport Bild" believed that Bayern''s loss was not unjust. Apart from scoring from opponent mistakes, they couldn''t gain an advantage on the field and even gifted Real Madrid a goal.
Chapter 623: This is Our World Cup
Chapter 623: This is Our World Cup
Dong Fangzhuo''s failure to reach the pinnacle of European football was indeed a disappointment for domestic fans, but Wang Feng''s continued high level of performance brought them joy, and they were looking forward to the uing Confederations Cup.
This tournament, which was originally somewhat insignificant, now held great importance. It was a touchstone for the new team, the only constion for the defending champions who couldn''t participate in next year''s World Cup main event.
After the club''s championship celebration, the Chinese superstar flew directly to Brazil. He was thest yer to arrive, and head coach Lippi had been waiting for him for a long time.
The Italian gave him a big hug. The two had dealt with each other many years ago, and Lippi was one of the coaches who knew Wang Feng best. "With you, I have confidence!"
Before this, the Chinese team had yed several warm-up matches against European and South American mid-tier teams, with mixed results. The newly joined young yers were all verypetitive, and without any hindrance, Lippi''s tactical arrangements were fully implemented.
However, he always felt that there was ack of a decisive figure, and only with Wang Feng joining the team could the upper limit of this team continue to improve.
After a short joint training session, the Chinese superstar quickly integrated into the tactical system. The coach''s preferred lineup gradually took shape, with the 4-3-3 formation he was best at. The starting goalkeeper was Wang Xianghe, from the Genk Youth Training Program, currently ying for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League.
The four defenders were Sun Xiang, ying for Eredivisie''s Heerenveen; He Mingzai, from the Genk Youth Training Program, ying for AEK Athens in Greece; Zheng Zhi, ying for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership; and Zhang Fanlin, ying for Sheffield United in League One.
All three midfielders came from the Genk Youth Training Program: Feng Miao ying for Ajax in the Eredivisie, Yang Ronghua ying for Hertha Berlin, who had just been promoted to the Bundesliga this year, and Fang Yun ying for Gy?r, the champions of the Hungarian NB I.
The three forwards, Wang Feng, Dong Fangzhuo, and Huang Hu, also came from the Genk Youth Training Program and currently yed for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Overall, with all yers having a background in European football, the attack was slightly saturated, with Wu Lei from Toulouse in Ligue 1 also effective on the bench. However, the defense was somewhat thin, so Lippi preferred Wang Feng to participate in defense appropriately during the match. After all, his ability was obvious to all, and Wang Feng naturally had no objection.
It was a great pity that excellent yers like Gao Lin, Chen Tao, Feng Xiaoting, and Zhao Xuri, who had fought alongside Wang Feng in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, chose to return to China and join Henan Jianye due to stable conditions and high sries.
This was understandable in itself; everyone could pursue their own goals, but the decline in the strength of several yers was visible to the naked eye. Coupled with the principle that non-European regrs were not national team yers, it was probably impossible for them to continue ying for the national team in their lifetime.
Of course, there were also people who stood up to speak for them. It must be said that Henan Jianye was quite powerful and wanted to further increase the club''s influence through national team yers. However, the painful lesson was still fresh in everyone''s mind. Wang Feng expressed that this principle could not be broken, otherwise he would permanently retire, and in the end, the bottom line was maintained.
The first opponent of the Chinese team was the Copa America champion Uruguay team, and the match was scheduled to take ce at the Mineir?o Stadium, one of the main venues for next year''s World Cup, located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
With the continuous improvement of living standards in China, more and more fans could cross continents to watch the game live. Coupled with many domestic mediaing to report, the faces of Chinese people could be seen everywhere on the streets of Belo Horizonte, the fourthrgest city in Brazil.
The degree of excitement for the event was somewhat beyond the expectations of the organizers, but this was also the situation they were happy to see. Therefore, they opened the doors wide for the enthusiastic fans.
The day before the match, the routine press conference was held. Head coach Lippi and captain Wang Feng attended together. Unlike the deserted atmosphere at the Uruguay press conference, the Chinese team''s conference was packed with journalists from all over.
The media were most concerned about the integration of the Chinese superstar into the team, as he had rtively little time to train with his teammates. "The coach has helped us ovee this problem very well. Now there is basically no barrier to cooperation, but of course, it still needs to be tested in actualbat," Wang Feng said.
Different from the frequent warm-up matches before the World Cup, the Confederations Cup itself was more of a friendly nature, so when Wang Feng returned to the team, there were no warm-up opponents to be found, and they could only start directly from the main event.
Lippi stated that he was not worried about this issue at all. The Chinese superstar could be used immediately, "Honestly, I came for him. Being able to coach such a great superstar is one of my pursuits in my coaching career."
"Before taking over the Chinese team, I hesitated and hesitated for a long time. After all, this is a team that has fallen from the peak to the valley, and rebuilding is not easy. It was Wang who found me and convinced me."
"What''s more important is that after I understood the actual situation within the team, I felt lucky. Vigor, vitality, and fighting spirit fill the hearts of every yer, and their skills and physical qualities are improving day by day. I believe it won''t be long before they return to the top!"
Wang Feng admitted that not being able to participate in next year''s World Cup was regrettable for him, but Chinese football could start anew. "In this Confederations Cup, we will do our best. For us, this is our World Cup!"
Although many journalists were very concerned about their views on the recent loss of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification and the turmoil in football, neither of them made manyments or thoughts.
Uruguay was the most outstanding team in the entire group, while the Oceania Cup champion Tahiti and the Africa Cup of Nations champion Nigeria were slightly inferior. To advance to the top two in the group, they had topete for points against these two teams.
However, the oue of the first match also concerned the overall morale. This was the first time that the national team had set out for a major tournament with apletely new lineup, and if they suffered a heavy defeat, it would probably be a heavy blow.
At the press conference for the Uruguayan team, there were also various questions about the Chinese team and Wang Feng. Legendary coach scar Tabrez said, "Yes, Wang Feng is very magical, omnipotent wherever he goes, but this Chinese team is just a bunch of rookies. I don''t think they have a chance topete with us."
Uruguayans indeed had this confidence because they had many strong yers. Muslera guarded the goal, while Godn, Lugano, and Cceres formed a solid defense, and their front line was even more talented, with Forln, Cavani, and Surez. These were not yers from small league teams like Hungary, Greece, or Scond.
With this lineup, they reached the semi-finals of the 2007 Copa America, the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and even won the 2011 Copa America, defeating Brazil led by Neymar and Argentina led by Messi.
Some reporters interviewed Luis Surez, who had performed brilliantly in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and in the English Premier League for Liverpool. He said he admired Wang Feng very much. "There is no doubt that Wang is the goal and direction of all strikers in the world."
Regarding the transfer rumors surrounding himself, the Uruguayan star did not respond much. This season, Liverpool''s performance was poor, and they couldn''t even participate in Europeanpetitions, which made Surez, who was at his peak, quite frustrated.
Currently, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Barcelona have extended olive branches to him, but he has not decided where to go in the end.
Chapter 624: Counterattack Unstoppable
Chapter 624: Counterattack Unstoppable
On June 15th, the opening match of the 7th FIFA Confederations Cup was held at the Maracan? Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the host Brazil facing the Asian Cup champions Japan.
It was a crushing victory, with Fred assisting Neymar to open the scoring in just 172 seconds of the game. Later, Paulinho and Oscar each scored, leading them to a 3-0 victory over their opponents.
In the second match of Group A, Mexico lost 1-2 to the European champions Spain. These two match results were within the expectations of the outside world, and fans began to focus on the most tragic defending champions in World Cup history.
On June 16th, at the Mineir?o Stadium, the opening match of Group B between China and Uruguay officially kicked off.
Head coach Tabrez deployed a 4-4-2 formation with Muslera as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Pereira, Lugano, Godn, and Cceres.
The midfield consisted of Ramrez, Fran, Galgano, and Rodrguez.
The forwards were Surez and Cavani.
After the start of the game, the South American powerhouse quickly created opportunities through rapid passing and pration. Surez broke into the penalty area and shot, but his shot was blocked by He Ming, earning them the first corner kick of the match.
Ramrez delivered the ball into the penalty area, but Sun Xiang decisively cleared it with a strong kick, relieving the opponent''s offensive threat.
The tactical strategy of the Chinese team was very clear: defend with all their might andunch quick counterattacks opportunistically. Therefore, both Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo withdrew deeper, with only Huang Hu positioning slightly forward, actively participating in interceptions in the midfield.
In contrast, Uruguay was more aggressive, aiming to gain an advantage in a short period of time, thus adopting a high pressing strategy.
In the first ten minutes of the match, China''s possession rate was only 24.1%, and they did not get a single shot opportunity. However, bothmentators and fans were patient, and everyone could see that the once tenacious team had returned!
"Lippi has indeed trained the team''s defense well," Zhang Jun couldn''t help but sigh. "Although Uruguay has controlled the ball for a long time, they haven''t created many real scoring opportunities."
"Yes, these energetic young yers are actively disrupting the opponent''s y with their running. Football is a sport that requires movement. In previous matches, the team''s average running distance was less than 8 kilometers, but in thetest warm-up matches, this data has reached 10 kilometers."
"This is what true attitude means!"
In the 21st minute, Fran received a through pass from Lugano inside the penalty area, but under the interference of Zheng Zhi and Feng Miao, he barely managed to shoot, and goalkeeper Wang Xianghe easily caught the ball.
As he was about to take a break and prepare for a goal kick, he suddenly saw Wang Feng raising his hand, so he immediately threw the ball out without hesitation. This was based on his absolute admiration and trust in the Chinese superstar.
It turned out that Wang Feng''s timing of asking for the ball was very clever. At this moment, the Uruguayan yers were focused on the front court, preparing to counterattack, showing no signs of retreating to defend. The Chinese superstar quickly received the ball and started moving forward, with Dong Fangzhuo and Huang Hu, who also had sharp instincts, elerating forward one after another.
The three of them rushed through the midfield like lightning, and there were only three Uruguayan defenders ahead who could intercept them. Seeing Huang Hu running the furthest, Wang Feng didn''t engage in defense and made a diagonal pass to him.
The 21-year-old youngster, who had established himself at Werder Bremen, still had some tricks up his sleeve. He controlled the ball with his right foot, dodged Casseres'' tackle by dribbling to the left, and then made a cross pass back to Wang Feng''s feet, a wall pass!
The Chinese superstar smoothly entered the penalty area, and Uruguay''s goalkeeper Muslera rushed out urgently. When he tried to block Wang Feng, Wang Feng passed the ball to Dong Fangzhuo with an inner side of his right foot. Dong Fangzhuo then easily pushed the ball into the empty.
"Goal! Goal! The Chinese team scored the first goal with their first shot!"
"A clean and decisive counterattack, as fast as lightning. Before most of the Uruguayan yers could react, the Chinese team had already pierced through their entire defensive line, with Dong Fangzhuo delivering the final fatal blow."
"So fast, too fast! Wang Feng initiated the attack from the back,pleted a wall pass with Huang Hu, and entered the penalty area. The whole process took less than 20 seconds. Uruguay paid the price for their impatience and rashness."
"I dare say that in the future, the attacking trio led by Wang Feng will be a nightmare for the opponents. Not only Dong Fangzhuo and Huang Hu, but also Wu Lei on the bench has a strong impact."
"They are like cold shes in the dark night, striking fatally when least expected!"
After scoring the first goal, the Chinese team once again entered a defensive mode, while Uruguay, like a startled bird, withdrew in response. Even so, the opponent remained steadfast, with each yer maintaining their position in their own penalty area, ready to defend.
Approaching the opponent''s territory was difficult, not to mention threatening the penalty area. The South American powerhouse, trailing behind, had to try pressing forward again, but all of this was within Lippi''s expectations. Once a counterattack seeds, it bes unstoppable.
In the 69th minute, Cavani dribbled the ball towards the penalty area from the nk, hoping to force his way past. Zhang Fanlin seemed unable to withstand the pressure, so Wang Feng immediately stepped forward to defend and seized the opportunity to steal the ball from the side.
He quickly controlled the ball and turned around, making a long pass to Huang Hu, the midfield pivot. Huang Hu, with his back to the oing ball, directly used his heel to knock the ball forward.
Dong Fangzhuo, who had inserted from the back line, reached the ball with a quick dribble. With a clear path ahead of him, the opponent could only watch him sprint towards the goal. Muslera had to abandon the goal again and rushed out to intercept near the edge of the penalty area.
For Dong Fangzhuo, it wasn''t difficult to score in this situation. A lob shot or a push to the far corner would suffice. But he caught a glimpse of Wang Feng in a better position on his side, so he chose to pass back without hesitation, just like how Wang Feng unhesitatingly passed to him for the first goal!
The Chinese superstar naturally didn''t miss the chance of an empty, and followed up with a powerful shot that pierced through Uruguay''s goal, further expanding China''s lead!
From the back to the front, his high-speed running was originally just a precautionary habit developed over the years, but he didn''t expect his teammates to deliberately pass him the ball.
During the celebration, Wang Feng deliberately acknowledged Dong Fangzhuo together with the fans at the scene. He smiled and asked, "Why didn''t you shoot for your second goal?"
"Didn''t you teach me? It''s smart to pass to a better-positioned teammate for the shot. Besides, one assist and one goal are not inferior to a brace."
"Haha, well said, indeed a Bayern superstar!" The two joked with each other, while the Uruguayan yers on the field looked as if they had lost their souls, not to mention the grim-faced Tabrez on the sidelines.
Damn tortoise shell, it''s hard to crack, and if you''re not careful, you''ll get bitten hard. Even with his many years of coaching experience, he couldn''t find a good way to adjust tactics to reverse the situation.
However, the Chinese team was not wless. As they led by two goals and approached the end of the game, the yers'' vignce and concentration inevitably slipped, leading to a mistake in the 87th minute, allowing Surez to pull one back.
The final score settled at 2-1, and the Chinese team won the opening match of the Confederations Cup.
Chapter 625: Confronting Challenges
Chapter 625: Confronting Challenges
The victory over Uruguay in the first match allowed domestic and international media as well as fans to see apletely new face of the Chinese team. "Reborn in the fire!"mented the Sports Television Station.
However, head coach Lippi was not entirely satisfied, especially with the unnecessary concession of a goal in the final moments. As a result, he punished the entire team with extra training after the match, and Wang Feng was no exception.
"From now on, you must cultivate a cautious and serious attitude. I will not tolerate such basic mistakes!" the Italian coach sternly reprimanded, warning of potential suspensions for repeated offenses.
After sweating profusely in training, Zhang Fanlin, who made the mistake, apologized to the Chinese superstar and his teammates with a face full of shame. Wang Feng, on the other hand, patted him on the shoulder andforted him, saying, "It''s nothing. Remember, today''s hard work is for tomorrow''s sess!"
The medical team, already prepared, immediately approached to massage and rx each yer. Although Lippi was strict, he wouldn''t joke about the yers'' bodies. Scientific training ns and therapy greatly alleviated muscle fatigue.
Four dayster, in the second match of Group B of the Confederations Cup, the Chinese team faced Tahiti.
Tahiti is thergest ind in the Windward group of French Polynesia. Since Australia joined the AFC, the level of the Oceania Nations Cup has seen a drastic decline, with countries like New Zend, the Cook Inds, the Solomon Inds, and Fiji, among others, participating.
Tahiti was the weakest team among the eight participating teams. The Chinese team had a rare opportunity to y an attacking game.
In the 11th minute of the game, Wang Feng cooperated with Dong Fangzhuo on the nk and broke into the penalty area with a wall pass. Wang Feng then took a shot from a narrow angle at the 10-meter mark, and the goalkeeper Rochet made a mistake in the save, inadvertently letting the ball slip into the near corner, 1-0.
Ten minutester, Huang Hu cut inside from the nk and made a diagonal pass. The Chinese superstar controlled the ball, turned to shake off the defense, and shot into the far corner, further extending China''s lead.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng dribbled past three defenders in session and passed the ball, allowing Huang Hu to follow up with a shot, making it look too easy.
After the break, Yang Ronghua lofted the ball into the penalty area. The Chinese superstar rose high toplete a header, securing a hat-trick. The Chinese yers, getting more and more excited, attempted more methods. Feng Miao sent a world-ss shot from the top of the arc, forcing Tahiti goalkeeper Rochet into another mistake, and Zhang Fanlin scored a brilliant side volley.
In the end, the Chinese team swept aside their opponents with a score of 6-0, securing two wins out of two matches and umting 6 points. Meanwhile, Uruguay beat Nigeria 2-1, with both teams having 3 points each.
Due to the presence of the extremely weak Tahiti team, two consecutive wins for the Chinese team did not guarantee early qualification. This was because Nigeria had scored 9 goals against Oceania champions, meaning they could potentially umte a significant goal difference. It was expected that Uruguay would also aim to boost their goal difference.
In other words, if the Chinese team lost to Nigeria, then all three teams would be tied on 6 points, and they wouldn''t have the advantage in goal difference. On the contrary, they might be eliminated.
But if they drew or won, they would definitely secure the top spot in the group. Commentator Zhang Jun, facing this situation, said decisively, "A draw ensures advancement curse is no longer a concern for the Chinese team. We can start studying our semifinal opponents!"
Zhang Jun couldn''t believe he had the potential for such a dramatic statement. Looking at the score of 0-1 and the 88th minute disyed on the big screen at the scene, he felt a bit overwhelmed.
In this match, the Chinese team''s strategy was the same as in the first match against Uruguay, and the yers performed very actively and diligently. However, Nigeria''s physical fitness was too outstanding, continuously pressuring the defense through high-intensity confrontations.
Moreover, they had their own tactics against fast counterattacksrough y and fouls! Apart from Wang Feng, no other yer on the Chinese team could hold onto the ball under such intense pressure, including Dong Fangzhuo.
Furthermore, because the referee in this match had a lenient attitude, Nigeria''s defense only received three yellow cards in the entire match, with no one being sent off.
In the 71st minute, the African champions utilized a corner kick opportunity. Musa, suspected of fouling He Ming in the penalty area, headed the ball into the aftermitting a foul. However, the referee signaled that the goal was valid, putting the Chinese team in a trailing position!
On the sidelines, Lippi frowned deeply. He sighed quietly in his heartwas this the end? Confrontation had always been a challenge for Asian teams, especially for these young yers who were still in a period of rapid growth.
But regardless, this team had great potential for development. The future was promising.
The fourth official indicated 4 minutes of injury time, and Wang Feng withdrew to the edge of the penalty area to participate in defense. When Sun Xiang was unable to keep up with the pace, he rushed forward to defend and intercepted the ball.
Dong Fangzhuo and Huang Hu once again made a quick advance, with Nigerian defenders closely following, confident in their ability to intercept as long as the ball came their way, as previous counterattacks had been extinguished in this manner.
However, this time, the Chinese superstar chose to dribble forward himself. Slowing down and then elerating explosively, he used rhythm changes to shake off Mba, "Too powerful! Wang Feng, who has been running the entire game, still has this level of control and explosiveness. No wonder he can conquer the world."
Pushing forward into the field, Wang Feng pretended to dribble past Ogude, but actually cut inside, using a very deceptive skill to get past him. Ambrose immediately slid in for a tackle, but Wang Feng easily avoided it with a jump.
At this point, the Nigerian defense realized what was happening, but it was toote. The Chinese superstar was going for it alone! They quickly mobilized to block, but it was all toote.
Dodging past Echiejile with ateral dribble, Wang Feng slotted the ball into the penalty area, deceiving goalkeeper Enyeama with arge swing of his body, then shot into the empty.
"Goal! Wang Feng equalizes the score! He once again saves the Chinese team!"
"An unstoppable solo performance, dribbling past five yers in a row and scoring, performing a miracle alone!"
"We will never forget his breathtaking feat of dribbling past seven yers on the World Cup stage seven years ago. As he grows older, Wang Feng''s football skills be more concise and return to basics, with fewer dazzling attacks."
"But today, the Chinese superstar has shown everyone with practical actions that he only felt it unnecessary, not impossible!"
"When the team is in crisis, Wang Feng can still save the world like a hero from mythology!"
Lippi, extremely excited, ignored his old age, raised his hands high and ran wildly along the sidelines. This feeling! At this moment, he recalled the scene of the Chinese superstar galloping across the "Little World Cup" stage, where no one could control him.
He used to be the presence that could drive opposing coaches crazy, but now he was under hismand! The Italian coach felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction and pride.
The audience at the scene was also shocked by Wang Feng''s performance. Apart from the cheering domestic fans, many Brazilians also stood up to apud him. They really enjoyed watching football that was gorgeous and full of skill.
With this goal, the Chinese team drew 1-1 with Nigeria, topping the group with 2 wins and 1 draw. Uruguay also advanced to the next round with 2 wins and 1 loss.
As expected, the host Brazil and the European champions Spain smoothly advanced from Group A. Because Brazil defeated Spain directly in their match, they topped the group. Next, the Chinese team''s opponent would be Spain, the Matadors.
Chapter 626: Spanish Settlement
Chapter 626: Spanish Settlement
After the match against Nigeria, although they smoothly advanced, the yers who felt they had performed poorly wanted to stay and train more, but head coach Lippi stopped them, "You''ve done your best today, and the high-intensitypetition has exceeded your physical load. You need to rest well."
The Italian emphasized the attitude towards the game, praising the yers for their perseverance and fighting spirit on the field today. Even though their physical fitness was slightly inferiorpared to the African powerhouses, they didn''t have any thoughts of giving up under immense pressure, and they fought with determination.
"Under my coaching, you''ve achieved full marks. Don''t worry, kids. Always maintain the mentality you had in today''s game, absorb nutrients on the European football stage to your heart''s content, and believe that your growth will soon exceed your imagination!"
Upon hearing this, everyone showed a longing expression, while Wang Feng looked at them with satisfaction. These were the future of Chinese football. The yers who emerged from the Genk Training Camp originally had decent talent, and coupled with their hardworking spirit, bing top stars was not impossible.
The news of the Chinese team''s smooth advancement to the Confederations Cup semi-finals relieved domestic fans and media. Although they ultimately relied on Wang Feng''s superhuman performance to pass through danger, they saw many different things from this team.
"The future is promising!" Everyone couldn''t help but feel this way. Even if Wang Feng and other leading figures gradually faded away in the future, the Chinese team still had the chance to stand at the top of Asia.
Foreign media focused more on Wang Feng. The French newspaper, "L''Equipe," bluntly stated that with 5 goals and 2 assists in the three group matches, Wang Feng''s legendary solo run, which dribbled past five yers, made him seem like he was reversing in age.
"The 32 participating teams in the World Cup in Brazil should consider themselves lucky because they no longer have Wang as their opponent. He is so wonderful and unpredictable that he is a nightmare for all yers and coaches in this knockout cuppetition."
"Sports Image News" also mentioned Wang Feng''s "uncontrobility," attaching a stunning snapshot of the Chinese superstar shaking off the Nigerian goalkeeper at the end of the match.
"When we all thought he would choose to pass but instead dribbled past, and then unexpectedly passed at the right moment, Wang''s ability to read the game on the spot is far superior to spectators, leaving opponents puzzled but very effective."
With the showdown against Spain looming, as the core of the team, Iniesta, said in an interview before the match that they had a score to settle with the Chinese team and Wang Feng.
He was referring to the scene three years ago when they were eliminated by the opponent''sst-minute goal in the semi-finals of the World Cup in South Africa. Same stage, same opponents, this time the Matadors wanted to erase their past humiliation.
When asked about Iniesta''s remarks, Wang Feng was surprised for a moment, then smiled and said, "I didn''t expect Andres to have a talent for ounting. If I remember correctly, there are many scores to settle between him and me."
"But that''s okay because after the match, there will be another entry in his ount. The match hasn''t even started yet, but the confrontation between the two sides has be very intense.
On June 27th, at the Brasilia National Stadium, the Confederations Cup semi-final between Spain and China officially kicked off.
The Matadors still lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 possession formation, with goalkeeper Valdes.
In defense were Alba, Pique, Ramos, and Arbeloa.
In midfield were Xavi, Busquets, and Fabregas.
In attack were Pedro, Soldado, and Iniesta.
On the Chinese side, Wang Feng withdrew to the midfield position to facilitate better organization in attack and defense, while young yer Wu Lei was added to the front line to strengthen counter-attacking capabilities.
The match started with the Matadors quickly taking control of possession and trying to increase the pace. After several rounds of passing in midfield, Iniesta delivered the ball to Pedro at the edge of the penalty area.
Using his skilled footwork to dribble past two Chinese defenders in session, the Spanish forward saw an opportunity to shoot!
But before he could celebrate for long, Wang Feng, who was protecting from a distance, quickly rushed out and cleanly tackled the ball. "Mierda!" Pedro couldn''t help but curse. This feeling was too familiar, as if he was back in the recent century showdown in the Spanish league.
Next, the Chinese superstar helped Iniesta, Fabregas, and Xavi relive their old dreams, frustrating them to the point of despair, even Ramos, who was his teammate at Real Madrid, couldn''t escape unscathed.
In the 17th minute, Xavi and Iniesta broke through into the arc area through a series of wall passes. Facing the densely packed defense, Iniesta made a precise pass to Ramos.
The Spanish defender immediately took advantage of the space down the wing, but Wang Feng, who was already prepared, quickly approached, engaging in two consecutive physical confrontations, forcing the opponent to slow down, then slid in with a tackle, disrupting the ball out of y and bringing Ramos down in the process.
Since he touched the ball first, there was no controversy over a foul, and he even hooked it out of y before making contact, causing the ball to hit Ramos'' foot before going out of y, giving China possession!
What could have been a great opportunity turned into a mistake. Ramos rubbed his sore shoulders, looking puzzled, while the Chinese superstar reached out to help him up.
"I now understand why the Barcelona yers in the Spanish national team grit their teeth when they mention you," Ramos said. "Your defense is too strong. You don''t even give us a chance."
"Of course, today I''m going to snuff out all your attacks!" Wang Feng confidently dered. This group of people, along with top attackers like Messi, couldn''t prate his defense, let alone now.
Under frequent defensive pressure, the Chinese team also got several good counterattack opportunities. With Wang Feng withdrawing to participate more in organizing, Dong Fangzhuo''s expertise was also in ymaking, leaving the task of finishing at the doorstep to young yers Huang Hu and Wu Lei.
However, the two stillcked in this aspect, especially Wu Lei. His forward runs were outstanding, but he missed two one-on-one chances, one flying over and the other being intercepted by Valdes under pressure.
Seeing Wu Lei''s frustrated expression, the Chinese superstar walked up and patted his head, "Don''t burden yourself too much. Just do what you usually practice on the field."
"If you keep thinking you won''t score before shooting, you''ll eventually lose the courage to shoot when it matters." Wu Lei was somewhat surprised that Wang Feng could see even this.
pping his cheeks, he firmly said, "I got it. Hesitation is useless. Going straight ahead is the right way. I''m a yer who has scored in a World Cup final!"
"Haha, of course!"
The deadlock continued until the 81st minute, when the Chinese teamunched another quick counterattack. Dong Fangzhuo received a through ball from Feng Miao and dribbled down the wing, then made a back-pass.
Huang Hu pretended to make a run to receive the ball, attracting Pique to dive and block, leaving Busquets out of position, but he cleverly let the ball roll to the top of the arc area. Very smart move!
Wang Feng caught up and fired a shot with all his might, sting through Valdes'' hands and into the!
1:0! With this unexpected goal, the Chinese team knocked out Spain and advanced to the Confederations Cup final!
Later, Spain defeated Uruguay to secure third ce in the tournament, jokingly referred to by fans as "Europe''s first, the world''s third."
As for Iniesta, who had to settle another score, people called him the "ountant by the Besos River."
Chapter 627: The Best Comfort
Chapter 627: The Best Comfort
On June 30th, at the Maracan? Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the final of the 2013 Confederations Cup kicked off as scheduled, with the opposing sides being China and the host team Brazil.
The Samba Army deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with goalkeeper Csar.
The four defenders were Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, and Marcelo.
The two defensive midfielders were Gustavo and Paulinho.
The three attacking midfielders were Hulk, Oscar, and Neymar.
The lone striker was Fred.
The game''s trajectory still saw Brazil maintaining absolute dominance on the field, while China held firm defensively. It''s worth mentioning that, simr to their tactics against Uruguay, the Samba Army also employed a high press in the middle and attacking third, aggressive and full of countless small movements.
To be honest, this tactic might be more suitable for a bloodbath with European teams, but for China, it wasn''t very effective because they only needed to ensure that the opponents couldn''t easily prate their defense to threaten the goal.
So, in the first thirty minutes, the hosts constantly attacked in the front court but only managed 5 shots with 1 on target, most of the time resulting in meaningless passes.
The Chinese team also paid a price, with a slightly biased home referee handing out three yellow cards to them, especially Wang Feng receiving one.
It was in the 27th minute when Neymar received a direct pass from Gustavo, dribbled past Feng Miao but was tackled by Wang Feng, who came to support from the periphery. Clearly, he was the first to touch the ball, but the Brazilian rolled on the ground in pain.
Oscar and Alves came over to check on their teammate. "Innocent" Oscar immediately saw through Neymar''s act and couldn''t help but smile.
"The old fox" Alves naturally saw it too, but he still protested to the referee, and in the end, the Chinese superstar received a yellow card.
Neymar, lying on the ground with his face buried in the turf, Oscar''s mysterious smile, and Alves'' serious expression formed a ridiculous scene, which happened to be captured by the cameras on the sidelines, bing another ssic photo in football.
From the slow-motion rey, it was undoubtedly a wrong call. Therefore, after the match, "Sports Image News"mented, "If these three (Brazilian) yers were to enter the entertainment industry, Alves would definitely win the Oscar."
"Neymar would be slightly inferior. Although he acted the pain so convincingly at first, he couldn''t even face the camera afterwards, and Oscar is totally unqualified. He would definitely not find a job afterughing at such a crucial moment."
Back to the game, the Brazil coached by Scri was actually better at defending and counterattacking. They needed to surge forward to unleash their full potential, and trench warfare wasn''t ideal for them.
In the 37th minute, Paulinho''s through ball failed to prate the defense, and Sun Xiang cleared the ball with a long kick. The ballnded at Wang Feng''s feet in the middle, and with his back to goal, he passed it to Huang Hu, who was ahead of him. Then, along with Dong Fangzhuo on the left and right nks, as if they had telepathy, they quickly surged forward.
Huang Hu received the ball with his back to the center circle, attracting the attention of Gustavo and Thiago. Instead of letting theme forward to press, he discreetly flicked the ball with the outside of his foot to Dong Fangzhuo, who was in an open space.
Brazil''s defense quickly shifted towards Dong Fangzhuo, trying to block the passingne of the Chinese star, but Dong Fangzhuo still managed to find Wang Feng with a quick low pass.
Wang Feng, sprinting at high speed, forcefully pushed aside David Luiz to receive the ball, and ahead of him was an open path. In order not to be deliberately fouled by the opponents, he continued to dribble and elerate.
Running all the way to the edge of the penalty area, facing the onrushing goalkeeper Csar, the Chinese superstar calmly passed to the other side, where Wu Lei, the receiver, didn''t miss the almost empty goal opportunity this time and easily scored.
"Goal! The Chinese team takes the lead!"
"Even under such intense pressure from Brazil, they couldn''t break through the opponent''s defense and instead, it was the Chinese team who seized one of the few chances to take the lead!"
"Wu Lei really doesn''t score until the final. In thest match against Spain, he missed several one-on-one opportunities, but this time, he managed to put the ball in the without spitting out the cake."
Falling behind made the Brazilian team even more anxious, and they further intensified their attack, finally achieving results in the 69th minute of the second half.
Thiago Silva sent a long pass, and the ballnded at Neymar''s feet. He quickly used his dribbling skills to get past Fang Fan, then made a clever diagonal pass.
Inside the penalty area, Hulk resisted the challenges from Zhang Fanlin and He Ming, and with a powerful shot, caught goalkeeper Wang Xianghe off guard, and the ball rolled into the from the bottom right corner, equalizing the score for Brazil.
As if after a difficult climb, reaching a resting tform, all the members of the Samba Army felt a sense of relief. But before they could catch their breath, another blow struck.
Eight minutester, after a quick steal in the backcourt, Wang Feng passed the ball to Huang Hu, who then dribbled with the ball, utilizing the space created by Wang Feng''s movements.
Until the Brazilian defenders couldn''t resist moving forward to intercept, he made a diagonal pass to Dong Fangzhuo on the nk. By this time, they had reached the edge of the penalty area, and Dong Fangzhuo didn''t hesitate to pass into the penalty area.
Without the ball, Wang Feng ran like lightning, surpassing all the yers and rushing to the far post. Thiago Silva couldn''t keep up with his pace and could only choose to slide tackle to intercept the passingne, but it was still a step too slow.
The Chinese superstar reached the position first, volleyed in the air to the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Csar with no chance of saving. He could only watch the ball fly past him and into the, brushing the inside of the post.
"Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! A lightning-fast counterattack like a gust of wind! Instantly destroying the host''s defense!"
"Wang Feng once again gives the Chinese team the lead. This goal will definitely strike a blow to the opponent''s morale. There are less than 15 minutes left in the game, boys, give it one more push, you''ve already touched the trophy!"
As expected by thementators on-site, experiencing this setback made Brazil almost lose heart. Although they continued to attack fiercely, their relentless determination gradually weakened.
In the end, the Chinese team held on to the 2-1 lead until the end of the match, lifting the trophy of the 7th FIFA Confederations Cup!
At the award ceremony, the best goalkeeper was won by Wang Xianghe of the Chinese team, which made the 21-year-old boy extremely happy, believing that he would have a better future.
The Golden Boot award undoubtedly went to Wang Feng, who scored 7 goals. The Silver Boot and Bronze Boot were won by Torres with 5 goals and Fred with 4 goals, respectively.
The Golden Ball award, representing the best yer of the tournament, also rightfully belonged to the Chinese superstar, while the Silver Ball award went to Neymar, the Brazilian yer. Although he wasn''t the top scorer in his team, his contribution was outstanding, coupled with his fame and status, it was not surprising that he received the award.
The Bronze Ball award went to the Spanish yer Iniesta, simr to Neymar''s reasoning, Torres'' position was far below the mark.
The trophy for the champions of the Confederations Cup was presented in gold, with a globe symbol at the top, symbolizing the global nature of the event. The name of the tournament was engraved on the two spiral bands around the body of the trophy.
The base of the trophy was a hexagonal wooden base, decorated with gold trimmings, with the name of the champion team engraved on the decorative strips, and two turquoise rings on the base embedded with the emblem of the Intercontinental Cup.
Holding this trophy and epting interviews, Wang Feng said it was the bestfort for the Chinese team and domestic fans, and the team would continue to improve in the future.
Chapter 628: Bold Moves
Chapter 628: Bold Moves
After the summer matches ended, Wang Feng finally had the opportunity to rx and enjoy the holiday with his family. Due to Real Madrid''s business ns in China this year, and with the Spanish Super Cup also held in China, the club approved his request to stay in the country and wait to rejoin the team.
During this period, besides handlingmercial activities and group business, the Chinese superstar mainly traveled around with his family to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Little Haoxin, like his sister Suyao in the past, was curious about everything, often looking around with wide eyes in his parents'' arms. The two children had a great time ying together.
Returning to Suzhou and Hangzhou, Lu Yao and Wang Feng exchanged knowing smiles, recalling the scenes of their love years ago. Time flies, but their feelings haven''t faded. On the contrary, they''ve be even stronger, like aged wine.
While the yers were on vacation, major clubs began their transfer work in full swing. Real Madrid sought to retain their current squad while increasing their efforts in signing new yers. They first addressed contract renewals for yers like Iguain and Di Maria.
The only change in the current squad was the transfer of backup defender Albiol to Napoli for 12 million euros. Khedira''s contract expired, and he joined Monaco as a free agent, while young talent Denis Cheryshev was loaned to Sevi. No other yers underwent changes.
Theck of depth in the midfield and defense during the previous season was a lesson for the club. Therefore, they first brought back Carvajal from Leverkusen for 6.5 million euros.
The 21-year-old Spanish defender, a product of Real Madrid''s youth academy, had impressed greatly during his season in the Bundesliga, prompting the club to exercise their buy-back option decisively.
They also finalized the purchase of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Sao Paulo for 6 million euros. After half a season in the Spanish second division with the B team, Casemiro proved his worth.
Bringing back Isco from Mga was something the management had decided on early, but the negotiation process went smoother than expected.
Due to Mga''s deep financial crisis and the yer''s strong desire, Real Madrid managed to bring him in for just 30 million euros.
This transfer was definitely value for money. Given Isco''s outstanding performancest season, several Premier League clubs were interested in signing him for a higher price. However, the Spanish youngster expressed his desire in an interview, saying, "It has always been my dream to y for Real Madrid, to y alongside the greatest yers at the greatest club."
When the transfer was officiallypleted, Wang Feng weed Isco on social media, saying, "Wee Isco to the Bernabeu! Real Madrid is a stage that attracts worldwide attention and the best tform to showcase your talents. You will surely shine here!"
As for the goalkeeper position, the club faced difficulties in recruiting. Casis'' form had gradually declinedst season, especially after his mistakes in the Champions League final, prompting the need for a sessor.
Florentino Perez and the board preferred Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea. Despite his young age, he had shown remarkable stability. Being Spanish, he was undoubtedly the next main goalkeeper for the national team, making him a perfect fit in all aspects.
However, Manchester United CEO David Gill explicitly stated that De Gea was not for sale, regardless of the offer. Negotiations never even began.
The second choice was Thibaut Courtois, who was on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea. In the past La Liga season, he kept 20 clean sheets, setting a new record for consecutive clean sheets in the club''s history, and won La Liga''s Best Goalkeeper and Zamora awards.
Initially, Jose Mourinho, then Chelsea''s coach, favored his former protege Petr Cech, leaving Courtois with no chance. Thus, he threatened to leave if not given the starting position upon his return.
Seeing Courtois perform so well and being only 21 years old, ten years younger than Cech, wasn''t he the most suitable sessor? Therefore, they rejected offers from several clubs, including Real Madrid, and made strong efforts to keep Courtois.
To appease the yer, Chelsea specifically negotiated with Atletico Madrid, promising him a sry increase, another year on loan, and guaranteed starting position upon his return. With Atletico''s rise and a chance topete in the high-level Champions League, Courtois thought it over and ultimately chose to stay.
The failure of two consecutive deals left Real Madrid deeply disappointed. Good goalkeepers were already scarce in football, and with no other options, the coaching staff reluctantly decided to continue relying on Casis for the time being, while promoting talented youngster Jesus from the B team as a precaution.
Regarding the sessor to Wang Feng''s era in the forward line, Real Madrid approached the matter with extreme caution. Besides being able to lead the team, they had to consider various issues during the transition period between old and new.
Currently, world football presented a situation of one superpower and multiple strong contenders. The capital club''s capital to stand above all other clubsy in the Chinese superstar. His position was unshakeable.
Therefore, regardless of how the team rebuilt through transfers, it would always revolve around Wang Feng. Rejecting Cristiano Ronaldo''s olive branch was also within reason. After all, the Portuguese''s personality was too dominant, and conflicts in the dressing room were inevitable.
yers who had caught Real Madrid''s eye included Liverpool''s Suarez, Tottenham''s Gareth Bale, Dortmund''s Lewandowski, Manchester City''s Aguero, and Atletico''s Falcao, among others.
The Argentine star showed more interest in joining Real Madrid, but Manchester City was unwilling to let go. Moreover, they had sufficient financial support and asionally thought of poaching Real Madrid''s yers.
After lengthy negotiations and multiple rounds of bargaining, the deal was officially finalized just before the transfer window closed. Real Madrid paid 91 million euros to bring the Welshman back to the Bernabeu, making it the highest transfer fee in the team''s history after Wang Feng!
"I am very honored to be part of Real Madrid and toe to this dream stage," Bale said at the press conference. "This is my dream stage, as well as the dream stage for many yers."
"I will not disappoint the club and the fans'' expectations and will work with the great Wang to create glory for the team!"
As the captain of Real Madrid and the Chinese superstar, Wang Feng also attended the signing ceremony. He expressed great expectations for the partnership between the two, saying, "We will form the most efficient attackingbination!"
This was not just empty talk. ording to analysis by Kicker, with Wang Feng''s passing ability and Bale''s explosive speed, Real Madrid would be the most terrifying attacking machine!
Chapter 629: Fierce Competition, Earthquake
Chapter 629: Fierce Competition, Earthquake
Just like Real Madrid, Barcelona also urgently needed reinforcements this summer. In order to raise funds for the transfer market, the management had to sell arge number of yers.
Viya was sold to Atletico Madrid for 5.1 million euros, Thiago went to Bayern Munich for 25 million euros, while the non-renewed Valdes was sold to Monaco for 10 million euros.
The inconsistent Fabregas was sold to Chelsea for 32 million euros. In addition, yers like Adriano, Dos Santos, Bojan, Cuenca, Fontas, among others, were all cleared out.
As Real Madrid gave up on Suarez, Barcelona actively contacted them and eventually brought him back to Camp Nou for a whopping 72 million euros.
"Wee, my friend, the new strong force of the team!" Messi left a message on social media, his excitement evident in every word. He had high hopes for Suarez''s arrival.
However, the Barcelona management felt bitter because just the Uruguayan star alone spent all the funds they had raised. What to do next in terms of transfers?
In deep thought, Rosell decided to leverage by selling 10% of the club''s La Liga broadcast rights for the next 10 years. Due to the club''s immense global influence, the buyer paid 97 million euros after evaluation, relieving the urgent need for funds.
This "leveraging" could be seen as a mortgage, which was previously used by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez in 2000, where cash was obtained by selling shares.
When the financial situation stabilized after Wang Feng''s arrival, they would repurchase the shares at the original selling price plus a multiple of 29 million euros.
With this cash, Barcelona spent 15 million euros to buy Belgian defender Vermaelen, 15 million euros to bring back German goalkeeper Ter Stegen from Borussia Monchendbach, who would seed Valdes.
They also spent 27 million euros to bring in Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen from Tottenham and 15 million euros to bring back River te''s Colombian midfielder Edel Baranta.
Both Spanish giants splurged in the transfer market, and other top clubs and rising clubs naturally did not want to fall behind, leading to a flurry of activity.
The most shocking move was made by Atletico Madrid''s top striker, Colombian forward Falcao, who was selected forst year''s FIFA FIFPro World XI ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, choosing to transfer to Monaco in Ligue 1.
He had many top clubs to choose from, but Monaco offered him too much. His annual sry of 14 million euros wasparable to Messi''s, second only to Wang Feng.
Russian billionaire Rybolovlev bought the traditional French team this summer and injected arge amount of funds into the transfer market.
Therefore, apart from Falcao, they also spent over 100 million euros to bring in many top European yers, significantly enhancing their overall strength. This was one of the reasons why the Colombian was willing to join them at his peak.
Seeing this situation, PSG, Atletico Madrid''spetitor in Ligue 1, did not want to fall behind. They quickly finalized the transfer of Napoli''s Cavani for 64 million euros and Roma''s Marquinhos for 35 million euros.
All media and fans were shocked by the flurry of money in the transfer market, making it the most explosive situation in recent years and indicating that the attractiveness of top clubs to stars was no longer solely based on "footballing reasons."
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich continued their tradition of "tapping up" yers by paying a release use of 37 million euros for Dortmund''s core yer, Gotze, bringing him back to Allianz Arena.
This prompted Borussia Dortmund to make every effort to retain Lewandowski. Otherwise, the team wouldpletely lose itspetitiveness, relying solely on Reus would not be able to support the offensive end. Thus, many clubs including Real Madrid gave up on chasing the Polish striker.
In Serie A, Juventus once again became the biggest spender, spending nearly 70 million euros to bring back Tevez, Gabiadini, Zaza, and other yers.
Inter Mn and AC Mn mainly focused on patching up their squad, while other clubs had to tighten their belts, unable to keep up with the spending spree of European football giants.
In the Premier League, Manchester City, with financial power not inferior to PSG and Monaco, discreetly paid 40 million euros to bring in Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Dsk.
Then they brought in Negredo from Sevi for 25.3 million euros, Jovetic from Fiorentina for 30 million euros, and Jesus Navas from Sevi for 26 million euros.
Liverpool, who performed poorlyst season, followed closely behind. They spent 13 million euros to bring back Alberto Moreno from Sundend and 17 million euros to bring in Sakho from PSG.
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham also made moves. However, Manchester United, part of the BIG6, made a lot of noise but spent very little. They only spent 32 million euros to bring in Belgian midfielder Feini from Everton and then stopped abruptly.
This was unexpected. Many Red Devils fans were puzzled. In the past, at this time, Ronaldo would havee out to urge the team to strengthen quickly or demand a raise. Why was it so calm now?
Maybe because Sir Alex Ferguson had just retired in May, and Ronaldo was a bit cautious in the face of a new coach, temporarily not daring to make waves. Some naive people thought so.
Just as the summer window was about to close, a shocking news shook the football world. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester City for 100 million pounds, about 117 million euros, breaking the European football transfer record set by Wang Feng!
People who heard this news were all stunned. Their first reaction was that it was fake news. How could it be possible? How could the soul of Manchester United go to their city rivals?
But at the subsequent press conference held by Manchester City, the new head coach Pellegrini confirmed the news, "Yes, we are very much looking forward to Cristiano''s arrival."
"The Etihad Stadium will hold a grand wee ceremony, and he will definitely inject strong energy into the team. Please look forward to his performance in the new season."
Manchester United''s new head coach Moyes also epted interviews. He said that this transfer was based on the yer''s personal wishes, "Thanks to Cristiano for his outstanding contributions to Manchester United. With new pursuits, we have to support him."
This statement was tantamount to putting the Portuguese star on the fire. The inte was filled with abusive voices, and some extreme fans even burned Manchester United''s number 7 jerseys.
When Figo transferred from Barcelona to Real Madrid, it caused a huge sensation. Now, Ronaldo, his sessor, followed the same path, with even greater influence. Moreover, due to the rise of the inte, people discussed it more eagerly.
In the midst of all the controversies, Ronaldo remained silent. He knew there was no turning back. Manchester United was simply unable to win the Champions League, helping him achieve the highest honor in football.
Manchester City, on the other hand, was different. With vast financial resources, they were highly likely to be a new giant in European football like Chelsea. In order to make this transfer happen, he even gave up some benefits and took a pay cut, which led to the offer from the Blue Moon.
Sir Alex Ferguson, on the other hand, was in the eye of the storm. He simply went abroad for a vacation. He strongly disagreed with the deal, but both his protege and Manchester United had intentions. The two sides were at loggerheads, and neither was willing to give in.
The sess of this transfer was not due to Ronaldo''s personal endorsement but rather because the entire club weed it. Besides himself, even Ferguson, no matter how strong he was, could not prevent the copse of the building.
Chapter 630: Pre-season
Chapter 630: Pre-season
When Wang Feng heard the news of Cristiano Ronaldo''s transfer, he was also shocked. He didn''t expect the Portuguese to be so determined this time, leaving Manchester United at the time of his mentor Ferguson''s retirement.
"Their confidentiality work was done very well, and the news only leaked out at thest moment," agent Balmond said to Wang Feng during their conversation. He could inquire about many insider details.
"Mendes had been active in Spain all along, and Cristiano''s desire to join Real Madrid wasn''t news, but the outside world didn''t pay much attention. Everyone generally believed that the deal was difficult to reach."
"Especially when you chose Bale, and Barcelona chose Suarez afterward, and Manchester United''s new coach Moyes had just taken over, they definitely wouldn''t dare to give up their biggest core and immediate strength."
"But the reality is not like that. Many high-level officials of the Red Devils and the new coach are happy to see Ronaldo leave, especially CEO David Gill, which is incredible."
"So Mendes'' previous actions must also have some smoke bomb elements. " Balmond looked like quite the China expert.
Wang Feng couldn''t help but be amazed, but thinking about Manchester United''s Champions League performance in recent years, it was not difficult to understand the Portuguese star''s actions. It was hard topete for the highest football awards and even drop out of the top three and best team with just Premier League honors, which Ronaldo, who was proud, could not ept.
With Manchester City''s strong financial support, they had aprehensive lineup, justcking a key figure. Perhaps Ronaldo''s addition couldpensate for this deficiency.
Talking about several Chinese yers under Balmond''s banner, he excitedly mentioned that after experiencing the Confederations Cup, Huang Hu had also entered the mainstream vision, and many powerful teams expressed interest in him.
"If it weren''t for Werder Bremen buying him outst summer, I''m afraid Chelsea would be interested in recalling him by now, but I think it''s good for him to stay in the Bundesliga to train."
"Now the club is willing to increase his sry and offer him a starting position." This information made Wang Feng very happy. He especially favored Huang Hu and Wu Lei, thinking that the two might be able to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the national team''s attack in the future.
New season, new atmosphere. Wang Feng''s exclusive brand "WIND" series released a brand-new style of sneakers, with a uniquebination of red, blue, and white colors. Departing from the usual steady style, they showcased a more cool and domineering side. During his vacation, he was invited to shoot a promotional video.
This advertisement concept also pleasantly surprised the Chinese superstar. The staff specially made a huge dark room and then pasted many LED light strips on Wang Feng''s body, covering his whole body. Even the football under his feet had them. They used a camera to record his dribbling.
After post-processing, both Wang Feng and the football behind him emitted colorful light, giving a strong visual impact. "It''s amazing, much more realistic than Photoshop," the Chinese superstar couldn''t help but marvel.
Nike''s Asia-Pacific head Yasanshi proudly said, "Yes, this concept is to capture the appearance of the wind, which is very consistent with our brand. I believe it will not disappoint the fans."
The sales of Wang Feng''s brand ounted for an important position in the total sales of the entirepany, so they were highly valued from top to bottom, and the influence of Asia and China was increasing.
Real Madrid assembled in mid-July, and the team''s summer schedule was officially announced. They first had a preseason training camp in Europe andpleted two warm-up matches. Then they flew to China to meet Wang Feng and participate in the "International Champions Cup" and the Spanish Super Cup.
The "International Champions Cup" was organized by DreamStar Sports, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Feng Yao Group, as a warm-up friendly match. It was held in four cities, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing, to facilitate fans.
In addition to Real Madrid, the eight participating teams included Inter Mn, Chelsea, AC Mn, Juventus, Valencia, Bayern Munich, and Hengtai team. The format was a single-elimination.
Apart from being lucrative, the participation of so many powerhouses also relied on Wang Feng''s connections and influence in the football world. Some even predicted that if he joined FIFA after retirement, he might be the first Asian FIFA president.
However, the Chinese superstar himself had no interest in this area. He wouldn''t wade into those murky waters.
Without Wang Feng, Real Madrid yed two matches against English Championship team Bournemouth and French Ligue 1 team Lyon, achieving two consecutive victories, which was rtively ideal.
Di Maria, Khedira, and Pepe, who had missed the entire season, all returned. Except for Khedira''s poor condition, the other two were very excited. They could finally run freely on the field.
At this time, the negotiations for Bale''s joining had not been concluded, but the new signing Isco had arrived. His performance amazed the outside world and the media. He didn''t look like a neer at all. The Spanish youngster kept exchanging positions with Di Maria and Modric, disying excellent coordination.
Marcamented that Isco''s ball control and passing skills were outstanding, and he also had a sense of urgency, as if he had inexhaustible stamina. His figure could be seen almost everywhere on the field, somewhat reminiscent of the young Chinese superstar.
AS stated that the Spanish youngster was not just a football yer but also resembled a home decorator. His courage, imagination, excellent vision, and passing made him the best support. "Cooperating with Wang Feng will definitely achieve a one plus one greater than two effect. The new season''s Gcticos still maintain strongpetitiveness."
Such an outstanding yer was brought back to Bernabeu by Real Madrid for only 30 million euros, which was somewhat unbelievable in today''s inted market.
After two matches, Ancelotti had a rough idea of the tactics for the new season. The 4-2-3-1 formation seemed a bit outdated for now, and after Wang Feng returned to the front line, he hoped to use the 4-3-3 formation to dominate with the Gcticos.
The team not only had Marcelo, a full-back with excellent attacking abilities, but also Alonso, a versatile midfielder who could intercept as a defensive midfielder and push forward as a central midfielder, so the tactics on the field could be more flexible.
In Ancelotti''s mind, the main lineup was roughly outlined. Goalkeeper Casis temporarily did not need adjustment, and substitutes Diego Lopez and Jesus could increase their rotation ratio appropriately.
The backline was filled by Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, and Carvajal, with equally excellent rotation options like Varane, Coentrao, Carvajal, and Nacho.
In the midfield, Modric, Alonso, and Di Maria were almost irreceable, and the substitute lineup mainly consisted of Casemiro, Khedira, and Isco. Although Irramendi was introduced to the club at a high price and almost fell out with Real Sociedad, his technical style didn''t quite match Ancelotti''s, and his attendance rate was not highst season, so it might be very difficult for him to return to the tactical picture.
The front line was led by Wang Feng, Higuain, and Bale, with Morata returning to the main substitute role. The fact proved that he was still unable to lead the Gcticos alone, and with the promotion of young yers like Hesse from the youth academy, the attacking personnel were also very abundant.
The Italian coach looked at his yers with satisfaction. Even if there were serious injuries likest season, the Gcticos would not be stretched thin. Moreover, if everything went smoothly, they could fully support multi-linebat.
Chapter 631: Eager Anticipation
Chapter 631: Eager Anticipation
Another highly anticipated team in the football world, Barcelona, also assembled around the same time, preparing for preseason training and warm-up matches. The new head coach made his official debut as well.
It wasn''t the personnel left by Guardi or the former Bar?a captain, Enrique, who had been heavily rumored by the media before. Instead, it was Martino, the head coach of Newell''s Old Boys, a powerhouse team in the Argentine Primera Division.
He had led Paraguay to the quarterfinals, making history in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Last season, he helped Newell''s Old Boys secure the league title one round in advance and reach the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, only to fall to Brazil''s Corinthians.
Thest Argentine head coach for Barcelona was Louis Menotti, nearly thirty years ago, known for his attacking football philosophy. Fans were eager to see if Martino could bring a different style to Catalonia, but some were pessimistic, believing he might leave after the season.
It''s worth mentioning that Messi joined Barcelona from Newell''s Old Boys, so there shouldn''t be anymunication problems between him and the new Argentine coach.
Barcelona dazzled the world with a 7-0 victory over Valerenga of the Norwegian Premier League and a 9-0 thrashing of FC Utrecht from the Eredivisie. The trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez stunned everyone, with fans marveling at the footballing spectacle.
During the post-match press conference, Martino mentioned that Suarez''s addition brought a qualitative change to the team. "The three yers up frontplement each other. They all have the ability to decide games. Opponents can only focus on two of them at most, leaving the otherpletely liberated."
Messi also stated that he found a way to win, praising both Neymar and Suarez as outstanding yers who would bring more to Barcelona, making the team even stronger.
Regarding the much-discussed locker room issues, the Argentine star believed there was no impact. Everyone in the team was united in their desire to win championships, and the atmosphere in the locker room was harmonious.
Meanwhile, in China, Real Madrid coach Ancelotti faced questions from the media, mainly about the fierce attacking lineup of the Catn team and whether it caused any concerns.
"Oh, an excellentbination, spectacr goals. The three yers are all world-ss stars today, showing their strong abilities. This is a new challenge for Real Madrid."
"But we never fear challenges, do we? I think Wang has a lot of experience in this regard. Barcelona has always used the traditional front three lineup, whether it''s thebination of Ronaldinho, Messi, and Eto''o, or Henry, Messi, and Ibrahimovic. He has confronted them head-on and emerged victorious."
"Plus, with the help of many outstanding teammates, the Gcticos'' goal remains the championship. We will never give up on this belief!"
The new season hadn''t even started yet, but both sides were already eager and impatient.
Aside from the high anticipation for the Real Madrid vs. Barcelona sh,st season''s impressive Atletico Madrid also attracted a lot of attention, especially with the departure of their stalwart, Falcao. His recement, Vi?ctor Viera, signed for a tenth of Falcao''s price, but the management still prepared a grand wee ceremony for the Spanish forward, spending only 5.1 million euros in transfer fees to bring him back to the Calderon.
However, even with the reduced fee, the club prepared a grand wee ceremony for the Spanish forward, with about 20,000 Atletico Madrid fansing to witness the unveiling. Even Falcao didn''t receive such a grand reception back then.
Wearing the number 9 jersey, Vi?ctor Viera couldn''t help but shed tears of emotion, healing the wounds inflicted by Barcelona: "You have given me the support and love I need. From today onwards, Atletico Madrid is the best club in the world."
As soon as he finished speaking, deafening cheers erupted from the stands, with hundreds of extreme fans even breaking through the barriers and rushing onto the field. A few "lucky ones" reached Vi?ctor Viera, forcibly embracing and kissing him.
Stadium staff had to seek help from local authorities in Madrid, mobilizing arge number of security personnel to control the situation.
"I will give my best to the club. I feel full of fighting spirit now. Let me start training!" Vi?ctor Viera said with a flushed face when facing the media.
"Simeone is an excellent coach. He will fully consider tactical arrangements and give me tasks. But personally, I prefer to y as a striker."
"Yes, this position used to belong to Falcao. I know what kind of tough tests await me next, but I hope to make the fans forget about his departure."
As for why he chose Atletico Madrid, Vi?ctor Viera didn''t hesitate to exin that he initially nned to go to the Premier League, but Atletico Madrid solved all his personal life issues in just three days, which touched him deeply.
Moreover, Atletico Madrid had Champions League qualification and decentpetitiveness. As for the grudges with Barcelona, Vi?ctor Viera didn''t want to say much, only indicating that everything would be revealed on the pitch.
The first-round match of the "International Champions Cup" was the first game yed by Wang Feng and his teammates together, facing their former club, Inter Mn, at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, which could amodate 62,000 spectators. Tickets were in high demand, and major sports channels both domestically and internationally broadcasted the warm-up match live.
Coach Ancelotti deployed his ideal 4-3-3 starting lineup in the first half, with Morata temporarily recing Bale. The Chinese superstar, returning to the frontline, was very active.
In the 7th minute, Modric sent a through ball from the center, and Wang Feng, at the left side of the penalty area, received it, took a low shot, and the ball passed through Inter Mn''s goalkeeper, Handanovic''s legs, finding the.
Just four minutester, Campagnaro made a mistake in interception. The Chinese superstar intercepted the ball with a leg and dodged the counter-press, then passed it to the back point. Iguan, facing an open goal, scored with a shot.
In the 37th minute, Alonso intercepted the ball in midfield, passed it to Di Maria on the wing, who dribbled past the defense, and, at the right moment, made a nting pass to the edge of the penalty area. Wang Feng, following up without stopping the ball, shot and scored into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Two shots and one assist in the first half! The satisfied first-team yers were all reced in the second half, and in the rotational contest, both Real Madrid and Inter Mn scored one goal each. The final score was set at 4-1, with Real Madrid securing the advance.
This game resonated deeply within Spain. Although Real Madrid didn''t win as dominantly as Barcelona, the fact that they could defeat a Serie A powerhouse exceeded the expectations of the fans.
ording to a post-match survey conducted by Marca, Wang Feng was still the best in the hearts of Real Madrid fans. Over 90% believed he was the undisputed "MVP," while the rest were scattered in support of other yers.
"Wang Feng''s excellent performance no longer surprises anyone, but we are still amazed by his tactical execution, quickly transitioning from defense to offense."
The matches of the "International Champions Cup" were unexpectedly popr, with almost every game sold out. The enthusiasm and appreciation of domestic fans have been cultivated and improved over the years, and it''s evident that the Chinese Super League can no longer meet their demands.
For this reason, DreamStar Sports specifically added a loser''s bracket for head-to-head matches, with each team ying three full games to determine the final ranking from first to eighth.
Real Madrid won the championship trophy in thest two matches, defeating AC Mn and Chelsea sessively, with Wang Feng scoring three goals and providing two assists again.
Chapter 632: A Thousand-Mile Raid
Chapter 632: A Thousand-Mile Raid
After the warm-up matches, Real Madrid weed their first-round showdown of the new season against Barcelona, the Spanish Super Cup, with the match taking ce at the capital''s Bird''s Nest Stadium.
The single-round format intensified thepetition for the trophy, with both sides deploying their main yers in hopes of gaining the upper hand at the start of the new season.
This was the first time domestic fans had witnessed the full-scale battle between the two top clubs in the world at their doorstep, especially with Wang Feng leading the charge. The stadium was packed to capacity, with demand exceeding the temporary seating arranged by the organizers.
"Our fans are incredibly passionate. This ce has turned into a home ground for Real Madrid," remarked Zhang Jun in thementary box. "We can see that most of the spectators are wearing the White Gctic jerseys, giving the feeling of being at the Bernabeu."
"Yes, no wonder Barcelona strongly opposed hosting the Super Cup in China. It inexplicably turned into an away game for them. Of course, there''s also a small group of Catn fans who traveled all the way from Spain, hoping to enjoy themselves,"mented Zhang.
"The yers from both sides are entering the field now. Both teams are lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Barcelona''s starting goalkeeper is Ter Stegen."
"The back four consists of Alves, Pique, Mascherano, and Puig."
"The midfield trio includes Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets."
"The front three are Neymar, Messi, and Suarez."
Barcelona started the game with high-intensity pressing and pressure, controlling possession firmly, which made Real Madrid appear rtively passive in the game, forcing them to adopt a more defensive approach by contracting their formation.
The Catn team quickly created threats, with Neymar''s wing breakthrough and cross resulting in Suarez''s volley being blocked by Ramos in the penalty area. Shortly after, Iniesta took a corner, and Mascherano''s header narrowly missed the post.
Two consecutive close-range shots stirred excitement among the fans in the stands, whose cheers and support grew louder, hoping to provide more strength to the White Gctic team.
Next, Real Madridunched a quick counterattack. Wang Feng dribbled past Xavi on the wing, then passed into the penalty area. Although Iguan found space, his low shot was blocked by Ter Stegen, highlighting the Catn team''s new goalkeeper''s young age but impressiveposure and standard save techniques.
After a brief deadlock, Barcelona broke the stalemate first. In the 20th minute, Messi''s subtle movements in the frontcourt attracted defenders, and then he expertly passed the ball between Ramos and Pepe, allowing Suarez to arrive swiftly and shoot past Casis'' fingertips.
With the lead in hand, Barcelona seemed more at ease, maintaining their passing game. Meanwhile, Real Madrid refrained from pressing too aggressively, fearing they might be exploited by Barcelona''s passing skills, as both Neymar and Messi possessed exceptional close-range ball-handling abilities.
To expand his influence, Wang Feng consciously dropped back from the wing to a quasi-attacking midfielder position, organizing counterattacks while intercepting opponent prations, a change that Coach Ancelotti hoped to see.
In the 39th minute, Wang Feng intercepted the ball in the opponent''s half and slotted a through pass to Di Maria. Faced with defensive pressure, Di Maria passed it back, while Wang Feng feigned a breakthrough to create space. In reality, he engaged in a wall pass with Di Maria, allowing him to calmly cross from the baseline.
Iguain leaped high at the far post, directing a header towards the top left corner, but Ter Stegen stretched his body to the limit, using his left hand to block the ball. However, Wang Feng quickly arrived and pushed aside Pique, volleying the ball into the with his right foot, equalizing for the White Gctic team!
In the second half, in the 57th minute, Alonso sent a long pass to Morata, who then dribbled past the defender on the wing, before making a triangr pass to the edge of the arc where Wang Feng met it with a curling shot using the inside of his foot. The ball seemed to fly towards the top left corner of the goal but suddenly swerved to the right, catching Ter Stegen off guard, who could only watch as it nestled into the.
"Beautiful! Wang Feng! You''re the king of football!" eximed domestic fans in the stands, while the Chinese superstar celebrated with them, igniting the passion of the entire stadium.
"The atmosphere here is amazing," added Alonso, who joined the celebration. "Indeed, the fans are always the most adorable people, no matter when."
As time passed, Barcelona''s attacks became increasingly fierce. Finally, in the 88th minute, Messi stepped up, dribbling past two defenders in the penalty area before passing to the wing. Neymar faked a shot and then cut inside before passing it back to Messi, who calmly slotted the ball into the from a tight angle.
"Ah~!" After scoring, Messi looked up to the sky and let out a long roar, releasing his pent-up emotions. He had finally managed to turn the tide at a crucial moment!
Both head coaches began preparing for overtime and penalties. Near the end of the game, Barcelona earned a corner kick, and all Real Madrid yers retreated to defend inside the penalty area.
Iniesta floated the ball into the box, and Pepe made an early judgment to head it away, but it fell near Wang Feng.
He quickly controlled the ball, dodged a challenge, and elerated towards the opponent''s half. Suarez attempted to intercept, but he didn''t anticipate Wang Feng''s speed. In the blink of an eye, the ball flew far ahead.
With most Barcelona yers involved in the attack and the rapid pace of the Chinese superstar, they had no time to retreat, except for Alves and Pique trailing behind, with a chance to intercept.
Seeing Wang Feng charging alone past the halfway line, all the fans in the stadium stood up in excitement. They knew this would likely be thest attack in regr time.
Martino was taken aback, rushing to the sidelines and shouting in Spanish, "Stop him, foul him, quickly!" seeming to realize the gravity of the situation. Pique aggressively moved towards the Chinese superstar, while Alves slightlygged behind to provide support, forming a double-team.
Wang Feng naturally understood that at this moment, the defending yers would do anything to stop him, even if it meant receiving a yellow card, but the excellent opportunity would be wasted.
So he focused, contemting the perfect amount of force needed. At the critical moment, he nudged the ball towards Alves, feeling as if he had directly passed it to him.
Pique''s attempt to bring down Wang Feng seemed to freeze for a moment, almost subconsciously halting his movement to observe the situation, while Alves, unable to do much, could only rely on instinct to stretch out his leg and receive the ball.
At that moment, the Chinese superstar erupted, forcefully pushing past Pique and darting through the gap between the two defenders. At the edge of being tackled, he deftly poked the ball away, leaving the Spanish defender in a daze, trying to reach out but it was already toote.
"Wang Feng breaks through Barcelona''s defensive double-team! My god, how did he manage to bring the ball out from such a narrow space?!"
"There''s no one ahead except the goalkeeper. Ter Stegenes out. As expected, a slight feint and he''spletely beaten. He slots it into the empty! In the final moments of the game, Real Madrid takes the lead again!"
"Traveling a thousand miles to defeat the enemy! This is a typical long-distance raid-style counterattack, from their own penalty area to the opponent''s penalty area. Wang Feng has shown us what it means to be as fast as lightning and as swift as the wind."
"Even when faced with a double-team, his speed didn''t slow down. We couldn''t even see how he broke free."
With this decisive goal, Real Madrid edged past Barcelona 3-2, lifting the Spanish Super Cup trophy.
Chapter 633: A Glorious Farewell
Chapter 633: A Glorious Farewell
After the match ended, the Bird''s Nest Stadium turned into a sea of celebration. Many domestic fans were immersed in the thrilling showdown and were reluctant to leave, their excited emotions difficult to calm.
Under Wang Feng''s leadership, the Real Madrid yers raised the Spanish Super Cup to salute everyone. After experiencing the ups and downs of the intense 90 minutes, their efforts were not in vain.
It was a difficult and full of twists and turns game. Both sides showed strong desires to win, with Barcelona continuing their dominance in possession as usual, while the White Gctic team seized the few counterattacking opportunities.
The joy of defeating their arch-rivals was indescribable, especially when the opponents were so highly regarded by the outside world. The yers celebrated wildly in the locker room, champagne flowing, and head coach Ancelotti''s face was full of smiles, not stopping their slightly exaggerated celebration.
"Equalizing and then scoring the winning goal, Real Madrid overpowers Barcelona to lift the Spanish Super Cup!"
"The terrifying attacking overlord announces his return, and the Chinese superstars a hat-trick on home soil, confronting the Trident head-on!"
Major media outlets extensively covered this high-profile match, the first showdown after the reform of the Super Cup, which achieved unimaginable sess.
The front page of Spain''s "Marca" prominently featured a snapshot of Wang Feng''s long-distance raid, appearing to enter an empty space behind the chasing Barcelona defenders.
In their report, they praised the Chinese superstar''s lone charge in the final moments, emphasizing the need for not only immense speed and explosiveness but also superb ball control.
ording to the slow-motion analysis, Wang Feng''s seemingly unbelievable method of breaking through the encirclement was quite simpleit was just two touches of the ball.
But the first touch required avoiding the menacing Pique and not directly delivering the ball to Alves, while the second touch needed precise timing to poke the ball away before Alves could reach it.
Even more astonishing was that during the breakthrough, Wang Feng''s forward movement was hardly affected, meaning he executed a series of actions at high speed, making it seem effortless and rendering the Barcelona defense powerless.
"The Chinese superstar was undoubtedly the most crucial yer of the entire match. After a season of defensive duties, his shooting boots not only did not gather dust but shone even brighter."
However, they believed that the strength of both teams remained evenly matched; otherwise, the process wouldn''t have been so arduous. Messi came close to dominating the game and taking it to a cruel overtime.
Finally, the article also mentioned the tremendous sess of this year''s Spanish Super Cup, not only in terms of stadium arrangements and fan reception but also in global broadcasting viewership.
This would bring huge profits, far more advantageous than the previous two-leg format, and it is believed that more clubs would support it in the future.
Not only "Marca," but "AS" and "Sport" also praised Wang Feng''s consecutive goals, especially hisst-minute solo effort to defeat the opponent.
"AS" marveled at him as a "timeless" magical yer, at the age of 30, the Chinese superstar still ran as fast as when he was 20, leaving everyone else far behind.
"Sport," on the other hand, believed that the Chinese superstar still possessed immeasurable value. He could dominate against Barcelona''s Trident in different periods, making him a perpetual nightmare for the Catn team.
Of course, a one-sided argument is notprehensive. Many media outlets like "Diario Sport" believed that Barcelona''s loss was merely due to bad luck, and the team''s strength has improved significantly.
Especially with Messi narrowly missing out on altering the oue, his leadership qualities have be stronger with age, and the future of the world football undoubtedly belongs to the Argentine star, and Barcelona is bound to experience a revival.
This year''s La Liga opener was scheduled for August 18, with Real Madrid hosting Real Betis.
Before the match began, the team received the league championship trophy from the previous season, boosting their morale, and they quickly suppressed the opponent with continuous strikes.
In the 14th minute, Di Maria forcefully broke through from the wing and crossed, and Wang Feng, with great experience, nodded in at the near post to open the scoring for the home team.
Twelve minutester, Alonso sent a through pass, and Iguan scored with a powerful shot from 10 meters out, further extending the team''s lead.
The situation then calmed down, and Real Betis also organized several effective attacks, but they were all intercepted and returned without sess.
In the 79th minute, Wang Feng changed the rhythm continuously on the wing and shook off two defenders with a cross into the penalty area. Isco, who came on as a substitute, headed in from 8 meters out ahead of Nosa, scoring his first league goal for the White Gctic team.
The match ended with a score of 3-0, and the White Gctic team did not repeat their slow start from the previous season.
Barcelona''s opening match of the league also garnered high attention. Many were concerned about whether the Catn team could recover after being struck by Real Madrid.
It turns out that the fans'' worries were somewhat unnecessary. The determined home team, with Messiting a hat-trick and Neymar and Suarez scoring two goals each, defeated Levante 7-0, continuing their reputation as the creators of catastrophe.
Due to making way for the World Cup next summer, the start dates of the major European leagues were all advanced. The annual Bernabu Cup of the White Gctic team was also scheduled after the first round of La Liga.
This year was particrly special because the opponent for the match was Al Sadd from the Qatari league, and the "Prince of Bernabu," Ral, would return to the Bernabu stadium.
As the Spaniard announced his retirement at the end of the season, Florentino personally invited him to participate in the farewell match. That''s how Real Madrid operatesthe club respects all its legends after they retire, despite any past conflicts. They respect their own legends more than any other club does.
Ral dly agreed, and after discussions between the yers, both clubs, and Ral, a new format for the match was decided: Ral would represent different teams in each half. In other words, in the first half, the Prince of Bernabu would wear the number 7 Real Madrid jersey that represented him!
This news brought tears to countless old fans'' eyes. On the day of the match, the surroundings of the stadium were crowded, and many fans who couldn''t get tickets preferred to watch the big screen outside the stadium.
Naturally, the stands were full, and people passionately called out the name of the yer who had given his all for the team.
The yers of both sides slowly entered the field. Real Madrid had only 10 yers lined up, waiting for the legend to appear. When that familiar figure walked through the yer tunnel and appeared, screams and cheers resounded through the sky.
As the representative of the team, Wang Feng stepped forward and warmly embraced the Spaniard. "Wee home, Ral!" One sentence broke through all his defenses, and tears gradually welled up in the Prince of Bernabu''s eyes.
The Chinese superstar took off the captain''s armband from his arm and personally put it on Ral. He also handed him the team g. This was not arranged in advance, but Wang Feng felt it was only right.
On the stands, Real Madrid president Florentino looked on with satisfaction at the scene before him. Wang Feng''s emotional intelligence was as high as ever.
The process of the match itself wasn''t very noteworthy. Ral was undoubtedly the absolute protagonist, scoring a goal in each half, and Real Madrid ultimately defeated Al Sadd 4-2.
Chapter 634: Old and New
Chapter 634: Old and New
As Ra??l galloped across the Bernab??u Stadium, a group of former Real Madrid yers were present to watch the game. Guti was naturally among them. Besides cheering for his old friends, he was also preparing to serve as the assistant coach for the U12 youth team of the White Gctic team.
Real Madrid''s youth training camp was flourishing, with Santiago Sri serving as the head coach of the U15 youth team, while De Red coached the Cadet B team (14-15 age group), achieving remarkable results. Last season, they even won three championship titles.
Morente was the coach of the Juvenil B team (16-18 age group), and under his leadership, the team bravely won the Madrid regional league championship.
Next, Guti wouldplete the formal coaching course and obtain his coaching certificate, gradually moving from the youth team to the first team.
With the old veterans finding their roles and new signings all in ce, after the first round of matches, Real Madrid officially announced the signing of Bale, who joined the team for his first training session.
As the team captain, Wang Feng expressed his wee to the Welshman outside the training camp. The two shook hands with smiles on their faces, and Bale''s first impression of the Chinese superstar was shy but serious.
Although his words were few, Bale had managed to grasp a fair amount of Spanish through diligent study in a short period. He could greet his teammates, indicating his efforts to integrate into the new environment, which was not easy.
In fact, from his debut until now, Bale had remained quite pure, with only his family and football in his life. He wasn''t good at socializing and even less so at dealing with the media, somewhat simr to Wang Feng in some respects. However, the Chinese superstar was more outgoing than him, not shying away from or fearing standing in front of the public.
Bale, on the other hand, was different. Last season, when he won the Football Writers'' Association yer of the Year award in the Premier League, he requested to cancel his personal speech at the awards ceremony and instead opted for a question-and-answer format.
This wasn''t about showing off but rather because Bale felt extremely nervous and awkward giving speeches in public. Even interviews weren''t easy for him. A columnist from "The Times" said, "@Gareth, you need a brave heart, confident like Beckham."
Coming to Madrid, he had to get used to the life of one of the most prestigious clubs in Spain and even the world. These were the prices to pay for bing an internationally renowned football star, but fortunately, he had a guide.
"Don''t worry, everyone here is very nice. I believe you will soon fall in love with this ce. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to me anytime," Wang Feng said in English.
Bale nodded, feeling slightly nervous but more excited. Unlike Tottenham''s empty trophy room, Real Madrid''s numerous honors meant that he wouldn''tck for trophies in the future!
Moreover, the person in front of him was a football deity! Stars who grew up around the 1990s like him were all admirers of Wang Feng because they had personally experienced the Chinese superstar''s legendary journey, his strength and invincible figure deeply engraved in everyone''s mind.
During the subsequent regr training session, Bale''s performance was average, but the most obvious impression he left on his teammates was his speed and explosive power. However, Wang Feng noticed that there seemed to be something awkward about the way he exerted force with his legs, which could potentially lead to injury.
"Hey Gareth, did you feel any muscle soreness in your legs when you sprinted just now?" Wang Feng approached and asked. Bale was taken aback, "Yeah, how did you know? It''s an old problem from a previous injury. Do you feel the same?"
The Chinese superstar shook his head, "This kind of injury usually doesn''t leave any roots after healing. It''s because your muscles are still being strained, so you feel soreness."
"Try exerting force like this." Wang Feng exined while demonstrating. After trying it out, Bale indeed felt much better. "Oh my God, you seem more reliable than my professional trainer!"
After that, he consciously changed his exertion technique, but it would be a long process, as muscle memory was not easy to eliminate.
After the training session, the Chinese superstar hosted a dinner for all the yers and coaching staff. During the gathering, amidst the clinking of sses, Bale felt ufortable in such social situations and preferred to enjoy himself alone in a corner.
Wang Feng approached him with a ss of wine, "Don''t really like these gatherings? That''s okay, we can go y golf together another day."
Talking about golf piqued Bale''s interest. The Chinese superstar admitted that he wasn''t good at it and had only asionally yed with Zti back in the day. "I know, the great Inter Mn dynasty! My football buddies used to talk about you all the time since then."
The Welsh star said he was an amateur golfer too, enjoying the open space and the feeling of swinging freely. He definitely wanted to y a few rounds with Wang Feng when he had the chance.
The handshake between Wang Feng and Bale was dubbed the most expensive handshake in history by the media, the ?100 million man and the ?91 million man. Theirbined value could even buy a small club, but of course, Wang Feng''s value was far beyond that now.
When Cristiano Ronaldo set the record for the highest transfer fee in history at ?117 million, German Transfer predicted Wang Feng''s market value at this time. Without considering the factor of being unseble, based solely on his strength and achievements, the 30-year-old Chinese superstar still had a market value of around ?300 million, and he would undoubtedly attract the pursuit of many top clubs.
On August 26th, in the second round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Granada away.
Just 11 minutes into the game, Di Maria broke through on the right and crossed into the penalty area. Higua??n nodded the ball forward, and Wang Feng, with his back to the goal, volleyed with his left foot and scored with an acrobatic shot, giving the away team the lead.
Bale, who was on the bench, looked eager to y. With such passionate attacks and brilliant goals, he was already eager to integrate into the new environment.
In the 29th minute, Alonsounched a long pass over the top from midfield. Wang Feng wandered to the left, timed his run to avoid offside, and volleyed the ball with his left foot after receiving it, chipping it over goalkeeper Roberto to further extend Real Madrid''s lead.
In the second half, in the 60th minute, Bale, who was almost the summer''s transfer market king, finally made his debut for his new club, while Morata, who was substituted, felt a bit lonely. As a regr starter who had already won the highest honors with the team, perhaps he should consider pursuing a higher status and sry now?
Aftering on, Bale appeared very proactive. Just one minuteter, he and Wang Fengpleted a give-and-go near the penalty area, dribbled into the box, and attempted a shot from a tight angle, which went just wide of the post. He then tried a powerful shot from outside the box, which was saved by Roberto.
Isco, also in good form, made a forward run down the wing after a pass from Arbeloa. Wang Feng intentionally let the ball go past him, and the onrushing Spanish midfielder, although somewhat awkward in his approach, identally kicked the ball in a strange position,pletely catching Granada''s goalkeeper off guard and easily scoring.
Granada pulled one back through Piti, but in the 84th minute, the moment Bale had been eagerly awaiting finally arrived: his first goal for his new club. Wang Feng and Di Maria exchanged positions on the wing.
Bale controlled the ball inside the penalty area, sidestepped Diakit??, and then unleashed a shot from 11 meters out, which hit the near post and deflected into the.
After scoring, the Welshman immediately found Wang Feng, embraced him in celebration, and was congratted by his teammates. Following Isco, another yer scored on his league debut, showcasing the strength of the Real Madrid squad!
The final score was locked at 4-1, with the Gcticos securing all three points against their opponents.
Chapter 635: Who Can Break His Monopoly
Chapter 635: Who Can Break His Monopoly
As time moved intote August, the small city of Monaco, surrounded on three sides by France, attracted worldwide attention because the UEFA Champions League group stage draw and the UEFA Annual Awards Ceremony were held here.
For the past decade and a half, Wang Feng had been the absolute ruler here, winning nine European yer of the Year awards, including seven Ballon d''Or titles before the restructuring, and two UEFA Best yer in Europe awards after the restructuring.
And this year, his legend continued. In the 2012-2013 season, among the final three candidates for the European yer of the Year award, due to being the main contributor to Real Madrid''s back-to-back league and Champions League double, as well as helping the Chinese team win their first ever Confederations Cup, the Chinese superstar was almost certain to lead by a huge margin in the first round of voting.
Apart from this, this year was also a day worth remembering for Chinese people around the world, because not only was the Chinese superstar leading by a wide margin, Dong Fangzhuo also made it into the top three with outstanding performances for Bayern Munich and the national team.
Two of the three candidates on the list were Chinese! As for the remaining one, it was unsurprisingly Argentine star Lionel Messi, who won the La Liga and European Golden Bootst season and helped his team lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
Following were yers like Higuan, Robben, Lewandowski, Ronaldo, Modri?, Ramos, and Thomas Mller. Overall, the majority of the top ten spots were taken by Champions League winners and runners-up.
Only winning the Premier League title and being eliminated in the round of 16 of the Champions League, the Portuguese star''s ranking dropped again, which made him very angry. Facing the media, he openly criticized UEFA judges for overvaluing Champions League performance, making his Premier League Golden Boot seem worthless.
He hadn''t made it to the top three for several years in a row now. Even though he still had extremely high poprity and value, achievements and honors were the most powerful guarantee for footballers.
When Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo entered the Grimaldi Forum, most of the attendees greeted them very friendly. Their performance on the field was enough to earn respect.
In the draw for the new season''s Champions League group stage, the Gcticos, as a seeded team, were ced in Group B, followed by Serie A''s Juventus, Turkish Super Lig''s Gtasaray, and Danish Superliga''s Copenhagen.
Although this result wasn''t as cruel asst season''s, it still couldn''t be taken lightly. The Bianconeri had regained their former glory, having just won the league title, and Gtasaray had recently made history by reaching the Champions League quarter-finals. The club was also eagerly strengthening their squad.
Copenhagen might be a team they could get points from, but one should never underestimate the reigning champions of European leagues. You never knew when they would unleash strong energy and cause an upset, something that happened every year.
Barcelona, on the other hand, was grouped with AC Mn, Ajax, and Celtic. From the perspective of overall strength, there was no pressure for them to advance.
Atletico Madrid''s opponents were Zenit Saint Petersburg, Porto, and Austria Vienna. It must be said that this was a very favorable draw, with none of the top five league powerhouses encountered. Simeone was already rubbing his hands in preparation.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, had it very tough. They were grouped with Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, and Shakhtar Dsk, none of which were easy opponents. The main goal for them would be to advance from the group stage, and securing a spot in the Europa League would also have to be considered.
Even though the Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo, they weed back Rooney and brought in Arsenal striker Van Persie. Teaming up with Benzema, who was already in the squad, they were sure to spark an offensive fire.
Seemingly to taunt the Portuguese star, Rooney''s return was warmly weed by the club and fans. People took to the streets with banners saying, "Wayne is the true hero of Manchester United, Cristiano is a traitor."
Moreover, the contract offered by the team had a weekly sry of 300,000, and the official website prominently stated that after retiring, the English forward would be a Manchester United Football Club ambassador. Articles detailing every achievement of Rooney were published, not mentioning Ronaldo in any of them but indirectly pointing fingers at him.
Naturally, fans of the Portuguese superstar were extremely dissatisfied. They argued that Ronaldo was the club''s all-time leading scorer, helping the team win five Premier League titles and one FA Cup. When would it be Wayne''s turn to represent the Red Devils, a yer like him?
Soon, Ronaldo himself responded. He retweeted and liked thisment, adding the word "Factors!" This immediately sparked a huge discussion. The two were ipatible when they were on the same team, and now, naturally, they wouldn''t spare each other any mercy.
In the live voting for the yer of the Year, Wang Feng received 31 votes, Messi received 12 votes, and Dong Fangzhuo received 10 votes. The Chinese superstar won his third "Silver Underpants" with a huge advantage, also his tenth award representing the best yer in Europe.
The Argentine star, who had expected to lose, did not show any disappointment on his face. Instead, he stood up very frankly, hugged Wang Feng, and congratted him. He understood that the next World Cup would be his perfect opportunity. Since the Chinese superstar couldn''t participate, if he could perform above standard, he would surely be the first yer to break Wang Feng''s monopoly on the best yer award, just like the Golden Boot awardst season!
Dong Fangzhuo mainly congratted his big brother. He felt that being able to stand on the top three podiums was already without any regrets. He only hoped that Wang Feng could go further and let the world look up to him even more.
Taking the familiar trophy from tini''s hands, the Chinese superstar thanked the club and his family as usual. He then continued, "Every award for me is a new experience, so I won''t feel tired or rxed. Those young yers who want to take the trophy from me, please try harder!"
Such an "appeal" caused bursts ofughter and apuse at the scene. It wasn''t that the young people weren''t working hard, but the old man was too formidable. Now, everyone was looking forward to who would be the first to break his monopoly.
Two dayster, the UEFA Super Cup was held as scheduled, with Real Madrid facing Chelsea.
The match took ce at the Eden Arena in the Czech Republic. This was the first time since 1998 that the UEFA Super Cup was not held at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco.
Chelsea''s head coach Mourinho attached great importance to the match. If they wanted to regain the Champions League title, they had to surpass the formidable Gcticos.
The Portuguese sent out a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cech in goal.
The back four consisted of Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, and Azpilicueta.
The double pivot had Ramires and Lampard, with the three attacking midfielders being Schrrle, Oscar, and Hazard.
Torres yed as the lone striker.
Once the match started, Chelseapletely executed their defensive counter-attack strategy, making it difficult for Real Madrid to break through. They could only dominate possession and slowly probe without daring to press forward aggressively.
Both sides were deadlocked until the 78th minute. Wang Feng received a long pass from Alonso on the right side with his back to the goal. He shielded the ball, turned to get past Schrrle, pushed the ball to the left and then feinted right, creating space between Lampard and Oscar. He then dribbled past them.
He dribbled diagonally into the penalty area. Faced with Luiz''s block, the Chinese superstar first feinted to shoot, causing the opponent to turn his back to block, and then hooked back to the bottom line to create space. Near the edge of the small penalty area, he aimed at the far corner and shot with a small angle.
"Bang!" The ball went under the goalkeeper Cech''s outstretched hand and hit the inside of the far post before entering the.
With this excellent goal, Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 1-0 and lifted the UEFA Super Cup trophy.
Chapter 636: Fancy Goals
Chapter 636: Fancy Goals
At noon on September 3rd, in the third round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium. This match was quite friendly for domestic fans, as they could enjoy the exciting contest while having dinner at the golden hour of 6 p.m.
The Gcticos had always maintained an advantageous position against Basque teams. Coach Ancelotti reced Casis with Diego Lpez and Alonso with Isco for this match.
In the early stages of the game, Athletic Bilbao took the initiative to attack. Susaeta, Mikel, and Aduriz contributed long shots one after another, but their hurried attempts posed little threat. They knew they couldn''t let Real Madrid regain theirposure, or they would surely suffer.
However, all strong attacks have their limits. In the 22nd minute, Real Madrid quickly advanced with a midfield interception. Di Mara delivered a lob pass, and Wang Feng, who sessfully avoided the offside trap, slotted the ball into the from 6 meters in front of the goal, giving the home team the lead!
As the first half drew to a close, Modri? yed a nt pass to Bale, who, after performing a bicycle kick to shake off his marker, passed the ball across the penalty area. The Chinese superstar leaped high and headed the ball into the, piercing through Bilbao goalkeeper Iraizoz''s fingertips once again.
After the break in the 61st minute, the Gcticos once again utilized wing attacks. Di Mara dribbled to the byline and immediately made a back pass. When the ball flew past Wang Feng, it was at the perfect height for his waist.
In such a situation, it was ufortable to shoot with either the head or the foot, but stopping the ball for adjustment would miss the opportunity. The Chinese superstar had a moment of inspiration. He lifted his right leg and used his knee to push the ball forward, hitting it just right to force a deflection. Iraizoz could only watch helplessly as it slipped into the,pleting a hat-trick!
"What a fantastic knee!" eximed the livementator. "Give Wang Feng a little time and space, and he can turn the impossible into possible, creating unpredictable goals."
The three goals secured the victory, but the home team became somewhatx, allowing De Marcos to take advantage of a cross and Gomez to score a goal from an unmarked position at the far post.
However, the Gcticos quickly regained theirposure and held on to the victory, with the scoreline ending at 3-1.
As September entered, national teams around the world were actively preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. The Chinese team, without any missions, yed friendly matches against several other eliminated countries. However, Lippi only called up young yers for training, and mainstays like Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo were not summoned.
During this time, the Chinese superstar nned to renovate his Madrid vi. Over the years, he had purchased surroundingnd and several houses, building walls to create a mansion-like atmosphere. In the entire La Finca affluent area, he was considered a top presence.
Several renowned Spanish architects were involved in the nning. This time, a high-end apartment building would be added to the periphery for friends to stay when visiting, along with extensive green gardens. Little Siyao and Little Haoxin would benefit the most, as they could run and y to their hearts'' content.
The swimming pool and gym would also undergo renovations, mainly adding some new technological equipment.
Inevitably, injuries could ur to yers participating in national team matches. Real Madrid quickly received information that Bale had suffered muscle strain and lumbar disc protrusion symptoms.
As he was a high-priced signing, the club didn''t dare to be negligent and immediately dispatched multiple team doctors to understand the specific situation. Spanish media that received the news went crazy, hyping up the Welsh star''s "ss man" attribute.
The Daily Sports reported that Bale''s lumbar protrusion was serious and might affect his career. However, the Gcticos quickly refuted the im, stating on their official website that the Welsh star only had amon lumbar disc protrusion and there were no serious issues.
Sport World then imed that Bale''s ligaments had torn again, with a high probability of being sidelined for the entire season like in the 07-08 season. Upon hearing this, Wang Feng posted on social media tofort his teammate, saying, "Waiting for you toe back, my friend!" The Welsh star replied, "Won''t be long, just two weeks."
Whether to undermine Real Madrid or for more traffic, the media always liked to go all out to magnify and distort facts. However, within the Gcticos, after so many years of operation by the Chinese superstar, they had already formed a solid front. As long as he hadn''t fallen, the whole team would remain very calm.
At 10 p.m. on September 14th, in the fourth round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited the Estadio de Cermica to challenge Virreal, the "Yellow Submarine". Due to several key yers just returning from international duty and with preparations for the midweek Champions League group stage, coach Ancelotti arranged for Wang Feng to lead a lineup of substitutes, with yers like Irramendi and Casemiro getting a chance to y.
The newly promoted Yellow Submarine was in high spirits, determined to recreate past glories and fight for every game. Therefore, they immediatelyunched a positive attack after the kickoff. Main striker Pereira broke through and received crosses on his own, testing Real Madrid goalkeeper Lpez several times.
Their efforts paid off in the 21st minute. Bruno passed from the wing, Pereira received it on the right side of the penalty area but was tackled by Pepe at the right moment. However, the ball did not leave the danger zone, and Cani, who followed up, kicked the ball with all his might before Ramos, piercing through the visiting team''s goal, giving Virreal the lead!
Shortly after, the home team almost extended their lead. Once again, Pereira threatened at the edge of the penalty area. He passed to Aquino, who was offside, and his subsequent shot was saved by Lpez. His follow-up shot was blocked by the foot of the Real Madrid goalkeeper, a remarkable save.
Wang Feng gave a thumbs-up to express praise for Lpez and pped to encourage everyone, constantly motivating the team on the field.
Thirteen minutester, after a interception in the visitors'' half, Casemiro passed directly to the Chinese superstar. Turning and dribbling the ball past the center line, Wang Feng faced Dorado''s challenge with a hook and eleration.
As he reached the edge of the penalty area, Wang Feng looked up at the situation. Then, he lifted his foot and floated the ball into the center. Isco, on the edge of the small penalty area, pushed away Bruno and shot into the, equalizing the score for the team.
In the 70th minute of the second half, Irramendi sent a through ball to the Chinese superstar in the right front of the small penalty area. With his back against Dorado, Wang Feng received the ball and waited for Dorado tomit.
Wang Feng first sent the ball to his left foot and moved outward, shifting the defenders'' weight. At this moment, with another defender, Mushio,ing to block, continuing to dribble was not very realistic. The Chinese superstar was about to pass back to find another opportunity when he suddenly noticed that the opponent''s goalkeeper, Asenjo, was standing too close to his end, leaving the far post wide open.
So, without turning around, he used the heel of his foot to knock the ball upward, sending it soaring over Asenjo''s head and into the far corner of the goal.
"Goal! Real Madrid takes the lead with Wang Feng''s amazing backheel shot!"
"Wang Feng''s stunning backheel shot, my God, after the knee shot in thest match, he has once againpleted an unbelievable stylish goal!"
"The Chinese superstar can not only shoot with every part of his body but also createplex trajectories, making it impossible for goalkeepers to defend against. This undoubtedly raises his danger level to another height."
In the end, Real Madrid won 2-1 away, securing their fourth consecutive league victory.
At the same time, Atltico Madrid and Barcelona also achieved four consecutive victories, forming a fiercepetition among the three teams.
Chapter 637: Rising Stars
Chapter 637: Rising Stars
After the match against Virreal, during the post-match press conference, Wang Feng and coach Ancelotti were interviewed together by the media. When asked about scoring with unconventional shots in two consecutive matches, the Chinese superstar expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Yes, it was intentional. Actually, I''ve always wanted to develop more attacking methods."
"Football is constantly evolving. The defensive situations today arepletely different from those ten years ago. Sometimes, habitual moves can betray you, making attacking difficult," he borated.
"What if you fail to score in the end and waste a scoring opportunity, handing the ball over to the opponent?" a reporter asked.
"That''s not a problem at all. Who can guarantee that every shot will hit the target? I only make the most appropriate choice in that scenario. As for possession, we can always fight for it back next time," Wang Feng replied confidently.
Ancelotti also supported his protege, saying, "Wang''s attacking efficiency is currently at the top in the world. No one can surpass him. He averages one goal every three shots, with a shooting uracy of 33.3%."
"He has unlimited shooting rights within the team. I believe that when ites to shooting, Wang is more professional than anyone else. He will never let us down."
Regarding Bale''s injury, the Italian exined, "He just has a minor issue. The club''s professional medical team conducted detailed examinations and evaluations."
"Yes, he will miss the next Champions League away game. This is also a precautionary measure. The team will never let yers y with injuries. Only when their bodies and mentality are adjusted to the best condition will they be ready to appear on the field."
The Welsh star himself is also eager to return to the field, so he voluntarily stayed at the Valdebebas training base, epting the special program formted by the coaching staff for him.
Training continued for three hours every day, starting with interval sprinting to maintain a high heart rate, followed by exercises for horizontal and vertical jumps to enhance explosive power, and strength and tension release exercises in the gym to train core strength.
After the basic training, there were ball training sessions, including dribbling around poles, elerating with the ball, turning, and shooting. On rest days between matches, Wang Feng asionally went to the base to exercise with Bale, giving him encouragement and support.
The Welsh star deeply admired the team leader from the bottom of his heart. In the dressing rooms he had been in before, some relied on authority, some relied on bribery to pull the team together, but there had never been anyone like the Chinese superstar, with such charisma and warmth like the sun.
In today''s European football, where more and more attention is paid to young yers, talented youngsters emerge endlessly, and major clubs'' pursuit andpetition for them have intensified.
Some of them may still look immature, but their performance on the field is very experienced, sometimes evenparable to seasoned veterans. In order to provide better training opportunities, UEFA started organizing the UEFA Youth League (UEFA U19) from this season onwards.
This event originated from the "NextGen Series" founded by a French television broadcastingpany, and under official operation, it has be more professional. It consists of 32 youth teams from participating UEFA Champions League clubs, with ns to expand to 64 teams in the future, adding 32 youth teams from UEFA member associations.
With such arrangements, young yers have more opportunities for training and exposure. The Roma Sports newspaperpiled a list of the top 40 hopeful stars in European football, all of whom are under 20 years old but possess skills and match experience beyond their age.
Among them, Real Madrid''s Heras and Varane sessfully made the list. Although they are not regr members of the first team, they have performed well when ying for the youth team in Europe.
This year''s hot candidates for the European Golden Boy Award include Pogba, who is the most dazzling figure on the list. He was born in France and grew up in the youth academies of French clubs Torcy and Le Havre.
After joining Manchester United''s youth academy, he gradually emerged, winning the FA Youth Cup and making his debut for the first team. However, due to Manchester United''s reluctance to provide Pogba with sry and ying time guarantees, he chose to join Juventus on a free transfer after his contract expired, gradually establishing himself as a key yer.
Apart from these yers, there are also Markinios worth 35 million euros, Kondogbia worth 20 million euros, Manchester United''s new little Beckham Januzaj, and Schalke 04''s rising star Draxler, among others.
yers like Huang Hu and Wu Lei from China have performed well enough to deserve a ce, but due to their rtively older age, they were not included. The new batch of young talents from the Genk training camp did not produce any particrly outstanding new stars.
However, Wang Feng is very optimistic. As long as he can establish himself in the third-tier European league, he can be one of the top yers domestically.
On September 17th, the first round of Group B of the UEFA Champions League kicked off at the Trk Telekom Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, with the two sides being Real Madrid and Gtasaray.
Last season, the Turkish Super League powerhouse had a back-and-forth match with the Gcticos at home, but now, with a full squad and all the main yers ying, Real Madrid made Turkish fans understand what a truly dominant team is.
Just 103 seconds after the referee''s whistle, Di Mara made a diagonal long pass from the right side of the midfield, Wang Feng received the ball 13 meters in front of the goal, and without waiting for it to touch the ground, he volleyed it into the after hitting the left post, making it 1-0!
Then, there was a defensive error in Gtasaray''s clearance, and the Chinese superstar intercepted it and lofted it to Iguan. The Argentine calmly broke into the right side of the penalty area and scored from 14 meters away from the goal.
In the 29th minute, Di Mara reached near the bottom line and chipped a pass. Modri? headed it back, and Wang Feng volleyed it from close range in the center, making it 3-0!
Less than a third of the match had passed, and the opponent was alreadypletely overwhelmed. As the second half progressed, the situation became even more brutal. First, the Chinese superstar took a free kick from the right, and Ramos headed it in from the far post.
Then, Isco made a direct pass, and Wang Feng broke through the offside trap on the left side of the penalty area. Immediately, he used the outside of his foot to curl the ball past the goalkeeper''s dive into the far corner of the, making it 5-0!
Finally, Modri? counterattacked and dribbled past two defenders, passing to substitute Morata, who easily scored into the empty, further extending the lead.
By now, Real Madrid had gonepletely rampant. Wang Feng, who contributed a hat-trick and two assists, had already been substituted, while coach Ancelotti stood on the sidelines reminding the yers to be more conservative, after all, this was the opponent''s home ground.
So, for the remaining 20 minutes, the away teampletely gave up attacking and allowed Ambate to assist Bulut in scoring a goal, pulling one back, with the final score settled at 6-1.
Sneijder looked somewhat painful as he touched his head. He couldn''t me Wang Feng, who gave his all. Having been teammates with the Chinese superstar for so many years, he understood better than anyone else that Wang''s attitude towards any game was always like this.
After forcefully embracing his old teammates, the Dutchman walked into the yer tunnel with a somewhat deste expression. Perhaps leaving the top five leagues for money back then was really a wrong decision. Now, he could no longer feel the passion and joy that football once brought him.
Drogba, who was substituted in the 46th minute, also looked somewhat disappointed. At the age of 35, he could no longer gallop on the field like the Beast. Trying to extend his professional career as much as possible seemed particrly difficult.
Maybe he should go back and see. Mourinho had sincerely invited his beloved disciple to return to Stamford Bridge. Thinking of the past, the Beast silently made up his mind.
Chapter 638: The Gang of Rogues
Chapter 638: The Gang of Rogues
Back in the league, the Gcticos secured victories against Getafe and newly promoted Elche, with scores of 4-1 and 2-0 respectively. In these two matches, Wang Feng contributed 3 goals and 1 assist.
After six rounds of matches, only three teams remained undefeated in La Liga: Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. This season, the "Big Three" seemed to have expanded, with Diego Costa leading Atletico Madrid''s impressive performance, continuing to amaze fans.
All credit goes to the grassroots striker Diego Costa, who scored 8 goals in 6 matches, surpassing Messi to rank second in the top scorer list, second only to Wang Feng''s 10 goals.
It''s worth noting that just a year ago, this Brazilian could only be found in the outskirts of Madrid ying for Rayo Vallecano. He showed no signs of being a superstar on the pitch back then, with a repertoire of crude moves.
Therefore, many people thought Costa was a clown, a sh in the pan. But the Brazilian, hailing from the streets of Brazil, cared little for such opinions. He only focused on scoring goals, winning games, and earning money.
Like Wang Feng, the Brazilian started his professional football career at the age of 16, starting in the S?o Paulo state second division league. He then moved to Portuguese clubs Braga and Penafiel before being sold to Atletico Madrid for a low fee of 1.5 million euros.
However, Costa did not receive much attention from the Atletico Madrid hierarchy at that time. Instead, he became a bargaining chip in a deal sent to Vadolid. Perhaps due to the habit of continuously nurturing strikers over the years, then Atletico Madrid''s general manager Pitarch deliberately added a buy-back use to the transfer contract.
Costa impressed with his performance at Vadolid, prompting Atletico Madrid to activate the buy-back use and pay him a hefty signing fee. Unfortunately, even after returning to Atletico Madrid, he still did not secure a ce in the team, as Falcao''s excellent performance continued to overshadow him.
However, the Brazilian, loaned out to Rayo Vallecano, did not despair but continued to shine. When rumors swirled about the transfer of the Colombian star, he knew his chance hade!
As expected, head coach Simeone strongly advocated for his recall and retention, grooming him as a key striker. In reality, his shooting skills were not particrly refined; rather, he relied more on "reasonably" provoking opposing defenders to create opportunities.
He persistently harassed and used psychological tactics during battles, taking advantage of the referee''s blind spots and opponents'' characteristics, using minimal foul actions to seek profit while easily evading punishment. Costa''s abilities in this regard were unrivaled in La Liga.
He was very proactive in physical confrontations, seeking direct physical contact with opponents. In such situations, his rich repertoire of hand movements came into full y, often frustrating opponents and even causing them to lose their temper.
Costa admitted this aspect himself, but he did not see it as a problem: "I y within the rules. I want to continue improving and leading the team to victory. I won''t change my style of y."
The constant emergence of strikers has be a tradition for Atletico Madrid. In 1997, Vieri was brought back by old Hil, costing 15 million euros. The Italian star contributed 24 goals in 24 matches in just one season, setting a legendary performance. Since then, the value of most forwards joining Atletico Madrid has skyrocketed.
Torres, Aguero, Fon, Falcao, and now Diego Costano matter how the team changes, Atletico Madrid always seems to have a decisive figure. Not to mention the young Adrian and Baptiste.
Under Simeone''s coaching, this team is full of wildness, which is not good news for Real Madrid, as they will soon face this gang of rogues at the Calderon Stadium, a match that will likely affect the title race.
On September 28th, in the 7th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced their city rivals Atletico Madrid away.
Simeone fielded a 4-4-2 formation with Courtois in goal.
The defense consisted of Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, and Felipe.
In midfield were Gabi, Thiago, Turan, and Koke.
Diego Costa and Vi formed the strike partnership.
Ancelotti, in this match, chose Irramendi to rece the fatigued Modric in the starting lineup. Bale was not included in the squad, so Morata got a chance to y.
The match started with intense rivalry. Di Maria was fouled by Gabi after dribbling down the nk, andter, Isco''s pass to Wang Feng was interrupted by Godin from behind.
Referee Alsas from Spain only gave verbal warnings and signaled for the game to continue, while the home fans in the stands were going crazy, which annoyed the Chinese superstar.
During Atletico Madrid''s attack, Diego Costa, as usual, followed his strategy of small actions. When facing Ramos'' close marking while dribbling in the frontcourt, the Brazilian raised his elbow and made a ruthless move.
Ramos, not one to back down, fell to the ground and directly pressed him down. The referee immediately blew the whistle, stopping the yers from both sides, and awarded Real Madrid a foul.
The Spanish defender spread his hands in disbelief, while Wang Feng argued with Alsas, "Sir, it was clearly an elbow from their side. We saw it very clearly; it was definitely a malicious move."
But the referee shook his head, indicating he didn''t see it, hoping both sides could calm down and y the game normally. The Chinese superstar couldn''t help but smile bitterly. How did he encounter such a rookie referee who couldn''t control the game at all and even hoped to calm things down? He was only worried that the situation would get worse.
Soon after, Diego Costa repeated his tricks. This time, he received a through pass from Miranda, cut inside to break through, and when faced with Pepe''s interception, he made a sneaky move under the Portuguese defender''s arm.
Pepe wouldn''t let him get away with it and immediately brought him down. The two then started to confront each other, with referee Alsas rushing over to show Pepe a yellow card. Wang Feng once again approached to protest, while also holding back his teammates to prevent them from shing with the opponents and the referee.
"This is all part of their conspiracy, guys, stay calm! Don''t fall for it easily, maintain our normal rhythm, and win this game!"
Subsequently, the match gradually fell into a deadlock. Both the Gcticos'' defense and Atletico Madrid''s defense were tough to break through. Wang Feng''s agile breakthroughs and sharp passes always managed to prate the defense, forcing them to resort to frequent fouling strategies.
Several direct free kicks taken by Wang Feng narrowly missed the target, leaving the Chinese superstar shaking his head in regret, which also boosted the home team''s defensive confidence.
In the 31st minute, a midfield interception by Alonso was passed to the Chinese superstar. He immediately turned and dribbled forward, facing Thiago''s interception. He slowed down and feinted to the left, causing the opponent tomit to blocking, then lightly touched the ball with the tip of his foot, passing it through the legs of the Atletico Madrid midfielder. He then elerated past the defense.
Miranda hurriedly stepped forward to defend, but Wang Feng was about to overtake him with a big step. At this moment, Miranda could only choose to foul the Chinese superstar desperately.
The referee blew the whistle, and Wang Feng pushed away his opponent. "Do you really think you can stop me like this?"
Standing at the penalty spot again, the Chinese superstar stared at the goal, continuously constructing the trajectory in his mind, turning his previous failures into experience, adjusting the position and force of the touch.
Run-up! Shot! The moment the ball touched his foot, Wang Feng was confident. So he immediately turned and ran towards the stands, personally responding to those provoking fans.
Amidst countless horrified looks, the ball drew a deadly curve in the air, bypassing the wall and going straight into the corner of the goal. Despite Courtois'' best efforts to stretch out his two-meter-tall arms, he still couldn''t reach the ball.
"Goal~!" 1:0! Real Madrid took the lead!
Chapter 639: Furious Strike!
Chapter 639: Furious Strike!
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Finally, Wang Feng''s extreme curved free kick went straight into the!"
"After missing several chances, he finally made Atletico Madrid pay for their frequent fouls. He is still the indomitable god of war, unstoppable by anyone!"
"Let''s take another look. The perfect curve, the excellent cement, the ball almost grazed the intersection of the post and crossbar before entering the. Even Courtois, with such long arms, couldn''t do anything about it."
"From this angle facing the goal, the view is even clearer, isn''t it? What is this? It''s just unbelievable! In slow motion, the ball was still flying in the air when Wang Feng had already started celebrating!"
"He actually had full confidence in his shot! Yes! It''s the countless hours of practice day after day that have honed the Chinese superstar''s exceptional uracy in free kicks. This perfect strike undoubtedly gave him excellent feedback. He could sense it would be a goal without even witnessing it!"
The faithfully recorded footage by the camera became one of the most ssic scenes in football history. Manyter yers tried to imitate it, but they could not urately perceive whether the ball would go in beforehand, leaving them as jokes. Only Wang Feng could celebrate in advance.
This goal also severely dampened the arrogance of the home fans, and their cheers diminished significantly. As the first half ended, the score remained unchanged for both sides.
After the break, Atletico Madrid seemed to be inspired by their coach Simeone in the dressing room. In the 54th minute, the home team won a corner kick, and Ramos once again closely marked Diego Costa inside the penalty area.
The Brazilian skillfully ced his hand on the Spanish defender''s neck and secretly pushed him back. Already extremely annoyed, Ramos exploded, throwing a punch at him with his left fist.
Diego Costa immediately fell to the ground in pain, and the Gcticos and the Mattress Makers began to confront each other again. This time, the situation was even more serious, with both sides almosting to blows.
All members of the referee team rushed over to separate them. After understanding the specific causes and consequences, Alsas showed Ramos a red card and awarded Atletico Madrid a penalty kick.
The frustrated Spanish defender still wanted to rush to teach those bastards from Atletico Madrid a lesson, but fortunately, he was stopped by his teammates in time. "I messed up!" he said somewhat dejectedly to Wang Feng before leaving the field.
The Chinese superstar just shook his head, patting him on the shoulder, saying, "It''s not over yet. Trust your teammates, trust me. Just watch the game calmly in the dressing room!"
Vi took the penalty and deceived goalkeeper Casis, drilling it into the top left corner of the, leveling the score for Atletico Madrid.
Being one man down put the Gcticos in a dilemma, retreating under the fierce onught of the opponents. Meanwhile, Wang Feng''s anger continued to build up. He couldn''t ept a draw or even a loss like this.
In the 69th minute, Irramendi intercepted the ball in midfield and immediately passed it to the nearby Chinese superstar. After taking two steps, he found himself surrounded and outnumbered, making it difficult for him to break through.
So Wang Feng had to pass sideways to Iguan, who then turned to create space before passing it back. At this moment, with a furious demeanor, Wang Feng took two steps and unleashed a thunderous shot from 20 meters out.
Bang! Turan, unable to block in time, felt a gust of wind pass by him, even raising goosebumps on his arms. It was such a fast and powerful shot!
Even more surprisingly, as the ball crossed the goal line, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Courtois made no attempt to save it. He should be thankful he didn''t try.
Because next, the ball smashed fiercely into the, breaking through even the nylon mesh, hitting the advertising boards at the edge of the pitch before finally stopping.
The once lively Calderon Stadium instantly fell silent, especially the fans behind the home team''s goal, who were speechless. Many couldn''t help but swallow their saliva. This power was too terrifying.
"Oh my God, what did I just see? The ball''s in! Wang Feng''s shot pierced through Atletico Madrid''s goal, literally! "
"The in the Mattress Makers'' goal has a hole in the middle, and the whole stadium is stunned. The referee has blown the whistle for a valid goal, but now they have to pause the game to rece the!"
"Too amazing. Well, in the history of modern football, instances of shots piercing through the in official matches are rare, mostly urring in thest century when the quality was lower."
"The most famous one was in 1922, a friendly match between Spain and France. Alcantara''s thunderous shot from 25 meters tore the apart, earning him the nickname ''Net Breaker,'' which is eerily simr to the current scene."
"The most recent one was two years ago, in a summer friendly between Manchester United and Mexican powerhouse Chivas. Ronaldo''s penalty shot directly pierced the opponent''s."
"Compared to penalty kicks, long-range worldies from outside the box obviously require greater power."
"ording to thetest data, Wang Feng''s shot reached a maximum speed of 297 kilometers per hour, breaking Ronaldo''s record of 211 kilometers per hour and taking it to a more terrifying level. No wonder it pierced through the!"
After recing the, the game continued, but the Atletico Madrid yers were still shaken. Such a formidable force, if it had hit them directly, would likely have caused serious problems.
Their timidness undoubtedly slowed down the home team''s attacking momentum, while Real Madrid took advantage of this opportunity to stand firm. In the 74th minute, Isco sent a through ball to Wang Feng in the frontcourt. Taking a step to the right and feinting a shot, the Chinese superstar easily broke through the defense.
He then used a dummy to dodge Juanfran, the defender, before slotting the ball into the near corner from eight meters out, further extending the Gcticos'' lead.
In the end, the 10-man Real Madrid unexpectedly defeated Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Calderon Stadium, walking away with three points.
After the match, Wang Feng, who had scored a hat-trick and pierced the, joyfully took the match ball and the torn, which would be precious collections in his trophy room.
The reporters naturally didn''t miss the opportunity to interview Wang Feng. Pointing to his muddy jersey, he said, "It was a tough game. Atletico Madrid clearly didn''t intend to y football properly; their number of fouls exceeded the league average."
When asked about how he managed to produce such a terrifying shot that directly pierced the, the Chinese superstar said, "Sergio''s sending off made the situation difficult. I don''t want to discuss who was right or wrong; I just felt angry and unwilling."
"I think it was abination of strong emotions and determination to win that led to this goal. Even I felt a bit incredulous after the shot. It seems that human power can sometimes exceed imagination."
Atletico Madrid coach Simeone didn''t think there was anything wrong with his team''s style of y. There are various ways to win, and he had anticipated most scenarios, even Wang Feng potentially scoring first or the opponent receiving a red card.
But the Chinese superstar went beyond his control, and the urrence of a shot piercing the during open y, something only heard of in legends, was a blow to the yers that was hard to quantify.
For example, thest goal conceded, Gabi''s timidity and avoidance were understandable, and Simeone couldn''t me him.
Chapter 640: The Role of Team Leaders
Chapter 640: The Role of Team Leaders
"The ball wasn''t in yet he celebrated in advance, Wang Feng''s hat-trick helps Real Madrid win the city derby!"
"The Chinese superstar, full of anger, shattered Atletico Madrid''s goal, and the Gcticos triumphed at the Calderon!"
The entire Europe was discussing this highly anticipated and exciting match, with the fierce battle between Atletico and Wang Feng naturally being the biggest talking point. After this match, Real Madrid led the La Liga with seven consecutive wins.
A dayter, Barcelona also achieved a 7-game winning streak by defeating Almeria 2-0, but what worried the Catn fans was that Messi, despite scoring a goal, was injured and had to leave the field in the 61st minute of the second half.
After the match, the head coach Martino gave everyone a reassurance, stating that the injury to the Argentine superstar was not serious and he would be able to return to y within two weeks at thetest.
"Fromst season to now, Messi has been gued by minor injuries, which is almost unheard of in the past. What exactly is the reason? Has the club taken sufficient measures to protect the yers?" asked a reporter from "Daily Sports".
Martino responded that the recovery services provided by Barcelona were indeed professional andprehensive, and Messi''s injuries were more due to consecutive days of fatigue and mental pressure. "He sets very high standards for himself, and the team really relies on him."
What troubled the Argentine superstar was not only the years of poor performance and the difficulty in improving his personal status and honors but also the gradual decline in hismercial value.
It was well known that the most influential football star in the world was Wang Feng, but he had his own investment group. Apart from top endorsements, he rarely took on smallmercial endorsement activities, which gave other yers many opportunities.
When Messi rose to prominence, his influence briefly surpassed Ronaldo''s, bing the number one yer in European football below the Chinese superstar. Commercial cooperation naturally poured in, far surpassing everyone else.
However, with the rise of the inte, the Portuguese star''s expertise in packaging himself became evident, and businesses certainly needed higher exposure. Thus, Ronaldo gradually encroached on Messi''smercial territory step by step.
For example, the recent loss of the Burger King endorsement in Mexico, the sponsor even directly used the same script to have Ronaldo reshoot the TVmercial.
And KFC recently announced that the Portuguese star would be the new football spokesperson, a position previously held by the Argentine star for several years.
Thinking of this, Messi''s desire to return as soon as possible grew stronger. He couldn''t help but want to speed up his recovery training progress.
In the Real Madrid team, Wang Feng was already one of the oldest yers in terms of tenure. He always yed the role of leader and big brother, watching his teammates grow gradually, some leaving and others joining.
The most obvious example was Ramos. Although he joined the Gcticos a year earlier than the Chinese superstar, their status was worlds apart. When Wang Feng joined the Bernabeu as the absolute core, he was just a substitute youngster.
In recent years, the Spanish defender had performed well both in the club and national team. Coupled with his outgoing personality, he quickly grew into a leader in the locker room. Both Wang Feng and the club''s senior management favored him to seed as the team captain in the future.
But Ramos''s fiery temper made people very headache. After the match against Atletico Madrid, Wang Feng criticized his irrational behavior. The Spaniard looked very ashamed, admitting that he realized his impulsiveness had caused difficulties for his teammates at that time, and decided to invite everyone to dinner to apologize.
Although the club argued reasonably, the La Liga still decided to give him a 3-match ban for deliberately hitting someone. Fortunately, the current Gcticos had sufficient reserves in the backline, so it should not affect the overall situation.
Being a team leader not only required attention to active teammates but also to the quiet ones, like Irramendi, who seemed quite disheartened recently. So the Chinese superstar took the initiative to talk to him.
"I''m fine," the German midfielder forced a smile. "Just feeling a bit anxious about gradually losing my starting position." Since experiencing the entire season with injuries, to be honest, his form was very poor, to the extent that many media and fans joked that once the ball was passed to his feet, the opponent could give up pressing because Irramendi would give it away by himself.
Although this was obviously contemptuous, it was not far from reality. The German had made many mistakes recently, to the point that even the home fans wouldin and feel dissatisfied.
"Your body hasn''t fully adapted to high-intensity matches yet, which is a very normal phenomenon. What you should do now is to keep a calm mindset, gradually recover while training, and not be too obsessed with your performance on the field," Wang Fengforted.
At the same time, he personally intervened to have the club formte a more detailed training recovery n for Irramendi. Originally, this was a normal requirement, but with so many yers in the team, the management would inevitably have biases and omissions.
For example, for newly signed yers like Bale, without even asking, they would provide him with super detailed arrangements, precise to every aspect of training, leisure, eating, and amodation.
If it were a more outgoing yer, he would have definitely made his presence felt already, attracting attention from all sides. But Irramendi was not like this. He always chose to silently endure, making him almost transparent in the locker room.
Moreover, after more than three years in Madrid, Irramendi surprisingly still couldn''t speak fluent Spanish, undoubtedly increasing the difficulty ofmunication with his teammates. Wang Feng and he had alwaysmunicated in English.
"Maybe you can participate more in team activities. Ramos really likes to organize them, and going out with them might change your mood," Wang Feng suggested. "Of course, it''s all up to you. In the end, ying football is just a job."
"Thank you, Wang. I feel much better after talking with you," the German midfielder said. "The help and advice you''ve given me are very important, and I''ll seriously consider them."
On October 2nd, in the second round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Copenhagen at the Bernabeu.
This was the first-ever meeting between the two teams, and there was a very obvious gap in strength between them. Therefore, Ancelotti rotated some key yers, and even Wang Feng sat on the bench.
In the 21st minute of the match, after a breakthrough from Nacho on the nk, he crossed, and the visiting goalkeeper recklessly came out, allowing Irramendi to head the ball into the empty from the right side of the penalty area, opening the scoring for the Gcticos.
After scoring, the German midfielder ran wild, enjoying the long-lost cheers, and Wang Feng also stood up to congratte him, encouraging him with his eyes.
Just before halftime, Carvajal''s long diagonal pass found Hesse in the frontcourt. Thetter formed a wall pass with Morata, then broke into the penalty area and left-footed shot into the, making it 2-0.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Wang Feng was substituted on for warming up. Just six minutester, Isco slotted a through ball into the penalty area, and Casemiro deliberately left the ball for Wang Feng, who unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, sealing the victory for Real Madrid!
And in injury time, Morata sessfully blocked the opponent''s short pass in the frontcourt. Casemiro quickly rushed forward, taking the ball ahead of everyone else, then dribbled past two defenders in quick session in the area and fired a world-ss shot from the top of the arc into Copenhagen''s goal.
The final score was locked at 4-0, and the Gcticos secured a resounding victory.
Chapter 641: A Romantic Gesture
Chapter 641: A Romantic Gesture
On October 5th, in the 8th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Levante away from home. This seemingly secure match for the Gcticos unexpectedly added many twists and turns.
Just 11 minutes into the game, the home team broke the deadlock. Trigueros seized Modric''s mistake in passing andunched a quick counterattack, drawing defensive attention before nting a pass to the right rib of the penalty area.
Unmarked, Diawara, from 12 meters out, volleyed the ball directly into the, putting Real Madrid behind.
This goal spurred the away team to increase their attacking rhythm. Four minutester, they earned a corner kick. Wang Feng sent a high ball into the penalty area, and Pepe, from a distance near the far post, leaped to poke the ball past Trigueros into the, equalizing the score.
After that, both sides created some attacking opportunities but failed to capitalize. Overall, Real Madrid had an absolute advantage but struggled to break the deadlock.
It wasn''t until the 86th minute when Levanteunched an attack. Baral left-sided a cross, and El Zhar''s header in front of the goal was barely saved by Casis.
The Moran forward then took advantage of the chaos in the penalty area to snatch the ball, shaking off Arbeloa and shooting again. This time, Saint Iker couldn''t keep it out, making it 2-1, and the home team led once again!
The almost decisive goal left Real Madrid with little time, but as described by the media, the Chinese superstar seemed to have a natural instinct for aeback, and he would not allow anyone to achieve a decisive victory in front of him!
In the 90th minute, Alonso dribbled the ball forward, then diagonally passed to Wang Feng on the wing. Thetter directly crossed the ball into the box, and Iguan poked it home from close range, equalizing the score for the Gcticos.
And in the final moments of injury time, in the 93rd minute, Modric passed horizontally, and the Chinese superstar volleyed along the edge of the penalty area, with the ball deflecting in the air and entering the top left corner of the goal.
A miraculous turnaround! Two goals in three minutes! Real Madrid 3-2 beat Levante!
It was a narrow victory, but it allowed them to continue to lead the standings with a slight advantage in goal difference over Barcelona. However, head coach Ancelotti was extremely dissatisfied with the course of the game.
"If we had yed normally, we could have easily secured the victory. But your mentality on the field was too rxed, resulting in consecutive goals by the opponent," the Italian scolded in the dressing room after the match.
"This is a dangerous signal. You should understand that the situation ofpeting for the title every year is very tough. It''s not easy to have thestugh."
"So I absolutely do not allow simr incidents to happen again. Let me emphasize again, whoever makes mistakes will be reced by me, there are plenty of young yers willing to y!"
Ancelotti''s reprimand silenced everyone, despite his usual amiable demeanor, his temper was terrifying when it erupted.
Wang Feng actually felt that the coach''s approach was to his liking. Constantly winning championships could easily make yers ck off. At this time, what Real Madrid needed was a coach who supervised them strictly.
After this round of the league, it was the national team match days in October. Lippi still led the young yers topete in the Asian Cup qualifiers, while Wang Feng decided to escape with Lu Yao and enjoy some alone time.
Not only did he need to rx, but his wife also needed to escape momentarily from the work at the conglomerate and taking care of the children.
The two revisited the Sch?nbrunn Pce in Vienna, Austria, where they got married, reminiscing about the past like ordinary tourists. In the evening, they dined at a nearby Western restaurant and enjoyed a hearty meal.
"I missed celebrating our wedding anniversary together this year because of the Confederations Cup matches. Let''s consider this a make-up," Wang Feng said, holding Lu Yao''s hand.
The girl smiled and shook her head, "We have plenty of time together. But the days you give to football are getting shorter day by day, so I won''t be angry."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but chuckle, "Yeah, saying it like that is a bit sad but also a relief."
Seeing a piano on a corner stage in the restaurant, he suddenly had an idea and decided to y a song for his wife. After a simple negotiation, the staff readily agreed to his request.
Although he had only studied ying the piano in his spare time for a short period, Wang Feng yed with skill. He sang his favorite new song of the year, "Steady Happiness".
"I want a steady happiness, to be able to touch it with my own hands, every time I reach into my embrace, there''s your warmth."
Lu Yao, with her hands supporting her chin, watched with intoxication. The two exchanged nces, filled with gentle affection.
Other diners in the restaurant were also curious about this song, and they soon realized that the person ying the piano seemed to be the Chinese superstar Wang Feng! In no time, everyone pulled out their phones to capture this precious moment, and Wang Feng didn''t mind. After finishing the song, he returned to his wife''s side.
Soon, someone couldn''t hold back their excitement and approached the couple, hoping to confirm his identity and take a photo together. The Chinese superstar naturally agreed, and before long, the entire restaurant seemed to turn into his autograph session, even the staff couldn''t help but join in.
After finally breaking free, Wang Feng and Lu Yao smiled at each other and continued their vacation.
The video of the Chinese superstar ying the piano was soon uploaded online byizens, sparking a heated discussion. People discovered that he had such a romantic side, and his rtionship with his wife was enviable.
Even the original singer, Eason, was impressed and praised his performance, and this song, influenced by Wang Feng''s poprity, became a global hit.
What Wang Feng didn''t know was that his spontaneous gesture indirectly saved his teammate Ramos. The Spanish star was having a quarrel with his girlfriend, struggling with how to mend their rtionship.
His girlfriend, Pr Rubio, was a well-known Spanish anchorwoman working for Telecinco, and she was furious recently due to Ramos'' wild behavior, contemting a breakup.
It wasn''t surprising, considering that she was eight years older than Ramos, making it difficult to gain approval from his family, and the Spanish defender was so unreliable.
But this time, Ramos was genuinely in love. After seeing the video of the Chinese superstar ying the piano, he had an idea. He privately approached the person in charge of the television station, nning to surprise Pr during a live broadcast of her talk show.
So when his girlfriend hosted a live broadcast of her talk show and the topic turned to music, Ramos, with a guitar in hand, suddenly appeared from behind while singing.
He sang "To Whom Shall I Speak My Grief", a typical menco-style Spanish song, which expressed his true feelings at the moment.
"Whom can I speak my grief to, only the sea listens to my heart. They know where my heart is."
Pr couldn''t believe it, covering her mouth in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes. She naturally understood what this meant - Ramos wanted to express his love for her in front of all of Spain.
In that moment, Pr forgave Ramos, and the two of them passionately embraced, with the audience standing up to send their blessings.
In the subsequent interview, the Spanish defender stated that this was a decision he made after careful consideration. His girlfriend deserved him to sing for her on the show.
Pr choked up, saying that she had never met anyone as special as Ramos in her life.
Chapter 642: The Everlasting Ones
Chapter 642: The Evesting Ones
After returning from the national team, the Real Madrid team resumed their active preparation for the uing matches. Ramos became the subject of everyone''s teasing. "Hey, Sergio, when did you be a romantic?" Casis teased first.
"Are you giarizing my ideas? You owe me copyright fees," Wang Feng joked back, unwilling to show weakness, making the Spanish defender repeatedly plead for mercy.
Finally, under the condition of promising to treat everyone to dinner, his teammates spared him. At this moment, everyone felt a sense of relief. The once wild Ramos finally found the woman who could tame him. It was at this moment that a man truly matured.
On October 19th, in the 9th round of La Liga, the Gcticos weed Mga at home. Bale returned from injury and entered the starting lineup, while rotational yers like Carvajal and Irramendi also started, giving the main yers more rest time.
The first half was rtively dull, with neither side scoring any goals. However,pared to the previous league match, Real Madrid''s defense was much more solid, and Mga could hardly pose any threats, which was the result of Ancelotti''s reprimand.
Just 42 seconds into the second half, the home team broke the deadlock. Pepe sent a diagonal long pass, Di Mara received the ball on the wing and forcefully shook off the defense before crossing from the byline.
In the penalty area, Wang Feng jumped high and headed the ball into the far corner of the Mga goal with a huge advantage over the defending yers, making it 1-0!
Then, in the 91st minute, the Chinese superstar forcefully broke through from the right side of the penalty area. Mga defender Willy Gontijo could only choose to foul him, and the referee awarded a penalty to Real Madrid.
However, Wang Feng didn''t intend to take the penalty himself. Instead, he handed the ball to Bale. "Go on, get the feeling of scoring." The Welsh star nodded heavily. Although not good at expressing himself, he was full of gratitude towards the Chinese superstar at this moment.
Bale scored to expand the lead, and Real Madrid won 2-0 against Mga.
In the midweek UEFA Champions League group stage match, the Gcticos continued to host Juventus at the Bernabu.
In this match, Real Madrid sent out their main lineup and began to exert pressure on the visiting team from the start. Wang Feng''s running and activity put tremendous pressure on the Juventus defense.
In the 4th minute, Hctor Herrera passed the ball to Marcelo on the wing. At this time, Di Mara ran towards the center and drew Pirlo away with him.
Marcelo dribbled past the defending yer and then made a horizontal pass to the Argentine winger.
Wang Feng ran towards the back post, as if to cooperate with Di Mara, which alerted Chiellini and Barzagli, who quickly followed suit.
Di Mara turned around with the ball, immediately creating space from Pirlo, but instead of passing to Wang Feng, he made a clever diagonal pass into the defensive line.
Just as he was about to shoot, Wang Feng suddenly stopped and turned sharply, shaking off two defenders in an instant and elerating towards the ball!
Seeing the danger, Buffon immediately rushed out of the goal towards him, but the Chinese superstar calmly dribbled the ball sideways, avoiding Buffon''s save while still keeping the ball under control.
Chiellini slid in for a tackle, but before that, Wang Feng used his right foot to chip the ball urately into the Juventus goal.
"The ball''s in! Beautiful dribbling! Less than 5 minutes into the game, Real Madrid takes the lead!"
"Before the goal, Wang Feng''s retreatpletely confused the Juventus defense. Two defenders followed him out of the box, which was a very dangerous move."
"Di Mara obviously understood the captain''s intention and made a very clever diagonal pass, seemingly without anyone receiving it, but actually it was for the Chinese superstar two secondster."
"The final burst of speed and the chip over the goalkeeper are Wang Feng''s usual moves. He never misses such opportunities."
"I think before this, countless opponents must have silently prayed for him to make a mistake, but Wang Feng never disappoints when ites to disappointing the enemy!"
"Before this match, Real Madrid had already won 13 consecutive games, while Juventus had been winless for 4 rounds. It seems that the situation is very likely to be one-sided."
After scoring the opening goal, the Gcticos wanted to quickly end the game with a two-goal advantage, but the resilience of the Juventus side was somewhat beyond their imagination.
The away team strengthened their midfield interception, with Pirlo and Pogba acting as a defensive and offensive duo. Their ability to organize and control the midfield was not to be underestimated and was subtly superior to the home team.
As a result, Juventus took control of the game for a period of time, forcing Real Madrid to retreat. However, this also made them y more patiently, after all, the advantage was still on their side.
In the 20th minute, Tevez dribbled past Arbeloa on the left and entered the penalty area, shooting high over the goal from 12 meters away.
One minuteter, Cceres chested the ball at the edge of the penalty area and volleyed it just wide of the left post.
"During this time, Real Madrid has been rtively passive on the field. The yers must not be anxious. After weathering the opponent''s fierce attack, they can slowly counterattack."
"Yes, look at this, Real Madrid counterattacks quickly!"
Modric seized the opportunity to intercept Marchisio''s pass and immediately sent a through ball to Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar dribbled the ball to break through, while Bale closely followed him on the side. Both of them were very fast, and Juventus''st two defenders could only retreat and defend, forming a two-on-two situation.
Seeing them approaching the penalty area, Chiellini felt that he couldn''t continue to retreat, so he stepped forward to try to tackle, while Barzagli blocked the passingne.
Wang Feng faked a cut inside after two dribbles, attracting Chiellini toe forward, but suddenly cut back to try to pass through the two defenders.
This caught Barzagli off guard, so he also rushed to double-team, naturally leaving a lot of space for Bale on the wing.
The Chinese superstar smoothly turned the dribble into a pass, sending the ball to the Welsh star, while he himself ran into the box to ambush.
Bale elerated to the byline and then sent a low diagonal pass to the far post, where Wang Feng held off Chiellini and poked the ball past Buffon''s fingertips into the.
2-0! The Chinese superstar once again prevailed over the Italian goalkeeper!
Buffon turned back helplessly and looked at the ball in his own goal, facing Wang Feng up close once again made him recall the terror of being dominated.
The Chinese superstar who once ruled the peak of Serie A, scoring goals like rain!
"Damn it, won''t you ever grow old?" the Italian muttered in his heart.
At this time, he did not yet know that many yearster, many young yers would use the same tone to evaluate him, the figure who remained strong at the age of 40 on the Serie A field.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Juventus 2-0 at home with a two-goal advantage, securing their ce in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League with three consecutive victories in the group stage.
This victory also allowed head coach Ancelotti to let out a sigh of relief. The Italian coach, who rose to fame from Parma in 1999, took over the coaching reins of the Bianconeri in Turin.
Although Juventus had a decent record under his leadership, they finished as league runners-up for two consecutive years, leading to Ancelotti''s dismissal and beingbeled as a "perennial loser".
There were even many elderly female fans who hung insulting banners in the stands, saying, "A pig cannot be a coach".
Now, he was leading the Gcticos to create history in European football time and time again, reaching the pinnacle of football. Juventus, on the other hand, could only stay within the small circle of Serie A. What could be moreforting than this?
Chapter 643: The Changing Style
Chapter 643: The Changing Style
After the match against Juventus came to an end, the eagerly anticipated annual century derby against Barcelona awaited Real Madrid. At the post-match press conference, head coach Ancelotti expressed full confidence in the team.
"We''ve always known how to battle against Bar?a ande out victorious," his words elicited chuckles, except for a Catn journalist whose face remained stern.
"Neymar and Surez joining one after another has greatly improved Barcelona''s attacking strength," the Italian coach shifted the topic, "which will pose a severe test for our defense."
"From the matches at the beginning of the season, like the Spanish Super Cup, it''s evident that the team only clinches victory in the closing moments."
"So, we''ll approach the game with confidence, but not arrogance to think we can easily defeat our opponents. Barcelona is still one of the best teams in the world."
Hisposed speech garnered nods from the media present. Ancelotti was increasingly disying the demeanor of a champion coach, and his stature was subtly elevated to the highest level in the world.
Also present at the press conference, Wang Feng indicated that the coach had already presented the yers'' true thoughts, and he didn''t have much to add.
"Yes, whether it''s Messi, Surez, or Neymar, they are undoubtedly among the top stars in today''s football. Facing them will create significant pressure."
"However, our lineup is also outstanding. With yers like Bale, Di Mara, Modric, and Ramos, we have reliable yers in both defense and attack."
"So, I firmly believe that the team can secure a victory at the Camp Nou and continue our winning streak!"
Currently, only Barcelona and Real Madrid lead with 9 consecutive wins in La Liga, meaning whoever wins the century derby will gain a 3-point advantage, crucial for both teams.
Coincidentally, Barcelona''s opponent in this round of the Champions League group stage is also from Serie A, AC Mn. They have faced each other in Europeanpetitions for three consecutive years.
Despite ying away, the Catn team maintained high pressure and ball possession, giving the Rossoneri few chances to counterattack.
However, even in such circumstances, Kak rose to the challenge, assisting Robinho in breaking the deadlock. Until now, the Brazilian star still harbored some resentment towards Barcelona, causing trouble for them every time they met.
Although Iniesta assisted Messi in equalizing the score, they couldn''t crack AC Mn''s defensepletely, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
Of course, the match result would hardly affect the qualification situation, but it cast a shadow over the century derby.
The Italian sports newspaper "Mn Sport" bluntly stated that the Rossoneri were not as far behind Barcelona as imagined. In the past two seasons, they had narrowly lost, and this draw indicated that they had a good chance topete with the Catn team for the top spot in the group.
"The only team that can truly dominate football is Real Madrid led by Wang Feng. The situation of one dominating over many has never changed."
Barcelona coach Martino stated that although the score wasn''t perfect, the process was satisfactory. The yers showed a positive attitude and good performance, believing that they would continue this form into the century derby.
For Surez, who joined just in the summer, he had experienced national derbies and felt that the century derby was as passionate as the Premier League''s "Manchester Derby", with both teams'' yers fighting with conviction.
"As for who impressed me the most? It''s definitely Wang. There''s no doubt about it. I''ve lost to him twice this year already, and I hope there won''t be a third time."
Facing a century derby after ying two matches in a week, all yers inevitably felt tired, and it was not an easy task for the head coach either.
Taking Ancelotti as an example, after studying Juventus'' recent tactical style, he had to start studying Barcelona''s tactical arrangements after the match.
Different from the clearer possession-based style inherited from Guardi''s lineage, the new Argentine coach evidently had his own ideas and style, even causing controversy at one point.
That was after the match against Vadolid when statistics from various sources, including "Marca", "AS", and the official statistics of the Catn team, showed that their possession rate was below 50%.
Thus, Barcelona''s streak of consecutive matches with a possession rate higher than their opponents, spanning 316 games, came to an end, sparking heated debates in Spanish football.
The main topic of discussion was whether Barcelona had abandoned their possession-based football style or just added another tactical option.
This approach did not provoke intense bacsh from fans simply because the club''s results were good. Those whoined or thought that too many long passes disrupted the elegant y temporarily suppressed their dissatisfaction.
Coaches like Rijkaard, Guardi, and Vnova adhered to the traditional possession-based style of y, achieving good results but unable to defeat Real Madrid.
Therefore, Martino sought change. He knew he had no retreat, and the century derby would be the best opportunity to respond to doubts and solidify his position. Sess would propel them to new heights, but failure would be irreversible.
His innovation also sparked much discussion within the team. Lionel Messi, in the most critical position, remained nomittal, only expressing that he would actively join the team''s defense as requested by the coach.
Meanwhile, forwards like Pedro and Surez expressed approval, stating that "creating attacks by pressing the opponent is correct, and changing from possession-based y to counterattacks sometimes has a beneficial effect on the situation."
Martino himself never admitted that he wanted to change Barcelona''s style of y, always emphasizing that it wasn''t a subversion. After all, Marcos was a representative of Barcelona''s long-passing style back in the day, and now returning to old tactics to increase football diversity was not unreasonable.
However, the match process was very clear. Barcelona now adjusted their rhythm on the field ording to specific situations.
They yed with more intensity and focused on counterattacks, resulting in increased fouls and yellow cards, naturally leading to more interceptions. The emphasis on long passes and aerial strikes greatly increased, something unimaginable during the Guardi era.
"Barcelona is no longer the Barcelona of old. It''s hard to determine whether this Barcelona is better or worsepared to before winning the championship, but reality forces us to try and change, doesn''t it?"
Cruyff wrote in his column, which was unlike the sharp character of the Dutchman in the past. Many people thought he would be the first to criticize Martino, but what they got was a speech with subtle support.
Upon closer inspection, one could discern the dilemma of the Catns at the moment. They were almost at their wit''s end, willing to try anything that could improve the current situation.
As for Barcelona''s changes, Wang Feng felt there was no need to think too much about it. They would y ording to their own best tactical style and mode. They would y how they yed best.
This statement made Ancelotti and Zidane couldn''t help but smile bitterly. All they could do was to maintain their usual strategy of retracting defense but not overly defensive, and when it was time to attack, they could deploy heavy troops.
As for other considerations, they could only wait and adjust ording to the situation after the match officially started.
Chapter 644: Battle Commences
Chapter 644: Battle Commences
Barcelona is a port city in Catalonia, renowned worldwide as a Mediterranean coastal tourist destination and a world-famous historical and cultural city, known as the "Pearl of the Iberian Penins."
Here, the urban area is nned in a grid-like structure, with hundreds of streets and avenues connected to each other at specific distances, creating many "superblocks" of 400 meters by 400 meters.
These are filled with residential areas,mercial buildings, and central gardens, and this design project waspleted and implemented over a hundred years ago, greatly improving the quality of life for residents.
On the evening of October 26, 2013, at 8 o''clock, two hours before the start of the El Clsico, fans took to the streets, heading towards the Camp Nou stadium in the city center.
If seen from above, the crowds and traffic on the roads converged like torrents into the red temple, solemn and spectacr.
Upon closer observation, it could be noticed that most of the fans wearing Barcelona jerseys had serious expressions on their faces, shouting impassioned slogans, showing that they weren''t going for entertainment but for battle.
Seven years, Catalonia had been suppressed by Real Madrid for a full seven years! This was the darkest period in the history of both the team and the region! Pain, anger, and unwillingness lingered in the hearts of every Barcelona citizen. Some chose to leave, but most stayed, wanting to continue supporting their beloved team with their love and belief.
When a bus emzoned with the Real Madrid logo slowly entered the road leading to the Camp Nou stadium, many Barcelona fans surrounded it, blocking its path. Some extremists even pounded on the windows and doors of the bus.
Despite the good soundproofing inside the bus, the zombie-like howls could still be heard to some extent, causing some of the yers like Bale and Isco, who were witnessing this scene for the first time, to be quite frightened. "They won''t break in and attack us, will they?" Ramos shrugged. "Don''t worry about it. Wait for the staff toe over. It''s like this every year, nothing new."
Sure enough, after a while, the security personnel of the Camp Nou stadium arrived to disperse the extremist fans and clear a passage for the Real Madrid bus, which was also a show of dominance by the home team.
A few years ago, Wang Feng had been indignant about this, but now he seemed to have some understanding. These people were pitiful. Even through the bus window, he could feel their despair.
Unable to see any hope of victory, they came so close to the trophy every year, yet fell short each time, the gap seemingly insurmountable.
The Chinese superstar, well-respected in the world of football, was probably considered an unforgivable demon by Barcelona fans.
"Poor things," Wang Feng couldn''t help but sigh. "What did you say?" Ramos asked. "Nothing, let''s take three points from the Camp Nou and add another loss to Barcelona''s ount!" "Alright!" Everyone responded in unison.
In this match, Ancelotti didn''t make major adjustments to the lineup, sticking with the previous three defensive midfielders formation, and Casis remained the starting goalkeeper.
Ramos was suspended, so Carvajal took his ce in the backline, with Marcelo, Pepe, and Arbeloapleting the defense.
In midfield, Alonso, Modric, and Di Maria.
Up front, it was Wang Feng, Higuain, and Bale.
On the Barcelona side, Martino also used a 4-3-3 formation, with Ter Stegen in goal.
The back four consisted of Alves, Pique, Bartra, and Mascherano.
In midfield, it was Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.
And up front, Neymar, Messi, and Suarez.
Barcelona kicked off the first half, with Neymar breaking into the frontcourt and sending a straight pass to the penalty area, where Messi received the ball but faced tight defense and couldn''t turn around.
So he retreated from the danger zone and suddenly turned around to take a powerful shot from outside the arc. The ball hit Arbeloa and deflected, but Casis came out in time to collect it.
The home team''s first shot came so quickly! Amidst the cheers of the hundred thousand fans at the scene, Barcelona didn''t probe butunched a continuous attack right from the start of the game.
It wasn''t until the 7th minute that Real Madrid got their first counterattack opportunity, with Bale dribbling on the nk and being fouled by Xavi, resulting in the first yellow card of the game for the Spanish midfielder.
Then Wang Feng attempted a direct shot from a tight angle with a free kick, the ball crossed the defensive line but slightly missed the goalpost, failing to hit the frame.
The Chinese superstar rubbed his head, ignoring the deafening boos, and ran back to participate actively in the defense.
By the 19th minute, Barcelona continued to organize their attack, with Iniesta passing the ball to Messi on the right, who then cut inside and carried the ball towards the middle.
Alonso rushed to intercept, but Messi didn''t tangle with him. Instead, he passed the ball back to Iniesta.
Taking the ball, the Spaniard turned and opened up space, then charged into the penalty area, drawing Carvajal over to block him, which gave Neymar the chance on the wing. Iniesta didn''t hesitate to send a diagonal pass.
The Brazilian star quickly dribbled to the bottom line and crossed the ball, thending point very close to the goalkeeper''s position, but Casis surprisingly chose not to catch the ball but punched it out with clenched fists.
However, his strike was too low, and while the ball flew high, it didn''t go far. Suarez, anticipating the secondnding spot, leaped high and headed it into the visitors''.
"Goal! The ball''s in! Barcelona''s siege pays off, opening the gates of the Gcticos within 20 minutes!"
"Suarez scores with a header, a very splendid attack!"
"It must be said that Barcelona''sbination of short passes and long crosses is very natural and smooth, showing a hierarchical attack."
"We can see that Messi''steral movement and Iniesta''s breakthroughs distracted Alonso and Carvajal, opening up space for Neymar on the nk."
"In fact, Carvajal reacted very quickly, immediately returning to his own penalty area to block when the Brazilian went to the bottom, resulting in an ineffective cross from Neymar."
"Overall, Real Madrid''s defense doesn''t have any obvious loopholes, but the goalkeeper''s decision toe out raises some questions. Why didn''t Casis control the ball? Even if he wanted to clear it out, why not kick it further? Oh, perhaps his judgment on where to strike the ball was off, it seems that Saint Iker is indeed getting old."
"But I believe that the Gcticos can still remain calm at this moment. Being one goal down is not doomsday for them, and their greatest reliance, King, hasn''t started exerting his force yet."
"With over 70 minutes left in the game, anything is possible."
When Suarez scored the opening goal, the entire Camp Nou erupted in cheers for him, countless people chanting his name, as if calling for a new savior.
All Barcelona yers were celebrating wildly, with Messi being the first to catch up to the Uruguayan star and hug him tightly.
Coach Martino stood up excitedly from the coaching bench, this was the football he wanted, let those old fogeys open their eyes and see, Barcelona''s possession game is outdated, now it''s their own team''s turn!
The Real Madrid yers stood somewhat despondently on the field, the match not going as thementators predicted. Although they were frustrated, they didn''t feel hopeless.
As for head coach Ancelotti, he patted his forehead helplessly and said to Zidane beside him, "Mr. Florentino was right, by next summer, we must find Casis''s sessor."
Chapter 645: Scorpion鈥檚 Tail
Chapter 645: Scorpion''s Tail
"Martino has made a significant change in Messi''s positioning in this game," analyzed Zidane, assessing the situation.
"In the past 20 minutes, Barcelona has formed a total of six attacks and four shots, with only onepleted by the Argentine at the beginning."
"During other times, he yed more of a role in disrupting the defense, organizing the attack, and even rarely participated in the final assist," added Zidane.
Ancelotti furrowed his brow, "Yes, this Messi is more difficult to deal with than when he''s tasked with finishing."
"Because he has Neymar with delicate footwork and Suarez with outstanding scoring ability to rely on."
"But we can''t just divert our defensive focus from the Argentine, as he himself is a lethal weapon."
"It''s really a headache. We can only see how our counterattacks unfold."
Despite being one goal ahead, Barcelona didn''t slow down their offensive pace, quickly creating another opportunity.
This time, during a Real Madrid attacking y, the ball was intercepted by Piqu in Barcelona''s half. Piqu immediately delivered a long pass over the top, and Messi, timing his run perfectly, received the ball onside and entered the penalty area.
Fortunately, the experienced Pepe had been marking the Argentine closely, using all his tricks within the rules to disrupt Messi, forcing him to reluctantly aim for a near post shot.
Casis securely caught the ball without causing any danger. Nheless, all Real Madrid fans still felt a cold sweat. Was this still the opponent they knew? Howe they were resorting to long balls behind the defense?
Wang Feng roamed around his teammates, reminding them not to view Barcelona with old eyes anymore, but to be more alert to their varied attacking methods.
"Don''t panic, we''re only trailing by one goal, take it easy!"
"Gareth, your handling just now was a bit sluggish. Form a quickbination to avoid mistakes."
"Luka, control the midfield. Pressing too high can lead to gaps."
The Chinese superstar pointed out the issues that arose during the match. With his extensive experience and prestige, all the yers nodded in agreement, promptly adjusting their ystyles.
The period after conceding the first goal is often the most dangerous, as the opponent is likely to capitalize on the momentum and widen their lead.
As long as this phase is held off, the stage for counterattacks can be set.
Therefore, Real Madrid intentionally controlled the pace of the game in their own half, luring Barcelona to press forward, and indeed, to maintain their intensity, they invested heavily in attacking.
Wang Feng kept a rtively deep position, using his explosive eleration to bridge the gap between him and the defensive line.
If he were to position himself too far forward, not only would he be ineffective in assisting the defense, but he would also be susceptible to being marked by multiple defenders, making it difficult to receive the ball.
At this moment, the Chinese superstar was like a leopard lurking in the grass, ready to pounce and deliver a lethal blow to his prey at any moment.
And he didn''t have to wait long for this opportunity.
"Messi passes to Neymar in the middle, who wants to dribble past with a rainbow flick, but Carvajal blocks the position and intercepts the ball!"
"The Brazilian star has grown a lot, but he still carries a hint of nonchnce and immaturity. At this moment, he should pursue a concise and efficient attack, not showboating."
"Pass the ball to Wang Feng, and Real Madrid has a chance!"
After receiving the ball, the Chinese superstar quickly initiated his run, smoothly evading Busquets who attempted to block him, and stormed towards the center line.
At this moment, Alves rushed to provide support, intending to double-team with Busquets, but Wang Feng wouldn''t let him have his way.
With a powerful touch angled to evade Alves, who couldn''t block him in time with his outstretched hands, Wang Feng caught up to the ball and formed a partial two-on-one situation with Bale.
So he decisively passed to the Welshman, while also wisely running past him from the front, diagonally moving towards the sideline.
As only two Barcelona defenders, Mascherano and Vermaelen, were concentrated in the middle area, with Mascherano slightly closer and Vermaelen a bit further away.
Once Wang Feng advanced towards the middle, he would easily fall into a double-team situation and struggle to receive the ball effectively, but there was ample space towards the sidelines.
As Bale approached the edge of the penalty area, Mascherano had no choice but to stick close, leaving him with no room. So he calmly passed the ball to the Chinese superstar.
Wang Feng received the ball and made a quick inside cut into the penalty area, intending to pass behind Mascherano, who swiftly turned to slide tackle.
But at this moment, Bale found himself in an open space again. The Chinese superstar stopped the ball with a quick stop and then passed it to Bale.
Without stopping the ball, Bale directly aimed for the far corner with a powerful shot, slicing through Ter Stegen''s outstretched hand and piercing into the goal.
"Goooooooooooal! In the 39th minute of the match, Real Madrid equalizes!"
"This is an extremely impactful fast counterattack, and it''s Real Madrid''s standard offensive rhythm!"
"Wang Feng started from the back, continuously evaded Busquets and Alves, and passed the ball to Bale."
"His movement is very interesting. Instead of going towards the center, he goes towards the sideline, which is worth learning for most attacking yers."
"Finally, he formed a wall-pass with Bale, leaving Mascherano at his mercy."
"Before the end of the first half, both sides are brought to the same starting line, which is crucial for the Gcticos!"
As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained unchanged, and head coach Ancelotti was rtively satisfied with the situation.
Although Casis''s mistake led to the first goal, no one would dwell on the past; looking forward is the right path.
"Let''s continue this momentum. Barcelona may dominate possession, but don''t let them dictate the game. We need to control the rhythm ourselves."
As the second half began, the home team once again took the initiative to attack, with Alves pushing forward along the right nk and delivering a cross.
Iniesta chested the ball down at the top of the penalty area, then turned and volleyed, but Carvajal threw himself to block, diffusing the danger.
By the 72nd minute, Modric intercepted the ball in the middle and was about tounch a quick counterattack, but Barcelona, having learned their lesson, quickly closed him down, forcing Real Madrid to resort to positional y.
After several passes, the ball came to Bale''s feet. He forcefully surpassed Vermaelen and crossed from the byline, the ball hitting the opponent''s leg and deflecting. Despite the strong force, it still looped into the penalty area.
Wang Feng rushed to thending spot, although he was sandwiched between Alves and Mascherano, he used his sharp judgment to arrive at the best position.
Seeing danger approaching, an anxious Alves nced towards the referee''s direction and then quietly moved to block his view with his back.
At the same time, he forcefully pushed with both hands against the Chinese superstar''s waist, catching him off guard.
Wang Feng staggered away from the falling range of the ball. At this moment, if he fell deliberately, he might miss a great opportunity.
Because Alves'' foul was very subtle, and in such an important El Clsico, at the Camp Nou, the main referee might not be willing to award a penalty.
But Wang Feng was unwilling to ept this oue. He cleverly lost his bnce and raised his right foot before falling, stealing the ball with his heel ahead of the two defenders.
"Boom!" A highly difficult scorpion kick volley!
The ball drew a rainbow arc in the air, flying over the goalkeeper''s outstretched hand and grazing the bottom of the post before falling into the!
Chapter 646: Built-In Offensive System
Chapter 646: Built-In Offensive System
-"In the 72nd minute of the second half, Real Madrid reversed the score!"
"This is an extraordinarily exquisite scorpion kick, leaving the Barcelona defense helpless!"
"It''s so beautiful! Who would have thought that after losing the advantage in aerial duels, Wang Feng would resort to such a nimble strike?"
"After losing his bnce from swinging his leg, the Chinese superstar angrily climbed up when he saw the ball hit the, then dashed towards the Camp Nou stands."
"This goal is the best ''gift'' for the Barcelona fans! After enduring jeers and insults throughout the game, they can finally have some peace!"
"Let''s watch the entire process of this fantastic goal through the rey."
"Bale''s speed and explosiveness are remarkable. He forcefully bypassed Vermaelen to deliver a cross. Although the ball deflected off the opponent''s leg, it still entered a dangerous area."
"At this moment, Wang Feng was tightly marked by defenders, and Alves seemed to have suspicions of pushing, but the Chinese superstar managed to lift his leg backward and shoot while off bnce. His control is simply astounding."
Wang Feng slid all the way to the corner g area, and his teammates followed suit. Bale and Di Mara were the first to reach him, embracing him from behind.
In the distance, Casis waved his arms wildly in front of his own goal, relieved of his worries. He was so happy that he felt like doing pull-ups on the crossbar.
The Chinese superstar saved the team, saved himself! If the match had ended in a draw or a loss, one can imagine the criticism he would have faced from fans and the media.
But this goal could help the club secure a crucial victory. Casis silently vowed to hold on and not concede any more goals!
Real Madrid President Florentino was present at the stadium, which is rare for him, especially in away games. But for such an important asion like the El Clsico, he naturally wouldn''t be absent.
On the stands, he wore a satisfied smile, stood up to apud the hardworking yers, without showing any arrogance in celebration. Because he knew there were countless cameras aimed at him, broadcasting his expressions to households worldwide.
But inside, Florentino was far more excited than he appeared. Even he couldn''t believe how sessful Wang Feng was, far exceeding his expectations.
Until now, Real Madrid still had the greatest chance of winning the championship! No one could deny the unprecedented sess the club achieved under his leadership.
And this sess could only be realized by the Gcticos. In recent years, apart from on-fieldpetition, the club also faced immense pressure off the field. This was why the Chinese superstar left Inter Mn; he and Real Madrid mutually contributed to each other''s sess, writing their own myths and legends.
Barcelona President Rosell, on the other hand, sank into his seat with a heavy expression, as if all his strength had been drained. He kept murmuring to himself, "Laporta, you''re the biggest culprit for the team!"
If Barcelona lost this match, it would likely nullify all their efforts for the entire year, following the same pattern as in recent years.
And all the roots of this failure could be traced back to Laporta''s misjudgment years ago, failing to do everything possible to snatch Wang Feng from Real Madrid''s hands. Today, he still dared to attempt aeback, which was simply delusional!
Rosell had been under tremendous pressure in recent years, especially after using club leverage to make transfers in the summer. If the season ended without meeting expectations, he was likely to face impeachment and resignation.
Rosell was mentally prepared for his situation, but he couldn''t let Laporta seed. Perhaps his assistant, Bartomeu, was the suitable sessor.
The moods of the two club presidents on the stands were like night and day, while their respective teams continued to fight with all their might for the remaining ten-plus minutes.
Barcelona had their best chance to equalize in the 91st minute when Neymar broke through on the nk and crossed. Suarez''s acrobatic shot from the left side of the penalty area was blocked by goalkeeper Casis''s ribs, narrowly missing the goal.
The Uruguayan star fell to his knees in agony, while Casis''s heart pounded incessantly. It was truly a mysterious turn of events!
In the end, the score remained 2-1, with the Gcticos triumphing over Barcelona at the Camp Nou, seizing the initiative in the race for the league title!
This result was instantly spread worldwide through the inte, igniting passionate discussions and evaluations from countless fans and media.
Barcelona lost to Real Madrid for the second time this season (the first being in the Spanish Super Cup), and it happened at their home ground. Did this mean they had lost their chance topete for the championship again?
Overall, Barcelona''s performance in both matches was not bad; it even had its highlights. Suarez quickly integrated into the attacking system, forming a new attacking trio with Messi and Neymar that posed a significant threat to the Gcticos.
The team''s defense also didn''t show any ring weaknesses. The main reason for their defeat was the failure to contain Wang Feng. In both matches, he created all five goals (4 goals, 1 assist), truly bing Barcelona''s nemesis.
In fact, Real Madrid had more significant defensive issues, mainly revolving around veterans Pepe and Casis. Even after the match, many media outlets gave Casis the lowest ratings for the game.
"Former goalkeeping legend no more, where does the despondent Casis go from here?" wrote Marca, suggesting that the Gcticos were entering a period of transition. If they wanted to continue their glory, they must make tough decisions regarding their veteran yers, especially considering Wang Feng''s peak form.
This might seem cruel, but for Real Madrid, it was a familiar rhythm. Almost all media and fans understood this truth, and the yers naturally did too. Otherwise, the Chinese superstar wouldn''t have insisted on not renewing his contract.
He knew that Real Madrid wasn''t a ce for retirement, nor did he intend to break this "tradition" with his past glory. Breaking up after glory was the most dignified oue for both parties.
Sky Sports UK dissected Wang Feng''s goal and assist in detail. If the first assist showcased the Chinese superstar''s control of the game and excellent football IQ, the second goal represented his prating ability.
"Bale has never been an easy teammate to coordinate with. His performance fluctuated during his time at Tottenham due to team influence. But Wang Feng, in less than half a season, haspletely integrated him into his attacking system. The two seem to be like old friends, with perfect understanding."
Sky Sports believed that Real Madrid''s offensive system didn''t solely rely on the coach''s arrangements but rather seemed to be inherent to Wang Feng. Throughout several coaching eras, the team''s offensive style remained consistent.
As for Barcelona''s defeat, fans and media could only find one major scapegoat: coach Martino. Marca believed that the Argentine coach''s decision to ce Messi in a supporting role was the root cause of their loss.
During the match, Messi yed on the right nk where he started his career, rather than upying the center as usual. He rarely even moved into the middle, indicating that he was not focused on scoring himself but serving the team.
As a result, Messi''s prating threat was significantly reduced. Although Catn media and fans still believed in Messi''s ability to create miracles someday, if even this hope was taken away, they didn''t know what else to expect.
Chapter 647: A New Identity
Chapter 647: A New Identity
When Wang Feng shone brightly in the Century Derby, dominating the headlines of global sports news, another bombshell news about him was also disclosed.
That is, the Chinese superstarpleted a change of identity by purchasing 80% of the shares of Serie A''s Inter Mn for 300 million euros, bing thergest shareholder of the club! Strictly speaking, it was his Feng Yao Group that invested in controlling shares, but Wang Feng was already the absolute controlling person of the group, so it was essentially him havingplete control over the club.
The world was shocked for a moment. This was the first active superstar in the history of European football to be the helmsman of a top five league team, and not just any ordinary club, but a traditional powerhouse!
For Inter Mn fans, this news brought mixed feelings. From the depths of their hearts, they respected and admired Wang Feng, the best yer in the team''s history. Five league titles and three Champions League titles were enough to be the most glorious era in the club''s history.
But could the Chinese superstar manage the team well? Should they curse him if he mismanaged it?
Soon, one of the leaders of the Feng Yao Group, Renee, stepped forward to dispel everyone''s doubts. He held a press conference to announce that the group would dispatch professionals to manage investment and youth training operations, while the club''s main management would still be undertaken by the Moratti family.
Of course, the entire Inter Mn board of directors would be reorganized, with nine senior executives from the Feng Yao Group joining, ending the previous Moratti family''s autocratic situation.
However, Moratti himself remained the club president, with his eldest son, Angelomario, serving as the vice chairman.
The elderly Italian expressed his gratitude to Wang Feng and his group for their "timely assistance" to Inter Mn. With the overall decline of Serie A, the Nerazzurri could only barely get by.
After being suppressed by Juventus for several years,st summer Moratti decided to sell 15% of the shares to the wealthy Indonesian businessman Huang Jianhua, of Chinese descent, to raise funds for reinforcement.
Out of goodwill towards the Chinese and his powerful capabilities, Moratti didn''t even ask for bank guarantees before signing the contract, which was understandable given Huang Jianhua''s reputation.
This beautiful countryman was the first dragon descendant to step into the New York Stock Exchange, ranking 39th on the Forbes rich list in 2011. He owned several sports clubs including the New York Yankees, Houston Rockets, Clevnd Cavaliers, and the Northeast Tigers.
How Huang Jianhua made his fortune was unknown to the public. All that was known was that he was born into an intellectual family in a coastal city, practiced badminton since childhood, which might be the reason for his passion for sports.
After graduating from Columbia University, he began working at the New York Stock Exchange and gradually integrated into the Wall Street financial circle. Starting from private wealth management, he transitioned to his own investments.
After sessfully acquiring the Clevnd Cavaliers, Huang Jianhua''s reputation skyrocketed. "Investing in the Cavaliers is only a small part of our n. Next, we want to build a sports empire!"
Investing in Inter Mn was not his first expression of intention to enter the football field. Three years ago, he extended an olive branch to the Premier League''s Liverpool, but due to insufficient funds and other reasons, the matter ultimately fell through.
Compared to thest time, Huang Jianhua seemed to be better prepared this time, and acquiring the Nerazzurri was much easier than buying a Premier League giant.
After all, Premier League teams receive more attention than Italian teams and have the most optimistic development prospects, with no shortage ofrge capital interventions.
Huang Jianhua didn''t approach Inter Mn alone but coborated with the Chairman of the Poly Group and the Executive Director of New World Department Store, further dispelling Moratti''s doubts.
However, after the three signed the contract, they immediately disappeared, not only making the Nerazzurri aughingstock but also deepening the club''s deficit. Due to the "ck intermediary" issue, the club''s financial deficit increased from 70 million euros to 80 million euros.
Inter Mn also considered litigation, but it was bound to be protracted, and the club would copse before the money arrived.
At this time, an Indonesian tycoon, Torchi, extended a helping hand, expressing willingness to take over Inter Mn and solve the financial problems, but he requested aplete acquisition, meaning the Nerazzurri would have no connection with the Moratti family from then on, which the Italians could not ept.
The Nerazzurri were suddenly in a precarious situation.
Knowing Wang Feng''s intention to invest in European clubs during a conversation with retired Ronaldo, Moratti immediately contacted the Chinese superstar, persuading him to pay attention to Inter Mn. "You are the most suitable candidate, with both the strength and the fan base. I can rest assured handing Inter Mn over to you."
To be honest, Wang Feng had no intention of getting involved in Serie A again, but from an investment perspective, buying Inter Mn was a profitable deal, with the football market and the volume of the top five leagues there.
Moreover, he wanted to expand his own youth training program. Relying solely on the Genk family club was too little. With the Nerazzurri''s training system, the scale of personnel would definitely increase significantly.
At that time, more outstanding but financially disadvantaged football talents from China coulde to the top European club training camp of Inter Mn. Talent would emerge inrge numbers.
After several months of negotiations, both parties finalized the details of the investment cooperation. Moratti''s continued tenure as club president was also what Wang Feng hoped for. The Italian not only had rich management experience but also had a deep love for the Nerazzurri.
As for the Feng Yao Group, besides spending 300 million euros to purchase shares, they would also spend 200 million euros to cover the club''s financial deficit and transfer work. Coupled with the streamlining of existing yers, it was enough to deal with the current situation.
It was expected to take at least two years to turn losses into profits and recover costs, followed by a phase of profitability.
Ronaldo admitted in an interview that he had facilitated Wang Feng''s acquisition of the Nerazzurri. "He is a leader that everyone will approve of, isn''t he?"
"Wang is a good yer, and he will be a good boss too. I believe that with his help, the Nerazzurri can get back on track."
Moratti felt deeply moved in his heart. Although the two had disagreements and quarrels, there was more admiration and gratitude. During that dark period, Inter Mn never gave up on themselves.
"The Moratti era of Inter Mn was always full of passion. He dedicated everything to the team, and it''s something everyone is delighted to see him continue to manage."
When the news was announced, a group of old friends such as Zti and Ribery contacted Wang Feng to congratte him on bing the club''s owner. Ribery even jokingly said, "The boss has be the boss. Can you take care of me next? At least let me choose my next home before selling me."
Wang Feng couldn''t help but smile wryly, "You just stay retired at Inter Mn. This is a result that I, Moratti, and countless fans are happy to see."
The Nerazzurri achieved ten consecutive Serie A titles. While Wang Feng was recognized as the most important contributor to the first five titles, Ribery made significant contributions to thetter five.
Although at that time Juventus and AC Mn were still experiencing the aftermath of "Calciopoli," this historic achievement in Serie A was still shining brightly. Ribery retired at the club, which was only natural.
Chapter 648: Controversy Surrounding the Nominees
Chapter 648: Controversy Surrounding the Nominees
On October 30th, in the 11th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Sevi at home.
The Gcticos continued their hot streak from the Century Derby,unching a fierce attack on the visiting side right from the start.
In the 13th minute, Isco sent a through pass from the midfield, and Iguan received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, then passed it back. Wang Feng, positioned at the 14-meter mark in the middle, received the ball and shot fiercely, piercing through Beto''s hands and opening the scoring for the home team.
In the 27th minute, Real Madrid struck again. Wang Feng was fouled by Sevi defender Navarro while dribbling the ball, and the referee awarded a free kick to the home team from 25 meters in front of the goal.
The Chinese superstar took the free kick himself, and the ball soared over the wall, rapidly dropping under Beto''s incredulous gaze, slipping past his outstretched hand and into the behind him, making it 2-0!
Just 4 minutester, Navarro fouled Wang Feng again in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty!
Bale stepped up to take the penalty, deceiving the goalkeeper and slotting it into the bottom left corner of the.
With a 3-goal lead, the home team felt confident, but Sevi showed resilient fighting spirit.
In the 38th minute, Figueiras seized an opportunity to break into Real Madrid''s penalty area. Ramos, who returned to the starting lineup after serving a 3-match suspension, made a heavy tackle and was penalized for a foul. The away team was awarded a penalty, which Rakiti? converted.
Two minutester, Ramos made another mistake, and after Vitolo broke through on the wing and crossed, Jairo passed from the left side of the small penalty area, and an unmarked Ba scored from close range, bringing the score to 3-2.
The seemingly secure lead suddenly became turbulent, and at halftime, coach Ancelotti erupted in anger. ording to some reports, he directly substituted Ramos, recing him with Coentrao.
In the second half, the Gcticos remained highly focused, with everyone wearing serious expressions, showing no signs ofcency as if they were the team trailing behind.
In the 53rd minute, Wang Feng intercepted the ball in midfield and organized a swift counterattack. After breaking through the defensive line on the wing, he crossed into the penalty area where Iguan received the ball and shot seamlessly, leaving Beto helpless.
Seven minutester, Bale crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and the Chinese superstar extended his left foot to deflect the ball into Sevi''s.
5-2! Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick, his third in the league this season, fully restoring his scoring prowess!
In the 71st minute, Iguan received a lob pass from Alonso and acted as a pivot, lifting the ball to Wang Feng, who then dribbled past the defense and sent a diagonal pass, allowing Bale to continue expanding the lead for the home team.
Eight minutester, Marcelo charged down the sideline and delivered a lobbed pass into the box, where Iguan rose high to head the ball into the, scoring the final goal of the match.
The final score was 7-2! Real Madrid thrashed Sevi!
Entering November, FIFA and "France Football" announced thetest 23 nominees for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d''Or award, with the seven-time consecutive champions Real Madrid naturally being the biggest winners, with a total of 6 yers selected.
They were Wang Feng, Casis, Ramos, Alonso, Modric, and Iguan.
The UEFA Champions League runners-up and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich followed closely behind with 4 yers selected: ?zil, Mller, Robben, and Schweinsteiger.
Barcelona had 4 yers selected as well: Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Surez.
Paris Saint-Germain had 3 yers selected: Cavani, Ibrahimovic, and Thiago Silva.
Manchester City had 2 yers selected: Ronaldo and Yaya Tour.
The remaining yers were Chelsea''s Hazard, Monaco''s Falcao, Manchester United''s Rooney, and Juventus''s Pirlo.
The announcement of the nominees for the best yer of the year always sparks controversy, and this year''s criticisms seem particrly loud.
First and foremost is the inclusion of Chelsea''s rising star Hazard among the Ballon d''Or nominees. Although Mourinho led the team to win the UEFA Europa Leaguest season, Mata, not Hazard, was voted the team''s best yer. It seems that the Spanish international would be a more suitable candidate for the list.
On the other hand, the UEFA Europa League has been losing its prestige, and itspetitiveness is far from that of the UEFA Champions League. yers like Gndogan and Reus, who helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League semi-finals, and Isco, who made history with Mga, shine much brighter than Hazard.
The only reasonable exnation seems to be the club''s promotion. In fact, the role of the club in yer awards cannot be ignored. The top management often decides to heavily market only one core yer, and Hazard is clearly seen as the future of Stamford Bridge.
Another topic of discussion is the decreasing representation of defensive yers. In the 57 editions of the Ballon d''Or, forwards and attacking midfielders have won it 52 times.
Of course, someizens jokingly call Wang Feng a "defensive yer," which is not entirely false. He was the hot favorite to win the awardst season due to his outstanding performance as a defensive midfielder, but with 30 league goals and 39 assists, it''s hard to categorize him as a traditional defensive powerhouse.
Pirlo is facing the same dilemma as Hazard, being outshone by his teammates. Many Juventus fans questioned why Vidal was not included in the nominees, as the Chilean midfielder, being the team''s top scorer in midfield, was a key contributor to Juventus''s defense of the Serie A title.
Surez''s inclusion came as a surprise to many. They questioned whether a yer who bites opponents on the field can be considered one of the best in the world?
While the Uruguayan''s skills are indeed outstanding, controversies surrounding him are endless, including multiple biting incidents and the handball in the World Cup.
Even the legendary Uruguayan striker Luis Aravs hasmented: "Surez should learn to be more mature if he wants to vie for individual honors."
Alongside the announcement of the best yer nominees, FIFA also released the list of 10 candidates for the best coach, led by Real Madrid''s Ancelotti, with Heynckes, Ferguson, Klopp, Bentez, Mourinho, Wenger, and others also on the list.
The most controversial figure is undoubtedly Arsenal''s coach Wenger, as it''s been 9 years since Arsenalst won any trophy, and none of his yers made it to the Ballon d''Or nominee list.
Perhaps it''s because he led a team with not-so-outstandingpetitiveness to secure a top-four spot in the fiercelypetitive Premier League? This is hardly convincing.
Especially for Atltico Madrid fans, they believe that their manager, Simeone, should at least be ranked among the top five coaches in the world.
Leading a mid-table team to the third ce in the league standings, and being able topete with epic clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona is quite remarkable.
In terms of team strength and achievements, Spanish coaches are definitely qualified.
Bentez''s inclusion in the nominees, after a season of nothing, isrgely due to the fact that, as of now in the new season, he has led Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, ahead of the northern powerhouses and Roma, whether he can maintain this position until the end remains to be seen.
Chapter 649: Messi鈥檚 Dilemma
Chapter 649: Messi''s Dilemma
Messi has recently found himself in a dilemma because he hasn''t scored in three consecutive league matches, which is quite normal for an ordinary attacking yer.
But as the core of Barcelona, being left far behind by Real Madrid''s Wang Feng, and even Atletico Madrid''s Diego Costa, is uneptable to the fans.
What''s worse is that after Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester City, his performance this season has been exceptionally outstanding, helping the Sky Blues shine in both the league and the Champions League, surpassing his own goal tally. The long-forgotten "duopoly" has once again been hyped up by the media.
In the 12th round of La Liga over the weekend, Barcelona weed their city rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou. Throughout the match, the Catn team struggled a lot, but eventually managed to clinch a 1-0 victory with Neymar assisting Suarez''s winning goal.
Barcelona''s biggest concern, however, was the oue of Real Madrid''s away match against Vadolid, which was decidedter. With a half-rotated squad, the Gcticos fought to a 2-2 draw against their opponents, with Wang Feng registering an assist.
After 12 rounds, Real Madrid topped the league with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 34 points. Following closely behind were Atletico Madrid with 11 wins, 1 loss, and 33 points, and then Barcelona, also with 11 wins, 1 loss, and 33 points but with slightly lower goal difference.
Although the gap with the top has narrowed, the concerns of the Catn fans have not eased at all because the Argentine superstar still hasn''t scored, experiencing the longest goal drought in three years.
At the same time, Barcelona''s victories have been extremely hard-fought, unlike the big wins they used to secure in previous years.
After the game, Messi admitted that he hasn''t been in good form recently. He wrote on social media, "ying against Espanyol is always tough, and my body hasn''t fully recovered from the injury yet."
"But as the league progresses, I am confident that I can find the best rhythm to help the teampete for the championship!"
The media analyzed Messi''s recent poor form from various angles, with Marca being particrly sharp in listing four points.
Firstly, it''s the tactical arrangements of the new head coach, Martino, regarding the Argentine superstar''s role. He is no longer an absolute starter and irreceable first-choice yer, often being substituted midway or waiting for opportunities on the bench.
Secondly, Neymar''s gradual maturity and the arrival of Suarez have seen the Brazilian star fulfill his footballing potential after several years of honing his skills, while the Uruguayan''s attacking efficiency is also very high.
Thirdly, injuries have resurfaced. Messi has hardly been troubled by injuries in recent years, but since the end ofst season, he has been gued by minor injuries. Although his absence from games is not long, his rhythm and form are constantly disrupted.
Thest point is even more important. Marca spected that the Argentine star might be saving himself for the World Cup, as he wants to pursue higher honors.
Therefore, Messi feels that he must participate in the World Cup in the best condition possible, starting now to pay attention to protecting his body and consciously toning down his ying style.
It must be said that often the people who understand you best are your opponents, and Marca''s analysis of the reasons is very close to the truth. This is also the ce where Messi''s inner conflict and confusion lie.
In terms of club honors, years of failed title challenges have left him somewhat disillusioned. Seeing Wang Feng''s continued dominance in the new season, he may instinctively feel a sense of ckness, knowing that no matter how hard he tries, it will all be in vain.
In terms of individual honors, he is definitely out of contention for the Ballon d''Or this year. However, it is well known that the best time to contend for the prestigious award is next year. Almost all knowledgeable individuals believe that winning the World Cup is the only way to break the dominance of the Chinese superstar.
So Messi appears hesitant on the field, with a significant decrease in his attempts to dribble past opponents and fewer breakthroughs, naturally resulting in a steep decline in goals scored.
Of course, there is another little-known reason troubling the Argentine superstar, which is that his former mentor Guardi called him, hoping he would join Bayern Munich!
In the eyes of the public, only the two oil tycoon teams, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, have a chance to lure Messi away from Barcelona. But little do they know that Bayern is also brewing up a hefty offer.
The Argentine''s contract with Barcelona includes a staggering ?250 million buyout use, but as Adidas''s most important endorser, Messi''s team, Barcelona, is sponsored exclusively by Nike.
So Adidas is willing to pay half of the buyout use to push for his move to their sponsored team, even willing to cover part of his sry, which conveniently fits Bayern''s requirements.
The other half still needs to be paid by the club. Guardi spared no effort to persuade the typically stingy Bavarian higher-ups, from personal abilities tomercial value. Finally, he managed to convince them to ssh out ?125 million to acquire Messi.
"Come to Germany, Leo. Your talent shouldn''t continue to be wasted in La Liga. Here, we have everything you need, and we also need you!" Guardi said passionately over the phone.
It must be said that Messi was tempted. For him, Bayern is a "shortcut" to winning the league title. Although threats like Borussia Dortmund have appeared in the past, most of the time they have remained dominant.
Moreover, seeing Barcelona being swept 0-7 by Bayern inst year''s Champions League semifinals, Messi is impressed by the rationality and strength of the Bayern squad. Perhaps with himself included, they really have a chance topete with Real Madrid and win the long-awaited Champions League title!
Just as Messi was in deep turmoil, several Barcelona veterans, including Puyol, Xavi, and Iniesta, gathered together to discuss ways to help the Argentine superstar return to his peak.
"It''s not just about the games. Leo seems a bit distracted during training these days," Iniesta said with concern.
"We must talk to him, listen to his true thoughts and difficulties, so we can identify the key points of his troubles. If he has any issues with the coach''s arrangements, then I''ll go talk to the coach with him," current captain Xavi said.
Puyol, due to injuries and age, has not represented Barcelona in matches for a long time, but he is still the eternal g in the hearts of all Catn yers.
"Let''s do this. Let''s have a gathering at his house on the rest day. Javier, Andres, let''s all bring our families and children, and create a rxed atmosphere. I believe under such circumstances, Leo will find it easier to open up," Puyol suggested.
Soon they expressed their n for a family dinner together to Messi, who naturally agreed. The group talked a lot, with Puyol discreetly inquiring about Messi''s recent situation.
"I''m just a little tired," Messi said with a bitter smile, shaking his head. "I always hear people saying that the future belongs to me, but when will this future reallye?"
Xavi advised, "You''re putting too much pressure on yourself. To be honest, your performance in recent years speaks for itself, and history will eventually give a more fair evaluation."
Apart from Bayern''s poaching attempt, the group discussed almost all issues openly, including saving energy for the World Cup. "It''s natural to protect yourself," Puyol said. "After being injured, it''s easy to feel stressed, it''s a normal reaction."
"But be careful not to turn it into a habit. Otherwise, when you want to exert yourself in the future, your body will subconsciously avoid it, and you might actually lose strength by trying to conserve it."
Messi nodded, looking at the concerned expressions of his senior friends, feeling much less confused and troubled. He ultimately couldn''t bring himself to sacrifice many things for achievements and glory, like Cristiano Ronaldo does.
If he really agreed to Bayern''s offer, it would inevitably lead to a rift with Barcelona. How would he face these former friends then?
Chapter 650: Hundreds of Times Is Too Terrifying!
Chapter 650: Hundreds of Times Is Too Terrifying!
On November 5th, in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, the Gcticos visited Turin to challenge Juventus.
In the previous three group stage matches, the Bianconeri''s performance could only be described as dismal. They drew consecutively against Copenhagen and Gtasaray, and then lost to the Gcticos. They were almost pushed to the brink.
In this do-or-die battle, Conte deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Tevez, Llorente, and Marchisio forming the front line, determined to secure a victory at home.
On the other hand, Ancelotti opted for thebination of Varane and Pepe in defense, with Ramos, who had be much more disciplined after some tough lessons, returning to the starting lineup.
"Real Madrid is wearing orange jerseys today. This is a brand new away kit specially designed for them this season''s Champions League matches. It looks very vibrant."
"I remember their away kit main color was dark greenst year. I didn''t expect such a big change."
"Yeah, it seems like every year the Gcticos'' away kit adopts apletely different style. Is this to avoid audience fatigue?"
"Haha, maybe so. After all, they always have the most matches."
"Hey, look at Juventus'' attack this time. Pogba takes a shot! The ball just misses the post!"
"He dares to shoot directly from such a distance, narrowly missing Casis'' fingertips. The explosiveness of the young Frenchman is terrifying."
With Pogba''s powerful shot, the game officially began with both sides engaging in an open contest.
Wang Feng made a strong breakthrough against Asamoah, and his low-angle shot hit the far post. Tevez received the ball on the left side of the penalty area and aimed for the near corner, but was blocked by Saint Casis. Bale stole the ball in the frontcourt and crossed, but Iguan''s header went over the crossbar. Llorente suddenly took a shot from the edge of the penalty area but was blocked by Varane.
Real Madrid and Juventus were exchanging attacks, with both teams having equal possession and shot opportunities ording to the statistics, much to the delight of the fans.
It wasn''t until the 40th minute that the situation changed dramatically. Pogba received a pass on the left side of the penalty area, and Vallejo, in his eagerness to block, identally brought down the opponent from behind.
Referee Webb didn''t hesitate to blow the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot! "Oh no, this defensive foul is totally unnecessary. Vallejo is still young, how could he make such a dangerous move in the penalty area?"
From the referee''s whistle to Vidal''s penalty kick, the young Frenchman felt confused. He felt deeply frustrated, knowing that he had squandered a hard-earned opportunity.
Seeing his teammate''s mood, Wang Feng walked up to Vallejo and patted him on the back. "Young man, save your frustration and regret for after the game. Now is not the time to be lost in thought."
Facing the determined gaze of the Chinese superstar, Vallejo suddenly snapped out of it and nodded vigorously. "I understand, captain!"
After conceding the goal, Real Madrid increased their pressure in the opposition''s half. In the 52nd minute, Carvajal was double-teamed on the right side and chose to pass back. Wang Feng, quick on his feet, intercepted the ball and made a cross from the byline. In the penalty area, Iguan scored from 9 meters out, equalizing the score at 1-1!
Eight minutester, Marcelo made a tackle in his own half and sent a long pass. Bale received the ball on the wing, cut inside, and dragged the defense with him, then made a diagonal pass into the box.
The Chinese superstar elerated, received the ball, faced Boni''s block, and performed two quick stepovers, forcing the opponent to shift his weight to block one side.
As expected, Wang Feng then flicked the ball to the other side, creating space, and then unleashed a powerful shot. The ball, like a bullet, pierced through the Juventus goal.
"The ball''s in! Beautiful! Wang Feng turns the game around for the Gcticos!"
"A one-on-one situation in the penalty area directly opens up space and shoots, simple, fast, and efficient. It didn''t give Juventus'' defense any time to react."
"I have to say, every time you watch Real Madrid counterattack, it''s like appreciating the ultimate art of football. From Marcelo''s kick-off in the back, to Bale''s dribble inside, to Wang Feng''s dribble in the penalty area, it''s unstoppable."
In the 79th minute, Carvajal crossed from the right, and Llorente shook off Vallejo''s close-range header, with the ball bouncing into the bottom right corner of the goal.
The final score was locked at 2-2. With three wins and one draw, Real Madrid''s advancement to the next round was not affected, while Juventus, who had fought with all their might, retained a glimmer of hope.
In the dressing room after the match, Vallejo, who indirectly caused two goals, expressed his apologies to his teammates and coaching staff. Everyone waved it off, as everyone makes mistakes, especially considering he''s still young.
Wang Feng smiled and said, "How about this, we''ll have some special training sessions when we return to Madrid. I''ll attack, and you''ll defend. After a few hundred times, you''ll definitely improve."
"A few hundred times? That''s too terrifying." The young Frenchman hadn''t said much yet, but Ramos, seeming to recall some "terrifying" memories, shuddered a bit and said, "Hundreds of times? That''s too terrifying." His teammates couldn''t help but smile.
Coach Ancelotti watched with satisfaction as everyone interacted amicably in the Real Madrid dressing room. It seemed that the atmosphere had always been like this, full of vitality and hope, with veterans joking and encouraging the neers to be positive. And all of this was brought about by the Chinese superstar who always wore a confident smile.
Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory at home against AC Mn, with the qualification for the next round within reach. More importantly, Messi finally broke his goal drought, showing that the heartfelt conversations with several captains had paid off.
Atletico Madrid continued their impressive performance, defeating Vienna to achieve four consecutive wins in the group stage, bing the first La Liga team to secure a spot in the Champions League round of 16.
Not only did they have good results, but they also disyed a flexible and versatile tactical approach. Atletico Madrid was no longer the weak team with a defensive counter-attacking mindset.
With high pressing in the forward area and attacking from both wings, Simeone could make changes to the yers ording to different opponents, all of which seemed natural and effortless. Even when ying on two fronts, they didn''t seem to falter.
With 11 wins and 1 loss in the league, Atletico Madrid achieved their best start in club history. As the team''s performance steadily improved, opponents also showed more "respect for the strong".
In other words, they actively retreated, conceding possession, a strategy that Atletico Madrid was prepared for, but they didn''t expect it to progress so quickly.
When facing teams like Osasuna and Getafe, the Mattress Makers'' possession rate even reached over 70%.
However, their greatest strength remained in dominating the game by utilizing space on the field, increasing the intensity of pressing to disrupt the opponent''s rhythm. ording to media statistics, Atletico Madrid had the highest number of pressing instances in La Liga this season.
This was also Simeone''s best weapon against Real Madrid and Barcelona, but maintaining such high-intensity pressing was not easy. When interviewed, the Argentine coach said, "Our efforts are not only on the field."
"From pre-match preparations, to the distribution of physical fitness, to tactical organization, it requires a lot of work. After the game, recovery therapy and injury treatment also need to be perfected."
"During this process, team doctors, physiotherapists, trainers, and even chefs all have their own tasks. Any mistake in any aspect will lead to adverse consequences."
This statement indirectly exins why some small clubs cannot adopt Simeone''s "iron-blooded" style because they simply cannot afford the physical toll on yers. The end result is often arge number of injuries.
Chapter 651: Dominating La Liga
Chapter 651: Dominating La Liga
Returning from Turin to Madrid, the Gcticos faced Real Sociedad from San Sebastin in the 13th round of La Liga.
Unlike the glorious achievement of securing a Champions League spotst season, Real Sociedad found themselves struggling topete on two fronts this season. They had not won a single game in the Champions League group stage, and their performance in the league was shaky, barely sitting in 8th ce.
Just one minute into the game, as Real Madrid pushed forward into the opponent''s half, Modric delivered a horizontal pass. Wang Feng, brimming with excitement, took two steps and then sted a shot directly, a 30-meter long-range shot piercing through the away team''s goal, 1-0!
The 70,000 Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu were stunned. It seemed like the Chinese superstar was in top form again today, surely leading to another exciting victory. Their cheers grew even louder.
On the other hand, the opponents were all in a state of shock. They hadn''t even realized how they fell behind so quickly. How were they supposed to y like this? Real Sociedad''s morale plummeted instantly, unable to summon any resistance.
Soon, the Gcticos expanded their lead further. In the 12th minute, Iguan received the ball on the left side and sent a diagonal pass, and Wang Feng in the right corner of the penalty area effortlessly swept the ball into the from a small angle.
Just six minutester, Bale broke into the penalty area from the wing and made a backward pass, and the Chinese superstar stopped the ball with his left foot, feinted a shot with a leg lift, prompting Mikel Gonzlez to dive to block.
Then he shifted the ball to his right foot and unleashed a powerful shot, leaving Real Sociedad goalkeeper Bravo unable to save, only able to watch the ball enter his own.
3-0! Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick in 18 minutes!
Such efficiency in scoring ignited the entire stadium. Real Sociedad''s head coach could only slump in his seat, agonizingly holding his head. Even Ancelotti was taken aback. Would continuing like this lead to a devastating disaster?
Aical scene appeared on the La Liga pitch: coaches of the trailing team sitting calmly in their seats, while the coaches of the leading team stood on the sidelines, controlling the pace of the game.
However, once the attacking machine started running, it was not easy to stop. In the 26th minute, Modric intercepted the ball in midfield and quickly pushed forward, then passed it to Wang Feng on the wing, who then floated it into the penalty area.
Iguan was open at the far post again! The Argentine forward headed the ball from close range, sending it into the goal once again, 4-0!
Ten minutester, Carvajal broke through on the right and passed back, Bale touched the ball lightly to send it into the penalty area, and Khedira unleashed a powerful shot from 12 meters in front of the goal, 5-0!
In the second half, Ancelotti promptly substituted Wang Feng and other key yers, instructing the yers to "take it easy" and not get injured.
As expected, Real Sociedad intensified their resistance after the restart, frequently fouling to stop Real Madrid''s attacks. Seeing this, the home team didn''t engage them head-on, spending the remaining 45 minutes in a somewhat dull manner, with no further changes to the score.
This result was somewhat regrettable for the Gcticos'' fans, but they witnessed a crazy first half, and the home team won the game again, which was worth the price of admission.
As the end of the year approached, La Liga officially announced the various awards for the previous season''s Spanish Professional Football League. Wang Feng won both the Best yer and Most Valuable yer awards.
This was the 7th edition of the Best yer selection organized by the Professional League, and Wang Feng had won all seven times since joining Real Madrid. In other words, he had been named the Best yer every season since his arrival.
The Most Valuable yer award was given to the yer who had the most influence on and off the field, and the Chinese superstar was certainly deserving of it.
Apart from the Best Forward, which was won by Messi, almost all other awards belonged to Real Madrid, effectively dominating La Liga.
Best goalkeeper went to Casis, best defender to Ramos, best defensive midfielder to Alonso, best attacking midfielder to Modric, best coach to Ancelotti, and best neer to Irramendi.
Real Madrid monopolized the honors, reaping the rewards both on and off the field. ording to the Spanish data website "futbolfinanzas," Real Madrid earned a whopping 535.2 million euros in television broadcast revenue, more than triple the second-ced Barcelona''s 176 million euros.
Juventus and AC Mn ranked third and fourth, with 154 million euros and 124 million euros, respectively. Fifth to eighth ces were held by the Premier League''s big four: Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain ranked ninth and tenth.
Chapter 652: Can鈥檛 I Enjoy Some Leisure After Fighting for a Lifetime?
Chapter 652: Can''t I Enjoy Some Leisure After Fighting for a Lifetime?
The international break dealt a blow to Real Madrid with the FIFA virus, as Alonso, Varane, and Khedira all suffered injuries of varying degrees during the matches.
Varane was affected by a knee issue, with French coach Deschamps revealing swelling in his knee, although the young yer''s recovery was rtively fast.
The most serious injury was to the Spanish midfielder Alonso, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament, requiring at least six months of rest and likely ruling him out for the season, with an optimistic estimate suggesting he might make it back in time for next year''s World Cup.
This posed a headache for Ancelotti, as Alonso was one of his most relied-upon yers and a vital part of the midfield trio. Who could rece him now?
Khedira, on the other hand, suffered an ankle sprain, not too severe, but after a year of rehabilitation, he still harbored fears of injuries.
On November 23rd, at the Mediterranean Games Stadium, in the 14th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Almeria away.
Casemiro reced the injured Alonso, while Isco reced Modric in the starting lineup.
In the 3rd minute, Isco broke through on the right and crossed, and Wang Feng poked home from 10 meters out to give the visitors a dream start.
After a period of stalemate, the Gcticos extended their lead in the 51st minute, as Casemiro provided a through ball, and the Chinese superstar unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the Almeria penalty area, once again breaching their defense.
A brace! This was Wang Feng''s 24th league goal so far, with three braces and four hat-tricks to his name.
Apart from not scoring in the match against Rayo Vallecano, he had found the in all other games.
Such attacking efficiency led to media and fans alike eximing that they had been "spoiled" by the strikers. Their standards for appreciating forwards were getting higher and demands more stringent.
As soon as a promising young star experienced a goal drought, many would immediately leavements online saying they were "finished," oblivious to the fact that form fluctuates in most cases.
Wang Feng was nning toplete his hat-trick, but in the 61st minute, Trujillo tackled him defensively from behind.
Wang Feng felt a sharp pain in his right foot and attempted to stand up but failed. He realized he was injured, and with the team having such a big lead, he signaled to the coach that he would no longer endure it and asked for a substitution.
Ancelotti immediately reced the Chinese superstar with Hesse. The situation on the field did not change afterward, as Iguan, Bale, and Isco each scored a goal for the team, and in the end, Real Madrid swept aside the opponent with a score of 5:0.
After a detailed diagnosis post-match, it was confirmed that Wang Feng had a muscle injury and would need to rest for one to three weeks. Due to his consistently excellent physical condition, the team doctors couldn''t pinpoint the exact time frame.
"This season, the team''s overall performance has been good. You just focus on resting more," Ancelotti said, concerned. He knew very well that the Chinese superstar was not as young as before, and his physical vitality and recovery ability were declining year by year.
So his usage should not be as reckless as before; if he couldn''t y at a crucial moment, it would be a huge regret.
After thinking for a moment, Wang Feng agreed with the coach''s suggestion. With the current depth of the Gcticos'' squad, it seemed that there was no need for him to y through injury to turn the tide.
After a lifetime of fighting, can''t I enjoy some leisure?
The news that the Chinese superstar was only lightly injured also relieved all the yers and fans of the Gcticos. Di Mara and others patted their chests, expressing that they would take care of the team, and the captain should focus on recovering well.
The current situation made the yers feel extremely confident, as if they had a huge backing behind them, allowing them to boldly move forward and call upon the backing when they encountered problems they couldn''t solve.
As expected, in the 5th round of the Champions League group stage against Gtasaray midweek, Bale opened the scoring with a free-kick, and Arbeloa contributed with a goal and an assist, while Di Mara and Isco each scored a goal.
Real Madrid defeated their opponents 4:1, securing top spot in the group with a round to spare.
And in the 15th round of La Liga against Real Vadolid at home on November 30th, Bale even scored his first hat-trick since joining La Liga,bined with a goal from Iguan, the Gcticos won 4:0.
Seeing this scene, Wang Fengpletely settled down and focused on recuperating at home.
He would sleep until around 8:30 in the morning, wash up and have breakfast, then y with Wang Haoxin for a while. Since his younger son was about to start kindergarten next year, he took this opportunity to bond more with him.
By then, Si Yao would start elementary school, and it was incredible how time flew.
Afterpleting the regr recovery training in the morning, Wang Feng would rest on the recliner in the courtyard. Although it was getting colder nearing Christmas, Madrid''s climate was not cold, and coupled with the careful design by the architect, this area had a hint of warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
At this time, Lu Yao would apany her husband, either dealing with somepany business, reading books and newspapers, or checking her phone. The two would asionally share their recent experiences, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
In the afternoon, they would rx even more. Sometimes they would cuddle up on the sofa and watch TV, and sometimes they would y video games with their younger sister and cousins, utilizing the Nintendo Wii.
Of course, when teammates had their days off, Wang Feng would also organize gatherings, especially since many yers lived nearby.
After arriving in Madrid, Bale listened to everyone''s advice and also rented a residence in the affluent area of La Finca. His residence was only a little over 500 meters away from the Chinese superstar''s estate.
Casis, Ramos, Arbeloa, and Iguan were also nearby, so it was very convenient for them to interact with each other.
Later in the day, Wang Feng would asionally touch the football to maintain his feel for the ball. The slight soreness in his leg muscles didn''t affect his movements. In the past, he could even ignore it and go directly into a match.
Regarding Real Madrid''s continued dominant performance, the external media erupted with excitement. They all eximed that the Gcticos were about to usher in a new era and continue to dominate European football.
France''s "L''Equipe" praised Real Madrid for spending nearly 100 million euros to bring in the Welsh superstar, saying it was worth it, as he could perfectly take over the attacking mantle from the Chinese superstar.
Britain''s "Daily Mail"uded Bale''s performance sinceing from the Premier League, quickly finding and adapting to his position in the Gcticos, proving that the Premier League''s standards were fullypatible with La Liga.
Argentina''s "Ole" said that Bale''s performance temporarily made fans forget about Wang Feng''s absence, which was not good news for Messi, as in the future, he would likely face the peak Welsh superstar leading the Bar?a team.
Spain''s "Marca" fully affirmed Florentino''s operations, whether it was spending 100 million euros to bring in Wang Feng or investing 91 million euros in Bale, it showed his keen vision and astonishing courage.
When interviewed, the Welsh superstar said there was still a considerable gap between himself and the team''s requirements, not to mention the gap between him and Wang Feng. "Only Wang''s opponents and teammates can clearly feel the energy he possesses."
"What I can do is continue to learn and grow, on such a broad stage as La Liga and Real Madrid," Bale added with a smile, "Of course, this also includes learning Spanish, to be honest, it''s a bit difficult, but I''m trying my best."
"I study three times a week, at least two hours each time, so I hope everyone can give me more time."
Chapter 653: Postponing Doubts
Chapter 653: Postponing Doubts
Entering December, FIFA announced the five candidates for the annual best goalkeeper award, including Real Madrid''s Casis, Monaco/Barcelona''s Valds, Juventus'' Buffon, Chelsea''s Cech, and Bayern Munich''s Neuer.
Due to some crucial mistakes by Casis, it was highly likely that Bayern Munich''s Neuer would win the best goalkeeper award.
There was important evidence to support this prediction becauseter on, FIFA announced the final three candidates for the FIFA Ballon d''Or award: Wang Feng, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dong Fangzhuo was surprisingly absent from the list! If Bayern didn''t even get the best goalkeeper, then what did their achievements in the past year count for?
This list also sparked great controversy and discussion. Wang Feng was undoubtedly the hottest favorite. With seven consecutive La Liga and Champions League titles, 30 league goals and 39 assists, and 13 goals and 13 assists in the Champions League, how could anyonepete without a major international tournament?
Messi''s performance was still decent, even though his form had declined in the first half of the new season, but he still had the European Golden Boot from the 2012-2013 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo''s inclusion in ce of Dong Fangzhuo surprised many. Despite winning the Premier League title and performing well after transferring to Manchester City in the new season, he was knocked out of the Champions League earlyst season and couldn''t bepared to Bayern, who reached the final.
There was no doubt that the 2012-2013 season was the peak year for Dong Fangzhuo. He made 27 league appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 14 assists, bing the Bundesliga''s assist king. He also scored 1 goal and provided 5 assists in 12 Champions League matches.
With Bayern Munich winning the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and finishing as runners-up in the Champions League that season, Dong Fangzhuo, as the absolute core, was named the Bundesliga yer of the Season.
So when UEFA nominated the best yer in Europe, his inclusion alongside Wang Feng in the top three was well-deserved, causing jubtion not only in China but throughout Asia. This was their peak era!
However, despite being such an outstanding yer, Dong Fangzhuo failed to make it into the top three of the Ballon d''Or, leaving the media sensing something unusual and continuously digging for more information.
Some reports suggested that while Dong Fangzhuo was outstanding, Bayern''s achievements were not solely reliant on him. yers like Robben, Neuer, and Mller also made significant contributions.
Others argued that the overall atmosphere in the Bundesliga was exceptionally low-key, and they didn''t know how to package and promote themselves, putting them at a disadvantage in award selections.
Of course, this was just a minority opinion. Most people tended to believe in conspiracy theories because the Ballon d''Or voting date was unexpectedly postponed from mid-November to the end of the month.
Such a situation had never urred before in history!
Furthermore, insiders revealed that the reason for the dy was because, based on preliminary statistics, the original three candidates were Wang Feng, Messi, and Dong Fangzhuo. However, tter believed it was too much to have two Chinese yers in the top three.
There were two reasons for this. Firstly, Wang Feng''s long-standing dominance of the Ballon d''Or had caused dissatisfaction among many European supremacists. Now, having another Chinese yer was like adding insult to injury.
Secondly, as the reigning champions of the World Cup for the past ten years, the fact that the Chinese team failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup was absurd and left a bad impression.
By choosing to postpone and giving "guidance" to some judges, it would be easy to change the result of the third ce.
Moreover, during the extended period, Cristiano Ronaldo also performed exceptionally well, single-handedly leading Portugal to victory in the World Cup yoffs and securing a spot in the finals, earning him many points.
This news ignited public opinion nationwide, with countless fans spreading the word in support of Dong Fangzhuo, even prompting high-level interventions and protests. If European football wanted to taste the vast Chinese market, it would also have to endure the united power of China!
Wang Feng also spoke up for hispatriot: "The development of the Ballon d''Or to this day has not been easy. After several reforms, it has be more inclusive and global. So I don''t understand why this regression is happening."
"If the selection criteria are not based on yer performance but on nationality and region, I believe it will quickly lose its authority!"
The public outcry intensified, even rising to the level of discrimination. FIFA President tter had to hold a special press conference to exin the situation.
He stated that postponing the deadline for voting was by no means for the widely circted reason but rather because it was nearing the final World Cup qualifiers, and many yer and coach judges were busy and couldn''t submit their results on time, hence the dy.
At the same time, tter admitted that this approach indirectly disadvantaged Dong Fangzhuo, expressing his sincere apologies to the Chinese yer.
Dong Fangzhuo actually felt quite guilty about being left out, as he was indirectly responsible for it. If possible, he would rather give up his spot to the other.
"I don''t really mind," Dong Fangzhuo said to Wang Feng during their conversation, "Being among the top three nominees for the Ballon d''Or is already a great honor."
"Compared to making it into the top three of the Ballon d''Or, winning it is the big deal, the tenth Ballon d''Or, wow, it''s so shocking, absolutely perfect."
"And tter is giving face as well. He personally called me to apologize, ording to Beckham, the usually strong-willed Swiss rarely backs down."
"This also shows the power of unity when we have so many people."
As for the other controversial figure, Cristiano Ronaldo was also in a bad mood. He had been striving for the highest honor, not just to be inexplicably included in the top three candidates.
Now that the Ballon d''Or was postponed and had caused so much controversy, it was all because of that damn tter wanting to bnce things out? It was simply ridiculous!
So the Portuguese star didn''t give FIFA President tter any face during interviews. "Personally, I find the postponement of the voting uneptable, and I''m not even one of the so-called beneficiaries. From the beginning of my career until now, all I''ve pursued is to be the best."
At one point, tter became the subject of criticism from all sides. And the behind-the-scenes details of the postponement of the vote, it might take many years to be fully interpreted.
On December 7th, the Spanish King''s Cup ignited the mes of war. In the fourth round, Real Madrid faced Hrcules CF from the Segunda Divisin B.
Hrcules was located in the Valencian Community, and with a fully rotated lineup ying away, Zidane was able to take the forefront in directing the match.
With goals from Jes and Nacho, they ultimately defeated their opponents 2-0.
Three dayster, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid faced Copenhagen away. With the team already securing passage to the next round, the match ended in a 1-1 draw after a calm 90 minutes.
In another important sh, Gtasaray defeated Juventus, securing qualification for the Champions League round of 16 with a second-ce finish.
As the Serie A champions, the Bianconeri could only settle for a ce in the Europa League, a result that sparked criticism from the Italian media. La Gazzetta dello Sport regarded it as the darkest moment for Serie A.
Serie A had been surpassed by the Bundesliga since the previous season and officially became Europe''s fourth-ranked league, with the number of Champions League spots reduced from four to three.
Now, both Juventus and Napoli were eliminated, leaving AC Mn to struggle alone. It could be imagined how difficult it would be for them to reim their former glory as the top league in the next season.
Chapter 654: Two Types of Teams
Chapter 654: Two Types of Teams
The draw for the Champions League round of 16 took ceter at UEFA''s headquarters in Nyon, Switzend, with Real Madrid facing Schalke 04 in a narrow encounter.
For Real Madrid, the draw was neither good nor bad. Although Schalke 04 was slightly weaker in strengthpared to the Gcticos, Ancelotti warned the yers not to underestimate their opponents.
"Their match experience is very rich, and they know very well how to face strong opponents. We cannot be arrogant because of past sesses," Ancelotti cautioned.
Everyone nodded in agreement. After returning from Copenhagen, Wang Feng also began training with the team, but there were no ns for him to y at the moment.
He stepped forward to add, "Let''s temporarily forget about past glory and treat each Champions League match as a new opportunity to fight. History is written by us!"
Barcelona had simr luck to Real Madrid, drawing Zenit Saint Petersburg from the Russian Premier League. It was expected that they would smoothly advance.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, would face AC Mn head-on. Whether the neers would slightly prevail or the old powerhouse would prove stronger, this round of matches would reveal the oue.
In the 16th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Osasuna away. Wang Feng still did not appear in the squad for this match. The opponents were currently ranked third from the bottom in the points table, deeply mired in the relegation zone, so it was believed they wouldn''t pose much difficulty for the Gcticos.
However, the course and oue of the match surprised everyone. Osasuna broke the deadlock first. In the 16th minute, Bertrand crossed from the right, and Riera headed home from 8 meters in front of the goal.
This goal was a solid p in the face for Real Madrid, who wanted to handle the match easily. They quickly intensified their attacking efforts but struggled to break through Osasuna''s defense.
Bale, who had performed bravely in the previous round, waspletely subdued, losing his sharpness under tight marking. Meanwhile, Higuain, known as Mr. Happy, repeatedly sent his ambitious shots off target under the watchful eyes of the opponents, seemingly providing benefits for the home team fans.
In the 39th minute, Osasuna got a corner kick opportunity from a counterattack. Armenteros delivered the ball into the box, and Damian headed it in amid chaos.
Casis barely deflected the shot, but Riera pounced on the rebound and scored again!
With Real Madrid trailing by two goals, they became more anxious as the game progressed. They suffered a major blow in the 44th minute when Pepe, frustrated by the opponent''s time-wasting tactics during a challenge with Torres, shed his elbow and received his second yellow card, resulting in a red card.
In the second half, even head coach Ancelotti couldn''t find a good way to turn the tide. At this moment, he deeply missed Wang Feng. If he hadn''t been left behind, perhaps he could havee on as a substitute to save the day.
In the 82nd minute, the Gcticos finally pulled one back. Di Maria broke through on the nk and passed back. Isco, near the edge of the penalty area, unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom left corner of the goal.
In the end, Real Madrid lost 1-2 away to Osasuna, breaking their unbeaten streak in the new season.
The Gcticos fell in Pamplona, and the La Liga leaders suffered a shameful defeat to a relegation-threatened team!
The match result shocked all the media and fans. Was this still the team that had dominated European football for so many years?
They were not unable to ept upsets and defeats, but they couldn''t ept a defeat like this. Except for possession and the number of shots, Real Madrid had an advantage in almost all other statistics.
Especially in the ability to create and capitalize on chances, the Gcticos seemed to have lost their dominance. Osasuna not only threatened with calm counterattacks multiple times but also had a very high quality of shots, even one more shot on target than the away team.
Coach Ancelotti stated at the press conference after the match that the yers did not perform at their normal level, and the referee''s decisions were somewhat biased, especially the severe punishment for Pepe and the missed penalty that should have been awarded in the second half.
"If these two incidents hadn''t happened, I think the situation might have beenpletely different, and we could have taken at least one point."
A reporter asked about Wang Feng''s injury progress and why he wasn''t included in the squad. Was there a inevitable connection between the team''s defeat and his absence? The rapid-fire questioning surprised Ancelotti a bit. Obviously, this reporter was a fan of Wang Feng and Real Madrid, so he gestured to calm down a bit.
"Wang''s situation is very optimistic. At least the team doctor believes he will soon be ready to y, and we are working towards this result, which is why we didn''t bring him on the trip."
"Honestly, with him on the field, we would indeed have a much easier time. He is a magical yer who can change the game and create miracles."
"But I think the defeat in the match was due to various reasons. It''s not doomsday, and the coaching staff will devise improvement measures for the next matches."
Meanwhile, the Spanish newspaper "El Pais" pointed out sharply that Real Madrid with Wang Feng and without Wang Feng werepletely two different teams. Only with the Chinese superstar on the field did they emit an unbeatable aura.
The article stated that Bale was a talented attacker, but hecked the ability to break through. Once he was restricted by marking, his threat greatly diminished.
Higuain was never an efficient forward. His form fluctuated greatly, sometimes scoring several goals in a row when in top form, but failing to hit even an empty goal when in a slump.
With Wang Feng leading the front line, the firepower was attracted and the space was opened up. More importantly, the Chinese superstarpletelypensated for all the deficiencies, with his strong breakthrough ability and efficient attacking methods, making him the ace in the hole for Real Madrid in the league and the Champions League.
"El Pais" gave a fairly objectivement, but many other media outlets criticized Bale''s invisibility throughout the match, being figured out by the opponents as a fleeting star, and called him a waste of money, among otherments.
This was how professional football worked. When you performed exceptionally, naturally, everyone praised you endlessly. But once you fell into a slump, you would face many doubts and criticisms.
The Chinese superstar had experienced simr situations before, but he quickly shut down those who underestimated him and never gave them a chance again.
So when the team returned to Madrid, Wang Feng found the despondent Welsh star tofort and encourage him, and when interviewed, he firmly supported his new teammate.
"Gareth is a talented yer. His speed and football skills amazed me. I firmly believe that he will have a ce among the top stars in world football in the future."
The 2013 Club World Cup kicked off in Marrakech, Moro, and once again, Real Madrid did not send their main lineup topete.
In the semifinals against the AFC Champions League winners, Guangzhou Evergrande, the Gcticos won 2-0, showing the domestic fans the gap between the top clubs'' substitutes and their own club''s main yers.
The final opponent was Raja Casanca from the Moran league. After a 120-minute battle, the score remained 0-0, and Real Madrid lost in the penalty shootout, missing out on the championship.
This result did not disappoint the club and the fans. After winning five consecutive titles, their pursuit of this tournament had greatly diminished, and they mainly focused on training their young talents.
Next up was the second leg of the fourth round of the Copa del Rey at the Bernabeu, where Real Madrid weed Hatta Olympic. Modric and Coentrao scored a goal each, helping the team win 2-0.
With a total score of 4-0 over two legs, the Gcticos advanced to the next round of the Copa del Rey.
Chapter 655: Classic Battle, Midseason Dominance
Chapter 655: ssic Battle, Midseason Dominance
As Christmas and New Year approached, Real Madrid had one more league match to y, the final match of the first half of the season, the 17th round of La Liga, hosting Valencia at the Bernabeu.
Valencia, still striving for European qualification in the new season, witnessed the resurgence of Athletic Bilbao and Virreal, which gave hope to many old powerhouse teams in La Liga. The fact proved that diligent management and performance could yield results.
In this match, Ancelotti included Wang Feng in the squad but did not arrange for him to start. Nacho reced the suspended Pepe in the lineup.
Learning from the lesson of the previous round''s defeat, the home team quickly took control of the situation after the kickoff. All yers were on edge, fearing mistakes.
Although they had the upper hand on the field, everyone seemed stiff and unable to loosen up, making the atmosphere tense and dull.
In the 28th minute, Di Maria sent a diagonal pass from the nk, Modric cut inside from the right side of the penalty area, shook off Bernat, and fired a fierce shot into the far corner of the goal, 1-0!
The Croatian''s performance improved even more, dispelling doubts and winning the love of Real Madrid fans.
However, the home team''s lead did notst long. Six minutester, Bernat intercepted Di Maria''s pass andunched a quick counterattack, using his speed to evade the defense and send a cross from the baseline.
Piatti headed the ball into the from the edge of the small penalty area, piercing through Casis'' fingers.
Just before halftime, Valencia took the lead with a corner kick opportunity. Parejo delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Mathieu outjumped Ramos to head the ball into the near corner, making it 1-2!
Amidst the restless atmosphere of the Bernabeu, Wang Feng finally took to the field in the second half!
If one observed carefully, they would notice that when the Chinese superstar stepped onto the pitch, all Real Madrid yers seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, as if they had cast off a heavy burden.
In contrast, Valencia immediately felt the pressure, with Ruiz and Mathieu choosing to double-team Wang Feng, but their teammates had trouble connecting, resulting in arge gap in the visitor''s defensive line.
Just three minutes aftering on, he used changes in rhythm and continuous small steps to break through the defense, then passed diagonally into the open space. Gareth Bale, unmarked, volleyed the ball into the with the outside of his foot, sending it into the top corner.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid equalizes! Bale''s fantastic volley scores!"
"This goal is 30% attributed to the Welsh star''s superb shooting skills and 70% attributed to Wang Feng''s pulling of the defense and assists!"
"It''s too magical, too obvious! The presence of the Chinese superstar is the key turning point in the match!"
"Breaking through the double-team to provide an assist naturally deserves credit, but what I want to say is the momentum, this intangible presence seems to bepletely exposed to everyone at this moment."
"Whether in the stadium or in front of the TV, the audience should feel the same as me, Real Madrid and Valencia have changed,pletely different from the first half."
"If they were evenly matched in the first half, now I have a strong feeling that Valencia won''t be able to stop the Gcticos. They will take all three points at the Bernabeu!"
Indeed, as thementator predicted, in the 79th minute, Modric intercepted the ball in the middle and quickly passed it to Wang Feng, who thenunched a counterattack, dribbled past Romeu, and passed to Bale on the wing.
The Welshman crossed into the penalty area, where Iguan rose above Guaita to head the ball into the.
In the end, Real Madrid won 3-2 at home against Valencia!
No one expected this seemingly ordinary La Liga match to be an important subject of study for many coaches and football professionals in the future, as well as a model of the influence of superstars on matches.
At first nce, Wang Feng only had one assist and didn''t even score a goal. Was his influence on the Gxy Battleship''seback significant?
But as long as one carefully watched the entire game footage, everyone would reveal a look of realization, deeply understanding why the Gxy Battleship was able to dominate football for so long and why the Chinese superstar was called the God of Football.
This match did not feature passionate attacking disys or spectacr goals, but it was enough to be called a ssic battle in football history, leaving an indelible mark!
After the match, Bale was awarded the best yer of the match, but he expressed that he felt undeserving. The real best yer was already obvious, the man who conquered everything in just 45 minutes.
Facing the reporters, he revealed his thoughts for the first time, "Beforeing to Real Madrid, I was always very nervous, worried that I wouldn''t perform well, worried that I wouldn''t fit into the team. Honestly, if it weren''t for Modric''s example, I would have almost developed anxiety."
"But when I truly joined the team, I found that all the worries were unnecessary. From the coach to the teammates, everyone was very kind. I don''t know how to describe this feeling, um... warm and full of vitality."
"Ancelotti is a down-to-earth coach. Sometimes he can be very strict, but he also listens to the yers'' opinions and gets along well with everyone privately."
"Wang, I don''t know how to thank him. Whether in training or in life, he has helped me too much, and he is very humorous. No one would refuse to be friends with him."
"Sergio, he''s a greatpanion. Although sometimes we have somenguage barriers whenmunicating, it''s okay. We can alwaysmunicate sessfully through words and gestures."
Speaking of the recent criticisms he received, the Welsh star admitted that he used to care more about them, but now he had a different attitude. "This is how the stage of the Gxy Battleship is. Every move on the field will be infinitely magnified."
He said that being able to enjoy ying football was the magic weapon to immune oneself from negative attacks, and achieving the best one could was enough.
At the halfway point of the season, Real Madrid continued to top the table with 15 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 46 points, winning the midseason championship.
Surprisingly, Simeone''s Atletico Madrid also achieved 15 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 46 points, but they ranked second due to inferior goal difference.
Meanwhile, Barcelona suffered two consecutive defeats and ranked third with 14 wins, 3 losses, and 42 points.
Many domesticizens jokingly referred to the La Liga title race between the two giants as the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," as Atletico''s magical performance impressed all football fans. They were no longer satisfied with just a Champions League spot but aimed to challenge for the championship.
However, Catn fans clearly didn''t have a good Christmas and New Year. Many even chanted slogans calling for Martino to resign immediately.
In terms of the top scorer list, the Chinese superstar led with 24 goals, followed by Diego Costa with 19 goals.
Messi only managed a meager 8 goals, ranking behind Suarez and Neymar within Barcelona. Although he had experienced many minor injuries, his goal efficiency had significantly declinedpared tost year.
This was not only due to the change in his tactical position by the coach but also because of continuous off-field troubles. First, he was used by Spain of tax evasion, then he was suspected ofundering money through the foundation''s charity projects.
When the Argentine needed Barcelona''s help the most, the club remained silent and even used Messi and his family of greediness, demanding a huge renewal contract.
Although Barcelona eventuallypromised by offering a high-paying contract and dealt with the usations, a rift had already formed between the yer and the club.
Chapter 656: Win Against Me, and I鈥檒l Go!
Chapter 656: Win Against Me, and I''ll Go!
As the holiday approached, Real Madrid, as usual, organized a Christmas luncheon, where the football and basketball teams gathered together. Many high-ranking Real Madrid officials, including Florentino, also attended.
When Wang Feng appeared at the entrance of the restaurant, the waiting reporters immediately raised their cameras and began snapping photos wildly. The Chinese superstar seemed to be in a good mood and even posed for a few photos.
With his handsome face and light-colored casual suit, he exuded a bit of a supermodel vibe, making many people couldn''t help but marvel.
Florentino personally weed him, and Wang Feng quickly stepped forward to greet him. The two smiled and embraced before entering the restaurant together.
Ancelotti and Zidane were also present. Ramos had already turned on his "social" mode early on, moving between various groups and appearing very friendly.
Wang Feng, however, was not as enthusiastic. He only chatted with familiar teammates, but many people came over to greet him, including many high-ranking officials.
"Wang, can we chat for a moment?" Di Maria walked up to the Chinese superstar and said softly.
He nodded, and the two found a quiet corner to talk. The Argentine star seemed a bit low-key as he said, "I might be leaving the team next summer, so I wanted to tell you beforehand."
"Why so sudden?" Wang Feng was surprised and hurriedly asked.
Di Maria smiled bitterly and shook his head, "The contract renewal negotiations have always been difficult. Obviously, my position in Florentino''s heart is not high, and as you know, there''s a lot of tactical ovep between me and Bale."
"Is there anything I can do? Shall we go talk to the coach together, or maybe I can suggest something to Florentino?" Wang Feng felt very reluctant to see the Argentine leave like this; his ability was significant for the team.
"Thank you," Di Maria shook his head, "Maybe a change of environment wouldn''t be bad, and the sry would be higher."
The Chinese superstar couldn''t help but fall silent. Indeed, it seemed to be the case for Di Maria. Having won La Liga and the Champions League, it was perfectly reasonable for him to pursue a higher sry now.
So he patted the Argentine''s shoulder, "Then, before you leave, let''s win another championship!"
Di Maria nodded heavily, "That''s what I''m thinking too."
Although the La Liga winter break was rtively short, Wang Feng had a lot of activities toplete, mainly rted to sponsorship endorsements with the Abu Dhabi consortium. Until today, they remained thergest endorsement contract he received.
This time, the Chinese superstar brought his whole family along,bining vacation with work so it wouldn''t feel too exhausting.
They first arrived in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, and stayed at the luxurious Pce Hotel as usual. After finalizing the cooperation details and shooting promotional photos, they finally had some free time for leisure activities.
Taking this opportunity, Wang Feng drove with Lu Yao and their daughter to y in the Liwa Desert, known as the most beautiful desert in the world. Wang Haoxin was still too young, so he was left with family members to take care of.
The magnificent scenery of the vast desert excited little Siyao. She enjoyed sandboarding and riding camels very much, andter, the three of them experienced the thrill of riding desert dune buggies.
At this time, the local area was hosting a karting race. Powerful beasts leaped over bumps, creating a strong visual impact.
Upon hearing the news, Mansour hurried over to them and wanted to chat with the Chinese superstar.
Originally, Wang Feng wanted to decline citing the vacation, but Mansour''s attitude was very sincere and determined, so the few of them found a quiet caf nearby.
"Wang, I''m still the same target,e to Manchester City. You can get everything you want here!" Mansour said excitedly.
Wang Feng was a bit puzzled, "Didn''t you just finalize Ronaldo''s transfer? Why are you still trying to poach yers? Besides, I and him don''t really match."
The owner of Manchester City didn''t hide his intentions and directly expressed that his ultimate goal was only the Chinese superstar. If he agreed, everything else would be easy to handle, including transfer fees, sries, and the Portuguese star who had just joined.
"I have no intention of leaving Real Madrid." Wang Feng shook his head, "Don''t hide it from me. Many sensitive people have noticed that you and Real Madrid will eventually part ways. Everyone is watching."
"Although there are still more than two years left on the contract, yers of your level should have had rumors of contract extension long ago, but everything has been calm. That''s not normal."
The Chinese superstar couldn''t help but smile wryly. Indeed, at a certain level, there wouldn''t be too many foolish people. "This doesn''t mean I''m leaving the Gxy Battleship immediately."
Mansour then offered an unbelievable price. If it were to spread to the outside world, it would surely shock the entire football world. Wang Feng neither confirmed nor denied, suddenly looking towards the nearby karting race track, "Is this event also sponsored by your group? I wonder if the best yer is here?"
Mansour looked puzzled, not understanding why he was asking this, but still answered, "Yes, the best yer? Are you referring to rna, the three-time consecutive champion? Of course, he''s here, and he''s also one of the favorites for the championship this year."
Wang Feng smiled and said, "Well then, let''s do this. I''ll race against him in desert karting. If he can beat me, I''ll go to Manchester City!"
As the Chinese superstar put on various protective gear and prepared for the race, Mansour stood aside, feeling uneasy, "Are you serious about what you said? If rna wins against you, you''ll agree to go?"
"Of course, I won''t joke about this."
"Have you practiced desert karting before? Participated in rted races?"
"Never, today is my first time encountering these vehicles. I''ve been ying football since I was 16; where would I have time to practice this?"
Mansour looked even more puzzled. He couldn''t figure out the logic behind this, but soon seemed to understand something. Perhaps the Chinese superstar just wanted an excuse.
rna walked over at this time and greeted Wang Feng, "Hey, Wang, I''m also your fan, but I won''t go easy on you in the race. I''m not your opponent in football, but in this, you won''t beat me!"
"Haha, I''m looking forward to it!"
Lu Yao and their daughter went to the observation tform with the staff. She looked at her husband with concern, not knowing what Wang Feng was thinking at this moment.
The Chinese superstar just responded to his wife with a confident smile, while little Siyao, with her innocent thoughts, cheered for her dad in a childish voice.
Wang Feng hugged his daughter and kissed her, whispering softly, "Watch Daddy bring back another championship for you!"
With everything ready, the two yers got into their karting cars and drove to the starting point. Wang Feng took a fewps to familiarize himself with the track, while rna didn''t need any further practice.
Thispetition quickly attracted a lot of attention. After all, it was quite strange for a football superstar to challenge a desert karting race.
As the starting signal was given by the race official, the two karts darted out, kicking up a lot of yellow sand. The passionate audience began to cheer for them enthusiastically.
Chapter 657: I Plant a Seed
Chapter 657: I nt a Seed
"Vroom, vroom, vroom!"
Two karts raced on the rugged desert track, with the blue kart driven by Wang Feng closely following the red kart driven by rna.
At the start, the Chinese superstar was instantly pulled away by his opponent, causing rna to feel a sense of contempt and subconsciously slow down.
However, Wang Feng''s driving became smoother as he progressed, fighting like a real racer, putting immense pressure on the Emirati, although he still couldn''t shake off the tail behind him despite his best efforts.
Sweat soaked rna''s hands. As a professional athlete, losing to a beginner was simply embarrassing. So he relied on his experience to block his position, determined not to let his opponent overtake him in the final stretch!
With only thest turn left, everyone thought the oue was decided. Mansour even began nning where to celebrate next, how to organize the wee ceremony for the Chinese superstar, and so on.
Slowing down, entering the turn, the finish line was in sight! Before rna couldpletely rx, he was horrified to find that his opponent didn''t slow down but instead elerated to overtake him!
But at this speed, entering the turn meant going off the track, and there was a possibility of causing an ident.
Inside the kart, Wang Feng wasn''t being reckless or desperate; during the test drive earlier, he had noticed the optimal deceleration point for entering the turn!
The condition of the road, the condition of the vehicle, the real-time speedall theseplex conditionsbined to give the best solution. He couldn''t guarantee achieving the absolute best, but being better than rna was enough.
His mind raced, and in this extreme environment, the Chinese superstar felt his control over his senses and body increase once again.
Just 0.6 seconds after rna slowed down, Wang Feng overtook him and then began to decelerate, sharply turning the steering wheel. The two karts almost simultaneously drifted, kicking uprge clouds of yellow sand.
The audience on the grandstand eximed in surprise, but the dust blocked their view. In such a short time, they couldn''t tell who was leading, but it seemed like the Chinese superstar had caught up!
When they appeared again in the crowd''s view, the blue kart had already taken the lead by half a kart''s length, and then crossed the finish line first!
Wang Feng won the race! Everyone cheered and apuded for the Chinese superstar. He had actually defeated the perennial champion!
Mansour was now full of disbelief and regret. How was this possible? It was so close.
Lu Yao and their daughter rushed to the finish line and embraced Wang Feng tightly. "You scared me. You can''t take such risks in the future!"
Little Siyao smiled with crescent-shaped eyes. "Daddy keeps his word and really won again!"
rna walked over with a wry smile and shook hands with Wang Feng. "Is this your first time racing in the desert? Looks like I can retire now."
The Chinese superstar was not arrogant. Instead, he acknowledged the other''s superior skill and experience, admitting that if he hadn''t held back at the start, the oue might have been different.
Just as rna finished exining Wang Feng''s extreme maneuver, Mansour came over, looking somewhat helpless. "You''re just too incredible, Wang. I can''t believe my eyes. What happened just now? Why did you suddenly overtake?"
After rna exined Wang Feng''s extreme maneuver, Mansour shook his head and said, "Do you really not want toe to Manchester City? Your incredible control is simply amazing."
Wang Feng replied with a smile that seemed meaningful. "It''s not up to me. The time hasn''te yet." This left Mansour somewhat puzzled.
After a day of fun, Wang Feng returned to the Pce Hotel with his family. Little Siyao seemed to have exhausted all her energy and fell asleep, while Lu Yao softly asked her husband about his behavior today.
"It was just a sudden whim." The Chinese superstar smiled and exined, "I just nted a small seed. As for whether it will sprout in the future, it depends on how things develop."
Seeing his wife still looking puzzled, he tapped her nose and exined, "Originally, after leaving Real Madrid, I nned to y in a lower league for a while until retirement, but today I was really tempted by Manchester City."
"But my determination to fulfill my contract with Real Madrid has never wavered, so I had to politely decline their offer and leave a strong impression on them. This is much more intuitive than just hearing about my achievements and glory."
"But what does football have to do with kart racing? How did you know you would win?" Lu Yao asked.
"There''s no direct connection, but you have to understand that the medium for deepening the impression doesn''t matter. I just need a seed, and as for the future, no one can control it."
"Win? I didn''t know if I would win, but I knew I could win!"
After wrapping up the work in Abu Dhabi, Wang Feng and his family flew to Dubai. They were invited to attend the 8th Dubai International Sports Conference, whichsted for two days.
Apart from him, the guests included Dong Fangzhuo, tan Ibrahimovic, Robin van Persie, Pep Guardi, Fabio Capello, Antonio Conte, and other famous yers and coaches.
During the conference, the organizers held the Global Football Awards ceremony, where Wang Feng won the awards for World''s Best yer and Most Popr yer in 2013.
In fact, this wasn''t his first time winning awards. Ever since the Global Awards were established at the International Sports Conference in 2011, these two individual awards had always belonged to the Chinese superstar.
However, winning too many awards also had its drawbacks. Wang Feng was stretched thin; one day a newspaper would name him the best yer, and the next day another organization would name him the most influential yer.
If he attended all these ceremonies, he wouldn''t have to do anything else for 365 days a year but fly around to ept awards.
So for those less influential awards, the Chinese superstar wouldn''t attend in person but have the organizers send them to him, barely enough to fill his trophy room.
This time, he happened to be in the UAE and decided to participate to help the organizers increase their visibility.
New year, new atmosphere. Real Madrid President Florentino announced additional funds for the renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, totaling 400 million euros, mainly for the construction ofmercial districts around the stadium, including hotels andmercial centers.
The hotel would have 300 luxury rooms and would be designed by the famous Chicago architect, Jordan Mozart. It would be equipped with a series of high-tech smart home features, aiming to make the finished product of a higher standard than a normal five-star hotel.
Oncepleted, the Santiago Bernabeu would be a facility that generated profits throughout the year, not just on match days.
"We are constantly striving for the development of the club," Florentino said. "The Santiago Bernabeu will be one of the most symboldmarks in all of Madrid, and even Spain!"
Some people were extremely dissatisfied with Real Madrid''s president for spendingvishly on developing and renovating hardware facilities. They believed the focus should be on football.
To this criticism, Florentino just smiled faintly. "How else can we continue to focus on football? Isn''t the club''s current performance the best feedback?"
Too arrogant! The other European powerhouses couldn''t help but curse inwardly. The Spaniards meant that their performance was so good that they didn''t need to worry about operations and could only continue to invest in infrastructure.
Chapter 658: Annual Gala
Chapter 658: Annual G
This winter transfer window was destined to be uneventful. Approaching the World Cup, big-name football stars were reluctant to switch teams with less than half a year left until the start of the tournament.
ording to statistics from the German "Transfermarkt", there were only 7 transfers valued at over 10 million euros, which was half of the number fromst year.
Real Madrid and Barcelona made no significant moves. Real Madrid didn''t need to, while Barcelona couldn''t find suitable personnel to address their issues.
Manchester United became the absolute protagonist. After losing Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils plummeted to seventh ce in the league standings this season. Moyes had to make changes, so they spent 37.1 million to bring back Mata to bolster their squad.
Chelsea sold Mata but then splurged 50 million to buy Matic, Terereao, Sh, and Zouma, four promising young yers.
Looking at the top ten transfers of the winter window, apart from the Parisian tycoons, the majority of the spending came from Premier League teams.
In Spanish football, as the New Year arrived, a sad event urred. The president of Deportivo La Coru?a, who had dropped into the Segunda Division, held a press conference. He announced that he would no longer serve as the team''s manager.
This man, who single-handedly created the myth of "Super Depor," hadpletely stepped down from the stage of history. "Depor fans hope for change, but I am no longer capable of doing this work," he said.
In 1988, Rondi Iro officially took over Deportivo La Coru?a, and in his 25-year tenure, the team became one of the most influential clubs in Spanish history.
One La Liga championship, two Copa del Rey titles, and three Spanish Super Cup championshipsthe achievements of this humble team were not to be underestimated.
As the club''s president, Rondi Iro had many unforgettable moments. The most regrettable was his near misses with Wang Feng. Countless times, hemented his indecisiveness in front of the media.
The copse of "Super Depor" stemmed from economic crises and globalization. Perhaps there would never be a team as magical as his in the future.
It''s worth mentioning that the legend began with debt. Looking at the entire Spanish football scene, Deportivo La Coru?a was almost the epitome of grassroots teams.
With a poption of 230,000, a scale of 5,000 yers, and an external debt of up to 4 million euros, the fans constantly reminisced about the glory of the 1950s when they came close to winning the league title.
Rondi Iro changed everything when he arrived. In just two years, he tripled the size of the club''s membership and significantly improved its financial situation.
After twelve years of hard work and umtion, he helped Depor fans finally realize their dream of winning the championship. But what followed was a continuous decline into the abyss.
To maintain their winning streak, how could their financial strengthpare to the likes of the Gcticos and Barcelona''s cosmic team? Rondi Iro made a wrong decision, borrowing money and continuously increasing massive investments.
With a debt of 180 million euros over eight years, this small team couldn''t bear it, leading to relegation and bankruptcy.
On January 6, 2014, the first official match after the winter break, the 18th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Celta Vigo away.
The entire Galicia Autonomous Community was covered in heavy snow, so the match was yed in the snow. In Wang Feng''s nearly eight years in La Liga, he had experienced few snowy battles.
In the first half, both sides were adapting to the harsh field conditions, trying to regain their pre-winter break form, so the game was quite dull, and neither side managed to take the lead.
After the break, the Gcticos began to exert their force. In the 51st minute, Di Maria broke through on the wing and crossed. Wang Feng leaped ahead of the defenders, heading towards the edge of the penalty area. Luka Modric followed up and scored directly with a shot.
Six minutester, the Chinese superstar received a through pass from Carvajal, elerated past the defenders, and scored with a low shot inside the penalty area. Di Maria then assisted Ramos to score, sealing the victory.
With one assist and one goal from Wang Feng, Real Madrid defeated their opponents 3-0.
Midweek, in the fifth round of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid traveled to face Osasuna away. Wang Feng and other main yers sat on the bench to watch the match.
Isco and Hesse scored for the away team, and they ultimately won the game 2-1.
On January 12, the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid returned to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to face Espanyol.
The away team set up a stubborn defensive formation, and despite constant attacks, they couldn''t make much headway.
In the 78th minute, Wang Feng dribbled past two defenders in the frontcourt but was reluctantly fouled by the opposing defender. The home team won a precious free kick.
The Chinese superstar took the initiative to stand at the free-kick spot, looking at the nervous defensive wall formed by the opponents. At this moment, he noticed Gareth Bale''s gaze beside him. Seeing him curiously looking at himself, Wang Feng asked, "What''s up, do you want to take the free kick?"
The Welsh star shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, no, I''m most afraid of taking free kicks. I just want to observe how the master of free kicks does it."
"Haha, then watch closely."
As the referee blew the whistle, Wang Feng held his breath and focused, elerating his run-up. With thest step, his supporting foot stepped on the left side of the ball,pletely parallel to its position, about one ball''s width away.
At the same time, his right foot lifted and thennded, striking the lower part of the ball with the inside of his foot. He used the force of his calf to kick it out, adding a slight pulling motion as he struck, but there was no tendency for the ball to spin.
The ball rapidly rose above the jumping defensive wall, seemingly heading towards the spectators in the stands, but at the highest point, it suddenly dropped, skimming the crossbar and diving into the, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance to react!
A direct goal from the elevator free kick! After scoring, Wang Feng slid all the way to the corner g area, epting the cheers and apuse from the home fans, then smiled and asked Bale, who came to celebrate with him, "How was it, did you understand it?"
The Welshman remained confused, and the Chinese superstar rubbed his head, "Next, practice with me. There''s nothing else, just familiarity."
Chapter 659: Perfect Ten
Chapter 659: Perfect Ten
After the most influential figure in the world of football exchanged pleasantries, the awards ceremony officially began.
The first announcement was, as always, the annual best lineup, with Manuel Neuer unsurprisingly named the best goalkeeper.
In defense, the lineup consisted of Ramos, Marcelo, Lahm, and Thiago Silva.
In midfield were Iniesta, Modric, and Dong Fangzhuo.
Upfront, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, Wang Feng, and Messi.
Compared tost year when La Liga dominated all 11 best lineup spots, this year''s representation was slightly weaker, but Real Madrid still had four yers selected due to their seven consecutive Champions League titles.
Bayern Munich, the runners-up in the Champions League, had three yers in the lineup. Although Wang Feng didn''t make it into the top three for the Ballon d''Or, being in the best lineup was a constion.
One by one, the yers went up on stage, received their trophies from the presenter, tter, and then lined up in three rows for a group photo.
"It''s finally worth it." Dong Fangzhuo said to Wang Feng, "I almost didn''t want toe, but luckily Balmond reminded me that I might be selected for the best lineup. This is also a recognition of my year, right?"
"Of course." Wang Feng shrugged, "I think it''s quite difficult for future Chinese yers to achieve your level of sess."
The next award announced was the FIFA Fair y Award, which was given to the Afghanistan Football Association.
The Puskas Award was won by Wang Feng for his goal scored in the semi-finals of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmundst year, a stunning zero-angle bicycle kick.
Not only was this goal extremely difficult and spectacr to watch, but it alsopleted the "Perfect Ten" for the Chinese superstar, the final piece of the puzzle in theeback.
Next, FIFA introduced a new honorary award, the Golden Ball Award, specially designed for the football king Pel, who had received countless honors in his lifetime but had never had the chance to win the European Ballon d''Or. Now, he finally got his wish.
As the ceremony continued, it was time for the eagerly awaited FIFA Ballon d''Or.
Wang Feng and his wife sat side by side in the front row center. While Wang Feng always wore a calm smile on his face, only Lu Yao knew that her husband was starting to feel nervous, as he tightened his grip on her hand.
She gently rubbed Wang Feng''s palm tofort him, and as the presenters appeared, everything fell into ce.
Slowly stepping onto the stage was the Real Madrid legend, the five-time consecutive champion, the super Ballon d''Or winner, Di Stfano!
At this moment, everyone showed their utmost respect. Di Stfano had always had poor health, frequent hospitalizations weremonce for him, but no one expected him toe all the way to Zurich now.
Apanying him were the newly awarded Pel, the UEFA President tini, and the FIFA President tter.
With such a luxurious lineup of presenters, apart from Wang Feng, who was about to receive his tenth Ballon d''Or, who else could handle it?
Pel opened the envelope, took out the piece of paper with the winner''s name written on it, looked around the venue, and loudly announced, "The winner of the 2013 FIFA Ballon d''Or is, Wang Feng!"
The attendees showed expressions of confirmation and immediately apuded to congratte the Chinese superstar on achieving another unimaginable feat, winning the Ballon d''Or for the tenth time!
Wang Feng stood up and embraced his wife deeply, then Messi and Ronaldo also congratted him. Although the two of them had regrets in their hearts, this result was within their expectations.
Walking briskly to the stage, with tter''s assistance, Di Stfano lifted the Ballon d''Or trophy and slowly handed it to Wang Feng.
"Vamos!" The old man looked at the younger generation with satisfaction and said, "This is your tenth Ballon d''Or, surpassing me long ago to be the greatest yer in Real Madrid''s history."
He felt very relieved. This was an iparable inheritance.
tini added on the side, "Alfredo insisted oning here personally to present you with this Ballon d''Or trophy, to witness your glory."
Feeling the weight of the heavy blessing and affirmation, the Chinese superstar thanked all the presenters one by one, and then delivered his eptance speech.
"This trophy is very heavy, especially since Mr. Di Stfano handed it to me in person. I thank him for his presence!"
Then, as usual, he thanked the club, the coaching staff, and his teammates for their support, as well as his family for their silent dedication behind the scenes.
"The tenth Ballon d''Or is a milestone for me. In my country, there is a phrase called ''Perfect Ten.'' I think it is very appropriate to describe my past season with it."
"But please rest assured, the club and all the fans, I will not just lie on theurels of this honor. Although I am no longer young, I am still full of fighting spirit!"
"This is not the end, but a new beginning!"
His impassioned words prompted thunderous apuse from the audience. Many older yers, such as Ibrahimovic, Van Persie, Pepe, and Lahm, showed pensive expressions.
Perhaps their form had noticeably declined from their peak years, but they could still slow down this trend through hard training.
But once they chose to coast along, they would probably never maintain their currentpetitive state again. Wang Feng''s words touched them deeply. Even the Chinese superstar always maintained a hunger for victory. What reason did they have to indulge themselves?
Younger yers wore troubled expressions. Wang Feng was undoubtedly the deserved king of football, and many of them had grown up watching his games.
Now, in the new season, the Chinese superstar still maintained an extremely high level of performance without any signs of decline. He had scored 26 goals in the league so far and 7 goals in the Champions League, leading the scoring charts.
So, could any yer step forward to defeat him? Even with the erosive power of time, this feat would probably be extremely difficult to achieve.
Coupled with the terrifying power of the Gcticos, many people still couldn''t understand why this team, which had achieved countless victories, wouldn''t be arrogant after winning. Could it be Wang Feng''s influence?
ording to the announced voting results, Wang Feng''s victory was quite obvious. His vote share was 36.53%.
The unexpected second ce went to Ronaldo, with a vote share of 22.88%, while Messi came in third with 20.03%.
Regardless of the media, national team coaches, or captains'' votes, the Chinese superstar received the highest scores.
It''s worth mentioning that Ronaldo''s media votes were far less than Messi''s, and he even performed worse than the fourth-ced.
However, the national team votes gave strong support to the Portuguese star, allowing him to rise to second ce.
Chapter 660: Generous Wang Feng
Chapter 660: Generous Wang Feng
Wang Feng, the god of football with ten Ballon d''Or awards, is unrivaled in the football world!
When the Chinese superstar received the 2013 FIFA Ballon d''Or trophy from Di Stefano, major media outlets immediately released pre-prepared reports andmentary articles.
Spain''s "National Newspaper" stated that this was Wang Feng''s eighth consecutive win of this prestigious award. Both the total number of wins and consecutive wins have be insurmountable records.
"One person scored a total of 110 goals in a single season (30 goals and 39 assists in the league, 13 goals and 13 assists in the Champions League, 4 goals and 1 assist in cup matches, and 7 goals and 3 assists for the national team), helping Real Madrid defend their league and Champions League titles and helping the Chinese national team win the Confederations Cup."
"Such astonishing achievements are the best proof of the Chinese superstar''s award. The oue was already a foregone conclusion early in the selection process."
"It''s not that Wang Feng needs the Ballon d''Or to prove his worth, but rather that the Ballon d''Or needs Wang Feng to prove its authority and fairness in the football world."
France''s "Team Newspaper" stated that there was no suspense at all. Under the gaze of the Real Madrid legend, Wang Feng lifted his tenth Ballon d''Or trophy, embracing his wife Lu Yao before stepping onto the stage to ept the award.
Over the years, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, among many other talented yers, have always been overshadowed by the Chinese superstar. He is the greatest and most unique representative of his era.
Inadvertently, he has continuously raised the standards of the Ballon d''Or selection. Perhaps in the future, as time erodes all, new Ballon d''Or winners will emerge, and people will vehemently dispute due to theparison gap, hardly ever witnessing such dominating figures again.
Britain''s "Sky Sports" reported with the title "Who Can End the Era of the God?" They stated that at 30 years and 185 days old, the Chinese superstar still stands tall, with all records seemingly insignificant before him.
Cristiano Ronaldo''ste surge in the voting allowed him to surpass Dong Zhuo and Messi to take second ce, but the Portuguese knew very well that he couldn''t threaten Wang Feng''s status.
In the new season, his performance remains consistently despairing, but everyone is awaiting new opportunities. This summer''s World Cup in Brazil is the best chance to end the era of the god.
Germany''s "Kicker" meticulously reviewed the second-ce finishes in the ten Ballon d''Or selections, perhaps vying for second ce in this era is the ultimate goal for many yers.
In 2003 and 2006, it was Henry, in 2004, it was Deco, in 2007 and 2008, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, from 2009 to 2011, it was Messi, in 2012, it was Iniesta, and this year, it was Cristiano Ronaldo again.
The Portuguese star surpassed the Argentine''s three-time silver Ballon d''Or record. "For 28-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, this is extremely difficult. When he became famous and stood by Wang Feng''s side early on, he did not expect to face a situation where he would gradually fall behind, and even once dropped out of the top three."
Originally, "Kicker" was just sighing over the struggles of the challengers under the god of football, but it sparked a new round of debate about the "Double Jewels." Is Messi once again overtaken by Cristiano Ronaldo? Who will be the leader of football after the Wang Feng era?
Naturally, more people chose the Argentine star. Whether in terms of age or skill, he has the advantage. "Marca"mented, "When a club has arge amount of transfer funds, they will first consider Wang Feng, followed by Messi, and finally other yers like Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Sport" pointed out that the dyed deadline during the selection process affected the rankings. Messi should have received second ce. "There is no doubt that the Portuguese star performed well in the World Cup yoffs, but it should not count in this year''s Ballon d''Or selection."
"The Times" had a different opinion. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a fighter who is always in battle. Sometimes he may appear slightly inferior, but he will never decline. He can always passionately turn the tide of adversity, which is very simr to Wang Feng."
In front of the disciplined Portuguese star, age will not be a barrier. Cristiano Ronaldo will surely have a longer professional peak than Messi.
Wang Feng''s milestone achievement of winning his tenth Ballon d''Or, also marks Real Madrid''s thirteenth Ballon d''Or in history. The Gcticos overwhelmingly became the club with the most Ballon d''Or wins.
Congrattions from the sports world poured in, they were not only the kings of the Champions League but also the indisputable kings of the Ballon d''Or.
Next is Juventus, with seven wins. Sivori (1961), Rossi (1982), Baggio (1993), Zidane (1998), and tini (1983-1985) each won once. As for Barcelona, they only have five wins. Suarez (1960), Stoichkov (1994), Rivaldo (1999), and Cruyff (1973, 1974) each won twice.
After the awards ceremony, Ramos was the first to congratte: "Honestly, the result was expected, but it still feels extremely exciting."
"Wang continues to create unreachable records, as a teammate, I feel honored and proud. With him on the field, we feel very reassured, both on and off the field," Marcelo said.
Marcelo stated that the team''s achievements were inseparable from Wang Feng''s performance. He is the most important core, and it''s not surprising that he can continue to dominate football. "He deserves any honor or praise."
Other Real Madrid yers also left messages of congrattions on social media. "It''s the greatest luck of my life to fight side by side with you!" Modric expressed his somewhat "sappy" sentiment.
Old friends like Raul, Guti, Ronaldo, Svori, Shevchenko, and others also spoke out, almost all well-known football stars sent their congrattions. In today''s age of the inte, the connections and status of the Chinese superstar are particrly prominent.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also expressed their respect and congrattions to the football seniors, each posting their own photos with Wang Feng.
Interestingly, it was originally a three-person photo, but they independently cropped out each other, leaving only themselves and the Chinese superstar. This caused much spection for a while, it seems that disputes on the inte can indeed affect real-life rtionships.
It''s as if, back then, when Wang Feng and Ronaldinho were constantly hyped by the media as "alternatives," it wasn''t until Ronaldinho left the European stage that the two truly eased into being able to connect as friends.
And Wang Feng is tirelessly thanking everyone who blessed him, and posted a photo of himself and everyone lifting the Ballon d''Or trophy together on the training ground, with the caption: "This honor belongs to Real Madrid, to my lovely teammates!"
In addition, he prepared a heavyweight gift for everyone, a top-of-the-line Rolex with the individual''s name engraved on it, each worth around 100,000 euros, totaling more than forty. Every yer and staff member received one.
"It''s too extravagant," Isco couldn''t help but marvel at the sparkling diamond-studded dial. Varane, who is one year younger than him but has been in the first team at Real Madrid for longer, said, "Wang has always been generous. This is also one of the reasons why everyone loves and supports him."
On festive asions and when receiving awards, the Chinese superstar always prepares some small gifts for everyone. Most of them are customized styles from high-end brands he endorses, which are quite valuable and also show his thoughtfulness.
"A powerful and kind leader, cheerful and generous, such leaders are simply rare. You will understand in the future."
Chapter 661: Disruptor Atletico Madrid
Chapter 661: Disruptor Atletico Madrid
In the fifth round of the Spanish King''s Cup, Real Madrid weed Osasuna at home.
Wang Feng, who had just won the Ballon d''Or, disyed his trophy at the Bernabeu and then started the match. Key yers like Casis, Ramos, and Modric were rotated.
In the 27th minute, the Chinese superstar made a strong breakthrough from the right and passed the ball back with a backheel triangle. Di Maria shot from 15 meters in front of the goal, making it 1-0!
In the 55th minute, Loi fouled Wang Feng in front of the penalty area, giving Real Madrid a free kick from 25 meters.
Wang Feng called Bale over: "It''s time to test the results of your free kick training these days. I''ll make a fake shot first, and then you follow up with a direct shot."
The Welsh star was a bit nervous, "Are you sure I can do it?"
"Just practicing won''t lead to improvement. Don''t worry, we''re still in the lead. You can do it!"
As the main referee blew the whistle, the Chinese superstar made a run-up, but instead of kicking the ball, he leaped over it, catching Osasuna''s defense off guard. They didn''t expect Wang Feng not to take the first shot.
Bale, who arrived in time, struck a low shot. The ball went through the chaotic wall and into the bottom corner of the goal, despite the goalkeeper''s attempt to save it, it still found the.
Is this a goal? The Welshman was still in disbelief until Wang Feng ran up to him and said, "You really didn''t let me down," then he finally reacted with a hearty smile.
Although the confusion caused by the Chinese superstar yed a crucial role against Osasuna''s wall, Bale''s angle and strength in shooting were also remarkable. Talent and hard work always create miraculous progress.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated their opponents 2-0, advancing to the King''s Cup quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate score over two legs. Their next opponent would be Espanyol.
On January 18th, in the 20th round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Real Betis away.
Just six minutes into the game, the visitors broke the deadlock. Di Maria crossed from the side, and Wang Feng took a direct shot from 25 meters, the ball hitting the heavily, leaving goalkeeper Anderson with no response.
Eleven minutester, the Chinese superstar dribbled past two defending yers, then passed into the penalty area. The shot by Iguain hit the crossbar and Bale scored with a follow-up.
In injury time of the first half, Modric made a through pass, and this time the Argentine forward seized the opportunity with a powerful shot from 14 meters into the near corner.
In the 61st minute of the second half, Di Maria crossed from the side, Diadak cleared the ball with a header, Wang Feng chested the ball at the top of the arc, then volleyed with his left foot as it fell, piercing through Anderson''s fingers again.
The Danish goalkeeper, who was hit by two world-ss shots, began to doubt life. He had just transferred from Ligue 1''s Guingamp to Real Betisst summer, and now he faced the prospect of the team being relegated. Although not all of it was his fault, he was one of the goalkeepers who conceded the most goals in La Liga.
Leading by four goals, Ancelotti made substitutions to conserve strength. In the final moments of the match, Morata scored again, making it 5-0.
At the post-match press conference, the Italian coach smiled and said, "Tonight''s game was great. We can sleep well tonight."
Regarding Wang Feng''s two astonishing long-range goals, Ancelotti said it was a routine operation for the Chinese superstar, who has scored countless miraculous goals. At the same time, the Real Madrid coach believed that breaking the deadlock as early as possible was crucial for the team''s development.
"There is no doubt that Wang undertook and excellentlypleted this task. The performance of other yers also did not disappoint us. Every detail was executed perfectly, and everyone''s efforts made the game simple."
The heavy defeat in this game meant that Real Betis was sinking deeper into the relegation quagmire. The club immediately announced the dismissal of their head coach Garitano, who had only been in charge for a month and a half. Argentine Gabriel would be the team''s third head coach of the season.
Last season, Real Betis qualified for the UEFA Europa League, sessfully advancing from the group stage. However, their performance in bothpetitions led to aplete copse in the league.
Although Wang Feng did not kill Betis directly, Betis died because of him, adding another entry to his list of coach-killers.
After the King''s Cup quarter-finals, Real Madrid faced Espanyol in two matches. In the first leg, Wang Feng dribbled past three defenders and scored the winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid.
In the second leg, the Chinese superstar sent a deadly through pass to pierce through the defense, and Bale''s dribble and shotpletely sealed the victory.
With a total score of 2-0 over the two matches, the Gcticos advanced to the King''s Cup semi-finals!
In between cup matches, there was the 21st round of La Liga, where Real Madrid faced Granada at home.
Wang Feng continued his consistent performance, orchestrating attacks and providing an assist, helping the team win 2-0.
On February 2nd, in the 22nd round of La Liga, the Gcticos faced Athletic Bilbao away.
The Basque team put a lot of pressure on Real Madrid at San Mames Stadium. After failing to score from continuous attacks, Athletic Bilbao forward Gomez seized an opportunity to open the scoring.
In the 71st minute of the second half, Ramos, who was not rational, got into a conflict with an opponent yer and received his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red card.
In the end, the away team couldn''t turn the tide and lost the game 0-1.
Although they suffered a frustrating defeat, the Gcticos still topped the league standings with 19 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, umting 58 points. Following closely behind was Atletico Madrid with 18 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, and 57 points. They remained unbeaten with 3 wins and 2 draws in the second half of the season.
In contrast, Barcelona faced Valencia at home. Despite taking the lead, they were eventually beaten 2-3 after being equalized, overtaken, and then overtaken again.
In the five league matches after the winter break, the Catn team performed extremely poorly, with consecutive draws against Atletico Madrid and Levante, a loss to Valencia, and only victories against Mga and Elche, effectively dropping 7 points.
They currently have 16 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, and 50 points, ranking third in the league standings, trailing the leading group by 3 wins. Based on past experience, it can be said that they have basically withdrawn from the title race.
With the current situation, many people eximed that La Liga has changed, the era of Real Madrid and Barcelona''s duopoly has ended, and the new disruptor, Atletico Madrid, has emerged on the historical stage.
It is still remembered that just over two years ago, the Royal Legion, Real Betis, was eliminated from the King''s Cup by a third-tier team, and their league position approached the relegation zone, step by step sliding into the abyss.
But the appearance of Simeone changed everything. He is undoubtedly the creator of Atletico Madrid''s miracle. Compared to Valencia, who always aimed for the third position, the Royal Legion obviously had greater ambitions.
Since the beginning of this season, apart from losing to Real Madrid led by Wang Feng, they have never feared any opponent in their strong confrontations. Especially when they defeated Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium, they became the only La Liga team to take victory from there.
"By surpassing Real Madrid, we can win the title!" Simeone said to all Atletico Madrid yers: "This is our best opportunity. I know it''s very difficult, but it''s not impossible."
Chapter 662: Dramatic Changes at Barcelona
Chapter 662: Dramatic Changes at Barcelona
Corresponding to Atletico Madrid''s rise is the decline of Barcelona. Last summer, they formed the "MSN" front line, which was highly anticipated, and their performance at the beginning of the season was impressive.
However, as core yer Messi gradually declined, the team lost its former power and agility, almost announcing its withdrawal from the championship race prematurely.
Recently, former Barcelona assistant coach Capa made startling remarks in an interview with Catn TV: "Messi has lost his drive and passion. He seems indifferent to his performance on the field."
"Perhaps many people don''t want to hear this, but I have to say that an outstanding yer needs to y with full passion. Maradona did it, Wang Feng does it now, and even Ronaldo is the same."
"But our core yer has lost all of this, especially in the match against Valencia. I think any fan who has watched that game won''t question my words."
"I don''t know if his injury or other reasons are affecting his performance. I see him being very professional on the field, but that''s clearly not enough."
"If a yer behaves professionally, he stops shining. Miracles can onlye from a genuine love of football from the heart."
A stone creates a thousand ripples. Capa''s remarks sparked heated discussions among Catn fans, and almost everyone agreed that the Argentine star seemed to show signs of giving up this season.
Some believe the main reason is that he is afraid of facing Real Madrid led by Wang Feng. Several consecutive defeats have indeed left people feeling hopeless. "Nevertheless, our core cannot be a surrendering yer. Perhaps the club should consider promoting Neymar or Suarez and abandoning Messi."
Others believe that the Argentine star''s mind has long been on the national team, as he has repeatedly expressed his desire to achieve something significant in the World Cup in Brazil.
"If we can win in Brazil, it will be more special than any other time," Messi said in an interview with the BBC. "This is South America, we have countless supporters, and I am sure Argentina can achieve something special."
"I am now full of energy and hope, eager to put on the blue and white jersey and everything is possible on the World Cup stage." Unlike the club''s negative attitude, Messi is always enthusiastic when talking about the World Cup and the national team.
So far, the 26-year-old Argentine star has yed 8 World Cup matches for the national team, scoring only 1 goal in the group stage, which is also criticized.
Therefore, it is understandable that he wants to break through. However, if it is at the expense of the club''s interests, I believe many Catn fans will find it hard to ept.
To make matters worse, there is another storm brewing in the Barcelona locker room, as core yer Xavi is reported to be determined to leave.
As early as 2008, the Spanish midfielder had thoughts of leaving, but at that time, Guardi had a long conversation with him, promising him an absolute starting position, which eventually led to the ssic midfieldbination of Xavi and Iniesta.
Now, in Martino''s tacticalyout, he is not indispensable, and there is no ce for him in the club''s future ns.
Looking back at Barcelona''s history, it seems that it has be a norm for star yers in their prime to be forced to leave. From Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, they all smelled danger before truly entering the twilight of their careers.
In the first leg of the Spanish King''s Cup semi-finals, Real Madrid hosted Real Sociedad at home.
The away team had two extremely unfortunate moments in this game. In the 8th minute, Di Maria sent a cross, and Wang Feng took a powerful shot from 25 meters on the right.
The ball hit Anzotegi and deflected unexpectedly. The goalkeeper Bravo, caught off guard, could only watch helplessly as it flew into the behind him.
Then, in the 57th minute of the second half, Bale overtook on the right side and crossed into the penalty area. Wang Feng slid in ahead of the Real Sociedad defenders and poked the ball into the.
Trailing by two goals, the away team intensified their attacking intent to try to pull one back. However, they suffered another fatal blow. In the 73rd minute, Di Maria failed to break through in the frontcourt, so he decided to take a long-range shot.
The originally harmless shot hit Martinez, causing a strange deflection, and Bravo could only watch helplessly as it crossed the goal line.
3-0! The Gcticos defeated Real Sociedad convincingly!
Three dayster, in the 23rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid continued to dominate at the Bernabeu against Virreal.
An early goal in the 3rd minute signaled another passionate offensive battle. Wang Feng seized an opportunity to attack upfront, intercepted Dorado, and entered the penalty area, then chipped the ball into the far corner.
In the 25th minute, Bale''s cross from the right side of the penalty area was blocked by J-Costa, but it still looped into the penalty area. Higuain scored from close range.
Ten minutester, Aquino sent a through pass, and Mario took a powerful shot from 15 meters on the right side of the penalty area, sting it into the top left corner of the goal, pulling one back for Virreal.
In the second half, Di Maria organized an attack, formed a two-on-one situation with Wang Feng, approached the bottom line, and then passed the ball back. The Chinese superstar, positioned near the near post, volleyed it into the far corner, making it 3-1!
This goal was also Wang Feng''s 30th league goal of the season, scoring 30 goals in 23 league matches. Although it was slightly less impressivepared to his previous seasons with over 100 goals, it was still the most elite data in European football during the same period.
Subsequently, the away team seized another free-kick opportunity, and Jaume Costa''s direct shot beat Casis''s outstretched fingers.
In the 76th minute, Wang Feng cut inside from the wing and passed diagonally. Higuain, near the penalty spot, fired a low shot into the bottom left corner of the.
The score settled at 4-2, and Real Madrid took all three points to continue leading the league standings.
In the second leg of the Spanish King''s Cup semi-finals, the Gcticos visited Anoeta Stadium to challenge Real Sociedad.
With a 3-goal advantage, they started the game very rxed. In the 7th minute, Wang Feng used his dribbling skills to get past Martinez and entered the penalty area from the left side.
Helpless, the home team defender could only choose to bring down the Chinese superstar from behind, and the referee decisively awarded a penalty. Wang Feng stepped up to take it himself and scored.
Eight minutester, Bale received a pass from the right side of the penalty area from Jes, cut inside past Mushio, and fired a powerful shot. The ball grazed the inside of the post and went into the.
This goal became thest straw that broke the home team''s back, as they no longer had the confidence to fight back.
The score remained unchanged until the end of the game, with a total score of 5-0 over two legs, and the Gcticos proudly advanced to the Spanish King''s Cup final!
The other semi-final battle took ce between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. In the first leg at Camp Nou, the two sides fought to a 0-0 draw. When they met again at Calderon Stadium, Atletico Madrid ultimately won 1-0 thanks to Diego Costa''s decisive goal, advancing to the final.
The King''s Cup final will witness the Madrid derby. This will be the fifth time the two teams have faced each other in the final stage since 1902. In the previous four encounters, Atletico Madrid won three times and lost once, but facing the "King of Finals" Wang Feng, who knows what sparks will fly.
With the league title virtually out of reach and being denied entry to the King''s Cup final, Barcelona fans arepletely furious, calling for the dismissal of Martino and Rosell.
Unexpectedly, the day after the defeat, there was a dramatic change at the Barcelona club as Rosell, as desired by the fans, ended his term early and handed over the club to the first vice president Bartomeu until 2016.
Chapter 663: Seven Deadly Sins
Chapter 663: Seven Deadly Sins
"Now my family is threatened and harassed. These attacks make me very worried. Will continuing as a leader bring harm to my family?"
Inside the gym at Real Madrid''s Valdebebas training base, Ramos read aloud the resignation letter issued by Barcelona''s president Rosell. Major events like this naturally attracted the attention of the onlookers.
"Rosell sure can talk big. We''ve been dominating in the league and Champions League. After winning a few Copa del Rey titles, he dares to im huge sess during his tenure?" remarked the Spanish defender, pursing his lips.
Casis chimed in, "It''s not entirely fair to say that. I think Barcelona has been very strong these past few years. If not for Wang''s explosive performance, they could have snatched several league titles."
Thinking about how their rivals consistently finished as runners-up despite a hundred-point season, and how the Chinese superstar single-handedly challenged Barcelona''s entire frontline, the others nodded in agreement. "Indeed, he''s just too explosive, almost abnormal!"
Wang Feng rolled his eyes impatiently. "Is this how you guys describe your teammates?" With that, he ignored them and continued with his workout.
Other yers engaged in lively discussions about this major event. "Some media outlets say Wang''s killer instincts are shining once again. Whether it''s opposing coaches or managers, no one can escape his clutches, haha."
"Some say the recent revtion of the Neymar transfer saga has be a fatal issue. The Brazilian''s transfer fee wasn''t as low as it appeared, with Barcelona spending over a hundred million euros."
"No wonder he chose the Catn club over us for just a few million euros. Turns out it wasn''t just a few million, but tens of millions! Have we been fooled all this time?"
No one could clearly exin the specifics of the situation, but from the details revealed, it seemed that Neymar, his agent, and third-party holders all profited handsomely, while the only one suffering losses was the Barcelona club. Therefore, this became a significant argument for many to criticize Rosell.
As the saying goes, when the wall copses, everyone pushes. The day after Rosell stepped down, many media outlets listed his crimes, with "Vanguardia" pointing out as many as seven.
Firstly, disrespecting club legends by not epting Cruyff as Barcelona''s honorary president. Thetter returned the medals awarded by the previous administration and rarely spoke up for Barcelona afterward.
Secondly, suspicious Brazilianmercial activities, involving not only transfer dealings but also illicit ticket sales at Camp Nou.
The details of the contract with Qatar were not disclosed to club members, causing widespread dissatisfaction.
Poor managerial appointments, as during his tenure, there were consecutive changes from Guardi to Vnova, Roura, and now Martino, yet none managed to reverse the team''s decline in the league and Champions League.
The Neymar transfer saga was another reason for Rosell''s downfall, as club member Cases demanded detailed disclosure of all transfer details but was refused. He then filed awsuit against Rosell, alleging that he failed to inform the members.
Barcelona also failed to renew contracts with key yers, including departed Valds and current yers like Xavi who want to leave.
Finally, deceiving Abidal, promising to renew his contract once he recovered from illness, only to follow through with amercial decision not to renew, tarnishing the club''s reputation for dishonesty.
Like Laporta when he stepped down, Rosell left with an infamous reputation, even worse than Laporta''s because thetter had at least brought league titles to Barcelona.
So, he basically had no chance of returning to the limelight. Fortunately, his sessor remained within their faction. It was his assistant Bartomeu, and they hadn''t lost control of the club.
Until 2016, everything was uncertain, but they would do their utmost to prevent Laporta from making aeback. The power struggle within Barcelona was about to unfold, version 3.0.
Different results often lead topletely different fates. Like Barcelona, Real Madrid''s internal situation isplex, far from being a unified front. However, Florentino, relying on the team''s performance, has leaped from an imminent departure to the most prestigious manager, a position that no one can shake.
In addition, his almost absurdly ambitious expansion and renovation n was smoothly passed at the club''s general meeting. Construction around the Bernabeu was underway, and the renovation of the training base had just beenpleted, with new construction already beginning.
Now, Valdebebas is thergest and most luxurious football training base in the world, without exception. All hardware facilities areplete, and the service facilities are no less than a five-star hotel, with plenty of recreational facilities.
After returning from San Sebastin to Madrid, everyone officially began to experience the wonders of the new training base. The first thing that amazed everyone was the dormitory building.
Each yer was assigned a single room, with a living room featuring huge French windows and a spacious balcony. From the window, they could see the brand-new training grounds.
The stairwells and corridors were adorned with numerous photos and introductions to the club''s history and achievements, including current yers like Wang Feng. "We''re happy to update this honor information every year," Bartolomeu said with a smile.
In terms of food and dining, there was no negligence. The newly built club canteen resembled a top-notch restaurant, not only beautiful in environment but also allowing yers to select their dishes ording to their preferences, with a wide variety to choose from.
These meals were developed through consultations between experienced chefs and nutritionists, bncing taste with the yers'' health.
Training grounds, indoor swimming pools, gyms, and physiotherapy rooms were all readily avable. Of course, what interested everyone the most was the gaming space spanning thousands of square meters.
Ramos immediately set his sights on the racing simtion game. "Oh my God, I can finally drive fast cars!" The Spaniard couldn''t resist touching the realistic steering wheel and decided to have a game right away.
Different types of gaming consoles and LCD TVs lined up, with enough room for a dozen people to y at once, along with facilities like table football, billiards, and a small cinema.
"What a dreamy ce. I could stay here and train every day," Varanemented, which was precisely the club''s intention. They hoped to create a ce where yers didn''t want to leave, bncing life and training to improve efficiency.
On February 16th, in the 24th round of La Liga, the Gcticos challenged Getafe away.
This team was also from the Madrid region, so strictly speaking, it was considered a Madrid derby. The yers didn''t have to travel far to y away matches; they just needed to depart from Valdebebas to the Alfonso Prez Coliseum on match day.
The game was yed on a slippery field in heavy rain. The home team scored first in the 15th minute. Gaviln broke into the right side of the penalty area and passed back after a wall-likebination. Corengal then made a cross, and Sarabia''s powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area found the bottom corner.
It wasn''t until the 34th minute that Real Madrid equalized. Di Maria sent a cross from the wing, and Wang Feng''s header at the near post aimed for the far corner. Getafe goalkeeper Moy couldn''t reach it, and the ball slipped past his fingertips into the.
Just before halftime, the Chinese superstar orchestrated a quick counterattack after winning the ball in midfield. He passed to Bale, who quickly dribbled to the byline and crossed, and Di Maria, following up, shot fiercely into the near post, putting the Gcticos ahead!
In the second half, Marcelo took advantage of an opportunity to assist Modric for another goal, and the final score settled at 3-1.
Chapter 664: Returning to Familiar Grounds, I Am Still Myself!
Chapter 664: Returning to Familiar Grounds, I Am Still Myself!
On February 22nd, the Gcticos hosted their opponent at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium for the 25th round of La Liga, facing the newly promoted team, Elche. Thest time this small club from the Valencian Community defeated Real Madrid dates back to the distant year of 1978.
In preparation for the uing Champions League knockout stage, Ancelotti sent out a rotated lineup, with young yers like Carvajal, Isco, Varane, and Irramendi given the opportunity to y.
The away team immediately positioned themselves as underdogs, adopting a defensive strategy, and it wasn''t until the 34th minute that the home team finally broke through the defense.
Wang Feng took a corner kick, and Coentrao headed the ball into the, hitting the underside of the crossbar and bouncing off the goal line before going in, breaking the deadlock for Real Madrid.
At halftime, the Chinese superstar was substituted off for a break. Although he didn''t score, the team was in the lead, so he didn''t insist on staying on the field.
In the 71st and 81st minutes, Irramendi and Isco respectively scored goals, securing a 3-0 victory for the Gcticos over the newly promoted Elche.
In Gelsenkirchen, Germany, at the Veltins-Arena, Wang Feng was no stranger to everything here. He had led his team to this stadium to face Schalke 04 many times before, and ten years ago, he even lifted the Champions League trophy here after defeating Porto.
While time had changed, many memories seemed to remain on the pitch. Walking through the corridors of the locker room, one could see many historical photos, including scenes of the Chinese superstar wearing the blue and ck jersey, raising cups.
Young yers like Isco watched with great interest. The Spaniard eximed excitedly, "I remember this game. I was only 12 years old that year, and Wang''s performance was amazing!"
Varane, Jes, and others nodded in agreement. At that time, they were still rtively new to football, and Wang Feng had brought them an unprecedented shock.
Just like witnessing Maradona y football for the first time in the 1980s, or seeing Ronaldo y in the 1990s, in the eyes of these children, the idol status was unshakable.
Not only Varane and the others, but when the Chinese superstar led the team through the yer tunnel onto the field, many German fans actually cheered, some even specially made banners to show their support.
"To receive cheers and apuse from the opposing fans before the start of the game, Wang Feng should be unique in this regard,"mented Zhang Jun, thementator.
"He has achieved victory many times on this field, with spectacr goals captivating the audience. I wonder what kind of performance he will bring us in this game?"
"Schalke 04 has lined up in the ssic 4-2-3-1 formation, with goalkeeper F?hrmann.
The four defenders are Howedes, Matip, Felipe Santana, and Ksinac.
Boateng and Neust?dter are in the defensive midfield, while Farfan, Meyer, and Draxler are in the midfield.
The lone striker is Huntar."
In the first half, the home team kicked off, quickly advancing to the front. Huntar''s shot was blocked by Ramos, and Schalke won their first corner of the game.
Farfan took the corner from the right side, Howedes contested the header in front of the goal from 9 meters out, but the ball bounced slightly wide of the left goalpost.
"The attacking initiative of the Bundesliga powerhouse is very high. They didn''t adopt a conservative tactic to counterattack against the Gcticos, but instead want to engage in a back-and-forth attack! It''s daring, but the result remains to be seen," Zhang Junmented cautiously, but during the game, Real Madrid yed exceptionally well. Seeing such an open space in the opponent''s half, they felt a sense of satisfaction they hadn''t felt in a long time.
In the 8th minute, Howedes cleared the ball with a long kick from the back, and Modric intercepted the ball near the midfield, passing it forward to Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar received the ball, quickly turned and started, faced Boateng, made a feint to the side, then suddenly changed direction. The German midfielder behind him attempted to poke the ball away with his foot, but missed, and because of the imbnce caused by the feint, fell to the ground.
Matip was waiting in front of the penalty area, Wang Feng approached at a reduced speed, and as the distance between the two sides narrowed, it seemed that the Cameroonian defender could just stretch his foot to intercept the ball.
Enough is enough! Matip quickly stretched out his leg to try to steal the ball, but the Chinese superstar calmly flicked the ball with his right foot, almost avoiding the opponent''s toe, then suddenly shifted to his left foot and entered the penalty area.
Due to the extension of Matip''s left leg, he left the space on the right side open, and he forcibly turned his body to try to make up for it, but ended up falling to the ground like Boateng!
Goalkeeper F?hrmann saw the danger and immediately rushed out, but Wang Feng used the outside of his right foot to send a curved shot, the ball bypassed him and went straight into the top right corner of the goal, brushing against the upright and into the.
"The ball is in! A beautiful solo goal! Wang Feng opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"With continuous changes in speed and shoulder feints, Wang Fengpletely yed with the Schalke 04 defense. There was no physical contact between him and the defending yers, but Boateng and Matip fell due to deceptive shifts in bnce."
"His dribbling was mesmerizing. We can see that throughout the entire process, the Chinese superstar didn''t stop once,pleting it all in one go."
"The quality of the final shot was also very high, a curled shot that bypassed the goalkeeper and defensive yers, piercing the home team''s goal in an unstoppable manner."
This goalpletely ignited the attacking passion of the Gcticos. Five minutester, Bale cut inside from the right andbined with Wang Feng to tear open the Schalke 04 defense, with Benzema tapping the ball in from close range.
In the 21st minute, Wang Feng aggressively pressed near the right touchline in the opponent''s half, dispossessing Santana''s back pass, and then passed to Bale nearby. Thetter dribbled inside, evading the defense of Santana and Ksinac, and scored with his left foot from 13 meters out, making it 3-0!
Twelve minutester, Modric intercepted a long pass in midfield, directly stopping it for Wang Feng. With a quick turn, he shook off Matip, entered the penalty area at a narrow angle, and slotted the ball into the far corner with a diagonal shot.
As the first half was about to end, Real Madrid struck again. Wang Feng and Bale exchanged passes to break through the Schalke 04 defense, with the Welshman chipping the ball into the penalty area with the outside of his foot.
Wang Feng leaped sideways, his right leg swinging like a baseball bat, "Bang!" A close-range shot left F?hrmann with no chance, as he made the save only after the ball had already hit the.
5-0! Wang Feng contributed a hat-trick and an assist in just 45 minutes, he was still himself, the undefeated god of war!
To save face for the home team, in the second half, coach Ancelotti substituted Wang Feng and Modric, two key yers, to ease the situation, but the enthusiasm of the yers on the field remained undiminished.
In the 69th minute, Ramos intercepted in midfield and sent a direct pass, Bale pushed into the far corner with his left foot from the right side of the penalty area, making it 6-0!
In the 89th minute, Isco intercepted in the opponent''s half, Iglesias received the ball and passed it diagonally, Bale entered the penalty area from the right side and scored with a shot from 9 meters away from the goal,pleting another hat-trick, 7-0!
In injury time, Schalke 04 pulled one back, with substitute Fuchs crossing from the left, and Huntar volleying from 18 meters out to beat Casis in goal.
The final score was set at 7-1, with the Bundesliga powerhouse suffering a devastating defeat at home, destined to face elimination.
Chapter 665: The Strongest Ruler of the Football World!
Chapter 665: The Strongest Ruler of the Football World!
When the huge score of 7-1 appeared in the Champions League knockout stage, all fans and media were shocked, with Marca even writing a report with the headline "Ruler!"
The article praised Real Madrid for ying a historic victory in Germany, with the yers wearing orange jerseys, as if they had ignited an orange storm away from home.
On the frontline, Wang Feng, Iguan, and Bale all made contributions, with the Chinese superstar and the Welsh star evenpleting hat-tricks, making this game extraordinary.
Fans didn''t have to wait any longer, as the Gcticos had already entered the Champions League quarter-finals!
More importantly, maintaining their current form, Real Madrid still had the opportunity to win in Europe, continuing their quest for Champions League glory. If this couldn''t be called domination, then who else would qualify?
Marca specifically mentioned the team''s "two hundred million flying together," with the former hundred-million-euro man, Wang Feng, always maintaining a high level of threat, while the newly joined Bale, although asionally injured, mostly posed a great threat.
Combined with the improving Iguan, the Gcticos'' frontline was unstoppable, and if Ancelotti hadn''t substituted the Chinese superstar early, the score might have been even more lopsided.
AS, on the other hand, featured a photo of the post-match Real Madrid yersughing and walking into the yer tunnel, stating that the away team had ruthlessly secured a resounding victory at Schalke 04''s home ground.
"Wang Feng and Bale scored hat-tricks, Iguan scored one, the Gcticos'' frontline blossomed,pletely overwhelming the Bundesliga powerhouse, and Huntar''s goal only served as a constion."
"If anyone underestimated the home team and dismissed this victory, they would surely pay the price. Schalke 04 is no pushover; they retained most ofst season''s main lineup and are also quite strong in the entire Bundesliga."
"But the Gcticos performed even better, taking full control of the game from the start and gradually pushing their opponents into the abyss."
"On the European stage, whether it''s Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atltico Madrid, all have enoughpetitiveness for the final championship. La Liga is still dominant!"
Catn media sourlymented that the Real Madrid frontline trident had shown its true power, with the terrifying Wang Feng being like a tiger with wings.
Daily Sportsmented, "When the Chinese superstar opened the scoring with individual ability, other attacking yers swarmed in topletely tear apart the opponents."
"Real Madrid has entered the Champions League quarter-finals, and now they can consider their next opponent."
The headline of Mundo Deportivo was "Real Madrid''s German Football Exhibition," stating that the inept Schalke 04 had not posed any hindrance, and the Madrid team easily crossed them.
The three forwards were the heroes of the victory, with Casis hardly exerting himself throughout the game, and only conceding a constion goal in the final moments.
In addition to Spanish newspapers, media outlets from around the world also praised the Gcticos'' dominant performance.
French newspaper L''Equipe described Real Madrid as "the scepter of God," winning all crucial matches, with Wang Feng''s consistent strength and the addition of talents like Bale making it almost impossible to defeat them.
"Now the team can calmly face the Madrid derby this weekend, which is a key battle for them topete for the league title."
Germany''s Bild believed that Schalke 04 paid the price for their foolishness, calling it a shameful defeat.
"There''s no doubt that the coach is the biggest culprit. His tactics werepletely outyed by the opponents, and the decision to adopt an attacking strategy made defeat inevitable."
"Wang Feng''s skills have be even more refined; he seems to dance with the football, leaving defenders bewildered without any physical contact. This kind of attacking style can definitely prolong his peak performance."
The Times of London stated that Real Madrid''s continuous Champions League defense had be a nightmare for all European club teams, and from the current situation, the nightmare seemed to continue.
"Everyone has been waiting for a long time but hasn''t seen the decline of the Gcticos. Instead, they be more and more terrifying. Unknowingly, the team haspleted a transition between the old and the new, with Modric and Isco gradually improving, Bale starting to fulfill his talent, and Wang Feng sitting in as the older and more demonic presence."
They felt that strong measures should be taken to limit Real Madrid, and UEFA might consider stepping in to forcibly dismantle the team.
Such suggestions were of course unrealistic, but UEFA had indeed thought of ways to deal with the Gcticos, yet whether on the field or off the field, they were almost wless and found no loopholes.
This is absolute strength! At this moment, these people understood the grievances of the Serie A league back then and understood the reasons and significance of "Calciopoli".
Argentinian newspaper Olmented that Real Madrid yed out a tennis score, with Ancelotti fully trusting Wang Feng to achieve this big win.
"Martino and his Barcelona should learn from their archrivals. They should put Messipletely in the attacking core position, rather than sacrificing him. The fact has long proved that relying on superstars is not wrong."
Back in Madrid, the Gcticos began actively preparing for the top-of-the-table sh with their city rivals. Currently, the two sides are still separated by 1 point, and the result of the match will directly affect the top spot.
Ancelotti is a conservative person, and his coaching style has always been stable, but nearing the critical period, he unexpectedly opened up a whole day of training sessions to the media reporters for the first time since taking over Real Madrid.
This decision received unanimous praise from the media, and in fact, reporters visiting the training session did not make the yers feel nervous. They were all seasoned individuals, and such an atmosphere even made them rxed and happy.
Moreover, this openness would make the team more approachable, no longer distant from the media and fans.
Taking this opportunity, the Italian coach also willingly shared some interesting stories and thoughts about his work with the reporters. "To be honest, I''m quite rxed. Over the years, I''ve only lost my temper a few times."
Regarding the reason for taking over the coaching reins of the team, Ancelotti shrugged, "Come on, who doesn''t want to coach Wang Feng? Just hearing his name is enough to make everyone flock."
"I thought about a lot beforeing here, maybe I need to change my way of working, be more proactive, but the fact proves that I was wrong. Now, working from nine to six ispletely feasible, and I can even find time to watch a movie, haha."
As the coach of the world''srgest club, being so leisurely is quite unique for the Italian, and all of this can be attributed to the stability of the locker room and yers, who have hardly caused him any trouble.
"Real Madrid''s training is very scientific; we pay attention to thebination of work and rest, and use various high-tech means to monitor the health and physical condition of the yers."
Normalcy, equality, passion, and good rtionships are the principles that Ancelotti adheres to, which ispletely in line with the atmosphere the entire team wants, so all kinds of work can bepleted orderly.
"He is a frank and wise head coach, and all the yers, including me, like him very much," said Wang Feng to reporters. "No matter what difficulties we encounter, he always gives people a sense of calm and rxation, while also influencing the yers."
"The current atmosphere of the team being so harmonious isrgely thanks to the coach."
Chapter 666: Power Struggle
Chapter 666: Power Struggle
Just like the previous match, Simeone''s team''s starting lineup remained unchanged, indicating his intention to continue with a tactical approach of confrontation and aggression.
Except for Isco recing the injured Alonso, the rest of the Real Madrid lineup consisted of absolute mainstays, as they sought victory at the Bernabu.
The pace of the game was fast from the beginning, with both sides fiercely contesting in the midfield, constantly exchanging possession.
Wang Feng received a direct pass from Modric at the edge of the penalty area. Before the Atletico defense could react, he turned and took a shot. Courtois, with his height and long arms, and intense focus, leaped to palm the ball out for a corner.
The Gcticos thus earned a corner kick. After a brief discussion, they decided to try one of their usual tactics. Modric and Di Mara positioned themselves at the corner g area.
With the referee''s whistle, the Croatian midfielder directly passed to the Argentine winger, who then dribbled inside, attracting defensive attention before delivering a diagonal pass near the penalty area.
At this moment, the Chinese superstar suddenly burst out from the crowd, leaping at the far post and heading the ball into the visitors''.
Tactical corner kick sess! Less than 3 minutes into the game, Real Madrid led 1-0!
The entire Bernabu erupted with excitement, while on the sidelines, Simeone rushed towards the linesman, angrily shouting, "This is an offside! Wang was offside! Damn it, why didn''t you raise the g?"
"Please calm down, Mr. Simeone. I saw it very clearly. When Di Mara made the pass, Wang was half a body length behind Juanfran."
Slow motion reys clearly confirmed this, and Simeone, although aware of it, continued to protest, as it was his style and tactic to put more pressure on the referees and make them subconsciously reluctant to whistle at the home ground.
The game continued with both sides fiercely contesting. Diego Costa entered the penalty area and fell under Ramos'' defense. The referee didn''t see it as a foul, leading to protests from Turan and others, resulting in shoving and ultimately a yellow card.
Real Madrid organized their attack. Modric yed a diagonal pass to Wang Feng on the wing, who then dribbled forward. Nearby, Godn rushed in with a sliding tackle, managing to hook the Chinese superstar''s leg before poking the ball out for a throw-in, although the referee only awarded a throw-in.
Garca then tackled Pepe with a flying challenge, even knocking Isco down. During the subsequent free-kick, Godn directly bear-hugged Marcelo, sparking another confrontation between the two sides.
The stands were in an uproar, as the Bernabu fans had never seen such a brutal team. Every time Atletico gained possession, they were met with deafening boos.
In the 28th minute, Turan advanced with the ball, attracting the attention of three defenders. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a through pass to Koke, who was unmarked.
Ramos, caught out of position, rushed to block, but Koke still managed to shoot just as Casis'' fingertips, sending the ball over him and into the top corner, equalizing for the visitors!
As the first half injury time approached, Koke''s breakthrough was intercepted by sessive defenses. Unable to move forward, he passed back to Gabi, who then had a sudden idea to shoot directly.
The ball soared from 35 meters out, threading through the gap in the defense, and finally into the top right corner of the goal.
Atletico Madrid took the lead just before the start of the second half, dealing a significant blow to Real Madrid, who entered the dressing room with heavy hearts and sore bodies.
But when they saw the calm faces of Ancelotti and Wang Feng, their anxiety gradually subsided. The sky wasn''t falling!
As the second half began, Ancelotti reced the experienced Khedira with the young Casemiro, intending to strengthen the attacking force, while the fiery confrontations between the two sides continued unabated.
In the 66th minute, Di Mara dribbled down the wing at full speed, only to be brought down by a sliding tackle from Filipe Luis, who also took down the Argentine.
The Argentine winger, frustrated, got up from the ground and yelled at Filipe Luis, naturally sparking a response from Atletico. Miranda and Filipe Luis quickly surrounded Di Mara and exchanged words.
Pepe rushed over and got physical with Miranda, almosting to blows, prompting the referee to intervene and separate the two teams, eventually showing yellow cards to both Pepe and Miranda.
"Tsk tsk, this season''s Madrid derby is unusually fiery. Every foul makes people''s hearts skip a beat, as if a fight will break out next."
"Yes, we can see both captains pulling their yers away. However, under violent conflicts, there are no winners. Football is a sport, not a brawl."
"Simeone has injected this Atletico team with a ferocious spirit, but it seems to have brought many not-so-pleasant things as well."
As time passed, the Gcticos remained behind, and the disrupted rhythm of the game made home fans very anxious, but their cheers never stopped.
Because they always believed in that man, "Diwangros!"
In the 84th minute, Marcelo intercepted and passed to Modric, who then distributed the ball to the withdrawing Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar dribbled forward from the left nk, bypassing the midfield line. He first encountered Gabi''s malicious tackle, flicking the ball with his left foot to change direction and elerating to avoid the opponent''s feet.
Facing Filipe Luis rushing diagonally to block, Wang Feng suddenly decelerated, causing the defender to miss and pass by him. Then, he glided past him from behind. Filipe Luis couldn''t turn around in time to intercept and could only trail behind him.
At the edge of the penalty area, Miranda also attempted to intercept with a stretch of his leg, but this time the Chinese superstar flicked the ball with his right foot to change direction again. Miranda, who missed both the ball and the man, lost his bnce and fell to the ground.
Seizing this opportunity, Wang Feng dribbled into the penalty area, with Filipe Luis closely following, ready to block at any moment. However, as the Chinese superstar approached the goal line, he used his right foot to strike with an arcing motion, resembling a pass or a shot.
The ball curved past the Atletico defenders and goalkeeper Courtois, hitting the inside of the post before bouncing into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The goal is in! It''s Wang! It''s him! He helped Real Madrid equalize! "
"His figure is like a nimble fish, slipping through the iron-blooded defense of Atletico, and the opponents can''t catch him."
"It''s amazing! Simr to his positioning in thest match against Schalke 04, the entire process almost had no confrontation with defensive yers."
"Remember, Atletico''s defense is not as loose as German teams. They tried several rough interceptions, even fouls, but they didn''t even touch the Chinese superstar''s jersey."
"And he started from midfield, dribbling past three defenders in a row, rushing nearly sixty meters before scoring, a difficulty level that is obviously iparable to the previous one."
"The shot from a narrow angle, resembling a pass or a shot, demonstrates profound basic skills. Wang''s control over the ball reaches an unparalleled level. If the trajectory were a little more inside, the goalkeeper would have caught it; a little more outside, it would have hit the post."
With the Chinese superstar scoring twice, the Madrid derby ended in a 2-2 draw. Although it was regrettable not to win, the Gcticos still remained at the top of the table.
Chapter 667: Missed Opportunity to Catch Up
Chapter 667: Missed Opportunity to Catch Up
"This was a very rough game; Atletico''s style of y was too violent," said Real Madrid''s coach Ancelotti without hesitation, using "rough" and "violent" to describe the Bed Sheets Legion in the post-match press conference.
"We yed very difficultly; from start to finish, the team was constantly trying not to be influenced by the opponent''s actions, attempting to change the game and bring it back on track."
"Although we didn''t achieve the expected results, at least Real Madrid stuck to their own football, and all the yers performed very well."
"Now we are the leading side, so getting one point is more advantageous for us."
Regarding Wang Feng''s equalizing goal, the Italian couldn''t help but praise endlessly: "This goal can be called the pinnacle of art, right? He''s like a dancer pirouetting in the mud, untouched as he moves."
Substituting Khedira, Ancelotti deployed the 22-year-old Casemiro to take on the midfield responsibilities, stating that with Atletico''s fric pressing, the Germans were already very tired, and the young Brazilian had more energy.
"I''m very worried about Sami''s old injury; he was knocked down by the opponents several times. At midfield, he told me he couldn''t run anymore, so at that moment, I reced him."
"Carlos is a smart kid; he has always performed well, whether in training oring off the bench. So, I trust him to handle the defensive tasks."
"Moreover, Atletico expended a lot of energy with their sustained high pressing, and the new yers could have a better effect against them."
Regarding the Italian''s "rough" usations, Simeone was quite disdainful. He stated that the Bed Sheets Legion had the advantage in the game, and if it weren''t for the referee''s biased decisions and Wang Feng''s extraordinary goal, they would have taken victory at the Bernabeu.
Even now, the Argentine still harbored grievances about not getting a penalty in the first half. "Ramos definitely fouled; Diego fell in the penalty area, but the main referee turned a blind eye and even warned me not to shout."
Speaking of the Chinese superstar''s equalizing goal, Simeone readily admitted it was very impressive. Such a breakthrough relying entirely on individual ability left little for defense to do.
Both Real Madrid and Atletico ended up with a draw, each taking one point, which was good news for Barcelona fans. They finally had a chance to catch up.
But reality is often cruel. In the 26th round of La Liga held a dayter, Barcelona faced Real Sociedad. Despite initially leading by one goal, the Catn team was scored against three times in a row, eventually losing 1-3.
The failure to catch up was disappointing, and it widened the gap with the leading group even further. Countless criticisms poured in, all pointing fingers at the head coach, Martino.
What was most criticized was his lineup selection. The Daily Sports Report bluntly stated that Barcelona had already mitted suicide" before the match. While rotating yers after a recent Champions League game was understandable, Martino made it iprehensible by benching five key yers such as Alves, Mascherano, Xavi, Neymar, and Suarez.
Meanwhile, Alex Song yed as a defensive midfielder, with Busquets and Iniesta ying as wide midfielders, all of them in unfamiliar positions.
This move allowed Real Sociedad to find vulnerabilities immediately,pletely cutting off Barcelona''s midfield and leading them to make continuous mistakes, resulting in aprehensive defeat.
Moreover, during the game, Martino vividly demonstrated what it meant to lose both the game and respect for others. He directed all his anger towards Real Sociedad''s assistant coach, resulting in the main referee showing him a red card and expelling him.
This wasn''t the first time a Barcelona coach had been sent off. Whether it was Rijkaard or Guardi, they had shed with referees and been expelled multiple times. Even Vnova had experienced additional suspensions for confrontations.
But they all shed with referees, which fans could understand. However, now, a prominent head coach was involved in a conflict with the opposing assistant coach, instantly making him unpopr.
Faced with the barrage of criticism from the media, Martino admitted his mistakes at the press conference, saying that misjudging the situation before the game led to the defeat.
"Rotation is indeed important, but it''s obvious that it only looks good when it works. Otherwise, it''s a serious mistake."
As for the conflict with the opponent, he didn''t want to exin too much, only saying that he epted all the referee''s decisions and that he paid the price for losing his temper.
In terms of the championship race, the Argentine coach admitted that the hope was slim, but they would still persevere in the uing matches, and the Champions League was also a target they could fight for this season.
Messi refused any interviews after the game, but Iniesta expressed that the yers were all very ufortable throughout the game, and losing such a great opportunity to catch up was very regrettable.
One wave subsided, and another rose. Upon returning to Barcelona, rumors spread that Martino hadpletely lost the trust and support of the yers, and his departure was imminent. Bartomeu''s first major task upon taking office was to find a new head coach.
The Argentine coach wanted to prove that Barcelona could win ying physical, aggressive football, departing from the possession-based style, and emphasizing depth in attack rather than ball control.
But more than one yer questioned his decisions. An unnamed insider revealed that Martino''s rotations were mostly not because of the weekly double matches, but because he wanted to experiment with two defensive midfielders early on, leading to heated arguments with Alex Song.
This tactical shiftpletely overturned the possession-based style of y, using physicality instead of technique, and emphasizing vertical attacking rather than ball control.
"He wanted to reform, establish his own authoritypletely, andpletely get rid of what Guardi left behind, but he messed it up."
Originally, the club wanted to give Martino more time to establish his system, but after losing to Real Sociedad, most of the upper management expressed iprehension and unforgiveness.
The questioning voices in the locker room were even louder; almost everyone no longer had any directmunication with the head coach. The Argentine coach showed no intention of actively resolving the situation but chose to evade it, letting his assistants manage everything.
On March 9th, in the 27th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Levante at home.
Unlike Barcelona, Ancelotti had more confidence and reason in rotation. Varane, Coentrao, and Irramendi entered the starting lineup.
In the 11th minute, the home team broke the deadlock first. Wang Feng dribbled past defenders on the wing, then passed to Bale, who back-heeled a cross into the middle, where Isco poked it in.
In the second half, Di Mara forcefully crossed from the wing, and the Chinese superstar received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, sending a shot looping over the goalkeeper into the far corner.
In the 60th minute, Wang Feng was substituted, and in the 81st minute, the Gcticos sealed the victory. Marcelo surged into the vicinity of the penalty area and then chipped a ball into the box.
Under pressure from Levante''s defenders, Cveras nervously lifted his leg, resulting in an own goal, helping Real Madrid secure the victorypletely.
The final score was 3-0.
Chapter 668: Can鈥檛 Afford to Lose Face
Chapter 668: Can''t Afford to Lose Face
In March, during the international break, as teams around the world were intensively preparing for the World Cup, China served as a practice opponent. However, Wang Feng was not called up for these matches; he usually didn''t participate in friendly matches.
At this time, he was leisurely ying with his son in the courtyard. The little one skillfully stopped the ball his father passed to him, wobbled to the small goal, and with great effort kicked it out, only to fall to the ground due to exerting too much force.
Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes, but neither his parents nor even his grandmother, who usually woulde to him upon hearing his cries, came over. "Xiaoxin, be a good boy. You''re a boy, you need to learn to be strong and stand up by yourself!"
The three-year-old boy obviously didn''t fully understand his father''s encouragement, but he understood that crying wouldn''t solve anything. After a while of dy, he finally managed to stand up with his small hands on the ground and ran to his father with the ball he kicked off course.
"So obedient!" Wang Feng praised as he lifted his son, while his mother, feeling a bit sorry, said, "Ah Feng, Xiaoxin is still so young. Are you being too strict with him?"
"Mom, what''s this? Have you forgotten when I was ying in the fields as a child, fell and got a big cut on my hand with blood flowing everywhere? It didn''t affect me much, did it? Boys need to be tough and not spoiled too much."
His mother nodded, still feeling sorry for her grandson, as she rubbed his little hand.
In terms of parenting views, Wang Feng and his wife generally agreed, but sometimes she would be more lenient, so they yed the roles of a strict father and a kind mother in the family.
"If Xiaoxin enters the professional football field, do you think there''s a chance for you two to y together?" Lu Yao smiled.
Wang Feng was taken aback for a moment. "It''s unlikely. Even if he debuts at 16 like I did back then, I would already be 44 by that time. There''s no way I would still be ying football."
"Well, I recently saw the news about Rivaldopeting on the same stage with his son, and it was quite a sensation. I thought you might also want to achieve this feat."
The Chinese superstar shrugged. "That''s because he''s still young. He had a child in his early twenties. Besides, I dedicated almost all of my time to football in the first half of my life. In the second half, I want to enjoy life."
In fact, there are countless examples in the history of modern football of sons following in their fathers'' footsteps, and father-sonpetitions are not umon. For example, Gudjohnsen once represented d alongside his father in the national team, and they even yed in the same game.
This time, the 41-year-old Rivaldo appeared for Mogi Mirim in the Sao Paulo State League, while his 18-year-old eldest son, Rivaldinho, also appeared in the starting lineup.
As a legend of Barcelona and AC Mn, the Brazilian star spent hister years ying for various clubs such as Olympiacos, AEK Athens, Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan, and Kabuscorp of Ang.
Regarding such career nning, Wang Feng had reservations. If it were him, he would never wander around aimlessly. When he couldn''t y anymore, he would retire. If he really enjoyed it, he could return to his hometown team to y asionally.
The family yed together, and it became livelier when their daughter returned home from school.
Lu Yao suddenly remembered something and asked, "Feng Ge, are you really not going to the World Cup final in Brazil? The relevant person in charge has called several times."
"No, I can''t afford to lose face. Let them find someone else. They dug their own pit; let them fill it themselves." Wang Feng said firmly.
At this point, his status and prestige were enough to say no to anyone, and he was also at odds with the Association. Although almost all of the previous staff had been reced, the mistakes made in the past still had to be borne. They could only rack their brains to think of other solutions.
The lineup of each country for the World Cup always causes countless controversies, with experts and media giving evaluations and predictions. Perhaps the most anticipated team is Spain.
The British Daily Mailpiled a list of those who didn''t make it into the Spanish national team, and it was enough to assemble a luxurious lineup worth 166 million, envy-inducing indeed.
For example, Manchester United''s De Gea and Mata, Real Madrid''s Isco, Chelsea''s Torres, Atletico Madrid''s Vi, and many others, all influential stars in football, but Bosque resolutely kept them out.
"Any yer in this rejected lineup could stand firm in the Premier League. If they were to face Ennd, the Three Lions would definitely not have an easy time, which shows the strength of Spain."
Another title contender, Argentina, was also not calm. After the team was held to a 0-0 draw by Romania, the once-taboo name was mentioned again. Tevez, many media outlets called for his return to the national team.
Former Argentina captain Ay publicly eximed, "He has the ability to join the national team. We all regret it for him. Coach Saveljic should seriously consider it."
In fact, everything boils down to the irreconcble conflict between him and Messi. To maintain Messi''s authority, Tevez had to be sacrificed.
Not only did the head coach turn a blind eye to him, but now all the yers in the team also avoided this issue, refusing interviews one after another.
Tevez vented his grievances in an interview with The Horn newspaper, criticizing the monopoly of the "Messi faction" within the Argentine team. "I don''t think I have a chance to y in the World Cup anymore."
"Whether it''s at Manchester City or Juventus, my performance is there for all to see. Even in the absence of important yers like Aguero, Saveljic still didn''t call me up."
"Even if I score 130 goals, even if I be the best yer, I still won''t get the chance to wear the national team jersey. You know who''s responsible for this."
"He''s too domineering. He always behaves politely in front of the public, but he has a different face in private."
Tevez was full of grievances, and there were many supporters for him within Argentina. People called him the "people''s yer." However, for the higher-ups, making Messifortable was the top priority.
Returning to the league, in the 28th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Mga away.
The main yers who had just returned from the national team were somewhat out of shape, and both sides were deadlocked after the start of the match.
In the 28th minute, Bale received a diagonal pass from Isco on the wing and made a powerful run, surpassing Ferreira with a curveball cross into the penalty area.
Wang Feng, positioned near the front post, saw the ball flying towards him, but with two nearby defenders closing in, he had no time to control the ball.
So, the Chinese superstar leaped into the air, leaned backward, and lifted his left foot high to strike the ball with the back of his foot C a bicycle kick!
"Boom!" A fiery meteor flew straight into the near corner of the goal, and Mga goalkeeper Caballero made a flying save, but the ball still slipped under his arm and into the. 1-0!
This stunning bicycle kick goal became the only goal of the game, allowing the Gcticos to win 1-0 against Mga.
The directpetitors in the league, Atletico Madrid, also won 1-0 against Espanyol in this round, and thepetition between the two teams remained intense.
Chapter 669: Revenge Match, Passionate Showdown
Chapter 669: Revenge Match, Passionate Showdown
On March 18th, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Real Madrid weed Schalke 04 at home.
Due to their significant victory in the first leg, the Gcticos had no pressure in this match. Ancelotti sent out arge number of rotation yers, including Morata, Jes, and Nacho, with eight Spanish yers starting.
It''s worth noting that thest time they had more than seven Spanish starters in the Champions League was back in 2002 in the group stage against Genk. In the knockout stage, it dates back even further to 1996 against Juventus.
Just three minutes into the game, Jes was knocked down by K?inac while attacking. He held his leg in great pain, and Wang Feng immediately went over to check on him. "Jes, where does it hurt? How do you feel? Can you keep going?"
The young Spanish yer gritted his teeth and said, "I feel a sharp pain in my right knee." Wang Feng''s heart sank, and he quickly called for the team doctor. After a brief assessment, they decided that Jes needed immediate medical attention.
As a result, Ancelotti had to rece Jes with Bale, which equaled Real Madrid''s earliest substitution record in the Champions League.
As Jes was being carried off on a stretcher, he felt both pain and fear, while Wang Fengforted him from the side. "Don''t worry, focus on treatment. You''re still young, and you''ll be back on the field soon!"
Hearing the captain''s firm words, he gained some courage for some reason. Perhaps it was because the Chinese superstar brought a strong sense of security to everyone.
This incident did not affect the home team''s morale too much. In the 21st minute, Casemirounched a long pass from midfield to find Morata at the edge of the penalty area. Morata chested the ball and pushed it to Bale, who was making a run on the wing.
The Welsh star quickly crossed the ball, and Wang Feng, near the goalpost, made a close-range volley into the. 1-0!
Eleven minutester, Schalke 04unched a full-scale attack, while Real Madrid''s forwards retreated deep. Bale intercepted the ball in the backcourt and immediately started a counterattack.
His speed was remarkable, and only the Chinese superstar and two defenders from the away team managed to keep up. It became a two-on-two situation in the front.
Facing the block, Bale calmly made a diagonal pass, and Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past the defenders with ease, elerated into the penalty area, and scored one-on-one against the goalkeeper!
The goalkeeper chose to rush out, but the Chinese superstar calmly chipped the ball over his outstretched hand into the. 2-0!
With a brace from Wang Feng, the first half ended with a dominant performance. In the second half, after Bale intercepted the ball in the opponent''s half, Morata''s angled shot from the corner of the small penalty area hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the.
Irramendi quickly rushed forward to control the ball and passed it back to Morata, whose shot finally broke through Schalke 04''s defense.
3-0! Real Madrid secured aprehensive victory at home, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 10-1 aggregate score.
This was another massive victory for the Gcticos after their 8-1 win against Barcelona. However, they failed to break the record for thergest margin of victory in the history of the Champions League knockout stage.
As soon as the game ended, Wang Feng found the team doctor to inquire about Jes''s condition. He learned that Jes needed treatment and would require about two months to recover, with a chance to make it to the World Cup if lucky.
"Not too bad. Just focus on recovering. Leave the rest to us," the Chinese superstarforted Jes at his bedside, and Jes nodded.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, also from La Liga, advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals sessively. This season, the eight Champions League spots were divided among Spain, Germany, France, and Ennd, without any upsets from smaller leagues. Serie A remained in a state of decline.
In addition to the top three La Liga teams, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund from the Bundesliga, Manchester United and Manchester City from the Premier League, and Paris Saint-Germain from Ligue 1 also advanced.
Later, the UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw was held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzend. Real Madrid once again encountered Borussia Dortmund, a formidable opponent fromst season, when Wang Feng struggled to advance with a 4-5 aggregate score.
Regarding the draw result, Ancelotti said, "Dortmund is undoubtedly an excellent team. The atmosphere at their home stadium left a deep impression on me."
"Their defensive organization is orderly, and their counterattacks are exceptionally sharp. The Yellow and cks'' football is simple yet efficient. To win, we need courage and technical prowess."
The official statement from Real Madrid on the matchup also acknowledged the favorable draw, with the head of the public rtions department, ttergno, stating that the club''s luck was good. "We faced them four timesst year, so we have a deep understanding of Dortmund."
"So the team can be well prepared. Everyone''s form is excellent this year, and we believe we can ovee them again and strive for another consecutive championship!"
Facing Real Madrid fired up the entire Borussia Dortmund team. Lewandowski updated on his social media tform: "Revenge! Destroy the Gcticos, onward!"
Reus said in an interview, "They are indeed a great team, but to lift the Champions League trophy, we must tear down greatness. We were just a step awayst year, and this year, we will make up for that regret."
Compared to the confident Dortmund yers, the outside world was very pessimistic about them. Spanish media generally believed that Dortmund would find it difficult to reach the heights ofst season.
Marcamented, "Borussia Dortmund is no longer the Bundesliga monster." The team lost their organizational core, G?tze,st summer, and with Subotic, Kehl, and Schmelzer all injured, it was very disadvantageous for the Yellow and cks.
What''s more important is that Lewandowski is suspended due to umted yellow cards and will miss the first leg against Real Madrid.
Klopp''s strongest weapon is the spirit of attack. They are a team with great depth and boldness, posing a significant threat on counterattacks. With space and speed, they can cause high damage to opponents.
The key to all this lies in the Polish striker. Last year, he scored four goals to push Real Madrid to the brink, and his recement, Aubameyang, does not have the same ability.
ABC believed that Borussia Dortmund would not pose as much threat to Real Madrid as they didst season. Injuries have gued them, and G?tze''s departure was a fatal blow.
"Perhaps most people only see Lewandowski''s dominance in the frontcourt but fail to understand G?tze''s contribution. It can be said that his understanding and organization of the attack created the Dortmund youth storm."
"This is also why, after losing the German midfielder, the Yellow and cks lost theirpetitiveness in the Bundesliga and withdrew from the title race early."
Furthermore, Borussia Dortmund would find it difficult to catch Real Madrid off guard as they didst season. Ancelotti would devise better tactics based on their past encounters.
"Of course, Real Madrid''s weaknesses arepletely exposed in Klopp''s eyes, but they have Wang, the superstar, to fill in the gaps, something Dortmundcks internally."
The other quarter-final matchups were equally passionate. Barcelona would face Manchester City in a strong showdown, with the "two beauties" meeting again on the Champions League stage. Countless media and fans were eagerly awaiting the final result.
From the history of their encounters, Ronaldo and Messi had traded victories. But this match had a deeper significance. Both sides wanted to win their first Ballon d''Or trophy of their careers and be the new kings of the world football scene after Wang Feng.
So besides the World Cup stage, Champions League matches were equally crucial.
Bayern Munich would y against Manchester United, while Paris Saint-Germain would face Atletico Madrid.
Chapter 670: Battle for Honor
Chapter 670: Battle for Honor
As the dust settled on the UEFA Champions League quarter-final matchups, the Spanish Football Association decided to adjust the timing of the Copa del Rey final because both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were highly likely to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, April 19th, the domestic cup final was moved up to Wednesday, April 17th, considering that the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals would take ce on the 22nd and 23rd, allowing approximately a week of rest.
Meanwhile, both teams'' 34th round league matches for that week would be rescheduled to May 7th. In summary, everything was geared towards achieving better results in the Champions League.
Currently, Real Madrid had no interest in considering these matters. They were about to face the El Clsico in the 29th round of La Liga, hosting Barcelona at home.
Although winning this match didn''t hold significant title implications for the Catns, the more they needed victory to justify themselves to the fans and club executives.
ording to media reports, newly appointed Barcelona president Bartomeu had issued a stern order to head coach Martino: they must win the game!
Different from Laporta or Rosell''s hidden agendas, Bartomeu showed a more assertive stance. Since taking charge of the club, he had acted decisively on many fronts, including the overhaul of the youth academy and the nning of transfers.
In response, the recently retired AC Mn legend and former Barcelona coach Rijkaard expressed sympathy, "Sitting in the Barcelona hot seat right now feels like dancing on a knife''s edge. I understand Gerardo''s feelings very well."
The Dutchman achieved many sesses as a yer and led the Nethends to the semifinals during his coaching debut, showing great vigor.
Taking over Barcelona brought him to the peak of his coaching career. He won La Liga titles in 2004 and 2005, and in 2006, he even reached the Champions League final, only to meet Inter Mn led by Wang Feng.
Since then, the Chinese superstar became his lifelong nightmare, almost single-handedly destroying Barcelona''s "Dream Team," and Rijkaard''s coaching career came to an end.
Afterward, he bounced around Gtasaray and the Saudi national team, both of which he was fired from due to poor performance, never matching his earlier miraculous achievements.
At his retirement press conference, Rijkaard admitted that he had once harbored resentment towards Wang Feng andined about his unfair fate, but now he had let go.
"Wang''s greatness surpasses everything. Even as opponents and losers, we can still make our mark in history. Looking at it this way, my coaching career wasn''t in vain."
The Barcelona contingent, staying in a hotel near the Bernabu, had mixed feelings. The noisy distractions from home fans seemed to be a thing of the past.
The quiet environment didn''t calm their minds but instead felt like silent mockery, ridiculing their inability to defeat their arch-rivals without resorting to off-field tactics.
The yers tossed and turned, while the coaching staff held overnight discussions on tactical arrangements, debating whether to stick to their possession-based style or adopt a more direct approach. Martino found it difficult to decide; he knew the abyss was right in front of him, and one misstep could be irreparable.
"We can''t afford to y slow possession football anymore!"ined the assistant coach. "The outside world always thinks we''ve abandoned tradition andpletely transformed Barcelona, but have they ever considered that Xavi and Iniesta are aging, and their form is declining day by day?"
The Argentine coach closed his eyes in pain. "No, they haven''t. They''re consciously ignoring the fact that Barcelona is in decline. And the Spain national team, built on this foundation, still maintains a strong stance, with the glory of winning the European Championship still lingering."
"Perhaps everyone will only realize it after this year''s World Cup. I''m certain Spain won''t go far!"
Martino knew that change was imperative, but the biggest problem was Messi''s difort with long passes, direct attacks, and sprints. He preferred the slow buildup and pration.
After discussing for a long time withouting up with a good solution, Martino decided to ce the Argentine superstar in his mostfortable central position, with Surez and Neymar acting as wingers.
This setup not only increased Messi''s space to operate but also strengthened the team''s wing pration and offensive firepower, serving as a transitional tactic between possession and depth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the highly anticipated El Clsico is unfolding at the Bernabu. Real Madrid has defeated Barcelona twice this season, iming the Spanish Super Cup and the top spot in the league."
"If they win this match again, they will achieve a clean sweep for the season,pletely overshadowing their arch-rivals. This is something Barcelona fans absolutely do not want to see, so we can expect an exciting and intense match."
"After the start of the match, the away team quickly controlled possession, as if they had returned to the era ofplete dominance, while the home team intensified their pressing."
"Real Madrid''s tactical strategy is not just to sit back and defend, but rather, it appears more proactive. They engage in partial pressing in the midfield and forward areas, aiming to restrict the opponent by reducing their space."
"This puts the Barcelona yers'' ball handling and passing abilities to the test. Oh? Look at this attack!"
Mascherano passes from the back to Busquets, who, under pressure from Iguain and Wang Feng, urately delivers the ball to Iniesta, the Spanish midfielder flicks the ball with his heel to Neymar, who''s making a run down the nk.
The Brazilian forward, inbination with Messi, breaks through to the edge of the penalty area, then chips the ball to the back post, where Surez, following up, leaps and heads the ball into the top left corner.
"Goal! Just seven minutes into the game, the Uruguayan forward opens the scoring for Barcelona!"
"A brilliant passingbination and pration. In the end, Neymar finds Surez, who heads the ball home from close range with speed and precision. Casis can only make a desperate save attempt but fails to stop the ball from entering the!"
"Starting from the back, the away team has threatened multiple times with their passing, which is a hidden danger brought about by Real Madrid''s aggressive pressing tactics. Intercepting prating passes bes much more difficult."
"Surez''s awareness and physicality in the box are excellent, firmly holding off Ramos and heading the ball perfectly into the."
"After scoring, the Uruguayan forward quickly runs towards the stands, roaring at the Bernabu fans. Although he hasn''t been with the Catn club for long, he keenly feels the immense pressure brought by Real Madrid."
"His actions naturally provoke the home fans'' dissatisfaction, with many responding with boos, and many others chanting Wang Feng''s name."
"Conceding a goal this early may have caught the fans off guard, but over the years, they''ve be quite patient. The yers won''t give up until the final moment, so they have no reason to lose heart so early."
Therefore, Surez''s attempt to dete the home team''s spirits didn''t seed; instead, it further ignited their indomitable will, with cheers and encouragement bing even more intense.
The Bernabu will never surrender!
Chapter 671: Back and Forth
Chapter 671: Back and Forth
"Don''t panic, keep up our rhythm!" Ancelotti shouted loudly to the yers while the opponents celebrated their goal.
Wang Feng also wandered among his teammates,forting and encouraging them. Having experienced countless life-and-death tests in majorpetitions, most of them felt disappointed at conceding an early goal but wouldn''t panic.
With the game restarted, the Gcticos continued to exert pressure on Barcelona, showing no signs of backing down despite being behind.
Their tactics proved effective as they quickly created two chances in session. One interception by Bale in midfield led to a direct pass, Iguan''s shot was blocked by Alves in the penalty area, and then saved by Ter Stegen.
Another opportunity saw Di Mara dribble past several defenders into the left side of the box, passing to Wang Feng, who shot from 12 meters out, but his attempt went wide under pressure from the defenders.
However, as Real Madrid intensified their interceptions, Barcelona''s pration efficiency also decreased. Attempts by Xavi and Iniesta to find Messi with through balls were unsessful.
In the 20th minute, Modric intercepted the ball in midfield, then found Wang Feng with a direct pass. The Chinese star dribbled past Busquets and entered the edge of the box.
Facing Mascherano''s interception, the Chinese superstar quickly passed to Di Mara on the right side, who had more space. The Argentine cut inside into the box, facing Alves one-on-one.
He feigned to shoot with his left foot to create space, then cut back inside as the Brazilian defender moved to block, before delivering a back-heel pass.
At this moment, Wang Feng made a diagonal run from the right rib of the penalty area, entered the left side of the small box, evaded Piqu''s challenge, and shot while falling to the ground, pushing it into the visitors''. 1-1, the Gcticos equalized!
Just three minutester, Bale''s breakthrough on the wing was disrupted by Alba''s sliding tackle, resulting in a throw-in for Real Madrid.
Isco went outside the field to pick up the ball, raised it high, then threw it into the vicinity of the penalty area with force. The Welsh star outjumped the Barcelona defenders and headed the ball back to Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar controlled the ball with his chest, intending to unload and dribble again. However, he noticed Ter Stegen''s position too close to the near post, leaving a gap at the back.
So, he volleyed with his right foot, a shot that flew swiftly and deceptively, curving in a peculiar C-shaped arc in the air.
Initially heading towards the near post, the ball curved farther away, and by the time Ter Stegen realized something was wrong and desperately shifted and dived to save, it was toote.
The ball passed over his fingertips, grazed the right post, and entered the. "Gooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid takes the lead just three minutes after equalizing! 2-1!"
"It''s an astonishing volley from Wang Feng at 25 meters. Nobody expected him to shoot from that position directly; it''s incredibly imaginative!"
"Moments ago, the Chinese superstar scored with a diving header to equalize for the Gcticos. Now, he''s scored again with a rapid brace. His form is red-hot!"
"The teamwork from the home team was impable. Isco''s quick throw caught Barcelona off guard, Bale''s aerial duel and assist were perfectly timed."
"Of course, the most crucial part was Wang Feng''s attacking instinct. He decisively executed a back-heel volley with perfect power and angle."
"From the result, Barcelona''s goalkeeper Ter Stegen''s positioning was questionable. But in fact, any goalkeeper in that situation tends to lean towards the side of the ball, rather than protecting the far post."
After Real Madrid took the lead, the game''s pace soared, and both teams'' yers fully unleashed their abilities, with frequent and rapid transitions between midfield battles and attacks.
Barcelona nned their attacks, with Iniesta dribbling through the middle and finding opportunities for through balls, allowing Messi to break free from Pepe''s marking and make a run into the box.
Ramos immediately chased to provide support defense. Faced with the Argentine, who was about to shoot, the Spanish defender slid in and cleanly cleared the ball before Messi could get a shot off.
Frustrated, Messi pped the turf as he wished he had shot earlier or attempted to dribble past the sliding tackle of the Spanish defender. Such a great opportunity had been wasted by himself.
Scenes like this continued to unfold, with both sides creating chances back and forth. The atmosphere at the Bernabu was filled with continuous exmations from the fans, who dared not blink, fearing they might miss crucial moments.
As the game approached halftime, in the 42nd minute, Messi acted as a pivot in the center, receiving a pass from Xavi and passing it to Neymar on the wing. Neymar passed it back immediately, and Messi yed a one-two with the Brazilian forward, helping him break free from the defense.
At the same time, Messi positioned himself in the box, awaiting a pass. Neymar understood his intentions perfectly and delivered a low cross to the near post, where Messi struck the ball directly into the far corner.
The ball was swift and cunning, evading the legs of Ramos and Marcelo, and although Casis stretched out his arm to save, it was not enough. The ball grazed the far post and went into the. 2-2! Barcelona equalized again!
Three minutester, in injury time, the away team pushed forward once more. Iniesta lofted the ball into the box, where Pepe and Neymar contested for a header. They collided and fell to the ground simultaneously, but the referee made no call.
The ball flew to the edge of the box due to their collision, where Modric controlled it and quickly passed it to Wang Feng to organize a counterattack.
The Chinese superstar dribbled forcefully into the opposition half, then made a diagonal pass to Bale, who had more space. Bale received the ball, slowed down to approach Alba, then suddenly elerated towards the goal line, using a change of pace to create space before crossing into the box.
Mascherano cleared the ball ahead of Wang Feng, but when it reached the edge of therge penalty area, the arriving Higuan controlled it and continued his run towards the wing, bypassing Piqu before passing it again.
Bale cut inside towards the penalty area, drawing the attention of the Barcelona defenders, making everyone think he intended to threaten the goal directly. However, he surprised everyone by backheeling the ball behind him.
Marcelo, who had advanced unnoticed, was perfectly positioned. With no defenders around him, the Brazilian defender assessed the situation in the box, then calmly adjusted his posture and delivered a cross.
The ball found Wang Feng, who was positioned near the small penalty area. This time, Mascherano had no chance to disrupt him. Wang Feng rose high, his knee even making contact with the Argentine defender''s head.
He fiercely used his forehead to smash the ball downwards, and it passed under Ter Stegen''s outstretched arm, into Barcelona''s! "The ball''s in! Oh my God, another goal!"
"Just when we thought the first half would end in a draw, Real Madrid takes the lead again!"
"Wang Fengpletes a hat-trick in just 45 minutes! It''s him again, scoring with an unbelievable diving header to breach Barcelona''s defense!"
"A header, a volley, and now this, his shooting is simply sensational!"
"The entire Bernabu is chanting their hero''s name; the Chinese superstar has not disappointed the fans!"
Chapter 672: Sweeping Away
Chapter 672: Sweeping Away
Can Barcelona really not win against Real Madrid? This question weighed like a mountain on the minds of all Barcelona yers. Sometimes, they wished they were just an ordinary mid-table team so they wouldn''t have so much pressure.
But they weren''t, and they never would be, the face of Catalonia. Countless fans, media, and club executives expected so much from them at this moment, and the burden was heavy.
Perhaps many yearster, when people look back, they will somewhat painfully say that this period was the darkest time for Barcelona. But who could understand the pain more than these people experiencing it firsthand?
The atmosphere in the Barcelona locker room was silent. Everyone was silently digesting feelings of powerlessness and frustration.
In contrast, the atmosphere in the Real Madrid locker room was lively. Everyone excitedly discussed the three magical goals in the first half and various attacking situations.
Ancelotti pped his hands to attract the yers'' attention. "Guys, you did well in the first half, but there are still areas we need to pay attention to, especially in defense."
"When defending in our area and pressing high, we must remain calm. We can''t afford to be reckless and give the opponents opportunities to prate, especially you, Sergio. You let them break through a few times, didn''t you?"
Ramos stuck out his tongue somewhat embarrassedly. He was extremely talented, but whenever the opponent provocatively dribbled, he couldn''t help but rush in, which often led to mistakes.
"Although we''re ahead in score, the advantage is not clear. In the second half, everyone still needs to be highly focused and seize the opportunity to counterattack while stabilizing the situation."
Captain Wang Feng also stepped forward to encourage his teammates. "Brothers, let''s crush the opponents in one go and leave the victory at the Bernabu!"
"Alright!" Everyone raised their arms and shouted in unison.
As the yers'' energy gradually diminished, the second half started with intense scenes tending to stabilize. Barcelona still controlled the majority of possession, and Real Madrid did not continue their pressing strategy.
However, this only reduced the pressure on the away team''s midfield, without lowering the difficulty of prating their defense.
The Gcticos yed with great patience, slowly brewing danger in their deliberate build-up.
In the 65th minute, Isco intercepted a pass from Xavi in midfield and initiated a counterattack. Dribbling forward with the ball, he saw Barcelona quickly organizing their defense, so he made a long pass to the other side.
Modric received the ball but failed to break through, so he passed it back to Carvajal. The Spanish defender controlled the ball and observed the situation in the forward field before making a diagonal pass to the front for Di Mara.
The Argentine elerated along the sideline, managing to control the ball before Alves and attempting to feint inside but was unable to deceive the Brazilian defender this time.
Seeing the situation not favorable, Wang Feng quickly approached to support his teammate. After receiving the pass, he attracted the defense and then flicked the ball with his toe towards the goal line, where Di Mara, in perfect coordination with the Chinese superstar, didn''t miss the chance and got the ball to make a cross.
Iguain jumped up in the penalty area, heading the ball towards the goal, which was blocked by Ter Stegen and hit the post before bouncing back into y,nding conveniently next to Wang Feng, who was waiting for an opportunity in the penalty area.
How could he miss such a good chance! So, the Chinese superstar lifted his right leg and swept the ball directly into Barcelona''s goal.
4-2! A fantastic four goals!
This was Wang Feng''s first poker this season!
He ran excitedly to the sidelines to celebrate with the home fans, listening to everyone''s cheers and praises. Then, other teammates rushed over and tackled him to the ground.
The crazy performance, but the frenzy of the Chinese superstar wasn''t over yet!
In the 82nd minute, Barcelona''s attack on the wing failed, and they handed the ball over to Marcelo. He immediately passed it to Varane, who then directly passed it to Isco.
The Spanish midfielder received the ball with his back to the goal, and Busquets immediately pressed over, trying to tackle him. Isco didn''t engage in a physical battle with him but protected the ball and retreated.
Seeing Marcelo advancing to support him, Isco made ateral pass, and the Brazilian full-back, without hesitation, passed it forward to Modric, who was running forward while giving the ball back to Isco.
In this continuous passing and movement, they stretched Barcelona''s defense, and Isco passed to Wang Feng near the center line.
The Chinese superstar quickly advanced into the forward field, passing to Bale on the wing when the time was right. He used his speed to surpass Alba and delivered a backward pass to the bottom corner of the penalty spot.
Wang Feng caught up and struck with his right foot, sending the ball rolling into the bottom left corner of the goal in a thunderous manner, with Ter Stegen''s attempt to save bing a background disy once again.
"The ball''s in! Gooooooooooooooooal! The game is beyond suspense!"
"Real Madrid extends the score to 5-2! Wang Feng scores five goals alone!"
"His performance is too crazy, too unexpected! It seems that whenever facing Barcelona, the Chinese superstar can always maintain a high level of excitement and technical level. No wonder some people call him the nemesis of Barcelona!"
On the sidelines, Ancelotti excitedly waved his arms, while Martino sat back on his seat, everything was over. His lifeline now only relied on the Champions League.
It can be foreseen that if they fail to win the championship, the moment the team is eliminated will be the moment he is dismissed.
Wang Feng single-handedly tore down Barcelona, ??and the Gcticos swept all the Catn teams this season!
This result quickly spread throughout Spain and even across Europe. Fans all knew that Barcelona had encountered many problems this season and even gradually withdrew from the race for the league championship, but they didn''t expect them to lose so thoroughly.
"Wang Feng is still the formidable Wang Feng, but Barcelona is no longer the struggling Barcelona!"
ording to the post-match ratings by Spanish national television, Wang Feng received a perfect score of 10 points for Real Madrid, while Modric and Di Mara also scored high with 9 points each. Bale and Isco got 8 points, and the lowest-rated starting yer still got 7 points.
For Barcelona, Surez got the highest 7 points, although Messi also scored a goal, he didn''t contribute much throughout the game, only receiving 5 points, while Neymar and Mascherano were rated 4 points.
The worst yer was Alves, who only got 1 point. He was almost unable to defend against any of the Gcticos'' attacks, and the concession of the five goals was more or less directly rted to him.
Marca believes that after two defeats and one draw against Barcelona, Real Madrid''s defense of the title has be more determined. As long as they don''t encounter other mishaps and take every subsequent league game seriously, they will be able toughst and lift the league championship trophy once again!
AS''s attitude is also optimistic, stating that the dynasty dominating La Liga will continue, and the Gcticos will wee their eighth consecutive championship trophy.
The Spanish newspaper focuses on Wang Feng, who scored five goals alone, "His league goal tally has reached 41, undoubtedly winning the La Liga Golden Boot, and the European Golden Boot is also within his grasp."
After reiming the title of top scorer after a year, the Chinese superstar seemed to announce to defenders all over the world that the only one who could stop him was himself!
Chapter 673: Moving Forward Courageously
Chapter 673: Moving Forward Courageously
The heat of the derby had not yet dissipated when, on March 26th, Real Madrid faced another challenge in the 30th round of La Liga, away against Sevi.
ying two matches in a week inevitably caused fatigue among the yers, yet they couldn''t afford to rx because Simeone''s team had just defeated Real Betis 2-0 in the previous round and clinched a 1-0 victory over Granada in this round.
The home team scored first. In the 19th minute, former Gctico Reyes sent a direct pass into the penalty area, where Ba fired a shot from 10 meters out, piercing Casis'' hands and finding the back of the.
Four minutester, the Chinese superstar dribbled through the middle, evading the defense and entering the penalty area. Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, he unselfishly passed the ball across, and Iguain, following up, tapped it into the empty to equalize.
Then, in the 39th minute, Wang Feng attempted to break through again. This time, Sevi defender Carri?o pulled him down in the penalty area, giving the away team a free kick opportunity just outside the arc.
The Chinese superstar personally took the free kick, and the ball curled around the wall into the top right corner of the goal, putting Real Madrid ahead again!
However, in the 76th minute of the second half, Rakitic lofted the ball into the penalty area, where Ba volleyed it from close range. The shot deflected off Ramos'' thigh, wrong-footing Casis, who could only watch as the ball rolled into the. 2-2!
If they only managed to get one point, they would be surpassed by Atletico Madrid, losing their lead. This couldn''t go on!
Gritting his teeth, Wang Feng continued to sprint on the field with his heavy body. After all, he was considered a veteran yer now, and his physical energy was almost depleted, relying entirely on sheer willpower.
As the clock reached 90 minutes, Modric sent a lofted pass from midfield. Wang Feng, positioned at the edge of the penalty area, flicked the ball with his right foot as it descended, sending it over the defender''s head.
Immediately, he followed up with a left-footed volley, piercing through Beto''s outstretched fingers.
3-2! After scoring, the Chinese superstar wanted to run to the sidelines to celebrate, but his calf suddenly started cramping, and he fell to the ground in pain.
Cramps! This was the first time he experienced cramps on the field!
Teammates rushed over to check on him, helping to stretch his legs, and head coach Ancelotti used thest substitution to rece him.
"Take a rest! Go to the dressing room early, the physiotherapist is waiting for you there," the Italian said with concern on his face.
Wang Feng nodded and, supported by the assistant coach, limped into the yer tunnel. The home fans on both sides were moved by his spirit of perseverance, offering praise and apuse.
Three dayster, on March 29th, in the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid returned to home turf to face Rayo Vallecano, while Atletico Madrid had to challenge Athletic Bilbao.
With Diego Costa scoring twice in a superhuman performance, the Rojincos staged aeback to win 2-1 away against the Basque team.
Pressure once again descended on the Gcticos, but this time their opponents were rtively weaker. Determined to give Wang Feng ample rest, Ancelotti decided to put him on the bench.
Fortunately, other yers performed well. Casemiro opened the scoring, followed by goals from Irramendi and Morata, securing a 3-0 victory.
After another three days of rest, on April 2nd, the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals began, with Real Madrid traveling to Signal Iduna Park to challenge Borussia Dortmund.
The Gcticosunched a fierce attack from the start, aiming to take the lead as early as possible for a favorable oue.
In their first attack of the match, Ramos sent a long pass forward to the wing. Di Mara quickly surged forward, using his body to shield the ball from Hummels, then passed it back to Modric.
The Croatian midfielder''s role in linking the front and back lines became increasingly prominent, and his work in connecting ys was excellent. No one mentioned the "flop" argument anymore; instead, it was widely believed that Real Madrid had found a gem.
Modric took the ball and made ateral move, seemingly seeking a long-range shot opportunity. After fully drawing Dortmund''s defensive attention, he suddenly turned and sent a through ball.
Hidden among the defensive yers, Wang Feng quickly started a run, breaking out of the 4-man encirclement and reaching the ball first in the penalty area. Before the goalkeeper could reach him, he shot into the far corner.
Conceding so quickly caused a slight panic within the Yellow and ck Hos. With several key yers unable to y, the yers seemed a bitcking in confidence.
The Gcticos continued to pressure the home team. In the 24th minute, Piszczek''s clearance from the backcourt failed to generate enough power, and Isco pounced on the loose ball.
He then passed it to Modric, who in turn gave it to the Chinese superstar. Wang Feng, at the edge of the penalty area, took a shot with his right foot, piercing Weidenfeller''s outstretched fingers again.
Entering the second half with a two-goal lead, the mentality of Real Madrid yers became particrly rxed. In the 64th minute, Wang Feng withdrew to receive the ball and then made a clever pass into the penalty area.
Iguain picked it up as it dropped, chipping it over the onrushing goalkeeper and into the.
Although Aubameyang helped Dortmund pull one back, substitute Nacho scored with a brilliant long shot.
4-1! Achieving such a big away win, it could be said that Real Madrid was almost certain to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
Looking at the situation of the quarterfinals, it was highly likely that the Gcticos would once again face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, who won the first leg 2-1 against Manchester United.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich had be frequent rivals in the Champions League semi-finals in recent years, and they even met in the finalst year, with Bayern always ending up on the losing side.
After Guardi took over the team this season, they still maintained strongpetitiveness, not only dominating the Bundesliga but also performing well in the Champions League.
However, facing Real Madrid made everyone uneasy. The defeated underdogs Bayern and the defeated underdog Guardithe team''s failure buff was simply stacked to the max.
On the other side, Manchester United found themselves in an endless abyss. They were currently only seventh in the league, making it difficult to secure a spot in Europeanpetition next season. If they were to be eliminated from the Champions League as well, coach Moyes might not be able to continue in his position.
One couldn''t help but wonder if the Englishman regretted letting Ronaldo go. The Portuguese star might not be a savior, but at least he wouldn''t let the team suffer like this.
And Ronaldo must be extremely grateful to have left the Red Devils. In Manchester City, he was not only about to win the league title, but the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Barcelona ended in a 1-1 draw.
And that was at the Camp Nou!
Although neither he nor Messi were the protagonists of the match, the Sky Blues getting an away goal at the Camp Nou meant that they could potentially eliminate their opponents when they returned home, making a historic entry into the Champions League semi-finals!
"Manchester City has invested heavily for so many years, and it seems they are finally about to reap the rewards!" Ramos eximed in amazement.
Modric also felt emotional. When he came out of Tottenham, the Sky Blues had just begun to rise after receiving investment. "If that''s the case, should we prefer to face Atletico or Manchester City in the final?"
With Atletico defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 on the other side, they were also contenders for a ce in the Champions League semi-finals. It was highly likely that they would face Manchester City to determine the finalists.
Marcelo, Isco, Bale, and others all said in unison, "Manchester City!"
"Atletico is too dirty. After ying against them twice, I feel sore all over my body,"ined the Brazilian defender.
"Just thinking about ying against them in the Copa del Rey final gives me the creeps. What kind of grudge can make the team meet these devils four times in a single season?"
Chapter 674: Bans and Controversies
Chapter 674: Bans and Controversies
After drawing with Manchester City and conceding an away goal, Barcelona encountered another headache. FIFA announced through its official website that they were imposing a ban on the club from trading yers,sting for 14 months, which equated to two transfer windows.
Over the past year, FIFA''s Transfer Matching System (TMS) conducted a detailed review and found serious irregrities in Barcelona''s signing of youth yers and transfer operations.
Since 2009, FIFA had passed new resolutions to protect the healthy development of underage yers nurtured by smaller clubs, aiming to prevent big clubs from endlessly poaching promising talents and then wasting them.
This transfer ban was undoubtedly a further blow to the Catn club. Although it didn''t affect already concluded signing agreements and the return of loaned yers, they still urgently needed to overhaul their squad and bring in reinforcements to change their trophy-less situation.
Barcelona''s newly appointed president, Bartomeu, was particrly anxious. He was preparing to reorganize the team''s midfield and defense, especially with Puyol''s departure and Alves struggling with his duties.
Now, facing this punishment, one could easily foresee the defensive vulnerabilities in the next season. If they were to be pressed down again by Real Madrid in the confrontation, this interim leader might notst long.
So, he quickly announced through official channels that they would appeal the ban and even hinted at resorting to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the final arbitration.
"Barcelona is gathering relevant materials, and we will do everything possible to avoid its enforcement."
In recent years, teams like Chelsea and Nantes had faced simr penalties. To avoid punishment, Barcelona would need to provide concrete and reliable evidence.
Of course, as the summer transfer window drew closer, Barcelona could also involve CAS to dy the process. The advantage of this approach was that it could dy the implementation of the ban as much as possible, without affecting the acquisition of new signings in the summer.
The disadvantages were obvious; FIFA would surely see this as a defiance of authority, leading to even more rigorous scrutiny and punishment.
Spanish media also revealed that Barcelona''s defense documents mentioned that they were not the only team in La Liga engaged in such practices. Several clubs, including Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, had simr irregrities.
El Pais reported that initially, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) did not agree to let those illegally registered young yers y. However, they eventually yielded to pressure from officials in the Catalonia region and gave them the green light.
This was also why Real Madrid was implicated in this punishment. They were fined ?410,000.
Officials from the Madrid region and other regions followed suit and submitted applications. Currently, FIFA had sent personnel to investigate and gather evidence from all La Liga teams.
This transfer ban punishment would directly affect the team''s strength, so Wang Feng paid close attention to it. With connections within the club, he specifically inquired about the specifics from familiar high-level officials.
"We''ll be much better off than Barcelona." B??ldano exined over the phone, "I won''t hide it from you, the club did engage in some irregr operations, but the time frame and number of people involved were far fewer than Barcelona''s."
"This time, FIFA mainly wants to set an example, and coupled with the fact that the Spanish Football Federation leans more towards UEFA than FIFA, they just happened to be targeted. Catalonia ispletely running into the line of fire."
Hearing this, the Chinese superstar breathed a sigh of relief. These twists and turns were also why he didn''t want to get involved in any management positions. As long as Real Madrid wasn''t affected, that was all that mattered.
On April 5th, in the 32nd round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Real Sociedad away.
The game immediately fell into the rhythm of the Gcticos. In the 11th minute, after elerating on the wing, Bale sent a cross, and Iguain shot fiercely from the left side of the penalty area.
The ball was barely saved by the home team''s goalkeeper, Bravo, but Irramendi, who was quick to react, slid in and shot into the.
Ten minutester, a back pass from Real Sociedad was intercepted, and with Bravo forced to dribble under pressure from Iguain, he hurriedly cleared the ball. However, the clearancecked power and was intercepted by Wang Feng, who was more than 30 meters away from the goal line.
At this moment, the goalkeeper was far from his goal, unable to return in time. So, the Chinese superstar didn''t hesitate to shoot directly.
Bravo was shocked and jumped to save it, but it was futile. He could only watch as the ball went into the. 2-0!
In the 39th minute, after Di Maria''s attempt to break through on the wing failed, he passed to Modric, who then sent a lofted pass into the box. Ramos nodded the ball to Pepe, who followed up with a shot from 10 meters away.
Another 3-0 at halftime!
In the 47th minute of the second half, Wang Feng broke up an opponent''s attack with a tackle during a defensive run, but the opponent''s studs identally cut his calf, causing blood to flow.
All the fans in the stadium and the viewers watching at home were extremely worried. The broadcast cameras specifically focused on the Chinese superstar''s injury, showing his white sock almostpletely stained red.
Coach Ancelotti immediately made a substitution to rece Wang Feng. This unfortunate incident didn''t affect the established result. In the 78th minute, Morata scored a goal, and the final score was fixed at 4-0.
Although the injury was not serious after simple treatment, the Italian still decided to rest Wang Feng for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals three dayster. He wanted topete as a substitute, but his request was rejected.
"You should rest properly. We need you to perform in more important matches," advised Zidane. With his strong recovery ability over the years, Wang Feng had rarely missed games due to minor injuries, making him the yer with the highest average attendance rate in the team in a single season.
However, as he grew older, both the medical team and the coaching staff felt that they could no longer rely on him as recklessly as before. When it was time to rest, they had to resolutely rest.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona also won their matches in this round, but the Catn team once again sparked controversy and discussion. The only goal they scored was from a penalty kick.
That was in the 72nd minute when Neymar used his hand to control the ball in the penalty area after receiving a pass from Xavi. The referee did not make a call initially, but then the Brazilian forward''s shot hit the arm of the Real Sociedad defender L??pez.
At this point, the referee blew the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.
Later, Messi converted it, helping them defeat their city rivals 1-0.
Many Spanish media outlets mockingly called Barcelona the "penalty team," using one penalty after another to maintain their victories and cover up their continuous weaknesses.
Marca sharply pointed out that Neymar intentionally handled the ball first, "as long as you''re not blind, you can see it," and then his shot hit the arm of the defender, L??pez. Whether Real Sociedad benefited from this was still controversial, but two consecutive controversial incidents led to Barcelona''s victory.
AS sarcasticallymented, "Barcelona needs Messi''s penalties to survive. It''s penalties that keep them in the top three of the league table, so they don''t fall too far behind the Madrid teams."
Some even pointed out that Barcelona hadmitted obvious fouls in their own penalty area. When Real Sociedad counterattacked, Javier L??pez was pushed down by Alves in the penalty area, but referee G??mez surprisingly awarded a goal kick to the Catn team.
American actor Hugh Laurie, star of the TV series "House," criticized Barcelona on social media: "I don''t understand how they manage to break their legs every time they touch the ball. Honestly, these guys are like ceramics, they break at the slightest touch."
Chapter 675: Disappointment of the Giants
Chapter 675: Disappointment of the Giants
Heavy rain poured down in Madrid, sending shivers down the spines of all Bernabeu fans as they incredulously watched the bright red numbers on the electronic disy screen: 0-2, Real Madrid nearly defeated at home by Borussia Dortmund.
If it weren''t for their significant victory in the first leg, they might have truly been halted here. But now, with an aggregate score of 4-3 over two legs, the Gcticos narrowly defeated the Yellow and ck Hos to advance to the semifinals.
Ancelotti and Zidane stood motionless on the sidelines, letting the rain soak their entire bodies. They couldn''t understand how their team could lose the game so easily.
Except for Morata recing Wang Feng, Varane recing Pepe, and Coentrao recing Marcelo, the rest of Real Madrid''s main lineup was nearly all present. Although the rain hindered the yers'' performance, the conditions were the same for both sides.
Both coaches felt that their yers had already disyed their own abilities to arge extent. However, they found themselves at a disadvantage against a fully-fit Dortmund lineup, with yers returning from suspension and injury.
The home team got the first chance of the game. In the first half, Coentrao''s cross from the left was blocked by Piszczek''s right elbow as he jumped, prompting Slovenian referee Skomina to award a penalty.
Di Maria stepped up for the left-footed shot, but his direction was read by Dortmund goalkeeper Weidenfeller, who blocked it.
The side that squandered chances would inevitably suffer a blow. In the 24th minute, Friedrich kicked a long ball from the back, sending it over 60 meters into Real Madrid''s half.
Varane won the initial header back to the goalkeeper, but Reus ghosted in like a phantom to flick the ball away with his left foot ahead of Casis, then calmly rounded him and slotted the ball into the empty.
The second goal for the visitors came in the 51st minute. Reus intercepted the ball in midfield and broke forward,ying it off to Lewandowski on the left, who fired a low shot from a tight angle 10 meters from the goal, hitting the far post.
The ball rebounded into y, and Reus, quick to react, slotted home the rebound from close range toplete his brace.
Although they didn''t achieve a miraculouseback in the end, Klopp was still very satisfied with his yers'' performance. To be able to dominate the Gcticos at the Bernabeu was still a remarkable feat.
As he shook hands with Ancelotti after the game, he joked, "Actually, there''s not that much difference between us, is there? Gotta say, Wang is truly unstoppable!"
The Italian coach felt his face burning at these words. They not only hinted that Dortmund''s overall level was not much different from Real Madrid''s but also subtly expressed that his coaching level was not much different from Klopp''s.
Without Wang, how could you breeze through to be the globally renowned best coach? When Ancelotti took charge of the Gcticos, they had already won five consecutive league and Champions League titles. After that, he continued the team''s glory, winning two more league and Champions League trophies, and now they were aiming for another defense.
If sessful, perhaps he should retire gracefully? Now, the Italian finally understood a bit of what Schuster and Benitez felt.
He was still young and wanted to take on more challenging roles. Thinking that even the Real Madrid upper echelons were sparing no effort to groom Zidane beside him, Ancelotti couldn''t help but have thoughts of passing the torch.
The coach''s face was gloomy, while in the luxurious box seats, Florentino''s expression was grim. "How did we y like this? Comcency, or something else?"
Baldano sighed. He understood it very well and knew that Perez understood it too. "This is the real level of the team without Wang Feng, and it''s a fact we must face in the near future."
"Maybe everyone has been spoiled by the Chinese superstar, thinking that we''ll definitely win important matches with him. But the fact proves that he''s irreceable. Without him, we lose this miracle."
"Neither Bale, Ronaldo, nor even Messi can match his impact."
Florentino rubbed his temples. "I know, I''ve always understood, but the closer we get to parting ways, the more anxious I be."
"Speaking of which, Wang is really slippery. He chose to leave after leaving behind a legend. No matter how many years have passed, people at the Bernabeu will only continue to mythologize him."
"Can Gareth really bear the weight of the team?" the Real Madrid president asked unwillingly. Baldano nodded, "Judging from the past season, I don''t think so."
"Injuries are one aspect, and the other is spiritual inspiration. Bale can''t win over the team, and he hasn''t fully integrated into the collective. If it weren''t for Wang always guiding him, I''m afraid he would still be isted in the dressing room."
"Let alone being a role model for young yers. I even wonder if the Welshman can recognize all the first-team members. In any case, his personality is not suitable for being the club''s leader."
"If that''s the case, we must consider new candidates. Perhaps what he said about mercenaries isn''t wrong." Florentino muttered to himself almost inaudibly.
Real Madrid fans were disheartened in the rain, and a dayter, Barcelona fans plunged into the abyss. Their supported team was defeated 0-1 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with a two-legged score of 1-2. The Sky Blues created a miracle, reaching the Champions League semifinals for the first time in history!
Amidst the cheers of the entire stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo raised his arms in triumph. At this moment, he was the hero of the stadium, while Lionel Messi, leaving the field dejectedly, had tears glistening under the lights.
Martino didn''t wait for the club''s response and immediately announced his resignation as Barcelona head coach at the press conference, admitting his responsibility for the club''s empty-handed season.
"I failed to control the locker room and failed to unite everyone into one entity. Coaching Barcelona has been a memorable experience but also a profound lesson."
He became the fifth Barcelona head coach to be sacked in recent years, following in the footsteps of Rijkaard, Guardi, Vnova, and Luis Enrique. This position really was like a hot potato.
The Barcelona hierarchyter agreed to the Argentine coach''s resignation and would be led by the assistant coach until the end of the season.
Although he had left, his notoriety lingered, and many media outlets pinned the main responsibility for the defeat on Martino, criticizing his tactics throughout the match.
In the crucial match against Manchester City, Messi was once again pushed to the sidelines, away from the goal, with Suarez acting as the center forward. Everything seemed perfect, with the visitors enjoying almost 70% possession, but they alwayscked the killer blow.
Throughout the game, the Argentine superstar only had four shots, with one on target, but they conceded a staggering nine shots. He waspletely lost in an unfamiliar environment.
To be honest, this couldn''t all be med on Martino. Messi''s frequent injuries and poor form this season were facts. He couldn''t integrate well into the coach''s tactical system and the cooperation with his teammates, bing a hindrance instead.
Apart from the much-discussed saving himself for the World Cup, there was another little-known reason: Messi had abandoned strict dietary control and became unhealthy.
Since the time of Guardi, Messi had been required by the head coach to strictly diet, eat less beef and pizza, avoid carbonated drinks, and eat more fish, vegetables, and fruits.
This was one of the important reasons for his robust physique and rare injuries. Later, both Vnova and Luis Enrique continued this requirement. No matter how difficult it was, they never gave up monitoring Messi.
But with the arrival of hispatriot Martino, whether it was negligence orck of specialized study, he surprisingly did not force Messi to control his diet. This delighted the Argentine star; he could now enjoy all the pleasant foods like beef, barbecue, and c.
The direct result of this was muscle degradation, and muscle injuries were not far behind.
Chapter 676: Massive Fan Base
Chapter 676: Massive Fan Base
The situation of the Champions League quarterfinals was already very clear. Real Madrid would face their old friends, Bayern Munich, while Atletico Madrid would meet Manchester City in a narrow path.
Since Wang Feng joined the Gcticos, they have met five times in the knockout stages of the Champions League in nearly eight years, including once in the Round of 16, twice in the semifinals, and once in the final. This time, they meet again in the semifinals.
So, not only are the two sides very familiar with each other, but they also have deep grudges to resolve, especially since the current head coach of the Bundesliga powerhouse is Guardi, whoseplex rtionship with Real Madrid adds to the intrigue.
He brought advanced football concepts to Barcelona, ??turning the team into a powerhouse that surpassed almost all other giants, but unfortunately encountered the even more monstrous Gcticos, not only being suppressed but also failing to win a single league or Champions League title.
Guardi was once tortured and vilified, but since his departure, people have realized that the Catn team still needs to continue his system. The reform has been getting worse, and being the runner-up in La Liga was their peak.
It''s not that they didn''t work hard, but the enemy was too strong!
Therefore, Spanish coaches are also praised by many professionals, but they still cannot enter the ranks of the world''s top coaches without championships. Everything is like floating duckweed.
"It''s time to return the pain of the past to the other side. We can defeat the opponent and climb to the top of Europe!" The Spanish coach said confidently in an interview.
All Bayern yers and fans were equally eager. They had been away from this European pinnacle for too long, so long that they almost forgot they were still a powerhouse with a rich heritage.
To cheer for their supported team, Bayern fans specially made supporting jerseys as their battle armor for the expedition to the Bernabeu. The overall color was Bayern''s traditional red, with the Bayern emblem and slogans printed on them.
This time, the team heading to Spain probably had around five thousand people. This was already the most away tickets they could get. ording to UEFA regtions, the away team must be allocated at least 5% of the stadium capacity, and Real Madrid just met this number.
Compared to the showdown between the Gcticos and the Purple Forbidden Peak of the Southern King, both the Bed Sheet Army and the Blue Moon can be considered dark horses. One has reached the semifinals for the first time in forty years, and the other has reached the semifinals for the first time in club history.
Regardless of the oue, the legend of the dark horses will be continued, and there is even a possibility of a dark horse triumph. Therefore, this showdown is equally full of excitement.
UEFA was ecstatic. The Champions League''s influence and attention were increasing day by day,pletely different from the gradual decline caused by monopolizing the championship in the past.
In the end, it''s because of the massive fan base. As long as the Chinese superstar is galloping on the field, there are nearly a billion guaranteed viewers, not to mention many spectators who are just curious.
With Wang Feng''s increasing appeal in the cross-border field, more and more people who didn''t pay much attention to football started to take notice. They couldn''t just watch Chinese superstar matches all the time. Even if they just nced at other matches, they would be a fresh audience.
So UEFA was in no hurry to suppress Real Madrid and Wang Feng fiercely. In the end, their biggest pursuit was profit. Now, not only did they not suffer any losses, but their influence and revenue were increasing day by day. Why bother to exhaust themselves and incur losses without gaining anything? They might even end up with the fate of "scandals" and prison.
To be honest, Wang Feng''s background has given him a stage to fully disy his talents, allowing him to achieve countless achievements and stand firm as a strong backing. Many Europeans hate him teeth-gnashingly, but they have to vote for him when ites to selecting the best.
If he were a yer from a small country like Norway or Senegal, or even traditional powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, Spain, or Germany, he would not be able to achieve such dazzling results.
It''s easy to deal with yers from small countriesdiscard them after one use, and only allow them to shine momentarily. Their supporters can''t stir up any waves at all. As for yers from powerhouse countries, it doesn''t matter either. They can set up other typical sparring partners. With fewer supporters in their own country''s base, they will also be diverted by other stars. In this way, monopolization is impossible.
But Wang Feng is different. He almost gathers all the capital and support from his country, and if you want to make money from us, you must respect our hero. Coupled with his explosive strength and data, all the seemingly incredible achievements can be exined.
On April 12th, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Almeria at home.
Due to the uing Spanish King''s Cup final a few dayster, head coach Ancelotti made partial rotations to the main lineup. Normally, at this time, Wang Feng would lead the charge, but this time the Italian put him on the bench.
"Resting adequately is one aspect. The other aspect is that I want to test the strength of this lineup. The opponent is rtively weak, and we can remedy any situation that arises." Ancelotti exined frankly to the Chinese superstar.
Wang Feng nodded understandingly. He agreed that from the coaching perspective, it is necessary to hone the young yers more. After all, they are the backbone of Real Madrid''s future.
If he were leading the team, the opposing team would probably copse directly under one wave of attack, and victory could be easily achieved without much effort.
But the Chinese superstar also expressed his hope to have some time on the field to warm up and regain hispetitive state. "Of course, no matter what, I will send you on in the 60th minute of the second half."
Once the game started, the home team yers were eager to show their strength. If they couldn''t beat Borussia Dortmund, they couldn''t even beat Almeria?
In the 17th minute, Nacho sent a long pass from the back, Casemiro controlled the ball and directly passed it to Di Maria in the penalty area on the right side, who then shot into the far corner to open the scoring for the Gcticos.
Just 6 minutester, Casemiro and Morata yed a one-two pass to break through the defense again, then passed it to the rapidly advancing Bale, who fiercely shot and scored another goal.
In the 54th minute of the second half, Isco took a corner kick, and Varane headed the ball powerfully against the defenders, once again piercing through Almeria''s defense, making it 3-0!
A crushing victory!
Both Ancelotti and Zidane watched very attentively. At present, this lineup still surpasses most teams in La Liga. Only Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, and other few strong opponents pose a threat. Even in the European football world, they are among the best.
However, relying solely on this lineup is not enough to win crucial matches or obtain seven consecutive league and Champions League titles. Overall, the Gcticos have always been apetitive team, but the one who makes them unparalleled in the world is Wang Feng!
That''s the true power of the Football God!
Everyone knows that he is irreceable. Once he leaves Real Madrid, they will inevitably fall from the altar, and the efforts of Florentino and others are just trying to make the fall more dignified.
"Zinedine, this may be your job. Find a new core and let the teamnd smoothly." Ancelotti said with a heavy heart, and Zidane rubbed his bald head with a frown, feeling the difficulty.
As agreed before the match, Wang Feng came on in the second half to find his form. He actively moved around and created several good opportunities effortlessly.
In the 74th minute, after receiving a pass from Morata, the Chinese superstar dribbled past the defense into the penalty area and then took a shot directly, helping the home team prate Almeria''s goal for the fourth time.
This goal was Wang Feng''s 45th goal of the season in La Liga, firmly wrapping the La Liga and European Golden Boot in his arms.
The final result of the match was 4-0, maintained until the end of the game.
Chapter 677: Where to Pass!
Chapter 677: Where to Pass!
The lights at the Mesta Stadium in Valencia were brightly lit, and the stands, which can amodate 55,000 people, were packed at the moment. A rough scan revealed two distinct groups of people wearing white jerseys and red-and-white striped jerseys.
Between the two, the organizers arranged arge-scale security force to prevent potential conflicts. As the game progressed, the situation on the field became increasingly tense, and the verbal battles between the fans never ceased.
Many loyal fans of the Bed Sheet Army showed relieved smiles. They believed that the rivalry between them and Real Madrid should be so intense. In recent years, the team''s performance has declined, and many people no longer have the heart to confront supporters of their city rivals.
But this season is different. Atletico Madrid not only tightly bit the Gctic Battleship in the league but also directly faced off in the King''s Cup final. Even in the Champions League, they did not fall behind. It was time to settle old scores and new grudges!
Simeone deployed a 4-4-2 formation, with goalkeeper Ok.
The four defenders were Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, and Felipe.
The midfield was filled by Raul Garcia, Thiago, Gabi, and Koke.
Upfront, Vi and Diego Costa led the attack.
It can be said that the Argentine coach can basically y with big names, and this lineup has undergone numerous tests on both the league and Champions League stages.
On the other hand, Ancelotti deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Casis.
The four defenders were Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, and Carvajal.
The midfield consisted of Modric, Isco, and Casemiro.
The front three were Wang Feng, Higuain, and Bale.
The Italian coach ced Di Maria on the bench and started Casemiro instead, which showed great courage. It was also because the Brazilian midfielder had left a good impression on him in the recent matches.
Compared to the attacking firepower but slightlycking defense of the Argentine winger, the Brazilian youngster was obviously more bnced. He could drop back to y as a defensive midfielder and also participate in organizing the attack in the frontcourt.
Ancelotti found that Casemiro''s presence would allow Modric and Isco to focus on team coordination and provide protection for Ramos and Pepe behind them, achieving a bnce between offense and defense.
Apart from hisck of experience, he was very reliable! It was only natural to bring him on to seek stability.
At the start of the game, Atletico Madrid, as always, adopted a high-pressure and aggressive confrontation tactic. Just 3 minutes into the game, Gabi received the first yellow card for a tackle on Modric.
"Bandits, thugs, send him off!" Many Gctic Battleship fans were infuriated, but the Bed Sheet Army fans retaliated without showing weakness: "This was not a foul at all, biased referee, damn it, kick him to death, don''t let the opponent yfortably!"
In the 19th minute, Modric intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it to Isco, who then made a nted pass to Wang Feng. The Chinese superstar received the ball and, after a series of wall passes, broke through to the edge of the penalty area.
Juanfran immediately came to intercept, but Wang Feng seized the opportunity to make a clever nutmeg, easily bypassing him and entering the danger zone from 12 meters out. He then calmly shot into the far corner, making it 1-0!
Real Madrid maintained their lead until the end of the first half. At the start of the second half, Simeone immediately made adjustments to the lineup, recing Raul Garcia with Jose Sosa.
He was a technically gifted attacking midfielder whose coverage could reach the entire field, indicating the coach''s desire to strengthen the attacking signal.
In the 61st minute, Atletico''s adjustment paid off. Sosa roamed to the left,bined with Vi to break through to the bottom, then cut inside as if threatening to shoot directly at the goal, drawing the attention of the defense before making a back pass, and Diego Costa followed up with a shot.
1-1! The Bed Sheet Army equalized!
After this, both sides became more cautious, solidifying their defense while quietly seeking opportunities. The midfield became the main battlefield for the struggle.
As time passed, the big screen at the stadium showed that it was already the 88th minute, and both coaches began to consider the specific arrangements for extra time or even a penalty shootout.
At this moment, Atletico Madridunched a counterattack after a steal in midfield. A series of quick direct passes reached Diego Costa at the edge of the penalty area. He pushed Ramos aside and sent a clever long shot.
All the Real Madrid fans in the stands stared intently at the opponent''s attack, breathing a sigh of relief only when Casis flew to save the ball and firmly controlled it under him. Unknowingly, sweat soaked their backs.
Quickly throwing the ball out, Marcelo received it and sprinted forward along the sideline. Seeing two defensive yersing to block him, he forcefully made a long pass, shifting the ball to Isco near the other side.
The focus of Atletico''s defense momentarily shifted, leaving arge space in front of them. Facing the vast open space ahead, the Spanish youngster dribbled forward with the ball.
Wang Feng had already started sprinting forward when Casis blocked the opponent''s shot. Seeing Isco with the ball, he continued his run while signaling to him with a gesturepass it there!
At this moment, Isco happened to look up and saw this scene. Although he couldn''t understand why Wang Feng was gesturing to the middle when he was clearly marked by Felipe on the right, wouldn''t a pass in that direction be intercepted by the defense?
But out of absolute trust in the Chinese superstar, he didn''t hesitate and immediately sent a nted pass to behind the defensive line.
The Spanish youngster only observed that Wang Feng was positioned in the middle, but he didn''t realize that he was being marked by Felipe on the right and Miranda on the left. If he had made a direct pass at that moment, the two defensive yers would have immediately closed in, making it difficult to break through.
However, if he had made a nted pass to the right, although it seemed that Wang Feng was trailing behind the defense by a few steps, in fact, Felipe wouldn''t dare to leave him too far, and almost all his attention was focused on him, allowing him to elerate and reach the ball first!
The moment Isco sent the diagonal pass, Wang Feng immediately changed his route and movedterally. In an instant, he surpassed Felipe and arrived near the ball, leaving the Atletico defender shocked and helpless. He was too fast! He hadn''t even reacted before the opponent had passed him.
He couldn''t let the Chinese superstar dribble into the penalty area! Felipe decisively threw himself into a sliding tackle, but Wang Feng was already prepared. Instead of controlling the ball immediately, he bypassed it and then adjusted his body to face the goal direction.
This saved him the steps of stopping the ball, adjusting sideways, and then advancing forward. Due to the inertia, the ball kept rolling forward, creating a time gap that caused Felipe''s sliding tackle to miss, while he easily jumped to avoid it.
After that, everything became much simpler. Wang Feng caught up with the ball, entered the penalty area alone, faced the oing Ok, and calmly shot into the far corner. Despite being tall and strong, the Belgian goalkeeper was powerless to stop it as the ball grazed the far post and entered the.
"Gooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng!"
"In the 88th minute, Real Madrid opened up Atletico''s defense with a quick counterattack, Isco made an unstoppable diagonal pass, and the Chinese superstar scored one-on-one!"
"The score on the field has be 2-1, and Wang Feng once again bes the man who delivers a fatal blow to the enemy in the final moments!"
After scoring, the Chinese superstar rushed to the stands, raising his hands high towards the Gctic Battleship fans, signaling them to celebrate with him. This gesture naturally elicited a warm response from everyone.
Soon, his teammates also rushed over, surrounding him and Isco. "God, Wang, you''re too daring! Only you can pull off such a cunning shot at the far corner," Ramos eximed in admiration. "And Isco, your diagonal pass was exquisite. I believe it won''t be long before you be a midfield master!"
The Spanish youngster touched the back of his head somewhat embarrassedly. He only made such a pass under Wang Feng''s guidance and hadn''t figured out why yet. It seemed he would have to watch the video after the match to learn.
Chapter 678: This is Just the Beginning
Chapter 678: This is Just the Beginning
"You can always trust Wang!" When the Chinese superstar scored a golden goal just before the end of regr time, Ancelotti raised his arms in wild celebration and excitedly shouted to Zidane beside him.
The Frenchman was equally thrilled. Among all the yers he had encountered, Wang was the most special one, always responding to the coach and teammates'' expectations, delivering the best results.
However, based on his understanding of Simeone and Atletico Madrid, the Italian believed they wouldn''t give up easily. So, while everyone was celebrating, he cautioned not to be careless and to maintain the lead until the end.
As expected, when the game resumed, the Argentine immediately made the final substitution, recing Felipe with Adrian in a desperate attempt.
The yers of the Bed Sheet Army on the field did not give up either. They pressed forward into the opponent''s half, intercepted Ramos''s clearance, and immediatelyunched a counter-press, using all their remaining strength to chase and block the ball.
Despite their relentless pressure, Atletico couldn''t create a miracle. In the 95th minute, the referee blew the final whistle of the game, apanied by the deafening cheers of the Real Madrid fans.
Tonight, the Mesta Stadium belonged to Real Madrid!
They defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 and lifted the Spanish King''s Cup championship!
In sports, the victor reigns supreme. At the moment the game ended, the Atletico yers seemed drained of theirst ounce of strength, with many of them unable to sit down.
Diego Costa covered his face and wept bitterly. This was supposed to be his shining season, starting with the King''s Cup as a springboard, and then winning the league and the Champions League in one go. It would have been such glory.
But now, by the narrowest of margins, it seemed like a thousand miles away. The Brazilian felt an ominous feeling in his heart. Did they really have a chance to beat Real Madrid?
Simeone stepped onto the field, pulling up each of his beloved yers, embracing andforting them. "Guys, this is by no means the end. You did great, justcking a bit of luck."
"There are more important challenges waiting for us next. Turn sorrow into strength. You can do it!"
The passionate coach also felt some reluctance and frustration in his heart, but he didn''t show a trace of it. If Wang Feng was the spiritual leader of Real Madrid, then to some extent, Simeone was the spiritual sustenance of Atletico Madrid.
With nothing to show for their efforts, only able to watch the live broadcast at home, Messi''s heart was filled with mixed feelings. At that moment, the camera happened to capture the scene of the spirited Wang Feng being carried by his teammates around the field.
This man was too powerful. He dominated an era, an era that was once brilliant for Barcelona!
Now, the Gctic Battleship remained dominant, while the Bed Sheet Army quietly rose. But what about Catalonia? They were in decline, in demise!
Thinking of this, the Argentine star couldn''t help but feel a bit panicked. With Baldestein''s departure, Puyol''s retirement, and Xavi, the symbol of the strongest midfield, gradually aging, Barcelona had shown signs of fatigue.
Something had to be done! Messi vaguely understood. The new chairman, Bartomeu, seemed to dislike and disrespect him, but for the sake of his own and the team''s future, he had to step forward and exert influence.
The simple award ceremony stage was set up, and the 76-year-old Spanish King Juan Carlos I had a smile on his face as he handed the King''s Cup trophy to Wang Feng.
At this moment, he was particrly pleased. The old king had decided to officially pass the throne to his son Felipe in June of this year. What could be more pleasing than seeing Real Madrid lift the King''s Cup before retirement?
The Gctic Battleship lifted the King''s Cup, and the Chinese superstar boldly dered that this was just the beginning! The eyes of the world were focused on the news of the Spanish King''s Cup belonging to Real Madrid, and the post-match deration of Wang Feng, who secured the victory with a double, stirred up even more discussion.
"Being able to lift the first heavyweight trophy of the season makes us very happy, but more importantly, it inspires and encourages us. We won''t fall behind in the league and the Champions League that follow," the Chinese superstar confidently spoke to the reporters.
"So, this is just the beginning. You understand what I mean. The Gctic Battleship will surely have a bountiful harvest!"
Aizen from Italymented, "So domineering! Wang is marching towards consecutive championships, and from the current situation, there''s nothing that can stop him!"
English fans expressed, "This is a true deration of greatness. Cristiano needs to learn a thing or two, instead of getting pped in the face every time he speaks."
Having offended Ennd in the World Cup, coupled with the transfer drama between city rivals, Ronaldo has the most "haters" in Ennd among his fans, and some even makeptions of Wang Feng and Ronaldo''s tough talk.
"When Wang speaks, we know Real Madrid is solid. When Ronaldo speaks, the team falls apart."
Of course, many people sneered at the Chinese superstar''s words. Germanizens leftments on social tforms, "Defending the Champions League? Ask Bayern if they agree!"
"They''re too arrogant and frivolous! They haven''t even made it past the semifinals, yet they''re already thinking about the championship? Bayern will have their revenge."
Ignoring the numerous distractions on the inte, after returning to Madrid, the club held a small celebration banquet for winning the King''s Cup, as the grand celebration ceremony was usually reserved for the end of the season.
The participants were only the first-team yers and coaching staff, with Florentino representing the management. He encouraged everyone not to ck off and to continue their efforts.
"It''s not easy for the team toe this far. Our only goal is to keep going. I believe you all understand that the club will never treat you unfairly!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the yers smiled knowingly. Honor plus money had always been one of the important driving forces behind Real Madrid''s standing.
Despite having an average sry, ording to media statistics on the global football club sry rankings, they ranked fourth, behind Manchester City, the New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Barcelona ranked just behind Real Madrid, but the difference between the two clubs was small, with an average expenditure only 50,000 euros less. It''s no wonder that many Catalonia club members felt dissatisfied; they were paid almost the same, yet one team was constantly winning while the other was left with nothing.
Apart from Bayern Munich, the top 20 teams on the list were all from the Premier League, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The fact that the "BIG4" were all present showed the Premier League''s powerful revenue-generating ability.
This figure only ounted for dead wages from signings, not including Real Madrid''s exceptionally generous event bonuses.
Every time they won a championship, from small warm-up events like the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to majorpetitions like the league and the Champions League, Florentino would give everyone generous rewards.
Even some substitutes or yers temporarily called up from the youth team had formed a situation where their "bonus ie" exceeded their wages, showing a glimpse of the situation.
Chapter 679: Tough Guys Embroidering
Chapter 679: Tough Guys Embroidering
Benefiting from the postponement of the league, Real Madrid would have ample time to prepare for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Although the draw decided on a schedule of ying at home first, which was slightly unfavorable, as long as they strived for victory at the Bernabeu, the subsequent matches would be much easier.
Stepping onto the familiar hellish home ground once again, Guardi felt extremely nervous. The massive stage with over 90,000 people and the chants of "H Madrid" seemed to remind him every moment of the failures he experienced here.
"Everything is different now. Let''s set sail from here andunch an assault towards the summit. I will be the one to end the reign of Real Madrid!"
Under Guardi''s guidance, this Bayern had already taken on a strong personal vor,pletely different from the tactical styles of any previous coach.
That was his possession-based system that took shape during his time at Barcelona, firmly controlling possession, seeking attacking opportunities through continuous short passes, and adopting a slow-paced rhythm as the mainstream.
However, such tacticspletely overturned the team''s previous simple and direct style of y. It required a strong midfield control, and Guardi focused his attention on Thiago and Javi Martnez.
He wanted to transform the two into sessful attacking and defensive cores like Busquets and Xavi, but the final result would need to be tested in the next two tough battles.
In stark contrast to Guardi''s fixed system was Real Madrid''s flexible system, which could adapt to different opponents with different arrangements, capable of both defensive counterattacks and high pressing, as well as possession and pration y, and area cooperation.
This was also fully reflected in the lineup schemes adopted by various coaches, including the conventional four midfielders, three midfielders, double defensive midfielders, and even the Christmas tree formation.
The reason for such flexibility also owed to Wang Feng''s strong adaptability. Regardless of the system, he could freely integrate into it without affecting his high-level performance, which was also an important reason why coaches felt at ease.
In today''s match, Guardi used the familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Neuer as the goalkeeper.
On the defensive line were ba, Dante, Boateng, and Rafinha.
In midfield, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, and Javi Martnez.
Upfront were Dong Fangzhuo, Mandzukic, and Thomas Mller.
Lahm was moved forward from the defensive line to further strengthen the team''s midfield control. Therefore, Bayern took the initiative to seize possession from the start, while Real Madrid did not engage in too much entanglement, instead appropriately withdrawing to stabilize their defense.
This situation made many veterans feel a sense of dj vu. Wasn''t this exactly the same as when they faced Barcelona a few years ago? It had to be said that the Catn team was indeed formidable back then, causing quite a lot of trouble for the Gctic Battleship.
So everyone, including Wang Feng, yed very cautiously, and the situation became deadlocked.
However, they vaguely felt that the opponent''s pressure was not enough, and there seemed to be ws but they couldn''t grasp them clearly.
On the sidelines, Ancelotti''s eyes brightened even more. "I think we''re through!" he said to Zidane beside him.
"Oh? How so?" the Frenchman asked eagerly, unable to discern anything himself.
"Guardi''s luck in encountering the peak Xavi is both fortunate and unfortunate for him. If you carefully observe Bayern''s passing timing and the choice of personnel for cooperation in midfield, do you not feel that something is missing?"
"Possession is not just about passing and controlling the ball. It requires the midfielders'' delicate footwork, broad and imaginative vision, and skilled cooperation between teammates."
"And none of these Bayern yers possess that. How would you describe the handling of Lahm and Javi Martnez? It''s like tough guys embroidering,pletely uncoordinated."
"And once the midfield doesn''t perform well, the deficiencies in Guardi''s defensive training for them be obvious. That''s why I''m confident that we can win the tie."
Zidane listened with half-belief. He stared intently at the movements of both sides on the field, contemting while taking into ount Ancelotti''s insights.
The only goal of the match came in the 67th minute. Di Mara sent a through ball from the right nk behind Boateng, and Wang Feng elerated to chase it down. At the near post, Iguan tapped in from close range.
1-0! The Gctic Battleship had essentiallypleted their task, taking a lead without conceding, but the question of who would advance still remained.
Looking at the post-match technical statistics, Bayern had the upper hand on the field, with a possession rate as high as 71.7% and 18 shots, but their efficiency was unusually low with only 4 shots on target.
Real Madrid had 9 shots with 5 on target and scored 1 goal, which clearly illustrated the problem.
Returning to the league, in the 35th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Osasuna at home.
Wang Feng scored twice, with contributions from Coentrao and Casemiro, helping the team to a resounding 4-0 victory over their opponents.
On the other side, Atltico Madrid defeated Valencia 1-0. Both teams continued topete fiercely, refusing to concede, and the suspense over the league title persisted.
In the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, the Gctic Battleship traveled to the Allianz Arena to challenge Bayern Munich.
The day before the match, Guardi called an early press conference, breaking the norm. He bluntly stated that Real Madrid was too optimistic.
"We are only one goal behind, but it seems like they have already reached the final, even defending their Champions League title."
The Spaniard wanted to increase the pressure on his opponents psychologically, but Ancelotti did not take the bait. "No one has ever said that we''ve reached the final. Bayern is strong, and tomorrow will be an evenly matched duel."
"As for whether we will y defensively to maintain our lead? No, that''s a dangerous move. Everyone understands that a single goal is not safe; we need more advantages."
Maintaining a cautious and respectful attitude externally, Ancelotti was full of confidence when facing the yers. "With my tactical arrangements, show your strongest attacking posture and go for it. I believe you can also sense the major problems with Bayern. Seize the opportunity and make it happen!"
As expected, after the start of the match, the situation was basically the same as in the first leg. Bayern only had the advantage in possession, while Real Madrid, shedding their cautious demeanor, continuously attacked and created threats.
In the 17th minute, Modri? took a corner from the right side, and Wang Feng''s presence at the penalty spot attracted defensive attention. However, due to the unfavorable timing, it was difficult to aim urately, so Ramos, unmarked at the far post, easily headed the ball into the.
Just four minutester, Di Mara dribbled past the defense on the right nk and crossed the ball into the penalty area with a 45-degree angle. Ramos nodded the ball forward at the near post, and the Chinese superstar, unmarked at the far post, volleyed it into the Bayern. 2-0!
Then, in the 34th minute, Bale made a tackle in the rear, initiated a counterattack, and after sprinting through the midfield, he passed to Wang Feng, who then passed to Iguan. The Argentine forward made a low pass into the middle.
The Welsh star rushed forward and, before Boateng could react, slid to pass the ball. With no one marking him on the left side, Wang Feng easily slotted the ball into the from 10 meters out. 3-0!
With that, the match entered garbage time. For Bayern to reverse the situation, they would need to score 5 goals, which was simply impossible.
In the second half, Ancelotti gradually substituted Wang Feng and other key yers. Approaching the end of the 90th minute, Casemiro took a free kick into the penalty area, and Morata''s header pierced Neuer''s fingers once again.
4-0! With a total score of 5-0 over two legs, Real Madrid handed Bayern a crushing defeat, advancing to the Champions League final with ease!
Chapter 680: The Final Belongs to Madrid
Chapter 680: The Final Belongs to Madrid
Under the rainy sky of Munich, the entire city seemed to be weeping, and the Allianz Arena in the northern suburbs was now silent.
Countless Bayern fans stood stunned, while only a few ecstatic Real Madrid fans and yers on the field were celebrating.
On the sidelines, Ancelotti stood with his arms crossed, watching the jubnt crowd with a satisfied smile on his face.
Beside him, Zidane nced at the despondent Guardi not far away and remarked, "You were right. Guardi''s style is unique but indeed limited."
"Regardless of how ingenious the tactics are, they ultimately depend on the yers to execute them. When the two don''t match, failure is inevitable if there''s no flexibility."
The Italian concurred, "That''s why I say his ceiling isn''t very high. The system he used during his time at Barcelona has hardly changed, and after repeated analysis by opponents, it''s easy to figure out."
"Moreover, back then, the tactics were executed by yers like Xavi and Messi, whereas now it''s a group of straight-forward tough guys. Obviously, adapting to the circumstances is necessary."
"Speaking of which, it''s quite impressive for Bayern to reach the Champions League semi-finals. However, the expectations from top to bottom at Bayern for Guardi must be higher than this. How will he adjust next? It''s truly something to look forward to."
Zidane nodded in agreement, feeling a strong urge within him. Years of umtion and learning during his assistant coaching career had made him eager to take charge of a team himself and test the results.
And with Ancelotti clearly showing signs of leaving, it was safe to say that Zidane was the natural sessor to lead the Gctic Battleship in the future.
However, the Frenchman had not yet obtained his coaching license, and Florentino also hoped he could umte coaching experience. Therefore, it was highly probable that he wouldn''t directly take over Real Madrid next season.
Currently, several clubs, including Monaco in Ligue 1, had invited Zidane to take the helm. The specific decision still needed further consideration.
The Bayern yers on the field had not yet recovered from their crushing defeat. Their eyes were filled with confusion and disbelief, but oddly, there was less of a sense of destion.
They had yed fairly well, so how did they end up losing like this? Like the previous encounter, the home team had the majority of possession and more shots than the Gctic Battleship. It seemed like a back-and-forth affair.
Nevertheless, they could only ept the reality and head back to the locker room with drooping heads. Dong Fangzhuo didn''t have much intention to chat with Wang Feng either, simply offering a brief congrattions, while Wang Feng patted his shoulder.
In fact, it wasn''t just the midfielders who felt pressured at Bayern; their attack also hadn''t fully adapted to Guardi''s tactical rhythm. Dong Fangzhuo and Mller performed poorly, while the center-forward Mandzukic seemed to be sleepwalking.
"I feel like everyone is awkward out there, not knowing what to do, and my performance is also very poor," Dong Fangzhuo said with a bitter smile.
"It''s not your fault. Since we can''t change the environment, we can actively try to integrate. Communicate more with the head coach. Even if his tactics don''t suit the team as a whole, he''s still very good at individual technical training."
Dong Fangzhuo nodded, "I understand that. As I always say, let''s go lift the championship trophy. With you, the king of finals, it should be within reach."
Real Madrid unexpectedly ughtered Bayern Munich in their own home stadium, the Allianz Arena. Especially considering the circumstances, various major news media outlets were full of amazement.
"A disastrous defeat!" read the headline of Germany''s "Munich Daily" after the match, apanied by a ck-and-white photo of fans crying in the drizzle as the cover image.
They believed that both the yers and the head coach had beenpletely defeated by the opponents, especially Guardi, who had failed to elevate the team to new heights and instead regressedpared tost season.
"We can only see the yers continuously passing the ball on the field and attempting to threaten the goal in various difficult areas, but they didn''t create any pressure on Casis."
"Such a performance, such a result, ispletely unworthy of the Champions League final, and it even shows disrespect for the semi-final results."
Meanwhile, "Football yer" magazine stated that Guardi''s pre-match boast had be a joke, and the fact proved that the Gctic Battleship had won so easily.
"When returning to the Allianz Arena with a one-goal deficit, all Bayern fans believed they still had a chance, but the Spanish coach ruined everything."
"He didn''t make any adjustments to the problems that appeared in the first leg. Perhaps Guardi firmly believes that his tactics are absolutely correct, but unfortunately, history has repeatedly shown that he cannot defeat Real Madrid."
"On the surface, Bayern did dominate the game, with an average possession rate of 70.4%, which even exceeded 80% at one point in the second half. However, most of the time was spent on meaningless passes, and the actual chances created were few and far between."
"On the other hand, Real Madrid scored four goals from just 10 shots, and Wang Feng''s efficiency of 3 goals from 5 attempts was unmatched. This disastrous defeat clearly demonstrates that possession isn''t everything, and Guardi must make changes."
"The Bild" detailed the splendid photos of the Gctic Battleship scoring during the match, contrasting the disappointment of the home team with the joy of the away team.
"This is a ssic Guardi-style defeat. The Spaniard''s tactics have no creativity, his formations are obvious, and although the Bundesliga champions have fallen at the feet of the Gctic Battleship several times in recent years, never has it been so humiliating."
The German media almost unanimously med the defeat on the head coach, with even the club legend Beckenbauer angrily criticizing Bayern''s ying style during the live broadcast: "Possession rate? When the opponent seizes the opportunity, possession rate is worthless."
He had previously criticized Guardi''s transntation of possession-based tactics to Bayern as wrong and foolish, using him of "killing football."
Now, after the humiliating defeat and elimination, Beckenbauer bluntly stated in interviews that the club had made a big mistake. They should have brought in Klopp to manage Bayern instead of Guardi.
These remarks sparked heated discussions, and there were even rumors in some newspapers that Guardi would be sacked after the season.
However,ter on, Bayern officials personally came forward to deny these rumors, stating that Guardi would continue to fulfill his contract, hoping that the fans would give him more time.
Meanwhile, media outlets in Spain and other regions praised the Gctic Battleship''s momentum, still considering them the favorites to win the championship.
Although Wang Feng did not single-handedly create the Nine-five Supreme as he didst year, his two goals and one assist over the two legs had a subtle, silent impact, leading the team under his leadership to be unstoppable.
A dayter, the other team for the Champions League final was decided. Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 against Manchester City in the first leg at home, and in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, they defeated the Blue Moon 3-1, with Diego Costa scoring twice to advance.
Marcelo''s jest had indeede true. The two Madrid giants would meet at the pinnacle of the Champions League, a showdown that belonged to them!
Looking back on the 59-year history of the Champions League, it was extremely rare for teams from the same league to meet in the final, let alone teams from the same city. Madrid would be the center of European football.
Chapter 681: I Can Do It Too
Chapter 681: I Can Do It Too
The twin titans of Madrid not only would determine the victor at the summit of Europe, but also had opportunities on the La Liga stage without giving way to each other.
Messi and Ronaldo, known as the "Twin Beauties," were undoubtedly among the most despondent individuals at the moment. The Argentine star''s mind was not on the club itself, as he was solely focused on winning the World Cup. Even returning empty-handed, he could reluctantly ept it.
But Cristiano was different. Portugal had never been a football powerhouse, and he didn''t have much confidence in leading the team to lift the World Cup trophy. Therefore, he pinned all his hopes on the league and the Champions League.
In the Premier League, it goes without saying that Manchester City was leading the pack all the way, currently ahead of Liverpool by two points, and barring any idents, the championship was within reach.
However, the Champions League was a symbol of further advancement for yers and teams. Sincending in the top five leagues in 2003, he had pursued it for a full decade, pouring countless efforts and sacrifices into it, but still, there was no result.
After the match, Cristiano''s angry roar at the Etihad Stadium was full of resentment and despair. Despite the head coach and teammates being satisfied with making history by reaching the semi-finals andforting him to try again next year, how many "next years" could there be? The Portuguese was already 29 years old!
Now that Real Madrid had won the Champions League seven times in a row, they were marching towards the eighth consecutive title. It was not an exaggeration to say that the Gctic Battleship was synonymous with the Champions League trophy, attracting countless stars, including Cristiano.
At this moment, his desire was stronger than ever. The Portuguese star admitted that Wang Feng was very strong, but he was also very confident that if he had led Real Madrid in the first ce, he could have won at least five Champions League titles!
Indeed, I can do it too!
However, this was ultimately just wishful thinking on his part. Despite Mendes contacting Florentino several times, there was no response. But with the Chinese superstar''s contract extension still not progressing, there were more and more rumors swirling around, perhaps indicating that an opportunity would soone.
Before that, what he needed to do was to work hard, maintain his physical condition at its best, and extend his professional peak.
In May, in the 36th round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited Mesta Stadium to challenge Valencia.
Not long ago, the Gctic Battleship had lifted the Copa del Rey trophy here, so fans hoped that this lucky ground would once again bring good fortune to the team.
The result did not meet their expectations. In the 27th minute, Carvajal made a defensive mistake while defending a cross, allowing Parejo to seize the opportunity and head home.
And ten minutester, it was Parejo again who assisted Barja to increase the lead. This young midfielder, a product of Real Madrid''s youth academy, performed exceptionally well.
It seemed that every yer who left Real Madrid''s youth academy without getting a chance in the first team was eager to prove themselves in front of their mother club.
The situation was extremely critical, and Wang Feng was also quite anxious. He didn''t want to be left behind at this time.
In the 59th minute, Di Maria broke through on the right and sent a diagonal pass. The Chinese superstar sprinted to the far post and leaped to head back towards the goal, not aiming for the goal directly, but towards the unmarked Ramos at the near post!
The Spanish defender did not disappoint him. Facing the iing ball, he controlled and shot in one fluid motion, effortlessly sending it into Valencia''s, pulling one back for Real Madrid.
Subsequent attacks from the away team were all in vain, and Pepe even collided and got injured while fighting for the ball with Benatia, forcing him to be substituted.
As the match entered the fourth minute of injury time, with the time wasted by the Portuguese defender gradually running out, Bale received a diagonal pass from Modric on the wing and quickly made a low cross.
Wang Feng''s position for a header inside the penalty area was slightly off, and seeing the ball about to slide past him, the Chinese superstar seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He lifted his left foot backward and poked it forward with force, perfectly connecting with the ball.
Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves was about to rx his vignce when suddenly the ball flew towards the goal. He didn''t even see how the opponent shot, and in his haste, his save was a bit slow.
A goal to equalize! The Gctic Battleship eventually shook hands with the Bat Corps with a 2-2 draw.
This result obviously did not satisfy the club, as their lead over Atletico Madrid was only one point. As long as the Bed Sheet Brigade won their match, they would have to relinquish the top spot they had held for almost the entire season.
But Lady Luck favored Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid unexpectedly suffered a 0-2 defeat to mid-table team Levante, creating the biggest upset of this round. It''s worth noting that the home team was only ranked 10th in the league, with a gap of 40 points from the leading group.
Not only did the Bed Sheet Brigade fail to catch up with the Gctic Battleship, but they also increased the gap between each other.
Objectively speaking, such a result was inevitable. The continuous high-intensitypetition was obviously a bit difficult for Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid had gained a lot of experience from years of confrontation with Barcelona.
"Fate has given us an opportunity. Now it''s up to everyone to seize it. We must win this match with all our strength!"
Three dayster, in the 34th round of La Liga, the Gctic Battleship traveled to challenge Real Vadolid.
The team from Castile was currently ranked second tost, with a clear gap in strengthpared to Real Madrid.
Just five minutes into the game, Wang Feng received a pass from Marcelo in the middle, dribbled past the defense, and fired a powerful shot into the far corner.
Twenty minutester, the away teamunched another attack. Modric and the Chinese superstar passed and cooperated continuously to tear open the Vadolid defense. In the area outside the arc, Di Maria received a cross.
The Argentine winger volleyed fiercely, hitting the far post crossbar and rebounding into the field. Isco seized the opportunity to head the ball into the, extending the lead to two goals.
Withplete control of the situation, the Gctic Battleship could breathe a sigh of relief, as there were hardly any unexpected situations. They focused on ying possession football, firmly keeping the ball at their feet.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal in the opponent''s half, turned to create space for a shot, but was tripped and knocked down by the opponent, resulting in a direct free kick.
Rubbing his ankle, he personally took the free kick. With a powerful and precise low shot through the wall aimed directly at the bottom left corner, the ball deflected off the ground near the goalkeeper, narrowly avoiding his arm and entering the goal.
3-0! The away team secured victory!
This was the Chinese superstar''s 50th league goal of the season, and the sixth time he had reached the fifty-goal mark in a single season since joining the Gctic Battleship!
For ordinary yers, scoring 40 goals in a season is extremely difficult. In the nearly hundred-year history of La Liga, besides Wang Feng, only Messi has achieved the feat of scoring 50 goals in a single season.
But the Chinese superstar had aplished this feat six times in eight seasons, so it''s no wonder that the entire Spain recognized him as the greatest striker in history, with no predecessors or sessors.
With a formidable tform, a unique background, and god-like abilities, this achievement was destined to be irreplicable.
After scoring, Ancelotti reced Wang Feng and asked with concern, "I saw you rubbing your ankle just now. Is everything alright? Let the team doctor give you a detailed check-up!"
At such a crucial moment, he didn''t want the Chinese superstar to have any idents. "It''s nothing serious, just a bit painful where the opponent''s studs hit the bone."
The final score did not change, and Real Madrid achieved their desired result of taking all three points.
On the other hand, after making adjustments, Atletico Madrid unsurprisingly did not cause an upset again. They won 2-0 against Elche, maintaining their desire for the championship.
Chapter 682: Giving You the Second Place
Chapter 682: Giving You the Second ce
Despite Real Madrid''s resounding victory over Real Vadolid, there was still some not-so-good news. Firstly, Pepe suffered a muscle strain and would be unable to participate in the remaining matches of the season, including the Champions League final.
The misfortune didn''t stop there. Di Maria twisted his ankle again during league preparations. He needed further diagnosis and treatment, although the club doctor, Balderas, believed the situation wasn''t severe.
However, the entire Argentine national team was exceptionally concerned. They didn''t want their winger to y injured in the World Cup, so they hoped he would take a good rest in the uing period.
There was often a dilemma between the club and the national team. Considering his impending departure, Di Maria informed the club of his intention to rest, although it might seem untimely, it was reasonable enough.
With Alonso, Di Maria, and Pepe, three key yers unable to continue with the team, coupled with Varane''s swollen right knee, the situation became quite tricky for the Gctic Battleship.
However, they wouldn''t give up any honors. The yers encouraged each other during training, knowing that the new peak was just three games away.
On May 11th, in the 37th round of La Liga, the Gctic Battleship weed Celta Vigo at home.
Ancelotti made extensive rotations, with Bale, Higuain, and Carvajal among those resting, while Morata and Hernandez earned starting positions.
The away team had recently secured three consecutive wins to avoid relegation, so the yers were rtively rxed.
In the 31st minute, Wang Feng intercepted Fontas at the edge of the penalty area, dribbled into the heart of the defense, bypassed the onrushing goalkeeper Sergio, and scored into the empty, making it 1-0!
In the 68th minute, Celta Vigo''s defender made another mistake, with Cabral''s back pass to the goalkeepercking sufficient strength. The Chinese superstar pounced on it, intercepting the ball, and formed a two-on-one situation with the advancing Morata.
This time, he selflessly passed to the young Spanish forward, who faced an open goal and easily scored, further extending the lead.
The final score remained 2-0.
Two hours after the match ended, Atletico Madrid''s game at the Calderon Stadium also concluded. Countless Bed Sheet Brigade fans'' hopes and impassioned cheers turned into nothing as they watched their team being forced to a 1-1 draw by Mga.
With one round remaining, Atletico Madrid fell four points behind Real Madrid, and the Gctic Battleship secured the league title in advance!
They weed their eighth consecutive league title!
The Real Madrid yers in the dressing room, having watched the entire match, immediately cheered and celebrated. The staff handed them champagne that had been prepared long ago, and the spraying champagne and smiles filled the entire space.
"This is our second runner-up gift to Atletico. Guys, let''s work hard again and make them the third runner-up!" Wang Feng passionately proposed.
The crowd fervently nodded. There was a time when they also gave Barcelona the third runner-up title. Now, it was their cross-town rivals'' turn.
The Gctic Battleship showed everyone with facts that any team daring to challenge their dominance would suffer a painful blow!
On May 17th, in the final match of La Liga, Real Madrid traveled to face Espanyol.
The result of the match was inconsequential for them, so Ancelotti made as many as nine rotations, including Wang Feng, who was on the substitutes'' bench.
This was also to prevent any unexpected injuries before the Champions League final. Atletico Madrid did the same, with Simeone being even more radical, fielding an entire starting eleven from the youth team.
In the end, the Gctic Battleship drew 1-1 with Espanyol, securing the league title with a record of 32 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 100 points.
Atletico Madrid lost to Barcelona in the final round, finishing as runners-up with 30 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, and 95 points.
Barcelona had a rtively dismal performance, finishing third with 27 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses, and 87 points, trailing Real Madrid by 13 points and Atletico Madrid by 8 points.
This was the Catn team''s worst performance since the 2007-2008 season, when they also finished third, behind Real Madrid and Virreal.
The fans didn''t know who to vent their anger on anymore. Not only did they change coaches several times, but even the club president stepped down one after another, yet they couldn''t save the team.
At this moment, all they could do was hope that time would pass quickly, allowing Wang Feng to grow old and fall from his pedestal. Barcelona was almost being suppressed into the dust!
Apart from these three teams, thest Champions League spot went to Athletic Bilbao, while Sevi and Virreal secured Europa League berths.
Osasuna, Real Vadolid, and Real Betis were unfortunately relegated, with Real Betis only managing to win 6 games and umte 25 points, confirming their relegation ten rounds before the end of the season.
Eibar, Deportivo La Coruna, and Cordoba were promoted from the Segunda Division to participate in the new season of La Liga.
In terms of individual statistics, Wang Feng scored 51 league goals, undoubtedly winning the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe. This was his 12th European Golden Shoe award, and he reimed it after a year.
At the same time, he contributed 19 assists, securing the title of the season''s top assist provider. Being both the top scorer and the top assist provider, as well as winning the championship trophy, the Chinese superstar easily locked in the season''s best yer for the eighth consecutive year.
Since they won the title in advance, the La Liga organized a brief award ceremony for Real Madrid at the Eibar stadium. Many Gctic Battleship fans from afar and curious Catns were present.
When Wang Feng lifted the incredibly familiar trophy, tens of thousands of people apuded and cheered for them. This team was truly the undisputed king of Spain.
Florentino naturally also brought the senior management to witness this historic moment. He let out a long sigh of relief, showing an extremely pleased smile. The team''s victory was his victory!
No one doubted that he had surpassed the legendary president Bernabeu. As long as he didn''t mess up, by the time he retired, he would be the most sessful helmsman in the club''s history!
However, he soon came back to his senses from the joy. The summer transfer window would be a critical moment for his work.
Di Maria officially informed the club of his desire to leave. Although the Argentine was one of the strongest wingers currently, Florentino always felt that hismercial value was not high, and he was not irreceable. Therefore, selling him for a good price would be a wise choice.
"What are Wang''s thoughts on his transfer?" the Real Madrid president suddenly asked.
Balderas replied, "He should have known already. If he had any objections, ording to Wang''s character, he would havemunicated with us. But since he hasn''t, I believe the Chinese superstar is tacitly agreeing."
"That''s good. You should quickly contact the interested clubs."
"Okay, there are already several clubs showing strong interest. I believe his market value should not be less than 60 million euros."
Florentino nodded, "Regardless, Di Maria is also a meritorious yer for the team, and his personal transfer wishes should be fullymunicated and considered."
Then they discussed the situation of the team''s goalkeepers'' signings. Considering his performance in daily matches, Casis could hardly bear the responsibility of being the first choice goalkeeper anymore.
"Courtois from Atletico Madrid is our main target. However, I''m worried that Chelsea will recall him to rece Cech after the season ends, so they won''t easily sell him."
"The alternative is Navas from Levante. He has shown first-ss performance this season, with 17 clean sheets in 39 goals conceded. I believe he might even beat Courtois to win the best goalkeeper of the season!"
At this point, Balderas couldn''t help but show a surprised expression, "Levante is deeply mired in debt crisis, so they are certainly very willing to sell yers."
Chapter 683: Determining Victory in the Second Half!
Chapter 683: Determining Victory in the Second Half!
After sessfully winning the Copa del Rey and the league title, Real Madrid did not rush to hold a celebration ceremony. Everyone''s goal was very clear: to bring back the Champions League trophy from Lisbon!
They would firstplete their recovery training in Madrid and then fly to Portugal three days before the match to begin their final training and adapt to the venue.
To provide the yers with afortable resting environment, the club staff took the initiative to inspect the situation and ultimately chose a vacation estate located 3 kilometers from the final venue as the team''s lodging location.
The beautiful surroundings and fresh air were refreshing, coupled with various ingredients specially transported from Madrid and cooked by star chefs, ensuring that every yer could enjoy their favorite dishes.
Real Madrid was well-prepared, and Atletico Madrid was no slouch either. After the end of the 38th round of the league, Simeone took the team to a small town near Pa for training.
This was not only to avoid media and external distractions but also a tradition of the Bed Sheet Brigade. Before every majorpetition, they woulde here to train in hopes of attracting good luck.
The first-ever local derby in the history of the Champions League caused a sensation throughout Spain. Coupled with Portugal''s proximity to Spain, it was quitemon for many people to visit there on weekends.
Therefore, the sensational effect of this final was even greaterpared to previous editions. Not only were tickets hard toe by, but all hotels and apartments in Lisbon were also fully booked.
Many fans had to choose to stay in the surrounding towns of Almada and Cascais, which was also what the Portuguese authorities hoped for. After all, too many people flooding into the capital would stretch the security forces thin.
The soldiers of the Gctic Battleship flew to Lisbon ahead of time, and their families and friends would also arrive by club charter ne the day before the match. This time, Wang Feng''s family and their two children would all be there to cheer him on.
Modric, Marcelo, and others were the same. Seeing this, Ramos felt quite envious. His girlfriend, Pr, had just given birth to a baby boy, so she couldn''te to the stadium to cheer for him.
Speaking of which, Marcelo''s love and marriage experience was quite simr to Wang Feng''s. He met his wife, rice, when he was 16 years old, while rice was one year younger than him.
The two quickly fell in love. When Marcelo joined Real Madrid, rice was still in college. After careful consideration, she decided to give up her studies and apany the Brazilian defender to Madrid.
"Marcelo is the one I want to spend my life with. When he said to me in distress that he didn''t want to go to Spain alone, I made up my mind in my heart." riceter said in an interview.
Lu Yao also left her hometown at this age to follow Wang Feng to Mn. Compared to that, being able toplete her studies in Mn was considered very lucky.
"Simeone''s team has encountered two failures in a row, but I don''t think they will lose heart. On the contrary, they will fight even harder," Ancelotti said with a serious expression during the coaching staff''s tactical discussion.
"High pressing and physicality, disrupting the opponent''s rhythm, these are their weapons, and we often find it challenging to deal with such battles."
"And once they break the deadlock, they can immediately switch to a full defensive stance. At that time, it will be extremely difficult to equalize the score."
In a final where victory is determined, even a slight change in the situation will bring strong psychological feedback to the yers, and even the experienced Real Madrid couldn''t escape this.
"But ying this way will inevitably consume the yers'' energy rapidly. It''s impossible to maintain it for the entire game. The threat in the second half will be much smaller than in the first half."
"No yer can sustain high pressing for 90 minutes. This not only tests one''s physical strength but also requires strong mental focus."
"So I think we should stabilize the situation after the start of the match, focus on solid defense, and not rush to attack, to minimize the risk of conceding goals."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and Zidane added, "In the second half, when Atletico Madrid''s mobility and pressing gradually decline, we can take advantage of the situation to press forward, actively elerate the pace of the game, and overwhelm the enemy in one fell swoop!"
"Yes, next, we and the yers will propagate this tactic, especially emphasizing that we must not be impatient. Even if we concede a goal in the first half, we must maintain ourposure and stick to the tactics!"
After setting the main tone, they began to discuss specific implementation methods. Ancelotti decided to use the more mature three-center-back system.
In the 1970s and 1980s, this tactic was purely offensive, but under the improvement and optimization of Barcelona and the Spanish national team, it became bnced in attack and defense.
The three midfielders were key factors. They had great connection and defensive pressure. Whether it was Modric or Khedira, they had this ability. At the same time, the wing advantages of Wang Feng and Bale were obvious.
Especially the Chinese superstar''s ability to roam and retreat in defense to a certain extent strengthened the midfield interception and made up for the deficiencies, further enhancing security.
"The key is to confirm whether Diego Costa will start." Ancelotti rubbed his eyes. "He has the ability to be the biggest variable in the game."
In the crucial match of the 37th round of La Liga, the Brazilian was injured and had to leave the field. To some extent, this led to the final defeat of the Bed Sheet Brigade. It can be said that his role in the team was not inferior to Wang Feng''s in Real Madrid.
Diego Costa not only serves as an important pivot in the attack, maximizing Atletico Madrid''s threat, but also creates pressure on the defensive yers through his running position, flexibly using various tactics to disrupt the opponent.
It can even be said that Atletico Madrid''s performance with him and without him ispletely different. By tightly holding onto the Gctic Battleship, they won both the league and cup runner-up titles, and the Brazilian''s contribution cannot be underestimated.
It''s no wonder that before the World Cup, Brazil and Spain fought fiercely for Costa''s eligibility. Both coaches, Scri and Del Bosque, even issued statements.
"At that time, his injury was certain and quite serious, otherwise Simeone wouldn''t have reced him at a critical moment."
"But after the match, facing reporters, the Argentine said that Costa was not seriously injured. Is it a smokescreen? In the final match of the league, nothing could be discerned. The Bed Sheet Brigade rotated all their main yers."
Zidane said, "Neither our scouts nor the media reporters can give exact information. The entire Atletico Madrid is very tightly sealed off. I''m afraid only when the starting listes out can we know."
"Well, in that case, we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario and assume that he is fully recovered and performs well."
Ancelotti said, "Ramos''s character is too fiery. It''s best not to confront Diego Costa directly and let him assist from the periphery, with Varane as the main defender."
After the coaching staff finished discussing the details, the whole team went to the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon for focused training, mainly focusing on tactical arrangements and familiarization.
To be prepared for any eventuality, penalty training was also arranged. The team hadn''t experienced a penalty shootout for many years, but penalty training before every final was indispensable.
During this period, Ronaldo, Raul, Morientes, and other Real Madrid legends came to the scene, embracing each yer and cheering them on.
Chapter 684: Still Losing the Bet
Chapter 684: Still Losing the Bet
"The starting lineup for Atletico Madrid is out!"
On May 24th, just before the start of the Champions League final, as the yerspleted their pre-match preparations and returned to the dressing room to wait for the kick-off, the starting eleven for both sides were finally announced.
On the Bed Sheet Brigade''s side, they lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Courtois in goal.
The four defenders were Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, and Felipe.
The four midfielders were Raul Garcia, Tiago, Gabi, and Koke.
The forwards were Diego Costa and Vi.
"They''ve still put Diego Costa in the lineup." Ancelotti couldn''t help but sigh, "This is definitely a risky move."
"I just observed that the Brazilian did not train with the other teammates, but instead followed the team doctor and assistant coach to adapt to the venue."
"This indicates that his injury still has a significant impact. Atletico Madrid is also unsure whether he can y the full game. After all, ording to the team''s tactics, Costa needs to undertake a lot of sprinting and physical tasks."
"If problems arise, the Bed Sheet Brigade will have to waste a substitution slot. When physical exhaustion sets in during the second half, they won''t be able to make more effective adjustments."
Zidane agreed, but he also understood Simeone''s dilemma: "Just like how we can''t abandon Wang Feng to devise our game n, Simeone can''t abandon Diego Costa."
"Even if there''s a slim chance, he still hopes that Costa can make an impact. But I believe he also has a backup n in mind."
"You''re right. Anyway, let''s stick to our n. Expend all our energy in the first half and then strike decisively in the second half!"
Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Casis in goal.
The four defenders were Ramos, Carvajal, Arbeloa, and Coentrao.
The three midfielders were Modric, Khedira, and Isco.
The three forwards were Wang Feng, Higuain, and Morata.
Ancelotti intentionally kept Marcelo and Bale on the bench to deliver a lethal blow in the second half. Both yers'' ability to attack and prate from the nks was outstanding, and with ample energy, they could disrupt Atletico''s defense.
The first half began with Atletico kicking off. Vi and Costa stood at the center circle, the Spaniards waiting for the referee''s whistle while silently making the sign of the cross, hoping that Costa could y the entire game with them and lift the coveted Champions League trophy together!
When the Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers blew the whistle to start the match, Vi quickly passed the ball to Costa, who then passed it back to the backfield.
Soon, Atletico organized their push into the frontcourt. Before they could create a good shooting opportunity, Coentrao seized the chance to tackle and intercepted the ball, passing it to Modric.
As expected by the coaching staff, Atletico immediately chose to press high. Two yers came together to surround Modric.
The Croatian calmly dealt with it, dribbling past Raul Garcia and then passing to Khedira. Ancelotti''s tactical arrangement was to fully mobilize the opponent''s movement and engage them in a war of attrition.
The midfield battle was intense, with frequent transitions between attack and defense, resulting in no effective shots for nearly 10 minutes.
During this period, Costa underwent more than five sprints and abrupt stops. He felt his leg muscles twitching.
Approaching Arbeloa once again, in a strong confrontation, the Brazilian felt a sharp pain in his thigh. As he fell, he also brought down the Real Madrid defender.
"Whistle!" Kuipers blew his whistle, indicating a foul by Atletico.
Arbeloa got up reluctantly and ced the ball at the spot of the foul, waiting for Costa to stand up and take the free-kick. However, thetter tried twice to stand up with the help of his hands but failed.
"Are you okay?" Seeing Costa sweating profusely, the Spanish defender immediately called the referee to check the situation, and other Atletico yers also crowded around.
"I might not be able to continue!" The Brazilian said to Vi with a sad face, now finding it difficult even to stand up.
Finally, with the help of the medical stretcher, Costa was carried off the field and sent to the hospital for treatment. Simeone substituted him with Adrian.
The match had only been going on for 9 minutes, making it the earliest substitution in Champions League final history.
Simeone still lost the bet!
Although extremely frustrated, the Argentine coach still managed to keep hisposure. During the break, he gathered the yers and instructed them to continue executing the nned tactics.
He knew he couldn''t show any signs of disappointment or panic on his face; instead, he had to remain calm andposed. Otherwise, it would seriously affect the yers'' state on the field.
As the match resumed, Atletico managed to suppress their inner turmoil and firmly executed the previous tactics, relentlessly chasing and attacking Real Madrid.
In the 13th minute, they had the first shot, with Raul Garcia attempting a long-range shot from the right nk, but the ball went over the crossbar.
Subsequently, there were numerous confrontations between the two sides, with the referee Kuipers tending to be lenient in his refereeing, coupled with the inconvenience of handing out cards in the Champions League final, often relying on verbal warnings instead. Therefore, the situation became increasingly tense.
Especially during a rapid counterattack by Real Madrid, Raul Garcia made a tactical foul, diving to tackle Isco, with his actions being quite exaggerated, which aroused strong dissatisfaction among the Gxy Warship yers.
Kuipers only showed a yellow card to Garcia, prompting Ramos to immediately approach and demand an exnation, his tone and demeanor extremely agitated, resulting in him also receiving a yellow card warning.
Wang Feng, seeing the situation wasn''t favorable, quickly held back the Spanish defender, knowing that getting sent off for a confrontation with the referee at this time would be more detrimental than beneficial.
Subsequently, both teams had their chances. The Chinese superstar took a long shot from 25 meters in front of the goal, and the ball bounced near the edge of the penalty area, but was firmly held by Courtois.
Atletico defender Juanfran sped up along the sideline to join the attack, approaching the penalty area and sending a cross. Ramos headed the ball out, and Felipe''s long-range shot from outside the penalty area was blocked by Arbeloa.
Then, Tiago made a mistake in passing back to the defense. Morata intercepted and rushed into the penalty area, shooting with his left foot from 12 meters in front of the goal, but it missed the post. This was the best chance the Gxy Warship had in the first half.
Regardless of whether it was Atletico or Real Madrid, both teams experienced significant energy consumption. As the first half gradually approached its end, the yers'' physical strength inevitably declined, and the pace of the game slowly slowed down.
Just as the Gxy Warship thought they were about toplete the coach''s tasks, and with a slight rxation of their minds, the Bed Sheet Brigade dealt them a fatal blow.
In the 42nd minute, Gabi took a corner from the right side. Ramos cleared the ball to the first point, but failed to protect the second point. Juanfran headed it back into the penalty area.
Casis, in a rush of blood to the head, chose toe out to catch the ball, but he was positioned a bit too far away. Godin stepped forward and jumped high ahead of him, heading the ball over the Spanish goalkeeper.
A surprised Saint Iker desperately tried to turn back and save it, but it was toote. The ball bounced and rolled into the right side of the.
"The ball''s in! Atletico takes the lead with a corner kick opportunity, breaking the deadlock first!"
"It''s unbelievable. Casis made a misjudgment in handling the ball. He shouldn''t have chosen toe out at this time."
"Not only was the distance too far, but there were also his own defensive yers obstructing thending spot. Even if he managed to get there, it would have been difficult to secure the ball."
"We originally thought that the Bed Sheet Brigade would be at a disadvantage without Diego Costa, but they unexpectedly took the lead first. Now the Gxy Warship is in trouble."
Chapter 685: Is It Really Over?
Chapter 685: Is It Really Over?
Or was the opponent the first to break the goal, and in such an incredible way!
The Real Madrid yers on the field were somewhat dazed for a moment, especially Casis, who was embarrassed lying on the ground, burying his head in his arms and unwilling to get up.
Wang Feng, hands on hips, gasping for breath, nobody wanted to see this result, but they had to pull themselves together; it wasn''t over yet.
The Chinese superstar quickly came to Casis''s side, pulling him up and patting his shoulder forfort, then went around encouraging his teammates: "Falling behind is too familiar to us, it''s nothing serious!"
"Moreover, didn''t the coach have a n beforehand? Now is the time to pull ourselves together and execute it!"
In the corporate box at the top of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Florentino''s face turned iron blue as he watched Wang Feng moving up and down, finally lifting everyone''s spirits, and his mood finally improved a bit.
"If I remember correctly, this is the second consecutive time Casis has made a mistake in the Champions League final!" the Spaniard said with a cold snort.
"Yes,st time against Bayern, he also conceded first," Bardinano replied, "But we still came back to win, so maybe this is a good sign."
"Well, let''s hope so," the Real Madrid president said with a grim face, "Anyway, no matter what, such repeated low-level mistakes in such an important game only prove that we need to renew our goalkeeper."
After this goal, halftime soon arrived. In the dressing room, coach Ancelotti first praised everyone''s performance in the first half, "Conceding a goal is just an ident, nobody wants it to happen, but since it''s already a fact, there''s no use regretting it."
"In the second half, Atletico will definitely retreatpletely and adopt an extremely conservative tactical strategy, and we need to find a way to break through their turtle shell!"
Everyone nodded in agreement at his words. They had faced being behind before; being discouraged wouldn''t solve anything, and they still had 45 minutes to use.
Of course, their optimistic attitude was also to some extent derived from their historical achievements. The experiences of oveing obstacles andughingst several times invisibly gave the yers great courage.
"Next, we''ll press forward with all our strength. Gareth, you''ll rece Morata directlyter, and Marcelo will warm up on the sidelines. I''ll also bring you on at the right moment."
The named yers nodded one after another, "But we also need to be careful of their counterattacks, especially in the early stages of the second half, we must not let Atletico widen the gap again!"
The Italian pointed at the tactics board and exined the offensive and defensive ns. Time flew by, and it was soon approaching the start of the second half.
Back on the field, everyone subconsciously looked at Wang Feng, the spiritual leader. The Chinese superstar shed a rxed smile, "What are we waiting for, guys? Let''s kick Atletico''s butt hard and bring the Champions League trophy back to the Bernabeu!"
"Ha ha, let''s do it!"
In the 52nd minute, Miranda was cautioned for fouling Modric, giving Real Madrid a free kick from 25 meters out.
The Gxy Warship fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium couldn''t help but cheer. Everyone knew that the Chinese superstar''s free-kick uracy was terrifying, especially in desperate situations, where his uracy would double.
The Atletico yers nervously formed a wall, and Simeone was also very anxious. He rushed to the sidelines, shouting loudly, protesting the position of the free kick one moment and the distance of the wall the next, trying to create interference.
And with Wang Feng''s run-up and shot, the ball went around the wall and headed straight for the top right corner. The tall and mighty Courtois showed his advantage, stretching out his long arms and tipping the ball over the baseline with his fingertips.
"Ah!" Ronaldo, who was about to stand up to celebrate, sat back down in frustration, "It''s a pity, if Casis were in goal, that would''ve gone in."
Beside him, Raul smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Don''t mock Igor; he''s not having an easy time either. He''s already 33 years old, and his reflexes and speed are not what they used to be."
"If he still had the height advantage like Courtois, he could hold on a bit longer, but now all we can say is that time waits for no one."
The Gxy Warship continued to attack, Modric took a corner, and Wang Feng jumped to thending spot but was caught between Juanfran and Miranda. He managed to head the ball, but it narrowly missed the post.
The Chinese superstar, feeling regretful, waved his hand, appealing to the referee Kuipers that the defending yers had fouled him by pushing him, but the Dutchman ignored him.
"It''s really frustrating!" Ronaldo clenched his fists in indignation, "Even I can see that Wang was clearly pushed; doesn''t that count as a foul?"
Morientes frowned and said, "Atletico has been testing the referee''s standard of judgment since the beginning of the game, gradually figuring out how much they can get away with."
"In this situation, they can afford to make quite a few fouls without consequence. Simeone is indeed a good teacher; any team facing them would have a headache."
After the protests were unsessful and Atletico got a goal kick, both sides were still deadlocked. Real Madrid coach Ancelotti made a substitution adjustment in the 59th minute, with Marcelo recing Coentrao.
Simeone, on the other hand, used hisst substitution to rece the cautioned Raul Garcia with Hctor Herrera, and they continued to stick to their defensive and time-wasting tactics.
Iguain received a back pass from Modric, and Isco, following up, shot low from the top of the penalty area, just missing the post.
Atleticomitted a foul in their half, and Real Madrid quickly took a free kick. Khedira passed to Bale, and the Welsh star drove into the box before crossing.
Wang Feng, at the 17-meter mark in front of the goal, managed to get ahead of the defenders and took a low-angle shot, but once again, Courtois confiscated it.
"Ah!" The Santiago Bernabeu let out a sigh. Countless excited white-d fans sat back down, constantly checking the electronic scoreboard, watching the time ticking away, feeling extremely anxious.
UEFA President tini''s eyes were getting brighter and brighter, looking quite satisfied. The myth of the Gxy Warship was finally about to be broken, and by the hands of their city rivals. What could be more sensational than this?
Despite all their efforts, Wang Feng couldn''t send the damn ball into the Atletico goal. Exhausted from the heavy defense, he leaned on his knees, panting heavily, his mind filled with memories of his younger self. Back then, facing four or five opponents was no pressure at all, but time had indeed left its mark on him.
Was this the end of the road? Was everything really over?
At this moment, Simeone made another adjustment to the lineup, using thest substitution to rece Felipe with Alderweireld to shore up the defense.
It seemed that the Argentine coach believed Atletico could hold on to the lead in regr time, so he didn''t leave any more room for adjustments.
"The game has already yed 90 minutes, and there will be 3 minutes of injury time indicated by the sidelines. The Gxy Warship still hasn''t had a good chance to equalize."
"Perhaps their streak of championships will end today, and a legend wille to an end, but we will never forget how much glory Real Madrid has achieved!"
Chapter 686: Shadow of a Lifetime
Chapter 686: Shadow of a Lifetime
Until the final moments of the match, the Real Madrid fans at the Estadio da Luz continued to cheer for their team, praying for a miracle to happen, praying for that man called the miracle to step up once again.
But seeing Wang Feng being knocked down, tackled, and dragged down time and time again, covered in mud, struggling to get up from the ground, his steps faltering yet tireless, many people were moved to tears.
Unconsciously, this god-like man was already 31 years old. He had brought too much glory to the club, and people always wanted more from him, forgetting how unreasonable their expectations were.
"Wang, it''s enough! Real Madrid, it''s enough!" For the first time, a fan uttered such a sentiment, immediately resonating widely. Almost everyone felt that even if the Gxy Warship couldn''t continue its legendary journey today, they could ept it with pride and leave the field with their heads held high.
Perhaps the yers also had simr thoughts at this moment. Despite the defeat, there was still glory in it, but Wang Feng felt it wasn''t enough. He was too greedy, forgetting about the pain and exhaustion of his body, forgetting where and when he was, with only Atletico''s tightly closed goal in front of him.
Atleticounched an attack in the frontcourt. The ball lofted into the penalty area was punched out by Casis. Thiago was preparing to control the ball for a second chance, but suddenly felt a ckout in front of him. When he looked up, he saw a figure flying over him, heading the ball forward with all his might.
He subconsciously reached out to grab the falling yer, but the immense force transmitted through the clothes made Thiago stagger and lose bnce. He could only instinctively let go to maintain his own bnce and prevent himself from falling.
Looking back on the past for many years toe, the Portuguese midfielder would always sigh with regret at this moment. Even if he fell to the ground like a dog, he shouldn''t have let go back then!
The Chinese superstar broke free from Thiago''s tackle and dribbled the ball forward at high speed. With few Atletico yers involved in the attack, near the center line, Jos Sosa and Gabi came over to try to intercept.
Approaching Sosa, Wang Feng suddenly slowed down, simultaneously flicking the ball to the left with his left foot, seemingly wanting to change direction and bypass the opponent, but his speed was too slow!
The Argentine midfielder immediately fell to the ground for a sliding tackle. He was the first to touch the ball, and even the Chinese superstar was swept off his feet by the force of the tackle. No foul could be called, but he got the ball!
But Sosa didn''t rejoice for long. In the air, Wang Feng kicked to stabilize himself, while his other foot hooked the ball slightly, letting it pass over Sosa''s legs and back into his control.
In the blink of an eye, he pierced through the defense with the ball at his feet. What was even worse for Atletico was that there was originally Gabi closely chasing behind him, and now it was a good opportunity for him to catch up.
But the fallen Sosa was like a barrier in the middle, and Gabi couldn''t even slow down before being tripped by his teammate. Both of them found it difficult to get up quickly, watching helplessly as Wang Feng adjusted himself and elerated away again.
Miranda, with a wealth of experience, quickly retreated sideways, which could not only prevent the Chinese superstar from breaking through along the sideline but also guard against his cross.
As they approached each other, Wang Feng chose to forcefully flick the ball past Miranda and then cut inside!
The Brazilian defender thought Wang Feng would continue his straight eleration or bypass him from the outside, but instead, he chose to cut inside from behind!
Miranda couldn''t immediately turn around to foul and block. He only felt a gust of wind passing by from behind, and his heart was filled with despair.
And Wang Feng deliberately added a slight spin to the flick, so the ball drew a slight arc on the pitch, just meeting him on the right side of the penalty area.
Goalkeeper Courtois and Juanfran rushed to intercept together. The Chinese superstar, however, didn''t stop the ball but directly sent a low shot between them, aiming for the far corner of the goal, hitting the post and deflecting into the.
"Goal!" Seeing the ball hit the, Wang Feng didn''t slow down and rushed out of the bottom line, crossing over the advertising boards to the vicinity of the stands, raising his head and howling, eliciting enthusiastic responses from countless fans.
With the goal, the Real Madrid coaching bench instantly exploded. Ancelotti kept clenching his fists and waving them, while Zidane recalled his yer days and ran wildly along the sidelines, his speed still as fast as in the past.
All the substitute yers followed him, with everyone having only one goal in mind: to meet and embrace the hero, Wang Feng!
Simeone''s face turned iron blue as he rushed to the linesman, roaring, "This is not a valid goal! The injury time of the match has already ended!"
"Simeone, please calm down a bit. The end of the match time is determined by the main referee, and as you can see, there are 3 minutes of injury time, and the goal was scored at 92 minutes and 48 seconds on the timer."
"Damn it, why only three minutes of injury time! I want toin, I want to appeal!" The Argentine was a bit neurotic, apparently finding it hard to ept that all his efforts throughout the match had turned into nothing.
And 92 minutes and 48 seconds became the shadow of a lifetime for Simeone and even the entire Atletico yers.
"Goal! Wang Feng scores an equalizing goal, and Real Madrid hasn''t lost yet!"
"Oh my God, my mood is like a roller coaster. The Bed Sheets Legion was only 12 seconds away from their first Champions League trophy in club history. Many fans at the scene even started celebrating in advance. I think the fans in front of the TV should be the same."
"But the Chinese superstar stood up and stopped everything. He is dering to the world that trying to end Real Madrid''s reign of consecutive championships is not enough!"
"Starting from the backcourt, Wang Feng dribbled the ball more than seventy meters, smoothly weaving through the defense and sending the ball into Atletico''s goal. It''s just too crazy!"
"Header, avoiding the sliding tackle, splitting the ball and the man, each choice and action were just right. The Bed Sheets Legion had at least three chances to stop him, but the defending yers couldn''t seize any of them."
"Now both sides are back on the same starting line, and the oue of the match is still unknown. Will Atletico regain confidence and continue to fight? Can Real Madrid seize the opportunity to push forward even more?"
After Atletico kicked off the ball again, the main referee Kuipers soon blew the whistle for the end of regr time, and extra time began!
The yers of both teams gathered around their respective coaching staff, listening to the tactical arrangements while drinking water and catching their breath.
"Not bad, guys. Now the wind of victory is blowing in our direction!" Ancelotti said excitedly, "Simeone''s team has consumed much more than the Gxy Warship, and the prematurely wasted substitution quota has be a hidden danger."
"Plus, the strong emotional turmoil brought by the equalizer. Let''s take advantage of the situation and go for the kill!"
"Everyone, let''s continue to maintain our attacking rhythm and try to end the battle in extra time. I believe they will copse for sure."
After saying these words, he turned his head and looked at Wang Feng, who had changed from a white to a gray jersey, with concern, asking, "Wang, how do you feel? Can you give it another shot?"
The Chinese superstar took a deep breath and patted his chest, "No problem, we will definitely win!"
Everyone was infected by his confidence and miraculous performance, nodding in agreement.
Ancelotti nned to use thest substitution, recing the exhausted Khedira with Irramendi, which could both stabilize the defense and provide fresh attacking power.
Chapter 687: Unstoppable Momentum, Eighth Consecutive Championship!
Chapter 687: Unstoppable Momentum, Eighth Consecutive Championship!
"As soon as extra time started, Real Madrid coach Ancelotti reced Khedira with Irramendi. It seems that he doesn''t intend to drag the game into a penalty shootout."
"Yes, both sides have already used up all three substitutions, with Atletico making adjustments earlier, so they''re slightly disadvantaged in terms of physical fitness."
"However, the Gxy Warship cannot afford to becent. At this point, neither side can afford even a single mistake."
"Hey, look at this! Irramendi''s forced breakthrough was blocked and intercepted by Godn, and passed to Gabi, Atletico counterattacks!"
"Beautiful! Wang Feng''s timely appearance disrupted the opponent''s quick counter, making it very dangerous for them to chase after him."
"The Spanish midfielder, who just came on, is eager to make an impression. You can see him shouting and protesting at Godn and the main referee, feeling that it was a foul by the opponent, but Wang Feng stopped him in time."
"At this point, why are you in such a hurry? Real Madrid should seek stability and y at their own pace. It''s Atletico who should be feeling anxious."
Under Wang Feng''s advice and inspiration, the Gxy Warship began to y steadily, gradually controlling the situation on the field.
With excessive consumption, being equalized, and the absence of their core yer Diego Costa, the Bed Sheets Legion showed signs of decline under the triple blow.
In the 100th minute, Isco sent a diagonal pass from the center, and Bale elerated past the defense after receiving the ball, cutting inside the penalty area and choosing to shoot directly from a narrow angle.
Courtois spread his legs to block, tipping the ball with his right foot, causing it to rebound off the back post. The Chinese superstar flew in and shot, poking the ball into the goal before Juanfran.
Although he couldn''t stop himself and crashed into the goalpost due to his momentum, Wang Feng didn''t care about the pain and immediately got up to run towards the sideline to celebrate.
"Goal! After the equalizer, Wang Feng once again helps the team turn the tables! 2-1!"
"This time it''s Atletico who are pushed to the brink. I wonder if there''s anyone in their team who can step up and be a hero?"
"The cheering and support from the Gxy Warship fans, even after nearly 100 minutes, is still undiminished. The entire Estdio da Luz is filled with their cheers and shouts!"
"Now the camera is showing Wang Feng''s family and friends in the stands. His eldest daughter should be almost six years old now, very lively and cute, cheering for her dad with the nearby fans."
"All domestic fans should still remember when the Chinese superstar won the gold medal representing the national Olympic team at the BJ Olympics, it was when his daughter was born."
"Yes, he once said that this gold medal is the best gift for his daughter, and I think it''s also the best gift for all the fans nationwide!"
Although Simeone has been standing on the sidelines directing, the rapid decline in Atletico''s physical fitness and morale cannot be changed. His heart gradually sank to the bottom.
In the second half of extra time, in the 114th minute, Wang Feng broke through on the wing, attracting the defense before passing back. Marcelo took a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Courtois made a rare mistake in diving to save, and the ball slipped from his grasp, deflecting off the post and bouncing into the behind him. 3-1! The Gxy Warship secured the victory!
The Brazilian defender celebrated excitedly after scoring, ignoring the yellow card he received. It proved that Ancelotti''s tactics werepletely effective, with both Bale and Marcelo shining in the second half.
And in the 120th minute, Wang Feng received a pass from Modric in the frontcourt, without a run-up, he directly chipped the ball into the goal. Courtois couldn''t reach it, and the ball flew over him into the. 4-1!
The Belgian goalkeeper''s mentality waspletely shattered. Since conceding the first goal to equalize, he had been in a low mood and unable to extricate himself, making several consecutive mistakes in saves, resulting in Atletico conceding consecutive goals.
Wang Fengpleted a hat-trick, and by the end of this season, his total goals in the Champions League reached 19, undoubtedly making him the top scorer, with 7 assists as well.
When the referee Kuipers blew the final whistle, the Estdio da Luz had turned into a sea of ??celebration for Real Madrid fans. Even before the third goal of the Gxy Warship, many Atletico fans had already left the stadium in session.
The yers of the Bed Sheets Legion also hurriedly wanted to leave this ce of sadness. They didn''t even greet their opponents or thank the fans, and rushed to leave through the tunnel one after another.
The winners left behind wore excited and joyful smiles on their faces. Although they fought for 120 minutes, they still managed to muster the strength to celebrate.
Wang Feng stood with his hands on his hips, looking satisfied as he watched the young people celebrate. No matter how many times he experienced this scene, he never tired of it. Every run he made on the field was for this moment!
After catching his breath, the Chinese superstar slowly walked towards the stands, shaking hands and hugging with the lively crowd one by one. Until he reached the edge of the stands, looking around at the excited dancing fans, many people became even more excited when they saw him approaching.
Although he couldn''t see the specific location of his family, Wang Feng still raised his left hand to kiss his ring and waved his arm to signal to them.
"Mama, mama, daddy is waving to us!" Sharp-eyed little Siyao immediately spotted the most eye-catching figure in the crowd, her most admired father!
"Yeah, wave to daddy too, he''ll see you." Lu Yao gently lifted her daughter up so she could see Wang Feng better.
In Wang Tian''s arms, little Haoyixin still didn''t quite understand his father''s great performance, feeling that it was too noisy around him. So he shrank his head forcefully, looking cute and causing everyone to smile.
The simple award stage was quickly set up by the skilled staff. The Atletico yers hurriedly grabbed the runner-up medals and left in a hurry. This kind of near miss regret would probably take a long time to ease.
The Gxy Warship''s award ceremony was much more rxed. Every yer enjoyed the cheers and apuse from the fans when they stepped onto the stage. As thest one, Wang Fengpletely pushed the atmosphere to its climax.
"Congrattions, Wang, your era is still continuing." Regardless of his inner thoughts, tini smiled and congratted the Chinese superstar, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, Mr. President. Eras alwayse and go, but the purity and excitement of football are eternal, aren''t they?" Wang Feng blinked.
"You''re right. Come on, kids, pick up your trophy. It''s the eighth year now, maybe we should consider giving Real Madrid some interestingmemoration." tini half-jokingly and half-seriously said.
These are some internal voices within UEFA. Since they couldn''t interfere with the miraculous achievements of the Gxy Warship, they might as well participate directly and set historic awards for them.
In the future, no matter how many years pass, when people mention this glorious history of Real Madrid, they will also remember UEFA''s deeds, which will remain immortal together.
Of course, this matter is of great importance, and it is still under specific discussions. There are also many opposing voices. After all, the Gxy Warship is already so dominant. If they are crowned again, would their status be too prominent?
Wang Feng received the Champions League trophy from tini and walked slowly to the forefront of the crowd. "Guys, on the count of three, everyone raise your hands with me!"
As he lifted the trophy above his head, the fireworks behind the award stage and the fireworks on the field wereunched simultaneously, Lisbon celebrated for the champions!
The 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League champions belong to Real Madrid, as they clinched their eighth consecutive Champions League title!
Chapter 688: Passion Never Diminishes
Chapter 688: Passion Never Diminishes
After the award ceremony, yers'' families and friends entered the field one after another to celebrate with everyone. Naturally, they wouldn''t miss the opportunity to take photos with the trophy. Little Haoyixin experienced this for the first time and was very interested in touching the shiny Champions League trophy.
Siyao, on the other hand, was more interested in thememorative ball her father scored a hat-trick with. "Daddy, can I kick it here?" she asked crisply.
Wang Feng touched his daughter''s head and handed her the ball, saying, "Of course, no problem. Go ahead."
It was the first time for Siyao to y ser on such a big field, especially with many Real Madrid fans still celebrating excitedly in the stands, unwilling to leave.
So at first, Siyao was a bit cautious, just jogging slowly towards the goal with the ball. Soon, she attracted many curious looks, and everyone recognized her as the child of the Chinese superstar.
The fans found it very amusing and started cheering for her, making it sound like another match was starting. When Siyao swung her little legs and pushed the ball into the goal with all her might, waves of apuse echoed throughout the Estdio da Luz, attracting almost everyone''s attention.
With an excited face, the little daughter ran to her father with the ball in her arms. "Daddy, daddy, can I y again?" The cheers of tens of thousands of people made her feel nervous yet excited.
"Onest time, okay? You''re already sweating." Wang Feng indulgently smiled.
So little Siyao ran towards the goal with the ball again. Her movements became more natural from being stiff at first, and her running speed increased, looking quite skillful.
The noise from the stands became even louder, as the fans found the little girl''s antics adorable and also wanted to show their support for Wang Feng, giving the whole scene a match-like atmosphere.
Grateful for the supportive fans, Wang Feng picked up his daughter and bowed to them in thanks.
After the celebration and revelry ended, the Chinese superstar epted interviews from the media on the spot. "It''s a wonderful night. It''s unbelievable that we''ve created a miracle."
Although he was the hero of the dramaticeback, Wang Feng emphasized that the victory was the result of the team''s effort. The clever tactics and adjustments by head coach Ancelotti, as well as the relentless efforts of the yers until thest second, were crucial.
"We didn''t let down our past achievements, nor did we let down the name of the Gxy Warship. To continue the glory at the top of Europe, we must go through many setbacks and difficulties, and we have ovee them."
Wang Feng admitted there was a considerable element of luck in the equalizing goal scored at 92 minutes and 48 seconds. "At that moment, the whole team was constantly attacking, but time waits for no one, and everyone was very anxious."
"I happened to see the ball flying out of the penalty area, and I knew that if I could get it, there would be a chance for a counterattack, so I didn''t hesitate to jump in."
Wang Feng felt that Atletico''s defense was very organized, which put a lot of pressure on attacking yers, but he couldn''t slow down or dare to slow down, because the final whistle could sound at any moment.
"Smooth sailing? No, it wasn''t that easy. At the moment of Sosa''s sliding tackle, I even felt like everything was over, but I managed to barely break through in the chaos."
"Of course, always maintain a forward-looking mentality, don''t give up any possibility, maybe that''s the important factor in creating the equalizing goal."
With their eighth consecutive Champions League title, the whole world wants to know where the limit of Real Madrid lies and how long they will continue to dominate football.
"As for me personally and for the club, of course, I hope to keep winning!" Wang Fengughed, "But it''s an extremely difficult thing to do. Those who have been with us all the way know best. Every Champions League match, every year, is not easy. We have put in too much effort to achieve today''s results."
"During this time, there have been countless ssic and thrilling contests, so just looking at the result of eight consecutive titles cannot sum up this wonderful football history."
"Every new season, Real Madrid yers forget past glories andunch a new assault on the championship, so I can''t answer how long it willst, because I don''t know. What I do know is that our passion for the championship will never diminish!"
The Chinese superstar also mentioned that the club''s staff and management have made indelible contributions to the team''s performance. Their full support and assistance, as well as the introduction and reward of excellent talents, ensure the continuous and healthy development of the Gxy Warship.
Many media outlets eager for big news asked him about Barcelona''s resignation and the chaos in the management. Wang Feng firmly refused toment, emphasizing that he was not involved and had no qualification to say anything.
As for the final opponent Atletico, their sess this season was entirely created by Real Madrid alone, from the Triple Crown to the hat-trick by Wang Feng, dominating from every angle.
However, Wang Feng still gave them high praise. "The strength of the Bed Sheets Legion is evident, and their fighting spirit for victory is even more admirable."
"Although we are opponents on the field and asionally have friction and arguments, it''s only about the game itself."
Real Madrid''s continued dominance is not surprising, but the twists and turns of the game were unexpectedly exciting, especially thest-minute turnaround.
"An epiceback, a miraculous finale!" Spain''s Marca used such words as their news headline.
"The failure of the Bed Sheets Legion is not without heroism. They were only 12 seconds away from the championship trophy, but it seemed as distant as the sky."
Marca believes that the copse in extra time was inevitable for Atletico. Not only did they make substitutions too early, but the yers'' morale also plummeted, making it impossible for them to continue topete with the Gxy Warship.
As for Simeone''s gamble of starting Diego Costa but losing, they felt it was understandable, as the Brazilian is the team''s core and spiritual leader, and must be relied upon in crucial moments.
The root cause of the team''s failure lies in the miraculous Wang Feng. He is naturally born for miracles, even Simeone admitted defeat to him in the post-match interview.
"At that moment, he couldn''t be stopped. I just want to know why there were 3 minutes of stoppage time, it felt like a ck three minutes for Atletico." The Argentinean said unwillingly.
Of course, whether it was UEFA or the outside world, they generally believed that 3 minutes of stoppage time was very reasonable. Germany''s Kicker even calcted the amount of time wasted in the second half ording to FIFA standards and concluded that it should be 4 minutes and 15 seconds, which means the stoppage time should have been longer by one minute.
"If the referee had blown the final whistle in the third minute, and the equalizer had to wait until the fourth minute to be realized, it wouldn''t have been fair to Real Madrid."
Spain''s El Pas stated that the two Madrid teams provided a fantastic match for football fans around the world at the Estdio da Luz. Real Madrid''s victory was amazing, and Atletico''s defeat was also respectable.
"Until thest moment, the Bed Sheets Legion still maintained their spirit of fighting and winning, putting great pressure on the dominant force in European football."
The 92:48 miracle belongs to Wang Feng, to the Gxy Warship, and also to the Bed Sheets Legion, even if they yed the role of an uneptable background.
Because if it weren''t for Atletico''s trailing for 92 minutes, how could such a miracle happen just 12 seconds before the end? The Triple Crown king is indeed very regrettable, but the journey of this Bed Sheets Legion is far from over. El Pas believes that they will regroup and challenge the dominant position of European hegemony once again.
Chapter 689: Future Leaders
Chapter 689: Future Leaders
The World Cup is about toe, and the Chinese team is not idle. They have received invitations from several countries to y friendly matches. This is a great opportunity to train young yers, but Wang Feng naturally did not receive the call-up.
He nned to go to Switzend with his family for a summer vacation and also take the opportunity to organize the group''s business. "Really, you''re not going to Brazil to take a look?" Lu Yao joked while packing her luggage.
Wang Feng rolled his eyes. "Forget it, I don''t really want to get involved with anything rted to the World Cup right now."
This was his true inner thought. A person who always strives for victory but cannot participate in thepetition, he really couldn''t muster any interest.
However, the Chinese superstar had already set his sights on the 2018 World Cup. Although he would be 35 years old by then, with a reasonable lineup of all foreign yers and his own efforts, he would still bepetitive.
That''s why he changed his mindset and decided not to go to Ligue 1 to make money after his contract with Real Madrid ended, but to go to the Premier League to sharpen his skills. Only there could he maintain his level without declining too much.
As for whether he could adapt? Wang Feng was quite confident in himself. After all, he had experienced the peak era of Serie A in the past, and his physique was very strong.
The only thing to consider was which Premier League team to choose and how to operate it. It could be imagined that his move would cause a seismic shift in the football world.
In fact, his dy in renewing his contract with the Gxy Warship had long aroused suspicion among outsiders. Some people thought that Real Madrid was waiting and watching because they were not sure how long the Chinese superstar''s peak couldst and needed to carefully evaluate the contract terms.
Others believed that Wang Feng wanted a higher sry and a lifetime contract, all of which he deserved because he had elevated Real Madrid from a traditional powerhouse to a dominant mythological status, and any conditions were worth it.
Neither the yer nor the club responded to the spections from the outside world. Only a small number of savvy people noticed that they seemed to be slowly drifting apart. Could it be that the Chinese superstar would leave Real Madrid?
At this time, neither side wanted to break the window paper, and all actions were carried out in private, with team morale being the main consideration.
The club is one ecosystem, and the national team is another.
Currently, there are two voices within the Chinese team about future leaders. Naturally, everyone looks up to Wang Feng when he is present, but who can take on this great responsibility when he is not there?
The team captain is undoubtedly the veteran Zheng Zhi, and Dong Fangzhuo''s prestige and strength also surpass many. However, both of them are not young anymore, and they definitely need younger yers to take on the big responsibility.
One voice is firmly in favor of Huang Hu, who has secured a ce as a regr starter for Werder Bremen. He receives the support of most of the regr yers because they both came from Wang Feng''s youth training program, naturally having an affinity.
The other voice is for Wu Lei, who is a regr starter for Toulouse in Ligue 1. Hees from the domestic youth training system, so he represents the interests of the majority of traditional powers.
Wang Feng didn''t think there was a problem with this kind ofpetition. Inpetitive sports, strength is king, and in the end, it depends on who can be universally recognized as the leader.
And the principle that national team yers muste from European club starters is very restrictive, blocking most ill-intentioned eyes. Those who want to benefit must send excellent talents to Europe for training.
And they cannot be sent toote. They have to learn from Wang Feng, who started training from the age of ten, otherwise, they simply cannot adapt to the environment of European football.
It is worth mentioning that they cannot get anything from yers like Huang Hu. All the ie generated from tickets, endorsements, peripherals, etc., has to be shared out, and they even have to spend money to entertain.
From mid-June to mid-July, this period of time belongs to the World Cup for football fans worldwide.
Brazil is hosting this international event for the second time since 1950, and the whole country is eager to win the championship on home soil.
The match between Spain and the Nethends in the group stage can be said to have shocked everyone. The newly-crowned European champions took the lead in the first half with a strong posture, and the returning Alonso even scored the first goal for the team.
Then, Diego Costa seemed to be affected by injuries, repeatedly wasting opportunities to widen the lead, but at this moment, everyone was very optimistic.
The BBCmentator even said, "The game is not suspenseful anymore. Spain can score goals even while walking."
Before his words fell, the Nethends scored a fantastic goal through a counterattack, with Van Persie leaping to head in the equalizer.
Then the Orange Legionpletely exploded in the second half, scoring four more goals in a row,pletely tearing through the Bullfighters, and the score was fixed at 5:1!
This defeat almost knocked the European champions from the clouds into the mud. The head coach, yers, and Spanish fans were all baffled, not understanding why it turned out like this.
Only Martino, who was idle at home, felt extremelyfortable in his heart. Who dared to say that they led an invincible army but werepletely defeated by Real Madrid and Atletico?
Spain''s problem is Barcelona''s problem, with their tactical core being the same. The fact proves that as the main yers age and theirpetitive level declines, their dominance inevitably declines rapidly.
Everyone had not yet recovered from the defeat, and the Bullfighters were 0:2 defeated by Chile, eliminating them from the World Cup prematurely, bing the biggest upset of this tournament.
Another team that made people sigh with regret was Italy. They were no longer as strong as they were when they won three World Cupsst century. After being eliminated in the group stage ten years ago, they continued to be eliminated in the group stage this time.
The match between the Blue Army and Uruguay attracted everyone''s attention because forward Suarez once again demonstrated his biting characteristics, biting Italy''s defender Chiellini.
After this widely condemned action, Uruguay took advantage of a corner kick to break through Italy''s defense, and ultimately managed to advance to the knockout stage ahead of them.
Although the South American powerhouse won the match, criticism of Suarez continued unabated. Many still remembered that four years ago, he benefited from a handball, and for a while, he was pushed to the forefront and became the most unpopr yer.
FIFA also handed him the heaviest punishment in history, banning him from international matches for up to 9 games, which means the Uruguayan forward bid farewell to this World Cup prematurely.
The overwhelming negative public opinion made Barcelona Club quite a headache, and it even affected theirmercial value. After discussing with their think tank, they felt that they couldn''t just let it go.
So they spared no effort to publicize Suarez''s image as someone who puts the country above all else, starting from the perspective of national honor, and all his actions could be rationalized.
It is worth mentioning that the team that finished first in this group was Costa Rica, while the team that finishedst was Ennd. They joined Italy in being eliminated, surprising many European fans.
Argentina, led by Messi, smoothly advanced to the knockout stage, but Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo unexpectedly did notpete against the United States and failed to make it to the round of 16.
What followed was worthy of praise was Germany''s 7:1 ughter of Brazil in the semi-finals, showing their championship demeanor, and ultimately defeating Argentina to lift the World Cup.
The Argentine star scored four goals in the group stage, performing very brightly, and at one point, it seemed very likely that he would rise to fame in this tournament.
But after entering the knockout stage, Messipletely disappeared, with 0 goals and 0 assists, and even missed a penalty in the final, missing a great opportunity to take the lead, ultimately leading to Gotze''s 1:0 overtime victory over Argentina.
Although he won the constion World Cup Golden Ball award, everyone understood that he was already out of contention for the FIFA Ballon d''Or at the end of the year. The team''s runner-up result contrasted sharply with his poor performance.
Chapter 690: The Smooth and Rough Transfer Window
Chapter 690: The Smooth and Rough Transfer Window
The grand World Cup hase to an end, and various European clubs in the football world have begun to prepare for the summer transfer window with enthusiasm. The media''s focus has also shifted to the changes in the teams.
Real Madrid''s top priority is to finalize the sessor for the goalkeeper position. Florentino is unwilling to wait any longer, but whether it''s negotiating with Chelsea for Courtois'' transfer or with Manchester United for De Gea''s transfer, both situations have reached aplete deadlock.
With no other choice, Navas bes the only and most suitable option.
The Costa Rican continued his high-level performance in the summer, conceding only 2 goals in the group stage and securing the top spot ahead of Uruguay, Italy, and Ennd.
Winning against Greece in the Round of 16 through a penalty shootout and narrowly losing to the Nethends in the quarter-finals through another penalty shootout, Navas made significant contributions to achieving the best historical result for the national team in the World Cup.
If there were any regrets, it would probably be that the Costa Rican goalkeeper is already 28 years old, and his peak period may notst much longer. The Gcticos will soon need to find a new goalkeeper.
However, the transition is still very cost-effective. Navas is considered ate bloomer, and his background in domestic league youth training programs has not gained much recognition in European football. After years of experience with mid-table teams in La Liga and Segunda Division, he finally garnered attention.
Furthermore, Real Madrid only spent 10 million euros to bring him back from Levante to the Bernabeu, a very cost-effective deal.
Casis was the first to wee Navas'' arrival, maintaining an optimistic and generous attitude in front of the public regardless of his inner thoughts.
In reality, he had many concerns. His declining form was a real issue, and the arrival of new signings would surely squeeze his ying time. However,pared to Courtois and De Gea, thepetition pressure from Navas is rtively smaller.
The former substitute goalkeeper, Diego Lopez, did not wait for his chance to be the starter and chose to leave after his contract expired, joining AC Mn on a free transfer.
The transfer of Di Maria was also quickly finalized. He moved to Manchester United for a fee of ??59.7 million, approximately ?68 million, making him the most expensive signing for the Red Devils and the second most expensive signing in the Premier League, second only to Ronaldo''s move to Manchester City.
As a key yer in the team''s consecutive championships, the club naturally spared no effort to hold a farewell ceremony for him. Senior management and team captain Wang Feng were both present, with the Chinese superstar recounting his achievements and saying, "I wish you all the best, my brother!"
The Argentine winger seemed a bit touched. To be honest, he didn''t have a good rtionship with the Real Madrid higher-ups, but he was very fond of the team''s warm atmosphere and cherished the harmonious rtionships among teammates.
"It''s really unbelievable. I have achieved a lot of glory and forged deep friendships during my time at Real Madrid. yers here grow very quickly as part of the collective."
"I thank all my teammates, especially Wang. He always makes it easy for people to integrate into the team, creating a strong collective while still caring for individuals."
"I don''t know what the future holds, but everything I learned at the Gxy Warship will be useful for my entire career."
In addition to the departure of Di Maria, another midfield general, Xabi Alonso, also entered the transfer process mainly due to the team''s need for renewal.
After the 33-year-old Spanish midfielder suffered a major injuryst season, the management generally believed that renewing his contract was not economically viable. He himself had no intention of epting a low-paying security contract, so he eventually joined Bayern Munich for ?9 million.
Being able to staypetitive in the top five leagues is a good thing for Alonso. Wang Feng sincerely wished him well but also felt a bit sentimental. There were fewer and fewer oldrades in the team.
No matter how well he bonded with the new yers, it seemed that feeling of starting from scratch was no longer there.
"It sounds like a generation gap, haha, you''re getting old too," Alonso joked. "Maybe more often, young yers will look up to you from an angle of admiration. Is this the price of bing a legend?"
The vacancy left by Alonso''s departure naturally needed to be filled, and Florentino set his sights on the 24-year-old German yer, Toni Kroos, who had performed brightly both at the club and in the just-ended World Cup.
After not too long negotiations, the two sides reached an agreement on a transfer fee of ?25 million plus a variable ?5 million.
This price can be said to be very affordable, even somewhat beyond the expectations of the Real Madrid higher-ups, who generally believed that it would take at least ?40 million or more to bring back this World Cup-winning midfielder to the Bernabeu.
Many fans and pundits believe that Bayern should not have let Kroos go so easily. Legend Matthaus even said, "Now there is no one in Bayern who can match his level. The management will definitely regret what happened today!"
The main reason for this situation is that the management, led by CEO Rummenigge, underestimated Kroos and even bluntly stated when he asked for a raise, "We won''t pay you so much sry because you are not a world-ss superstar."
This statement deeply hurt the German''s heart, especially when the new signing Gotze was paid a higher sry than him.
Upon learning of Real Madrid''s interest in him, Kroos eagerly responded without hesitation. Since you say I''m not a world-ss superstar, then I''ll go to the best club in the world and be a mainstay to win honors and show you!
It is precisely this two-way effort that made Kroos'' transfer exceptionally smooth.
Of course, Real Madrid also had its setbacks. If you ask which yer was the hottest in this summer window, undoubtedly it is the Colombian star, James Rodriguez.
With 6 goals, he won the Golden Boot Award, outshining Muller, and helped Colombia make history by reaching the quarter-finals.
At the age of 23, James became the next core and undisputed candidate in the hearts of many top clubs, standing shoulder to shoulder with Ronaldo and Messi is not a fantasy.
Especially with his impressive performance at the club levelst season, contributing excellent statistics of 10 goals and 12 assists for Monaco.
This achievement shows that James is not just a pure striker but tends to be an attacking midfielder role.
Real Madrid showed strong interest first, and since he had transferred to Monaco for ?45 million just a year ago, offering ?70 million to the Ligue 1 club was by no means a loss.
However, Monaco remained ambiguous throughout the negotiations, and Real Madrid''s offer even increased to ?80 million, but they still failed to get the green light, and the negotiations were at a stalemate.
Just as Florentino nned to further negotiate, the media suddenly burst out with news that James had joined Barcelona for a high price of ?90 million! Monaco had negotiated with more than one club, using their name to raise prices, until they reached a satisfactory result. In just a year, they earned double the profit!
And Catalonia''s team not only needed to pay arge amount of sry for Suarez but also could offer such a high price. How did they manage to do that?
The answer is still the same: bundling and selling yers who seem less important, as well as starting high leverage.
Bartomeu is even more ruthless, almost mortgaging Barcelona''s future for more than a decade. He doesn''t care about how the club will be in the future but only wants to strengthen the team now and secure his position.
With a huge amount of funds, Barcelona not only snatched James from Real Madrid but also brought in Mathieu from Valencia for ?20 million, Rakitic from Sevi for ?18 million, and Bravo from Real Sociedad for ?12 million.
Throughout the summer window, they spent a total of ?175 million, while their ie was only ?80 million.
Chapter 691: Joining Forces with Brothers
Chapter 691: Joining Forces with Brothers
As the dark horse of La Ligast season, many stars within the Atletico Madrid team attracted the attention of numerous clubs. They themselves also had a need for further rejuvenation, so selling yers to raise funds became amon urrence.
However, no one expected that they would first finalize the transfer of their absolute core, Diego Costa, who moved to Chelsea for ??32 million.
Rumors of his transfer had been circting sincetest season, mainly due to Atletico''s smaller scale and lower sry structure.
For yers, arger tform and higher wages are always goals worth pursuing. Loyalty ismendable, but not necessary.
The most important factor that prompted Atletico''s top management to let go of Costa was the team''s performance in the Champions League final. Even without the Brazilian, they fought until thest moment, missing the crown by just 12 seconds.
From this perspective, no one is indispensable. As long as Simeone is still there, the team''spetitiveness remains intact.
In addition, the Blues also took away defender Filipe Luis, contributing another ??20 million transfer fee to the Red and Whites.
With rtively ample funds, Simeone first secured the signing of Bayern''s high-scoring striker Mandzukic, for a transfer fee reaching ?22 million, to fill the gap left by Diego Costa''s departure.
As for another forward, Vi, being advanced in age, had no intention of continuing to y in the top five leagues for either the club or himself. So, they mutually terminated the contract, and the 33-year-old Spaniard will head to the United States for a new adventure.
This vacancy was filled by forward Griezmann, who had performed exceptionally well at Real Sociedad and made his debut for the French national team at this year''s World Cup. Naturally, his value soared.
In the end, Atletico Madrid secured the French forward with a transfer fee of ?30 million, setting a new record in the club''s history. Both Simeone and the management see him as the future attacking core.
In terms of goalkeepers, failing to keep Courtois, Atletico Madrid brought in Slovenian goalkeeper Ok from "ck horse" Benfica for ?16 million, setting a new record for goalkeeper transfers in La Liga.
In the Premier League, as the newly crowned league champions and Champions League semi-finalists, Manchester City''s performance was satisfactory enough to temporarily meet expectations. The management hoped to consolidate the squad more, so they made fewer movespared to previous years.
They first spent ??13.2 million to bring in Brazilian midfielder Fernando from Porto, then brought back Fernando from Porto for ??7.04 million and Zuculini for ??2.2 million.
These were all their transfer moves, and apart from a few senior yers leaving on a free transfer, they did not sell anyone.
The slight changes in the squad caused strong dissatisfaction from Cristiano Ronaldo, who keenly felt that thepetition in both the Premier League and the Champions League would increase significantly. Without engaging in an arms race, it would be difficult to maintain their performance.
However, his influence on the management was very limited, and many of his suggestions were shelved, further deepening the gap between him and the team.
As the team with the most severe decline, Manchester United couldn''t even participate in Europeanpetitions next season. Therefore, they made heavy moves in the transfer market, with a group of talents such as Luke Shaw, Herrera, Di Maria, and Rojo joining.
Manchester United spent nearly ??150 million in the entire summer window, showing their financial strength.
Chelsea also burned over ??80 million on transfers, followed by Liverpool and Arsenal. Overall, the Premier League still invested the most in the European football transfer market.
And the distribution of funds among the clubs was rtively even. Even Aston Vi, who ranked lower, could spend tens of millions on transfers. It''s not like La Liga''s Barcelona, where one club spent over a billion, and other smaller clubs even sold yers without buying recements.
In Serie A, Juventus made the most significant moves, mainly focusing on economical deals. Most of their expenses did not exceed ?10 million, with the most expensive transfer being the ?18 million acquisition of 22-year-old Morata from Real Madrid.
He had always been hovering between being a starter and a substitute. With age and skill development, his status obviously couldn''t meet the demands, so he wanted to go to a ce where he could have more opportunities.
The Mn duo didn''t have many changes. As an investor in Inter Mn, Wang Feng didn''t really mind increasing the summer window funds. However, he couldn''t invest too much time and effort into this aspect of work himself. Perhaps he would have leisure time to y football manager only after retirement.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich "traded young for old", controversially swapping Toni Kroos for Xabi Alonso, but the club quickly threw out other transfer work to cover it up.
Borussia Dortmund suffered a major blow as their key striker, Lewandowski, chose not to renew his contract with the team and instead joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
This move caused strong resentment among the Yellow and ck fans because as early as a year ago, the Polish striker had vowed in interviews to stay with Dortmund, and the management was also optimistic about keeping him.
No one expected him to make such a sudden move. At the age of 26, Lewandowski was in his prime, and Dortmund was left with nothing.
Former core yers like Gotze, Lewandowski, and Reus, now only "Little Rocket" Reus remained, struggling to support the team alone. The days of the Yellow and ck relentlessly challenging Bayern were gone.
Although Reus was only 22 years old this year, he had alreadypeted in top five leagues and world-ss stages like the Confederations Cup. What''s even moremendable was his clear self-positioning; he often made the best choices.
On the other hand, his good friend De Bruyne seemed a bit confused. Both of them joined Chelsea at the same time. Reus actively sought a loan move immediately and established himself at Werder Bremen.
The Belgian midfielder also followed his good friend''s footsteps to join a Bundesliga powerhouse on loanter. Together, they pushed the team to 9th ce in the league, close to Europeanpetitions.
Their choices, however, werepletely different. Reus strongly demanded his agent to negotiate a buyout use, and in the end, Werder Bremen spent ??9 million to permanently keep him at the club, under the same conditions as Wolfsburg, "Please consider his past and current performances. Even if sold in a few years, the club can still make a profit."
In this situation, De Bruyne naturally chose to join forces with his brother. They would be together to create brilliance!
Chapter 692: How Does It Feel to Hold the Hercules Cup? (Second Perspective)
Chapter 692: How Does It Feel to Hold the Hercules Cup? (Second Perspective)
"I knew you''de back!" Inside the Werder Bremen training base, seeing De Bruyne, who seemed both helpless and relieved, Yellow Tiger said with joy.
He stepped forward and grabbed his friend''s neck. "You insisted on going back to Chelsea and wasted a year. If you had stayed in Bremen, maybe we could have secured a spot in the Champions League."
De Bruyne smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Yellow, not everyone is like you, able to resist the temptation of the big clubs. It''s Chelsea, the Premier League champions and the Champions League winners!"
"I don''t care about all that. Even if I have no team to y for, I won''t go, not even to Real Madrid!"
At this moment, their agent, Balmond, interjected, "Alright, we can catch upter. I need to take Kevin to handle some paperwork, and Yellow, you should go to training."
Yellow Tiger shrugged. "Alright, let''s get together with the teammates tonight. There are quite a few new faces you haven''t met."
That''s how it is in a small team??yer turnover is frequent. Old veterans like Silvestre and Bobrovsky retire after giving theirst bit of effort, while yers like Pizarro, who returned, join Bayern, and struggling youngsters like Anautovic move around European lower leagues.
Young yers like Yellow Tiger, who steadily progress without being arrogant, are rare. ording to De Bruyne, at least four Champions League clubs made offers to him during this summer transfer window, offering higher sries.
But all these Chinese yers turned them down. Without the yers'' desire to move and without offers meeting Werder Bremen''s expectations, the deals couldn''t proceed.
Of course, after securing a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds, the club didn''t hesitate to give Yellow Tiger a raise. However, the increase was not significant, only about 30%, which means he could earn around ?530,000 after taxes.
He was already very satisfied with this. After bing a national team yer, his poprity increased further, and being a regr in one of the top five leagues meant endorsement contracts kept pouring in. Overall, his treatment was not lowpared to other talented yers of his age.
More importantly, he was still very young. Improving his skills and gaining experience were the top priorities for him. Yellow Tiger couldn''t wait to step onto the European stage.
Back at the training ground, as teammates arrived one by one, they chatted while warming up. The official training session hadn''t started yet.
The team began gathering in early July, with a few yers who participated in the World Cup allowed to return aste as mid-tote July, as their first Europa League qualifying match was scheduled for July 31.
However, there were exceptions, like De Bruyne, who, wanting to integrate as soon as possible, started his transfer procedures right after the World Cup ended and reported to the team today.
Then there was the captain, Clemens Fritz, who was named in the German national team squad for the World Cup. Although he didn''t get much ying time, he did get to lift the World Cup.
This was also a big deal for Werder Bremen, so a small celebration ceremony was held on the day he returned. Even now, many yers were still surrounding Fritz, eagerly asking for details, with eager expressions on their faces.
There was no yer who didn''t yearn for that trophy!
"Hmm, what does it feel like? I lifted it, and it just felt heavy. The base of the cup is engraved with the names of each champion team, and having your country''s name engraved there is naturally very honorable."
"By the way, wasn''t thest champion the Chinese team? Yellow, how did you feel at that time?" Yellow Tiger waved his hand, "I wasn''t there for thest one."
"True, after all, you were still young back then. I wonder if Wang Feng can maintain his high level next time. If he remains dominant like in the past two years, I think you guys will still be one of the favorites."
Fritz rubbed his chin. "I felt a bit regretful about the final. Not only did I not get to y, but I also didn''t witness the scene of the god of football carrying the Hercules Cup onto the field."
"It seems like you sent a veteran yer called Weifeng Li to deliver the Hercules Cup. It was said that Wang Feng had some injuries and needed to recuperate? It''s hard to imagine such a strong man being injured."
Yellow Tiger smiled but didn''t say anything. He had vaguely heard about the situation. The guy simply didn''t want to go. He didn''t care about anyone''s face, and the team leader was furious but helpless.
As everyone discussed World Cup anecdotes and their holiday activities withughter, the coaching staff approached. Seeing the stern-faced head coach Thomas Schaaf, everyone quickly fell silent and stood in line.
This coach, who had been in charge of Werder Bremen for 15 years, appeared even more imposing. But what many didn''t know was that two seasons ago, he faced the crisis of being sacked.
Despite creating glory for the team, theck of European football for several years and finishing mid-table in the league stretched the club''s finances and tested the patience of the higher-ups.
Luckily, in the past two years, Schaaf managed to turn things around, from almost qualifying for European football to securing a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds, allowing them to breathe a little easier.
But even greater challengesy ahead. In the new season, Werder Bremen would have to face the pressure ofpeting on three fronts, which would be quite difficult for their current squad.
Schaaf did his best to persuade the higher-ups to bring in De Bruyne and even forced an additional ?10 million budget for other reinforcements. It could be said that this was the most expensive summer window for the club in the past five years.
The greater the investment, the higher the expectations. Schaaf understood that if they didn''t seed now, they would face the consequences.
"Alright, everyone, let''s get started. As usual, split into groups for attacking and defending training. Rolf, Henebach, you two will oversee."
yers like Dzellok, Haylovich, and Yellow Tiger formed two rows and began passing and receiving the ball while standing still, then gradually increased the difficulty by passing while running.
This not only tested the yers'' passing uracy and dynamic receiving abilities but also their fitness, as constantly running and passing in circles required significant physical exertion.
As everyone trained earnestly, De Bruynepleted his paperwork and interviews and joined them on the field. Coach Schaaf called everyone over, "No need for introductions, right? Our old friend is back, and with him, we''ll be even stronger. We''ll definitely achieve good results in the new season!"
Most yers showed approval and anticipation. They knew De Bruyne''s level quite well. Although he spent a season on the bench at Chelseast season, his performance in the World Cup showed that he hadn''t regressed.
With assists and being named the best yer in the group stage, and scoring goals in the knockout stage! This was something even Messi hadn''t aplished.
Only a handful of people, led by Junuzovic, looked unhappy because they knew De Bruyne would undoubtedly take away their starting positions.
The Austrian international had always been highly regarded, but he seemed ipatible with head coach Schaaf and hadn''t been able to deliver ideal performances. Now, with De Bruyne joining, the crisis escted.
So, during the training session that followed, he deliberately found opportunities to taunt De Bruyne, "Kevin, do you know what it feels like to betray the team and go back to sit on the bench? And now you shamelesslye back. Your face must be as thick as a pufferfish."
Before De Bruyne could respond, Yellow Tiger, who overheard, immediately became unhappy. "tko, what are you saying?"
"Am I wrong? Damn kid, you''ve only been here for a few years, yet you''re so arrogant." The two of them immediately got into a tussle, and their teammates quickly stepped forward to break it up, with captain Clemens Fritz rushing to stand between them.
Chapter 693: Qualifying Matches (Second Perspective)
Chapter 693: Qualifying Matches (Second Perspective)
Seeing everyone gathered in a group, the head coach Schaaf''s face immediately darkened, and he scolded loudly, "What are you doing if you''re not training?"
After understanding the ins and outs of the incident, he couldn''t help butugh angrily. These people still thought there weren''t enough things happening. Luckily, there were no journalists present today, otherwise, it would have be the biggest joke before the start of the Bundesliga.
"tko, do you speak ill of your teammates like this? And you, Yellow, have been getting more and more temperamental recently. Dare toy hands on the training ground?"
"You two stay behind after training for extra practice. If there''s another incident, you''ll be sent down to the reserve team indefinitely, and no exceptions will be made. Do you understand?"
The almost fiery gaze of the head coach told them that this was no joke. Everyone felt that Schaaf was stricter than before, whether it was Yellow Tiger or Junuzovic, they both hurriedly assured that there would be no next time.
Training resumed, and De Bruyne found an opportunity to express his gratitude to Yellow Tiger, who casually patted the Belgian''s shoulder, saying, "You, you''re just too boring and don''t know how to fight for it. asionally getting angry can make you feel more present."
"If it were me sitting on the bench at Chelsea for a whole year, I would have been unwilling long ago."
Not all yers can make a breakthrough and rise to the top in one go. Effort and showing oneself appropriately can leave a deep impression. Back then, Yellow Tiger not only won his position with his own abilities but also earned respect by constantlypeting and rubbing shoulders with his teammates.
Especially in small teams, the victors secure their main positions, while the losers sink into obscurity, and may even find themselves without a team to y for. Professional football is sometimes so cruel.
"But Schaaf doesn''t seem quite right. Is the pressure too great in the new season? At this time, it''s better to be honest and not touch his mold."
Yellow Tiger stuck out his tongue and said, "I guess we won''t be able to have dinner together tonight."
His prediction was correct. After a whole day of training, everyone was almost exhausted, but the head coach didn''t forget to keep Yellow Tiger and Junuzovic behind, punishing them with a five-kilometer run.
This was really deadly. The two dared not disobey, so they dragged themselves through it and then returned to the physiotherapy room for recovery with the help of the staff. The result was another round of howls and cries. The fingers of the physiotherapist seemed to cut through their muscles like des, causing a refreshing sensation.
It was alreadyte at night when they returned to the dormitory. Originally, Yellow Tiger''s roommate was Silvestre, who retired in the summer and hadn''t been reassigned yet. Just as De Bruyne returned, the club also knew that thebination of the two was a powerful weapon, so they arranged for them to be together to cultivate their understanding.
"Are you okay?" The Belgian asked with concern, "Will training like this cause any hidden dangers?"
"I''m fine. It''s just pushing close to the limit. It just happens to test how our physical reserves are."
Yellow Tiger didn''t want to move anymore. "The club has its limits. The team doctor and physiotherapist are waiting."
Of course, the consequence of such training was that Yellow Tiger felt downcast for the next period of time and even had no energy to maintain his usual extra practice for improvement.
During this time, Werder Bremen yed several preseason matches, with overall poor performances, failing to win a single one, which immediately attracted the attention of the media and fans.
"Summer window investment may be in vain, Werder Bremen''s situation in avoiding relegation is worrying." So evaluated by the Batenfod region newspaper.
They believed that the team''s midfield performance continued to decline, and the new recruit De Bruyne, who returned after a year, had to face apletely new situation. He also needed some time to integrate into the tactical system.
While Yellow Tiger, who shone brightlyst season, seemed to disappear from everyone''s sight, with almost no signs of his agile runs and tricky shots. The frontline waspletely silent, and he might belong to the category of a sh in the pan.
More importantly, the team would face the pressure ofpeting on multiple fronts this season, something that big clubs dreamed of but small clubs dreaded.
Looking back at the history of European football, there were countless small teams who exhausted themselves because of Europeanpetitions, eventually leading to relegation.
Yellow Tiger didn''t care about the media''s usations. Both he and the coaching staff understood that his body had not yet fully recovered to its best condition, not only because of the punishment training, but also because of the long summer vacation.
Nowadays, he often pulled De Bruyne to practice passing and coordination, and the Belgian''s precise and clever passes always made the Chinese youngster''s eyes light up, feeling a deeper understanding of his positioning and receiving methods on the field.
Head coach Schaaf obviously also intended to promote such cooperation, using the two as the core of the attack and constantly adjusting in the preseason matches.
Regarding this, Junuzovic was both resentful and helpless. He could only pray for the two to make mistakes, or find a new home for himself.
On thest day of July, Werder Bremen''s Europa League qualification finally arrived, marking the team''s return to the European stage after four years.
Due to obtaining the lowest Europa League spot in the Bundesliga, they had to start from the third round of qualifying, facing the Greek Super League team Trik.
If they could advance after the two-leg contest, they would still have to go through two additional rounds of yoffs to enter the group stage of the Europa League with forty-eight teams.
However, the opponents only ranked fifth in the Greek Super Leaguest season, and their overall strength was not outstanding. The entire Werder Bremen team was rubbing their hands together, vowing to defeat them and advance to the next round.
When De Bruyne stepped onto the Weser Stadium again, he couldn''t help but feel emotional. After all the twists and turns, he returned here. He had once longed to wear the jersey of a top club and stand on the world''s top stage.
But to achieve that step was incredibly difficult. Hasty attempts would only hinder progress. Only by umting and growing step by step could everythinge to fruition.
Yellow Tiger came to his side and patted his shoulder. "What are you thinking? Trust me, you won''t stay on the bench for long."
"Of course." The Belgian raised his eyebrows. "But what about you? Aren''t you in good shape? The head coach has little patience. Don''t lose your starting position by then."
Rubbing his hands, Yellow Tiger said, "You can rest assured. I feel extremely eager for the game, and the real show is about to begin!"
"The ball''s in! Huanghu! A very wonderful offside steal and shot!"
"Werder Bremen opens the scoring at their home ground, taking the lead!"
A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the stands of the Weser Stadium, with countless fans calling out their beloved team hero with awkward pronunciation.
"Who said Huang was just a sh in the pan? Who said he''s out of form? When Felix nted the ball into the penalty area, he quickly started, timing it just right. Anyter and he would have been intercepted by the opposing defender, any earlier and he would have faced the risk of offside."
After scoring the first goal, the pressure on the home team decreased significantly, and they further expanded their lead through Hayirovic.
And when the game reached the 77th minute, De Bruyne finally made his appearance.
After he came on, he quickly created a threat, sending a ball into the penalty area at a forty-five-degree angle from the front court. Hayirovic at the near post struggled to get a touch on it, but it felt awkward, and he couldn''t reach the ball no matter what.
Just when he thought the ball was going off course, Yellow Tiger, who was following up at the back post, was perfectly positioned. With no one marking him, he easily headed the ball, but unfortunately, the angle of the shot was a bit off, and the ball grazed the post and flew out of bounds.
"Damn it, can''t you be more serious? You wasted such a good opportunity!" De Bruyne, who missed the assist, shouted at Yellow Tiger angrily, and the Chinese youngster apologized repeatedly, knowing he was at fault.
In the end, the score remained 2-0 until the end of the game, with Werder Bremen securing the advantage to advance.
Chapter 694: Home Dragon, Away Bug (Second Perspective)
Chapter 694: Home Dragon, Away Bug (Second Perspective)
After the match, coach Schaaf nodded repeatedly in the coach''s seat, embracing and patting the heads of the yers who were substituted to encourage them.
Goals and victories undoubtedly demonstrated the point, but the impact of De Bruyne''s abilities in just over ten minutes was unquestionable.
Werder Bremen''s tactical arrangement was very simple. The midfield core was responsible for connecting offense and defense, and controlling the pace of the game. The veteran Fritz was very reassuring, while the addition of the Belgian yer strengthened the attacking firepower.
Upfront, Hayirovic, Yellow Tiger, and Selke formed a trident. Strictly speaking, the Chinese youngster couldn''t be considered a main attacking yer; German striker D-Selke, who stood at 1.95 meters tall, was.
However, as Yellow Tiger gradually showcased his outstanding ability to score from offside steals, Schaaf didn''t mind expanding his threat range, using him as the team''s spearhead to break deadlocks.
Of course, this was also rted to the Chinese youngster''s average ability to cross from the wing. He wasn''t a pure winger in the strict sense but was more suitable for activity in the center, simr to a shadow striker role.
Although it was just a Europa League qualifying first-leg victory, it still brought a lot of joy to Werder Bremen fans. Watching their past glory slip away step by step, what could be more heartbreaking than this?
They knew that the Bundesliga belonged to Bayern, and they knew that football was bing increasinglymercialized, with big clubs getting stronger and small clubs weaker. But that didn''t prevent them from enjoying the small happiness at the moment.
After the team rested and prepared to travel to Greece, although there were still many problems, such as insufficient squad depth andck of coordination between new recruits and old yers, these could only be gradually improved through continuous training and matches.
ying at the Trik Stadium made Werder Bremen experience the power of the iron bucket formation. Although the home team was behind, their calm defense and counterattacks left no loopholes.
After numerous attacks failed to score and they conceded a goal to the opponents, Werder Bremen ultimately lost the game 0-1. However, they advanced to the yoff round with a 2-1 aggregate victory thanks to their victory at home.
"A mess!" On the ne back to Germany, coach Schaaf mercilessly scolded, "Westgaard, do your eyes emit gas? It was so obvious to cover the back post, yet you let someone slip through?"
"I saw that the media gave you a rating of 5 after the match? (1 is the highest, 6 is the lowest). No, you should get a 6 at most!"
"And you, tko, what about your running, what about your midfield connection? A midfielder ranksst in distance covered for the entire match. I think you''re eager for another five-kilometer run."
Finally, Schaaf turned his criticism towards Yellow Tiger, "You were the most reckless throughout the match. You had 11 shots on goal and didn''t score a single one. Do you have strabismus? Even your straight shots go so far off course. Next time, try kicking them crookedly!"
After the scolding, seeing everyone hanging their heads and not basking in the glow of their narrow victory, coach Schaaf said with a heavy heart, "Everyone, it''s not that I want to dampen your victory, but the process of the match was unbearable to watch."
"Whether it''s me or the club management, we have high expectations for you this season, so finding and correcting mistakes and performing at your ideal level is the result we expect to see."
Before the league started, the DFB-Pokal arrived first. Werder Bremen quickly faced the first round of the German Cup against 2. Bundesliga''s Darmstadt. Coach Schaaf made personnel rotations, using many reserve team yers, and they eventually won 1-0 to advance to the next round.
On August 21st, the first leg of the Europa League yoffs, Werder Bremen yed at home against Mabi Tel Aviv from the Israeli Premier League.
Different from Trik Star''s status in the Greek Super League, this team was the oldest and most sessful club in Israel, demonstrating their strength.
Last season, they won the league title and secured a spot in the Champions League qualifiers, but unfortunately lost to Maribor from Slovenia and missed out on the group stage.
Coach Schaaf didn''t dare to be negligent and sent out the strongest four-three-three formation: goalkeeper R-Wolf.
Four defenders were Seraci, Santiago Garcia, Caldare, and J-Westgaard.
Three midfielders were Clemens Fritz, De Bruyne, and Felix Kroos.
Three forwards were Yellow Tiger, D-Selke, and Hayirovic.
The Belgian finally returned to the starting lineup, and his performance was very active from the beginning of the match. In the 27th minute, he roamed to the left rib to receive the ball, suddenly elerated, leaving two defenders behind.
Arriving near the penalty area, De Bruyne suddenly elerated and sent a long diagonal pass to the far end. The ball drew a rainbow arc in the air, bypassing two defenders in session andnding urately at Yellow Tiger''s feet.
Facing the Mabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper from close range, the Chinese youngster remained calm, calmly shooting with his left foot towards the far post. The opponent couldn''t save it, and the ball went smoothly into the.
"Goal! The ball''s in! Werder Bremen opens the scoring, 1-0!"
"From De Bruyne''s precise assist, finding the advancing Yellow Tiger, thetter easily helps the home team open the scoring!"
After scoring, the Chinese youngster slid on his knees all the way to the corner g, while extending his right hand to wave to the fans in the stands, indicating that he was celebrating with them, instantly causing a warm response.
"Let''s take a look at the slow-motion rey of this wonderful cooperative goal. De Bruyne suddenly elerates to shake off the defense, and at this moment, Yellow Tiger also starts moving from the center, intentionally widening the distance from the defenders and making a run towards the back post."
"At this moment, the Belgian had a perfect opportunity to cut inside and threaten the goal, so the defensive attention of Mabi Tel Aviv was mainly focused on him, rather than the Chinese youngster lurking behind."
"When the ball was passed, both central defenders extended their legs to intercept, but the curved trajectory exceeded their expectations, bypassing the defense andnding urately at the back post."
"Yellow Tiger''s eleration and run were just right, truly achieving the ball to man connection. Then, he wisely aimed for the far corner in front of the goal, and the goalkeeper had no way to save it."
After the first goal, Caldare extended the home team''s lead with a header, and in the second half, Fritz pushed the ball forward to De Bruyne near the edge of the penalty area, who then elerated and directly shot, expanding the score to 3-0 with a world-ss goal!
In his debut, he contributed one goal and one assist, perfectly answering the call!
After scoring, De Bruyne excitedly jumped a few times, but then there was no follow-up, leaving Yellow Tiger, who came to congratte him, confused: "Where''s your goal celebration? Just like this?"
"But this is the goal that sealed the victory. Shouldn''t you make a domineering celebration? "
The Belgian blushed at the words and argued strongly, "It''s not necessary, besides, making big movements like that can easily lead to injuries."
"I see, you can''t think of any cool moves, right? It''s okay; I''ll teach you after training, haha." Yellow Tiger mocked.
In the end, the match ended with Werder Bremen winning 3-0.
When the second leg of the yoff round arrived at Mabi Tel Aviv''s home stadium, Werder Bremen couldn''t continue their strong performance at home. They conceded two goals in session to the opponents.
Fortunately, in the second half, Fritz scored a goal by poking in from a corner kick opportunity near the goal line, helping the team stabilize the overall situation. Otherwise, they might have squandered the great situation.
Ultimately, Werder Bremen lost 1-2, but they advanced to the Europa League group stage with a total score of 4-2 over two legs.
"Home Dragon, Away Bug," manyizensmented as such.
Chapter 695: A Debate and Huge Controversy (Second Perspective)
Chapter 695: A Debate and Huge Controversy (Second Perspective)
As the Europa League qualifiers progressed intensively, the 2014-2015 Bundesliga season slowly kicked off.
Werder Bremen was very unfortunate to be scheduled to y away in the first round against the newly crowned league champions Bayern Munich. The Southern King was in high spirits and aimed to make a strong start,unching an attack on the league title.
Moreover, this game also attracted the attention of many domestic fans. Nowadays, there are many European yers with diverse backgrounds, but there aren''t many matchups with significant highlights, and the Bundesligapetition is one of them.
With a new seasones new opportunities, and Yellow Tiger was also eager topete with the top teams. Perhaps their own team had the hope of bing another young storm as well.
Dreams are plentiful, but reality is harsh. The gap between the two teams in the match was fully reflected in all aspects, whether it was ball control organization or offensive threat, Werder Bremen was far below Bayern Munich.
Muller and substitute Lewandowski each scored a goal for the home team. Yellow Tiger, eager to equalize, fell into a slump, wasting several opportunities in session.
Especially in the 44th minute, Hayirovic failed to break through horizontally in the penalty area, so he passed the ball back to De Bruyne outside the penalty area.
Thetter made a feint with his right foot to create space for a shot, causing Rafinha to shift his weight to block, and then suddenly dribbled with his left foot to break through.
There was chaos in the Bayern penalty area. The defensive focus inevitably concentrated on the Belgian who had entered the heart of the defense, and with just a nce at the situation, he decisively used his left foot to curve the ball towards the back post.
After bypassing the defensive line consecutively, the ball found Yellow Tiger urately. He almost faced an open goal opportunity, but even so, the Chinese youngster''s airborne shot sent the ball directly into the stands.
"Hey, what''s going on with this shot?" Thementator in the live broadcast room eximed in disbelief, "Yellow Tiger waspletely in an undisturbed situation. How could he still miss?"
"A stab, a push, or even just a stop forward could all send the ball into Bayern''s goal, but he chose to shoot with force. The point of contact with the ball was too low, causing it to fly over the crossbar."
"His mentality is still a bit impatient, which is amon problem for young people. I hope Yellow Tiger can adjust himself and stabilize."
Although this was the case, the Chinese youngster on the field could not realize that, as he became more and more anxious, he even shed with opponents and received a yellow card.
In the end, coach Schaaf chose to rece him with Diasanto in the 65th minute. Yellow Tiger sat on the bench dejectedly with his head down, watching the team lose 0-2 to Bayern Munich.
This game caused a heated discussion on domestic inte tforms. Both highly anticipated Chinese yers from both teams failed to perform well. It was understandable that Dongfang Zuo''s state declined near the age of 30; generally, the peak period for Asian yers is rtively short, although there are exceptions like Wang Feng.
But Yellow Tiger disappointed many people. It should be noted that he was considered one of the future pirs of the national team, and such a performance obviously did not meet expectations.
For a while, there were endless criticisms and insults, even his Werder Bremen teammates couldn''t bear to see it. "It''s just a league match, why are your fans so harsh on you?" De Bruyne said angrily.
"After all, the base is toorge, and it''s easy to be influenced." Yellow Tiger smiled bitterly. It was a fact that he did not perform well in the game, but such excessive criticism was also not desirable.
This game made Yellow Tiger see his own limitations. He did not have the innate talent like Wang Feng and Dongfang Zuo, but through continuous tempering and growth, he could still thrive in European football.
But as long as he persisted in cultivating his strengths, such as awareness of positioning and ability to perform in critical moments, coupled with umted experience, it would not be a problem for him to continue to stand firm in the top teams in the league.
This year''s UEFA Super Cup was much earlier than in previous years. On August 13th, at the Cardiff City Stadium in Wales, the preseason match between Real Madrid and Europa League champions Sevi kicked off.
With Wang Feng scoring in the 30th and 49th minutes to secure a brace, the Gcticos ultimately defeated the fellow La Liga powerhouse 2-0, winning the first trophy of the season before the start of the season.
After that, the team went to Shanghai, China, to participate in the Spanish Super Cup,peting againstst year''s runner-up, Atletico Madrid. This event has been held in China for the second consecutive year.
For Real Madrid,peting against Atletico Madrid is always a struggle, coupled with many key yers showing signs of fatigue after the World Cup and the fatigue of travel, head coach Ancelotti decided to send out a rotated squad.
Wang Feng yed for about forty minutes before being substituted, failing to score. The new signing for Los Rojincos, Griezmann, scored the only goal of the match, helping the team win 1-0 against the Gcticos.
Although Real Madrid''s defeat left many supporters feeling regretful, the impressive performance of Atletico Madrid also received warm praise, allowing them to taste the sweetness of the domestic market.
"Maybe we should pay attention to some potential Chinese yers?" Atletico Madrid chairman Cerezo thought to himself.
At the end of the month, the annual UEFA awards ceremony and the draw for the Champions League group stage were also held as scheduled.
The three candidates for the UEFA Best yer Award were Wang Feng, Thomas Muller, and Cristiano Ronaldo, which was not surprising. Messi, who performed poorly in the World Cup knockout stage, did not make it to the top three, ranking fourth.
Before the ceremony, many media spected that the Chinese superstar still had a great chance to win the award again, after all, with the club winning the quintuple crown and the European Golden Boot honor, even without participating in the World Cup, he still had strongpetitiveness.
However, the result was unexpected. In the on-site voting, Wang Feng received 23 votes, while Thomas Muller received 24 votes, and the Chinese superstar narrowly lost by one vote!
The guests present looked at each other in astonishment, and the atmosphere fell into a strange calmness for a while. Even the Germans were full of disbelief, but Wang Feng was the first to react, hugging Muller generously and congratting him.
Then apuse broke out, and Muller went up to receive the "Silver Shorts." He became the second yer to receive this honor since its establishment in 2011, breaking Wang Feng''s monopoly.
This result was not unexpected for the Chinese superstar, after all, it was a World Cup year, but losing by just one vote was somewhat regrettable.
However, it caused a huge controversy worldwide. "Is the World Cup everything?" Leading media outlets such as Spain''s "National Newspaper" strongly questioned the voting results.
They believed that with 51 league goals and 19 assists, as well as 19 goals and 7 assists in the Champions League, helping the team achieve the quadruple crown in a single season, not to mention the added value of eight consecutive league and Champions League titles, such achievements were undoubtedly worthy of the title of the best yer of the season.
Only winning the World Cup trophy was simply not enough topare. "Perhaps this year will be the most controversial year for the UEFA Best yer Award!"
On the other hand, media outlets led by Germany''s "Bild" admitted that Wang Feng''s individual performance was undoubtedly much stronger than Muller''s. "He is the kind of yer who continuously improves everyone''s understanding and expectations."
Having experienced a hundred goals in a season and winning the sextuple crown, as well as having won the European Best yer ten times (including seven times as the former UEFA Club Footballer of the Year), the judges are also human and naturally stand at a higher position to evaluate the Chinese superstar.
In this situation, Muller stepped forward to be the alternative choice. His performance reached the peak of his career, winning the Bundesliga title, the World Cup, and scoring second only to the Golden Boot winner J-Rodriguez in the World Cup.
The difference in votes between the two sides was only one, which also proved the struggle of the judges. Muller''s surprising victory was not a fantasy, but a reality.
Chapter 696: Various Groupings (Second Perspective)
Chapter 696: Various Groupings (Second Perspective)
After the announcement of the UEFA Best yer, the draw results for the Champions League group stage followed closely.
Real Madrid undoubtedly upied the first-tier position. They were first drawn into Group B, followed by second-tier Liverpool, third-tier Swiss team Basel, and fourth-tier Bulgarian league Ludogorets.
Compared to the previous two years, it was considered an average draw. Apart from the strong cup attributes of Liverpool, the other two teams were unlikely to pose a threat to the Gcticos.
Especially Ludogorets, it was their first time participating in the Champions League group stage. They had been in the lower leagues of Bulgaria for many years and only rose to the top league in 2011 with strong capital investment.
Barcelona set sail again, being grouped with Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax, and Greek side Olympiacos.
Under the circumstances of the departure of former coach Martino, Bartomeu eventually brought in Enrique to take charge of the Catn team after numerous twists and turns.
His experience was quite miraculous. He was the first to join Real Madrid as a yer and won the league championship, but due to disputes over treatment, he eventually transferred to arch-rivals Barcelona until retirement.
To this day, the Spaniard still harbored deep resentment towards Real Madrid, even openly stating that wearing the white jersey was "very strange" for him, and the Barcelona jersey suited him better.
After retiring, he embarked on his coaching career from Barcelona B team, subsequently managing Roma and Celta Vigo to umte experience. As early as during Rosell''s era, Barcelona had wanted to invite Enrique to coach the team, but he had repeatedly declined due tock of experience. It took Bartomeu a great deal of effort to persuade him this time.
No coach wanted to face the Gxy Battleship led by Wang Feng! Even though he was getting older, his dominance remained undiminished.
Atletico Madrid''s opponents were Juventus, Olympiacos, and Malmo. If they could maintain the level ofst season, advancing from the group stage would not be a problem.
Athletic Bilbao was grouped with Porto, Shakhtar Dsk, and Basel, also considered a favorable draw. With effort, it was very likely for them to advance to the knockout stage.
After briefly paying attention to the Champions League format of the Gcticos, Yellow Tiger shifted his focus to his own team. Their opponents in the Europa League group stage were also determined.
Red Star Belgrade, Besiktas, and Tottenham Hotspur.
This group couldn''t be considered the group of death, but Werder Bremen would not find it easy to deal with any of these teams. It was difficult to predict who would eventually advance.
After theplete grouping results were announced in the locker room, everyone fell into a silent atmosphere. Captain Fritz pped his hands to attract everyone''s attention and encouraged, "Well, at least we didn''t encounter powerhouses like Sevi or Inter Mn."
"The uing matches will be yed one by one. Win the games that can be won. I believe the team will go further!"
The yers nodded in agreement. This season, the club had spared no expense, promising bonuses for reaching each stage of advancement. This was also an important motivation for their fight.
Back in the Bundesliga, at the end of August, Werder Bremen weed their first home league match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
This football club is located in the city of Frankfurt on the banks of the River Main. With a long history, they were one of the founding members of the Bundesliga and had a glorious history. In the 1960s, they won the league title and even reached the Champions League final, only to be defeated by Real Madrid.
The 1980s were the recent peak of Eintracht Frankfurt. They won the DFB-Pokal and UEFA Cup championships. After that, their situation deteriorated, leading to relegation and bing a yo-yo club in the Bundesliga.
Due to losing to Bayern in the first leg, it was crucial for Werder Bremen to perform well at home. Coach Schaaf fielded the strongest lineup.
As the yers walked out from the tunnel onto the pitch, the live broadcast from Weser Stadium began announcing the starting lineup. Each yer of the home team would receive enthusiastic cheers from the fans.
Yellow Tiger was naturally no exception. If one paid close attention, they would notice many home fans disying slogans supporting him, some even waving the national g.
It seemed that they were much more rational than many domestic fans. A temporary downturn did not mean anything.
Kevin De Bruyne, the club''s most expensive signing, also received warm apuse. People found that he was indeed worth it, quickly gaining everyone''s trust.
The match kicked off at half-past two in local time in Germany, which was 21:30 in China, very friendly to domestic fans. Moreover, there were no conflicts with matches from Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, so sports channels chose to broadcast it live.
The situation where Chinese yers were flourishing in European leagues brought about a happy dilemma for Chinese fans. Many times, authoritative media only chose to broadcast matches involving top clubs, briefly reporting the results of matches involving smaller teams.
But many fans hoped to see the young figures fighting in second and third-tier clubs. Therefore, through the Inte, many methods were derived, allowing investors to see business opportunities. Perhaps they could introduce the broadcast rights of these leagues, selling them through online tforms, making the football atmosphere in China even stronger.
"Yellow Tiger''s performance was rtively poor in the first round of the league. He wasted many opportunities, leading to the coach substituting him off early. However, he has not lost the trust of the coach and is still starting in this match. Let''s hope he can regain his form."
At the beginning of the match, the home team was infected by the enthusiasm of the fans andunched wave after wave of attacks against the away team. The two teams were evenly matched, and home advantage was crucial.
Just seven minutes into the game, Fritz assisted Selke to open the scoring for Werder Bremen with a lofted ball into the penalty area.
Just when everyone thought they could extend their lead and secure victory, full-back Sssie pulled a thigh muscle while chasing to defend.
Seeing the Czech falling to the ground, Schaaf patted his forehead. He was most worried about injuries, and even specifically instructed the medical team to closely monitor the yers'' conditions.
However, the club''s resources were limited, and luck also yed a big role sometimes. Fortunately, the season had just begun, and it was better to expose problems now than to drop the ball at critical moments.
Sssie''s injury and substitution also severely affected Werder Bremen''s mentality and performance. Soon, Frankfurt scored two consecutive goals toplete theeback.
"In fact, the strength of the two teams is evenly matched, and any small change can affect the overall situation. Werder Bremen took advantage of the home field tounch a fierce attack, which yielded results, but the result was interrupted by injuries."
Yellow Tiger wanted to score more than ever! But he was closely guarded by the opponents. After a season of outstanding performances, everyone''s research on him had reached a new height, with various restrictive measures emerging endlessly.
So he needed more patience and running, seizing the moment when the opponent rxed to deliver a fatal blow.
And this fleeting opportunity came in the 82nd minute when Garcia surged forward into the frontcourt and formed a wall pass with Yellow Tiger, then cut inside into the penalty area.
Seeing the defensepletely disrupted, the Chinese youngster quickly shouted, "Here!" He ran into the open space!
After a long period of cooperation, there was a high level of understanding between teammates, and Garcia, without turning around, directly tapped the ball backward with his heel. The Chinese youngster was definitely there.
Sure enough, Yellow Tiger followed up with a low shot, and the ball slid past the right post into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! Goal! Yellow Tiger!" Thementator shouted with a tearing voice.
Chapter 697: Give the Team Some More Time! (Second Perspective)
Chapter 697: Give the Team Some More Time! (Second Perspective)
Yellow Tiger redeems himself, Werder Bremen draws with Frankfurt!
The 2-2 score remained until the end of the game. Although they couldn''t secure all three points, they managed to hold onto one point at home under sudden injuries, which couldn''t be considered aplete failure.
"The league still has a long way to go. Starting off poorly can expose the team''s problems and develop solutions for them, which, to some extent, is not too bad," said coach Schaaf after the match.
The good news is that Sssie, who was forced off due to injury, won''t be absent for too long and should be back in action in no more than half a month.
"Yellow''s adaptability is very strong, which stems from his treating every game as a fresh start and not dwelling on regrets from the past, something I hope all yers can do."
Regarding the Chinese youngster being heavily marked during the game, Schaaf felt it was a normal urrence. He is no longer the substitute ace or the rookie starter but is now the genuine attacking core of Werder Bremen.
"The change in status means he needs to exert more ability and technique to ovee difficulties, but I have confidence in him."
Although De Bruyne and Yellow Tiger didn''t connect much in this game, the coach still eagerly anticipates their close cooperation. "Since their debut, the two have been called the twin stars, and their understanding is umted through countless match experiences."
The two-week September international break arrived as scheduled. There aren''t many national team yers in Werder Bremen, which means a break for most yers.
But Yellow Tiger happened to be among those with duties. He needed to fly to Italy to join the national team for two warm-up matches, aiming for the Asian Cup in Australia early next year.
Wang Feng won''t be participating in such events anymore, so the heavy responsibility falls on the young yers.
"Do you think it''s not a good idea for us to sneak out like this?" Wu Lei asked softly as he pushed his sunsses.
"It''s okay. It''s rare for us toe to Italy but only stay in the hotel all day. It''s too boring. Besides, as long as we don''t go to sensitive ces or stay out all night, it''s okay to sneak out quietly for a stroll," Yellow Tiger said, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery with his phone.
Mn under the night lights was dazzling, especially with its various medieval church buildings, which seemed to be draped in ayer of golden veil, exceptionally charming.
After the first friendly match against Italy ended, a group of restless young people nned to seize the opportunity to go out for a stroll. Especially when club mates, led by Hajrovic, deliberately sent holiday photos to Yellow Tiger to show off, it stirred his heart even more.
After some discussion among the main yers, they unanimously agreed. Taking advantage of the team manager''s inattention, they sneaked out to have some fun. Wu Lei, being a bit timid, wore sunsses to avoid being recognized.
But his worries were clearly unnecessary. No one on the street paid any attention to them. They strolled around untilte before slowly returning to the hotel.
Thinking they had gone unnoticed, they didn''t expect their exhausted looks the next day would betray them. The experienced Lippi managed to coax out all the facts with a little bit of probing.
The Italian coach looked very angry. "Since you guys have so much energy, then I''ll give you some extra training!" One can imagine what kind of devilish training awaits Yellow Tiger and the others next.
Of course, their "sneak-out" was not without contribution. At least on thest day, the coaching staff gave the whole team half a day off, allowing everyone to rx.
On September 13th, the Bundesliga resumed, and in the third round, Werder Bremen faced Hoffenheim away.
This is a "young" Bundesliga team that waspeting in the seventh-tier league in Germany twenty-something years ago. It wasn''t until around the millennium that they achieved four consecutive promotions to the third-tier regional league.
After three years, Hoffenheim ascended from the regional league all the way to the Bundesliga and made an impressive start in their first season, clinching the title of the first half of the season.
If it weren''t for injuries, they might have created another Kaiserutern miracle.
However, after losing their underdog status, this vige team gradually became mediocre and struggled around the relegation line.
As the Europa League group stage was approaching midweek, Schaaf went against popr opinion and chose to rotate the squad for the league match.
"At this stage, talking about rankings is premature. Honestly, we don''t have the ability to challenge Bayern''s position. The goal is to qualify for the Champions League."
"So the main force will be deployed in theter stages, and now securing passage from the group stage, obtaining the knockout stage spot required by the club, is crucial."
Including Yellow Tiger, many key yers sat on the bench, but the game was exceptionally intense.
The home team took the lead first, but Bagfreder helped Werder Bremen equalize, and the 1-1 score remained until the final whistle.
With 2 draws and 1 loss in 3 league matches, only 2 points were umted, ranking 13th in the standings. Schaaf felt immense pressure, with many media and fans criticizing his stubbornness, even suggesting a change of coach.
Even the club''s top management was a bit wavering. Perhaps this meritorious coach was really getting old. Would Werder Bremen have to undergo a reshuffle?
Criticism and doubts reached their peak after the team drew 0-0 away with Red Star Belgrade, and his rotations failed to bring a Europa League opening win to the team.
"Please give me, give the team, some more time!" He firmly stated when facing the media.
"Look at Werder Bremen''s attack now. Fritz''s lofted ball into the penalty area was cleared by the defender, but it''s still in a dangerous area."
"Yellow Tiger jostles outside the penalty area, Hajrovic receives the ball, crosses it to De Bruyne on the arc, a beautiful through pass, the ball prates the defense and finds Yellow Tiger!"
"One-on-one with the goalkeeper! Goal! Goooooooooooal!"
"The game has just begun for less than two minutes, and Werder Bremen opens the scoring!"
In the fourth round of the Bundesliga, the team faced Leverkusen at home. Forced into a corner, Werder Bremen disyed an unimaginably strong power.
After the first goal, they chased for more, and 10 minutester, they further extended their lead. Kross dribbled horizontally to attract attention before releasing the ball with his left foot, sending a prating pass straight into the defensive line.
Selke, who was quick to react, elerated but was a bit slow. He was caught up by the defensive yer in the penalty area.
However, the German also fully utilized his football IQ. Seeing that a breakthrough was not possible, he slowed down, looked up to observe his teammate''s position, and waited for Yellow Tiger''s follow-up before sending a horizontal pass.
At this moment, the Chinese youngster could choose to dribble into the penalty area and shoot, but there was a possibility of interference from the defender and goalkeeper, as they were a bit close to him.
In an instant, Yellow Tiger''s fortune arrived. Years of subconscious cooperation with De Bruyne led him to make a surgical diagonal pass back to Selke.
This caught Leverkusen''s defense off guard. They had shifted their attention when the German striker distributed the ball,pletely unprepared for Yellow Tiger''s passing precision. When did Yellow Tiger be so adept at passing?
Even Selke himself didn''t expect it, but he quickly reacted, elerated to catch up with the ball, and easily shot it into the near corner, making it 2-0!
After scoring, the Germans immediately found Yellow Tiger and celebrated with him. "You little rascal, I thought it was Kevin''s pass!" De Bruyne also nodded in agreement, admitting that he would have made the same y just now.
Yellow Tiger felt a bit embarrassed and scratched the back of his head. "I may not have eaten pork, but I have seen pigs run."
The others didn''t quite understand this phrase, but at this moment, their morale was soaring, vowing to secure their first victory of the new season!
Chapter 698: The Downturn of Powerhouses (Second Perspective)
Chapter 698: The Downturn of Powerhouses (Second Perspective)
The momentum of the game can sometimes be so mysterious. In the first three rounds of the league, Leverkusen won 2 games and drew 1, umting 7 points, ranking 3rd in the standings, far ahead of Bremen, who had 2 draws and 1 loss.
In theory, the away team was stronger, but after the home team scored two goals in a row, theypletely seized control of the game, leaving Leverkusen almost powerless to fight back.
Moreover, there were no incidents of injuries disrupting the rhythm this time. In the second half, Fritz sealed the victory with a long shot, followed by Caldier scoring the fourth goal. The away team only managed to salvage a bit of face with a goal from Berabi.
The final score was set at 4:1! Werder Bremen achieved their first league victory of the season, and it was a big win.
After the game, Yellow Tiger, who contributed with one goal and one assist, was selected as the best yer of the match and epted interviews from reporters.
"Yes, our performance in the early stages of the season wasn''t satisfactory, but this big win is enough to boost the team''s morale. As the head coach has always emphasized, the season is still long, and there are many opportunities," Yellow Tiger said.
When asked if he had doubts about Schaaf''s rotation tactics, the Chinese youngster naturally expressed his firm support for him. "Mr. Schaaf is a meritorious coach for Werder Bremen. He has rich experience and sessful precedents, and our entire team highly respects him."
Regarding the team''s prospects for this season, Yellow Tiger appeared very cautious. "It''s too early to talk about these things now. Let''s take it one game at a time."
As for his personal goal, the Chinese youngster set his sights on surpassing his goal record fromst season. "I am a striker and bear the responsibility of scoring for the team, so I aim to improve every year."
The big win also temporarily allowed Schaaf to breathe a sigh of relief. Knowing that his beloved yer supported him, he was very satisfied in his heart, feeling that it wasn''t in vain to nurture this kid.
"The key to victory was taking the lead in the first half. Yellow deserves to be the best yer of the match," the head coach generously praised, "He is the kind of yer with great intuition. His timely positioning always impresses people."
"Besides, I also noticed Yellow''s assist. It was a very delicate through pass, which was rarely seen before. This shows that he is still young and has ample room for growth."
Finally, Schaaf reiterated his confidence in the team, emphasizing that their goal is not just to avoid relegation.
Although the schedule ahead is tight, the club still gave everyone half a day off to celebrate. That evening, everyone gathered to go to a restaurant for a celebration.
After indulging in food and drink, Yellow Tiger, Hajrovic, and a few others whispered and schemed about the next n. Unlike the small ind towns in Germany, Bremen is a famous port city with a wide range of nightclubs and bars.
Although not as wild as the Nethends, it''s very easy to find some fun.
"Kevin, are you going with uster?" Yellow Tiger smiled and invited De Bruyne, but the Belgian shook his head repeatedly. "I''ll pass. By the way, when did you be so open-minded?"
"Oh, it''s all because of Sylvester dragging me down," Yellow Tiger pretended to be helpless, but was quickly exposed by Hajrovic, "Who said familiarity breeds contempt? You''re pretending to be innocent again."
"Hehe." Yellow Tiger scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "Anyway, I don''t have a girlfriend, so it''s normal to rx asionally."
After being reminded by captain Fritz to stay safe, the group of them drove to a well-known nightclub in the area.
The dim environment and passionate music always stimte the strong hormones of young people, and Yellow Tiger''s distinctive Asian face, coupled with handsome features, happens to fit the German aesthetic.
Soon, a blonde German girl recognized him and took the initiative to talk to him. Hajrovic and the others could only envy him and then each went their own way to find targets.
"You yed really well in the game today!"
"Of course, I have even better qualities."
The two of them chatted with great interest. Because the music was too loud, they could only lean close to each other''s ears to talk. When the girl blew lightly into Yellow Tiger''s ear, he knew he had seeded tonight.
The two of them quickly rolled into a nearby budget hotel, and after a few rounds of intense passion, the girl realized that Yellow Tiger wasn''t exaggerating.
Early the next morning, Yellow Tiger woke up with the help of his internal clock. The German girl next to him was also awakened by the noise. Her face still had a blush, and she sleepily hugged him naked, coquettishly saying, "It''s so early, stay with me a little longer."
Yellow Tiger felt his energy reviving a bit and held the soft body, saying, "Then help me a little more. Your dribbling skillsst night weren''t bad."
"Don''t, it tickles, hmm."
"The skirt will get dirty, okay okay, I''ll put it on."
Feeling refreshed, Yellow Tiger returned to the club when it was still vacation time. Although it took some time, he immediately started his recovery training.
Indulgence is indulgence, but when it''s time to be serious, he will also put in enough effort.
On the other hand, Hajrovic and the others arrived at thest minute of the assembly, apparently participating in other activities again. However, they were already used to Yellow Tiger''s actions long ago. "This guy is frighteningly calm and self-controlled. He always knows what he wants."
After a day and a half of tactical rehearsals on their own training ground, the entire Werder Bremen team flew to Berlin, preparing for the 5th round of the Bundesliga against Hertha Berlin.
This team with a long history is one of the founding members of the German Football Association. They won the national championship in the 1930s, but they have not achieved much in the Bundesliga.
Bremen once again lost their way in the away game, and the towering Berlin Olympic Stadium brought good luck to the home team.
Yellow Tiger was tightly marked throughout the game and didn''t have many good opportunities. Selke also lost his shooting uracy, causing the ball to frequently deviate from the goalposts.
Ben-Hatira helped the team score the only goal of the match, and in the end, Werder Bremen lost 0:1.
This time, the fans and the media were slightly more sensible and did not fiercely criticize the team for losing the game. Perhaps time is the key to testing the team''s strength.
More importantly, most of their attention was drawn to Bayern. Although the Southern Kings remained unbeaten, three draws made them only rank 4th in the league.
The top 3 spots were unexpectedly upied by Paderborn, Mainz, and Hoffenheim, and no one believed they could maintain this performance.
Bild jokingly suggested that Bremen''s downturn, simr to traditional powerhouses, might allow them to join the ranks of the elite this season.
Chapter 699: Will There Be Regrets? (Second Perspective)
Chapter 699: Will There Be Regrets? (Second Perspective)
On September 27th, in the 6th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen hosted Wolfsburg at home.
Wolfsburg, hailing from Saxony, came with great momentum, but Werder Bremen had remained undefeated at home this season, and they wanted to maintain this record.
Fans began to enter the Weser Stadium early, waving team gs and singing team songs, making every effort to create a home atmosphere.
Although Werder Bremen had fallen from its peak, their football market was still hot, albeitcking some passion. The team''s outstanding performance in recent seasons has restored confidence, and the atmosphere they create at home is no less intimidating than that of the Allianz Arena or the Westfalenstadion!
"In Bremen, there is a river flowing quietly past the Weser Stadium, and our home is here. We are the wizards of Werder Bremen, celebrating victory withughter and joy."
To the melodious melody, yers from both sides took to the field. The home team yers stood tall and felt encouraged, with cheers and apuse apanying their every attack.
In contrast, when Wolfsburg yers had the ball, they were met with jeers and insults.
The away team could be said to be star-studded. Head coach Oliver sner deployed a 4-5-1 formation, with the famous former Bayern striker, Croatian veteran Ivica Olic, leading the attack.
Midfielders Gustavo, Caligiuri, Vieirinha, and others were well-known, while defenders Sebastien Jung and R. Rodriguez each had their own characteristics.
In terms of starting lineup value, Wolfsburg was worth a whopping 200 million euros, twice as much as Werder Bremen''s 100 million.
However, football matches are not only aboutparing values; factors such as venue, atmosphere, and form can all affect the oue. The home team obviously had the upper hand, so they had the advantage.
"Wolfsburg invested heavily in signings this summer, and evenpeted with us for the ownership of De Bruyne at one point. But from their current performance, it seems that they haven''t improved much."
"Oh? Look at Bremen''s attack this time, breaking through, shooting!! Goal!!"
"Kevin De Bruyne!!"
The Weser Stadium seemed to explode like ignited gunpowder, with thunderous cheers echoing throughout the space.
The Belgian, who opened the scoring, excitedly jumped and waved his fists twice. Although his celebration was still somewhat simple, it finally carried some momentum.
Yellow Tiger jumped onto De Bruyne''s back: "Hey, why don''t you do a slide, it would be more imposing."
"I don''t want to end up like Robben, failing to slide and ending up rolling on the ground like a dog, bing everyone''sughingstock." De Bruyne rolled his eyes.
Last season in the Bundesliga, the Dutchman, representing Bayern, staged such a ridiculous scene when he broke the deadlock. He wanted to slide in celebration, but he suddenly bumped into the grass and stopped abruptly, losing his bnce and rolling several times.
"The grass at the Allianz Arena is too hard!" Robbenined in an interview, and there were even rumors that Bayern had increased the amount of watering around the pitch to prevent such incidents from happening again.
The restlessizens would not easily let go of such a joke. Now, the Dutchman''s embarrassing moment has been made into a short video and spread like wildfire worldwide.
"Let''s review the whole process of this wonderful goal again. De Bruyne received the ball in midfield from Garcia''s pass and immediately sent a through ball to Hajrovic."
"Thetter broke through along the sideline, faced Rodriguez''s defense, suddenly decelerated and cut inside, then passed to Selke."
"The German forward received the ball with his back to the goal, turned and sent a diagonal pass into the defense, and Yellow Tiger''s timing was perfect, not offside."
"In the penalty area, Yellow Tiger backheeled the ball to De Bruyne who was running in, unmarked!"
"Let''s see how he handles it, dribbling forward on his own!"
Approaching the edge of the penalty area, the Belgian sent a shot into the top left corner of the goal with a side volley, bypassing the crowd in the penalty area and leaving Wolfsburg goalkeeper Benaglio with no chance to react.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! Goal! De Bruyne scores with a volley!"
"This is De Bruyne''s first brace since joining Werder Bremen, and it came so quickly!"
"Yellow Tiger''s cross, Selke''syoff, and De Bruyne''s side volley on the edge of the penalty area created this brilliant goal!"
"In the final moments of the game, he made a remarkable contribution to the home team. If Werder Bremen can secure victory, the Belgian will undoubtedly be the deserved Man of the Match!"
"I wonder if the management of Wolfsburg will regret it now. ording to the media, if they had offered another 5 million euros, they could have persuaded Chelsea to sell De Bruyne to them. However, they missed this rare opportunity."
Chapter 700: Commercial Value Inconsistent with Status (Second Perspective)
Chapter 700: Commercial Value Inconsistent with Status (Second Perspective)
After scoring, De Bruyne spread his arms, enjoying the feeling of the entire city pouring adoration on him. This was how he wanted to sprint on the field, not sit on the bench!
Teammates rushed over to surround him, with Huang Hu excitedly patting the Belgian''s back, "You were amazing today! With such a spectacr volley, were you secretly practicing without telling me?"
"No, no, I have to work harder too. If the forwards score fewer goals than the midfielders, it''s really embarrassing," replied De Bruyne with augh.
The others burst intoughter, and De Bruyne didn''t take credit for himself but instead praised Selke for his excellent positioning, which created the opportunity for the shot.
The remaining minutes saw Werder Bremen sessfully maintain their lead. When the referee blew the final whistle, the electronic scoreboard read 2-1 in favor of the home team.
It was a victory for the Weser Stadium! All Werder Bremen fans stood up to apud their team. They fought until thest moment, and led by Fritz, the yers also expressed their gratitude to the supporters, thanking them for their tireless cheering.
After this round, Werder Bremen climbed to 9th ce in the league standings, just two points behind the Champions League qualification zone.
However, three dayster, in the second round of the Europa League group stage, facing Besiktas who had traveled from afar, Werder Bremen struggled with their dualmitments.
The Turkish Super League, although not the strongest in Europe, was still at a decent level, ranking just below leagues like the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the Dutch Eredivisie. Besiktas, who dominated there, naturally couldn''t be underestimated.
After the away team took the lead, Selke equalized with a header from a free kick, assisted by De Bruyne. The Belgian''s precise passing ability quickly made him the team''s top assist provider.
In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
"Dualmitments are indeed the biggest enemy of small teams. Without sufficient depth on the bench, everyone looks particrly exhausted,"mented one observer.
"Coach Schaaf tried rotations, but he couldn''t be too drastic, as the gap between the first team and the substitutes was very obvious."
"The margin for error in the six Europa League group matches is much smaller than in the league. A slightpse could lead to elimination. Currently, Werder Bremen''s performance is somewhat worrying."
The head coach understood that the teamcked the qualifications for rotation. Ensuring the stability and attendance of the first team was the key. Greedily spreading out the front was ultimately unrealistic, but he hoped to reap some rewards by the end of the season.
Next, on October 5th, Werder Bremen rushed to Bavaria without stopping, participating in the 7th round of the Bundesliga and challenging Augsburg away.
This team was not strong, but they showed strong fighting spirit at home. The two sides remained deadlocked without a goal until the 81st minute.
Fritz''s ball from the left nk, at a 45-degree angle, flew into the penalty area, bypassing Selke who feigned a shot in the middle, and found Huang Hu at the far post who poked it in.
1-0! Werder Bremen defeated Augsburg and secured their first consecutive league victory of the new season.
Huang Hu''smercial value could not bepared with veterans like Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo, but backed by the vast domestic market, he still attracted a lot of attention from capital.
Especially after officially representing the national team, his visibility increased significantly, and the recognition and support from everyone continued to grow, bringing in more revenue.
For example, his jersey sales. Originally, Fritz''s jersey was the best seller for Werder Bremen, but sincest season, Huang Hu''s sales had been steadily increasing, surpassing the German''s by more than twice.
Many domestic fans wanted to collect authentic jerseys, so overseas students started doing proxy business. Of course, this was also rted to the gradual improvement of awareness of authentic products.
There were also various endorsements. Balmond also intended to sign him under Nike. Although the interest from the other party wascking, due to the pressure of public opinion, they still offered a endorsement fee of 3 years, 2 million euros.
After all, theirpany''s biggest endorsement star was Wang Feng, who belonged to the same agent as Huang Hu. It wouldn''t look good if there were any conflicts.
Unexpectedly, Adidas also approached him at this time. They had long coveted the vast domestic market but had been suppressed by Nike. Almost all the famous yers were under thetter.
After detailed research and analysis, the senior management of Adidas believed that Huang Hu was very likely to be the new leader of Chinese football after Wang Feng, so signing him meant seizing the future!
They had missed one era and didn''t want to miss another.
So Adidas brought Huang Huo a sky-high contract of 5 years, 8 million euros. Although this figure couldn''t bepared with stars like Messi, Ronaldo, or Neymar, it was still astonishing.
For example, when the well-known Argentine star Aguero signed with Nike, he received 1.2 million euros per year. After switching to Puma, it only increased to 2 million euros.
Within Werder Bremen, Huang Hu was also the only one to have a contract with a major shoepany. Even among mid-tier teams in the top five leagues, he was special.
It could be said that hismercial value did not match his status in football.
As for other sponsorships, they were too numerous to list, covering all aspects of life. With steady improvement over three years, Huang Hu proved to the world that he was not a sh in the pan.
Lang watches offered him a contract worth 1 million euros for 3 years. The Chinese youngster only needed to wear thetest styles and shoot a few photos. Hugo Boss also invited him to be a model for their new clothes.
It''s worth mentioning that Huang Hu''s image was quite in line with mainstream European aesthetics,bined with his obvious recognition, at least in Germany, his advertising effect was not inferior to Bayern Munich stars.
After getting so much money, he didn''t indulge in extravagance. He still lived in the club''s dormitory and just bought a beloved sports car, treating his teammates to meals and drinks.
In October, it was time for the national team matches. This time, the Chinese team would gather in Thand and y two friendly matches against Japan and Australia.
Huang Hu had heard of Bangkok''s prosperity and luxury, especially being a paradise for men. So he eagerly wanted to sneak out and have some fun. However, after thest lesson, the coaching staff and team management became stricter.
"Thand is more chaotic than Europe. We will give you some free time, but unauthorized leaving the team is absolutely not allowed. Otherwise, it won''t be as simple as extra training!" The team leader nced around sternly, finally casting his gaze on Huang Hu.
He felt a chill down his spine and quickly nodded along with the others, realizing that his n to enjoy some leisure time had gone down the drain.
In the friendly matches, the Chinese team drew 2-2 with Japan and 1-1 with Australia. This result disappointed many domestic fans. Without Wang Feng, they couldn''t maintain absolute dominance against Asian teams.
However, many sensible people believed in the future. After all, the average age of this team was less than 24 years old. They still had plenty of time to grow and improve on the high-level stage of European football.
The ultimate goal of the team was naturally the 2018 World Cup. By then, this group of young soldiers would have fully grown, and it was believed that they would be stronger than in 2010, providing more support for Wang Feng!
Chapter 701: Smarter Handling (Second Perspective)
Chapter 701: Smarter Handling (Second Perspective)
When returning to Bremen from Thand, Huang Hu brought some local specialties for his teammates. Although they weren''t very expensive, they were thoughtful enough to show sincerity.
This not only helped him gain better rtionships with his teammates but also reduced any jealousy among them. After all, it''s not about being in short supply, but rather about inequality. Compared to them, Huang Hu was making too much money.
On October 18th, Werder Bremen''s campaign resumed, and they seemed to be hitting their stride. In the 8th round of the Bundesliga, they faced Freiburg at home. Despite conceding a goal first, Huang Hu scored twice for the first time this season, helping the teame back to win 2-1.
In the following Europa League group stage match, the 3rd round, Werder Bremen hosted Tottenham Hotspur at home. Huang Hu continued his scoring streak and, together with De Bruyne, helped secure a 2-0 victory, earning the team their first three points in Europeanpetition and making the situation for advancing more optimistic.
With a 3-0 victory over Mainz in the 9th round of the Bundesliga, a 4-1 win over Heidenheim in the second round of the German Cup, a 4-0 victory over Stuttgart in the 10th round of the Bundesliga, another 2-1 win over Tottenham in the 4th round of the Europa League group stage, and a 2-0 win over Hamburg in the 11th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen achieved eight consecutive victories!
So far, they had 7 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, umting 23 points, skyrocketing to second ce in the league standings, just behind Bayern Munich with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 27 points.
This achievement amazed all of Germany, as people seemed to see the return of the mighty Werder Bremen, who once threatened the kings and imed championships.
In the 11 rounds of the league, Huang Huo contributed 7 goals, ranking second on the top scorers'' list, just behind Frankfurt''s Alexander Meier, who had 9 goals. He surpassed famous stars like Lewandowski, Robben, and Aubameyang.
In other words, he not only had a high chance of breaking his own scoring record fromst season but also had a chance to contend for the league''s golden boot.
However, Huang Hu didn''t think much about the golden boot. He only wanted the team to keep winning!
In addition, Borussia Dortmund''s rapid decline also shocked Germany. The Yellow and cks only managed to get 3 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses, and 10 points, ranking fourth from the bottom, dangerously close to relegation.
The former runners-up had fallen to this level, and it seemed that Lewandowski''s betrayal had indeed dealt them a heavy blow.
Fast forward to November 22nd, the 12th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen weed Schalke 04 at home.
The entire team was united, as they hadn''t lost a game at home this season.
The attention on this match also skyrocketed, as people wanted to know if Werder Bremen had the strength to challenge Bayern''s dominance.
On match day, the Weser Stadium was once again filled to capacity. Many old fans couldn''t help but shed tears at such a spectacr sight. Yes, this was the feeling of the past!
Inside the yer tunnel, Huang Huo was enthusiastically discussing with a few teammates where to celebrate after winning the match. Captain Fritz was more cautious, reminding everyone not to underestimate the opponent.
"We won''t, this is just to increase anticipation and motivation," the Chinese youngster said.
In fact, they didn''t have the capital to underestimate the opponent. Caldara and Felix Kroos, two key yers, were absent due to injuries, and the winning streak came at a cost.
Although Schalke 04 had performed poorly this season, currently ranking only 11th in the standings, they had secured European qualification several times in the past few seasons, proving they were not easy opponents.
At this moment, the referee team walked out from behind the two teams and approached the front. Everyone understood that it was time to take the field. They lined up and prepared for the battle to begin.
"Let''s go, guys, let''s march towards victory!" Fritz waved his hand, speaking passionately.
"Goooooooooooooooal! Beautiful! Werder Bremen scores! They take the lead at home!"
"Huang Hu! Huang Hu!" The Weser Stadium roared, countless fans excitedly shouting the hero''s name, as if the whole city was trembling with excitement.
"Yes, it''s Huang Huo''s goal again. In the 27th minute of the match, he scores his 8th league goal of the season, helping the team take the lead!"
"Selke received a through pass from Fritz in the penalty area and then passed it to De Bruyne who was making a run on the wing."
"At the far post, Huang Hu leaped up and performed an incredible sideways volley, piercing through Schalke''s goal."
"The ball formed a perfect arc in the air, flying over the defenders in the penalty area and then dropping into the top right corner of the goal, too brilliant."
The camera cut to Schalke''s head coach, Di Matteo, whose face showed no emotion, neither anxious nor panicked. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.
The Italian had just taken over from the underperforming Keller as Schalke''s new coach a month ago, but the team''s performance hadn''t improved much. Although he didn''t show it, it was imaginable that he was not calm inside at this moment.
This was also directly reflected in the lineup adjustments. Just 40 minutes into the game, the away team made their first substitution, bringing on Huntear for the underperforming Motin.
Schalke had considered some lineup rotations because they still had Champions League games to y, but Di Matteo obviously wasn''t willing to ept failure so easily, so he sent out the strongest core.
The Dutchman didn''t disappoint the head coach. In injury time of the first half, he took advantage of a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half and took a direct shot, curling the ball around the wall and into Werder Bremen''s goal.
1-1! The two sides returned to the starting line!
During halftime, Di Matteo specifically emphasized defending against Huang Hu. "The Chinese yer has been in hot formtely. We can''t allow him to y at his best."
In the second half, the away team indeed strengthened their interception of Huang Hu, using physical confrontations and fouls to disrupt Werder Bremen''s attacking rhythm.
But falling to the ground time and time again didn''t scare the Chinese youngster. Instead, it aroused his fighting spirit and made him handle attacks smarter.
In the 69th minute, when he received a pass from Fritz, Huang Hu sidestepped the ball, quickly turned around to shake off Fox''s entanglement, and then dribbled forward along the wing.
Facing Kehrer''s tight defense, the Chinese youngster slowed down, giving the impression of seeking a passing opportunity, making the opponent''s defense slightlyx.
Then, with a flick of his right heel, Huang Hu shifted the ball to the left, catching the German defender off guard, and immediately elerated past him.
"Oh, what a beautiful skillful dribble! That heel flick was so amazing. When did Huang learn such delicate dribbling skills?"
Kehrer tried to turn around forcibly to stop his opponent, even if it meantmitting a foul, but he slipped and fell to the ground, only to watch helplessly as the Chinese youngster approached the edge of the penalty area and then took a shot!
The ball flew like an arrow, straight towards the near corner of Geifel''s goal.
When Huang Hu got past Kehrer, Geifel''s heart tightened. His muscles tensed up as he prepared to make a save. He had to guard against both direct shots and threats from crosses, so he positioned himself slightly towards the middle.
Almost at the same time as the Chinese youngsternded, Geifel made a save, but it wasn''t enough.
The ball hit the position of his left hand''s fingers, then changed direction and bounced into the goal!
Chapter 702: Necessary Growth (Second Perspective)
Chapter 702: Necessary Growth (Second Perspective)
"Wow!" The Weser Stadium erupted once again.
"Another brace! Huang Hu! Huang Hu! He helps Werder Bremen maintain their lead! A brilliant breakthrough followed by a long-range shot!"
"This is his 9th league goal of the season, equaling the top scorer Alexander Meier, and they''re all from open y, no penalties!"
On the sidelines, Coach Schaaf also didn''t expect the Chinese youngster to score in such a way, which was rarely seen before.
"It seems that the pressure has forced this kid to unleash more of his potential. Who said he only knows how to eat pies?"
After scoring this goal, the home team adopted a more conservative approach, withdrawing to secure their lead, gradually deadlocking the situation.
But just when the game was about to end, there was a turning point. In the 89th minute, Meyer broke through the wing and crossed, Huntear''s header hit Westergard''s shoulder.
The main referee hesitated for a moment before blowing the whistle and pointing to the penalty spot! The whole stadium was in an uproar, the home fans booed thunderously, and Schaaf angrily rushed to the sideline: "How could that be a penalty? Clearly, it hit the shoulder, the shoulder!" As he said this, he hammered his own shoulder.
"Let''s take a look at what happened with the slow-motion rey. Well, it seems like the hand didn''t have much to do with it. Despite Werder Bremen yers surrounding the referee and constantly arguing, he seems to stick to his decision."
"Unfortunately, VAR technology has not been used in league matches yet. ording to previous reports, the maturity review of this technology will have to wait another two to three years."
Huntear personally took the penalty and equalized the score once again for Schalke.
The blow to Werder Bremen was far from over. In injury time, in the 92nd minute, Bta received a through ball from Hervdes, took a long shot from the edge of the arc, piercing through Wolf''s hands.
Two goals in three minutes! In the final moments of the game, the entire home team pressed forward, with even the goalkeeper joining the attack, but as Selke''s header missed the post, the final whistle blew.
2:3! Werder Bremen tasted bitter defeat!
"Damn it! Damn it!" Huang Hu knelt on one knee and hammered the turf with force. Clearly, they were so close to victory. If only he were stronger, perhaps it wouldn''t slip away from his fingertips like this.
At this moment, he was more eager for strength than ever before, eager to grow, something every young yer would experience.
Fritz understood Huang Hu''s emotions very well. He had been that kneeling youth himself. So the German walked over to the Chinese youngster and helped him up: "Failure is not terrible, what''s terrible is not having the courage to stand up after failure."
"You''ve done brilliantly enough. Look up, everyone is calling your name."
At these words, Huang Hu looked around the stadium, only to realize that most of the home fans hadn''t left yet. They were still cheering and inspiring him.
Some even waved banners, obviously contributed by a female fan with newly applied lipstick: "Huang, you''re the best! Forever support!"
"Let''s go, we should thank the fans for their support, shouldn''t we?" Fritz patted Huang Hu on the back and said.
After acknowledging the fans, Haylovi? suggested to go out and relieve the frustration, but Huang Hu shook his head and declined the invitation. Only when they win does he feel like ying.
At the press conference, Coach Schaaf mercilessly criticized the situation to the various media outlets: "This was supposed to be a celebration for Werder Bremen, but it was ruined by mistakes."
Many media outlets and fans also echoed his views. After all, thest-minute penalty misjudgment was too fatal, and the home team conceding two goals in a rowrgely stemmed from this.
After repeatedly confirming the match footage, the referee admitted his mistake and apologized solemnly to the entire Werder Bremen team, which was the biggestpensation they could offer.
Although Werder Bremen still ranked second on the points table, this defeat widened the gap between them and Bayern. It remained very difficult to threaten the status of the Southern Kings.
The schedule still had to go on. Four dayster, Werder Bremen hosted the 5th round of the Europa League group stage at home, with Red Star Belgrade as the opponent.
After double-killing Tottenham, Werder Bremen''s advancement situation was already very clear. Therefore, Coach Schaaf made significant rotations to the starting lineup, and Huang Hu was on the bench.
Seeing the team struggling to make a breakthrough, the Chinese youngster was more excited than the coach, rushing to the sidelines, gesturing for his teammates to push forward.
Schaaf, somewhat frustrated, raised his hand to his forehead: "Okay, you rascal, don''t dance in front of me. You just want to y, right? Go warm up."
Huang Hu''s "trick" was seen through, and he sheepishly stuck out his tongue. The reason he was so active was because he had a fire burning in his heart.
So in the 55th minute, the Chinese youngster took to the field! He did not disappoint himself or the coach. Ten minutester, Eldrim sent a through ball from the front, and Huang Hu burst through two defenders to receive it.
With the goalkeeper blocking in front and defenders interfering on both sides, the Chinese youngster calmly fell to the ground and shot, the ball passing between the legs of the opposing goalkeeper and into the far corner of the, 1:0!
With this goal, Werder Bremen eventually narrowly defeated their opponents, and they topped the group with 3 wins and 2 draws, followed by Besiktas with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 9 points.
Tottenham Hotspur ranked third with 1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses and 5 points, while Red Star Belgrade, at the bottom, had 1 draw, 4 losses and only 1 point.
With one round of matches remaining, Werder Bremen and Besiktas had already secured their spots in the knockout stage. The subsequent sh between the two would determine the group winner.
Huang Hu had never been the type of yer with outstanding physical qualities. He could endure running for the entire game, had decent dribbling skills, and could even show off some ir at times, all of which came from his systematic European youth training since childhood.
However, high-intensity physical confrontations had always been his weakness. It was difficult for him to maintain bnce and ball control under defensive pressure, leading to frequent mistakes and conceding goals.
In addition to the rhythm changes and dribbling skills he disyed against Schalke, the Chinese youngster also nned to continue honing his ability to seize scoring opportunities in crowded areas.
It was with this set of skills that he established himself in the top five leagues and gradually became a regr starter. As his experience umted, Huang Hu felt that there was still much deeper potential to be tapped into in terms of running.
So during regr training sessions, the Chinese youngster would often ponder his positioning and how to shake off defensive markers to create space for himself, sometimes getting lost in thought.
"What''s wrong, Huang?" Coach Schaaf asked with concern after a training match. Just now, he saw Huang Hu suddenly stop in the middle of an attack, and it seemed like he got injured.
"It''s nothing, sir. I was just thinking whether I should have pulled back earlier to draw the attention of the defenders and create space for another attack."
Schaaf nodded at his words. Thinking and progress were closely rted. Football was by no means just physicalbor. This stage was a period of rapid growth for young yers. Both Huang Hu and De Bruyne had more room for growth.
He decided to nurture them well. Even if they eventually left Werder Bremen after growing, the benefits they could bring to the team before leaving were immeasurable.
Chapter 703: Small Changes, Big Effects (Second Perspective)
Chapter 703: Small Changes, Big Effects (Second Perspective)
On thest day of November, Werder Bremen headed to Borussia Park to challenge Borussia M?nchendbach.
This team''s dominance in the Bundesliga dates back much earlier than Bayern Munich. In the 1970s, they became the first team to win the league title consecutively and achieved the feat of winning three consecutive titles.
Even now, the club still retains the pride of champions within, especially when facing the neers Bayern, they often unleash a strength surpassing themselves, as if telling Bayern, "You are just nouveau riche!"
Facing Werder Bremen, the home team yers also showed tenacious fighting spirit. Although they were slightly inferior in strength, they managed to hold onto their goal despite beingpletely controlled by the away team.
At this time, the results of Huang Hu''s recent intensive training began to show. Not only did head coach Schaaf often give him guidance, but during leisure time, yers like De Bruyne and Haylovi? also spared no effort to apany him in mutual growth.
When Werder Bremen advanced to the frontcourt, Fritz sent a through ball to De Bruyne, who, under tight defense, stopped the ball and carried it to the right, then passed it to Haylovi? nearby.
With no immediate opportunity to advance, Haylovi? passed back to Fritz. The German feigned a dribble inward but actually flicked the ball with his right foot towards the sideline, then, after adjusting his angle, passed it directly to Harlovic.
Between the back-and-forth passes, the Bosnian winger found himself in a vacant position due to the defensive shift, but at this moment, including Huang Hu, the other five attacking yers were all within the opponent''s coverage.
After receiving the ball, Haylovi? immediately pushed towards the penalty area. At the same time, Huang Hu, who was in the right wing area, did not advance as usual to prepare for a goal-scoring opportunity but started to retreat, forming a crossing run with the Bosnian winger.
This seemingly simple change yed a crucial role. M?nchendbach defender Stranzel, who was closely marking the Chinese youngster, noticed him retreating from the danger zone. If he continued to closely mark Huang Hu, it would inevitably leave space for Haylovi?''s forward movement.
Given the choice between two evils, Stranzel made a quick decision to abandon marking Huang Hu and instead moved to block Haylovi?''s path.
In order to stop the Bosnian winger''s breakthrough, Haan also rushed towards him at full speed. As a result, Haylovi? made a long pass forward, using his speed to bypass Haan and directly confront Stranzel.
Suddenly, Selke in the middle started a diagonal run behind Stranzel, instantly alerting the M?nchendbach defense. Toni Jantschke closely followed him, which could be seen as both stopping him and allowing Selke to draw away the defender.
Seizing this opportunity, Huang Hu, who was in a deeper position, keenly ran towards the top of the arc. Haylovi? timely passed to him, and with no one marking him, the Chinese youngster pushed the ball into the bottom left corner of the.
The away team finally broke the deadlock and took the lead!
Even Huang Hu himself didn''t expect to be able to shoot so easily in this situation. A simple retreat and advance, surprisingly tearing open the opponent''s dense defense without the need for strenuous efforts to fight for a goal-scoring opportunity.
Perhaps there were many other key details involved, such as Haylovi?''s eleration to get rid of his marker, Selke''s sudden diagonal run to take away the defender. But overall, the Chinese youngster''s crossing run yed an important role.
"To gain, one must first give." Sometimes, taking a step back doesn''t mean giving up, but rather sounding a stronger offensive horn.
For some reason, a proverb Huang Hu once learned suddenly popped into his mind. During his time at the Genk Youth Academy, there was a teacher specially teaching children Chinese. He found it boring at the time, but now it seemed enlightening.
"It seems that I can study military strategy in my spare time. Maybe it will give me new insights and understanding on the football field."
This goal was the only goal of the match, and Werder Bremen also secured three points with it.
In the subsequent match against Hannover 96, Huang Hu still adhered to his flexible running strategy. Although he did not score this time, he sessfully helped Selke create space and assisted him in scoring, helping the team win 3-1.
However, there were also mistakes sometimes, either running to awkward positions or having difficulty connecting with teammates.
These were all trivial matters. The Chinese youngster firmly believed that through continuous practice and intensepetition, he would surelyprehend the essence of better positioning.
In the final match of the Europa League group stage, head coach Schaaf sent out a rotated lineup to y. With the team already advancing and leading, allowing the main yers to rest was a wise move.
In the end, they lost 0-1 to Besiktas, but Huang Hu got a chance to y in the second half. However, he failed to turn the tide again.
As a result, Besiktas edged out Werder Bremen by just one point to take the top spot in the group.
On the other hand, the group stage of the Champions League has also concluded, and the eight third-ced teams have confirmed their spots in the Europa League.
After the draw, Werder Bremen''s opponent in the round of 32 knockout stage is Fiorentina from Serie A. They are also Europa League participants, topping their group ahead of Guingamp, PAOK, and Dinamo Minsk.
This opponent is not too difficult to deal with, after all, the era of the "Seven Sisters of Serie A" is long gone, and Fiorentina is no longer as formidable as they used to be.
It is worth mentioning that in the round of 16 draw for the Champions League, La Liga once again upies three spots, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
The Bundesliga has performed exceptionally well, with both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund topping their groups, while Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04 also advanced as runners-up.
Premier League teams Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all advanced, with Juventus barely making it as thest team from Serie A. Ligue 1 has Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.
In addition to clubs from the top five leagues, there are also Basel from the Swiss Super League, Porto from the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and Shakhtar Dsk from the Ukrainian Premier League entering the round of 16.
In the knockout stage of the Champions League, Real Madrid will once again meet Schalke 04. The general consensus is that they can easily defeat their opponents and enter the quarterfinals without any suspense.
This is because they have maintained a winning streak since the first round of La Liga, and no opponent can stop Real Madrid''s dominance, including Atletico Madrid, who caused them a lot of troublest season, and the newly formed Barcelona under a new coach.
With 15 league matches, 6 Champions League group stage matches, and 1 Copa del Rey match, Real Madrid''s winning streak has been extended to 22 games, second only to Ajax''s record of 26 consecutive wins in the 1971-1972 season.
And the undisputed hero behind Real Madrid''s impressive record is the Chinese superstar Wang Feng. So far, he has scored 29 league goals, 11 Champions League goals, and 3 cup goals, showing a trend of once again scoring over 100 goals in a season.
It''s hard to imagine that he is a 31-year-old veteran!
It is widely spected that Muller''s interference in his continuous winning of the European Best yer awards has made Wang Feng very angry. Therefore, he wants to prove to the world with his performance that he is still the best yer in the world.
And with the FIFA awards ceremony approaching, the Chinese superstar also wants to campaign for the Ballon d''Or.
Unfortunately, the voting process for this year has not been extended. When the deadline came in early November, FIFA immediately announced the closure of the voting channel, as if afraid that everyone would change their minds.
Coupled with Bayern Munich''s unprecedented support for Muller, from the head coach to the yers, they spared no effort to provide him with opportunities to perform on the field, so it is still uncertain who will be elected in the end.
Chapter 704: I Will Go to the Scene! (Second Perspective)
Chapter 704: I Will Go to the Scene! (Second Perspective)
"As the FIFA Ballon d''Or award ceremony approaches, there''s always discussions during training breaks about who will win it this year," the yers often talked about it in Werder Bremen.
Not only them, but probably all football clubs would have simr discussions at this time, after all, it''s one of the biggest events in football every year.
Huang Hu didn''t hesitate to support his senior, "Of course it''s Wang Ge. With such explosive data and performance, there should be no dispute about him winning."
"You make a good point, but I think Thomas also has a good chance. He''s been touching the hearts of European football fans, and he''s backed by the World Cup," Fritz shrugged.
"And Bayern has been unusually supportive this year, with the whole team backing the yers topete for this highest honor," he added.
"I actually want Thomas to win, but if it happens, it might cause more controversy than when he won the UEFA Best yer award," he said.
On the sidelines, De Bruyne asked weakly, "Wasn''t Bayern not supportive of their yers winning the Ballon d''Or before? There have been very few Bundesliga yers who won it, like Sammer, who won it a long time ago when I was just a few years old."
Fritz whispered mysteriously, "Team performance and yer performance are certainly the most important criteria for the Ballon d''Or, but the club''s support is also not to be underestimated. In the past, people only said Bayern was low-key, not as good at promoting their own yers as Real Madrid."
"There''s a conspiracy theory circting within German football circles, which is that Bayern intentionally suppresses top yers to avoid being controlled by them."
Seeing the surprised expressions on the young yers'' faces, Fritz continued, "This is not difficult to understand. Personally winning awards doesn''t bring any actual benefits to the club, but it can lead to troubles like sry increases and improved status within the team."
"At least the yers'' value increases," De Bruyne interjected, "Value is only useful when ites to selling yers. Which big club wants to easily lose a yer who is still productive?"
"I see." Huang Hu rubbed his chin, "No wonder Zuo was overshadowed inst year''s Ballon d''Or voting and couldn''t even make it to the top three. Besides avoiding controversies, it also had to do with the club not providing any help."
"Of course, the influence of the German-speaking world in the football world is not as strong as that of the Latin-speaking world," Fritz added. "After all, they have such arge range of influence in South America, while we only have regions like Austria, Hungary, and Switzend."
Everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging the wisdom of the seasoned veteran.
"I think both you and Kevin have a chance to win the Ballon d''Or in the future. Keep working hard, youngds. Us old folks don''t have much hope anymore," Fritz encouraged with a hint of nostalgia.
All eyes were on these two rising stars, with a hint of envy in their eyes. Apart from them, almost everyone''s biggest wish was to make it onto the initial 23-man list for the Ballon d''Or selection.
Even so, it was a luxury, as no one in Werder Bremen''s team had achieved it yet.
Huang Hu waved his hand, "I''ll pass on that. It would be very good if I could catch up to Dong Fangzhuo''s achievements."
He understood his own talent and ability very well. Although he could continuously improve, reaching Dong Fangzhuo''s level was already reaching the ceiling.
"But Kevin might. When you win the Ballon d''Or in the future, don''t forget to celebrate with us," the Chinese youngster joked, and De Bruyne scratched his head shyly. He was really looking forward to winning that highest honor in football.
Predictions about the award were put aside, and there was also a lot of media hype about Wang Feng''s travel ns. The British Sun boldly imed that the Chinese superstar, feeling the unfairness of the selection environment, had decided not to attend the ceremony in Switzend!
A stone thrown into the water caused a thousand ripples. Normally, the top three candidates for the Ballon d''Or would attend the award ceremony to await the final results, but throughout history, there were also yers who felt hopeless about winning and chose to be absent.
Although regrettable, it was not a big deal. But Wang Feng was different. He was a ten-time Ballon d''Or winner, the greatest and most influential yer in history.
If he were absent, it would indicate an attitude??he didn''t acknowledge the oue of the selection, and he resisted it with his actions!
This would be a serious blow to the reputation and authority of the Ballon d''Or, and it might even be an indelible stain.
The situation escted, even FIFA President tter was rmed. He personally called Wang Feng to express his invitation and emphasized that there was no bias towards European yers in the selection, and all selections were fair and normal.
The Chinese superstar also felt somewhat helpless. The Sun clearly wanted to make a big news, but the shock it caused might have even surprised them.
"I will go to the scene!" Wang Feng affirmed when facing reporters. "Regardless of whether I can ultimately win the award, I will go."
"Muller and Ronaldo (the other two candidates) are both outstanding yers, with good results and performances. It wouldn''t be surprising if either of them won."
"Of course, I definitely hope to win it myself. Although I''ve won it ten times already, who can refuse that shiny golden football, haha."
Under his own denial, the turmoil gradually subsided.
In addition to discussions about the top three candidates for the Ballon d''Or, people also noticed Messi''s absence from the list. This is the first time since 2007 that the Argentine has missed out on the top three.
With no awards from his club and ack of effort before the World Cup, but more importantly, his disastrous performance in the World Cup knockout stage.
Although Argentina made it to the final, Messi''s contribution was very limited, especially missing a penalty in a critical moment of the final, losing the favor of many judges.
On December 14th, in the 15th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen challenged Paderborn away.
This is a historically old small-town team, founded in 1907, but has neverpeted in the top league, and was promoted to the Bundesliga for the first timest season.
At the beginning of the season, their performance was good, and they even ranked first for a while, but after seven consecutive losses, they dropped to 10th ce. This also gave the whole team a p in the face, waking them up from their dreams.
Yeah, where are so many miracles like Kaiserutern? Regardless of the depth of the lineup or the strength of the yers, promoted teams are far behind other Bundesliga powerhouses, and the team''s most important goal is to avoid relegation!
The city of Paderborn has a poption of only about 140,000, with about 10% being local university students and 8% being former British soldiers. There aren''t many fans who truly feel a sense of belonging.
However, the Benteler Arena, which can amodate 15,000 spectators, had an attendance rate of about 60%, with home fans enthusiastically supporting their local team.
In this atmosphere, Paderborn fought fiercely against Werder Bremen. In the 47th minute, De Bruyne dribbled the ball through the middle, passed it straight to the arc for Selke.
The German forward flicked the ball with his heel, sending it to the back post, where Huang Hu stepped into the penalty area with small steps, adjusted his body and position, then lifted his leg to shoot. The ball curled into the far corner of the goal, 1-0!
But in the 89th minute of the second half, with a market value of only ?200,000, midfielder Bakalorz sted a long shot to open the door for the visiting team, equalizing the score.
In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both sides shaking hands.
Chapter 705: Not the Same as Before (Second Perspective)
Chapter 705: Not the Same as Before (Second Perspective)
Even though they were held to a draw by Paderborn, everyone in Werder Bremen was still rtively pleased because they had basically secured their position as the runners-up of the first half of the season.
They made it through to the Europa League, their performance in the league steadily progressed towards the Champions League spots, and they even reached the third round of the DFB-Pokal. These were results that were difficult to imagine before the start of the season, and both the yers, coaching staff, and club executives were very satisfied.
Next up was the 16th round of the Bundesliga, where they faced another strong opponent, Borussia Dortmund, at home.
"The Yellow and cks are not the same as they were in the past two seasons," said head coach Schaaf during the pre-match tactical briefing.
Although it was called a tactical arrangement, Werder Bremen didn''t have manyplicated tactics. All the yers knew what they should do on the field like the back of their hand, so the goal of this meeting was to boost morale for the game.
"We''ve yed 15 rounds in the league, where are they? In the relegation zone! They lost 9 out of 15 matches, drew 2, and only won 4."
"And we''ve won 9 matches, drawn 3, and only lost 3. Guys, what does this mean? They''re facing the same opponents as us."
"Their main striker, Lewandowski, suddenly leaving dealt a huge blow to Dortmund. Perhaps now, whenever they find themselves in a disadvantageous situation, this painful event wille to mind, which is a heavy burden for all the yers on the field."
"But we won''t have any burdens. Forget about the once invincible Yellow and cks. Find their weaknesses, show strong determination at our home ground, and we will surely defeat them!"
"Yes, perhaps Dortmund will face relegation for the first time in forty years this season. We are making history!" Captain Fritz eximed loudly.
Everyone smiled at his words. To be honest, many people in the team did have some lingering fear of the youthful storm, but after this tactical briefing, those fears dissipated. What are we afraid of? We are the ones with the advantage now!
On the sidelines, Klopp was excitedly waving his arms, something he hadn''t done in a long time, all because of a simple opening goal.
In the 19th minute of the game, the away team took the lead with a shot from Immobile.
The German coach desperately needed this goal, this victory, to dere that Dortmund still had hope, that they could turn the tables and return to the Europeanpetition zone.
Yes, they didn''t dare to think about surpassing Bayern Munich and winning the title anymore. In fact, many media outlets and even people within the team believed they might get relegated.
But if they could defeat the second-ced, high-spirited Werder Bremen, they believed they could rebuild their team spirit and confidence.
The consequences of Lewandowski leaving for free were deeper than the outside world had judged. It almost destroyed what the team had always upheld and believed in, unity and love, the club as a home.
Imagine, even the most relied-upon core tore up verbal agreements mercilessly for their own benefit, transferring to their arch-rivals without leaving anything for the club. Such nakedlymercial behavior was ced in front of everyone. Who would still have the heart to talk about loyalty?
Fortunately, there was still Reus, who firmly stepped forward to support the team, refusing all attempts to poach him. This to some extent reassured the fluctuating hearts.
Coupled with their decent performance in the Champions League, the Yellow and cks managed to avoid aplete copse in multiplepetitions.
On paper, Dortmund undoubtedly outssed Werder Bremen by more than a mile, with their yers'' market value being more than five times higher.
The home team started somewhat aggressively, continuously threatening with several good attacking moves, so they felt they could go toe-to-toe with their opponents. Little did they know, the away team seized the chance of a counterattack and broke into the penalty area to score.
Fortunately, there was still plenty of time left in the game. The Werder Bremen yers, now fully awake, concentrated more, firmly defending while waiting for their chance.
The fans at the Weserstadion weren''t like the cold-hearted fans of the big clubs, who would start booing as soon as the situation turned unfavorable. Instead, they kept cheering, waving their team gs, creating a warm atmosphere of support.
"Werder Bremenunches a counterattack! Fritz dribbles forward, he needs support. De Bruyne ising over."
In the 36th minute, Dortmund made a passing mistake in the midfield, and Aubameyang directly gave the ball to Vestergaard. Although they tried to organize a counterpress on the spot, they still gave the home team a chance to pass to Fritz.
The German yer faced pressure as he dribbled past the halfway line, so he passed sideways to De Bruyne. At this moment, the three attacking yers, Huang Huo,Selke, and Hayrovic, were all sprinting forward at high speed, shaping up for a counterattack by Werder Bremen.
Dortmund''s defense was visibly slow in getting back, perhaps affected by their early lead and thecency from their opponents'' previous unsessful attacks.
The home fans suddenly erupted into loud cheers, as if beating the drums of war to encourage their team.
"De Bruyne continues to dribble forward! Passes to the nk, Hayrovic, their speed is very fast!"
"Damn it!" Schmelzer gritted his teeth and tried hard to chase down the Werder Bremen winger, but the opponent was one step faster in getting rid of the ball, passing it to Selke in the middle.
Despite being a tall and strong German striker, Selke had some dribbling skills. Seeing only Hummels and Hornschuh in front of him, he decided to moveterally to pull the defensive line.
Seeing this scene, Huang Hu quickly moved to the other side of the nk, not only advancing towards the space but also lowering his own threat level. As expected, Hornschuh, who was caught between Huang Huo and Selke, gave up following the Chinese youngster and stepped forward to join his teammate in blocking the German striker.
At this moment, Selke cleverly turned and sent a diagonal pass, although he couldn''t see Huang Hu''s exact position, he knew he would definitely run in that direction!
The ball slipped past Hornschuh''s side,nding perfectly at the feet of the unmarked Chinese youngster.
"No offside! At this moment, Huang Hu is like an open field in front of him, no obstacles, he nts into the penalty area and shoots!!"
"Goooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Lank''s save didn''t touch the ball, it went straight into the from the far end!"
"Huang Hu shoots from a small angle without any marking and equalizes the score for Werder Bremen. He wouldn''t miss this opportunity without any marking!"
The Dortmund yers obviously hadn''t recovered from the blow yet. Many of them were still in the midfield and hadn''tpletely fallen back into position. Hornschuh, who was behind the Chinese youngster by almost two body lengths, made a dash to the linesman, indicating that Huang Hu might have been offside when receiving the ball.
But the linesman just shook his head, indicating that he saw it very clearly. This was even more evident under the live broadcast camera, so thementator spontaneously said there was no offside.
Whether it was Selke''s suddenteral dribble or Huang Hu''s unmarked run, it showed their understanding and imaginative cooperation.
After scoring, the Chinese youngster ran towards the German striker and jumped on his back. "Mate, you''re amazing, that pass was brilliant! I thought you would pass to Hayrovic."
The Bosnian winger nodded beside them. "Yeah, I was ready to race to the bottom against the opponent, but you suddenly turned and made a blind pass. How did you see Huang there?"
"Haha, how could I see? But I just felt that Huang would run in that direction. Otherwise, why do we train together every day?"
Chapter 706: Busy Winter Break and Awards (Second Perspective)
Chapter 706: Busy Winter Break and Awards (Second Perspective)
At the end of the first half, both sides shook hands at 1-1. As they prepared for the second half, Werder Bremen continued to maintain their steady mindset and rhythm, seeing the dawn of victory against Borussia Dortmund.
After scoring the first goal, Huang Hu clearly wasn''t satisfied. His runs and assists became even more active.
"Huang is at it again! He shoots from the back!"
After a wall pass between De Bruyne and Hayrovic, the Belgian winger crossed urately from the nk, finding the Chinese youngster positioned in the box.
He quickly slid to push the ball past the defenders before them, but unfortunately, it grazed the post and went out of bounds.
"Ah~!" Sighs echoed through the Weserstadion stands, but soon turned into apuse and cheers.
"In recent times, the Yellow and cks havepletely fallen into a passive situation, with numerous defensive loopholes in the backline and stagnation in midfield organization. Klopp should make some adjustments to this."
The German certainly wanted to do so, but injuries left him struggling with his options. In the 60th minute, he reced the out-of-form Schahin with Bandowski.
Bringing on a defender meant Klopp gave up on the attacking intent, aiming to secure the draw. This further excited the home team; they wanted more than just one point.
In the 81st minute, Werder Bremen attacked again, with Fritz, De Bruyne, and Huang Huo forming a triangr position. The German midfielder first passed the ball to the Belgian midfielder.
De Bruyne didn''t stop the ball, directly sending a ground pass. When the Chinese youngster in the arc area received the ball with his back to the goal, he quickly attracted Dortmund''s defensive attention, so he chose not to turn around, but instead took two steps back.
Just as he moved away from the penalty area, Selke suddenly chose to push forward into the heart of the defense. The shift of Dortmund''s defensive focus naturally followed between their backline and midfield.
Huang Hu passed back to De Bruyne, then quickly turned and headed towards the penalty area. The Belgian midfielder sent a lobbed pass into the space with his foot, targeting not Selke, who was marked, but the Chinese youngster!
The Yellow and cks'' goalkeeper Lank was taken aback and rushed out, but it was toote. Without any interference in the small penalty area, Huang Hu jumped sideways to volley.
The ball passed Lank''s fingertips and dropped into the top right corner of the goal.
"2-1! Werder Bremen takes the lead again!"
"The goales from Huang Hu, a wonderful volley! In the air, he stretched his body to the extreme, just like a soaring eagle, so graceful!"
"This is his third brace in the league, and he has expanded his total goals to 13. The Chinese youngster now surpasses Alexander Meyer to lead the top scorer list!"
"Dortmund''s league performance has been too poor. Losing this game will plunge them deeper into the relegation quagmire."
Hero Huang Hu ran towards the stands with open arms, where fans cheered for him, shouting his name. This goal was the best gift for them.
Soon, teammates also rushed over to surround the Chinese youngster. "Well done, my god, your volley was amazing!"
"I bet this goal will be the best of the week, maybe even the season, haha."
De Bruyne, Selke, and others patted Huang Hu''s back admiringly.
From leading to being overturned, the Dortmund yers felt like they had experienced a roller coaster ride. It was almost as Schaaf had said before the game; Immobile''s goal made them momentarily forget about Lewandowski, but they had to remember in such adversity.
If the Polish striker were still here, could he have turned the tide? After all, he had already scored nine goals for Bayern.
Such thoughts intensified their inner frustration, and they failed to create good opportunities for the rest of the game.
2-1, Werder Bremen defeated Borussia Dortmund, achieving their first victory against the Yellow and cks in nearly five years!
Thest game before the winter break was on December 20th, the 17th round of the Bundesliga, where Werder Bremen faced Cologne away.
They were once the champions of the inaugural Bundesliga and the most sessful team in the league''s early days. Unfortunately, due to financial and size issues, they gradually declined in the 1980s.
Now they struggled like any other lower-tier team, moving between the first and second divisions like an elevator.
This game didn''t bring much difficulty for Werder Bremen. Although Huang Hu couldn''t continue his goal-scoring streak, Selke and De Bruyne each scored to help the away team lead by two goals.
In the final moments, Cologne midfielder Marcel Risse helped the team pull one back, causing a slight ripple in the situation. However, the away team still held on to win 2-1.
With the first half of the season over, the Bundesliga entered its break, and the second half of the season wouldn''t start until the end of January. In other words, the winter breaksted for more than a month.
Although top teams usually gather for training in mid tote January to quickly regain form, this was still the longest break among the top five leagues, much to the envy of yers from other leagues.
For the past two seasons, Huang Hu had taken this opportunity to travel around Europe, encountering many adventures and even romantic encounters with passionate Italian girls and bold French girls that left him lingering.
Unfortunately, he couldn''t do it this year as he needed to participate in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Being a tropical country adjacent to the equator, Australia could only host the tournament in winter.
Less than 20 days from the first match, fortunately, head coach Lippi was rtively humane and allowed the European-based yers to rest for a few days before regrouping for training.
China''s first match opponent was Saudi Arabia. This time, the lineup for the Asian Cup was veryprehensive, with all the European-based key yers besides Wang Feng present, including Dong Fangzhuo.
Of course, he mostly served as a reserve in critical moments, as Lippi wanted to test and train young yers more, so Dong Fangzhuo wasn''t included in the starting lineup.
After a fierce battle, relying on Feng Miao''s free-kick goal, they narrowly defeated the strong West Asian team 1-0.
The positive attitude of the young yers and the result of the match uplifted many Chinese people, indicating that domestic football had indeed entered a stage of benign development.
Even if a group of powerful veterans like Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo retired and left in the future, they would still be able to maintain their status as top in Asia and second-rate in the world, quietly waiting for new stars to grow.
With the current number of Chinese yers ying in Europe, this was not impossible.
After the first match, the attention of many fans was drawn to the FIFA annual awards ceremony, and even the national team organized a viewing of the live broadcast.
The annual Best XI was almost dominated by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with only Messi from Barcelona, Ronaldo from Manchester City, and Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain sneaking in.
Of course, Angel Di Maria''s transfer to Manchester United was also considered, but most of his nominations were based on his performance with the Gcticos, as the Red Devils didn''t have Europeanpetition this year.
The Fair y Award was won by World Cup volunteers, and the FIFA President''s Award was presented to Hiroshi Kagawa, a 89-year-old Japanese football journalist, in recognition of his contributions to the football industry.
The Puskas Award was won by James Rodriguez, the Best Women''s Football Coach was Keller Mann, the FIFA Women''s yer was Kesler, and L?w defeated Ancelotti to win the Best Men''s Football Coach award.
As for the highly anticipated FIFA Ballon d''Or, everyone held their breath. This time, FIFA invited Henry, who had just announced his retirement, to present the award.
He opened the envelope, nced at the contents, then looked meaningfully at FIFA President tter beside him, and announced the winner of the 2014 Ballon d''OrThomas Muller!
Chapter 707: Reactions from Various Parties (Second Perspective)
Chapter 707: Reactions from Various Parties (Second Perspective)
Inside the award ceremony venue, there was a brief moment of silence, but the television broadcast was buzzing withments, "Wow, they really did it! They''re just giving the awards to Germans based solely on the World Cup, ignoring Wang''s five crowns and his 80-goal season data?"
The Chinese team yers were all indignant, using the Ballon d''Or selection of unfairness and FIFA''s shady dealings.
Huang Hu said, "I think we shouldn''t give face to FIFA. Like the media said, we should boycott the awards ceremony and let them lose face."
Dong Fangzhuo rubbed his forehead, "If we really do that, it would be undignified. Wang has probably already calcted everything in his heart. He''s already won ten Ballon d''Or awards; there''s really no need to dwell on gains and losses."
"In the end, it''s because the previous group of people who went in were simply despicable. For their own selfishness, they sacrificed the national team''s World Cup qualification. If we had performed well in Brazil, Wang wouldn''t be in such a passive position now."
Huang Huo and the others deeply understood this. They didn''t even have the chance to be selected for the national team before. "By the next World Cup, we will be Wang''s best support!"
Turning their attention back to the awards ceremony, everyone quickly responded with apuse and congrattions. Wang Feng also wore a smile as he hugged Muller warmly, congratting him on reaching the pinnacle of football.
At this moment, several cameras were focused on the Chinese superstar, seemingly trying to find any hint of dissatisfaction or displeasure on his face. However, he was determined to disappoint these reporters who loved to stir up trouble.
Even though he was overwhelmed with awards, the Chinese superstar had been through ups and downs and had some regrets in his heart, but he wouldn''t show them on his face or quarrel with the younger generation. After all, he used topete with the current award presenter Henry.
Muller received the Ballon d''Or trophy from the hands of the French star, his face filled with excitement and surprise. Whether it was the European yer of the Year award or the current FIFA Ballon d''Or, to be honest, he couldn''t believe he had won. Therefore, he felt somewhat guilty.
The Germans were well aware of the controversies and struggles behind the scenes, but who could resist the greatest temptation for football yers?
After thanking his teammates, club, and family as usual, Muller said, "For me, this is a heavy reward and a great incentive, inspiring me to be the best yer in the world, surpassing Wang, and continually striving to improve."
The newly crowned Ballon d''Or winner showed full respect to his predecessors. ording to the data released by FIFA, the gap between Wang Feng and Muller was very small. Just like the European yer of the Year award, the former received 27.14% of the votes while thetter received 28.57%.
Third ce went to Cristiano Ronaldo with 15.72% of the votes, followed by Messi in fourth ce, and then Neuer.
There was also an intriguing insider story. ording to Kicker magazine, the three key pirs of the German national team that won the World Cup all had the potential topete for the Ballon d''Or.
Muller was the core of the attack, Lahm was the defensive backbone, and Neuer revolutionized the goalkeeper position, all with outstanding performances. It was difficult to determine whose contribution was the highest.
Originally, both the national team and Bayern Munich intended to push Neuer for the annual award, but winning as a goalkeeper was as difficult as climbing to the sky. Somehow, they changed their strategy and pushed for Muller instead, perhaps under the guidance of some "higher-ups."
As expected, this selection result caused a huge controversy. Spanish newspaper Marcamented, "The most controversial Ballon d''Or in history is born!"
They believed that Wang Feng''s achievements in the first half of the year, winning the European Golden Boot and Champions League top scorer, helping Real Madrid achieve the Grand m of honors, and leading the Gcticos to a 26-game winning streak, equalling Ajax''s longest winning streak, should have been enough to win the award. If such achievements couldn''t earn him the Ballon d''Or, then what was its significance? Did the World Cup really represent everything?
Marca and AS naturally spared no effort in criticizing the selection process. They spected with the utmost malice about FIFA''s shady dealings, even interviewing the captain of the Comoros national team.
This captain imed that he initially chose Wang Feng, but then received a guiding phone call from the staff, hoping he would reconsider, so he changed his vote to Muller.
Although FIFA quickly denied it, such rumors had already taken root in people''s minds, and many believed them to be true.
Many fans who had hoped for European yers to step up and break the monopoly of Chinese superstars on the world''s best yer title felt ashamed. They didn''t want it to be achieved in this way.
France''s L''Equipe stated that there was an "irreconcble" conflict within the FIFA Ballon d''Or selection process, suggesting that the cooperation between the European yer of the Year and FIFA might not continue.
It was well known that the contract between the two would end in 2016, with negotiations for renewal ongoing but progressing slowly due to ideological differences.
The results of this year''s awards might be thest straw that broke the camel''s back, and they would eventually part ways and organize the annual awards ording to their own traditional methods.
Bild congratted Muller on bing another German Ballon d''Or winner after Sammer, waiting for this day for 18 years.
They acknowledged that the selection result was highly controversial, but Muller''s level and achievements were evident, and during the selection period, Wang Feng and Muller were actually evenly matched.
As for breaking the European club''s longest winning streak record after Real Madrid, that happened after the end of the selection period, so it could be seen as a basis for next year''s selection results.
The controversies and public opinion seemed to have no effect on Real Madrid and Wang Feng''s mood. The club officials refused toment on the results, but on social media tforms, they posted a handwritten note from the Chinese superstar saying "2627," indicating their focus on the results and determination to break the winning streak record.
Encouraged by this, the young Chinese yers gave their all in the uing Asian Cup group stage matches. In the second match against Uzbekistan, after conceding a goal, Huang Huo equalized the score, while substitute Dong Fangzhuo scored the winning goal.
2-1! China advanced to the knockout stage with one round to spare.
In the third match against North Korea, head coach Lippi sent out a lineup of substitutes, and they also performed surprisingly well, cleanly defeating their opponents 2-0, bing the only team in the Asian Cup to win all three group stage matches.
In the quarter-finals against South Korea, many South Korean media boasted shamelessly before the match, iming that the Chinese team without Wang Feng was nothing to fear.
They pointed out that several of their key yers yed in the top five leagues, while apart from Dong Fangzhuo, Huang Hu, and Wu Lei, the other Chinese yers came from the second or third-tier leagues in Europe.
"This kind of mediocre overseas yers can''tpare with truly top-notch yers."
But they were proven wrong, and very wrong at that. While it might seem morous to choose the top five leagues, it''s actually very difficult to be a core yer who is truly valued and guaranteed tactical importance and ying time.
Over time, the yers''petitive state inevitably deteriorates, and they end up being eliminated and returning to domestic leagues after only a few years.
In this fierce battle, the young Chinese yers outperformed their opponents. Huang Hu and Fang Yun, who yed for Hungary, scored two goals each, helping the team defeat South Korea 2-1 and advance to the semi-finals.
They then faced the underdog United Arab Emirates and easily won 2-0 with Huang Hu scoring twice, advancing to the final.
Chapter 708: Narrow Defeat and Intense Golden Boot Battle (Second Perspective)
Chapter 708: Narrow Defeat and Intense Golden Boot Battle (Second Perspective)
"Goal! Huang Hu!"
At the Sydney Olympic Stadium, domestic fans who had traveled from afar were ecstatic. They continuously waved gs and banners, praising and encouraging the young men on the field in their familiarnguage.
Not to mention the fans staying upte to watch the live broadcast on television. Some leaped from their sofas in excitement, while others grabbed their beers and drank them down in one go.
At this moment, this team stirred the hearts of everyone!
"Dong Fangzhuo receives a quick pass from Feng Miao inside the penalty area, deceives the opponent with a fake turn and shot, drawing the Australian defense into a nking strategy."
"Unexpectedly, the shot turns into a pass. After a clever through ball past the defensive line, Huang Hu starts his run at just the right moment, takes control of the ball, and shoots into the far corner at a narrow angle, finally breaking through the Australian goal!"
"Although the two yers didn''t have much time to practice together, they still managed to execute this exquisitebination y based on experience and on-field intuition."
"This is Huang Hu''s fifth goal of this Asian Cup, currently leading the goal-scoring chart and likely to win the Golden Boot."
"But I think he would rather lift the champion trophy!"
After scoring, Huang Hu didn''t waste time celebrating. He quickly retrieved the ball from the and ran towards the center circle because the team was still trailing!
The electronic scoreboard on the field clearly disyed the score of 1:2 and the match time of 84 minutes and 37 seconds.
At the beginning of the final, Australia relied on the advantage of being the host and their excellent physical condition to frequently challenge the Chinese team, making it difficult for these young men to adapt for a while.
Coupled with the clearly biased refereeing decisions, everyone''s mindset was somewhat unbnced, especially in the 29th minute when the opponent''s forward fell in the penalty area. The referee didn''t hesitate to award a penalty kick to the home team!
Regardless of the yers on the field or coach Lippi on the sidelines, they all protested vigorously, but in the end, they couldn''t overturn the harsh decision, and Australia took the lead with a penalty kick.
Then they continued to attack and create threats, scoring two more goals while China was in chaos, leading by two goals. Marcello Lippi decisively made personnel adjustments and reminded everyone to calm down.
Afterward, Australia changed tactics and retreated to defend. Despite continuous fierce attacks from the Chinese team, they couldn''t break through their defense until now when they finally pulled one back.
Watching their yers fiercely advance in the face of unfair struggles time and time again, Italian coach Marcello Lippi felt some regret in his eyes, but more than that, he felt proud. Regardless of the result, these young men''s spirit deserved praise.
He was confident that with this team, they could achieve good results at the World Cup in three years, living up to the name of champions!
"Beep! Beep! Beep~!"
"Well, less than three minutes into stoppage time, the main referee blew the final whistle. We ultimately failed to create a miracle and lost 1:2 to Australia in this game full of twists and pressure, missing out on the Asian Cup championship."
"But our national team boys can leave the field with their heads held high. They are great!"
The live broadcast turned to Huang Hu, the 22-year-old young yer who was the top scorer of the tournament.
But there was no joy on his face, only regret. He felt he had wasted precious opportunities and couldn''t be the savior of the world.
Dong Fangzhuo walked to the young man''s side and patted his shoulder, as if he knew what was on his mind. "Don''t me yourself for all the responsibility for failure. You are already outstanding enough."
Huang Hu smiled bitterly and nodded. "I understand. We still have more important matches to prepare for, and there are things left unfinished."
What he said was to thank the domestic fans who came from afar to cheer for the team. For more than 90 minutes, they never stopped shouting passionately, even when the situation was unfavorable.
"Dong Fangzhuo, we will always support you!"
"Huang Hu, you are the best!"
"Feng Miao, your passing skills are amazing!"
Seeing the yers bowing and thanking them as they approached the stands, the fans expressed their praise and love for the yers in the simplestnguage.
Some people say that domestic fans only want to see victory and cannot ept defeat. This ispletely nonsense. What they cannot ept is hopeless defeat.
At the subsequent award ceremony, seemingly to make up for the Chinese team, besides the Golden Boot award won by Huang Hu, the Best yer award also went to Dong Fangzhuo.
He was the biggest star of this tournament, so he was heavily marked by the opponents. Although he scored very few goals, he yed a crucial role in creating space in every game and assisting his teammates.
The Best Goalkeeper was the Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, and the Best Referee was the referee of the final, Hafani Al-Riza.
When he went up to receive the award, the array of boos from the domestic fans made the officials of the AFC, responsible for the ceremony, look very unsightly.
But they had no choice but to push this referee onto the stage, otherwise, the controversy would be even greater.
After receiving the silver medal, the Chinese team left the field and then returned to the European arena one after another.
Although Wang Feng did note to the scene to support, he congratted the team on their achievements for the first time on social media and praised them as a tenacious team of tigers and wolves.
"I look forward to fighting alongside you!"
It is worth mentioning that Real Madrid''s winning streak continued into the new year. They won three more matches, extending the record to 29 consecutive victories.
However, on January 20th, they drew 1-1 with Espanyol in the Copa del Rey match, freezing the record at 29.
Due to their advancement to the final of the Asian Cup, both Huang Huo and Dong Fangzhuo missed the first Bundesliga match of the new year. This 18th round match happened to be Werder Bremen hosting Bayern Munich.
The entire Werder Bremen team fell into a rare slump, while Kevin De Bruyne was in top form, contributing two goals and one assist in a row, ultimately helping Werder Bremen win 4-1.
This victory further narrowed the gap in points between the two sides, and thepetition for the championship remained suspenseful.
However, in the second half of the season, Werder Bremen faced a prolonged three-line battle. Considering Bayern Munich''s current performance, they still had a significant advantage in the race for the league title.
Therefore, the club''s goal remained to secure a spot in the Champions League and strive for sess in the Europa League and domestic cuppetitions, avoidinging away empty-handed in both.
On February 3, 2015, in the 19th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen challenged Eintracht Frankfurt away.
Coach Schaaf still let Huang Hu sit on the bench for this match. He had experienced a tough winter battle, and he wasn''t ready for continuous high-intensity matches in a short period.
With the home team opening the scoring, Fritz assisted Hajrovic in equalizing the score, and in the end, the two teams shook hands with a 1-1 draw.
In fact, in the 70th minute of the second half, when Huang Hu was sent onto the field, he scored a goal for the team after 10 minutes, only to be ruled offside.
The angry Chinese youngster rushed to the referee and tried to argue vehemently, but ended up receiving a yellow card for his intense words.
Returning to the home game against Hoffenheim, Huang Hu returned to the starting lineup and scored a goal in the match, ultimately helping Werder Bremen win 3-0 at home.
After this game, the total number of goals scored by the Chinese youngster this season reached 14, but Alexander Meyer scored a hat-trick in this round, sessfully surpassing him once again to top the scorer''s list, intensifying thepetition for the league''s Golden Boot.
"Huang, we definitely support you in winning the Golden Boot." During the celebration dinner after the game, captain Fritz patted his chest and said, "We may not be able topete with Bayern for the league title, but we can''t miss out on this award."
After all, the team hasn''t had the best scorer of the season for many years. The head coach and the club also attach importance to it. On the basis of not affecting thepetitive level, Schaaf has formted many attacking ns for the Chinese young yers.
On February 14th, Valentine''s Day, on such a special day, the people of Bremen couldn''t spend time with their loved ones. They needed topete in the 21st round of the Bundesliga, away to face Bayer Leverkusen.
Originally, this was just an ordinary league match, but itpletely ignited the atmosphere because of a lightning-fast goal in the 47th second of the opening.
After two corner kicks, Cschi''s long pass found Selke in the area of the arc. Selke headed the ball back, and Huang Huo directly volleyed into the host''s goal as it fell.
But before the Bremen fans could rejoice for long, Leverkusen midfielder Son Heung-Min responded with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area.
This Korean yer, who is the same age as Huang Hu, started much higher than him. He debuted at the age of 18 and quickly became a key yer for Hamburger SV after contributing nine goals in nine friendly matches. Later, he broke the record for the youngest yer in the history of Hamburger SV to score in league matches, with his total score doubling each season and reaching 12 goals before leaving the team.
When he transferred to Bayer Leverkusenst season, Son Heung-Min''s value soared to 10 million euros, and he contributed 12 goals and 7 assists in allpetitions.
In South Korea, many media outlets call him the "next Asian football king" and even think that he can rival Dong Fangzhuo and even Wang Feng in the future.
So in this game, the Korean was full of confidence and vowed to step on new heights by surpassing Huang Hu of the same age, using this as a foundation to advance towards the other two big mountains.
However, the Chinese young yers are not to be underestimated. Although Henke is slower to start, he firmly rooted himself in Bremen, rose from steady rotation to starter, and then became the team''s top scorer, surpassing Son Heung-Min at this point.
"A mistake appeared in Bremen''s backcourt. Oh, this shouldn''t have happened. The ball Wolfs passed to Stenberg had too little force, and Kislin intercepted it ahead of time."
"Shot! It''s a goal! This ball is definitely unstoppable. It''s a very basic mistake that allows the home team to take the lead."
"If Stenberg had run a few more steps to intercept, such a tragedy wouldn''t have happened."
After experiencing an unexpected conceded goal, Bremen''s overall performance was rtively poor for a while, especially the midfield and backline couldn''t make effective connections, and yers like Huang Hu had to retreat to participate in defense.
"Karim Berabi~!" Thementator on site shouted the name of the goal scorer.
The BayArena, which can amodate more than 30,000 people, boiled again. They hadpletely forgotten the embarrassment of conceding a goal at the beginning. Now it was Leverkusen''s time!
3:1! Berabi''s long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area was a sign for the home fans that the home team had secured victory.
Within 10 minutes, conceding two goals in a row, Fritz, on the Bremen side, pped his hands vigorously to attract everyone''s attention. His expression was unusually fierce: "Guys, what are you doing? Where is your focus? Why didn''t anyone stop the opponent''s shot?"
"I seem to hear Mr. Schaaf''s roar. If the game continues like this, it won''t be as simple as a defeat. Pull yourselves together."
For a while after that, due to being ahead in the score, the home team slowed down their attack, and the away team was able to stabilize their position and maintain the score until the end of the first half.
During halftime in the dressing room, the atmosphere was solemn. The head coach didn''t say anything extra, but directly substituted Stenberg, who had performed poorly, with Lukimya.
The two subsequent conceded goals were directly rted to the German, and his face was gloomy. This could severely affect his future career.
As a product of Bremen''s youth training, the best destination for him is, of course, to make a name for himself in the home team. If he is benched because of this, his future achievements will be very limited.
Schaaf did this to sound the rm for other yers. Competition and elimination in small teams are equally cruel.
After the break, with a change in mentality, the away team''s situation was not as passive as in the first half. In the 54th minute, Hajrovic passed to De Bruyne on the right nk.
The Belgian midfielder, facing the three defenders forming a triangle,pleted a quick turn and shot in a small area without stopping the ball.
When he rushed into the area of the arc, he passed to Huang Hu on the wing, and then continued his run into the penalty area. Thetter cut inside to avoid Wendell''s block and passed it diagonally to De Bruyne.
This time, the Belgian midfielder chose not to stop the ball and instead used the outside of his foot to send a lob pass, still targeting the Chinese young yer.
A wall-like cooperation sessfully tore open Leverkusen''s defense. Huang Hu leaped to head the ball before goalkeeper Leno could react, and the ball went into the home team''s goal.
2:3! Bremen pulled one back!
Seven minutester, Huang Hu continued to operate on the wing, exchanging passes with De Bruyne. This time, Leverkusen deployed heavy defense to prevent the two from entering the dangerous area.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, De Bruyne suddenly sent a diagonal pass into the middle, where Selke, unmarked, made a horizontal run and used his right foot to chip the ball into the far corner as it fell.
At this moment, Leno''s positioning was a bit forward. Although he quickly retreated and made a diving effort, he couldn''t touch the ball. It grazed the underside of the crossbar and went into the, bringing the two teams back to the same starting line!
The game entered a full-on offensive battle, with yers on the field also getting a bit heated. They transitioned quickly between attack and defense, often finding themselves in the opponent''s penalty area just a second after being in the attacking half.
In the 77th minute, Fritz intercepted Leverkusen''s pass in the backcourt, then turned and faced the defensive line. After a quick nce, he saw the situation ahead clearly, and then sent a precise long pass to Selke''s feet in the frontcourt.
The German striker failed to control the ball with his chest and pushed it towards the sideline while protecting it and waiting for support.
Huang Hu quickly moved into the best position, so Selke seized the opportunity to use his heel to pass the ball to him. The timing and strength were just right, allowing the Chinese youngster to easily take the ball.
After a series of feints to deceive the defender Bernisch in front of him, Huang Huo pretended to cut inside but actually elerated past him towards the baseline. Then he shot towards the far corner of the goal, the ball grazing past the goalkeeper''s fingertips, hitting the inside of the post, and deflecting into the.
4:3! After more than 70 minutes, the away team took the lead again, and Huang Hu also scored his first hat-trick of the season!
The goal frenzy was not over yet. In the 86th minute, Son Heung-Min equalized again through a counterattack, and in the 92nd minute, Huang Hu broke through on the wing and crossed, with Selke heading the ball past Leno.
In the end, Bremen won 5:4 against Leverkusen, thergest difference in the Bundesliga this season.
Chapter 709: Sympathy (Second Perspective)
Chapter 709: Sympathy (Second Perspective)
After SV Werder Bremenpleted the thrilling showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, many media outlets showed strong interest in the game, especially the Asian media.
From the data, young Chinese yer Huang Hu and South Korean yer Son Heung-Min were indispensable core forces in the contest. The former had a decisive performance with three goals and one assist, while thetter contributed a brace to bite back the score.
"Another heyday for Asian yers!" South Korea''s "Daily Sports" wrote a rted report with this headline, pointing out that with the "Wang Feng effect" driving force, more and more Asian yers are going to Europe to participate in high-quality youth training and high-levelpetitions.
And Son Heung-Min is undoubtedly the representative of the young generation in South Korea. His confrontation with the Asian Cup Golden Boot winner in the Bundesliga can inspire many young people who go abroad to y.
The report itself is rtively objective, but it portrays theparatively disadvantaged oue as evenly matched, while subtly defending Son Heung-Min, suggesting that his position is in midfield, mainly ying a role in nning attacks.
The fact that the team lost and Son Heung-Min''s statistics were not as good as Huang Hu''s does not mean that his level is lower; it only shows that Bayer Leverkusen''s overall tactical focus is not on him.
They believe that the current tform is still too small for Son Heung-Min, and he needs to consider moving to a top club as soon as possible.
Compared to South Korea, which is eagerly awaiting the emergence of a super superstar from their country, neighboring Japan is rtively low-key. Their overall development direction is simr to that of China, focusing on practical overseas training to expand the overall strength.
For example, 28-year-old Atsuto Uchida ns to embark on a new journey in his professional career this summer. He has been ying for J-League club Kashima Antlers.
Both the Football Association and the club fully support this decision and actively seek suitable destinations for him. Eventually, he set his sights on HJK Helsinki in the Finnish Veikkausliiga.
This is the most sessful club in the Finnish league. They dominate the league championship and may even participate in the Champions League journey. More importantly, the team currentlycks experienced midfielders, so he has a chance to be a regr starter.
So Uchida resolutely gave up the stable domestic environment and sry, embarking on the path of unknown challenges.
Such behavior is worthy of respect and admiration, as many famous domestic stars are resting on theirurels and refusing to step out of theirfort zone.
On February 19th, in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 32, SV Werder Bremen hosted Fiorentina at home.
The Purple Lily is no longer what it used to be. Hajrovic and De Bruyne each scored a goal for the home team, helping them win 2-0.
Huang Hu, who has gradually gained fame, was closely marked, and although he did not contribute statistically, his pulling of the opposition''s defense during the game was crucial.
There was also an interesting incident: Fiorentina''s starting forward, Egyptian yer Sh wearing the number 74 jersey, was very familiar with De Bruyne. After the match, they chatted in the corridor, almost all of which wereints about Chelsea.
It turns out that in the first half ofst year, the two were both regrs on the Chelsea bench. After the Belgian midfielder left in the summer, Sh continued to persevere for half a season before seeking a transfer and loan. After a long journey, he finally arrived at Fiorentina.
"I don''t know what the coaching staff and management are thinking, signing young yers madly but not giving them ying opportunities," Shined bitterly.
During his time at Basel, he could y more than 50 games in a season, and even scored twice against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League group stage. As a result, when Chelsea recruited him, the Egyptian thought he had impressed them and would be heavily used in the future.
Unexpectedly, what he got was endless cold treatment. In that year, he yed less than 10 games and did not y a full match. Being idle for a long time made his shooting boots rusty, and he probably needs some time to get back on track.
De Bruyne naturally had the right to speak on this topic. Both of them sympathize with each other; he wasted more time than Sh did, and if it weren''t for the experience of loan spells at Werder Bremen in between, he might have been discarded long ago.
"Thinking about it now, Huang Hu is smarter than us," the Belgian joked, "While we were chasing after top clubs and higher sries, he chose to quietly improve himself until the right opportunity came along, and then everything fell into ce."
Sh didn''t have much interaction with the Chinese youngster, but he had heard rumors about him within Chelsea. The young man who, after joining the club, didn''t rejoice but immediately asked for a loan is really special.
The second leg between the two sides took ce at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.
Although Serie A has declined somewhat, Italian fans are still passionate. Amidst the roar of the crowd, the home team scored first through Aquni, narrowing the overall score.
However, in the second half, De Bruyne sent a ground through ball from the center, threading it through the legs of defender Savic and into the heart of the defense. Huang Hu, who followed up, found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and calmly finished.
The Chinese youngster didn''t expect to prate so easily; he just instinctively chose to trust his old partner. Savic had closed his legs tightly, but the ball still passed through like it was guided by precision navigation.
In the end, the scoreline settled at 1-1, with a total score of 3-1 over two legs, propelling Bremen into the Europa League Round of 16.
Next, their opponents will be AS Roma, also from Serie A.
During the two Europa League knockout matches, Werder Bremen also faced Hertha BSC in the 22nd round of the Bundesliga at home.
This team also has an Asian yer, forward Genki Haraguchi from Japan. He debuted at Urawa Red Diamonds and joined Hertha BSCst summer for a transfer fee of 400,000 euros.
But currently, he is still in a rotation status, waiting for the coach''s appreciation or changes within the team.
After a tumultuous contest, the two teams drew 2-2. Substitute Huang Hu had rtively bad luck; he had a threatening shot that hit the post and bounced back into y, narrowly missing the goal and victory.
On March 1st, immediately after the two Europa League matches, Werder Bremen rushed to Wolfsburg, the city of automobiles, to challenge VfL Wolfsburg.
In the first match of the season, they were unlucky to lose to the Wolves, who were eager to give their opponents a headache at their own home ground. However, while ideals were abundant, reality was harsh.
"Fritz advances with the ball, passes to De Bruyne on the right nk, his sprint is fast, shaking off the defense, here ites! He crosses!"
Amidst thementator''s roar, Huang Hu quickly emerged from the crowd, precisely capturing the Belgian midfielder''s floated pass, volleying it with his right foot as it descended.
The angle of the shot was just right, or more urately, the position where the ball made contact was very clever. This was not only because of the Chinese youngster''s keen sense of positioning in front of goal but also because of De Bruyne''s precise and urate delivery of the ball.
The ball passed neatly under the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper Kraft and into the behind him.
"Goooooooooooooal! Gooooooooooooal!"
"In the 82nd minute of the second half, SV Werder Bremen scored their fifth goal,pletely sealing the victory!"
"Once again, it''s been an exciting offensive battle. You should still remember the recent goal fest between Bremen and Leverkusen; it''s unexpected that a simr situation has almost repeated itself."
"The current score on the field is 3-5. Bremen took the lead shortly after the start of the match, and the two sides then alternated goals without holding back. But in the final moments of the game, the Wolves had the upper hand, as if they were saying, ''We fear no one when ites to scoring goals!''"
Chapter 710: Exceptional (Second Perspective)
Chapter 710: Exceptional (Second Perspective)
After 23 league matches, SV Werder Bremen ranked second in the league standings with 15 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses, umting 50 points, while Bayern Munich, who topped the table, had 18 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss, totaling 58 points.
"As expected of the kings of the south, besides losing to us that one time, they have been very consistent," Huang Humented while browsing thetest news on his stationary bike.
On the side, his teammates were sweating profusely, and Fritz added, "From the current situation, the Bundesliga is undoubtedly entering Bayern''s time. Other teams find it hard to threaten their championship status."
"We have a 10-point gap with third-ced Borussia M?nchendbach, so as long as we don''t mess up, the team will surely secure a spot in the Champions League next season. The focus of the club will then shift topeting for cups."
As expected by the captain, in the third round of the DFB-Pokal against RB Leipzig, despite being a 2. Bundesliga team, coach Schaaf still sent out most of the main yers.
RB Leipzig is an outlier in German football. At the beginning of this season, ten 2. Bundesliga clubs jointlyunched a movement to boycott the team, but it didn''t achieve the expected results.
In 2009, the Austrian Red Bullpany acquired Saxony Leipzig, a small club in the fifth-tier league, and insisted on incorporating the sponsor''s name into the team name.
This undoubtedly betrayed the club''s traditional history and vited regtions. However, the investment side yed a little trick by naming the club with the newly coined term "RasenBallsport," which is a neutral term but coincidentally matches the Red Bull brand abbreviation "RB."
Apart from this, their most detested action is the challenge to the 50+1 rule. German football has a principle highly revered by fans, which is that the investors'' control of the club must not exceed 49%, and club members must have more than half of the voting rights.
However, all RB Leipzig club members are executives of the Red Bullpany, bypassing this principle to unterally manipte the club, which is considered a great insult to the fans.
If all clubs follow suit, then the teams that used to belong purely to everyone will bepletely transformed and be mere ythings of capital, something German fans cannot tolerate.
During the match against RB Leipzig, it was evident that there were few supporters present, much less than the two DFB-Pokal opponents, Darmstadt and Heidenheim, that Werder Bremen faced earlier this season.
However, with financial support, their strength is indeed not bad, even reaching the lower level of the Bundesliga. It''s no wonder the management proposed the ambitious n of promotion through four levels to the Bundesliga within ten years.
After a fierce battle, SV Werder Bremen eventually defeated RB Leipzig 2-0, with Huang Hu and Felix Kroos scoring for the team.
In the next Bundesliga match against FC Augsburg in the 24th round, Schaaf sent out a substitute lineup. Huang Hu only got a chance to y in thest 10 minutes and failed to score.
The team lost 0-1 to the opponents.
The Europa League Round of 16 and the Champions League Round of 16 are held at about the same time, but the level of attention is vastly different. However, for the fans of the participating teams, supporting their own team is undoubtedly the top priority.
Nearly 3,000 Werder Bremen fans traveled to Rome to support the club. They believe that the yers need support at this time.
Because in the first leg at the Weserstadion, the home team''s performance was not good, drawing 1-1 with the strong Serie A team, losing the home advantage and allowing the opponent to score an away goal, putting them at a significant disadvantage.
This AS Roma team has Paraguayan rising star Iturbe in the front line, who became a hotmodity inst summer''s transfer market due to his outstanding performance at Verona. Juventus, AC Mn, and Atletico Madrid have all pursued him, but Roma had thestugh with a ?22 million deal.
In midfield, there''s the attacking and defensive engineposed of Paredes, Nainggn, and De Rossi, and experienced veterans like Ashley Cole and Astori in the backline.
More importantly, the team leader, Roma prince Totti, is still in the lineup, providing a lot of spiritual strength to his teammates.
Fortunately, ording to thetest news, some Italian yers have some injury issues, and their absence is not ruled out, after all, Roma is currently in the lead.
For Werder Bremen, the focus of the game is to attack with all their might and strive to score goals, as their defensive level is not outstanding. Therefore, they have limited efforts on defense.
Instead, their offensive end is noteworthy. Besides Huang Hu, Selke and Haraguchi also have distinct characteristics,bined with attacking midfielder De Bruyne.
During the attack, Schaaf requires De Bruyne to y a bit more forward than Fritz and Bargfrede, simr to an attacking midfielder role, so that he can fully utilize his organizing and passing characteristics.
At the same time, the front trident also needs to seize the opportunity to appropriately retreat to support teammates and maintain a suitable connection distance with the midfield. Therefore, their running distance is essential.
At the beginning of the match, Roma felt something unusual; the away team was too active.
"De Bruyne breaks through from the wing and attempts to cross again!"
In the penalty area, Selke took a deep breath and leaped up, using his height and jumping ability,bined with the nearby Torosidis, as if flying.
After suppressing the defending yer, the German striker headed the ball, beating the goalkeeper De Sanctis before he could save, and the ball went into the home team''s goal. Werder Bremen reversed the situation in just 23 minutes!
"The home team is ying at a rtively slow pace, which is both due to their advantage and the current style of Serie A overall. However, they did not expect the away team to show such a strong desire to attack."
"Waves of attacks are crashing towards Roma like waves, and it''s clear they are somewhat bewildered,pletely allowing Werder Bremen to seize the initiative."
Possession, attacks, and the number of threats created, the far-away Bundesliga powerhouse is far superior.
After the reversal, Werder Bremen continued to be aggressive and maintained their high-intensity attacking rhythm, pushing forward immediately after winning the ball, hoping to secure victory in one fell swoop.
As the first half was about to end, Fritz dribbled the ball past the center line, and Roma defender Nainggn tried to intercept.
The team captain performed a little feint, pretending to step back with the ball, but actually pushed forward forcefully, breaking away from the opponent with the momentum.
Taking advantage of the other defensive forces shifting towards him, Fritz decisively passed the ball, then immediately exchanged passes with De Bruyne, advancing several steps to the edge of the penalty area.
Huang Hu had just reached a position not too far away to support, but he couldn''t turn around well in the direction of the attack, so Fritz cleverly chipped the ball over the top to find the fulcrum Selke.
The Chinese youngster immediately understood and turned his head to make a forward run, while Selke nodded the ball horizontally. The two met perfectly in the penalty area, and Huang Hu didn''t hesitate to stop the ball with his leg for a moment before fiercely shooting.
"Boom!" Like a cannonball, it pierced through the Roma goal and also struck hard in the hearts of the home fans.
This goal became the final straw that broke the camel''s back for the opponents. They failed to organize effective attacking means again, while Werder Bremen appropriately retreated to consolidate their victory.
Until the 78th minute, De Bruyne broke through De Sanctis''s ten fingers with a direct free kick.
3-0! This scoreline was exactly the same as the away match against Freiburg in the 25th round of the Bundesliga a few days ago.
In the end, SV Werder Bremen eliminated Roma with a total score of 4-1 over two legs, advancing to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Chapter 711: Genuine Respect (Second Perspective)
Chapter 711: Genuine Respect (Second Perspective)
"Congrattions!" After the match, Ashley Cole passed by Huang Hu and spoke in Chinese, which surprised the young Chinese yer. They chatted for a bit and Huang Hu learned that Cole had learned some simple Chinese when he was teammates with Wang Feng.
"The days fighting side by side with Wang were the most glorious period of my career," the British man eximed. This made him develop a strong interest in China, and he even traveled there several times.
Not only him, many yers who had dealings with Wang Feng would have simr thoughts. They would have genuine respect for the Chinese superstar and his homnd.
This made Huang Hu somewhat envious and longing. Chinese superstars not only conquered the football world with their skills but also spread the unique culture of their country to the world.
Next, in the Europa League quarter-finals, SV Werder Bremen will face a challenge from Dynamo Kyiv of the Ukrainian Premier League.
The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-finals have also been determined. Real Madrid easily crossed Schalke 04 to advance, while Atltico Madrid and Barcelona also defeated their respective opponents.
With glory in abundance, the Bundesliga, which had four seats in the round of 16, suffered heavy losses. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were both defeated, leaving only Bayern Munich to uphold the league''s reputation.
The lone representative from Serie A, Juventus, remains strong. Ligue 1 unexpectedly showed outstanding performance, with both AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain defeating their opponents.
Thest quarter-final spot was secured by FC Porto from the Primeira Liga, hoping to replicate their past feat of reaching the final.
Overall, La Liga remains the strongest force in the UEFA Champions League. Surprisingly or not, in the subsequent draw ceremony, Real Madrid and Atltico Madrid, these arch-rivals, were drawn to face each other in the quarter-finals.
The grudges fromst season''s Champions League final are still fresh. The Rojincos are united, determined to keep their rivals out of the semi-finals and break the Gcticos'' consecutive title record.
"Whether it''s for revenge fromst season or for historical reckoning, we are the best candidates to defeat Real Madrid," dered Diego Simeone confidently.
Ancelotti admitted that Atltico Madrid is a difficult team to deal with, but they have experience in beating them.
"Countless teams have boasted of stopping us from winning the championship in the past, only to be the stepping stones on our path to glory," he said.
Theeback victory at the opponent''s home ground not only pleased the yers but also the club''s management. us, the CEO of Werder Bremen, waved his hand generously and chartered a ne to bring everyone back to Germany.
This was a luxurious treatment. It''s worth noting that, in order to save costs, teams often travel to away games by bus or evenmercial flights, with little time to spare.
Since only club members were on the ne, everyone could celebrate freely, singing and ying around. Coach Schaaf didn''t bother them. This celebration boosted morale.
Fritz led everyone in singing "Green and White for Life," which is a hymn dedicated to Werder Bremen. In some ways, it''s more memorable than the current team song.
These historically significant clubs may not have the financial might of the giants, but countless yers and fans have dedicated their lives to them.
There was no time for much rest after returning to Bremen. Three dayster, the team faced Mainz in the 26th round of the Bundesliga.
Coach Schaaf firmly used a rotational lineup, and the home team inevitably fell into a disadvantageous situation. In the second half, Japanese forward Shinji Okazaki broke the deadlock with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area.
Seeing others scoring goals while he sat on the bench, Huang Hu felt anxious. Finally, in the 75th minute, the coach sent him on to find his rhythm.
As soon as he came on, he showed a strong desire to score. He created threats by breaking into the penalty area twice in a row, especially the second time when Bartels passed to him, and he found himself in a one-on-one situation. Unfortunately, the referee raised his g for offside.
"Damn, so close!" Huang Hu kicked the grass in frustration. Bartels ran up to him and patted his shoulder. "Hey Huang, why are you so impatient? Aren''t you leading the league''s scoring chart? Just rx, I''ll keep passing to youter!"
Huang Hu was taken aback by this reminder. Indeed, thinking too much would only hinder his performance. Following the usual rhythm might yield results. After realizing this, he nodded to his teammates, indicating that he had calmed down.
As expected, with only three minutes left in the game, Bartels dribbled the ball forward. Using a clever move, he easily bypassed the defenders.
As he reached the edge of the penalty area, the German midfielder made a diagonal pass behind him. This time, Huang Hu seized the opportunity to start quickly and sessfully beat the offside trap!
Receiving the ball just outside the small penalty area, Huang Hu saw Mainz goalkeeper Karius rushing out. In a critical moment, the Chinese youngster chipped the ball forward. Karius managed to touch it, but the ball slipped past him and flew over his head.
Then, Huang Hu volleyed the ball into the empty as it descended.
On the sidelines, the Mainz coach couldn''t help but sigh with regret. They were so close to taking three points from Weserstadion. Karius, oh Karius, if you''re going to rush out, why couldn''t you control the ball?
He knew in his heart that the me for the goal couldn''t be solely ced on the goalkeeper''s shoulders, but it was still a pity.
With this goal, Werder Bremen drew 1-1 with Mainz. After losing to Augsburg and drawing with Mainz, Werder Bremen practically dered their chances of winning the league title over. With 8 rounds remaining, they stillgged behind Bayern Munich by 10 points.
Therefore, the team''s focus this season is on the Europa League and the DFB-Pokal. In Coach Schaaf''s mind, the domestic cuppetition is probably more important than the Europa League.
The primary consideration is the difficulty. There are many strong opponents in the Europa League quarter-finals, such as defending champions Sevi, Napoli, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and the uing opponent, Dynamo Kyiv.
In the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals, only Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich pose a challenge. But ording to thepetition format, only one of them can advance to face Werder Bremen, so one of them will surely be eliminated.
Steady progress in the domestic cup, strive in the Europa League - this is the general framework that Schaaf has set for the uingpetitions.
The club hasn''t won any honors for 6 years. Regardless, they must fill up the trophy cab once again.
While the coach is making decisions, Huang Hu doesn''t have too manyplicated thoughts. Instead, he is giving his all to pursue his first league golden boot, in the Bundesliga, one of the top five leagues in the world!
Currently, he has scored 21 goals, but Eintracht Frankfurt''s Alexander Meier is still close behind with 19 goals. Following them are Lewandowski with 15 goals and Robben with 14 goals.
It seems that the top scorer will emerge from the top two. The two-goal difference doesn''t allow Huang Hu topletely rx. Although Lewandowski won the golden bootst season with only 20 goals, there''s no guarantee it will be the same this season.
For Huang Hu, it''s pressure; for Meier, it''s agony. He''s giving his all to catch up with the Chinese youngster, discussing with teammates and coaches the most efficient attacking tactics, monitoring data after every game, but still, the gap remains.
At the age of 32, he has only yed for two Bundesliga clubs, Hamburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, since his debut. He hasn''t won any team or individual honors, so perhaps the league golden boot is the only award he canpete for.
Chapter 712: There鈥檚 No Cure, You Should Retire! (Second Perspective)
Chapter 712: There''s No Cure, You Should Retire! (Second Perspective)
Entering April, the intensity of matches for Werder Bremen remained high, defeating Stuttgart 3:1 in the 27th round of the league.
In the quarter-finals of the German Cup, facing the defeated Freiburg, they encountered strong resistance, struggling to break the deadlock. At a critical moment, Huang Hu and De Bruyne became the saviors of the team, shining on the field as twin stars.
It was a swift counterattack, as the Belgian received a direct pass from Caldara near the midfield, looked up to see his partner sprinting into the opponent''s territory, and then sent a long lob pass with full force.
The ball traversed half the field and met a Chinese youngster near the edge of the penalty area. At this moment, the defending yer beside him exerted force to prevent Huang Hu from easily receiving the ball. However, this area was too sensitive, and he was unwilling to foul easily.
Although Huang Hu''s ability to resist was weak, he quickly twisted his body to break free from the entanglement of the opponent during the moment of hesitation, then chested the ball forward and swiftly entered the penalty area to form a one-on-one situation.
The Freiburg goalkeeper immediately chose to rush out, and the ball fell between him and the Chinese youngster, with just over a fist''s length separating the two.
In such a narrow environment, Huang Hu raised his foot to lightly support the falling ball, letting itnd steadily. Then, in the next second, he flicked the ball to evade the goalkeeper''s block, and then pushed it into the empty.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! A beautiful series of moves!"
"Huang Hu scored the decisive goal for Werder Bremen! He prevented the match from dragging into a cruel overtime or penalty shootout!"
"Let''s take another look at this fantastic counterattack through slow motion. De Bruyne suddenlyunched a long pass, catching Freiburg off guard. I think he must have had full confidence in his old partner."
"After the ball urately found Huang Hu, the Chinese youngster chested it forward and elerated to shake off the defensive entanglement, but also closed in on the goalkeeper."
"It was just too close, but Huang Hu cleverly brought the ball down, then flicked it sideways to evade the goalkeeper''s reaching hands. The entire sequence of movements was fluid, with the ball seeming like an elf dancing on his toes!"
With this precious goal, Werder Bremen eventually defeated Freiburg 1:0 and advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup, where their next opponent would be Bielefeld.
They were a team from the German second division, rtively weaker in terms of strength, and reaching the semi-finals was already a miracle.
In the other semi-final match, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich faced each other. Werder Bremen could be said to be awaiting the oue, waiting for the sh between the two titans.
In the 28th round of the Bundesliga, facing Hamburg at the Weser Stadium, Werder Bremen continued their hot streak. Fritz and De Bruyne quickly scored a goal each, with an assist from Huang Hu.
The Chinese youngster felt that his goal woulde soon, but unexpectedly, an ident urred first.
In the 66th minute, Huang Hu quickly advanced with the ball to the edge of the arc, and the opposing defender Dickmeyer suddenly slid in from the side, failing to touch the ball but fiercely nailing his cleats on the Chinese youngster''s left foot.
He felt a sharp pain, then fell to the ground in agony. The referee''s whistle immediately blew, and nearby teammates rushed to check on Huang Hu''s condition.
Seeing Huang Hu in such pain, Selke was furious and rushed to Dickmeyer to demand an exnation, while De Bruyne quickly signaled for the team doctor to bring a stretcher.
Chaos ensued on the field, with the referee team and staff urgently maintaining order between the two sides. After the team doctor examined the injury, he immediately signaled to the head coach to make a substitution. The Chinese youngster needed to be taken to the hospital!
Shafer''s heart raced. If something unexpected happened to their attacking core at such a crucial moment, what would Werder Bremen do next?
With severe pain in his ankle, Huang Hu felt everything was hazy. There were constantly noisy voices around him, and he felt like he was lying on a stretcher, rushing to the hospital with sirens ring.
Will the club reimburse the medical expenses?
It must be said that the Chinese youngster showed great courage at this moment. Instead of worrying about his injury, he started thinking about the treatment expenses.
Of course, he hadn''t suffered any major injuries since he started his career, so it was normal for him tock experience in dealing with this situation.
After arriving at the hospital, the doctor injected Huang Hu with a medication, and he felt the pain easing significantly, followed by a sense of fatigue, then he fell into a deep sleep.
When he woke up again, his agent, Balmond, sat anxiously by his bed, looking at him. Huang Hu rubbed his eyes and suddenly said, "It seems I should find a girlfriend, so that I won''t be apanied only by old men when I''m hospitalized in the future."
Balmond couldn''t help butugh and cry. Shouldn''t a normal yer be concerned about his injury first?
"Francisco, how''s my leg injury? When can I return to the field?" It was only at this moment that Huang Hu remembered to ask about his current condition.
"It''s hopeless, you should retire!" Balmond said impatiently.
"What? Damn it! If I had known, I should have saved more money. And what did I learn in school before? Can I find another job in the future?" Huang Hu said in frustration, pulling his hair.
The agent widened his eyes, as if looking at a fool. "You believe everything, huh? You actually started thinking about your future. So, saving money like a miser before was all for today?"
"Of course, I can''t eat as an athlete forever. I should n ahead. Huh? I believe everything? Does that mean you were lying to me just now?"
Balmond rolled his eyes. "Do you have no sense of how serious your injury is? Just because you got tackled a bit? If everyone retired on the spot for that, countless yers would bid farewell to football every year."
"I just felt very painful, so I thought the injury was serious. So, what''s the actual situation?"
Returning to the main topic, Balmond also put away his joking manner. "It''s not too bad. The doctor said it''s mainly a skin injury caused by the cleats and a twisted ankle. But it will take at least a month to recover from the ligament and bone injuries, possibly until the end of the season."
"What? What about my Golden Boot challenge? And Alexander, did he score in thest league match?"
"Um, he seems to have scored one. Now the gap between your goals and his is reduced to just one."
Bang! Huang Hu heavily pounded the bed. At this moment, he felt the weakness caused by the injury, but soon he cheered up again, picking up his phone from the bedside to check the schedule.
"I have only a month to recover, and then I need time to regain my form. I don''t have much time left." The Chinese youngster muttered to himself, "No, I must shorten the recovery time, at least to leave two matches!"
"Why are you so anxious? You''re still leading the top scorer chart, aren''t you?" Balmond asked puzzledly. "Although I don''t know Alexander and don''t understand him, I know he won''t give up. It''s the dignity and pride of being a striker."
So when Fritz and De Bruyne visited Huang Hu as representatives of the team, they were surprised to find no signs of discouragement or disappointment on the Chinese youngster''s face.
Instead, there was a determined expression, exercising his body to the maximum extent allowed by the doctor, eating nd recovery meals that were nutritious but not fattening.
"I will definitely return before the end of the league. You guys wait to assist me in scoring!"
De Bruyne was momentarily stunned, then smiled and patted Huang Hu''s shoulder. "I''ll be waiting for you, and I''ll feed you the ball until you''re sick of it!"
Chapter 713: The Ambition of the Veteran (Second Perspective)
Chapter 713: The Ambition of the Veteran (Second Perspective)
Huang Hu was injured and absent for at least a month, which posed a significant challenge for head coach Shafer. While he had other ns, adjusting the lineup without him wouldn''t be as easy.
Through Fritz''s feedback, it was reassuring to learn that the Chinese youngster was actively working towards returning to the field. Shafer breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he couldn''t afford for Huang Hu to miss the German Cup final at the end of May under any circumstances.
As for the Europa League, it seemed that luck would have to y a significant role.
The club expressed full concern for Huang Hu''s injury, not only arranging the best doctors to care for him but also timely offering him a contract extension.
Many top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Manchester City, had expressed interest in Huang Hu and De Bruyne since the beginning of the year. Especially Manchester City, who offered transfer fees and wages that were almost irresistible.
After a difficult decision, and also considering the battle for next season''s Champions League, the club''s top management ultimately decided to do everything possible to keep the two core yers. Thus, increasing their sries was put on the agenda.
Of course, the figures they could offer were far from what the rich clubs could offer. From what Huang Hu knew, Manchester City would pay De Bruyne 250,000 a week to persuade him to join. The Chinese youngster''s offer was not far off.
This figure tempted the Belgian, as he also longed for the Premier League stage and dreamed of humiliating Chelsea in front of the world!
Huang Hu, on the other hand, was more rational. On one hand, he had some affection for Werder Bremen, and on the other hand, he didn''t want his hard-fought battle for a Champions League spot to be in vain. Therefore, he leaned towards staying for another year.
But it wouldn''t work without De Bruyne''s assistance. So, the Chinese youngster was also troubled. He didn''t want to block his old friend''s path, but he hoped he would stay.
At the training base of Eintracht Frankfurt by the Main River, when Alexander Meyer, his biggestpetitor for the Golden Boot, learned that Huang Hu had suffered a serious injury and might be out for the season, he was momentarily stunned but then continued to focus on practicing shooting.
"Hey, old buddy, aren''t you leaving?" Martin Lanih asked the figure sweating profusely.
"You go ahead, I''ll practice a little longer," Meyer replied without looking back, continuing his practice.
yers were usually tired after a league match, and hardly anyone would choose to stay and practice extra. But Meyer, contrary to usual, chose to stay. Lanih naturally understood the reason behind it.
"He''s just one goal behind Huang in the league, and there are still many rounds to go. We will definitely support you in continuing to score. There''s no need to be so anxious, right?"
"No, he will definitelye back!"
"What?"
"Huang will definitelye back before the end of the season to continue scoring. I''ve faced him, and I saw the desire for goals and victories in his eyes. It''s about the dignity of the top scorer. He won''t give up!"
At the age of 18, Meyer set out with great ambitions from his hometown team, dreaming of being noticed by top clubs and lifting countless trophies.
But he spent almost his entire professional career in mid-to-lower-table teams in the Bundesliga, achieving neither team nor personal honors. He knew his talent and abilities were limitedpared to those superstars.
The football he gradually fell in love with turned into work, punctual training, and matches, enjoying life and family after work, until this season when he was so close to the Golden Boot. He was unwilling to give up such a hard-earned opportunity!
So, Meyer picked up the extra training routine he had years ago and sharpened his skills before the crucial moments.
Lanih understood and deeply empathized with his teammate''s thoughts. Only a year younger than Meyer, he had a very simr experience.
He debuted at Hoffenheim but moved to the second division with Fuerth due to insufficient ability. He then moved to Stuttgart, Cologne, and now Frankfurt, also without any team or individual honors.
If there really was a trophy for the top scorer, Lanih was sure he would be even more desperate than Meyer!
Thinking of this, Lanih decisively approached Meyer and stood in front of him, surprising the German striker. "What''s up?"
"How can I practice shooting without a partner? Come on, old buddy, let me apany you and ignite our passion together!"
A grateful look shed in Meyer''s eyes. For yers like them on the edge of the team, it had been a long time since they pursued football so purely.
"Alright, but be careful," he said with a chuckle.
The two of them trained for a long time until the skypletely darkened. The staff didn''t urge them to leave but instead turned on the field lights.
No matter how small the club, theirmitment to training would not becking, nor would it ever hinder yers'' pursuit of improvement.
Meyer and Lanihy on the grass panting for breath, the starry night sky above them. Suddenly, Lanih burst intoughter, which puzzled Meyer. "What''s wrong?"
"It''s nothing, just reminded of a funny incident from my past," Lanih exined. "Back then, when I couldn''t get into the first team at Hoffenheim, I angrily chose to leave and told the club manager, Rotthaus, that he would regret it. I told him to wait for me."
"You were so arrogant back then. Many years have passed, and he''s probably not in the same position anymore. He probably forgot about me and the harsh words I said."
Recalling this experience made Lanih feel ashamed, but after a satisfying training session, he now felt somewhat relieved.
However, some things still needed to be kept secret. "Hey, don''t tell the other teammates about this, or I won''t spare you."
"Haha, so you''ve had such embarrassing experiences. I won''t tell anyone," Meyerughed and promised, knowing he himself had been young and probably had simr experiences.
"I''ve only told my wife about this," Lanih said, suddenly remembering his wife. "Oops, I forgot to call home!"
He quickly got up and ran to the sidelines, then took out his phone from his bag. As expected, there were dozens of missed calls disyed on it. Not daring to dy, the German quickly called back, soon hearing his wife''s angry voice.
"Where have you been? I almost called the police because I couldn''t reach you!" Her angry words were tinged with a hint of tears.
Lanih''s heart warmed, and he quickly exined the reason, coaxing his wife and daughter.
Meanwhile, in a ordinary household in Sindelfingen, Baden-Wrttemberg, a nearly eighty-year-old man was lecturing his grandson. "How can you be sozy when ying football? Today you want to go out and y with your friends, tomorrow you want to rest. No, you must finish training before doing anything else."
The little boy pouted, saying stubbornly, "Grandpa, I hate you the most. I will definitely be a superstar like Wang Feng in the future, just you wait!"
"Haha!" The old man with white hairughed. "There have been many who told me to wait. Let me think, there was Becker, Scherff, and oh, Lanih. None of them came back to me. Will you be better than them?"
"Wasting your youth and talent is shameful. Come on, start training!" Rotthaus had forgotten many things from his youth, but he still vividly remembered the faces of those young, spirited boys who made bold ims.
Sometimes, he hoped someone would fulfill their promises and stand in front of him, telling him he was wrong, that he had buried their potential!
Chapter 714: The Golden Boot is Mine! (Second Perspective)
Chapter 714: The Golden Boot is Mine! (Second Perspective)
In the Europa League quarter-finals against Dynamo Kyiv, Werder Bremen drew 1-1 away in the first leg, then won 2-0 at home in the return leg, advancing to the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 3-1.
De Bruyne yed a pivotal role in this series, creating all the goals with his passes and shots.
Huang Hu watched the entire game from his hospital bed, feeling his blood boiling with excitement. He couldn''t wait to get back on the field. He and the Belgian were not only perfect partners but also rivalspeting against each other.
"I can''t fall too far behind," the Chinese youngster thought to himself, starting to torture himself with exercise again. It seemed like he had gained some extra fat around his abdomen? He needed to lose it quickly!
Next, Werder Bremen unfortunately drew defending champions Sevi in the Europa League semi-finals. It would be difficult for them to ovee this challenge without a full squad.
As for the Champions League, besides the familiar faces of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, there was also the "new" Juventus.
The opponent of the Gcticos was Juventus, which made Wang Feng feel somewhat dazed. When was thest time they faced Juventus? It felt like many years ago.
The old grudges from the "Calciopoli" scandal faded away with the departure of the Chinese superstar from Inter Mn and Juventus''s relegation, but he didn''t mind letting the rising new generation experience the despair and helplessness of their predecessors, eventually resorting to cheating.
In terms of cuppetitions, Werder Bremen ended their German Cup journey in the semi-finals with a 4-0 victory over Bielefeld, concluding the fairytale run of the second division underdogs.
On the other side, Dortmund advanced to the final with a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich. With the possibility of missing out on Europeanpetition next season, the only redemption for the Yellow and cks was to win the German Cup. Klopp also decided to leave the team after the end of the season, wanting to leave behind a legacy.
In the league, Werder Bremen drew 1-1 with Schalke 04, lost 0-1 to Borussia Monchendbach, drew 2-2 with Hannover 96, and won 3-1 against Paderborn.
These results did not change the situation at the top of the table, with Bayern still in first ce and Werder Bremen securely in second.
The only noteworthy point was that Alexander Meyer scored two goals in four league matches, bringing his total goals to 22, surpassing Huang Hu''s 21 goals once again.
The Chinese youngster couldn''t wait any longer!
"Well, ording to all the indicators, Huang has fully recovered, but he still needs to avoid intense exercise for a long time," the team doctor exined the examination report to the coaching staff in detail.
Huang Hu sat on the side, nervously rubbing his thighs. Whether he could y or not ultimately depended on head coach Shafer''s decision. His requests to return to the field had been rejected several times.
The German coach looked at the Chinese youngster with some amusement. He thought it would be good for him to join the team for training for a while and get back into the rhythm of the game. "Alright, this time we''ll take you to Sevi, but stay on the bench for now."
"Yes, I will strictly follow your training and match arrangements!" Huang Hu said excitedly, feeling overjoyed.
In the first leg against Sevi at home, the difference in strength between the two teams was evident. Despite De Bruyne''s efforts, they lost the game 0-2.
The situation became even more difficult away, with Betto and Banega scoring for the home side in the first half. It seemed like they were already assured of advancing.
With 30 minutes left in the game, Huang Hu was substituted on, marking his first appearance for Werder Bremen in over a month.
He needed to retrain his touch and awareness, and although he didn''t perform very well, his presence increased the pressure on Sevi''s defense, preventing them fromunching further attacks.
The final score remained 0-2, and Werder Bremen suffered a 0-4 defeat to Sevi on aggregate, unfortunately ending their Europa League journey in the semi-finals.
This result was roughly in line with what head coach Shafer had estimated earlier. Making it this far in Europe was already fortunate, and the German Cup final would be their main focus.
On May 16th, in the 33rd round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen faced Borussia Dortmund away.
As a prelude to the cup final, both teams chose to conserve energy. Werder Bremen had just finished ying in the Europa League, while Dortmund wanted to keep their tactical ns hidden, throwing up smoke bombs.
So, they both fielded reserve lineups, but Huang Hu still started the game, both topete for the Golden Boot and to find his rhythm.
The final score was 1-2, with the home team winning. Despite Werder Bremen''s victory, Huang Hu still didn''t score.
The only good news was that Meyer also didn''t score, maintaining the one-goal difference between them.
The Frankfurt yers felt confident that their teammate would secure the Golden Boot, but Huang Hu himself was not so sure.
However, in a different space, he and Huang Hu almost simultaneously fixed their gaze on the schedule in the locker room. May 23rd, the final round of the league!
"Werder Bremen organize an attack in the frontcourt, De Bruyne passes to Huang Hu, he dribbles forward. Huang Hu! Huang Hu!" As the Chinese youngster approached the danger zone, thementator''s voice became more urgent.
In the blink of an eye, he reached the edge of the penalty area, with Cologne defender Mavraj rushing to intercept. Huang Hu pretended to shoot, causing the defender to fall to the ground, then sidestepped and slotted the ball into the penalty area.
"He''s in the penalty area!"
The fans in the Weser Stadium cheered loudly, no longer caring about the oue of the insignificant game, only concerned about whether Huang Hu could score!
Just as he entered the penalty area, Huang Hu didn''t continue to advance, but suddenly shot before the defense and goalkeeper closed in, aiming for a very tricky angle.
Cologne goalkeeper Horn made a save, but couldn''t stop the ball from crossing the goal line, hitting the post and going into the.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! Gooooooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Huang Hu!"
"Werder Bremen equalizes the score to 1-2. Oh my God, I''m afraid no one cares about the score now. Huang has scored his 22nd goal, equalizing Alexander Meyer!"
"After being absent for over a month, everyone thought he had no chance of winning the league''s top scorer, but he announced his return with this goal!"
"In the other game between Frankfurt and Hertha Berlin, Meyer still hasn''t scored. If they continue like this, both of them will share the Golden Boot for the season."
"But look at their game state, they''re still attacking relentlessly, obviously not intending to share the glory with the other. This is the dignity of a striker!"
Just as thementator predicted, both Werder Bremen and Frankfurt teams did their best to feed the ball to Huang Hu and Meyer. Their shots ounted for almost half of the team''s total attacks.
They didn''t care how many goals the opponents scored, only how many they could score themselves!
In the 84th minute, Huang Hu received a lob pass from Fritz outside the penalty area with his back to the attacking defensive line. With a chest control and turn, he didn''t let the ball touch the ground before unleashing a powerful shot with his right foot.
The ball flew like a cannonball towards the goal, and Cologne goalkeeper Horn was very focused, diving to block it away.
"Ah, what a pity."
Before thementator''s sigh ended, De Bruyne suddenly emerged from the distance and controlled the ball, facing an empty goal!
But the Belgian made ateral pass, allowing the ball to pass urately through two defending yers to the vicinity of the penalty spot, where Huang Hu met it with a powerful shot, and this time no one could stop him!
"Gooooooooooooooooooal!"
Chapter 715: The Final Battle (Second Perspective)
Chapter 715: The Final Battle (Second Perspective)
"Brace! As the game is about to end, Huang Hu scored a brace!"
"This is his fourth brace of the season, and the most crucial one. With this goal, he once again tops the goal-scoring chart!"
After scoring, the Chinese youngster looked up to the sky and let out a long roar. Soon, his teammates rushed to him, embracing him. "Well done, kid, you deserve it," Fritz said with a smile.
"I didn''t waste my efforts after all," De Bruyne also smiled. Huang Hu, very earnestly, said to the Belgian, "Thank you, Kevin."
Although the goal belonged to him, De Bruyne didn''t hesitate to pass it horizontally. "What''s the big deal? You were in the right position for the follow-up after the shot. You still maintained the attacking intent after the shot. You are undoubtedly the best scorer!"
"Yeah, let''s keep working hard and bring the German Cup back to the Weser Stadium!"
"Good!" Everyone shouted in unison with high spirits.
Alexander Meyer had been chasing goals relentlessly. He tried his best until the veryst moment, but sometimes, effort didn''t guarantee sess. When the final shot missed the goal and the referee blew the final whistle, Meyer sat down on the grass, panting heavily. His teammates rushed to the sidelines to inquire about the situation on the other side. In the first half, they knew that Huang Hu scored one goal, making the Golden Boot race suspenseful once again.
When he saw the shocked and concerned expressions on his teammates'' faces, and their worried nces toward him, everything became clear to him: he had lost!
Surprisingly, there wasn''t much disappointment. Perhaps they were just too exhausted. How long had it been since they had exerted themselves so much on the field?
Lahnech gritted his teeth and walked over. "Alexander, we lost. Huang scored two goals, and we were just one goal short. Damn it!"
Meyer smiled and extended his hand to indicate that Lahnech should help him up. "It''s not a big deal. We tried our best and fought until thest minute."
At this point, the German striker''s mentality hadpletely calmed down. He would eventually leave a mark on the history of the Bundesliga. He believed that no matter how many yearster, people would still mention this season''s exciting Golden Boot race.
And being able to surpass stars like Lewandowski, Robben, Aubameyang, and Dortmund''s young talents, didn''t it also prove his strength?
The matches between Werder Bremen and Frankfurt started and ended almost simultaneously. With the help of the developed Inte, Huang Hu and other yers immediately confirmed the ownership of the Golden Boot. Theyughedst!
"All Bundesliga matches have ended! It has been officially confirmed that Huang Hu has won the league''s Golden Boot with 23 goals!" Huang Xiaoxi shouted excitedly in the studio.
"This is the first time a Chinese yer has won the Bundesliga Golden Boot honor! He achieved what even Dongfang Zhuo couldn''t do. Our 23-year-old youngster is the future and hope of the national team!"
"It can be imagined that there will be countless top clubs chasing after him in the summer. Where will Huang Hu''s next destination be? Let''s wait and see!"
After thanking the home fans, everyone walked through the mixed interview area back to the locker room, where Huang Hu naturally became the focus of media attention.
"Huang, congrattions on winning the league''s Golden Boot," German sports TV reporter Leoni was the first to send her blessings to the Chinese youngster, then asked her own question, "How do you feel about winning the Golden Boot over Meyer?"
"To be honest, I was very nervous before the game," Huang Hu first praised his opponent, "Meyer is undoubtedly an excellent striker. We have beenpeting fiercely on the goal-scoring chart throughout the season."
"The more than a month I missed due to injury made me extremely anxious. The German''s goal tally quickly surpassed mine, and I needed more time to recover and return."
"Here, I would like to especially thank the head coach and teammates for their full trust and help. So, I quickly regained my form on the field."
"Is your injury almost healed? Will there be any fears or hesitation about making big movements on the field in the future?" Leoni continued to ask.
"Well, how should I put it? I feel extremely healthy. I can run and jump without any problems at all. The specific details of the injury are a bit blurry, so I shouldn''t have any lingering shadows."
Finally, the beautiful reporter asked about the Chinese youngster''s future ns and whether he would choose to leave Werder Bremen for a bigger tform.
Huang Hu did not directly respond to this question. Instead, he said that he was very happy at the club and that no one could predict the future.
Among the group of reporters, Huang Hu saw familiar Chinese faces and deliberately epted the interview from hispatriots. "Bundesliga top scorer, awesome!"
"Next, we have the German Cup final. Can you talk about your outlook?"
"We don''t even need to talk about it," the Chinese youngster patted his chest, "We will definitely lift that trophy!"
When asked about his position in the World Cup Asian qualifiers and the national team, Huang Hu''s expression was mature. He only said that he would do his best to help the team secure a spot in the World Cup and avoided discussing topics like future leadership.
"We have Wang Feng and Dongfang Zhuo, powerful predecessors, and many talented teammates. I believe we will not disappoint the fans'' expectations!"
Coincidentally, Alexander Meyer was also surrounded by reporters after the match, hoping to hear some explosive content from him.
But how could this old hand let them have their way? "Yes, Huang is a very talented yer. He was able to win the Golden Boot at such a young age. His future prospects are limitless."
"Regrets? Of course, there are, but there is no resentment. My teammates and I fought until thest minute, only to say that wecked a bit of luck."
"Anyway, next season, I will continue to maintain my desire for victory and goals, even though I''m a year older. But my mentality is still young."
"Don''t forget, Wang Feng and I are of the same age. He has set an example for all the veterans, haha."
The Bundesliga matches came to a close, with champions crowned and rankings settled. Bayern Munich lifted the league trophy with 25 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, totaling 79 points, while Werder Bremen finished second with 20 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, totaling 69 points.
Next, Borussia Monchendbach and Bayer Leverkusen secured spots in next season''s Champions League, while Augsburg and Schalke 04 secured spots in the Europa League.
Freiburg performed well at the beginning of the season but faltered in the middle and was relegated, along with newly-promoted Paderborn, while Hamburg would have to participate in the relegation yoffs.
The club held a small celebration for Huang Hu, and then everyone immediately immersed themselves in the preparations for the final showdown, the German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund!
Although Werder Bremen had beaten Dortmund twice this season, the wounded Yellow and cks couldn''t be underestimated. With a swift six-game winning streak in thete stages of the league, they quickly escaped the relegation zone, reminiscent of the youthful storm of years past, eventually rising to eighth ce in the rankings.
Shaft also didn''t hold back in the ultimate showdown, fielding their strongest lineup since the start of the season. Fortunately, there were asional stumbles and injuries along the way, but now everyone was in top form.
The final would be held at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, a venue familiar to both teams as it was the home ground of Hertha Berlin.
Chapter 716: Harvest of the Season (Second Perspective Complete)
Chapter 716: Harvest of the Season (Second Perspective Complete)
Dortmund''s start was very perfect, even the visiting Berlin Yellow Jackets fans couldn''t believe their eyes, they were two goals ahead?
Are they really ying against the newly crowned league runners-up, while their own team is still the one fighting for relegation?
In the 57th second of the game, there was a mistake in the Westgaard''s pass from the backcourt, Reus intercepted and immediately sent a high-quality through ball into the area, instantly piercing through the entire Bremen defense line.
Aubameyang timely initiated a one-on-one situation, dribbled past the goalkeeper Wolf, and scored into the empty.
This conceded goal caught Bremen off guard, theck of experience in finals coupled with the heavy blow at the start made them momentarily at a loss, almostpletely forgetting the tactical style they had nned before the match.
The Yellow Jackets took advantage of the situation and relentlessly attacked, just 17 minutes into the game, they seized another counter-attacking opportunity.
Shinji Kagawa dribbled past the midfield line, then sent a long pass to find Aubameyang sprinting towards the edge of the penalty area, at this time Bremen''s defense was rtively empty, if the Gabonese got the ball, it would probably be another one-on-one situation!
Helplessly, Wolf rushed out of the penalty area, intercepting the ball with a diving header before the opponent''s striker, both the angle and the control of the header weremendable, quickly pushing the ball out of the danger zone.
Just when the fans in the stands breathed a sigh of relief, unexpectedly, Kehl intercepted the ball in the midfield, facing the falling ball, he unleashed a long-range lob with all his strength.
The ball almost crossed the entire half and plummeted towards the goal, even though Wolf desperately chased back, he couldn''t catch up, it eventually fell into the empty.
"Oh, my God, what did I just see, an incredible goal, this is definitely the most exciting goal of this year''s German Cup, it can evenpete for the Puskas Award!"
"Kehl kicked a long-range world-ss goal from about 45 meters away from the goal, piercing through the Bremen goal!"
"The game hasn''t even reached 20 minutes, Dortmund is already two goals ahead, it seems like they are determined to win the cup!"
Watching the opponents'' yers and coaching staff celebrating crazily together, Huang Hu rubbed his head in frustration, he didn''t understand what was happening, everything felt wrong.
"Kuhlen! Kuhlen! (Calm down)" Shaft''s shout gradually entered everyone''s ears, although there was a lot of noise on the field, everyone miraculously heard this voice, and saw the head coach constantly gesturing on the sidelines.
What does he want to tell us? Yes, calm down, Dortmund is still Dortmund, it''s us who have changed, we unconsciously became confused.
But why? We have beaten the Yellow Jackets twice in a row before, second only to the champions Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, there''s nothing to worry about.
Since we''ve been forced into a corner, at worst it''s just a loss, what else can we lose?
Huang Hu nced firmly at his teammates, seeing that De Bruyne, Fritz, Haierovic, and others had the same expression in their eyes, to crush them, now is just the beginning!
As the game resumed, whether it was the fans in the stadium or the TVmentators, they were still immersed in the wonderful long shots from earlier, even the Dortmund yers on the field seemed a bit intoxicated,pletely unaware of Bremen''s change.
Their defensive retreat became more resolute, their offensive organization more efficient, and their passing sess rate increased rapidly.
Instead of rushing to equalize the score as before, they slowly built up their attacks like a spider weaving its web, slowly enveloping the Yellow Jackets, by the time they realized it, it was already toote.
At the end of the first half, the score remained unchanged, there was a festive atmosphere in the Dortmund locker room, the yers were talking joyfully about where to go on vacation after winning the championship.
Coach Klopp also believed that the game was almost in the bag, Bremen did not put up a more fierce resistance, but he still reminded everyone to be cautious and keep the victory until the end.
"The coach is right, Liverpool is a cautionary tale, we must not celebrate at halftime and then mess up like them." Reus also stood up and said.
Since the departure of G?tze and Lewandowski, after Reus dered hismitment to the team, his reputation within the team has risen rapidly, faintly showing the demeanor of a spiritual leader.
Everyone naturally agreed.
On the other hand, in the Bremen locker room, unexpectedly there was no sense of loss or anxiety as imagined, the head coach patiently exined the tactics for the second half, and the yers were all focused, as if they weren''t two goals behind.
Before going on the field, Shaft patted each yer on the shoulder: "Unload your burdens and gallop on the field with all your might!"
"De Bruyne shoots! Beautiful! Dortmund goalkeeper Langerak''s save was too timely!"
"The second half has just started, Bremen haspleted a very threatening attack, they give people apletely different feeling from the first half, this is the aura of the league runners-up."
Bremen got a corner kick opportunity, Belgian De Bruyne went forward to take it, while except for a few defenders staying outside the penalty area, the rest entered the box to fight for opportunities.
The Yellow Jackets suddenly felt the pressure increase, because they couldn''t see any signs of despair or giving up on their opponents'' faces, only full of fighting spirit, which made them recall the scenes of being defeated twice this season.
In the crowd, Selke and Huang Hu nced at each other, the two nodded slightly and decided to use the tactics they usually practiced, then the Chinese youngster raised his left fist to signal De Bruyne further away.
The Belgian midfielder nodded almost imperceptibly, adjusted the football, slowly stepped back, and waited for the referee''s whistle.
As the highest peak in the team, Selke naturally received close marking from Dortmund, so he obediently stood in front of the small penalty area, letting the defenders focus on him.
However, when De Bruyne started his run-up, the German striker suddenly struggled to move backward, the defending yers dared not ck off and quickly followed, but thisnding point obviously was for the front!
Oh no! Selke just feinted, Huang Hu rushed out to challenge! Several Dortmund defenders guessed Bremen''s tactic like this, so they hurriedly came to block the Chinese youngster.
Huang Hu rushed too fiercely, in an instant, he snatched the ball before thending point, at this moment, of course, he could directly shoot, but after many practice sessions, everyone found that trying to head the ball at this speed, there was a high probability of heading high or wide.
So their tactics were not just oneyer! Only saw the Chinese youngster jump up and tilt his head back, using the back of his head to knock the ball, like a ry, sending it to the back point, where Selke was waiting!
At this point, the German''s defense strength had been greatly reduced, he pushed Hummels and headed towards the ball, the ball went into the with a loud noise.
"Goooooooooooooooal! The ball''s in! Selke equalizes for Bremen!"
"Exquisite corner kick cooperation, perfect aerial ry! They have used tactics to the extreme, finally scoring a hopeful goal, the championship still has suspense!"
This goal seemed to sound the horn for Bremen''s full-scale attack, their offense surged like a tide, while the Yellow Jackets were like a lone sail swaying in a storm.
In the 71st minute, Fritz and De Bruyne performed consecutive dribbling skills in the frontcourt, thetter then passed directly into the penalty area, Huang Hu rushed to poke the ball on the ground and scored again, piercing through Langerak''s ten fingers.
2:2! Bremen finally equalized!
But they wanted more than that, in the 87th minute, Haierovic was fouled by the opponent when he broke through in the frontcourt, the referee awarded Bremen a free kick in the opponent''s half.
De Bruyne decided to try a direct shot, the other yers repeated the same routine to draw away the defense, the ball went around the wall and went straight into the top right corner!
3:2! Werder Bremen staged a stunning reversal to defeat Borussia Dortmund and lift the German Cup!
Ecstatic staff rushed into the field to celebrate the victory, while next to them was Klopp kneeling on the ground in frustration, forming a sharp contrast between joy and sorrow.
Although the yers on the field were very tired, their eyes were full of joy and satisfaction, after a busy season, they finally had something to gain!
Chapter 717: Shocking the World, the Eternal Myth of Football
Chapter 717: Shocking the World, the Eternal Myth of Football
At the end of May, Werder Bremen won the German Cup final. This was their second time winning the prestigious trophy in 6 years, a cause for celebration for the club. However, in the grand scheme of European football, it could only be considered a minor achievement.
Because 6 days prior to this, there was a shocking news that rocked the world.
In the 38th round of La Liga, Real Madrid defeated Hetafe 7-1 at home. The match itself was uneventful, yet it attracted global attention. Over two thousand authoritative media outlets were stationed in Madrid, waiting to witness a historic moment.
It''s worth noting that ording to statistics, there are currently only over thirteen thousand media outlets worldwide, with many being of dubious credibility. This means that these two thousand media outlets covered channels that disseminate all human information, and the news they awaited would quickly spread to every corner of the earth.
What could have caused such a stir?
The answer lies in the fact that before this match, the Gcticos had already achieved 37 consecutive wins in the league. If they won against Hetafe, they would be the only club to win the league title with a perfect record.
Perfect!
How did Real Madrid reach this point? Even the yers themselves probably didn''t fully understand.
They only remembered following the footsteps of their captain, advancing relentlessly, and actively winning every game, achieving an unprecedented 29-game winning streak.
Although they were held to a draw in the Copa del Rey, breaking their winning streak, in the league, the Gcticos faced little opposition. They continued to win game after game, surprising everyone.
At first, Coach Ancelotti wanted to rotate the squad, perhaps lose a game or two to avoid bing a target, but Wang Feng''s words awakened him: "We have already be the target!"
So the Italian stopped trying to control the situation and focused on winning within the scope of reasonable rotation. However, he probably never imagined that the team would actually end the season with 38 victories.
"Whistle! Whistle! Whistle!" As the referee blew the final whistle, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium erupted into jubtion. The celebration of nearly a hundred thousand people is beyond imagination, the sound reverberating through the heavens, as if to overturn the sky.
The home team''s staff rushed onto the field, celebrating this extraordinary victory with the yers. Unlike the previous eight championships, this victory was like an epic tale.
Wang Feng became the center of attention, with people constantly touching and congratting him with enthusiastic expressions.
The Chinese superstar barely managed to smile in response, feeling exhausted and longing to go home for a good rest.
ying all 38 league matches without rest, with short breaks even for substitutes, while also juggling the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, he felt that this season was the most exhausting since he became a professional yer.
Of course, all of this was by his strong request. Wang Feng wanted to stay on the field and expressed his wishes to Ancelotti. He still remembered the coach''s troubled expression at the time.
But the Italian understood that the Chinese superstar wasn''t negotiating with him; he was ensuring things would be done his way!
Since taking over the Gcticos, Ancelotti had never seen Wang Feng make any "unreasonable" demands. Outsiders may say that the Chinese superstar''s current status and achievements had already surpassed everyone in the team, to the point where even Florentino had to treat him with respect.
While this may be true objectively, subjectively it had never happened. Wang Feng treated everyone with respect, fully acknowledging the authority of the head coach, and bonded with his teammates, guiding and mentoring the young yers.
He was like a small stream nourishing everyone in the team. Everyone felt that the team was warm and healthy, but they didn''t quite understand where the warmth and health came from. Ancelotti, however, could see it clearly from a higher perspective.
And when Wang Feng challenged authority for the first time, demanding to y every game to win, Ancelotti seemed to see a towering wave in his eyes, making it impossible to refuse.
As for why he was so determined to pursue victory, the Chinese superstar felt a me burning in his chest, not only because he couldn''t participate in the World Cup, or because he lost the European Best and Ballon d''Or awards that he had monopolized for so long, but also because he refused to ept being old!
One by one, his former teammates and opponents grew older and left the football world. Wang Feng felt a sense of destion, but also understood deeply that his era would eventuallye to an end.
Everyone feels lost when facing a turning point in life, and the Chinese superstar is no exception. In this situation, he chose to end with the utmost peak, fortunate that luck and strength were on his side.
Encountering the best team, the best coach, the best luck, andbining it with his peak strength, this has created such a mythical record!
After winning thest game, Wang Feng felt his thoughts clear. Even if his strength gradually declined in the future, and he no longer stood at the pinnacle of the world, he could still purely enjoy the joy that football brings.
The chaos on the fieldsted for a long time, and in the luxurious box high in the stands, the high-level executives of Real Madrid were all smiles. Florentino was epting congrattions from many celebrities, including King Felipe VI of Spain.
His smile hadn''t stopped since the end of the game. With a perfect victory, oh God, how much credit has Wang brought to himself again!
This great record belongs to the yers, as well as the club''s management, especially him, the president of Real Madrid!
With his current achievements and status, Florentino''s every reform and construction n would receive full support. He could build the team into a hugemercial football club ording to his own wishes.
He had been worrying about Wang Feng''s imminent departure for some time, but now he had let go. The Chinese superstar had already won too much for the Gcticos. They could sink for a long time, resting on theirurels.
He beckoned to Balsano and said, "I agree to that n, but it must wait until Wang''s contract expires before execution. Also, the summer transfer work must be started as soon as possible."
Balsano was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Should we consider any major moves? After all, next year is the time for a huge change."
"Everything should be based on Ancelotti''s and the team''s needs. We''ll talk about next year''s problems next year. Let''s ensure that the team remainspetitive next season first."
The Spaniard nodded. It seemed that the president wanted to "squeeze out" Wang Feng''sst bit of value.
Returning to the field of y, the media reporters who had been waiting for a long time were already impatient. They immediately intercepted the key figure, Wang Feng, for an interview.
"Congrattions, Wang, it''s amazing! You have once again achieved unimaginable results. Could you share your thoughts at this moment? What exactly allowed you to achieve such a miracle?"
"First of all, I''d like to correct your question. It''s not me, but the entire Real Madrid team''s collective effort that has achieved the current results," the Chinese superstar said with a smile. "We have the best squad of yers in the world, along with the most outstanding coaches and staff."
"These are all indispensable foundations. At this moment, I am very proud and satisfied because I can leave a significant mark in the history of the club."
"We take every game seriously and actively pursue every victory. This is a necessary condition for achieving the current results."
"Of course, I also remember that since the middle of the season, there have been constant predictions that Real Madrid''s winning streak would end after how many rounds. At that time, I told my teammates in anger that we must make them anticipate failure in vain. Perhaps this also became the strength that supported us to continue. Ha-ha."
Another reporter asked, "After winning the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Copa del Rey, and the league, the Gcticos only need the Champions League trophy to achieve the grand m."
"Facing the uing final opponent Barcelona, what is your view on the team''s chances of defending the title?"
"Without a doubt, Real Madrid will strive to win with all their might. Barcelona is a formidable opponent, and under the leadership of their new coach, Enrique, they have unleashed surprising strength that has put a lot of pressure on us."
"But in the three encounters this season, whether in the league or in the Copa del Rey final, we emerged victorious. So, we have confidence in continuing our winning streak against them."
The reporter who asked the question nodded satisfactorily. Wang Feng always performed exceptionally well against Barcelona, delivering decisive blows to the opponent. It was believed that his confident words now would ignite a new round of discussion and excitement.
Another reporter asked, "Why haven''t you renewed your contract with Real Madrid yet? Are there other considerations and ns?"
The Chinese superstar did not directly answer this question. He said that his main focus at the moment was on preparing for the Champions League final. His agent was responsible for business matters, which were quiteplex and required a long time to handle.
This answer obviously did not satisfy everyone, and they wanted to continue asking questions. However, at this moment, Wang Feng said, "Everyone, I have yed every game this season without fail, and now I feel very tired. Let''s leave other questions forter."
With that, he pushed through the crowd of reporters and walked into the yer tunnel without looking back.
Inside the dressing room, everyone was still celebrating. Even the usually modest Modric took off his shirt and sprayed champagne wildly at his teammates, not to mention the more exuberant ones like Ramos.
Wang Feng, who arrivedte, couldn''t escape either and was soon drenched. The yful antics of everyone even dyed the award ceremony for a while.
Several rounds ago, the Gcticos had already secured the league title early, and the final home game of the season was when the medals and trophy were officially awarded.
Captain Wang Feng and vice-captain Ramos both lifted the championship trophy on behalf of the Gcticos, then led the yers around the Bernabeu, showcasing the five major trophies they had won this season.
But they were not nning to hold a parade celebration. It would only be meaningful when they lifted the most coveted Champions League trophy together. This was the team''s customary practice and also a testament to their determination to win.
However, a celebratory dinner within the club was indispensable. Many celebrities and stars participated, and the revelry continued untilte into the night.
This was a season worthy of praise. Real Madrid won the title with 38 wins, totaling 114 points. It undoubtedly broke the record for the highest points total in La Liga history and became a new epic data point that would never be surpassed as long as the league did not expand.
Barcelona finished second with 30 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses, totaling 94 points. This result was remarkable, but they were still left far behind by their arch-rivals, to the extent that many spections suggested Enrique might be sacked after the season.
However, club president Bartomeu backed the new coach. He believed that the Spaniard had done an excellent job, almost single-handedly reviving the Catn team. Not only did they shake off their decline from previous seasons, but they also reached the Champions League final once again.
"Louis needs a little time and patience," Bartomeu said. He had to demonstrate confidence and trust in the new coaching staff, as this was an important card for him to seed in the uing club elections.
Yes, Bartomeu was actively pushing for club elections. He wanted to use the achievements of reaching the Champions League final once again as capital, as prolonging the situation would introduce too many variables.
Atletico Madrid did not continue their ster performance from the previous season, finishing with 23 wins, 9 draws, 6 losses, and only 78 points. Dark horsese and go, but Real Madrid and Barcelona always remained at the top.
The final Champions League spot went to Valencia.
Sevi and Virreal participated in the Europa League, while Granada, Almeria, and Cordoba were relegated.
On the top scorer''s list, Wang Feng once again set a new record with 65 goals, surpassing his own previous record of 62 goals in La Liga. Watching him y and seeing his stats, one would get the impression that scoring goals was as easy as eating for him.
In addition, the Chinese superstar also scored 20 goals in the Champions League and 16 goals in the Copa del Rey. This meant that even if we didn''t consider the goals he might score in the uing Champions League final, his total goals for the season would still reach 101.
A third season with over 100 goals!
A height that all other yers strive for throughout their entire careers, Wang Feng achieved it three times!
Of course, achieving the mythical perfect season was not solely due to his efforts alone. His teammates also contributed with extraordinary performances, making the Real Madrid squad unbeatable this season.
In the forward line, Iguan contributed 29 goals, while Bale had 19 goals and 11 assists. In midfield, Modric became the king of assists in the league, with a total of 27 assists.
Kroos and Casemiro became defensive pirs, keeping the opponents at bay. In the backline, Ramos, Marcelo, Carvajal, and Pepe performed admirably.
Goalkeeper Navas gradually reced Casis as the first choice goalkeeper, even keeping 12 clean sheets.
Therefore, besides the explosive total points, other statistics of the Gcticos were equally astonishing. They scored a total of 148 goals, while Barcelona scored 110, and Atletico even fewer with 67.
The total number of goals conceded was only 19, two fewer than Barcelona''s 21. Real Madrid became the club with the most goals scored and the fewest goals conceded in La Liga. Seeing these detailed statistics, one had to admit that their perfect season was simply too normal.
There were many memorable moments throughout the season. For example, in the home game against Granada, they inflicted a crushing 12-0 defeat on their opponents, creating the most lopsided scoreline in La Liga history.
Such arge margin of victory hadn''t been seen since the 1930s, when Athletic Bilbao thrashed Barcelona 12-1. No one had expected this record to be broken in today''s highly developed footballndscape.
In fact, the reason for such a result was entirely due to the visitors being overwhelmed. Wang Feng alone scored six goals in just 30 minutes after the start of the match. Even after he was substituted, the Gcticos, like wolves, continued to tear apart their opponents.
The Granada coach criticized Real Madrid after the game for shattering the dreams of the Granada yers. They were too brutal.
It was after this match that he officially announced his resignation as head coach and retired from football forever.
The century-old derby against Barcelona was also worth reminiscing about. When MSN met BYW, when Habibi White shed with Mocac, the first leg at the Bernabeu saw the Gcticos dominate and attack fiercely, eventually handing their opponents a 3-0 defeat.
In the rematch, Enrique adjusted the tactics aggressively, unleashing the full power of their frontline trio. They indeed posed a significant threat to Real Madrid and even took the lead by scoring a goal first.
However, the Gcticos quickly responded. Modric''s precise free-kick found Iguan unmarked to equalize, and Wang Feng unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that pierced Ter Stegen''s fingertips and into the. The German goalkeeper got his hands on the ball, but couldn''t stop it from going into the goal.
Chapter 718: The Referee Wearing a Barcelona Jersey
Chapter 718: The Referee Wearing a Barcelona Jersey
"The undefeated champion, the master of the universe!" News about Real Madrid instantly swept across the globe, drawing discussions from fans and non-fans alike, because this achievement was truly shocking.
The Associated Press featured this sports news on its official website cover, with a photo of the gctic team stepping onto the field, edited to create a strong sense of oppression through darkening and other post-processing techniques, as if they were an invincible army.
The apanying article pointed out that Real Madrid''s undefeated performance in the league secured them the La Liga title, proving that they are the strongest team in the current and even modern football history.
Wang Feng, with an average of 1.7 goals per game, is the soul of the team. His two-goal advantage for the gctic team even before the start of the seasonpletely relieved the pressure, allowing his teammates to enjoy the game without any worries.
More importantly, under the leadership of the Chinese superstar, the entire team erupted with an unstoppable momentum, with each yer shining brightly and being considered among the best.
"Winning the league nine times in a row is not their end goal. Real Madrid has set their sights on the uing Champions League final, and it''s doubtful that Barcelona, their defeated opponent, can stop them from achieving a ninth consecutive Champions League title!"
Reuters dered, "The mythical team descends upon the football world!"
The dominance of the gctic team has reached a new height, a height that is no less than any secr football, all thanks to the excellent chemistry between Wang Feng and his teammates.
Renowned English modern football researcher Kings wrote in his column that the current situation of Real Madrid deserves in-depth study and exploration by numerous schrs.
"From a technical and tactical perspective, the team has world-ss yers in the defense, midfield, and forward lines, truly worthy of the name ''Gctic Team.''"
"However, they often fail to unleash their full power due to various reasons, which is the mostmon theorem in football where one plus one is less than two."
"But under Wang Feng''s leadership, Real Madrid has broken through this limit. Simply put, if the Chinese superstar is determined to win a game, regardless of whether it''s Gareth Bale with a price tag of a hundred million, or yers like Modric and Kroos with prices in the tens of millions, they will all contribute their full strength and unite as one."
"This is something rarely seen in other top clubs, because everyone is a star, and no one can truly convince anyone else, even someone as strong as Messi will have conflicts with yers like Vi and Ibrahimovic."
"The reason Wang Feng can achieve all this lies firstly in his nine years of hard work at Real Madrid. He is already the oldest yer with the highest reputation in the team."
"And secondly, and most importantly, his personal strength is outstanding. Thirteen European Golden Boots (including one just obtained this season) and ten Ballon d''Or trophies shine brightly. In nine years, he has brought 40 major trophies to the gctic team, maintaining consecutive league and Champions League titles to this day. How can such achievements not be respected and admired by others?"
"A unique absolute leader, a unique mythical team, creating a unique epic achievement!"
Agence France-Presse also extensively reported on Real Madrid''s undefeated championship feat, calling it "an unrepeatable legend!"
"Throughout the season, Wang Feng fought like a tireless machine, his spirit infecting the whole team and turning everyone into a powerful force, collectively achieving this aplishment."
"Of note is that almost everyone in the main lineup has fulfilled their potential and strength, indisputably among the best yers in the world."
Xinghua News highly praised the leadership qualities of the Chinese superstar, "As the saying goes, a strong leader has no weak soldiers. Wang Feng has yed an active role in leading a group of stars to stand proudly at the top of the world."
"This scene is very simr to when he led the Chinese team to lift the World Cup trophy in South Africa, despite being 35 years old at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, we still believe he can lead the national team to achieve good results!"
In addition to the four major news agencies with the widest influence, other media outlets also extensively reported and praised Real Madrid and Wang Feng''s crazy performance throughout the season, including media outlets in the Catalonia region.
They had to marvel and praise so that another failed season for Barcelona could be diluted.
Many media and fans were pessimistic about the uing Champions League final, believing that the Catalonia team simply couldn''t defeat the momentum of the gctic team.
Of course, at this moment, they didn''t know that someone would help them.
"The time for the match is running out. Look at this rapid counterattack by Real Madrid. Wang Feng is advancing quickly and smoothly passes the midfield!"
Barcelona defender Busquets immediately intercepted upon seeing this, but the Chinese superstar''s speed did not diminish. With a simple and clear fake, he easily passed by as the opponent lost bnce.
He raced into the frontcourt, nearing his shooting range! At this moment, Pique rushed out from the side and slid tackle regardless of everything.
Wang Feng lightly lifted and jumped forward, trying to dodge the Spanish defender''s leg, but the opponent''s raised leg was too high, brushing against the Chinese superstar''s ankle, causing him to lose bnce and fall to the ground.
"Foul! This is a serious foul!" thementator roared.
Even the Barcelona yers couldn''t help but slow down and look at the referee, believing that it was definitely a foul, but the referee''s whistle didn''t blow!
However, this was within Wang Feng''s expectations. In this match, there were countless iprehensible scenes. The referee was almost wearing a Barcelona jersey!
Ignoring the intense pain in his leg, the Chinese superstar quickly got up to control the nearby ball. Alba also immediately reacted and came forward to defend, but he was surpassed by Wang Feng''s diagonal eleration.
Cutting inside the penalty area, Wang Feng aimed at the far corner and took a shot. The ball passed over Ter Stegen''s fingertips and slipped into the goal along the post.
"Goal! Real Madrid finally scored! 1:1! They equalized!"
"Both sides are back to the starting line, everything is not easy!"
"Huh? What the hell? The referee''s whistle blew, but it''s not pointing to the center circle for a kickoff, but to where Piquemitted the foul just now."
"What the hell?" Thementator in the studio couldn''t help but swear, "How did this fool be the referee of the Champions League final? Don''t they understand that it''s advantageous for the attack?"
"And just now, you didn''t blow the foul, and now that the goal is scored, you blow it?"
Wang Feng was very angry. He rushed to protest against the referee, but was directly shown a yellow card.
Other yers also came up to pressure, and Ramos even clenched his fists wanting to give him a good one, but he was stopped by the Chinese superstar.
"This bastard wants us dead, then I''ll beat him to death first!" the Spanish defender roared.
From the beginning, this Champions League final was full of strangeness, with the referee team tantly favoring the Catalonia team. Their defensive actions were very rough but without any risk of cards, while the gctic team would receive yellow card warnings as soon as they made a mistake.
So far, almost everyone in Real Madrid''s midfield and defense had been booked, but fortunately, Ancelotti''s ability to control the situation was good, continuously adjusting the lineup and tactics, avoiding any red card situations.
Even so, the gctic team still had the upper hand on the field because they were the undefeated champions with unbeatable morale!
But the most deadly thing was that the main referee actually interfered with the goal. Not only did he disallow two goals for Real Madrid on the pretext of offside, he also awarded a penalty kick to Barcelona, allowing Messi to score and help the team take the lead.
And now, he escted the situation by blowing the goal off again, citing a foul before the goal and changing it to a free kick!
Chapter 719: I Won鈥檛 Give It, You Can鈥檛 Take It Away!
Chapter 719: I Won''t Give It, You Can''t Take It Away!
The entire Berlin Olympic Stadium erupted into thunderous boos, as tens of thousands of Real Madrid fans shouted at the top of their lungs.
"Corrupt referee! Scandal!"
Even the head coach Ancelotti, who was sent off to the stands earlier for protesting against the referee''s decisions, was among them.
Despite his old age, his voice was full of vigor.
Many Barcelona fans couldn''t bear to watch, sitting silently in their seats, while only a small minority of extreme fans countered, believing that their own team yed fairly and deserved to be in the lead.
Inside the luxurious VIP box, Florentino gnashed his teeth fiercely, his sharp gaze seeming to pierce through the walls, directly aiming at UEFA President tini not far away.
"Heh, you really have guts! Just you wait for me!"
Under such tantly malicious conditions, the Real Madrid president no longer hoped to defend the Champions League title, but he wouldn''t let the instigators off easily either!
On the other side, tini sat calmly in his seat like a rock, closing his eyes and seemingly lost in thought, surrounded by asional meaningful nces that seemed unable to disturb him.
Little did anyone know that the Frenchman was feeling quite anxious at the moment. He had indeed instructed to "take care" of Real Madrid, not wanting them to go too far, especially when they had already won the league undefeated and were still pursuing the Champions League.
With so many consecutive wins and titles, the European football scene seemed to revolve around the Real Madrid club alone!
But tini didn''t anticipate that even under such obviously biased refereeing circumstances, the Gctic team could still maintain the upper hand and even score first.
"Sigh, it''s too monstrous, let it be, it''s pointless to struggle." The Frenchman sighed inwardly.
He didn''t expect the head coach on the field to be so stubborn, "firmly and resolutely" executing his own demands, and bing more and more outrageous, which gradually led the situation to spin out of control.
At this rate, this edition of the Champions League final was likely to be the most controversial in history, and tini could imagine how intense the storm would be after the match.
Not to mention affecting his bid to take over FIFA, it might even jeopardize his entire managerial career!
At this moment, his strategy was to seek the help of his oldrade tter to jointly mitigate the controversy and let time smooth things over.
The two had once been closerades, and their recent falling out was only due topetition within FIFA. These were all internal struggles; when it came to external matters, tter would surely consider the bigger picture.
After all, who didn''t have some skeletons in their closet? tter actually looked down on the Gctic team and would definitely spare no effort to suppress them if given the chance.
Regardless, the on-field referee was the authority, and his decision was final. There was no way to reverse it. Real Madrid could only ept the disallowed goal and take the free kick in the attacking third.
Wang Feng took the free kick himself, cing the ball gently on the ground before taking a few steps back. His eyes narrowed with anger mixed with contemtion, everything was abnormal.
The Chinese superstar, who had rich experience in Serie A battles, clearly felt that this was very simr to the battle between Inter Mn and Juventus back then. The referee didn''t want them to win!
But he wasn''t the naive youth he was back then; he wouldn''t fall into the same trap twice.
The referee blew the whistle, Wang Feng took his run-up, and shot!
The ball flew like an arrow through the wall, piercing towards the top right corner of the goal. Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen dove to save, his posture elegant, but he couldn''t touch the ball.
"Goal! The ball''s in! Real Madrid scored again!"
"So what if it''s disallowed? Wang Feng can still put the ball into the again!"
The referee''s whistle sounded again! He deemed that the free-kick was not taken from the correct position and ordered a retake.
But why didn''t he mention this before the kick, marking the white line?
The Real Madrid yers surrounded the referee, passionately arguing their case, but this time, Wang Feng didn''t step forward, instead standing silently aside, watching coldly.
The pressure on the referee''s forehead was covered in sweat. His stress level could be imagined. At this moment, he just wanted the Chinese superstar toe and argue with him, so he could show him a yellow card and send him off!
But it seemed like Wang Fengpletely saw through his intentions. Not only did he note forward to argue, he didn''t even make eye contact with him. Did he n to charge over and give him a card by force?
That definitely wouldn''t work. Well then, go ahead and retake the kick. He didn''t believe Wang Feng could score consecutively twice!
After confirming the position of the free-kick again, with the sound of the referee''s whistle, the Chinese superstar took a slow run-up, approaching the ball before curling his right foot.
This time it was the Crescent Moon de!
The ball drew a beautiful arc in the air, seemingly deviating from the goalpost, but actually, after entering the penalty area, it suddenly turned back, threading into the dead angle of the goal!
Breaking through the Barcelona goal once again!
But whether it was the spectators at the scene, thementators in the studio, or the tens of thousands of fans watching the game, they were all immersed in a strange calmness, all their eyes focused on the referee!
The live camera also gave a close-up shot. Hesitating for less than a second, the main referee blew the whistle again, ordering a retake!
This time, the reason given was that the defensive wall was too close.
"I don''t know what to say anymore. This is too shameless. Clearly, Real Madrid had the advantage, and this was definitely a goal!" Zhang Jun eximed indignantly.
The Chinese superstar chuckled coldly. Again!
"Beep~!"
"Bang~!"
The ball went into the!
The main referee finally broke down. If it weren''t for the thousands of eyes watching him, he would have copsed to the ground long ago.
It was too difficult. Whoever wanted to do this job could do it. He decided topletely ck off.
Couldn''t Barcelona put in a bit more effort themselves? Little did he know that his actions were also putting pressure on the Catn team.
After all, most of their yers were also top stars, usually ustomed to letting their performance speak for itself. Suddenly cheating like this was somewhat ufortable for them.
"The ball''s in! The referee blows the whistle pointing to the center circle. This is a goal!"
"It''s really tough. Real Madrid has breached the Barcelona goal six times, but only managed a 1-1 draw."
"But both sides are back to the starting line again, indicating that the Gctic team still has a chance!"
Wang Feng''s three consecutive sessful free kicks not only made the referee tremble with fear and unable to show obvious bias anymore, but also dealt a severe blow to Barcelona''s morale.
In the final five minutes, Real Madrid seized the opportunity to score two more goals.
One goal was a long-range shot from the Chinese superstar outside the penalty area, skimming along the ground and hitting the near corner, slipping through the tiny gap between Ter Stegen''s palm and the goalpost.
The other goal came from abination of Bale and Modric on the nk, with a cross into the penalty area, where Iguan''s header found the back of the, sealing the victory.
3-1! When the main referee blew the final whistle, the Berlin Olympic Stadium resounded with the melody of "H Madrid".
Countless Real Madrid fans sang loudly, tears of joy streaming down their faces unconsciously. Having witnessed the entire game, they never dared to hope for victory.
But miracles happened, or more urately, the miracle named Wang Feng had always been there, the Chinese superstar himself was a miracle!
Winning the Champions League title for the ninth consecutive year! This was also Real Madrid''s 18th Champions League trophy!
Watching the yers salute the fans, Florentino''s heart was not only surprised, but even more intense than joy.
He knew Wang Feng was strong, the current Gctic team was strong, but he couldn''t imagine that they could actually challenge the referee.
Barcelona President Bartomeu left the stands angrily, while tini also wished to escape, but he still had to preside over the award ceremony.
After receiving their runner-up medals, the Barcelona yers left the stage in frustration, while the Real Madrid yers took the stage one by one. Unlike before, they didn''t give tini any face at all. They simply grabbed the medals and left, instead of bending down to let the Frenchman put them on as before.
Wang Feng was thest one to leave. Faced with tini''s embarrassed smile and congrattory words, he suddenly chuckled, "The football world changes rapidly, and I''m getting old. I look forward to seeing many young talents emerge."
"But that doesn''t mean I don''t want to win, or can''t win. That free kick just now, I can y with you many more times."
"No matter how many times, the result will always be the same. I won''t give it, you can''t take it away!"
Chapter 720: Post-Match Turmoil
Chapter 720: Post-Match Turmoil
After experiencing ups and downs, even the calm andposed tini couldn''t help but show a hint of fear on his face. Under the immense achievements and influence, Wang Feng exuded an aura of authority like a true emperor, the unparalleled ruler of the football world.
During his ying days, the Frenchman had interacted with many superstars, including top striker Rummenigge, rebellious figure Maradona, "White Pele" Zico, as well as rising stars like Gullit, Van Basten, Romario, and Baggio.
These individuals possessed outstanding skills and distinct personalities, perhaps dominating the peak for a while, but unable to surpass their contemporariespletely.
Even though Wang Feng had monopolized the football world for over a decade and was hailed as the god of football by the world, while tini outwardly acknowledged this, deep down, he didn''t hold too much respect. After all, even if the Chinese superstar had been ced in his era, there was no guarantee he would have stood out.
But at this moment, tini could be sure that no matter the era, Wang Feng would always shine the brightest!
All his reliance, both in terms of skill and authority, had beenpletely shattered. The Frenchman wanted to say something, but felt as if his throat was blocked, only able to make a sound akin to "Uh, uh."
After delivering his stern words, Wang Feng no longer paid him any attention. He took the championship medal and hung it around his neck, then walked over to the Champions League trophy, lifting it up himself.
The staff were surprised and initially wanted to intervene, but seeing the presenter tini in a dazed and absent-minded state, they decided it was better to let things be.
As he walked towards his teammates with the trophy, they all looked at him with admiration. Ramos even gave him a thumbs up, expressing his approval. Amidst the fireworks and confetti, everyone raised the Champions League trophy high. Tonight ultimately belonged to Real Madrid, to them!
As the members of the Gctic team and their loved ones celebrated the victory, on the right side of the Berlin Olympic Stadium stands, Mansour was closely watching the figure on the field, his eyes filled with longing.
Manchester City''s general manager, Begiristain, approached and said, "Just now, Baldano contacted us and said he essentially agrees with the proposal, but the details need further discussion."
"It''s alright, we can discuss any requirementster. I just want to bring Wang back to Manchester!"
Begiristain nodded. "Initially, I had doubts whether it was worth paying such a high price for a 33-year-old veteran next year, but after watching his performance throughout the season, I must admit I''m very tempted."
"Indeed." Scenes from when the Chinese superstar defeated professional drivers while driving a desert kart shed through Mansour''s mind. "Wang is a yer who cannot be measured with conventional thinking."
"We still have a year. We must bring him in. I believe there''s more than just us interested clubs, but we have a clear advantage." Mansour shed a smile of financial power.
With nine consecutive league titles and nine consecutive Champions League titles, the great journey of the Gctic team was far from over!
The oue of this match was widely anticipated by the public, as before the game, Real Madrid was in high spirits, easily defeating their arch-rivals Barcelona with an unbeaten streak.
However, the unpredictable and tumultuous course of the match stirred up controversy throughout Europe and even the world.
The main referee''s consecutive mistakes, including disallowing two "offside" goals, disallowing a goal after Wang Feng was fouled, and two direct goals from free kicks, were all deemed legitimate goals and should not have been disallowed.
Under immense public pressure, not long after the final, the main referee came forward to admit his mistakes and apologize, announcing his permanent retirement and decision to never appear on the football field again.
The two assistant referees were also punished to varying degrees, banned from participating in high-level matches for several years.
This was the first time UEFA publicly admitted that the referee team had made serious mistakes during the match. They had no choice but to do so, hoping to divert the focus away from the match itself.
However, countless opinions still believed that they intentionally suppressed Real Madrid and Wang Feng, personally interfering with the fairness of thepetition, and even involving issues of discrimination against Asians, causing an uproar for a while.
To deal with these matters, tini was busy to the point of being overwhelmed. The situation was far worse than he had imagined. As he had thought before, if Barcelona had won the championship, the public pressure might not have been as great.
Because there would have been a group of Catn fansing forward to argue with the schrs, arguing that their championship was not a problem. By then, the arguments for and against would have muddled the waters, and it would be difficult to determine right from wrong.
Not only were Real Madrid fansining now, but Barcelona fans were also equally dissatisfied. They would argue that the team''s mentality was disrupted by the referee, and Barcelona was also a victim. Not only did they fail to win the championship, but they were also used of being "darlings." Who wouldn''t be angry?
What was even more unbearable was that there were manyints and doubts within UEFA. The "cheating" was so obvious, and not only did it not achieve its goal, but it also made things worse. Did the Frenchman really have the ability to continue leading the overall situation?
With enemies on all sides, Florentino quietly took the lead in delivering a fatal blow to tini. Despite sessfully winning the championship, he had to make UEFA understand that Real Madrid was not a soft persimmon to be kneaded at will!
Multiple media outlets revealed that the Frenchman had been used of receiving ?1.9 million in undisclosed funds from FIFA in 2011, involving fraud and forgery of documents.
As they say, when one is honored, all are honored; when one is harmed, all are harmed. His former ally tter also faced the same usations, including embezzlement and mismanagement.
However, tter suffered even more. Not long after, during a press conference he attended, Americanedian Brodkin burst in and threw a stack of dor bills at him in front of all the reporters.
Countless banknotes fell down, forming a scene of money supremacy against tter''s stern face, faithfully recorded by the cameras.
This sudden event, coupled with the controversy surrounding the Champions League final,pletely ignited a crisis of trust in the football authorities. Measures had to be taken quickly and strictly.
tini''s FIFA presidential campaign waspletely halted, and he was suspended from his UEFA managerial position. tter faced the same fate of suspension pending investigation.
Six monthster, the FIFA Ethics Committee officially announced that both of them would be banned from participating in football affairs for 12 years, effectively ending their football management careers.
Someizens joked that one should never fix a match in front of Wang Feng; it was highly likely to lose both the wife and the soldiers. Moji, tini, and tter were all lessons learned from the past.
The newly appointed UEFA president was Alexander Cheferin, a Slovenianwyer. He was a pure administrator, tasked with cleaning up the mess and appeasing the clubs.
The new FIFA president took office simultaneously, Gianni Infantino from Switzend. He had previously served as the UEFA General Secretary, responsible for promoting the development of European leagues and national teams.
In order to restrict a series of powerhouse clubs including Real Madrid and to support the financial assistance of small countries and clubs in Europe, he promoted the "Financial Fair y Act."
This act to some extent restrained the unlimited expansion of powerhouse clubs, but it seemed to have little effect on Real Madrid''s monopoly rule. This was because the finances of the Gctic team were very healthy, with a yer like Wang Feng who was not only a core yer in the title race but also a wealthy figure, which could solve many problems.
However, FIFA''s suppression of big clubs and support for small clubs would never change. Infantino''s assumption of office proved this point. In the future, teams like Real Madrid would probably have topete with them many more times.
Of course, all of this had little to do with the Chinese superstar. He just wanted to y his football in a fair environment.
Chapter 721: Everyone Is the Same
Chapter 721: Everyone Is the Same
On a summer morning, the sky always brightened early. When a ray of sunlight shone upon the estate, the gray-white viplex and the beautiful garden, along with the flowing stream and bridges, appeared vibrant and colorful.
This harbor, meticulously crafted by the Chinese superstar, had undergone numerous expansions and renovations, now covering an area of ??15 acres. It had be a luxurious estatebining residential, scenic, and leisure entertainment facilities.
The core area was naturally a vi where a family lived. Wang Fengyfortably on the soft master bed, unwilling to move, faintly hearing the sound of frolicking.
It must be the two energetic little devils at home again. Seven-year-old Si Yao was ying downstairs with his four-year-old brother, Xiao Haoxin.
Thinking of this, he couldn''t help but show a satisfied smile. Wasn''t his struggle all for the sake of allowing his family to have a good life? It had been like this since he was sixteen.
At this moment, his sleepy-eyed wife, Lu Yao, poked her head out from the quilt and asked, "What''s wrong? Are you going to training again?"
Looking at his lovely wife, Wang Feng said softly, "No need. I''ll lie down with you for a while. I haven''t spent much time with you and the children in the past year. This summer, I''ll make sure to make up for it."
In the just-ended season, in order to fully devote himself to training and matches, the Chinese superstar had sacrificed almost all of his personal time. In harsh conditions, he had even been away from home for several months, causing his daughter to pout and his son to be less close to him.
After holding a grand parade celebration andpleting various club-arranged activities, Wang Feng could finally take a break and enjoy his vacation. He decided not to tire himself out like this in the future, to enjoy both football and life.
Upon hearing this, Lu Yao nestled into his arms and said, "Then let''s go on a trip this summer. I really want to travel around like before, eating and sightseeing along the way. This time, let''s bring the whole family and form a travel group, hehe."
"Of course, no problem. I have more than a month of vacation, so we can n it well. Shall we follow the old route or go see some new scenery?"
Although the Chinese team had the World Cup Asia Zone qualifiers in the summer, Wang Feng didn''t n to participate at the moment, and even Dong Fangzhuo might not go back.
Because the group opponents Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan, and Hong Kong were rtively weak in strength. The young team that had just won the Asian Cup runner-up had proven their strength, and it was time for them to stand on their own.
"Anywhere is fine, as long as I''m with you and the family," Lu Yao murmured.
Wang Feng didn''t participate in variousmercial activities or handle group business affairs as he had done in previous years. Instead, he almost disappeared from the public eye, simply enjoying his vacation. This disappointed many media outlets, as they wanted to dig into future issues and make big news.
For example, why hadn''t he renewed his contract with Real Madrid so far? Would there be other ns? Many fans were eager to know these details.
The outside world generally spected that the Gctic team would offer a hefty lifetime contract to the Chinese superstar. Therefore, various terms and uses were moreplicated. Although the club had never had such a precedent, they would certainly break tradition for their greatest contributor.
Unable to find Wang Feng himself, and with the club remaining ambiguous about it, the various spections and discussions soon died down, and people shifted their focus to the summer transfer activities of major clubs.
On the Real Madrid side, Zidane had spent a considerable amount of time honing his skills with the Casti team and was eager to take over the first team, but Florentino advised against it.
"It''s not your time yet. The club still has a year left on the contract with Ancelotti. By then, a brand new lineup and new challenges will be waiting for you."
Zidane was also one of the few key figures who knew that Wang Feng would leave the team in a year. He felt regretful but also somewhat anticipatory about the new era.
During his years as an assistant coach for the first team, the Frenchman deeply felt that every aspect of the team was marked by the Chinese superstar. Although it was outstanding, it was impossible for the team to remain this way forever.
Moving forward, the turnover of old and new was an eternal theme. Perhaps Wang Feng saw through this point and decided not to ept a lifetime contract, opting to leave the club resolutely.
Casis suddenly deciding to leave caught everyone off guard.
With more seniority in the team than Wang Feng, although Florentino didn''t like Casis''s personality and felt that his performance was not enough to support a starting position, perhaps slowly bing a substitute could allow him to retire at Real Madrid.
But the Spanish goalkeeper was not willing to ept this. He felt that he was not old yet and still had plenty of energy to fight, especially after seeing Navas gradually rece him in the just-ended season. Sitting on the bench made Casis uneasy.
There would be no improvement if he continued like this. After several nights of painful reflection, he decided to leave the Gctic team, where he had served for 25 years.
Before this, he called Wang Feng to inform him of his decision. The two had fought side by side for many years and had a good rtionship.
"You don''t need to persuade me, Wang. There''s no need for the club toe to you to persuade me either," Casis said.
"You, me, and Ral are the same type of yer. None of us want to waste our years on the bench. You''ll probably leave Real Madrid next year too, although the confidentiality work is well done, I can guess."
The Chinese superstar couldn''t help but smile bitterly.
"Real Madrid, oh Real Madrid, it''s the most enviable club in the world, but also the cruelest club in the world," Casis''s tone gradually became distant, as if recalling the past.
After a moment of silence, Wang Feng said with a hint of sadness, "Alright, I won''t persuade you to stay. I wish you all the best in Porto. Have a few more drinks when we say goodbye."
A few dayster, Casis held a press conference to officially announce his departure, choking up several times during the process.
The club held a farewell ceremony for him at the Bernabu Stadium, and many fans shed tears on the spot. They felt that their youth had ended, and many criticized Florentino for being cold-hearted.
The president of Real Madrid fully affirmed Casis''s performance in an interview, "He is the best goalkeeper in the history of the club and the best goalkeeper in the history of Spain."
"No one wants him to leave. He received a good offer, and he asked us to consider it. I understand Casis. Like Ral, every yer has the right to start a new chapter in their career."
"Everyone is the same. What about Wang Feng?" a reporter asked loudly.
Florentino paused for a moment, then said, "Yes, Wang is the same."
Chapter 722: Turmoil in the Top Five Leagues
Chapter 722: Turmoil in the Top Five Leagues
Florentino rarely gave a positive response to Wang Feng''s departure issue, but it sparked even greater controversy and discussion. Fans found it difficult to ept the reality that the club not only let go of Casis but also considered letting go of their greatest contributor.
The Chinese superstar, unlike the declining Casis, was a yer who could only go to a second-tier league topete, although he was getting older, his technical level was there for all to see. His recent achievement of winning all and his bold confrontation with the head referee were evident. He was an absolute thigh.
For a while, the entire European football scene was abuzz. ording to media reports, at least ten clubs had made offers to Wang Feng, and they were tirelessly "advising" the Gctic team: "Wang''s contract has only one year left, sell him quickly!"
Among them were big clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain. Paris even offered a sky-high transfer fee of 150 million euros for a yer over thirty years old.
They had just brought back Di Maria from Manchester United for 63 million euros, so the club president, Nasser, passionately called out to the Chinese superstar, hoping he would reunite with his old friends at PSG. "We have the strength to dominate Ligue 1 and challenge the top of Europe!"
Faced with theplicated invitations, neither the clubs nor Wang Feng''s agent, Balmond, gave further responses. The fans made some noise for a while but gradually quieted down. At least in the next season, they would still be able to see the Chinese superstar galloping at the Bernab??u.
After dealing with the transfers of Irramendi and Casis, Khedira also decided not to renew his contract with the Gctic team and joined Juventus as a free agent.
Regarding their own transfer strategy, Real Madrid always adhered to the scientific practice of focusing on cultivating young yers and supplementing existing strengths. They first finalized the transfers of promising young yers Barrejo and Asensio.
They then sent the two to Zaragoza and Monaco, respectively, for further development, as there was currently no ce for them in the first team.
To fill the vacancies left by the departure of two midfielders, the Gctic team brought in Croatian midfielder Kovacic from Inter Mn for 35 million euros and then signed right-back Danilo from Porto for 31.5 million euros.
With some additional reinforcements, Real Madrid''s total spending in this summer transfer window was not much, with expenditures of 89.5 million euros and ie of 15 million euros.
Barcelona continued to be troubled by the transfer ban this summer. However, they had relied on appeals and other operationsst year to dy its implementation, allowing them to bring in stars like James Rodr??guez and nned to do the same this year.
Bartomeu vowed to ensure that the transfer work would proceed smoothly. All his actions were aimed at preparing for the uing elections, even if it meant sacrificing the future.
With their recent best results of nearly winning La Liga and reaching the Champions League final for consecutive years, as well as James Rodr??guez''s excellent performancest season with 17 goals and 15 assists, the Spaniard sessfully became Barcelona''s 40th president.
Upon taking office, Bartomeu''s transfer work seemed loud but not substantial. They spent 34 million euros to buy Turan from Atletico Madrid and brought back Aleix Vidal from Sevi for 17 million euros.
However, the departure of 35-year-old Xavi, who joined Al Sadd in the Qatari league as a free agent, sparked dissatisfaction and sadness among many Catn fans.
Fans felt that the club should at least give the Spanish legend a retirement contract. After all, they had just mocked Real Madrid for not amodating Casis, and now a simr situation was happening at their own club, which was truly ironic.
In total, Barcelona spent 51 million euros in the transfer market but only earned 48 million euros, resulting in nearly bnced financials. It didn''t look like a club that wanted to stage aeback.
On the one hand, it was because the team''s finances were difficult, with several levers left by the previous administration needing to be resolved. On the other hand, Bartomeu didn''t want to follow in the footsteps of Laporta and Rosell, choosing to temporarily avoidpeting head-on with Real Madrid. He didn''t believe the Gctic team could dominate for much longer.
Atletico Madrid also spent heavily on transfers this summer, aiming to further advance after their excellent performance of putting pressure on Barcelona and closely following Real Madrid.
They spent 35 million euros to bring in Martinez from Porto, 25 million euros to bring back Savic from Fiorentina, 20 million euros to buy Carrasco from Monaco, and 20 million euros to buy Vietto from Virreal.
In addition to Felipe Luis, Mensah, and Kranevitter, the Mattress Makers spent nearly 139.5 million euros, making them the highest-spending team in La Liga in the summer window.
Of course, don''t think they were more extravagant than Real Madrid and Barcelona, because Atletico''s transfer ie also reached 104 million euros, with arge number of talents leaving, forcing them to buy from all over the world.
For example, Turan went to Barcelona, Mandzukic went to Juventus, Alderweireld transferred to Tottenham, and so on.
This situation undoubtedly increased the difficulty of Simeone''s coaching. He must quickly unite the new yers to have a chance topete with the "El Cl??sico" duo.
Valencia, which returned to the Champions League after many years, was undoubtedly the richest team in La Liga this summer. As soon as the transfer market opened, they poured over 100 million euros into it, ultimately spending as much as 137 million euros, with only 50.1 million euros in ie, resulting in a investment of nearly 100 million euros.
This included bringing back Rodrigo from Benfica for 30 million euros, acquiring Negredo from Manchester City for 28 million euros, and signing Abdennour from Monaco for 20 million euros, among others.
All their transfers were very scientific and targeted. It seemed they were ambitious to regain the glory of the former bat legion.
In the Premier League, Manchester United undoubtedly needed aplete rebuild. Ferguson''s retirement had a far-reaching impact that was deeper than anyone had imagined.
Finishing seventh and then fourth in two seasons, barely regaining a spot in the Champions League qualifiers, was a far cry from the glory days of the three consecutive championships.
Desperate times called for desperate measures, and they spent ??36 million to sign 19-year-old French forward Anthony Martial from Monaco, making him the most expensive yer under 20.
If you counted the additional uses in the contract, such as winning the Premier League Golden Boot, European Golden Boy, and Ballon d''Or, Martial''s total value could reach a staggering ??58 million, close to 80 million euros.
Many fans and experts were puzzled. Although yer prices had been skyrocketing in recent years, was it really appropriate to spend ??80 million on an unknown kid?
Manchester City, on the other hand, continued to adhere to their principle of spending without hesitation. They brought back Sterling from Liverpool for ??49 million and signed Argentine international Otamendi from Valencia for ??32 million.
However, despite their usual keen interest in Wang Feng, the Blue Moon this time did not follow suit with any bidding news, which inevitably raised some doubts. Did theypletely give up on the Chinese superstar and decide to build the team around Ronaldo?
In the past two years, the Portuguese had brought Manchester City a league title and reached the Champions League semi-finals, butst season, they were second to Chelsea in the league, and they were eliminated early in the round of 16 of the Champions League by Barcelona, which left the ambitious Blue Moon fans unsatisfied.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich showed great ambition in the transfer market, investing nearly ?100 million in total. They continuously brought in yers like Arturo Vidal from Juventus, Dous Costa from Shakhtar Dsk, and Joshua Kimmich from Stuttgart.
Juventus in Serie A continued to make the biggest moves among all clubs, consistently signing young talents like Dyb and Sandro.
Chapter 723: The Art of Leadership
Chapter 723: The Art of Leadership
This year, Real Madrid''s preseason training kicked off in early July, with ns toplete yer conditioning work in Madrid and engage in friendly matches with several small clubs.
Subsequently, they flew to Sydney, Australia for training, engaging in friendly matches with Asian and Chinese teams, while also participating in the Spanish Super Cup.
Of course, in August, they would need to rush to Georgia to participate in the UEFA Super Cup, once again facing off against Sevi, the Europa League champions.
Unlike previous years, Wang Feng was not among the first group of returning yers. He used a privilege that had rarely been used before, dying his return to the end of July, effectively extending his vacation.
Although Ancelotti was somewhat surprised, he readily agreed to the request of the Chinese superstar, saying over the phone, "You''ve worked hard for an entire season. It''s time to enjoy life a bit. But I hope to see the same ambitious Wang when you return."
At this moment, Wang Feng was leisurely reclining on the balcony of a luxury cabin aboard a cruise ship traveling from Sweden to Find. On both sides were lush forests and asionally visible ancient castles. At this time of year, the Nordic region disyed a rare green scenery throughout the seasons.
Upon hearing this, he sat up from the deck chair and walked to the railing, leaning lightly against it as he said, "Of course, Coach. I will always strive for victory."
Seeing his response, Ancelotti felt relieved. Next year would also be hisst year at the helm of the Gctic team. He hoped to finish his long coaching career at Real Madrid with good results. He had to consider the attitude and form of the Chinese superstar.
During this extended vacation, Wang Feng and his family traveled to the four Nordic countries, Eastern European towns, and East Asia by private ne and cruise ship. The two children were very happy to y with their parents for so long.
His mother, whose hair was turning white, also smiled with relief, making Wang Feng cherish the days spent with his family even more.
The final stop of the trip naturally fell within the country. While others returned to their hometowns, Wang Feng himself headed to join the team.
When the Chinese superstar appeared in the team''s training room, Real Madrid had almostpleted all their summer transfer work, with all the yers in ce. Everyone looked at him with surprised eyes.
"It''s hard to imagine, Captain, that you''re thest one to arrive," Ramos pretended to be extremely surprised, and Wang Feng put down his backpack and stretched his body. "After fighting for a lifetime, can''t I enjoy myself a bit?" Hearing this, everyone smiled.
Looking around, the Chinese superstar quickly noticed the newly joined Danilo and Kovacic. He decisively walked up to them to say hello. Both of them were excited but nervous. After all, the person in front of them was a legend in the football world!
After a brief exchange, they no longer felt so restrained. What the other teammates said was true; Wang Feng seemed to exude a very charismatic leadership aura.
In fact, it was mainly because the Chinese superstar had done his homework beforehand, understanding the basic information and technical characteristics of these two yers, so themunication went smoothly, giving them a sense of eptance and integration into the team.
The art of leading a team often lies in the details. Authority and status are never achieved through coercion but through practical actions on the field.
If one considers themselves above others, looking down on everyone all the time, not only will they fail to gain respect, but they may also worsen the atmosphere in the locker room.
After greeting the neers, he walked up to the somewhat silent Higuain and patted his shoulder. The Argentine looked at Wang Feng with eyes full of encouragement, his eyes red with emotion.
"Wang, I..."
"I know, I''ve experienced the frustration of failure too. Let''s have a drink tonight, and then we look forward!" Higuain nodded heavily. Since missing the penalty in the penalty shootout of the just-concluded Copa America final, which caused the team to miss the championship, he had been under immense pressure and criticism.
In the club, he was as fierce as a tiger, but in the national team, he was as weak as an ant. Messi, Higuain, and other Argentine stars were all fiercely criticized. Wang Feng couldn''t change anything, but he could encourage his teammates in his own way.
"The various indicators are not bad, but your body fat percentage can be reduced a bit more, and you need to lose another three kilograms." Ancelotti looked at Wang Feng''s detailed physical examination report and said, "Was your vacation enjoyable? It doesn''t seem like you purely enjoyed it."
"Come on, I''m still a professional athlete. How could Ipletely change my training habits?" Wang Feng said.
Ancelotti smiled and exined, "Lucio (assistant coach) has been nagging in my ear, saying I should contact you to return to the team as soon as possible, worried that your physical condition would take a long time to recover."
"Now it seems to be groundless worry. You don''t need to undergo separate adaptation training anymore. Just join the team and prepare for the friendly matches and the uing UEFA Super Cup."
Setting aside work matters, the two chatted for a while. In fact, Ancelotti was a very interesting old man who loved traveling and fishing. When he married his second wife, McCray,st year, Wang Feng also attended as a guest.
In the first joint training session with everyone, Danilo deeply felt the terror of the football god.
In the scrimmage, he was assigned to defend Wang Feng. Seeing his teammates showing smug expressions one after another, the 24-year-old felt very excited. After all, Wang hadn''t trained or yed for more than a month. If he could sessfully defend against him, wouldn''t he be able to boast for a lifetime?
Seeing the Chinese superstar dribble slowly towards him, Danilo squatted slightly, fully focused on observing his opponent''s movements. However, Wang Feng seized the opportunity and effortlessly passed the ball through his legs before elerating past him.
Just as the Brazilian defenderpleted his turn, the distance between him and Wang Feng had already widened to more than two body lengths. Despite his full sprint to catch up, he was still easily bypassed by the opponent, who then delivered afortable cross. Unfortunately, Iguan''s header in the penalty area missed the target.
The Argentine forward gave a thumbs-up to the Chinese superstar, while Danilo, panting heavily, looked incredulous. Was this a 32-year-old veteran who had rested for over a month?
What happened next was even more unbearable. Continuously beaten by feints, shoulder drops, and stepovers, Wang Feng passed him as if he were crossing a morning street, leaving the Brazilian questioning his life choices.
As it was a targeted scrimmage, there were no other teammates to support him. Danilo could only be continuously tormented, and even the assistant coach, Lucio, felt a bit sorry for him, asking, "Will this affect the yer''s mentality?"
Ancelotti didn''t think so. He believed Danilo was a seed worth nurturing. Helping the team reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals under the Porto system was no simple feat.
After training ended, the exhausted Brazilian copsed on the ground. Having faced strong teams like Bayern Munich, he now realized that football was not just a game. Today, he truly understood the difference between heaven and earth.
Ramos sympathetically helped him up. "Today, Wang didn''t control his strength well. He used to hold back a bit during the scrimmages. It''s because we haven''t trained together for over a month."
Danilo opened his mouth wide and saw Wang Feng not resting with everyone else but continuing his shuttle run training alone. He couldn''t help but ask, "Is the captain''s training intensity always this high?"
"Yeah, Wang has always been so hardworking. Otherwise, how could he be the strongest yer in football?"
Chapter 724: Is This an Assist?
Chapter 724: Is This an Assist?
"Of course, everyone has different physical talents. Don''t easily emte Wang''s approach, or else you''ll end up like someone, injuring yourself while trying too hard, haha," Ramos added.
Modric blushed at the words. When he first joined the Gctic team, he saw the captain working so hard. Coupled with his poor performance and criticism, he wanted to keep up with Wang Feng''s pace.
However, he ended up with muscle strains due to overtraining, bing a negative example for the whole team. From then on, he understood that everyone is different, and rushing does not lead to sess. Developing one''s skills and abilities fully is the key.
Training time flew by, and the Gctic team held a friendly match with Juventus at the Jiangcheng Sports Center. This was Wang Feng''s first appearance for the team in the new season, and his absence from much of the training camp made the outside world pay close attention to the currentpetitive state of the Chinese superstar.
In the 30 minutes he yed, he did not score a goal but orchestrated two threatening attacks. From his performance, it seemed that he was not affected by the transfer rumors and did not ck off due to the long vacation.
On August 11th, at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, Georgia, the UEFA Super Cup was held. This was also Real Madrid''s first official match of the season.
Since the UEFA Super Cup moved from the Stade Louis II in Monaco, its match time has been pushed forward from the end of August. As a frequent participant in thispetition, the Gctic team''s involvement was more focused on training.
From 2007 to 2015, they participated for nine consecutive years, winning seven championships. Now, they were aiming for their eighth.
For other European clubs, they were eager to qualify for this preseason friendly match because it meant either winning the previous season''s Europa League or Champions League!
Ancelotti''s starting lineup had quite a few changespared tost season. Bale sat on the bench due to some injuries during pre-match training, and with the inclusion of two new yers, the final formation was a 4-4-2.
Navas was in goal, with Ramos, Marcelo, Varane, and Danilo in defense.
The midfield consisted of Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, and Isco.
The forwards remained Wang Feng and Higuain.
This was not Real Madrid''s strongest lineup, as main yers like Carvajal, Pepe, and Kroos were on the bench.
On the other hand, Sevi fielded their full-strength team. Having just defended their Europa League title, they were determined to avenge their loss to the Gctic teamst year.
Once the match started, both sides seemed evenly matched. Real Madrid did not demonstrate the same strong pressure asst season, which could be attributed to the unfamiliarity with the new lineup and teammates, as well as the yers'' fluctuating mentality after unprecedented sess.
Sevi, strengthened during the summer transfer window, was also a factor. As a traditional La Liga powerhouse like Valencia, they couldn''t afford to be left too far behind when seeing their old rivals investing heavily to rise.
In the first ten minutes, both sides fiercely contested the midfield. Higuain and Wang Feng frequently dropped back to help the imperfect four-center-back system, and the ball rarely prated the defense into the penalty area.
"Real Madrid seems a bit chaotic, but Sevi doesn''t dare to press forward aggressively, because they have the big gun, Wang Feng."
"Yes, even when he''s strolling on the field, one or two defenders are still following him closely, and they have to be fully focused because he could suddenly elerate and bypass them at any moment."
Thementator narrated the somewhat dull scene, while Wang Feng silently observed, searching for opportunities. At this moment, he was no longer like his younger self, constantly creating space by running actively and shaking off defenders. Instead, he saved his energy and exploded at crucial moments.
So most of the time, it seemed like he was "strolling," but this slow and effortless feeling put tremendous pressure on opponents. No one doubted the immense power contained within the Chinese superstar''s body.
Kovacic received the ball from Isco near the backfield. His position was rtively deep, and Sevi yers did not press too aggressively, allowing the Croatian to calmly observe the situation on the field.
Under the leadership of hispatriot Modric, he quickly integrated into the team environment. However, being only 21 years old, it was inevitable for the young Croatian to feel nervous when stepping onto the Gctic team''s prestigious stage for the first time.
Especially after making several consecutive positioning errors and encroaching on Modric and Isco''s space to handle the ball, he became even more flustered.
What should he do next? Just as he was pondering, he suddenly saw Wang Feng dropping back towards him, raising his hand for the ball, with a Sevi defender closely following him.
Wouldn''t passing the ball rashly risk a mistake? Kovacic suddenly remembered what Modric had said to him, "When Wang asks for the ball on the field, there''s always a reason. Don''t hesitate at these times; just pass it."
So the young Croatian stopped hesitating and forcefully sent a through pass. His passing technique was good, and the ball was fast and urate, finding Wang Feng in the desired position.
The Chinese superstar received the ball with his instep, and at the same time, turned and pushed it with the outside of his foot. The three actions were very natural and connected almost seamlessly, taking less than 1 second. Even though Banega tried his best to elerate and catch up, he still couldn''t catch the opponent.
By the time he wanted to turn and chase, it was already toote. Wang Feng''s explosive eleration instantly opened up a gap between the two, and after reaching the edge of the penalty area, he shifted the ballterally to evade Krychowiak, then used his left foot to curl a world-ss shot.
"Wang Feng! He shoots!"
Before thementator''s voice could finish, the ball flew like an arrow towards the goal, leaving Sevi''s goalkeeper Beto gaping, as if a goldfish out of water.
"Goal!"
The goalkeeper''s diligent save effort became a backdrop as the ball found the in a corner where no one could reach.
"Goooooooooooooal! It''s in! It''s in! Wang Feng''s powerful long shot from outside the penalty area opens the new season journey for the Gctic team!"
"The reception, turn, andteral burst werepleted in an instant. Sevi''s defense of Banega and Krychowiak was like nothing."
After scoring this goal, the Chinese superstar spread his arms and ran towards the sidelines. This feeling was too familiar; if it wasn''t a goal, what else could it be?
The fans at the scene erupted into huge cheers, a rare sight since the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena was built.
Then Wang Feng gestured towards Kovacic toe over and celebrate with him. The young Croatian was still a bit confused at this point. Was this an assist out of nowhere?
Modric patted him on the shoulder as he passed by, "What are you standing there for? Come on, let''s celebrate together. Wang wants you to show your face in front of the fans."
Only then did Kovacic react and run towards the sidelines. The Chinese superstar gave him a warm hug and raised his left hand to acknowledge the fans, who also warmly apuded him.
Chapter 725: Helping You Win the Golden Boot!
Chapter 725: Helping You Win the Golden Boot!
Real Madrid yers and fans were celebrating their lead joyfully, while Sevi seemed a bit downcast.
Especially Banega, who watched helplessly as the Chinese superstar broke through in front of him, not even giving him a chance to foul, while Correa didn''t expect Wang Feng to suddenly shoot from that far out. He thought the opponent would at least try to get into the penalty area.
Sevi''s coach Emery furrowed his brow slightly, but quickly rxed. How to defend and limit the Chinese superstar was a problem that coaches around the world pondered over. It seemed like he always had different weapons to face increasingly diverse constraints.
Not explosive enough in physicality, the Spanish felt that the Chinese superstar seemed to get more magical as he aged.
Facing the dismayed yers, Emery pped his hands and shouted, "Don''t let the goal affect your mindset. Their midfield organization and defense are not good. Stick to the established tactics!"
Indulging in temporary failure was useless; only by staying true to themselves did they have a chance toughst. This was also an important weapon for the "Basin Legion" to defend their Europa League title.
Sure enough, after conceding a goal, Sevi did not rush to attack aggressively. They maintained their current rhythm and held off Real Madrid. The match had only been going on for 20 minutes, still far from panicking.
Soon afterward, Modric broke through on the wing, sending a cross into the penalty area at a 45-degree angle. Marcelo, who had pushed forward, poked the ball into the, expanding Real Madrid''s lead.
On the other side, Reyes created a free kick for Sevi, and Banega redeemed himself by personally taking the shot and piercing through Navas'' hands, narrowing the gap for Sevi.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng faked a shot outside the penalty area, then dribbled past the defense, passed into the penalty area, and Iguan, left unmarked, easily scored, making it 3-1.
The victory seemed certain, especially after the break in the 52nd minute, when Modric intercepted in midfield and delivered a wonderful pass. Iguan calmly slotted home for his second goal, extending the lead to 4-1.
So Ancelotti substituted Wang Feng with the young Basques and reced Modric with Cheryshev.
Unexpectedly, Seviunched a frenzied counterattack 60 minutes into the game. Their momentum didn''t seem like they were ying in the UEFA Super Cup, but rather in the Champions League final.
Emery made three consecutive substitutions, and his substitutes created two goals, along with Reyes'' goal, leveling the score to 4-4 and pushing the game into extra time!
"Wang Feng''s absence has deprived the Gctic team of an important offensive outlet, allowing the Basin Legion to attack without restraint, exposing their chaotic and wed lineup and tactics."
In extra time, the Italian coach made the final adjustments, bringing on Kroos for Kovacic to stabilize the midfield, which finally halted the opponent''s continuous attacking tide.
In the 115th minute, Iguan received a through pass from Kroos inside the penalty area, took a shot, which was blocked by the goalkeeper Beto, but Basques, who arrived in time, tapped in the rebound from close range.
5-4! After more than two hours of arduous battle, Real Madrid still lifted the trophy of this season''s UEFA Super Cup!
The debut of the Gctic team in the new season was not entirely sessful, nearly stumbling badly. The outside world generally believed that Ancelotti was a bit overconfident, thinking he had the victory in his pocket and making reckless adjustments to the lineup.
Little did they know that other teams were also improving continuously, coupled with the subconscious ckening of the old yers, Real Madrid no longer had the capital to be arrogant likest season.
Ancelotti was well aware of this. His adjustment to the main lineup was also to instill a sense of crisis in everyone. Moreover, throughout the season, they would have topete at the limit of their abilities, a state that could not be sustained.
Ancelotti even requested an increase in Wang Feng''s rotation ratio. This time, the Chinese superstar readily agreed. ying at full strength in the most important matches of the season was the key.
In the subsequent Spanish Super Cup, the Italian coach executed this idea firmly. Although Messi and Suarez scored for Bar?a, Wang Feng scored a goal to pull one back. He was substituted off at the 60th minute.
In the end, the Gctic team lost 1-2 to the Catn team and failed to defend their Spanish Super Cup title.
Compared to the match against Sevi, Real Madrid''s defense in this game wasmendable. Whether it was the yers'' form or tactical execution, there was a significant improvement, which was the effect Ancelotti hoped to see.
The first round of the 2015-2016 La Liga season was scheduled for August 23rd. On this day, Real Madrid traveled to the Principality of Asturias to challenge Sporting Gijn.
This was the first time in recent years that the Gctic team had opened the season away from home. However, their goal was very clear: to defeat their opponents and start a new campaign for the championship.
Naturally, Ancelotti sent out the strongest lineup they could muster, with Bale back in the starting lineup and aplete three-center-back system.
Real Madrid''s offense and defense became more organized. Although there were still some loose andx moments, overall, they looked more like a highlypetitive team.
The away team had the upper hand on the field butcked a bit of boldness and luck in the final touch. It wasn''t until the 71st minute of the second half that they broke the deadlock.
Modric received the ball in midfield, turned smoothly, evaded the rushing Sporting Gijn defender, and then sent a through pass forward.
At the same time, Wang Feng quickly started a run from the wing, shook off the defending yers, and reached the vacant space in the penalty area to receive the ball. He feigned a shot with his right leg.
Perhaps because his feint was too convincing, not only did the two defenders in the penalty area fall to the ground to block, even the goalkeeper made a save attempt.
Little did they know that the Chinese superstar would lightly tap the ball to the left with his right foot, then use the outside of his left foot to push it to the far post. Iguan, who was following up, faced such an open goal and easily tapped the ball into the.
"Gonzalo Iguan! He scores the first goal of the new season for Real Madrid! Assisted by Wang Feng!"
"Modric''s through pass was exquisite, and the Chinese superstar suddenly appeared, attracting the defense before passing to the unmarked Argentine striker, who effortlessly broke the deadlock!"
After scoring, Iguan turned and ran towards Wang Feng, who opened his arms, and the two embraced each other. "Thank you, Wang, thank you!"
In that attack just now, the Chinese superstar could have easily taken the shot himself after controlling the ball. He would never miss such an opportunity. But he chose to pass instead.
The Argentine understood what that meant. He remembered a conversation he had with Wang Feng a few days ago, where he confessed his desire to leave the Gctic team.
"To be honest, I don''tck championships or honors, so I want to pursue better treatment. But Florentino won''t negotiate."
At this point, Iguan''s face showed a somewhat embarrassed expression as he hesitated, "So... Wang... can you... can you help me create more scoring opportunities? I know you''re very good at it, but this is for you."
The Chinese superstar showed a hearty smile, "I thought you''d never ask! Of course, no problem. This season, I''ll help youpete for the La Liga Golden Boot, and even the European Golden Boot!"
Iguan was somewhat incredulous at hearing this. After all, in La Liga, apart from Wang Feng, there were also super scorers like Messi, Suarez, and Neymar. Could he really outshine them and win the Golden Boot?
Back to the field, watching the encouraging and confident smile of the Chinese superstar, the Argentine striker understood that he wasn''t just talking!
With this goal, Real Madrid won 1-0 against Sporting Gijn.
Chapter 726: Regaining European Best
Chapter 726: Regaining European Best
Just like Real Madrid''s narrow 1-0 victory, Barcelona and Atltico Madrid also faced strong resistance in the first round, ultimately winning 1-0 against their respective opponents, while Valencia and Sevi drew with their opponents.
The most surprising result of this round fell to Elche, who defeated Granada 3-1, which made people wonder if this was still the La Liga where teams easily scored five or six goals?
The Spanish newspaper "El Pas"mented that none of the 20 teams had fully entered intopetitive form yet. Whether the top three or the mid-table teams, their performances were generallyckluster, which might be rted to the intense summer training schedule.
"For example, take Real Madrid. They traveled between Asia and Europe this summer, visiting a total of five cities. They not only participated in the UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup but also yed numerous invitationals and warm-up matches."
"Although the yers received adequate training, the frequent travel and matches made them feel exhausted."
"El Pas" criticized this unrestrained money-making behavior before the season, believing that it would affect the clubs'' early season performance.
This viewpoint was quickly taken seriously by Real Madrid. After internal discussions, the managers responsible for the market admitted their mistakes and stated that they would not arrange such aplicated summer schedule in the future.
After the match against Sporting Gijn ended, everyone boarded a charter ne back to Madrid and rested overnight at the Valdebebas training base beforepleting recovery training the next morning and then dispersing for a break.
Two dayster, the team regrouped. Some stayed at the base for training, while many key yers, including Wang Feng, departed for Monaco to attend the UEFA awards and the Champions League draw ceremony.
When the Real Madrid delegation appeared at the Grimaldi Forum, countless football practitioners at the conference all looked at them with admiration and apuse.
All because the Gctic team''s performance in the past season was too dazzling! A league title with a perfect record could be called the greatest miracle in football history. It was almost impossible for any club to reach such heights again.
Not to mention theeback in the Champions League, indirectly causing former UEFA President tini and former FIFA President tter to fall.
Not seeing the newly appointed Ceferin hurriedly weing them and shaking hands tightly with the Chinese superstar, their intimacy was beyond words.
Wang Feng didn''t have any special feelings towards the new UEFA helmsman. From his standpoint, he would inevitably have to suppress the top clubs. As long as they weren''t too brazen, he could understand.
The three candidates selected for the European Best yer this year, besides the Chinese superstar, were Modric and Messi. However, everyone knew that the other two were just apanying roles. The real winner was already determined.
"I think I can congratte you in advance, Wang!" A familiar voice from behind surprised and delighted Wang Feng. He quickly turned around and indeed saw the former captain, Javier Zti.
During Wang Feng''s time at Inter Mn, he quickly adapted to the environment with Zti''s care and assistance, gradually growing into a superstar.
Moreover, like Totti, Zti remained loyal to a single club throughout his European career until he announced his retirement in 2014, a quality that Wang Feng greatly admired.
After retiring, Moratti hired him as the club''s vice president, which the Chinese superstar naturally supported.
The two sped hands tightly. "You guys were too powerfulst season. The European Best yer this year won''t escape you; it''s all yours!"
"Thank you for your kind words, Javier," Wang Feng said with a smile. "I still need to work hard in the uing new season. By the way, why are you here at the awards ceremony?"
Zti pointed to the stage. "I was invited as a guest for the Champions League group stage draw. Inter Mn hasn''t participated in Europeanpetitions for several years since 2011. It''s all thanks to your efforts that we have improved and secured a spot in the qualifiersst year."
Saying this, he couldn''t help but size up the Chinese superstar, then joked, "It''s a bit ufortable for me. You''re my big boss now."
Wang Feng quickly waved his hand. "Why talk about these? In my heart, you will always be the captain."
They chatted about some past anecdotes. During that time, their families often visited each other, and Wang Feng and Lu Yao were still in a romantic rtionship. They admired Zti''s cute little baby.
Now that he had his own child, Zti''s son had grown up and entered Inter Mn''s youth academy.
As they chatted, the Argentine suddenly asked, "Wang, what do you think about returning to Inter Mn in the future? We all believe that you can revive Inter Mn!"
The Chinese superstar was taken aback. Although Inter Mn couldn''t be considered his home team, it was his own club. From the age of 18 to 23, he devoted his youth to the Nerazzurri, where he had many fond memories. He still kept his vi by Lake Como to this day.
"To be honest, I haven''t thought about it yet. Maybe it''s an option for the future." Zti patted Wang Feng on the shoulder, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Their conversation was quickly noticed by attentive individuals, and many media outlets felt they had stumbled upon big news. Why hadn''t anyone thought of the Chinese superstar going to Inter Mn?
Signing with his own club as a yer or even as a club owner, this was a unique existence in European football. Such publicity would surely attract public attention.
After all, until the day he renewed with the Gctic team, the rumors of Wang Feng''s transfer would never cease.
At the awards ceremony, Real Madrid was undoubtedly the biggest winner.
The Best Save of the Season award went to Navas. His incredible save against Juventus in the Champions League semi-final surpassed Ter Stegen and Courtois.
The Best Goal of the Season was awarded to Wang Feng for his incredible long-range bicycle kick against Atltico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Many yers rarely achieve a bicycle kick goal in their entire careers, but the Chinese superstar''s overhead kick was absolutely ssic.
Messi couldn''t hide his disappointment. This was the only award he had a chance topete for. In the semi-finals against Bayern Munich, his breakthrough on the right and subsequent goal process was fantastic and also nominated for the Best Goal.
However,pared to the tension and beauty of the bicycle kick, it fell slightly short.
The Best Female yer of the Season was selected first. After a vote by 54 journalists present at the scene, after a tense and brief wait, Sashich was sessfully elected.
The final highlight was the selection of the Best Male yer of the 2014-2015 UEFA season. Also voted on-site, the big screen in the conference center disyed the magnificent performances of the three candidates over the past season, and the judges made their final decisions.
"Click!"
After everyone finished voting, UEFA President Ceferin projected the results onto the screen. Wang Feng received 53 votes, Messi 1 vote, and Modric 0 votes.
The Chinese superstar was elected as the European Best yer with an absolute advantage, reiming this honor after a year!
This result was expected by everyone, but no one expected this voting pattern. With just one vote short, Wang Feng could have received a unanimous vote! The media that voted for Messi quickly became the focus of attention. It was Pnd''s POLSAT, and its editor-in-chief, in an interview, said that Europe was overshadowed by the Gctic team led by Wang Feng. Only Messi leading Barcelona could barelypete with them, and their indomitable spirit deservedmendation.
Of course, he also admitted that from apetitive standpoint, Wang Feng should have received his vote. However, voting was a very subjective matter. With 53 out of 54 wanting the same thing, it was enough to show that the Chinese superstar''s strength was deeply ingrained in people''s hearts.
Chapter 727: There鈥檚 Nothing You Can鈥檛 Go Back To
Chapter 727: There''s Nothing You Can''t Go Back To
Apart from the European Best yer award, the UEFA Champions League group stage draw was also a topic of great interest.
The eight teams in the first pot were Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and PSV Eindhoven.
The Gctic team was drawn into Group A first. All club representatives present held their breath. Whether they were willing to admit it or not, Real Madrid was the team no one wanted to face in the Champions League.
In the second pot, Barcelona was undoubtedly the strongest, along with Atltico Madrid, Porto, Arsenal, Manchester United, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, and Manchester City.
The draw began with the selection of teams, followed by the allocation of groups. Real Madrid had good luck and did not face the strong teams from the Premier League. Instead, they were grouped with Bayer Leverkusen from the Bundesliga.
Barcelona, on the other hand, was drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in Group E. The club representatives of Paris Saint-Germain present at the scene visibly darkened their faces, even ring angrily at the newly appointed UEFA president, Ceferin.
It was well known that the Financial Fair y regtions were not only aimed at the elite clubs but also targeted clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, owned by Middle Eastern tycoons. UEFA had been striving to suppress them, and often, they didn''t get favorable draws, which could affect their quest for the top.
Atltico Madrid was grouped with Benfica in Group C, while Valencia was ced in Group H with Zenit Saint Petersburg.
In the third pot, there were teams like Shakhtar Dsk, Sevi, Lyon, Dynamo Kyiv, Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow, Gtasaray, and Roma.
Ultimately, Shakhtar Dsk joined Real Madrid in Group A, Roma joined Barcelona in Group E, Gtasaray joined Atltico Madrid in Group C, and Lyon joined Valencia in Group H.
Sevi, unfortunate to be drawn into Group D with Manchester City and Juventus, had already made up their minds. If they couldn''t qualify, they would aim for third ce and try to win the Europa League again.
The fourth pot included teams like BATE Borisov, Borussia M?nchendbach, Werder Bremen, Dinamo Zagreb, Inter Mn, Genk, Malm?, and Astana.
With the constant reforms in the Champions League format, more and more teams from smaller European leagues had the opportunity to participate in the group stage, but most of the time, they were just making up the numbers.
Real Madrid''s final opponent in Group A was Malm?, Barcelona''s was BATE in Group E, Atltico Madrid''s was Astana in Group C, Valencia''s was Genk in Group H, and Sevi''s was Borussia M?nchendbach in Group D.
It''s worth mentioning that Werder Bremen managed to keep both Huang Hu and Kevin De Bruyne, their absolute core yers, this summer. Their goal was set on the Champions League, and they were drawn into the same group as PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and CSKA Moscow.
For the Gctic team, this draw was quite favorable. The only team that could give them some trouble might be Bayer Leverkusen, but Real Madrid never feared Bundesliga teams, whether it was Schalke 04 or the dominant Bayern Munich, they had experience winning against them many times.
After returning from Monaco, Real Madrid yed their first home game at the Bernabu against Real Betis in the second round.
In this game, the Gctic team did not continue their ineffective attacking performance from the first game, achieving a resounding 5-0 victory.
Wang Feng contributed with one goal and one assist, while Iguan scored twice. In addition, substitute Kova?i? scored his first league goal since joining the team.
After the game, just like in previous years, the world of football weed two weeks of national team matches in September.
In European countries, teams werepeting for qualification spots for the 2016 European Championship group stage. In Asia, the Chinese team also had two matches in the second round, against Hong Kong and the Maldives.
Facing rtively weak opponents, as usual, the Chinese team did not call up Wang Feng, allowing him to stay in Europe and enjoy his life.
In the morning, he spent time with his family at home, and in the afternoon, the restless Wang Feng drove to the training base to keep himself physically active.
Valdebebas was noticeably quieter than usual. As the strongest club in the world, many key yers had be national team yers as expected.
When he arrived at the training ground, Wang Feng found someone already there before him, sweating profusely and giving it their all. It was the young talent, He Sa.
Seeing Wang Feng''s arrival, He Sa was both surprised and a little awkward. The Chinese superstar had guided and helped him many times before, and the young Spanish yer had quickly be a rising star, living up to everyone''s expectations.
However, a recent injury had severely affected his form, causing him to gradually lose his position in the team. Since then, He Sa had intentionally distanced himself from Wang Feng, feeling that he wasn''t worthy of the captain''s guidance given his current status and ability.
After greeting Wang Feng with a slight bow, the Spanish youngster picked up the football and prepared to leave. However, the Chinese superstar firmly stopped him. "Hey, kid,e here!"
Confused, He Sa approached. Wang Feng grabbed his head and ruffled his hair firmly. "I''ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now. Why, feeling a bit down because of a little injury?!"
Seeing the captain''s attitude and tone mirroring those from their previous training sessions, He Sa felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to say something but couldn''t find the words.
"Stop moping around like a child. You''re already 22 years old; it''s time to learn to take responsibility." Wang Feng''s tone remained stern as he continued, "Why are you isting yourself from the team but practicing alone here?"
It seemed that He Sa was somewhat encouraged by the hidden concern in the Chinese superstar''s words. The Spanish youngster finally spoke with a tearful face, "I can''t find my form from before on the field. Everything feels like it''s gone."
Wang Feng stared into his eyes, sensing a mixture of sadness, despair, reluctance, and even a hint of longing. Various emotions mingled together, making the Spanish youngster appear incredibly fragile.
With a slightly softer tone, Wang Feng said, "The fact that you''re here today means that deep down, you don''t believe that everything is gone. There''s nothing you can''t go back to."
After saying this, Wang Feng walked up to He Sa. "Come on, just like before, I''ll train with you."
Gritting his teeth, He Sa ced the football on the ground and approached the Chinese superstar, ready to attack. However, in the ensuing exchanges, Wang Feng noticed some issues. He Sa had lost his agility and speed and was hesitant to make moves, instinctively dodging when Wang Feng went for the ball.
Although his injury had healed, the pain and despair from that time still lingered over the Spanish youngster like a shadow.
Wang Feng furrowed his brows. Oveing this would probably take some effort. After a moment of thought, he walked to the sidelines and changed into special spiked shoes, usually used for specific recovery training sessions.
He Sa was puzzled. He looked nervously at Wang Feng. Had his performance just now disappointed the captainpletely? He didn''t want to let down his respected senior, but reality could be so cruel.
Chapter 728: A Unique Recovery Method
Chapter 728: A Unique Recovery Method
Wang Feng ignored He Sa''s thoughts and said with a neutral tone, "Let''s continue."
The young Spanish yer couldn''t fathom the captain''s intentions and could only attempt to dribble past again. However, the Chinese superstar intensified his tackles, not only aiming to intercept the ball but also engaging in physical confrontations.
Collisions, tackles, and shovesWang Feng seemed to be tormenting He Sa, making him feel both aggrieved and angry, eager to surpass his opponent.
But whenever he tried to elerate or make significant movements, a sense of pain would shoot through his body, warning him of the risk of injury if he continued. Thus, he had to stop.
After several unsessful attempts, the Chinese superstar realized that merely provoking He Sa wasn''t enough; he needed to push harder. However, this required precise control.
As He Sa approached with the ball again, Wang Feng stepped forward to block him, waiting for the opportune moment. Instead of easily intercepting the ball, he suddenly swung his right leg, not aiming for the ball but striking the Spanish youngster''s injured leg.
"Ah!" He Sa clutched his knee and fell to the ground. That sensationit felt like he had torn his cruciate ligament again.
Wang Feng didn''t panic; instead, he squatted down, grasped He Sa''s shoulder, and said, "Stay calm, He Sa. Feel it again, see if you''re really injured!"
Out of instinctive trust in the captain, the Spanish youngster forced himself to calm down. He felt a lot of pain, simr to when he was seriously injured on the field years ago, unable to walk independently.
"Come on, get up and walk around!"
Encouraged by Wang Feng''s words, He Sa gathered his courage, pushed himself up with his hands, and stood up. His leg indeed felt painful, but it seemed to be functioning.
After running and walking for a while, the pain gradually subsided. Although the Spanish youngster wasn''t entirely sure if he was healthy, he had no problem moving with the ball.
"Now that you can run, let''s continue!"
"Oh!" He Sa let out a painful cry. Wang Feng then intensified his actions, bing a foul-creating demon, continuously targeting He Sa''s injured leg. If this were a formal match, he would have received numerous red cards.
Every time the Spanish youngster fell, he felt like it was over for him. But whenever the Chinese superstar asked him to assess his injury, he managed to get up and continue running, gradually reducing the pain.
They trained until dusk, only stopping when the lights on the training ground were turned on. "Let''s go, let''s find the team doctor," Wang Feng said with a smile, looking at the sweaty He Sa.
With the Chinese superstar leading the way, everything went smoothly. The club''s medical team quickly conducted a detailed examination of the Spanish youngster, especially focusing on his previous leg injury.
The results showed that apart from minor muscle strain, everything was normal, and he only needed some recovery therapy.
He Sa looked incredulous. Just moments ago, when he was tackled, he had already nned what he would do after retiring. How could everything be fine now?
"It seems your body is much stronger than you think," the Chinese superstar said with a half-smile. "We''ll continue with this special training. Are you willing?"
He Sa vaguely understood the captain''s good intentions. Proud deep down, he didn''t want to continue feeling lost. The Spanish youngster nodded heavily. "Thank you!"
Soon, news of their additional training spread to Ancelotti''s ears, and the Italian coach came to observe. At first, he was shocked by Wang Feng''s rough actions and considered calling the team doctor for He Sa.
However, the staff around him stopped him, and true enough, the Spanish youngster quickly got up and continued training.
"You''re using a ''poison against poison'' strategy, making himpletely ovee his fear of injuries. But what if you actually hurt him?" Ancelotti asked afterward.
"I''ve exercised some control, but I can''t guarantee that he won''t get hurt at all," Wang Feng replied. "If left unchecked, his spirit will deteriorate with age, and the mental torment will only get worse. He might not be able to y football properly in the future."
"Instead of that, it''s better to solve it now. I''ll take full responsibility. If necessary, I''ll arrange for him to work in the club''s organization, with the same sry as if he were sitting on the bench."
"And, it''s his choice."
Looking at Wang Feng''s determination, Ancelotti seemed to understand the true meaning of leadership again. Moreover, the Chinese superstar''s control over exertion was remarkable. Despite training intensely for many days, he hadn''t made a single mistake, allowing He Sa to feel the pain without actually hurting him.
"Looking at the world, only you can use such a method to help your teammates," the Italian remarked.
As everyone returned from national team duty, Real Madrid began preparing for the third round of La Liga, an away game against Espanyol.
After regr training sessions every day, Wang Feng and He Sa continued their high-intensity training. Some curious teammates stayed behind to watch, feeling a chill down their spines.
Danilo stared in amazement at the Chinese superstar''s tough tackles. "These are textbook tackles, such brute force. Oh my God, Wang looks like an imprable defensive wall!"
"What do you mean ''looks like''?" Ramos scoffed. "Just a few seasons ago, Wang yed as a defensive midfielder for an entire year. His defensive stats were unmatched in La Liga; he was the best defensive yer of the season."
"Pay attention and learn. The captain is a treasure trove." Ramos patted Danilo''s shoulder with emphasis.
The young yers who had previously envied Wang Feng''s favoritism towards He Sa, seeing him being constantly tackled and knocked down, abandoned their jealousy and felt sympathy instead.
Nobody noticed that, amidst the pain, He Sa was gradually adapting. He kept questioning himself whether the pain his body felt was real, why it felt so severe when the injury wasn''t significant?
Slowly, he began to forget the pain he had experienced when he tore his cruciate ligament. Perhaps he couldn''t distinguish between the sensation of that injury and the current one.
He Sa''s eyes sparkled more and more. Maybe being injured wasn''t so scary after all. His speed and agility gradually recovered, and sometimes he even initiated fake movements with his legs.
Wang Feng, being in the midst of it all, could naturally sense this. So, he deliberately rxed his defensive intensity, allowing He Sa to asionally break through and build confidence.
The results of their special training were validated in the game against Espanyol. Wang Feng contributed with one goal and one assist, while Iguan scored a hat-trick, helping the Gctic team secure a 6-0 victory.
In the 71st minute, He Sa reced Wang Feng on the field, returning to La Liga after more than a year. Although he didn''t score, his performance wasmendable.
Especially his eleration and consecutive dribbles past two defenders into the penalty area, only to be brought down by the opposition.
In slow motion, it could be seen that to ensure the ball passed through, he moved to the side and collided head-on with the opponent''s foot, causing him to lose bnce and fall.
This was almost impossible before; whenever a defender stretched his leg, He Sa would tremble in fear, afraid to handle the ball, allowing the opponent to easily intercept, gradually losing his chance to y.
But now, he no longer feared oveing his mental obstacles!
Chapter 729: Carry On the Iron Will
Chapter 729: Carry On the Iron Will
Before facing Shakhtar Dsk in the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid had to y the 4th round of La Liga against Granada. With only a day''s gap between the two matches, this devilish scheduling led to strong criticism from the club and fans alike.
Ancelotti naturally chose to prioritize the Champions League match, fielding a lineup of substitutes in the league game. yers like Varane, Nacho, Danilo, and Kovacic got the chance to start.
The visiting team at the Bernabu Stadium didn''t show any timidity; instead, they disyed a fighting spirit, nearly snatching points from the Gctic ship.
In the dying moments of the game, He Sa made his mark, ending his 501-day goal drought and securing the winning goal for Real Madrid, 1-0!
After scoring, the young Spanish yer excitedly rushed to the bench, embracing Wang Feng tightly. It was the captain who gave him renewed hope!
"Keep charging forward. One day, you''ll fully realize your talent." The Chinese superstar encouraged him, patting his back.
After winning this game, Real Madrid easily defeated Shakhtar Dsk 4-0 at home, marking their opening victory in the Champions League. Wang Feng also scored a hat-trick for the first time this season.
Then, they won 2-1 away against Athletic Bilbao, with the Chinese superstar equalizing with a header. At home, they drew 0-0 against Mga.
With this, their winning streak in La Liga ended at 43 matches. The yers understood that victory couldn''tst forever, but they still felt a bit reluctant when it finally ended.
To alleviate everyone''s mncholy, Wang Feng specially invited everyone to gather for dinner after the match. "The record we''ve achieved will probably be hard to break in the future, so let''s be proud and celebrate!"
On September 30th, in the second round of the Champions League group stage, they faced Malm? FF away. Bale opened the scoring for the team, while the Chinese superstar scored a goal aftering on as a substitute, sealing the score at 2-0.
On the weekend after this game, the Gctic ship would encounter their first strong opponent on the road to the league title, facing Atltico Madrid in the 7th round away.
"Revenge? No, I don''t want to use that word to describe this match." Simeone said in an interview before the match.
"The achievements and honors that Real Madrid has achieved along the way, apanied by how many teams have fallen at their feet, if we talk about revenge, I''m afraid the whole of Europe would need it, haha."
"We just want to do better than our past selves!"
The course of the match validated Simeone''s viewpoint. His team was more tenacious and tougher than in the previous two seasons.
Tactical discipline and defensive efficiency were ingrained in every yer''s soul. Although they lined up in a 4-4-2 formation on the field, they oftenpressed the space tightly.
Normally, when Real Madrid''s 4-3-3 system met a 4-4-2 diamond system, they would have the advantage in numbers. However, Atltico Madrid had no such worries. Under Simeone''s instructions, forwards like Torres and Griezmann frequently retreated to the midfield to support.
The wingers Saul and Koke were also attacking midfielders rather than traditional wingers, positioning themselves closer to the center, which to some extent relieved the pressure on Gabi and Augusto.
It was extremely difficult for the Gctic ship to prate the defense of the Bed Sheet Legion through the center. They often had to seek breakthroughs from the wings.
Although Bale and Wang Feng could fly on both wings, the overall defensive awareness of the entire Atltico team, especially their ability to cover defensively, had significantly improvedpared to before, making them one of the best in European football.
Of course, when mentioning their defense, their aggressiveness had to be mentioned. Since Simeone took over the team, Atltico Madrid had always led La Liga in the number of tackles.
Midfielder Gabi even set a new record in the top five leagues with 197 tackles in a single season. This style of y not only tested the opponent''s attacking ability but also their temper.
If they couldn''t tolerate physical contact, aggressive defensive actions, or even dirty y, they might lose the game due to conflicts or mental breakdowns.
This was fully demonstrated in every Madrid Derby, where the referee blew the whistle 29 times in the first half alone, showing 6 yellow cards, 2 for Real Madrid and 4 for Atltico.
The score remained 0-0 throughout.
"I really want to teach that damn Koke a lesson." Pepe, during halftime, flexed his elbow fiercely, "They don''t know how to y football properly."
Wang Feng rubbed his sore shins and, despite the shin guards, couldn''t resist the relentless attacks of the Bed Sheet Legion.
Even if he had grievances, he still had to reassure his teammates, "That''s their tactic, Pepe. We can''t fall into their trap. If we retaliate maliciously, we''ll only get red cards and be sent off."
"Wang is right." Ancelotti appeared at the right time to announce the second-half tactics, "I think you have to take a break, Kepler. You already have a yellow card on you, let Danilo take your ce."
Pepe was stunned by the words and could only reluctantly nod. He did tend to lose control of his emotions on the field, and if he were to be sent off, it would be a huge loss.
As the game resumed, Atltico Madrid continued to focus on solid defense, but they were not without attacking ability. Most of the time, the yers on the nks would choose to cut inside, leaving ample space for their teammates to ovep from the wings.
At the same time, the attackers in front of the penalty area would actively make runs, trying to draw Real Madrid''s defenders out of their regr defensive positions, providing shooting opportunities for Griezmann.
The Frenchman had two threatening shots in a row by relying on this tactic. One was a shot from the edge of the penalty area, piercing through the defense straight towards Navas. Fortunately, the Costa Rican goalkeeper was fully focused and made a desperate save to keep the goal intact.
The other was when he received a cross from Juanfran on the wing, but his header slightly missed the post.
In addition to these attacking methods, Atltico Madrid was most proud of their relentless set-piecebinations. Out of the 67 goals they scoredst season, 22 were from set-pieces.
In the 71st minute, the Bed Sheet Legion won a set-piece opportunity in the opposition''s half. Gabi floated the ball into the penalty area, Griezmann acted as a pivot and headed it back, Torres rushed forward and stabbed the ball into the, piercing through the Gctic ship''s defense!
The Caldern Stadium instantly turned into a boiling ocean. Simeone sprinted along the sidelines with his hands raised over his head, celebrating wildly. This was the football he wanted, carrying on with iron will!
Wang Feng sighed helplessly as he squatted down to tie his shoces tightly, the intense confrontations from Atltico Madrid''s passionate young yers indeed brought tremendous pressure, but he believed that the team would not yield.
Entering the final ten minutes, Navas took a goal kick from the back, Ramos received the ball and was pressured aggressively by Griezmann. After dribbling a few steps, he found Casemiro with an opportunity and passed the ball to him.
The Brazilian midfielder passed diagonally to Modric without stopping the ball, and Modric, under the pressure of Atltico Madrid''s pressing, dribbled back. Casemiro took the opportunity to move forward, and the two exchanged positions, with the Croatian midfielder threading the needle to pass the ball.
Casemiro took big strides forward, passing the midfield line, and then made a diagonal pass to Wang Feng nearby. The Chinese superstar immediately attracted the attention of almost all the defending yers of the home team, with three defenders swarming towards him.
After all, he was like a bright light in the frontcourt. Wang Feng didn''t choose to force a breakthrough but instead sent a clever diagonal pass, threading the ball between two defending yers and piercing through to the back.
Bale elerated to catch up with the ball after it reached the byline, then made a backward pass with a reverse triangle. The Chinese superstar arrived in time, hitting the ball furiously, piercing through Ok''s ten fingers.
Chapter 730: Same Intentions
Chapter 730: Same Intentions
In the end, the Gctic ship secured a 1-1 draw at the Caldern Stadium. Ancelotti was rtively satisfied with this result. Getting one point and no injuries was a decent oue.
Simeone, on the other hand, believed that the team had done well for the first 70 minutes, but the transition from deadlock to leading caused a subtle change in the yers'' mentality. At present, the Bed Sheet Legion still couldn''t handle it well.
In the next match, the 8th round of the league, Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory at home against Levante.
In this game, Wang Feng continued to spare no effort to create goal-scoring opportunities for Iguan, the Argentine striker. Iguan didn''t waste his efforts and scored twice.
So far, he had scored 8 goals, averaging one per game, a statistic that ranked among the top in the top five leagues.
However, Iguan was not the top scorer in La Liga. Currently upying that position was Barcelona forward Suarez, who had already scored 10 goals.
This "anomaly" quickly attracted the attention of the media and fans because most of the time, the top two positions in the scoring charts would be dominated by Wang Feng and Messi.
Both of them had always been the top scorers for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, bearing the responsibility of scoring goals. However, in the new season, their goal-scoring statistics had plummeted.
The Chinese superstar had managed to score 4 goals, while the Argentine star had only scored 1 goal. However, Messi led Wang Feng in assists, with 6pared to Wang Feng''s 4.
Many people spected whether their decrease in goal-scoring efficiency was due to a decrease in the number of shots. Comparing their number of shots with the previous season, it could be seen that Wang Feng and Messi''s threat on goal had significantly decreased.
They both harbored the same intentions: to help their teammatespete for the Golden Boot!
"Things are getting interesting, aren''t they?" Wang Feng saw Iguan looking somewhat troubled and couldn''t help but console him, "Gonzalo, trust me, I''ve never lost in the race for the top scorer, and this time won''t be an exception."
Iguan shook his head and said, "Of course, I believe in you, Wang. It''s just that I don''t believe in myself sometimes. Suarez''s consistency, his ability to sniff out chances in the forward line, and his finishing ability are all amazing."
On the contrary, he felt very inconsistent himself. Sometimes he could score some incredible goals, but once his form dipped, he might not even be able to score in an empty.
"It''s not a big deal. The most important thing on the field is to stay calm. It''s easy to panic if you can''t seize one or two chances, but in that case, just create a few more chances. Leave it to me!"
The Chinese superstar continued, "If you still feel uneasy, try practicing shooting alone after training. He Sa and I are about to train too, so let''s do it together."
Iguan felt very grateful in his heart. He just lightly tapped Wang Feng''s shoulder, and everything was understood without words.
Whether trailing or leading, neither side had it easy. Messi and Suarez could guess the intentions of their arch-rivals. This was no longer a simple individual battle for the Golden Boot but a ubiquitous dispute between two teams and their yers.
For so many years, Real Madrid had always overshadowed Barcelona, and Messi''s goal tally, created with the team''s collective effort, was far lower than Wang Feng''s. Amidst his sense of loss, Messi also felt quite guilty.
Messi was closest to Suarez in the team. When he saw Wang Feng not scoring as prolifically as in previous seasons in the first few league matches, while Suarez happened to score a hat-trick and top the scoring charts, the Argentine felt a sense of motivation for his teammate.
Without affecting the team''s overall tactics and results, Messi intended to give up some of his shooting opportunities to increase the number of assists for Suarez, allowing thetter to score more goals.
Of course, there was also a hint ofpetition with Neymar. The club''s newly appointed president, Bartomeu, had made his intentions clear. He wanted to rece himself as the team''s core with the Brazilian.
He had been dying the renewal contract, intentionally or unintentionally increasing Neymar''s influence within the team. He also did the same in public rtions. Messi dared to assert that if he didn''t still have value, he would have been kicked out long ago.
So he wanted to announce to the whole team through helping Suarez that he was still the leader of the team and could y an important role in supporting his teammates.
If it was just a sudden impulse before, then now it was imperative to make it happen!
"I don''t know if we can win against Real Madrid again, and I don''t know if Barcelona can snatch the league title from them this season, but I know I want to beat them, beat Wang Feng once!" Messi said to Suarez very seriously.
The Uruguayan also had a serious expression. This matter was not only rted to himself but also to Messi and the entire team. "I''ll do my best, Leo!"
It was quite a coincidence that whether it was Messi, Suarez, or Iguan, they were all part of the South American contingent vying for the top spot. Wang Feng just happened to be there at the right time. However, as he said, he would do his best to help his teammates!
On October 21st, in the third round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid challenged Bayer Leverkusen away. Neither side managed to score, and the game ended in a goalless draw.
The previous two victories made this draw easy for the Gctic ship to ept. They still had a great chance of topping the group.
Three dayster, in the 9th round of La Liga, the Gctic ship faced Celta Vigo away.
Rotation became Ancelotti''s most frequent action this season, and Wang Feng''s starting appearance rate hit a historic low. For example, in this game, He Sa partnered with Bale in the front line.
Just six minutes into the game, the away team''s midfield intercepted the ball andunched a quick counterattack. Kovacic sent a long pass, Bale dribbled the ball at high speed, and sent a cross from the left side of the penalty area.
He Sa, who made a quick run into the penalty area, met the ball near the penalty spot and shot, opening the scoring for the Gctic ship, 1-0!
In the first half, they also had a chance to extend their lead. Modric received the ball on the wing, feigned to cut inside but actually shook off the defense and went to the byline.
And behind him, Danilo, who had pushed forward to participate in the attack, made a clever choice to cut inside, receiving the Croatian midfielder''s back pass.
The unmarked Brazilian defender adjusted the ball after controlling it and shot from outside the box, beating the Celta Vigo goalkeeper, who couldn''t save it in time. The ball went into the.
In the second half, the home team pulled one back through Nolito. In the 75th minute, the Chinese superstar was substituted onto the field for a warm-up.
Seven minutester, Wang Feng received a through pass from Varane on the wing, dribbled past the defender, elerated into the penalty area, faced the goalkeeper''s advance, and calmly shot into the near corner.
3-1! Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo away and took three league points.
On October 31st, in the 10th round of La Liga, the Gctic ship weed newly-promoted Las Palmas at home.
This team came from the Canary Inds, far from maind Spain. Its location was much closer to the African continent than to maind Spain.
Since its establishment in the 1950s, this club had experienced the glory of the top league and had also fallen to the lowest level of amateurpetition on the verge of dissolution.
With the relentless love of the people of Las Palmas for football, they eventually returned to the top-levelpetition. Although they had to strive for survival, everything was worth it.
In front of nearly 80,000 home fans at the Bernabeu, the away team boldlyunched attacks. Although Wang Feng assisted Iguan in opening the scoring, and Modric further widened the lead with a long shot, they still fought fiercely.
The final score settled at 3-1, with Las Palmas striker Tana scoring a valuable goal at the Bernabeu, depriving Navas of a clean sheet.
Chapter 731: Old Position
Chapter 731: Old Position
In the fourth round of the Champions League group stage against Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid secured a narrow victory with Wang Feng assisting Carvajal to score the only goal of the match.
With this result, the Gctic ship secured the top spot in the group with 3 wins and 1 draw, umting 10 points. Leverkusen followed closely behind with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, totaling 7 points.
Since both Shakhtar Dsk and Malmo FF had only managed 1 win and 3 losses, umting 3 points each, Real Madrid secured their spot in the round of 16 with two matches still remaining.
Next, the team faced Sevi in the 11th round of La Liga, away from home.
The away team started well, and Wang Feng quickly assisted Iguan in opening the scoring. However, in the first half, Marcelo was forced off due to a muscle injury, and in the second half, just as the half began, Ramos was fouled by Sevi''s defender Ivo Ivo in a challenge, resulting in him being injured and taken off.
Losing two key defenders in quick session dealt a heavy blow to the Gctic ship, allowing the home team to capitalize and score three goals in response.
Although the Chinese superstar managed to dribble past three yers and score a goal in the dying moments of the game, it wasn''t enough to stage aeback. Real Madrid ultimately lost 2-3 to Sevi.
With this round of matches concluded, Barcelona topped the La Liga standings with 9 wins, 2 losses, and 27 points, while Real Madrid followed closely behind with 8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, and 26 points, sitting in second ce. Atletico Madrid secured the third position with 7 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, and 23 points.
For Ancelotti, the situation ahead posed a headache as Real Madrid was set to face Barcelona in the uing El Clsico at the Bernabeu.
With a shortage of defensive yers, how would they withstand the formidable attack of Barcelona''s front three?
"In the El Clsico over the past few years, our ability to defeat Barcelona repeatedly was not primarily due to dominating possession and controlling the game," analyzed the coaching staff of the Gctic ship before the match.
"The most important thing was maintaining a tight formation, especially forming a strong barrier in midfield to prevent the Catn team from prating through possession."
With Wang Feng''s rich experience in battling Barcelona, he naturally agreed with the analysis. Snatching possession from Barcelona''s midfield would be extremely difficult.
"Xavi''s departure surely had some impact on Barcelona, but Messi quickly filled the gap. He, along with Busquets and Iniesta, formed a new core of possession for the team."
Unlike Martino, who wanted to implement his own style, Enrique decisively returned to the possession-based tactics established during Guardi''s era, and it proved to be deeply ingrained in the spirit of the Catn team''s football.
Hence, the Spanish coach could lead Barcelona back to the ranks of Europe''s top teams, just behind Real Madrid.
"The battle in midfield will be key to the oue of this match. Once breached, our thin defensive line will be directly exposed to the opponent''s strong firepower," said Ancelotti.
"Wang, I hope you can take on more responsibilities. Your control of the situation, judgment of timing, and defensive abilities are on par with any top midfielder in the world."
The Chinese superstar nodded understandingly. It seemed he would temporarily resume his duties as a defensive midfielder to intercept Barcelona''s attacks outside the penalty area.
"Of course, I also hope that you can fully seize the opportunity to press forward and put more pressure on Barcelona, making it difficult for them to advance with the ball."
"Barcelona''s attack is top-notch, but their defensive capabilities are their weak point, relying on the midfield to barely maintain bnce between attack and defense."
"So what we need to do is to press in midfield, aggressively win back possession, and thenunch quick counterattacks. With the added speed and impact, we might just be able to pierce through their defense!"
The more they discussed, the more feasible the n seemed. The most important part was entrusted to Wang Feng, who had never disappointed.
With two weeks left before the El Clsico and the international break approaching, it was clearly not good news for the clubs as yers would be exhausted from traveling for national team duty.
Fortunately, both Real Madrid and Barcelona faced a fair situation, with many internationals in both squads. For the Gctic ship, Wang Feng stayed in Madrid as usual without needing to return to Asia.
On the other hand, in Catalonia, it was unclear how the club, yers, and national team negotiated. While Neymar and Suarez returned to their countries to y, Messi stayed behind, indicating his seriousness about the uing match.
After the intense international matches concluded, yers gradually returned to their clubs. Real Madrid organized detailed examinations for them to promptly assess their injuries, physical conditions, and other situations to consider for the uing lineup arrangements.
When Ancelotti received Barcelona''s starting lineup, it was already after the pre-match warm-up, and the yers were making their final preparations in the dressing room.
In goal was Ter Stegen, with Alves, Pique, Mascherano, and Alba in defense.
In midfield were Iniesta, Busquets, and Rakitic.
Up front, the formidable trio of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar remained unchanged.
"As I expected, this is the strongest lineup Enrique can field. They previously won the Spanish Super Cup with this lineup," Ancelottimented.
"Their opponents have limited room for adjustment. On paper, they are indeed very powerful, but how much they can unleash at the Bernabeu remains to be seen," the assistant coach remarked.
"Well, let''s execute the tactics we discussed earlier. This is our home turf. Let''s go and secure the victory as usual!"
Chapter 732: A Narrow Margin Makes a Huge Difference
Chapter 732: A Narrow Margin Makes a Huge Difference
In the visitors'' locker room not far from the Real Madrid dressing room, Barcelona head coach Enrique frowned as he looked at the starting lineup note of the opponent. "I didn''t expect Ancelotti to be so decisive. Wang Feng really knows how to cause trouble for us at every moment."
Assistant coach Robert approached to take a look and was surprised to see the names written on it: Navas as the goalkeeper, with Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, and Danilo in the defense line.
Double pivot with Wang Feng and Casemiro.
The midfield trio consists of Bale, Modric, and Kroos.
And Iguain as the lone striker.
"They are using the 4-2-3-1 formation for the first time this season, or even in thest few seasons. It seems the Italian is determined to challenge us in the midfield. Isn''t he worried that the yers won''t adapt to such a sudden change?" Enrique said, rubbing his temples.
"The absence of Ramos and Marcelo due to injury is indeed a significant blow. Real Madrid''s defense has weakened significantly. They surely don''t want to directly face our front three, hence the heavy emphasis on midfield setup."
"Changing tactics so drastically before a big game like this could be suicidal for most teams, but Real Madrid is different. Wang Feng can definitely activate the entire midfield; he''s the key figure!"
Enrique rubbed his temples again. Whenever it seemed like the Gcticos had no way out, they always managed to find a ray of hope, all thanks to the Chinese superstar. No wonder he was hailed as both the desire and nightmare of all coaches.
Desire to coach himany tactic could be well implemented by Wang Feng, allowing coaches to fully disy their talents. But standing opposite him, all tactics felt restrained, truly a nightmare.
"I don''t think we need to worry too much. After all, it''s been several years since Wang Feng had that excellent season as a defensive midfielder. Whether he can maintain that form is still uncertain," Robert reassured.
"This formation change is too radical for Real Madrid. If the core positions don''t perform well, they will be at aplete disadvantage."
"We just need to stick to our cautious n, let Messi actively retreat to the midfield to organize, create advantages on the field, and maybe we can prate their defense."
Enrique nodded in agreement, clearly endorsing Robert''s judgment.
"Alba with a diagonal pass! Danger!"
"Beautiful! Wang Feng intercepted the ball just before Neymar could get to it and cleared it to the sidelines, although possession still belongs to Barcelona, Real Madrid has temporarily relieved the danger."
Once the game started, the away team, as usual, dominated possession, while Real Madrid patiently defended behind the midfield line, waiting for opportunities.
Soon both sides engaged in intense battles in the middle and front third of the field. It must be said that Barcelona''s prating attacks were lightning-fast. This diagonal pass was already their third attempt.
The attack started from Iniesta in midfield, facing Kroos'' block, he didn''t waste time and immediately sent a lob pass to the wing.
Alba, who was making a run forward, tried to shake off Danilo, but the Brazilian defender was fast and kept close. So Alba stopped the ball near the edge of the penalty area to confront him.
Suddenly, he feigned a move inward, took a couple of steps to cut inside with the ball, and then delivered a diagonal pass, intending to find Neymar in the penalty area.
Wang Feng had already started his run when Iniesta yed the ball to the wing. His main goal was to provide defensive cover on the outside of his team''s full-backs.
So when Danilo was shaken off, creating space, Wang Feng quickly closed down to intercept the pass and immediately kicked it out of bounds.
Barcelona''s previous two attacks were thwarted in the same manner. The Chinese superstar''s positioning was very flexible and intelligent; he always appeared where needed.
Despite the setback, Enrique apuded vigorously from the sidelines to encourage the yers. He shouted, "Excellent! Keep doing this! Continue to press forward with everything you''ve got!"
"Wide! Middle! upy and prate anywhere possible, apply a bit more pressure on the opponent!"
Soon the away team attacked again, advancing to the front with consecutive passes. Iniesta lofted the ball into the penalty area. Suarez had the upper hand in the aerial duel with Pepe, but it was difficult to directly threaten the goal.
So the Uruguayan forward headed the ball sideways, and Neymar burst forward to take it, with Danilo immediately marking him closely. Messi started his run in the middle, and Varane inadvertently failed to keep up.
The Brazilian star managed to break through Danilo one-on-one with his individual skill and then passed it sideways to Messi near the edge of the small penalty area.
"Danger! Real Madrid left a gap, Messi shoots!"
In the blink of an eye, Wang Feng, daring and skillful, slid from the side and tackled the ball before it reached the Argentine, disrupting the y.
The two yers fell into a heap, and Barcelona yers in the penalty area immediately raised their hands to signal a foul, but the referee gestured for a fair y to continue. Varane, arriving a bitte, then cleared the ball out of bounds with a big kick.
Such a close threat inevitably made the home fans at the Bernabeu hold their breaths. Varane rubbed the back of his head and smiled apologetically to Wang Feng.
"Stay focused. Messi is like a slippery fish; anypse in concentration and he''ll slip away," the Chinese superstar patted Varane''s back encouragingly.
The Frenchman nodded and couldn''t help but ask with curiosity, "Wasn''t that tackle just now too bold? How did you manage to control it so precisely and touch the ball first?"
"It''s still a matter of concentration. When you''repletely focused, whether you''re defending against the ball or the yer bes a choice rather than a gamble."
Continuous attacks boosted the morale of the away team. Enrique, full of passion, directed and shouted on the sidelines, as if he had already seen the team break the deadlock first, conquering the Bernabeu like crushing dry weeds and smashing rotten wood.
He would be Barcelona''s new heroic coach!
"Almost scored! Keep pushing forward, attack with all our might!"
Not far away, the Real Madrid coaching staff could naturally hear Enrique''s bold statements. The assistant coach furrowed his brow, then turned to Ancelotti beside him and asked, "We''re in apletely inferior position right now, unable tounch an attack. Shouldn''t we make some adjustments?"
The Italian coach, hands in his pockets, remained calm andposed. Instead of answering the assistant''s question, he asked in return, "Do you remember how many shots Barcelona had?"
"They must have had several chances. They''ve been attacking us constantly, and I remember several of their attempts were very dangerous."
"No, you''re wrong." Ancelotti nced at the big screen on the field. "Fifteen minutes into the game, Barcelona has only had one shot, and it was a long shot from outside the penalty area."
"Impossible! I remember several moments where we almost fell behind. My heart was pounding, and the fans in the stands were constantly gasping in shock."
The Italian coach looked at Enrique, who was dancing and shouting not far away, with a sly smile on his face.
Then he continued, "If you don''t believe me, you can check the real-time statistics. Everything is very deceptive. Tatos, we may look precarious, but in reality, we''re as solid as a rock."
"Wang has done his job very well. Barcelona has never managed to make the final breakthrough and deliver the decisive blow. So, although it seems threatening everywhere, it''s just thunder without rain."
"How do they say that ancient Chinese saying? Wang once taught me that when it looks like Barcelona is just a hair''s breadth away from scoring, in reality, it''s a thousand miles away."
Chapter 733: Weaving the Net Slowly
Chapter 733: Weaving the Net Slowly
"???" The assistant coach apparently didn''t quite understand the meaning of this sentence, but he roughly understood what Ancelotti wanted to express. "So you mean everything is under our control?"
"But constantly letting Barcelona siege us is too risky. A small mistake could lead to conceding a goal."
The Italian coach exined, "Barcelona cannot maintain this attacking rhythm forever. We are just waiting for an opportunity."
As he spoke, the away teamunched another attack. This time, Iniesta yed a long ball to the right, and Rakitic pretended to receive it to attract the defense before letting the ball slip past.
Messi received the ball in the arc area, faced with the double-teaming defense of Casemiro and Varane, he created a bit of space through continuous shoulder feints and small steps, then decisively took a shot.
Wang Feng arrived in time to block the gap, and the ball bounced back to the midfield off him.
"It''s a pity. Barcelona almost opened the door to Real Madrid again. If Messi had managed to shoot through the defense just now, Navas would have had a hard time making an effective save."
"The defensive awareness of the Chinese superstar is too strong. In the past period, he has already made several crucial interceptions to neutralize the away team''s threatening attacks."
"In terms of ball possession, Catalonia''s team is undoubtedly dominant, with an average possession rate of over 70%. However, their attacks that truly threaten the Gcticos'' goal are almost non-existent."
"Of course, for the home team, Wang Feng''s transition to defense has its advantages and disadvantages. Without the Chinese superstar organizing the attack in the frontcourt, they have yed too conservatively during this period and have failed to create any effective scoring opportunities."
As long as no goals are scored, the situation on the field is temporary. The Gcticos are ying very patiently, while Barcelona, in their constant attacks, is slowly entering a period of weakness.
Just as the pace of the game gradually slowed down, Real Madrid suddenly elerated.
In the 27th minute, Iniesta got the ball in midfield, and Wang Feng suddenly gestured forward to Modric from the back, then quickly approached the Spanish midfielder.
At the same time, Modric, receiving the captain''s signal, also rushed to press Iniesta, and the two formed a double team, one from the left and one from behind.
The usually calm Barcelona midfielder suddenly felt a bit ufortable, but he was also a world-ss yer with vast experience. He forcibly calmed down, controlled the ball to evade the pressure, and then passed it to Busquets.
However, Modric didn''t let up and continued to press, and Busquets immediately intended to pass to Messi, who was in the vacant space ahead.
In his haste, he couldn''t fully judge the situation on the field and could only subconsciously pass. Wang Feng anticipated the Spaniard''s intention and sessfully intercepted the pass.
The Chinese superstar then dribbled forward, with Bale and Iguain also sprinting forward. The Barcelona defense line suddenly became chaotic.
Seizing the opportunity, Wang Feng sent a diagonal long pass into the left side of the penalty area. Bale caught up with the ball before Alves, faced with the blocking Barcelona defender, the Welsh star made a quick stop and then cut inward.
His speed was fast, coupled with a burst of dribble that further widened the distance between him and Alves, there was space for a direct shot!
Mascherano, who had dropped back on the other side, could only choose toe over for help, sessfully mobilizing two defenders. Bale suddenly sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area.
"Oh no! Darn it!" Mascherano turned back abruptly, but was still half a stepte. Iguain, who arrived just in time, seized the fleeting opportunity, without any adjustment, he directly took a shot.
A powerful and precise shot grazed Ter Stegen''s fingertips and drilled into the from the far corner.
"Goooooooooooooooooal! Goal! Iguain opens the scoring for Real Madrid!"
"In the 27th minute, the home teampleted the first shot of the game, piercing through Barcelona''s defense, it''s unbelievable!"
The Real Madrid fans in the stands suddenly bounced up at the moment of the goal, followed by earth-shattering cheers, feeling quite triumphant.
This couldn''t be med on them; the first thirty minutes of the game were indeed quite depressing. Barcelona kept besieging their own penalty area, and the Gcticos couldn''tunch an effective attack.
But now everything was different. No matter how much threat the Catn team posed, they couldn''t score a goal, while we only needed one decisive strike!
"This goal came somewhat suddenly. Wang Feng sessfully intercepted the ball with Modric''s cooperation, then sent a precise and clever long pass, tearing apart Barcelona''s defense and putting them in a two-on-two situation."
"Bale''s timing for the cut inside was very clever, mobilizing the defensive force and passing to Iguain, who finally scored."
Ter Stegeny on his side, turned his head to look at the goal, feeling bitter and unwilling. If only he had touched the ball a little bit, he could have blocked it. When did Iguain be so tricky with his shots?
On the sidelines, Enrique stared in confusion, unable to understand the situation. Clearly, Barcelona had been dominating, so how did Real Madrid suddenly push forward to take a shot and score a goal?
Wang Feng didn''t even participate in the attack. With just Bale and Iguain, they broke through Barcelona''s defense. No, the key was that brilliant long pass,pletely bypassing Barcelona''s dense midfield setup and directly facing the defense line.
Real Madrid didn''t want to expose their defenders to fire, and Barcelona didn''t want that either.
The inexplicable goal loss made the away team''s spirits rise again. They continued to maintain their high-pressure attack.
But the Gcticos knew the tactic of enemy advancing, we retreating, enemy being fast, we being slow, so they once again retreated to their own half and focused on defense.
Wang Feng suddenly pressing forward to intercept was like a sh of inspiration. Most of the time, he still focused on defensive interceptions, stifling Barcelona''s attacks in the cradle.
The eagerness to equalize gradually eroded the away team''s rationality. Barcelona became more and more aggressive in the midfield and frontcourt, and mistakes continued to increase.
The coordination between Rakitic, Busquets, and Xavi in the midfield was almost perfect, but it was still slightlycking, and without the veteran Xavi''s presence to remind them, the three easily fell into limited thinking.
Messi had to frequently retreat to receive the ball, which made Barcelona''s y even more chaotic. They were surprised to find that the more they passed, the further away they were from Real Madrid''s goal.
Both the coaching staff on the sidelines and the yers on the field had a strange feeling. It seemed that the Gcticos were slowly weaving a big, enclosing Barcelona tightly and tighter.
They didn''t seem to be in a hurry to deal a fatal blow to the opponent, but were umting strength, ready to take a big bite at any moment.
"Real Madrid''s midfield steals the ball! Casemiro dribbles forward, and herees the counterattack from the Gcticos!"
The Brazilian midfielder passed the midfield line and then passed horizontally to Wang Feng. Thetter took big strides with the ball, surpassing Busquets, and rushed to the edge of the penalty area.
Barcelona quickly mobilized their defensive force to intercept the Chinese superstar. Wang Feng couldn''t advance, so he passed to Carvajal, who had moved up the sideline, and at the same time, he also retreated with the ball.
Carvajal advanced with the ball, and the two formed a crossover. The Spanish full-back pretended to forcefully push down the defense by going down the sideline, but then used a backheel to return the ball to Wang Feng.
Seizing this opportunity, the Chinese superstar quickly cut insideterally, took two steps, and lofted the ball into the penalty area. Iguain leaped high at the far post and headed it in, piercing through Ter Stegen''s hands again!
2:0! Two shots, two goals!
Chapter 734: Perfect!
Chapter 734: Perfect!
"Gonzalo Iguan!" With the enthusiastic shouts of thementators, the Santiago Bernabu Stadium once again turned into a boiling ocean.
The Argentine forward slid all the way to the corner g area, excitedly interacting with the fans in the front row. Immediately, Wang Feng, who rushed over, hugged him from behind. "Impressive, impressive! Scoring with both head and foot, it seems that the special training during this period hasn''t been in vain!"
Iguan turned around and said firmly to the Chinese superstar, "We will definitely defeat Bar?a, whether it''s in this game or in the fight for the Golden Boot!"
Wang Feng smiled and patted his head. "Of course, Bar?a? I''ve never been afraid of them, haha!"
The match entered halftime with the Gcticos leading by two goals, and the excited home team yers greeted the enthusiastic fans on both sides of the yer tunnel as they entered.
Ancelotti followed behind everyone with a confident look on his face, which made Enrique, who was already extremely unhappy, even more gloomy.
On the surface, it seemed that Barcelona held absolute ball possession and control of the game, but in reality, they were being controlled everywhere, with Wang Feng leading the defensive line firmly intercepting the away team''s attacks.
At the same time, whether the home team retreated or pressed forward, it was within their control, and Barcelona could never dominate the rhythm of the game.
"It''s ridiculous. Doesn''t Wang Feng ever make mistakes?"
The reason why the Gcticos were so reckless in giving up possession was mainly because they had the Chinese superstar as thest line of defense.
He was like a preciseputing device, appearing wherever support and reinforcement were needed, perfectly plugging the holes in the home team''s defense line.
As the second half began, Enrique could only choose to continue letting the team press forward with ball possession and reced the out-of-form Rakiti? with Sergi Roberto.
This young yer from Barcelona''s youth academy had shown outstanding performance in both attack and defense. This season, he had not only yed as a full-back but also had experience as a winger.
The situation in the second half was not much different from the first half. Barcelona persisted in possession while Real Madrid asionally pressed forward aggressively. However, the key to seizing opportunities was Wang Feng''s pressing.
"Alba passes horizontally to Suarez, but the ball is intercepted!"
"Wang Feng''s touch caused the ball to deflect, and Suarez couldn''t catch up, it''s intercepted by Pepe."
The Portuguese quickly passed the ball to Casemiro, who turned and shook off the defense before passing it to the oing Chinese superstar.
Iguan drew away the defense while Bale chose to withdraw to receive the ball. Wang Feng passed to him, and the Welsh star, with Busquets behind him, controlled the ball steadily, then after a quick scan, chose to pass back to Wang Feng, who had run into space.
Thetter dribbled forward diagonally, then passed to the nearby Modri?, who passed it back, forming a local two-on-onebination.
Through such almost uninterrupted consecutive passes, Real Madrid quickly tore through Barcelona''s defense and prated into the frontcourt. At this moment, they seemed to be the team that truly mastered the essence of possession football.
As Wang Feng approached the edge of the penalty area, he dribbled inward along the edge of the penalty area, moving from the right rib to the left rib. Dazzled by his threat of a long shot, the entire Barcelona defensive line moved with him.
However, instead of shooting, he suddenly turned around and with his left foot, chipped the ball into the right side of the penalty area.
Kroos, who was rushing forward, seized the dropping ball and attempted a volley, but his body coordination was slightly off, resulting in a weak shot that Ter Stegen managed to block.
The German goalkeeper was relieved to have made a save, but his smile quickly froze on his face because Modri? had already followed up near the penalty spot.
In order to shoot before the defending yers, the Croatian jumped forward and used his knee to head the ball, sending it into the. 3:0!
Enrique no longer danced passionately on the sidelines as he did in the first half of the game. Instead, he sat back dejectedly on the coach''s bench.
Now, what he needed to consider was not how to win the game but how to retreat decently from the Santiago Bernabu.
They couldn''t afford to concede any more goals. If there was a chance, Barcelona also had to find a way to breach the home team''s defense.
So he made two substitutions in quick session, recing Alves with Fermn and Piqu with Mathieu, injecting fresh blood into the team''s defense line.
On the Real Madrid side, Ancelotti made his first substitution of the match, recing Carvajal with Nacho. The Spanish defender had mentioned during halftime that his knee was feeling a bit off, so it was time to take him off for aprehensive check-up.
With the overall situation determined, it was time to take him off for aprehensive check-up.
In the 77th minute, Wang Feng once again urately intercepted Iniesta''s pass to Surez andunched a counterattack for Real Madrid.
After quickly passing the halfway line, the ball was distributed to Kroos, who then passed it to Modri?, who in turn returned it to Wang Feng. The three of them formed a triangr run that pierced through Barcelona''s defense like an arrow.
On the left side of the penalty area outside the box, Kroos lifted his leg as if to fake a shot, causing Fermn to dive to block, but instead, he pushed the ball to his side and Wang Feng, who followed up, unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area.
"Boom!" The ball flew like a meteor, drawing a beautiful rainbow in the air, and after grazing Ter Stegen''s fingertips, it went into the off the crossbar.
"Gooooooooooooooal! It''s in! It''s in!"
"Wang Feng scores his first goal of the century derby in this match!"
"Although he hasn''t scored as prolifically as in previous seasons, no one can deny the outstanding contributions of the Chinese superstar!"
"Whether it''s intercepting in defense or organizing counterattacks, he has shown us how a true core yer steps up to help the team in crucial moments!"
"With the score now at 4:0, it''s another ughter, as the Gcticos thrash Barcelona at their own home ground."
"Although Real Madrid yed rtively conservatively tonight at the Santiago Bernabu, spending most of the time in a defensive posture."
"But they were resolute and their goal was clear. ording to the attacking heatmap, Barcelona''s back-passing for most of the time was futile."
"In the area near the Gcticos'' penalty box, the away team mostly passed sideways, and almost all threatening through passes were intercepted."
"At the same time, Real Madrid''s counterattacks were also very fast and efficient, with no wasted touches."
"Just like the goal just now, Modri?, Kroos, and Wang Feng advanced through consecutive passes, quickly reaching the frontcourt."
"Even when the ball is not at their feet, the three will think about how to run forward and pull the defensive line. This relentless momentum is truly moving."
When Wang Feng scored, the entire Santiago Bernabu Stadium chanted his name, and the home team fans felt particrly satisfied.
How could the century derby be without the brilliance of the Chinese superstar?
Although everyone understood and appreciated Wang Feng''s outstanding contributions in defense, they still hoped he could score goals.
In the final moments, Barcelona hadpletely lost control of the game. They controlled the ball dejectedly, but the rhythm was always in the hands of Real Madrid.
In the 85th minute, once again, the Chinese superstar pressed forward and intercepted Iniesta''s ball, then quickly pushed forward and passed it to Bale on the wing.
Bale advanced to the vicinity of the penalty area and passed back to Modri?, who then sent a diagonal pass into the heart of the defense.
Substitute Nacho, who had entered unexpectedly, ran all the way to the far post inside the penalty area, and taking advantage of the fact that the Barcelona defense was focused on the midfielders and forwards, he darted out and stabbed the ball into the.
5:0!
Chapter 735: Offense and Defense Integrated
Chapter 735: Offense and Defense Integrated
The highly anticipated century derby ended with a dismal defeat for Barcelona. When the referee blew the final whistle, many Catn yers wore looks of confusion on their faces.
They had dominated the field, only to be destroyed by wave after wave of fast and efficient attacks from Real Madrid.
Even now, many people still couldn''t believe or ept this cruel reality, as if they had been yed by their opponents like puppets.
"What a brilliant disy of mastery!" In the luxurious box of the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, King Felipe VI of Spain couldn''t help but apud.
"Prez, your team is as strong as ever. The Gcticos are not only a symbol of La Liga but also the pride of Spain as a whole."
These words made Barcelona President Bartomeu, who hade to watch the game nearby, even darker. He regretteding here!
Everyone knew that FC Barcelona was more than just a club.
Being suppressed by Real Madrid for so many years, the people of Catalonia were somewhat unable to hold their heads high, which also greatly relieved the burden on the royal family.
Therefore, whether it was the former king Juan Carlos or the current king Felipe VI, they all looked at the Gcticos with different eyes and treated Wang Feng with great respect.
Ignoring the increasingly gloomy Bartomeu, King Felipe VI affectionately linked arms with Florentino Prez and said, "Let''s go, let''s go congratte the team''s heroes together!"
After this battle, the Gcticos once again surpassed Barcelona by two points to the top of the La Liga standings, and history seemed to be repeating itself.
Ten consecutive championships! Thinking of this, Florentino Prez couldn''t help but feel passionate. This pinnacle achievement in La Liga and even in the history of the top five leagues was about to be achieved under his leadership!
Of course, he also understood that the team couldn''t be said to have firmly achieved this goal. They still had to y one game at a time, and as a leader, he needed to find ways to motivate the yers.
Although only contributing one goal and one assist, all five goals scored by Real Madrid were closely rted to Wang Feng.
Coupled with his top-notch all-around midfielder data of 96% passing uracy, 19 interceptions, 12 tackles, and 10 key passes, the Chinese superstar was undoubtedly selected as the best yer of the match, even surpassing the brace from Gonzalo Iguan.
After the match, he immediately epted an interview with the reporters: "The biggest contributor? No, no, no, I don''t think so. Who can say that the performances of Gonzalo, Gareth, Luka, and Toni, among others, were not outstanding?"
"It was the collective effort of all the yers on the field that led to this epic victory. We did not disappoint the fans'' expectations, nor did we disappoint the Santiago Bernabu Stadium!"
Regarding his role as a defensive midfielder again, Wang Feng admitted that this position was very important, and he had to shoulder the responsibility.
"Whether it was three years ago or now, injuries to midfield and backline yers have a big impact on the team."
Regarding Barcelona''s front three collectively losing their way, especially Messi not being able to y a crucial role, the Chinese superstar believed it was due to Real Madrid''s overall tactical merit.
"The coaching staff conducted detailed discussions and arrangements before the match, and every yer executed Ancelotti''s will very well on the field."
However, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique clearly didn''t think so. At the post-match press conference, he imed that losing in this manner was "unfair and uneptable."
He didn''t think that his team''s tactical arrangements werepletely countered by the opponent but believed that they lost due to issues such as luck and form.
"Barcelona needs to quickly get out of the shadow of this defeat. This win or loss doesn''t represent anything, and we will face many challenges ahead."
The media naturally wouldn''t let Enrique off the hook and continued to question whether many of his tactics were subpar and if the team''s response to being at a disadvantage was too weak.
"Holding onto the ball undoubtedly creates more opportunities, which is the traditional style of Catn football. I don''t think there''s any problem with that."
"Of course, the reason why the team suffered a painful defeat must be closely rted to all the yers."
"In the future, the coaching staff will carefully study and analyze the entire process of this match and find solutions. I believe that when we meet Real Madrid again this season, Barcelona will not make the same mistakes."
"The Gcticos stifled Barcelona, and Wang Feng''s ability to integrate offense and defense is unparalleled in the football world."
After the century derby, Spanish sports television interviewed coach Capello, and he said so facing the camera.
"In such a peak showdown, it''s fatal for Real Madrid not to field all their core yers. Their iplete defense line probably couldn''t stop Messi, Neymar, or Surez."
"Ancelotti''s temporary formation change has many uncertain factors because the yers didn''t have much time to familiarize themselves with it."
"It''s a defensive formation, with five yers in midfield, which shows the meticulous thinking of the coaching staff."
"Faced with a team like Barcelona that passes a lot, you must maintain apact formation, form a wall, and try to intercept and counterattack."
"In these aspects, the Gcticos did very well, and the most crucial yer is of course Wang Feng."
"His figure is almost present in every key defensive y, and he also ns the team''s counterattacks."
Capello was amazed by the defensive ability and diligence of the Chinese superstar.
"He only had one season of experience as a defensive midfielder, and he performed well at that time. But to maintain such a high level after several years is truly surprising."
"More importantly, Wang is already 32 years old, and I have never seen a yer at his age transition so smoothly between offense and defense."
Capello believed that Enrique had made mistakes; he shouldn''t blindly trust possession. Every action on the field should exist to score goals.
"Barcelona should consider more alternative ns to break through the wall built by Real Madrid, rather than immerse themselves in false control."
At the end of the interview, the Italian coach expressed full confidence in Real Madrid''s performance this season. "They will continue to win, I don''t see any signs of failure."
"Real Madrid humiliates the absurd Barcelona!" Marca ced such a headline on its front page.
The article stated that the Gcticos humiliated the Catn team at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, as it was evident from start to finish.
Although Barcelona seemed to be the dominant side throughout, they were actually constrained by the home team at every turn.
The presence of Wang Feng in the defensive midfielder position meant that the away team''s front three had no chance to perform well, as he had already proven his strength.
"Now that Real Madrid has sessfully reversed Barcelona to the top of the league table, but this is not the most important thing. The most important thing is that they have proven the huge advantage of the Gcticos over the Catn team in the football field."
"This defeat will greatly affect Barcelona. If Enrique cannote up with a solution, they still cannot stop their arch-rivals from climbing to the top of La Liga."
"Sport Daily" ran the headline "Catalonia in Crisis," stating that Real Madrid had destroyed Barcelona, and the Gcticos made their arch-rivals sink at their own home ground.
"Being obsessed with possession without scoring goals, when did Barcelona be like this?"
Although the schedule is still long and the point difference between the two teams is not thatrge, there is an inexplicable feeling that they are about to lose their qualification to continue challenging Real Madrid.
Chapter 736: Minor Infractions
Chapter 736: Minor Infractions
After the end of the century derby, Barcelona, ??which suffered a defeat, not only faced criticism from fans and the media but also encountered many internal problems.
ording to Vanguard, the rtionship between head coach Enrique and James Rodrguez became increasingly tense. As one of the standout yers in the 2014 World Cup, the Colombian was once a target pursued by both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In the end, the high offer and sry from the Catn team helped them win thispetition, and James'' performance in his first season was impressive enough. He even became one of Bartomeu''s campaign bases.
However, after the start of the new season, James encountered a period of injury. When he returned to the team, he found himself reced, and the opportunities given by the head coach became fewer and fewer.
Especially in this crucial century derby, Enrique seemed to have never considered him. Even when Rakiti? performed poorly, the head coach did not show any intention of recing him.
After the game, most Barcelona yers were caught in sadness and confusion, except for James, who appeared very angry. He kicked over a water bottle on the sidelines and then walked alone into the yer tunnel.
This scene happened to be captured by reporters and soon appeared on many social media and news pages.
As early as before thest round of Barcelona''s match against Celta Vigo, Enrique had talked about James'' return from injury: "His condition has not reached the standard for ying yet, and he still needs a lot of preparation."
However, the Colombian clearly did not ept this view. He posted his training ns andpletion status on his personal social media, with the caption: "In excellent condition!"
Vanguard believes that James'' style of y does not quite fit with Barcelona''s possession-based system and tactics centered around Messi. He is not fast but mainly relies on his overall view and passing vision for frontcourt organization, which requires a lot of ball possession.
So far, James has only yed four La Liga matches, and he hasn''t started in any of them. His longest ying time was 40 minutes as a substitute in the sixth round against Real Betis.
Colombia''s Diario As said, "If the purpose of the Catn team''s acquisition of James is to make him lost, then they have done a great job."
The report pessimistically stated that James had been abandoned by the coaching staff, and perhaps he should not have chosen Barcelona but Real Madrid.
With less and less ying time, he is bound to fall behind the rhythm of the whole team, and the team cannot benefit from the yers'' performances. This transfer may once again be one of Barcelona''s many failed cases.
On November 25th, in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Real Madrid challenged Shakhtar Dsk away. As they had already secured a spot in the next round, the Gcticos made a lot of rotations.
Veteran lvaro Arbeloa, who had not yed for a long time, wore the captain''s armband and started. He came from Real Madrid''s youth academy. Coincidentally, thirteen years ago today, the Spanish defender also wore the armband of Real Madrid Casti for the first time.
That season, he, along with De Red, Javi Garca, Soldado, and Juanfran, led Casti to promotion to the Segunda Divisin.
Due to the inability to establish himself in the Gcticos for a long time, Arbeloa made an important decision in the year Wang Feng joined, leaving his hometown team for Deportivo La Coru?a.
This may be the wisest choice he made, and the Spanish defender quickly established himself and performed at a sufficient level. He was soon noticed by Liverpool and brought to Anfield, growing into a top-ss defender in European football.
After returning to the Bernabu in 2009, Arbeloa became an indispensable figure in the dynasty, contributing to all the championships the team won.
As he aged, and yers like Ramos, Marcelo, and Carvajal developed rapidly into key yers, the Spaniard gradually sat on the bench.
Time seemed to have gone through a cycle on him. Arbeloa knew that after this season, it might be time for him to leave the Bernabu and explore again.
He''s not old yet! The case of the Chinese superstar has be a model and inspiration for all veterans. They want to remain as active on the field as Wang Feng.
The whole process of the match was quite turbulent, with both sides attacking and defending quickly, and the lead changing constantly. In the end, the Gcticos narrowly defeated Shakhtar Dsk 4:3 away.
Three dayster, in the 13th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Elche away.
In a quick counterattack, Wang Feng dribbled the ball for a long distance and then made a cross. Gonzalo Iguan shot over the goalkeeper in the penalty area, brushing the crossbar and scoring.
Coupled with a goal from Modri?, the away team won 2:0 and took three points in the league.
Entering December, Real Madrid''s schedule in the Copa del Rey arrived, and in the fourth round, they faced Segunda Divisin B side Guijuelo away.
Originally, this was just an ordinary match, and Ancelotti''s rotation lineup was enough to overpower the opponent and win 3:1.
However, it wasn''t until three hours after the match ended that some officials and media noticed something was wrong. Guijuelo quickly reacted to it, realizing that Real Madrid had vited the rules!
Cheryshev, who started the match, did not have the qualification to participate at all. Becausest season, during his loan to Virreal, he received three yellow cards in Copa del Rey matches, resulting in a one-game suspension.
This suspension was only limited to the Copa del Rey, and even if he returned to Real Madrid, he still needed to serve it. Obviously, the club did not realize this.
Marca was the first to point out that the Gcticos were in big trouble. If Guijuelo chooses to appeal, then they may face being disqualified.
The same situation also urred in the Copa del Rey match between Osasuna and Mirands in 2015, where Osasuna was directly judged to have lost.
The happiest about this situation are undoubtedly the club''s arch-rivals. Marca dered, "If the situation worsens, Real Madrid President Florentino needs to take full responsibility and resign."
Guestmentator Miguel Snchez said, "This is a ridiculous mistake. It''s hard to imagine a professional giant club and defending champion of thepetition digging its own grave like this."
"This kind of thing can only happen at Real Madrid. They hold their heads high and disdain all trivial matters."
"Being eliminated from a cuppetition in such a shameful way, regardless, the club president must step up and take responsibility. Avoidance is the behavior of the weak."
This statement was obviously exaggerated. With Florentino''s current status, even if Real Madrid is disqualified for vition, it will have no impact on his position.
The club immediately defended themselves,ining that the Spanish Football Association and Virreal did not inform them, and no one stopped them after the starting lineup was announced.
"Neither the yer nor the team was aware at all. We did not do it intentionally. We will actively contact the relevant personnel and await their ruling."
Soon after, the Spanish Football Association officially issued a punishment document, canceling Real Madrid''s qualification in the Copa del Rey for viting the rules, and they were eliminated ahead of schedule!
Although the club stated that they would appeal, the result is unlikely to change. The Gcticos dramatically ended their Copa del Rey journey.
Chapter 737: Medals
Chapter 737: Medals
Being eliminated from the Copa del Rey without ying a match left many yers disappointed, and Wang Feng was no exception.
He never expected that hisst season''s Spanish domestic cup campaign would end so inexplicably.
Ironically, while the Gcticos kept winning the league and Champions League titles, they always stumbled in the Copa del Rey.
During his ten years as a Chinese superstar, the club only won the Copa del Rey four times.
With the situation already at this point, there was no use in regretting. Soon, the Real Madrid club internally issued exnations and took measures to deal with the situation.
In order to minimize the impact of this incident on the yers'' morale, the senior management finally decided to award partial cup bonuses aspensation, as this was ultimately a failure of management.
As the team captain, Wang Feng also gathered all the yers for a dinner to boost morale. "No matter what, the second half of the season will be rtively rxed for us."
"This will be more conducive to realizing our value in the league and the Champions League. Forget about the problems that have urred and focus on the future!" the Chinese superstar said.
With a dual approach, Real Madrid quickly minimized the impact of this incident.
December''s schedule was very dense. After the Copa del Rey, the Gcticos faced Huesca at home in the 14th round of La Liga.
In this match, Wang Feng contributed with a goal and an assist, while Iguan also found the. The final score was 4:1, with the home team defeating their opponents.
Next up was the final round of the Champions League group stage, with Real Madrid hosting Malm? at the Bernabu.
The Gcticosunched a fierce attack from the beginning, and just 19 seconds into the game, the Chinese superstar assisted Hesse to open the scoring.
Their onught did not stop, and by the time the final whistle blew, the scoreline read 8:0!
With 5 wins and 1 draw in the group stage, Real Madrid advanced to the Round of 16 with absolute dominance.
Next, the draw for the Champions League knockout stage was held, and they were drawn against AS Roma.
However, the momentum of the Gcticos suffered a setback as they encountered defeat at the Ceramics Stadium.
On December 13th, in the 15th round of La Liga, they lost 0:1 away to Virreal.
Throughout the match, Iguan created 9 scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize on any of them.
As for Wang Feng, he fell to the ground injured during a tussle with the opponent in the first half and was subsequently substituted by Ancelotti.
"Wang has a slight leg injury and is expected to miss the team''s next league and Club World Cup matches," the coach said at the post-match press conference.
The Italian coach originally did not want Wang Feng and other key yers to travel to Japan for the Club World Cup, but the club''s senior management attached great importance to the Asian market.
Especially with Wang Feng''s tremendous poprity, he had to make appearances even if he didn''t y.
However, the yers'' energy was limited, and as Wang Feng grew older, he could no longer y as freely as he did in his youth.
Taking advantage of this injury as an excuse to skip the Club World Cup, the coaching staff and team doctors naturally took the opportunity, and it was not convenient for the management who had just made a low-level mistake to say anything.
So, it was ultimately decided that the assistant coach would lead the reserve team members to participate.
After a 3:0 victory over Hangzhou Greentown, the team lost 0:1 to South American Copa Libertadores champions River te in the final.
In the 16th round of La Liga at home against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid disyed a strong attacking efficiency.
With a midfield driven by Modri? and Kroos,plemented by the frontline of Bale, Iguan, and Hesse, they contributed to a feast for the home fans.
The scoreline read 10:2!
At that moment, the Bernabu seemed to be back to its glory days of the previous season in the football world.
Every year before the Christmas holiday, Real Madrid holds an internal dinner event, which many celebrities attend, including the King of Spain.
However, such events usually do not invite reporters to participate. Everyone can only wait outside the hotel to take photos of the attendees.
But this year, the Gcticos broke the norm and sent invitations to more than a dozen mainstream media outlets in Spain, hoping they woulde and witness the event.
At the same time, the venue for the gathering was not the usual Eurostars Hotel but the Sasue?a Pce, where the Spanish royal family currently resides.
Such abnormality naturally aroused strong curiosity. No matter how good the rtionship between the King of Spain and Real Madrid was, it didn''t seem appropriate for them to hold a dinner at his private residence, so many media outlets sent teams to find out what was going on.
They found that the security level of the entire pce had been raised to the highest level. It was not just the two kings of Spain attending; even the Prime Minister and leaders of some friendly European countries were present, along with the ambassadors to Spain. Obviously, it was not just a simple Christmas gathering.
Something significant was about to happen!
Florentino personally opened the banquet and reviewed the glorious record of the Gcticos over the past nine years. He also looked forward to the second half of the new season, where the team would continue to strive for dominance in the league and the Champions League.
"All of this would not have been possible without the contribution of Captain Wang Feng. His efforts and achievements are evident to everyone, not only making the club proud but also making outstanding contributions to Spanish football."
"So King Felipe VI has decided to award him the Order of Charles III tomend his outstanding achievements!"
This statement astonished the attendees. It''s worth noting that the Order of Charles III is the second-highest order of Spain and the highest order that can be awarded to foreigners!
The highest order is the Order of the Golden Fleece, which is only awarded to members of the Spanish royal family or major leaders, and currently, there are no more than 18 recipients.
Even guests who knew the inside story in advance were very surprised. They knew that Wang Feng would be awarded a medal, but they didn''t expect it to be of such high caliber.
In fact, it''s not umon for the Spanish royal family to award medals to outstanding foreign workers. In January of this year, they awarded the "Knight of the Order of Cultural Merit" to Professor Chen from the Foreign Language Institute, and in June, they awarded the "Wisdom of Alfonso X the Wise" medal to Professor Dong, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Spanishnguage and culture in China.
However, these medals are of much lower rank. Ifpared domestically, they have some connotation of being "title of misceneous generals," set up and used anytime.
The Order of Charles III ispletely different. Its history can be traced back to 1771, and it was officially converted for civilian use in 1847.
There are five grades of this order: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander with Star, Commander, and Knight.
This time, the Chinese superstar received the highest grade of Grand Cross, which, apart from members of the royal family, has been awarded to no more than 25 Spanish citizens.
Although foreigners are not restricted, only a few dozen people have received it from civilian to now, and no one from the sports world has ever received it.
Wang Feng being able to receive such a high-level medal is not only because he helped Real Madridpete for the dominant position in European football but also because he greatly promoted the economic development of Spain.
Nowadays, its honorary significance outweighs its practical use. However, with this medal, the Chinese superstar can at least travel freely to and from Spain without visa restrictions.
Dressed in formal attire, Wang Feng stood before everyone. Although he had seen countless grand asions, he was a little nervous at this moment.
King Felipe VI then took the stage and personally hung the exquisitely crafted golden cor of the medal around his neck. The cor wasposed of alternating motifs of lions, city walls, armor, and Roman numeral III.
The main body of the medal was a pure gold cross, with the central oval area bearing the name and portrait of the Virgin Mary.
Chapter 738: Positive Development
Chapter 738: Positive Development
"Your achievements and contributions deserve to be remembered forever. I hope that one day you can return to Madrid," King Felipe VI of Spain winked at Wang Feng.
There was no doubt that he was one of the insiders, understanding that Wang Feng was about to leave Real Madrid to start a new journey.
At the same time, like Florentino, he also hoped that this club legend would continue to contribute to the team in the future.
"Of course, I already consider this ce my second home," the Chinese superstar smiled in response.
The shing lights from the nearby press seats faithfully recorded the entire process.
Afterwards, Wang Feng, adorned with the medal, delivered a speech. He thanked the Spanish royal family for their kindness and the club for their nurturing, stating that he would continue to pursue football development and victory as always.
The next day, this event appeared in the political and economic news sections of various European countries. Most people were simply amazed at the special treatment Wang Feng received from Spain, but it wasn''t considered particrly surprising.
In just the nine years that the Chinese superstar helped the Gcticos monopolize the Champions League title, it''s unknown how much benefit he brought to the club and to Spain as a whole. Prize money frompetitions was just a drop in the bucketpared to the countless endorsement deals and merchandising ie.
Moreover, backed by a vast tourism market, ording to authoritative surveys, over 80% of Chinese people choose Madrid, Spain as their first choice for European travel, wanting to witness theirpatriot hailed as a hero in this city.
Such significant achievements have to some extent even influenced the development trend of Spain''s economy during its economic crisis. It''s hard to imagine that a football king from China could have such a strong influence.
However, this is also rted to Wang Feng being the first and maintaining his peak for a long time. Later yers like Dong Fangzhuo, who yed for Bayern Munich, also enjoyed some benefits, but not to the extent of Real Madrid.
Thebination of timing, location, people, and talent created such a sessful partnership between the Chinese superstar and the Gcticos in history.
Feeling extremely disgusted were the Catns. Local television stations continued to criticize the authorities for their irresponsibility in hastily awarding the highest medal.
They were well aware that Wang Feng''s medal to some extent also bore their own "credit". It was Barcelona''s ipetence that led to the current situation, and this history would forever be a nightmare for the Catns along with the medal.
This winter break was particrly short. After the Christmas dinner, the Real Madrid yers dispersed on the spot. On December 27th, just two days after Christmas, they needed to regroup because they had their first league match of the second half of the season on the 30th.
If the hottest club in European footballst season was the undefeated champion Real Madrid, then so far this season, the team that everyone is paying the most attention to is Leicester City in the English Premier League.
This team can be said to have risen out of nowhere, leading the Premier League standings ahead of traditional powerhouses like Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Coach Ranieri, who was originally a second-tier firefighter in Europe, has now be a hot new star.
Young yers in the team such as Mahrez, Vardy, and Mendy, who have performed outstandingly, are being pursued by major clubs.
"I have to say, the overall excitement level of the Premier League has gradually surpassed La Liga. Especially the development and health of mid-to-lower-tier teams," Wang Fengmented while scrolling through news on his phone.
His wife, Lu Yao, agreed deeply, "I''ve never quite understood what the La Liga league is thinking. With such a good ready-made example to learn from and reform the broadcasting rights ie, the results are still neither here nor there."
"To put it inly, it''s all about interests. La Liga always wants to protect only Real Madrid and Barcelona, so they upy the absolute majority. This leads to situations where teams like Valencia and Sevi could potentially face debt crises."
"Not to mention small teams like Granada. They can''tpete with clubs like Fulham and West Ham in terms of investment. Could you imagine them spending a hundred million in the transfer marketst season?"
"The top teams are developing, and the mid-to-lower-tier teams are also striving to move forward, which has created the current boom in the English football market."
Lu Yao nodded, showing a moment of worry, "Is it really a good decision to move to the Premier League? Thepetition is so intense, Feng Ge, I trust you a lot, but I''m also a bit worried, especially after you got injured a while ago!"
Wang Feng smiled and squeezed his wife''s hand tofort her, "That injury was nothing at all, just a pretext for the coaching staff and me to skip the trip to Japan."
"And besides, I''ve yed in the Serie A before. I know the level quite well. To be honest, this kind of intensity doesn''t make me feel afraid."
A strong sense of confidence appeared on the Chinese superstar''s face. Time had not left any marks on his face, nor had it left any shadows in his heart.
In the 17th round of La Liga, the Gcticos arrived at the Anoeta Stadium to face Real Sociedad.
The fleeting vacation did not affect the yers much, even some of the more rxed ones were able to maintain a good state.
Real Madrid ultimately won 3-1, with Wang Feng not scoring but providing two assists for Iguan. His dribbling breakthroughs attracted most of Real Sociedad''s defensive efforts, and the Argentine striker scored his goals quitefortably.
"Iguan''s league goals have reached 19, surpassing second-ced Surez by two goals. It seems like there''s apetition within the Gcticos to be the top scorer."
"The contribution and assistance Wang provided cannot be ignored. It''s really lucky for teammates to y with him,"mented Garca, amentator for Spanish sports television.
Next, on January 3rd, in the 18th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced Valencia at home. The Gcticos encountered a strong challenge from the Bats, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
The home team had the advantage during the match, but they were very unlucky. Right-back Carvajal was forced to leave the field due to injury in the second half, leading to a defensive gap in the final moments of the game, allowing the away team to equalize.
This incident further worsened Real Madrid''s already depleted defense line. Marcelo, Ramos, and Varane all had varying degrees of injuries, leaving only four defenders avable in the first team: Danilo, Nacho, Pepe, and lvaro, with no substitutes avable.
After the match, the club''s official website updated thetest news. After a detailed examination by the team doctor, Carvajal was confirmed to have a pulled muscle in his left leg, requiring further observation and at least a month of absence.
While fans felt sad, there was also a hint of relief. Several key yers'' injuries were not so serious, and they would at least not need to rest for the entire season. They would be able to make it to the century derby against Barcelona in April.
Currently, Real Madrid leads with 41 points, 2 points ahead of Barcelona and 3 points ahead of Atltico Madrid, upying the top spot on the league table. The advantage is not very significant, and perhaps the next league sh will be the key to deciding who wins.
Barcelona had the opportunity to catch up and level the ying field, but they unexpectedly drew, losing points away to their city rivals, Espanyol.
Many fans were already calling for Enrique''s and Bartomeu''s dismissal. Despite spending huge sums on transfers, they still couldn''t turn the situation around. What difference is there from before?
Chapter 739: Doing the Right Thing
Chapter 739: Doing the Right Thing
On January 9th, in the 19th round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Deportivo La Coru?a away, sweeping away the gloom of injuries and achieving a resounding 5-0 victory.
Afterward, the main yers of the team joyfully headed to Zurich, Switzend, to attend the annual FIFA awards ceremony, undoubtedly they would be the absolute protagonists.
"Wang is about to receive his 11th Ballon d''Or trophy, and I''m not surprised at all," said the Argentine star during the routine press conference, alongside the other two finalists, Modric and Messi.
"Whether it''s club performance or individual performance, he deserves it. I feel very lucky to be here, but it''s already the limit," Messi said with a slightly generous smile, but there was a hint of reluctance and helplessness in his eyes.
When will the 32-year-old Chinese superstar''s form decline, and when will he retire from mainstream leagues? There have been rumors that Wang Feng will leave Real Madrid in the summer, but he is still a target for many top clubs. At this moment, Messi just hopes that he won''t be so "tired" anymore.
Having already achieved numerous honors, why bother to continue fighting and exhausting oneself? Isn''t it more pleasant to retire and make money in the MLS?
Wang Feng still expressed that his achievements couldn''t have been aplished without the assistance of his teammates. Modric sitting here says it all; he has the best teammates in the world.
At the same time, the Chinese superstar also fully praised Messi''s skills and spirit. Even after so many years, he still maintains his position among the best in football, which is rare in history.
"I like watching Leo y. His ability and self-discipline amaze me. I believe his achievements will not stop here in the future," Wang Feng said.
The reporters below were suddenly at a loss for words, and someone asked a sharp question first: "Are you suggesting that Messi can surpass Ronaldo and be the new best yer of the generation?"
Wang Feng waved his hand repeatedly, "I didn''t mean that. Cristiano is also a frequent contender for the best yer. Who is better between them, I''m afraid history will be the judge."
As for thest candidate, Modric, during the interview, he did not conceal his support and admiration for the Chinese superstar, "The Ballon d''Or should only be awarded to the captain. It should have been like thisst year."
"At that time, the judges could still use the World Cup as an excuse. Now they can''t find any excuses. The best yer should win the biggest award. That''s the right thing to do."
At 7 p.m. in the evening, the red carpet show before the awards ceremony began, which was an interactive session for guests and the media, attracting everyone''s attention.
Football''s influence is expanding worldwide, its energy is no longer limited to the sports sector, and many literary and fashion workers wille to the event to "leverage poprity."
However, Lu Yao obviously didn''t like this kind of attention. As always, she did not appear at the scene, which disappointed many reporters who had once caught a glimpse of her.
After about an hour, all the guests gradually entered the venue and took their seats. German sports program host Kate Abdo appeared on stage, signaling the official start of the ceremony.
The first thing announced was still the Best XI of the year. The Gcticos had a total of 7 yers selected, bing the biggest winners and also setting a record for the most yers selected from a single club.
With the huge sess of winning the league undefeated, the selection results were very convincing.
The 4-3-3 formation, selected by over 50,000 members of the World Professional Footballers'' Association, included Navas as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Ramos, Marcelo, Alves, and Thiago Silva.
The three midfielders were Modric, Casemiro, and Iniesta.
The three forwards were Bale, Wang Feng, and Messi.
Barcelona, with their Champions League runner-up position, secured three spots in the lineup, and the only non-La Liga yer was Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Best Men''s Coach announced afterward was Carlo Ancelotti, and there was no suspense. As the most sessful club coach in history, Ancelotti''s status has been mythologized by many fans.
ording to Wang Feng''s knowledge, teams like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have all issued strong invitations to the Italian, with treatment that is jaw-dropping.
However, Ancelotti has not yet decided on his next step after the expiration of his contract in the summer. Perhaps he will take a break for a while?
He is very clear in his heart that his coaching may be excellent but not magical. The magical one is only Wang Feng.
Due to tter''s resignation, the FIFA Presidential Award was also canceled, and the Pusks Award was won by the Brazilian Lira.
The Best Women''s Coach was Ellis, who led the United States to win the World Cup in Canada, and the Fair y Award went to all football organizations supporting refugees.
The Women''s yer of the Year was awarded to the American midfielder Lloyd, bing the third American to be named Women''s yer of the Year after Hamm and Wambach.
Finally, the highlight of the awards ceremony, the FIFA Ballon d''Or, was announced. Everyone in the audience knew that there was no suspense. Except forst year, when there were many waves due to the World Cup, there was basically no controversy at other times.
This year was no exception. With unprecedented undefeated league dominance and the indelible contribution of a century''s worth of goals in a season, who could threaten Wang Feng''s position?
When the award presenter Kaka opened the envelope containing the result, he mischievously smiled and winked at Wang Feng. Scenes of the twopeting on the same stage floated in his mind, as if it were a distant memory.
Back then, he still regarded the Chinese superstar as apetitor. To some extent, his career was very unfortunate because there was always a huge mountain hanging over his head.
But it can also be said to be lucky. Even countless yearster, people will still remember that under the god of football Wang Feng, there was the agile elf Ronaldinho and the chasing wind youth Kaka.
"I announce that the winner of the 2015 FIFA Ballon d''Or isWang Feng!"
"Congrattions, my friend, my opponent!"
The Chinese superstar stood up with a smile, embracing Modric, Messi, Iniesta, and the yers beside him one by one, receiving the most sincere blessings from both opponents and teammates.
Stepping onto the stage, Kaka also gave Wang Feng a hug and then handed him the Ballon d''Or trophy, saying, "You are still the undisputed world''s best!"
"Haha, why do you look so unkempt, clearly you''re only a year older than me, but you''ve turned into an old man."
"This is called mature, understand? Who still looks like a teenager in their thirties like you?" The Brazilian was a little annoyed, but in his heart, he thought that he must shave off his beard when he goes back.
After joking with Kaka, Wang Feng then gave his eptance speech, thanking all relevant persons as usual. The audience apuded and celebrated, but couldn''t help feeling emotional. The era ofpeting with the Chinese superstar was indeed too cruel!
Every time Wang Feng won the award, it was well deserved. Apart from him, no one else deserved this Ballon d''Or. But yers like Ronaldinho, Eto''o, Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Ronaldo, and Messi, who were exceptionally talented, always lived in his shadow.
All these regrets were not boring because the stars had once challenged the god of football, creating one exciting and magnificent ssic battle after another.
Chapter 740: The Era Will Eventually End
Chapter 740: The Era Will Eventually End
After the awards ceremony, the Real Madrid team returned to Madrid on a chartered ne from Zurich, Switzend.
When the media widely reported the news of the return of the Chinese superstar after a year, rumors about his transfer surfaced once again.
This time, it seemed more certain. ording to Sky Sports in the UK, Real Madrid had given up on keeping Wang Feng and had secretly reached an agreement with him that he would leave while also securing the team''s future.
Subsequently, authoritative media outlets such as Kicker in Germany and L''quipe in France also reported simr news, all suggesting that the probability of the Chinese superstar staying at the Gcticos was very slim.
This statement sparked widespread discussion among fans. It is well known that the Chinese superstar''s contract with the club will expire this summer, and more and more people are pessimistic about him staying.
He has created unprecedented sess for this club. What kind of contribution can he make before leaving?
On January 17th, in the 20th round of La Liga, Real Madrid faced SD Huesca at home. Wang Feng returned to the starting lineup, and theyunched a fierce attack from the beginning, eventually winning 5-1.
Seven dayster, they faced Real Betis away, where fluctuations in performance led to a 1-1 draw for the Gcticos.
However, Real Madrid did not despair. On January 31st, in the 22nd round of La Liga, the team returned to face Espanyol at home.
Just 39 seconds into the game, the home teamunched their first attack. The Chinese superstar received a through ball from Modric, dribbled past the defenders, and shot from outside the box, catching the opposing goalkeeper off guard, 1-0!
Ten minutester, Kroos intercepted the ball in midfield and passed it into the penalty area. Wang Feng, at the edge of the small box, fell to the ground and shot, the ball almost squeezing between the goalkeeper''s hand and the post into the near corner.
It was a perfect shot in terms of timing and angle, not a mistake by the Espanyol defense, but rather the Chinese superstar seizing the opportunity.
In the 33rd minute, Bale ran out of space on the wing, attracted defenders, and sent a diagonal pass. Wang Feng, following up, scored from close range in front of the goal.
3-0! A hat-trick!
Since partnering with Iguan, the Chinese superstar''s shooting and goal statistics have decreased significantly, but no one can ignore that he is still the most threatening yer in front of the goal.
Despite being three goals ahead, the home team was not satisfied and continued to press Espanyol.
Just before halftime, Nacho crossed into the penalty area, Wang Feng headed the ball forward, Iguan attracted attention from defenders with his movement, and Kroos quickly headed in from the back post, further increasing the lead.
At the beginning of the second half, in the 57th minute, Bale sent a cross from the wing, Modric received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, dribbled past the defender, and passed diagonally. The Chinese superstar, running at high speed, evaded the defender''s tackle and shot with his right foot to score, 5-0!
"A poker! Oh my god! Wang Feng scored a poker!"
"Can you imagine a 33-year-old veteran making such moves? The speed and explosiveness in that moment make me feel like he''s 22 again!"
"How many more times does he need to shock us? Crazy Wang Feng, crazy Real Madrid!"
It wasn''t over yet. Just as Ancelotti was preparing to substitute Wang Feng with Hesse, the home team attacked again. Wang Feng and Modric continued to pass and move, tearing apart the defense.
As the Croatian midfielder''s shot in the penalty area was blocked by a defender, Wang Feng controlled the ball ahead of everyone else, dodged the goalkeeper''s save, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Five goals!
The entire Bernabu Stadium exploded like a powder keg, and cheers and screams could probably be heard for miles around.
Countless people shouted the name of the Chinese superstar and the title "Diwangros." The television broadcast captured them one by one, with many fans shedding tears and some even crying out loud.
They were joyful for the victory at this moment, but also saddened by the imminent departure.
"Ladies and gentlemen, no matter how reluctant we are, the era of Wang Feng''s Real Madrid will eventuallye to an end, perhaps this summer."
"Yes, he is getting older. We can see that Wang is no longer the first choice for the entire game, he no longer sprints across the field like an iron man, his intensity in challenges has greatly decreased, and even his absence due to injuries is increasing."
"I think the reason he chose to leave is not because of any conflict of interest, but because he wants to forever freeze his peak time here, unwilling to gradually be a burden and disappointment to the beloved fans."
"So we don''t need to be overly sad. He has already given us the best. In the Bernabu, in Real Madrid, he has never been defeated!"
As the fourth official showed the red number 10 electronic board to substitute Wang Feng, nearly 100,000 fans stood up and apuded thunderously.
The Chinese superstar walked slowly to the sidelines, shook hands and hugged the young Hesse, and the captain. "No matter what happens in the future, you will always be my senior, my captain!"
The Spanish youngster''s eyes were a little red, apparently guessing something. Not only him, but many yers in the team also understood that the probability of Wang Feng staying at Real Madrid was very low.
They were not discouraged or panicked by this. Instead, they cherished the days of fighting side by side with the Chinese superstar even more, determined to let the captain leave with full satisfaction!
Wang Feng patted Hesse on the back, wanting to say something encouraging but didn''t know where to start. He could only offer encouraging eyes, everything was understood without words.
With the momentum of the big victory, the Gcticos defeated Granada 2-1 and Athletic Bilbao 4-2 respectively in the following matches, continuing to sit firmly atop the league standings.
Barcelona, ??on the other hand, was not willing to be outdone. Although they still had to bnce the Copa del Rey matches, they did not make any mistakes in the league. Coach Enrique believed that this was the best and perhaps thest chance to defeat Wang Feng and overthrow Real Madrid.
"Do you want to keep ying football forever under the shadow of the Real Madrid led by Wang Feng?" At a Barcelona team meeting, the Spaniard spoke passionately.
"If he leaves the club this summer, how will history judge us? Will it say that we are all a bunch of failures, a bunch of cowards forever being trampled underfoot!"
"The biggest contributor to defeating Wang Feng is time, but it cannot be just time. Barcelona must also y a role. Come on, guys, work harder, let the opponents leave the mainstream league in embarrassment, andpletely erase the shame of the past!"
After this league match, the fire of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage was ignited. In the first leg, the Gcticos faced AS Roma away.
For Real Madrid, this was not a very difficult challenge. A lightning start once again yed its role, allowing them to achieve a dream start.
After Bale took the free kick, the away team''s midfielders stumbled a few times in the center circle, and Casemiro saw Wang Feng and Iguan charging into the opponent''s half and asking for the ball.
The Brazilian midfielder sent a precise long pass to the left, and Iguan, taking advantage of Wang Feng''s movement to attract defensive attention, controlled the ball in the penalty area and scored the opening goal.
Of course,pared to the resilience and patience of Roma, the Spanish team, Roma, did not allow the opponents to take advantage and establish a winning position. The two sides remained deadlocked until the 64th minute of the second half.
Modric took a free kick near the sideline in the opponent''s half, floated the ball into the penalty area, and the Chinese superstar shook off the defenders and headed in, widening the lead to 2-0.
This result held until the final whistle, and the Gcticos achieved their desired victory and an away goal, with hopes of advancing.
Chapter 741: The Biggest Reckoning in History?
Chapter 741: The Biggest Reckoning in History?
On February 21st, after ying the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in Rome, Real Madrid arrived in Andalusia toplete the 25th round of La Liga against Mga.
The away team adopted a strategy of significant rotation, expecting to easily suppress the coastal team. However, the opponents instead gained the upper hand and continuously threatened the Gcticos'' goal.
Injuries and the absence of key yers indeed had a significant impact on Real Madrid''s performance. Despite bringing on Wang Feng in the 60th minute, he only had an effect ten minutester, assisting Vzquez to score a goal.
However, the Gcticos still ended up drawing 1-1 with Mga.
To make matters worse, on February 27th, in the 26th round of La Liga, Real Madrid weed Atletico Madrid to the Bernabu.
In this match, Ramos and Marcelo returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injuries, and the Gcticos could be said to have put out their strongest lineup.
However, after battling each other for nearly 80 minutes, neither side could gain the upper hand. At this moment, Pepe received his second yellow card of the match for a sliding tackle foul, resulting in a direct red card!
This became a turning point in the match. Seven minutester, Griezmann scored the only goal of the match with a header inside the penalty area, helping Atletico Madrid defeat the Gcticos 1-0.
For the first time in over a decade, Atletico Madrid defeated their cross-city rivals at the Bernabu!
Simeone and his disciples celebrated wildly on the pitch, finally oveing the seemingly insurmountable mountain. The Rojincos were rising.
Many journalists who smelled blood immediately began to write frantically. The Gcticos were finished! With their leader about to leave, they were about to be torn to shreds by the avengers!
On the other hand, Barcelona seemed to be inspired as well. They swept Levante 7-0, not only overtaking the Gcticos to the top of the table but also widening the gap between the two teams to five points.
The facilities at the Bernabu Stadium were very luxurious, such as the showers. They not only had spacious single positions but also came equipped with temperature control systems and exquisite wooden benches, allowing the yers to showerfortably after the match.
After a refreshing shower, Wang Feng walked into the locker room to rx his muscles and await treatment, while his teammates gathered in groups, checking the news on their phones.
"This is too exaggerated. The end of Real Madrid, the biggest reckoning in history? What nonsense is this? If you didn''t know any better, you''d think we were being relegated," Ramosined indignantly. "It''s just one loss in the league."
The anticipated despair and depression from the outside world did not appear here. The mentality of the Gcticos yers was generally calm. They had seen all sorts of situations before, and who could assert victory before the final moment?
"The media always want to make a big deal out of everything, especially over in Catalonia. I bet it''s busier now than at Christmas," Wang Feng responded with a smile.
"But it''s true that we didn''t perform well in this match. We wasted many opportunities, and Atletico yed better than us. Losing was deserved."
"Sergio is right. One match doesn''t mean anything. As long as we win the games we should win next, we can definitely stage aeback!"
"I''ll treat everyone to a gathering tonight to rx our bodies after being sourly defeated by Atletico."
Seeing the captain say this, everyone smiled and nodded in agreement.
Sometimes morale doesn''te from hard training alone; rxation and bnce are also essential for effective improvement.
As expected, Real Madrid did not appear to be significantly affected by their loss to Atletico. They went on to defeat Levante 3-1 and thrash Celta Vigo 7-1 sessively, with Wang Feng contributingprehensive statistics of 23 goals and 19 assists so far. His assist count surpassed Messi''s, ranking first, while in the top scorer list, Iguan led with 37 goals, ahead of Suarez''s 34.
At least from this perspective, thebination of Wang and Iguan being able to surpass Messi and Suarez together also gave the Gcticos confidence. There was still a Barcelona derby at the Camp Nou to determine the final oue.
On March 8th, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Real Madrid hosted Roma at the Bernabu.
The home team did not give the visitors any chance. The Chinese superstar opened the scoring, followed by Modric extending the lead. In the end, they defeated their opponents 2-0, advancing to the quarterfinals with a total score of 4-0.
After all the matches were yed, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid all advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals. La Liga remained extremely dominant, with Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen from the Bundesliga advancing as well.
With the efforts of De Bruyne and Huang Hu, Werder Bremen achieved their best ever performance in the Champions League.
Only one team from the Premier League remained, Manchester City led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Rumors of his transfer were also rampant. He abandoned everything to join his cross-city rivals but failed to win the Champions League as expected, not even reaching the final.
Both fans and yers were brewing with pressure and dissatisfaction. This year might be thest time both sides could tolerate each other.
Paris Saint-Germain also became a regr in the quarterfinals. Their situation was simr to Manchester City''s, alwayscking that final push. It can be seen that money does not represent everything. To win the Champions League, which is considered the key to the elite, more effort is needed.
Thest quarterfinal spot was snatched by Benfica. In recent years, teams from leagues like the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the Dutch Eredivisie often outperform teams from the top five leagues, causing asional upsets, but a prolonged streak of upsets is almost impossible.
After all, whether in terms of tform influence or sry level, theyg far behind the top clubs, and the gap in yer quality will only widen.
When Porto reached the Champions League final and lost to Inter Mn led by Wang Feng, that was probably the peak era for such teams.
After the draw, Real Madrid''s next opponent was Werder Bremen.
"This is just too bad. Is this the world''s malice? Our Champions League journey is over!" Huang Huined to Wang Feng on the phone, his words filled with frustration.
"Well, you can still give it your all and struggle. Maybe there''s a 0.0001% chance, who knows," the Chinese superstar teased with a smirk.
Huang Hu couldn''t help but be speechless. The two chatted about their recent situation, "Werder Bremen''s tform is indeed limited. They have put all their focus on the Champions League this year and cannot simultaneouslypete in the league. We can only rank in the middle of the table and are definitely out of Europeanpetition next season."
"De Bruyne is much more talented than me. He will definitely leave after the season. He was supposed to leavest season, but I persuaded him to stay."
"Wang Ge, where do you think I should go next?"
"Go to apetitive Champions League team. Bayern would be the best choice. The Premier League or La Liga would also work. There''s a broader stage there."
Huang Hu also deeply agreed with this view. He had already asked Balmond to sound out the major clubs. As Dongfang Zhuo grew older, the Southern King, who enjoyed the dividends, also hoped for a sessor to emerge.
Undoubtedly, Huang Hu, who won the Bundesliga Golden Boot at the age of 24, was the best choice for the future leader of the national team.
For Huang Hu himself, not having to get used to a newnguage and living environment and being able to quickly integrate was very attractive. The only downside was that Bayern had many talented forwards, so he had to show enoughpetitiveness.
"Genk and Werder Bremen''s experience hasid a solid foundation for me. Now it''s time to embrace the challenge!" the Chinese youngster said firmly.
Chapter 742: Midfield Gems
Chapter 742: Midfield Gems
In the remaining two league matches in March, Real Madrid secured victories. On the 13th, they won 2-1 away against newly promoted Las Palmas, and on the 20th, they swept Sevi 4-0 at home.
Wang Feng contributed 2 goals and 1 assist, while Iguan increased his league goal tally to 39, edging closer to his first Golden Boot.
In the following two weeks, the national team matches arrived as scheduled, and thereafter, the Gctic Warship would travel to the Camp Nou for the century derby.
This schedule mirrored the first half of the season, with most yers enduring a journey before participating in such an important match.
La Liga remains full of suspense, with Barcelona holding the initiative. However, history has repeatedly shown that their lead is not secure. Coupled with the humiliating 5-0 defeat in the first encounter, Enrique vowed to seek revenge and snatch the league title from Real Madrid.
On the other hand, the Gctic Warship had no choice but to strive for victory. Otherwise, the gap between the two sides would widen further, jeopardizing their hopes of winning the title.
With key yers gradually returning from injury, Ancelotti did not resort to risky tactics like moving Wang Feng''s position. Instead, he used the familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Navas in goal.
The backline consisted of Ramos, Marcelo, Carvajal, and Danilo. Pepe''s fitness and technical level were gradually declining, and this season, he found himself increasingly on the bench.
In midfield, there were Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric.
The front threeprised Wang Feng, Iguan, and Bale.
This approach by the Italian coach was somewhat unexpected by Enrique. He believed that the tactics used in the first leg had an effect and would likely be continued. Thus, he formted a specific strategy to counter it.
That was to switch to a 4-4-2 formation, adding Roberto to the starting lineup and relegating Neymar to the bench. Messi would be free to drop back and participate in midfield domination at any time.
However, all these arrangements turned out to be in vain. "He''s quite the old fox!" Enrique, looking at Ancelotti not far away with a wry smile, muttered under his breath.
"If you think you can stop us without relying on Wang Feng, then let''s see how our team has grown!"
"Barcelona''s passing and receiving in the midfield area have be more stable. Adding a yer to support to some extent weakened Real Madrid''s pressing threat."
"Yes, the home team currently dominates possession by a vast margin, simr to previous encounters between the two sides. However, the old problem still exists; they find it difficult to prate into the penalty area."
"During this period, Real Madrid''s interceptions have been effective, especially with Modric frequently dropping back to support Casemiro, and Wang Feng''s positioning primarily focused on the midfield."
"Although they use a 4-3-3 formation, both the away team''s coaching staff and yers understand that defending is the top priority when ying at the Camp Nou. They must not allow Barcelona to exploit space."
If Ramos were to take on the role of team captain after Wang Feng''s departure, Modric might have to assume the position of tactical core.
This diminutive but well-rounded midfielder was once not recognized by the fans, but the Chinese superstar always held him in high regard and supported him. Modric''s growth and development did not disappoint the trust ced in him.
Coming from a poor background, his physical condition didn''t seem suitable for football, a high-intensity contact sport. He was neither tall nor muscr, nor particrly fast. Due to insufficient thigh muscle strength, his explosiveness was limited.
However, Modric managed to be one of the best midfield maestros in the world, selected in the top three of the Ballon d''Or.
His bnced technical skills with both feet and his agility in offensive positioning were evident in several threatening attacks by Real Madrid in the first half. This was often rted to thebination of the Croatian and Wang Feng.
For example, in the 27th minute, Marcelo intercepted in the back and passed to Modric in the midfield area. At this moment, both sides of him and the front were tightly marked by Barcelona''s defense, so Modric chose to pass back to Ramos.
After the ball was passed, Rakitic immediately went to chase, and Modric began to move sideways to an open space. As expected, his teammate quickly found him and passed back.
After receiving the ball, he didn''t blindly rush forward but instead passed to Wang Feng, who was making a run on the nk. The Chinese superstar burst forward, while Modric leisurely followed behind.
Seeing that most of the defensive attention was on Wang Feng, Modric suddenly elerated towards the edge of the penalty area. At this moment, Wang Feng intuitively sent a back-pass.
Modric, seizing the opportunity, received the ball and swiftly dodged Rakitic who was rushing to intercept, but Rakitic managed to block his path.
At the critical moment, Modric quickly changed direction to evade Rakitic''s interception once again, then, not daring to dy, he cleared the ball out of the danger zone before other yers could close in.
Whether it was the decisive turn to chase the ball, where he kept the ball and the opponent in his sight, thus cleverly blocking his position, or the consecutive dribbles and changes of direction in a very short time and space, it all demonstrated Modric''s excellent defensive awareness and technical ability.
In addition to Modric, Real Madrid also had another midfield gem, the 24-year-old Casemiro. The Brazilian actually had a chip on his shoulder when participating in this century derby.
Two weeks ago, he was not called up by the national team coach Dunga. For him, who had secured his position as a mainstay in the Gctic Warship, this was a disgrace, and Casemiro wanted to prove his strength to the world.
The Brazilian defensive midfielder possessed strong physical qualities and interception abilities, as well as the delicate technical characteristics of Brazilian yers, making him well-rounded in both attack and defense.
His extraordinary defensive wisdom was a natural advantage, always able to reduce the threat of opponent attacks.
For example, in the 37th minute, Iniesta sent a direct pass to the edge of the Real Madrid penalty area. Suarez, under Carvajal''s interference, failed to control the ball properly, and it flew several meters away.
Suarez immediately elerated to chase, and at this moment, Casemiro, who was originally prepared to join in the defense, immediately changed direction to intercept the ball.
Using his physical advantage, the Brazilian midfielder won the ball first and then skillfully shook off Suarez''s entanglement. However, Rakitic also hurried over to intercept him.
At the critical moment, Casemiro quickly changed direction again to avoid Rakitic''s block, then, without dy, he cleared the ball out of the danger zone with a powerful kick before other yers could converge on him.
Whether it was the decisive turn to chase the ball, where he kept the ball and the opponent in his sight, thus cleverly blocking his position, or the consecutive dribbles and changes of direction in a very short time and space, it all demonstrated Casemiro''s excellent defensive awareness and technical ability.
In the first half, both teams fought fiercely, and neither could ovee the other. The score remained 0-0.
Barcelona had a possession rate of 69.1%, holding the upper hand. They had 7 shots with 4 on target, and one particrly threatening shot hit the post.
On the other hand, the Gctic Warship had 5 shots with 4 on target, appearing to be evenly matched.
Chapter 743: You Can鈥檛 Cross This Jersey
Chapter 743: You Can''t Cross This Jersey
In the second half, both sides returned to the Camp Nou. As time progressed, Real Madrid''s defensive counterattacks gradually became more prominent. They consumed less energypared to Barcelona, thus having more reserves.
With the sudden increase in pressing intensity and pace of the game, the home team''s yers seemed somewhat disorganized.
As the match entered the 70th minute, Real Madrid intercepted in their own half, with Wang Feng passing to Modric outside the penalty area, then swiftly advancing towards the opposition half.
The Croatian midfielder took two steps forward, seized the opportunity, and delivered a long diagonal pass. The ball reached Gonzalo Higuan, who was pressing forward at the forefront, just beyond the halfway line.
Running forward while receiving the ball made the Argentine striker stumble slightly, but he quickly stopped to control the ball as Dani Alves, who was retreating, immediately rushed forward.
Higuan dribbled the ball to the other side to avoid the pressure, then sent a diagonal pass to find Wang Feng, who was making a rapid run forward. However, Gerard Piqu was also marking him closely.
The Chinese superstar elerated again with the ball at his feet, although he didn''t shake off Piqu as quickly as he did in his younger days, he managed to gain a half-step advantage over the defender.
The Spanish defender didn''t dare to foul easily, as he was thest line of defense.
Moreover, they were very close to the penalty area at this moment. A slight mistake could result in a red card and a dangerous free kick for the opponent.
"I don''t believe I can''t outrun a 33-year-old!" Piqu thought fiercely in his heart, while also making subtle pulling motions with his hands.
Both yers fought their way into the penalty area, and after a series of confrontations, Wang Feng finally stumbled forward, prompting Piqu to quickly raise his hands to signal that he didn''tmit a foul.
Just as the Chinese superstar lost his bnce and was about to fall, he swept the ball sideways with his right foot. Gareth Bale, who was unmarked around the penalty spot, easily slotted the ball home.
"Gooooooooooooooooooooal! In the 70th minute, Real Madrid''s rapid counterattack breaks the deadlock against Barcelona!"
"Wang Feng''s crucial cross, Bale scores with ease, helping the away team take the lead!"
Wang Feng, who fell to the ground but still managed to make the crucial pass, slid across the grass due to momentum, but he ignored the pain and turned his head towards the goal.
Seeing the ball go into the and the referee''s whistle signaling a goal, the Chinese superstar quickly got up and rushed towards Bale, grabbing the Welsh winger tightly from behind.
Real Madrid yers also rushed over to celebrate, surrounding the two yers. They celebrated wildly, with many of them shouting angrily at the television cameras in the corner.
"Even if you control the ball, you can''t withstand our counterattacks!"
The Barcelona yers who didn''t have time to get back into defensive positions looked dejected. Piqu simplyy on the ground, covering his face with both hands. Real Madrid''s counterattack was too fast and decisive.
The Spanish defender never expected Wang Feng to persist in attacking under such harsh conditions. Shouldn''t he have fallen down and appealed for a penalty with his hands spread out to the referee?
After all, he took a great risk in disrupting the Chinese superstar and was highly likely tomit a foul, but it was also highly controversial.
As Piqu anticipated how to argue with the referee when his opponent was about to fall, Wang Feng paid him no mind. Instead of thinking about whether it was a penalty, he managed to make the pass while losing his bnce, not even knowing if anyone was behind him to receive it.
Such attacking desire, suchpetitive spirit, how could he not be called the God of Football!
Trailing by one goal, Barcelonaunched a fierce counterattack. Enrique also made substitutions, bringing Neymar on to further strengthen the attack.
The Brazilian injected a lot of energy into the team, and soon he created several opportunities on the wings.
In the 82nd minute, Neymar dropped back to receive the ball in the attacking third, and after two wall passes with Messi and Suarez, he burst into the penalty area.
Then, with quick dribbles, he went past Navas and, at almost zero angle, chipped the ball into the goal.
1-1! Barcelona equalizes! An extremely important goal!
The Camp Nou erupted in cheers, countless fans chanting Neymar''s name loudly. The Brazilian ran around the field celebrating, with teammates and coaching staff members from the bench closely following behind.
For the home team, a draw was like a victory. Leading by two wins would almost secure the league title, and Neymar was the hero!
In this situation, the Brazilian forward was almost moved to tears. He had waited for this moment for too long, to rescue the team and be the protagonist!
Of course, the Gctic Warship would not give up. After protesting and urging, Barcelona finally returned to the field.
As time passed, the home team resorted to dying tactics, wanting to maintain the current result until the end of the match. Enrique even substituted defenders twice in a row.
On one hand, they dyed time reasonably, on the other hand, they strengthened the defensive line.
Barcelona''s number of fouls also increased sharply, receiving three yellow cards in thest ten minutes, intercepting forcefully before Real Madrid could enter the danger zone.
Entering injury time, the fans in the Camp Nou stands could no longer contain their excitement. Many of them began to celebrate their team''s victory in advance, a draw that would lead them to lift the long-awaited league trophy!
"Wang is the king!" someone shouted loudly, and soon the entire stadium responded, mocking their opponents mercilessly, seemingly forgetting their once shameful and humble appearance.
But Wang Feng wouldn''t forget, nor would he disappoint them!
Casemiro intercepted the ball in midfield and quickly initiated an attack, passing to Modric, who then gestured to move forward towards the right nk. The Chinese superstar also ran into that area to provide support.
Barcelona immediately reacted, shifting most of their defensive yers to the right, fearing that a few yers might form abination or Wang Feng might tear open the defensive line with continuous changes in direction.
Unexpectedly, the Croatian midfielder made a sudden stop, passed to Kroos who was making a run on the left, and Kroos approached the edge of the penalty area and, after assessing the situation, quickly sent a diagonal pass.
The ball passed by Busquets, threaded between Piqu and Mascherano,nded and bounced near the penalty spot, urately sliding towards the right side of the small penalty area.
At that moment, the Chinese superstar, who was originally retreating to receive the pass, suddenly turned and sprinted towards the inside of the penalty area. This seamless cooperation between ball and yer happened just before Dani Alves could interfere, and he volleyed with his right foot before Alves could block.
The ball shot straight into the bottom right corner of the goal, and Ter Stegen''s diving effort waspleted a secondter.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! Ast-minute winner! Real Madrid''sst-minute goal!"
Wang Feng looked up to the sky and let out a long roar, then rushed towards the stands. He clearly heard the Barcelona fans behind the goal mocking him just moments ago.
The Chinese superstar took off his jersey while running, stopped near the nearest end of the stands, then raised the jersey to his chest, showing it to the Camp Nou fans.
Everyone was silenced by his courage. The fans finally remembered that on this pitch, Barcelona had been defeated by Real Madrid, defeated by Wang Feng, time and time again.
He was the conqueror of the Camp Nou, the only god of the Camp Nou!
"Wang Feng shows his jersey to all Barcelona fans, as if to say, you can never defeat me, you can''t cross this jersey!"
Chapter 744: Not Until the Last Moment
Chapter 744: Not Until the Last Moment
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1, with Wang Feng showing off his jersey at Camp Nou!
After the game, the entire Spanish and even European football world sighed with emotion for this thrilling match.
Although there were only three goals throughout the game, the dramatic reversal was something that ordinary league matches couldn''t provide.
Numerous media outlets used the photo of Wang Feng showing his jersey to the stands in thest moment as their front-page headline.
"The Real Madrid number 10 jersey with the name of the Chinese superstar will be a nightmare for Camp Nou forever. Over the past decade, they have tried countless times to challenge and break through, but always ended up falling into the abyss," emotionallymented Spain''s "National Newspaper".
"At the moment when Wang Feng is about to leave, the Catns can no longer defeat him, can no longer face this jersey directly, they can only choose to worship him."
After the match, a reporter asked the Chinese superstar if he wanted to leave this jersey at Camp Nou forever. He smiled and said, "I don''t think anyone at Barcelona would want it. Maybe they''d rather burn it, haha."
"Marca" couldn''t stop praising Wang Feng''s assist and goal, whether it was the decisive long pass or the calm goal in thest moment, each one highlighted his pivotal role.
In addition, the performance of other yers on the Gctic Warship was alsomendable. The midfield led by Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro has already shown their world-ss level.
Their excellent performance at both ends of attack and defense, coupled with the tacit cooperation with the Chinese superstar, formed a powerful force capable of suppressing any team on the.
Catn media generally expressed disappointment with the match result and pessimism about the future situation.
"Sport" believed that Wang Feng''s jersey dealt a heavy blow to Barcelona''s morale, and the club should pay attention to the psychological construction of the yers in the future.
"From sadness to joy and then back to sadness, this fluctuation will leave an indelible shadow in everyone''s heart. Although the team still leads by 2 points, it''s not reliable at all."
"In the uing matches, Barcelona must win every single one!"
"Sport" reported that Barcelona lost at Camp Nou, and although the club wouldn''t keep that jersey, everyone would remember it.
The less than 3-point difference seemed to foreshadow a reversal omen, which had been yed out countless times in the past decade, like a curse.
"Perhaps only when Wang Feng leaves Real Madrid can we have a chance to overturn the situation."
After the El Clsico, despite being physically and mentally exhausted, the Gctic Warship had to take an early morning flight the next day to Bremen to participate in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage.
Perhaps because Ancelotti didn''t really regard this first-time quarter-finalist small team highly, coupled with the generally worrying form of the main yers, he sent out arge number of rotations.
The result was two consecutive goals by the home team,pletely stunning Real Madrid. In the 70th minute, the Italian coach substituted the Chinese superstar into the game, but he didn''t have much effect in the limited time.
Real Madrid unexpectedly lost 0-2 to Werder Bremen, bing the biggest upset in the series.
Coincidentally, Barcelona faced Atletico Madrid this round. Although they didn''t rest all their main yers like Real Madrid did, Messi, Iniesta, and others still sat on the bench.
They were also defeated 0-2 by the Rojincos.
"The aftermath of the El Clsico, the arrogance and fatal ws of the La Liga giants." Many media outlets believed that an extraordinary match almost exhausted the minds of both teams.
Coupled with the arrogance from the giants, the lineup arrangements appeared very rough. If they all stop at this point, it would probably be the biggest loss for La Liga.
This situation even made the Spanish Football Association start to reflect on whether they arranged the El Clsico too casually. So in the future, when Real Madrid and Barcelona y, they will deliberately avoid shes with Champions League matches.
The happiest person was Huang Hu. He never thought that Werder Bremen could defeat Real Madrid, and now there was hope of stepping into the semifinals.
"I''m really sorry, Brother Wang, I will work hard with the jersey you gave me!" After exchanging jerseys after the game, the young Chinese yer confidently said.
Wang Feng jokingly scolded, "Then let me teach you again, don''t becent until thest moment."
After a 4-0 victory over Elche, Real Madrid weed Werder Bremen at the Bernabu.
From the moment the referee blew the whistle to start the game, the Gctic Warship, with all their main yers, attacked the visiting team like a storm, shocking them.
Compared to the first leg, it was like facing two different teams!
In the 9th minute, Wang Feng received the ball on the wing, performed a beautiful wall pass with Modric, and then sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area.
Gonzalo Higuan, who was already in position, quickly rushed forward, beating the defensive yers to shoot with his right foot and pierced through Werder Bremen''s goal, narrowing the gap for the Gctic Warship.
Seven minutester, Casemiro intercepted the ball in midfield and pushed forward on his own, then passed to Modric, who sent a through ball to the feet of the Chinese superstar at the top of the arc.
Wang Feng turned around and flicked the ball between the legs of the defender, then dribbled into the penalty area again. Facing the goalkeeper, he used a feint to make the opponent fall to the ground before calmly shooting into the empty.
In less than 20 minutes, Werder Bremen''s proud lead turned into nothing.
Seizing the opportunity, in the 39th minute, the home team nned another attack to the frontcourt. Kroos lifted a forty-five-degree cross into the penalty area, and Higuan leaped high to head the ball to Wang Feng at the far post.
With a flying kick, Wang Feng poked the ball into the visitors'' goal, making it 3-0! Real Madridpletely overturned the score!
At halftime, this time Ancelotti didn''t easily rx and make substitutions, but continued to stabilize and y steadily.
In the 67th minute, Bale forcefully broke through on the wing and crossed into the box. The ball hit the defender''s hand, and the referee decisively awarded a penalty kick to the home team.
The Chinese superstar didn''t waste this opportunity and personally took the penalty kick to secure the victory andplete a hat-trick.
As the game was about to end, Modric dribbledterally and cut inside, then passed to Marcelo on the nk, who then knocked the ball into the middle. Higuan, rushing in, shot fiercely, piercing through Werder Bremen''s goal for the fifth time.
The final score was set at 5-0, with a total score of 5-2 over two legs, and Real Madrid eliminated their opponents to advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
Facing Wang Feng''s smiling face that seemed to hide something, Huang Hu, who was already sweating profusely, couldn''t help but feel extremely ashamed.
Wang Feng didn''t say anything more, just patted the young yer''s back and encouraged him, "You''ve just set sail, there''s a much broader world waiting for you to explore in the future."
This time, Barcelona didn''t achieve aeback like Real Madrid. They also fielded most of their main yers, and although they won 2-1 against Atletico Madrid, they were still eliminated with a total score of 2-3.
Now, the Catn team can onlypete for the championships in the league and the Copa del Rey, and the league is in jeopardy, just like Enrique''s precarious position.
In other matches, Bayern Munich narrowly defeated Benfica 3-2. The Portuguese powerhouse almostpleted an upset at their home stadium, which made Guardi break into a cold sweat.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, the two rich teams, had a strong confrontation, and the Sky Blues emerged victorious with the same score of 3-2.
Real Madrid''s opponent in the semi-finals was Manchester City.
Chapter 745: Vicious Cycle
Chapter 745: Vicious Cycle
On April 16th, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Getafe away.
Just after experiencing a Champions League battle, many key yers were included in the coach''s rotation strategy, with Ramos wearing the captain''s armband leading the starting lineup.
There was a clear gap in strength between the two teams, yet the away team still managed to maintain a significant advantage.
Just 3 minutes into the game, Jes opened the scoring for Real Madrid. Later, Isco dribbled the ball forward, shaking off two defenders with continuous changes of direction, and then scored with his left foot, further extending the Gctic Warship''s lead.
In the 37th minute, the away team earned a free kick in the front court. Kovacic lofted the ball into the area to create chaos, and the quick-thinking Nacho rushed out to head it into the goal, making it 3-0!
After the break, Varane and Cheryshev scored sessively, with the home team only managing to score a face-saving goal in the final moments of the match.
In the end, Real Madrid won 5-1 against Getafe.
It proved that as long as the coach didn''t underestimate the opponent too much, the depth of the Gctic Warship''s bench was still quite considerable. With experienced veterans leading the way, many young yers could perform at their respective good levels.
In contrast, Barcelona fell into a slump. They seemed to have not yet emerged from the shadow of defeat at Camp Nou. The image of Wang Feng showing off his jersey deeply ingrained in the hearts of all the yers, as the "Daily Sports" urately predicted.
The Catn team not only suffered defeats in the Champions League, but also lost two consecutive games in the following two rounds of the league. They went from leading Real Madrid by 2 points to trailing by 4 points on the points table, tied with Atltico Madrid, only ahead based on goal difference.
Another copse at thest moment! It''s worth noting that at the peak of their form, Barcelona once led the Gctic Warship by as much as 7 points. Fans believed that this season was definitely an opportunity to break the enemy''s monopoly and defeat Wang Feng.
However, two devastating defeats in the El Clsico brought them back to reality. It seemed that the team always faltered at critical moments.
Many analysts believed that Barcelona had significant deficiencies in the midfield and defense. With the end of the Xavi-Iniesta era, although the management continuously introduced peak talents, they never solved this problem.
While stacking arge number of superstars in attack, the defense was full of holes, and under the serious imbnce in sries, there was simply no way to free up more space for reinforcement.
This led to a vicious cycle:ck of bench depth, frequent promotion of young yerscking experience to the first team or even starting lineup, resulting in many basic mistakes and ultimately leading to defeat.
This was not a problem that could be solved by a single yer or coach, but rather a reflection of the entire management''s low level.
"We are very worried. Even if Wang Feng leaves La Liga and Real Madrid, can Barcelona really immediately emerge from the slump and return to its past glory?"
In the next two rounds of matches in April, Real Madrid easily defeated their opponents without giving theirpetitors any chance. They defeated Virreal 3-0 at home, with the Chinese superstar scoring twice.
They narrowly won 3-2 away against vs, with Wang Feng, who came off the bench, contributing an assist to help the team reverse the situation in the final moments.
In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Manchester City, it was an away game for Real Madrid. The head coach of the Sky Blues, Pellegrini, had clearly studied the Gctic Warship in detail.
He arranged Fernando, Yaya Tour, and Fernandinho to start, aiming to contain Real Madrid''s strong midfield.
These three yers were all sturdy midfielders with a lot of experience in tackling and intercepting.
On the attacking end, Aguero, Sterling, and Ronaldo led the charge. Despite ying at home, Manchester City still focused on stability as their core strategy. After all, in the past few matches, Real Madrid had scored numerous goals. Pellegrini dared not be overconfident in any way.
The game process was very dull, with fierce midfield battles from both sides. Possession of the ball frequently changed hands, and until thest moment, neither side could get the better of the other.
When the final whistle blew, the score remained 0-0. Manchester City''s coach''s defensive strategy paid off, but their performance on the offensive end was somewhat disappointing. This scoreline was not favorable for the uing visit to the Bernabu.
Real Madrid slightly edged ahead in ball possession with a 58.7% possession rate. Due to the midfield battles, they didn''t have many opportunities to threaten the opposition''s goal, mainly relying on Wang Feng''s individual abilities to break through.
Out of 8 shots, Wang Feng contributed 5 of them, with one of the most threatening shots being brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper, Joe Hart, with his fingertips.
Manchester City had even fewer shots, with only 6 attempts. It''s worth mentioning that in the 79th minute, Ronaldo forcefully broke through on the wing and sent a wonderful cross, but Sterling kicked the ball into the stands.
The Portuguese star exploded on the spot, rushing to his teammate and shouting angrily, almost causing a conflict incident. Fortunately, Aguero intervened in time and stood between the two.
This was not the first time the two had shed on the field. ording to reports from Sky Sports, as early asst season, Ronaldo was very dissatisfied with Sterling''s attacking efficiency, often wasting excellent opportunities, so he repeatedly criticized him in front of other teammates.
The English forward was initially embarrassed but gradually umted resentment, leading to eventual impatience.
The detonation of this bomb was mainly due to Manchester City''s poor performance in the league this season. After experiencing consecutive defeats at the beginning of the season, they were currently barely in third ce.
The proud Portuguese star was naturally very anxious, especially after the FIFA annual awards ceremony, he openly criticized Sterling, "He doesn''t deserve to be a forward in this state. I think he should just be a defender. He must be better at clearing the ball."
In the duel with Leicester City, due to Sterling''s missed excellent chance to equalize, Ronaldo directly attacked him on the field after the match.
This time, Sterling didn''t choose to remain silent, but retorted, "Shut up! Don''t point fingers and act like a senior. You''ll never catch up to Messi!"
Such remarks undoubtedly deeply hurt Ronaldo''s innermost feelings. He knew he couldn''tpare himself with Wang Feng, but he would never admit to being inferior to anyone else. The only thing hecked was the top stage and top teammates.
Messi? Just a product of the powerful system built by Xavi and Iniesta at Barcelona. Ronaldo believed that if he were ced in Messi''s position, backed by the Gctic Warship led by Wang Feng, he would definitely not be suppressed for ten years.
The Portuguese star couldn''t help but get angrier as he thought about it. It''s all because of you, these bunch of useless teammates dragging me down, whether it''s at Manchester United or Manchester City, it''s the same. So he couldn''t bear it anymore and punched Sterling on the spot.
Immediately, the two began to wrestle, and their teammates quickly stepped in to break it up. Fortunately, this happened inside the locker room, otherwise, if the media had taken pictures, it would have be a major scandal.
There''s no such thing as apletely airtight room. Soon, this news was reported, causing a huge sensation. The club''s emergency PR team instructed everyone to remain silent. They neither admitted nor denied the incident, hoping to quickly eliminate the public opinion impact.
With coach Pellegrini''s handling skills being inadequate to deal with such a star-involved issue, the upper management intervened, and in the end, nothing substantial was done. No one was punished, and only Ronaldo apologized to Sterling in front of all the yers.
On the surface, everything returned to calm, but the atmosphere in the Manchester City dressing room plummeted to rock bottom.
Chapter 746: Meeting Again
Chapter 746: Meeting Again
After a draw against Manchester City, Real Madrid weed Real Sociedad at home in the 36th round of La Liga.
On the day of the match, Madrid was hit by heavy rain. Despite the excellent drainage facilities at the Bernabu, the field remained very slippery, greatly affecting the passing sess rate and coordination of both teams.
The home team was clearly more affected, and the previously advantageous situation became evenly matched.
Just when it seemed like another draw was on the cards, in the 77th minute, the Gctic Warship won a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half, and Wang Feng pierced through the defense of Real Sociedad with a straight and direct shot.
1-0! Real Madrid secured three crucial points.
Because Barcelona had not given up chasing them, the Catn team needed to win every game from now on to have any hope of reversing the situation.
When has Real Madrid not needed to win games to consolidate their lead? The closer it gets to the end of the season, the less they can afford to rx!
In the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, the Gctic Warship weed the challenge of Manchester City at home.
Just like the first encounter, Pellegrini''s strategy was very clear. He focused on defense to suppress Real Madrid''s midfield, already setting his sights on extra time or even a penalty shootout.
For many years, the Gctic Warship had no real experience in penalty shootouts. Perhaps this method was the greatest possibility for the Sky Blues to defeat them and advance.
Compared to ying away, Real Madrid was even more cautious when back at the Bernabu, carefully controlling possession and organizing attacks methodically, never blindly pressing forward, and prioritizing defense to ensure they didn''t concede.
The situation was even dullerpared to thest encounter. After 45 minutes, the home team only had 3 shots, all hitting the frame of the goal, showing a high efficiency in attacking threats.
The away team didn''t even have a single shot. Ronaldo was very active in attacking with the ball, but his teammatescked support, and their attempts fizzled out.
For most of the time, both sides were passing and battling it out in the midfield.
"Casemiro intercepts and passes to the withdrawing Modric. Look at Modric, he suddenly turns and sends a long pass to the front."
"Wang Feng is rushing up! Is there an opportunity behind him?"
"The ball''s height is a bit low, Manchester City defender Otamendi rushes out and heads it away, clearing the ball. It''s now at the feet of a Manchester City yer."
"Toure controls the ball and slowly advances into the frontcourt. He''s observing the situation on the field to make the next move. Now, Real Madrid''s formation is quite tight, making it difficult tounch a quick counterattack."
"A long pass to the wing, oh, Casemiro suddenly bursts out again and intercepts the pass, beautifully done! The Brazilian midfielder has stolen the ball from the opponent twice in a row!"
"What will he do this time? Casemiro directly lifts the ball towards the back post, Wang Feng charges forward again, not offside! He''s in the edge of the penalty area!"
"He controls the ball, passes it sideways to Iguan, Iguan passes it back, shoots!!"
"The ball''s in!! Gooooooal!!"
"After nearly 170 minutes of battle in the two-legged tie, we finally have the first goal,ing from Real Madrid, from Wang Feng!"
"Casemiro''s consecutive interceptions created scoring opportunities for the team. The Chinese superstar seized the opportunity to move forward, and the cooperation between him and his teammates in the penalty area was impable, leading to this hard-earned goal!"
The Bernabu, which had been silent for a long time, erupted again. The fans, no longer in a sleepy state, waved their gs and banners vigorously, cheering loudly in celebration.
After scoring, Wang Feng slid all the way to the corner g and was quickly surrounded by his teammates who rushed over.
On the sidelines, coach Ancelotti finally breathed a sigh of relief. Excitedly clenching his fists, he wasn''t sure whether to prepare for a penalty shootout, as Real Madrid''sst experience with penalties was too distant, making experience and mentality uncontroble factors.
Ronaldo, frustrated, kicked the turf. He knew that blindly defending would lead nowhere. Wang Feng and the Gctic Warship were not opponents that could be contained by simply defending.
However, the head coach didn''t heed his advice, and his teammates didn''t trust him. Having the intention butcking the ability to change the situation, Manchester City couldn''t wait any longer!
Mendes''s admonition echoed in his mind. Ronaldo gritted his teeth, thinking, why bother going down this path if there isn''t even a slight chance? He''s already 31 years old and still hasn''t achieved anything.
Manchester City''s club owner, Mansour, shook his head in the stands, then stood up and left early. There were still more than 10 minutes left in the game, but he knew that the Sky Blues probably didn''t have a chance anymore.
"Let''s use slow-motion rey to appreciate the entire process of the goal again. The Brazilian midfielder''s long pass through the defense, Wang Feng''s offside run, and he brings the ball down."
"The ball control is as brilliant as ever, as if the ball is glued to his right foot, the inertia and sticity seem to disappear."
"A pass to the edge of the penalty area by Iguan, the Argentine forward then sends a through ball into the penalty area, a simple wall-pass style cooperation, but very effective."
"The main reason for being able to tear open Manchester City''s tight defense is speed. Most of the time was spent on Wang Feng''s ball control. If he had hesitated for another second, the Manchester City defenders could have caught up with him and resolved the crisis."
"So solid basic skills are one of the necessary conditions to be a superstar."
"If Manchester City can score a goal in the remaining time, they can still reverse the situation and advance with the away goal advantage. But this condition is as difficult as reaching the sky."
As expected by thementator, trying to quickly switch a team that had defended for nearly 170 minutes to full-on attack mode was clearly beyond Pellegrini''s abilities.
"Beeeeep~"
The final whistle sounded, with a score of 1-0, Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League final with a one-goal advantage over Manchester City!
They were aiming for their tenth consecutive Champions League trophy!
"Defense wins championships, but also loses championships!" After the game, many media outlets evaluated the Sky Blues led by Pellegrini in this way.
Undoubtedly, they had means to contain the Gctic Warship''s attack, but they also put themselves in a passive position, pinning all their hopes on defense.
And with a very rough counter-attacking setup, despite Aguero and Ronaldo being among the top forwards, they couldn''t produce any effect, especially when trailing.
With Pellegrini''s departure from Manchester City already certain this summer, the club would undergo another round of restructuring. Their desire to chase the Champions League trophy and be a powerhouse would not change.
On the other hand, at their home ground, Bayern Munich defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1. Throughout the game, the home team controlled over 70% of possession, while the away team focused on defense, showcasing their tenacious and resilient characteristics.
In the first half, a long shot from Oriental Zhuo in the area just outside the penalty box hit Atletico defender Godin''s leg, deflecting direction, and the goalkeeper Ok couldn''t save it, giving the home team the lead.
However,ter on, Bayern created a penalty kick opportunity, but Thomas Muller sent the ball into the stands, missing a great chance to take the lead.
Fate often punishes those who waste opportunities. In the second half, Atletico Madrid only managed to attack once into the opponent''s half. Koke crossed from the wing, and Griezmann''s header broke through the home team''s defense.
Although Lewandowski scored a second goal in the final moments, due to Bayern''s 1-0 loss in the first leg, the total score over the two legs was 2-2.
With Atletico Madrid having scored an away goal and Bayern Munich none, Atletico advanced by this narrow margin, re-entering the Champions League final after a year!
The two Madrid giants once again met at the pinnacle of Europe for a derby showdown.
Chapter 747: League Ten Consecutive Titles
Chapter 747: League Ten Consecutive Titles
After advancing to the Champions League final, the Gctic Warship continued its journey without stopping, facing Valencia away in the 37th round of La Liga. This match was crucial because a victory would allow them to clinch the league title one round early.
Not only would this help them prepare for the final battle, but it would also enable them to lift the league championship trophy at theirst home game of the season.
To avoid counting chickens before they hatch, head coach Ancelotti made only three changes to the starting lineup, recing Bale, Kroos, and Ramos with Hesse, Kovacic, and Nacho, respectively. The rest of the main yers remained in the starting lineup.
This approach proved to be correct as Valencia, the home team, exerted considerable pressure on the visitors. In the 17th minute of the first half, Alcacer opened the scoring for Valencia.
Ten minutester, Casemiro sent a long pass from midfield, urately finding the young Hesse near the edge of the penalty area. At that moment, he had his back to the goal, with defenders behind him preventing him from turning.
Seeing this, Wang Feng immediately signaled for the ball in the penalty area and made a diagonal run. Hesse intuitively dribbled towards the sideline while Wang Feng ran behind him, creating an invisible gap in the defense.
The Spanish youngster feigned a move towards the end line but suddenly stopped and delivered a through pass, perfectly finding the Chinese superstar who had infiltrated the penalty area.
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Jaime, Wang Feng used his right foot to chip the ball over him, and it sailed into the opponent''s goal.
1-1! Real Madrid equalized!
Just before halftime, the Gctic Warship struck again. Marcelo made a run down the nk and sent in a cross. Wang Feng attracted the attention of defenders at the front post and flicked a header into the path.
With Iguain positioned behind him, he controlled the ball, dribbled past Santos, and then unleashed a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner. With most of Valencia''s defense focused on the Chinese superstar, they were caught off guard by the sudden shot from the Argentine forward, turning the tables for the away team.
After the break, Valencia did not give up the idea of preventing Real Madrid from winning the title early. In the 77th minute, substitute Piatti scored with a long-range shot, leveling the score once again.
In the 88th minute, Modric sent a direct pass from the left nk. Wang Feng received it near the left rib of the penalty area, controlled the ball, and faced the defender. Pretending to cut inside, he actually dribbled towards the end line, shaking off the defender''s position and passing sideways.
Hesse, positioned at the edge of the small penalty area, pushed the ball into the far corner, past the goalkeeper''s fingertips, hitting the post and bouncing back into y. Quick to react, Iguain seized the rebound and blocked the ball into the empty with his left side.
3-2! The Gctic Warship ultimately secured the victory, clinching the league title ten times in a row!
On May 14th, in the final round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Deportivo La Coruna at home.
Despite resting all eleven starters, the home team didn''t allow Deportivo to spoil the atmosphere of the trophy presentation ceremony after the game, easily defeating them 2-0.
With all league matches concluded, Real Madrid finished at the top of the table with 30 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses, umting 95 points, securing the crown. Barcelona finished second with 29 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, totaling 91 points.
Atletico Madrid and Virreal secured Champions League spots, while Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo earned Europa League berths.
Real Betis, Getafe, and Levante unfortunately faced relegation.
Nearly ny thousand fans witnessed together as the Gctic Warship lifted the La Liga championship trophy, creating a historic image of the ten consecutive league titles.
This represents the unparalleled dominance of Real Madrid, as ten years seem to have passed like a fleeting moment for both yers and the club.
Many teams that won titles ten years ago may now be facing the embarrassment of relegation, and many figures who once dominated the football world may have retired a decadeter.
Yet, amidst all changes, the Gctic Warship continues to stand tall at the summit!
Looking back at the history of the top five European leagues, only Inter Mn and Real Madrid have achieved ten consecutive league titles. However, Inter''s five titles came after the "Calciopoli" scandal, when their two main rivals, Juventus and AC Mn, were at their lowest points, slightly diminishing the significance.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, faced a united siege from the cosmic Barcelona and the iron-blooded Atletico but remained as stable as Mount Tai, making this achievement truly remarkable.
Whether it was during the era of Grande Inter or the Real Madrid dynasty, there is almost always one name that cannot be escapedWang Feng!
He is undoubtedly the top contributor, the unrivaled god of football, he is the embodiment of miracles and victories themselves!
Although the Chinese superstar did not repeat his hundred-goal frenzy this season, he still contributed 31 league goals and 24 assists, ranking third in the top scorer list and first in assists, respectively. With suchprehensive statistics, he was voted as the best yer in La Liga for the tenth consecutive time.
He also fulfilled his wish to help Iguain win the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Boot, with the Argentine striker''s final goal tally locked at 42.
Hispetitor, Suarez, scored 40 goals, and even in thest match, both Barcelona and Messi did not give uppeting for the Uruguayan, but they fell short in the end.
Messi himself scored 26 goals, once again being surpassed by Wang Feng in both goals and assists. From club to individual, it was another season of utter defeat for him.
The nightmare that has loomed over Barcelona for a decade continues!
As for Real Madrid, Wang Feng is no longer the indispensable workhorse in every game. This season, his attendance rate hit a historic low, ranking behind Iguain, Modric, and even Casemiro.
Despite this, being able to produce such explosive statistics under such circumstances is enough to demonstrate the Chinese superstar''s increased efficiency.
Therefore, numerous top clubs are willing to offer astronomical sries that defy logic for this 33-year-old veteran. Among them, Paris Saint-Germain, who are not short of money, is the most aggressive.
ording to L''Equipe, PSG''s owner Nasser is willing to offer a record-breaking contract worth a total of 450 million euros over three years, including a signing bonus of 150 million euros and an annual sry of 100 million euros.
What does this concept mean? Byparing the data published by Forbes, one can get a glimpse. Currently, apart from Wang Feng, the highest-paid yer in football is Messi, who can earn around 60 million euros in total bonuses at Barcelona.
This is more than double the entire earnings of the Argentine superstar. When this news came out, it caused a sensation worldwide, with many expressing disbelief at the madness of the rich, and some even questioning whether such an operation vites Financial Fair y regtions.
Nasser, in an interview with L''Equipe, did not hide his love for Wang Feng. "He is worth this price, everyone in the world knows it, yes, everyone knows it, but they just can''t afford it."
"Is the financial situation healthy? Come on, Wang''s significance has long surpassed football. He himself is the best representative of financial health, and themercial value of the Chinese superstar is immeasurable."
"If you still don''t understand, you can check Real Madrid''s ie and expenditure over the past decade. I dare say that even if they buy the entire Barcelona team ten times now, they still perfectlyply with the Financial Fair y regtions."
Apart from Paris, almost all top clubs want to sign Wang Feng for free. Agent Balmond''s phone has been ringing off the hook, with many clubs privately promising many benefits, hoping to persuade the Chinese superstar to join.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and so on, each team offers a different sry, but all exceed the treatment Wang Feng currently receives.
Even the usually frugal Bayern, due to not having to pay a transfer fee, offered a historic free signing contract worth 75 million euros per year.
Then there''s Barcelona. When Wang Feng heard about this club, he was stunned. "Are they crazy? Even if I wanted to, I couldn''t go there with a toe."
"Bartomeu is almost at the end of his rope. He dares not gamble that you leaving will definitely turn things around for Barcelona. This concerns his own future, so he would rather leverage even more to snatch you."
"They are even willing to offer the same sry as PSG, just hoping that we don''t publicly disclose it. It''s simply insane!"
Chapter 748: Hit the Nail on the Head
Chapter 748: Hit the Nail on the Head
"Do not bother with these utterly improbable offers. How is the progress on that matter?" Wang Feng asked.
"It''s going very smoothly. Currently, the two clubs are more anxious than we are. They are very worried that you might be swayed by the price and sign with another club, resulting in all our efforts going to waste," replied the other party.
"Then let''s expedite the process. However, I hope this news can be kept confidential until after the Champions League final," Wang Feng stated.
Balmond nodded, agreeing, "Real Madrid also hopes for that. After all, we''re just one step away from the next great achievement."
Ignoring the tumultuous debates and spections from the outside world, the crew of the Gcticos simply chose a secluded sports club in the suburbs of Mn as their training ground, preparing for the Champions League final on May 28th.
In every aspect of life, the club left no room for negligence. With their wealth of experience, they had not missed a single final in the past decade.
The facilities of this sports club were excellent, boasting not only standard football fields but also fitness training grounds, indoor swimming pools, therapy rooms, and even expansive golf courses, allowing for both training and leisure.
This year''s venue was the familiar Meazza Stadium for Wang Feng. Aside from Madrid fans traveling from afar, there would surely be many passionate supporters heading to the scene.
Mn remained a gathering ce for the massive fanbase of the Chinese superstar, second only to Madrid. People reminisced about his glorious contributions to Inter Mn during his ying days and appreciated the current substantial investments.
They spared no expense in buying yers to improve their performance, prioritized youth training, and, most importantly, Wang Feng nned to construct a brand-new home stadium for Inter Mn in the suburbs,pletely owned by the team.
This project had already begun construction and was expected to take five years. ording to online surveys, over 90% of the Nerazzurri fans agreed that the new stadium should bear Wang Feng''s name.
As the best scorer in the club''s history, a creator of an era, and now a generous investor, naming the stadium after the Chinese superstar was the best tribute.
Additionally, it''s worth mentioning that Paris had the thirdrgest number of Wang Feng''s fans, even surpassing the entire poption of Belgium. Many elderly people still nostalgically remembered the regrets of not being able to see him y.
"We almost signed him. Greedy Genk!"
The day before the match, at the press conference after adapting to the venue, the journalists finally saw Carlo Ancelotti in person. However, the Italian coach immediately shut down their most pressing question with his first words.
"I won''t answer any questions unrted to the final. The entire Real Madrid team has only one goal now: to win and defend the Champions League title against Atletico Madrid!"
There was an immediate stir in the audience. It seemed impossible to extract any transfer news about Wang Feng from Ancelotti.
A momentter, a journalist from Madrid asked, "Facing Atletico again in the Champions League final after a year, how do you view this opponent, and what are Real Madrid''s chances of winning?"
The Italian chuckled, "That''s a good question. Yes, Atletico, a memorable and tough opponent. Last time, we had to struggle until extra time to barely win."
"In the two league encounters this season, Real Madrid suffered one draw and one loss, putting us at a disadvantage. Frankly, they give us headaches, and the coaching staff has been studying them for a long time."
"High pressing, selective containment, and fast counterattacks are Atletico''s proud tactics. Eliminating Barcelona and Bayern sessively proves their strength."
"We will arrange some specific strategies to deal with these points. The difference in strength between the two sides is not significant, so it''s hard to predict the oue."
Compared to their lineup in 2014, Atletico''s strength seemed to have improved. Despite losing Diego Costa, their soulful figure, they had the experienced Fernando Torres leading the line, along with the young talent Griezmann, capable ofunching fierce attacks.
The team''s defense remained solid, maintaining apact formation throughout the game. Through countless battles, the mattress makers had transformed into a stronger force.
Later that day, Atletico''s head coach, Simeone, also appeared at the press conference for media interviews. Upon hearing Ancelotti''s evaluation of his team, he seemed quite surprised.
Indeed, he was experienced and had remarkable achievements as an old coach. He hit the nail on the head!
However, the Argentinean didn''t want to dampen his team''s morale at this time. They were the challengers and needed to show an imposing attitude to have a chance of winning.
So Simeone shrugged, "Ancelotti''s words are correct. Perhaps he has indeed prepared ns to deal with us. But Atletico will never sit idly by. We are more mature and refinedpared to before."
"The two league encounters are the best test for the team. The fact that Real Madrid isn''t as terrifying as imagined has been proven. We have a chance to defeat them!"
After the training session, Griezmann faced the media and expressed a simr sentiment, "Wang is the strongest yer on this, and Real Madrid is the strongest club. But that doesn''t mean we can''t win. Maintaining the courage to challenge and the right mindset will support us in achieving victory and making history!"
On the day of the match, whether it was Ancelotti or Simeone, neither arranged too much training for the yers, mainly focusing on warm-ups and final tactical exnations.
Each club''s staff had a detailed action n. Every detail regarding the yers'' schedules was specified. After having breakfast with Florentino and other senior figures, everyone had some free time.
Wang Feng found a secluded ce to video call his family. This year, they would be attending the match in person, staying at a small vi by Lake Como.
"It feels like nothing has changed at all," Lu Yao softly remarked. "Time seems to have stood still since the moment we left."
"That''s true. Perhaps in a few decades, nothing here will change. Unlike back home, where a few months away makes it hard to recognize the roads," Wang Feng said, scratching the back of his head. "How about we stay a few extra days after the final?"
Lu Yao nodded, her mind seemingly wandering back to their university days. At this moment, Little Siyao approached the camera, revealing her cute big eyes, "Daddy, go for it! Bring home another championship trophy."
Little Haohao also squeezed in, being yful. The family chatted andughed, but soon it was time to end the break.
"Cheer for daddy from the stands. I''ll hear your voices!" Wang Feng hung up with a happy smile on his face.
After a simple warm-up, the team held a small tactical briefing internally. The head coach reiterated the responsibilities of the starting yers on the field, while Florentino expressed the club''s emphasis on this championship and the substantial rewards.
In addition, Ronaldo, Figo, Roberto Carlos, and other legends came to chat and encourage everyone. For the young yers, these individuals were unreachable super idols, but for Wang Feng, they were formerrades.
Ronaldo gave his old buddy a warm hug, "I never thought you''d lead Real Madrid to today. You''re just one step away from achieving epic legendary status. You must seed!"
Wang Feng smiled and nodded, "I''m ready to give my all for the final push."
"Haha, you rascal," the alien patted the Chinese superstar''s shoulder, "Sometimes I envy you for still being able to gallop on the football field."
Chapter 749: Extremely Awkward
Chapter 749: Extremely Awkward
At 8:30 PM on May 28th, at the San Siro Stadium in Mn, Italy, the 61st UEFA Champions League final is about to ignite!
After the familiar opening song yed, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, these two city rivals, stepped onto the field under the guidance of a British referee team.
Stepping onto the unfamiliar yet familiar turf, with the sound of countless fans chanting his name echoing in his ears, Wang Feng felt a bit surreal at this moment, as if he had returned to the age when he dominated the pitch in his early twenties.
For a moment, boundless confidence and strength surged within him. He used to be the king here!
For the mattress makers, this year marks their third entry into the Champions League final. It is regrettable that they failed in their previous two attempts, but this time they are determined to reach the peak.
As for the Gcticos, they are the most sessful club in the history of the Champions League, not only being the team with the most appearances in the final but also the team with the most titles, a total of 18.
Moreover, they have achieved a five consecutive championships and a nine consecutive championship dynasty, and tonight they are aiming to shock the world with a tenth consecutive championship.
Real Madrid haspletely dominated the world football scene for a decade, leaving countless opponents, as well as UEFA and FIFA, helpless.
They have even resorted to unconventional methods that are not eptable in the football world, but it backfired. Not only did it fail to have the desired effect, but tini and tter also fell because of it.
So, UEFA must restore its reputation with this match, ensuring that thepetition is conducted in the fairest manner possible. As for who will win, it will be determined by strength and fate.
"Real Madrid is still wearing their iconic white jerseys for this match. Coach Ancelotti is using a 4-3-3 formation, with Navas as the goalkeeper."
"The four defenders are Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, and Marcelo."
"The three midfielders are Casemiro, Modric, and Toni Kroos."
"The front three areposed of Wang Feng, Higuain, and Bale."
"There doesn''t seem to be any surprises in the starting lineup. It''s the usual first team for the Gcticos. The only difference is that the veteran Pepe is back in action. Such a crucial battle indeed requires experienced yers to lead the team."
"Yes, Atletico Madrid is wearing red and white striped jerseys for this match. Simeone has lined them up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ok as the goalkeeper."
"The four defenders are Juanfran, Stefan Savic, Godin, and Felipe Luis."
"The four midfielders are Saul Niguez, Gabi, Augusto Fernandez, and Koke."
"The forwards are Griezmann and Torres."
"It is worth mentioning that both Savic and Fernandez are making their debut in the Champions League for Atletico this season, and their first match is the final. The coach''s boldness is evident."
"Compared to two years ago, there have been significant changes in Atletico''s personnel. It can be said that they are twopletely different lineups. However, Simeone''s tactical ideology remains the same, and it is even more mature and reliable."
The match started with Real Madrid kicking off. Wang Feng quickly passed the ball to Higuain, who immediately passed it back to Ramos.
Griezmann and Torres immediately entered Real Madrid''s half to pressurize, and Atletico''s midfield also advanced to press high up the pitch.
Seeing Torres approaching from the side, Casemiro turned around to shield the ball and used his back to block his position, then passed it to Carvajal on the wing.
The Spanish defender wanted to make some adjustments before kicking the ball forward, but Torres quickly rushed up and reached him in the blink of an eye. In haste, his pass turned into a clearance, flying directly out of bounds, conceding possession.
This made Ancelotti on the sidelines very dissatisfied. He shouted loudly, urging the yers to focus and quickly get into the game. It was obvious that the opponents wereing at them with all they had from the start.
Godin threw the ball forward, Torres received it on the wing, and attempted a breakthrough but failed, passing it horizontally to the center.
Casemiro, with quick reflexes, rushed out to intercept the ball. Just as he was considering his next move, Fernandez''s sliding tackle followed, directly sending the Brazilian midfielder sprawling.
"Beep!" Referee Kraltenberg blew the whistle, and the Real Madrid fans in the stands booed loudly. That was too dirty!
"Be a bit more careful. I don''t want to see another incident like this!" The Englishman warned the Atletico midfielder. The game had just begun, and he didn''t want to show cards too easily.
Atletico went all out from the first second of the match, pressing high up the pitch against Real Madrid, even pushing their defensive line up to the halfway line.
The Gcticos were caught off guard and yed somewhat chaotically in the first five minutes, especially in the third minute when Kroos'' cross resulted in a mistake, and Saul seized the opportunity to intercept and then shot just wide of the post near the edge of the penalty area.
Fortunately, Real Madrid was a seasoned team, and after continuous reminders from coach Ancelotti and captain Wang Feng on the sidelines, they immediately became vignt and stabilized the situation.
They had a clear tactical n before the game: not to stick to the ball or control possession but to organize quick counterattacks whenever an opportunity arose, prioritizing speed and efficiency.
With their strong passing ability in midfield and the speed of yers like Bale and Wang Feng in advancing, they would undoubtedly pose a great threat to Atletico''s defense.
In the 7th minute, Casemiro sent a long pass from the back, and the Chinese superstar sprinted forward to receive it. Just as he was about to prate the defense, Juanfran rushed over in time to send the ball out of bounds, also colliding with Wang Feng.
"Hiss!" The Atletico fans in the stands and the yers on the field were all inexplicably shocked. If he had broken through, it would have been a one-on-one situation, almost certainly resulting in a goal!
In the following attack, Kroos threw the ball to Modric, who then passed it several times in session before finding Bale on the wing. The Welshman elerated down the nk and crossed to Higuain in the box. Under pressure from the defenders, Higuain shot directly at goalkeeper Ok''s chest.
It was Real Madrid''s first shot of the game.
Unable to make any headway, they quickly retreated to their own half, with even forwards like Wang Feng falling deep, as if forming a pocket waiting for Atletico to bring the ball over to attack.
Simeone''s eyebrows furrowed into a frown, and the more he looked, the more ufortable he felt. He wanted to fight for possession, but not for ball possession. Why did it feel like he was being forced to y a possession game?
With high-pressure tactics and localized encirclement, wouldn''t it be a joke? Atletico could only carry the ball to prate the attack, but then they had to worry about the opponent''s quick counterattacks if they lost possession.
"This old fox can really y possum." The Argentine coach gritted his teeth and cast a fierce nce at Ancelotti, who was standing nearby with his hands in his pockets.
You are the strongest powerhouse with ten consecutive league titles and nine consecutive Champions League titles, unparalleled. Yet, you''re ying defensively against our small Atletico?
And that Wang Feng, your position is clearly a forward, not a defensive midfielder. Why are you dropping back to the front of the penalty area to tackle and intercept, doing this kind of "dirty work"? It doesn''t look like a world-ss superstar at all!
Watching his own yers passing the ball sideways continuously but still unable to break into threatening areas, and facing the opponent''s rapid counterattacks like a storm whenever they made a mistake in passing, Simeone felt helpless.
Chapter 750: Quick Counterattack Scores
Chapter 750: Quick Counterattack Scores
Just as Simeone was racking his brains trying to figure out a way to break the deadlock, the situation on the field changed once again.
Fernandez advanced with the ball into the opponent''s half, surrounded by white-d yers everywhere, leaving him unsure how to proceed.
Suddenly, Carvajal closed in to challenge him. The Atletico center-back had returned the ball several times without sess, feeling a bit anxious. Subconsciously, he didn''t want to retreat anymore, so he hurriedly kicked the ball towards the penalty area.
Although Torres and Griezmann had prated deep into Real Madrid''s territory, the ball failed to break through the tight blockade and was intercepted by Casemiro midway.
The Brazilian midfielder didn''t hesitate to make adjustments and immediately sent a long pass forward, finding Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area.
The Chinese superstar received the ball with his back to the goal, flicking it behind him along the momentum, while at the same time swiftly spinning 180 degrees with a Marseille turn to shake off Gabi''s challenge! He then strode forward with the ball, orchestrating the defensive counterattack himself.
At this moment, Atletico''s defense line was extremely vacant, with only center-back Saul and two full-backs ahead, while Bale and Higuain were also making fast runs.
Saul gritted his teeth and stepped forward to intercept, intending to stop Wang Feng outside the center line, even if it meant fouling.
However, the experienced Chinese superstar saw through his intentions at a nce. Without waiting for the opponent to approach, he forcefully pushed the ball forward, splitting the defender and the ball.
The Atletico center-back hesitated for only a second before deciding to ignore the ball and go for the yer. But Wang Feng was already fully prepared, and Saul underestimated the veteran''s strength.
"Bang!" The two collided violently, and although Wang Feng staggered a bit, he still stood firm, adjusting his posture slightly before immediately continuing to chase after the ball.
Saul was greatly surprised. Just now, he felt a bit dizzy and disoriented from the collision. How did it not have any effect on stopping the opponent? What he didn''t know was that if Wang Feng were five years younger, it would probably be himself who was sent flying.
Ignoring the pain in his body, the Atletico center-back quickly turned around to try to catch Wang Feng, but the result was self-evident. This brief dy was enough for the Chinese superstar to take three or four steps ahead.
The two Atletico full-backs followed the counterattack, with Savic marking Wang Feng in the center while Juanfran watched Bale on the wing.
As they approached the opponent''s half, Wang Feng nted the ball to the Welsh winger. As Bale cut inside, Wang Feng moved to the other side of the penalty area, creating space for his teammates and also facilitating his potential reception.
As soon as the ball arrived, the Chinese superstar unleashed a powerful shot without hesitation. Atletico''s goalkeeper Ok reacted swiftly, throwing himself to block the ball.
But the ball slipped under his arm and sneaked into the, brushing past the goalpost.
"Goooooooooooooal!!"
"With the game reaching the 21st minute mark, Real Madrid breaks the deadlock with a swift counterattack orchestrated by Wang Feng, who ultimately seals the deal!"
"Everything happened so quickly, dear God! From Casemiro''s interception in the penalty area to Wang Feng''s shot on goal, it took only 18 seconds!"
"Sprinting across almost the entire field, with two passes along the way, how did they manage to do it? It''s like they''re the sh!"
After scoring, Wang Feng rushed towards the stands, waving to the supporters, causing waves of cheers and celebrations.
Too fast! His teammates trailing behind couldn''t keep up, and the Atletico defenders naturally couldn''t either.
If it''s not surprising for the young and strong Bale to demonstrate such sprinting speed, Wang Feng''s swift movement is truly astonishing.
"Damn it, someone get him drug tested!" Simeone pounded his chest on the coaching bench. "Can''t you show a bit of the demeanor of a veteran?"
What he didn''t know was that because of Wang Feng''s inspiration, the core yers of the future Gcticos would have very long careers at their peak, even in their thirties, soaring like flying dragons. Of course, these are stories for another time.
At this moment, the Argentine coach only thought about how to turn the tide. With Real Madrid taking the lead, they would undoubtedly be more determined in defense.
The score remained 1-0 at halftime. After a brief halftime break, both sides returned to the field. Simeone made personnel adjustments, recing Fernandez with Carrasco to strengthen the wing attack.
This 23-year-old Belgian winger started his career at Genk and was spotted by Monaco in Ligue 1 in 2010. It took him two years to rise from the B team to the first team.
After just three seasons, Carrasco became a rising star in Europe, securing a ce in the starting lineup. Last summer, he was brought back to Caldern Stadium by Simeone, making his debut in the top European league.
His dribbling rhythm is excellent, and he is very fast, especially strong in breakthroughs, suitable for breaking through enemy lines.
Being able to face his idol in the Champions League final made the Belgian youngster extremely excited and active. Shortly aftering on, he created a great opportunity.
As Atletico advanced into the opponent''s half, Carrasco broke through along the wing, then passed to Griezmann. The French striker shielded the ball with his body against Pepe, then passed it to Gabi.
Gabi movedterally with the ball, suddenly backheeled it to Carrasco''s feet, who had been smartly positioned inside the penalty area while supporting from the wing as Griezmann attracted defenders.
His appearance surprised Real Madrid''s defense, with Ramos hastily moving forward to cover. But the Belgian had already taken a shot, and the ball swiftly found its way into the bottom right corner of the goal.
1-1! Atletico leveled the score!
Coming on and making an impact in less than five minutes, even Simeone couldn''t help but be amazed. Carrasco indeed had some talent! However, he still needs to improve his passing timing and vision. His attacking style is a bit too individualistic. He''s a good seedling, but after winning this game, he needs some proper coaching.
Simeone''s adjustments and on-the-spotmand were indeed very sophisticated, but Real Madrid didn''t panic either. Ancelotti quickly directed the defensive forces to focus on Carrasco while continuing to execute the strategy ofpact defense.
It seemed that they didn''t mind ying for extra time or even a penalty shootout to decide the oue.
As time passed, both sides were expending considerable physical and mental energy, but neither dared to rx in the slightest.
It wasn''t until the 82nd minute when Ramos intercepted the ball in the backfield and passed it forward to Kroos, who then turned and passed it to Modric.
The Croatian midfielder wasted no time and made a diagonal pass to Bale near the center circle.
Bale carried the ball across the midfield line, faced with the encirclement of Atletico''s defense and Wang Feng, engaged in a wall-pass style cooperation, and quickly advanced. He then sent a curved pass over Godin to Iguan.
As the Argentine forward reached the edge of the arc, he chose to pass to Marcelo, who had made a run into the penalty area.
The Chinese superstar arrived at the penalty spot, and with his right foot, he unleashed a powerful shot straight into the! 2-1! The Gcticos once again took the lead! Another goal from a quick counterattack! This time, it wasn''t a long-distance sprint, but a seamless passingbination involving seven yers in the attack. Their touches were simple and efficient, without any sluggishness.
What''s more worth mentioning is that this time, from the backfield to the frontcourt, from Ramos'' pass to Wang Feng''s shot, the time spent did not exceed 20 seconds!
Chapter 751: Champions League Ten Consecutive Wins
Chapter 751: Champions League Ten Consecutive Wins
"Haha, beautiful! This is the charm of football!"
On the sidelines, Ancelotti was extremely excited, raising his hands high and cheering wildly as Wang Feng made the final strike.
The entire Santiago Bernabu Stadium erupted once again, with ecstatic Real Madrid fans contrasting sharply with the disappointed Atltico Madrid fans.
It was another inexplicable concession of a goal. Before they could figure out what was happening, the Gcticos had already advanced into the penalty area and taken a shot.
Simeone''s face turned as dark as charcoal. He couldn''t believe that his team''s defense had been breached like this. Just now, their attack wasn''t too rash, and their formation was rtively tight, but the opponent still found a gap in an instant andpleted the passingbination. It was unbelievable.
Upon careful consideration, the passing space for the Gcticos in both the backfield and the frontcourt was rtivelyrge, and the difficulty wasn''t high. The most crucial aspect was the midfield connection.
The key to this quick counterattack was the wall-pass style cooperation between Wang Feng and Bale in a very confined space!
Especially when the Chinese superstar received the ball, there were three defensive yers surrounding him tightly, yet he was still able to control the ball and find an opportunity to pass it out.
"Are they showing off their skills after showing off their speed?" Simeone clenched his fists in frustration but couldn''t loosen them.
With less than ten minutes left in the game, and Carrasco''s only surprise tactic already exhausted, was Atltico destined to always fall short in the decisive battle?
Now, they couldn''t think about extra time or penalty shootouts anymore. They had to go all out to equalize the score. Simeone quickly used up his remaining two substitutions, with Lucas recing Felipe, and Partey recing Koke, injecting fresh blood to attack Real Madrid''s defense.
Compared to the urgency of the Argentine coach, Ancelotti seemed moreposed. He instructed the yers to continue theirpact defensive tactics while disrupting Atltico''s momentum by making substitutions just when they were starting to gain momentum.
He sessively reced Danilo with Pepe, Isco with Toni Kroos, and Vasquez with Higuain.
Time slowly passed amidst stubborn defense and deliberate dys. After five long minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle for the end of the match.
Real Madrid defeated Atltico Madrid 2-1, winning the UEFA Champions League for the tenth consecutive time!
"We did it!" In thergest luxury box at the Santiago Bernabu Stadium, Florentino let out a deep breath, took two steps back, and sat down on the sofa, as if he had lost all his strength.
It was too thrilling, too full of ups and downs! Throughout the match, the Argentine felt his heart pounding. The feeling of uncertainty lingered in his mind.
Ten consecutive championships, who wouldn''t yearn for that?
The joy of breaking the deadlock, the worry after being equalized, the excitement of taking the lead again, and finally Atltico pushing forward with all their might, with even goalkeeper Ok rushing into Real Madrid''s penalty area to join the attack. That was probably the most nervous moment in Florentino''s life.
And now, everything was finally settled. They won, they seeded!
The faces of Florentino''spanions in the VIP box, such as Baldeano and Sanchez, were not much better. It wasn''t the ecstatic joy, but a deep exhaustion that prated their souls.
Not far away, UEFA President Ceferin and FIFA President Infantino understood the feelings of the members of the Gcticos at this moment.
Later, the two of them would jointly present the championship trophy to the winning team, an unprecedented act. In the past, there had been intensepetition and conflicting interests between the two organizations, with almost no public interaction.
But they were both unwilling to miss this historic moment. Once Real Madrid lifted the cup, it would be a legend passed down for thousands of years.
So Infantino lowered his face and came to the UEFA-organized Champions League final. If Atltico had won the championship, he would have juste to see. But now that Real Madrid had won, he had to step onto the podium to make his presence felt.
Of course, this step also served to ease the tension between UEFA and FIFA, forming an important opportunity for cooperation.
"I think Madrid will witness the grandest celebration in history tonight. What about afterwards? How do we dispel the shadow of Wang leaving?" After calming down for a while, Real Madrid''s PR manager Butrague?o was the first to ask, perhaps the biggest challenge of his career.
Florentino suppressed his mixed emotions and said slowly, "Stick to the established n. Three steps: grand farewell, transfer n, and future development. Everything must be steady and dignified!"
Compared to previous Champions League award ceremonies, this year''s style seemed a bit moreplex and grand.
Wang Feng, representing the team, received the trophy from Ceferin and Infantino, walked slowly towards the center of the stage, shouted "one, two, three," and lifted the trophy high above his head. The entire Santiago Bernabu Stadium resounded with deafening cheers and the thunderous sound of fireworks.
"Congrattions to Real Madrid, congrattions to every yer and coach of Real Madrid, and congrattions to Wang Feng!"
"They have won the UEFA Champions League for the tenth consecutive year, adding to the league titles they have already won, the Gcticos have achieved ten consecutive league titles and ten consecutive Champions League titles!"
"This is definitely an unprecedented miracle in the history of modern football. No club has been able to maintain its peak for so many years in the past, and it''s unlikely to happen in the future."
"If we talk about the biggest contributor to creating this legend, it''s undoubtedly the Chinese superstar. Over the past ten years of wind and rain, although the yers around him have changed time and time again, Wang Feng has always been able to lead different yers to the top."
"So far, he has won 13 UEFA Champions League trophies as the absolute core of the club, and has been the top scorer in the Champions League for 14 consecutive years. This year is no exception, with 16 goals and 6 assists, his performance is perfect."
"If Real Madrid is the king of the Champions League among clubs, then Wang Feng is the king of the Champions League among yers!"
"For such a legendary yer, more and more people agree to call him the God of Football. There are various opinions about his future career ns."
"But we believe that no matter where he goes, he will always be the focus of attention and apuse!"
"Let us congratte Real Madrid once again, congratte their fans, tonight Santiago Bernabu Stadium belongs to the Gcticos, all the flowers and praises belong to the Gcticos, and the football world belongs to the Gcticos!"
Amidst the flying fireworks and ribbons, the Real Madrid yers and their families celebrated wildly. Kova?i?, who lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time, was very excited. He hugged his wife and held his child, constantly taking photos with the trophy, which drewughter from many regr yers, as they had all taken plenty of photos in previous years.
Wang Feng held the award for the best yer in the final, looked around with nostalgia, as if he wanted to imprint every smile in his heart.
Unless there were unexpected changes, this would be thest time he wore the jersey of the Gcticos and fought alongside these teammates.
That Ramos guy is so unreliable, can he handle the position of captain well? Iguan is also leaving, who will be the striker in the future?
Bale''s personality is still so entric. Without forcibly pulling him to participate in team activities, will he gradually drift away from everyone in the future? Modri? is Wang Feng''s most worry-freerade, with a good character and clear-mindedness. Perhaps he could retire at the Bernabu in the future.
Kroos''s personality is rather dull. Let''s hope he doesn''t follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Khedira. Casemiro is quite unconventional. Among Brazilian yers, he is rare in being reliable. Can he maintain this in the future?
The low-key Carvajal, the hot-tempered Pepe, the lively Marcelo, as well as Varane, Nacho, Danilo, and Hctor, these young yers, how will their future develop?
At this moment, Wang Feng was like a guardian about to leave home, silently watching everything. Lu Yao, who was spiritually connected with him, took the children elsewhere to y, not disturbing him.
In addition to his current teammates, the Chinese superstar also remembered many friends he had fought alongside in the past, such as Sneijder, Robben, Ral, Di Mara, and so on.
He thought he had already be indifferent to the storms of the football world, ustomed to various farewells, but when the time came, he still felt a strong reluctance. After all, these were the most glorious ten years of his career!
"Leaving is good, leaving is good," the Chinese superstar murmured to himself, let the most glorious figure be forever frozen here!
Chapter 752: Terrifying Record, Legendary Career in La Liga!
Chapter 752: Terrifying Record, Legendary Career in La Liga!
"Perhaps we should take a photo together?" Florentino smiled as he approached Wang Feng, the usually astute businessman showing rare signs of emotion.
"A perfect yer," this was the highest praise the Real Madrid president could give to the Chinese superstar. Wang Feng possessed an unparalleled positive personality and image, along with iparable skill and immeasurablemercial value.
With him around, the work of all the club''s top executives became much easier.
"Of course, I think that would be very meaningful," Wang Feng chuckled in response, and Florentino then invited all the high-level officials present to take a photo together. This precious picture became a treasure in the president''s office at Real Madrid.
"No matter what, you must return in the future. The club needs you."
"I understand. That day wille."
The on-site celebrationsted for a long time, with excited journalists flocking onto the field to interview the yers of the Gcticos. Naturally, Wang Feng became the primary target for most people.
The information they wanted to know was naturally not about thoughts on winning the championship but rather about the future ns of the Chinese superstar, as he was set to be a free agent in just over ten days!
Wang Feng, of course, would not reveal the truth at this moment, using discussions with his agent and the club as an excuse to evade the question.
The other teammates were asked simr questions, and naturally, they all remained tight-lipped. So many clever individuals resorted to indirect inquiries, such as the Madrid TV journalist who spoke with Ramos.
"Starting next year, you will wear the captain''s armband for the team. What are your thoughts on this?" In recent years, when Wang Feng was rotated, it was usually a Spanish defender who took on the captain''s duties, so it was natural for Ramos to seed him.
"I feel a heavy responsibility, there''s a long way to go," Ramos bbered on without realizing until he saw the host''s increasingly meaningful expression.
"You rascal!"
"So, is Wang Feng''s departure from the team a done deal?"
"I don''t know anything, hmph!"
The media, satisfied with extracting urate information, reserved their headlines for tomorrow. As for how things would actually unfold, it would probably still depend on the club''s official announcement; they were keeping their secrets tightly guarded.
"The mythological journey, Wang Feng''s legendary career in La Liga!"
Three hours after Real Madrid''s victory, the staff of the Spanish newspaper "El Nacional" worked overtime to publish amentary article on their official website, featuring a cover photo of the Chinese superstar wearing the team''s jersey, looking back at the camera.
The bright number 10 and the word "Wang" were particrly eye-catching.
Written by the editor-in-chief Pepe Bueno himself, the article expressed that just now, Real Madrid achieved an unprecedented ten consecutive league and Champions League titles, surpassing the past, present, and future.
"All the achievements and glory are thanks to Wang Feng. Without him, there would be no current miracle, and everyone in the world who follows football understands this."
"He led the Gcticos to dominate the world of football for a full decade, breaking all kinds of records. This experience undoubtedly can be called a mythical legendary career."
The article also stated that football was generally considered a team sport, and even the most capable individual had their limits. However, thisw seemed not to apply to Wang Feng or had limited effect on him.
Over the course of ten years, he experienced problems such as unreasonable team lineups and widespread injuries, but he still managed to ovee them with his determination and abilities.
"When Florentino brought him back to the Bernabu for just 100 million euros, it can be said to be the most cost-effective signing in the club''s history, without a doubt."
Sess for Real Madrid was not limited to the athletic aspect; they also achieved great sessmercially. In the first year after signing Wang Feng, they surpassed Manchester United to be the most profitable club in football, and their profits grew almost exponentially year by year thereafter.
The article also pointed out that Wang Feng''s departure would undoubtedly cause pain for the club, and everyone, whether it be management, yers, or fans, needed to be mentally prepared.
Finally, "El Nacional" specially released statistics on the contributions made by the Chinese superstar over the past decade.
Wang Feng yed a total of 589 official matches for Real Madrid, scoring a total of 763 goals, with an average of 1.29 goals per game! To put it in perspective, the second-highest scorer in Real Madrid''s history, Ral, only scored 323 goals. Wang Feng''s tally was more than double that! In addition to winning 10 league titles and 10 Champions League titles, he also won 4 Copa del Rey titles, 5 Spanish Super Cups, 8 UEFA Super Cups, and 6 FIFA Club World Cups.
In terms of personal honors, he won the La Liga Best yer award 10 times, the Champions League Final Best yer award 10 times, the La Liga Golden Boot award 8 times, and the La Liga Assist King award 7 times.
Such terrifying statistics were worthy of the epic he created!
"Marca" wrote a report with the headline "Legends Will Not Be Forgotten!" The article emphasized the club''s ten consecutive titles and the key role yed by Wang Feng.
"Real Madrid has be the most sessful club in the history of modern football, and the Chinese superstar is also the greatest yer from ancient times to the present."
They believed that even without Wang Feng, the Gcticos might still asionally shine due to past legacies and current asional brilliance, but with him, there was no question of who was the best, and no one dared to dispute it.
As Wang Feng was about to leave and embark on a new career, he would be forever remembered by Real Madrid fans, and true fans would notin but instead offer sincere respect and gratitude.
"AS" also highly praised the achievements of Real Madrid and Wang Feng, stating, "Described by a Chinese idiom, ten consecutive titles can be said to be perfect."
Simrly, they wished the Chinese superstar a bright future, believing that both the club and all of Spain would always wee his return.
The media from Catalonia, such as the "Sport" newspaper, reported, "Real Madrid wins everything, but what about the future of Barcelona?"
They had to admit that Real Madrid''s ten consecutive league and Champions League titles were unparalleled, and Wang Feng was the greatest yer in the history of La Liga and even world football.
"They struggled for nearly ny minutes. They controlled possession, but were defeated in just forty seconds. This is very simr to the losses Barcelona experienced in the past."
The article pointed out that Wang Feng''s departure seemed inevitable, and time would eventually take away this Catn nightmare. While people were concerned about his future ns, they also began to consider the future of Barcelona.
With an extremely imbnced sry structure, transfer bans, and high leverage, the club from Catalonia was now in chaos.
Although in the past two years, under Enrique''s leadership, they had suffered consecutive defeats in the league and Champions League, it wasn''t considered aplete disaster. At least they won the Copa del Rey this season.
So they believed the top priority was to keep the Spaniard as coach for another season to see the results, and Wang Feng''s dominance to some extent did not represent the full strength of the coaching staff.
In addition to the above reports, major news agencies such as the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Reuters, as well as mainstream media from around the world and authoritative domestic media, all reported on Real Madrid''s ten consecutive titles and also spoke of Wang Feng''s greatness.
Where will he go next? Everyone is eagerly anticipating it.
Chapter 753: A Farewell Interview Unlike Any Other
Chapter 753: A Farewell Interview Unlike Any Other
The morning after winning the Champions League, the Real Madrid team boarded a chartered ne back to Madrid, where a grand championship parade awaited them.
At this moment, thousands of Madrid fans had already taken to the streets, surrounding the airport, eagerly awaiting the triumphant return of their heroes.
When Wang Feng stepped off the ne, hoisting the Champions League trophy high, the deafening cheers pierced the sky, with the crowd''s enthusiasm even stronger than in previous years.
Boarding the parade float prepared by the club, they disyed the league championship trophy and the UEFA Super Cup inside.
"It seems a bit thin, not as luxurious as the six trophies fromst season," Ramos quipped, raising an eyebrow.
The others couldn''t help butugh. If they had to choose, they would prioritize winning the league and the Champions League, considering the other trophies as mere icing on the cake.
"You guys take the trophies upstairs, I''ll sit here for a while," Wang Feng said, usually the one at the forefront, but now wanting to quietly observe.
His teammates understoodpletely, hoisting the trophies onto the open-top deck to show them to the fans, singing andughing all the way.
After half a day''s journey, the bus finally arrived at the za de Diosa de Cosecha, and the celebration officially began. On the makeshift stage, coaches and yers took turns expressing their gratitude for the awards and their future prospects.
The Chinese superstar was thest one to speak. As he took a step forward, the surrounding crowd shouted his name and title in unison.
"Stay! Stay! Stay!" someone shouted out, quickly echoed by everyone else, until it seemed like the entire Madrid was resounding with the same voice.
Wang Feng opened his mouth, wanting to say something but feeling choked up. He could only force himself to calm down.
"Thank you to my teammates, the coaching staff, all the club staff, and the countless fans. Without you, there would be no glorious achievements for Real Madrid!"
"Ten years ago, when I first set foot on the Bernabu pitch, an unparalleled sense of shock and responsibility surged within me. This is one of the greatest stadiums in today''s football world, and I cannot let her down."
"Since then, every day, every training session, every match, I have carried this sense of mission, and here, many people have given me various kinds of strength, helping me get to where I am today."
"Joining Real Madrid was the most important decision of my life. I love it here!"
After finishing his speech, Wang Feng suddenly raised his left hand high, shouting with all his might, "H Madrid!"
H Madrid!
Everyone joined him in shouting this exhrating slogan. Upon closer inspection, many fans could be seen with tears in their eyes, some even sobbing uncontrobly.
Wang Feng''s words were filled with farewell, signaling that they would never see him dominating the game in a white jersey again!
The silent departure of the Chinese superstar kept his head low, trying to hide his red eyes.
Two dayster, the Real Madrid club and the official website and social media of the Spanish newspaper "El Nacional" jointly released a video titled: "Farewell, Our Legend!"
Fans who had been waiting for thetest news quickly clicked on it. The scene in the video was the Hall of Honors at Real Madrid, with Wang Feng sitting in front of numerous trophies, facing Pepe Bueno, the editor-in-chief of "El Nacional."
The Hall of Honors seemed a bit small, with trophies piled up! Many people''s first impression was like this, but these were not important. What mattered was that this video was an interview.
"You''ve decided to leave Real Madrid?"
"Yes, I have."
"When did you make this decision? Why?"
"Well, if you want to talk about when I made up my mind, it should be at the end of this season, but I''ve been considering it for two or three years. As you know, a yer''s career peak is limited. I want to leave the most powerful, confident, andposed version of myself at the Bernabu."
"Being able to win an unprecedented ten consecutive titles is, in my opinion, the best conclusion to my story with Real Madrid."
"Is your departure rted to the club''s top management, such as contract renewal issues, or concerns about losing your starting position?"
"No, no, no, neither Mr. Florentino nor Mr. Baldano, the general manager, has tried to keep me more than once. They offered extremely generous conditions, and I feel very sorry for them."
"Here, both the club and I have achieved everything we wanted. The Gcticos need to set sail again, and I also intend to embark on a brand new adventure."
"For football, ten years is long enough, long enough to renew a generation, two generations, or even three generations of lineups. I don''t want to lose my passion on the field, nor do I want to be a stumbling block for the team in the future."
"So I chose to leave. It''s an extremely difficult decision. Day or night, I keep questioning myself whether this decision is correct."
"But I have to summon the courage to take this step!"
"What if some extreme fans resent you? They won''t understand all this; the club is their faith."
"Oh, I would be very sad in that case. Making this decision itself has torn my heart apart."
"But I want to emphasize that for the club, a yer is too insignificant. Real Madrid was already a champion before I came, and they will still be champions after I leave."
"Don''t be too sad or resentful. Someday, I wille back and continue to contribute to the team''s cause."
"What are your ns for continuing your football career?"
"Well, yes, I won''t leave the top five leagues. I will do my best to maintain my technical and tactical level. After all, I still want to participate in the World Cup two yearster."
"But I''ll be 35 by then, which is indeed a bit difficult, haha."
"As for where specifically to go, I won''t hide it from you; I''ve already made a decision. But I think it''s better to wait for the club to announce it. There are still some details to be finalized."
"Details? Does that mean you haven''t chosen to transfer freely?"
"Yes, that''s right. It can also be considered myst insignificant contribution to the club."
"Finally, what do you want to say to Real Madrid, to the fans?"
"The most I want to say is, of course, thank you. Thank you for the club''s nurturing, thank you for the fans'' support. My sess would not be possible without them, and this is my heartfelt thought."
"I believe the future of Real Madrid will be very bright. We have nevercked championships; this is a heritage and a dignity!"
In addition to the above important questions, Bueno also asked many other small questions about achievements, honors, personal life, and views on the current football situation.
The entire interviewsted about an hour, but within less than a quarter of an hour of its release, both websites crashed, with views on Twitter and Instagram exceeding a billion, and countless people leavingments expressing their current feelings.
"Wang Feng is really leaving, sob sob sob!"
"Our legendary sir, wish you a smooth journey, looking forward to starting a new story again in the future!"
Most people, amidst their sadness, expressed their respect and blessings. Many fans who were originally puzzled or even angry, upon seeing Wang Feng''s sincere words, were deeply moved by him.
Only a few extremists voiced irrational opinions, with one blogger even uploading a video burning the Chinese superstar''s jersey.
This undoubtedly angered many, and while people criticized, they also released counterattack videos.
In the footage, a hand slowly approached Wang Feng''s jersey with a lighter, then abruptly extinguished the mes and threw it away, gently stroking the number ten and the word "Wang."
The two clips hadpletely different rhythms, with the first apanied by a suspenseful and stirring melody, and the second with a lyrical one, highlighting the contrast and sincere emotions between them.
This video resonated with all fans, and everyone rushed to imitate it, bing a hit on short video social tforms for a while.
Chapter 754: Unexpected Exposure
Chapter 754: Unexpected Exposure
After the release of Wang Feng''s interview video, Real Madrid President Florentino quickly recorded a video to exin the reasons.
He expressed deep sadness and reluctance at the departure decision of the Chinese superstar but respected his choice.
"The proudest moment of my life is bringing Wang back to the Bernabu, and the scene of our first meeting still appears in my dreams."
"At that time, I knew that this yer in front of me could bring glory and brilliance to Real Madrid, far beyond my expectations."
"The club had many ns to keep him until retirement, as merits should not suffer hardships, but Wang told me, ''Mr. President, the journey ahead is a new one, not just for him but also for the Gcticos.''"
"I understand and respect his decision. This result is destined to be the saddest event in the history of the team. Real Madrid feels like it has lost its soul."
Recalling every bit of working with Wang Feng, Florentino''s eyes were slightly red with genuine emotion. At this moment, he didn''t need a script; if he spoke freely, he could talk all day without repeating himself.
But the video wasn''t that long after all, only half an hour in total. Finally, the Real Madrid president concluded, "I wish Wang all the best in his future career. Remember, the doors of Real Madrid will always be open to you."
"This is your home, and no matter when or in what capacity, you can alwayse back!"
Later in the evening, all the Real Madrid yers also posted messages on their respective social media tforms to bid farewell to their captain. Ronaldo, Ral, and others also sent their sincerest wishes.
The next day after the official announcement, Real Madrid held a grand farewell ceremony for the Chinese superstar at the Bernabu Stadium.
On the big screen, Wang Feng''s data contributions and spectacr moments were yed on loop. In the center of the pitch, he solemnly handed over a Ballon d''Or trophy and a European Golden Boot trophy to Florentino.
These two trophies would remain at the Bernabu for fans to admire forever, just like his number ten jersey would hang in the club''s exhibition hall.
If it weren''t for La Liga''s rule requiring registered yers to wear numbers 1-25, Real Madrid might have retired his jersey directly.
The number ten for the new season went to Modri?, and the pressure on the Croatian was immense.
The next item on the agenda was the captaincy handover. Wang Feng personally handed the captain''s armband to Ramos, and then the two embraced tightly. Ramos could be felt trembling slightly, clearly nervous.
"Rx, you''ve done well enough," Wang Fengforted, and Ramos nodded. "I won''t let the captaincy down!"
Finally, Wang Feng hugged each yer to bid farewell, and many young yers couldn''t help but shed tears.
After circling the field once, seeing the fans bing increasingly sorrowful, Wang Feng gritted his teeth and didn''t turn back into the yer tunnel, ending his farewell ceremony.
Until veryte, there were still many people lingering at the Bernabu, seemingly unwilling to leave as they reminisced about the past.
The news of Wang Feng''s departure from Real Madrid immediately caused a sensation in the entire football world. Various reports and spections emerged,pletely overshadowing the uing European Cup.
ording to the Manchester Evening News'' disclosure, Manchester City had already signed Wang Feng, as some fans discovered jerseys with the Chinese superstar''s name at the team''s official store on Sackville Street, with the number being 30.
Lu Yao read the news word by word from her phone, "Although the products were quickly taken off the shelves, some fans still bought them and posted photos online, sparking huge discussions and controversies."
"Some people think this is Manchester City being presumptuous, or the personal preference of the store owner, after all, from Inter Mn to Real Madrid, Wang Feng has always worn the number ten jersey, he has already be the spokesperson for this number."
"Therefore, even if he joins a new team, he will definitely wear the iconic number ten jersey, not some random number like thirty."
"Some people believe that where there''s smoke, there''s fire. Manchester City has always been one of the most active teams seeking a transfer for Chinese superstars, but recently there hasn''t been any news, which could mean they''ve reached some agreement privately."
"As for the jersey number, given Wang Feng''s current achievements and humble character, he wouldn''t take Aguero''s number ten jersey, so it''s not impossible for him to wear the number thirty like during his time at Genk."
Seeing this, Lu Yao couldn''t help but smile, "The guesses are quite urate. So, the club couldn''t keep it under wraps anymore?"
Wang Feng nodded helplessly, "This whole thing was a mistake by the team store staff, who put my jerseys on sale prematurely. Manchester City originally nned to announce it officially after the European Cup, but now they have to do it earlier."
"It''s a bit rushed; they haven''t even finalized the new head coach yet and have to announce their decision to sign me."
"Did you discuss all the details you mentioned before?"
Wang Feng nodded, "All the work has been elerated. Manchester City is very sincere, and they''re not short on money."
Then he added, "It seems our vacation will have to be put on hold. I need to go to Manchester as soon as possible for the signing ceremony."
"That''s fine, but what about the kids in the future? Do they need to transfer to Ennd for school?"
"I think not. Their current school is the best in the whole of Spain, and they have a familiar environment and friends there. It would be too hard for them to move to a strange ce."
"We can have family members help take care of them. Since the two ces are not far apart, we cane back to see them anytime, and they cane to Ennd to reunite during holidays."
"So, does that mean we can enjoy some alone time?" Lu Yao teased, sticking out her tongue, and Wang Feng chuckled, "Perhaps bringing back a little brother or sister for the kids wouldn''t be a bad idea."
In the age of information, news spread rapidly. The Manchester Evening News'' disclosure was reprinted and reported by major media outlets, quickly sweeping through the entire European football world.
Fans were eager to confirm whether the news was true. On one hand, those who cared about the Sky Blues were quite regretful about the team''s years of Champions League setbacks, hoping that the arrival of the Champions League winner could change everything.
On the other hand, they realized that Cristiano Ronaldo and Wang Feng were about to join forces. Although Ronaldo''s situation had declined somewhat in the past two years, he was still one of the top superstars in football. Thebination of the two superstars in one team undoubtedly aroused strong curiosity.
Two dayster, journalists lurking at Manchester Airport captured the scene of the Chinese superstar''s arrival. A stone stirred up a thousand waves, and it seemed that Wang Feng was really about to arrive in the Premier League!
Chapter 755: Official Debut
Chapter 755: Official Debut
After everything was settled, Real Madrid and Manchester City did not continue to hide. At the same time, they announced on their official websites and official social media tforms a shocking andplex transaction involving multiple yers in the football world.
Firstly, Wang Feng joined Manchester City, signing a three-year contract. Secondly, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent to Real Madrid, with Manchester City paying an additional ??60 million.
In addition to this, the Sky Blues also packaged U18 academy stars Jadon Sancho, udio Gomes, and Tosin Adarabioyo to Bernab??u.
In exchange for this, they received nearly ?70 million. The value of this transaction involving a 33-year-old veteran is evident.
However, soon questions arose. Wasn''t the Chinese superstar already a free agent after his contract expired? Why did Manchester City need to pay so much?
It turns out both teamspleted contract renewals before the trade. Wang Feng''s contract continued with the Sky Blues, while Cristiano Ronaldo''s contract was handed over to Real Madrid.
In order to leave something for his former club, the Chinese superstar turned down a ?450 million, three-year contract offer from PSG and instead signed a ??1.2 million per week contract with Manchester City.
Calcting this, his annual sry is about ??57 million, equivalent to around ?68 million, making a total of ?204 million over three years, which is half of what he could have earned.
Although this sry increase is only a slight improvement over his previous deal, it still tops the Premier League and is more than four times that of the second-ranked De Gea, showing the godly treatment Manchester City offers.
In terms of making money, Wang Feng no longer relies solely on team sries. Whether it''smercial endorsements or his own investment group, he earns much more outside of football.
Moving to the Premier League allows him to maintainpetitiveness, receive sufficient respect, and also leave resources for Real Madrid, a win-win-win situation.
For this transaction, the majority of Manchester City fans were ecstatic. They now have Wang, the best yer on the!
What? He''s already past his prime? Just look at his performance in the Champions League final, who dares to say such words?
Manchester City needs Wang Feng to rescue them. Only he has the potential to lead the team to win the crucial Champions League trophy!
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, a minority felt somewhat regretful for not witnessing him team up with the Chinese superstar, but almost no fans questioned the club''s operation of exchanging youth for experience.
Three years have proven that the Portuguese star is not the ultimate answer for the team, and he has not had many die-hard fans in Manchester for quite some time.
This greatly angered Cristiano, as he made this decision himself and actively pushed for the transfer, but he hoped to see discontent and retention from the fans, not the current joy, with all eyes focused on Wang Feng.
"I advised you, Ronnie," his agent Mendes said helplessly. "Joining Manchester City and then forcefully joining the Gctic Warriors now are very reckless actions."
"Real Madrid has reached an unprecedented peak. If you don''t adapt well there again, you''ll definitely face criticism, especially if Wang Feng performs well at Manchester City, the situation will be even worse."
"But I have no better options now. The Gctic Warriors are my only chance at this moment. Of course, I''ll also do my best in this year''s European Championship."
Under the scrutiny of numerous media and fans, Wang Fengpleted his debut ceremony at the Etihad Stadium. When he walked out of the yer tunnel wearing the light blue No. 30 jersey, it instantly drew cheers from the crowd.
"Wang! Wang! Wang!" Over fifty-five thousand people shouted the same name in unison. Although not as grand as the Bernab??u, the passion of the fans was as fiery as mes.
As most of Manchester City''s key yers were participating in the European Championship and Copa America, they couldn''t be present at the scene.
However, on social media, all yers including Aguero, Sterling, Yaya Toure, and David Silva quickly sent weing messages to the Chinese superstar.
Mansour and the club''s top management gave face to Wang Feng, all appearing on the center of the pitch and shaking hands and hugging the Chinese superstar one by one.
Facing the extremely enthusiastic fans, Wang Feng first bowed deeply to all four sides of the stands, winning apuse and cheers from them before speaking.
"Thank you very much foring here to witness my joining of Manchester City. Your support means a lot to me."
"Manchester City is a club with a long history. We have had both glory and splendor, as well as lows and struggles, but I believe now is the best time for us to rise!"
"Some people wonder why I came here, even think it''s for the high sry. But standing here on this pitch, I dere to the world in the name of football, I came for championships. As long as I am ying, I will never stop pursuing victory!"
"Let''s turn the sky of Manchester blue!"
With that, Wang Feng tossed the microphone aside and ran towards the stands, waving to the fans.
Everyone was inspired by his frankness and determination. "Wang Feng understands the team, Wang Feng understands us!" The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium soared to a new level.
Watching the seemingly crazy audience, Manchester City''s general manager Begiristain couldn''t help but sigh, "Amazing! Wang Feng managed to win over all the fans with just three sentences."
"Affirmation of history, pursuit of goals, and a highly tensioned slogan. No wonder Florentino called him a perfect yer, he''s wless in every aspect."
Mansour nodded, then added, "He does make us worry-free, but don''t forget, the reason Wang Feng dares to say this is not just his words, but the countless achievements and honors behind him."
"The fans are willing to believe in him, that''s why the effect is so good."
Begiristain agreed deeply, "But I''m still a little worried. After all, Wang Feng is already 33 years old. People say his peak period seems endless, but there''s certainly a decline."
"I think Wang Feng should be the most aware of his physical condition. Otherwise, he wouldn''t choose to leave Real Madrid. I wonder if he can still give his all in the next three years."
"So we need to move fast and be resolute in our signings. I will allocate ??400 million for the transfer market this year. If it''s not enough, we''ll continue to add. We must build a perfect lineup around Wang Feng andunch an assault on the Champions League as soon as possible!"
The general manager of Manchester City was amazed but also felt immense pressure. Having too little money to spend is troublesome, but having too much is also troublesome. Involving in transfer spending is like an art, with every aspect needing careful consideration; otherwise, it will only be a fool''s errand, wasting money.
At this point, Mansour suddenly remembered something and asked, "Is the head coach issue settled? Is Guardi willing toe?"
"He was a bit hesitant at first, but he immediately changed his attitude upon hearing the news of Wang Feng''s imminent arrival, saying he was willing to take over the team."
"Well, that''s good. It''s just that his tactical system has always been different from that of Wang Feng. We need Guardi to start working as soon as possible."
"I understand. I''ll keep an eye on this."
The club''s top management was discussing the matters of the new season, while Wang Feng had alreadypleted his debut and appeared at the prepared press conference.
Numerous media outlets eagerly asked their questions, mostly about the reasons for choosing Manchester City and their views on the transfer, and so on.
The Chinese superstar answered each question decently, showing full respect to both his old and new clubs.
When asked about the outlook for the new season, he confidently said, "Since Genk 16 years ago, I have never ended a season empty-handed. Joining Manchester City will be no exception."
Chapter 756: Encounter in the Interdomain Era
Chapter 756: Encounter in the Interdomain Era
The 2016 UEFA European Championship kicked off in France on June 10th. This was the first tournament after UEFA decided to expand the number of participating teams from 16 to 24.
Portugal had a poor performance in the group stage. In their first match against d, they broke the deadlock but were held to a 1-1 draw. Cristiano Ronaldo''s spectacr header in the 85th minute was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Halld??rsson, failing to secure a victory.
In the second match against Austria, despite dominating the game, they couldn''t break through the defense, and the score remained 0-0.
In the final do-or-die match against Hungary, Portugal fell behind three times but managed to equalize each time. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice with a header and a shot, and assisted Nani to score, redeeming himself and saving the team.
Hungary and d advanced together, with Portugal only finishing third. They had topare results with the third-ced teams from the other five groups and, thanks to their goal difference, made it to the round of 16, where they faced Croatia.
In the Round of 16 against Croatia, both teams fought until extra time. In the 117th minute, Ronaldo missed a shot, but Quaresma followed up with a goal, securing a 1-0 victory.
In the quarter-finals against Pnd, Lewandowski scored early for the Polish team, but Sanchez helped Portugal equalize. After battling for 120 minutes with the score still 1-1, Portugal won 5-3 in the penalty shootout, eliminating Pnd.
In the semi-finals against Wales, Ronaldo scored with a header in the second half, and then assisted Nani for another goal, securing a 2-0 win.
Reaching the final, Portugal faced the host nation, France. One can imagine Ronaldo''s excitement at this moment, but he unfortunately got injured and had to leave the field in the first half.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo, the Portuguese star, stayed on the sidelines to encourage his teammates. The two teams fought until extra time, and Eder''s long-range shot helped Portugal win their first European Championship!
Despite a difficult start and three extra-time matches, Portugal''s journey to the championship was arduous but worth it!
On the other hand, the "Copa America Centenario" took ce in the United States on June 4th, 2016.
Argentina was grouped with Chile, Panama, and Bolivia, and they easily advanced to the quarter-finals with three wins in three matches.
In the quarter-finals against Venezu and the semi-finals against the United States, Argentina disyed excellent performances, winning 4-1 and 4-0 consecutively, bing the favorites to win the title.
In the final against their previous opponents, Chile, all fans believed they would easily win. However, reality was often absurd. Despite their arrogance and defensive tactics, Argentina could only ept a 0-0 draw and a cruel penalty shootout defeat.
No one knew what Messi felt as he stood at the penalty spot for the third time. Everyone saw him sending the ball into the stands and then handing over the championship trophy.
Three times! As the core of the team, he had now lost the championship three times in a row!
In the 2010 World Cup final, he missed a penalty; a year ago, in the Copa America final, he missed a penalty, and now he missed another penalty.
To make matters worse, after the match, the Argentine star tearfully announced his retirement from the national team, seemingly giving up, which triggered strong criticism and dissatisfaction from fans.
At this moment, the Portuguese media and Ronaldo''s fans were the happiest. "The situation is starting to reverse!" This is how the Portuguese newspaper evaluated the current situation.
In recent years, due to poor performances at the club level, Ronaldo had often been overshadowed by Messi in theirpetition and had even failed to make it to the top three of the Ballon d''Or several times.
But now, the Portuguese star not only boarded the mighty "Gctic Battleship" but also led the national team to win their first European Championship. In contrast, the Argentine star had always been suppressed by Real Madrid, failed three times with the national team, and finally decided not to y anymore, making theparison between the two obvious.
With the conclusion of the intense intercontinental matches, major clubs quickly entered the rhythm of the summer transfer window. For Manchester City, the new coach, Guardi, took office, and his primary task was to have an in-depth discussion with Wang Feng.
The two talked for a long time via video call, while the Chinese superstar was still enjoying a leisurely vacation on the beaches of Akomaniuo.
"You are the most important part of my tactical nning. I''ve wanted to try it for many years," the Spaniard said enthusiastically. He understood Wang Feng''s technical abilities, which not only had exceptional adaptability but also greatly enhanced the level of coaching.
Wang Feng had a deeper understanding of passing and positioning. Although he had studied Barcelona extensively in the past, he rarely practiced it himself. Now, under Guardi''s leadership, he could try a brand-new style of football, which was very exciting for him.
"How do you feel about the new environment, new people, and things?" Lu Yao walked in and handed Wang Feng a ss of frozen fruit juice.
Wang Feng took a big sip, feeling the cool sensation rushing into his mind. "It''s wonderful! Every day ahead is an unknown experience, and I''m looking forward topeting for new honors."
"And Guardi''s tactics are also very challenging. I can''t wait for the new season to start."
In addition to finalizing the deal with the Chinese superstar, Manchester City quickly announced another major signing, bringing De Bruyne back from Werder Bremen.
This dazzling 25-year-old Belgian midfielder was at the peak of his career. Manchester City had been very interested in himst year, but Huang Hu sessfully persuaded him to stay with the club for another year.
This decision proved wise. After leading the team to historically reach the Champions League quarter-finals, De Bruyne''s reputation grew, and Manchester City paid a transfer fee of ??60 million for him, plus an additional ??5 million in floating uses.
It''s worth mentioning that when Werder Bremen bought him two years ago, they only spent ?20 million, and his value had nearly quadrupled in two years.
Additionally, Manchester City increased the Belgian''s sry from ??250,000 per week a year ago to ??300,000 per week, ranking him among the top earners in the entire Premier League.
Delighted with this deal, the Belgian posted an old photo on Twitter, showing a young Wang Feng holding De Bruyne, who was less than 10 years old, in his arms.
"I finally waited for this day, to fight alongside my idol!" De Bruyne wrote.
Soon, Wang Feng alsomented below: "I finally waited for you. Let''s open up new territory for Manchester City together! [Thumbs up]"
The encounter across eras sparked discussions among fans and the media. "Wow, De Bruyne was so young back then, and Wang Feng also looked very young."
"Don''t be fooled by his fresh appearance. Young? Remember, that year he won both the Belgian League and the League Cup."
"So Wang Feng has been a star for so long. I always thought he was very young, especially since he has been dominating the football world for the past few years."
"You can tell you''re a new fan. Not just these past few years, it''s been over a decade!"
Many young yers envied De Bruyne''s situation, such as 17-year-old Mbapp??.
Starting with football at the age of 4, in his perception, Wang Feng was the number one yer in football. As his football skills rapidly developed, he also witnessed the entire era of the Real Madrid dynasty.
This had a strong impact on a young yer. He didn''t know when he started to yearn to join Real Madrid, to fight side by side with Wang Feng.
Last year, with outstanding performances, Mbapp?? made his debut in Ligue 1 at the age of 16 years and 347 days, setting a record.
"I will grow up as soon as possible. Wang, please wait for me!" he solemnly wrote on social media, but it didn''t cause much of a stir.
Chapter 757: Astonishing Investments
Chapter 757: Astonishing Investments
Apart from De Bruyne, Manchester City continued to make frequent moves, revealing their wealthy nature after a slight silence for several seasons.
Throughout the summer transfer window, the Sky Blues spent a total of ??333 million, nearly ?400 million, on yer acquisitions, ranking first among all European clubs, more than twice the amount spent by second-ced Manchester United.
A total of 26 yers were acquired through transfers, loans, free signings, and loan returns, almost enough to assemble another full squad.
This included the ??47 million acquisition of defender Stones from Everton and the ??42 million signing of San?? from Schalke 04.
There were also Gabriel Jesus, Gundogan, Bravo, Nolito, and many more.
The entire European footballmunity was taken aback. The German magazine "Kicker" stated, "Manchester City has gone mad!"
"Since the Abu Dhabi consortium took over Manchester City in 2008, they have invested billions of pounds in the club, transforming it from a relegation candidate to a championship contender within eight years."
"During this period, the Sky Blues won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup once, the League Cup twice, and the Community Shield once, but they have never been able to touch the Champions League."
"Wang Feng''s arrival gave investors hope. They threw caution to the wind, creating an unprecedented heavy investment, just to gamble on that slim chance. It''s really crazy."
Other media outlets also publishedments, mostly negative, with some even suggesting that Manchester City''s actions would ruin the sport of football, and some called for financial fair y scrutiny.
But Mansour didn''t care about any of this; he only cared about results!
To Begiristain, the Emirati expressed a significant increase in yer victory bonuses. If Manchester City didn''t perform well in the early stages of the league, they would continue to intensify their efforts in recruiting during the winter transfer window.
It could be said that they spared no effort, and money was no object.
Facing the madness of Manchester City, the greatest pressure naturally fell on their city rivals, Manchester United. The Red Devils only finished fifth in the previous season, only able topete in the Europa League.
Like the Sky Blues, they also changed managers this summer. "The Special One" Mourinho took over at Old Trafford. Not having Champions League qualification didn''t stop the team from making big moves in the transfer market.
They spent a total of ??150 million, approximately ?180 million, including the record-breaking ??87.5 million return of Pogba from Juventus and the ??35 million purchase of Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund.
There were also Bailly, Ibrahimovic, and others. Their goal for the new season was not only to re-enter the top four but also to challenge for the top spot.
Chelsea''s investment was also considerable, with a total expenditure of ??118 million, ranking fourth among European clubs. Batshuayi, with a price tag of ??32.5 million, became the king of the summer window.
Having just achieved a miraculous title win, several key yers from Leicester City were poached. Kante ultimately joined the Blues, along with David Luiz and others.
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham also made moves. The transfer activity of other Premier League teams far exceeded that of La Liga clubs, with the total transaction amount even exceeding ??1 billion, upying more than one-tenth of the entire European football market.
In La Liga, Real Madrid''s reconstruction was also progressing rapidly. With Ancelotti''s contract expiring and him leaving, Zidane took over as the coach.
After letting go of Wang Feng, they sent Higua??n to Juventus for a staggering ?90 million, setting a new transfer record for the Bianconeri club.
This transfer fee was closely rted to his just-won La Liga and European Golden Boot.
Meanwhile, veteran Arbeloa''s contract expired, and he immediately joined West Ham United to continue shining.
While retaining most of their championship-winning core, they also supplemented Ronaldo. They bought Benzema from Manchester United for ?72 million to fill the gap left by Higua??n''s departure.
It was rumored that this transfer was strongly rmended by the Portuguese star to Florentino, as the two had a tacit understanding during their time at Manchester United.
Of course, there were also his own considerations. Currently, most of the main lineup consisted ofrades who fought alongside Wang Feng. Ronaldo, as a neer, needed his ownpanions for a sense of security.
Pepe counted as one, plus the newly signed Benzema; these were his mainstays to establish himself.
Barcelona was the most high-profile club in this summer''s La Liga transfer market. With the departure of the Chinese superstar from Real Madrid, the Catns felt as if the sky had cleared. They couldn''t wait to arm themselves and avenge the dark decade.
Transfer ban? Appeals continued to dy, insufficient funds? There''s nothing that leverage can''t solve; if one deal isn''t enough, then add another one.
Throughout the summer window, Catn clubs spent a total of ?122 million, buying Andr?? Gomes for ?35 million, Paco Alc??cer for ?30 million, and Umtiti for ?25 million.
There were also Digne, Cillessen, and D. Suarez, among others. Barcelona believed that without that man, tragedy would not repeat itself!
In Serie A, Juventus remained the club with the highest investment, spending a total of ?162 million, second only to the Manchester duo.
In addition to bringing in Higua??n, they also snatched Pjanic from Roma for ?32 million and Pjaca from Dinamo Zagreb for ?23 million.
Inter Mn experienced several years of recovery and gradually stabilized in the top ranks of the league. The FengYao Group also increased its investment.
First, they bought Jo?o M??rio from Sporting Lisbon for ?40 million, then brought Candreva from Lazio for ?22 million.
With additions like Dodo, Ansaldi, and Brozovic, their total expenditure also exceeded ?100 million.
AC Mn was more cautious, with spending not exceeding ?30 million. Most of the yers joined through free transfers and loan returns. Their investment was even less than that of Napoli.
In the Bundesliga, in recent seasons, due to outstanding performances in the Champions League, the league sessfully surpassed the Premier League, ranking second in the European League Rankings.
Unlike thevish spending of clubs like Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, Bundesliga teams have relied more on excellent youth training over the years, so their investments in the transfer market have been lukewarm.
This year, the biggest spender wasn''t Bayern Munich but Borussia Dortmund, the "Yellow and ck Hos." They signed a total of 12 yers, with total expenditures reaching ?102 million.
Whether it was the fans or the management, they all deeply missed the days of the youthful storm. Increasing investment to break Bayern''s monopoly was imperative.
Bayern spent ?97 million, including the ?47 million from Werder Bremen for Huang Hu.
On the other hand, at the age of 31, Dong Fangzhuo chose not to renew his contract with the team and joined Cologne on a free transfer.
It was a wise choice for both domestic fans and the yer himself. The younger generation was taking over from the older generation.
So far, Dong Fangzhuo has won five league titles, four DFB-Pokals, and two DFL-Supercups, and has even been ranked in the top three in the world. In any case, his professional career has been fulfilling.
Entering his thirties, his strength declined year by year. Choosing a mid-table Bundesliga team meant he didn''t have to start from scratch in adapting to the environment and could enter semi-retirement mode.
If he didn''t want to participate in the World Cup two yearster, perhaps he would have chosen to return home.
For Huang Hu, apletely new challenge and unknown adventures awaited him. Bayern provided a big tform, but thepetition was fierce. This was the first time a Chinese star abandoned the idea of stability and actively sought to excel.
Because he knew that if he didn''t take this step, he would forever be limited to where he was, after all, at the age of 24, he could no longer be called a young yer.
Chapter 758: Rapid Integration
Chapter 758: Rapid Integration
In early July, Wang Feng ended his vacation and quietly arrived in Manchester with Lu Yao.
This international metropolis, located in the northwest of Ennd, was as bustling as Mn or Madrid. It had a long history, once the birthce of the cotton textile industry and the world''s first industrialized city.
However, strolling through the streets, one could hardly see many ssical buildings anymore. Since the 1960s, Manchester had been undergoing urban renewal projects, with many old buildings demolished and reced with new ones.
The first thing the Chinese superstar settled was his residence. Without being too picky, he chose a wealthy area 20 kilometers from the city center, near Stockport. The entiremunity looked like a beautiful garden.
Celebrities like Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo also owned properties in this area. Sun Jihai also lived here during his time at Manchester City. He believed that both the environment and security here were excellent enough.
The two of them were interested in a newly built, pure white, two-story vi. There weren''t many rooms, but they were all spacious, withrge windows and plenty of sunlight. Although it couldn''tpare to the estates in Madrid, it was excellent in all aspects.
Of course, the price was excellent as well, a whopping 8 million. When Wang Feng paid for it, Lu Yao felt a bit sorry, "Brother Feng, why don''t we just rent a room? After all, we won''t be staying for many years."
Wang Feng smiled and reassured her, "We can afford it. Renting won''t be asfortable as having our own property to live in. Besides, Manchester is a big city, and buying a house now is considered an investment."
After sorting out the amodation, the Chinese superstar reported to the Manchester City training base the next day, a week earlier than the team''s requirement. In this new environment, he needed to be fully prepared for a fresh start.
The training base covered 80 acres and took six years to build, costing a total of 200 million. It had 16 football pitches, one of which could amodate up to 7,000 spectators.
The training facilities were top-notch, with modern recovery centers, well-equipped hydrotherapy facilities, luxurious dressing rooms, spas, and even restaurants.
Manchester City also emphasized youth development, not only focusing on football skills but also partnering with a nearby high-quality school for academic education.
It could be seen that Mansour''s investment in Manchester City wasn''t just about making money; he had a deep love for football and wanted to create a dynasty of the Sky Blues.
The head of the base, Mark Munster, was very surprised by Wang Feng''s early arrival. He wasn''t fully prepared yet, and if he upset this important figure in any way, he might have to pack up and leave the next day.
He could only nervously apany the Chinese superstar around the training base. "We''ll adjust the shower and therapy facilities as soon as possible, and some training facilities will be maintained soon. It won''t dy your schedule."
Unexpectedly, Wang Feng showed a apologetic expression, "It''s okay, Mr. Munster, I''ve caused you trouble. I''ll use the facilities that are avable for now."
"Oh, I''ve prepared some small gifts for all the staff to express my apologies. I''m really sorry."
His warm attitude relieved everyone''s tension and made them feel warm. They didn''t expect the Chinese superstar not only to not me them but also to take care of them. In less than half a day, he had won everyone''s favor.
At the same time, the staff admired Wang Feng''s professionalism. No wonder he could stand tall in the football world for so many years.
After a simple team physical examination, the Chinese superstar officially joined the intense training sessions.
Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane, two German midfielders, walked into the indoor training room chatting andughing. Having just joined Manchester City, they wanted to adapt to the environment as soon as possible, so they decided to report a day early to do some recovery exercises.
To their surprise, there was already someone in the training room, the world-famous Chinese superstar. They felt a bit awkward, not knowing what to say.
Wang Feng naturally wiped his sweat with a towel and walked over with a smile, saying, "Hello, didn''t expect you two toe early too. The training facilities here are veryplete and suitable for body recovery."
He spoke standard German, and the two of them showed surprised expressions, obviously not expecting the Chinese superstar to speak German. There was a sense of warmth and intimacy.
After all, they had juste from the Bundesliga, although they couldmunicate in English, it was not as fluent as their mother tongue.
So the three of them chatted casually, from football to daily life, exercising while chatting, and soon became familiar.
When the Manchester City yers faced Wang Feng on the official gathering day, they were initially a bit restrained and unnatural, as if they were overwhelmed by his strong aura.
But this kind of barrier would inevitably disappear soon. They found that the Chinese superstar didn''t have airs, nor did he act superior. Hemunicated equally with everyone, listening and expressing himself earnestly. His rich experience made him seem like a treasure trove.
Such a harmonious atmosphere even surprised Pep Guardi. It was then that he understood why he had lost so miserably back then. Apart from technical aspects, the power of unity alone was enough to move people.
There was also a trivial matter. Vincent Kompany, the captain of Manchester City, wanted to pass the captain''s armband to Wang Feng, but he was sternly refused, "You are the most suitable captain, Vincent. As a neer, I also need your help."
Wang Feng wouldn''t even fight for the No. 10 jersey with Aguero, so how could he ept the captaincy? Although the Argentine didn''t say anything, he was deeply grateful. From the Chinese superstar, he felt full respect.
Guardi arranged for the yers to practice passing and receiving the ball in the first training session, which was in line with his tactical thinking.
There were also many participants, includingst season''s main yers, substitutes, and newly joined yers.
The new coach naturally had apletely new criterion for selecting yers, which meant that the starting lineup might change significantly. Therefore, many yers were eager to perform well.
The training was mainly divided into three stages. First, pairs of yers stood facing each other with a small arch in between.
The maximum number of times they could pass the ball through the arch to each other with one touch, while ensuring the ball stayed on the ground, increased continuously.
This training could effectively improve the sense of passing and uracy, as well as the speed of receiving the ball.
The second stage added some dribbling exercises. Still in pairs, but now there were two small arches instead of one.
One yer dribbled sideways and passed the ball through one arch to the other yer.
The other yer had to move sideways and pass the ball through the other arch back to the first yer.
They continued this back and forth, and the actions got faster and faster.
The third stage was somewhat like a game of ''monkey in the middle.'' Four yers formed a group, with one yer in the middle acting as the defender, and the other three passing the ball to each other.
Of course, this training had more restrictions. The ball had to stay on the ground, and there were strict rules regarding the time spent with the ball and the target of the pass.
Chapter 759: A New Journey
Chapter 759: A New Journey
"How do you assess the technical level of these yers?" After the training session, Pep Guardi asked his assistant coach, Brian Kidd.
The assistant coach, who had followed Guardi for many years, scratched his head and replied, "It''s a mixed bag. Most of the yers seem tock a fundamental understanding of passing."
"That''s exactly why we''re here, to make the yers understand what possession is and how to control it."
"The times are constantly changing, and the tactics we used in the past also need continuous improvement," Guardi sighed.
"But Wang Feng performed excellently. I heard he arrived at the base a week early for recovery training."
"And now he has adjusted his physical condition to the best. ording to the team doctor, he can participate in official matches at any time, which is really reassuring."
The Spaniard nodded. "The performances of Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne are also impressive. Perhaps we should consider using them more in the new season."
After spending some time on passing training, Guardi then arranged for physical training. ording to him, yers must first find their touch before focusing on improving their athletic abilities.
Wang Feng found this novel but not surprising. Every coach had their unique training methods and development strategies.
In addition to practical training, the coaching staff also spent time every day imparting ball control and positioning tactics, mainly using past match recordings as teaching materials.
Many of these materials were matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. When they were first exined, the Manchester City yers looked at Guardi and Wang Feng with strange eyes.
The Spaniard remained calm and cleared his throat. "I don''t think a loss in a match means the tactics are entirely wrong. On the contrary, there may be many highlights and areas worth discussing."
The Premier League opener started much earlier than La Liga. On August 13, 2016, in the first round, Manchester City hosted Sundend at the Etihad Stadium.
This was Wang Feng''s first official match after joining the club. The Etihad Stadium was almost full, and most fans wanted to witness the football king''s brilliance.
Guardi deployed an unusual 4-2-3-1 formation for this match. udio Bravo was the goalkeeper.
The back four consisted of Pablo Zabaleta, Aleksandar Krov, John Stones, and Gael Clichy.
The double pivot consisted of Fernandinho and Fernandinho, while the attacking midfielders were Raheem Sterling, David Silva, and Wang Feng.
Sergio Aguero yed as the lone striker.
New signings like De Bruyne, Gundogan, and Leroy Sane, were mostly on the bench.
The opponents, Sundend, were once one of Ennd''s top clubs, located on the banks of the River Wear in the north, and were bitter rivals with Newcastle United from the same region.
However, they had not won a top-flight league title in over 70 years and were constantly hovering on the brink of relegation.
It wasn''t difficult for Manchester City to secure a victory against them.
"Manchester City''s performancest season was still lukewarm, barely securing fourth ce in the league and a spot in the Champions League yoffs. They were stopped in the Champions League semi-finals and achieved nothing in the FA Cup and League Cup, hence the determination to rebuild."
As the game was about to begin, thementators in the studio were making pre-match analyses.
"After spending nearly 400 million to strengthen the team, and bringing in top coach Guardi and football god Wang Feng, Manchester City''s lineup is dazzling whether in the starting eleven or on the bench. I believe their ambitions are very big."
"This match will be the best opportunity to test the team''s strength."
Both teams were waiting in the yer tunnel, Wang Feng was stretching his body leisurely. The Sundend yers next to him stared at him with a strange look, a mixture of excitement, anticipation, vignce, joy, and even admiration.
After all, if it weren''t for the Chinese superstar transferring to the Premier League, most of them would have hardly had any intersection with this football legend.
Wang Feng had long been ustomed to this. He stared ahead at the bright light, eagerly looking forward to starting his Premier League journey.
After the kick-off, the home team quickly took control of the ball and dominated, showing signs of possession football after some time of training.
Wang Feng silently felt the new rhythm and tactics, constantlybining the knowledge emphasized by Guardi in his mind. In his eyes, the football field was divided into different zones.
Each zone was meticulously arranged by the head coach, while the Chinese superstar yed the most flexible role as the attacking core.
Under his agile movements, every position on the field maintained overall passing fluidity, keeping the opponent''s defense in a passive state until opportunities emerged from exploiting space.
At the same time, zone division also created local numerical advantages. With clear position guidance, yers could easily form situations of outnumbering the opponent.
Of course, the movement in possession tactics was significantly different from Wang Feng''s previous style of roaming the entire field to create opportunities. It was more purposeful, with lower intensity of movement and rtively reduced threat.
If the Chinese superstar were five years younger, he would still prefer to take the initiative in attacking, but now Guardi''s tactics were obviously more suitable.
In the 21st minute, Fernandinho dribbled the ball to the right side of the front court, pretending to pass to Wang Feng. Thetter immediately movedterally to draw away two defenders.
Meanwhile, David Silva took advantage of the space on the wing, received the ball and then passed it directly to Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area.
After sessfullypleting three diagonal passes, they broke through the opponent''s defensive line, closely rted to the partial three-on-two advantage they created on the right side.
Whether it was Wang Feng''s sudden movement, Silva''s positioning on the wing, or Fernandinho''s forward run, they all embodied the essence of possession football.
Fernandinho, the Brazilian midfielder, crossed the ball into the box, where Aguero headed it in, scoring Manchester City''s first goal of the new season.
After taking the lead, the home team continued to maintain their attacking rhythm. Fifteen minutester, Stones switched the ball to Sterling on arge scale.
The English forward broke through the Sundend defense and entered the penalty area, with Aguero charging forward in the central area, while Wang Feng moved to the top of the arc on the other side, waiting for an opportunity.
Sterling attempted to cross from the bottom, but the opponent''s tight marking made the passingne narrow. So, he quickly stopped and passed the ball back to Wang Feng.
Wang Feng controlled the ball, evaded the Sundend center-back, and then took a shot with his right foot, sending the ball into the with a beautiful arc, over the goalkeeper''s outstretched hand and into the top right corner.
"Goal! The ball''s in! Wang Feng''s first goal for Manchester City has finally arrived!"
"The score on the field has expanded to 2-0! The Chinese superstar''s technical skills and shooting are still extremely sharp! Easily bypassing the defenders, he takes a shot from the spot, and the ball almost enters the from a dead angle!"
"This is the power of a superstar!"
After the break, in the 69th minute, Manchester City scored their third goal to secure victory.
It was a set-piece opportunity on the right side of the front court. Wang Feng urately delivered the ball to the back post, where Fernandinho leaped lightly and headed it, causing it to deflect and enter the goal.
3-0! The Blue Moon had a perfect start!
Chapter 760: A New Era Begins
Chapter 760: A New Era Begins
"I believe through this match, Manchester City fans have seen everything they wanted to see: the distinctive Guardi-style possession system, and the powerful performance of Wang Feng with an assist and a goal in his debut."
"For this heavyweight debut, Smith, what are your thoughts?" The host winked at the footballmentator.
The footballmentator, who was invited by the television station, hesitated for a moment and said reluctantly, "Well, yes, his performance was excellent. I think he has basically adapted to the new environment and the new coach."
At this moment, Smith felt extremely awkward because before the match, he had said that the Chinese superstar would need at least a dozen matches to gradually integrate into the Premier League atmosphere and the new coaching style.
"Sundend isn''t a strong opponent. Perhaps we should wait and see how Manchester City performs in tougher matches."
"Of course, there''s the Manchester Derby in early September. In recent years, the Blue Moon has been dominating under Cristiano Ronaldo''s leadership, surpassing the Red Devils. I wonder if Wang Feng, who has switched sides, can continue this advantage?"
"And the showdown between Guardi and Mourinho, it''s really something to look forward to. Please continue to follow the exciting matches brought to you by the sports channel."
After the match, many media outlets also mentioned Guardi''s inherited tactical style and the execution power and outstanding performance of core yer Wang Feng.
"It''s not difficult to see from the match process that Wang has basically understood Guardi''s philosophy and arrangements. This is extremely important for the team. Even if other yers react a bit slower, it won''t affect the overall situation of the Blue Moon."
"He seems to be a born football master, always able to adapt to various environments." The Manchester Evening News praised.
The Sun, on the other hand, believed that Wang Feng''s delicate technique, excellent vision, and precise passing were in line with the characteristics of possession football, and both sides could unleash powerful energy.
"Manchester City seems to be making a bold gamble, but it actually reflects their own ideas and considerations."
After the first round of the Premier League, Manchester City yers had no time to rest. They immediately boarded a ne and flew to Bucharest, Romania, to participate in the crucial UEFA Champions League qualification yoffs.
Finishing fourth in the leaguest season helped the team retain their spot in the Champions League qualifiers, but they had to go through two rounds against Bucharest Stars to advance to the group stage, or they would be eliminated and miss out on Europeanpetition.
Guardi didn''t dare to be negligent and continued to use the main lineup without any rotation, ensuring victory at all costs.
The National Stadium was buzzing with noise, with about 2,000 Manchester City fansing to the scene to cheer for the Blue Moon. Of course, the home fans were more spirited.
In their hearts, the status of their club was higher than Manchester City''s because Bucharest Stars had once defeated the mighty Barcelona and lifted the Champions League trophy.
On the other hand, despite more than a hundred years of history and substantial financial backing, the Blue Moon had always struggled to win a single trophy, suppressed by the weight of history.
So, many fans shouted in English as the yers from both teams entered the field: "We are Champions League champions, you have nothing!"
The camera swept across the visiting team, and many faces showed angry expressions. This topic was the most painful sore spot for them, especially after the club''s increased investment in 2008.
Aguero nced at the calm Wang Feng and quietly clenched his fist. "This year will be different!"
The Chinese superstar''s state of mind remained unchanged. He had experienced even the most adverse environments and the most vicious insults. Now, these were just minor scenes.
So, despite being greeted with boos every time he touched the ball, Wang Feng continued to handle it steadily, like a stable engine, continuously providing strength to the team.
In the 9th minute, the away teamunched an attack from the right side. David Silva passed the ball to Wang Feng on the sideline. Wang Feng then passed it to Fernandinho, who moved forward with short steps, while the Chinese superstar appropriately retreated.
Seeing the home team''s defense closing in, Fernandinho quickly passed the ball back to Silva, who passed it back to Wang Feng. The three of them yed a series of passes, teasing the Bucharest Stars defenders who were constantly chasing and pressing.
With a slight stop with his right foot, the Chinese superstar''s ball came to the left front with a backheel, and at the same time, he instantlypleted a feint to change direction.
Then he elerated forward, and immediately sent a through ball to Aguero who had surged forward. Aguero then passed it to the edge of the penalty area where Wang Feng cleverly passed it into the danger zone.
The Chinese superstar chased after the ball in the penalty area, followed closely by a defender from the side, and another defender rushed over from the front. In the extremely narrow space and short time, he suddenly decelerated and dodged the defender''s tackle.
Then, as Wang Feng fell to the ground due to the collision, hepleted a sliding pass while falling, sending the ball to the unmarked Sterling at the far post.
Sterling rushed to the ball and volleyed from close range, and the ball soared just past the inside of the crossbar into the.
1-0! Manchester City took the lead!
The noisy stadium seemed to have hit the pause button. Tens of thousands of home fans opened their mouths in disbelief. How did they concede a goal in less than ten minutes?
The seemingly harmless exchanges of passes actually tore open their defense.
After taking the lead, the away team celebrated briefly and then calmly retreated to their own half to await the restart. "The Blue Moon is gradually showing its dominance. It seems that European football will witness intensepetition this year," the livementator couldn''t help but sigh.
The game continued, and the Bucharest Stars'' fans were still cheering, but their momentum was not as intimidating as before. The yers on the field also seemed a bit panicked. They had anticipated falling behind, but they didn''t expect it to happen so quickly.
Less than 7 minutester, the away team scored another goal, this time it was Silva, who received a cross from Otamendi, stopped the ball with his chest, turned sideways, and volleyed into the again, piercing through the home team''s defense.
With 10 minutes left in the first half, Wang Feng intercepted the ball in the frontcourt and made a diagonal pass, and Aguero, who was in the right position, kicked a fierce shot to secure victory for Manchester City.
After the break, the Blue Moon continued to dominate Bucharest Stars. With goalsing from multiple yers, Fernandinho scored another goal.
Thispletely crushed the home team''s fighting spirit, and they started to y poorly while also bing more aggressive in defense. In the 73rd minute, Wang Feng was tackled from behind by Enache when he was in possession of the ball.
The referee pulled out a red card and sent him off directly, causing all the fans to worry. On the sidelines, Guardi kept regretting not substituting him earlier!
Fortunately, Wang Feng seemed to be okay, after rubbing his ankle, he got up on his own and signaled to take the free kick before leaving the field.
Then, a spectacr free kick appeared at the National Stadium. The ball soared over the wall and suddenly curved, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
5-0!
When the Chinese superstar was substituted off, Manchester City fans stood up and cheered, even many home fans were impressed by his performance and gave him apuse.
With one goal and two assists, Wang Feng''s core driving force was undeniable.
In the next match, Manchester City faced Stoke City away in the second round of the Premier League. Guardi rotated the squad, and the Chinese superstar remained on the bench until the 75th minute. Manchester City narrowly won 2-1.
In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League yoffs, with almost assured qualification, the Blue Moon continued to rotate their squad against their opponents. With a goal from Yaya Toure, they won 1-0,pleting a 6-0 aggregate victory over Bucharest Stars and advancing to the group stage.
Chapter 761: Let鈥檚 Go Together Next Year
Chapter 761: Let''s Go Together Next Year
"Manchester City defeated Bucharest Stars and advanced to the Champions League group stage." Inside the office of the Real Madrid president, Bldano said to Florentino.
"The result is obvious," the Spaniard tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "We know Wang''s power better than anyone else. Perhaps we should have included a buy-back use in the transfer deal?"
"Manchester City will never agree to that. They are also an important rival on our path to winning the league."
"Let''s not talk about that. How''s the team recently? Losing both the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup consecutively, what''s the coaching staff''s n?"
"Zinedine believes it''s mainly a team integration issue. The strategy of making Cristiano the focal point of the attack is definitely correct, but Ronaldo is not Wang Feng. He needs more support and time to adapt."
Florentino rubbed his eyes. "I understand, but Cristiano is not getting any younger. We must ensure that he returns to the peak within three years."
"I can give the team time, but I''m afraid the patience of the fans and members is running thin."
On the other hand, many former teammates of the Gcticos contacted Wang Feng, congratting him on his victory whileining about the current atmosphere in the team.
"It''s too depressing. Consecutive losses to Barcelona and Sevi have made the atmosphere in the locker room seem stagnant. I''ve never experienced such a bad feeling at Real Madrid," Modric said in frustration.
The situation was even more severe than he described. The once harmonious atmosphere hadpletely disappeared, and everyone formed cliques, such as the Spanish faction, the Portuguese faction, and so on.
In fact, this was amon urrence in top clubs, just like how Barcelona had always had the European faction and the South American faction internally.
In the past, Wang Feng''s dominant status within the Gcticos suppressed everything, and everyone chose to rally around him, ensuring harmony and unity within the team, resulting in unimaginable sess.
And now everything was back to normal, various factions and power struggles emerged inevitably, which was obviously a heavy blow to the old yers, especially yers like Modric who wanted to continue pursuing victory.
The Chinese superstar could onlyfort Modric, advising him to act as a lubricant, bncing all sides to ensure the stability of the team.
With the dust settled on the Champions League spot, Wang Feng and the club staff set off for Monaco to attend the annual UEFA Awards Ceremony and the Champions League group stage draw.
Unlike previous years where a group of teammates traveled together, only the Chinese superstar from the entire club qualified this year. Looking at his teammates'' envious and expectant eyes, he couldn''t help but say, "Guys, let''s strive to go together next year!"
Everyone nodded eagerly, understanding what that meant. As long as they reached the summit of Europe, everyone would qualify for this grand event!
On the evening of August 25th, at 8 o''clock, the ceremony began as scheduled, with the eyes of the world''s media and fans focused on the Grimaldi Forum.
The two final awards, the UEFA Women''s yer of the Year, was unsurprisingly awarded to the Norwegian youngster Hegerberg.
Thepetition for the UEFA Men''s yer of the Year, the "Silver Pants," was more intense, with three candidates: Wang Feng, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Higuan, each with their own characteristics.
The Chinese superstar, needless to say, was the absolute core of the consecutive championship club, withprehensive data of 31 goals and 24 assists in the league, and the top scorer in the Champions League.
The Portuguese star was the winner of the European Championship, simr to Thomas Mller in 2014, and the Argentine forward was the European Golden Boot winner and the runner-up in the Copa America.
After a tense and exciting live vote, the 55 judges had selected their preferred candidates.
UEFA President Ceferin announced the final result, with Wang Feng winning the title of the 15-16 season UEFA Men''s yer of the Year with 27 votes, surpassing Cristiano''s 17 votes!
Standing up with a smile in the front row, Wang Feng hugged Mansour behind him, looking very excited. "Manchester City has the best in Europe too!"
He then hugged Florentino beside him, expressing his gratitude, "You deserve this award, there''s no second choice besides you."
On the side, Cristiano listened with a strained face, reluctantly offering his congrattions to the Chinese superstar. At this moment, all he could think about was stabilizing his position at Real Madrid as soon as possible and striving for the double awards at the end of the year.
Higuan generously congratted his old friend, feeling very grateful to Wang Feng for helping him win the European Golden Boot in thest year, otherwise he wouldn''t have the current value and treatment.
The guests felt that it was well-deserved while also feeling sorry for Cristiano. The European Championship ultimately couldn''t match the influence of the World Cup, and his club performancest season was indeed very poor.
Taking the silver trophy with his name and time engraved on it from the hands of the UEFA President, the Chinese superstar thanked both the Real Madrid team of the past season and the current Manchester City team.
They were both outstanding teams in European football, and he was honored to represent them on the field.
Wang Feng also mentioned his former teammate Higuan, calling him a great yer, and saying that he had a very happy time ying with him. The Argentine star below the stage touched the back of his head and smiled shyly.
"Cristiano is a talented superstar. I watched every one of your European Championship games, and you were really outstanding, helping Portugal win the championship for the first time. It''s all very impressive."
Listening to Wang Feng''s praise, Cristiano slightly bowed, thanking him for his recognition.
At this moment, the Portuguese''s heart was mixed. He had once seen Wang Feng as a target, but the gap between them was getting wider and wider. Wang Feng''s achievements were something he could never catch up with in his lifetime.
So Cristiano had changed his mindset early on, only aiming to surpass all yers except Wang Feng. He didn''t care if others said he was not as good as Wang Feng, otherwise he wouldn''t have tried so hard to join the Gcticos.
Moreover, the Chinese superstar was slowly aging, and one day he would inevitably relinquish his position as the world''s number one. By then, no one would be able to take away this position from him!
Manchester City was ced in the second pot in the Champions League group draw, while the first pot teams included Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Leicester City, Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, and CSKA Moscow.
As Ceferin drew the Manchester City logo and ced them in Group C, Wang Feng clearly heard the word starting with "F" uttered by Mansour behind him.
The Blue Moon was to meet Barcelona head-on!
It should be noted that almost half of the teams in the first pot were rtively easy to deal with, yet they drew one of the most difficult opponents.
In fact, Premier League teams in the Champions League often face some subtle targeting, which is rted to Ennd''s geopolitical situation and the strongmercial value of the Premier League.
Of course, in most cases, this kind of targeting only stays at the level of being annoying and doesn''t cause much substantive damage.
The other two teams in Group C with Manchester City were Bundesliga''s Borussia M?nchendbach and Scottish Premiership''s Celtic.
Arsenal was grouped with Paris Saint-Germain, Bulgarian League''s Ludogorets Razgrad, and Basel.
Tottenham Hotspur was drawn with AS Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, and CSKA Moscow.
Leicester City''s opponents were Porto, Copenhagen, and Club Brugge, arguably the luckiest club among the Premier League teams in the draw.
Chapter 762: Cherishing the Present
Chapter 762: Cherishing the Present
In the third round of the Premier League, Manchester City hosted West Ham United. After the match, the football world entered a two-week international break, with national teams from around the worldpeting for a spot in the 2026 World Cup in Russia.
The Chinese team was no exception. The Asian qualifiers officially began on September 1st. They were grouped with South Korea, Iran, Syria, Uzbekistan, and Qatar. To ensure nothing went wrong, Wang Feng naturally joined the team.
West Ham United, also known as the "Hammers," is located in the East London district of Newham. They have never won the English Premier League title but have won the FA Cup three times.
The team originated from the Thames Ironworks Football Club, founded by workers from the Thames Ironworks factory, which quickly transitioned from amateur to professional.
In the neenth century, due to operational and financial issues, the club was officially dissolved and reestablished under the name West Ham United. However, the image of the hammer used by the ironworkers was retained in the club badge.
Their arch-rivals, Millwall, are also a team from a steel factory, and the rivalry between the two clubs extends frommercialpetition to football.
In recent years, West Ham United has been hovering in the middle and lower reaches of the league, with survival being their main goal. Facing the powerful Manchester City, no one thought they had any chance.
However, no one expected the away team to lose so badly, 7-0! The Sky Blues swept the Hammers with a big score.
In the first half, Wang Feng contributed his first hat-trick since joining the Premier League and assisted Sterling and Fernandinho to score goals.
In addition, David Silva and substitute De Bruyne each scored a goal, resulting in this massacre.
Everyone could see that the Manchester City yers were in excellent form, with their fighting spirit and desire for victory reaching its peak.
"We are stronger than ever before!" Kompany said excitedly in an interview after the match.
So far, the teams in the Premier League with a perfect record are Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
The most exciting match of this round was the showdown between Arsenal and Liverpool. After a fierce battle of 90 minutes, Arsenal suffered a 3-4 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Setting off from Manchester, Wang Feng flew directly to Seoul to join the national team. After nearly 20 hours of flying, he finally arrived at his destination on the day of the match.
As soon as he got off the ne, he was surrounded by domestic reporters. "Wang Feng, you finally arrived. Will you be able to represent the team in today''s match?"
"Will the long journey affect your performance? How do you ensure smooth cooperation with your teammates?"
"If you can''t y, what is your prediction for the oue of the match?"
Having experienced the shadow of losing in the previous World Cup qualifiers, no one wanted to repeat the same mistakes. The Chinese superstar naturally became a reassuring presence for everyone.
Wang Feng helplessly waved his hand, indicating everyone to calm down and listen to him. "Thank you all for your concern. Yes, I feel a bit tired, which is inevitable."
"But I believe it won''t affect my performance. As for whether I can y or not, it depends on the coaching staff''s arrangement. I unconditionally support any decision they make."
"And I believe that even if I''m not on the field, my teammates can still contribute to an exciting match. They are all excellent warriors who have fought in European football."
"Now please make way for me, I want to join the team as soon as possible. Time is precious!"
Hearing Wang Feng''s words, the reporters didn''t dare to dy and consciously stepped aside, watching Wang Feng leave in a special car.
"As long as Wang is there, we won''t panic." Zhang Yunxin, a reporter from "Sports Weekly," couldn''t help but sigh. His colleagues around him all nodded in agreement.
However, amidst the rxation, there was still some worry. When the Chinese superstar turns 35 in 2018, it will probably be hisst World Cup. Who will then take up the g for the national team?
The uncertainty of the future made people feel fearful, so they cherished the present even more, cherishing every game Wang Feng yed in.
In the end, Coach Lippi did not let the Chinese superstar start the game. He sent Huang Hu and Wu Lei to lead the attack, and the veteran Dong Fangzhuo sat on the bench.
The biggest star on the South Korean side was undoubtedly the 24-year-old forward Son Heung-min, who joined Tottenham Hotspurst year. To ensure victory at home, they included him in the starting lineup.
Coach Lippi''s strategy in this game was rtively simple, focusing on defense to ensure stability and seizing opportunities to counterattack.
Therefore, the South Korean team had the upper hand on the field. Young Son Heung-min repeatedly relied on his individual ability to break through the wings and create threats. If it weren''t for the tight defensive formation of the Chinese team, they would have conceded long ago.
"Ah, youth is good. I used to have this kind of speed." After Son Heung-min made a breakthrough and crossed, Dong Fangzhuo, sitting on the bench, couldn''t help but sigh.
"We can''t keep being surrounded like this. Zheng Zhi and Zhang Fanlin can''t stop Son at all. I think you need to go on the field to give the opponents enough deterrence, so they won''t easily push forward." He said to Wang Feng beside him.
The Chinese superstar nced at the coach. "Lippi has his own considerations and arrangements. Listen to the coach. Don''t forget that we have a showdown with Iran at home next."
"Perhaps it''s difficult to deal with Son Heung-min one-on-two right now, but it consumes a lot of his physical energy. I believe he can''t hold on for long."
Sure enough, after the Chinese team defended for nearly 30 minutes, the South Korean team''s offensive gradually slowed down. Seizing this opportunity, the away team quickly strengthened their offensive rhythm.
Midfielder Feng Miao suddenly forced a steal, then sent a ground pass to the backline. Huang Hu quickly inserted from the high-speed side, received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, bypassed the defensive yers and the goalkeeper, and scored a goal into the empty, giving the team the lead.
"Beautiful! Truly my sessor!" Dong Fangzhuo jumped up excitedly, waving his fists.
In the recent friendly matches, Bayern had repeatedly put Huang Hu on the bench. Therefore, many fans thought that the coach''s decision was a failure and that he could no longer receive attention from the club, and perhaps he would gradually fade away from the public eye in the future.
However, Dong Fangzhuo knew how hardworking and dedicated this kid was. He also believed that the young Chinese yer would definitely be his sessor.
The first half ended with the Chinese team temporarily leading. After the break, the South Korean team quickly equalized using their star''s skills. Son Heung-min finally scored after multiple attempts, shooting from outside the penalty area and hitting the dead corner of the goal.
After that, neither side managed to score again until the 75th minute, when Lippi approached Wang Feng and said, "Wang, go warm up. Go on and make a push. It''s best if you can score, but it''s okay if you can''t. Consider it as warming up for the next game."
Five minutester, taking advantage of a throw-in opportunity, the Chinese superstar took to the field. At this moment, the South Korean TVmentator said, "Isn''t it a bit toote to send Wang Feng now?"
"Even he can''t secure a victory in such a short time. A draw is eptable for both sides. In recent years, the Chinese team has maintained a strong position in Asia, but with Wang aging and Son rising, the future will definitely belong to South Korea!"
Before the passionate words could even settle down, the stadium erupted into cheers. Wang Feng scored! Less than a minute aftering on!
Unfortunately, the camera didn''t cut to the live broadcast booth, otherwise, all South Korean fans would have seen their ownmentator stunned, with his mouth wide open, in aical scene.
Chapter 763: Manchester Derby
Chapter 763: Manchester Derby
Son Heung-min watched as Wang Feng celebrated wildly on the sidelines, his face filled with astonishment and wariness. He''s too strong!
The scene of his goal just now, equalizing the score, was almost identical to his own. It was from the same position at the top of the arc, and the same curling shot.
Even the trajectory of the ball in the air and the angle at which it entered the goal were almost identical, definitely intentional!
Thinking about how he had to work hard throughout the entire game to make that shot, while the Chinese superstar could perfectly replicate it with his first touch aftering on, the South Korean young talent felt his vision blur.
This is the only god in the world of football!
Once, Son Heung-min was proud to be likened to the "future Wang Feng" by the South Korean media. Now it seems like a pure case of overestimation, purely sitting in a well and watching the sky. No wonder his father was always very unhappy and reprimanded him whenever he mentioned it.
The reason he has achieved what he has today is inseparable from the sober and strict family education he received.
In the end, with Wang Feng''s goal, the Chinese team defeated South Korea 2-1 away and won their opening match in the twelve-team qualifiers.
Five dayster, on September 6th, they hosted Iran at the Workers Stadium, and the Chinese superstar returned to the starting lineup for this match.
With such a powerful weapon in the front line, attracting the constant attention of three or four defending yers from the away team, undoubtedly gave other attacking yers a lot of space.
After Wu Lei broke through one-on-one three times in a row, he finally received a through ball from Feng Miao and scored with a low shot to open the scoring for the home team.
Shortly after, Zhang Fanlin''s forward run resulted in another goal to extend the lead. In the final moments of the game, the Chinese superstar seized the opportunity to send a diagonal pass into the box, and Dong Fangzhuo, who followed up, scored from a tight angle topletely seal the victory.
3-0! China team''s victory over Iran!
The countless domestic fans who came to watch the game at the scene became even more convinced that with Wang Feng, the Chinese team still belonged to the top tier of the world and remained the unrivaled king in Asia.
Just as everyone was celebrating the back-to-back victories, the national team had no time to linger and immediately embarked on their journey back to the European stage.
For Manchester City, this international break was not good news. After detailed diagnosis and examination by the team doctors, Fernandinho, Sabalyta, and Sterling all suffered injuries and muscle strains of varying degrees.
They would need at least a month of rest and would inevitably miss the uing match against their cross-city rivals, Manchester United, at Old Trafford.
This made Guardi quite a headache. Although the team''s bench strength was sufficient, he preferred to use well-testedbinations in important matches rather than change things hastily.
"This is an unexpected setback. We can try going back to 4-3-3," assistant coach Brian Kidd suggested.
The Spanish coach put his hand on his forehead. "This is also a n. Injuries so early in the season, maybe we can take this opportunity to train another lineup to cope with the pressure of multi-line operations in the future."
"Go call Wang over and let him participate in our tactical discussion. Regardless of the arrangement, we must rely on him to execute it."
The injuries to three key yers, one each from the defense, midfield, and attack, also made the Manchester mediament their misfortune. They saw the team''s excellent start to the season but faltering in important matches just before the start of the Champions League.
On September 10th, in the fourth round of the Premier League, Manchester City faced Manchester United away.
This local derby was hailed as the "first major test" for Guardi and Wang Feng because the Red Devils were the first strong opponent they encountered on their journey to the title.
Every year, the Premier League champion stands on the shoulders of its equally big opponents to reach the supreme position.
Moreover, Manchester United and Manchester City have always been at odds, especially since the Red Devils lost the fourth ce to the Sky Blues in the dying moments ofst season, missing out on a spot in the Champions League. It can be said that all the new and old grievances arebined, and they will definitely not let each other off lightly.
Before the match, both sides announced their starting lineups. Mourinho adopted a 4-5-1 pure defensive counterattack formation, with goalkeeper De Gea.
The back four consisted of Valencia, Blind, Rojo, and Smalling.
The five midfielders were Mata, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, and Rashford.
Leading the front line was the center-forward Ibrahimovic.
Their conservative approach even at home left many "noble" Red Devils fans very dissatisfied, and they picked up their keyboards to criticize Mourinho.
Mourinho didn''t care about this at all. Even if someone said his football was "ugly," he didn''t care. Compared to morous failures, he preferred ugly victories.
On the other hand, Guardi lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with goalkeeper Bravo.
The back four consisted of Krov, Kompany, Otamendi, and Stones. Sabalyta''s absence would undoubtedly have some impact on the stability of the defense, but Krov was also an experienced veteran, and Guardi believed he could make up for it.
The midfield three were David Silva, Fernandinho, and Gundogan.
The front trident consisted of Nolito, Aguero, and Wang Feng.
On the day of the match, about sixty thousand home fans flooded into Old Trafford Stadium, a rare sight in Manchester United''s sluggish ticket market since Ferguson retired.
When the livementator introduced the away team''s starting lineup, every name was greeted with boos from the crowd. Before the battle even began, the smell of gunpowder filled the air.
As soon as the referee''s whistle blew, both sides engaged in intense midfield battles. Gundogan, who reced Fernandinho, became the focal point of the Red Devils'' attention.
Mourinho''s insight proved to be sharp indeed. The German midfielder was a bit nervous in his first start, and his ying style was rather soft, making him the perfect target to focus on.
Continuous mistakes andck of coordination meant that many of Manchester City''s passes were cut off by Gundogan. Especially in the 11th minute, after he received the ball, he kicked it to the wing at high speed, catching Nolito off guard.
The camera panned to the two yers. The Spanish forward smiled helplessly and shrugged, while the German midfielder pursed his lips, his face serious.
"Gundogan is too nervous. Clearly, he did well in Nuremberg and Dortmund, and he had some impressive performances as a substitute in the previous few games. Why does he seem so lost as soon as he starts?"
"Maybe it''s because he''s facing a special opponent like Manchester United. The pressure and burden on him are greater, but I think yers shouldn''t think too much on the field. Keeping a calm mind and treating every game as usual is one of the keys to maintaining their form."
"The Red Devils have a clear goal, focusing on the German midfielder at both ends of the field. This can disrupt the smooth passing game of Manchester City and make it easier to tear open their defense."
Seeing this situation, Wang Feng actively retreated to provide support and fill in the gaps. After a joint defensive effort to clear the ball out of bounds, he patted Gundogan on the shoulder. "What''s wrong, buddy? You''re not ying like yourself at all."
The German barely smiled. "This game is too important, and I don''t want to make any mistakes. But the more I think about it, the more my body doesn''t listen."
The Chinese superstar chuckled. "You''re just overthinking it. Even if the sky falls, it won''t be your turn to hold it up!"
"Besides, I have plenty of experience in derbies. Rx, we''ll definitely win this game."
"Take it easy, just bring out your usual performance from training, and it''ll be enough!" With that, he patted Gundogan''s shoulder again and then returned to the intense game.
Although they had only fought side by side with Wang Feng for a little over a month, his magical performances had long been widely spread in the European football world. Everyone thought it was incredibly lucky to be teammates with the Chinese superstar.
At this moment, Gundogan deeply felt the same way. When he was lost and anxious, perhaps he could try to transfer the burden to Wang Feng.
Chapter 764: Source of Strength
Chapter 764: Source of Strength
The continuous counterattacks from Manchester United yers made them feel that scoring was very close, but they didn''t expect Manchester City to quietly open the home team''s door without haste.
In the 26th minute, the away team advanced to the front, and Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area. Aguero''s close-range poke was blocked by De Gea''s arm.
Rojo then cleared the ball with a big kick, but Silva intercepted the ball near the midfield and organized another attack, passing it to Wang Feng after a through ball from Gundogan.
He flicked the ball to the right, shifting the weight of Smaling, who was defending in front of him, then used his right foot to heel the ball back to the center behind him.
At the same time, he quickly turned around himself, taking a step forward and directly unleashing a powerful left-footed shot.
The ball flew like an arrow towards the left side of the goal. De Gea made a diving save, but was a step too slow to block it, allowing it to hit the fiercely.
"Goal!!! Wang Feng!!!" The passionate shout of the TVmentator sharply contrasted with the atmosphere of the freezing Old Trafford Stadium.
Wang Feng dashed to the corner g, celebrating with his iconic hands pointing to the sky, and was soon surrounded by excited teammates.
Gundogan, who inexplicably got an assist, was also among the celebratory crowd. As long as there was the Chinese superstar, there was really nothing to worry about!
His nervousness and anxiety seemed to dissipate slowly. Just enjoying football purely might allow him to perform even better.
For the Manchester United yers, conceding this goal was a big blow, especially for Smalling and De Gea. Who would have thought that Wang Feng would suddenly take a shot from outside the penalty area? It caught thempletely off guard.
The English defenders could already imagine Mourinho''s stern face. They didn''t even dare to look towards the coaching staff on the sidelines, afraid of meeting the Portuguese''s gaze.
"Defend! Defend!" Mourinho shouted loudly on the sidelines. Perhaps because the start was rtively smooth, the team''s defense line rxed slightly, allowing Wang Feng to seize a momentary opportunity.
The Portuguese coach was well aware that at this moment, they couldn''t panic or attack recklessly, otherwise they would definitely be taken down by Manchester City''s sharp attacks.
Only by solidifying the defense, ensuring no more goals are conceded, could they gradually turn the tide and hope for aeback victory.
Although he had only taken over the team recently, Mourinho''s authority was still very strong. Soon, the home team rallied and re-engaged in the game.
Manchester City further controlled the ball possession, and with Gundogan integrating into the tactical system, their passing and coordination became smoother and smoother.
"Gundogan receives the ball, beautiful! Calmly dribbles past Lingard and passes it to the wing, Nolito crosses from the bottom, Aguero! The Argentine''s header just misses the upright."
"The German midfielder seems to have transformed into a different person. His handling of the ball is no longer rash and panicked, but methodical. The dribble just now was amazing."
"It''s the effect of confidence. He seems to have found his confidence on the field, and everything he does appears rxed. It might not be easy for Manchester United to continue targeting him."
Under the watchful eyes of over sixty thousand Red Devils fans, the Sky Blues continued tounch attacks, making them feel extremely frustrated. "Mourinho out! Damn turtle tactics!" Some extreme fans even started chanting such slogans.
After withstanding a wave of attacks, the situation entered a calm period again, and soon the referee blew the halftime whistle.
In the Manchester City dressing room at halftime, Guardi praised Gundogan''s performance, "I like yourposure and ease of handling. Sometimes, possession is just like this. The calmer you observe and handle it, the more skillful you y."
The German felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. "I was a bit nervous at the start of the game, but Wang inspired me. With him around, I feel at ease."
Everyone couldn''t help but smile. Aguero nudged the Chinese superstar with his elbow. "You''re our source of strength."
Wang Feng yfully rolled up his sleeve, showing off his biceps to everyone. "Then let me give you strength and confidence!" For a moment, he made his teammates burst intoughter.
Even Guardi''s mouth twitched slightly, but he quickly regained hisposure and turned the conversation to focus on being particrly cautious about Manchester United''s counterattacks in the second half. Mourinho''s team wouldn''t give up easily like this.
Taking advantage of the remaining time, the Spaniard went over the team''s tactics once again. He was the type who pursued perfection in every detail.
In the Manchester United dressing room on the other side, Mourinho was inspiring the team. Unlike Simeone''s severity or Ancelotti''s affability, he had his own unique way of bewitching and motivating yers, stirring up their deepest desires for victory.
"Chris, your reactions are a bit slow. Don''t easily be deceived by Wang."
"David, stay focused, be more decisive when making saves."
"Marcos, defend timely, don''t let Manchester City''s frontcourt form outnumber us easily."
"tan, you had several opportunities in the first half where you were just inches away from scoring. Be more decisive in shooting, use your proudest physique, the referee doesn''t care if you shoot with your feet or your backside."
The Portuguese coach carefully analyzed the problems each yer encountered on the field, coupled with encouraging words, to help them regain their fighting spirit and passion.
At the start of the second half, both sides did not make any substitutions. Manchester United strengthened their quick attacks a bit, while Manchester City didn''t rush to press forward, but instead steadily advanced.
"Manchester United steals the ball in the backfield andunches a quick counterattack. Mata passes to Pogba, Pogba switches to Ibrahimovic!"
Don''t be fooled by the Swedish striker''s height and size, his footwork is really delicate. He controls the ball with his back to the goal, feints and turns easily to get past the defending Fernandinho.
Just as he was about to dribble into the penalty area, Wang Feng, who was back defending, rushed over. The two have been opponents many times since their youth, and the Chinese superstar knows the Swede''s characteristics very well.
Blocking his path with a shoulder, Wang Feng sessfully intercepted the ball and then passed it back to Bravo.
Ibrahimovic was extremely angry and stomped his feet, ring fiercely at Wang Feng. But seeing the familiar smile on thetter''s face, he couldn''t help but feel bitter in his heart. Why couldn''t he escape the fate of being overshadowed!
Next, Manchester United had several good opportunities again, but they were all resolved by the away team one by one. The defense of the Sky Blues itself was quite tight, and Wang Feng, who understood the art of counterattacks, asionally returned to defend,pletely dispelling the shadow of Sabalyta''s absence.
In the 71st minute, Otamendi slid to block Lingard''s cross and quickly passed it to Stones, sounding the horn of Manchester City''s counterattack!
Stones passed directly to Silva, Silva passed to Wang Feng, and the Chinese superstar dribbled through the midfield, causing waves of exmations from the Old Trafford Stadium.
Manchester United''s center-back, Herrera, tried to block him from the side, but Wang Feng was unfazed. He used the outside of his right foot to push the ball forward, seemingly trying to rely on his speed to forcibly overtake both the ball and the defender.
Herrera was most worried about his inward breakthrough. Seeing the Chinese superstar move away from the sideline, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued to tightly mark him towards the sideline.
But Wang Feng unexpectedly stopped after catching up with the ball, causing Herrera to rush past him.
The Chinese superstar then dribbled horizontally into the penalty area, and Blind and Smalling quickly closed in, but he seized the opportunity to send a straight pass to the far post.
Nolito, who had advanced, faced the diving goalkeeper and shot to the far corner, the ball flying over De Gea''s outstretched hand and into the behind him.
2-0! Manchester City extended their lead!
Chapter 765: Sustainable Development
Chapter 765: Sustainable Development
Even though they were two goals behind, Manchester United still showed strong will and pulled one back in the 84th minute.
Substitute Martial cut inside with the ball from the wing, then suddenly took a long shot. The ball bounced off the ground in front of Bravo, and the Chilean goalkeeper couldn''t save it in time, allowing it to slip past his hand and into the behind him.
Fortunately, Manchester City held onto the victory. When the final whistle blew, the score remained at 1-2, and the away team took three points from Old Trafford!
In the mixed interview area after the match, Wang Feng, who was once again voted the best yer of the match, epted an interview with reporters. After just four rounds of the league, he had been voted the best yer three times and was named the Premier League yer of the Month for August.
"We have suffered many injuries, but fortunately the yers have worked together and executed the coach''s tactics diligently, ultimately winning this crucial match."
"Manchester United''s performance is admirable. They kept us under great pressure until thest moment. They are worthy opponents."
"The league has just begun, and we have had a dream start with consecutive wins. But there is still a long way to go to win the championship."
As the losing side, Mourinho praised the performance of the cross-town rivals in the press conference. "Under the leadership of Guardi and Wang Feng, their strength has improved significantly, which is obvious."
However, the Portuguese coach believed that his team still had a chance to turn things around, such as defending more resolutely after conceding the second goal, and being more precise in seizing opportunities towards the end of the game, which might lead to apletely different result.
"Football matches are like this, details determine many things. Our team will continue to gel, and I believe we can do better when we meet again."
Guardi praised Wang Feng, "The more youe into contact with Wang, the more you understand why he is called the God of Football. Outstanding ball sense and football IQ, practical and entertaining technical skills, excellent vision and passing ability, it''s just perfect."
"He is always the most perfect yer on the field, the unique dominator!"
When asked about the difference between coaching him and coaching Messi, the Spanish coach scratched his head. "You can''tpare like that, it''s a bit unfair."
"Leo is an extremely talented star, he is very strong, but there is a world of difference between him and Wang Feng. No yer can bepared to Wang Feng."
Guardi added, "Including many outstanding yers like Leo, they can actually strive towards Wang''s direction. Even if one skill reaches the same level as him, it''s enough to dominate the football world."
On September 14th, Manchester City weed Borussia Monchendbach, their opponent in the first round of the Champions League group stage, at the Etihad Stadium.
The ball possession was undoubtedly in the hands of the Sky Blues, while the away team defended all-out to prevent Manchester City from easily opening the scoring, making the situation very tense.
Once the home team passed the thirty-meter range, they facedyers of interception, making it difficult to find opportunities to prate into the core area.
At this time, sharper attackers were needed to step up.
"Manchester City advances to the frontcourt, De Bruyne gives it to Stones who runs up the wing, but his cross is blocked and returned. Silva receives it and shifts it to the middle."
"Wang Feng moves horizontally, shoots! He fakes a shot, then shoots again!"
"Goooooooal! The ball is in!"
"As the match reaches the 29th minute, the Chinese superstar shoots from outside the penalty area, a powerful shot pierces through Borussia Monchendbach''s defense."
"Manchester City leads 1-0!"
"So clever, let''s take another look. The first shot feigned a shot, causing two defenders to fall, but it was just a feint."
"Then he took advantage of the moment when the defenders were on the ground to shoot again. The ball speed was fast and the angle was tricky, leaving the away team''s goalkeeper with no chance to react."
"This is the unparalleled world-ss attacker, forcefully breaking the deadlock. The game situation will definitely change afterwards."
The situation was much as thementators expected. Borussia Monchendbach was originally the weaker side, and being forcefully opened by the opponents'' gate demoralized the yers.
Combined with the fact that Manchester City was their biggestpetitor for advancing from the group, and considering Barcelona''s presence in the group, the away team didn''t want to passively ept defeat and had to choose to attack actively.
Under the transition from static to dynamic, Manchester City had more opportunities to attack.
Just before halftime, De Bruyne sent a ground pass that bypassed the front defenders, and Aguero at the far post poked it in to extend the lead.
After the break, after several passing and coordination, Manchester City pushed forward to the frontcourt. Silva sent a through ball to the center, Wang Feng received the ball facing two defenders, backheeled the ball to create space.
De Bruyne, positioned near the edge of the penalty area, took a powerful shot. The ball hit the post and deflected into the, 3-0!
After securing the victory, Guardi substituted Wang Feng, who currently averaged less than 65 minutes per game for Manchester City.
This was a consensus reached by the entire coaching staff, to ensure Wang Feng''s health and stability while serving the club.
No matter how strong he was, he was ultimately a 33-year-old veteran. Prolonging Wang Feng''s professional career as much as possible, sustaining development, was a huge asset for the entire team.
In the final moments of the game, Otamendi further widened the scoreline through a corner kick opportunity. The final result was 4-0, and Manchester City secured a resounding victory in the opening match of the Champions League.
Meanwhile, in another game, Barcelona swept Celtic 7-0, giving them the upper hand in the race for advancement from the group stage alongside the Sky Blues.
Next, in the fifth round of the Premier League, Manchester City continued their strong performance with a 5-1 home victory over Bournemouth, with Wang Feng scoring twice.
This small club from the seaside resort city of Dorset sessfully entered the Premier Leaguest season, achieving their first-ever campaign in Ennd''s top league in over a hundred years.
After the match, the English League Cup ignited the battle. Manchester City started from the round of 32, with their first opponent being Swansea City from Wales.
The full name of the League Cup is the English Football League Cup, and it is a knockoutpetition involving clubs from the Premier League, EFL Championship, EFL League One, and EFL League Two, initiated by the English Football League in 1960.
The establishment of this tournament was mainly to challenge the FA Cup, which was under the jurisdiction of the Football Association of Ennd, because in the hearts of fans at that time, the FA Cup was highly regarded, even more so than the league.
However, over the years, the League Cup has been unable to shake the foundation of the FA Cup. Instead, it has be a somewhat redundant honor.
Except for the semi-finals adopting a two-legged format, all other matches in the League Cup are single-leg fixtures, and the final is held at a neutral venue, with the home and away teams decided by draw.
Manchester City had a bit of bad luck, drawing an away fixture. However, in the following sixth round of the Premier League, they would also face Swansea away, to some extent saving them from the fatigue of traveling back and forth.
Guardi sent out apletely rotated lineup for the League Cup, and Manchester City still won 2-1 to advance to the next round.
Meanwhile, on the Premier League stage, the Sky Blues easily won 3-0, with the Chinese superstar assisting Nolito for the opening goal, followed by goals from Stones and Fernandinho respectively.
Chapter 766: Separate Selections
Chapter 766: Separate Selections
"Have you arrived safely in sgow after such a long time away for the away games?"
On the eve of the second round of the Champions League group stage, Wang Feng video-called his wife, Lu Yao, from the hotel.
"We''ve arrived. The intensity of the Premier League and the schedule are indeed tight. This year, the club still aims for four trophies, and we also have to consider the World Cup qualifiers. It''s tough for an old veteran like me to travel around."
"You seem more excited than tired. How does it feel to conquer a new league from the start?" Lu Yao couldn''t help but roll her eyes.
"But Feng, you still need to take care of your body. You''re not 23 anymore; don''t push yourself too hard."
Wang Feng nodded. "I understand. Is everything okay at home? How are Si Yao and Haoxin?"
When the Chinese superstar was away ying, Lu Yao would handle some work, asionally go shopping, and if the trip was long, she would return to Madrid to take care of the children.
"They''re both asleep now. Let''s video call again after tomorrow''s match. Oh, by the way, Little Si Yao has been pestering her aunt to teach her how to drawtely. She even wants to travel the world like Tian Tian in the future."
"That little girl, I wonder if it''s just a passing interest. Let her have fun for now, and if she''s really determined, we can find her a professional teacher."
"Has Balda visited our home? He called me too, hoping Haoxin could join the Real Madrid U9 training camp."
"Yeah, but he''s still so young, not even five yet. I''m worried he might get injured."
Wang Feng reassured his wife, "The conditions at the Real Madrid academy are among the best in European football. It''s not easy for ordinary people to get in."
"And it''s normal for boys to have a few bumps and bruises. It toughens them up. Let him give it a try."
The two chatted about family matters like this. Even though they were far apart, their hearts were always together.
As the Blue Moon continued their winning streak against Celtic, Wang Feng opened the scoring in the first half with a set-piece, while Aguero scored in the second half to seal the victory.
While the Champions League matches attracted fans'' attention, they were soon stunned by another shocking news that rocked the football world: the long-debated split of the FIFA Ballon d''Or finally came to fruition!
As early as this summer, it was reported by the media that the staff of France Football had officially written to FIFA, revoking their authorization for the Ballon d''Or.
Now, the magazine officially announced that the European Ballon d''Or selection would be runched, with the 30-man shortlist to be announced on October 24th, and the award ceremony tentatively scheduled for December 12th.
Following this, FIFA also announced that they would restart the Best FIFA Men''s yer award and introduce a redesigned trophy.
From then on, the FIFA Ballon d''Or became history. Wang Feng and Thomas Muller were the only two winners, with the Chinese superstar winning it five times out of thest six.
There were rumors that one of the main reasons for the split was the disagreement between FIFA''s selection criteria and the founding philosophy of the Ballon d''Or, with the controversial result of 2014 being the catalyst.
Of course, many also believed that the dominance of the Chinese superstar in recent years had contributed to the current situation.
There were even discussions within the selectionmittee about implementing special rules to limit consecutive wins or setting higher thresholds for previous winners.
These measures obviously couldn''t convince everyone at the FIFA Ballon d''Or level, but it was much easier after the split.
Following past precedents, Wang Feng, who won ten consecutive titles with Real Madrid and continued to excel at Manchester City, was the strongest contender for the FIFA Ballon d''Or. But now, who could win both awards became uncertain.
Entering October, Manchester City finally returned to their home turf for the 7th round of the Premier League, facing Tottenham Hotspur.
Like Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur was also from North London. They once had a glorious history, bing the first team in the 20th century to win both the league and FA Cup, and also the first British team to win a European trophy.
But in recent years, despite maintaining considerablepetitiveness, they have always struggled to win titles.
Now, with English star Harry Kane leading the Lilywhites, supported by outstanding yers like Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Eric Dier, as well as technically gifted young yers like Son Heung-min and Harry Winks, their ambition was not only to regain a ce in the Champions League but also to challenge for the long-lost league title.
From the match process, it was clear that Tottenham Hotspur caused Manchester City a lot of trouble.
In the 19th minute, the away team attacked into the frontcourt. Eriksen''s long pass switched the y, Walker quickly cut in from the wing, then dribbled into the penalty area and passed across for Kane to tap in easily.
Just 10 minutester, a fatal mistake urred in Manchester City''s defense. Otamendi''s clearance was intercepted by Danny Rose, who passed to Alli. He then lobbed the ball over Bravo''s outstretched fingers.
The Lilywhites turned the tables to lead 2-0! The situation then became deadlocked. Guardi made consecutive substitutions, bringing on Sane and Jesus to strengthen the attack.
In the 67th minute of the second half, De Bruyne received a pass from Wang Feng on the wing, and Jesus''s close-range volley was blocked by goalkeeper Lloris. The Brazilian forward quickly followed up and tapped in before anyone else, reducing the deficit for the Blue Moon.
In the 88th minute, Silva lofted a ball into the box from a 45-degree angle, and Aguero headed it back towards the penalty spot. In the vicinity of the penalty spot, Wang Feng forcefully pushed aside Winks, jumped up with his back to the goal, and executed a bicycle kick.
His right foot struck the ball fiercely, sending it like a cannonball towards the goal.
Although Lloris got a touch on the ball, its momentum was not diminished as it thundered into the. 2-2! Manchester City equalized in the final moments of the game!
This match ended Manchester City''s winning streak, but they still topped the table with 6 wins and 1 draw, umting 19 points.
In second ce was Tottenham Hotspur with 5 wins and 2 draws, totaling 17 points. These were the only two unbeaten teams in the league.
Arsenal followed closely behind in third ce with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, also on 16 points, tied with Liverpool, who ranked fourth due to inferior goal difference.
After Everton came Manchester United and Chelsea. It seems that this year''s battle for the top four will be equally intense.
Defending champions Leicester City, with only 2 wins and 2 draws,nguished in 12th ce. After significant departures, they were destined to be a sh in the pan.
October''s international break was also hectic, with the Chinese team ying Syria at home on the 6th.
The highly anticipated young yers struggled to make an impact, so Wang Feng took the field in the second half. Just five minutester, he delivered a brilliant through ball to assist Wu Lei in opening the scoring.
In the 75th minute, the Chinese superstar dribbled past two defenders in the frontcourt, then took a powerful shot from outside the box, extending the team''s lead with a low shot.
The final score was 2-0.
After the match, Wang Feng praised Syria for their tenacious spirit and said it was something the Chinese team could learn from. "They may not have big-name stars, but I see pure desire for victory in their eyes."
Five dayster, in the fourth round of the 12-team group stage, the Chinese team challenged Uzbekistan away. The young yers, spurred on by the previous victory, fought even harder,ing from behind to win 2-1.
In this match, Wang Feng remained seated on the bench throughout, so it was a victory achieved by the team''s own strength, which pleased the Chinese superstar and Marcello Lippi.
With four consecutive victories, the Chinese team was getting closer and closer to the World Cup in Russia.
Chapter 767: Battle with the Arch-Nemesis
Chapter 767: Battle with the Arch-Nemesis
Every time the national team match day approached, it seemed to bring bad news to Manchester City. Sterling and Sabaleta had just recovered from their injuries and started training with the team, but Gundogan encountered problems again.
The German midfielder was unfortunately injured during the confrontation, and after a detailed diagnosis, it was determined to be a torn right ACL, which could very likely sideline him for the season.
Just as they were about to engage in a pinnacle showdown with Barcelona, this unexpected situation arose. Guardi''s scalp was almost itching with frustration.
In the 8th round of the Premier League against Everton, the Spanish coach decided to strategically give up, cing most of the main yers on the bench and fully resting and preparing for the Champions League match.
The Toffees were not to be underestimated. They had long been a disruptor in the English Premier League and had won the league title nine times and the FA Cup five times.
After a fierce battle, Manchester City ultimately lost 0-1 to their opponents, suffering their first defeat of the season.
As soon as the match ended, the Blue Moon team boarded a ne and headed to Barcelona. Both Guardi and Wang Feng were particrly familiar with thisnd.
The media naturally didn''t miss the opportunity to hype it up and reported extensively: "Catalonia abandons its coach to wee its arch-nemesis!", "Who truly masters the essence of possession football, Barcelona or Guardi?"
There were even quite a few extreme Catn media outlets shouting words like "traitor", transferring their hatred for Wang Feng onto this Manchester City team and its head coach.
"Wang Feng visits Barcelona once again. Will the sole god of Camp Nou continue to shine?" Marca, always fond of stirring up trouble, joked.
Currently, in La Liga, Barcelona was firmly ahead of Real Madrid. However, thepetition between the two teams often needed to wait until the second half of the season to see a clear oue. At this point, they needed to find ways to undermine each other.
And the Chinese superstar was undoubtedly a sharp weapon for this purpose. Just mentioning him at Camp Nou was enough to strike fear into the hearts of Barcelona fans.
Looking back at Barcelona''s 117-year history, there had never been such a dark decade.
During the pre-match interviews, many media asked Enrique about his views on this new Manchester City team and whether Barcelona had hope of defeating Wang Feng.
"Whether in the Premier League or the Champions League, Manchester City has shown extremely strongpetitiveness. Their strength is unquestionable. Wang Feng has integrated well into the new environment and the new team. He still poses a great threat to us."
"But this is not a battle of individuals. We cannot define how to defeat a yer. I just want to say that Barcelona will do everything possible to fight for victory and to appear as group leaders, which will be advantageous for the uing knockout stage schedule."
Obviously, Enrique didn''t want to delve into the details of the love-hate rtionship between Wang Feng and Barcelona. In fact, like most yers, he felt a inexplicable nervousness before the battle even began.
Guardi, on the other hand, was much calmer. When facing the media, he didn''t mind mentioning past failures. "Even today, I still feel very sorry. That was one of the peak years of Barcelona, and there weren''t many worthy opponents."
"But then we encountered Wang Feng, who was so powerful that we couldn''t defeat him even if we tried our best."
"I am fortunate that he is standing by my side now, providing me with strength."
At 7:40 in the evening, with only 20 minutes left before the match began, only a few scattered fans could be seen at the entrances to Camp Nou, still undergoing ticket checks.
Inside the stadium, however, it was apletely different scene. Countless people wearing red and blue jerseys were singing the "Barcelona Anthem" loudly, waving huge team gs.
Everyone attached great importance to this match, so they arrived early to cheer for their team.
In stark contrast to the noise outside, it was quiet in the tunnels where the yers were waiting. The atmosphere was very tense.
Facing their old nemesis Wang Feng, the Barcelona yers all had solemn expressions. They couldn''t muster the enthusiasm to chat, nor did they have any intention of greeting him.
Except for Messi, who reluctantly smiled and nodded at the Chinese superstar, the others all turned away to avoid eye contact with him.
Wang Feng was very familiar with these first-team yers. They were Enrique''s strongest lineup.
As usual, Ter Stegen was the goalkeeper, with Mascherano, Pique, Alba, and Mathieu in defense.
In midfield were Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, and up front were the attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez.
On the other hand, Guardi also deployed a 4-3-3 formation for Manchester City, with Bravo in goal.
The backline consisted of Stones, Otamendi, Kompany, and Krov.
In midfield were David Silva, De Bruyne, and Fernandinho.
The frontline featured Sane, Aguero, and Wang Feng.
Seeing Barcelona so silent, the Manchester City yers also felt embarrassed to make loud noises. They quietly exchanged a few words of encouragement and waited quietly to take the field.
After a moment, the referee team arrived at the front of the line and led everyone onto the field. As they passed through the tunnel entrance, a huge team g came into view.
Apart from depicting the iconic Barcelona crest, there was also a line of Spanish words below it: "Barcelona is not just a club!"
The UEFA Champions League anthem began ying, but the thunderous cheers almostpletely drowned out the music. Compared to the past few years, the fervent atmosphere at Camp Nou seemed to have returned.
"It seems it''s time to cool them down again," Wang Feng muttered, gently twisting his neck.
"Manchester Cityunches an attack. Fernandinho passes to Silva, Silva sends it straight to Sane, Wang Fenges over to support."
"Oh no, the ball is intercepted by Mascherano."
"The young German is still a bit too eager. He could have passed it earlier, but instead he wasted time trying to show off his skills. Against experienced defenders, this is as good as throwing a sheep into a tiger''s den."
"Barcelona quickly organizes a counterattack. Busquets, Iniesta, back to Busquets. Neymar catches up with the ball on the wing, cuts back, passes it to the middle, Messi shoots!!"
"Goal!! Lionel Messi!!"
"The match has just started for less than ten minutes, and the home team takes the lead!"
Nearly 80,000 Barcelona fans at Camp Nou immediately shouted the Argentine star''s name in unison, creating an earth-shattering atmosphere.
"Barcelona''s spiritual leader ys a crucial role at critical moments. In this highly anticipated match, he scores first. He looks to be in excellent form today. Perhaps this is the best opportunity for revenge!"
Messi didn''t celebrate wildly. After just hugging his teammates, he reminded everyone to return to their positions and wait in formation. After countless showdowns, the Argentine knew his opponents very well.
Only those whoughstugh best!
In the luxury boxes of the stands, Barcelona president Bartomeu let out a sigh of relief and stood up to apud the team''s performance.
No one truly understood the pressure he was under. After a long period of darkness, the team had to make changes and deliver results. Wang Feng leaving the Bernabeu was a natural signal.
But now he stood in front of him again with Manchester City. Bartomeu hated him, but he couldn''t help but feel timid. This fear came from the depths of his soul, as if he had encountered an arch-nemesis.
"Everything has changed. We will eventually defeat him!" The Spaniard silently prayed in his heart.
Chapter 768: Tenacious Shooting
Chapter 768: Tenacious Shooting
San felt extremely frustrated after directly causing the ball to be lost, he looked at his teammates with a hint of apology, but received encouraging nces from them.
Wang Feng specially ran over and patted his shoulder: "It''s normal to feel nervous when stepping onto the Camp Nou stage for the first time, Leroy. Don''t worry, rx, I''m right here beside you, ready to support you anytime!"
Whether in matches or training sessions, the Chinese superstar always infected everyone with confidence and positivity. Gradually, the regrets andints disappeared, and the atmosphere within the team underwent a refreshing change.
So when the Barcelona yers noticed that Manchester City didn''t panic after conceding a goal, their faces showed a solemn expression. This feeling was too familiar, just like facing Real Madrid in the past.
Why was Wang Feng''s team always so difficult to deal with? Then let''s attack with all our might andpletely defeat them!
With a whistle from the main referee, the match resumed. San passed the ball to Aguero, who then passed it back, and the ball eventually made its way to the feet of the defenders.
The away team originally nned to y more passes in the back to control the rhythm of the game. However, Barcelona''s front trio and midfielders Iniesta and Rakitic all pressed forward, adopting a high-pressing tactic.
For a while, the entire backline was under intense pressure. Krov found himself surrounded by opponents and had no passing options, so he could only clear the ball out of bounds, returning possession to the home team.
Rakitic quickly retrieved the ball from outside the field and threw it back in. Iniesta dribbled past the defense and made a direct pass. Messi, despite Stones'' interference, still managed to take a shot, but it narrowly missed the post.
This attack made the entire Manchester City team break out in a cold sweat. Kompany pped his hands vigorously to signal everyone to move, emphasizing that they must not hold onto the ball and risk making mistakes.
For the next period of time, Barcelona continued to press high in Manchester City''s half, forcing the away team to retreat and defend deep in their own half.
With the deafening roar from the stands, the home team''s attacks came wave after wave. They were like ferocious beasts tasting blood, ready to pounce and tear apart the Blue Moon, their prey.
Soon, they took another bite out of Manchester City. In the 37th minute, Iniesta took a sudden shot from outside the penalty area, and the ball rebounded off Otamendi.
Suarez suddenly darted out and volleyed, catching Bravo off guard, and the ball curled into the bottom left corner of the.
2-0! The home team led by two goals!
Barcelona''s fierce attack made Manchester City struggle to cope. Ultimately, the Blue Moon''s defense was not strong enough topete with the powerful MSN trio. They had to unleash their threat to force the opponents to defend with all their might.
Wang Feng closely watched the positioning of the yers on the field, patiently looking for opportunities to counterattack.
In the 43rd minute, the home team repeated their tactics, with Rakitic suddenly taking a shot from outside the penalty area. Once again, Otamendi blocked the shot with his body.
Suarez moved in to control the ball with his chest and prepare for another shot. At the critical moment, he suddenly stretched out a leg behind him, intercepting the ball before the Uruguayan, and redirected it.
Wang Feng arrived in time! With his guidance, the ball sailed over Suarez''s head, and at the same time, he quickly turned and sprinted forward.
Busquets sensed the danger and hurriedly moved to intercept from the side. He couldn''t afford to let the Chinese superstar pass easily, whether it was the ball or him.
But Wang Feng seemed to anticipate this. Before the ball even touched the ground, he kicked it forward with force, avoiding Busquets'' attempt to tackle him. Then, he subtly deflected the opponent''s momentum.
Despite this, a considerable amount of force still transferred to Wang Feng, causing him to stagger a bit. However, relying on his strong control, he managed to stabilize himself and continue charging forward.
"No! Stop him, block him!!" The Camp Nou stands erupted with cries of rm, with many fans shouting anxiously, wishing they could personally tackle Wang Feng.
With Barcelona pressing high, their defense was wide open, with only Pique and Mascherano left to stop the Chinese superstar.
Mascherano was closer, urging Pique to retreat while moving forward to defend. Even dying Wang Feng for a moment would be a sess.
But Wang Feng didn''t engage him in a prolonged struggle at all. He continued to power through, elerating past the Argentine defender with a clean and decisive move, smoothly executing a pass-and-go, not even giving the opponent a chance to foul him.
After catching up to the ball again, the Chinese superstar had already reached the edge of the penalty area. Pique attempted a flying slide tackle, intending to foul him if necessary to stop the attack.
Unexpectedly, Wang Feng suddenly made a quick stop and feint, evading Pique''s tackle like a light breeze. Angrily, Pique reached out and grabbed Wang Feng''s left foot.
Due to the inertia, Wang Feng lost his bnce and fell, but before falling, he kicked the ball with the tip of his right foot towards the bottom corner of the far goal.
"Boom!" The ball soared into the air, drawing a rainbow-like arc as it descended towards the far corner of the.
In anticipation of a potential one-on-one situation, goalkeeper Ter Stegen chose to rush out. At this moment, he was shocked, never expecting Wang Feng to deliver a chip shot under such conditions.
Retreating with all his might while stretching out his arms to make a save, ultimately, his efforts were in vain. He could only watch helplessly as the ball sailed over him, grazing the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the.
Not far away, the main referee had already put the whistle to his mouth. He had initially intended to blow for a foul by Pique, but in the blink of an eye, it turned into a valid goal.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! It''s in! Wang Feng pulls one back for Manchester City!"
"A beautiful counterattack, a tenacious shot! He has vividly demonstrated what it means to never give up until the ball is in the!"
"Counterattacks start from now on!" When Aguero, who rushed over to celebrate, helped him up, Wang Feng said solemnly.
Barcelona''s head coach Enrique stood on the sidelines, feeling a chill in his heart. Although the team was still in the lead, he felt as if the situation was precarious. This Chinese superstar was too extraordinary.
After such a long run, coupled with the subsequent quick stop and shot, it didn''t look like the actions of a 33-year-old veteran at all.
Could he fall into his hands again? The Spanish coach shook his head vigorously, suppressing the negative emotions. After all, this was just a group stage match.
Even if they lost, it wouldn''t affect Barcelona''s advancement. There was no need to stubbornly fight Manchester City to the end now.
Unconsciously, he tended to evade andpromise, not realizing that this kind of thinking would only ruin the team''s hopes of reaching the top. If they couldn''t show an indomitable spirit, sweep away all their enemies, how could they talk about winning the crown?
On the contrary, Barcelona''s yers'' attacks on the field were not as sharp as before. On the one hand, they were afraid of Manchester City''s threatening counterattacks, and on the other hand, the conservative mindset of preserving the victory after setbacks inevitably emerged.
As a result, the situation gradually tilted in favor of the away team, and before the end of the first half, theyunched several threatening attacks.
Especially in injury time, De Bruyne and Wang Feng prated into the penalty area with consecutive wall passes, and Wang Feng then took a shot from the edge of the box, but Ter Stegen made a heroic save.
Following up, San tried to score on the rebound. With the goalkeeper helpless, Mascherano came to the rescue, using his thigh to block the ball out.
Chapter 769: Conquering Once Again
Chapter 769: Conquering Once Again
The first half of the game ended with a score of 2-1, with Barcelona maintaining their lead at home, but their momentum was not as strong as before.
As they returned to the field for the second half, Manchester City continued their strong momentum, seizing control of the ball and dictating the game.
Guardi''s possession-based system began to exert its power, disying its formidable strength in front of countless Camp Nou fans and former generals.
In the 62nd minute, Wang Feng received a direct pass from De Bruyne in the middle, suddenly elerated towards the penalty area, and just before reaching Busquets, he passed the ball horizontally to Aguero on the right.
Busquets instinctively chased after the ball, while the Chinese superstar took the opportunity to quickly advance.
Aguero stopped the ball sideways, understanding Wang Feng''s intention, then passed it back horizontally. Pique, seeing this, dared not dy and quickly moved forward to intercept, but Wang Feng also rushed up and touched the ball first, continuing to push it to Aguero.
Seeing that the horizontal pass was blocked, Aguero cleverly passed the ball behind him. Wang Feng then elerated past Pique and Alba, catching up with the ball at the edge of the small penalty area.
At this moment, Ter Stegen rushed forward to block the way. The Chinese superstar didn''t hesitate and sent a chip shot with his right foot at a narrow angle.
The ball flew over the goalkeeper and Mascherano''s defense at the near post, hitting the inside of the far post before bouncing into the.
"Wang~! Feng~!" Thementator elongated his tone and shouted loudly, "2-2! Manchester City equalizes!"
"Two consecutive wall passes, breaking through Barcelona''s defense with a 2v4 situation, such smooth cooperation is too wonderful!"
The entire Camp Nou fell silent, and the fans'' worst fears hade true: Manchester City, led by the Chinese superstar, had caught up!
This scene was so familiar, the only difference being that in the past, he wore a white jersey, but now he wore a light blue one.
Wang Feng was still Wang Feng, the nightmare was still the nightmare!
Without giving everyone much time to ponder, three minutester, the away team struck back again. After a series of seven uninterrupted passes, the ball reached San''s feet on the wing.
He pretended to dribble towards the bottom line, tricking Alba to step forward, then cut back and passed it, shaking off the Spanish defender and seizing the opportunity to send a lob pass.
Aguero and Mascherano both jumped up topete for the ball in the penalty area. The Argentine forward outjumped his opponent and headed the ball, while Ter Stegen watched everything intently.
"This kind of attacking header doesn''t pose much of a threat at all, and he even headed it too wide," the German goalkeeper thought to himself.
The ball flew towards the back post, seemingly about to go out of y, when a figure darted out from behind the defense like lightning. Only then did Ter Stegen realize that Aguero''s header wasn''t a shot, but a header pass!
He made a desperate attempt to save, but Wang Feng''s leaping speed was too fast. His hand reached the trajectory of the ball only after it crossed the goal line.
2-3! Manchester City staged a stunningeback with three consecutive goals!
Wang Feng once again erupted at the Camp Nou, scoring a hat-trick and securing all the goals for the away team!
"Boom!" Bartomeu fiercely pounded the armrest of his seat, then his face turned livid as he left the stadium early.
Such a good situation had actually been overturned. There was probably nothing good toe from continuing to watch.
"Messi, Neymar, Suarez!" The Spaniard gritted his teeth and muttered the names of the three yers. They were paid high sries but still couldn''t bring glory to the club. Sooner orter, he would have to deal with these parasites one by one.
The Manchester City yers gathered together to celebrate theireback, while Messi and Suarez looked at each other, seeing confusion and disbelief in each other''s eyes. How did the situation turn out like this?
Everything was going so smoothly at the beginning of the game. The Argentine superstar even nned to defeat the team led by Wang Feng and then let the whole team rx and release all the grievances and helplessness umted over the years.
But the old scores were not settled, and new grievances were added?
Although there were still nearly 30 minutes left in the game, the process from winning to losing had dealt a huge blow to Barcelona. Many yers even felt a little disheartened.
Anyway, it wasn''t a life-or-death battle, so giving up wasn''t a big deal. Under this mindset, theycked even more fighting spirit.
But Messi was obviously unwilling to lose to the Chinese superstar like this. He still tirelessly shuttled between offense and defense, looking for scoring opportunities.
During one of Barcelona''s attacks, Neymar dribbled the ball along the wing, and the Argentine followed closely, indicating to Suarez to make a run towards the far post.
Suarez had the best rtionship with Messi within the Barcelona team and trusted himpletely. So the Uruguayan always obeyed hismands without hesitation.
Facing Stones'' interception, Neymar feinted with a feint, but failed to deceive the opponent. Helplessly, he could only pass the ball back horizontally to Messi.
The Argentine superstar immediately thought of replicating the process of Wang Feng''s second goal, so he decisively passed it to Suarez and rushed into the penalty area.
Suarez, also one of the top attackers in today''s football, instantly understood what his teammate wanted. He immediately engaged in two wall passes with Messi, one horizontal and one straight.
Surprisingly, they smoothly reached the edge of the small penalty area. Messi rejoiced in his heart and, imitating the Chinese superstar, attempted a chip shot at a narrow angle. The ball sessfully flew over the goalkeeper Bravo and descended towards the goal.
At the critical moment, Wang Feng rushed over and almost touched the goal line, then turned around and cleared the ball with a big foot to eliminate the danger.
"Damn it!" The Argentine superstar put his hands on his hips in frustration and shook his head. Hisst shot justcked a little power, so the ball wasn''t fast enough.
Inparison, Wang Feng''s shot was much faster, and Mascherano had no chance to scoop it out.
This attack was one of the few threatening attacks from Barcelona in thetter part of the game. Despite Coach Enrique''s consecutive substitutions of Gomez and Turan to strengthen the attack, the team''s decline could not be stopped.
On the Manchester City side, Guardi also made substitutions, recing Fernandinho with Yaya Toure, and the returning Sagna reced Kompany.
The addition of fresh blood made the defense of the Blue Moon even more solid. After three minutes of injury time, the main referee blew the final whistle, and the score did not change.
"This thrilling contest hase to an end! Manchester Citypletes aeback at the Camp Nou, who would have thought? Their spirit of struggle far surpasses that of the home team."
"Wang Feng continues to maintain his brilliance on this field. Now we have to believe that rumor: Camp Nou is the territory of the Chinese superstar!"
"What an ironic and cruel fact. As long as he faces off here, Barcelona will not have a home advantage. No matter how much they curse and boo, it will all turn into strength."
"Wang Feng has conquered this stadium, conquered this city!"
"At present, Manchester City''s three wins in three matches put them in a good position to advance. Of course, this defeat in this game is not uneptable for Barcelona. It''s difficult for Borussia Monchendbach and Celtic to shake their qualifying spots, but they are still at a disadvantage in the race for the top spot against the Blue Moon."
"In half a month, the two teams will meet again at the Etihad Stadium. I wonder what ups and downs will happen by then. Stay tuned, viewers, for more exciting matches brought to you by the sports channel."
Chapter 770: New Ballon d鈥橭r Shortlist
Chapter 770: New Ballon d''Or Shortlist
After three rounds of Champions League group stage matches, the situation for each team''s advancement has be apparent.
Manchester City, Arsenal, and Leicester City all sitfortably atop their respective groups, with Tottenham Hotspurgging behind.
Tottenham''s loss to Monaco and draw with Bayer Leverkusen only ces them in third position, diminishing their once-promising outlook.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, has faced several setbacks, currently upying the second spot in their group after losing to Borussia Dortmund. Fortunately, their position is not under serious threat from Legia Warsaw and Sporting Lisbon in the same group.
The Hos have historically caused trouble for Real Madrid in recent years, leading to concerns among many fans.
"Losing to Wang''s team seems to have shaken our confidence. Cristiano Ronaldo can''t provide enough security," confessed a Real Madrid fan candidly on the inte.
After returning to Manchester, Manchester City faced Southampton in the ninth round of the Premier League.
The Saints from the Hampshire port city boast a rich history, having twice been runners-up in the FA Cup, but have never clinched the Premier League title.
They were one of the founding teams of the Premier League but quickly suffered relegation. However, under the legendary coach Adkins, they achieved a remarkable three consecutive promotions, climbing from League One to the Premier League.
Now, Southampton''s lineup features young Dutch star Van Dijk and Japanese defender Yoshida. However, the team''s overall strength iscking, and their primary goal for the season remains avoiding relegation.
Guardi made some changes to the starting lineup, and Wang Feng came on as a substitute in the 65th minute of the second half. Ten minutester, he helped the team extend their lead through a free-kick opportunity in the opponent''s half.
The final score was 2-0 in favor of the home team.
On October 26th, the League Cup round of 16 ignited the battle as the Citizens traveled to Old Trafford to challenge their cross-town rivals, Manchester United.
The matchcked intensity, with both sides fielding reserve yers and not going all out. Thanks to Iheanacho''s header, Manchester City narrowly defeated Manchester United 1-0 and advanced to the quarter-finals.
Three dayster, in the tenth round of the Premier League, the Citizens visited The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion.
The match entered garbage time from the start of the second half, as Manchester City had already scored three goals in the first half, securing victory.
Wang Feng assisted Aguero in opening the scoring, providing a through ball for the Argentine forward, and then assisted in another goal himself.
The Chinese superstar then extended their lead with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area. Guardi subsequently made substitutions to allow key yers to rest.
During this period, the home team managed to pull one back, but before the final whistle, De Bruyne scored the fourth goal for Manchester City from a position near the edge of the penalty area, ending the match with a score of 4-1.
After this match, Wang Feng led the league''s top scorer list with 11 goals, while Tottenham''s striker Kane, who ranked second, only scored 7 goals. It seems that the Chinese superstar has strongpetition for the Premier League Golden Boot.
The Golden Boot award is entirely based on data, while the Ballon d''Or relies on ratings from the judges.
This year is an important day for the revival of this prestigious award, so "France Football" pays special attention to it.
Expanding from 23 candidates to 30, the official announcement unlocks 6 yers every 2 hours on the website, leaving plenty of room for discussion. This allows evaluation of whether these six individuals'' achievements are deserving and predictions for the remaining unrevealed candidates.
Utilizing the vastwork of the inte, the Ballon d''Or selection has been hyped to an extremely high level.
The first batch of candidates announced contained surprises, including Leicester City''s Vardy, Barcelona''s Suarez, Real Madrid''s Ramos, Manchester United''s Pogba, West Ham United''s Payet, and Bayern Munich''s Huang Hu.
This is the first time a Chinese yer has been nominated for the Ballon d''Or! His performance in the Champions League quarter-finalsst season earned him many extra points.
It''s highly unlikely that Dongfang, who has already transferred to Cologne, will appear on the list. However, the addition of a new yer is enough to reassure domestic fans, signaling a continuous legacy!
Subsequently, "France Football" continued to announce several batches of nominated yers, including Modric, Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, and even Messi. However, Wang Feng''s name was conspicuously absent.
This has led to many spections. Could they really dare to exclude the Chinese superstar from thepetition?
Fans have various opinions, but football professionals generally watch from the sidelines, understanding that this is clearly a promotional tactic by the authorities.
If the Chinese superstar is not included in the list of nominees, then the credibility of the award would bepletely lost.
Sure enough, when the final batch of nominees was announced, Wang Feng was ced at the end, closing the grand discussion.
Among the 30 candidates, Real Madrid upied the most spots with 6, while Manchester City had 3 yers selected, including Wang Feng, Aguero, and De Bruyne.
Entering November, Manchester City hosted Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage.
Simr to the previous encounter, the Catn teamunched a fierce attack from the beginning, hoping to take the lead as soon as possible.
However, Guardi made tactical adjustments to address previous issues, making the home team''s defense more solid, and they did not concede early goals.
Instead, in the 23rd minute, Manchester City nned an attack from the right nk, with Silva threading a pass to Wang Feng, who unexpectedly dribbled past his marker into the penalty area and then made a back pass.
De Bruyne, who was making a forward run, struck with his right foot from close range, easily beating Ter Stegen''s fingertips to give the Citizens the lead!
Just as the scales of victory were tipping in favor of the home team, they suffered a severe setback.
Barcelonaunched an attack, and when the ball entered the penalty area, Sabaly brought down Messi from behind, resulting in a clear penalty.
It was an unnecessary foul, and Sabaly himself was extremely frustrated. His physical condition had not fully recovered, and his body was quite stiff, leading to a grave mistake.
Messi personally took the penalty and equalized for the away team.
With one man down, Barcelona dominated possession even more, relentlessly attacking Manchester City. Finally, in the 73rd minute, Neymar assisted Busquets inpleting the turnaround.
As the game entered stoppage time, Stones made a quick interception in the backline and passed to Silva, who then found Wang Feng at his feet, organizing a counterattack for Manchester City.
The Chinese superstar dribbled past the midfield, with few teammates avable for support in the front. Three Barcelona defenders quickly formed a defensive blockade, making it difficult to break through.
Wang Feng caught a glimpse of Ter Stegen seemingly positioned very far forward. This was amon tactic for goalkeepers to observe the situation when the opponent was far from the goal.
But the Chinese superstar was not an ordinary yer who followed conventional wisdom. With a light touch forward, he took two steps and unleashed a powerful shot directly from outside the center circle, before even reaching the edge of the center circle.
"Boom!" The ball soared high like a mortar shell, reaching its highest point before rapidly descending.
The German goalkeeper desperately backtracked and reached out to reach the ball, but was a step too slow. The ball flew over his fingertips and into the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! Oh my God, it''s in! This goal actually went in!"
"Wang Feng''s shot from the center circle, an extraordinary arc spanning the entire half, pierced through Barcelona''s goal!"
The Barcelona defense, who were still waiting for the opponent to break through, were dumbfounded, while the Chinese superstar had already sprinted to the sidelines, passionately roaring with the fans to celebrate.
With this divine goal, the 10-man Manchester City resiliently drew 2-2 with Barcelona, further solidifying their position at the top of the group.
Chapter 771: Youth Training Must Go Abroad
Chapter 771: Youth Training Must Go Abroad
On November 5th, Manchester City weed Middlesbrough at home.
This team, originally developed from a wooden ball club, has experienced ups and downs, finally reaching its peak in the early 21st century.
Not only did they win the League Cup in 2004, but they also reached the final of the UEFA Cup in 2006, only to lose to the UEFA king, Sevi.
After a brief moment of glory, Middlesbrough slowly declined, spending several years fighting in the Championship after relegation. They only returned to the Premier League at the beginning ofst season, so their goal this season remains avoiding relegation.
Some notable yers in this team include former Barcelona goalkeeper Valds and former Real Madrid yer Negredo, who joined on loan.
At the start of the game, the away teamunched a surprise attack. Ramirez and Negredo cleverlybined, with the former shooting into the far corner of the goal from inside the penalty area, giving Middlesbrough an incredible lead.
However, the Sky Blues quickly adjusted their mentality and stabilized. Just 10 minutes after conceding, Wang Feng provided a pass to Stones, who delivered a cross into the box. Inside the penalty area, San headed in to equalize the score.
In the 37th minute, De Bruyne''s through ball prated the defense, and the Chinese superstar timely initiated an offside trap, then calmly chipped the ball into the from close range.
After scoring, Wang Feng gestured for Silva toe over and celebrate with him. "It''s your excellent finishing touch!" De Bruyne couldn''t hide his excitement. "Huang always boasts about his shooting skills. Why doesn''t he learn from his seniors?"
Wang Feng chuckled. De Bruyne and Huang Hu, this pair of teasing friends, alwaysined about each other''s techniques in front of him, but in reality, they had a very good rtionship. They had achieved many glories together and the Belgian always hoped to partner with the Chinese youngster again.
In the 70th minute of the second half, David Silva lofted a ball into the box, San headed it back, and Aguero volleyed from close range near the penalty spot, further extending their lead.
The final score was locked at 3-1, as the Sky Blues secured their third consecutive victory since losing to Everton.
During this period, besides the vigorous Manchester City, Liverpool also surged with five consecutive wins, rising to second ce on the table, just two points behind Manchester City.
Chelsea and Arsenal maintained steady performances, closely following the leading group, while Tottenham struggled in both the league and Champions League, dropping from second to fifth. Manchester United remained lethargic, sitting in sixth ce.
The outline of the Premier League BIG6 is basically revealed.
On the international break in November, the Chinese team arranged a match, the fifth round of the 12-team group stage, hosting Qatar at home.
With four victories already secured, the Chinese teamfortably topped the table. Therefore, Lippi mainly focused on training new yers this round, giving many U23 yers the opportunity to y.
Although there is no mandatory requirement for U23 yers to go abroad, it is a condition for entering the national team.
Among these yers, the most eye-catching neer is Wang Yanlin, the starting midfielder for Malmo, the Swedish champions.
This 19-year-old youngster came from the Inter Mn youth training camp. He quickly secured a starting position after joining Malmo a year ago. His dream is to establish himself in one of the top five leagues like his predecessors.
During the game, Wang Yanlin provided an assist to help the Chinese team take the lead. Unfortunately, they couldn''t hold onto the victory until the end, as Qatar equalized in the second half.
1-1, both sides shook hands and settled for a draw.
Although the winning streak did not continue, the excellent performance of the young yers was very reassuring. More and more people understand why youth training must go abroad.
In fact, reaching this conclusion was not easy. With the vigorous development of the football industry domestically, clubs like Hengtai have emerged as champions of Asia.
Therefore, many people question whether yers they have cultivated, such as Deng Hanwen, Li Xuepeng, Huang Baiwen, and Yu Hanchao, are really inferior to a group of young yers from the youth training system?
And what about veterans like Feng Xiaoting and Gao Lin, who have won the World Cup, can''t they re-enter the national team?
Wang Feng didn''t say much about this, but he internally organized a match between foreign young yers and these yers. The entire process was not made public, so they could y without reservation. The results were shocking.
The double-digit difference made these yers seem like amateurs who didn''t know how to y football, beaten to the ground and stripped of their armor. This is the team that China is most proud of.
Without foreign aid, they are nothing. The gap in levels between the Chinese Super League, China League One, and China League Two is not that big.
"Why do I invest so much money in Genk and Inter Mn every year? Domestic youth training is long gone, and they can''t rise up even if you give them another hundred years." Facing the senior management, Wang Feng bluntly stated his opinion.
Returning from their respective national teams, Manchester City yers did not return to Manchester but instead gathered directly in London to prepare for the 12th round of the Premier League against Crystal Pce.
This is a club located in the southern part of London. Their home ground, Selhurst Park, can amodate 26,000 spectators.
Established for over a hundred years, they have always fluctuated between higher and lower levels of leagues, with the longest record being four years without relegation in the top league.
Since their promotion to the Premier League in 2013, this season marks Crystal Pce''s fourth Premier League campaign, equaling their club record. If they further seed in avoiding relegation, they will create a new achievement.
Perhaps for the big clubs, this achievement is simply not worth mentioning, but for small clubs, any breakthrough result is worth remembering.
The most notable star in Crystal Pce is undoubtedly the Belgian striker Benteke, who arrived in London from Liverpool this summer for a club-record fee of 32 million.
This 25-year-old yer in his prime suddenly chose to leave the big club, causing quite a stir in European football. However, Wang Feng believes he is a rational person.
Klopp''s overall tactical approach at Liverpool did not suit the Belgian, and Benteke could not seek a regr starting position. Continuing like this would only waste his youth.
Other clubs, including Arsenal and Juventus, have offered him higher sries, but only Crystal Pce could guarantee him a starting position, so he ultimately chose the Eagles.
It is worth mentioning that what Chinese fans most like to talk about regarding Benteke ismentator Zhang Jun''s swearing. Once, during his time at Liverpool, he missed an open goal chance, and Zhang Jun, a fan of the Reds, couldn''t help but curse privately.
Moreover, there are rumors about him and domestic clubs, including Beijing, Hengtai, etc., preparing to introduce this former big club striker, with the highest bid reaching 40 million.
After the start of the game, the Manchester City yers'' tiredness from traveling had not yet fully recovered. In the first half, Benteke was brought down by Silva in a high-speed breakthrough, giving the home team a chance for a set-piece in the attacking half.
McArthur took the free-kick, sending the ball into the box. Ward, who joined the attack unexpectedly, headed the ball into the goal, piercing Bravo''s ten fingers.
Although the Sky Blues continued to strengthen their attacks afterward andpletely dominated the game, they couldn''t break through Crystal Pce''s defense until the 84th minute.
Wang Feng dribbled past two defenders in the opponent''s half, then made a back pass into the penalty area. Aguero volleyed fiercely near the penalty spot, finally equalizing the score.
This result held until the end of the game, as the Sky Blues only earned one point.
Chapter 772: Fierce Chelsea
Chapter 772: Fierce Chelsea
After finishing the midweek league matches, Manchester City traveled to Germany to challenge Borussia M?nchendbach.
In this match, Wang Feng shone brightly, helping the Sky Blues secure a 2-0 victory.
After five rounds of the Champions League, Manchester City topped the group with 4 wins and 1 draw, umting 13 points. Barcelona, in second ce, had 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, with 10 points. Borussia M?nchendbach ranked third with 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, totaling 4 points, while Celtic remained at the bottom, struggling to secure a win.
Therefore, the Sky Blues essentially secured the top spot in the group with one round to spare, a result that caused a huge reaction domestically in Ennd.
With substantial investments in summer transfers, there was no doubt about the team''s strength, but many were still surprised to see them outperform Barcelona.
"Wang Feng''s joining has elevated Manchester City to another level, towards transforming into one of the top teams in Europe!" Legendary figure Joe Corriganmented.
The former Ennd international, who had served Manchester City for 17 seasons, appeared very excited during the interview: "Now, every game the team ys ignites my passion. I wish I could be on the field fighting side by side with Wang."
After the Champions League matches, Manchester City faced Burnley at home in the 13th round of the Premier League and West Ham United in the quarterfinals of the League Cup.
Both matches ended with victories for the Sky Blues, defeating Burnley 3-0, with Wang Feng scoring a goal.
Facing the determined Hammers, who had advanced to this stage in the cup, Guardi was unwilling to give up easily. He deviated from his usual strategy of fielding apletely rotated lineup and instead deployed the core trio of Kompany, De Bruyne, and Wang Feng in midfield and attack.
In the second half, Wang Feng received a pass from De Bruyne at the edge of the penalty area and hammered a shot into the, sealing a 2-1 victory for the Sky Blues and advancing to the semifinals.
Except for Manchester United and Tottenham, the first 13 rounds of the league did not pose a significant challenge to Manchester City. However, their uing away match against Chelsea, as well as shes with Arsenal and Liverpool, were looming.
With the leading group tightly packed, these crucial battles would directly affect the league standings.
Guardi undoubtedly fielded the strongest lineup, while Conte, unwilling to show weakness, went even further. Hepletely abandoned the League Cup just for this pinnacle showdown.
In terms of lineup, the Italian coach was also very aggressive, opting for a 3-6-1 high-pressure attacking formation, clearly intending to go head-to-head with Manchester City in midfield.
Goalkeeper Courtois; three defenders: Zouma, David Luiz, and Cahill. Four midfielders: Azpilicueta, Fbregas, Kant, and Alonso, lined up in a row. Pedro and Hazard operated as dual attacking midfielders. Diego Costa served as the lone striker.
This formation provided a wide range of attacking options, with full-backs, midfielders, and forwardsbining effectively. It allowed for tactics such as using the strong midfield for forward passes, relying on wingers for breakthroughs along the nks, andunching attacks from both wings simultaneously.
Furthermore, with a single striker, long balls from the midfield could be utilized for aerial duels.
While the 3-6-1 formation may have some defensive vulnerabilities, especially when full-backs push forward, the densely packed defensive line partiallypensates for this. yers have more varied positions on the field, gradually withdrawing and forming a hierarchical defensive structure during the transition from offense to defense, strengthening the interception and area defense.
During the pre-match press conference, Chelsea coach Conte expressed affirmation of Manchester City and determination to win the game: "There is no doubt that Manchester City is a super strong team, with the world''s best yer, Wang Feng."
"But thepetition in the Premier League is very fierce. The oue of each match may even affect the entire leading group situation, making every game crucial."
"Especially here at Stamford Bridge, our home ground, the team has no reason to lose. Our goal is the championship!"
Facing Wang Feng, Conte did not dare to be negligent. In 2005, he had interactions with the Chinese superstar at the beginning of his coaching career when he was an assistant coach at Serie A''s Siena.
The Italian had witnessed firsthand how Wang Feng persevered during dark times, pushing the Sacred Union to the brink with frequent underhanded tactics, eventually triggering the "Calciopoli" scandal.
Therefore, when devising tactics, he emphasized the need to contain the Chinese superstar, "This Manchester City team is driven by Wang as its core, so we must restrict his link-up y in midfield and attack."
After the match began, the home team''spetitive spirit and vigor on the field were even higher than the Sky Blues'', with frequent interceptions and movements to block every possible angle for the visitors'' ball possession.
It could be said that the Blues somewhat dominated the field, but neither side managed to score in the first 20 minutes.
In the intense confrontation, Chelsea''s number 10, Hazard, left a deep impression on Wang Feng with his aggressiveness and explosiveness, repeatedly breaking through the defense of Fernandinho and Stones.
What''s even moremendable is his excellent vision and passing uracy on top of his aggression and explosiveness. In fact, Real Madrid had shown interest in him a few years ago.
However, at that time, there was no position avable for him in the squad, and the Belgian was still somewhat immature. The club wanted to observe him for a while longer, but Chelsea decisively moved first to sign him, and he grew rapidly in a short time.
Interestingly, Hazard, like Wang Feng, initially belonged to a lower-league youth team, but he was from the more famous Tubize club, which not only produced a star yer like him but also yers like Yaya Tour and Nics Anelka.
Moreover, the Belgian prodigy made his mark at the age of 14, catching the eye of Lille in Ligue 1, who brought him to the club. Subsequently, with impressive performances, he secured a regr starting position and even helped the team win the league title as a key yer.
Chelsea did not hesitate to pay a transfer fee of up to 32 million to acquire this young talent, a decision that proved to be correct.
In the 17th minute, it was Hazard''s sudden stop after cutting inside that left a deep impression on Wang Feng. He then back-heeled the ball into the penalty area, and Pedro''s powerful shot hit the post, narrowly missing the opening goal for Chelsea.
Pedro raised both fists and thumbs up to praise Hazard. Although the Belgian forward was only 25 years old, he had already won the praise and respect of all his teammates in the squad.
With wave after wave of attacks from the home team, the roar of Chelsea fans in the stands grew louder and louder.
After experiencing extremely dismal seasons, Chelsea had ended up empty-handed, failing even to secure European qualification. So, when the new head coach took over, no one dared to raise their expectations too high.
However, based on their current performance, the Blues'' title contention was definitely more than just rhetoric. Conte was truly striving in that direction, and the team had a greater advantage over other top teams, as they faced less pressure frompeting on multiple fronts.
Guardi was also surprised by the ferocity of Chelsea. Unable to remain seated calmly in the coaching area, he ran to the sidelines to loudly direct his yers to temporarily avoid the opponent''s edge,press the defensive space as much as possible, and prevent the opponent from easily breaking into dangerous areas.
Chapter 773: Putting It in the Bag
Chapter 773: Putting It in the Bag
Manchester City and Chelsea battled fiercely for 45 minutes, and the score remained 0-0 without any changes.
Conte was not entirely satisfied with this result, but he understood that everyone had given their all, and it was not easy to barely suppress the high-flying Sky Blues.
So he embraced each of the yers who were substituted and patted the backs of Hazard, Diego, and others, encouraging them, "Continue ying at this pace, and we will definitely score in the second half!"
The away team was a bit frustrated, falling behind in their strongest aspect of ball possession and attacking, making it ufortable for anyone. They were eager to make changes, and that''s where the role of the coaching staff came in.
Guardi did notment on the first-half performance; he did not want to waste time reminiscing about irrelevant matters and instead made straightforward personnel adjustments.
"We must fight for control in the midfield area. Leroy, take a rest for now, and Fabinho will take your ce."
Although Sane was somewhat disappointed, he nodded in agreement. Delph''s appearance as an English defensive midfielder was to liberate the midfield and frontcourt.
With Fernandinho and Delph forming a double pivot, Silva, De Bruyne, and Wang Feng could focus more on pressing. The team''s formation also shifted from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1.
"Wang, I hope you position yourself closer to the center and asionally drop back tomand the overall situation from a broader perspective," Guardi expressed high expectations for the Chinese superstar.
In addition, the Spanish coach hoped that everyone would remain patient andposed. This was Stamford Bridge, Chelsea''s home ground, and the opponents would be more eager to win than Manchester City.
"Mental attitude will be a crucial factor in determining the oue of the game, and in this aspect, we clearly have the advantage."
yers from both sides gradually returned to the field, and the second half of the match began with Chelsea kicking off. Diego Costa and Hazard stood inside the center circle, awaiting the referee''s instructions.
During this time, Hazard observed the Manchester City situation ahead and eventually locked his gaze on Wang Feng.
This world-renowned superstar was, of course, also an idol in the hearts of Belgian yers, especially since they had simr experiences of struggle. Hazard had always regarded Wang Feng as his ultimate ideal since he started ying football.
Now that they couldpete on the same stage, Hazard felt both nervous and excited. If the team could defeat Manchester City today, would the gap between him and his idol further narrow?
As the referee''s whistle sounded, Hazard snapped out of his thoughts and passed the ball to Diego Costa, igniting the second half of the match.
With the midfield strengthened, the Sky Blues indeed had more initiative in controlling the rhythm. They intentionally slowed down the pace and tangled with Chelsea.
On one hand, the home team wanted to regain control as soon as possible, but on the other hand, they also wanted to be effective in their attacks, leading to some impatience in the offensive end.
In the 67th minute, Chelseaunched a strong attack, but Diego''s shot was easily caught by the away team''s goalkeeper, Bravo.
At this moment, the Blues did not choose to retreat but prepared to counter-press on the spot. Bravo threw the ball to Otamendi.
The Argentine defender passed the ball to Stones without hesitation. Stones then made a direct pass to Silva, who in turn passed it to Kompany. Meanwhile, the home team continued to press high, putting more and more effort into it.
However, Manchester City remained calm in this area, showcasing their excellent passing skills andposure. They neither made mistakes nor resorted to long balls forward under pressure.
And inadvertently, they distracted the Chelsea yers. When Silva received the ball again, he immediately sent a through pass forward, and Wang Feng rushed forward to receive it.
Facing the tight defense from Kant, the Chinese superstar pretended to feint to the right before shifting the ball to his left foot and passing through Kant''s legs.
Unable to stop him, Kant tried to block the potential right-wing breakthrough. However, Wang Feng, with his exceptional ball control, decided to change direction and used the back of his heel to pass the ball between Kant''s legs.
With no way out on the wings, Wang Feng chose the center. With his control over the ball, there was no defender in the world who couldpletely stop him from breaking through without fouling, which was why it was necessary to double-team him to stop his progress.
After bypassing Kant, the path ahead was clear for Wang Feng. He quickly elerated to shake off the chase and immediately faced David Luiz as he entered the penalty area.
Courtois rushed out urgently, not believing that the Chinese superstar could beat him one-on-one. But Wang Feng tricked him with a feint to the right and then shifted the ball to the left, leaving the Belgian goalkeeper wrong-footed. Swerving past thest defender, Wang Feng calmly slotted the ball into the empty.
"Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!"
"The ball is in! Manchester City breaks the deadlock!"
"This is Wang''s showtime! He dribbles past three defenders and scores a brilliant counter-attack goal!"
"Chelsea was too careless. How could they let so many yers press forward like that?"
"Speaking of which, we have to mention Manchester City''s movements before this goal, with several precise passes from the back,pletely trapping the Blues."
Watching the celebrating Manchester City yers, Hazard showed a helpless smile. The goal that he had given his all to chase had once again put him far behind.
After attacking for so long and failing to score, conceding a goal was a heavy blow to Chelsea.
With a lead and one yer down, both teams experienced drastic changes in mentality. The Sky Blues yed more smoothly, handling the ball with ease, while the Blues became more anxious, resulting in more aggressive actions. Despite the home-field advantage, they still received several yellow cards.
In the 79th minute, Alonso, in an attempt to stop Wang Feng''s breakthrough on the wing, slid and brought down the Chinese superstar, sparking a heated confrontation. The referee decisively showed him a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and sending him off the field.
"Wang, how are you feeling? I''ll substitute you now!" Guardi called out to Wang Feng, who was sitting nearby, looking slightly anxious.
The Chinese superstar shook his head, indicating that he would take this free kick first. Seeing his determination, the Spanish coach had to let Angelino warm up on the sidelines and be ready at any time.
Wang Feng raised his right hand to signal his teammates, then kicked the ball into the penalty area. Aguero quickly ran to attract the defense, leaving a gap in the middle.
Stones rushed in for a header, and the ball bounced off the ground and into the despite Courtois''s attempt to save it. 2-0! Manchester City extended their lead!
After delivering this high-quality free kick, Wang Feng was substituted off amidst apuse from many fans, including some Chelsea fans who were not stingy in showing their admiration and respect.
With one man down and trailing by two goals, the home teampletely lost their fighting spirit for aeback in the final ten minutes. The score remained unchanged until the end of the match.
Manchester City defeated Chelsea, taking a solid step forward in the title race!
Chapter 774: Crisis of Real Madrid
Chapter 774: Crisis of Real Madrid
Another midweek after the Chelsea match, Manchester City weed the final round of the Champions League group stage, facing the hopeless Celtic.
Manchester City, almost securing the top spot in the group, decisively rotated their squad to face the opponents, and in the end, both sides shook hands with a 1-1 draw.
With this, the Champions League round of 16 was all decided, with Premier League teams, except Tottenham, performing impressively. Arsenal and Leicester City sessfully advanced.
La Liga continued its dominance with four spots, upied by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Sevi.
Three Bundesliga teams advanced, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen, while Serie A had two teams, Juventus and Napoli, making it through.
Ligue 1 and Primeira Liga also had two teams each enter the knockout stage, namely Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Benfica, and Porto.
The rest of the smaller league teams werepletely eliminated, unable to create any miracles.
After the draw, the Sky Blues were set to face the equally wealthy Paris Saint-Germain in the next round, leading to spection whether UEFA could only tolerate one capital club advancing.
Regardless, getting the top spot in the group was still advantageous for Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain wasn''t as formidable as traditional powerhouses.
Compared to the flourishing Sky Blues, the Gcticos had a tough time recently. They had two draws and one loss in the league, falling behind Barcelona by a staggering 9 points at the top of the table, even ranking third after Atletico Madrid.
Such a significant disadvantage was the first time in nearly 10 years! Furthermore, they suffered defeats in their shes with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, making matters worse.
Many Spanish media outlets asserted that Real Madrid''s streak of titles would end at 10, and in Catalonia, celebrations began prematurely. They were simply being suppressed too harshly!
What saddened Real Madrid fans even more was that their team lost its dominance on the Champions League stage as well. They unexpectedly lost twice to Borussia Dortmund, barely making it through as group runners-up.
Although they advanced, the entire process undoubtedly cast a shadow over their title aspirations. They no longer had the confidence to overpower their rivals.
Apart from Wang Feng and Iguain leaving, Real Madrid had almost entirely retained their previous star-studded lineup, plus the additions of Ronaldo and Benzema. They shouldn''t be too bad, right?
However, reality showed that the highly anticipated frontline always came out swinging against weaker opponents, such as their 7-0 thrashing of Sporting Gijon and 8-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Yet, they repeatedly failed against strong opponents. Setting aside Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, even in battles against teams like Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao, they struggled to breach the opponent''s defense.
Naris, the Sevi midfielder who had just defeated the Gcticos, said in an interview, "Real Madrid is undoubtedly a strong team, but their ability to seize opportunities is too poor."
"This is evident from the post-match statistics. They had 27 shots in total, but only 7 were on target."
"The attackers, led by Ronaldo, are very impatient. They try to shoot at the slightest opportunity, regardless of whether the timing is right."
Naris shrugged, "Honestly, we used to face Real Madrid with great caution because, under Wang Feng''s leadership, their attacks were always full of pressure and threat."
"But now, we don''t feel that way anymore. We have plenty of time to think about how to organize counterattacks, and everything has be much easier."
"In addition, because the forward line hardly retreats to participate in defense, I don''t think Real Madrid''s defense is as solid as imagined. Several times, we scored goals under their repeated attacks."
62-year-old Argentine coach Sampaoli took over the helm of the Legion from Emery just this summer and has helped the team reach the Champions League round of 16 and defeat the Gcticos. It''s a time of great pride for him.
He admitted, "Real Madrid is not scary, at least the team I faced is not scary. Even though they have talented yers in all positions, they fail toe together as a whole."
"Although Sevigged behind in all aspects of statistics, one thing stood out, which is the distance covered. We covered much more ground than our opponents, and it was this advantage that helped us win."
"I''ve just entered La Liga, so I haven''t experienced the invincible era of the Real Madrid dynasty, but it''s definitely not like today."
"I remember watching a Champions League final that left a deep impression on me. Wang Feng running all over the field, not only driving all defensive forces to create opportunities for his teammates but also frequently intercepting threatening attacks. That Gcticos team was truly terrifying!"
The interviews of Sevi''s coach and yers were quickly reported by all Spanish media outlets, causing a huge reaction.
Many people agreed with their points, and even Real Madrid''s mouthpieces, Marca and AS, felt that the club had problems.
The yerscked enthusiasm on the field, there were dys in transitioning between offense and defense, and the offensive efficiency was low.
Especially regarding the offensive issue, Marca stated that although Ronaldo currently ranks second in La Liga''s top scorers with 11 goals, second only to Messi''s 14 goals.
But his total number of shots has reached 63, with an average of one goal scored for every 5.7 shots.
Leaving Wang Feng aside, Messi scores once every 3.6 shots, far more efficient than the Portuguese superstar.
"Cristiano Ronaldo needs to make changes. While creating opportunities for the team, he also needs to stay calm and not attempt shots in unnecessary difficult situations."
"Darn it, are these Sevi guys trying to kill us? Does that mean Real Madrid has no chance of aeback anymore?" Inside the Valdebebas training base, Ronaldo angrily threw his phone to the ground.
Many teammates were startled, with Kroos, Casemiro, and others watching coldly from the side, Ramos putting away his usual yful demeanor and remaining silent, and Modric hesitating whether he should go forward to console the Portuguese.
After an awkward moment, it was Pepe who stepped forward tofort Ronaldo, "Ronnie, you don''t need to be angry with them. They just took advantage of the home advantage and a defensive strategy to steal three points. We''ll teach them a lesson when theye to the Bernabeu."
The Portuguese star forcefully suppressed his vtile emotions, barely showing a smile and inviting his teammates over. Speaking passionately to inspire everyone, he believed it wasn''t time to give up yet; anything was possible.
His urgent desire to perform was all for the end-of-year Ballon d''Or and FIFA Best yer awards, the closest he''s been to winning both!
In order to boost his statistics, he didn''t hesitate to forcefully shoot multiple times on the field and even entrusted his agent Mendes to pressure the club, using all avable resources to help himself.
In the president''s office on the top floor of the training base administrative building, Florentino rubbed his temples helplessly and said, "Mendes is still working hard?"
"Yes, apart from us, he has approached many high-level executives. I have to say, Mendes is very well-informed, knowing the extent of our power." Bernaldo replied.
"Then he should understand that we can only do so much, and we absolutely cannot change the situation!" Florentino said angrily, "For this trivial matter, the club has used all its connections and even risked alienating Wang Feng. It''s simply ridiculous!"
"Wang should understand our difficulties. After all, Cristiano is now the core of the Gcticos, and we have to fully support him."
"Yeah, he has always been very smart and should understand, but understanding and epting are two different things, and I''m afraid of offending both sides if things don''t work out." Bernaldo sighed.
Chapter 775: Can This Ballon d鈥橭r Stay in Manchester City?
Chapter 775: Can This Ballon d''Or Stay in Manchester City?
There has always been a saying in European football that the English Premier League is the most fiercelypetitive league among the top five leagues. It is undeniable that due to fair financial distribution, teams in Ennd have seen remarkable development.
However, this level ofpetitiveness only exists among mid-table teams. They canpete for European qualification one moment and fight against relegation the next.
As for the real throne, there is hardly any fluctuation. Since the establishment of the Premier League in 1992, a total of 24 champions have been crowned, with Manchester United and Arsenal emerging as the main winners, securing 18 titles between them.
Before that,petition in the top English league was much fiercer, with small teams often causing upsets and clinching the title.
This development trend is not unique to the Premier League; it''s prevalent across other European leagues as well. Apart from a few dominant teams, it''s bing increasingly difficult for smaller clubs topete for the title.
The most crucial factor contributing to this situation is financial strength. With substantial investment in the transfer market, clubs can monopolize talent and create a substantial gap in quality.
Among them, powerhouse clubs can rapidly umte capital through favorable development conditions andmercial operations. Examples include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
Another type of club rapidly improves through substantial external investment, not hesitating to spendvishly. Sessful cases include Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea, backed by Abramovich''s investment, tasted sess early, winning the Premier League and Champions League titles within a few years, surpassing traditional powerhouses like Liverpool and Tottenham.
Manchester City, unwilling tog behind, clinched the Premier League title and is now aiming for the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain also broke the dominance of traditional powerhouses like Lyon and established their own Ligue 1 dynasty.
Even if there are miracles like Leicester City''sst season, they are just momentary. The team quickly faces disintegration and cannot maintain its former glory.
Standing at the Etihad Stadium, Wang Feng couldn''t help but feel emotional. The match between Manchester City and Leicester City had almost bepletely one-sided, with the defending champions losing face.
Just six minutes into the game, Fernandinho made a quick interception in the backfield and passed it to the wing. Stones quickly surged forward and passed to De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder dribbled past the defense and sent a through ball, and Wang Feng, diagonally sprinting into the penalty area, fired a powerful shot into the, giving Manchester City a 1-0 lead!
Seven minutester, with the momentum of Mount Tai, the Sky Blues attacked again. Silva passed to San, who forcefully crossed from the baseline, and Aguero scored with a close-range header from 8 meters in front of the goal.
After that, Manchester City continued to bombard Leicester City''s defense, while the away team only had one or two counterattack opportunities, all easily snuffed out by the home team''s defense.
In the 38th minute, De Bruyne received the ball and sent a diagonal pass. The Chinese superstar controlled the ball in the penalty area, dribbled past defenders, and then scored with a left-footed shot toplete his brace.
With a three-goal lead at halftime, Guardi decisively substituted in backup yers, but even then, Leicester City found it hard to trouble them.
Youngster San scored the fourth goal for Manchester City just before the final whistle, sealing their victory over Leicester City.
The 15th round of the Premier League ended with a big win for the Sky Blues. After the match, led by captain Kompany, the yers thanked the home fans and received apuse and cheers.
Then, they walked into the dressing room in groups of three or four, preparing for post-match recovery under the rain, an essential routine for athletes to prolong their careers and reduce the risk of injuries.
Manchester City naturally didn''t neglect this aspect. They hired the world''s top therapy experts to monitor the yers'' physical and mental states in real time.
In addition, there were nutrition experts responsible for healthy diets and sports science experts for rehabilitation training.
It can be said that in terms of yer services, Manchester City is no less inferior to Real Madrid. The only thing theyck is umted experience, as Real Madrid began building such teams as early as the first Gcticos era.
Detailed support like this is definitely unavable in mid-sized and small clubs, and yers may even encounter problems such as misdiagnosis and dyed recovery.
No wonder more and more talented athletes aspire to join the ranks of powerhouse clubs. They can focus on the game, showcase their talents, and enjoy the sense of achievement brought bypetition.
Under the skillful hands of the therapist, Wang Feng felt his muscles rxpletely, while De Bruyne couldn''t help but humfortably.
At this moment, a staff member approached Wang Feng and said, "Wang, there are visitors here. It''s a delegation from France Football magazine. Congrattions!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Feng''s teammates couldn''t help but smile. Kompany said with a smile, "Finally, Manchester City has a Ballon d''Or winner!"
The Chinese superstar showed a nostalgic look on his face. Thest time he hosted a delegation from France Football was seven years ago.
Since the Ballon d''Or merged with the FIFA World yer of the Year award, there haven''t been advance interviews and photoshoots. Unexpectedly, they are separated again, following the old practice.
After promising to celebrate with his teammates, Wang Feng got up to meet the visitors. The former editor-in-chief, Jr?me Puginastier, has retired, and Fabrice, the deputy editor, has taken over. This time, he personally led the delegation.
"Here we meet again!" The Frenchman reached out and shook hands with Wang Feng tightly. "You still remember me, right?"
"Of course, Mr. Fabrice. When I won the European Ballon d''Or for the first time, you personally received me and took me to the awards ceremony. That was in 2003, right?"
"It''s my honor. It''s been more than ten years in the blink of an eye, and nothing seems to have changed. You''re still you, standing at the top of the world of football."
"It''s really exciting for us to witness all this!"
Next was the familiar photoshoot. In several iconic areas within the Manchester City training base, photos were taken of Wang Feng holding the Ballon d''Or trophy or striking poses, convenient for publication in the magazine special issue.
Upon hearing the news, Manchester City owner Mansour also rushed back from the UAE to Ennd. It was not only to congratte Wang Feng but also to join in the fun. Naturally, Fabrice was generous and readily agreed to take a photo of the two together.
Caressing the Ballon d''Or trophy, Mansour asked, "This is just a replica, right? The real trophy is still being made and will be presented at the awards ceremony?"
After receiving confirmation, the UAE man rubbed his hands, feeling a little embarrassed as he asked Wang Feng, "Can... can this trophy stay in Manchester City?"
"You know, this is the club''s first Ballon d''Or, and it has specialmemorative value, indicating that we have taken another solid step towards bing a powerhouse team."
Mansour understood in his heart that his club had almost no contribution to Wang Feng winning the award. After all, Manchester Citycked a foundation in UEFA and could even have adverse effects due to its nouveau riche nature.
The Chinese superstar relied solely on his own strength and achievements to win the award. Therefore, Mansour felt a bit embarrassed to make such a request.
Looking at Mansour''s expectant eyes, Wang Feng generously waved his hand and agreed. After all, he had already won 12 Ballon d''Or trophies. Apart from the one he gave to Real Madrid, giving another one to Manchester City didn''t mean much.
Besides, the value of the award far exceeds that of the trophy itself. This donated Ballon d''Or could also be permanently disyed in the club''s history museum, inspiring countless future generations. Why not do it?
Chapter 776: No Debts Between Them
Chapter 776: No Debts Between Them
Although the itinerary of the delegation from France Football was kept sufficiently confidential, the rapidly growing inte and social media tforms have made the world devoid of secrets.
ording tomon sense analysis, these people would either appear in Manchester or Madrid, with no third option. Therefore, since early December, there have been "enthusiastic" crowds waiting outside the perimeter of the two airports.
Sure enough, when Fabrice and the others had just disembarked from the ne, they were immediately photographed and exposed on the inte, quickly attracting coverage from all media outlets.
The 2016 Ballon d''Or winnerWang Feng! Under the votes of 173 renowned media figures globally, the Chinese superstar reimed this honor.
In 2009, he was thest winner before the merger of the Ballon d''Or and FIFA World yer of the Year awards, and now he has be the first winner after their separation. This continuity clearly demonstrates Wang Feng''s unparalleled sustained dominance.
On the evening of December 11th, the official website of France Football gradually announced the list of the top 17 winners, with 13 others who did not receive enough votes not ranked.
The newly established European Ballon d''Or voting still adopted the points system, with each judge able to nominate three winners in order. The first-ce nominee received 5 points, the second-ce received 3 points, and the third-ce received 1 point.
In the end, Wang Feng topped the list with 595 points, overtaking Ronaldo''s 466 points. The third ce went to Atletico Madrid''s Griezmann with 198 points, while the fourth was Juventus'' Higuain with 91 points. Messi only received 68 points, cing fifth.
It''s not surprising that the Chinese superstar won the award. He single-handedly led Real Madrid to a decade of dominance in the Champions League and has continued to excel at Manchester City. From any perspective, he is truly deserving of the title.
While Ronaldo, who had high hopes, did have somepetitive edge, having helped Portugal win their first European Championship, he had two fatal ws.
Firstly, he exited the European Championship final early without significant contributions, and secondly, his performance at the club level wasckluster. He failed to win any titles with Manchester City and even led a peak team into difficulties after transferring to Real Madrid.
The stark contrast between Wang Feng and Ronaldo, especially after swapping clubs, added to the luster of the Chinese superstar.
If it weren''t for the support and push from Real Madrid behind the scenes, the Portuguese star''s points should have been more than doubled, rather than being rtively close as it is now.
However, when the results were announced, an angry Ronaldo immediately called his agent, Mendes: "What''s going on? Isn''t Real Madrid the most influential club in European football? Why did I miss out on the big prize?"
Mendes helplessly replied on the other end of the phone: "I''m surprised too. Professionals generally dislike Manchester City. I can only say that Wang Feng is too dazzling, overshadowing everyone''s dislike. Regardless, both Real Madrid and I have made the greatest effort."
"I only care about the final result! I win the European Championship but can''t get the Ballon d''Or, what kind of logic is this?"
"The club mustpensate me, whether it''s a sry raise, contract renewal, or a lifetime contract, you go and talk to them, I just want a stance."
Mendes nodded: "Alright, I''ll negotiate with them."
On the other hand, when Florentino heard Ronaldo''sints ryed by Baldano, he was so angry that he mmed the table directly: "How can I help him? If the performance isn''t there, it just isn''t. Does he think he can reach the sky with just the European Championship?"
Baldano smiled bitterly and said: "He saw Muller''s sessful example two years ago and thought he could give it a shot."
"Can they be the same? What does Muller have? World Cup champion, Bundesliga champion, Champions League runner-up!"
"If he could win a Premier League title and bring it over, it would be a different story, but now it''s all empty-handed. Leading Real Madrid is even more iprehensible. How can hepare with Wang Feng?"
Baldano, the general manager of Real Madrid, nodded deeply in agreement, then said: "The result is already like this. The Portuguese star''s challenge hopes to advance contract renewal discussions earlier and increase his sry."
"It''s impossible," Florentino said decisively: "Postpone all contract negotiation work for now. If necessary, we can let him go for free in four years anyway, we didn''t spend any money to get him back then."
"I understand. Should we start looking for a new home for Ronaldo in the next two years?" Baldano asked.
"Of course, and also initiate the acquisition n for Hazard. He will be our future key core to develop," Florentino said.
After dealing with the trivial matters, Florentino copsed exhausted into his chair. He felt a bit regretful in his heart; he really shouldn''t have let Wang Feng go!
Although the Chinese superstar strongly demanded to leave first, he himself also had some intention of going along with the flow.
Thinking of this, he called Wang Feng to congratte the Chinese superstar on winning the new Ballon d''Or. "Wang, I want to apologize to you. Real Madrid couldn''t help you in this matter and even hindered you," Florentino said sincerely, keeping his attitude very low.
Wang Feng naturally had heard about Real Madrid supporting Ronaldo. To be honest, he felt a bit displeased. After all, when he transferred from Inter Mn, the Nerazzurri were still fully supportive, in stark contrast to the attitude of the Gcticos now.
He is recognized as the best yer in the club''s history! Yet now they are so cold and ruthless? After careful consideration, he couldn''tpletely me Real Madrid. Whether it was the premature departure of legends like Raul and Casis in the past or the current full support of Ronaldo, the purpose of the Gcticos has never changed: the club''s interests above all else.
Wang Feng increasingly felt fortunate for his decision to leave. When Florentino tried to persuade him to return to Real Madrid, the Chinese superstar politely declined. The club owed him nothing, and he owed the club nothing.
On the day of the award ceremony, France Football prepared a small venue in Paris. Due to budget constraints, there was no red carpet or live broadcast. There was only a backdrop, and after receiving the Ballon d''Or trophy, Wang Feng epted interviews and photo shoots from the magazine.
He still attributed most of the credit to his teammates, head coach, and club staff, giving special thanks to both Real Madrid and Manchester City. Without their tforms, he wouldn''t have achieved his splendid record.
"In seven months, I will be 34 years old. The achievements of the past are in the past, and now I want to pursue all the honors in front of me because I don''t know how long my professional career canst."
"In the limited time I have, I will continue to strive. For the younger generations who want to keep up with this old man''s pace, you need to work harder!"
As for the season''s goals, Wang Feng didn''t hesitate to aim for the league and the Champions League. "Everyone at Manchester City is eager to reim the Premier League title and make a historic breakthrough in the Champions League."
"I know it''s difficult, and there are many challenges, including squad rotation arrangements, pressure frompeting on two fronts, and so on. All I can do is provide rich experience and techniques and do my best to help the team."
"History has repeatedly proven that as long as everyone is united, nothing is impossible. The Blue Moon will eventually shine over Manchester and the whole of Europe!"
Chapter 777: Unspoken Acknowledgment
Chapter 777: Unspoken Acknowledgment
"Wang Feng Continues Legend, Manchester City Wees Ballon d''Or!" The Manchester Evening News featured news of the Chinese superstar winning the European Ballon d''Or award on its front page.
The report pointed out that Manchester United has always been an influential club in the history of the Ballon d''Or, with Best, Charlton, and Dennis Law bringing home this honor for the Red Devils.
They were the founders of the giants and it can be said that no giant isplete without the Ballon d''Or.
Now, the city''s team, Manchester City, has taken this step as well, weing its own Ballon d''Or winner, and the team will enter a new phase of history.
The Times quoted Wang Feng during an interview: "The Blue Moon will eventually shine over European football!"
There is no doubt that Manchester City''s transfer of the Chinese superstar from Real Madrid this summer was a great sess. They identified Wang Feng early on and paid a great price for him.
Wang Feng did not disappoint Manchester City''s trust. His diligence and hard work were evident to everyone. He genuinely wanted to fight for honors for the team, rather than just making money.
The Guardian''s headline read: "After 49 Years, the Premier League Finally Wees the European Ballon d''Or!"
The article stated that since George Best won the award in 1968, no yer has lifted this highest trophy while ying in the top tier of English football.
The closest yers were Michael Owen in 2001 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, both coincidentally missing out on the award due to Wang Feng.
This is embarrassing and awkward for the Premier League, which has always boasted as the top league in Europe, and it also inadvertently diminishes its ability to attract top stars.
But now, with the Chinese superstar personallying and bringing back the Ballon d''Or with unmatched dominance, it also makes up for the league''s regrets over the years.
Most media outlets around the world praised and congratted Wang Feng for winning the award, while some Portuguese media were dissatisfied.
The Daily Express stated that Cristiano Ronaldo''s performance at the European Championship in the summer was evident, and he is a true football hero who deserves the Ballon d''Or.
"Wang Feng has already won numerous trophies, why can''t he give way to Ronaldo? What''s the point of such a monotonous selection?"
At the same time, the Daily Express also called for the cancetion of the Chinese superstar''s eligibility for the Ballon d''Or in the future, arguing that his presence would only make the award more boring.
This statement naturally met with unanimous opposition from both domestic and foreign audiences. Domestically, whenever there were negativements about Wang Feng, countlesspatriots would step forward to refute them.
Even many rational Europeans also refuted them on social media: "First, there''s the best yer, then there''s the European Ballon d''Or!"
"The purpose of the Ballon d''Or is to honor the best yer of the year! If a yer is excluded from the best of the year just because he has performed too well and for too long, what''s the point of the best? What''s the point of the Ballon d''Or?"
"The Daily Express has implicitly acknowledged Wang Feng''s performance surpassing Ronaldo''s, and only based on achievements, he should be selected. That''s why they''re resorting to arguing from the perspective of number of wins and consecutive wins." A carefulizen discerned different meanings, which was quickly epted by the public.
For a moment, the world was in an uproar. This Portuguese newspaper, which has thergest cirction in Portugal, intended to defend its own yers but ended up showing weakness and being ridiculed.
Praise or controversy, Wang Feng didn''t care.
After participating in the simple Ballon d''Or award ceremony, he went to Hertfordshire to join the rest of the team, preparing for the 16th round of the Premier League, an away game against Watford.
This team has been fluctuating in lower-levelpetitions since its establishment, only rising to the top tier in the 1970s.
The season they were promoted, they finished as league runners-up, bing a true dark horse. After a few years of glory, they fell into the quagmire of relegation and ultimately returned to the bottom of the league.
One of Watford''s most talked-about figures is the club''s honorary chairman, Elton John. He is a famous English singer who has won Oscars, Grammy Awards, and even holds a knighthood.
Before bing the honorary chairman, John served as the club''s chairman twice, bncing his singing career with club management, achieving sess in both fields.
Although Wang Feng sat on the bench, most of the away team''s main lineup wasplete, and they quickly established a dominant position in the game.
It can be seen that although Manchester City relies on the Chinese superstar as the core of their attack, they also maintain aplete offensive and defensive system and do not rely entirely on him.
It can only be said that Wang Feng''s addition will further enhance the team''s attacking ability, giving them a greater chance against strong opponents. He is the key man on the field, rather than a versatile yer.
This change in identity made the Chinese superstar feel rxed and happy. After all, with age catching up, he can no longer continue to dominate in every aspect.
In the first half, De Bruyne assisted Aguero to open the scoring, and David Silva''s long shot extended the lead.
In the 70th minute, Guardi substituted the Chinese superstar, who had been active on the sidelines.
The fans at Vicarage Road Stadium looked at this world-ss superstar with curiosity. To be honest, most top yers are too far away from them, and many Watford fans may never meet them in their lifetime.
In thest 5 minutes of the match, Stones made a run down the right and crossed into the box.
Wang Feng leaned against Watford''s defender Holebas, stopped the ball with his chest, then immediately jumped and volleyed, sending the ball directly into Watford''s goal, making it 3-0!
This score held until the end of the match, and Manchester City continued their relentless march forward.
On December 19th, Manchester City returned to the Etihad Stadium to face another tough opponent, Arsenal, in the 17th round of the Premier League.
The Blue Moon is currently stable at the top of the table, while the Gunners are just fourth, once again starting their top-four pursuit.
Arsene Wenger, the head coach, is also helpless. With the increasing dominance of capital today, with stars flocking and oligarchs abound, it is already very difficult for him to keep the team in the leading group.
Just look at his squad, his first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech is already 34 years old.
On the defensive line, Mertesacker, Debuchy, Gibbs, and Johnson, except for Gibbs who came through Arsenal''s youth academy, the others all came from mid-table European teams.
Perhaps the Gunners are the highest tform they can reach, and obviously, this group of people cannot lift the team to a higher level.
The midfield is even more unknown, with Walcott, Sanchez, Xhaka, Elneny, and Iwobi, none of whom have been selected in the top 30 midfielders in football.
Up front, Giroud is indeed potent, but without effective support, he also struggles to unleash his full potential.
Therefore, the Frenchman is tired of the days without trophies and is constantly seeking opportunities to transfer.
Before the game, Manchester City held a somewhat grand Ballon d''Or disy ceremony for Wang Feng. As the Chinese superstar circled the stadium with the trophy in hand, fireworks were set off around the stadium to add to the excitement.
Teammates reached out to touch the golden ball, representing the highest individual honor in football, showing envy and longing.
This spectacle not only made the away team envious and jealous but also generated resentment. Amidst the cheers andughter from the outside world, Wenger solemnly said in the dressing room, "Are we here just to watch them celebrate recklessly?"
"Get your spirits up and give the opponent a head-on blow to disrupt their good mood!"
Chapter 778: Unable to Dampen the Excitement
Chapter 778: Unable to Dampen the Excitement
As the referee blew the opening whistle, the showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal officially began.
With the advantage of ying at home, the Blue Moonunched a fierce attack against their opponents, quickly gaining the upper hand, hoping to take the lead as soon as possible.
The Gunners, on the other hand, significantly retracted their formation, relying only on two or three counterattacks to threaten the Manchester City goal.
"Manchester Citypletely dominates Arsenal in every aspect, and the gap between the two teams is quite evident," remarked thementator Johnson from British Independent Television.
"Arsenal''s defense is resorting to interceptions and long passes once again, it''s their only option. They can''t seem to pass through the midfield normally," he added.
"Sanchez with a direct pass, Giroud controls the ball and attempts a shot!"
"Not much of a threat, Bravo deflects the ball away. Any chance left? Kompany quickly moves forward to clear the danger."
"Oh! How did this happen? The ball is in! It''s in! Otamendi has done a blunder!"
"He originally intended to follow up to protect the ball, but he didn''t notice that his teammate had already turned and kicked the ball, which happened to deflect off him and into their own goal."
"It''s an unbelievable own goal. It''s hard to imagine that Manchester City had the upper hand, but due to such a dramatic turn of events, they now find themselves trailing."
Giroud, who contributed the shot, stood stunned on the spot, as if hit by a pie falling from the sky. It wasn''t until his teammates rushed over to surround him that the Frenchman came back to his senses, revealing an excited smile.
"Damn it!" Otamendi and Kompany looked at each other, unsure of who to me for a moment. One wanted to quickly clear the danger, while the other wanted to actively protect the ball and defend. Neither could be med.
But this was just too coincidental. A slight deviation and it wouldn''t have been an own goal.
On the sidelines, Wenger remained serious, but the slightly spread arms also revealed the Professor''s inner unrest at this moment.
He had anticipated a difficult game, with Arsenal only able to attempt defending and counterattacking, but achieving such results so early was indeed a pleasant surprise.
Conceding an own goal in the early stages of the match dealt a significant blow to the team''s morale and fighting spirit. The key now was to see if the Gunners could stabilize the situation and maintain their lead until the end.
After the kick-off, Manchester City continued to execute the tactics set by coach Guardi before the match. However, there was a more cautious approach in passing from the back, seemingly concerned about repeating simr mistakes, which in turn slowed down their offensive y.
The away team breathed a sigh of relief, but they didn''t rashly press on the attack. Instead, they continued to steadily defend, constantly filling and fixing defensive loopholes, hiding all their weaknesses.
Whenever Wang Feng received the ball in the frontcourt, he was inevitably surrounded by two or more defending yers, trying to avoid fouls while driving the Chinese superstar away from the core areas.
"Arsenal''s double-teaming defense is too strong, even Wang Feng is being restricted. Let''s see what he ns to do with the ball this time. He''s dribbling diagonally! This isn''t a good choice!"
After getting past Xhaka, the Chinese superstar stumbled his way forward, reaching the edge of the penalty area. Almost the entire Arsenal defensive line was drawn towards him, with defenders surrounding him from all sides.
Just when all the fans thought the ball would be intercepted, it suddenly passed through the crowded defenders and curved through the air on the pitch.
Aguero flew in for a header near the penalty spot, but the ball went past his toe.
"Close! That was a big miss. No! Sane at the back post, quickly surging forward, shoots!"
Amidst thementator''s roar, the German forward volleyed the ball forcefully, but the goalkeeper Cech, who was positioned centrally, moved quickly to make the save.
However, it was a bit hasty, as the ball had already hit the back of the before the Czech goalkeeper''s arm could reach the trajectory of the shot.
"Goooooooooooooal! Wang Feng assists Sane to equalize!"
"A precise pass, not only bypassing the dense defensive line, but also bypassing the poorly positioned teammate, finding the best option for the shot!"
"The Chinese superstar''s assist is so smooth. If you feel ufortable receiving the ball, then this ball definitely wasn''t meant for you!"
Sane, who equalized the score, shouted in excitement and then rushed towards the stands to interact with the fans.
Soon, his teammates rushed over, with Otamendi, his eyes slightly red, embracing Wang Feng and Sane, constantly expressing their gratitude.
If they had entered the second half with the pressure of an own-goal deficit, one can imagine how much pressure he would have been under.
"Why are you feeling so out of ce? We are a team, we share victory together and fight failure together!" the Chinese superstar patted Otamendi on the shoulder and said.
"Now we''re back on the same starting line with them. Come on, guys, show the momentum from the beginning. The Blue Moon will eventually dominate European football!" Kompany eximed excitedly.
This was originally a sentence Wang Feng said during an interview, and coincidentally, almost all of his teammates found it particrly domineering, so they often mentioned it to boost morale.
At the end of the first half, the score remained unchanged. Although Arsenal conceded a goal, they also scored an unexpected goal, which was eptable for Wenger.
Inside the home team''s locker room, nobody mentioned Otamendi''s own goal again. They never dwelled on past events, only focusing on the future.
Guardi exined the tactics for the uing match in an orderly manner, instructing each yer on how to position themselves. He didn''t intend to make any changes to the starting lineup; maintaining their unique rhythm was paramount.
"Arsenal''s overall discipline is very strong. Pulling and dragging their defensive line with back-and-forth passes doesn''t have much effect. So, Wang, I hope you can advance more like you did in the first half, use your individual abilities to threaten, attract defensive attention, and create space for your teammates," Guardi said.
The Chinese superstar nodded understandingly, indicating that he would increase his activity.
As the second half began, Wang Feng increased his time on the ball, attracting defenders to find openings, but of course, it didn''t always work.
He had to pass back three times, lost possession once, and created a threat once, but Aguero''s shot from close range went just wide of the post.
The deadlock always passes quickly. In the 75th minute, the Chinese superstar received a through ball from Silva in the middle, made a sudden stop and feint to shake off Walcott as he rushed towards the penalty area.
Although Arsenal knew that Wang Feng''s possession of the ball was to attract defenders, they also had to take it seriously because any carelessness would allow the opponents to find space for a shot, which was a legitimate strategy.
Taking advantage of the two defenders closing in, Wang Feng made a decisive through pass, perfectly threading between them and reaching the back post.
Fernandinho, who was making a run forward, received the ball near the byline and immediately sent a back pass with a backheel. Aguero, positioned 8 meters in front of the goal, took a close-range shot.
The ball flew into the without giving Arsenal goalkeeper Cech a chance to make any save. The speed was just too fast!
"Sergio Aguero!"
"Manchester City takes the lead at home! Wang Feng''s attacking n, Fernandinho assists Aguero!"
"The Chinese superstar once again utilizes his threat in the frontcourt. The process of splitting and then crossing was also very clever. After going through two rounds of defensive guidance, Aguero was almostpletely unmarked in the middle!"
Finally, the battle ended with Manchester City winning 2-1 against Arsenal. The Gunners ultimately failed to dampen the Blue Moon''s excellent mood.
Chapter 779: Rare Holiday
Chapter 779: Rare Holiday
After the match against Arsenal, Manchester City had achieved a record of 14 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, umting 44 points, extending their lead over second-ced Chelsea to 4 points.
At the same time, Liverpool, who ranked third and had yed one less game, only had 34 points, making it difficult for them to threaten the top two positions.
English football fans and media consistently focused on this high-profile battle, sparking widespread discussions before and after the match.
Wang Feng only registered one assist in the game, although he did not score himself, he remained the most eye-catching presence throughout the match.
Drawing defenders with sessive attacks, everyone saw him repeatedly breaking into the encirclement, maneuvering in extremely tight spaces, and looking for opportunities to pass the ball out.
Everyone was talking about and praising his superb skills, but this was not the original intention of the Chinese superstar.
Honestly, he had enjoyed the feeling of standing at the peak and leading the way for too long, and now he preferred to push his teammates toe forward.
So, Wang Feng posted two photos on social media, one showing Sane and Aguero celebrating after scoring goals, with a caption that read: "Brilliant goals, heroes of victory!"
The influence of the Chinese superstar was astonishing. Under his influence, people quickly shifted their attention to the two yers.
Aguero, needless to say, was a well-known outstanding striker. Since joining the Blue Moon from Atletico Madrid, despite several rumors of interest from top clubs, he always remained the absolute core of the team.
There were offers from the club to retain him, but there was also the Argentine striker''s love for the team that influenced his decision.
The rise of the 20-year-old young talent Sane was somewhat idental. The main striker, Sterling''s injury, gave him a lot of opportunities to y, and the German was very capable of seizing these opportunities, scoring 4 goals so far.
Moreover, Wang Feng asionally saw him during extra training sessions. Overall, talent and hard work made Sane, and he believed his future prospects were undoubtedly bright.
Approaching Christmas, even though the Premier League did not have a winter break, the schedule became sparse, and Wang Feng decided to take a trip to Madrid with his wife, taking advantage of a rare 3-day break.
His daughter was waiting eagerly at the gate of the estate. As soon as she saw her father''s figure, she rushed over like a swallow returning to its nest. Wang Feng quickly stepped forward to pick her up.
"Daddy, do you not want us anymore? You haven''te home for so long!" It seemed that coaxing was a natural talent for girls. Little Siyao pouted as if she was about to cry.
Wang Feng quicklyforted her softly, took out the carefully prepared gifts, and promised to spend more time with her in theing days. Only then did Little Siyao let him off the hook.
On the other hand, Haoxin, who had been trained in the youth academy, looked somewhat mature, deliberately ignoring his father, but the asional nces he cast revealed his thoughts.
Naturally, Wang Feng wouldn''t neglect one child for another. He also prepared generous gifts for his younger son, making him burst intoughter, and the family soon became harmonious and joyful.
Fatherly time was particrly precious to Wang Feng. He would listen carefully to the interesting things happening at his daughter''s school and discuss training issues with his son, nning to take some time to witness them personally.
Arriving at the youth training base, although he had heard about it before, the beautiful environment andplete facilities still surprised the Chinese superstar.
He didn''t expect such a small youth team to enjoy such treatment. Compared to his own experience back then, it was like heaven and earth.
Aldedice, the director of Real Madrid''s U9 team, attached great importance to Wang Feng''s visit. Not only did he apany him throughout the visit, but he also specially arranged a training session and a scrimmage.
Although the children were on holiday, upon learning that the Chinese superstar had arrived, they all rushed back to participate in the "idol meeting", eager to have close contact with this top figure in the football world. It was almost every young yer''s wish.
On these children, aged from 8 to 11, Wang Feng was surprised to find that they had developed a certain level of tactical skills and cooperation during the scrimmage. They worked together like a well-oiled machine.
This was much more advanced than the youth academies of Genk and even Inter Mn at the same period, not to mention domestic clubs, which were probably still practicing mundane and useless basic skills frequently at the same time.
With the development of modern football, the importance of tactics and teamwork has be increasingly prominent. If one cannot understand and integrate into the collective, it would be difficult to establish oneself on the field.
It could be said that Real Madrid''s youth yer development was leaps and bounds ahead. No wonder their U9 team was unbeatable, having even defeated the Vadolid U9 team 31-0, causing a small uproar.
"Little Haoxin''s performance is outstanding. He will surely inherit your legacy and be the future star of Real Madrid!" Aldedice eximed in admiration.
Wang Feng waved his hand. Who could say for sure about the future? He then requested the director not to expose his children too much to the media, as it would bring unnecessary pressure.
Aldedice understood and mentioned that even Zinedine Zidane''s eldest son Enzo, who was also a member of Real Madrid''s youth academy, faced difficulties due to his father''s fame. All his performances were magnified, which was difficult for the child to bear.
At the age of 21, his performance was far from as agile and eye-catching as it was when he was a child. He could barely hold a position in the B team and couldn''t break into the first team. Therefore, he was actively seeking a transfer to a team where he could y regrly.
Therefore, having suffered once, the Frenchman was very protective of his two sons, Theo and Eliasz, and news about them was basically nonexistent in the media.
The days of the holiday were always so short, and soon Wang Feng returned to Manchester to resume training.
Two dayster, the team set off for Yorkshire to challenge Hull City Club, which was the 18th round of the Premier League.
This team, founded in 1904 and located on the banks of the River Hull, had distinctive yellow and ck home jerseys, hence they were also known as the "Tigers".
Although they had a long history, it took Hull City a whole 104 years to make it to the top flight league. They had experienced several promotions and relegations, andst year they returned to the Premier League by defeating Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship y-offs.
Currently, the most famous yer in the team was the Serbian winger Lazar Markovic, who debuted for Belgrade''s Partizan and helped the team win the league title before joining Benfica.
That period was the peak of Markovic''s career. Not only did he win the domestic treble with excellent performances in Portugal, but he also attracted attention from Liverpool, subsequentlynding at Anfield for 20 million.
Unfortunately, he couldn''t keep up with the pace of the top clubs. A yearter, he joined Fenerbahce on loan, then had spells at Sporting Lisbon, and now at Hull City.
This newly promoted team couldn''t stop the pace of the Blue Moon. After the game started, the away team took control of everything.
In the 12th minute, De Bruyne sent a cross from the right, and Wang Feng headed the ball into the home team''s goal directly, opening the scoring for Manchester City.
Then, in the 29th minute, the Chinese superstar moved to the left,pleted a one-two with Sane, who then crossed the ball into the box. Wang Feng arrived easily to tap it in, scoring his second goal of the game.
After the break, Silva sent a through ball, and Aguero, on the left side of the penalty area, chipped the ball into the far corner with the outside of his foot, piercing through Hull City goalkeeper Jakupovic''s fingertips once again.
With victorypletely secured, Guardi began to rest yers, substituting Wang Feng for Nolito.
Towards the end of the game, substitute Fernando attempted a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, and the ball deflected off the ground unexpectedly, deflecting into the.
In the end, the Blue Moon won 4-0 against the Tigers, continuing to lead the Premier League standings.
Chapter 780: Exhausting End-of-Year Battle
Chapter 780: Exhausting End-of-Year Battle
On December 31st, thest day of 2016, Manchester City remained busy as they weed Liverpool''s challenge for the 19th round of the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
Reds coach Klopp deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Mignolet in goal.
The backline consisted of Clyne, Milner, Lovren, and van.
In midfield were Lana, Wijnaldum, and Henderson.
Up front were Firmino, Mane, and Origi.
Wang Feng, attempting to y a match on New Year''s Eve for the first time, wasn''t particrly enthusiastic. Not only him, many veterans who had been battling in the Premier League for several seasons still couldn''t adapt.
Both teams failed to fully showcase their abilities, with frequent mistakes on the field and less than ideal chances being capitalized on.
The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium was lively, not only filled with home team fans enjoying the holiday but also many tourists visiting Manchester joining in the excitement.
The home team created the first significant threat. In the 11th minute, through efficient coordination in midfield, the ball found its way to De Bruyne''s feet after a series of passes, with the Liverpool defense in disarray.
Seizing the opportunity, the Belgian midfielder sent a low pass to the left side of the penalty area, where Sane made a shot before the defending yers could react. Wang Feng arrived at the back post and attempted a tap-in.
Unfortunately, his shot was slightly off target, and the ball was blocked out for a corner.
"Ah! That should have been a goal. The Chinese superstar shouldn''t miss chances like that!"
"Yes, it seems like Wang Feng, just as spected before, is not adapting well to the end-of-year matches. Among the top five leagues, only the Premier League is not so ''humane''."
Shortly after, Liverpool''s counterattack reached the home team''s defense. Henderson received the ball on the wing and passed it to Firmino, who then quicklybined with Origi to break through the defense and reach the goal line.
The ball was crossed into the box, intercepted by Mane, who calmly controlled it and slotted it through Bravo''s legs, rolling slowly into the behind him. The Reds took the lead!
After that, the away team yed increasingly smoothly. In one counterattack, Lana managed to surpass Otamendi on the wing and sent a cross into the penalty area.
The Manchester City defense was loose, allowing Origi to receive the ball with his back to the goal, turn quickly, and shoot. The ball grazed the pitch, hit the post, and deflected over the goal line.
0:2! The Blue Moon found themselves in apletely unfavorable situation!
In the second half, the home team also created some good opportunities. Silva switched the y to De Bruyne on the other side, who then delivered a precise through ball.
Wang Feng received the ball in the penalty area and attempted a chip shot, but the ball flew over the crossbar under Milner''s interference, missing the goal once again, leaving Manchester City unrewarded.
It wasn''t until the 88th minute that the Blue Moon''s attack finally paid off. It was a corner kick taken by De Bruyne, and the Chinese superstar waited for his chance in the penalty area.
The ball was delivered into the area, and as Clyne jumped to head it away, the ball flew high but not far.
As it descended, Wijnaldum and Aguero both went for the rebound. Taking advantage of the referee''s distraction, Wijnaldum discreetly nudged the Argentine forward, sessfully controlling the ball and clearing it away.
Outside the penalty area, Silva chested the ball down and then lobbed it towards the penalty area at a 45-degree angle. Wang Feng moved into position, leaped sideways, and volleyed the ball into the, finally breaking through Mignolet''s defense.
Thiste goal ultimately couldn''t help the team achieve aeback, and Manchester City lost 1:2 to Liverpool in this peak showdown.
"My performance in the game wasn''t very good, and I wasted several excellent opportunities," Wang Feng took responsibility for the loss in the mixed zone after the game.
When asked if his mood was affected by the busy end-of-year period, the Chinese superstar nodded, "I can''t deny that. I''ve never experienced end-of-year battles before this."
"To be honest, it''s quite tough. I often think about reuniting with my family, rxing and having fun around the table. After being busy all year, I need some relief."
"Of course, these are not excuses for losing. I will adjust my mood and physical condition as soon as possible to face the uing matches and challenges."
In the press conference, coach Guardi believed there was no need to me anyone for the loss, "Perhaps Wang''s performance was not as efficient as before, but how can we ignore the threats he created and the goal he scored in the end?"
"He has done well enough; sometimes we just want more."
The Spanish coach stated that this defeat was not the end of the world. The team still had the initiative in the title race, and what they needed to do next was to restart, "There is still half a season of the league to go."
Manchester City''s rare loss in a high-profile match against a leading rival naturally attracted great media attention. However, as Guardi said, they still remained hot favorites for the title.
After all, before this, the team had conquered directpetitors like Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal. As long as they continued their dominant performance in the second half of the season, victory would be within reach.
Regarding Wang Feng''s poor performance, even the most critical people couldn''t me him too much, "His performance on the field would be considered excellent for any other forward. It''s just because he''s Wang, the deity who must lead the team to victory."
Many people also began to discuss the significance of the cruel schedule of the Premier League and why there couldn''t be some time set aside for a winter break.
The objective reason was thatpared to other European countries, Ennd had one more domestic cuppetition, so more time was needed to schedule matches.
But in reality, only one or two games at most were scheduled over a few days, and the main reason was subjective, namely, the extreme emphasis onmercial development, with all actions aimed at making money.
So far, Premier League broadcast revenue was almost equal to the sum of Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A broadcast revenuebined, with only La Liga barely keeping up.
With Wang Feng leaving Real Madrid to join Manchester City, La Liga''s revenue had plummeted, while the Premier League had further increased, widening the gap between the two leagues.
If the Premier League implemented a winter break like other leagues, itsmercial value would definitely decrease.
Simr to the NBA''s Christmas battles, as the holiday season approached, the entertainment needs of ordinary people increased.
At this time, apart from the Premier League, other leagues had already stopped, naturally attracting the attention of football fans worldwide.
At this time, showcasing uniquepetitiveness and charm could convert some into long-term fans. Over time, of course, the fan base would grow evenrger.
On the first day of the new year, Manchester City rushed to Lancashire to prepare for their match against Burnley in the 20th round of the Premier League on January 2nd.
Fortunately, the two ces were not far apart, only about 70 kilometers away, and it took about two hours by bus.
In this game, the Blue Moon swept away their decline, defeating their opponents 6:0.
Wang Feng contributed with two goals, while Aguero, Sane, De Bruyne, and substitute Sterling all found the.
On January 6th, the prestigious FA Cup ignited the battle, with Manchester City facing West Ham United in the round of 64.
Thispetition included all member teams of the English Football Association, including the Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, and amateur divisions.
Therefore, before the round of 64, there were two rounds of qualifying matches and two rounds of knockout matches, all decided by a single game.
Coach Guardi started with a semi-main lineup, rotating Wang Feng, and brought him on in the 75th minute when Manchester City was already leading 1:0.
Seven minutester, the Chinese superstar took advantage of a free-kick opportunity outside the penalty area to increase the lead, sealing the victorypletely.
Chapter 781: The Brand New FIFA Best Player Trophy
Chapter 781: The Brand New FIFA Best yer Trophy
The winter transfer work for the 2016-17 season was in full swing. As early as the previous summer, Manchester City had signed an agreement with Palmeiras from the Brazilian Serie A.
In January of this year, the 19-year-old Brazilian youngster Jesus officially joined the Blue Moon, with a transfer fee as high as ??27 million.
Although he had not yet proven himself on the European stage, his outstanding potential still attracted the attention of many top clubs.
In today''s era, waiting patiently for a yer to prove himself before making a move is already toote. More clubs tend to "gamble on the lottery," using a not-so-expensive price to bet on the future.
Simrly, the cash-rich Paris Saint-Germain also spent ?30 million to sign the 20-year-old Portuguese youngster Gon?alo Guedes from Benfica.
As an "excellent product" of the C??sar Youth Academy, Guedes made his debut for the first team at the age of 17. The Eagles had always nned to package and sell him at a good price from the start.
Then Paris continued to make moves, digging out the German forward Julian Draxler from Wolfsburg for a high price of ?40 million.
He had intended to leave Wolfsburgst summer, but due to transfer wishes and cost issues, the deal fell through. He had also had a very unpleasant experience with the club, facing internal suspension penalties.
Now, resolving these troubles during the winter break could be considered mutually beneficial.
Just when everyone thought this transfer would take the winter window by storm, another blockbuster deal exploded in the football world.
Chelsea''s former midfielder, the 25-year-old Brazilian star Oscar, transferred to the Chinese Super League''s Shanghai SIPG for a staggering ??50 million.
Fans were amazed at his departure from mainstream European leagues at his peak, while marveling at the power of the Chinese Super League''s financial resources.
However, behind this red-hot wave of money, there was still a group of "rebellious" people.
They were the young yers cultivated by Wang Feng, born from European youth training systems, spread out to various secondary leagues to train, gradually growing and improving.
On January 10th, the annual FIFA Awards Ceremony was held in Zurich, Switzend.
The Best XI still consisted mainly of Real Madrid''s dynasty, with Barcelona gaining some credit for their outstanding performance in the second half of the year. Manchester City''s David Silva and Wang Feng became the only non-La Liga yers.
The lineup included goalkeeper Navas, defenders Ramos, Marcelo, Alves, and Pique.
In midfield were Modric, David Silva, and Iniesta, with forwards Wang Feng, Aguero, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A new FIFA Fan Award was added this year, awarded to passionate fans of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
The Puskas Award was won by Mysia''s Subri, with a stunning long-range free kick that curved into the.
The Fair y Award was given to Colombia''s Nacional Atl??tico, as they voluntarily gave up participating in the Copa Sudamericana final, allowing the championship to be awarded to the Brazilian club Chapecoense, who suffered a ne crash.
The Best Female Coach of the Year was won by German coach Neid, and the Best Female yer was American yer Lloyd.
Ancelotti''s failure to retain the Best Male Coach of the Year was somewhat regrettable. Santos, who led Portugal to their first European Championship victory, also missed out on the award.
udio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to the miracle of winning the Premier League title, emerged as the biggest winner, shocking the European football world.
Finally, the climax of the World yer of the Year award did not see any surprises. Wang Feng won the title with 34.54% of the votes, Cristiano Ronaldo ranked second with 26.42% of the votes, and Antoine Griezmann ranked third with only 7.53% of the votes.
After receiving the brand new trophy from FIFA President Infantino, Wang Feng made a yful gesture, looking at it for a moment before saying, "A brand new style, hmm, my trophy room just got richer!"
The audience burst intoughter, followed by warm apuse for the Chinese superstar.
As the only yer to have won the World yer of the Year award across three eras, he indeed had a wide variety of trophy styles in his collection.
After a little joke, Wang Feng returned to the topic, thanking Real Madrid and Manchester City for their help, thanking his family for their support, especially in times of separation. "I believe that parting is for a better reunion."
Like the Ballon d''Or, this was the 12th time the Chinese superstar had won the FIFA Best yer award, a great achievement that would be a highlight in football history.
FIFA, UEFA, and the AFC all congratted Wang Feng on their official websites, while the football associations of Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Ennd also published articles of admiration on their official tforms.
Any organization that could be associated with the Chinese superstar would eagerly speak out, doing their best to link themselves to his legendary career.
Fans and media looked back on the past dozen years of world football, with many outstanding talents emerging, but no one had ever threatened Wang Feng''s dominance.
The issue of session had been discussed over and over again, from the beginning with Ronaldinho, Kaka, to Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and now Neymar, Hazard.
Every time these stars emerged, people would specte whether they could catch up with Wang Feng''s pace.
Until now, more and more people had received a definite answer: no! There was no one in the past, no one now, and there would be no one in the future!
Wang Feng''s abilities and achievements were unique, like the difference between stars and the sun.
Pele once said in an interview, "We are humans, Wang is a god. No one canpare to him. Even trying to catch up is a luxury."
"Legend, greatness, these words are no longer enough to describe him. You just need to watch his games and be amazed with your mouth wide open."
Maradona also said, "I have never truly admired any yer from the bottom of my heart, Wang is the only one. It''s a bit regrettable not to have had the chance topete with him on the same field, but it''s more fortunate."
"Otherwise, the evaluation inter generations might be: under the reign of football god Wang Feng, there appeared such an excellent yer as Maradona, haha."
Beckenbauer also held the same view, "To be able to surpass an era, and even surpass the football world, there is only Wang Feng alone. No matter when the rankings are made, he will always be the undisputed number one."
In response to the voices that had emerged in recent times, suggesting excluding Wang Feng from the selection of the world''s best, FIFA President Infantino responded officially.
"This viewpoint is a betrayal and insult to the football cause. Wang is the greatest football yer in history."
"He always responds to everyone''s expectations, but wanting more has gradually turned into me, into something unreasonable and unfair."
"As long as Wang continues to perform better than other yers, we should award him the major prizes, regardless of how many honors he has received in the past."
Chapter 782: I Want Them All
Chapter 782: I Want Them All
While Wang Feng attended the FIFA Awards Ceremony, Manchester City also faced the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Hull City, a team they had easily defeated before.
With goals from De Bruyne and Yaya Toure, the Sky Blues secured a 2-0 victory, taking the lead in the tie.
Next up, on January 15th, in the 21st round of the Premier League, Manchester City hosted Everton at home.
Before the game, the club held a grand ceremony for the Chinese superstar, allowing him to receive cheers and apuse from the fans while holding the FIFA Best yer trophy.
Subsequently, amidst the enthusiastic support, the team achieved revenge with a 3-0 victory over the Toffees.
Wang Feng contributed with two goals and an assist, showing remarkable form. His continuous prative runs in the forward line disrupted the opponent''s defense, which was unable to stop him.
However, in the 22nd round of the Premier League, ying away at White Hart Lane, the Sky Blues faced a tough challenge from Tottenham Hotspur.
This was thest season at the historic White Hart Lane, as Spurs would temporarily move to Wembley Stadium next season while the original ground underwent renovation, expected to be back in use by the 2018-2019 season.
Therefore, both yers and fans cherished every game at this old stadium, even against formidable opponents like Manchester City, showing no signs of intimidation.
After a tough battle, Silva assisted Sane for the opening goal, but abination from Eriksen and Kane equalized the score, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
On January 25th, in the League Cup semi-final second leg, a rotated Manchester City side drew 0-0 with Hull City, ultimately defeating them 2-0 on aggregate to advance to the final.
In the mixed zone after the match, Wang Feng, who came on as a substitute for only 15 minutes, was still stopped by reporters, wanting to hear his thoughts on the game.
"The game was a bit dull, but we collectively held onto the victory. Next up is the final against Southampton, and I believe the team will definitely not miss the first trophy of the season."
"As the starting point, the Sky Blues will win each game, achieving dominance in the Premier League and the unprecedented quadruple!"
"And I will do my best to help the team achieve this great goal!" the Chinese superstar said confidently.
Wang Feng''s ambitious statement was soon reported by various media outlets, surprising many with Manchester City''s appetite, aiming for the quadruple.
This narrative also sparked dissatisfaction among some "noble Premier League fans". In their minds, the Premier League was a fiercelypetitive stage where no team couldpete for four titles.
Especially not a club like Manchester City, which exuded the air of nouveau riche,cking the heritage to support such an achievement.
"Arrogant!" was how The Mirror, Ennd''s newspaper, evaluated Wang Feng''s remarks. "Even he cannotpletely conquer the Premier League."
"Yes, the Chinese superstar has created various miracles, but Ennd is the birthce of modern football, and its top league''s level andpetitiveness are unmatched in Europe."
"Throughout the hundred-year history, no team has been able to achieveplete dominance in allpetitions. Even winning the league and FA Cup double is a rare feat, achievable only by a few powerhouses, not something the nouveau riche can aspire to."
The Mirror''s perspective to some extent struck a chord with the conservatives. They acknowledged Wang Feng''s greatness while emphasizing that the treble, let alone the quadruple, was unattainable, thus indirectly elevating the status of the Premier League.
Moreover, various experts and schrs analyzed from different angles why the quadruple could not be achieved, including congested schedules and fluctuations in yers'' mental states.
The entire English football scene became lively because of the Chinese superstar''s words.
"So, are you serious?" Aguero asked curiously during a training session break.
It wasn''t just the Argentine star; other teammates also wanted to ask Wang Feng if he really intended to lead the team in the pursuit of all four titles.
"Of course, isn''t the Premier League as strong as it gets? Is winning the quadruple harder than winning ten consecutive league titles or ten consecutive Champions Leagues?"
In fact, coach Guardi also held an optimistic attitude towardspeting on four fronts. With significant investment in the summer beefing up the squad''s depth, coupled with the addition of miracle yer Wang Feng, what was impossible?
However, the Spanish coach felt it was a bit too early to reveal the team''s ambitions. But the Chinese superstar said, "I don''t think so, boss. The most important thing in fighting on multiple fronts lies in the yers'' fighting spirit."
"So we need loud slogans and clear goals, so that everyone won''t feel lost."
Thinking of this, Wang Feng simply called everyone together, "Guys, the outside world is mocking our ambition and nouveau riche mentality, the more so we need to show convincing performances and be a true powerhouse!"
"I know you may still feel a bit at sea, that''s okay. As I said before, let''s take it one game at a time!"
"Only kids make choices, adults want them all!"
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn''t help but burst intoughter. Although still a bit uneasy, the memory of Wang Feng''s past glory brought them a lot of confidence.
"The performance of Crystal Pce is surprising; their defense is too tough, making it difficult for Manchester City to advance."
"Is this still the same Eagles struggling in the relegation zone? It seems the club''s strategy is to go all out for the FA Cup, after all, it''s the only honor they can vie for."
"Look at this time, Wang Feng''s dribble attack, cooperating with Silva, the ball is passed over!"
"Wow, that tackle was fierce. The referee shows a yellow card to McArthur, but his foul sessfully stopped the away team''s attack."
In the FA Cup round of 32, Manchester City faced Crystal Pce away. What was expected to be an easy game turned into a passive situation.
The home team scored a goal unexpectedly early in the game and then retreated to defend, disrupting the rhythm of the Sky Blues'' attacks with aggressive defending.
The spectators at Selhurst Park were also very supportive, constantly shouting at the top of their lungs, creating a strong home atmosphere.
They wanted to defeat Manchester City here,pletely shattering their desire to dominate English football!
In the 80th minute, Wang Feng dropped back to the midfield to receive a direct pass from Otamendi, then passed it sideways to Silva while gesturing with his hand.
Silva immediately understood and sent a through ball. The Chinese superstar received the ball, evading a tackle from behind effortlessly, not only avoiding contact with the ball but also evading any chance of being fouled.
De Bruyne continued to pass forward diagonally after receiving the ball. Wang Feng, at the edge of the penalty area, cut inside smoothly, instantly attracting all the defenders'' attention.
Finding the right moment, he made a horizontal pass to the front of the goal, where Aguero, unmarked, scored from close range, finally equalizing the score!
"Clean and neat consecutive passes, beautiful runs; Wang dominates the field at this moment!"
"The Crystal Pce yers wanted to disrupt the attacking rhythm with fouls as before, but Manchester City''s speed is too fast, smoothly entering the penalty area and scoring!"
After equalizing the score, the Sky Blues continued their relentless attacks. Five minutester, with continuous passing in the frontcourt, Wang Feng scored with a chip shot into the far corner.
In the end, Manchester City won 2-1 against Crystal Pce, advancing to the FA Cup round of 16.
Chapter 783: Stepping Forward
Chapter 783: Stepping Forward
The first match in February was in the 23rd round of the Premier League, with Manchester City hosting West Ham United at home.
Consecutive matches in the League Cup and FA Cup had left the home team''s yers somewhat fatigued, but they rallied their spirits and wholeheartedly immersed themselves in the game, not only to salvage their pride but also for the team''s lucrative prize money.
In the first half, Wang Feng received a direct pass from De Bruyne and slotted home from a tight angle to open the scoring for the team. However, just five minutester, Antonio equalized for the away team.
In the second half, the Belgian midfielder once again brilliantly assisted the Chinese superstar to score, and with Nolito adding a goal as a substitute, the Sky Blues eventually defeated the Hammers 3-1.
Next, Manchester City also defeated Swansea City and Bournemouth. By mid-February, the knockout stages of the Champions League began.
In the first leg, they traveled to the Parc des Princes to challenge Paris Saint-Germain. In terms of the pedigree of the two rich clubs, the Sky Blues clearly had a longer history and a more reasonable lineup.
In the PSG team, both Di Maria and Maxwell were old friends of Wang Feng. Before the game, they joked andughed together, but once the match started, they were fiercelypetitive and unwilling to give an inch.
A fierce attacking battle unfolded before all the fans.
Just 102 seconds into the game, Stones surged forward along the sideline to join the attack, receiving a pass from Fernandinho and delivering a cross.
Wang Feng, charging into the middle, unleashed a powerful shot. The ball pierced through Marquinhos and Kimbempe, evading goalkeeper Trapp''s outstretched fingers and giving the away team an early lead.
In the 11th minute, the Chinese superstar and De Bruynebined with a one-two in the middle. Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past the defense into the penalty area, and scored with a lofted shot into the far corner, extending Manchester City''s lead.
On PSG''s side, Di Maria started to exert himself. First, he forcefully dribbled past defenders on the wing, then abruptly stopped and shook off the marking before curling a shot with the outside of his foot.
The ball arched beautifully in the air and found the corner of the, leaving Bravo helpless.
Later, the Argentine winger delivered a deadly cross, and Cavani pounced on the ball in the penalty area to equalize from close range, making it 2-2.
After the break, the atmosphere remained fiercelypetitive. De Bruyne assisted Aguero to take the lead again, but Verratti equalized with a header from a corner kick.
It wasn''t until the 71st minute when Manchester City won the ball in their own half, Otamendi passed to Silva, Silva passed to Wang Feng, who dribbled forward with the ball.
After bypassing Muniain and Maxwell one after another, he entered the penalty area, only to be brought down by Kimbempe with a sliding tackle.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty, and even the home fans in the stands couldn''t find any reason to protest. The foul was too obvious and too crucial.
Wang Feng personally took the penalty kick andpleted his hat-trick, also helping the Sky Blues take the lead for the third time.
After that, despite PSG ying with one man down, they still didn''t give up hope and struggled on.
In the 85th minute, Silva intercepted the ball in the middle and passed it to Wang Feng to initiate another counterattack. Advancing into the heart of the field, the Chinese superstar made a cross, assisting Aguero to score the goal that secured victory.
In the end, this goalden battle ended with a 5-3 scoreline, with Manchester City having thestugh.
"Congrattions, old buddy, it looks like you''re heading towards another championship," Di Maria said to Wang Feng after the match.
The Argentine forward was somewhat frustrated by the result, but he wasn''t too disheartened. After all, the team fought until thest minute, and theirck of strength was an objective fact.
Although there was still the second leg to contend with, PSG was almost impossible to score three or more goals at the Etihad Stadium. The Sky Blues were basically through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
"You know, Angel, just like before, I''ll keep ying one game at a time," Wang Feng smiled and embraced Di Maria.
Although the Argentine wanted to hang out with Wang Feng and otherster, considering the impact, Wang Feng politely declined, "If the PSG management and media see you guys still having fun after losing, it might be material for criticism."
Di Maria shrugged helplessly. His professional career always seemed a bit bumpy. Despite his outstanding skills, he never seemed to be appreciated by clubs.
Real Madrid was like that, and so were Manchester United and PSG. Everyone acknowledged his ability but was unwilling to provide corresponding sry treatment.
After the match against PSG, Manchester City had seven days of rest. On February 24th, the English League Cup final was held at Wembley Stadium, with Southampton as the opponent.
After the kickoff, the Sky Blues controlled possession, while the Saints remained cautious and retreated to defend in their own half, disying a 200% seriousness in their approach to the showdown.
Southampton had performed quite well in the league, currently sitting in seventh ce on the table, with a chance to enter the Europeanpetition with a bit more effort.
In the 14th minute, a mistake by Sabaleta led to a threatening attack by Gabbiadini, who almost scored, causing a cold sweat for everyone in Manchester City.
Later, in a counterattack, Romeu sent a precise long pass to find Gabbiadini. The Italian striker''s final shot was a bit weak and was collected by goalkeeper Bravo.
The two attacks by the Saints were quite threatening, and naturally, the Sky Blues were not willing to be outdone. De Bruyne passed the ball on the wing, San advanced to near the goal line and delivered a triangle pass.
Aguero, following up, volleyed the ball, which almost scraped the post and went out of bounds.
In the 24th minute, Silva sent a through pass in the middle, Aguero retreated to the edge of the penalty area to receive it, and without adjusting, he directly knocked the ball behind Southampton''s defensive line.
Wang Feng, who had surged forward from the back, pushed the ball into the near post from the right side of the penalty area with his left foot, piercing through Fraser''s legs and sessfully breaking Southampton''s goal.
But just four minutester, Southampton hit back. Tadic dribbled down the wing and sent a cross. Gabbiadini received the ball with his back to the goal, then turned and sent a low shot to the left, beating the Manchester City goalkeeper.
Later, the Saints became even more confident. Just before the end of the first half, Yoshida took a long shot from outside the penalty area to reverse the score!
After the break, under the instructions of head coach Guardi, Manchester City aggressively pressed forward, with Aguero and Wang Feng tightly marking Southampton''s defense, and soon they began to struggle.
In the 67th minute, the Chinese superstar intercepted a pass from Southampton defender Cedric and immediatelyunched a counterattack.
Breaking through near the goal line, Wang Feng lofted a pass with his left foot. The ball flew over most of the penalty area and quickly dropped to the left side of the small penalty area.
Taking advantage of his teammates attracting the defense, Fernandinho made a quick sprint from outside the penalty area and, leaping high at thending point, used his forehead to nod the ball into Southampton''s goal.
And in the 87th minute, as the game neared its end, Wang Feng quickly initiated another attack from the front, dribbling past two defenders with sessive shoulder feints, and then kicked a bending shot along the edge of the penalty area.
The ball, flying past the goalkeeper''s outstretched hand, curved into the, sealing the victory!
In the end, Manchester City defeated Southampton 3-2, winning their first trophy of the season, and the fifth League Cup in the club''s history.
They were steadily fulfilling Wang Feng''s promise, not missing a single step!
Chapter 784: You Can Do It
Chapter 784: You Can Do It
The League Cup was the first trophy Manchester City had won since Wang Feng joined the club, and it was also the first time under Guardi''s leadership, which was quite a celebratory asion. Therefore, after the match, everyone gathered at a restaurant in London under the leadership of the coach.
Among the clinking of sses, Kompany''s spirits were high, "Wang is right. We have the ability to create miracles and let the entire Ennd, the entire Europe bask in the glory of the Blue Moon!"
He had personally witnessed Manchester City''s journey from a struggling small team to where they were now, and now they only needed to push a little further to achieve what many top clubs couldn''t.
There were still many people who disliked Manchester City, and the mainstream media didn''t have much praise for them either. But there was a time when people also hated Chelsea, until the Blues won the Premier League and Champions League titles, earning respectable credentials.
yers like Aguero and Fernandinho also came forward to express themselves. If there had been any hesitation or timidity in their hearts before, now there was only confidence and determination.
On February 27th, Manchester City weed their cross-town rivals Manchester United in the 26th round of the Premier League.
Although the Red Devils were in sixth ce in the standings, almost losing hope ofpeting for the championship, this game still attracted a lot of attention from fans and the media.
Although the Manchester Derby wasn''t as intense as the Ennd national derby between Manchester United and Liverpool, in recent years, with the rise of City and the decline of United, it had also sparked many conflicts.
Having just experienced the League Cup final showdown, head coach Guardi made adjustments to the lineup, making some rotations in the front, middle, and back.
At this stage, the Sky Blues were still in an advantageous position, and the main purpose was to keep the yers in top form.
After a continuous attack for nearly thirty minutes, the Blue Moon finally tore open Manchester United''s defense with a series of passes in midfield, advancing into the opponent''s territory.
Wang Feng flicked David Silva''s cross to the far post, where Sterling leaped high and headed the ball into the.
Manchester City led 1-0!
After scoring, the English forward couldn''t help but shed tears of excitement. He had finally ended his goal drought of more than three months!
Sterling tightly embraced the Chinese superstar who had rushed over to celebrate, continuously expressing his gratitude, not only for his assist just now but also for his guidance throughout the game.
As the ambassador of "Happy Football," Sterling hadn''t been very happy this season. Hisck of finishing ability and constant injuries had led to Leroy Sane quickly taking up a lot of ying time.
Feeling frustrated, he could only numb himself by constantly training, giving off an aura of not wanting to be approached, gradually drifting away from his teammates.
But at this moment, Wang Feng didn''t reject him. Instead, he invited the English forward to train together, generously teaching him his unique finishing skills and pointing out many of his problems.
Sterling felt ashamed of his candid attitude, feeling that he had let down the expectations of the Chinese superstar. All the young yers, including him, looked up to Wang Feng like a god.
Moreover, he was indeed not performing well and was still wasting many opportunities. So, after a confrontation exercise, he burst out, "You don''t have to bother with me anymore. I''m just a pile of mud, as Cristiano Ronaldo said a long time ago!"
After saying that, the English forward regretted it. He was really afraid that Wang Feng would also be disappointed in him or say something derogatory. If that happened, Sterling would really lose the courage to continue ying football.
Unexpectedly, the Chinese superstar didn''t do that. Instead, he said, "If you were a pile of mud, how could you y in the top five leagues? How could you be hailed as a talented young star? Are all those people blind?"
Sterling was stunned by his words, his eyes red, looking at Wang Feng, who continued, "Every yer has their strengths and weaknesses. Why don''t you think about why you always find yourself in key positions and get scoring opportunities?"
"To be honest, your final touch is indeed poor, but there are both technical and psychological issues. You''re afraid of facing failure."
"But how can you gain motivation to move forward without failure? What you need to do now is to y to your strengths, hone your positioning talent to the fullest, and at the same time sharpen your finishing skills."
No usations, no insults, the Chinese superstar was still teaching him!
Tears welled up in the English forward''s eyes. Ever since he had a series of conflicts with Cristiano Ronaldo, this matter had been like a mountain weighing on his heart.
What level was the Portuguese star? He was a superstar who consistently ranked among the world''s best!
Such a big figure kept publicly saying he was rubbish, and over time, even Sterling himself believed it.
But now, an even bigger figure, the football god Wang Feng, said to him that he still had hope, that he still had shining points. In that instant, Sterling felt like the sky had cleared up.
Starting from this goal, Sterling nned to start anew. Regardless of whether he would have the chance to stay at Manchester City in the future, the time spent with the Chinese superstar would impact his life.
The first half ended with Manchester City leading, and in the 66th minute of the second half, Silva sent a through ball, and Wang Feng received it around forty meters from the goal, with his back to the defenders.
At this moment, four defensive yers had gathered around him, especially Mata, who was approaching from behind, ready to violently foul to stop the threat.
Wang Feng seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He knocked the ball back to De Bruyne just before contact with Mata, and quickly moved forward.
The Belgian midfielder carried the ball forward, attracting the attention of the four defensive yers. But before they could converge, he quickly passed the ball to the Chinese superstar.
At the same time, Wang Feng, elerating further, rushed into the penalty area.
The Argentine forward, Aguero, used the tip of his right foot to touch the ball, letting it fly over the United defense line and drop behind them.
At this moment, the Chinese superstar shook off Smalling and controlled the ball while elerating, effortlessly dropping it to his feet with his right knee as he sped up towards the goal.
Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Wang Feng calmly lifted the ball with a lob, lofting it over De Gea and into the, while Rojo''s attempt to clear the ball from the goal line was a step too slow.
"Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in!"
"Wang Feng has contributed a brilliant goal, and Manchester City is now two goals ahead of Manchester United!"
"They formed consecutive passes in the frontcourt, sessfully breaking into the penalty area after two wall passes. The Chinese superstar sent the ball into the Red Devils'' before the approaching Smalling and De Gea could interfere."
The camera cut to the jubnt crowd at the Etihad Stadium, "As long as Wang is here, Manchester City fans can rest assured and enjoy the charm of football to the fullest. It''s something to envy."
"They always feel safe and stable with him around. In the past few years, the Blue Moon has had its moments of glory, but there was always a sense of luck."
"But at this moment, we can really feel their formidable pressure, perhaps they can indeed create history."
In the end, Manchester City defeated Manchester United 2-0, securing another crucial victory.
Chapter 785: Deluxe Professional Team
Chapter 785: Deluxe Professional Team
"Manchester City advances into the frontcourt, Silva passes to De Bruyne."
"Beautiful! A rhythm change with a quick start after controlling the ball shakes off the defenders, a cross from the bottom!"
"Wang Feng is in position at the back post in the penalty area, he shoots!! Goal!! Goooooooooooooooooooal!!"
"This is the third goal of the match, and it''s also the first goal contributed by Wang Feng, securing the victory for the Blue Moon!"
Starting from the League Cup final, Manchester City continued their intensive schedule, ying a major battle almost every 3 to 4 days.
Today''s match is the FA Cup round of 16, with the opponent being Huddersfield from the Championship.
They are the first team in the English Premier League to win three consecutive championships, hailed as the strongest club in Britain and even the world in the 1920s.
To this day, only four Premier League teams have achieved three consecutive championships. The other three teams are Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
However, in the forties and fifties, Huddersfield gradually declined and were relegated, never returning to the top-flight league.
Despite theirck of strength, this team ys a very aggressive style of football, with constant physical confrontations on the field, making Guardi, the head coach, anxious.
At present, he is confident in factors such as the team''s strength and fighting spirit, the only concern being injuries.
Just 20 minutes into the first half, Fernandinho fell to the ground and had to be substituted early due to an injury sustained in a tackle with an opponent.
Naturally, Wang Feng is also the focus of attention for Huddersfield yers. 66 minutes into the game, his jersey has turned from blue to ck, with plenty of grass stains.
Fortunately, due to the space created by the Chinese superstar, they seized the opportunity to score two consecutive goals.
Seeing this, Guardi called Nolito to warm up and prepare toe on. Now, with Wang Feng scoring his third goal,pletely killing any suspense, he was reced amidst the cheers of the home fans.
The Spanish coach hugged the Chinese superstar tightly, encouraged him a few words, and then said, "Wang, hurry to the treatment room for a check-up. The fouls just now were quite serious, you must not leave any hidden injuries."
Although the match was not over yet, with permission from the coaching staff, he could naturally leave the field early. Wang Feng also felt sore all over and needed to recover properly.
The club spent a lot of money and effort to bring the Chinese superstar, so naturally they would provide him with the most deluxe team. There were nearly thirty staff members dedicated to serving him alone.
Of course, Wang Feng also proved his worth. Not to mention his outstanding performance in terms of data, just looking at the number of times he was fouled on the field, he already topped the entire Premier League, surpassing the second-ce yer by more than a third.
With such intensepetition, after each match, these staff members would formte recovery ns based on his real-time physical condition, ensuring maximum health.
Lying on the treatment bed and receiving meticulous massages, the Chinese superstar felt that every cell in his body was rxing. It was truly the most professional team in the world.
"Except for a slight fatigue in the right thigh, everything else is very healthy, sir," said the renowned physiotherapist Mendez, flipping through the records.
"Is that so? What''s the probability of injury if I continue to exert myself?" asked Wang Feng, squinting.
"It''s probably less than half, sir, I can''t confirm the specifics, but I will inform the coaching staff of this risk and take some measures ordingly."
"To be honest, sir, you are the most rxed client I have ever served. I didn''t expect you to have such a keen sense of your own body."
"If you hadn''t reminded us to check the key areas, I''m afraid we would need something more serious to happen before we could notice."
Wang Feng chuckled. His perception and recovery abilities were already very strong, coupled with the assistance of many professional experts around him, he could definitely prolong his career significantly.
After a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield, advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals, Manchester City faced Sundend away in the 27th round of the Premier League.
In the first round of the league, the Blue Moon had a big win at home against their opponents, starting their journey topete for the title. Naturally, they wouldn''t give Sundend much of a chance now.
From the beginning, Manchester Citypletely controlled the pace of the game. In the 20th minute, Wang Feng scored the opening goal for the away team with a sudden long shot from outside the penalty area, catching the goalkeeper off guard.
Leading, the Blue Moon remained calm and continued to maintain high pressure. The home team seemed like a small boat sailing in the rough sea, with towering waves one after another, quickly overturning and shattering thempletely.
Just before halftime, Sundend conceded another goal. This time, it was scored by Fernando, who reced the injured Fernandinho in the lineup. The Brazilian midfielder would be out for at least half a month with a pulled muscle.
No one doubted that Manchester City had won the game. As expected, in the second half, before the Chinese superstar was substituted, he assisted Sterling in scoring another goal, and Aguero added another to make it 4-0.
Chelsea fans felt extremely disappointed and frustrated. Currently, Manchester City still led the Premier League with 22 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, umting 69 points, while the Blues ranked second with 20 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses, and 63 points.
It would be extremely difficult to catch up with two more wins. They could only pray incessantly that the Blue Moon would not be able to withstand the pressure and copse during their multiple-line operations in the future.
Unfortunately, the match against Stoke City in the 28th round also failed to fulfill their wishes.
Wang Feng seemed like an unmovable force, suppressing any unexpected situations that wanted to stir up trouble. In the 8th minute of the game, he intercepted the ball at the back post in the penalty area, heading it fiercely.
The ball hit the crossbar hard and bounced down onto the grass inside the goal line before rebounding into the, 1-0! Manchester City took the lead!
"A powerful header, full of aesthetic violence!" eximed thementator.
Just 7 minutester, the Chinese superstar led the attacking line again. De Bruyne''s precise through pass prated the defense, creating a one-on-one opportunity for Wang Feng, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper and scored, doubling his tally!
In the 27th minute, with continuous long-range passing in the opponent''s half, David Silva caught Stoke City''s defense off guard and sent a direct pass.
Aguero flicked the ball over the defensive line with a bicycle kick, breaking into the penalty area and scoring at the far post to seal the victory.
So, Wang Feng clocked out early once again, and Guardi made two substitutions before halftime.
It turned out that coaches who stick to their main yers are not ignorant of flexibility; they are just anxious about the situation on the field. If there really is no suspense, they would of course be willing to give young yers a chance.
In the second half, neither side scored, and the match ended with a 3-0 scoreline.
Next up is the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 11th, with Manchester City facing Middlesbrough away.
The head coach rotated some key yers, but the core yers in the front, middle, and back still led the starting lineup, ensuring smooth tactical operation.
In the first forty-five minutes, the Blue Moon scored a goal, with Wang Feng dribbling past two defenders in the opponent''s half, cleverly passing to Iheanacho in front of the goal, who poked it in.
In the 46th minute, Middlesbrough took advantage of Manchester City''s instability andunched an attack, equalizing the score.
At a critical moment, the Chinese superstar took advantage of a set-piece opportunity in the opponent''s half, kicking out a beautiful crescent arc, bypassing the wall, and finding the dead corner.
2-1! Manchester City defeated Middlesbrough and advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals!
Chapter 786: Nothing Here
Chapter 786: Nothing Here
There aren''t many teams left in the Premier League now that can stop Manchester City''s progress, and Liverpool is one of them.
In the first encounter, the Blue Moon narrowly lost. Whether from the perspective of the title race or revenge, they need to secure a victory.
Of course, before that, Manchester City mustplete the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain.
Compared to the first leg''s offensive battle, this match was somewhat dull. After 80 minutes, neither side managed to score.
In the 84th minute, Di Maria cut inside from the nk and shot a cold arrow to help the away team break the deadlock.
The home team quickly responded. Wang Feng broke into the penalty area, attracting double coverage, then cleverly back-heeled a pass to the edge of the arc. Yaya Toure followed up with a long shot that pierced through the defense of the Ligue 1 powerhouse.
In the end, the two teams shook hands with a 1-1 draw. Manchester City eliminated Paris Saint-Germain with a total score of 6-4 and advanced to the next round!
The next day, all the matches concluded, and the quarterfinalists of the Champions League were determined. Leicester City narrowly advanced past Sevi, while unfortunately, Arsenal suffered a humiliating 10-2 defeat against Bayern Munich, with both legs ending 5-1.
The world was in an uproar. Arsenal suffered theirrgest defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Tactical mastermind Ancelotti, who took over after leaving Real Madrid, unexpectedly ced Muller on the bench and moved Thiago forward, fully unleashing his attacking capabilities.
Thiago didn''t disappoint Ancelotti''s trust, scoring three goals and providing two assists in two matches, a perfect performance.
Vidal also scored twice, along with goals from Robben, Lewandowski, Muller, Costa, and Kimmich, Bayern ruthlessly crushed Arsenal.
German publication "Kicker" described it as a "stunning match" by Bayern Munich. Their offense was extremely efficient, and their defensive performance was also excellent,pletely dominating Arsenal.
"The Arsenal yers on the fieldcked any rhythm. They couldn''t even build effective attacking routes and could only watch as their opponents repeatedly breached their defense."
The British newspaper "The Times" stated that the process and scoreline of the two legs were identical. In the first half, both sides could barely hold their own, but in the second half, Arsenalpletely copsed.
"So far, Arsenal has conceded over 200 goals in the Champions League. Once they fall behind, the mentality of all yers bes extremely fragile, making it almost impossible to achieve aeback miracle."
Apart from the two remaining Premier League teams, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid all sessfully defeated their opponents to advance.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund secured two spots for the Bundesliga, while Juventus was the sole survivor from Serie A.
After the draw, Manchester City''s opponent was Juventus. Both teams were evenly matched, and an intense battle was about to unfold.
It''s worth mentioning that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were fated to meet, setting up a peak showdown between former teammates Ancelotti and Zidane.
The Gcticos had repeatedly trampled over Bayern Munich to conquer Europe. After the departure of the Chinese superstar and the renowned coach, can they continue to maintain their dominance against Bayern Munich? How much has Zidane learned from Ancelotti? This became the focus of attention in the world of football.
On March 19th, in the 29th round of the Premier League, Manchester City visited Anfield to challenge Liverpool.
In this match, Guardi used a 4-2-3-1 formation with full attacking and defending capabilities. Fernando and Delph served as double defensive midfielders, while Wang Feng dropped back in the attacking position, and Aguero yed up front.
While waiting in the yer tunnel to enter the field, young yers led by De Bruyne looked at the words "This is Anfield!" carved on the doorframe, feeling a bit nervous and timid.
Captain Kompany seemed to see through their thoughts and asked with a smile, "You guys must have watched Wang''s growth in the matches. Do you remember when he first made a name for himself in Europe?"
Everyone''s attention was drawn by his words, expressing their thoughts one after another. Some said it was when he first won the Serie A championship, while others said it was when he first won the Ballon d''Or. Even many Liverpool yers on the opposite side were curious and perked up their ears.
The Chinese superstar smiled and nced at the Belgian defender, instantly understanding why Kompany brought up old stories at this moment.
"No, no, it was even earlier than what you guys said."
Everyone was puzzled. The Manchester City captain continued, "The first time Wang made a name for himself in the world was here, at Anfield!"
"At the age of 17, he led Genk against the Reds, scoring four goals alone and shocking the entire stadium. He single-handedly ended Liverpool''s aspirations for the quintuple and shattered Michael Owen''s Ballon d''Or dream."
"This is Anfield? Nothing here!"
The young teammates couldn''t help but feel excited at his words. A 17-year-old scoring four goals, single-handedly saving the team, what could be more thrilling than this?
The seemingly invisible pressure brought by Liverpool''s home ground immediately dissipated. Now, they just wanted to run freely, just like Wang Feng, to achieve sess in the face of giants.
On the contrary, the Liverpool yers felt extremely embarrassed. That defeat could be said to be one of the most painful memories they didn''t want to mention.
After that, the Chinese superstar repeatedly inflicted failures on Liverpool. Could they really stabilize Wang Feng this time?
After the match started, Guardi was surprised to find that the yers'' state was even better than he had expected. Each of them was as excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood, seizing the initiative on the field.
Meanwhile, Klopp was puzzled. It shouldn''t be like this. Weren''t the yers in high spirits in the locker room before the match? Why did some of them seemcking in confidence aftering on the field?
The cheers from the home fans in the stands weren''t loud enough? Listen to the passionate cheers and shouts, the atmosphere at Anfield Stadium would neverg behind.
The German coach could only p his hands and cheer everyone on loudly, urging them to press forward more actively and raise their momentum.
In the 17th minute, David Silva sent a direct pass to Wang Feng in midfield. The Chinese superstar stopped the ball with his back to the goal, then lightly tapped it with his left foot, giving the impression that he was going to move towards the sideline.
Behind him, Wijnaldum quickly moved to block his path, trying to obstruct him, but Wang Feng just feigned a step, and his center of gravity quickly shifted to the other side. He flicked the ball with his left foot to the right, then turned and elerated, easily bypassing them.
"A beautiful turn to get past! Wang is through!" apanied by thementator''s shout, the fans in the Anfield stands couldn''t help but feel anxious, "Stop him! Damn it, foul!"
Clyne and Milner quickly closed in, trying to block Wang Feng from advancing further into the penalty area, but without much thought, he simply shifted the ball to the right, attempting to force his way out from the side with his speed.
Milner was determined not to let Wang Feng seed, immediately stepping forward to block him. However, the Chinese superstar suddenly stopped and turned back, flicking the ball to his left foot, then pushed it forward, weaving through the narrow gap between the two defenders.
He evaded all the defensive yers and entered the penalty area in an instant!
Seeing the situation was not good, goalkeeper Mignolet decisively rushed out to block, while Clyne chased closely from behind. But Wang Feng remained calm, protecting the ball steadily, and as soon as the Belgian approached, he sent a lob shot over him.
The ball flew over Liverpool''s goalkeeper and into the behind him, Manchester City led 1-0!
Chapter 787: Walking on the Right Path
Chapter 787: Walking on the Right Path
As the ball slowly dropped into the, the entire stadium fell into a moment of silence, with only a small group of blue figures in the northwest corner erupting into cheers, which sounded particrly harsh to Liverpool fans.
"Manchester City takes the lead, Wang Feng has conquered Anfield!" thementator said, "It''s been a long time since he wreaked havoc on this stadium, but I believe many old fans won''t forget."
"On this day, people finally recall the fear he once dominated, and the countless times they suffered shame from being overturned!"
The yers who once faced off against the Chinese superstar have all left the team, with Gerrard even announcing his retirement in Novemberst year.
But it doesn''t matter; Wang Feng will leave an indelible impression on these neers as well.
As in the past, the fans still sang "You''ll Never Walk Alone" loudly to cheer on the home team, but there was a tragic feeling to it.
After the restart, Liverpool''s situation didn''t improve, as Manchester City firmly controlled possession and pration, keeping the rhythm firmly in their hands.
To avoid being caught on a quick counterattack, when attacking, the Citizens didn''t rush to send the final pass but waited for opportunities with more patient back passes, as the urgency was on the opponents.
After taking a shot, except for Aguero, all other yers quickly retreated to defend, with the Argentine striker staying up front to distract and restrain the Liverpool defense to some extent.
Due to Manchester City''s excellent control, Liverpool couldn''t create effective attacking opportunities and could only try to threaten with long shots from outside the penalty area, gradually tilting the bnce of victory towards the away team.
As the first half was about to end, De Bruyne dropped back to get the ball and suddenly sent a clever through pass, finding Wang Feng in the right rib area of the frontcourt, facing defender Milner.
He feinted to go to the bottom, then used a clever Cruyff turn to cut inside into the penalty area.
"Wang enters the penalty area! He can shoot!"
At this moment, the Chinese superstar saw a blue figure rushing up from the other side, obviously, his side was tightly defended, leaving arge gap on the other side.
So he didn''t hesitate to send a square pass, the ball passed through Clyne and Matip urately and arrived at the far post.
Sane, who caught up, couldn''t believe there was actually a chance, he instinctively lifted his right foot and gently pushed the ball with the inside of his foot, and it wobbled into the empty goal.
"Goal! Leroy Sane! He helps Manchester City expand their lead!"
After the surprise came joy, Sane raised his arms high and then rushed to the sideline, sliding all the way to the corner g area, paying no attention to the booing and cursing of the home fans.
It must be said that the turf at Anfield Stadium was really smooth to slide on, the thought suddenly popped into the mind of the German youngster.
Soon, his teammates also rushed over to surround him, Sane excitedly said, "Wang, your pass was so timely, oh my god, can you really see me through the dense defense?"
Wang Feng smiled and patted his head, "ying football isn''t just about feet, haha, how about it, this stadium isn''t so scary, right?"
As time came to the second half, Manchester City, who had been smoother as the game progressed, scored their third goal. This time, Silva and the Chinese superstar cooperated continuously to kill into the penalty area and then returned the ball with a triangle.
Fernando shot fiercely near the penalty spot, piercing Mignolet''s goal for the third time.
In the end, Manchester City won 3-0 away to Liverpool, and Anfield waspletely conquered.
At this moment, apart from the heartbroken Liverpool fans, countless Chelsea fans were alsomenting, is there really no one who can stop the Citizens?
They still have one peak showdown with Manchester City, but even if they can win, they can''t reverse the situation.
And in the uing schedule of Manchester City, there are only two challenging teams left, Arsenal and Chelsea, winning any one of them would basically secure the top spot in the league.
"Manchester Cityys the foundation for the championship!" Ennd''s "The Times" also believes so. They pointed out in their report that Manchester City''splete victory over Liverpool means they are getting closer and closer to the Premier League title.
In the matches against the other five teams in the leading group, Manchester City has achieved an excellent record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. This is the capital for them to continue to dominate the standings.
And in these matches, Wang Feng has shown a high level of performance, contributing 5 goals and 5 assists in total.
"The Chinese superstar knows best how to gain an advantage in the title race. He never hesitates in shes between strong teams, whether it''s the Inter Mn period battles against Mn and Juventus or the Real Madrid period shes against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, he always delivers heroic performances."
"The Manchester Evening News" said that after the battle with Liverpool, Manchester City will most likely win their fifth English top-tier league title, the third Premier League title.
The downfall of the Red Devils is heartbreaking. They invested a huge amount of money in the summer but still linger outside the Champions League spots. On the other hand, the Citizens also spent a lot of money, but they used it all effectively.
New signings like Sane and De Bruyne have performed exceptionally well, and Wang Feng has also proven that he deserves to be the highest-paid yer in the world.
Entering March, it was the crucial period of the 12-teampetition for the Chinese national team, and the main yers returned one after another.
In the sixth round, they weed the challenge of the South Korean team at home. Head coach Lippi rarely put Wang Feng directly into the starting lineup, aiming to quickly kill the opponent.
Not disappointing the Italian, just five minutes into the game, the Chinese superstar continuously yed with three defenders in the frontcourt and then passed to the far side.
Unmarked Wu Lei volleyed the ball fiercely and instantly pierced the South Korean team''s goal.
After that, the home team clearly felt that the visitors'' defensive actions became more rough and vicious, but the referee and Wang Feng wouldn''t indulge them.
The Chinese superstar scored two direct free kicks in a row in the opponent''s half,pletely breaking through their defense, making it impossible for the opponents to win by ying dirty.
In the second half, Feng Miao''s long shot from outside the penalty area further widened the advantage, and the South Korean team only managed to score a goal in thest moments, with the final score fixed at 4-1.
Five dayster, in the seventh round, the Chinese team challenged Iran away.
In the first half, a quick counterattack, Huang Hu broke through to the edge of the goal and crossed, Dong Fangzhuo headed the ball in and scored the first goal for the away team.
In the second half, Wang Feng came off the bench. He retreated to the midfield to receive Zheng Zhi''s direct pass, flicked the ball with the heel to Feng Miao, and then moved forward with Feng Miao and Wu Lei, continuously passing and moving forward.
Facing defensive blocks, he used a shoulder feint to easily get past and then shot with a lob, scoring 2-0! This result remained until the end of the game.
After this match, the Chinese team stood at the top of the table with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 19 points, while Iran ranked second with 3 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses, and South Korea third with 2 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses, and 8 points.
There are still 3 rounds of matches left in the 12-teampetition. The top two teams in the group will directly advance to the World Cup, which means that the Chinese team has locked in an early berth, returning to the highest stage after missing out on the previous edition!
The whole country was jubnt for a while, with fans taking to the streets to celebrate, and many elderly people even had tears in their eyes.
They witnessed the grand scene of the Chinese team lifting the World Cup trophy seven years ago, and also experienced the shame of being eliminated in the first round of the Asian qualifiers five years ago.
And now everything is back on track, the team will once againunch an assault on the top of the world!
Chapter 788: Unexpected Big Win
Chapter 788: Unexpected Big Win
The March Premier League yer of the Month award was once again given to the Chinese superstar, who led his team to three big victories.
So far, Wang Feng has won the yer of the Month awards for August, September, December, January, February, and March. The October award went to Chelsea''s Hazard, and November''s to Diego Costa.
This means that Manchester City and Chelsea have swept all the awards, which perfectly reflects their intensepetition.
The Blues also achieved a perfect record in March, tightly grasping onto that glimmer of hope for aeback.
Arsenal, on the other hand, suffered heavy blows. After being embarrassed by Bayern and knocked out of the Champions League, they suffered consecutive defeats to Liverpool and West Brom in the league. Wenger''s position as manager came under widespread questioning.
Defending champions Leicester City have faded from their miracle aura, only upying seventh ce in the standings. However, their historic qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals can still be considered a sess.
Hull City is struggling in the relegation zone. Although they defeated directpetitors Swansea, they still couldn''t escape the bottom three.
Crystal Pce had a poor start to the season, leading to the mid-season dismissal of their head coach. The new coach, Ardyce, came in like a fireman, leading the team to a strong rebound with a series of consecutive victories, pulling them out of the relegation zone.
It''s worth mentioning that Crystal Pce forward Townsend staged a solo show against West Brom, contributing the Goal of the Month.
Middlesbrough''s performance continued to decline, and their head coach, Karanka, became the third coach to be sacked mid-season in the Premier League this season.
For Manchester City, returning from the exhausting international break, they faced the most difficult and final hurdle of the season, challenging Arsenal and Chelsea consecutively within four days.
On April 2nd, in the 30th round of the Premier League, the Citizens faced the Gunners.
To be cautious, coach Guardi made extensive rotations. On one hand, this was to give the main yers sufficient rest, and on the other hand, it was because the match against the Blues was the top priority.
The formation adopted was a more conservative 4-5-1, with dense defensive yers stocked in the midfield and backfield, including yers like Krov and Yaya Toure.
Although this is not the Spanish coach''s preferred tactic, it was still apletely new attempt, considering he didn''t demand a high result from the match.
However, the effect was still pleasing. Arsenal struggled to break through the defense of these rotated yers, and in the 79th minute, they conceded a counterattack goal from Nolito.
In the final moments, Giroud saved the team by scoring the equalizer goal, allowing the Gunners to retain some dignity, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
On the evening of April 5th, at the Etihad Stadium, the highly anticipated crucial battle of the Premier League between Manchester City and Chelsea officially kicked off.
The first half was initiated by the home team, and after regrouping, the Sky Blues yers quickly got into gear, organizing attacks to pressure the Blues'' territory.
Stones advanced from the nk, received a pass from De Bruyne, and then quickly sent a precise cross.
Wang Feng followed up, leaping high, his forehead fiercely smashing the ball, causing it to immediately deflect towards the goal.
Although Chelsea''s goalkeeper Courtois leaped to save and stretched his arm in the air to reach the ball, he couldn''t stop its momentum because of its speed and power.
The ball slipped from the Belgian''s palm and flew into the from a distance.
"Goal! The ball is in! A powerful header breaks the deadlock!"
"Less than 1 minute into the game, Manchester City scores on their first attack, what a dream start!"
"This is Wang Feng''s 31st league goal of the season, far ahead of Tottenham''s Harry Kane with 24 goals. It''s highly likely that he''ll win the Premier League Golden Boot in his debut season."
"It seems that there''s no difference for him wherever he ys; he''s always the top scorer!"
The enthusiastic cheers from the home fans in the stands hadn''t even subsided, and the Sky Blues gave them another huge surprise.
In the 4th minute, Manchester City midfielder Silva suddenly rushed into Chelsea''s passingne and intercepted the ball, then immediately handed it to De Bruyne to organize a counterattack.
De Bruyne''s high-speed movement attracted defenders, and when he reached the frontcourt, he diagonally passed the ball to the top of the arc where Wang Feng was.
The Chinese superstar originally had his back to the goal, but instead of directly receiving the ball, he cleverly let it pass between his legs, also bypassing the defense of Kant behind him.
At the same time, Wang Feng quicklypleted a turn. Despite the French defender David Luiz grabbing his jersey with both hands, he managed topletely twist his body and shoot with power.
The ball curved in an arc inside the penalty area, bypassing Cahill and suddenly reversing direction towards the far corner, almost brushing past the goalpost and into the, leaving Courtois helpless.
On the sidelines, Conte was simply stunned. Less than five minutes into the game, Chelsea unexpectedly fell behind by two goals. What''s wrong with the team? They didn''t seem this fierce in the first leg!
Without caring about dignity orposure, the Italian rushed to the sidelines tomand his yers. After the assistant referee''s warning was ineffective, the main referee showed him a yellow card.
Fortunately, the Blues gradually regained theirposure and stabilized their defense. Conte''s yellow card was not in vain.
Subsequently, both sides gradually fell into a stalemate, but Chelsea alsounched several effective attacks.
In the 39th minute, Alonso sent a long pass to Hazard in the wing, and the Belgian seemed to be preparing to dribble along the sideline.
After attracting Fernando''s shift in bnce, he suddenly flicked the ball towards the center and elerated his dribble inside.
In this moment, Hazard''s explosive power and speed were disyed vividly. Despite the attempts of Delph and Kompany to catch up, the Belgian forward entered the penalty area with two steps, calmly sent a chip shot facing the onrushing goalkeeper Bravo, and the ball passed over his body into the, pulling one back for Chelsea!
Just when everyone thought that this goal would be the signal for the Blues to turn the tide, in the first minute of injury time in the first half, Wang Feng seized the opportunity in the opponent''s half, decisively rushed forward, stretched out his leg to intercept the ball that Cahill was passing to Alonso.
Then he drove straight into the penalty area. David Luiz, unable to do anything, used both his hands and feet to pull down the Chinese superstar, even pulling down his shorts, only stopping him from shooting by force.
"Whistle!" The referee naturally wouldn''t overlook such an obvious foul, it''s a red card + penalty without a doubt!
"No! This shouldn''t be a red card offense!" Conte rushed to the referee to argue, but due to losing control of his emotions, he received a second yellow card and was directly sent off to the stands.
Wang Feng personally took the penalty kick andpleted his hat-trick with ease, also extending the score to 3-1.
At this point, Chelsea basically lost their ability to resist. With one less man on the field and their head coach off, both their strength and morale took a significant hit.
In the second half, De Bruyne scored another goal to seal the victorypletely. In the end, Manchester City won 4-1, much to the surprise of many before the match.
Chapter 789: Nightmare Strikes Again
Chapter 789: Nightmare Strikes Again
"The fact that Wang Feng scored two goals in five minutes was the key factor in Manchester City''s big win," wrote Laura Smith, a special reporter for the London Evening Standard, after the match.
She believes that the Sky Blues took advantage of Chelsea''sck of concentration at the start and quickly took the lead, not only dampening the enthusiasm of the opposing yers but also greatly affecting their head coach, Conte.
"This should be a carefully nned tactic, and the execution by the Chinese superstar was also perfect. It can be said that in the entire football world, no other yer can do better than him."
After such a devastating defeat, the gap in points between the two teams has widened to 9 points, and the Blues havepletely lost hope of catching up.
Manchester City''s league title is almost certain, and the only suspense is probably how many rounds they will officially lock it in.
Next up is the 32nd round of the Premier League, with Manchester City facing relegation-threatened Hull City.
In preparation for the uing Champions League quarter-final sh, Guardi once again chose to use a partially rotated lineup.
After a stalemate for 45 minutes, the second half saw the Sky Blues take the lead with a header from Kompany, followed by a second goal assisted by substitute Wang Feng for Yaya Toure, with the score frozen at 2-0.
After the match, the entire Manchester City team had no time to rest, as they assembled the next morning to travel to Turin for the first leg sh with Juventus.
Departing from Manchester Airport and flying directly to Turin Caselle Airport, the whole journey took about 3 hours.
There is no doubt that they used the club''s private jet. At the beginning of the season, in order to wee Wang Feng, Mansour specifically upgraded the configuration of the private jet to make the yers morefortable during the journey.
For most of the domestic league season, the team only needs to travel to their destinations by bus, so Mansour''s move is to show optimism towards Europeanpetitions.
He believes that with the leadership of the Chinese superstar, the club will definitely use this ne frequently, shuttling across Europe.
Upon arrival in Turin, Manchester City stayed at a local five-star hotel and used the facilities of the Turin Football Club for training, as the team is currentlypeting in the Serie A.
As cross-town rivals, Turin is very happy to see Juventus suffer, in terms of historical background, they actually look down on the Old Lady as an old aristocratic club.
As early as the establishment of the Italian Football Federation, Juventus was excluded from the league because they were "far below the level of other clubs".
Turin, on the other hand, is different. They dominated the Piedmont region earlier, creating the "Team of the Gods" era, but unfortunately, a ne crash destroyed everything, as if it also destroyed the club''s future development.
Now, this team and its fans can only hold onto past glory, silently cursing Juventus for losing their position as the dominant force in Serie A.
Although Turin has only hovered around the relegation zone in recent years, based on its rich historical background, the training facilities are still good.
Manchester City''s pre-match training also attracted many Italian fans to watch. These people mainly came for Wang Feng, after all, he once left a glorious reputation in Serie A.
They would hold up banners and cheer for the Chinese superstar outside the wire fence.
After training, many fans wearing Inter Mn jerseys came up to ask for autographs.
"Why do you feel like you''re not even ying away? The fans on Juventus'' side probably aren''t as enthusiastic as ours." Kompany teased with a smile.
"The king has returned to his valley. After all, Wang conquered the entire Piedmont. No matter how long ago it was, there will never be ack of admirers and followers." Aguero said.
Not only the fans but also many Italian media outlets have been squatting in the two locations where Manchester City stayed and trained, specifically capturing every bit of the world''s number one footballer.
"Wang''s professionalism is admirable," said Philip, the host of the Turin TV evening news program. "He alwayspletes all training tasks meticulously, from morning to night, and asionally adds some extra exercises."
"Perhaps this is the secret to his long-term maintenance of being number one in the world. Despite the great glory and achievements, the Chinese superstar still carries a purepetitive spirit."
The Turin Sports Daily wrote an article titled "Zebra Nightmare Strikes Again," pointing out that whether representing Inter Mn or wearing the Real Madrid jersey, Wang Feng has left a deep scar on Juventus.
He is fully worthy of being called the nightmare of the "Old Lady". Now, with great momentum, leading Manchester City to crusade, whether the home team can turn the historical disadvantage around will be the biggest focus of this round of the series.
"Nightmare!" Dyb was quite interested, constantly refreshing his phone to browse news and discussion topics rted to the match. He couldn''t wait to face his idol on the field.
The Argentine forward has no real feeling about Juventus'' past shameful failures, only remembering when he was 10 years old and just entered the Cordoba Academy club''s youth training camp, he witnessed Wang Feng be the winner of the European Ballon d''Or and the FIFA World yer of the Year.
The young and towering figure was deeply imprinted in Dyb''s mind. At that time, he quietly fantasized that one day he would definitely step onto the highest stage and receive the shiny trophy himself.
As he grew older and his skills improved, Dyb became more aware of the difficulty of this matter, and his dream became more realistic. As long as he couldnd in a top club, the opportunity to meet the Chinese superstar would be the greatest honor.
At the age of 19, he moved from Argentina to European leagues, helping Palermo win the Serie B championship and then move up to Serie A in three years, and then transferred to Juventus. This is the best achievement he can achieve.
Compared to the enthusiastic Dyb, Higuain was full of worries. Although the club as a whole generally believed that drawing Manchester City was not the worst luck, the Zebras had the strength to fight, but he still felt extremely bad.
He understands better than anyone else Wang Feng''s own strength and the impact on the overall strength of the team. After all, he has won 10 Champions League titles following the Chinese superstar and has experienced the glory of the Wang Dynasty firsthand.
As long as Wang is there, all his teammates are willing to believe in him and rely on him. They basically won''t feel lost and at a loss on the field, just need to do what they should do.
Don''t underestimate this point, it can maximize everyone''s performance level, and at the same time unite the team as a whole, and even the Chinese superstar can disy all threats.
This is also the fundamental reason why even though he is in different teams and cooperates with different people, Wang Feng can still lead everyone to defeat strong enemies time and time again.
Looking at Manchester City''s performance this season, Higuain can be sure that the precious feature of the Chinese superstar is still continuing, and shouting the slogan ofpeting on four fronts is by no means empty talk!
Whether Juventus can stop the momentum of the Sky Blues? The Argentine forward holds a pessimistic attitude.
But he will not be intimidated by this, but actively participate in the tactical discussions of the coaching staff based on his understanding of Wang Feng, and also share his technical characteristics with his teammates.
Chapter 790: Balancing Dribbling and Final Touch
Chapter 790: Bncing Dribbling and Final Touch
On April 11th, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, a highly anticipated match was about to begin.
Amidst the cheers of tens of thousands of fans, the two teams walked out slowly from the yer tunnel, with the passionate anthem of Juventus echoing in their ears, always reminding Wang Feng of his youthful days.
The imposing momentum of the Zebra Legion at home obviously couldn''t affect the Chinese superstar at all. Instead, it aroused his strong desire to conquer. He wanted to, just like before, make this stadium fall for him!
"Wang''s expression looks very rxed, with no signs of any negative emotions," thementator said as the live camera focused on Wang Feng. "That''s understandable. Having experienced countless big matches, it''s hard for him to be intimidated by any devilish home ground."
"Of course, I can''t think of anything that could move him."
"Now let''s introduce the starting lineups of both sides. The home team, Juventus, is lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation today, with the evergreen Buffon in goal."
"Rugani, Boni, Chiellini, and Sandro form the defensive line."
"Hernanes and Pjanic pair up as the double pivots, while the forward line consists of Cuadrado, Dyb, and Mandzukic."
"Higuain takes on the responsibility of the lone striker upfront."
"Manchester City also adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation, indicating that there will be intensepetition in midfield. This will test the understanding and application of tactics by both head coaches."
"Alright, we can see that Juventus has won the kickoff for the first half. Both teams'' yers have already taken their positions, waiting for the final instructions from the main referee."
Whistle! The crisp whistle sounded right on time, and Higuain passed the ball to Dyb, who then passed it back to the defense.
The four attacking yers of the visiting team quickly rushed forward to press, not hesitating at all. Right from the start, they intended to take the initiative and seize control of the game.
Guardi''s approach was far from conservative. For Manchester City, winning was undoubtedly important, but if that proved difficult, gaining the advantage of an away goal would also be a good choice.
The proactive attitude of the Sky Blues caught Allegri by surprise, but he wasn''t overly concerned. After all, the current lineup had been honed to perfection and wouldn''t easily reveal any weaknesses.
The game quickly fell into a stalemate. The midfielders of both teams passed the ball the most, and possession changed hands frequently, but there were few chances to attack dangerously.
In the first 15 minutes, each team created a scoring opportunity. On Manchester City''s side, De Bruyne sent a curved pass that bypassed the defenders and reached the penalty area.
Wang Feng received the ball and passed it across the goal, but Aguero''s shot was brilliantly saved by Buffon.
Juventus, on the other hand, formed abination y between Dyb and Higuain, with the former taking a shot from the edge of the penalty area, narrowly missing the post.
It was evident to everyone that the Argentine youngster was unusually excited, disying an active attitude and extraordinary performance that almost single-handedly led the team''s attacks.
"Juventus continues to attack. Cuadrado passes to Dyb, here he goes again, beautiful! A feint to get past Delph, a quick stop to evade Kompany, and he''s into the penalty area!"
"Shoot! Bravo collects the ball. He managed to shake off two defenders in session, but his final shotcked power."
"Indeed, few yers can continuously dribble past opponents and deliver high-quality shots, bncing both aspects, which is the mark of a world-ss superstar."
"Despite the short distance of just over ten meters, during the rhythm changes and eleration-deceleration process, the muscles of the whole body are fully tensed. It''s easy to lose strength at the moment of sessfully dribbling past, leading to a weak shot."
After a series of intense attacks and defenses, the situation on the field inevitably began to calm down. In the 31st minute, Otamendi intercepted the ball in the backfield and passed it to David Silva.
Silva then passed it to Wang Feng, who took charge of organizing the attack. The Chinese superstar received the ball with his back to the goal, and immediately, Khedira moved in to defend. He knew best the power of this former teammate and couldn''t let him break through easily.
Khedira was undoubtedly an experienced defensive midfielder, but facing the world''s strongest attacker alone, he felt somewhat overwhelmed.
Wang Feng gently flicked the ball to the right with his right foot, trying to bypass Khedira. Naturally, Khedira wouldn''t let him do as he wished and extended his right foot to block the path while attempting to intercept.
But at this moment, the Chinese superstar quickly turned around, using the toe of his left foot to flick the ball, causing it to change direction and roll to the left, passing through the gap between Khedira''s legs.
He also quickly elerated to bypass Khedira. Khedira was taken aback and chose not to go for the ball immediately but instead tried to block the yer.
But Wang Feng''s eleration was too fast. By the time the German turned around and reached out to pull him back, he only managed to touch the opponent''s clothes and couldn''t stop him from moving forward.
"A beautiful nutmeg and pass! Khedira looks like a rusty axis in front of Wang, why does he seem to be turning so slowly!"
Along with thementator''s exmation, the audience in the stands of the Allianz Stadium also let out waves of astonishment because the Juventus defense seemed a bit empty at this moment, and the defensive yers hadn''t fully repositioned yet.
No one could have predicted that the Chinese superstar would pass Khedira''s block so quickly, and it could even be said that the German had almost no effect.
Wang Feng received the ball and turned around smoothly,pleting the entire process without any pause.
Dribbling the ball all the way into the heart of the Zebra Legion''s defense, he finally faced a defensive yer, Boni, who attempted to stop him. Wang Feng used a quick leg flick to deceive him, causing him to fall and lose his position.
Finally facing Buffon who came out to challenge, the Chinese superstar sidestepped the ball to avoid him and then quickly pushed it into the empty goal.
Even at this point, Wang Feng was confident that his shot would go in, so he didn''t deliberately control his body to stop but instead smoothly slid forward, seamlessly transitioning from shooting to sliding to celebrate.
His teammates rushed over from behind to surround him. "So cool!" De Bruyne couldn''t help but admire. As a teammate who witnessed the amazing performance of the Chinese superstar up close, the feeling was simply wonderful.
The Juventus yers looked at each other, seeing the frustration and helplessness in each other''s eyes. They truly had no way to deal with such a fairy-like goal.
Chapter 791: Unshakable
Chapter 791: Unshakable
Manchester City, who scored first, appeared moreposed. In the subsequent game, Wang Feng and his teammates repeatedly threatened Juventus'' goal through prative passes.
The Bianconeri became increasingly awkward, and even the previously active Dyb gradually faded away. In contrast, the Sky Blues seemed to be in control, and the Chinese superstar instilled strong confidence in everyone.
"If this continues, Juventus will be in danger. After all, this is their home ground. Going to the Etihad with a disadvantage will only make things more difficult," remarked Sandreles, the sportsmentator for Turin TV.
"ording to the current statistics, the away team almost dominates. Not only do they have a slightly higher possession rate of 55%, but they also lead in shot attempts by 6 to 4."
Moreover, Manchester City is trying to dictate the pace of the game. Their passing sess rate has significantly increased, and it''s worth noting that ball possession is their forte.
As time reached the 41st minute, Juventus seized a rare opportunity to organize an attack. The ball reached Mandzukic''s feet, and Delph pressured him to the sideline.
Seeing this, Dyb retreated to provide support, drawing the main defensive attention of Manchester City. Unexpectedly, the Croatian midfielder suddenly feinted and sent a diagonal pass.
Pjanic, who had advanced from the back, quickly received the ball and entered the penalty area. Navas came out to block, attempting to intercept with his foot.
But at that moment, the opponent had already elerated with the ball. Navas couldn''t touch the ball and immediately withdrew his leg to avoidmitting a foul, especially since this was inside the penalty area.
Unexpectedly, Pjanic fell forward, as if tripped by a Manchester City defender.
Navas immediately raised his hand to signal that he hadn''tmitted a foul. However, the referee pointed to the penalty spot and blew the whistle, even showing a yellow card to the Spanish defender.
"Well, from this angle, Navas indeed didn''t touch Pjanic, but the Bosnian midfielder probably didn''t deliberately fall either. It might be due to the momentum," Sandrelesmented.
The live television camera repeatedly reyed the slow-motion footage, and everyone could see that Navas had already pulled back his leg. Even Sandreles couldn''te up with any good excuses and could only make vague remarks.
As for other countries'' broadcasting channels, most of them were saying that it was a mistaken judgment. The Manchester Sports TV even mocked, "Is Pjanic trying to be funny? The field isn''t a swimming pool, and he can''t ssh any water!"
Regardless of how unwilling they were to argue, the decision that had been made couldn''t be changed.
Iguain personally took the penalty kick, deceiving Bravo and slotting the ball into the, equalizing the score for Juventus.
"At halftime, the score is tied at 1-1. After a brief intermission, the second half will begin."
"Looking back at the first 45 minutes, Manchester City can be said to have taken the upper hand by counterattacking, but unfortunately, they lost the lead due to a mistaken judgment in thest moments."
"I wonder if the yers will be affected by this. Let''s hope they can quickly shake it off and maintain their performance level."
The expressions of the away team''s yers as they left the field were generally angry and frustrated. Anyone would feel disheartened when such a good situation was squandered.
They would think a lot. This is Juventus'' home ground. Even with a significant advantage, can they win against a biased referee?
Back in the locker room, everyone immediately began toin about the referee''s poor decision. They passionately discussed every detail of the match, feeling that the home whistle was too biased.
Stones, Otamendi, and others went up tofort Navas because he seemed a bit agitated after the mistaken penalty. If it weren''t for Captain Kompany holding him back, he might have gone straight to confront the referee.
At this moment, the Spanish defender hadpletely calmed down. His frustration at the time was mainly because he didn''t want to shoulder the me for the team''s loss in such a crucial game. It wasn''t his fault!
His contract with Manchester City was expiring this summer, and contract renewal negotiations had stalled. Making a mistake at this time would only make things worse.
But now Navas hade to terms with it. Just like signing a contract, changing the oue of the game wasn''t something that could be achieved unterally.
Amidst the chaotic discussion, Wang Feng felt that he had to speak up. So he pped his hands to get everyone''s attention.
Although the Chinese superstar had only joined the team for less than a season, the umted aura and prestige couldn''t be ignored. Within the team, his status was almost equal to that of Captain Kompany.
All the yers were willing to listen to Wang Feng, so they immediately quieted down and looked at him.
"Everyone, we all know what we''ve been through. Honestly, in my career, I''ve experienced such situations many times, especially here at this stadium."
At these words, everyone couldn''t help but smile knowingly, naturally recalling the shocking red card incident and the "Phonegate" incident from years ago.
"But you also know that after that, I have never lost a game because of a mistaken judgment or referee issue. This is not something hard to understand. As long as we remain determined and maintain the attacking momentum we had in the first half, can Juventus really beat us?"
"Even if we take a step back, we still hold a valuable away goal. Even if we just maintain the current score, we can return to the Etihad Stadium with an advantage."
The yers'' restless moods gradually calmed down, and they began to show pensive expressions. Meanwhile, as the head coach Guardi entered the locker room, he cast an approving nce at Wang Feng.
He then added, "What Wang said is right. Forget about the first half. Stay calm. As long as we don''t lose ourposure, we will surely defeat the opponent!"
At the same time, inside the Juventus locker room, everyone tacitly avoided discussing the controversial penalty decision. Head coach Allegri was busy instructing the team on the tactics for the second half.
He believed that after experiencing a setback, Manchester City''s mentality must be affected. This was the perfect opportunity for the home team tounch a strong offensive and secure victory.
However, Iguain still had doubts. He felt that Wang Feng wasn''t someone who could easily be discouraged.
Especially when he thought of the UEFA Champions League final that shocked the world, where even the referees were wearing Barcelona jerseys, the Chinese superstar still led the Gxy Battleship to victory.
"I know your concerns, Gonzalo," Allegri patted Iguain on the shoulder and said, "But Manchester City is not the Real Madrid that Wang has cultivated for years. It''s probably not easy to instill that kind of tenacious spirit in them."
"Of course, I will definitely make some ns to prevent the opponent from counterattacking. Let''s go, let''s regain enough advantage. The one whoughsst will definitely be Juventus!"
As the second half of the game was about to begin, the yers from both sides lined up again and walked onto the field from the tunnel.
The home team''s yers couldn''t help but nce sideways to see the opponent''s state. To their surprise, the Manchester City yers no longer showed signs of frustration or disappointment. Instead, they seemed eager and ready for action.
Iguain''s heart sank. This feeling was too familiar. It seemed that Wang had promised something to his teammates again, and his encouragement seemed to have a powerful magic that convinced people and made them strive relentlessly.
"It seems that the penalty didn''t affect you much," the Argentine actively approached the Chinese superstar for a chat.
"Of course, Gonzalo, as you know, I won''t be shaken by such things, nor will my team."
Chapter 792: Punctured Balloon
Chapter 792: Punctured Balloon
After the start of the second half, Juventus quicklyunched a fierce attack against Manchester City ording to the coach''s arrangements.
It seemed that the home team regained control, with the Sky Blues retreating almost entirely. The fans in the stands also regained their vitality, constantly cheering for the Zebras.
However, upon closer inspection, Manchester City, though not disorganized, had a very systematic defensive organization, intercepting all of Juventus'' attacks.
In the 49th minute, Delph and Cuadrado fell to the ground outside the penalty area after a confrontation, and the referee awarded a free kick to the home team.
Pjanic lofted the ball into the penalty area, and Mandzukic''s header was saved by Bravo.
Three minutester, the home team''s consecutive passes into the penalty area were blocked, and Khedira rushed to the top of the arc and shot angrily, but the ball slightly missed the post.
Kompany loudlymanded his teammates to defend and everyone knew that the Zebras couldn''t continue their fierce attack indefinitely.
Wang Feng also fell back deep, even directly defending inside the penalty area several times. His eyes rolled around, and the current situation was very unfavorable for Manchester City.
On one hand, Juventusunched wave after wave of attacks, even though they were all blocked, it consumed a lot of their teammates'' mental energy. Any slight mistake could lead to a copse crisis.
On the other hand, they were disadvantaged in the defensive confrontation in the back. Although the main referee wasn''t as tant as in the first half, there was still a subtle bias towards the home team.
For example, a normal confrontation, an excellent tackle, etc., could all be fouls and card-worthy actions, making defensive yers gradually hesitant and fearful.
They needed to y tough! It could both strike the opponent''s arrogance and boost their own morale.
In the 69th minute, Juventus continued tounch an attack. Khedira sent a through pass from the front, and Dyb suddenly burst out from the crowd, chasing after the ball that had passed the defensive line.
Stones immediately raised his hand to signal offside, but obviously didn''t get any response. Fortunately, he didn''t fully rely on the referee''s decision and closely followed to block the position.
When Dyb controlled the ball, he was already close to the baseline, and the angle wasn''t very big, but he still fiercely shot with his right foot.
The ball went straight to the near post, and Bravo quickly dived to save. His fingertips slightly touched the ball, causing it to deflect outward, then hit the post and bounced back.
"Dyb''s shot hits the post! So close!"
The danger wasn''t over yet. Both teams rushed towards the ball''snding point. Kompany touched the ball first, unable to think much, and quickly cleared it.
The ball didn''t fly far, but ran towards the outer edge of the penalty area. Mandzukic followed slowly, seeming to wait for it to go out of bounds for a throw-in to organize the attack again.
But at this moment, a gust of wind swept past him, and Wang Feng sprinted past the Croatian midfielder, hooking the ball back from the sideline.
"Wang!" Apanied by thementator''s roar, everyone in Juventus felt that something was wrong. Mandzukic quickly elerated and rushed towards the Chinese superstar, willing to knock him down along with the ball!
Chiellini also rushed forward urgently to block, and Wang Feng reacted quickly. He first lightly tapped forward while shifting his body aside to avoid Mandzukic''s charge, then elerated to chase the ball.
He and Chiellini almost reached the ball at the same time. If the ball''s momentum was slightly stronger, it might have directly returned to the Zebras.
There was obviously no "if" in the Chinese superstar''s dictionary. He first tapped the ball horizontally, passing it to Aguero who was following up, while he continued to move forward.
At this moment, there was also arge space in front of Aguero. The Italian defender had no choice but to follow the ball to intercept the Argentine forward.
Aguero didn''t hesitate, directly sending a diagonal pass, returning the ball to Wang Feng''s feet, a standard two-on-one cooperation.
"Manchester City''s counterattack! Wang Feng dribbles the ball straight into the goal!"
At this moment, the hearts of the home team''s fans tightened, and Allegri even rushed to the sidelines, shouting wildly, gesturing for the defensive yers to quickly catch up. He almost wanted to go on the field himself and take down the Chinese superstar.
All the yers of the Zebras were quickly retreating to defend. If the Chinese superstar were five years younger, then none of them could keep up with Wang Feng''s pace.
However, time waits for no one. Although he was still fast, when he reached the edge of the penalty area, Lichtsteiner and Boni had already formed an encirclement.
Wang Feng used his left foot to flick the ball to the left, pretending to forcefully break through from the side, and the two Juventus defenders instinctively followed closely.
They subconsciously thought that the Chinese superstar would surely go solo, after all, the memory of his first goal, bypassing four defenders, was still vivid.
As a result, Wang Feng took two steps and abruptly stopped the ball, then flicked it with his right foot to the middle, luring the defenders, then changed direction to flick it to his left foot, and then sent a diagonal pass directly behind the defensive line.
San, who was following up, reached the ball at the edge of the small penalty area and knocked it to the back post. Silva, who was close, stabbed the ball into the from a close range,pletely sealing the victory!
3-1! Manchester City defeated Juventus away and gained a huge lead!
Chapter 793: The Collapse of the Dynasty
Chapter 793: The Copse of the Dynasty
After defeating Juventus, Manchester City rushed back to Manchester overnight. They not only had to prepare for the uing Premier League match but also to face the second-leg match against the Bianconeri, who traveled a long way for the encounter.
"This victory doesn''t guarantee ourplete advancement," Pep Guardi poured cold water on the yers on the ne, "We need to focus entirely to ensure no mistakes."
"Of course, I don''t think such obvious biased refereeing will happen again."
Hearing this, everyone smiled knowingly. The controversial penalty after the match had sparked heated discussions online, especially involving Wang Feng. As a legend who emerged from trials and tribtions, throughout his entire career, he not only fought against yers but also against unfairness.
Every time, he could uprightly make the schemers lose face. Yet, not only did he fail to achieve his goals, but he also ended up in trouble.
On April 15th, in the 33rd round of the Premier League, Manchester City challenged Southampton away.
The Saints sought revenge for their League Cup final defeat, and City had to field a rotated squad, resulting in an intense contest between the two sides.
The home team took the lead in the first half, and it wasn''t until the 87th minute of the second half that Foden assisted Sterling to equalize, eventually ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
On April 18th, in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Manchester City hosted Juventus at home.
With no other distractions, even if the Bianconeri wanted to make a desperate attempt, they could only get entangled endlessly with the Sky Blues.
The score remained 0-0 until the 90th minute of injury time. Wang Feng received a direct pass from Silva in the frontcourt, dribbled past Chiellini, and suddenly took a long shot.
The ball sted past Buffon''s outstretched hands like a cannonball, sealing Manchester City''s 4-1 aggregate victory over Juventus, advancing to the Champions League semi-finals.
This was Manchester City''s third time reaching the Champions League semi-finals! After the match, the Manchester media extensively covered the event.
From bothpetitive and economic perspectives, it was fortunate for a city to have two high-level football teams.
Like Mn, Madrid, and others, derbies attract a lot of attention every year, bringing substantial additional revenue.
No one would question that Manchester United is one of Europe''s biggest clubs. Their vast fan base spans the globe, while Manchester City has alwaysgged behind.
But as long as the Sky Blues could lift the Champions League trophy, they would make a qualitative leap and qualify as a great club alongside the Red Devils.
This was something to be praised for every Manchester citizen. Therefore, in the absence of Manchester United''s European campaigns, most people would choose to focus on Manchester City.
The Manchester Evening News believed that the Sky Blues had broken their own barriers. This series victory not only showcased individual outstanding performances but also the overall strength of the team.
Individual performance undoubtedly referred to Wang Feng. With two goals and one assist, he always rose to the asion, almost single-handedly turning the tide in crucial moments.
The team''s strength was demonstrated by the unity and perseverance of the entire team, especially in the first-leg sh with Juventus, where they faced unfavorable refereeing decisions and a stubborn opponent.
At that time, the team disyed unity to the fullest, as if victory was the only thing in everyone''s eyes, disregarding personal gains and losses.
"This is something rarely seen in the club''s previous campaigns, so even though they made it to the semi-finals, it gave people a feeling of exhaustion and inability to continue."
"This year ispletely different; the unstoppable momentum seems to be telling everyone that they can really make history and be the new Champions League winners!"
The Guardian stated that Manchester City was now stronger than ever before, making it an excellent opportunity to challenge for the title.
"Approaching his 34th birthday, Wang Feng still possesses boundless energy. He can roam freely on the front line, organize andmand in midfield, and contribute defensively."
"This makes Manchester City appear to be in control. So far, they have defeated the French champions and the Italian champions. We believe that no matter who they encounter next, the Sky Blues will not be intimidated."
The report also mentioned the Manchester City team led by Cristiano Ronaldo. It was undeniable that they were outstanding at the time, but there was always a limit to their sess.
"Cristiano is strong; he is an excellent finisher, but that''s about it. He couldn''t fundamentally save the team."
This statement sparked discussions amongizens, with many supporters of the Portuguese star feeling dissatisfied.
Although not as miraculous as the miracle-maker Wang Feng, Cristiano Ronaldo had also experienced many instances of turning the tide against adversity. Why say he couldn''t save the team?
However, this argument was soon validated during Real Madrid''s showdown with Bayern Munich.
In the first leg, the Gcticos won 2-1 at home, and in the second leg, the Bavarians returned the favor with a 2-1 victory.
With the aggregate score tied and the same number of away goals, the two teams had to settle the result through a cruel penalty shootout.
Bayern goalkeeper Neuer heroically saved Benzema''s penalty, allowing the Bundesliga giants to advance after a tough battle.
This officially marked the copse of the decade-long European dynasty of Real Madrid!
Was it because Cristiano Ronaldo didn''t perform heroically in this series? Not exactly. He scored all three goals for the team and even scored a crucial goal to send the match into extra time.
Did other yers underperform? Not entirely, although the Gcticos'' defense was as vulnerable as ever, their midfield trio performed well on both ends of the field.
If forced to pinpoint the reason for failure, it was as the Manchester Evening News said, the Gcticos were exhausted, something that had never happened in the past decade.
On the top tier of the Allianz Arena, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sped his hands in front of him, exhaling deeply.
Finally, it came to an end. The Spaniard knew this day would eventuallye, but not this soon, and not so thoroughly.
Compared to the past decade, Real Madrid''s performance this season could be described as aplete failure. They were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals, knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao, and their league title hopes were also slim.
They were left empty-handed. This phrase seemed like something from a previous life for the Gcticos, but Florentino Perez wasn''t suffering from dementia. He vividly remembered that before 2006, that is, before signing Wang Feng, the team''s results were like this.
At that time, he was even forced to the edge of the cliff, almost facing dismissal. He waited desperately for the Chinese superstar for a year before experiencing an unparalleled era of glory.
Now was not like back then. Even if the results were poor, he could still firmly hold onto his position, but deep down, he felt a sense of loss. Sliding from the peak was never easy to bear.
Seeing Florentino Perez''splex expression, Bernaldo asked, "We''ve already won enough glory. If it''s not possible this year, we can continue next year."
"I understand, but it''s just a bit sad. In the final moments of the game just now, I kept praying for a miracle."
"I did the same thing for the past ten years, and every time, I received a response. But now, miracles have left us, or rather, we gave up on miracles."
"The team can be rebuilt continuously, glory can be continuously pursued, but there will only be one king, past, present, and future. Real Madrid will never have such a magical yer again."
Chapter 794: Overreliance?
Chapter 794: Overreliance?
The news of Real Madrid''s elimination instantly set the entire inte aze, with the intensity of discussion not lesser than when they won ten consecutive titles.
Countless spectators were delighted to see a new dynasty rise while enjoying the spectacle of a once-mighty team''s downfall. Only the fans of the Gcticos secretly nursed their wounds, consoling themselves with memories of past glories.
They were forgiving enough of the club, even chanting slogans like "It''s okay even if we don''t win for five years, let''s rebuild with all our might."
Of course, the media and influencers looking to stir up trouble wouldn''t easily let go of this opportunity. For a while, all the headlines around the world were about Real Madrid, and social media tforms were flooded with poprments.
Naturally, the most talked-about topic was the team''s changes. In the past season, the overallposition of the Gcticos had not changed much, except for the change in leadership from Wang Feng to Cristiano Ronaldo.
As a result, they went from being the kings of victory to having an empty season, a dramatic contrast that was hard to ignore.
Furthermore, with Manchester City making significant progress in allpetitions, the situation seemed irrepressible.
As one of the parties involved, Wang Feng refused to ept any interviews unrted to his club and declined to make anyments, hoping to quell the controversy as quickly as possible.
In his view, this result was inevitable. Most of the yers in Real Madrid''s squad had already won championships. It was normal for somecency andxity to ur without his infectious drive and motivation.
Cristiano Ronaldo''s personal charm was also remarkable, but he was still new to the team, with limited influence. There would inevitably be conflicts and adjustments between the old and the new.
However, the Chinese superstar believed that given a few years, the Portuguese star would surely lead the team to glory again. It remained to be seen if the fans and the club''s management could wait that long.
It''s worth mentioning that Barcelona was riding high, not only leading the La Liga standings far ahead of Real Madrid but also sessfully making it to the Champions League semi-finals.
However, their joy was short-lived because their next opponent was none other than their old group stage rivals, Manchester City.
Catn media mored for "revenge" and "defeating Wang Feng," but deep down, they were more anxious than anyone else.
The team''s head coach, Enrique, and the yers treated the uing challenge as a serious threat, immediatelyunching targeted drills.
The other peak showdown in the semi-finals was between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, with La Liga still dominating.
On April 20th, the FA Cup semi-finals were held at Wembley Stadium, with Manchester City facing Arsenal.
Guardi chose to rest several key yers who had just battled Juventus for the entire game, relying on the team''s deep bench depth to sustain them for a while.
He nned to bring on surprise substitutes at the right moment to secure victory.
However, the situation gradually spiraled out of control. In the 11th minute, Bellerin assisted Sanchez to open the scoring, and just six minutester, Giroud scored another goal with a header in the penalty area.
Manchester City managed to score through Sterling in the 31st minute, but it was disallowed for offside.
Seeing the situation bing increasingly dire, the Spanish coach had to make his first substitution in the 35th minute, sending the Chinese superstar onto the field.
The effect was immediate. With him pulling the strings in the midfield, the Gunners dared not push forward aggressively, allowing the Sky Blues tounch several good counterattacks.
In the 49th minute of the second half, Fernandinho sent a direct pass, Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past Gabriel, turned to shake off the defense, and then shot into the near corner to help the team equalize.
Ten minutester, Silva lofted a ball into the penalty area at a forty-five-degree angle, Wang Feng nodded it back, and Sterling followed up with a volley that hit the crossbar and bounced back into y.
Kroos reacted quickly, leaping into the air in the penalty area to head the rebound into the, easily beating Cech''s fingertips.
As everyone gathered to celebrate, Wang Feng grabbed Sterling''s head and rubbed it vigorously, saying, "How did you kick so urately? Right on target, hitting the crossbar."
The English forward just chuckled, satisfied as long as the team could score. Now Sterling was bing more and more confident, and his shooting uracy was also improving in an orderly manner.
In the 78th minute, Manchester Cityunched a swift counterattack. Wang Feng received the ball in the frontcourt, dribbled past Bellerin into the penalty area, fell to the ground and shot before being brought down by Monreal, sending the ball into Arsenal''s.
A brace!
In the end, Manchester City overturned Arsenal 3-2 and proudly advanced to the FA Cup final! They wouldpete with Chelsea for the final trophy.
"Manchester City is overly reliant on Wang Feng, just like Real Madrid was back then!" After the match, many news media outlets made such remarks.
Given the current sorry state of the Gcticos, many people shared this sentiment, even starting to worry if the Sky Blues would suffer the same fate in the future.
To this, Guardi sneered, "We just went through a tough Champions League battle, and the yers are generally in poor physical condition. Even losing to a rested Arsenal at this time is normal."
"But Wang Feng is useful and effective. With his outstanding performance, he conquered the opponents and helped the team advance. What''s the problem with relying on him to win?"
"As for Real Madrid, has the glory they once achieved with the Chinese superstar disappeared? I think if the club, the coach, and the fans were given another ten thousand chances, they would still unhesitatingly shout, ''Give that damn ball to Wang Feng!''"
Guardi paused for a moment before continuing, "These days, there has been a lot of fuss about the Gcticos and Wang. I just want to say that inpetitive sports, there''s always uncertainty about victory and defeat."
"Wang almost made everyone temporarily forget about this, but it''s his unique extraordinary ability, not that this uncertainty doesn''t exist anymore. It''s always been there, and any oue is not surprising."
"So there''s no need to worry about the elusive future. Right now, we are the strongest, and striving to win everything in front of us is the key!"
The Spanish coach''s words struck a chord, prompting strong resonance. Without Wang Feng, could Manchester City currently contend on all fronts? Without Wang Feng, could the Gcticos have won ten consecutive league and Champions League titles?
As for the copse of the Gcticos'' performance after he left, that was entirely normal. The opponents who defeated them, Barcelona and Bayern, were not pushovers.
Back to the league, in the 34th round of the Premier League, Manchester City hosted West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad Stadium.
In the game, Wang Feng continued his scorching form, scoring a hat-trick in the first half alone.
In the second half, he scored another goal with a direct free kick,pleting a quadruple and achieving a fantastic performance of four goals.
De Bruyne and Aguero also scored in this match, and the away team only managed to pull one backte in the game, with the final score locked at 6-1.
On April 30th, in the 35th round of the Premier League, the Sky Blues challenged Middlesbrough away.
The Chinese superstar continued his hot streak in the first half, scoring three goals with headers and kicks, helping the team secure victory quickly.
Soon, the main yers were substituted to prepare for the uing Champions League semi-finals, and the score remained unchanged.
Wang Feng''s terrifying record of seven goals in two rounds brought his total league goals to 40, leaving only two goals to equal Cristiano Ronaldo''s record for the most goals in a single Premier League season.
So far, Manchester City, with 28 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses, had 89 points, leading the league table, while Chelsea, with 26 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, was in second ce with 81 points.
With only three rounds of the league remaining, as long as the Sky Blues won their next game, they would clinch the Premier League title for the 16-17 season!
Chapter 795: Truly Fearless?
Chapter 795: Truly Fearless?
Facing Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, Manchester City still had the advantage of ying away first and then at home, coupled with Wang Feng''s inherent "Camp Nou master" characteristic, filling his teammates with confidence for the expedition to Spain.
The preparation time for knockout matches was slightly longer than for group stage matches, so the team had to use local facilities for training.
Before facing Juventus, they had rented facilities from the Turin club, and now in Barcelona, they naturally sought the help of the locals.
As a stronghold of the King''s faction in Catalonia, the Spaniards were very friendly towards Wang Feng, and this hospitality extended to the entire Manchester City delegation.
It''s not an exaggeration to say that the yers felt asfortable as if they were at home, with all facilities fully avable, even the entertainment areas were not stingy.
Club General Manager Maria Duran specially arranged a banquet, mainly to entertain the Chinese superstar, with the rest of the Manchester City team also invited.
"This is too much." After the Spanish senior executives greeted Wang Feng one by one, Kompany approached and sighed, "The way these people treat you, how should I put it, it''s a bit too respectful."
Wang Feng shrugged with a smile, but Aguero on the side understood the underlying meaning, "In this kind of situation, Wang''s identity is not just a football yer, he''s also a Viscount of Iberia."
Kompany then remembered seeing news in the past, that the Spanish king had awarded the Chinese superstar a very prestigious medal.
When a yer reaches his level, his status and position are indeed at an iparable peak.
Amidst the toasts, Duran mentioned his desire to bring in Wu Lei, a 26-year-old forward currently ying for Toulouse in Ligue 1, and Wang Feng naturally weed this oue.
"I''ve been following that kid for a long time, he''s very talented." The Chinese superstar said, "It''s a pity he went abroad a bitte, many of his habits have already formed."
To be honest, his talent might even be higher than Huang Hu''s, but inadequate training during his youth in China ruined everything, which is why Huang Hu could join Bayern while he wasted time in Ligue 1.
Buting to La Liga would not only improve his personal treatment but also enhance his abilities.
Hearing Wang Feng say this, Duran became even more confident in his decision and nned to take action this summer.
When Wang Feng stepped onto the Camp Nou pitch, he was immediately drawn to a huge banner, written in Spanish, saying, "We are champions, we fear nothing!"
Just before this match, Barcelona had just secured the league title three rounds early, reigning over La Liga after eleven years.
This good news gave the fans great courage, and of course, they hoped the club could ovee the tough challenge of Manchester City andunch an assault on the long-awaited Champions League trophy.
This slogan was not only to cheer on the yers on the field but also to encourage countless supporters themselves.
"Do they really fear nothing?" The corners of Wang Feng''s mouth curled up, but in the eyes of the Camp Nou fans, it seemed like the smile of death.
After the game started, the home teamunched a fierce attack first, they seemed like a reinvigorated machine, with the ball moving exceptionally smoothly from front to back.
They firmly held onto possession and the initiative on the field, forcing the Sky Blues to adopt aprehensive defensive strategy.
In the 27th minute, the visitor''s goal was breached, Messi dribbled past two defenders in the frontcourt and passed to Neymar, who scored from close range.
At that moment, the entire Camp Nou seemed to tremble, the cheers of the Barcelona fans echoing through the sky.
"We are champions, we fear nothing!"
"Go home, Wang!"
Countless people vented their emotions, turning their fear of Wang Feng into anger and letting it out freely.
But when the TV broadcast camera turned to the Chinese superstar, they saw him calmly running into the goal to retrieve the ball, then turning and beckoning his teammates to quickly get into position.
Seeing this scene, Barcelona fans couldn''t help but gasp, feeling a chill down their spines for some reason. Even though they were in the lead, they still had a feeling of being on the brink of disaster.
"Wang will never give in at this moment, Barcelona should be careful!" Catalonia TVmentator Mottes said.
After the restart, the Barcelona yers, still excited about their lead, continued to maintain their momentum, relentlessly attacking into the opponent''s half, attempting to seal the victory with a single blow.
The Camp Nou fans were also excited, constantly shouting and cheering from the stands, especially when the home team created shooting opportunities or executed consecutive exquisite passingbinations.
At one point, the Catn team made it difficult for the Sky Blues to even cross the midfield.
"Is this the power of the newly crowned La Liga champions? It seems that Barcelona is really going to rise!" Many spectators discussing the match online couldn''t help but marvel.
"Manchester City has been a bit disoriented recently, Barcelona''s stylepletely restrains them. If they lose control of possession, the situation will be very difficult."
"It''s really nerve-wracking to watch, the Sky Blues haven''t yed such a tough game in a long time, but Wang''s determination is still strong. The oue is still unpredictable."
"Yes, he will be the biggest variable in this game. Don''t forget, Wang has never suffered a setback at Camp Nou, no matter how dangerous the situation, he can always turn it around."
All eyes were focused on that towering figure wearing the light blue number 30 jersey.
As the first half was about to end, Suarez''s long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area was caught by Bravo.
The Chilean goalkeeper initially intended to throw it to Otamendi, but with a glimpse, he saw a lightning bolt charging forward, simultaneously raising his right hand high to signal for a pass.
This was a bit difficult, after just one second of consideration, Bravo decided to trust Wang Feng, who else was more trustworthy than him?
So he changed from throwing to kicking, directly kicking the ball towards the area where the Chinese superstar was.
Wang Feng and Iniesta rushed towards thending spot at the same time, the Chinese superstar got there first, quickly flicking the ball over the head of the Spanish midfielder, and then continuing forward without dy.
This was a seemingly simple but difficult move to execute.
First, you had to lift your foot to flick the ball while moving at high speed, ensuring both force and angle, while also preventing yourself from losing bnce due to inertia.
Secondly, it required continuity, sprinting, flicking the ball, then sprinting again, not wasting a moment of time.
As he grew older, Wang Feng''s physical fitness, speed, and even his overall physical qualities had declined, but his absolute control over himself and his feel for the ball were always there.
After catching up to the ball, the Chinese superstar encountered Alves, who was rushing towards him. When the distance between the two was very close, he forcefully flicked the ball forward, leaving the Brazilian defender empty-handed.
Then he continued to sprint past the defender, at this point, basically no one could stop him from entering the penalty area.
The Camp Nou fans, who had been fervently cheering for their team, couldn''t help but scream in horror, the bright red words "We fear nothing" now seemed extremely ironic.
Did they really fear nothing? No, they were too afraid!
With trembling eyes, Wang Feng reached Ter Stegen''s position, using his signature feint to deceive the German goalkeeper, who fell to the ground, while he easily passed by from the other side.
Then he simply carried the ball into the goal.
Chapter 796: The Most Spectacular Goal
Chapter 796: The Most Spectacr Goal
"Wow, that''s so domineering! I knew it, Wang Feng would definitely score!" eximed Zhang Jun, amentator on a domestic sports channel, "Every time hees to Camp Nou over the past decade, he always scores!"
Aftering out of the, the Chinese superstar deliberately ran to the side of the stand where the huge banner was located, opening his arms in a gesture of eptance of worship.
The previously noisy atmosphere suddenly stagnated, and many of the on-site fans even lost their enthusiasm for shaking the banners. At this moment, they felt extremely frustrated and fearful.
Enrique looked up at the sky, the Barcelona sky seemed to be adorned with brilliant stars, but such a night did not belong to Bar?a, everything was so helpless.
There was still a lot of time left in the game, and even the second leg, but the Spanish coach already felt disheartened; they couldn''t defeat Wang Feng as he was now!
Not far away, Guardi smiled and scratched his head. This kind of attacking coordination was not what he had nned before the game, but it yed a crucial role in opening up the situation and turning the tide.
Perhaps he should also stick to his style while devising more appropriate tactics for different situations.
Equalizing the score and getting an away goal was already a good result for Manchester City, but the Chinese superstar was not satisfied. He wanted topletely crush the opponent.
After the break, Barcelona''s attacking momentum greatly eased, and the Sky Blues gradually regained some control, organizing threatening attacks several times.
For a while, the Catn team couldn''t find a good solution. Under such a huge gap, they were somewhat at a loss, but Manchester City also didn''t dare to press forward too hard, lest their defense be vulnerable.
The deadlock persisted until the 81st minute. David Silva received a long pass from Otamendi and passed it sideways. Stones followed up and controlled it before it went out of bounds, then pushed forward to the edge of the penalty area.
In the eyes of the home fans, the English defender took a shot to cross, and Pique, guarding the middle, aimed to clear the ball when it arrived, seeing no apparent threat.
But he didn''t notice the sudden change behind him. Goalkeeper Ter Stegen was the first to react to the danger and immediately warned, but he was still a beat slow.
As the Spanish defender jumped up, he suddenly found darkness in front of him, a sturdy thigh appeared in his sight first, fiercely hitting the ball.
"Wang!! Bicycle kick!!"
With thementator''s roar, the Chinese superstar leaped from behind Pique, seeming to fly in the air like a deity descending from the heavens, while lifting his right leg to kick.
"Boom!" The ball shot out like a heavy cannon, straight into the right corner of the goal, and Ter Stegen had no chance to make a save.
Because he jumped so high, Wang Feng was still in the air until the ball went into the, then he fell to the ground heavily on his back.
Ignoring the pain in his body, the Chinese superstar quickly turned his head to look back, and when he saw the goal, he immediately got excited, climbed up, and ran to the sidelines, jumping onto the advertising board, opening his arms to face the home fans.
"Oh my God, it''s so spectacr, so beautiful! What did I just see, a super aerial bicycle kick goal! This will definitely be one of the most spectacr goals in modern football history!"
"Oh, let''s enjoy this century-old scene again through slow motion. Stones sent the ball into the penalty area, Pique with his back to the goal was about to clear, and Wang rushed over from behind."
"Obviously, the Spaniard didn''t notice this. He was going to clear the ball with a normal header, but Wang Feng sprinted and jumped from behind him."
"My God, he jumped so high, his body stretched out in the air, it''s so wonderful!"
"In this way, kicking the ball before Pique, the strength and angle are just right, and the goalkeeper has no chance to save!"
"Now Manchester City has overtaken the score, they have taken the lead away from home!"
The entire process of the goal was yed repeatedly on TV, relying on constantly advancing technology, people could fully appreciate it from various angles.
Stones'' pass was a bit floating, although it dropped when it reached the penalty area, thending point was still rtively high, so Pique needed to jump to reach it.
You can imagine how difficult it is to achieve a bicycle kick in this situation, it''s like snatching the ball from the Spanish defender''s head.
Watching the Chinese superstar in front of them, as if a deity had descended, and the subsequent yers rushing to celebrate, Barcelona fans felt nothing but tears.
They thought the team could no longer fear this god, and even surpass him to reach a higher level, but no matter how they struggled, the result was the same.
For such an earth-shattering goal, even the toughest Bar?a fans had to admit that they had no way to stop it.
And Pique, who watched the ball being kicked away from under his nose, was filled with horror. He thought he had a fairlyprehensive understanding of Wang Feng from their many encounters, but he didn''t expect him to still be beyond imagination.
Such amazing jumping ability, such ultimate body control, being able to maintain bnce in the air and ensure the ball is kicked urately, who would believe he''s a 34-year-old veteran?
In the following stoppage time of about ten minutes, the home team continued to try to score, but the Sky Blues retreated all over, putting all their strength into defense.
Wang Feng''s active retreat also nullified many of the opponent''s attacking opportunities. It was rare to see Guardi park the bus in front of the penalty area, but if it was for victory, what couldn''t be done?
When the referee blew the final whistle, Barcelona still couldn''t regain their home advantage, ultimately losing 1-2 to Manchester City.
The yers of the visiting team celebrated wildly on the field, but they encountered an early sprinkler attack at Camp Nou, with sprinkler heads rising one after another to start watering the pitch.
The Manchester City yers were instantly soaked, Kompany frowned and said, "Bar?a really has no grace, just running a little bit."
Wang Feng had known about this "tradition" and had dodged out of the way at the first opportunity. As for why he didn''t remind his teammates, he considered it a form of "courtesy."
"Not many teams can make Camp Nou so angry that they start watering the pitch early, haha." He exined to everyone with a smile.
At the post-match press conference, head coach Guardi was quite cautious, believing that the series was not over yet, and the team could not rx.
"In the past two times, Manchester City stumbled at the semifinals hurdle, but now we have a great opportunity to make history. Necessary caution and meticulousness are indispensable."
Speaking of the overall strength and coaching level of this Barcelona team, the Spaniard still gave high praise.
"They have taken possession to the extreme, and at one point in the game, we werepletely at a disadvantage."
"Riobet has be more mature, Neymar and Suarez have also integrated well into the team''s tactical system. I understand why they are called the strongestbination."
"But we have a more powerful Wang, he is the best yer on this, past, present, and future, I will always think so."
"Whether it''s the first counter-attack goal or the second bicycle kick goal, they are both perfectly unstoppable attacks."
Chapter 797: Manchester City is the League Champion!
Chapter 797: Manchester City is the League Champion!
After winning the first leg against Barcelona, ??the English media praised this remaining Premier League team. You must know that they have been away from the top of Europe for too long.
But besides preparing to secure victory in the second leg, Manchester City also intends to settle everything in the uing 36th round of the league and lift the league championship trophy in advance!
"At present, we lead second-ced Chelsea by more than 8 points. Unless there is a disastrous three-game losing streak, it is possible to be overtaken by our opponents. So there is nothing to worry about. Let''s settle this matter as soon as possible and focus on preparing for cuppetitions!" Guardi said so.
On May 6th, the Sky Blues hosted Crystal Pce at the Etihad Stadium.
The FA even transported the championship trophy to Manchester in advance. Obviously, they also believe that either this round or thest round, Manchester City will definitely lift the trophy.
The match tickets were sold out long ago, and many home fans even arrived at the stadium four or five hours in advance to gather and chat outside the stadium.
They waved celebratory gs and banners, linked arms, jumped, and sang. Various local media from Manchester rushed to the scene to report.
Facing the camera, this group of people did not hide their confidence. "Of course, we will handle everything. Today we will win the league championship first, and then send Barcelona home!"
When the team bus appeared in people''s sight, countless passionate fans surged forward, expressing support for the club in various ways.
Many yers in the bus also showed excitement and eagerness to y, including San, De Bruyne, and other young talents. They never thought that they could win the Premier League title as key yers in their first season.
The Belgian midfielder recalled the agreement with Wang Feng when he was ten years old. He finally caught up with the Chinese superstar and fought side by side with him to create glory.
And Wang is really amazing. Until now, he is still the number one yer in the world of football. It is with this strength that the Sky Blues canpete on all fronts.
The Chinese superstar himself didn''t have much emotion. Since his debut, he has won over a hundred major tournament championships. The Premier League is just one of the feathers in his cap, which cannot arouse much waves in his heart.
But this does not mean that he does not value or need it. He will only face thispetition with the calmest attitude and secure victory steadily.
Seeing Wang Feng''s calm demeanor, other yers gradually put away their anxiety. With Wang Feng and such a big advantage, there is nothing to worry about.
Manchester City undoubtedly attracts everyone''s attention. Crystal Pce, on the other hand, is unwilling to be a background board for their championship.
After the game started, the away team immediately organized fierce attacks, showing an attitude of wanting to spoil Manchester City''s celebration. Whether in terms of ball possession or threatening opportunities, they were higher than the home team.
However, their strength is limited after all. After dominating for only 9 minutes, they were pushed back to their original state. Seizing a quick counter-attack opportunity, the Sky Blues found Wang Feng with a long pass from Silva.
The Chinese superstar dribbled past two defenders and rushed into the penalty area, shooting to the far corner before the goalkeeper could block, making it 1-0!
"Wang~! Feng~!" Amid the passionate shouts of the on-site DJ, the Etihad Stadium turned into a sea of celebration.
"Manchester City can now start celebrating their second heavyweight trophy of the seasonthe league championship!" Thementators from around the world all said so confidently.
Looking back at the past season, the Sky Blues established a leading advantage from the initial stage, defeating two majorpetitors, Manchester United and Chelsea. Especially the double kill against the Blues was the most important factor in winning the league.
Being in the lead made Manchester City y very rxed. Crystal Pce also changed their high-pressure strategy at the start of the match,pletely retracting their defense and handing over possession to the home team.
As a result, just before halftime, the away team suddenlyunched an attack. Benteke prated into the penalty area and equalized the score with a shot.
This caused the previously warm atmosphere to stagnate for a while. At halftime, Manchester City yers walked into the tunnel with obvious frustration and dissatisfaction.
"In fact, it''s okay, even if we only get 1 point, we can still lead Chelsea by 6 points. Moreover, we still have an absolute advantage in goal difference. It can be said that we have basically locked in the championship," Kompanyforted his teammates.
"It''s just dying the expected award ceremony a bit."
"But so many fans havee to witness our victory, I don''t want to disappoint them," De Bruyne couldn''t help but say.
"Well said!" Guardi showed a look of admiration. "Everyone, save the revelry and celebration for after the match. Right now, all you need to think about is how to win!"
"Now you only need to defeat yourselves. With normal performance, you will definitely win!"
Returning to the field, the fans were still tirelessly cheering for the home team. They believed that their warriors would not disappoint them.
The Crystal Pce yers were surprised to find that Manchester City was more aggressive. They fully released the powerful deterrent power of the Premier League hegemon.
There was no disdain or frustration, just steady advancement. As a result, Crystal Pce had no defense at all.
"The Sky Blues have finally gotten serious. This is the team''s original level. It seems that they are eager to lift the trophy today!"
In the 51st minute, De Bruyne and Wang Feng achieved a wall-pass on the side, then De Bruyne sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area, where Aguero, following up, directly shot without stopping, piercing Hennessey''s fingertips.
Manchester City led again!
This time, they didn''t stop but continued to attack the away team fiercely. Fifteen minutester, their efforts paid off again.
This time, Wang Feng roamed to the edge of the penalty area to receive Silva''s direct pass. At this time, he had his back to the direction of the attack, and Cabaye and McArthur quickly closed in.
All eleven Crystal Pce yerspressed into the thirty-meter area in front of the penalty area, densely packed in severalyers. It was difficult for attacking yers with the ball to prate.
But before the two could get close, the Chinese superstar had already used the momentum toplete a turn with the inside of his foot, forcefully breaking through the gap between them.
McArthur was shocked and immediately reached out to grab Wang Feng, while not far away, Tomkins immediately fell to the ground to slide tackle. One marked the person, and one marked the ball, making it impossible for the opponent to move forward.
Wang Feng naturally understood this, so he didn''t rush to get rid of them, but directly swung his right leg and fiercely shot the ball.
With a "whoosh," it soared into the air, passing over Tomkins'' legs and flying towards the goal at a rapid pace.
Hennessey was waiting for Wang Feng to break into the penalty area and challenge him, but he didn''t expect the ball toe flying. He immediately made a save, sessfully touching the ball this time!
Before he could be happy for long, the ball slipped out of Hennessey''s gloves due to the strong force and continued its momentum, entering the behind him.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Wang scores his second goal!"
"This is a decisive goal. Manchester City leads 3-1 against Crystal Pce,pletely securing victory!"
Like a giant rock thrown into the water, the entire Etihad Stadium sshed with surging water, and the cheers and celebrations resounded through the sky.
Now the fans can finally celebrate to their hearts'' content. There is no suspense anymore. Manchester City is the 2016-2017 Premier League champion!
Chapter 798: Record Crusher
Chapter 798: Record Crusher
When the main referee blew the final whistle, the eagerly awaiting team staff rushed onto the field, celebrating wildly amidst the deafening cheers.
"The game is over, Manchester City clinches their fifth Premier League championship, also their third English Premier League trophy of the new century."
"At this moment, there may still be many who underestimate and are dissatisfied with this team, but their excellent performance cannot be denied. Now the Sky Blues are one of the top clubs in Europe!"
Although the Crystal Pce yers felt bitter, they still respectfully offered their congrattions. Manchester City''s championship this season is well-deserved.
Benteke congratted Wang Feng as soon as possible, expressing his desire to treasure Wang''s jersey.
The Chinese superstar graciously epted, taking off his jersey and handing it over, saying, "You yed excellently too. We were evenly matched. Can we exchange jerseys?"
The Belgian was pleasantly surprised and quickly handed over his own jersey to Wang Feng. After a few encouraging words from the Chinese superstar, he rejoined the celebration.
After thanking the numerous fans, the awards stage was set up, and the Chairman of the English Football Association personally awarded championship medals to each team.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he smiled and said, "Wee to the Premier League, legendary sir. I believe this period will be recorded in history."
Apart from Manchester City, the English Football Association should be the organization most eager for the arrival of the Chinese superstar. The data never lies, and his arrival has further significantly increased the league''s influence.
The Premier League championship trophy is quite distinctive, entirely silver with two rings of green jade embellishing the base, topped with a golden crown, and two lions nking the trophy handles.
It is said to be inspired by the traditional English "Three Lions" emblem. As for why only two lions are carved, it''s because the third represents the champion team lifting the trophy.
As Kompany lifted it high, the yers cheered and celebrated together, and behind the awards stage, beautiful fireworks illuminated the sky.
Manchester City clinched the league title two rounds early!
This news attracted attention from all over Ennd and even Europe.
People not only discussed the significant impact ofst summer''s heavy investment by the Sky Blues but also praised the continuous high-level performance of the Chinese superstar.
Substantial funds are increasingly important for overall team strength. Since the entry of the Middle Eastern consortium in 2008, they have spentvishly, winning three Premier League titles in less than a decade.
It''s worth noting that the Sky Blues used to be struggling at the bottom of the league table, but now their performance is even better than traditional powerhouses like Liverpool and Arsenal.
And Wang Feng has proven with his performance and statistics that the club''s favoritism towards him is not without reason; he is still the best yer in the world.
So far, the Chinese superstar has scored 65 goals in variouspetitions, won the League Cup and Premier League, reached the FA Cup final, and holds an advantage in the Champions League semifinals, with his presence felt in all key moments.
"Never absent from the top stages of European football for 16 years!"mented the Manchester Evening News.
They stated that since winning the Belgian league title in 2001, Wang Feng has always managed to win domestic league titles regardless of which club he is at, a dominance that is truly remarkable.
"While other yers are still striving for minimum trophies each season, the Chinese superstar has already made dominating the league his basic goal."
After a simple celebration, Manchester City actively began preparations for the second leg against Barcelona in midweek.
The club unanimously decided to hold a grand celebration only afterpleting all matches.
Despite holding a considerable advantage, Guardi didn''t dare to becent and still sent out the full main lineup to face the opponents.
Surprisingly, Barcelona didn''tunch a frantic counterattack as expected but organized themselves calmly, as if being behind didn''t bother them.
Messi still delivered amendable performance, but he couldn''t single-handedly save the team.
In the first half, after dribbling past defenders in the frontcourt, he assisted Suarez in opening the scoring, briefly igniting hope among the away fans. However, in the second half, Wang Feng orchestrated a counterattack,bining with De Bruyne and San.
Finally, the Belgian assisted Aguero in scoring a crucial goal.
At the end of the match, the score remained 1-1, with a total aggregate score of 3-2, sending Manchester City through to the Champions League final, oveing the Catn team!
This was the first time in the history of the Sky Blues that they had reached the Champions League final, and for a while, the whole of Manchester was painted light blue, with countless fans wearing Manchester City jerseys celebrating in the streets, bars, and restaurants.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich, after a tough 180-minute battle, narrowly defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0, setting up a meeting with the English champions at the summit of Europe.
If the Sky Blues lift the Champions League trophy, not only will they be a top club at a stroke, but they will also win the most prestigious trophy in Europe.
Because along the way, the team has defeated the French champions Paris Saint-Germain, the Italian champions Juventus, the Spanish champions Barcelona, and the German champions Bayern Munich!
On May 13th, Manchester City faced Leicester City away. It was an inconsequential match, so naturally, the head coach couldn''t field the main lineup, and Guardi opted for aplete rotation.
However, to allow Wang Feng to challenge the Premier League single-season goal record, the Spaniard gave the Chinese superstar 30 minutes of ying time.
When he came on as a substitute in the second half, the score was 1-0, with the home team leading.
The entire Foxes team kept a close eye on Wang Feng, but he still seized the opportunity. Just five minutes aftering on, he was fouled by a defending yer in the frontcourt.
It was a free kick near the touchline, about thirty-five meters from the goal. Fernandinho approached and said, "Wang, why don''t you wait in the penalty area for a chance? It''s not easy to shoot directly from here."
Wang Feng shook his head and said, "No, I''ll take the free kick. You all spread out."
Although Fernandinho was somewhat puzzled, he didn''t hesitate tomand his teammates to do as Wang said. On the field, the Chinese superstar had the most say.
"Oh? It looks like Wang wants to take the free kick. Does he not want to seize the goal-scoring opportunity? This ce can only be used to create threats by crossing into the penalty area."
"Starting his run-up, hey! Hey hey! The ball is in! Oh my God, the ball is in!"
"Wang Feng sends a curved free kick towards the back post of the penalty area, both attacking and defending yers jump to contest, but neither could reach the ball''snding spot. Suddenly, the ball makes a turn while rapidly descending, nearly brushing against the top left corner of the goal and slipping into the."
"The Leicester City goalkeeper made a desperate save, but this angle was just too tricky."
"Was this intentional or just a coincidence? Wang''s free kick skills are bing increasingly unpredictable. Regardless, this goal has sessfully broken the Premier League single-season goal record!"
Later in the match, the Chinese superstar once again broke into the penalty area through continuous cooperation in the frontcourt and scored from a tight angle, bringing his total league goals to 44.
Although in the final moments, Sane made a minor mistake, allowing the home team to score a goal, Manchester City drew 2-2 with Leicester City. However, Wang Feng still sessfully became the holder of the Premier League single-season goal record.
In addition to this, he also holds the single-season goal records in the Belgian league (40 goals), Serie A (50 goals), and La Liga (65 goals), truly deserving the title of Record Crusher.
Chapter 799: League Finale, Dominating England!
Chapter 799: League Finale, Dominating Ennd!
On the evening of May 21st, the Premier League finale saw Manchester City hosting Watford at home.
In this match, Guardi fielded the main lineup for a warm-up, but he repeatedly warned the yers not to make dangerous moves and to try to avoid injuries.
So the situation remained stable throughout the game. The away team scored first in the first half, while the home team equalized in the second half with a goal from substitute Nolito.
The score remained 1-1 until the end of the full game.
With this, the Premier League came to a close, with Manchester City achieving an excellent record of 29 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 94 points. Chelsea, in second ce, had 29 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, totaling 90 points.
Tottenham Hotspur ranked third. They started strong but falteredter in the season, threatening Manchester City''s lead at one point but failing to keep up with the top two.
Liverpool secured the final Champions League spot, while Arsenal, despite their efforts to finish in the top four, had to settle for fifth ce and y in the Europa League.
The three relegated teams were Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Sundend, while the three promoted teams from the Championship were Newcastle United, Brighton, and Huddersfield.
ording to the officially announced ie from bonuses and revenue sharing for the top 20 teams of the season, Manchester City earned 150 million, with Chelsea closely behind at 147 million.
Liverpool, due to higher broadcasting ratings than Tottenham Hotspur, earned 146 million, ranking third, while Tottenham earned 145 million, ranking fourth.
Even the bottom-ced relegated Sundend could receive 93.47 million. In addition, the Premier League introduced a "relegation distribution n" to further safeguard their interests.
This system, nicknamed the "parachute," specifically allocates a portion of the revenue each season to teams relegated from the Premier League to the Championship, ensuring these teams can financiallynd softly, as Premier League wages are much higher than those in the Championship.
After relegation, the teams receive 55% of broadcasting revenue in the first year, followed by 45% and 20% in the next two seasons.
Take Newcastle United, who unfortunately dropped to the Championshipst season, for example. They received about 41 million in revenue sharing, which helped them sustain themselves. This season, they lifted the Championship trophy and returned to the Premier League.
In addition to revenue sharing, the Premier League also announced the winners of various season awards. The best formation for the best lineup was chosen as 3-4-3, with Chelsea''s Courtois as goalkeeper.
The three defenders were Van Dijk (Southampton), Otamendi (Manchester City), and Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur).
The four midfielders were David Silva (Manchester City), De Bruyne (Manchester City), Hazard (Chelsea), and Pogba (Manchester United).
The three forwards were Lukaku (Everton), Wang Feng (Manchester City), and Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur).
As for the Premier League''s top scorer and yer of the Season honors, they naturally belonged to the Chinese superstar. His feat of breaking the single-season goal record was talked about by all media and fans.
Across the top five leagues, the second-highest goal scorer was Messi from Barcelona in La Liga, with a total of 37 goals, which was seven fewer than Wang Feng''s, thus Wang Feng once again won the European Golden Boot.
"No one can take the top scorer title from Wang Feng unless he himself doesn''t want it!" the European Golden Boot award selectionmittee, World Ser magazine, said so.
Since joining the top five leagues, the Chinese superstar has missed this award only twice, once because he was moved to y as a defensive midfielder for the overall team strategy, and once because he waspeting for his teammate.
Otherwise, he has shown an iparable dominance, winning the award with a significant advantage.
Within Manchester City, Guardi intentionally reduced Wang Feng''s ying time, only letting him make decisive contributions at crucial moments. Therefore, his efficiency can be said to be unrivaled in the football world.
At the same time, the Spaniard has also changed his previous practice of rigidly training the main lineup, constantly rotating due to multi-linebat and injury pressure, ensuring that almost all first-team yers get ying time.
Even the young recruit Gabriel Jesus, who joined in the winter, appeared on the Premier League stage in some rotation matches, and substitute forward Nolito scored 6 goals.
However, this also brings new problems. Therge number of signings made by Manchester Cityst summer has led to a very bloatedposition of yers. After the season, it is necessary to streamline the team in order to make targeted reinforcements.
The substitutes who performed well want to seek higher positions, and the head coach needs to make choices about who can be let go and who must stay to ensure the team''s normal operation next season.
Of course, everything will have to wait until the dust settles after the FA Cup and the Champions League.
On the evening of May 27th, at the Wembley Stadium in London, the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea began, another peak showdown between the two teams.
The Blues were extremely unwilling to lose the league trophy, having achieved a high score of 90 points in the league, but losing the initiative to the Sky Blues twice in the head-to-head matches.
Therefore, they were eager to redeem themselves and spoil Manchester City''s dream of a clean sweep.
After the start of the match, the attacking side led by Hazard and Diego Costaunched an attack against the Sky Blues.
In the 11th minute, Moses passed to Hazard, who then made a through pass. Costa received the ball near the goal and shot, almost breaking the Manchester City defense, but Bravo reacted quickly and punched the ball out of the bottom line.
Chelsea won a corner kick opportunity, and Alonso took the kick into the penalty area. In the chaos, Otamendi headed the ball away, but it was blocked by his teammate Krov. However, Silva quickly arrived to clear the danger.
But at this moment, the referee blew his whistle, indicating a handball by Krov and awarding Chelsea a penalty kick! "From the slow-motion rey, the ball seemed to hit the shoulder area of the Manchester City defender. There''s little suspicion of a handball. This is very likely a mistaken call,"mentator Zhang Jun said.
"Manchester City yers surrounded the referee, exining continuously, but they couldn''t change his mind."
In the end, Hazard converted the penalty to give Chelsea the lead.
Although feeling very frustrated, the game continued. Captain Kompany and Wang Feng both stepped up tofort everyone, and they quickly adjusted their mindset and re-entered the battle.
In the 33rd minute of the first half, Bravo took a goal kick from the back, De Bruyne chested the ball down in the opponent''s forty-meter area with his back to the goal, then turned and sent a lobbed pass to the edge of the penalty area.
This lob pass was very clever, with the angle andnding point just right. Wang Feng leaped to volley as the ball descended, drawing a rainbow arc in the air. It grazed the crossbar and entered the Chelsea goal, making it 1-1!
Boosted by the equalizer, the morale of the Sky Blues soared. In the 67th minute of the second half, they got another good chance.
This time it was a corner kick opportunity, taken by De Bruyne. Kante headed the ball away in the penalty area, and Kompany, who was attacking, grabbed the loose ball and passed it again to the Belgian.
De Bruyne feinted a cross, then suddenly passed a square ball to the top of the arc, where the retreating Chinese superstar controlled the ball sideways, then turned and shot with his right foot.
This caught the Chelsea defense off guard, and goalkeeper Courtois was a step slow to dive. The ball hit the inside of the post and deflected into the.
In the end, thanks to Wang Feng''s brace, Manchester City reversed Chelsea 2-1 and lifted their sixth FA Cup in history.
And this season, the Sky Blues also sessfully achieved the Grand m of English professional leagues, winning the Premier League, League Cup, and FA Cup, which is a first in history!
Chapter 800: Traditional Giants vs. Rising Stars
Chapter 800: Traditional Giants vs. Rising Stars
Some people believe that winning the domestic treble in Ennd is more difficult than winning the Champions League, although it may sound exaggerated, objectively speaking, it seems to be true.
Because to date, only two English clubs have won the treble in a single season, including the league, domestic cup, and Champions League: Liverpool in the 1983-1984 season and Manchester United in the 1998-1999 season.
But no team has managed to win the league, FA Cup, and League Cup simultaneously.
However, the League Cup obviously cannot bepared with the Champions League in terms of prestige, and Manchester City shows no intention of stopping. They will continue to strive to create miracles.
The Champions League final was held at the Wales National Stadium, also known as the Cardiff Millennium Stadium. This was the first time the capital of Wales hosted the pinnacle of European football.
Although Manchester is not far from Wales, as neers to the Champions League final, the Sky Blues still decided to go to the venue early to prepare.
Money can pave the way for everything. As early as the beginning of June, the club sent a working team to Wales, ensuring that the yers'' every need was taken care of.
This time, Manchester City chose to stay at a five-star hotel near the Millennium Stadium. Although it was not the best ce in the city, it was close to the stadium, only a short bus ride away.
This consideration was also to increase reaction time in case of unexpected situations. After all, many processes for clubs participating in the final for the first time are not yet familiar.
The hotel facilities fully met the standards of a five-star hotel, with luxurious rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa center. After booking the entire ce, the yers could practice and rx without any disturbances.
The cheering squad apanying the team also stayed at the same hotel, but they were separated from the yers before the final to avoid distractions.
Wang Feng''s family also came to the scene. Another year of ying, they wouldn''t miss this important moment.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich arranged for their yers to stay at a holiday resort in the suburbs, focusing mainly onfort.
The Bundesliga champions have always tried to reassure everyone with a calm attitude towards the match. Although facing the "arch-rival" Wang Feng, Manchester City is still a bunch of rookies,pletely unable topete with the experienced Bayern Munich.
This is where they need to rely heavily on.
At the pre-match press conference the day before the game, Ancelotti showed a strong desire to win, "This is a great opportunity for us to lift the Champions League trophy. Bayern has been waiting for this moment for too long!"
However, this does not mean underestimating the opponent. When asked about Manchester City''s biggest threat, Ancelotti immediately pointed out Wang Feng, "I have worked with the Chinese superstar for many years, and I know his abilities very well. The bigger the stage, the more decisive he bes."
"So far, Wang has won all finals without any mistakes. Honestly, this will be the biggest test Bayern faces."
The Italian coach said he had shared all he knew with his defensive yers and would use every method to limit the Chinese superstar. This is not groundless worry, but a real crisis.
As for the other Manchester City yers, Ancelotti will not take them lightly either. "They have reached this point and achieved so much outstanding results, which speaks for itself."
"We can no longer look at this team with old eyes. At this moment, Manchester City is one of the top clubs in the world."
Compared to Ancelotti''s eloquence, Guardi''s speech was much simpler. He stated that Manchester City is a challenger, full of enthusiasm and momentum to move forward.
"To reach this point is already a miracle. We are not afraid of failure but continue to grow stronger!"
To relieve the tension of the yers, Guardi did not arrange many training sessions on the day of the final, just emphasizing the tactics on the field.
During this period, Manchester City legends such as Sun Jihai and Barry also came to the scene to support the Sky Blues. As their old friends, Wang Feng naturally had a chat with them.
"It feels like we were fighting side by side just yesterday, but in the blink of an eye, I retired, and you are still at the peak stage," Sun Jihai couldn''t help but sigh.
Barry also had simr thoughts. He teamed up with the Chinese superstar to fight against the enemy, and he had to trace back to the era of Genk more than ten years ago.
After that, the Englishman transferred from Aston Vi to Manchester City, witnessing the team''s rise due to financial injection but then leaving for Everton.
Now he ns to sign with West Bromwich Albion and y for another two years. At the age of 36, he probably won''t get much ying time anymore, and retirement is just a matter of time.
"You will surely witness Manchester City lift their first Champions League trophy and be a true European giant!" Wang Feng confidently promised.
On the evening of June 3rd, at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium, the highly anticipated annual battle kicked off.
Bayern Munich is undoubtedly the dominant force in Europeanpetitions. Historically, they have won the Champions League four times and even established a dynasty with three consecutive titles from 1974 to 1976.
In addition to this, they have won one UEFA Cup and one UEFA Super Cup.
On the other hand, Manchester City has an empty trophy cab in terms of European honors, with only one UEFA Cup from the 1970s.
This match is a showdown between traditional giants and rising stars, and its oue and significance are far-reaching.
Led by the referees, the starting lineups of both teams slowly walked out from the yer tunnel, greeted by the enthusiastic cheers and apuse of the fans.
Manchester City, managed by Guardi, adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, their second mostmon tactic besides the 4-3-3.
Goalkeeper Bravo, the four defenders were Otamendi, Kompany, Navas, and Krov.
Fernandinho and Delph formed the double pivot, with San, Wang Feng, and De Bruyne as the three attacking midfielders.
Aguero continued to lead the line as the lone striker.
Bayern Munich deployed a 4-5-1 defensive counter-attack formation, with Neuer as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Boateng, Lahm, Hummels, and ba.
The five midfielders formed apact line, consisting of Alonso, Vidal, Thiago, Robben, and Mller.
Lewandowski served as the focal point of the attack.
From the lineup, it is not difficult to see that Bayern adopted a cautious tactic, aiming to keep the defense solid while seeking opportunities to develop attacks.
In terms of overall strength, they are actually superior to Manchester City, as evidenced by their 10-2 victory over Arsenal.
But there is no team in the world that dares to y an open attacking style against the current Manchester City, as that would be a dead end.
Not to mention their advantages in possession and prating attacks, just Wang Feng alone is enough to intimidate all teams. Any slight mistake could be exploited, let alone wide-open defenses.
Therefore, Ancelotti''s requirement for the team is simple: to push dangerous positions forward through apact midfield setup, intercepting most of the opponent''s forward passes.
Counterattacks use long passes and high balls, relying on Lewandowski''s excellent ability to win aerial duels and break free, swiftly transitioning from defense to offense, catching Manchester City off guard.
The Italian coach also added some aggressive tactics, such as quickly entering a state of high press at the beginning of each half, aiming to seize the initiative.
Chapter 801: Dreams in Progress
Chapter 801: Dreams in Progress
After the start of the match, Bayern took the lead in kicking off the ball,unching continuous attacks against Manchester City ording to the pre-match arrangements made by their coach, Ancelotti.
By transferring the ball widely and making long passes to the front, Robben and Lewandowski cooperated to deliver a cross from the bottom, and Thiago, lurking in front of the goal, headed the ball straight into Bravo''s arms.
Immediately after, King of the South intercepted De Bruyne by double-teaming in the backcourt, sending another lob pass to the front, where Lewandowski received the ball with his chest and passed it to Vidal.
The Chilean midfielder took a powerful shot after dribbling, but the ball went too far and flew out of bounds.
In less than three minutes, Bayern hadpleted two shots on goal. Although Manchester City was surprised, such attacks did not pose a real threat to their goal.
On the sidelines, Guardi nced sideways at Ancelotti not far away, with a slight smile on his lips. Trying to disrupt Manchester City''s rhythm like this, in order to gain control of the game, seemed too simple.
He knows most of the Bayern yers very well. They may have excellent technical skills and ball control, but theyck explosiveness and finishing ability.
This is also why, during his three years coaching Bayern, despite dominating the Bundesliga, he has always failed to make a breakthrough in the Champions League.
He used to envy Ancelotti very much because the best finishing ability in the world was in his hands. The Italian relied on Wang Feng to win one Champions League after another, thus achieving the name of a legendary coach.
But what about him? Despite being ranked in the top three in the world, he hasn''t even won a single Champions League trophy.
Now, this deadly weapon is in his hands, and he is eager to win his first major trophy as a coach!
To curb Bayern''s momentum, Guardi instructed Delph and Fernandinho to press tightly, increasing off-the-ball movements and marking.
The reason for doing this is to cut off the opponent''s attacking routes, preventing the ball from easily transitioning from the midfield to the front, with both defensive midfielders being reliable veterans in this regard.
At the same time, the Sky Blues did not immediately push forward after winning the ball. They patiently circted the ball in the middle of the field, waiting for the right moment to prate.
As a result, Bayern''s passing sess rate dropped significantly, and their defensive end had to remain focused, reducing the threat of their attack.
Unconsciously, Bayern relinquished possession of the ball, and Manchester City''s midfield and front gradually gained the upper hand, driven by David Silva and Wang Feng.
In the 21st minute, Boateng attempted another long ball to find Robben near the edge of the penalty area. Unexpectedly, Otamendi rushed forward from behind and intercepted the ball with a stretched leg, then immediately passed it sideways to Kompany before Robben could react.
Lewandowski rushed to thending point to make a tackle, but the experienced Manchester City captain shielded the ball with his body, keeping it firmly at his feet, then seized the opportunity to send a through pass to Silva.
Silva passed to De Bruyne, who dribbled the ball past the halfway line, sprinting forward despite tight defensive pressure.
Although he wasn''t very fast, Wang Feng followed up ahead, allowing him to pass the ball and continue his advance.
Entering the sensitive area within thirty meters, Alonso and ba came to block, but the Chinese superstar suddenly stopped and cut inside.
The two defenders had to follow him towards the center, giving Wang Feng the opportunity to suddenly turn and send a diagonal pass, finding De Bruyne''s run into the space.
Bayern obviously had a simr n before the game. Ancelotti understood Wang Feng''s offensive threat too well. Although he took away two defenders, Mller quickly filled the gap in front of the Belgian midfielder.
Seeing the central passingne blocked, De Bruyne did not give up. He dribbled the ball back to Silva, who then curled a cross into the penalty area at a forty-five-degree angle.
Aguero, lurking, tried to head the ball against Lahm, but thetter, being no pushover, seized a favorable position with his rich experience, preventing the Argentine striker from having any chance to connect,pleting the clearance.
Of course, under Aguero''s interference, Lahm also couldn''t exert all his strength. The ball flew high but not far, still within the danger zone.
Wang Feng, who had just dribbled the ball sideways, was still hovering near the edge of the penalty area, waiting for the right moment. He anticipated thending position and rushed over, lifting his left foot to prepare for a volley as the ball descended.
Seeing this, Hummels was taken aback. If the Chinese superstar managed to put some power behind the shot, it would be disastrous!
So the German defender lunged forward, jumping to block the shooting route with his entire back. However, Wang Feng feigned a shot, then dropped his raised left foot, causing the ball to bounce off the ground before he volleyed it with his right foot.
In doing so, Hummels left a gap that was thoroughly exposed. To some extent, the defender also disturbed Neuer''s line of sight, causing the goalkeeper to make a wrong judgment.
"Bang!" The ball flew rapidly into the top right corner of the goal, fiercely piercing into the!
"Wang''s volley shot! Goooooooooooooooooal!"
"A stunning world-ss goal that pierces through Bayern Munich''s goal directly, Neuer didn''t even have time to react!"
"So unexpected, so brilliant! Wang even made a feint to shake off Hummels before the shot, causing the entire Bayern defense to misjudge."
The Cardiff Millennium Stadium erupted with cheers. The Manchester City fans who hade from afar were ecstatic, orderly raising and lowering their hands, forming waves of blue on the stands.
The team is getting closer and closer to making history!
"Wang Feng once again breaks the deadlock on the Champions League final stage, this seems to have be his signature performance."
"An achievement that many superstars can''t achieve in their lifetime is just a matter of course for him."
"I wonder what Ancelotti wille up with to change the situation and deal with his former disciple?"
When Wang Feng scored against Bayern, in the top-tier box, Mansour also stood up excitedly, waving his arms continuously to express his inner excitement.
It''s been almost ten years. Since he took over this team, his biggest wish has been to step onto the highest stage, score here, and finally win the cup, hasn''t it?
So much has happened during this time, so much money and manpower invested, so many detours taken, but they''ve finally fought their way to this point.
In his mind, Mansour couldn''t help but recall the scene of his first encounter with the Chinese superstar. At that time, he was just a young man who loved football and wanted to make a ssh with Manchester City.
Now, Mansour''s status in the UAE is soaring, and even this time, he is apanied by the Prince of Wales to watch the game.
The time left for him to deal with football affairs is getting less and less. In recent years, apart from personally nning to bring in Wang Feng, he has rarely been involved in club affairs.
Perhaps one day in the future, he willpletely retire as an investor. But before that, if he can fulfill the football dream of his youth, it will be an extremely joyful thing.
The celebrations of Manchester Citysted for a long time, until the referee urged them repeatedly, before everyone returned to the field. However, their inner excitement and excitement were difficult to dissipate for a while.
Bayern, trailing by a goal, would undoubtedly need tounch a wave of attacks. However, simr to the opening situation, they found it difficult to pose a real and effective threat because the Manchester City yers, amidst their joy, became even more cautious, determined not to let the victory slip away easily!
Chapter 802: Epic Grand Slam
Chapter 802: Epic Grand m
After taking a one-goal lead in the first half, Manchester City ced greater emphasis on ball control, showing a demeanor more akin to seasoned veterans rather than neers to the Champions League final.
This came as a bit of a surprise to most people, but careful observation revealed the significant role Wang Feng yed in it.
He always moved around, making variousmanding gestures, conveying to his teammates when to press the rhythm and when to push forward.
This is also another important role Guardi hoped Wang Feng would y on the field, as no yer to date understands the Champions League and the final more than him.
The experience of the Chinese superstar is the experience of the whole team. He stands like a g on the battlefield, while the yers are like disciplined soldiers.
As the second half started, in the 61st minute, Otamendi and Silva formed a siege in their own penalty area, sessfully intercepting the ball from Robben''s feet, with thetter in control.
With a wave of his hand, Wang Feng signaled forward, and everyone immediatelyunched an attack.
Silva dribbled along the sideline past the halfway line, then passed to Wang Feng nearby. Instead of controlling the ball, the Chinese superstar cleverly let it go, catching Vidal off guard with a quick turn.
Wang Feng caught up with the ball in the opponent''s thirty-meter area and passed it horizontally to De Bruyne, who was running behind.
Initially sprinting on the left, San saw the Belgian moving diagonally inward and decisively prated the penalty area to support.
De Bruyne naturally saw his teammate''s movement. He pretended to create space for a long shot, then flicked the ball with his left foot as it dropped.
An extremely tricky yet urate chip pass bypassed the defense and went straight to San''s feet near the goal line.
Without any adjustment needed, the German winger easily passed the ball back to the middle from the edge of the small penalty area. Wang Feng arrived in time on the left side of the edge of the small penalty area, ready to shoot.
Bayern goalkeeper Neuer immediately dove to the ground to save, while Boateng and Lahm in the penalty area also slid in to block. Unexpectedly, the Chinese superstar took advantage of the situation, deftly flicked the ball, and passed it to the far post.
Aguero, who was unmarked at the moment, and with an empty in front of him, simply tapped the ball into Bayern''s goal.
"Goooooooooooooooooal!! The ball is in!"
"2:0! Manchester City has once again expanded their lead!"
"Wang Feng passes to Aguero in front of the goal, and thetter puts it in without any pressure!"
"This is an unexpected counterattack by the Sky Blues, tearing open the Bayern defense with several quick passes. They are only 30 minutes away from the trophy now!"
On the sidelines, Ancelotti frowned deeply. He had already attached great importance to Wang Feng''s role in the team, but he was still shocked.
This was not just ordinary ball possession; it was a perfectly executed tactic withplete flexibility!
By adding more speed-up tricks to the traditional possession rhythm, such as Wang Feng''s recent ball release and turn, at least two instances of pass and receive time were saved.
Also, De Bruyne''s tricky and urate lob pass greatly saved pration consumption.
Calm like a calm sea, yet surging like waves! You can''t stop it, really can''t stop it! The Italian shook his head with a bitter smile. He nned to make substitutions and take a gamble, sending Mller and Coman on to strengthen the attack.
But this undoubtedly weakened their defensive line. In the 80th minute, after several long attacks failed to result in a goal, Bayern was again caught by Manchester City.
Several efficient passes were sent to the front, Wang Feng passed to San on the wing, who then passed horizontally in front of the goal. Aguero''s shot near the penalty spot was saved by Neuer.
The ball didn''t fly far andnded outside the penalty area, where Silva had been lurking nearby, waiting for an opportunity. Without hesitation, he rushed up and struck a powerful volley with his right foot.
The powerful and precise long-range shot almost grazed the post and went into the, leaving no chance for the Bayern goalkeeper to save.
3:0! The Sky Blues were simply unstoppable!
Everyone found this result unbelievable. Were the traditional giants Bayern really so weak?
Actually, it wasn''t the case. Apart from slightly higher ball possession, Bayern had far more shots, shots on target, and even corner and free-kick opportunities than their opponents.
However, their attacking efficiency was too low, coupled with Bravo''s heroic performance, keeping their goal intact.
On the other hand, the Sky Blues, with only 6 shots, scored 3 goals, employing a strategy of fewer but more precise attacks, allowing them to focus more on defense and deliver fatal blows at crucial moments.
"Oh? The referee has blown the final whistle! The match is over! The match is over!"
"After a brief three minutes of stoppage time, the new Champions League champions have been crowned, they are Manchester City!"
The Cardiff Millennium Stadium erupted in cheers. Countless Manchester City fans were ecstatic, shouting and dancing with all their might.
The yers on the field were no different, even the experienced Wang Feng couldn''t hide his joy.
Kompany ran to the sidelines with his arms open, kneeling and roaring, experiencing the fulfillment of his lifelong dream in his 14-year professional football career!
Veterans like Silva and Fernandinho watched their captain''s ecstatic disy, feeling the same excitement.
The Champions League title was once an honor they didn''t dare to dream of, but being able to taste such sweetness at the end of their careers made it all worthwhile.
Youngsters like San and Jesus ran around expressing their excitement, while Gundogan, who had been absent due to injury, witnessed it all from the bench and joined in the celebration.
De Bruyne jumped onto Wang Feng''s back, "We did it, we really did it!" The Belgian''s voice even choked with emotion.
An epic grand m, what a great feat!
"Congrattions to the Sky Blues, congrattions to all the yers, coaching staff, and staff. They have created a remarkable monument by winning the first quadruple in the Premier League!"
"The domestic league, FA Cup, League Cup,bined with the UEFA Champions League trophy, Manchester City has be the most dominant club in the world this season!"
"This is something that all Premier League giants have never achieved. Even under the reign of Ferguson, the glorious Red Devils only won three trophies,cking the glory of a League Cup."
"The Sky Blues, however, have won the grand m, which will undoubtedly leave a dazzling mark in the hundred-year history of English football."
"At the same time, we once again congratte Wang Feng. His legendary career has added many highlights."
"By now, the Chinese superstar has won 14 Champions League trophies, dominating European football for 12 consecutive years."
"There is no doubt that Wang Feng is the main contributor to Manchester City''s grand m victory. With a goal and an assist in the final, he contributed 17 goals and 8 assists throughout the Champions League season, leading the scoring chart and once again winning the Champions League''s top scorer title."
"Not to mention his breaking of the Premier League record with 44 goals and 14 assists, it can be said that with just this season''s performance, Manchester City has achieved tremendous sess in their transfer operations."
Chapter 803: Champions Before and After Arrival
Chapter 803: Champions Before and After Arrival
Running, celebrating, shouting, the entire Manchester City team was immersed in immense joy, even Guardi couldn''t contain his excitement as he paced back and forth on the sidelines, enthusiastically embracing each yer.
His eyes were slightly red; this wasn''t just the club''s first Champions League trophy, but also the first Champions League trophy of his coaching career. This moment had haunted him for a long time.
Not far away, Wang Feng personally came to Guardi after celebrating with everyone, expressing his gratitude. Without the coach''s tactical analysis and arrangements, Manchester City wouldn''t have achieved such remarkable results.
"We achieved this together," Guardi said, "Without you, the team couldn''t have executed the tactics so smoothly."
Soon, the yers gathered around, intending to lift Guardi high into the air. The Spaniard was very happy, so he let them have their fun.
After tossing Guardi, they set their sights on Wang Feng. The Chinese superstar also experienced the feeling of weightlessness as he was lifted high, overlooking a sea of smiling faces, his heart filled with satisfaction.
While one side celebrated in joy, Bayern''s yers left the field with a sense of sadness. Ancelotti congratted Wang Feng before leaving, "I thought of a thousand ways to restrain you, but you always found a thousand and one ways to escape."
Robben, Alonso, Mller, and other familiar faces expressed simr sentiments. "You performed better and deserved the victory," the Dutchman said with a despondent expression.
As for Huang Hu, who suffered defeat in his first Champions League final, the Chinese superstar speciallyforted him, "Keep up your status as a key yer for Bayern. Here, you will always have the opportunity topete for the title."
The young yer nodded vigorously. Although everything was hard-won and exhausting at the moment, he was eager to stay on this stage. Hard work was the only way forward.
After the award ceremony stage was set up, everyone in Manchester City couldn''t wait to receive their medals and lift the trophy.
After bidding farewell to Bayern, they quickly lined up and took turns to step onto the podium, where UEFA President Ceferin personally presented the trophy.
At the end of the line, Kompany tremblingly took the trophy and slowly walked to the front with all his teammates, raising the trophy together amidst deafening cheers at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium.
Then, as usual, friends and family entered the field to take celebratory photos together. At this moment, everyone abandoned their reserve and eagerly took turns holding the trophy.
Even Mansour wasn''t an exception; he didn''t care about his current status and mingled with the yers.
Of course, Wang Feng didn''t do the same. There were already many photos of him with the Champions League trophy at home, even little Haohao had lost interest.
"When I grow up, I''ll take a photo with the trophy with Dad, that''ll be fun." He dered solemnly, like a little adult.
The family couldn''t help but smile. Wang Feng lifted his son and said with a smile, "Then we have a deal, you must bring your own trophy back in the future."
On the side, Xiaoyao looked on enviously and also asked Dad to hold her. Wang Feng had to hold both of them, his arms suddenly heavy. Unconsciously, his children had grown so big.
A quadruple champion season, a full sweep of honors! Manchester City''s performance this season shook the entire Ennd and caused a sensation worldwide.
At this moment, the happiest people are undoubtedly the citizens of Manchester. The two most glorious clubs in the Premier League belong to this city.
Are the Red Devils declining? We still have the Blue Moon, the throne of Manchester never falls! Soon, the club received congrattory letters from all major Premier League powerhouses. Regardless of the circumstances, this achievement is also a glory for all Premier League teams.
Including the cross-town rivals Manchester United, directpetitors like Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, and so on, all congratted the Blue Moon on achieving the grand m.
Wang Feng, who was awarded the Best yer and Top Scorer of the Champions League, received worship from everyone. Those who used to have opinions about him now couldn''t say anything critical anymore.
"We have witnessed two historic moments in football, both closely rted to the Chinese superstar," the French newspaper L''Equipe published a rted report, "First, the copse of the Real Madrid dynasty, ending their consecutive championships at ten."
"Second is the rise of Manchester City, creating a new record for English clubs."
"In the past, some voices believed that Wang Feng''s coboration with the Gcticos made it easy topete for championships, that the tform made the star."
"Now, irond facts prove that the tform doesn''t mean everything. The true football god''s brilliance will never be overshadowed."
"When the Chinese superstar arrived in Madrid with three Champions League trophies in hand, he was a unique savior, and now he is equally extraordinary in Manchester."
"Wang Feng truly embodies the motto ''a champion before arrival, a champion after departure,'' which has nothing to do with the team environment. He is undoubtedly the king of the Champions League."
The Times'' front-page headline read "Mighty Manchester City Sweeps Across Europe!", stating that this current Blue Moon team is fully qualified to be called the best team in English history.
They have set a new record in modern football for over a century, winning all domestic trophies and the European championship.
Even when looking at European history as a whole, they are among the top teams. Perhaps only Real Madrid, who won ten consecutive championships, slightly surpasses them.
"With the continuous development of modern football, itspetitiveness has also rapidly increased, but there have been super strong teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City, bursting with brilliant glory."
"As the most dazzling among them, Wang Feng''s role is crucial. When the Blue Moon takes over the throne of the Gcticos, the Chinese superstar''s supreme status bes even more unshakable."
The Manchester Evening News believes that Wang Feng haspleted the final piece of the puzzle to be a god, and from now on, no one can find a reason to question him. He is truly the football god.
"He has conquered all opponents, all leagues, and this era, no, perhaps several eras."
Regarding Manchester City''s overall strength, the Manchester Evening News believes that only "first-ss" can describe it, not yet reaching the top level. The team doesn''t have many big names and is far from the level of giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern.
But Wang Feng greatly raised the team''s ceiling, and their historic achievements todaye from this.
Spanish newspapers Marca and AS congratted Manchester City on their honors, expressing their admiration.
"The abilities of the Chinese superstar still exceed everyone''s expectations, even possibly his own, otherwise he wouldn''t have left Real Madrid so easily."
And it''s apparent that the Gcticos, losing their most important pir, will need quite some time to adapt. Ronaldo is very strong, but he is not Wang Feng.
Catalonia''s Mundo Deportivo took a somewhat gloating tone, admitting that lifting the league trophy again after eleven years was satisfying enough, and losing to Manchester City in the Champions League semifinals was not unjust.
As for Real Madrid, who came away empty-handed, it might not be easy for them to rise again.
But soon after, these people couldn''t be happy because their homes were stolen by tycoons.
Chapter 804: Big Moves
Chapter 804: Big Moves
When the Manchester City team returned to Manchester by ne, thousands of fans flooded the streets, awaiting the heroes'' appearance with the gleaming trophy.
The airport specially allowed the parade convertible to drive all the way to the tarmac, where the three domestic heavyweight championship trophies were already ced inside the car.
When Kompany lifted the Champions League trophy, the continuous cheers and the clicking of cameras from journalists filled the air. This time, the celebration was being broadcast live by three local English television stations.
From the airport to the city center, heading north to reach the Etihad Stadium, the journey of approximately 18 kilometers, which should have taken only half an hour, ended up taking more than five hours because of the overwhelming number of fans lining the streets to wee the team.
Wang Feng lifted the trophy a couple of times at the beginning, then left the most conspicuous spot to his teammates to let them revel in the celebration.
However, throughout the journey, chants of his name could be heard from fans at any time. The Chinese superstar had already won over this city.
Finally arriving at their destination, Kompany, Aguero, Fernandinho, and Wang Feng each carried a trophy and walked into the Etihad Stadium together with the others, greeted by deafening cheers and screams.
Near the center circle, a stage and long tables were set up. After the trophies were ced, the championship celebration officially began.
The club had arranged various special performances for the asion, including local songs and dances, and surprisingly, even traditional Chinese martial arts performances, which were heartwarming to see.
After the song "Blue Moon" finished ying, yers and coaching staff took turns making championship derations.
When it was Wang Feng''s turn, he said, "Thank you very much for your great love. I want to thank all my teammates, coaching staff, and club staff. Without your efforts, the team wouldn''t have achieved such great glory."
"A year ago, when I first stepped onto this field, I promised the fans that I would bring results to the team. Now, I have finally fulfilled that promise."
"Next, we will continue to work hard and create endless glory for the Blue Moon!"
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous apuse erupted, whichsted for a long time without stopping.
After all the yers had spoken, Guardi stepped forward and expressed that he had fallen in love with this city and this team, vowing to build a dynasty of the Blue Moon. The atmosphere was pushed to another climax once again.
The celebrations in Manchestersted from morning till night. When night fell, fireworks were set off at the Etihad Stadium to celebrate.
While the outside world was buzzing with excitement, inside the administrative office of the stadium, key personnel of the club gathered to discuss the uing summer transfer strategy, which would significantly impact the club''s future.
Mansour had left early; he had many national affairs to attend to and was satisfied with not managing the specific affairs of the club anymore. Everything would now be decided by the CEO and other top executives.
Before leaving, he took the time to meet with Wang Feng and express his joy and gratitude, stating that the Abu Dhabi royal family would always cherish their friendship.
Currently, the biggest issue facing CEO Soriano was the transition. In the past, Manchester City had spared no expense to win championships, but now that they had achieved the status of a powerhouse, they needed to learn to invest and n for the future reasonably.
Guardi fully agreed with this approach. Just as he had promised in front of the fans earlier, he hadn''te to the Blue Moon solely for a high sry; he wanted to realize his ambitions and be a top coach like Ancelotti.
"The first thing to address in this transfer window is the issue of an oversized squad. This is my list of yers to be cleared out," the Spanish coach said, handing the list to the others.
Soriano, after looking at it, couldn''t help but be shocked. "There are 23 yers in total? My goodness, isn''t this too radical?"
"No, it''s not. This conclusion was reached after careful consideration by the coaching staff. The purpose of hoarding yers likest season has been achieved. There''s no need to maintain such high consumption anymore."
"Alright, we don''t have higher demands for results at the moment anyway. You can spend a few yearsying the groundwork."
Guardi nodded. "Additionally, there''s the issue of tactical core. I will gradually build the team around young yers in the future, and Wang''s importance will decrease."
"This is quite sensitive. After all, he is the renowned football god of the world, personally invited back by the owner, and his outstanding performance this season is evident to all," Soriano rubbed his chin.
"I understand, of course. If the Chinese superstar were just two years younger, I believe no coach in the world could refuse to build a system around him."
"But he''s already 34 years old, and I have to be responsible for the future of the team."
Guardi added, "This doesn''t mean that his position as a starter will be shaken, but the focus of tactical arrangements will be different."
"We also hope that he can continue to y a role at critical moments. Of course, I have discussed this with the Chinese superstar, and he feels it''s appropriate."
Soriano nodded. "That''s good. Regarding on-field arrangements, it''s up to you professionals to decide. I just want to emphasize that Wang''s status deserves respect, and conflicts should not arise over these trivial matters."
The Spanish coach had always been decisive. The day after the championship celebration ended, he began hisprehensive clearing out operation.
Several yers, including many former starters, left the team one after another. For example, Fernandinho was transferred to Gtasaray in the Turkish Super League for 25 million, Krov was sold to Roma for 5 million, Sagna and Navas did not renew their contracts and joined West Ham United and Sevi respectively on free transfers, and so on.
More stable substitutes like Nolito were sold to Sevi for 9 million, and Zabaleta was sold to Virreal for 14 million.
After these transactions, Manchester City''s transfer ie reached approximately 100 million, the highest in recent years, plus the wages saved from these yers, a significant amount of funds was freed up.
Such big moves naturally attracted the attention of many media and fans, with various rumors and analyses emerging.
Some said that slimming down the squad was very wise, while others said that rebuilding after winning the championship was very unusual. Shouldn''t they maintain the status quo and continue topete for trophies in the new season?
Furthermore, some even spected that after fulfilling the dreams of the UAE tycoons, they nned to withdraw their investments and run away, so Manchester City had to sell off their assets to recoup their losses.
This kind of spection was so eye-catching that many people believed it to be true. Even within the Manchester City team, there was a small-scale panic.
But soon, the club used a series of heavyweight signings to debunk the rumors. They were notcking in funds; they just wanted to invest them wisely.
Firstly, they broke the transfer record for defenders by bringing in Benjamin Mendy from Monaco for 52 million.
Then, at Wang Feng''s rmendation, they bought Danilo, the right-back from Real Madrid, for 26 million. Wang had thought highly of him during his time at the Gcticos.
Negotiations with Tottenham''s Walker were a bit tricky. While the yer himself was keen to join, the North London club didn''t want him to stay in the Premier League and pose a threat to themselves.
After some back and forth, they finally settled on a deal worth 45 million plus 5 million in floating uses.
Guardi''s possession-based system had always relied heavily on full-backs, but the performances of several yers in the past season were not satisfactory, so he focused on this aspect in the transfer market.
They also brought in Bernardo Silva from Monaco for 43 million, Ederson from Benfica for 34 million, and Luis from Gama for 10 million, among others.
In total, Manchester City spent over 200 million in the transfer market.
Chapter 805: Capital Madness
Chapter 805: Capital Madness
After participating in the celebration of Manchester City''s championship, Wang Feng returned to China with his family. This summer, he nned to take his children to appreciate the beautiful scenery of their homnd.
In June, there was still a match in the Twelve Strong, with China facing Syria away in the eighth round. However, since they had already secured qualification in advance, Wang Feng was not called up for this match.
"The hard work in the previous period was very worthwhile. Now, I can enjoy traveling with you guys to the fullest," Wang Feng proudly said to his wife, Lu Yao.
Last season, he not only fought on four fronts at the club level but also had to bnce World Cup qualifiers, which left him very exhausted. His wife advised him to make appropriate choices and not to return for some national team matches.
But the Chinese superstar persisted. He always adhered to the philosophy of "bitter first, sweetter." Without the past hard work, how could he enjoy the happy life he had today?
"I know, your arrangements are the best!" Lu Yao smiled and yfully punched him with her fist. "Then let''s not think about anything else and focus on enlightening Sihao and the others. The scenery in our country is no worse than Europe''s."
So, they disappeared from the public eye for the entire summer. Many media outlets couldn''t find them for interviews or reports. Moreover, Wang Feng wasn''t fond of sharing his private life, so people knew even less about his current activities.
However, asionally, fans would excitedly post messages on the inte, iming to have met the Chinese superstar at Mount Huangshan or sharing signed photos taken with him.
Some said they met him at Dongting Lake, while others imed it was in Yunnan.
"Wang Feng seems to be in high spirits. While European football is in turmoil, he''s touring famous mountains and rivers."
"This is called being detached from worldly affairs. What else in the football world can shake the Football God now? He just needs to enjoy the game and life."
As theizens said, European football indeed experienced one super earthquake after another, but Wang Feng wasn''t shaken; he was extremely surprised, even contacting many old acquaintances to gossip.
Apart from the widespread attention on Manchester City''s massive clear-out and ??200 million spending spree, the most shocking event of this summer transfer window was Paris Saint-Germain''s poaching of Neymar.
It was like opening Pandora''s Box. No club had ever thought about using such a method of paying a star yer''s astronomical release use to sign him.
But Paris did just that, paying ?222 million! They forcibly bought out Neymar''s contract like this.
Barcelona was devastated. When they set the release use, they never imagined someone could afford it. Who could have foreseen that the nouveau riche wouldn''t y by the rules?
The club had never intended to sell Neymar, as they saw him as the future. So, despite several approaches from the oil tycoons, they were rebuffed every time.
So, they changed tactics and approached the yer directly. Unexpectedly, Neymar was very amenable. On the one hand, it was because of the high sry offered, and on the other hand, he felt there was no future for him at Barcelona.
Even though the team won the La Liga title again after eleven years, even though he scored a hat-trick in crucial matches, in the eyes of the media and fans, it was always about Messi. He always stood in the spotlight, receiving all the praise.
Earlier, when Barcelona was suppressed by Real Madrid year after year, Neymar faced a lot of unreasonable criticism??being called a flop, frivolous, and unreliable, among other things.
There was no praise in victory, only nder in defeat. Neymar didn''t want to continue living like this, so both parties quickly reached an agreement, leading to the earth-shattering transfer.
In addition to this, Paris Saint-Germain also secured the services of the French sensation Mbappe from Monaco in a deal worth ?180 million, using a loan-to-buy arrangement.
"Crazy capital!" This was how the German publication Kicker described it. They believed that Manchester City''s tremendous sess seemed to have spurred Paris Saint-Germain, making them think that throwing money around recklessly could bring results.
"Football is not that simple. Relying solely on star yers and massive investment is not enough!"
Although mainstream media outlets issued rational voices, the impact of these two transfers still reverberated throughout the entire summer window. yer valuations soared, and clubs, fueled by funds,peted fiercely like never before.
The Premier League, as the league with the strongest financial strength, naturally refused to be outdone. Chelsea, after losing the title, regrouped and spent ??58.5 million to buy Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.
The Spanish striker had performed well at Juventus after being bought back by the Gcticosst season, and he continued to impress during this year.
However, he found it difficult to dislodge Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale from their starting positions, so he sought new opportunities elsewhere.
Next, Chelsea spent ??31.5 million to acquire Rudiger from Roma and ??36 million to bring in Bakayoko from Monaco.
In total, they invested ??151 million in the summer window.
Manchester United bid farewell to veteran Rooney and paid a hefty fee of ??75 million to Everton for their top scorer Lukaku.
They also spent ??40 million to bring in Matic from Chelsea and ??31.5 million to buy back Lindelof from Benfica.
In total, the Red Devils invested ??146 million.
Liverpool showed great determination in this transfer window. They firmly rejected Barcelona''s attempts to poach Coutinho and broke their transfer record by spending ??37.8 million to acquire Egyptian forward Sh.
They also spent ??34.2 million on Ode-Chambein from Arsenal and ??8.1 million on Robertson from Hull City, totaling over ??80 million in investments.
Arsenal, among the top clubs, was the most stingy in their spending. They only spent ??47 million to bring in Lacazette from Lyon, but retaining their core yer Sanchez could be considered a sess.
In La Liga, Real Madrid''s main lineup was still in the process of integration. They spent ?30 million to acquire Hernandez from Atletico Madrid and ?10 million to bring back Ceballos from Real Betis as minor reinforcements.
Barcelona, on the other hand, was extremely active. Apart from the summer Figo left, this year should be the most miserable transfer window in the club''s history.
They not only failed tond their desired Verratti but also lost Neymar. Panicked, they entered the market with a high release use and were subjected to extortionate demands from other clubs.
But they couldn''t afford not to! After barely suppressing Real Madrid, no one could ept returning to those dark days.
They paid ?105 million to Dortmund for Dembele, ?30.5 million to Benfica for Semedo, and ?12 million to AC Mn for Deulofeu.
What''s more ridiculous was that they were swindled by Guangzhou Evergrande. They paid ?40 million in release use fees to sign Paulinho, but just a yearter, they had to loan him back.
Once again, the reality proved that the gap between the Chinese Super League and European leagues was like heaven and earth. Even if they were thriving domestically, they couldn''t find a foothold in Europe.
In Serie A, Inter Mn weed their new coach Spalletti this summer and made targeted reinforcements to their squad, with yers like Vecino, Skriniar, and D''Ambrosio joining.
Juventus lost their defensive stalwart Boni but didn''t rece him. Instead, they brought in attacking talents like Bernardeschi and Dous Costa, making their squad configuration somewhat irrational.
AC Mn made the most moves in Serie A. The yers they brought in could form aplete starting lineup. They were ambitious and wanted to make a big ssh next year.
In the Bundesliga, although Bayern Munich always adhered to the principle of buying right and not buying expensive, they still broke their transfer record with a ?41.5 million fee for Tolisso, along with other reinforcements, steadily improving the team''s strength.
Although Borussia Dortmund lost Dembele, they received arge sum of money and managed to keep Aubameyang. This prevented fans from feeling too disappointed.
Chapter 806: Pre-season Double Crown
Chapter 806: Pre-season Double Crown
From the official dissolution and entry into the off-season on June 5th, until the Manchester City training camp reopened on July 10th, Wang Feng and Lu Yao settled all matters in Madrid before returning to Manchester the day before.
During this month-long period, the Chinese superstar did not participate in anymercial activities, focusing mainly on remote management of group affairs, allowing him to spend quality time with his family.
This was also to make up for the separation during the season, especially when the schedule was tight, making it almost impossible to find free time for family.
Of course, the cost was that his physical condition became somewhat poor. Although he continued his regr exercise and ball training daily, theck of field equipment was evident.
In addition, the diverse styles of Chinese cuisine were simply too delicious. While he could resist with willpower when he was younger, now with numerous honors and achievements, it was easy to indulge a bit.
However, after a detailed examination by the team doctor, it was determined that the problem was not serious, and with diligent exercise for half a month, he could recover his condition.
Wang Feng managed to maintain a rtively normal physique, but Gndogan visibly gained weight. Even if his injury recovered, if he wanted to return to the starting lineup, he would still need to put in some effort.
The former captain, Kompany, fulfilled his wish topletely let go, gaining more than ten kilograms in no time. Other key yers also showed signs of gaining weight, with Walker, Danilo, and other recently transferred yers being in the best shape.
Guardi, angry and extremely headache-inducing, realized that these guys were indeed resting on theirurels and taking it easy. This wouldn''t do!
So, he urgently consulted with the coaching staff and devised a devilish training regimen, significantly increasing the intensity of the yers'' physical training, leaving them exhausted after a single day.
Manchester City''s camp was immediately filled with wails of despair. Many wanted to lead protests, but when they saw the team''s biggest star, Wang Feng, meticulously following the arrangements, they couldn''t help but feel ashamed and could only grit their teeth and persevere.
Seeing this situation, the Spanish coach nodded in understanding. He truly understood why Inter Mn and Real Madrid were always able to achieve good results consecutivelya remarkable example and leader were so important!
Many elite clubs fell apart because of their core yers, who indulged in privileges, cked off in training, and even openly protested and challenged the head coach. Naturally, other yers followed suit, disregarding all the arrangements made by the coaching staff.
After ten days of devilish training, the entire Manchester City team headed to the United States for summer training, apanied by somemercial activities. During this time, Wang Feng also concentrated on handling many of hismercial endorsements.
They yed several warm-up matches against Manchester United, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. Apart from an initial loss to the Red Devils, Manchester City''s performance improved with each game, winning them all.
Guardi also used these matches to refine the main lineup for the new season. In the goalkeeping position, Ederson reced Bravo as the starter.
The 24-year-old Brazilian had an excellent performancest season at Benfica, with 24 clean sheets in 40 starts, making him one of the main contributors to the team''s double triumph in the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal.
His agility, reaction speed, and uracy in saves surpassed the 34-year-old Chilean veteran. It was believed that he could carry the banner of the future Manchester City goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Danilo, Benjamin Mendy, Otamendi, and Walker.
Stones had made rapid progress, forming apetitive situation with Danilo. Kompany''s physical condition and strength were unlikely to continue to meet the standards for starting, so he was rotated, and the captain''s armband was handed to David Silva on the field.
In addition to them, Delph, Laporte, and Zinchenko were also key substitutes.
The midfieldprised of De Bruyne, Fernandinho, and David Silva, with Gndogan also in Guardi''s focus for potential recement of Fernandinho.
There was also the 17-year-old wonderkid Phil Foden, who came through Manchester City''s youth system. Based on his excellent performancest year in the U18 squad, the head coach promoted him to the first team.
The three forwards were Bernardo Silva, Wang Feng, and San, with Agero, Sterling, and Jesus as substitutes.
Before the start of the new season, there were pre-season Super Cup matches in various European leagues, with the participating teams being the champions of the domestic league and cup. Ennd was no exception.
However, it was not called the Super Cup here but rather the Community Shield.
Originally named the Charity Shield, thepetition was founded in 1908, with the format being professional teams against amateur teams, aimed at strengthening themunication between the two.
It wasn''t until 1974 that it was changed to a sh between the league champions and the FA Cup winners, attracting more and more attention from fans.
If a team like Manchester City simultaneously won the league and the FA Cup, then the league runner-up would take their ce. So, Chelsea, an old opponent, was Manchester City''s opponent this time.
It was the first official match of the Premier League season, marking the beginning of a new journey, and also raising funds for charity, with a very high reputation.
However, in the early 21st century, a British investigation found that the FA''s use of Charity Shield ie had vited fund regtions and could no longer be called a charity event, thus it was renamed the Community Shield.
Unlike other cuppetitions, the winning team did not receive a trophy but rather a shield, which was octagonal in shape with a concave interior, decorated with cloud patterns and the name.
Under the new system, Manchester City had almost no chance to participate until 2012 when they lifted the shield for the first time.
Guardi attached great importance to this match and deployed his main lineup to strive for victory.
The addition of personally selected new signings did not disappoint the fans, greatly enhancing the stability and strength of the possession-based lineup, allowing Manchester City to control the game more smoothly.
In the first half, Walker advanced from the wing, crossed to De Bruyne, who then slotted the ball diagonally into the penalty area. Bernardo Silva tapped it in front of the goal, opening the scoring for the Sky Blues.
Chelsea, on the other hand, showed great patience and resilience, defending collectively to neutralize the opponent''s continuous attacks while waiting for the opportunity to counterattack.
In the 71st minute, they found Hazard at the edge of the penalty area through a long pass from the back, and the Belgian forward deceived Manchester City defenders twice with his footwork before shooting into the far corner.
Approaching injury time, Wang Feng moved to the left andbined with San, delivering a low cross. David Silva arrived at the far post and scored from close range.
With this precisete goal, Manchester City eventually won 2-1 against Chelsea, iming victory in this pre-season match.
In addition to the Community Shield, before the start of the league, Manchester City would alsopete withst season''s Europa League champions, Manchester United, for the UEFA Super Cup.
This prestigious trophy had never been within Manchester City''s reach, so many Manchester City fans traveled with the team to the Philip II Arena in Macedonia, hoping to support their team and witness another historic breakthrough.
Guardi made only minor adjustments to the lineup, with Agero starting instead of Bernardo Silva, while the rest of the personnel remained unchanged.
In the first half, a Manchester City attack was cleared out, but De Bruyne controlled the ball on the right side of the penalty area, dribbled past defenders, and crossed from the byline. Wang Feng headed the ball into the, scoring the first goal of the new season.
In the second half, San dribbled past two defenders on the wing and then passed it back in a triangr fashion. The Chinese superstar attracted defenders with his movement but cleverly let the ball go through to the top of the arc.
Fernandinho arrived, took a shot with his right foot, and sted it through De Gea''s hands.
After that, there were no further changes in the scoreline, with Manchester City defeating Manchester United 2-0, winning their first-ever UEFA Super Cup.
Chapter 807: Annual Triple Crown
Chapter 807: Annual Triple Crown
The 2017-2018 Premier League season kicked off on August 12th, with Manchester City facing newly-promoted Brighton.
In the end, the Sky Blues easily defeated the Seagulls 2-0, starting their campaign with a victory. They then drew 1-1 against Everton.
In the first two rounds, Wang Feng unusually failed to score a goal, with only one assist, primarily due to his physical condition not fully recovering.
He often found himself heavily marked by defensive yers, and without his robust physicality and technical skills, he struggled to make an impact.
Additionally, head coach Guardi was experimenting with different possibilities, shifting the Chinese superstar''s on-field role from a finisher to a ymaker, gradually moving him further from the goal.
On August 25th, the UEFA season awards ceremony and Champions League draw took ce at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
Perhaps due to the separation of the Ballon d''Or and FIFA Best awardsst year, UEFA became more aware of the crisis and implemented reforms this year.
The Best yer awards for four positions were reintroduced, along with the addition of the Europa League Best yer and the President''s Special Award, indicating their ambition to expand their influence.
The Best Goalkeeper award went to Neuer from Bayern Munich, who led his team all the way to the final with his outstanding performance.
The Best Defender also came from Bayern, awarded to Lahm.
The Best Midfielder was given to Manchester City''s David Silva, while the Best Forward was undoubtedly Wang Feng.
The UEFA Women''s yer of the Year was Martens from Barcelona.
The UEFA President''s Special Award was presented to Roma''s King of Wolves, Totti, who had just announced his retirement at the end of the previous season, truly embodying a one-club fairytale.
Looking at the Chinese superstar being apuded below the stage, the Italian couldn''t help but recall the scene from that winter, where he, Wang Feng, and Shevchenko argued fiercely for the championship without giving in.
A reminiscent smile appeared on Totti''s face, and after finishing his eptance speech, he couldn''t help but gesture towards Wang Feng''s direction, saying, "Keep it up, old friend!"
The guests were surprised but also understanding because for the final award, the 2016-2017 UEFA European Best yer, the highly anticipated winner was once again Wang Feng!
The Chinese superstar took the stage to receive the "Silver Shorts" trophy, jokingly saying before his speech, "Thanks to Francesco for the reminder. He once again reminded me that I''m getting old, hmm."
The audience burst intoughter, and after the banter, Wang Feng, as always, thanked all his supporters and expressed his determination to continue to perform with this old body of his.
Next was the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, where Manchester City had a favorable draw, facing Shakhtar Dsk, Napoli, and Feyenoord, none of whom were considered very strong opponents.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was October. FIFA decided to hold the annual awards ceremony early so that the major awards could better correspond to the yers'' performances throughout the season.
On the evening of the 23rd, at the London Padium Theatre, after many football stars walked the red carpet, the two-hour ceremony began.
It was the first time London hosted a FIFA event, and it was also the first time it was held outside Zurich.
It was Pel''s birthday that day, so the ceremony began with a special segment reviewing his illustrious career, showcasing his highlights on the pitch.
The annual FIFA FIFPro World XI, as voted by the World Professional yers'' Union, was a 4-3-3 formation, with Neuer in goal.
The four defenders were Otamendi, Lahm, Alves, and Kompany.
The midfield trio consisted of David Silva, Modric, and De Bruyne.
The three forwards were Messi, Wang Feng, and Neymar.
Following that, the Best Fans award was given to Celtic fans, who, inst season''s Champions League group stage, disyed a giant bannermemorating the team''s 50th anniversary of winning the Champions League, leaving a deep impression on everyone.
The newly added Best Goalkeeper award was won by the veteran Buffon from Juventus, who, at nearly 39 years old, was still active on the pinnacle stage of the top five leagues, earning much respect.
The Fair y Award was given to Togolese striker Kon, who was the first to help an injured opponent in the Czech First League, preventing him from suffocating.
The Pusks Award was given to Wang Feng for his breathtaking bicycle kick in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, undoubtedly one of the greatest goals in history.
The Best Women''s Coach award went to Wiegman, who led the Dutch women''s team, while the Best Men''s Coach was naturally Guardi, who achieved the quadruple miracle.
Finally, the FIFA Women''s World yer and the FIFA Best Women''s yer awards both went to Martens from Barcelona.
And the FIFA Men''s World yer, once again, was won by Wang Feng, defeating hispetitors Messi and Neymar again, continuing his back-to-back victories.
The Chinese superstar received an impressive 43.16% of the votes, while Messi and Neymar received only 19.25% and 6.97%, respectively.
"Continuously helping different teams win championships is a great moment for me," Wang Feng said in an interview. "I''ve been lucky to encounter excellent teammates, coaching staff, and club staff, and their support is crucial."
"Of course, there are fans from all over the world, and I''m very grateful for their enthusiasm. Being able topete with the best yers on the same stage is my honor."
Entering December, Manchester City''s form improved steadily since their draw against Everton, winning an impressive 13 consecutive matches, topping the Premier League table with 14 wins, 1 draw, and 43 points.
Second-ced Manchester Unitedgged behind the Sky Blues by 8 points, making City''s title defense increasingly likely.
Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Manchester City continued their dominant performance, winning all but one of their group stage matches, securing their spot in the Round of 16.
Such remarkable achievements were attributed to Manchester City''s terrifying control of the game and their ability to score from multiple sources, almostpletely overwhelming their opponents.
Furthermore, with Bernardo Silva, San, Agero, and Wang Feng all scoring double-digit goals, they seemed unstoppable.
The Times even dered that Manchester City would rece Real Madrid as the new dynasty of the new era, making European football kneel at their feet.
The Chinese superstar''s 14 league goals ced him second in the top scorer''s list, with Liverpool''s Sh leading with a terrifying 16 goals with the full support of his team.
The only downside was Manchester City''s defeat to Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-finals. Guardi experimented with some tactics in this match, but the mismatched lineup led to the loss.
However, it was not a significant setback. In the Club World Cup, the Sky Blues defeated Al-Ain and Grmio sessively, lifting their first-ever intercontinental trophy.
On December 8th, France Football magazine announced Wang Feng''s back-to-back Ballon d''Or wins for 2017, making it a clean sweep of all three annual awards once again for the Chinese superstar.
"A familiar scene, yet astonishing results," many media outlets described the current situation.
Every time the Chinese superstar won an award, it felt like a journey back in time, as if time had never passed, yet it was steadily advancing. Generation after generation of stars rose and fell, but everyone wanted to know where Wang''s limitsy, harboring aplex mix of anticipation and reluctance.
Chapter 808: Losing in the East, Gaining in the Mulberry Grove
Chapter 808: Losing in the East, Gaining in the Mulberry Grove
On April 24, 2018, at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, the electronic disy board showed that it was the 89th minute, and the entire audience held their breath, staring intently at the field without blinking.
At this moment, the visiting team got a free kick opportunity from about 27 meters outside the penalty area, and the home team nervously arranged their defensive wall, while Wang Feng walked to the penalty spot with the ball.
Van Dijk ran up to protest to the referee about the positioning of the free kick, iming it was unreasonable and needed to be moved back.
Such baseless remarks naturally didn''t receive support, but the Dutch defender''s purpose had been achieved: to disturb the mindset of the Chinese superstar and to buy more adjustment time for his teammates.
"I''m so nervous, I feel my heart pounding." Inside the domestic sports channel''s live broadcast room, Zhang Jun''s voice trembled. "This is Manchester City''sst chance. Let''s see if Wang Feng can seize it!"
"The defending champions'' Champions League semi-final is on the brink. Crossing over means there is hope, otherwise they can only go back empty-handed."
"In the first leg, Manchester City won 2-1 at home, and in this match, after more than 80 minutes of fierce battle, the Reds lead 2-0 temporarily. Once the Chinese superstar scores this free kick, the game will be dragged into extra time."
The live camera focused on Wang Feng''s face, sweat already covering his face, his soaked hair hanging down. These details indicated that he had given his all in the fight.
But the Chinese superstar still looked towards Liverpool''s goal with determined eyes, longing for that crucial goal.
"We''ve seen this scene many times before. Wang Feng always summons miracles, saving the world time and time again. I believe this time will be no exception!"
The entire Anfield Stadium became unusually silent, with fans from both teams not daring to make a sound, fearing that any movement might affect the oue, silently praying in their hearts.
"Beep!" The referee''s whistle sounded sharply. The Chinese superstar took a deep breath, took a run-up, and shot!
"A direct shot! My god, what luck is this! The ball hit the post and bounced out. Is there a chance for a second rebound?"
"No, it''s over, no chance. Robertson snatched the ball and cleared it with a big kick."
"It''s such a pity, just a little bit more, just that little bit more, the ball had bypassed the wall, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was a bit unable to save it."
"Just a slight deviation inside, and it would have been a decisive goal!"
"The referee blows the final whistle, and Manchester City''s Champions League journeyes to an end! Let''s congratte Liverpool, they have overturned their opponents with an aggregate score of 3-2 and advanced to the Champions League final!"
"This is a revenge that has been years in the making. Over the past decade, Wang Feng has led his teams to defeat Liverpool several times, leaving behind the tragic story of the ''European Nightmares.''"
"Now they can finally hold their heads high, truly defeating the Chinese superstar on the field, even though he''s nearly 35 years old and past his prime."
"Of course, Manchester City''s loss is by no means solely Wang Feng''s responsibility, but the entire team has fallen into an inexplicable state of weakness, in stark contrast to their dominant performance in the league."
"As early as the round of 16 against Basel in the Champions League, the Sky Blues encountered many problems. Despite a 5-2 victory to advance, the inexplicable conceding of goals caused quite a stir."
"In the quarter-finals against Roma, it should have been an easy match, but the team turned it into a life-and-death battle. At a critical moment, the Chinese superstar stepped up and saved the team with a hat-trick."
"But Wang Feng ultimately couldn''t continue the miracle, falling outside the gates of the final. A simr situation must be traced back to the distant year of 2005 when his epic record of reaching and winning the Champions League final for 12 consecutive years came to an abrupt end."
"At this moment, we keenly feel the weight of time. Despite contributing 14 goals and 5 assists in this season''s Champions League, the Chinese superstar is far ahead of other yers."
"But there is still a considerable gappared to his past records of easily scoring 20 goals. Perhaps if he were a few years younger, he could certainly continue to lead Manchester City forward."
"Regardless, Wang Feng can leave the field with his head held high. His performance tonight is worthy of respect!"
In the mixed interview area after the match, the Chinese superstar, with red eyes, took the me for the loss upon himself: "I failed to score the crucial free kick, which is very regrettable."
"At that time, my physical condition had reached its limit, and I was too focused on the angle of the shot."
But even the most demanding fans wouldn''t me him. Guardi, facing the media, bluntly said, "The team''s problem is by no means just that one free kick, but from start to finish, Liverpool performed better than us, and they deserved to advance."
"Sometimes cup matches are like this, full of uncertainty and factors of form. Wang and the past Real Madrid are both irreplicable miracles."
Losing in the East and gaining in the Mulberry Grove, after the Champions League defeat, Manchester City reflected on their mistakes and focused all their energy on the league. In the end, they defended their league title with overwhelming dominance, breaking eight records!
Firstly, they won the title with 32 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 100 points, setting the highest points record in the history of the English top-flight league.
Secondly, they led second-ced Manchester United by as much as 19 points, setting the record for thergest points difference between champions and runners-up.
On their way to the title, the Sky Blues won 18 consecutive matches, breaking Chelsea''s record of 13 consecutive wins in a single season, and in total, they won 32 matches, also surpassing Tottenham''s record of 31 wins.
They achieved 16 away victories and 50 away points, also setting historical records. Furthermore, they scored 106 goals and had a goal difference of 79, surpassing Chelsea''s previous record of 71 goals.
Among them, Wang Feng contributed 36 league goals and 11 assists, winning the Premier League Golden Boot and yer of the Season once again, while his directpetitor, Sh, scored 32 goals, almost surpassing him.
What''s more, Messi scored 34 goals in La Liga, only two fewer than the Chinese superstar, narrowly missing out on the European Golden Shoe.
It''s worth mentioning that the top five assist providers are all Manchester City yers, with De Bruyne leading with 16 assists, followed by San with 15, David Silva and Wang Feng tied for third with 11, and Sterling with 9.
At the same time, Manchester City''s goals were scored by multiple yers: Agero scored 21, San scored 18, Bernardo Silva scored 16, Sterling scored 14, and De Bruyne scored 12. Remarkably, six yers in the team scored more than ten goals.
Therefore, Manchester City was the biggest winner in the selection of the season''s best lineup by the Professional Footballers'' Association, with a total of six yers selected.
In goal, De Gea (Manchester United); as defenders, Alonso (Chelsea), Otamendi (Manchester City), Vertonghen (Tottenham), and Walker (Manchester City); in midfield, Eriksen (Tottenham), De Bruyne (Manchester City), and David Silva (Manchester City); as forwards, Agero (Manchester City), Wang Feng (Manchester City), and Sh (Liverpool).
Apart from the Manchester teams, Tottenham and Liverpool also secured Champions League spots this season, while Chelsea and Arsenal secured Europa League spots, and Burnley secured a Europa League qualification through the yoffs.
Unfortunately, the three relegated teams were Swansea, Stoke City, and West Bromwich Albion.
The promoted teams were Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cardiff City, and Fulham.
Chapter 809: Season Overview
Chapter 809: Season Overview
Throughout the entire Premier League season, it can be described as thrilling and colorful, with Manchester City''s strong performance in the league contrasting sharply with their consecutive defeats in cuppetitions.
Although achieving 100 points in the league cannot bepared to Arsenal''s unbeaten run of 49 games or even Real Madrid''s wless championship, it is still considered one of the miracles of football.
Summer signings such as Walker and Mendy performed excellently in defense, while goalkeeper Ederson kept 21 clean sheets.
Of course, the foundation of the Sky Blues'' sess lies in their attack, with multiple yers contributing to their scoring.
However, this also brought a new problem: in cuppetitions, where randomness ys a significant role and on-field performance is emphasized, it''s difficult to achieve sess.
In the League Cup, FA Cup, and even the Champions League, Manchester City fell short, partly due to Wang Feng''s declining dominance, but mainly due to the transition of the team''s core yers.
Fernandinho, Toure, and others phased out of the lineup, while De Bruyne and Gundogan took control of the midfield.
Guardi also consciously cultivated substitutes, hoping yers like Sane and Sterling could turn the tide at critical moments like the Chinese superstar.
Despite Manchester City''s ster performance, their cross-town rivals Manchester United appeared rtively weak, although their performance wasmendable.
The Red Devils achieved a record of 6 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses against the top six clubs, a performance that in the past would have made them strong contenders for the title.
However,pared to their heyday of European dominance during the era of the treble-winning team, their performance fell short, especially losing to mid-table teams like West Bromwich Albion and Brighton.
Since Ferguson''s retirement, Manchester United has gone through three managers in a row. Although the enigmatic coach Mourinho failed to lead the team to a championship, he at least brought them back to the Champions League, considering they finished sixthst season.
On the attacking front, Manchester United had more firepower, scoring 14 more goals than the previous year. However, the anticipated partnership between Pogba and Lukaku failed to materialize.
Sanchez''s arrival in the winter somewhat expanded the team''s attacking options but reduced the opportunities for Pogba and Lukaku to shine.
Especially Lukaku, known for his ability to carry the ball forward, was forced to y as a stationary target, earning him the nickname "Chuzhuang Wang" (The King of Poles) from Chinese fans.
Regardless, Manchester United must seek new solutions in attack, preferably relying on fast and efficient forwards who excel in off-the-ball movement.
Liverpool fans felt genuine happiness this season, despite the team still giving away points to teams like Swansea and West Bromwich Albion, defeating the dominant Manchester City is something to be forever remembered.
Looking back on the entire season, Sh was perhaps Liverpool''s biggest find, with his 30+ goal tally ranking only below Wang Feng and Cristiano Ronaldo, cing him third in Premier League history.
However, they barely secured a Champions League spot until the final round of the league, mainly due to their poor defense.
Apart from Van Dijk, Robertson, Lovren, and Matip were not up to the standards of top clubs.
The Dutch defender was also signed in the winter for a record-breaking transfer fee of 75 million from Southampton. His excellent physical awareness and resilient spirit proved his worth, making him a strong contender for the team''s next captain.
If Liverpool wants to break through, it is imperative to sign another defensive stalwart before next season.
In addition to Sh, Liverpool also has Firmino and Mane on the attacking front, all of whom are very young, with an average age of less than 26, promising a bright future.
Chelsea''s fall from runners-upst season to missing out on Champions League spots is regrettable, but there were many signs early in the season.
Letting go of Matic, missing out on Lukaku, and Morata and Bakayoko taking time to adapt were some of the issues.
Moreover, all the signings seemed to be made without addressing the team''s existing problems, resulting in chaos.
Last year, coach Conte''s use of the 3-5-2 formation caught many clubs off guard, but the Premier League changes rapidly, and sticking to one tactic is bound to lead to elimination.
Morata''s contribution of 11 goals in 24 games cannot be considered a disaster, but it does not live up to his title of record-breaking transfer.
Furthermore, he experienced a three-month goal drought in the crucial second half of the season, making Giroud, who was relegated to the bench, even more outstanding inparison.
Hazard''s form and statistics also declined. The yer once hailed as the most promising talent after Messi found himself in a simr predicament as his predecessor: possessing good stats and skills but unable to lead the team to championships.
Messi persevered for over a decade before finally winning the La Liga title, while Ronaldo tirelessly pursued sess despite changing teams.
Many media and professionals believe that Hazard may also need a change of environment, especially since he is already 27 years old, wasting his peak years might not be worth it.
From the club''s perspective, efforts must be made to keep this core forward. Conte''s next task will be to restructure the team and improve their fighting spirit.
Wenger''s departure was filled with sadness. In April, a short statement shocked the football world as he confirmed his departure from Arsenal after 22 years of dedication.
Compared to his long coaching career, this farewell letter seemed particrly simple. "After discussions with the club, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down as Arsenal''s manager."
In previous years, although the team fell out of the title race, securing a Champions League spot was still a decent result. However, in thest season and this season, they failed to maintain this standard, leaving the Emirates Stadium in turmoil.
In such a situation of mutual dissatisfaction, Wenger chose to take the first step, preserving ast shred of dignity.
From the course of the game, it is not difficult to see that everyone has done their best. Arsenal basically won all the games they should have won, such as home victories over Tottenham and Everton.
However, they failed to produce miracles in matches with a significant difference in strength, suffering a 0-3 defeat to Manchester City in both legs, deeply hurting the hearts of the fans.
With Mertesacker retiring, Koscielny suffering a serious injury, and Cech showing signs of aging, the Gunners are full of problems, and it''s time to rebuild.
Tottenham still maintains a lukewarm state, losing several key yers like Walker but introducing cost-effective quality neers. Economically, this approach has been sessful as they retained their Champions League spot and earned a lot of money.
However, this approach undoubtedly limits the club''s development potential. Endless buying and selling of yers,ck of stability, and continuity means they will ultimately struggle to challenge for the championship trophy.
Levy may be a shrewd businessman, but he is not a qualified club leader. Under his leadership, Tottenham will never be a true powerhouse.
Apart from the Big Six, the most eye-catching small team in the Premier League this season is undoubtedly Burnley. They were struggling in the relegation zonest year but have now risen to seventh ce, surpassing Everton.
The standout star in the team was undoubtedly the new English goalkeeper Pope, with the team conceding only 39 goals in all 38 league matches,parable to Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, their development is constrained by their attacking capabilities, and it is believed that next season the club will still aim to maintain their Premier League status.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid made it to the semi-finals but encountered Bayern Munich and once again fell at the feet of the Bavarians, while Liverpool faced the Bundesliga giants at the pinnacle of Europe.
In the end, Bayern determined the oue of the battle and lifted their fifth Champions League trophy in history!
Chapter 810: Ready to Go
Chapter 810: Ready to Go
For domestic fans, this period can be described as a mixture of joy and concern. Naturally, the joyes from another Chinese yer, Huang Hu, lifting the Champions League trophy as a key yer, following in the footsteps of Wang Feng.
Although he may not be as absolute a core yer as his predecessors, he has gradually established himself and be an indispensable part of Bayern Munich.
The concern lies in the state of the Chinese superstar, the giant who once seemed invincible and overshadowed the world, seems to be gradually fading away.
Therefore, everyone is more fervently cheering for him than ever before. When Wang Feng flew from Manchester to the capital to join the team, the airport was already crowded with fans.
All the mainstream media from across the country rushed to the scene, trying their best to get in touch with Wang Feng, asking about his mood and condition, whether he is confident in leading the Chinese team to sess in the World Cup, and so on.
However, they were destined to be disappointed. The Chinese superstar was escorted from a special channel by security personnel and taken directly to the training base by car.
His national team teammates were very excited about Wang Feng''s return. Whenever he''s around, he''s the backbone of the team, but the atmosphere was somewhat restrained.
"What''s wrong with you guys? Don''t tell me you actually believe I''m as devastated as the media reports outside, even shedding tears?" Wang Feng joked.
As soon as he spoke, he instantly dispelled the eerie atmosphere, and everyone felt extremely familiar and warm, so they all breathed a sigh of relief and returned to normal.
Zheng Zhi evenughed and said, "I knew those rumors were exaggerated. It was like the sky was falling. You''re not that kind of person at all."
The Chinese superstar shrugged, "Of course not. I''m not going to dwell on past failures, and besides, there''s no need to, haha."
Then everyone chatted and joked about the interesting moments of the past season, and even urged Huang Hu to treat them to celebrate.
"This kid is really lucky. I''ve been at Bayern for so many years and haven''t won the Champions League, and he just got it as soon as he arrived." Dong Fangzhuo sighed.
"Timing and destiny. Sometimes, choosing is just as important as effort."
The main lineup of the Chinese team for this World Cup is almost the same as the young army in 2013. The young men who were still wandering in the second and third tiers of European football at that time have gradually grown up.
Goalkeeper Wang Xianghended in Ligue 1 and became the starter for Montpellier, defender He Ming became the mainstay of Serie A''s Sassuolo, Zheng Zhi was still at Celtic, and Zhang Fanlin joined the Scottish Premier League''s sgow Rangers.
Neer Zheng Zhen was sent by Shandong Luneng to y for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Domestic clubs gradually epted the reality that they would never be able to select yers for the national team and could only choose to send promising talents abroad.
In midfield, Feng Miao is still ying for Ajax. Many top clubs in the top five leagues wanted to bring him under their banner, but he likes the team atmosphere too much to leave.
Gradually, he became the absolute core on the field and the captain, helping Ajax win the league title five times in a row against their arch-rivals PSV Eindhoven, and finding his own way in football.
Yang Ronghua has been fighting for many years with Hertha BSC in Berlin, while Fang Yun hasnded in the Swedish powerhouse Malmo FF.
Up front, veteran Wang Feng and Dong Fangzhuo lead the line, while Huang Hu and Wu Lei are gradually taking up the mantle.
The rest of the substitutes, like the young men from years ago, are scattered in leagues of small countries like Greece, the Czech Republic, or in secondary leagues like League One in Ennd or Bundesliga 2 in Germany, quietly waiting for promotion and development.
Inst year''s World Cup group stage draw, the Chinese team was ced in Group H, with their opponents being Colombia, Senegal, and Pnd. Overall, the luck was not bad, and there were no major powerhouses in the group.
But each match must be yed one by one, and the passion and fighting spirit umted over more than five years are now ready to burst forth.
As expected, South Korea defeated their opponents in the yoffs and secured the fifth Asian spot in the main tournament. They were grouped with France, Denmark, and Peru.
Saudi Arabia''s opponents are Uruguay, the host nation Russia, and Egypt, while Iran faces Spain, Portugal, and Moro.
In Group F where Japan is located, the other three countries are Sweden, Mexico, and defending champions Germany, making it a real "group of death".
To study the characteristics of the opponents in the group, the Chinese team specially arranged friendly matches against Chile, Ivory Coast, and the Czech Republic.
In the first match, Wang Feng only yed for 10 minutes and did some simple warm-ups. When he sat on the bench, the team yed quite chaotically overall and didn''t gain much advantage against Chile, who failed to reach the final. In the end, they drew 1-1 thanks to Feng Miao''s long-range shot.
After the match, coach Lippi exined to the media, "We just started training with a full squad, and both tactics and lineup need to be adjusted. The result of this game itself doesn''t matter."
"I''m very satisfied with the yers'' fighting spirit on the field. As long as they maintain this momentum, I believe we will get better and better."
Since the start of training camp, the Chinese superstar has appeared in public for the first time to ept interviews. He said, "I will devote all my energy to the uing World Cup. Nothing else matters for now."
"Why did youe on sote? The head coach thinks I should preserve my energy more, and I absolutely obey all his arrangements."
"What do you think of this Chinese team? We are a strong team, and everyone is eager for victory and glory. This desire will bring a strong fighting spirit."
"What are the prospects for the results? After participating in the World Cup again after a hiatus of one edition, we will work hard and not let the fans down."
Next, the Chinese team will challenge Ivory Coast. Facing the fierce African opponents, the yers worked very hard, but their efforts eventually paid off.
Wang Feng assisted Wu Lei to open the scoring in the only 30 minutes he yed. Then Zheng Zhen and Huang Hu each scored, helping the team win 3-1 against the African powerhouse.
In the final match against the Czech Republic, this time Wang Feng simply stayed on the bench steadily. After a fierce 90-minute battle, neither side managed to score, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
With one win and two draws, many fans were delighted, especially considering that the Chinese superstar yed less than an hour in total. The overall strength of the team has already earned them a ce in the world football arena.
Wang Feng''s adaptability and ability are evident. Even though he is no longer the invincible king of the Champions League, no one can underestimate the energy he bursts out at crucial moments.
Amidst great anticipation, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia finally ignited the mes of war. On June 14th, the Luzhniki Stadium hosted the opening ceremony.
Compared to previous opening ceremonies, the scale was somewhat simplified, and the time was shortened to half an hour, focusing on musical activities.
British singer Robbie Williams, Russian soprano Aida Garifullina, and Ronaldo, the extraterrestrial, performed together, with about 500 dancers, gymnasts, and trampoline athletes participating in the performance.
After everything was over, the match between Russia and Saudi Arabia officially kicked off.
No one expected the Central Asian powerhouse, which has a foothold in Asia, to lose so miserably. Just 12 minutes into the game, Golovin scored with a header.
Then Cheryshev and Dzyuba both performed well, helping the host win 5-0 against Saudi Arabia.
Next, all the teams took to the field one after another. Because the Chinese team was ced in thest group in the lower half, their first match camest.
Chapter 811: One of the Hot Matches
Chapter 811: One of the Hot Matches
On June 19, 2018, at the Mordovia Arena in the city center of Saransk, Russia, the Chinese team was about to face their first opponent, Colombia, in the group stage.
Due to its proximity to the mothend, countless domestic fans flocked to the scene to show their support, turning it into a virtual home ground for China, with a sea of red visible in the stands.
The Mordovia Arena has an overall smooth oval shape, using orange, white, and red tiles as building materials, creating a strong visual contrast.
To meet FIFA requirements, the stadium adopts a double-deck design, with approximately 28,000 seats on the ground and an additional 16,000 temporary seats, which were in use for this match.
ording toter statistics, about 80% of the crowd were Chinese fans, with the rest upied by Colombian fans. Many local Russians were unable to get tickets, or they were scalped at high prices.
After the World Cup, the temporary structures at the stadium would be dismantled, and the upper space would be converted into a riverside promenade with leisure andmercial functions, offering tourists a view of the nearby Volga River.
It''s worth mentioning that this stadium can also host high-level sports such as basketball and volleyball, maximizing its economic benefits.
As for the match itself, Colombia is best known for its attacking trio of "J-Rod," Falcao, and Ba, who are among the top attackers in European football and are expected to put significant pressure on China''s defense.
However, in the 4th minute, China got off to a dream start when Feng Miao intercepted a pass and sent a through ball to Wang Feng, who dribbled past Colombian defenders into the penalty area.
He then sidestepped the goalkeeper and shot, but defender Carlos Sanchez blocked the ball on the goal line, and in desperation, used his hand to bat it away.
This deliberate handball, simr to Suarez''s infamous incident years ago, naturally didn''t escape the referee''s scrutiny, and Colombia received a red card.
Wang Feng took the penalty himself, deceived the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, giving China a 1-0 lead!
Afterward, the team didn''t becent with the extra man advantage but continued with their strategy of solid defense and counterattacks.
As a result, despite being down to 10 men, Colombia controlled possession, but they were wary of the threat posed by the Chinese superstar and didn''t dare to go all out, especially after he nearly scored with just a slight attempt.
The game became a stalemate, but Chinese fans didn''t find it dull; instead, they continued to cheer loudly, eagerly anticipating China''s first victory in the World Cup.
In the 72nd minute, Wang Feng and Wu Leibined on the wing, with Wu Lei crossing to the edge of the six-yard box, where substitute Dong Fangzhuo stabbed home, doubling China''s lead.
The final score remained 2-0 until the end of the game, securing China''s opening victory.
This result didn''te as a surprise to outsiders. Although China didn''t participate in the previous World Cup in Brazil, that was just a chaotic aftermath. Now they have regrouped and regained the momentum of their past glory as winners of the Cup of Nations, bing one of the favorites for the title.
It was Germany''s 0-1 loss to Mexico that truly shocked everyone, leading to cries that the curse of the defending champions still existed.
The Chinese yers would chat casually during their free time, but they had more important matters to prepare for, namely their match against Senegal on June 24.
This game was scheduled to be held at the Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg, the home of Russia''s oldest team, Ural, founded in 1953.
After undergoing two renovations and adding 10,000 temporary seats, the venue can amodate 35,000 spectators simultaneously.
In order to meet FIFA requirements, the rugged Ural residents directly carved out holes on both sides of the stadium, adding seats using scaffolding, making it a spectacle in the world of football.
Senegal made their second appearance in the World Cup finals since 2002, with their 42-year-old head coach Cisse being the former captain and hero of the team.
The biggest star in the team is Sadio Mane, who ys for Liverpool, while the rest of the team is simr to China''s, consisting mainly of yers from mid-to-lower-tier teams in Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Premier League, and Championship, as well as Ligue 2 and Serie B.
At the beginning of the match, the African powerhouse relied on their physicality tounch sessive attacks against China, forcing them to defend deep.
In such a brutal battle, even Wang Feng felt a bit tired, not to mention his teammates, but they persevered with gritted teeth.
For a full 25 minutes, neither side managed to create any threatening shots, but four yellow cards were shown, illustrating how intense the game was.
In the 37th minute, En-Joy from Birmingham in the English Championship sent a cross from the wing, distracting the defense while Niang from Torino headed in a goal, despite controversy over a foul in the buildup, the goal was allowed, putting China at a disadvantage.
Coach Lippi on the sidelines urged the yers to calm down and use their flexibility advantage instead of directly confronting the opponents. Wang Feng also moved around, inspiring and encouraging his teammates.
The first half ended with a score of 0-1.
"Senegal''s ying style is very direct and physical, but it''s very effective. Back then, they used this aggressive approach to upset defending champions France and eventually reached the quarterfinals."
"Yes, we could see earlier that Wang Feng struggled against the relentless marking. His teammates didn''t provide enough support."
"After all, he''s a 35-year-old veteran now. He can''t drag defenders with him like he used to when he was younger."
"So, how China maximizes Wang Feng''s threat in the next game will be crucial."
After the break, Senegal seemed to have endless stamina. Despite their attacks consuming more energy, it was the increasingly fatigued China, who were focusing on defending with all their might.
All Wang Feng could do was to retreat and cover for his teammates'' defensivepses with all his might. His sharp eyes scanned the field continuously, looking to seize fleeting opportunities.
In the 77th minute, the Chinese superstar and Feng Miao cooperated to intercept the Senegal ball, and seeing defenders closing in, Wang Feng changed tactics and passed to Zheng Zhi, who dribbled forward in a two-on-one situation with Feng Miao.
By this time, Wang Feng had already reached the edge of the penalty area and gestured for the ball.
His teammate understood instantly and sent a perfectly timed pass at a 45-degree angle. As soon as he received the ball, Wang Feng elerated again, shaking off a nearby defender and lightly chipping the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper before he could reach it.
The ball sailed over the Senegal goalkeeper''s head and into the.
"Beautiful! It''s a goal! In the 77th minute, Wang Feng finally helps China equalize!"
"A swift counterattack, the Chinese superstar personally participates in a defensive interception in the backfield and sprints all the way to the penalty area. Zheng Zhi''s through pass is spot-on, and Wang Feng finds the perfect moment to shoot when faced with a tiny opening against the goalkeeper."
"As if effortlessly, the ball sails over the goalkeeper, neither too high nor too low, precisely over him. At a crucial moment, the Chinese superstar shows no sign of weakness!"
After that, neither team managed to score again, and the match ended with a 1-1 draw.
Chapter 812: Reliving the Glory
Chapter 812: Reliving the Glory
After two rounds of matches, Senegal and the Chinese team both umted 4 points, Colombia had 3 points, while Pnd, having lost both matches, failed to earn any points and were eliminated early.
On June 28th, in the final round of group matches, the Chinese team faced Pnd at the Volgograd Arena.
This professional venue, belonging to the Rotor Volgograd football club, is a UEFA four-star stadium, capable of amodating over 45,000 people, fully capable of fulfilling World Cup duties without needing renovation.
The stadium''s overall structure adopts a inverted circr design, with its most distinctive feature being the circr roof erected above the cable wire framework. Numerous circr steel cables decorate the top, resembling the structure of a bicycle tire.
"The first half of the game has been going on for more than 30 minutes, with both sides refusing to give in, and the situation has reached a stalemate."
"We originally thought that Pnd, with no hope of advancing, would not take this match seriously, but now it seems that they are still fighting for honor, while the Chinese team must strive for victory to gain an advantage!"
"Because in another match, Colombia is already leading Senegal 1-0, the South American powerhouse has turned the tables."
Although Pnd experienced two consecutive defeats, they were by no means pushovers. Led by Lewandowski, their lineup also included mainstays from Europe''s top five leagues such as Milik, Zielinski, and Piszczek.
One important reason for their poor performance is their on-the-spot y, with yers'' mentality affecting their technical performance.
However, now that they were eliminated, everyone seemed to have let go of their burdens. They didn''t want to leave empty-handed, so they were bound to fight with all their might.
This caused a lot of trouble for the Chinese team, as both He Yun and Yang Ronghua received yellow cards before barely stopping the opponents.
The score remained 0-0 until the 82nd minute of the second half.
"The Chinese team intercepted in the backfield, passed to Feng Miao, who brought it forward to the frontcourt by himself, waiting for the attacking yers toe up. Just now, they all retreated rtively deep and actively participated in defense."
"Wang Feng and Wu Lei are both making rapid advances, after Feng Miao chipped the ball past the defensive line, was that pass a bit too big?"
"Too fast! Wang Feng! He caught up to the ball!"
"He quickly stops, tricks the defending yer with a feint, and goes to the front of the goal! He shoots!"
"The ball is in!! The Chinese team!! The Chinese team scores first!!"
"Once again, we take our fate into our own hands! Wang Feng''s quick counterattack pierces through the Polish defense!"
"Can you imagine? This is what a 35-year-old veteran can do! Sprinting over seventy meters at high speed, his pace even surpasses that of the two Polish defenders ahead, even the young and strong Wu Lei was left behind."
"Lifting the ball at the limit of the baseline, instantly transitioning from dynamic to static, calmly feinting past the defense and cutting inside, then using his left foot to shoot and score at the far end."
"We can clearly see that after scoring, Wang Feng didn''t celebrate as usual, but instead bent down, hands on his knees, gasping for breath continuously. He really exhausted everything for the Chinese team!"
At this point, Zhang Jun''s voice choked up a bit. Whether it was the audience at the scene or the domestic audience in front of their televisions, they couldn''t help but respect this towering figure.
On the field, teammates who rushed over to celebrate also noticed the anomaly of the Chinese superstar and asked about his condition. He smiled and said, "It''s nothing, I just ran too fast, and now I''m a bit sore."
More than just a bit sore, he felt like his body was falling apart! If it wasn''t for his strong willpower holding him together, he could hardly kick the ball in the end.
To inject some fresh energy into the defense, head coach Lippi had already used up all three substitutions. Wang Feng still had to carry his teammates through the final stretch.
Fortunately, this goal not only brought huge encouragement to their side but also struck a blow to the opponent''s morale, allowing their fighting spirit to falter.
In the end, the Chinese team defeated Pnd 1-0, with an impressive undefeated record of 2 wins and 1 draw, advancing confidently as the group leaders to the round of sixteen.
On the other hand, Colombia, after a loss followed by two wins, secured their spot as the group runners-up with 6 points.
Senegal, on the other hand, was very unfortunate. Clearly in a favorable position to advance with a draw, they unexpectedly lost to their directpetitor, the South American powerhouse, missing out on the knockout stage with 4 points.
Pnd, on the other hand, became the third team to exit the tournament with 0 points, following Egypt and Panama.
Looking at the situation of the eight groups advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup, there were some expected oues as well as some stunning upsets.
In Group A, Uruguay and the host nation Russia advanced, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt exited, a result not surprising butmenting the istion of the once shining Sh.
Group B naturally saw Spain and Portugal smoothly advance, but Iran and Moro also caused a lot of trouble for the two teams. In the end, the Central Asian powerhouse missed out on advancement by just one point.
The showdown between Spain and the Matador naturally became a divine battle for Ronaldo''s deification. He single-handedly secured a draw with a perfect hat-trick, opening the door to advancement for the team. Its shocking effect was no less than Wang Feng''s long-distance sprint that secured victory.
In Group C, France and Denmark advanced to the round of sixteen, as expected, while Peru and South Korea found it difficult to threaten their positions.
The final oue of Group D''s advancement was not unexpected, with Croatia and Argentina advancing, but the process of the matches was surprising.
No one expected Croatia to win all three matches, including a 3-0 victory over Argentina. Midfield core Modric is bing more mature, leading the team to be dominant on both ends of offense and defense.
Argentina first drew with d and then lost to Croatia, almost losing the initiative to advance. In the match against Nigeria, they were also forced to the edge of the cliff. Relying on Rojo''sst-minute goal, they barely won 2-1, securing second ce in the group.
In Group E, Brazil and Switzend advanced to the round of sixteen, while Serbia and Costa Rica reluctantly left.
Switzend''s team is quite magical. They are never the favorites for the championship, nor do they have the strength topete for the World Cup, but most of the time, they can stand out from the group stage.
Group F witnessed the biggest upset of this World Cup, truly living up to its name as the Group of Death.
Advancing were Sweden and Mexico, with each team earning 6 points, while Japan and defending champion Germany each earned 3 points and were eliminated.
Germany''s tank first lost to Mexico carelessly, then adjusted their mindset to beat Sweden, but they were floating again against Japan, resulting in a 0-2 defeat.
Mexico, on the other hand, performed very well, winning two consecutive matches beforepletely copsing in the final round, giving Sweden a 3-0 victory.
In Group G, Belgium and Ennd secured their tickets to the knockout stage, while Tunisia and Panama were not strong enough opponents.
It is worth mentioning that Belgium won all three matches as the group winners, while Ennd finished second in the group. Therefore, the Three Lions will be the opponent of the Chinese team in the round of sixteen.
This scene is very simr to the World Cup in South Africa eight years ago, and the fans can finally rx. Compared to the strong Belgium, the Three Lions are obviously easier to deal with.
What? You say they are favorites to win the championship? With stars like Walker, Maguire, and Kane in the squad, their strength should not be underestimated?
Don''t joke, when have you ever seen cats bite people? Many fans firmly believe that fate has its own ns, and the Chinese team will surely relive the glory of the past!
Chapter 813: Fighting with All One鈥檚 Might
Chapter 813: Fighting with All One''s Might
On the evening of July 3rd, at the Spartak Stadium on the outskirts of Moscow, the World Cup round of sixteen match between the Chinese team and the English team unfolded here.
Eight yearster, the two teams met again at the same ce, attracting the attention of media and fans from around the world.
Just like back then, the starting lineup of the English team was shining brightly, with Pickford as the goalkeeper.
The four defenders were Walker, Stones, Maguire, and Henderson.
The midfield consisted of Trippier, Alli, Lingard, and Ashley Young.
The two forwards were Sterling and Harry Kane.
Standing near the center circle, Wang Feng clearly felt several beams of attention focused on him, from his Manchester City teammates and Premier League opponents. They were certainly vignt about him.
Compared to the constant changes in tactics during the group stage, Ennd appeared more cautious in the knockout stage, deploying their strongest 4-4-2 bnced formation.
On the sidelines, coach Southgate seemed rtively rxed. He only took over the Three Lions in 2016 and did not experience the miracle night eight years ago, so his emotions weren''t very deep.
In the eyes of the British, Wang Feng was already past his prime, and the other yers in the Chinese team didn''t have any outstanding qualities. It shouldn''t be a problem for the team to advance beyond them.
After all, this Ennd team was the strongest in recent years and had a real chance topete for the World Cup!
And indeed, after the game started, Ennd quickly took control of the game, unabashedly utilizing high pressing to create numerous attacking opportunities, causing chaos for the Chinese team.
In the first thirty minutes, the Chinese team only had two counterattack opportunities, one of which was sent into the stands by Wu Lei, and the other was stopped by a foul from the opponent.
Fortunately, the Chinese team showed rtively firm defensive will tonight, with several yers throwing themselves to block shots and goalkeeper Wang Xianghe making brave saves,bined with the woodworking to their aid, preventing Kane''s certain goals.
When everyone was sweating nervously, Wang Feng pped his hands loudly and shouted to everyone, "Guys, if they can''t score like this, it means the wind of victory is on our side. Let''s continue to persevere, there will definitely be a turnaround!"
This was how the Chinese superstar always found a unique angle tofort and inspire his teammates.
Therefore, despite Ennd''s possession rate approaching eighty percent and having seven or eight shots, the Chinese team still didn''t copse and concede a goal.
As the number of attacks increased, it could be clearly felt that the opponents were bing increasingly anxious, unconsciously increasing the number of long shots from the frontcourt, and the nerves of the defenders were also somewhat relieved.
This couldn''t be med on them. The most crucial Wang Feng was diligently performing his defensive duties as a shield, seemingly having no intention of participating in the attack. They couldn''t always follow him to the frontcourt for close marking.
The Chinese superstar was very familiar with his teammates like Walker and Stones, especially Stones, whocked agility and sometimescked concentration and easily made mistakes, so he needed to patiently wait for the opportunity for a fatal blow.
As the first half wasing to an end, Ennd''s attack slowed down a bit, seemingly preparing to grind out the time and regroup in the second half.
Just at this moment, Feng Miao suddenly rushed out to intercept the pass intended for Alli and Lingard, then quickly lobbed the ball forward.
Huang Hu made a forward run to catch the ball, and the English defense seemed to hesitate for a moment. By the time Walker came up to press, the Chinese winger had already sent a diagonal pass straight into the arc at the top of the penalty area.
Wang Feng rushed into position at this moment, getting ahead of Stones to flick the ball to his right side, while simultaneously making a sharp stop and change of direction to evade the opponent''s press.
As expected, Stones couldn''t react in time to adjust his body in such a short time. Wang Feng simply bypassed him like this, leaving arge space behind him.
So Wang Feng smoothly entered the penalty area, and before Maguire could catch up to defend, he quickly and powerfully shot with his right foot near the near post. Goalkeeper Pickford couldn''t make a save in time and could only watch as the ball went into the.
"Wow!" The fans at the scene reacted at this moment, eximing and screaming. After being suppressed for almost 45 minutes, they were even more surprised by suddenly scoring a goal.
But soon it turned into wild joy, with waving red gs and more enthusiastic drumming.
The English yers looked stunned, looking at each other in disbelief. How could they have fallen behind? Wasn''t the team always in control of the game, relentlessly pressuring like a hunter ying with its prey?
Little did they know that a true hunter wouldn''t choose to jump around but would quietly wait, striking with sharp fangs when the enemy showed a slight opening.
Pickford knelt on the ground and pounded the turf with force, his eyes full of unwillingness. The first real threat throughout the game, and he couldn''t save it. Who could have expected Wang Feng to shoot from so far away, and still aim for the near post with such confidence!
He wasn''t the first world-ss goalkeeper to fall at the feet of the Chinese superstar. Neuer, Ter Stegen, De Gea, and others, none of the goalkeepers who had dealings with him didn''t feel a headache.
The reason was that Wang Feng''s technique at critical moments was too exquisite, and he always seemed to find the most suitable way. Like this time, if he had shot a momentter, he would have been interfered with by the defending yer.
If he had chosen to push or aim for the far corner, the ball speed might not have been enough, and perhaps it would have been caught by the goalkeeper. A chip shot would have been the same. He and Pickford were too far apart for it to be possible.
Only by aiming for the near post with a powerful shot could miracles happen, by gambling on Pickford''s reaction speed. As it turned out, he bet right; a normal person wouldn''t have time to make a save.
Compared to Pickford''s frustration, Stones was more deeply affected. In this defensive y, not only was he ineffective, but he also rashly pressed forward and lost his position, directly leading to conceding the goal.
The English had a feeling that Wang Feng was even more terrifying in the national team than at Manchester City. Although he was professional, his countless experiences had already turned club honors into embellishments for him.
But now it was different. When the Chinese superstar donned the red jersey with the national g embroidered on his chest, he was truly fighting with all his might!
They were not facing a 35-year-old veteran gradually losing his dominance but the football god who once dominated the world!
After a 15-minute halftime break, English coach Southgate made a substitution, sending on Rashford to further strengthen the attack. He didn''t believe they couldn''t break through the opponent''s defense.
This 21-year-old youngster, who was gradually establishing himself as a regr starter at Manchester United, was daring and flexible. For a while, he indeed caused quite a bit of trouble for the Chinese team, especially with his close-range shot in the 64th minute, which almost scored, but fortunately, He Yun sessfully blocked it on the goal line.
When the time came to the 88th minute, after relentless attacks throughout the game and nearly 20 shots, Ennd finally scored the goal they had been dreaming of.
Sterling''s shot hit a defensive yer, and Rashford quickly followed up with a second pass to the front of the goal, where Harry Kane followed up and shot to break the.
But this goal came toote. Ten minutes earlier, the Chinese team had widened their lead through a counterattack opportunity.
Zhang Fanlin made a sliding tackle in the backcourt, controlled the ball, and quickly passed it to Wang Feng, who dribbled forward while drawing three defenders towards him.
Even under heavy pressure, the Chinese superstar still found a way out, sending a diagonal pass into the penalty area, where Huang Hu poked the ball into the.
2-1! The Chinese team once again crossed Ennd and advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals!
Chapter 814: Anticipating the Peak Encounter
Chapter 814: Anticipating the Peak Encounter
The Chinese team''s narrow victory over Ennd to advance was unexpected, but also reasonable.
Everyone praised Wang Feng for leading the team''s fighting spirit. While the attack was splendid, it was the defense that won the championship!
The Times expressed shock at the unity of the Chinese team, noting that with propermand and mutual advance and retreat, they blocked Ennd''s surging attacks one after another.
"We can feel that every Chinese yer looks at Wang with admiration and trust, a trust that dares to entrust their lives."
"So they throw themselves into defense without regard for their own safety, and the Chinese superstar opens the door to victory for his teammates."
In contrast, Ennd felt somewhat scattered, with many attacking opportunities butcking obvious coordination, missing by a hair''s breadth.
Kicker magazine believed that Wang Feng''s dominance still existed. Unlike eight years ago when it was turbulent, this time he led the Chinese team steadily forward.
In the past four games, they scored six goals, a slight decreasepared to the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, but they only conceded two goals, showing a significant improvement in defense.
"The yers on the field always surround the Chinese superstar, giving their all to provide strength, a phenomenon not seen in other participating teams."
"We can''t predict how far the Chinese team will go, but we know they will not leave any regrets."
If Wang Feng would not leave any regrets, then Messi would leave with full of regrets. In a thrilling offensive battle, he still couldn''t break his World Cup knockout stage goal drought.
Di Maria, Mercado, and Aguero all contributed their efforts, but they faced Mbappe, who scored three goals alone in this game, securing a brace and winning a penalty to help his country beat Argentina 4-3.
The media and clubs around the world were stunned for a while, with all eyes focused on this rising star.
Now in the transition phase of football''s old and new generations, it was difficult for the Chinese superstar to return to his dominant state. Many people favored Mbappe to take over his dominant position.
In response, the French star expressed his respect and admiration for Wang Feng in an interview: "I grew up watching Wang y football. He is my only idol, whether in the past, present, or future, he is undoubtedly the greatest yer."
"As for sessors and the like, countless predecessors must have been called that in the past, but all faded away with time."
"My greatest wish now is to stand on the same field as Wang. I believe he will stand at the peak waiting for my arrival!"
What Mbappe said naturally referred to the World Cup final. ording to the matchups in the upper and lower halves of the bracket, for the Chinese team and the French team to meet, it could only be in the final or the third-ce match.
Simrly, Messi and Ronaldo left the field with disappointment. Portugal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.
Two years ago, their unexpected European Championship victory masked many problems. Theck of talent in midfield and forward positions forced them to rely solely on Cristiano Ronaldo.
During the game, he was surrounded by Uruguayan defenders and struggled to break free, while the South American powerhouse had a solid defensive line with Godin and Gimenez at the center and Suarez and Cavani up front.
The hosts Russia faced Spain, enduring 120 minutes of battle with a 1-1 draw. They managed to eliminate the Bulls in a penalty shootout, causing a significant upset.
Croatia also entered the World Cup quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw with Denmark, winning in a penalty shootout with more stable performance.
Brazil easily defeated Mexico 2-0, making their match the most rxed of all eight games.
Belgium almost capsized against Colombia. After leading by one goal, they were quickly reversed by two consecutive goals but managed to advance with a 3-2 turnaround in thest five minutes.
The sh between Sweden and Switzend was probably the most low-key match in the round of sixteen, with no significant incidents. Sweden won 1-0.
The next opponent for the Chinese team will be Sweden.
This Swedish team doesn''t have many famous stars. As early as May of this year, the most famous striker, Ibrahimovic, announced that he would not participate in this World Cup, which was regrettable.
His feud with the national team has been going on for a long time, and in March, he terminated his contract with Manchester United to join the LA Gxy, effectively ending his international career.
Apart from him, only Lindelof ys for a top-five league powerhouse, while the other regrs y for clubs like Swansea, Werder Bremen, and RB Leipzig.
However, these tall and sturdy Nordic yers are obviously superior to the Chinese team in physical fitness, frequently using confrontations to challenge and intimidate their opponents during the game.
Wang Feng, in particr, attracted most of the firepower and was subject to targeted fouls such as sliding tackles, pulling, and pushing, leaving him bruised all over after the game.
But efforts eventually paid off. In the 67th minute of the second half, the Chinese superstar retreated to the backcourt, intercepted the ball at the right moment, and immediately passed it to Yang Ronghua.
After a slight adjustment, Yang Ronghua quickly sent a long pass, signaling a counterattack for the Chinese team.
Huang Hu, who was at the forefront, won the first touch, outjumping Swedish defender Augustinsson to head the ball back.
Feng Miao, who followed up, took the ball, faced the defensive pressure, and decisively passed it to Wang Feng.
The Chinese superstar continued to advance and suddenly pushed the ball forward, urately threading it between the legs of Lindelof, who was running, with perfect timing.
The Swedish defender was taken aback and quickly reached out to grab Wang Feng, but his explosive force at that moment was too astonishing. He shook off the entanglement.
Of course, Wang Feng couldn''t adjust his body as quickly as he did when he was young to continue charging forward, but that''s okay, he still had his teammates!
Before losing bnce and falling, the Chinese superstar stretched out his right foot to make a scoop pass. The ball drew an arc on the grass and went around the central defender directly to the back post of the penalty area.
Wu Lei, who quickly inserted himself, didn''t waste the hard-earned opportunity. He calmly shot near the corner, and the ball passed between goalkeeper Olsen''s legs, rolling into the Swedish goal.
1-0! The entire Samara Arena erupted in joy, and the Chinese fans who hade from afar were caught up in a frenzy.
Wu Lei looked at his feet, then at the ball in the goal, and then realized the achievement he had aplished. He roared and ran towards Wang Feng. "I did it, I really did it!"
Wang Feng understood his feelings. As a forward who often missed excellent opportunities, sometimes psychological pressure was more deadly than technical skills.
So he ran to the sidelines with Wu Lei, grabbed his hand, and raised it high to show everyone that this crucial goal was scored by Wu Lei!
Building confidence starts now!
"Wang Feng''s pass was very clever, bending to avoid the defending yers while still urately finding the teammate at the back post."
"Wu Lei''s shot was also excellent, not kicking over or directly at the goalkeeper this time. It''s really not easy."
This goal gradually eroded Sweden''s iron and blood will. Although they still dominated possession and continuously tried to create opportunities, they never formed a real threat.
The Chinese team once again achieved a narrow victory and advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals!
Chapter 815: No Penalty Kicks
Chapter 815: No Penalty Kicks
"Eh, it hurts!" After the match, Wang Feng, who had already received therapy, was still lying on the bed groaning, while Lu Yao carefully massaged and rxed his muscles.
With concern mixed with reproach, she said, "You, why do you still push yourself so hard at this age, getting yourself all injured? I dare not tell the details to Mom and the kids."
As if hitting a sore spot, Wang Feng gritted his teeth and said, "The atmosphere is so intense, with the whole country cheering and the entire team fighting desperately. Everyone is holding their breath, wanting to erase the humiliation of the past eight years. How can I not give it my all?"
Lu Yao sighed, "I understand, but your body is different from when you were young. I''ve been watching injuries be more frequent in the past two years. Every time you fall on the field, my heart skips a beat."
As she spoke, her eyes gradually reddened. Seeing this, Wang Feng quickly turned over tofort her, "These are just surface injuries, a bit slow to recover but nothing serious."
"I''ve been thinking, after this World Cup ends, I won''t work so hard anymore. After all, I''ve achieved almost all the honors I could."
"Next, I''ll enjoy ying football and making money, spending more time with you and the family, okay?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yao''s mood brightened, and she gently patted her husband''s back, indicating for him to lie down and asked, "It''s about time. So, what are you nning to do? Manchester City still wants to renew, right?"
"Yeah, my three-year contract will expire next summer. The club has presented several options, all quite sincere."
As the key yer in the quadruple crown, even though Wang Feng''s form has declined this season, he still possesses top-notch skills in the world of football.
In terms ofmercial value,petitiveness, and respect, the Sky Blues are eager to keep him, so the conditions they offer are very generous.
This includes a 2+1 contract extension with a 20% sry increase and various bonus enhancements.
Not to mention image rights, which, like the first contract, belong entirely to the yer.
But Wang Feng has no intention of staying in the Premier League. He has achieved all his goals here, even better than expected.
Not only has he maintained his peak form, but he has also won major titles to further enrich his personal trophy room.
The intense Premier League journey is not very friendly to a veteran yer, and Manchester City''s ambitions are not limited to just here. The differences between the two sides have led to a mutually beneficial parting.
As for the future, the Chinese superstar has not yet decided. Perhaps he will return to Inter Mn, experiencing the unique taste of being both an owner and a yer.
Or maybe he will go to Ligue 1, where thepetition is much weaker than in the Premier League and La Liga.
In the quarter-finals, the host Russia faced Croatia, and after a penalty shootout decided the winner in their previous encounter, the same happened in this match.
Even the score at the end of regr time was exactly the same: 1-1. In the end, Croatia prevailed in the penalty shootout, advancing to the semi-finals.
Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat against Belgium. It can''t be called an upset, as this Belgian team is in their golden generation.
yers like De Bruyne, Courtois, Hazard, and Lukaku are at their peak.
Uruguay had no chance against France, losing 0-2. Griezmann became the key figure, first assisting Varane with a free kick and then scoring with a long shot.
Next, the Chinese team will face Croatia, while France will sh with Belgium.
If there''s one rule in this World Cup, it''s not to y penalty kicks against the Croatians!
"Ho Yun has cramps again. He''s the fourth Chinese yer to suffer cramps in this match. They''ve expended too much energy today!"
"Yes, it''s already 116 minutes into the game, the 11th minute of the second half of extra time, and the score on the field is still 1-1."
"In the first half of extra time, the Chinese team nned a counterattack. Wang Feng chipped the ball to the open space on the wing, and Zheng Zhi''s cross found Huang Hu, who scored."
"But nearing the end of the match, Modric seized on the defensive loophole caused by the Chinese team''s fatigue and sent Mandzukic through with a through ball, who equalized with a shot, sending the game into extra time."
"This scene is so simr for the Croatian team. They''ve won consecutive matches through this scoreline and penalty shootouts since the knockout stage began. Is history going to repeat itself?"
"I think it''s highly possible, because now the Chinese team''s main yers are exhausted, and the opposing goalkeeper is an experienced yer. It''s extremely disadvantageous if it goes to that stage."
"Regardless, Wang Feng leading us to this point is already remarkable. Regardless of the oue, the fans will be very satisfied."
From the start of extra time, Croatia was very experienced in controlling the rhythm. They wanted to drag the game into a penalty shootout, which was their strong suit.
But Modric always felt uneasy. Before the start of extra time, he had argued with the head coach specifically about this, but of course, the head coach won.
"Luka, I don''t know what you''re worried about. Penalty kicks are our surefire way to win. I believe in Subasic."
"I believe in him too, sir, but once the Chinese team enters extra time, there''s a high probability of a physical crisis. Can''t we just go all out and secure victory?"
"But that''s risky. Wang is a ticking time bomb. Can you guarantee that he won''t counterattack when we press forward with all our might? That would be the most fatal scenario."
"But..." Perhaps having witnessed too many scenes of the Chinese superstar scoring decisive goals, Modric couldn''t shake off his doubts.
"I understand your concern, but Wang is indeed getting old. So far, he hasn''t even scored two goals in a single match, and it''s not like they''re facing elimination immediately. They probably don''t have such a strong desire to score."
Just when Croatia''s captain was lost in thought, the Chinese team attempted an attack. Feng Miao sent a through ball to the front, but it was intercepted by Rakitic from the middle.
As he was about to dribble and control the rhythm, signaling his teammates to make runs, Wang Feng, who had been running across the field, elerated towards him again with an unstoppable momentum.
Rakitic was taken aback and then made a decision that he would regret for the rest of his life. He tried to dribble past the Chinese superstar and then pass the ball out, which would also consume the opponent''s energy.
But Wang Feng''s eyes were so sharp that his move was anticipated before he could even execute it. The Chinese superstar stretched out his right foot and urately poked the ball away from Rakitic''s control, letting it escape his reach. He then caught up to the ball and entered the penalty area.
The Croatian defense was suddenly in a panic, but fortunately, they were very well-trained in defense. S?trinic?, Lovren, and Kovacic, the three defenders, surrounded the Chinese superstar and blocked both his path to goal and passingnes.
In a very tight space, the Chinese superstar remained calm. He used his right foot to flick the ball to the right to evade Lovren''s tackle, then almost relied on Kovacic''s movement to dribble to the left, avoiding his leg.
Stepping forward while maneuvering left and right, he managed to keep the ball away from the three defenders'' legs, and unconsciously, as they retreated, Wang Feng got closer and closer to the goal.
After a few sessive feints, he suddenly elerated and broke through the encirclement to reach the edge of the penalty area, with goalkeeper Subasic also rushing forward to block.
Wang Feng aimed for the far corner and shot. The ball passed under Subasic''s arm and hit the inside of the far post, bouncing into the!
Chapter 816: Decisive Battle of the Favorites
Chapter 816: Decisive Battle of the Favorites
"Oh~!!"
"The ball is in!! The ball is in!! The referee has blown the whistle for a valid goal. With the match heading towards a penalty shootout, Wang Feng scores the crucial leading goal!!"
"So beautiful, this opportunity stems from the proactive pressing by the Chinese superstar in the frontcourt. Rakitic made a serious mistake, he should have dealt with the ball immediately instead of trying to dribble and evade the pressing."
"These feints and fake moves have no meaning for Wang Feng. When he poked the ball away and entered the penalty area, he made sessive moves, like the moves in martial arts novels, and none of the three defending yers could stop him."
"Faced with this situation, Strinic couldn''t help but get closer, allowing Wang Feng to find space to dribble down to the bottom line, rushing to the edge of the small penalty area, where there were four yers including the goalkeeper blocking."
"Even so, the Chinese superstar remained calm and shot, and his shooting situation in the midst of Croatian defense will definitely be another ssic scene in the football world."
When the ball hit the, Wang Feng fell to the ground in one motion, the sprinting interception and breakthrough almost exhausting all his strength.
He was really tired. The distance he ran throughout the match probably set a new record.
Soon, his teammates rushed over and piled on top of the Chinese superstar. They were all sweating profusely, but their faces were filled with happy smiles.
The Luzhniki Stadium, which had hosted the opening ceremony, waspletely boiling, with everyone chanting Wang Feng''s name and singing the passionate national anthem.
Not only here, but in every city across the country, countless households erupted in cheers and joy when they saw this goal.
With over five minutes of injury time, the Croatians did not give up hope of equalizing, and the Chinese yers did not let down their guard.
Every minute and every second was a fierce battle, until the referee blew the final whistle, 2-1! The Chinese team defeated their opponents and advanced to the World Cup final!
Countless staff rushed into the field to celebrate wildly. They had finally made it to this step again!
Four years ago, due to chaotic management, the defending champions failed to even make it past the Asian qualifiers, a humiliation unheard of in the world.
Punishing tens of thousands, cutting off countless greedy hands, and using a strict system that was almost unreasonable, finally brought light to the domestic football scene. Now is the time to enjoy the fruits of thisbor.
Perhaps there will never be another talented yer like Wang Feng, but the Chinese team will continue to thrive on the right path.
So far, Wang Feng has contributed 5 goals and 3 assists. At the age of 35, he still stands at the top of the tournament''s scoring charts.
Although the number of goals has decreasedpared to previous World Cups, everyone knows that he has given his all.
The Chinese superstar is no longer the invincible powerhouse of youth. He is tired, injured, and after the game, he sits on the grass for a long time, trying to catch his breath.
But as long as the whistle hasn''t blown, Wang Feng will never give up, and he will always fight until thest moment for victory!
Modric grabbed his hair in frustration. He had long had a bad feeling. This former teammate, this football god, would never allow the situation to turn against him. He was a yer known as a miracle.
But Modric still walked over to Wang Feng and pulled him up by the hand. "I thought I had a chance to defeat you, but it turns out I was mistaken."
Wang Feng shook his head. "It was almost your victory. Isn''t that right? As for penalty shootouts, we have no confidence."
Modric sighed deeply. "I suggested going all out before extra time, but the coach thought the risk was too great, so he didn''t adopt it. Now it seems better to take a gamble."
"Of course, you can never be sure. Maybe you''ll take this opportunity to go straight in, but in any case, I really don''t want to be your opponent."
"Wang, to be honest, you shouldn''t have left Real Madrid so early. Your strength is still more than enough. With you, we could maintain our peak for at least three to four more years, instead of being in the current situation, unable to advance or retreat."
The Chinese superstar smiled and replied, "Everyone has different thoughts at different stages of their careers, like embarking on a new adventure. Someday, you will also face choices."
The two also talked about the current situation of the Gcticos, both in the league and the Champions League. They both felt ack of momentum, which made Florentino''s determination to rebuild even stronger.
"I really miss the time when we fought side by side, which was so harmoniouspared to now."
Modric felt a mixture of emotions. "Anyway, let''s continue on. Captain, I believe you will continue your winning streak in the finals, even against the formidable France."
After saying this, the two hugged lightly, and Modric silently left the field, leaving it all to the victors to celebrate.
The Chinese team will face France in the World Cup final, a result that undoubtedly ignites global attention, especially involving the transition of power in the football world.
If Mbappe can defeat Wang Feng on the grandest stage, his reputation will undoubtedly rise to another level, making him the next generation''s superstar.
On the other hand, if Wang Feng wins, his mythical reign will continue unbelievably, with no one ever truly defeating him.
Such a huge attraction has raised the World Cup''s attention to an unimaginable level, delighting FIFA.
Consequently, various predictions, analyses, and support polls have been continuouslyunched, engaging the minds of football fans worldwide.
Compared to their opponents, the Chinese team slightly holds the advantage of familiarity with the venue, as they yed 120 minutes in the semifinal here, more familiar than the French team.
Therefore, French coach Deschamps led the team to Moscow two days early for adaptation training to eliminate this influence.
After training, Mbappe was stopped by reporters, who wanted to hear the young football star''s views on the uing decisive battle.
"I''ve always said that Wang will definitely lead the team here." Mbappe seemed very excited, in a state of eager anticipation. "Being able topete with him on such an important stage is the greatest honor of my life, and I will give two hundred percent of my strength."
"Who will win the championship? God, such things will only be known at the end of the match. Although we are full of confidence, we cannot ignore the power of the football god."
"Of course, there is also the strength of the entire Chinese team. In fact, I have watched several of their matches, and I feel an unparalleled unity from these yers, something the French teamcks."
Mbappe''s candidness surprised the reporters slightly. The tradition of internal strife in the French team has a long history, and it even led to the Benzema extortion case, resulting in his expulsion from the national team.
Fortunately, today''s Gallic Roosters are full of talents, especially in the attack with yers like Giroud, Griezmann, Mbappe, and Martial, notcking a Benzema.
Speaking of the Golden Boot of the World Cup, Mbappe is two goals behind Wang Feng, ranking second. He said that winning both the championship and the Golden Boot are not conflicting goals. "I will use goals to help France win the World Cup!"
Chapter 817: Mbappe鈥檚 Speed
Chapter 817: Mbappe''s Speed
On July 15th, the month-long grand event of world football is about toe to an end, and the new champion of the World Cup will be crowned in Moscow.
The Luzhniki Stadium, which can amodate eighty-five thousand people, is now full to the brim. The stands are filled with waves of red and blue, representing the two teams in the final showdown.
The yers are lined up in the tunnel, waiting to enter the field. Everyone is holding their breath, focused and unable to exchange words. Regardless of who it is, everyone feels immense pressure at this moment, and Wang Feng is no exception.
For him, there are many familiar faces in the French team lineup. Deschamps has arranged a 4-2-3-1 formation, with goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris.
The four defenders are Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, and Hernandez.
The two defensive midfielders are Pogba and Kante, with three forwards consisting of Mbappe, Griezmann, and Matuidi.
The center forward is Giroud.
The referee in charge is Pitana from Argentina. Holding the final match ball, he walks forward from the back, saying, "It''s time to take the field, gentlemen. May God bless you."
Led by him, the yers from both teams slowly walk out of the tunnel and enter the wide field, greeted by thunderous apuse and cheers. Many of the Chinese yers, participating in such a grand match for the first time, feel a bit weak in their knees.
But when they look at their calm captain, that restless feeling gradually subsides. Wang Feng has this kind of magic, which can give his teammates courage and strength.
After the national anthems of China and France are yed, the yers shake hands in a friendly manner, and the captains step forward to decide who will kick-off and choose sides.
In the first half, it''s the Chinese team who kick-off, with Wang Feng and Huang Hu standing in the center circle, thetter cing his foot on the ball.
The television broadcast zooms in on the face of the Chinese superstar. Without a doubt, he will be the protagonist of this match. Then it shifts to Mbappe''s face not far away. The pre-match hype about the duel between the old and new stars is also highly anticipated.
As both teams take their positions, referee Pitana nces at his wristwatch, then blows the whistle to start the match.
Huang Hu immediately passes the ball to Wang Feng, who then turns and passes it back to the backfield.
At this moment, Mbappe dashes past the center line like lightning, directly pressing towards the ball, with other French forwards also following suit.
Frowning, the Chinese superstar realizes that the opponents haveunched such a fierce attack right from the start. He is worried that the defense line might not hold up, so he immediately signals his teammates to retreat with him and directs Huang Hu to drop slightly forward and wait for an opportunity.
Like a sharp sword, the young French yer rushes towards Zheng Zhi, startling him. He knows the terrifying speed of his opponent, so he doesn''t turn to pass the ball back, fearing that Mbappe might already be there to intercept by the time he turns or passes.
Zheng Zhi directly shifts the ball sideways to evade Mbappe, and fortunately, it''s this experienced veteran. If it were someone else like He Yun, there might have been a problem.
Failing with the first attempt, the French team doesn''t give up. They send in more yers to press high, while the Chinese team as a whole retreats to defend in their own half, using numerical advantage to keep control of the ball.
Their principle is simple: observe diligently, pass quickly to the safest ce, and never take unnecessary risks.
All yers keep moving, ensuring that they can be anywhere in the backfield to receive the ball. So although it looks like the French team is pressing aggressively, they don''t pose much of a threat in reality.
However, once the Chinese team tries to move forward and the overall formation disperses, their passing technique seems somewhat inadequate. Yang Ronghua tries to pass forward to Huang Hu in the midfield area, only to be intercepted by Kante.
The Chinese team doesn''t lose heart, quickly regroups to defend and upies the space within thirty meters, waiting for a chance to counterattack defensively.
This poses a problem for the French team, as they are actually better at ying on the counterattack. Whether it''s Mbappe''s speed attribute or Giroud''s pivot role, they can fully exert their power only in the process of rapid counterattacks.
Now, forcing them to prate through the positional y is somewhat challenging, especially when Mbappe charges into the dense crowd twice in a row, causing a goal to be conceded. This leaves him scratching his head in frustration.
The situation reaches a stalemate. "Throughout the journey, the Chinese team''s defense has beenmendable, while the French team possesses considerable attacking strength. However, they now need to develop more tactics."
"In the final, besidespeting in strength, patience, stability, and even luck must also be taken into ount. Any small event could lead to apletely different oue."
Thementator exins the key points of the match to the audience. Time flies, and five minutes have passed without either side taking their first shot.
From the statistics, the French team has a higher ball possession rate, but it''s difficult for them to break through to the shooting area. The French televisionmentator believes that this indicates the team''s superior control, and winning the match is only a matter of time.
However, ording to the domesticmentators, the Chinese team''s defensive interception is outstanding, and now they are just waiting for the opponents to show impatience, creating opportunities for a massive counterattack.
"Wang''s eyes will surely catch such an opportunity," Zhang Jun confidently adds.
This kind of stalemate actually consumes a lot of energy for both teams. The attacking side attempts to move more, while the defending side needs to stay tense at all times to prevent loopholes.
The timees to the 7th minute, and the French team decides to pass back to the backfield to reorganize, enticing the Chinese defensive line to push forward.
Mbappe even rushes towards the center circle. He can''t sprint in the frontcourt, as there are always two defensive yers nearby, and he would be surrounded if he advances a little.
Varane notices the movement of the French winger, so he sends a straight pass to his feet.
Although this is not a regr tactic, Mbappe manages to shake off the defensive entanglement. Perhaps at this moment, his eleration can bring something different.
Sure enough, Mbappe doesn''t choose to control the ball but slightly flicks it forward. Then he quickly turns and vigorously pushes the ball forward again, dodging Yang Ronghua who is closely following.
In an instant, he goes from facing backward to facing forward, and also opens up space for a sprint. Yang Ronghua faces a very difficult situation, as the ball has already passed him, and Mbappe is quite far away from him. At this moment, it''s impossible to foul him.
The newly turned French winger immediately elerates, overtaking the defense and catching up with the ball.
"Kylian!" in the Frenchmentator''s shout, Mbappe bursts forward, finally able to sprint freely!
Due to the French team''s retreat, the overall formation of the Chinese team is not as dense as before, and Yang Ronghua has been shaken off. So at this moment, Mbappe has space to sprint.
The atmosphere in the stands, originally somewhat silent, suddenly bes lively. French fans in blue jerseys wave their gs and cheer, while Chinese fans in red jerseys shout defensive words.
Amidst the noisy atmosphere, Mbappe dribbles the ball along the sidelines, charging towards the Chinese team''s penalty area.
At this moment, three defending yers quickly rush towards the Frenchman, but Mbappe does not slow down. Instead, he continues to exert force and dribble towards the space between them. He rushes out before they can surround him.
"Oh! My God! A breakthrough filled with violence and aesthetics! No technique, just speed!"
Just as he prates into the heart of the defense, before the goalkeeper Wang Xianghe can shift to the near post, Mbappe suddenly shoots from a small angle.
The ball travels along the ground at great speed, heading straight for the far corner. Wang Xianghe instinctively tries to save it, but the ball is already a step faster than him and flies into the.
Chapter 818: Criminal Dribbling
Chapter 818: Criminal Dribbling
The French fans at the Luzhniki Stadium instantly erupted into a frenzy of emotions, waving their gs frantically to cheer for this goal.
"The ball''s in! The ball''s in! Great Mbappe! Great goal!"
"On the stage of the World Cup final, the 19-year-old prodigy opens the scoring, a historic moment worth remembering forever!"
"He used unmatched speed to pierce through the Chinese defense from midfield, simply brilliant."
Commentators around the world are marveling at this unexpected goal, praising Mbappe''s unstoppable speed.
Meanwhile, Zhang Jun shakes his head, sighing repeatedly, "This shouldn''t have happened, the Chinese team''s defense shouldn''t have opened up like this."
"If the opponent retreats, just let them, we should maintain our formation and defend the penalty area tightly. Sigh, maybe we''re just too eager for victory."
"Conceding a goal within ten minutes of the game is a huge blow to the defensive counter-attacking tactics. yers often be conflicted about whether to press forward or fall back."
"Ah!"
At this moment, millions of households across the country are watching the live broadcast of the match. Hearing thementators'' evaluation, many hearts sink, and sighs fill the air.
In the city of Shanghai, Zhao Qi is also feeling this way, but his 10-year-old son has a different opinion: "Dad, the game isn''t over yet, we still have Wang Feng!"
Zhao Qi is stunned by his son''s words. He looks into his son''s confident eyes and feels the gloom in his heart dissipate. Yes, they still have Wang Feng, the man known as the god of football!
He smiles and hugs his son, ruffling his short hair. "Do you believe that Wang Feng will win?"
"Of course, I want to be like him in the future, standing on the World Cup stage, bringing glory to our country!" The child''s eyes sparkle with determination.
Despite conceding the first goal, the Chinese team doesn''t panic. They had ns and mental preparation before the game, and while the French celebrate wildly, Wang Feng moves among his teammates, continuously encouraging them.
After leading for a while, the opponent inevitably besx. The Chinese superstar ns to take advantage of this.
Soon, the Chinese team finds an attacking opportunity and advances to the front. Wang Feng intentionally drops back to receive the ball, sparking enthusiastic cheers from the domestic fans whenever he touches the ball.
The Chinese superstar slowly moves forward along the sidelines. Kant and Fernandes from the French side move to block him, showing their attention with a double-team.
They cleverly block his path, preventing him from directly threatening the goal despite being unable to steal the ball.
As the three of them get closer, Kant and Fernandes are within reach to interfere with the Chinese superstar. At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly shifts his left shoulder down and taps the ball with his right foot, letting it roll past his left heel and changing direction to cut inside between the two defenders.
Fernandes was prepared for this move and immediately moves closer to Kant, closing the gap between them, leaving no space for Wang Feng.
However, Wang Feng has another trick up his sleeve. He quickly hooks the ball back with his left foot, sending it back towards the sideline, while his body leans down to the right.
But Fernandes still has a solution. He immediately extends his left leg to block the way, but it''s still not enough to stop him.
Despite being confused by two consecutive shoulder feints, Fernandes still manages to stick to Wang Feng''s rhythm. However, facing the final attempt to dribble through his legs, there''s nothing he can do.
Just as they both attempt to tackle the ball, Wang Feng suddenly flicks the ball sharply with his left foot, hooking it back towards the goal line, while his body leans down to the right.
Although Fernandes still tries to block the way with his left leg, he can''t prevent the ball from slipping through his legs. At the same time, Wang Feng elerates past him to catch up with the ball.
Fernandes is shocked. He tries to turn around quickly but loses his bnce due to the sudden change, falling to the ground helplessly, watching his opponent charge towards the penalty area.
"Wang breaks through the double team and shakes off Fernandes! Beautiful!"
"Let''s see what he does next!"
As the Chinese superstar charges towards the penalty area, he hasn''tpletely shaken off the defenders, as Kant still has defensive capacity, and other French yers are rushing to support.
In the midst of his sprint, Wang Feng suddenly stops, shaking off Kant, and flicks the ball with his left foot while feinting a shot with his right foot, fooling Umtiti who falls to block, resulting in a sidestep. This creates space once again, and he immediately shoots.
This time it''s not a feint but a real shot. The ball draws a wonderful arc in the air, sailing past Varane and into the top left corner of the goal.
Goalkeeper Lloris''s line of sight is partially blocked by Varane, and by the time the balles into view, it''s toote for him to save it.
"Shot! Goal! Wang equalizes for the Chinese team!"
"I knew there would be a goal when he broke through! Truly a criminal dribble, despite being tightly defended by two yers, it felt like there was no way to stop him."
"Let''s review this attack through slow motion. Three consecutive close-range feints, Fernandes did a good job, managing to keep up with the Chinese superstar''s rhythm."
"However, facing the final dribble through the legs, even a first-rate defender like Fernandes couldn''t do anything. He even tried to turn around in time to defend, but in that situation, he couldn''t maintain his bnce, resulting in an embarrassing fall."
"But it''s not over yet. Facing the threats from Kant, Umtiti, and even Varane, Wang Feng seemed to effortlessly deal with them, using the most appropriate method to take advantage of the space. The final shot was extremely clever, and the goal was naturally achieved."
As Wang Fengunches his attack, Mbappe remains in the frontcourt without returning to defend, but he is still very attentive to the situation, keeping his guard up.
Seeing the Chinese superstar break through theyers of defensive encirclement, the French winger rxes slightly. Before this, he had also faced such situations, where there seemed to be no chance of breaking through.
But in the blink of an eye, his opponent broke free, and without any physical contact, Fernandes fell to the ground. This bewildered Mbappe, who couldn''t understand this style of football.
As he frantically tracks back, Mbappe''s heart sinks. He knows that in such situations, not only the Chinese superstar but even he himself would not miss such an opportunity.
Indeed, as he expected, Wang Feng''s shot bypasses the defense and finds the back of the. The French yers can onlye to a halt, looking at each other in dismay.
He still remembers when Wang was young, his speed surpassing even Kak''s. But that was just one of his skills. As he aged and lost agility, he could still dominate the football world with other means.
Mbappe is a very intelligent yer, and at this moment, he has a slight realization. Although he is still young and full of energy, aging and injuries will eventually catch up with him. He must develop more technical skills.
He wants to fight side by side with Wang Feng and personally ept his guidance! This idea sprouts uncontrobly like bamboo shoots after the rain.
But before that, he must do everything he can to regain the lead!
Chapter 819: Intense Battle
Chapter 819: Intense Battle
Compared to the cautious Chinese team, the French team is more daring. Despite being ahead and then equalized, they continue to adopt an aggressive strategy.
Mbappe is active on the wings. Unable to break through after receiving a pass from Matuidi, he passes horizontally to Giroud at the edge of the penalty area.
The French striker protects the ball with his back to the attacking defensive line, resisting Zhang Fanlin''s interference. It''s clear that the Chinese defenders are at a disadvantage in one-on-one situations, but their teammates are rushing to provide support.
At this moment, Mbappe makes a diagonal run into the penalty area. Giroud then exerts force to push Zhang Fanlin away and sends a lob pass.
Mbappe stretches out his right foot to control the ball, smoothly pulling it to the left foot area, and then directly shoots.
"Kylian shoots!"
The ball flies straight towards the far post, and goalkeeper Wang Xianghe, concentrating intensely, leaps to save it, using his fingertips to push it out for a corner.
"A world-ss save, just a little bit short!" The French TVmentator couldn''t help but express regret. "Kylian''s performance in this game is truly outstanding. Several threatening attacks from the team were created by him."
"If he can continue like this, I believe we will be the ones lifting the World Cup in the end!"
Seeing Mbappe''s shot saved, Zheng Zhi''s tense heart rxes slightly. He shouts loudly to his defensive teammates, "Mark him closely, don''t let him easily enter the penalty area for shooting opportunities!"
As an experienced veteran of the national team, Zheng Zhi''s authority within the team is second only to Wang Feng. He often takes the time to guide and care for young yers, so everyone trusts him.
The French team wins a corner kick. Fernandes delivers it into the penalty area. Wang Feng returns to defend, positioning himself well, and heads the ball clear in the chaos, sending it to the edge of the arc where Huang Hu is waiting.
Originally facing his own goal, Huang Hu extends his right foot to control the iing ball, stopping it whilepleting a turn to face the attacking direction.
He''s thinking about what to do next, whether to pass horizontally to Feng Miao to organize or wait for the formation to spread out. But then he hears a shout from behind, "Go!"
It''s the captain''s voice! Without hesitation, Huang Hu dribbles the ball towards the French half,unching a quick counterattack for China!
At this moment, the French team''s overall pressing is quite deep, with two defenders even rushing into the penalty area to contest. Therefore, when Huang Hu picks up speed, only two or three opponents can follow closely to stop him.
Driving straight through the midfield line, Umtiti steps forward to intercept, forcing the Chinese forward to slow down. Kant and Matuidi also rush back to support.
Huang Hu knows he doesn''t have the ability to dribble through multiple opponents, but his footwork remains steady. After a slight adjustment, he nts the ball towards the sideline, where there''s arge empty space.
His force is just right, and the ball travels a distance along the ground beforending. With the resistance of the grass, it gradually slows down. Wu Lei, who''s sprinting forward, picks it up immediately to continue the attack.
Approaching the edge of the penalty area, Wu Lei crosses it into the goal area. By this time, Huang Hu has reached the edge of the small penalty area, bing the primary target. Therefore, both Umtiti and Varane focus on marking him.
To shake off the defenders, Huang Hu elerates quickly, but he runs a bit too fast, necessitating a quick stop and turn to grab the ball. However, this means he''ll lose the fleeting opportunity for a shot.
Seeing his opponent''s reaction, Umtiti is pleased and moves closer. Unexpectedly, at the moment when Huang Hu touches the ball, instead of stopping it, he pushes it backward with momentum.
"No!" With a shout, Wang Feng, who''s sprinting across the field, arrives just in time. He doesn''t have time to hesitate either, with defenders behind him and goalkeeper Lloris rushing to tackle the ball.
At the critical moment, the Chinese superstar slides forward and dives, stretching out his foot with his back straight, using the tip of his toe to make contact with the ball first, sending it straight towards the near corner of the goal.
Inch by inch, stronger and stronger! Fully utilizing his advantage in body extension, Wang Feng shoots before anyone else, just ahead of Lloris''s save attempt. The ball hits the before he can block its path.
"Ah!!! Beautiful!!! It''s a goal!"
"The Chinese team takes the lead again! 2-1! And it''s Wang Feng, another rapid counterattack!"
"They seized the opportunity when the opponent had a corner kick andunched a rapid assault. Huang Hu, Wu Lei, and Wang Feng, just three yers, pierced through the French defense with speed and skill."
"Huang Hu, who orchestrated it from the center, is the biggest contributor. Whether it''s the diagonal pass to the open space or the header to set up, each move demonstrates his understanding and wisdom of football."
"Wang Feng''s final shot is truly ingenious, don''t think that a volley is simple. The force and cement directly determine the quality of the shot."
"I dare say that if you put most of the current attacking yers from the football world in Wang Feng''s position, they wouldn''t be able to score such a beautiful goal. Most likely, it would be either a high shot or a miss."
Watching the enthusiastic celebration of the Chinese yers, Deschamps rubs his sore eyebrows, urgently calling his yers over for a brief reminder, especially Mbappe.
"Kylian, I know you''re in good shape, but I want you to do more, pulling the defense and helping your teammates. Victory is more important than anything else!"
Mbappe nods vigorously. Sometimes he does indeed desire to score, but forcing a shot would only waste excellent opportunities.
More importantly, the Chinese team is more difficult to deal with than they imagined. Their defense is tight, and on the offensive end, it''s not just Wang Feng who''s making an impact.
As time gradually approaches the end of the first half, the French team''s attackse in waves. After conceding a goal, their immediate counter-pressing and interception are extremely resolute. For over ten minutes, the Chinese team hasn''t been able tounch another attack.
The atmosphere in the stadium is so tense that even the local fans almost forget to make noise. They clutch their chests, unable to calm their pounding hearts. The tension is at its peak.
The yers also grit their teeth and persevere, as long as they can maintain their lead going into halftime, they''ll have a more rxed mentality for the second half.
However, things often don''t go as nned. Under high-intensity confrontation, the physical stamina of the Chinese team is somewhatcking. They can''t match the French team''s relentless pressure.
"Mbappe quickly starts, sessfully avoiding the offside trap and getting the ball inside the penalty area. Is he going to shoot?"
"No, he passes it to the front, Giroud! Giroud shoots! It''s a goal!"
"Giroud helps the French team equalize! Both Chinese defenders were marking Mbappe, so if he had shot directly like before, his chances would''ve been slim."
"Unexpectedly, the Frenchman sends a triangle pass back, the yer marking the center failed to keep up, allowing Giroud to get a shooting opportunity. What a pity."
"All right, after a period of intense struggle, the main referee blows the whistle for the end of the first half. The situation can be described as fluctuating."
"The current score is 2-2, with the French team breaking the deadlock first. Then, the Chinese team quickly turned the tide with two counterattack opportunities, led by Wang Feng. Just before halftime, France used their physical advantage to equalize."
"Overall, the performance of the Chinese team in the first half is surprising, but their physical condition is indeed a major disadvantage. Hopefully, during halftime, coach Lippi can provide some guidance and adjustments to the team, allowing them to make up for it in the second half."
Chapter 820: Miracle of the Football God
Chapter 820: Miracle of the Football God
Despite being equalized just before the end of the first half, the atmosphere in the Chinese team''s locker room remains lively. The yers enthusiastically discuss the details of the game, analyzing both the goals scored and conceded.
Head coach Lippi nodded approvingly. "At least this positive attitude ismendable," he said, attracting everyone''s attention with a p before continuing, "Everyone, in terms of overall strength, the French team is more than a notch above us."
"Even so, we have pushed them to this extent, which shows that our tactics and fighting spirit are effective. Let''s continue to maintain this in the second half!"
Then he looked at Wu Lei. "Wu, we need to further strengthen our defensive density in the second half, so your role will be reduced, and I need you toe off earlier."
Wu Lei expressed his understanding. Although he felt regretful, he had long been prepared for this. Being able to personally participate in the counterattack goal in the first half already made him proud.
Then the Italian coach tailored several blocking ns, emphasizing the importance ofte-game defensive positioning due to decreased physical stamina. "I know it will be very tiring, but even if you have to run an extra hundred meters, it could extinguish a dangerous situation."
Finally, it was Wang Feng''s turn. Lippi didn''t hesitate to say, "Wang, the attacking task is entrusted to you. The team can''t afford to allocate too many yers in this area."
The Chinese superstar stood up and looked around, facing the eyes of admiration and longing. He pounded his chest firmly and said, "No problem, I will open the door to victory!"
The second half begins with no substitutions from the French team. On the Chinese side, a central defender reces Wu Lei, and they continue with apact defensive strategy.
Deschamps trusts Mbappe, just as Lippi trusts Wang Feng. The German coach believes that his protege will definitely be a towering figure in the football world in the future.
Not long after the second half starts, the French team creates a chance. Mbappe and Griezmann form a continuous passingbination in the frontcourt. Griezmann attempts a long shot from the edge of the arc, but the ball narrowly misses the post.
When unable to break through further, attempting long shots is one of the ways to expand the threat.
The deadlock continues until the 81st minute when a strong run from the French side leads to Yang Ronghuamitting a foul. The referee awards them a free kick in the attacking half.
Griezmann stands at the penalty spot to take the free kick. Initially nning to float it into the penalty area to find a tall yer, he finds that Giroud and other dangerous yers are already tightly marked, making the opportunity seem unlikely.
So, the French forward tries a direct shot instead. It turns out quite unexpectedly that after he strikes the ball with a curved trajectory, it forms a mysterious arc in the air, initially heading towards the top left corner, then suddenly veering to the right.
Goalkeeper Wang Xianghe reacts quickly and dives in the right direction, but he still can''t prevent the ball from entering the.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! A direct free kick goal, so beautiful!"
The French TVmentator couldn''t help but stand up and roar, "The score is now 3-2! France is in the lead again!"
"Griezmann pays tribute to Wang Feng with a strange curved free kick. Wang Feng often turns the tide with this move, and now Griezmann ends the reign of the football god in a simr fashion. Ah, what a perfect ending!"
In his view, the French team can already book the championship. With just over 10 minutes left in the game, they''ve been dominating during this time. With the consumption of physical stamina, it''s unlikely that the Chinese team can organize effective attacks anymore.
"Calm down, there''s still time!" Even after countless big games, Wang Feng, now the reliance of everyone, feels a bit nervous, but he must not waver now.
In fact, the French team also has weaknesses. When they are behind, they exert all their efforts with great momentum, but when they are in a leading position, they tend to ck off.
This is why the game was so open before, with the Chinese team turning the tide with two consecutive goals shortly after the French team took the lead in the first half.
Perhaps falling behind is also an opportunity. Gritting his teeth, the Chinese superstar continues to instill confidence and hope in his teammates, urging them to persist!
Five minutes after conceding a goal, taking advantage of a momentary rxation from the French, the Chinese team quickly organizes an attack. Feng Miao passes to Wang Feng on the wing.
The Chinese superstar receives the ball with his back to the goal, seemingly having eyes on the back of his head, he flicks the ball directly to the left as he turns his body to avoid the pressing Bogba andpletes a turn.
Then he dribbles into the penalty area, with Fernandes and Varane closing in on him. Wang Feng pretends to repeat his previous move, sending the ball as if he intends to nutmeg Fernandes, which immediately makes the Frenchman tighten his legs.
Instead, he quickly changes to a hook, flicking the ball to his right foot and stepping forward, executing a standard "deep-fried meatball" move to get past his opponent.
The tense Fernandes instinctively turns and extends his leg to intercept, but he loses bnce again and falls to the ground, being fooled twice in one match, destined to be a background figure of legend.
With this, Wang Feng charges into the penalty area, with Umtiti fully focused on blocking the shooting line. Wang Feng pretends to feint and moveterally, deceiving the opponent''s center of gravity, then suddenly changes direction and dashes towards the goal line.
With a sudden attack and speed creating space, the Chinese superstar shoots from almost a zero-degree angle, the ball passing through the defense and the goalkeeper, almost grazing the post as it enters the!
3-3! The Chinese team equalizes again! Wang Feng scores a hat-trick! In nearly a century of World Cup history, only one yer has scored a hat-trick in the final, and that was Ennd''s Hurst in 1966.
And he didn''t achieve this feat until extra time, while Wang Feng did it within regr time.
Fans all over the world are immersed in unprecedented excitement. This thrilling final match is truly exhrating!
Before they can fully calm down, Wang Feng strikes again.
In the 90th minute, he retreats to the center line to receive a cross from Yang Ronghua. Facing the tight marking of Kante, he cleverly dodges, then elerates towards the frontcourt.
Matuidi, who is also closely marking him, immediately lunges diagonally to intercept. The Chinese superstar deliberately gives the opponent a chance to tackle, but then seizes the opening to push the ball forward, threading it through Matuidi''s legs.
Without slowing down at all, Wang Feng continues to dribble forward, causing the crowd to gasp in amazement. Fernandes, almost trembling, rushes forward to meet him, but Wang Feng simply flicks the ball forward and steps aside, evading Fernandes''s tackle.
But the Chinese superstar once again flicks the ball to change direction, pushing it forward and sidestepping, leaving Fernandes and Matuidi colliding heavily.
Meanwhile, Wang Feng calmly enters the penalty area. Goalkeeper Lloris decisively chooses to rush out, but the Chinese superstar calmly lifts the ball over him, then catches up with the ball in the small penalty area and shoots into the far corner, letting it once again slip into the French team''s!
"The ball''s in! La! Wang Feng, the football god of China, the football god of the world!"
"He performs an unprecedented four-goal feat in the final, showing his miracle to the world!" This time it was Zhang Jun who couldn''t help but stand up and shout, and countless domestic fans were also plunged into madness, with countless tables and bowls being mmed.
As for the spectators from other countries, they were already dumbfounded, while the French fans felt extremely despondent. How could they defeat such a powerful and unreasonable opponent?
Chapter 821: Completeness and Incompleteness
Chapter 821: Completeness and Ipleteness
During the injury stoppage time before the final whistle, the French team made a desperate attempt, with goalkeeper Lloris even dribbling out of the penalty area before lobbing the ball into the opponent''s half.
However, the Chinese team, who had fought so hard up to this point, naturally wouldn''t let victory slip away from their grasp. With thest attack defused by Wang Feng and Zheng Zhi, the referee Pitana blew the final whistle.
The entire Luzhniki Stadium erupted into thunderous cheers, with the sea of red roaring and rolling like a volcanic eruption, exuding vitality and enthusiasm.
Back home, the scene was even more exaggerated. Some took to the streets banging drums and gongs, while residents in apartment buildings opened their windows, exchanging and sharing their ecstatic joy with neighbors.
Even though it waste at night, not a single person could sleep at this moment.
The substitutes, coaching staff, and staff of the Chinese team rushed onto the field in a frenzy, joining the heroes in celebrating their victory.
Lippi didn''t forget courtesy. He first walked to the French team''s coaching bench and shook hands with Deschamps, whose face was filled with disappointment and frustration. His team came so close.
"A great final, a great Wang Feng." After making this assessment, the French coach left the field with a sense of reluctance, clearly unwilling to linger on the stage of failure.
Unlike the jubnt Chinese team, the French yers hung their heads low, especially Mbappe, whose heart was being bitten by a snake of destion and regret.
Seeing this, Griezmann walked up to him, patting the young man''s shoulder and saying, "It''s indeed a pity, but we don''t have just this one final. The future definitely belongs to us."
"You''re not even 20 yet, while Wang Feng is already 35. Perhaps this is hisst World Cup. Even if hees back in four years, they won''t have the same strength."
"Defeat is nothing. Football is a never-ending pursuit, a process of never giving up."
Mbappe gradually recovered from his sadness, nodding and saying, "Yes, it''s just that we were so close to defeating Wang directly, it''s too regrettable!"
Griezmann couldn''t help but smile wryly at his words. "For over a decade, countless people have tried to defeat the Chinese superstar. In the end, we alle to the same conclusion: apart from time, no one can defeat him."
"Indeed." The young Frenchman deeply understood this at the moment. He walked up to Wang Feng and asked if he qualified to exchange jerseys.
"Of course, you yed great and caused us a lot of trouble." Wang Feng praised, taking off his jersey and handing it over. From Mbappe''s hand, he received the jersey. These two jerseys were the best witness to this ssic final battle.
Putting on the pre-prepared award ceremony attire, the World Cup award ceremony is about to begin.
First announced is the Fair y Award, which goes to the Spanish team. They yed four games in total,mitting only 33 fouls, the fewest among all sixteen teams.
At the same time, the Spanish team received only two yellow cards, second only to Saudi Arabia''s one, thus earning this honor.
The Best Young yer Award unsurprisingly goes to Mbappe, who contributed 5 goals andpleted 32 dribbles, a 19-year-old French youth with boundless future.
The Golden Glove Award didn''te from the finalists, but was won by Courtois of the third-ce Belgian team.
After all, the thrilling final showdown lowered the ratings for goalkeepers, leaving Wang Xianghe, who had consistently performed well, somewhat regretful.
The Golden Boot Award goes to Wang Feng, who contributed 9 goals. His four-goal performance in the final widened the gap between him and other yers.
Just like eight years ago, the World Cup Golden Ball Award is overwhelmingly awarded to the Chinese superstar, a constion France painfully missed.
The Silver Ball Award goes to Griezmann, and the Bronze Ball Award is given to Modric of Croatia.
After the runner-up France receives their medals, it''s the turn of the champion Chinese team to take the stage, and the stands once again erupt in huge cheers and apuse.
The yers are all ecstatic. Except for a few veterans like Zheng Zhi, most of them have never experienced the glory of eight years ago, so this is their first time standing at the top of the world.
As the captain, Wang Feng is thest one to step onto the stage. Taking the long-awaited World Cup trophy from the hands of the FIFA president, the familiar touch and weight make him excited as well.
Winning the championship, especially the pivotal World Cup, is always an enchanting dream no matter how many times.
Infantino pats the back of the Chinese superstar affectionately. "Go and lift the trophy high, you are the greatest legend!"
Wang Feng smiles and slowly walks to the middle of the yers. Everyone bends slightly at the waist, and when the captain lifts the World Cup trophy high above his head, they all jump up and shout together, "We are the champions!"
Luzhniki Stadium also sets off fireworks and cannons to celebrate at this moment, with golden confetti flying everywhere and the melody of "We Are the Champions" pushing the atmosphere to its climax.
"We once again witness great history. After eight years, the Chinese team once again lifts the World Cup trophy, and they can embroider two stars on their jersey emblem now."
"This trophy belongs to everyone in the Chinese team, but especially to Wang Feng!"
"At 35, the Chinese superstar can be said to have had a fulfilling career, with countless honors and records, worldwide recognition and deification. What else can''t he achieve?"
"Perhaps the only ipleteness is that Wang Feng didn''t achieve a World Cup three-peat like Pele did, but even if it were Pele''s time, he would find it difficult to match the dominant and unique presence of the Chinese superstar on the field."
"The failure to achieve three consecutive championships is not due to Wang Feng himself, but to the poor external factors. This will be an eternal pain in Chinese football and leave endless fantasies for the world."
"If those dirty incidents hadn''t happened back then, would Wang Feng have achieved such legendary achievements?"
After the match, not onlymentators have such doubts, but countless media and fans around the world also have simr sentiments. While reporting and spreading the news of China''s championship, they will also evaluate and predict this.
Most opinions believe that the Chinese superstar undoubtedly could have achieved this epic feat, considering his career experience and technical prowess. Four years ago, the German team would probably have been unable to stop him in his prime.
The ailing King of Football, Pele, learned the news and, under the care of doctors, gave a brief interview to the team newspaper, expressing his congrattions.
"Congrattions to the Chinese team, congrattions to Wang. They have created a glorious history that canpletely rival or even surpass that of Brazil back then. I believe that no matter how many years pass, people will sigh with emotion when they look back."
"Wang hadpletely surpassed me many years ago, both at the club and national team levels. The triple crown record doesn''t mean much to him."
The Brazilian legend added jokingly, "Of course, it means a lot to me, because I still retain an honor that can match that of the football god. How honored I am."
Pele''s words also resonated widely. Looking around, most of the important records in world football are now associated with Wang Feng''s name. Those who can be mentioned alongside him in these records feel immensely proud.
The official title for the Chinese superstar haspletely shifted from GOAT to God of Football. Previously used only by the media and celebrities, now all authoritative organizations including FIFA and UEFA use this term to describe him.
The legendary career ising to an end soon.
Chapter 822: Final Chapter: What Happened Afterwards and the Successor
Chapter 822: Final Chapter: What Happened Afterwards and the Sessor
The celebration after the Chinese team won the championshipsted for a long time. The yers reveled and sang joyfully, and Wang Feng drank more than usual, eventually getting so drunk that he had to be supported by his family back to his hotel room.
"Why did Afeng drink so much this time, when he usually doesn''t like alcohol?" his mother asked, a hint of worry in her voice, as she handed him a hot towel.
Liu Yao took the towel and gently wiped her husband''s face, feeling a bit sorry for him. "He''s probably feeling uneasy. After the joy fades away, all that''s left is emptiness and fear. For someone who''s been at the peak for so long,ing down from it can indeed be difficult."
"It''s okay. The children and I will always be by your side." Liu Yao squeezed Wang Feng''s hand andforted him softly.
The entire team stayed in Moscow for a day before returning to the capital. They paraded around the city along the Fourth Ring Road, just like they did eight years ago, celebrating before finally sending the World Cup trophy to the National Museum for exhibition.
After the intense final showdown, the European football scene ushered in the transfer season. The English Premier League once again became the biggest spender with a total expenditure of ??1.23 billion.
Manchester City didn''t make many moves. Despite failing to repeat their quadruple feat from the previous season, Pep Guardi remained confident in the team''s potential and focused on strengthening and integrating.
Their biggest acquisition was Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City for ??61.02 million. Meanwhile, veterans like Yaya Toure and Joe Hart left the club, signaling a rebuilding phase.
Due to Wang Feng''s personal wishes, contract renewal negotiations with Manchester City didn''t take ce. However, the club officially stated that they wouldn''t sell the Chinese superstar, whose contract had only one year left, indicating that he would enter the free market in a year.
"This is your choice, Wang. You''ve brought glory to Manchester City, and we ask for nothing more." Sheikh Mansour said.
Liverpool became the club with the highest transfer spending in Europe this summer, reaching approximately ??164 million. Chelsea also didn''t hold back, spending ??72 million to acquire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabga from Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid signed Brazilian wonderkid Vinicius Junior and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, but negotiations for Eden Hazard couldn''t bepleted.
As they focused on building for the future, Cristiano Ronaldo''s position at the club became somewhat awkward. It was inevitable that he would gradually relinquish his core status. Rumors circted that Juventus was interested in signing him for a hefty sum and building a luxurious lineup around him.
However, Ronaldo didn''t want to leave without achieving anything significant, so the deal ultimately fell through.
Barcelona still struggled with their financial constraints and the repercussions of the "Dark Decade." The impact was profound, exacerbated by the unreasonable wage structure within the team. Club president Bartomeu was considering some major moves.
The 2018-2019 season was a mix of joy and sorrow for Manchester City. They started the season by defeating Chelsea 2-0 to retain the Community Shield, setting a good precedent.
Throughout the season, they led the league, and Wang Feng also won the UEFA Best yer in Europe, Ballon d''Or, and FIFA World yer of the Year awards.
Although they were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finalsst season, the weight of winning the Premier League and the World Cup made it impossible for anyone topete with the Chinese superstar.
This was also thest time Wang Feng received the annual triple awards. With this, his Ballon d''Or and UEFA Best yer count stood at 14, setting an unparalleled legendary record.
This season, Manchester City sessfully won the league title, achieving a historic three-peat in the Premier League. Only four clubs in the history of the English top flight have achieved this feat, including Huddersfield Town, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Manchester City officially joined the ranks of football giants, enriching the club''s heritage.
The contribution made by the Chinese superstar was significant. Although he was no longer the Premier League top scorer or the team''s primary attacker, his 20 goals and 20 assists secured him the yer of the Season award.
In addition to the league title, the team also won the League Cup, but unfortunately, they were knocked out of the FA Cup early.
The most regrettable part was Manchester City''s failure in the Champions League semi-finals again. This time, they drew 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur over two legs and lost in a penalty shootout.
After the season, Wang Feng officially announced his departure from the club, causing another earthquake in European football.
During his three years at Manchester City, he made 155 appearances, scored 162 goals, and provided 73 assists, helping the team win three league titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup, two Community Shields, their first-ever Champions League title, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite being 36 years old, there were still many top clubs hoping to sign him for reinforcement. Many teams were even willing to offer him lucrative deals.
Rumors were flying everywhere, and Wang Feng was close to returning to his own club, Inter Mn, at one point. However, PSG owner Nasser Al-Khifi personally flew to Madrid with Kylian Mbappe to negotiate with him.
Under almost perfect conditions, Wang Feng finally agreed to join PSG. The contract included a signing fee of ?400 million, an annual pre-tax sry of ?200 million for four years, and 100% image rights.
Of course, besides being a yer, Wang Feng also took on the role of ambassador for the Qatar World Cup. Coupled with constant attempts to retain him, his ns to retire from the national team were temporarily put on hold.
When the details of Wang Feng''s sry were exposed, it caused a sensation worldwide. While yer sries had increased significantly in recent years, no one else could reach such outrageous levels except for the God of Football himself.
This also showcased the financial power once again, with many Middle Eastern neighbors beginning to stir after the UAE and Qatar made their moves.
His first season in Ligue 1 wasn''t particrly sessful. Despite forming a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Mbappe, the team''s poor midfield and defense were major weaknesses.
The club only managed to win the Ligue 1 title, and they were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals.
The Chinese superstar contributed 25 goals in the league, winning the Ligue 1 Golden Boot, but his seven goals in the Champions League were a personal low, marking the first time in over a decade that he didn''t win the top scorer title.
So, after the season ended, he decided to approach the coaching staff and agreed to pick up the banner of defensive cohesion again. At this stage of his career, on-field statistics were no longer important to him. Since PSG had invested so much in bringing him in, he had to live up to the club''s expectations.
At the age of 37, Wang Feng focused on significantly improving the team''s defensive capabilities. With the overall strength of Ligue 1 not being particrly high, he could allocate more energy to Europeanpetitions.
PSG had a breakout season, winning the league title again, as well as the French Cup and the French Super Cup.
They also made it to the Champions League final, ultimately defeating Chelsea 1-0 to lift their first-ever European Cup.
Of course, the Chinese superstar, who was content to y a supporting role, was no longer the center of attention. He contributed 14 goals and 21 assists in the league, and 5 goals and 11 assists in the Champions League.
Mbappe, on the other hand, won numerous des including the Ligue 1 Golden Boot, European Golden Boot, Champions League top scorer, and UEFA Men''s yer of the Year, officially establishing himself as the best in the football world.
After aplishing his mission, Wang Feng rxed even more. He intended to reduce his ying time, using injuries and other factors as excuses to spend more time with his family. The club had noints; after all, what more could they demand from a 38-year-old veteran?
With his data for the season hitting a new low, he scored 9 goals and provided 11 assists, smoothly transitioning into a role for key moments.
During his four seasons at PSG, the Chinese superstar made a total of 143 appearances, scored 91 goals, and provided 97 assists.
He helped the team win four league titles, two French Cups, two French Super Cups, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup, more than justifying his high sry.
"The match is over! The 2033-2034 Champions League belongs to Real Madrid! They defeated Bayern Munich 3-1 and lifted this ultimate European honor!"
"The key yer of the final is the young yer from China, Wang Haoxin. At just 23 years old, he scored twice, helping the Gcticos secure the victory!"
"Of course, he also has another well-known identity, the son of the football god, Wang Feng."
"Since the grand retirement ceremony held at the Bernabeu ten years ago, football has officially entered a multipr development stage. Stars like Mbappe, Hand, Grealish, Vinicius, Alvarez, and others have emerged sessively."
"But no one has been able to dominate the world like Wang Feng did. Whether his son can inherit this power remains to be seen. Judging from the current situation, Wang Haoxin''s potential development is immeasurable."
"Oh? We can see Wang Haoxin hanging the championship medal around his father''s neck. It''s like a scene from another lifetime. Throughout his life, Wang Feng has received countless medals, but this one probably makes him the happiest."
The former football god smiled as he embraced his son''s shoulder, asking Liu Yao to take a picture of them, which became a ssic moment in football history.
Because one family has produced two football kings!
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