Chapter 157 Must Win

Cisse dribbled the ball, intending to break through the middle, but Mascherano blocked his position and directly intercepted the ball. Then he got up and passed the ball to Riquelme in front. Riquelme dribbled the ball, observed the situation, and then suddenly made a straight pass. Tevez shook off the defense and faced goalkeeper Frey one-on-one.

The rest was simple. Tevez, who currently plays for Arsenal, would not easily give up such an opportunity. He made a fake shot, successfully deceiving Frey, and then skillfully chipped the ball into the empty net. Argentina led France 3-1, and this goal sealed the victory.

Qiu Suhui paused the game footage and said to the Chinese team players, "This is the last goal of the Argentina-France game. It happened in the 29th minute of the second half. With sixteen minutes left, they scored three goals, piercing the hands of one of Serie A's best goalkeepers three times. Do you all understand how powerful our opponents are?"

Zhang Jun, Xiang Tao, and others knew how good Frey was. Fiorentina's success in winning the Triple Crown was not only due to the excellent performance of the attacking combination in the frontcourt but also due to Frey's saves in the back. Fiorentina had unprecedented success this season, and most of the players playing for Fiorentina were in unprecedentedly good form. To say that Frey was out of form in that game, Zhang Jun would not believe it even if he was beaten to death.

Quick reactions, excellent goalkeeping skills, decisive attacks. More importantly, Frey is a match-type goalkeeper, very similar to An Ke in this respect. The stronger the opponent, the more unfavorable the situation, the more energetic he becomes, and the better he performs. But look at this game. Argentina is a strong team, so Frey's performance should have been even better. Unexpectedly, the final score was like this.

Three goals. When Frey was in Fiorentina, he rarely conceded three goals in a game. Argentina... The expression on Zhang Jun's face gradually became serious.

"Mascherano, Riquelme, Tevez. These three are the central axis of Argentina and the key figures in the Argentine team. It is obvious from the third goal just now. In tomorrow's game, we need to pay attention to these three. Li Yongle, Wang Yu, tomorrow's game you two are responsible for defending Riquelme, not allowing him to easily get the ball and control the ball in midfield. France gave Riquelme too much free space. Whether it's fouls or small moves, I don't care what means you use, just stop him from getting the ball comfortably."

Li Yongle nodded.

"As for Mascherano, he is Argentina's first line of defense, and also the key point connecting the defense and the midfield. Many of Argentina's attacks are launched from here. So, Ke Lu, he is up to you. Hold him back, don't give him too much free time to organize attacks."

"Tevez is very fast, technically excellent, and has outstanding impact. And he also has Saviola beside him, which is a headache to deal with. So tomorrow's game, although we are still 352, we still have to play 532 a lot of the time. Yang Pan and Zhao Pengyu, you have to participate more in the defense and first withstand Argentina's offensive. I guess they will take the initiative to attack as soon as they come up, so we will show weakness. Make more use of set pieces and fast counterattacks from defense to offense. The speed of the attack must be fast, so Ke Lu, you have to reduce dribbling and pass the ball quickly. Li Yongle has to make more long passes."

"Maybe some people will say that we play ugly and that it is negative football, but that doesn't matter. Don't care what outsiders say, pursuing victory in the World Cup should always be the first priority!"

"Yes!" everyone answered in unison.

"Very good, that's all for today, get some rest early. I hope everyone has a good performance tomorrow." Qiu Suhui replayed the video, while the others got up and left.

Zhang Jun was still sitting in front of the TV. He saw the ball enter the net, and although Frey tried his best to save it, it was to no avail. He could only climb up from the ground, then bend down to scoop the ball out, and then kick it towards the center circle unwillingly. After doing these things, he looked at the Argentinians celebrating the goal, shaking his head and biting his lip tightly, with unspeakable pain in his eyes.

The Argentinians were celebrating wildly, and Frey was sadly alone.

Because of Fiorentina's unprecedented success this season, Zhang Jun, Frey, and everyone else had not tasted such a feeling for a long, long time—the taste of failure. So this failure was even more unforgettable.

When Qiu Suhui finished packing his things, he turned around and found that Zhang Jun was still sitting in the chair, with no intention of getting up and leaving.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Zhang Jun did not answer, but continued to stare at the TV screen. Qiu Suhui followed his gaze and then smiled, "What are you thinking?"

Only then did Zhang Jun withdraw his gaze. "I'm thinking... Argentina is indeed very strong. Maybe many people outside think that letting Argentina and Brazil play in the final is the most perfect final. However, I have a reason to win this game."

Qiu Suhui turned off the TV and patted Zhang Jun on the shoulder, leading him towards the door. "It's good that you have this idea, but don't underestimate the enemy. England is a bit stronger than Italy, but Argentina is not just a bit or two stronger than England."

"I know very well, Qiu-zhi (Coach Qiu). Don't worry, I'm not underestimating the enemy."

"That's good, go back and rest."

"Qiu-zhi (Coach Qiu), goodbye." Zhang Jun bowed slightly to Qiu Suhui, then turned and ran towards the elevator. Watching Zhang Jun's back disappear around the corner, Qiu Suhui shook his head with a smile.

If we can't win the semi-final, then we won't be able to enter the final. If we can't enter the final, then we won't be able to win the final championship. If we can't win the final championship, then I won't be able to fulfill my promise to Sophie.

That's the reason why we must win.

※※※

The two semi-finals were held on the same day, but the specific game times were different. The Brazilian team's game ended an hour and a half earlier than the Chinese team's kickoff. The Brazilian team's game against the Netherlands was in the afternoon, while the Chinese team's game against Argentina was after the lights came on in the evening. In other words, whichever of the Chinese team and Argentina was able to enter the final would know who their final opponent was.

The media favored Brazil, but the Netherlands should not be underestimated.

In many games, the team that is widely favored before the game often loses the final game. On the one hand, it is because the pressure is too great to bear, and on the other hand, it is because the underdog is in the dark, which is very conducive to them arranging tactics and making adjustments.

Reflecting on the game between the Chinese team and Argentina, although the Chinese team performed very well, especially their top scorer Zhang Jun. But... the media still paid attention to tradition. Argentina is a traditional strong team. Compared with them, the Chinese team is simply like a tender infant.

Before the semi-final, everyone admitted that the Chinese team played very well and cheered for the Chinese team's performance. Because most of them believed that the Chinese team performed so well because they had not encountered a truly strong team. Italy is a declining aristocrat, and England's defensive counterattack was originally disliked by many people, so everyone except the English were happy to be eliminated. Only Argentina... because they advocate offense, although this is a utilitarian world, people still appreciate those teams that insist on offensive football—such as the Argentina team in 2002 that did not even qualify for the group stage. They swept the world with offensive football, although they did not play very offensively in the World Cup finals...

Argentina is a big favorite, not only to enter the final, but also to win the World Cup. The South American showdown between Brazil and Argentina is what countless people expect. They don't want the Chinese team to spoil this dream.

Based on the above, the Chinese team must be eliminated, because Argentina's advancement is what everyone expects - except for the Chinese.

Apart from China's own media, many media in other countries hold this view, especially the Argentine media. They have even arranged the layout for celebrating entering the final and booked articles in advance, just waiting for the final whistle to send them to the printing factory.

※※※

"Hey, Kaka. What do you think of tomorrow's game?" a reporter asked Kaka.

"The Netherlands is a very strong opponent, but our goal is the championship, so we will definitely defeat the Netherlands..."

"No, no. I'm asking you about the game between Argentina and the Chinese team. Now there is a rumor that you will meet Argentina in the final. There is even this saying within the Argentine team. What do you think?" The reporter quickly interrupted Kaka.

Kaka looked at the reporter, "Are you kidding? The game hasn't been played yet, so how can you be so sure that Argentina will enter the final? Does the FIFA belong to their family? This is a big scandal. You better not talk nonsense if you don't have evidence."

The reporter knew that Kaka was joking, but he also heard Kaka's anger from this joke. Of course, he knew the various connections between Kaka and the Chinese team, otherwise he wouldn't have asked a Brazilian player about the Chinese team's game. If he asked other Brazilian players instead of Kaka, people would think he was sick.

"Okay, okay, then let's change the topic - do you think it's better for the final opponent to be Argentina or China?"

"I don't understand why you always want to ask about the final. We haven't even played the semi-final yet, and it's still unknown whether we can enter the final..."

"But you just said that you will definitely defeat the Netherlands, and the goal is the championship..."

"Okay, that's just my goal. But you know, football matches are full of many unknown factors, and many things cannot be predicted. Of course, if you must let me say... I choose China." Speaking too fast, Kaka blurted out what was in his heart.

The reporter's face lit up, and he decided to press on, "Why China?"

Kaka knew that if he didn't give the reporter a satisfactory answer tonight, he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Who told him to agree to be interviewed at the beginning?

He sighed, "Don't you think we are always playing against Argentina? Aren't the number of times a bit tiring?"

Looking at the reporter's stunned expression, he smiled slyly, "Just kidding. Assuming we have entered the final, then let me choose the final opponent, I will definitely choose the Chinese team. Not because there are many of my friends there, but because I know their strength, they can definitely defeat the Argentine team, and then enter the final."

"Haha, are you kidding? Haha!" The reporter laughed, the Chinese team will definitely defeat Argentina? This was the funniest joke he had ever heard. He admitted that the Chinese team is very strong now and is no longer the same as before, but... when two very strong teams play against each other, no one can say such arrogant words that they will definitely defeat the opponent, right?

Is it because Kaka is a third party, so he can say these words without any scruples and without having to take responsibility?

"No. I'm serious this time." Kaka said with a serious face.

"Ha..." The reporter's laughter stopped abruptly.

"Are there any other questions? If not, I'm going back to rest, goodbye." After saying that, Kaka got up and walked quickly out of the interview room before the other party could react. When the reporter realized it, he had already entered the elevator.

※※※

"Since everyone wants us to lose, let's give them face and insist on winning." When Zhang Jun heard Sophie relay the outside media's views to him during breakfast in the morning, he said to the other teammates at the table.

"That's right, spoil their good deeds. Didn't we often do this kind of bad thing when we were in Fiorentina? Haha!" Xiang Tao laughed loudly, and the expressions of Yang Pan and Li Yongle next to him were not very natural—because it was their AC Milan and Inter Milan whose good deeds were spoiled.

Zhang Jun looked at Yang Pan and Li Yongle and smiled slyly. That smile was very cheap, which made Yang Pan unable to resist reaching out and掐 (qiā - pinch/choke) Zhang Jun's neck. "Boy, why are you smiling so lewdly? I'll deal with you next season!"

Ke Lu made a camera lens gesture and aimed it at Zhang Jun and Yang Pan.

"What are you doing?" Xiang Tao asked curiously.

"Before the semi-final, infighting within the Chinese team, two major players fighting." Ke Lu turned to look at Xiang Tao. "What do you think of this title?"

On the other side, Li Yongle was stunned. Ke Lu's changes were so great, beyond his imagination. Could you see Ke Lu showing this kind of performance at the World Cup four years ago?

Qiu Suhui walked in with a smile on his face. On this day of the semi-final, his mental outlook was very good, giving the players a sense of security.

"How is it? Are you all full?" Qiu Suhui clapped his hands and asked loudly. This was a restaurant exclusively for the Chinese team. The entire place only had the Chinese team's players and staff.

"Not yet, not yet!" An Ke shouted while stuffing bread and fried eggs into his mouth.

"Damn it! An Ke, no one is抢 (qiǎng - snatching) with you, slow down, don't choke. It would be a joke if you missed the game because of this!" Xiang Tao turned around and shouted at An Ke.

Everyone laughed, including Qiu Suhui.

"Damn! What's it to you? How can I have the strength to play if I don't eat enough? Speaking of which, the breakfast provided by this hotel is really not good, the portion is not enough, and the taste is not good..."

"Then why are you like a beggar who has been hungry for a month?" This time it was Zhao Pengyu who spoke.

"For the honor of the motherland, I have to eat even if it's hard to swallow... Comrades, don't you think this is a very noble spirit? Shouldn't you express your感动 (gǎndòng - moved/touched) a little? Huh?"

"Damn! Bread crumbs are spitting out, An Ke, you're disgusting!"

...

The restaurant was in a闹 (nào - uproar). Hu Li stood beside Qiu Suhui and asked proudly, "How is it? These young men."

"Their performance is even better than I expected. Seven years of hard work, countless tears and sweat, it's time for us to收获 (shōuhuò - harvest/reap) now. Lao Hu (Old Hu)."

"Why do I feel like you have the feeling of a daughter-in-law who has finally become a mother-in-law after many years of suffering?"

"Hehe. Maybe..." Qiu Suhui folded his arms and smiled as he watched the players who were making a闹 (nào - uproar).

※※※

On a winter afternoon, the sunshine was very bright and灿烂 (cànlàn - brilliant), but not炙热 (zhìrè - scorching). "I'm increasingly thinking that holding the World Cup in winter may not be a bad thing." When stepping on the bus, Zhang Jun said to Yang Pan beside him.

"It's a warm winter, we haven't encountered snowy weather, we are lucky." Yang Pan also仰头 (yǎng tóu - looked up) and glanced at the sky.

"Hey, you two... stop standing here and骚 (sāo - flirt/show off). You're blocking the way! What's so good about a warm winter, it's destroying the Earth's ecological balance!" Xiang Tao shouted from behind, very破坏 (pòhuài - ruin/spoil) the气氛 (qìfēn - atmosphere).

"啧 (zé - tsk)!" Yang Pan turned around and glared at Xiang Tao, "You're really annoying!" Then he钻 (zuān - squeezed) into the bus and sat next to Zhang Jun.

At the same time, in another city, on another field. Kaka stepped onto the field wearing a Brazilian jersey. Beside him was the opponent of this game - the Netherlands team, but his eyes had already投向 (tóuxiàng - turned towards) Cape Town, where the final of this World Cup was held.

The开球 (kāiqíu - kickoff) whistle blew in the warm sunshine of winter, and the semi-final拉开 (lākāi - opened/unveiled) its幕 (mù - curtain).

When the Chinese team's bus was still on the way to the competition venue, they heard on the radio that: the Brazilian team led the Netherlands 1:0, the goal was scored by Adriano, and the助攻 (zhùgōng - assist) was made by Kaka.

At that time, there was a slight骚动 (sāodòng - commotion) in the car.

And when the car stopped in the stadium's dedicated parking space, the latest battle report was broadcast again: the Brazilian team led the Netherlands 2:0, the goal was scored by Ronaldinho, and the assist was still made by Kaka.

Almost everyone stopped going to the locker room, and stood there呆 (dāi - dumbfounded), looking at each other incredulously.

They all knew what kind of team the Netherlands was. To let the Brazilians score a 2:0 so easily, everyone was震惊 (zhènjīng - shocked).

Kaka...

Zhang Jun默念 (mòniàn - recited silently) this name in his heart.