Football: Starting from the 05 World Youth Championship

Although everyone was exhausted, no one spoke up.

Nobody wants to miss such an important match.

Unless it's absolutely unbearable, I will grit my teeth and persevere to the end.

"In that case, let's talk about our tactics for the second half..."

After a short halftime break, the two teams switched sides and the game resumed.

It was around 3:30 pm in Johannesburg. The sun was setting, and the sunlight was no longer shining directly into the stadium as before, but at a certain angle.

Due to the obstruction of the venue buildings, a shadow appeared in the area where the sun could not reach.

As the sun's angle shifts, the area of ​​shadow on the field is constantly expanding, gradually covering the Chinese team's penalty area and slowly spreading towards the midfield.

This is a good thing for the Chinese team, because they are facing away from the sun and will not be greatly disturbed.

However, if the opponent is facing the sun, their vision will be significantly affected.

This is the downside of starting the game at noon, but in order to accommodate the billions of viewers in Asia, especially in China, FIFA had no choice but to make this compromise.

After all, if the match were actually scheduled for 2 or 3 a.m., wouldn't FIFA be torn apart by angry Chinese fans?

The sponsors will teach them a lesson they won't even need to lift a finger!
Despite trailing in the score, the Portuguese team played very aggressively.

In the 46th minute, Pepe passed the ball to Simão, whose long-range shot from the right wing went wide.

Subsequently, Ronaldo's two shots from just outside the penalty area were both blocked by the Chinese national team goalkeeper.

Unlike the first half, after taking the lead, the Chinese team began to try to control the pace of the game and avoid getting into a chaotic battle with Portugal.

Portugal, on the other hand, tried to speed up the pace of the game with aggressive counter-pressing and quick counter-attacks, hoping to win in the chaos.

This chaotic situation is advantageous to the Portuguese team because their forwards have more outstanding individual abilities and a greater chance of winning one-on-one duels.

Both sides' intentions are clear; it remains to be seen who will respond better.

Because they had a lead, the Chinese team was not in a hurry to attack.

Lin Feng then retreated to avoid the densely defended areas and moved to a position in the midfield where he had more teammates and the opponent's defense was relatively weak to control the ball.

Whether it's physical strength, ball control, or ball protection, Lin Feng is top-notch. In one-on-one situations, even Pepe would find it difficult to dispossess him.

Therefore, after Lin Feng retreated, Portugal's pressing tactics encountered considerable trouble, and they found themselves unable to win the ball.

Cristiano Ronaldo even yelled angrily at his teammates after being outmaneuvered by an opponent during a pressing session, wanting them to press him together.

After Lin Feng dropped back, the Chinese team had as many as seven players in the backfield. Unless the Portuguese team pushed their defenders up as well, they simply couldn't win the ball.

On the sidelines, Portugal's head coach Roberto Carlos found himself in a dilemma.

The team's defensive line is already quite high up the pitch. If they continue to push forward, the space exposed in the backfield will be too large, and every counter-attack by the opponent will make them tremble with fear.

If you don't press forward, it's hard to win possession of the ball, and you can only watch the opponent control it.

Moreover, the Chinese team's ball control was not simply for the purpose of killing time. Lin Feng was constantly passing the ball around and switching possessions while also observing the changes in the opposing defenders.

In the 49th minute, Lin Feng received a pass from his teammate but instead of passing it across or back, he executed a beautiful Cruyff turn, shaking off the defender and delivering a through ball.

Hao Junmin received Lin Feng's pass at the edge of the penalty area. After stopping the ball, he waited a moment for his teammates to get into position before suddenly changing direction, cutting across and dribbling towards the center, creating a mismatch with Gao Lin who was making a forward run.

Carvalho anticipated his intention and preemptively blocked the passing lane.

However, Hao Junmin did not choose to pass the ball. Instead, he adjusted himself a few steps and then used his left foot to curl a shot from just outside the penalty area.

This choice completely surprised the Portuguese defenders, because according to the information they had gathered, Hao Junmin was a right-footed player who was not good at cutting inside or shooting.

But reality slapped them hard in the face!

Hao Junmin's shot was sudden and very threatening.

Portugal's goalkeeper Eduardo didn't expect the opponent to shoot at first. Like his teammates on the back line, his attention was focused on China's two forwards, especially Gao Lin on the right side of the penalty area.

So after Hao Junmin took the shot, he hurriedly jumped up and stretched out his arm to try to block the ball.

But the goddess of fortune who favored him in the first half of the season doesn't seem to be on his side this time.

The football flew into the net, almost touching his fingertips.

The score is now 2-0!

The Chinese team surprisingly took the lead in the second half, extending their advantage to two goals!
Hao Junmin was overjoyed after scoring the goal, completely forgetting the coach's previous warnings. He took off his jersey and ran to the sidelines, letting out a roar at the camera.

This was his first goal in the World Cup, and he became the sixth Chinese player to score in the World Cup.

An excited Hao Junmin was planning to show off his muscular physique to the camera, but before he could even finish posing, he was tackled to the ground by his teammates who swarmed over from the field and the bench.

"Xiao Hao, you're amazing!"

"Damn, that was a beautiful goal!"

"Haha, that shot of yours is worth a fortune!"

"You're quite something, kid. You've even developed a left foot. You're a real hidden talent!"

Hearing his teammates' praise, Hao Junmin felt a little embarrassed and wanted to give the credit for the goal to Lin Feng, but Lin Feng interrupted him before he could finish speaking:

"Don't be modest. My contribution to this goal was minimal, maybe only 10%. The goal was entirely due to your wise decision and that high-quality shot at the end!"

Hao Junmin's final choice fooled not only the opposing goalkeeper, but even Lin Feng.

When Hao Junmin moved laterally, he thought the opponent was going to pass the ball to Gao Lin. Who would have thought that he would choose to shoot himself? After all, there was Bruno in front of Hao Junmin and Coentrao moving with him on the right.

In that situation, there's a high probability that his shot would be thwarted by the opposing defenders.

But perhaps that's exactly why the opposing goalkeeper let his guard down!
Regardless, the ball went in, and with a two-goal lead, the Chinese team not only took the lead in terms of score but also gained the psychological advantage.

When you're only leading by one goal, you have to be wary of the opponent equalizing at any time and losing your lead. But when you're leading by two goals, even if the opponent pulls back a goal, you still have a one-goal advantage.

This can give the national football players a great sense of security!

On the other hand, the level of anxiety felt by the opponent when they are down by one goal is completely different from that of when they are down by two goals.

At this moment, they must be under tremendous psychological pressure!
"Hao Junmin has made a lot of progress in the Bundesliga over the years, and he has even quietly developed his left foot!"

"For a player active on the right wing, developing a left foot is crucial. Robben's ability to cut inside is largely due to the fact that he is a left-footed player!"

Inside the CCTV studio, several commentators showered Hao Junmin with praise.

Since Hao Junmin went to play in the Bundesliga a few years ago, everyone has realized that his physical qualities are outstanding, more like those of a European player than an Asian player.

However, aside from his excellent physical attributes, his footwork and awareness on the field were not particularly outstanding.

After several years of experience in the Bundesliga and receiving guidance from veterans like Lin Feng in the national team, his technique and awareness have improved rapidly, and he has already become the first choice for the national team on the right wing!

Hao Junmin proved himself trustworthy with this crucial goal!

Portugal's coach Carlos was initially hesitant, but after conceding another goal, he had no more reservations and waved his hand, ordering his players to go up!

However, conceding another goal made the Portuguese players increasingly impatient, especially Ronaldo.

Previously, he tried to cooperate with his teammates, but now his eyes are almost only on the goal. Sometimes, when passing the ball to a teammate is the wisest choice, Ronaldo chooses to shoot himself, whether because he is eager to score or does not trust his teammates.

The result, naturally, was a wasted opportunity!

Seeing this, Carlos did not stop Ronaldo's actions, but instead called Almeida over and gave him a few instructions.

In the 52nd minute, Almeida crossed from the left side of the penalty area and found Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed the ball, and Feng Xiaoting tried to block it with his leg, but almost scored an own goal. The ball deflected off his leg and went wide of the goal.

The Chinese national team players inside the penalty area were terrified. If they lost this ball, their hard-earned advantage would be completely wiped out!
Since Carlos gave Almeida instructions, Portugal's attack has begun to focus on the left flank.

The Chinese team's right flank is under considerable pressure. Although Sun Jihai had previously faced Cristiano Ronaldo in the league when he was at Manchester City, and even managed to keep Ronaldo neutralized at times, he still managed to overcome the pressure.

But at that time, Cristiano Ronaldo was still in his early stages and his ability had not yet reached its peak.

At that time, Sun Jihai was not yet 30 years old and was in the prime of his physical life.

But by this time, Sun Jihai was already 33 years old, and his physical condition and competitive state had declined significantly compared to a few years ago.

On the other hand, Ronaldo, at 24, has officially entered his peak period. With this shift in power, Sun Jihai has found it very difficult to face Ronaldo, and the right flank of the Chinese team has been frequently under pressure.

"Old Sun's stamina isn't up to par anymore, how about letting Xiao Zhang go up and give it a try?"

Seeing Sun Jihai drenched in sweat and panting heavily, the assistant coach said to Zhu Guanghu with some concern.

"Is it too risky to put him on in such a crucial situation? After all, his opponent is Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm worried that if he loses the match, it could leave a negative impression on him, which could have a detrimental effect on his future career."

Old Zhu actually wanted to replace him, but he had some concerns.

This match has garnered immense attention both domestically and internationally, placing considerable pressure on a young player like Zhang Linpeng who lacks experience in major competitions and is at a crucial stage of her development.

If he performs well, he will become famous overnight for his confrontation with a world-class star like Cristiano Ronaldo, and his career will be smooth sailing from then on.

But if he performs poorly, the confidence he has painstakingly built up may be completely shattered after this match.

"Let's wait and see! After all, we're still in the lead!"

Although the defense on the right flank looked quite disorganized, thankfully they didn't concede a goal.

The Chinese team's defense in the middle did not give the opponent any opportunities, and because they still held a certain advantage, they were able to launch threatening counterattacks from the middle.

The opponent's formation has now pushed forward, leaving their backfield very vulnerable. If the Chinese national team can seize the opportunity and score another goal, it will completely kill any suspense in the game!

As if to prove that his choice was correct, the Chinese team almost scored again in the 60th minute.

Sun Xiang delivered a cross from the left wing, and Han Peng, who had suddenly surged forward from behind the defender, attempted a diving header from the edge of the six-yard box with no one marking him, but Eduardo made a brilliant save.

The crowd erupted in uproar. Chinese fans were stunned, unable to believe that such a shot could be saved.

China then took a corner kick, and several long-range shots from outside the box were deflected off the defenders.

Then Lin Feng's long-range shot from 25 meters out of the goal almost grazed the post and went wide of the goal line!
Because the Chinese team committed a large number of troops to the attack, their rear was left vulnerable and they were countered by the opponent.

Portugal launched a long pass from their own half, finding Dani, who had just come on as a substitute.

The latter dribbled the ball from the wing into the penalty area and then passed it back to Ronaldo in front of the goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo then unleashed a powerful shot, sending the ball into the Chinese team's goal.

The score became 2-1, with Portugal pulling one back in the 62nd minute of the second half.

With the goal, the atmosphere on the field suddenly became subtle.

After scoring, Ronaldo rushed into the penalty area, grabbed the ball, and ran back.

Scoring in two consecutive matches has given Ronaldo a surge of confidence.

In the previous match, he completed a hat-trick, helping his team eliminate Chile.

In this match, Ronaldo firmly believes that he can still create excitement and lead the team forward!
Compared to the Portuguese team, whose morale soared after scoring, the Chinese players looked somewhat dejected after conceding a goal.

After their lead was reduced to one goal, their psychological safety net was breached. They had no room for error; if they conceded another goal, both sides would be back to square one.

At this critical moment, someone must step forward to stabilize morale!
"After the kickoff, pass the ball to me. Don't hesitate when attacking, just keep running forward and go where there's an open space. I'll pass the ball to you immediately, trust me!"

As the team captain, he should shoulder this responsibility.

Lin Feng sensed Ronaldo's fierce fighting spirit and thirst for victory, but unfortunately, he had no intention of granting him that wish, because he also desperately needed this victory! (End of Chapter)