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Chapter 310 Total Ability to Turn the Tide
To be honest, when Tyne's players heard Wang Lie say in the locker room that they shouldn't assume that Sofia United had been crushed just because they were leading by two goals, most of them didn't take it seriously.

They felt that Wang Lie was exaggerating.

Some people even thought Wang Lie was playing some kind of perverse joke—everyone knew his hatred for Sofia, so when he said so seriously not to underestimate Sofia, they really wanted to laugh.

However, they didn't dare to actually laugh out loud, after all, they still had to give Wang Lie face.

They could only complain in their hearts:
Yes, yes, don't underestimate Sofia United, that's why you scored six goals against them in the last game!

What does this feel like?

Just like when Wang Lie easily defeated ten enemies with a flick of his wrist, he still had a stern face and said to the stunned people beside him:
"I was terrified! These people are too powerful!"

Coupled with Wang Lie's usual serious and earnest demeanor, the comedic effect was even better.

Some people understand why Wang Lie said that, because they only scored two goals in the first half.

Compared to last season's 9-0 victory, it does seem like Tyne's performance has declined...

After all, Tyne were leading Sofia United 4-0 in the first half, and now they're only 2-0, which makes it seem like their performance has been twice as bad.

But everyone knows that Sofia United's performance in the first half was much worse than in the first half of their last encounter.

Sofia United made virtually no effective response to conceding two goals.

Especially after conceding the second goal, the entire team fell apart.

Given Sofia United's performance, even if the second half lasts forty-five minutes, it will be nothing more than garbage time.

This doesn't mean Wang Lie's words have no effect on the Tyne players.

It's because Tyne's players are, after all, living, breathing people, not program code written and controlled by Wang Lie, where they simply do whatever he says and their teammates react accordingly.

Since they are living, breathing human beings, they will have their own selfish desires and ulterior motives.

Intense professional competitions are extremely energy-consuming, requiring everyone to be 100% committed, which can be considered "inhuman."

So everyone will slack off during a match, but those with higher skill levels can slack off at better times so it doesn't affect the overall game.

Poor players, on the other hand, will uncontrollably slack off at crucial moments in the game, ultimately leading to missed opportunities and fatal mistakes.

For example, the goal conceded by Stefan Travi can be seen as a result of him being lazy and distracted at a crucial moment, failing to observe carefully, which led to him not noticing Pisano's challenge.

After a pleasant first half, Tyne's players inevitably relaxed and were willing to believe that they had truly crushed Sofia United.

This is a kind of mental inertia.

Unless the facts are presented to them, people are more willing to believe what they want to believe.

When that happens, even if they realize they've made a mistake, the combined mental and physical lethargy will make it extremely difficult for them to regain control of the rhythm and play the same style of football as before.

If the opponent performs any better, they might be swept away in one fell swoop, going from a big lead to being tied or even falling behind.

This is the most exciting and popular "comeback" drama in football matches.

So why does underestimation and complacency, which even ordinary fans can see, often occur in professional matches? It's because it's "human nature."

As long as football remains a human-dominated sport, such scenes will inevitably repeat themselves on the pitch.

After all, everyone makes mistakes, and most people don't learn from their own mistakes or those of others...

Even if lessons are learned, their effectiveness often doesn't last long.

So when Tyne's players realized that the Sofia United players were bewildered when the second half started and their performance was different from what they had expected, they were quite confused.

In a contest with Luka Helic, Richie Wedel managed to push the latter aside, seize possession of the ball, and then pass it to Stanley Harris.

Harris, facing the rolling ball, pretended to chip it with his right foot, but instead passed the ball to the far post.

The ball landed in the gap between Tyne's center-back Mattia Katic and left-back Anderson Nova.

Sofia United's record signing this summer, striker Nils Zarek, made a forward run to the ball's trajectory and then took a shot!
The ball was touched by Elliott Goetz's fingertips as he almost reflexively swung his arm, and it flew towards the far post, looking like it was going to go in from the far post...

Fortunately, the ball grazed the outside of the far post and went out of bounds, giving many Tyne fans a real scare!
The Sofia United fans in the stands, after a sigh of regret, quickly gave their team a warm round of applause for this attack.

This was Sofia United's second threatening attack within the first ten minutes of the second half.

The number of threatening attacks in these ten minutes alone has exceeded the number of threatening attacks in the entire first half.

"...I don't know what adjustments Meler Shapman made to the team at halftime, but the Sofia players definitely had a transformative performance in the second half!"

Marvin Block, who had been fiercely criticizing Sofia United's performance at the end of the first half, spoke these words with an excited tone and genuine joy.

Connor Cowley chimed in, "That's right, as for Tyne, he seems unprepared for this... Ten minutes into the second half, Sofia United completely controlled the game, and it was Tyne who was being pressured by Sofia United! Is Sofia United about to stage a comeback?"

When he said this, he specifically turned to look at Marvin Block next to him, clearly asking Block a question.

Indeed, the thought popped into Brock's head:
Perhaps...it really is possible?

Footballs are round, aren't they...?

However, the thought only popped into his mind for a moment before he immediately suppressed it.

Regardless of whether it's actually possible, he can't act like that right now.

So he shook his head and said, "It's difficult, and it depends not only on the performance of Sofia, but also on Tyne's performance, especially... Wang's performance."

※※※

Sofia United were awarded a corner kick, taken by Aaron Scouten.

He successfully delivered the ball to Tyne's goal, and Sofia United's center-back Stephen Travey, taking advantage of Tyler Murphy's cover, successfully headed the ball toward the goal!

But it's slightly higher!

"Trailey's header! Too high!"

Travi, who had headed the ball high, looked very frustrated, but instead of posing in front of him, he ran back with his hands on his head in his hands.

Although the ball didn't go in, it gave Zhao Zhou, who was broadcasting the game live in the studio, quite a fright: "Guys, don't mess around! A two-goal lead isn't safe! You absolutely mustn't think Sofia United is really finished..."

He also noticed that after the start of the second half, Tyne's players were clearly not as quick to get into the game as Sofia's players.

In such a duel, the speed at which one gets into the game often determines the outcome.

The expressions of the Tyne fans in the stands also became serious.

“It looks like the team underestimated their opponent…” Jon Berger said.

His companions nodded in agreement.

But no one blamed the team.

Because not only the team, but the fans were also incredibly optimistic during halftime.

Everyone is speculating how many goals Tyne will ultimately win today's game.

They completely failed to consider the possibility of Sofia United launching a desperate comeback in the second half.

After all, Sofia United's performance in the first half was really terrible; neither the players nor the manager gave anyone any hope.

No one believed that a mere fifteen-minute halftime break could transform this team so completely.

During halftime, many Tyne fans were mocking Sofia United online.

Even many Sofia United fans are criticizing their own team.

Especially when they saw these Sofia United fans expressing support for Wang Lie's words, saying that Meler Shapman was simply unqualified to coach the team, Tyne fans were very pleased. After Wang Lie's remarks, online criticism of his disrespect for the opposing manager was rampant, leaving Tyne fans feeling quite aggrieved. After all, in most people's eyes, Wang Lie's actions were indeed somewhat excessive; Meler Shapman hadn't offended him…

So even if Tyne's fans wanted to speak up for Wang Lie, they were powerless. If they tried to stand up for Wang Lie, they would only face more attacks from others.

Until the end of the first half of this match, after seeing Meyer Shapman's incompetent performance, even the Solfo United fans began to agree with Wang Lie's assessment of Shapman. The Tyne fans, naturally, were also elated.

Back then, how many Tyne fans could have imagined that this incompetent head coach could change the temperament of a team in just fifteen minutes of halftime?
The television broadcast was just like the Tyne fans, focusing the close-up shot on Meler Shapman in front of the home team's coaching bench.

He stood blankly in the pouring rain, looking completely soaked, but this time something seemed different...

It was as if some kind of hope was about to grow with the nourishment of the rain.

※※※

Wang Lie certainly knew what problem Tyne had encountered, and he also knew the reason for that problem.

Although he reminded his teammates during halftime, it was clear that not everyone could remain calm and vigilant at all times.

However, after learning this, Wang Lie did not feel the anger of "I have said it many times, but you have ignored my words".

If it were before, he would probably have been yelling at his teammates, throwing his hands up and waving his arms, letting everyone see his displeasure. But now he knows very well that yelling at his teammates won't solve anything; it will only give the opponents an opportunity to exploit the situation.

He believes his teammates are also aware of the problem and are working hard to adjust.

However, adjusting one's state requires time and opportunity.

What he needs to do is to "cover for" the team and buy them time.

At the same time, he used his performance to reassure his teammates who were starting to get anxious, telling them, "Don't panic, I'm here for you."

A truly strong leader is not only able to lead the team to victory, but also to lead the team out of difficulties when they encounter them.

Just like when the team was down to Clayton Athletic with only ten men.

That was an even more dangerous situation than now, and he was able to lead his teammates to fight their way out. What can't he do now?
※※※

"...Tyan has indeed been very passive during this period, suppressed by Sofia United. Even Wang Lie has come back to participate in the defense..."

Sofia United's attack reached Tyne's 30-meter zone, with their left wing-backs Pablo Castin and Stanley Harris combining on the left flank.

The other players pressed into Tyne's penalty area.

Wang Lie headed towards Stanley Harris, who had the ball.

He's not actually good at defense, but he's needed to be there in these situations to put psychological pressure on Harris when he has the ball, and maybe that will cause Harris to make a mistake?

However, Harris remained remarkably calm in the face of the aggressive Wang Lie, and he didn't even rush to pass the ball.

Instead, he waited until Wang Lie closed in on him, as if he was about to kick the ball, before passing it to Castin, who had already moved up the wing.

Just as he passed the ball, Wang Lie rammed into him from the side, almost knocking him to the ground.

He couldn't help but turn around and glance at his idol.

He thought he would see a ferocious tiger glaring at him.

but no.

Wang Lie didn't even look at him, but turned his head to look at the penalty area—Castin crossed the ball without stopping it!

※※※

Fuck!
Miguel Ribeiro is furious.

Despite dominating the first half and scoring every time, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities to score and extend the team's lead.

This has led to Tyne being suppressed by his opponent.

And more importantly... his god actually came back to participate in the defense!
They actually need God's help to defend themselves!
Utterly incompetent!
Miguel, Miguel, how could you be so incompetent!

Upon seeing Castin's cross, Ribeiro, who had retreated into the penalty area, stepped back and then leaped to contest the header!

With his excellent jumping ability and 1.88-meter height advantage, he actually headed the ball before Sofia United's center forward, Richie Weddell!

Get out of here!

Ribeiro gritted his teeth and headed the ball towards the side of the penalty area—he remembered that Wang Lie had just retreated to that area to defend.

Although he was on the defensive, he still wanted to create an opportunity for Wang Lie to counterattack!

Because he knew that defense was not what Wang Lie should do; offense was the domain of gods!
Ribeiro clears the ball with a header!

Wang Lie saw the football flying towards him and quickly judged its landing point in his mind. He realized that the football would land behind him, not in front of him.

He immediately turned around and spread his arms to shield Stanley Harris behind him.

Harris had clearly noticed where the ball was going to land, but his reaction was a beat slower than Wang Lie's, so he was blocked behind him.

He kept ramming into Wang Lie from behind, trying to get around him.

But no matter how much he struggled, he couldn't get out of Wang Lie's reach.

With the ball about to fall, he could only forcefully ram into Wang Lie, trying to interfere with his receiving the ball and cause him to miscontrol it.

Wang Lie supported his body with his left foot and lifted his right foot to stop the ball.

Harris's collision did have some effect; under his interference, Wang Lie's outstretched right foot failed to accurately stop the ball.

The soccer ball slipped from his feet, fell to the ground, bounced high into the air, and sped forward.

Seeing this, Harris was overjoyed and wanted to bypass Wang Lie and catch up.

But before he could even have the thought, Wang Lie shot forward like an arrow, quickly moving away from him!

The speed was so fast that he instinctively reached out to grab the jersey, but all he managed to grab was a gust of wind...

"Wang Lie!!"

Zhao Zhou, who was watching the live stream, saw this and shouted excitedly.

Not only him, but the noise at Red Roof Stadium suddenly increased significantly, with cheers from Tyne fans and gasps from Solfo United fans!
In their eyes, Wang Lie, who had shaken off Harris, was like a tiger that had broken free of its cage!
Amidst the deafening roar, Wang Lie charged forward, glancing up at the ball bouncing through the air. His feet never stopped, and as the ball fell again, he adjusted his stride, lightly leaping into the air and using his right leg to deflect the ball with his thigh. Then, as the ball continued its descent, he used the instep of his left foot to gently flick it forward, like juggling, sending the ball flying!
The entire set of movements was fluid and natural, with not a single unnecessary movement!
When Harris caught up from behind and reached out to grab Wang Lie's shoulder, Wang Lie had already caught up with the ball again and then dribbled forward!
Harris swung his hand and caught another gust of wind!

"Wang—that was a beautiful stop! Accelerate! He's outmaneuvered Harris!" Connor Cowley raised his voice in his commentary.

Having shaken off Harris, Wang Lie had no one in front of him except for the three Sofia United center-backs. He caught up with the ball again and strode forward with long strides!

They've crossed the center line!
This time, Travi didn't suddenly rush forward to tackle and disrupt the ball like he did before the end of the first half—he was still far away from Wang Lie and could only fight and retreat.

Like him, Tyler Murphy, Pablo Vitali, and the other two defenders moved in unison, retreating in unison in front of Wang Lie...

Not a single person dared to step forward and confront him!

As for the other Sofia United players, they are quickly tracking back from the attacking third, the center, and the right flank. They are all running towards Wang Lie!

For Wang Lie, who was sprinting with the ball, half a field was far too short. He had already reached the 30-meter line after just a few touches of the ball.

At this moment, Sofia United's defensive line had also retreated to the front of the penalty area, with the goal behind them, and they had nowhere left to retreat!

Something must be done...

Travi planned to rush up to intercept and interfere. He didn't expect to be able to steal the ball from Wang Lie all by himself, but he hoped to create opportunities for Tyler Murphy and Vitaly behind him to intercept the ball.

So he went for it again!
Just as he was pressing forward, Wang Lie suddenly slowed down, adjusted his footing, raised his right foot, and prepared to shoot!

Caught off guard, Travi could only throw his entire body weight out and make a sliding tackle, not to take the ball from Wang Lie's feet, but to block the shot from Wang Lie—because he was still three or four meters away from Wang Lie!

At the same time, Tyler Murphy also turned and tried to block Wang Lie's shot with his body.

However, being experienced, he didn't throw all his weight out like Travi did... He was defending against Wang Lie's feint!

As expected, Wang Lie's move was indeed a feint!

After lifting his right foot, he quickly and gently flicked the ball towards the left side of the center, and his body also turned towards the center!

Although Tyler Murphy turned his body around, he still turned his head back to observe Wang Lie. Seeing that it was a feint, he immediately accelerated and turned to rush towards the middle lane.

He had just turned around when he saw Wang Lie slow down and pause again, showing signs of raising his left foot to shoot. So he also slowed down and raised his leg again to block Wang Lie's shot...

The third center-back, Vitali, and Murphy walked towards each other, raising their feet in preparation for a goal-closing defense!

But it was still a feint!

This time, Wang Lie didn't even lift his foot—he just made a forward motion and let the ball roll forward, instantly fooling two center-backs.

He then started moving from his spot, pushed off, caught up with the ball, and swung his left foot—this time it wasn't just a pre-motion movement, but a real swing of his left foot!
Murphy stretched out his leg with all his might, still unwilling to give up.

Vitaly also turned around and stretched out his leg to try and take a chance.

But neither of them touched the ball... not because it was another feint, but because Wang Lie used the outside of his left foot to curl the ball in an arc, bypassing not only the outstretched feet of the two Sofia United defenders, but also the outstretched fingers of Sofia United goalkeeper Diego Ferrer who was diving to his side!
This time, the Spanish goalkeeper, facing Wang Lie's shot, was finally able to make a save instead of being completely unable to do so...

But it didn't work!

He still didn't touch the ball!

The ball bypassed him, grazed the inside of the goalpost, and nestled into the net!
The noise at Redstone Stadium reached its peak, even drowning out the heavy rain.

A chill ran through the hearts of every Sofia United fan.

It was still the same China Wang who had stepped up countless times when the team faced difficulties and always managed to turn the tide. This scene was not unfamiliar at Redstone Stadium.

This time, however, his sharp sword pierced the heart of all Sofia United fans!

(End of this chapter)