Awakening the Messi template, Florentino Pérez begs me to join Real Madrid

[System Task Released]

[Final Mission: Lead the team to win the Asian Youth Championship]

[Task Reward: Template Integration Rate +0.5%]

[Bonus: Play a key role in this match (regardless of victory or defeat) +0.2%]

[Basic Reward: Increase playing time by 0.1%]

[Task Status: Automatically Accepted]

The moment the notification sound rang in his mind, Wu Shi was sitting on a bench in the locker room, wrapping the last bandage around his left calf.

With his back to everyone, Old Li drew circles on the Japanese team's formation diagram with a red marker.

"I heard you all clearly."

Old Li turned around, his gaze sweeping over every face. His eyes were dark-rimmed, clearly indicating he hadn't slept much last night.

"Japan has won all five of their matches so far, scoring 8 goals and conceding 0. They beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the quarterfinals and South Korea 1-0 in the semifinals. Statistically, they are the strongest team in this tournament, without a doubt."

He paused.

"But data is static, people are dynamic."

"I've watched all their game footage. Their strength lies in three aspects: First, their overall passing and control, where everyone can distribute the ball and make runs; second, their defensive discipline, maintaining excellent line control and rarely giving the opponent space for counter-attacks; third..."

Old Li looked at Wu Lei and Wu Shi:

"Their center-back pairing is not tall enough."

Two photos were posted on the whiteboard: Japan's number 4 and number 5, one 1.78 meters tall and the other 1.82 meters tall.

"That's their weakness," Old Li said.

"Our aerial defense is average, and we lack physical strength in physical duels. In the group stage match against Vietnam, they created threats mainly through a few high crosses. We need to capitalize on that."

He turned to the tactics board and began drawing the attack route:

"So today, our tactics are very simple - give up control of the midfield and give up ground passing and movement."

The red arrow points directly from the backcourt to the frontcourt.

"A high pass behind the defense. Their defenders aren't as fast at turning as Wu Lei."

Wu Lei raised his head.

"Lei Zi, your position today is attacking center forward. Don't drop back, don't drift wide, just stay in the penalty area."

Old Li stared at him, "Their center-backs can't stop you. As long as you can get the ball, you'll have a chance."

Wu Lei nodded: "Understood."

"Then it's time for a counter-attack." Old Li drew a few more blue arrows. "Once you get the ball, don't hesitate, don't pass it around, immediately go to the front. Chen Liang, Wang Zhuofeng, your job is to charge, use your speed to break down their flanks."

Chen Liang and Wang Zhuofeng responded simultaneously, "Yes!"

Finally, Old Li's gaze fell on Wu Shi.

There was a moment of silence in the locker room.

"Wu Shi," Old Li lowered his voice, "you're on the roster, but not in the starting lineup."

Wu Shi had anticipated this and nodded calmly.

"The assessment results from Zhou's physical therapist and the team doctor are: your left leg can withstand 20 to 30 minutes of intense competition, provided that you do not engage in high-intensity confrontations or actively seek physical contact."

Old Li walked up to him:

"So your task is clear: if the game is going well, you don't play. If we need to score or change the tempo, I'll bring you on in the last twenty or thirty minutes."

He paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately:

"Once you're up there, your area of ​​activity should be further forward in midfield, avoiding direct collisions with the opposing defenders. Once you receive the ball, handle it quickly; don't dribble. You can't make sudden stops or changes of direction with your left foot right now, understand?"

"I've got it," Wu Shi said.

"Your role is to pass the ball," Old Li said.

"Use your vision and footwork to deliver the ball where it should be delivered. Even if it's just one kick, as long as you can break through the defense, your mission is accomplished."

"clear."

Old Li patted him on the shoulder, walked back to the tactics board, and said one last thing:

"You've all heard what's going on outside. The betting odds are 1.18 for Japan and 9.50 for us. The media predicts Japan will win by at least two goals."

He looked around the team:

"Everyone thinks that reaching the finals is already a miracle, and we should be satisfied. The Japanese probably think the same way—what threat can a depleted Chinese team pose?"

He laughed, a laugh tinged with malice:

"Let them think that way."

"What we need to do is to do what we did against Australia and the UAE—use the most basic methods and the most relentless effort to overcome the toughest challenges."

"The championship trophy is just outside. It takes twelve steps to get to the podium. We've already taken eleven steps."

"Now, let's take the final step."

In the locker room, breathing grew heavier.

Chen Liang clenched his fists, Wang Zhuofeng bit his lip, and Wu Lei's eyes were as calm as a knife.

Wu Shi looked down at his left leg.

Twenty to thirty minutes.

No collisions, no changing direction, just passing the ball.

Can he do it?

[System under evaluation]

Current integration level: 3.0%

[Injury recovery progress: 79%]

[Estimated performance level: 65%-70% of pre-injury level]

[Recommendation: Avoid using high-intensity techniques and prioritize safe ball-passing routes]

The system offered calm advice.

Wu Shi closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

65% to 70%.

enough.

As long as we can pass the ball out, as long as we can create one chance.

enough.

During the pre-match warm-up, Sydney Australia Stadium was already 80% full.

Japanese fans occupied most of the north stand, dressed in matching blue jerseys, waving flags, and singing in unison.

The national youth team's fans were still in the southeast corner, their red cheers no less enthusiastic than their blue ones.

Wu Shi began with a simple warm-up.

The physical therapist, Zhou, stayed by his side the whole time, holding a tablet to record his gait and heart rate.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"It's alright," Wu Shi said. "Better than yesterday."

"If you feel unwell when you go on stage, signal immediately," Physiotherapist Zhou said sternly. "Don't push yourself. This isn't your only career game."

"I know."

After warming up, the team members returned to the locker room for final preparations.

Wu Shi sat in front of his cabinet and took out his sneakers.

These shoes accompanied him through his last match in the China League One, his debut in the Chinese Super League, and the group stage and quarter-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship. Now, they will accompany him in the final.

In his past life, he sat in front of a betting website, watching others play in the World Cup final.

In this lifetime, he wants to walk onto the final stage himself.

Even if it's only for twenty minutes.

"Stone."

Wu Lei's voice came through the phone. He had already changed into his jersey and walked over to sit down next to him.

"Brother Lei."

Are you nervous?

After thinking for a moment, Wu Shi answered honestly, "A little."

"I was nervous too," Wu Lei said calmly.

"I get nervous before every major competition. But once I step onto the field and hear the whistle, I stop being nervous."

He looked at Wu Shi:

"If you're on the court later, remember one thing—don't look at the audience, don't look at the scoreboard, just look at the ball. Wherever the ball is, that's where you look. As for the rest, let your instincts guide you."

"instinct……"

"That's right," Wu Lei said. "You've trained these technical movements thousands of times; they've become muscle memory. When the time comes, you don't need to think; your body will know what to do."

He paused, then added:

"You can't use your left foot with full force right now, so use skill. Passing doesn't require power, it requires timing and angle."

Wu Shi nodded: "I've got it."

The locker room door was pushed open, and Old Li walked in.

"Five minutes until he comes on stage."

He stood at the doorway, looking at the whole team:

"I've said everything I needed to say. Now, I only have one question for you—"

He paused, emphasizing each word:

"Do you want to win the championship?"

"Yes!" The roar exploded.

"Then go out and bring the championship back."