Team Spirit

Chapter 246 Another famous moment of deception on the ball: Did Lu Kai tie his shoelaces?

In the fourth minute, Ronaldinho won a free kick in midfield from the left.

Carlos and Ronaldinho are both standing behind the ball, preparing to take a deceptive tactical free kick.

After the ball flew out, Lucio rushed into the penalty area.

The shot was completed with a spinning kick while facing away from the goal.

The soccer ball went wide.

However, the linesman immediately raised his flag to indicate offside.

This avoided being criticized for being wasteful.

However, this also reflects the Brazilians' playing style.

In short, it's all about having fun!
In the ninth minute, Cafu was fouled by Barton while making a run down the right flank, resulting in a free kick.

Ronaldinho took a tactical free kick.

The ball is aimed at the far post inside the penalty area.

Ronaldo leaped high and headed the ball towards the goal.

Unfortunately, he's not good at heading, and the ball often flies high – actually because of his height, he can't press the ball down when there's interference in front of him.

In the eleventh minute, England began to fight back.

Joe Cole and Ashley Cole dribbled and attacked on the left side, and Lu Kai took the opportunity to withdraw from the penalty area to the left side to receive the ball, but his position was actually the far back.

Lu Kai adjusted his position with the ball and curled a shot into the far corner.

The football has a large arc, resembling both a pass and a shot.

Moreover, Barton, Ashley Young, and Carrick all run and pounce on opportunities in the penalty area, capable of shooting or making follow-up shots.

boom!
The football failed to fly along its intended route.

Because it had only flown a third of the way when Lucio blocked it with his face.

The football bounced out of bounds.

Lucio collapsed to the ground in pain, his nose bleeding profusely.

The surrounding players couldn't bear to look at him.

"Oh, Lu Kai's shot had such a high arc. Lucio only intended to stick out his leg to block it, but the ball flew directly into his face."

"That's like a punch to Lucio's face."

"It seems Lu Kai was quite dissatisfied with Lucio's previous whirlwind kick. After all, although Brazil has samba, Chinese players also play on an empty stomach! They are all action performance artists!"

In the 15th minute, the Brazilians successfully pressed Ashley Young near the center line.

Ashley Young and Beckham behind him lacked a bit of chemistry.

Neville, who was further back, played more conservatively and didn't come up quickly enough, which led to Ashley Young being surrounded and marked.

Ashley Young shrugged on the ground to express his dissatisfaction and demand a foul, but deep down he was wishing that the player behind him was also him.

Neville was shunned.

Ronaldinho dribbles the ball and launches a counter-attack.

He had excellent dribbling rhythm, long strides, and multiple feints with each step, making it impossible for Neville to get close enough to him.

Ronaldinho cut inside, keeping Neville out of the way.

Carrick moved in from the inside, forming a pincer movement with Neville.

But Ronaldinho pulled the ball to his right, held off Neville, and delivered a short through ball.

England's double-team attempt failed.

He rushed forward and flicked the ball back with his heel before starting to move.

Ronaldinho instantly shook off Neville, received the ball, dribbled laterally, beat Carrick, and then made a through pass to the right.

Ronaldo made a forward run down the right flank.

Fortunately, Ashley Cole was quick to recover and gave Ronaldo some pressure, which prevented Ronaldo from having a chance to score.

Ronaldo made a sudden stop, shaking off Cole, and swept the ball into the penalty area.

Terry stopped the ball, successfully defending it.

In the 27th minute, Joe Cole swept the ball across the bottom left flank.

Lu Kai was pushed aside by Juan and failed to create an opportunity to attack the goal.

Ashley Young was fiercely battling for the ball with Carlos on the right side.

Lu Kai immediately went to provide support.

Ashley Young knocked the ball out.

Lu Kai makes a triangular back pass.

Beckham unleashed a powerful shot from the right side of the penalty area.

Dida made a brilliant save.

If this were on the right side, this kick would have been a sure thing.

Unfortunately, Beckham is a right-footed player, and when shooting from the right side, he can't reach the far corner unless he uses the outside of his foot.

In the 34th minute, the Brazilians launched another attack on the left flank.

Ronaldinho's attempt to dribble down the wing failed.

Neville intercepted the ball but was brought down by Ronaldinho before he could pass it, which didn't even constitute a tactical foul.

England wins a free kick in their own half.

The Brazilians attempted to press high up the pitch, marking the player receiving the ball very closely.

Luke specifically called Joe Cole to help catch the ball.

Putting aside the fact that there was one more person, the main reason for choosing him was Joe Cole's ability to control the game.

as predicted.

Beckham passed the ball to Ashley Young, who then passed it to Joe Cole.

The latter turned and dribbled past the pressure before advancing with the ball.

After being intercepted by the Brazilian midfield, the ball was passed back to the center in a triangular pattern.

Carrick received the ball and passed it to the left front.

Barton faced the ball while looking ahead.

boom!
A through ball.

In the attacking third, Lu Kai, who was attacking Lucio, suddenly darted to the left front.

He outpaced Juan, caught up with the ball, and created a half-one-on-one opportunity.

Dida remained motionless, refraining from making a rash attack.

He was waiting for Lucio to move closer and restrict Lu Kai.

As Lu Kai continued to dribble the ball, his shooting angle became increasingly narrow, and he was bound to make physical contact with Lucio.

If Lu Kai shoots directly, Dida is already fully prepared to make a save.

This was a very mature handling process.

boom!
Lu Kai swept his left foot across the ground.

[The Scimitar Passes Across the Land!]
On the right, Ashley Young had already charged forward.

Seven years of working together with Green Gunners made them extremely familiar with each other's positioning and habits.

Lucio had no choice but to abandon Lu Kai, who was right in front of him, and sprint back to the right.

At the same time, Lu Kai also moved to the right, ready to receive the ball.

Ashley Young met the ball just inside the penalty area and raised his right foot high.

Dida and Lucio couldn't afford to consider anything else; they had to go all out to block and save the ball.

boom!
Ashley Young knocks.

Green Gun's Iron Law: Invincible on land, at will when there is no land.

When Lu Kai is on the field, passing him the ball will never be a mistake.

This is also Ashley Young's awareness as the vice GOAT.

After all, Lucio's poor performance in the previous offside one-on-one situation had drawn boos from the entire stadium.

Ashley Young certainly doesn't want to follow in his footsteps.

The pressure is on Xiao Lu!
boom!
Lu Kai met the ball and fired a low shot.

Shoot at the open left goal.

How can we allow any mistakes?

"GOAL!"

"Lu Kai has scored his second goal in the World Cup."

"1-0! England takes the lead!"

"Sure enough, after Lu Kai moved to the forward position, England's lack of attacking power was immediately alleviated."

"Although Brazil had the upper hand in terms of the game, Lu Kai's attacking conversion rate was astonishing!"

This goal spurred the Brazilians to attack even more aggressively.

In the 39th minute, Carlos Beckham and Ze Roberto were locked in a fierce battle for the ball in midfield.

The football bounced towards the Brazilian team's backfield.

Carlos and Ashley Young rushed toward the ball, walking toward each other.

Carlos kicked the ball away first.

Although Ashley Young made a block, it only slowed the ball down slightly.

Ronaldinho half-turned and flicked the ball from about 20 meters away near the center line.

This was a super flick.

The goal is to race.

Ronaldinho turned and chased after the ball.

Neville, who was marking him, turned around, but he was a step too slow, and every step he took was a step too slow.

Moreover, Ronaldinho has extremely strong explosive power.

Even if he followed an arc, he was still faster than Neville, who was chasing the ball in a straight line.

Near the sideline, Ronaldinho got to touch the ball again and jumped.

Neville, who was following behind with his shovel, scooped up the empty space.

Ronaldinho dribbled the ball from the side into the penalty area.

As he approached the side of the penalty area, Ronaldinho delivered a cross.

The ball accurately bypassed both Terry and Ferdinand.

Kaka unleashed a powerful shot at the far post.

Joe Hart's turn and movement were fast enough, but he was still a little slow when he lunged forward.

The ball was pushed inside the side netting.

The goal stands.

“GOAL!!!”

"One to one! The Dream Quartet has indeed connected!"

"Ronaldinho assists Kaká to equalize the score."

"Lu Kai's individual performance this season has been unstoppable. However, considering the club's results, there are several players who are strong contenders for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards."

"Ronaldinho and Kaká are among them."

"Especially Kaka, who already has the Champions League trophy. If he wins the World Cup as well, he will definitely end Lu Kai's status as the world's number one!"

The camera focuses on the goal scorer.

Kaka pointed both fingers to the sky, and after the celebration, he specifically looked at Lu Kai.

This is their showdown.

In the 45th minute, Joe Cole won a free kick in the attacking third.

Within Lu Kai's direct attack range.

But Lu Kai was just making a feint.

Beckham took a tactical free kick, and a curling shot headed in by his teammate in the penalty area.

Ferdinand heads the ball towards goal.

when!
The football hit the crossbar and bounced away. A chance to take the lead was missed.

The first half ended immediately.

During halftime, both sides rearranged their tactics based on the opponent's performance.

For England, the main focus was on repositioning their defense against Ronaldinho and Kaká.

Ronaldinho is positioned as a left forward in the formation, but his actual position is left attacking midfielder.

Brazil's formation is essentially a Christmas tree formation.

Brazil's main defensive focus is on Joe Cole and Ashley Young.

With Lu Kai positioned further forward, England's midfield lacked creativity. As long as the wings were contained, England was unable to launch any attacks.

Soon, the second half began.

In the 47th minute, Lu Kai received a cross from Joe Cole at the edge of the penalty area, held off Juan, turned and dribbled past him, just as he was about to shoot.

Juninho Jr. kicked Lu Kai to the ground.

The referee immediately blew his whistle.

"Oh, this is a very bad situation for the Brazilians."

"Lu Kai fell in a very likely spot inside the penalty area!"

Huang Jianxiang could see it clearly: Lu Kai was kicked down outside the penalty area.

However, he fell towards the penalty area, and after falling, he continued to roll into the penalty area once more.

By the time the referee arrived, Lu Kai had already rolled from near the edge of the penalty area to the penalty spot.

Even the referee almost lost his composure.

That's some serious tumbling ability.

Little did they know that this scene would give a huge inspiration to a skinny boy in a Brazilian jersey in the stands.

"As the world's number one, it's really shameful to do something like this!" The tall boy next to the skinny boy was very dissatisfied.

They were both wearing hats from the Santos football club.

He is a player from the team's youth academy.

“No, Ganso, I think that’s a smart move.” The skinny boy remembered Lu Kai’s roll.

"Neymar, I will never roll around on the field like Lu! This kind of football will only be ridiculed!" Ganso kept shaking his head.

At this moment, the two rising stars of Santos' youth team embarked on two completely different paths.

Only time will tell who is right and who is wrong.

Lu Kai's clumsy roll ultimately failed to win the penalty.

Juninho also received a yellow card, not a red card.

The referee awarded England a free kick less than 20 centimeters from the edge of the penalty area, almost right in the middle.

"The distance is too close."

Guardiola shook his head on the sidelines.

A free kick isn't necessarily better the closer it is.

The free kick from that position was so curved that it didn't even complete its arc before going over the goal.

It's better to stay a meter away; that's the prime spot.

Lu Kai should have rolled out earlier.

Lu Kai, Beckham, and Ashley Young stood behind the football.

The highest probability of a goal from a free kick in this position is...

Lu Kai feinted.

Beckham feinted.

Ashley Young unleashed a powerful, straight shot.

Hopefully, they can break through the human wall.

England players also made a strong push, disrupting the defensive wall.

But the Brazilians were very tenacious and held on until the end.

boom!
The handsome Kaká was hit by the ball.

He lay on the ground, unable to get up for a long time.

The football bounced towards the left side of the penalty area.

Lu Kai rushed over immediately and delivered a powerful cross with his left foot.

The quality is not high.

Lucio headed the ball away to the right.

Joe Cole takes a long-range shot from outside the box.

The ball was blocked out of bounds by Gilbert Silva.

Boos were heard from the crowd.

After all, many England fans are Kaká fans.

Ashley Young's shot not only missed, but it was also unsportsmanlike.

The referee then signaled for the Brazilian team doctor to come onto the field to treat Kaká.

Ashley Young then looked at Lu Kai and Xiao Bei, only to find the two of them exchanging knowing smiles.

"Damn it! No wonder they made me kick them!" Ashley Young realized he'd been tricked by these two golden right feet.

With these two players on the court, how could Ashley Young possibly score a goal?
This is just a stupid excuse to make him take the blame!
Depend on!
Fifty-first minute.

Ronaldinho appeared in the right-hand area.

After receiving the ball from Cafu, he turned and got rid of Barton.

Unfortunately, Juninho, who was making a forward run, couldn't control the ball well.

By the time he had adjusted, the defenders had already moved closer.

boom!
Juninho salvaged a point with a brilliant cross, delivering a low cross.

When the ball approaches the penalty area, it drops sharply and is very difficult to block.

But the young Joe Hart, fearless and daring, abandoned the door and rushed out to tackle and clear the way.

If he hadn't hit the ball, Ronaldo at the far post would have scored on the rebound.

It's important to understand that the ball wasn't within normal reach with both feet, which is why Joe Hart used a sliding tackle to clear it.

This is very risky for the goalkeeper.

In the 56th minute, Ashley Cole was brought down by Cafu while making a run down the left flank.

Cafu dyed yellow.

England were awarded a free kick in a very remote position.

Beckham and Ashley Young were both behind the ball. Even for a free kick that wasn't particularly threatening, they had to send someone out to feint.

The players from both sides stood on the edge of Brazil's penalty area, ready to contest for a header.

Lu Kai was in the rear position.

Carlos and Lucio attacked him from both sides.

Lu Kai pushed Lucio away and then squatted down.

Lucio was angry at first, but when he turned around, he saw Lu Kai squatting down to tie his shoelaces.

Considering the distance just now, if Lu Kai hadn't pushed him, his head would probably have hit his butt.

So it's normal for him to push himself; it's not out of anger or for tactical purposes.

The lack of malicious intent caused Lucio to lower his guard.

At that moment, Lucio was pushed by an English player in front of him again. He immediately pushed back, and quietly put aside his wariness of Lu Kai behind him.

Carlos, standing behind Lu Kai, noticed Lu Kai tying his shoelaces and realized his own shoes weren't tight enough.

So he took two steps back, squatted down, and untied his shoelaces...

If he doesn't back down, he'll have to eat Lu Kai's farts.

It's better to maintain some boundaries than to be too ambiguous in your distance.

But just as Carlos's shoelaces came undone...

Beckham is still backing up before his run-up.

Ashley Young, who was standing behind the ball, suddenly moved forward quickly, took a step, and hurriedly crossed the ball.

No one expected Ashley Young to launch a surprise attack.

Including Ashley Young himself.

but……

He, who had been keeping an eye on Lu Kai, received a signal from me, Lu.

I also noticed Carlos's loose shoelaces.

The football flew to the back point.

The amount given wasn't very good.

But it's harmless.

Lu Kai positioned himself at the back post and jumped up, landing on the arch of his right foot.

The football bounced towards the upper half of the goal.

Dida quickly retreated and lunged to make the save, but could only reach the lower half of the body.

That was a brilliant shot.

“GOAL!!!!”

"Two to one!"

"Lu Kai scores again, and Ashley Young passes the ball again!"

"His reputation as a fraudster is well-deserved!"

"Ashley Young's pass was absolutely awful!"

Carlos stood there, stunned and speechless, and vowed never to believe in love again.

"The Brazilian players looked at Carlos; the world's best left-back had made a huge mistake. How could he tie his shoelaces at this moment?"

Lu Kai rushed toward the corner flag, pointed at Ashley Young, then leaped high into the air, turned 180 degrees, and descended from the sky.

He performed his signature celebration move.

England fans chanted, "Luuuuu!"

Ashley Young was also very happy, but soon he heard Brazilians hurling insults from all around him.

The comments, mostly consisting of things like "fuck" and "I hate you," were mostly insults directed at Ashley Young.

Because Lu Kai pointed at Ashley Young during his celebration.

Isn't this just the meaning of "go and scold him"?

Neymar: "That damn black guy, he's so despicable!"

Ganso: "Taking advantage of someone in distress! How can there be such a low-class player in the world? No wonder Manchester United didn't want him in the first place!"

Brazil's head coach: "Let alone the player who broke Ashley Yang's leg, even I, as the coach, want to kick him right now! He's shameless!"

Ashley Young dodged the water bottle, feeling utterly wronged.

It was clearly Lu Kai who set a trap for Carlos. Ashley Young was just a lowly but shrewd enforcer. If you want to criticize someone, you should criticize Lu Kai...

Ashley Young suddenly froze.

Because the big screen was showing a slow-motion replay of Lu Kai's goal.

Lu Kai squatted down and then waved his hands on his shoelaces a few times, as if he were squatting down and then quickly standing up before starting, sprinting, and shooting.

Where are the shoelaces tied?
You never tie your shoelaces!

After all, Lu Kai's shoelaces are player items [Henry's shoelaces], which improve the effect of finesse shots.

"A feint?" Lucio and Carlos, who also saw the slow-motion video, were stunned.

They were deceived!

However, only the four people involved knew about this matter.

Commentators like Huang Jianxiang even went so far as to analyze from a kinematic perspective that Lu Kai's squat was to build up power for his sprint, which allowed him to run an excellent route at the back point, and so on.

(End of this chapter)